Cyber Chronicles 2: Prime Voyage

Chapter 44: Obsune

Upon reaching the mountaintop, Obsune hurried to Emese's side, where she lay on the rocky surface. Seraphiel and Celestia stood close by. "Emese," he called out.

"She's asleep. She fought hard to stay conscious; losing that battle would have cost her life," Seraphiel explained. The memory of Lardian's actions fueled Obsune's anger. He longed for revenge, knowing he could end Lardian's life and secure the Earthbound's survival now that Emese was free.

But a sacred vow held him back. Kings, for generations, had adhered to this unbroken tradition. A King's vow carried consequences that could range from personal loss to unimaginable suffering. Lardian understood this, releasing Emese when Obsune yielded.

Placing his palm on Emese's heated forehead, Obsune fought to calm his nerves. As an aqua titan, she endured Lardian's intense flames in the barrier, using her abilities to cool herself. Obsune smiled, "You're remarkably clever," he murmured, his heart warmed by her resilience.

Gently stroking her hair and planting a tender kiss on her forehead, he stood. "Once she recovers, we'll return to Alvanian," Obsune announced, lifting Emese. He turned to Obsidian, the Earthbound leader. "Obsidian, may she rest in the cavern for now?"

Obsidian nodded, "It will aid her recovery."

"Thank you," Obsune replied, passing Emese to Seraphiel. "Take her to the cave, handle her gently. I will remain here."

Seraphiel entered the portal created by Obsidian, followed by Celestia.

As the portal closed, Lardian descended from the mountain, and Obsune maintained a stoic silence. Internal turmoil plagued his thoughts. Using the Core Emerald in such a way broke the taboo among the Kings. It weighed heavily on his soul. Was this truly the right choice?

He immediately steeled himself against regret. Emese meant the universe to him. Even if Alvanian's fate was hanging in the balance, he couldn't sacrifice her.

"King," Obsidian's voice broke the cycle of thoughts. "Alvanian and Earth exist in vastly different time scales, do they not?"

"Indeed, but the time difference varies," Obsune replied.

"May I inquire how this is to be?" Obsidian asked.

"Explaining it in detail would be time-consuming, as it involves various subtopics. In essence, Alvanian's orbital cycle significantly differs from that of Earth, it's a complex topic, requiring thorough analysis, beyond the scope of a brief explanation." Obsune explained.

"If we were to quantify it, how many days have elapsed on Alvanian since your arrival here?" Obsidian inquired.

"I am unaware of the time difference, though I can traverse through the cosmos there are some limitations. It could be months, years, or even a mere second. A second on Alvanian might equate to years on Earth and vice versa, depending on Alvanian's orbital cycle," Obsune explained.

"So, hypothetically, a century could pass on Alvanian while only a week transpires here?" Obsidian sought clarification.

"It's like this: Imagine time as a river with two different currents—one for Alvanian and one for Earth. These currents don't flow at the same speed. A second in Alvanian could indeed translate to ten years or more here. Perhaps a whole civilization could be built to its zenith while only a year passed in Alvanian." Obsune elaborated, trying to simplify the concept with a metaphor.

"Perhaps humans can exist by then..." Obsidian pondered.

"Human?" Obsune inquired.

"Homo-sapiens. They are beings akin to us but far more exquisite. We, the Earthbound, anticipate their arrival. It is our duty to oversee these humans, ensuring they refrain from actions that may harm each other or our beautiful planet. They will come much after the beasts of our world are extinct." Obsidian explained, shedding light on a prophecy that the Earthbound believed in.