CHAPTER 2

Aware of the challenge ahead, they prepared to face the unknown, united by a common goal: to save Ethan and defeat the dark forces that stood in their way. The Wandering Star not only led them into physical battle, but also navigated through the turbulent waters of hope and courage, proving that even in the deepest darkness, the light of determination and brotherly love can shine brightly.

On the bridge, the atmosphere was electrified with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Control panels flickered with colored lights, reflecting distant stars on their polished surfaces. Commander Francisco Javier, his gaze fixed on the vast canvas of space through the visor, seemed to be calculating the endless possibilities this journey could unravel.

—Commander,— one of the soldiers began, breaking the silence with a mixture of respect and urgency in his voice. —We are ready to activate the AEEC. This will allow us to reach our destination with unprecedented speed.

Francisco Javier nodded, his expression serious but his eyes sparkling with the reflection of the stars. —Proceed,— he ordered, his voice firm, resonating with authority and a hint of barely contained emotion.

The —Quantum Entanglement Star Traverser (QETT)— was not just a feat of engineering; it was a testament to the genius and ambition that humanity could achieve. A technology capable of bending the very fabric of space-time, allowing the ship to slip between the seams of the universe, connecting distant points in the blink of an eye. The essence of this technological miracle lay in quantum entanglement, a cosmic dance between particles that, once joined, remained in sympathy no matter the distance, instantly mirroring each other's changes.

In the shadows of this monumental technological advancement lies a lesser-known chronicle, one marked by arrogance and contempt. A visionary since his youth, Ashtar dreamed of an interconnected universe, where distant galaxies could intertwine like neighbors in a cosmic neighborhood. It was he who gave life to the AEEC, an invention destined to redefine the boundaries of space exploration and intergalactic interaction.

His dedication and brilliance lit the way to a new era. However, this path was marred by the shadows of betrayal when Sadeth , his own father, darkened by envy and greed, usurped the credit for the discovery, proclaiming himself the architect of this technological miracle and plunging Ashtar into the oblivion of a usurped legacy.

Ashtar's life took an unexpected turn when Terry introduced him into his family's inner circle. This new connection quickly blossomed into a deep friendship, providing Ashtar with the sense of belonging and support that had been denied him for so long. The revelation of Sadeth 's nefarious acts soon reached the ears of Francisco Javier, who, horrified to discover that Sadeth had exploited and abused his own son for personal gain, made a momentous decision. Driven by a sense of justice and compassion, Francisco Javier embarked on a mission to rescue Ashtar from the clutches of his oppressor.

The process to free Ashtar from his gilded prison was not a simple one. Francisco Javier faced a year of legal battles, during which he had to navigate a maze of procedures and bureaucracy, all while proving allegations of abuse against Sadeth. Ultimately, Francisco Javier's tenacity and determination paid off when the courts recognized the truth of the abuse inflicted on Ashtar and granted Francisco Javier legal custody.

This act not only freed Ashtar from a toxic environment, but also granted him a new family and the opportunity to claim his rightful place as the true progenitor of the AEEC. Together, Ashtar and Francisco Javier embarked on a new adventure, not only as father and son but also as colleagues on the threshold of unprecedented intergalactic explorations.

On board the bridge, as the activation order was carried out, the AEEC's engines hummed to life, emitting a blue glow that illuminated the determined faces of the crew. Francisco Javier, with a nod, shared a knowing look with his team.

Deep within a dungeon in Dyronia , Ethan lay awakening to the stark reality of his confinement, a searing pain running through his back marked by the punishment he had received. Chained, the links long enough to allow him a trace of movement, he attempted to stand up, only to be betrayed by the weakness of his body, weakened by blood loss and desperate thirst. The hours without food or water had taken their toll, and his attempt to stand culminated in a fall. Despite the pain and fatigue, Ethan refused to grant Belial the pleasure of seeing him suffer; he would not show his torment, even if it cost him his life.

A sharp pain in his stomach reminded him of his forced fast, fueling the desire to eat anything, no matter what. In an attempt to evade hunger and pain, he tried to fall into a forced sleep, seeking refuge in the darkness of his mind.

It was in this moment of vulnerability that the door to his cell was abruptly swung open with a bang. One of Belial 's hideous creatures stood before him, challenging what little resistance he had left. Bracing himself against the wall to keep himself upright, Ethan scanned his surroundings for something to defend himself with, finding nothing but the dust on the floor and scattered straw.

