The entire ship lurches as it starts moving. Then, the first jump happens. It isn't nearly as bad as on Tien’s dragon. It feels like we go over a bit of a bump. Larger rift drives are actually more smooth due to the mass of the ship. Without any fanfare, we leave the star behind and began our travels.
The trip only takes about two hours, which I spend reading a few books I brought along. Mostly monster guides, it's important to know all the weak spots and types of monsters. After all, the only true way to eradicate your enemy is to know them intimately first.
I am interrupted by Liv, who drags me out of my room and to an observation deck where Stephen is. Liv tried to grab Moxie too, but couldn't make her budge. “Maka, aren't you glad you came to join us now?” Liv is leaning against a window and points out at the stars. Her hair is let out longer than normal. I dont think ive ever seen her with her hair down.
I join them at the window and look out at the vast expanse of stars. Most of them are quite dim, but it is still very pretty. “The stars are quite pretty, but I am pretty sure it's not that much different from the displays in our rooms.”
“You are such a spoilsport. Right, Steph?” She smiles mischeviously. I hope Tien didn't train her in any crazy mischief techniques. That sounds exactly like something Tien would do.
Stephen sighs. “I told you to stop calling me that. Maybe Maka is such a spoilsport to counter your seemingly limitless energy. Seriously, where does it come from?”
Liv puts a finger to her lips. “Its a super special secret.”
We spend a while staring out at the stars, and then the rift jumps end. Instantly the world goes from endless starts to a massive conglomeration of ships. There are all sorts, from other riftliners to smaller ships that are ferrying cargo between ships and several support stations. I even spot a dragon right before it jumps away.
The reason for all of the traffic is right before us. “Woah, that's one big structure. And look at all those dragons!” Liv exclaims.
She is right. It is massive. It is a ring, easily several dozen kilometers in diameter. Hundreds of dragons lurk along the edges of the gate. Their wings are spread fully, basically acting as giant solar panels, but for aether. Powering the gate takes a truly absurd amount of energy. Good thing dragons can make such quantities of energy.
The edges of the ring are lined with gigantic runes of complexity that seem to just be baffling. What is also to note is that they are not mana runes, but rather aether ones. Designed to directly channel spells from the dragons, in the same way humans use mana-based designs. Of course, they are much more potent.
In the middle of the ring sits a massive hole in spacetime. I believe the phenomenon is called a wormhole. Not that different from rifts, but they are far more stable and can go much greater distances.
“It's crazy.” Liv mutters, “I wonder how they work. Hey nerd, explain with your sciencey stuff.”
“I have a name you know!” I complain. I am far more than just the local nerd.
“Well, you answered to nerd, didn't ya?” She does make a fair point. Perhaps I should've ignored it instead.
I look around and find a piece of cloth and a needle conveniently lying nearby. “Wormholes are quite simple. It's like if space was this piece of cloth, I can fold it. Then with a bit of force I can push the needle through and connect the points.” I demonstrate. I think I saw this explanation in some book, and it seemed to make sense.
Stephen and Liv clap at my demonstration. “Woah, I feel like they suddenly make so much sense now. So wait, we are going to go through that thing?”
“Yep.” Stephen chimes in. “In fact, we will be taking several gates to get to our destination. The universe is quite big after all.”
We watch out the window as we fly into the gate. We enter some sort of tunnel, and space gets super weird. After about a minute, we exited and boom, we just traveled tens of thousands of lightyears. Magic sure is cool.
The gate network is truly a marvel. A combination of both human technology and management, and the might and power of the dragons. Each gate has a matching one in another sector. This allows what is essentially instantaneous travel between the two gates. Of course, each sector has multiple gates that go to different sectors. Some sectors, like Prime that we came from, are hubs that have an absurd amount that make them central navigation hubs.
An announcement comes over the ship. “We have now entered the Vestaken sector. Please be aware to abide by any difference in local ordinances. We are scheduled to make a stop at the Liran Dragon Guard Academy, and then we will proceed on towards the front line.”
Liv notices the last part. “Wait, we are stopping at another academy? That's sooo cool. Maybe we will get to fight with some of them.”
In perfect timing, Tien walks into the room. “Liv, please don't start fights with other academies. Save it for the Mocks, you can punch all of them then. We will make contact and work with the Lirans. In fact, I think this expedition is set to have several joint exercises for you cadets, which are sure to be awesomesauce.” It seems she is able to take her role a bit seriously. It is strange, it's like she is some high-ranking official or something. It feels very un-Tien like.
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“Fine.” Liv grumbles. “But I can't guarantee their life if they hit first.”
Tien pats Liv on the head gently. “Good. Now, why don't you three go explore the ship? Violet gave me these passes, apparently they allow access to all of the facilities.” She hands us three golden data cards.
We spent the next day and a half looking around the ship. It is absolutely absurd. They've got what are basically full VR universes to explore. Not to mention the dozens of different restaurants serving up all sorts of cuisine. There was even one serving Elven dishes, apparently the cook’s lineage has passed down the techniques even without being elves themselves. The entire experience screams opulence.
We complete the stop at the Liran Academy and head through another gate during that time. Then, we are announced to arrive at the drop point.
After a rude wakeup from Tien, all of us quickly rush through the ship. We make our way to the dragon hangars. The moment we step in, my jaw drops once again.
At least a dozen adult dragons are anchored in this one hangar. Each one is suspended in the null gravity and is hooked up to all sorts of devices. The air is full of workers as they attend to the dragons. They repair armor, stock supplies, and I even see a few helping to clean scales – which must be a herculean task for such large creatures. The whole operation is done with that familiar sense of military efficiency that just makes you go ‘wow.’
