Cherreads

Zarconis: The Second World

Welcome to Zarconis—a world of wonder, danger, and ancient memory. Known by its official codename EXO-13A, Zarconis is the second world accessed through the Door, a gateway between dimensions. But unlike any known reality, this world is not just alien—it's a living myth, a fantasy world shaped by evolution, mystery, and prehistoric might.

---

1. Atmosphere and Sky

Zarconis has a breathable atmosphere compatible with advanced expeditionary gear. The air smells of spice, minerals, and rain—rich with life.

The sky changes color depending on the time and conditions: lavender at dawn, deep violet at dusk, teal during storms, and soft gold under full light.

There is no traditional sun. Instead, Zarconis is lit by two massive celestial bodies—twin stars—that cast overlapping light.

Three moons dominate the sky: one red, one silver, and one green. They orbit slowly, glowing brightly at night.

At night, starfields swirl above like cosmic rivers. Auroras dance across the heavens. Floating crystals drift high above the surface, refracting starlight in shimmering patterns.

Sometimes, the sky reflects movement on the ground—like a living mirror.

---

2. Terrain and Environment Zarconis is not an Earth-like planet. It is a Jurassic-fantasy realm of surreal beauty and primal power.

Underwater Realms: The expedition arrives underwater in a crystalline ocean filled with glowing reefs, feathered sea creatures, and bioluminescent plants.

Towering Jungles: Vast forests with giant trees, crystal-tipped leaves, and vines that exhale glowing mist.

Bioluminescent Valleys: Ground veins pulse with blue or amber light. Forests glow from within.

Ancient Ruins: Scattered across the land are broken temples, arches, and artifacts from a lost civilization.

Living Landmasses: Some terrain, like "The Spine," is actually the back of a massive, dormant creature.

Valley of Bones: A haunting place filled with enormous skeletal remains—some twitching, some silent, all ancient.

---

3. Wildlife and Species Life on Zarconis evolved from a fusion of dinosaur and alien DNA, creating a diverse range of majestic and terrifying species.

Veloraunt: A glowing, serpent-like predator that swims through the sky or sea with feathered fins.

Glowtail: A small, gentle creature with translucent skin and a light-emitting tail.

Snappy Joe: A six-legged, feathered lizard named by the team. Playful but fast.

Skelmar Shrubs: Reactive underwater plants that pulse when touched.

Crystal-bone Beasts: Massive hunters armored in bone-like crystal structures.

These creatures display complex behaviors—some seem intelligent, others territorial. Many communicate through color shifts, vibrations, or echo pulses.

---

4. Sentient Civilization Zarconis was once home to an intelligent race:

Appearance: Saurian beings with obsidian-black scales, long limbs, and armor crafted from bone and silver.

Structures: They left behind ruins, towers, altars, and language symbols.

Culture: They may have evolved from predators but developed society, technology, and possibly religion or war rituals.

Some believe remnants of this race still exist—watching from the shadows.

---

5. Themes and Tone Zarconis challenges its explorers with duality:

Beauty and Death: Glowing wonders hide lethal threats.

Sentience: The world feels alive—it watches, remembers, and responds.

Exploration vs. Survival: The line between discovery and doom is thin.

Legacy: The planet remembers its past—and punishes those who forget.

---

Zarconis is not just a setting. It is a living part of the story. Everything has a purpose. Everything has a cost.

Tread carefully, traveler. The gods of this world do not sleep forever.

More Chapters