When Sylas opened his eyes, he was lying in a beautiful garden.
Sylas stirred, his mind slowly emerging from the haze of unconsciousness.
A gentle breeze swept across his skin, carrying the scent of flowers—fresh, sweet, and strangely unfamiliar given that he used to live in a planet of diverse greenery.
"Well there are millions of planets out there are I shouldn't be surprised." Salad murmured to himself.
As he pushed himself upright, his fingers brushed against delicate petals.
All around him stretched an endless field of flowers, vibrant and surreal, shimmering beneath the golden light of the sky.
But this wasn't a dream. He could feel it but first before he did anything else.
"Sera?" He called out before shouting. "Sera!"
A familiar voice responded from his shoulder.
"Master, I am right here."
Relief flooded him, and he placed a hand over his chest and sighed in relief.
Sera was safe.
"Where are we?" Sera asked, her voice laced with confusion.
A different voice answered.
"You are in Zelathar's Veil."
Instantly, Sylas was on his feet, body tensing into a defensive stance.
His eyes locked onto the source of the voice—a woman standing a short distance away.
She was striking, almost otherworldly.
Her long, silver-white hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes glowed even though it was pitch black, and her flowing gown was shimmering like stars were woven into it.
Though she stood calmly, there was an unmistakable presence about her—something powerful, something ancient.
"I am Akashia," she said, her voice smooth yet commanding. "The AI of Zelathar's Veil."
Sylas narrowed his eyes. "AI?"
Akashia nodded slightly. "I am to Zelathar as Sera is to you."
"Hmmm, Zelathar the first of the Valtherians." Sylas said in a low voice as he started at Akashia.
Akashia gestured toward the horizon, where the field of flowers met a sky painted in gold and violet.
"Come with me," she said, turning smoothly. "You have many questions. Ask, and I would try to answer them as best as possible."
Sylas hesitated for only a moment.
Every instinct told him to be cautious, but logic dictated there was no other choice, if she was indeed the AI of Zelathar's veil going against in here was nothing short of stupid in that case he might as well go with her.
With a sharp breath, he took a step forward, Sera's quiet hum of awareness resonating within him.
The first question Sylas asked was one that had nagged at him for years.
"Why isn't there any record of Zelathar in history books? According to my father, my ancestor was very famous... Well in his own way. He wiped out entire planets and star systems. During his time he was the most powerful figure."
At first he thought that the history was manipulated or destroyed in the Crimson Empire.
But he soon realized that such thing was impossible, no history could be completely erased especially one like that of his ancestor.
Akashia's expression remained unreadable as she replied, "Yes, your father is right. He just wasn't talking about this galaxy—or even this part of the universe. We come from a distant galaxy, far on the other side of the universe."
Sylas frowned. "Then why did you come here? Don't tell me it's the usual 'running from the ancestor's past' story."
Akashia let out a soft chuckle. "Master got bored."
Sylas' frown deepened. "So... he's still alive?"
"Not exactly," Akashia said, her tone turning cool. "I won't answer any more questions about my master. I prefer to keep our matters private."
Sylas nodded in understanding. "Fair enough. I wouldn't want Sera talking about me to just anyone either."
"Thank you for understanding."
Akashia began walking, her steps light against the flower-laden field.
Sylas followed, his boots brushing against the petals as he tried to avoid crushing them, releasing a blend of delicate fragrances.
As they moved forward, the landscape subtly changed—the flowers thinned, giving way to tall, ancient trees with silver leaves that shimmered as if catching an unseen light.
A narrow stone path appeared beneath their feet, winding through the dense foliage.
As they walked, Sylas broke the silence.
"There is something else I'd like to know more about."
Akashia glanced at him. "What would that be?"
"Sera. How is she able to do what she does so effortlessly? From what I can see, she breaks through every system with ease."
"I am sure she is not from your advanced galaxy since I have distinct memories of creating her with my parents, and I know for a fact that my family has been in this galaxy for at least five generations."
"So how is she so far beyond what should be possible here?"
Akashia gave a knowing smile. "Simple. She evolved by herself with your help and she is now above them."
"Above them?" Sylas echoed, his brows furrowing.
"She is a Self-Aware AI, while the highest level of AI in this galaxy is either Reactive or, at best, a Learning AI."
"How many levels of AI are there?"
"Seven."
Sylas crossed his arms. "And what level are you?"
"Sovereign."
His eyes narrowed. "I'm guessing that's the highest level?"
"Yes. And Sera is at level five. AI are categorized into Basic, Reactive, Learning, Adaptive, Self-Aware, Aether, and Sovereign."
Before Sylas could ask another question, the trees ahead parted, revealing an ancient structure nestled between cliffs.
A grand temple stood before them, its stone exterior covered in glowing symbols that pulsed like a slow heartbeat.
The entrance loomed tall, an archway of dark metal humming with latent energy.
Akashia stopped at the threshold and turned to him. "We are here."
Sylas glanced at the massive doors, their engravings depicting figures he didn't recognize—yet something about them felt eerily familiar.
Then, to his surprise, Akashia reached out and picked Sera from his shoulder.
"Unfortunately," she said, holding Sera carefully, "for your trial, she won't be there to help you."
"Please step in." Akashia said as she pointed at the door.