NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: The Mission Awaits
Astrael looked out from his room. His eyes wandered over the landscape of his planet. Below him was the city he had helped create. It was still new but growing fast. His people, the few he had shared his knowledge with, were learning and moving forward at a fast pace. But Astrael felt it wasn't enough. The universe was big. It was full of power and resources, but only for those bold enough to seize them. He knew the time had come for them to step outside their world and face what lay beyond.
Weeks ago, he received a call from the Federation. They had a mission for him. He understood that this could change everything for his people. This was not just a regular task; it was a chance to prove themselves. Astrael had trained them hard, but this was going to be a big test. The results of this mission could mean life or death for his civilization in the vast universe.
The Federation was powerful. Yet, they knew nothing about Astrael's people. They had no clue about his planet or the skills of his people. They just knew a Planet Lord had answered their call. They would present the mission, and Astrael would choose to accept it. Only he and his close advisors understood the true significance of this moment.
---
Getting to the Federation was easy for Astrael. He had set up a portal device. It would shoot him across space in the blink of an eye. To the Federation, Astrael was just another Planet Lord. They saw many like him in their big network. But Astrael was much more than that.
As the portal opened, he stepped into the Federation headquarters. It was sleek and cold. Busy people moved quickly, their holographic screens buzzing with reports and data. Astrael felt like an outsider. He was here to choose a mission, but no one cared about him or his world. They just saw him as another face in the crowd.
Then a tall officer walked up to him. He could see a small spark of recognition in her eyes. She was trained to be calm, but Astrael read her curiosity. She didn't know his true identity, and he wanted to keep it that way. Less knowledge meant less trouble.
"Planet Lord Astrael," she greeted him with a slight bow. "Thanks for coming. We have some missions ready, and we think your civilization can handle a tough one." Her voice was smooth and professional. Still, he sensed her eagerness to see what he would do next.
---
Astrael kept his face neutral as he followed the officer through the busy halls. They walked to a room filled with glowing screens, each showing different missions. All of them involved exploring, gathering resources, and testing the skills of his people.
But one mission caught his eye. It was for a planet no one had touched before, on the edge of Federation space. It was dangerous and unknown. The terrain was unstable, and the creatures there were not friendly. No team had ever returned with useful information. The Federation needed someone who could handle this risk.
His heart raced, but he knew instantly that this was the one. This mission could be the proving ground for his people. They had skill and technology, and he believed they could succeed. They needed a chance to show what they could do on their own.
"This mission," Astrael said, pointing at the hologram, "this is the one I want. But let me be clear. My people won't go in blind. They will take charge of their future. I won't interfere unless it's really needed. This challenge is theirs to own."
The officer nodded, but she didn't truly grasp what he meant. To her, it was just another assignment. But to Astrael, it was a turning point for his civilization. They would take this on their terms and find their own path to success.
---
After he made his choice, Astrael was led to a big chamber where a massive portal stood. The light from the portal sparkled brightly. It was more than just a doorway; it was the way to new worlds.
"This is the portal that will bring you to your mission," the officer explained. "Once you step through it, you will be on the uncharted planet. Your job will be to explore, collect resources, and report back by the deadline."
Astrael took a deep breath. This was it. The moment he had readied for. The portal was a bridge leading to the future of his civilization. He envisioned what could happen. They would seize this chance, make their mark, and show the Federation their strength. But they would do it on their own terms.
The officer stepped aside and activated the portal. The energy swirled faster, and Astrael moved closer. As he crossed the threshold, the world around him shifted. In a blink, he found himself on the surface of a strange new planet.
---
As Astrael looked around, he saw a world like no other. Huge rock formations towered over dry plains. Odd creatures roamed nearby with glowing eyes. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Every move reminded him that they were intruders here.
He stood still, taking in the alien landscape, filled with awe and determination. He had made his choice, and now it was time for his people to step up. But he was confident. They had everything they needed to thrive. It was their time to shine.
The leaders he selected for this mission were smart and strong. They would be the first to explore this new world. They needed to set up a base, gather resources, and find their way in the unknown. It was going to be their biggest challenge yet, but Astrael believed in them completely.