Chapter 39: First Breaths of the Sky
The group approached the end of the ascending tunnel cautiously, where a faint grayish light filtered through an irregular opening above, partially concealed by tangled tree roots and eroded rocks. The cold, fresh air now flowed more forcefully into the passage, carrying with it unfamiliar and invigorating scents—damp earth, sharp pine, and perhaps distant snow.
Tian Heng raised his hand, signaling the others to halt. He moved forward alone and cautiously emerged through the opening into... an entirely different world.
He stood on a rugged, sloped mountainside. The darkness was no longer absolute like in the vaults below—it was either very early dawn or late dusk. The sky was blanketed with thick gray clouds, releasing a cold, sporadic drizzle. Even this faint natural light felt painfully bright to his eyes, accustomed to darkness or aetheric glow. Yet those eyes—perhaps due to their new golden nature—adapted surprisingly fast.
The cold, clean air filled his lungs, shockingly refreshing compared to the stale cavern atmosphere. It carried new sounds: the whistling of wind as it swept through sharp peaks, the rustle of tenacious pine needles clinging to life on the slopes, and the distant echo of a rockfall or avalanche somewhere in the vast mountains.
Most striking of all was the sheer sense of immensity.Before him stretched a majestic, sprawling landscape of rugged, snow-dusted peaks, deep fog-cloaked valleys, and dark forests that looked like mere smudges far below. Above him, the vast gray sky stretched without end. After months trapped in narrow tunnels and dark chambers, the openness was both disorienting and awe-inspiring.
The others emerged cautiously behind him, each reacting differently.
Lilith seemed the most unsettled. She withdrew into the shadow of a nearby rock, her dimmed crimson eyes scanning the open sky warily, as if sensing exposure to danger. Her dark aura seemed to shrink slightly in the open air.
Faela stood still for a moment, her violet eyes fixed on the distant horizon with a complex expression. Perhaps she hadn't seen the open sky in ages—if ever. There was a mix of disdain for this "crude surface world" and a cautious curiosity in her gaze.
As for the three elves, their reactions were the most intense. Lyra, Faelar, and Ilara stood wide-eyed, staring at the sky and the vast landscape with awe, wonder, and perhaps a flicker of longing for a lost world. That glimmer of emotion quickly gave way to caution and the weight of harsh reality. Faelar groaned in pain, leaning on a makeshift staff—his injury worsened by the long climb.
"Activate the camouflage devices. Keep your appearances hidden," Tian Heng ordered calmly, cutting through the moment of reflection or shock. "We don't want any unnecessary attention."
Reluctantly, the elves activated the devices Tian Heng had crafted. A faint shimmer rippled around them, softening their elven features. Faela intensified the shadows around her, and Lilith concealed her horns and features more effectively. Tian Heng ensured his hood was drawn low, hiding both his face and his horns.
Now, it was time to secure the area and assess their situation.
"Lyra," Tian Heng said, "scout the immediate area. Look for any cave or rocky shelter we can use temporarily, and check for signs of dangerous wildlife or nearby paths."
Lyra set off swiftly, her knowledge of mountainous terrain serving her well.
While she scouted, Tian Heng tried to determine their location and orientation. He studied the surrounding peaks, attempting to match them with the ancient map stored in his mind. It was a difficult task—the map lacked precise details, and the terrain may have changed over the centuries.
[Core, can you compare the visible topography to the old map data to estimate our position or a general heading toward the recorded coordinates of 'Verhaven'?]The reply was not encouraging:[Comparison difficult due to outdated data, low resolution, and possible geological changes. Preliminary estimate with 45% confidence: southwest direction may lead toward lower elevations generally consistent with the old location of 'Verhaven'. Estimated distance still very large and imprecise.]
Southwest. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Lyra returned shortly after."I found a small, dry cave about a hundred meters away, hidden behind some large rocks. It seems safe for now. I didn't find any recent tracks from large creatures, though there are signs of raptors and perhaps small mountain goat herds in the lower regions."
"Good. Let's move there," Tian Heng said.
They made their way to the small cave, which provided welcome shelter from the cold wind and persistent drizzle. It was a tight, dark space, but far better than remaining exposed in the open.
Tian Heng sat near the entrance, gazing out at the endless gray mountains. They had emerged. They had left the safety (and danger) of the Origin Vault behind—for now. The outer world stretched before them: unknown, vast, and perilous.
His plan was now roughly clear—head southwest, descend from these treacherous mountains, search for signs of civilization or known travel routes, reach the Verhaven region, and acquire the materials and information he needed. All of this while keeping his and his companions' non-human identities secret, managing the tension within his group, and navigating whatever threats might lie ahead.
"We'll rest here for a short while," he told the group. "Then we start the descent. Lyra, you'll remain in the lead for scouting. Faelar, stay in the rear as much as possible. Ilara, tend to his injury. Faela, Lilith—you'll stay close to me. Avoid any unnecessary contact with anything or anyone we might encounter. Our goal is to reach our destination as quickly and quietly as possible."