—There you are, filthy human,— the beast growled, throwing a tray of food onto the floor. —My lord Belial sends you your last meal.— Its hoarse, powerful voice echoed constantly from his confinement. Ethan remained silent, watching the tray as the creature retreated, leaving him alone once more. The dim light from a flame on the wall bathed the dungeon, providing a sombre illumination that barely dispelled the shadows of his prison.

Despite the grim scene around him, Ethan found a faint glimmer of humanity in the most unexpected act: a meal, albeit one delivered with disdain and accompanied by cold stares from his captors. To anyone else, it might have been a simple attempt to prolong the agony, but to Ethan, the gesture hid something deeper.

At that moment, something inside him ignited. Resistance was no longer just a physical struggle to survive; it became an act of defiance, a silent but powerful declaration. It was his way of shouting into the abyss that he would not be defeated, that not even Belial 's dark dominion could tear away his will to be free.

Every bite he took was a symbol, a small triumph against the oppressive control that tried to crush him. Ethan was not just a prisoner, he was a spark that refused to be extinguished in the midst of darkness. Inside him, a promise was forged: if fate gave him a chance, he would be the one to shake the foundations of that dark empire.

In the dimness of the room, after a meal that had weighed him down, Ethan tried to seek refuge in the comfort of a wall. However, the simple pressure on his back was unbearable. Desperation for relief drove him to the floor, searching the cold tile for comfort from his pain. As he lay there, he felt the bitter trail of two tears sliding down his cheeks. With his hands shaking his hands, he quickly wiped them away; the thought of Belial seeing him in such a vulnerable state was more painful than any physical wound. He did not want to give his captor that satisfaction, despite the intense pain, desire that burned in his chest to release his anguish in screams and tears. The humiliation of having been taken hostage and the terror at the idea of being the cause of the the loss of his family tormented him relentlessly.

Suddenly, the shadow of a dark cloud enveloped him, and before he could react, an icy hand closed around his neck, materializing Belial before his eyes. —That's how much I want you,— Belial whispered with a malevolent smile, cornering Ethan against the wall. The relentless strength in his grip took away Ethan's breath. —Scream and cry, boy,— he urged, his voice growing more sinister.

—No,— was all Ethan managed to articulate, struggling futilely to free himself from Belial 's iron grip. Desperation colored his voice, a reflection of the internal struggle he faced, between the will to resist and the desire to succumb to the anguish.

—I want you to scream and cry. I know you want it, so do it. Let your brothers feel your pain— Belial continued , with a cruelty that chilled the blood.

—Never,— Ethan screamed, his strength born of desperation. Belial lifted him off the ground with one hand, as if his body were weightless, strangling any attempt Ethan made to touch solid ground.

The fight between them was uneven, but in Ethan's heart burned an indomitable fire, a determination not to be broken, to face the darkness with a light that, although flickering, refused to be extinguished.

The atmosphere in the room grew even more tense, if that was even possible, when Belial , with chilling calm, announced his intention to —help— Ethan. His fingers transformed into claws that threatened to pierce not only flesh, but Ethan's soul. Pressing his hand against Ethan's chest, Ethan felt a sharp, wrenching pain in his heart, as if an invisible hand was squeezing his very being from within.

—Now I will see everything you hide in your mind. Memories and pain— Belial declared, his voice tinged with a malice that echoed with mockery off the bare walls of the room.

Belial 's laughter was mixed with the hum of a dark power that was beginning to invade Ethan's mind, searching, rummaging through his most precious memories and his deepest fears.

Belial muttered after a moment that seemed like an eternity to Ethan. The revelation that followed made Ethan's heart, already agitated by the pain, throbbing with renewed fear. —You are the possessor of a fragment, and the others are with your brothers, as well as your nephews, who have powers. And one nephew in particular, son of your brother, who is a hybrid power… with that one I will delight in taking away all his power.

The rawness of his words hung in the air, a sentence that threatened to unleash a storm. Ethan, despite the intense pain and helplessness that suffocated him, found deep within him a spark of anger and determination. The idea that Belial could harm his family, especially the youngest and most innocent, ignited a flame of resistance within him that he didn't know he had.

With every fiber of his being screaming in protest, Ethan struggled to find a way to fight, to protect those he loved, even as the shadows of despair threatened to engulf everything. In that moment, more than ever, he was determined not to let Belial get away with it, despite the seeming impossibility of his situation.

