Chapter 25 : Planting Seeds of the Future in Ancient Stone
In the few days that followed the tense standoff and the fragile truce that ensued, a mood of cautious watchfulness and quiet activity settled over the glittering cave. The three elves kept to the outer zone of the cavern that Tian Heng had designated for them, near the entrance from which they had come. They made no attempt to approach the central cluster of ether crystals or the remains of the disabled guardian.
Ilara, the elven leader, began fulfilling the first part of their unspoken agreement: sharing information about the dangers that lurked in the neighboring tunnels. She spoke slowly and carefully, her voice carrying a cold, musical resonance, while Tian Heng listened intently, seated near the entrance to his side-cave, with Lilith standing silently behind him like a living shadow, her crimson eyes fixed on the elves.
Ilara described small, fast crystal creatures she called "panting crystal lizards," capable of launching sharp shards when provoked and drawn to small ether concentrations. She spoke of "devouring shadow bats"—silent, flying things that avoided light but attacked any source of heat or vital energy in the absolute darkness of the depths. She also mentioned specific zones with dense fungal growth, some of which released spores that caused hallucinations or temporary paralysis, and others where the rock was especially unstable or emitted volatile etheric fluctuations.
Tian Heng absorbed every detail, comparing it with his limited survey data and asking precise, pointed questions to test the truth and accuracy of her claims. He showed no emotional reaction to her warnings, only analyzing the data objectively.
[Core, do these descriptions of creatures or environmental hazards match any previous records or sensor readings (Level 1) within the southern sector?]
The response was usually negative or inconclusive, which confirmed the value of Ilara's information—despite her cautious delivery and selective omissions.
In exchange, Tian Heng shared nothing about himself, the origin vault, or his abilities. He maintained his aura of mystery and authority. He allowed the elves access only to a few of the weaker crystals within their designated zone, for meditation or drawing minor amounts of ether to recover—but always under indirect yet unmistakable surveillance from Lilith, who seemed to relish her role as unofficial warden.
At one point, a small group of panting crystal lizards actually appeared at the cave entrance, drawn by the energy. Before Tian Heng could give a command, the three elves moved as a single unit. Lyra, the tracker, fired two swift, precise arrows that shattered the crystals of two lizards. Faelar, the warrior, stepped forward, blocking the charge of a third with a dim energy shield around his forearm before dispatching it with a clean slash. Ilara, with a low hum, caused the rocky floor beneath the fourth to crack and trap it, allowing Faelar to crush it moments later. It was a brief but effective display of skill and coordination. Tian Heng observed without intervening or commenting, silently noting their strength—which clearly surpassed his current level.
With that small added measure of security the elves provided (as an early warning system, if nothing else), Tian Heng was finally able to deepen his focus on his personal priorities. He dedicated longer stretches to training with the "Nine-Cycle Etheric Breathing Technique" near the pulsing heart crystals in the cave's center. Progress still demanded immense effort and total concentration, but the ether-rich environment made every hour of practice vastly more fruitful than any he had spent in the central hall.
He could feel his internal energy as an "Ether Gatherer" growing stronger and more stable. His ability to draw ether had become smoother, and his capacity to retain it within his channels had expanded. After another intense week of training, he felt that subtle but significant shift again—less dramatic than the first time, but undeniable.
[Core, status evaluation.]
[...Absorption and condensation threshold reached. Current user classification: Ether Gatherer (Intermediate Tier). Baseline attunement has increased by an additional 0.8%. Internal ether levels and fine control ability have shown marked improvement.]
Intermediate tier. Another important step up the ladder. He didn't pause to celebrate. Instead, he immediately applied his improved control to a renewed attempt at his other project: the ether condenser.
He returned to the primitive components he had cobbled together earlier, using salvaged tools. His slightly increased understanding of ether flow, along with lessons from the first prototype's failure, allowed him to make subtle refinements. He reshaped the crystal lens with more precision. He found a way to reinforce the fragile containment chamber using a thin layer of crystal dust mixed with a primitive adhesive he had extracted from mineral secretions in the cave—based on a cryptic hint from Ilara about "rock sap." Most importantly, he simplified the regulatory circuit, aiming for basic stability instead of mimicking advanced functions.
After two more days of meticulous work, he had a slightly improved version of the initial condenser. It was still primitive, made from scavenged scraps—but sturdier, more stable.
