Chapter 7

Lyra sat down in front of the ship's console, mentally reviewing everything she had learned about this strange world. The past few days had been a mix of brutal survival and strange revelation. In her conversation with Lugh, the topic of the planet's magic had come up over and over, and something didn't quite add up.

"Lugh," Lyra said, touching a few controls on the console to check the systems. "I have a question."

"Of course, Lyra," replied Lugh, his voice calm and precise as always. "How can I assist you?"

"This... 'power' emanating from this planet," Lyra paused, thinking about the best way to phrase it. "We call it magic, but wouldn't it be more appropriate to call it paranormal energy, or something more technical? I mean, I'm not convinced we should keep using such a... mystical word when what we're really dealing with is something that behaves like a form of energy."

Lugh emitted a slight vibration in his projection, as if processing the question.

"You're right," Lugh began after a few seconds. "The term 'magic' is... a remnant of human cultural perception of unexplained phenomena. But in this case, the energy flowing through this planet seems to have unique properties. For practical and scientific purposes, we could classify it as 'dimensional distortion energy,' or 'arcane energy,' if you prefer a term closer to the human concept of the inexplicable."

"And why not use a more neutral name? Something like 'dimensional anomaly energy,'" Lyra suggested, crossing her arms while watching the readings on the screen. "It's a way to distance ourselves a bit from the mystical connotation, right?"

"'Dimensional anomaly energy,'" Lugh repeated, as if considering the option. "It's a more accurate description from a scientific standpoint. But the problem lies in how this energy interacts with matter and technological systems. Its behavior doesn't align with known physical laws. We also don't have a defined way to control it without a profound understanding of the structure of this world."

Lyra frowned as she processed his words.

"It's like we're dealing with a fluid, an invisible liquid, that surrounds us and alters everything we touch," she murmured, more to herself than to Lugh.

"Exactly," affirmed Lugh. "And since the ship's technology is based on stable physical principles, the interference from this energy is causing problems in almost all of our systems."

Lyra sighed, deep in thought. There was a solution, though it wasn't simple.

"Alright," she said, looking back at the main screen. "So we need a way to classify this energy, right? Maybe with a classification system similar to biological or chemical hazards. Something that allows us to identify the most dangerous areas and measure the intensity of the energy we're facing."

"That seems like an excellent idea," Lugh replied, with his usual tone, though now it felt slightly more upbeat. "I propose a hazard scale based on the intensity and stability of energy fluctuations. Something like the Arcane Energy Classification System (AECS). In this system, we could evaluate areas from low-risk to high-risk, with different colors to indicate variations in the energy field."

Lyra nodded, thoughtful.

"Okay, but I also think we should apply this same system to all the threats on the planet." She emphasized the words, looking out through the radar window, as if she could see the creatures and dangers lurking in the distance. "This isn't just a planet full of magic. It's a world that seems imbued with an energy that alters the laws of physics, biology... and even logic. If we can classify the dangers of this place with a unified system, at least we'll have a better idea of how to face them, or avoid them."

Lugh processed the suggestion quickly.

"That makes a lot of sense," Lugh admitted. "Classifying both physical and magical threats could give us a significant advantage. For example, we could have a code that allows us to identify a creature's danger level based on its proximity to a source of arcane energy, and then classify it with a threat level."

Lyra gave a slight smile. She knew the system wouldn't be perfect, but at least it would give them some structure amid the chaos of this world.

"Perfect. If the monsters and magic have some kind of 'danger level,' then we'll know exactly what we're up against," she said, looking at the screen of her device. "Besides, if we manage to find ways to contain or manipulate that energy... we could use it to our advantage."

"Correct," replied Lugh. "However, that's a much more complex task. We'll need to study the energy flows more thoroughly to come up with methods that allow us to interact with them in a controlled manner."

Lyra leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, thoughtful.

"Well, first we survive, then we find ways to control the magic. Sounds like a reasonable plan," she said, smiling slightly. "For now, let's make sure we can get off this planet alive."

Lugh emitted a brief vibration in agreement.

"Alright, Lyra. I'll proceed with the analysis of the energy fluctuations. I'll start gathering more data on nearby energy sources and their behavior to prepare the classification system."

As the ship's radar began to activate, Lyra couldn't help but feel a small spark of hope. There was much to be done, but at least they had a plan, and in a world like this, that was all they could ask for.

Lyra prepared for the day. She knew she had to act quickly before the sun bid its farewell, and fortunately, the ship's solar energy had already been accumulated enough to power the basic radar systems. With Lugh's help, she had pinpointed a nearby hill that could be key to getting a more accurate map of the surroundings. What had so far been a vast and uncertain world could soon begin to reveal its secrets.

"What we need is a panoramic view," Lyra murmured as she adjusted her equipment. "Let's find out what else this planet is hiding from us."

Lugh processed the data and pinpointed the exact location of the hill, which was a few kilometers away in an unexplored area.

