by Paul Centeno
Eyes downcast, Shirakaya went on, “I need you to activate the transdimensional ethernet and send—”
Before she could finish, the ship was pulled into the Drift Void. In a split second, the power shut down. The force field dissipated. Terminals ignited with wild flames, explosions erupting throughout the ship. The crew were knocked off their feet. Gravity became distorted. Then their bodies curved and weaved with the vessel.
Marauder was being sucked into bending flares while it zoomed through an abyss that appeared as red as blood. Bolts of energy flickered throughout the chasm. Shirakaya and her companions witnessed the event, at least until their bodies became deformed from the unknown phenomenon.
“Behold!” the AI blurted out. “The legendary, unfathomable Drift Void! The supreme, arcane gateway that leads beyond the twelve dimensions, where Maz’hura exiled Koth’tura myriad eons ago!”
No one cared about his statement. Every single one of them experienced excruciating pain that shut out anything else. Most of them were screeching uncontrollably. Even the sìsô let out an agonizing wail. Before long, the Marauder and its flotilla of Lady Niksa’s vessels twisted like rubber and then vanished from the universe.
Epilogue
Into the Unknown
After what seemed like a cycle, Shirakaya opened her eyes. She found herself alone, her body sprawled in a crater. At first, her vision was blurred. Even worse, she felt paralyzed. Despite fear gripping her, she fought it and tried to remain calm. After several minutes of struggling, she finally managed to move a muscle.
In time, her vision returned. Shirakaya found herself in a barren, rocky wasteland. Yet the heavens, if such a place existed, could not be seen. A dust storm had taken its place, blanketing the crimson sky that was devoid of stars. Squinting ahead, she used all the strength she could muster in a vain attempt to stand.
“Khal!” she cried out. “Yaro! Zadoya!” She paused for a moment. “Dojin! Rah’tera! Myris! Anybody!”
Taking a step forward, the freelancer gasped and fell on her face. She took a deep breath and struggled to stand again. This time, she rose and remained standing. Using her KLD, the soles of her boots gave a minor rocket-like boost of energy to hurl her out of the crater. Even though she landed on her feet, she fell again.
Getting back up, she focused on her surroundings: a seemingly endless badland wrought with geysers, craters, and vistas of cracked mountains in the far-flung distance. This confirmed her fear—she was all alone on what seemed to be a desolate planet, or an accursed realm of some kind.
Shirakaya dared to wonder, could this be the fabled Realm of Pandemonium, where the Lord of Chaos had been imprisoned eons ago by the eternal Goddess? Was this a nightmarish dream that she could not wake from, another universe, or something else altogether? What had happened to her crew? What happened to her starship? There wasn’t a single vessel or person in sight.
“Where in the twelve dimensions am I?”
Little did she know, she was beyond them. An unknown realm awaited her. It beckoned her. But first, she needed to gather her bearings—for the perilous journey that lay ahead would require Shirakaya of Aarda to be at her best.
Glossary
Arcane—the gift of magic some people are born with. It is believed by arcane astrophysicists that if one abuses such power at an early age it may diminish; thus, rendering the once gifted user with no magic for the rest of his or her life.
Arcane DNA—the molecular structure of someone born with the gift of magic whether the practitioner is a wizard or witch.
Arcane Intelligence—a being of supreme power that has transcended from the bonds of mortal flesh by means of magic to the immortal cyber realm. An arcane intelligence is also abbreviated as AI, which is often confused with artificial intelligence.
Arcane Kinesis—a spell that is a variation of telekinesis, allowing the conjurer to crush objects regardless of their size or weight.
Conjuration—a school of magic that is usually offered as a curriculum in universities that deal with white magic or elementalism. Though it can be studied as a major, most students select it as a minor. Practitioners of conjuration can teleport objects or people to other locations. Similar to divination, such power can cause dizziness and fainting spells. Only those who have mastered conjuration can conjure peaceful spirits and loved ones who have passed away, but it is never guaranteed to work. In this sense, it is related to necromancy. The main difference between the two is that necromancers tend to evoke undead ghouls as guardians, darker spirits, or even demons. Most students obsessed with conjuring supernatural entities tend to be more drawn to necromancy. Only eleven percent of students in universities major in conjuration. A prerequisite to conjuration is alchemy.