Now that he had reached the intermediate Ether Gatherer level—and now that the first condenser had proven insufficient to deliver a usable power boost—Tian Heng decided to risk another attempt to access the data plates. His slightly increased strength might grant him a longer window or finer control over the power flow.
He repeated the same dangerous process: channeling a heavy ether stream from one of the heart crystals through the resonator, using his enhanced internal energy as both regulator and catalyst, while directing the core to try decoding a specific data plate—the one marked with symbols suggesting it held more technical information.
The pressure was still immense, the resonator vibrating violently, the core's energy readout spiking dangerously.
10%... 11.5%... 13.0%... 14.2%... Warning! Imminent instability!
But this time, thanks to his slightly improved control, he managed to sustain the high flow for a fraction longer before cutting the stream sharply.
The energy level dropped again. Tian Heng felt dizzy and drained—but he knew he had succeeded in extracting something more this time. A much larger stream of data had reached his consciousness before the connection was severed.
It took several minutes to sort and organize the flood of new information. He had gained three crucial breakthroughs:
The complete schematic of the "Primary Ether Condenser (Basic Model)": Not just the diagram, but detailed instructions on optimal materials (with less-efficient substitutes listed), precise assembly steps, and—most importantly—an improved circuit design using harmonic resonance instead of crude mechanical controls, plus a more effective containment unit using multiple layered materials (some of which he recognized from the guardian's analysis).
An internal infrastructure map for the area surrounding the central hall: Not a world map, but a local one, showing energy channels (mostly inactive or damaged), ventilation lines, and—critically—the locations of several dormant "functional modules": a small water purification unit, a basic fabrication unit (Level 1), a minor medical bay with primitive diagnostics, and a raw materials storage room (contents unknown). These were tangible targets for expansion and restoration.
The first portion of the "Froststar Fusion Technique": Not just the name and introduction, but the full fundamental principles and opening stages of training. A radically different method from his breathing technique, it focused on drawing, condensing, and circulating ether internally in a way that mimicked the formation of a miniature star within the dantian, promising vastly greater power, finer control, and higher ether purity.
It was an immense trove of knowledge. He finally had the tools he needed to begin building something real.
Once Tian Heng had fully absorbed the new information, he began drafting a clear and structured action plan:
Construct proper condensers: Using the full schematics and his current materials (with possible enhancements from Ilara's mineral knowledge if needed), he would build several working ether condensers. He'd place them in the cave to begin slowly but steadily accumulating condensed ether.
Stabilize the central core: He would use the ether gathered by the condensers (which should be easier to transfer or store temporarily) to gradually increase the core's energy toward the safe 15% threshold.
Reactivate infrastructure: Once 15% was achieved and more data decoded (especially regarding repair and operation), his next goal would be to locate and restore the nearest water purification or fabrication unit. Reliable clean water or the ability to produce tools and basic components would be a major leap forward.
Advance training: He would immediately begin practicing the first phase of the Froststar Fusion Technique in parallel with other tasks, to rapidly boost his personal power.
To achieve all this, he realized he would need every bit of help available—even if temporary and untrustworthy. He approached the elves again.
"Ilara," he said bluntly, "I've uncovered information suggesting the presence of ancient facilities near the central hall—possible water sources and a basic fabrication unit. Your help in securing and activating these locations could accelerate my ability to stabilize this cavern. That would benefit everyone in the short term."
He didn't mention the data plates or his full plans—just enough to pique their interest and align their interests with his. "Lyra, your tunnel knowledge might be vital to finding a safe route. Faelar, your strength could be needed to clear obstacles. Ilara, your grasp of ether flows could help assess the energy stability around the dormant modules."
He was offering them a more active role—but one carefully tailored to serve his own ends first.
Ilara exchanged glances with her companions. They looked hesitant—but intrigued. The prospect of clean water or a way to fabricate tools was tempting even for them in this desolate place.
"We'll help," Ilara said finally, "provided our limited access to ether here remains guaranteed—and that any critical resources we help secure are shared... temporarily."
"Fairness will be dictated by the situation," Tian Heng replied coolly, committing to nothing. "But cooperation increases our chances of survival. Now—let's begin building the condensers. I need to gather as much condensed ether as possible before we return to the central hall."