"Lugh, thanks for finding this. Let's see if we can find something useful before it gets dark." Lyra began walking firmly toward the hill, her laser rifle securely strapped to her back.

As she moved forward, the terrain remained uneven, and the dense brush covering the area made progress difficult. But none of that was going to stop her. She knew that this map was key to understanding what lay ahead. The silence of the place was marked only by the sound of her own footsteps and the occasional crackling of branches beneath her boots. It wasn't a peaceful place, but the atmosphere felt strange, as if everything was lurking, waiting.

It was then that the air was filled with a strange howl. Lyra looked up and saw a darkness moving in the sky. Through the thick mist hanging from the trees, a group of creatures was rapidly approaching. They looked like birds, but not the kind she knew. Their wings were too large, and their bodies thin, almost skeletal. At first, she thought they were giant bats, but their eyes glowed with a sinister gleam, and their fangs, long and curved, were like those of a hungry predator.

Lyra didn't stop. She had learned to react quickly in this world. Before the creatures could descend on her, she had already drawn her laser rifle. The first burst lit the air with a red flash, and one of the birds fell to the ground, engulfed in an explosion of energy.

—"One down!"—Lyra said, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.

The others, stunned by the attack, scattered in all directions. A couple more were hit before they could dodge, but the rest of the horde took flight, quickly fading into the mist.

Lyra breathed heavily, feeling the adrenaline coursing through her veins. She looked around, ensuring no immediate threats remained. The bodies of the fallen birds began to dissipate in the fog, but a strange sense of triumph washed over her. The ship, though with limited resources, had proven effective against these creatures.

—"Lugh, what do you think?"—Lyra asked as she reloaded her rifle, taking a breath.

—"The energy analysis of the creatures indicates they have no magical properties,"—Lugh replied, his tone somewhat pleased. —"That's a good sign. Your weapons are effective against non-magical beings. This could be useful for facing future threats, especially if this planet is full of similar creatures."

Lyra smiled. Though the fight had been brief, there was no doubt that the ship's weapons would be essential for her survival. If the creatures of the planet were not imbued with arcane energy, that gave them a crucial advantage.

—"I'll keep that in mind. But we still need to figure out what else might be lurking around here,"—Lyra responded, and with one last glance at the sky, they made their way back toward the hill. —"Let's get that map, Lugh. After all, the more we know about this place, the better prepared we'll be."

With her rifle in hand and renewed determination, Lyra kept moving. Every step took her closer to the summit, and with it, a better understanding of the land stretching around her.

Lyra finally reached the top of the hill, breathing a little heavily after the long climb. The sun was beginning to set slowly on the horizon, but there was still some light left. Her activated visual system glowed softly in her eyes as she adjusted the focus. An expanded field of vision unfolded before her, covering several kilometers in all directions. Lugh processed the data instantly, his words resonating in her mind.

—"Scan complete, Lyra. I will now proceed to generate the map of the area."

The wind blew gently, rustling the leaves of the nearby trees, but Lyra kept her gaze on the horizon. Everything looked vast and wild, and the anxiety of the unknown began to lessen a little now that she had a clear view of what was around her.

The ship's radar had been useful for identifying the general layout of the terrain, but what she was seeing now was much more detailed.

—"There's the swamp we crossed, bigger than I imagined,"—she murmured, pointing to the area of stagnant water spread before her, covered in thick vegetation. —"The good news is, it looks like there's something beyond it."

Lugh quickly added, adjusting the data in real time:

—"In the area you mentioned, there are several points of interest. The caves you've explored are a couple of kilometers from here, but on the other side of the swamp, beyond that hazy line of mist, there's what could be a lake. The irregular shape in which the water spreads suggests that there are creatures living in it. The lake's water, though apparently untainted, should be analyzed to ensure it is potable."

Lyra nodded, memorizing every detail of the map. In the distance, beyond the caves, valleys appeared with no immediate signs of activity. However, something in those valleys caught her attention.

—"The valleys... they might be inhabited,"—she said thoughtfully. —"Maybe it's the best place to look for resources."

Lugh, ever meticulous, added:

—"The valleys have a higher density of vegetation and a strange type of energy that seems linked to the dark magic patterns emanating from the caves. I can't confirm with certainty whether the area is inhabited, but the signals indicate biological presence."

Lyra frowned. There was something about that energy she didn't like, but the possibility of finding inhabitants or resources there intrigued her.

—"And the most intriguing thing,"—Lugh continued, his tone grave—"is what's at the end, beyond the valleys."

Lyra looked in the direction Lugh indicated and saw a structure in the distance, partially obscured by the fog and the irregular landscape. A ruined temple, with clearly ancient and puzzling forms.

—"A temple..."—Lyra repeated, a sense of unease crawling up her spine. —"This changes everything. If there are ruins, it means there was something here once... or someone."

Lugh processed the data at an impressive speed.

—"The temple seems to have an alignment that matches the energy waves we've detected on the planet. It could be a power source. It's likely to contain valuable information... or perhaps something far more dangerous."

