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Arrival of the Luminaris
A shimmering spacecraft descended toward the Eternis Clan's city, its sleek frame pulsating with radiant energy. Unlike traditional starships, it had no visible thrusters—only a faint luminous aura, as if propelled by the very essence of the cosmos.
Inside, Zyrath, a proud envoy of the Luminaris Clan, stood near a viewport, his four luminous eyes observing the grand city below. The Eternis Clan's capital was unlike anything he had seen—a seamless blend of technology and cultivation. Towering spires of polished obsidian pulsed with runes, holographic bridges connected floating platforms, and above it all, a grand celestial ring revolved around the central palace, its energy shimmering in the hues of a fading sunset.
"Time itself seems to dance here," Zyrath thought, his sharp features twisting into an amused smirk. The Eternis Clan's rumored control over time-based energies was no exaggeration.
The ship landed, its smooth surface folding open like liquid light. As Zyrath stepped onto the landing platform, he was greeted by a small delegation. Standing at the forefront were two figures—Dain Eternis and Elara Eternis.
Zyrath gave a respectful nod, though his pride would not allow a bow. "Elders of the Eternis Clan," he said, his voice carrying a faint vibration of energy, natural to his kind. "The Luminaris Clan extends its hand in friendship."
Dain, tall and regal, regarded Zyrath with a calm expression. "Welcome to our city, Zyrath of the Luminaris." His voice was measured, like a clock ticking with purpose.
Elara smiled faintly. "Shall we discuss the matter that brings you here?"
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The Eternis City – A Glimpse into Mastery
Zyrath followed the Eternis delegation through the ethereal streets of their city. Holographic projections of ancestral battles and celestial events floated beside the walkways, shifting as people passed. Small mechanical constructs, shaped like metallic fireflies, moved through the air, repairing structures and adjusting the very flow of energy.
He noticed something peculiar—a man flipping a coin in the air, only for it to hover, pause, and land on the opposite side mid-fall. Elsewhere, a droplet of water split apart, reversed direction, and rejoined its source.
"Fascinating," Zyrath mused. He had seen countless advanced civilizations, but none that bent time so casually.
They finally reached the negotiation chamber, a grand hall where light refracted through suspended crystal prisms, casting ever-shifting patterns across the room.
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Negotiations Begin
Zyrath sat across from Dain and Elara, who observed him with the patience of seasoned negotiators. The air between them was thick with unspoken strategies.
"I will not waste time with pleasantries," Zyrath began, crossing his arms. "We have discovered a rich deposit of Luminyte. Its energy is crucial for our advancement, yet it is embedded within an unstable planetary core."
Elara tapped her fingers on the table. "And you lack the necessary extraction technology."
Zyrath narrowed his eyes. "We could attempt it ourselves, but we would lose more than half the mineral in the process. Your clan, however, possesses specialized nano-bots that could extract it intact."
Dain leaned forward. "A fair observation. But what does the Eternis Clan gain in return?"
Zyrath's voice grew firmer. "We offer a strategic alliance. Our people excel in harnessing pure energy forms, something even your time-wielding techniques struggle to integrate."
Elara exchanged a glance with Dain before she smiled slightly. "A compelling offer."
She activated a holographic display, showcasing luminyte's crystalline structure—a pulsating silver-blue ore, each fracture within it sparking with latent energy.
"But you must understand," Elara continued, her tone soft yet commanding, "technology alone is not enough. Even with our nano-bots, stabilizing Luminyte requires precise temporal manipulation. Without it, the mineral decays."
Zyrath clenched his jaw. He had not expected this.
Dain leaned back. "You ask for our aid, but you offer nothing that we cannot already research in time."
The words stung.
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The Duel Proposal
Zyrath inhaled sharply, steadying his pride. He needed to regain control of the negotiation. A demonstration of strength—that was the only way.
"If words fail to convince, then let us engage in an exchange of power," he said.
Dain raised an eyebrow. "A duel?"
Zyrath smiled. "A friendly one, of course. Let a member of the Eternis Clan face me in combat. If I win, we negotiate on equal footing. If I lose, I accept your terms as they are."
Elara tilted her head, observing him carefully. The way time seemed to slow in her presence unsettled Zyrath slightly.
Finally, Dain nodded. "Very well."
Elara's smile widened. "Our son, Kael, will be your opponent."
Zyrath blinked. "Your son?"
"Elara and I see this duel as an opportunity," Dain said, his expression unreadable. "A test of potential."
Zyrath hesitated. He had expected to fight a seasoned warrior, not a mere child. Yet, if the Eternis Clan was offering him, they must have absolute confidence.
"Interesting," he thought.
With a smirk, he stood. "Very well. I accept."
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Final Scene – The Unspoken Concern
As Zyrath left the chamber, his mind buzzed with thoughts. Why were they so calm? Did they truly believe a mere child could match him?
Dain and Elara, now alone, exchanged a quiet glance.
"This will be Kael's first real challenge," Dain murmured.
Elara folded her arms, watching the cityscape beyond the crystalline windows. "And his first step toward understanding what lies beyond time."
The duel was set. The future of the Luminyte deal—and Kael's own path—was about to unfold.
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End of Chapter 10