Chapter 2: Aurea Chersonesus
Aurea Chersonesus, a celestial marvel suspended between the third and fourth skies, is the ancestral home of the Aurenians, a noble lineage of the eastern Celestrias.
This ethereal expanse is composed of colossal, circular plates, each a unique world unto itself.
Encircled by a ring of protective seas, these celestial bodies are a testament to the Aurenians' mastery of ancient engineering and arcane knowledge.
At the zenith of this celestial tapestry lies Alexandrite, a tripartite domain of immense power and mystery.
The first section, a majestic palace perched atop a crystalline plateau, is the seat of royal authority. Its towering spires pierce the celestial veil, and its halls echo with the whispers of ages past.
The second section, nestled in a verdant valley, is a nexus of innovation and invention. Here, brilliant minds delve into the mysteries of the universe, crafting weapons of extraordinary power and devices of unimaginable utility.
"I've been experimenting with solar energy for the Skyrea."
"Solar energy? How?"
"New crystalline material. Highly efficient. Could drastically increase range and speed."
"Intriguing. Could change everything."
The expansive warehouses of this section are a repository of secrets and power. Deep within their labyrinthine halls, a vast array of artifacts, relics, and precious Atman currencies are stored.
The air is thick with the scent of polished metal and aged parchment, and the soft hum of arcane machinery provides a constant, rhythmic heartbeat.
On the other part of Alexandrite's lower ground, a secluded enclave is reserved for the highest-ranking royal officers.
This area serves not only as a workspace but also as a residence for these elite individuals, seamlessly blending functionality with elegance.
Tall, arched windows flood the richly decorated interiors with natural light, illuminating intricate murals that depict the glorious history and legacy of the Celestrias.
Surrounding the officers' quarters, lush gardens offer a serene retreat from the demands of duty. Vibrant flora and a majestic fountain, adorned with a statue of legendary creatures that shift and change form, create a captivating spectacle.
Far underneath Alexandrite, Morganite, a domain twice its size, stretches out.
Two-thirds of this land is dedicated to the training zone. Here, Aurenian elite warriors, such as Srikandi, Perwira, and Kshatriyas, hone their skills in battle arenas.
Trial camps are established for Aurenian youth with exceptional talent in shakti control, who aspire to join the ranks of elite warriors.
"Focus, young one. Feel the inner power shakti flow through you. Here, amongst the ancient trees, the energy is strong."
"I... I can't seem to control it, Master."
"Patience, young one. It takes time. Let the whispers of the forest guide you."
"But I'm afraid I'll lose control and hurt someone."
"Fear is your enemy. Trust in your training. Now, breathe deeply and let the inner power shakti guide you. Feel the soil beneath your feet, the strength of the forest surrounding you."
The remaining one-third of Morganite connects to a magnificent, expansive, crystal-clear white marble bridge, spanned by a powerful, rushing current.
Beyond the bridge, a charming enclave came into view: the warriors' settlement.
Traditional Gadang houses, crafted from polished mahogany hardwood, shimmered even in the darkness, their rich hues reflecting the soft glow of the moon.
Each home bore a beautifully carved floral design, a testament to the artistry of Aurenian craftsmanship. The houses were built in a circle around a magnificent ancient tree, its vast canopy forming a natural roof over the settlement, casting playful dappled shadows on the ground below.
Sixty-nine miles below Morganite lies the immense Amethyst, a thriving region the size of a country.
This vibrant realm serves as the heart of Aurea, where nearly all Aurenians reside, creating a bustling hub of commerce and activity.
The architecture here is a breathtaking blend of beauty and function.
Buildings, made of iridescent pearl and accented with sleek metalwork, shimmer in hues of blue, green, and violet as sunlight dances upon their surfaces.
Tranquil cobblestone pathways, illuminated by soft, glowing lanterns, wind between these architectural wonders, filled with bustling pedestrians and serene elders seated on marble benches, engrossed in their reading.
The marketplace buzzes with energy, where vendors enthusiastically showcase their wares, offering everything from fresh produce to intricate handcrafted goods.
In contrast, the residential areas provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Nestled among gentle hills, these quieter neighborhoods are perfect for relaxation, featuring shaded courtyards and communal gardens where residents can unwind.
A prominent feature of the Amethyst is its expansive recreation park, a sprawling oasis dedicated to leisure and cultural expression.
Families flock here to enjoy nightly performances of traditional dances, puppet shows, and music concerts held in an open-air theater.
"Did you hear the music already? It sounds like they're starting the performance early."
"I know! Let's grab a spot near the front. I hear they're doing the Kshatriya battle scene with the Darkseed tonight."
"The Kshatriya! I've been waiting to see that live. They say the puppeteer is a master."
"Me too! I wonder if they'll use the special shadow effects for the Darkseed this year."
"I hope so! It's supposed to be terrifying."
Colorful banners flutter in the breeze, and the joyous laughter of children fills the park as they frolic through beautifully landscaped gardens adorned with vibrant flowers, shady trees, and lush greenery.
The sight of Skyrea's magnificent wings, soaring across the horizon and casting a vibrant glow upon Amethyst, is truly breathtaking.
Thirty-three miles beneath Amethyst, the same distance as Morganite to Alexandrite, lies Tanzanite, a vast mining expanse nearly equaling Morganite's diameter.
This desolate landscape, characterized by endless plains and rolling hills, is scarred by a giant crater, a testament to centuries of intensive mining.
Miners endure harsh conditions, working grueling shifts to extract precious minerals for weapons and technology. These raw materials are then transported to nearby processing factories, where they are transformed into usable components.
"This blasted rock is harder than ever today."
"Tell me about it. My back is killing me."
"Think we'll ever find anything good in this vein?"
"Hope so. Gotta keep digging!"
To provide respite from the harsh Tanzanian environment, hundreds of bases have been constructed, offering comfort and support to the miners.
Twenty-seven miles below lies Ruby, a restricted plate channeling the source of power to all plates above through a colossal connecting pillar, which also serves as an express waterway for the swift-moving Cydro.
This plate is fortified by layers of defensive walls. Ruby neutralizes power orbs from deceased hosts, converting them into pure energy.
"The readings are unstable. The Darkseed energy is fluctuating wildly."
"Increase the stabilizing fields. We cannot allow a breach."
"The tubes are overloading. We need to reroute the flow immediately."
"Alert the engineers on Ruby. This is critical."
"Yes, sir. On it."
The vast, cursed land on Earth was set to lie dormant here, its power sealed away.
Unlike the other plates above, Zircon is not connected to the colossal pillar. It houses Gari prison, infamous for interrogation and punishment of Darkseed prisoners.
"Another night. Another round of patrols."
"You think they'll ever try to break out again?"
"Doubt it. Those cells are impenetrable."
"Still, can't be too careful. Wouldn't want to be the one who lets a Darkseed loose."
"Yeah, no kidding."
Zircon is lined with thousands of steel tubes connecting it to Ruby's ground, nineteen miles above.
The dark energy from the Darkseed was channeled through these steel tubes, then isolated and neutralized on Ruby, powering the ecosystem of Celestrias.
Thus concludes the exploration of the magnificent sky city of Aurea Chersonesus, inhabited by the eastern Celestrias under the leadership of King Awan.