One of the soldiers notices Tien and shouts. “Pontiean Calafax on deck!” Most of the workers pause for a moment and give a quick bow, then get back on with their duties. Also, It seems Tien’s last name must be Calafax, she never did tell me what it was and everyone just calls her Tien.
“Pretty cool, eh?” Tien comments. “It's like I am some fancy bigwig or something.”
Stephen chimes in, always the well researched guy. “I mean, aren't you in the top 5000 in the Dragon Guard? That is kind of a big deal you know. Level 3000 isn't a joke either. Most Guards don't even make it past 1500.”
“Yeah, you are super duper cool.” Liv adds.
Tien pats Stephen on the shoulder and tries to ruffle Liv’s hair (which she dodges). “Aww shucks, I aint all that special. Now come on, let's go dive into hell. You kiddos are gonna love it!”
Several workers surround us and attach some sort of shielding on us. Apparently it is for when we descend down to the monster infested territory. Since none of us have any abilities tailored to the sort, we need extra protection or we will be burned up in the atmosphere.
I glance at Violet, and she is starting at the dragons, her scowl seems to be touched with a bit of wonder. I walk up next to her. “Cool, ain't it?”
“Fuck off.” Is the only comment I get. But, when we board Tien’s dragon. I make sure to sit right next to her, extra annoying-like. Tien’s cockpit has expanded quite a bit. She said she had to take a bunch of tests to be able to become our guardian, and she got an upgraded cockpit as a reward for one of them. It is still a bit cramped with all six of us, but it's not too bad. Just means I get to be real close to Violet.
We launch from the riftliner without much ceremony. Just a few workers that wave us off and clear the area.
After a brief bit of travel, we come upon another ring. This one is much smaller, only able to fit a dragon or two side by side. It is also powered by mana-based runes. There is a large chamber off to the side with a bunch of mages inside, powering the device up.
In the center is a large rift – a fissure – , but it is red instead of the normal white-grayish color of rifts. Red means it leads to monsters.
We enter the fissure. I once again go through the horrible feeling of reality bending and warping. Then, a few seconds later, we emerge back into the normal universe. It feels strange, even though I've lived here most of my life. Just a few days in the aether got me accustomed to it I suppose. It feels strange without the constant pressure of aether energy all around me.
Maka, this place is strange. Is this really where you used to live? It feels like I am being squeezed and it is harder to ‘breathe.’ Lemon says. I guess for a dragon, the actual universe must be really different.
Yep. Born, raised and trained right in this universe. Though I think we are a ridiculously long way from where I used to live. I reply.
Maybe that explains why you humans are so weird. It would be nice to see where you were born someday. It must be awesome to have produced you. Lemon says, I am unsure whether or not the last part was a compliment or an insult.
My birthplace was destroyed, it is still infested with monsters. Though, perhaps some day we can go there together. We can teach those monsters a lesson, with a lot of pain. I reply, my mental voice somehow taking on a solemn tone.
Oh. That sounds like a wonderful plan.
I look out the window and we are high in orbit above a planet, and it looks quite fiery and just like an all around fun time. It is massive though, there must've been a major operation to clear most of it already so it is safe enough to use for our training.
Tien gets up from her seat and turns to us. “Alright kiddos, are yall ready? This is going to be rough, and you are gonna have to learn on your feet. I could sit here and lecture you about how not to die. But in my opinion, it's better for you to figure that out on the fly. So, good luck, will be watching over to try to prevent your deaths. But, do not count on me being able to step in, I am still human after all. May the light of death guide you all to greatness.”
I look around at my squadmates. Each one of them has a fire in their eyes. We grip our weapons tightly. Each one of us is strong, better than the strongest a human can normally get.
I trace the point of my dagger. I will soon use it to slaughter monsters. To make them regret ever messing with humanity.
Without waiting for our response, Tien presses a button above her. Then, the floor drops out from under us. I am quickly pulled down, accelerated by the launchers. I quickly enabled my helmet and the drop shield that was attached to my armor.
I hit the atmosphere, and my world turns into fire. Turns out, being launched at an atmosphere at around 1km/s isn't pleasant. I think I scream.
After a few minutes of descent, the planet comes into view.
It is ruined.
Ruins of what must've been cities lie scattered across the landscape. Smoke smolders everywhere. I can see flashes of light on the ground as people are likely engaged with monsters.
Oh, and did I mention that it is a volcanic planet? Cause, it's a volcanic planet. Complete with giant rivers of lava, volcanoes and even a few fire tornadoes. The planet alone is like taking a dip into hell. As if the monsters weren't enough already.
Which means that it is time to slay some monsters.
Next Chapter: The Conquest of Volea
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Superhero ? Action ? Drama
ARK — Volume 1
Who does an old soldier follow when he's left without direction?
What does the world's first superhero do when his biggest obstacle is his own family?
Where can a boy be safe when there's nowhere left to hide?
Earth has always been a nexus of incredible power—dormant too long. Devils, aliens, superpowers, and energies beyond comprehension: the world is overdue, and it's about to become everyone's problem.
Series focus
ARK Volume 1 follows the origins of a diverse cast fighting to grow, learn, and survive as an expansive superhero universe erupts around—and because of—them.
Readers can expect
- Multiple POVs destined to collide
- Drama, tragedy, action, comedy, and slice-of-life
- A steady burn of ever-escalating conflict as the mundane becomes extraordinary