Cosmic Odyssey : Beyond The Star Lies The Unknown

Chapter 10

FAMILY TIME AND HIDDEN CONCERNS

Elyria lay in her sleeping pod, frustration simmering within her. "Seriously, not again!" she thought, embarrassed by her lack of control over her newborn body.

Kyros chuckled. "You'd think you'd be used to this by now, little one."

Elyria's gaze narrowed. "Kyros, why do you sound like a mischievous kid when you're ancient?"

Kyros's grin faltered. "Well, I'm young for my race, and I lost my cultivation when I fell through the dimensional portal."

Elyria noticed Kyros's melancholy. "So, how do you plan to get stronger?"

"I'll grow stronger when you do," Kyros replied.

Just then, the family entered. Jasper, Ophelia, Calypso, and others settled into their usual spots.

Ophelia lifted Elyria from her pod and cradled her in her arms, stroking her soft hair. Elyria's resistance melted into contentment.

Jasper turned to Calypso. "The Pathfinder's Trial is approaching. Are you prepared?"

Calypso snorted, his tone dripping with disdain. "Father, I'm the heir of the Arcanix clan and personally trained by Uncle Kael. Your concerns are unnecessary."

Jasper's expression remained neutral, but Elyria sensed a flicker of disappointment. "I'm glad to hear that, Calypso. However, complacency can be—"

"Uncle Kael says I have the potential to surpass even him," Calypso said, eyes shining with admiration.

Jasper's expression turned stern, his voice low. "Calypso, be cautious of Kael's teachings. His methods may not align with our family's values."

Calypso scoffed. "You're just jealous, Father. Uncle Kael is the strongest cultivator I've ever seen."

Ophelia's stroking paused, her eyes locked onto Jasper's. Elyria sensed tension.

Kyros whispered, "Elyria, Kael's with the Umbra Collective. His influence worries me."

Elyria raised an eyebrow. "Sounds shady. What's the Umbra Collective?"

Kyros's expression turned serious. "A shadowy organization seeking power and control."

Elyria's thoughts swirled. "And what's the Pathfinder's Trial?"

Kyros began explaining, "Spiritual energy can overwhelm your body—"

"But I thought that wasn't a problem here," Elyria interrupted.

Kyros's expression turned grave. "It's still an issue. Parents condition their children to manage it."

Elyria's curiosity deepened. "What do you mean?"

Kyros glanced at Ophelia. "The sleeping pod helps you absorb spiritual energy until you're one. Then, it integrates into your body until five."

Elyria's thoughts swirled. "And after five?"

Kyros whispered, "After five, everything depends on your capabilities."

As Elyria's eyes sparkled with curiosity, Kyros's expression turned serious. "The Pathfinder's Trial determines every cultivator's future... and survival. Beware, the Umbra Collective has interests in the trial, and Kael's influence puts Calypso—and even you—at risk."

Elyria's unease grew, sensing hidden concerns within her family.