Ethan, every fiber of his being shaking with grief and desolation, barely managed to articulate a curse towards Belial, who, with insatiable cruelty, delighted in the suffering of others. Despite his superhuman efforts to remain Unbroken, Ethan's strength crumbled under the mental and physical torture. Tears streamed unstoppably down his cheeks, testament to the unbearable pain he had faced. When Belial finally released him, Ethan collapsed, a broken figure on the ground, covering his face as he sobbed bitterly. His once indomitable spirit seemed to have broken.

Belial, with a satisfied smile, knelt before Ethan, proclaiming his victory over the spirit of his prisoner. —I finally managed to break your spirit,— he said with an evil laugh. —It was hard, but in the end, I succeeded. I wanted to break you completely, and I have succeeded.— His words were like poison, promising to share that pain with Ethan's brothers and declaring his intention to absorb the power of the gem to increase his already formidable power. He left Ethan in a sea of tears, plunged into desolation, frustration and rage.

Meanwhile, some distance away, Rodrick was confronting his father, Francisco Javier, with an urgency that reflected the gravity of the situation. —¿Tell me what time we will arrive?— The impatience and concern were evident in his voice.

—We're almost there,— Francisco Javier replied, immediately detecting the tension in his son. —¿What's wrong, son?— Fatherly concern colored his words, heightened by the tormented expression on Rodrick 's face .

—That bastard is torturing Ethan. I want to get there now so I can get him out of there,— Rodrick confessed , fury boiling in his words.

—¿How do you know?— Francisco Javier's question was filled with disbelief and fear.

Rodrick insisted, their brotherly connection transcending physical distance. —I feel his pain, his anger, frustration, and bitterness. Get this thing here fast. I want Belial to know what pain is.

Rodrick 's determination was a beacon in the darkness, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and courage could emerge from the ashes of despair. The battle was not lost; on the contrary, it was about to take a new turn, with the arrival of unexpected reinforcements, ready to confront evil on its own turf.

Rodrick 's determination was palpable, a burning fire that couldn't be quenched even by his father's warnings. — Rodrick, don't do anything stupid,— he said, his voice laced with alarm. The thought of losing another loved one at the hands of Belial was too great a weight to bear.

Rodrick, his gaze fixed on the horizon, as if he could see beyond the miles that separated them from Ethan, answered with unwavering conviction. —I will not do anything that goes against the family,— he stated, his words resonating with the strength of his will. —But I will not remain immune if he has hurt my brother.— His fists clenched tightly, channeling the rage and frustration that consumed him from within.

The tension between father and son was a reflection of the battle raging in their hearts: the struggle between prudence and the visceral need to act. Francisco Javier understood the pain and anger that drove Rodrick; after all, Ethan was not only his son, but also Rodrick 's brother . The family was united not only by blood ties, but by a deep sense of loyalty and protection.

At that crucial moment, Francisco Javier realized that he couldn't stop Rodrick, he could only support him. So, with a deep breath, he prepared himself for what was to come, knowing that confrontation with Belial was inevitable. The family would come together in this moment of crisis, facing together the darkness that threatened to engulf them. Rodrick 's determination had ignited a spark of hope, a silent promise that they would fight to the end to protect each other, no matter the cost.

After an hour, they arrived at Dyronia . Belial sensed them before they got off the ship, attempting to rescue their prisoner, and laughed evilly.

Belial ordered his demons. Two of them appeared with Ethan, who was chained by the wrists and had an additional chain around his neck, held by one of the demons. Belial watched him, delighting in his suffering.

—Your relatives have arrived— Belial said. Ethan remained silent. —Don't worry, we will still welcome them as they deserve. After all, they come with important gifts— he said laughing. —But I have something much more special for you. Follow me— Belial indicated.

Ethan started walking, followed closely by Belial 's guards, who pushed him to hurry. They led him to a cliff; below, there was a sea of lava. Ethan walked over to look down and backed away, frightened.

Belial asked, noticing the look of fear on Ethan's face.

—¿What are you trying to do?— Ethan asked.

—You'll be there, in the middle. I'll keep you safe there so they can't reach you— Belial explained.

— No— Ethan shouted.

—You can't fight like that, boy. Besides, I'm not asking you to. Put him in the cage,— Belial ordered . Before throwing him in, one of the demons placed a gag over Ethan's mouth, preventing him from speaking or screaming. Then, they threw him into a cage with metal bars, closing the door behind him. Using his power, Belial lifted the cage until it was suspended in the middle of the cave, right above the sea of lava. The cage hung from chains that appeared as if by magic.

—Don't worry, boy. Your brothers will join you soon— Belial said, laughing.