Lyra surveyed the horizon for a moment, reflecting. The temple could be the key to understanding more about this place, but the signs of dark energy in the area also put her on alert. The path there would be uncertain.

—"This map... it gives us a good perspective,"—Lyra said, looking away from the temple and surveying the landscape before her. —"Now we have a clearer idea of what's around us. But there's still so much more to discover."

—"It's a first step,"—Lugh responded, his tone as calm as ever. —"I can help you plan the next moves, but you must keep in mind that this world is full of surprises."

Lyra stored the projected map in her visor and turned to head back toward the ship.

—"I know. And with what we've found today, we can't stay here much longer. The swamp water is poisoned, and our food supply is still limited. We need to explore more, but carefully. First, the lake. If the water is potable, we can survive longer."

—"I completely agree,"—Lugh concluded, adjusting the map's data to plot the best route back. —"And if we find anything else useful along the way, we'll be able to make decisions with more information."

With renewed determination, Lyra began descending the hill, knowing that returning to the ship would only be the beginning. The answers to what she was looking for lay somewhere beyond these inhospitable lands, and she was determined to find them.

The exploration of the planet had just begun.

The sun was starting to rise over the horizon when Lyra returned to the ship, the accumulated fatigue weighing on her shoulders, but also a renewed sense of purpose. The map's data was already loaded into the system, and as she entered the ship, the soft glow of the monitors lit up. Lugh processed the information quickly, adjusting the parameters and displaying the expanded map on the screen.

—"The scan data is quite detailed,"—Lugh commented, his voice calm as always in the cabin. —"We now have a much clearer idea of the terrain surrounding us, and we can formulate a more effective plan for gathering resources."

Lyra approached the controls, sitting in the captain's chair. Her fingers traced the panels as she examined the map. There were several key points to explore: the lake, the caves, the valleys, and of course, the temple. But time was against them. She needed more than just resources; she needed an exit. Survival was the priority now, but she also needed answers. And for that, she had to go home.

—"I've been thinking, Lugh,"—she said as her eyes scanned the map—"We need to plan a strategic resource collection. The lake could be key for water, but the valleys... they seem like the best place to find vegetables and other sources of sustenance. It'd be best to go there first."

—"The plan makes sense. The valleys have a high rate of biological activity, which increases the chances of finding edible resources. Additionally, the lake could be useful for securing potable water. However, the energy on this planet remains... unpredictable. The dark magic system affects everything not protected."

Lyra nodded, thinking about all she had learned in the previous days. Every action, every discovery, was tinged by that dark energy that dominated the planet. Yet, they couldn't keep waiting for things to improve. They had to act.

"I know. That's why we first need to gather the basics: water, food, materials to repair the critical parts of the ship. And once we have enough supplies, we'll explore the temple."

Lugh projected a series of possible routes on the map, pinpointing with precision the paths that seemed safest.

"The best route to begin the collection seems to be through the closest area of the lake. Once we have water and food, we can take more risks and venture into the more unknown terrain."

Lyra studied the projection for a few seconds and then stood up. She was determined to set the plan in motion as soon as possible. They needed time, but they also needed action.

"Alright, let's do it. But first, I want to try something else. We've gathered enough solar energy to send a message to the base, right?"

"Correct," Lugh replied. "The system is functioning at maximum efficiency. If we activate the transmitter now, we can send a message to the base. However, keep in mind that the interference from the dark energy could affect the signal."

Lyra didn't hesitate. Although the signal wouldn't be perfect, it was her only chance to ask for help. She approached the controls and began adjusting the communication system's settings.

"Lugh, prepare the message. We're going to request a rescue. I need to go home."

The ship's main screen lit up with a communication interface, and Lyra typed the message with steady hands, knowing there was no time to waste.

"This is Commander Lyra Nyx, requesting a rescue. I am stranded on an unknown planet, located at coordinates not registered in the system. Resources are limited, and the ship is in critical condition. Immediate assistance is required. I request that rescue units be dispatched for extraction. End of message."

With the message ready, Lyra looked at Lugh.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes," Lugh replied, his tone reassuringly calm. "Starting the transmission."

The ship vibrated slightly as the communication system powered up. Lyra watched the screen as the signal began to travel through space. She knew it might take some time before a response arrived, but she felt that she had finally done everything she could. At least, her rescue request was on its way.

"The transmission is underway. Now we wait," said Lugh, his tone betraying his own uncertainty. He knew the delay could be long, but there was no other choice.

Lyra sighed, gazing at the horizon outside the ship. Despite everything that had happened, a spark of hope still remained. That message could be the key to getting out of this place. The return home was closer, though the price she would have to pay for it was yet to be determined.

"Now, let's gather resources," she said, her resolve renewed. "We can't just sit around waiting."

Lugh emitted an almost imperceptible sound, a signal of agreement.

"Understood. Activating the collection protocol. We will move cautiously, but quickly."

Lyra prepared to leave, fully aware that the planet still held many secrets to reveal. But at least now, her mission had a clear goal. Escape. Return home.