CHAPTER 15 IN SEARCH OF THE ÆTHERIS CRYSTAROS

Armed with this new knowledge, Terry and his team now faced the challenge of acquiring some of these precious Ætheris. Crystaros to facilitate their travel and exploration in this vast universe. The encounter with the cosmic merchant had not only provided them with a potential means of communication, but had also opened a window into the complexities of intergalactic trade and the possibilities that this new world offered.

The crew regrouped on the ship, a sanctuary of metal and technology amidst the unknown vastness of the yellow planet. It was time to share their discoveries and plan the next step in their unexpected odyssey.

—So, — Nova began, her voice reflecting the determination forged in the hours of uncertainty, —we must obtain Ætheris. — Cristaros if we want to continue our journey—

—And how will we do that? — Raxar asked, his curiosity mixed with concern. He was one of the brave men who had accompanied Terry and his family on this adventure.

—We don't know yet, — Nova admitted, her mind racing. —First, we need to understand how the local economy works. Perhaps by selling some of our goods, we can acquire the currency of this place.— Her gaze swept around the ship, assessing the resources at her disposal. —Start looking for items we can offer, — she ordered the rest of the crew.

Meanwhile, Terry and Elian were outside the ship, deep in conversation seeking to unravel the mysteries surrounding them. —¿Did you manage to understand everything the merchant said?— Elian asked, his curiosity insatiable.

—Yes, and don't ask me how. You know I don't have an answer for that— Terry replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. Despite the progress, the fog that covered his past refused to dissipate.

— Perhaps, in another life, you were a space traveler. That would explain your knowledge of foreign languages — Elian speculated, trying to ease the tension with a theory that, although plausible, offered little comfort to Terry.

—Knowing languages doesn't bring me any closer to discovering who I really am, — Terry replied, the anxiety to unravel his identity overshadowing the wonder of his linguistic ability.

—One step at a time, — Elian advised, his voice firm and reassuring. —The important thing now is to find a way to obtain that universal currency.

As they planned their next move, Elian's attention was caught by a flash on the nearby mountain. —Jaxon , look over there. See that flickering light? It seems to reflect the sun.

Following the direction indicated by Elian, Terry observed the flashing light that promised to be the key to a new enigma. —Let's investigate, — Elian suggested, driven by the promise of discovery.

Together, they ventured into the unknown terrain, each step taking them closer to the source of that mysterious glow. What they would find could be the solution to their financial dilemma or the beginning of an even greater adventure. The only thing certain was that, in this world full of surprises, each discovery brought them a little closer to understanding the vast universe that stretched out before them, and perhaps, to unraveling the secrets that Terry so longed to know.

Reaching the source of the mysterious glow, Terry and Elian discovered a cave whose walls were embedded with crystals that looked like tiny mirrors, reflecting and scattering sunlight in a rainbow of colors.

Elian, captivated by the beauty of the prisms, pulled one out of the wall. As he held it up to the light, the crystal projected a spectacle of vibrant colors, filling the cave with an almost magical glow. Terry, equally astonished, couldn't help but marvel at the luminous display.

—¿Do you imagine these are Ætheris? —¿Crystaros?— Terry mused, as he gazed at a fragment of the crystal. The idea that these crystals could be the key to acquiring the resources needed for his people lit a spark of hope in his heart. However, upon touching one of the crystals, it transformed into a golden coin in his palm, radiating a spectrum of colors as it spun.

—¿What is that? — Elian asked, intrigued.

—It looks like a coin, — Terry replied, equally surprised.

—It's similar to the one the merchant showed us, — Elian observed. —If you can make more, that would be great.

Concentrating, Terry touched the cave wall, and when he opened his eyes, the ground was covered in golden coins. —Looks like we have more than we need, — Elian said, picking up several coins.

—The gods have blessed you with the power to materialize riches, — Elian exclaimed, amazed. Terry, however, found himself paralyzed by an unknown force. With a gesture of his hands, he created a chest, automatically filling it with coins.

—¿What's wrong? — Elian asked, trying to get closer, but a wave of energy repelled him.

—It's the gem... it doesn't let you help me, — Terry concluded, once he was able to move freely and the levitating trunk followed him.

They returned to the ship, where Nova greeted them with a mix of relief and reproach. —¿Where have you been? — she asked, to which they both recounted their discovery of the crystals that transformed into Ætheris. Crystals.

—They're like kids discovering a new toy, — Nova joked, though her concern was evident. —They need to let us know where they're going.

—He didn't go far this time, — Terry assured, calming the situation with a kiss and a promise of care.

With the help of the crew, they loaded the trunk aboard, and Terry outlined the plan: they would acquire only the essentials to return to Zalara , aware of the unknown effect of time travel.

The next day they completed their purchases without incident and set off for Zalara . Upon landing, they were confronted with a bleak scene: their village was in ruins, the crops were dry, and there was no trace of its inhabitants.

—¿How long have we been gone?— Elian asked. The answer hung in the air, as a sense of loss and confusion enveloped them.

— Something terrible has happened here, — Marcus murmured, his voice heavy with regret.

—We will find answers, — Terry promised, his resolve unwavering. —Someone has to know what happened.

Together, they delved into the mystery of their vanished people, determined to unravel the fate of their loved ones and restore Zalara to its former glory. What was once a journey to find resources had become a quest to uncover the truth hidden beneath the silence of their world.