The Forbidden Star & The Lost World

The vastness of space had always filled Dr. Orion Vance with wonder, but today, apprehension tainted that awe. Standing at the observation deck of the Astralis, he gazed at the swirling nebulae beyond. The ship, one of the most advanced research vessels of the United Earth Alliance, had been his home for five years, but nothing in its extensive database could explain the anomaly before them.

"Dr. Orion, you need to see this," came Lieutenant Dax Hunter's voice over the communicator.

Orion turned and strode toward the research bay, where Dax and the rest of the team analyzed a mysterious planet concealed deep within an uncharted nebula. Its atmosphere was perfect for human life, but its energy readings defied logic—neither mechanical nor organic, but something else entirely.

"We have to go down there," Orion said firmly.

Dax hesitated. "If this planet has remained hidden for so long, there must be a reason."

"Exactly why we need to investigate," Orion replied.

Within the hour, the descent modules were prepared. As their shuttle pierced the planet's cloud cover, a breathtaking landscape unfolded before them—floating islands, glowing rivers of liquid light, and towering crystalline spires pulsating with energy.

Then, he appeared.

A lone figure emerged from the shadows of an enormous tree. Clad in ornate, rune-etched armor, his silver eyes burned with an intensity that sent a shiver down Orion's spine.

"You should not have come here," the stranger warned, his voice like a whisper carried by a storm.

Before Orion could respond, the ground trembled, the sky darkened, and a deep, resonant sound echoed through the air. Something ancient was waking. Something that had been waiting for him.