Cosmic Compass—a compass used in outer space. The traditional directions (north, east, south, and west) are only applicable on planets containing a magnetic field. Beyond these worlds, deep in the center of the universe contains the Drift Void, where the strongest magnetic field exists. Therefore, all intergalactic spacecrafts have a built-in map with a cosmic compass revealing the following outer space directions: noqoria (north), esoria (east), soudaria (south), and wescaria (west). The intermediate directions are referred to as the noqorian, esorian, soudarian, and wescarian quadrants.
Cosmodrive—one of many propulsion systems integrated into an interstellar vessel, allowing faster-than-magic (FTM) travel. Although a measurable amount of time passes while using such a velocity, it nevertheless breaks the dimensional barrier and enters a realm between space and time. This is not to be confused with the concept of space time continuum. Rather than general relativity or four-dimensional space, the starship literally shifts within a realm amid two cosmic dimensions without causing them to meet and collapse. Such an effect seems to slow everything down in regular space, but it is an illusion due to the incredible FTM speed.
Dalikonium—an extremely rare alloy naturally infused with magic that is usually used to craft armor. When crafted, it is believed to be the strongest armor. Since it is so expensive, only the highest ranking officers and soldiers have it in the Tal’manac Order.
DAR—an acronym for Dissimilate Augmented Reality. In layman’s terms, this refers to the destruction of an artificial dimension, known to some scientists as the thirteenth dimension.
Därqi’sìsô—a small domesticated animal native to planet Ujhiri. A baby is referred to as a sìsô. They have exotic-colored eyes that match the dazzling hues of gemstones, and the length of their ears are the same size as their three-metered-long tail. While an “urp” is the only sound they are capable of producing, they are incredibly smart and can eventually understand their owner’s body language and tone. They are already adorable pets to billions of people, but those with allergies tend to own them because their fur is short and does not often shed.
Dhi-cha—a mystical form of martial arts that allows attuned people with augmented technology to tap into elements of nature and bend the laws of physics to their will. Only a few denizens in the universe are gifted with the spiritual and scientific technique to conjure extraordinary power that seems supernatural to those who are incapable of harnessing the mystical fighting art.
Dimensional Space—a realm amid dimensions through which an intergalactic vessel travels via a cosmodrive. The ship neither leaves its current dimension nor enters another; it is plunged into a wraithlike domain between space and time and beyond general relativity by means of faster-than-magic (FTM) velocity. Such an ethereal, enigmatic realm is simply known as dimensional space.
Divination—a school of magic learned in universities specializing in divine spells. If a student wants to major in divination, he or she cannot graduate until passing a test proving their ability to be an oracle. Divination is considered white magic, allowing practitioners to cure minor poisons, heal wounds of fellow magic users, experience visions of the future, sense imminent danger, and sometimes even have visions of a person’s past. Prophecies can sometimes cause fai
nting spells and amnesia. There are no prerequisites for majoring in divination, but it requires a minor.
DP-823—a data pad used to write letters or notes. It can initially be typed or handwritten on a kinetic link device (KLD). Once finished, the user has the option to transfer the file via email or for it to be pulled out of his or her KLD screen as a digital pad and have it physically delivered to the addressed person.
Drift Void—a massive blood-red hole in the universe. Unlike black holes, starships cannot pass through it. No one knows for sure what lies beyond it. Most scientists have theorized that it leads to one of the twelve dimensions. Mystics and other religious people believe it is a portal where perished souls go through in order to become one with their creator(s). Those who still believe in the existence of Koth’tura believe that is where Maz’hura exiled the Lord of Chaos.
Echoic igsus—a tiny creature known for its ability to capture and mimic lamenting voices from tormented beings. People have always wondered why such a creature doesn’t mimic neutral or harmonious sounds, often leading scientists to think that an igsus is not only sentient but innately drawn to pain. They are usually found in shallow waters or murky shores and tend to inhabit vacant seashells.
Elementalism—a school of magic that focuses on the elements. It is a famous major and minor for students attending universities offering such a curriculum. Practitioners are trained to be multifaceted spell casters who channel every element. In all cases, prerequisite courses involve learning enchantments. Therefore, to become an elementalist one must also become a master enchanter.
Ensar—the name of the universe and its twelve dimensions. It is believed by many people throughout the cosmos that there were once two universes: Order and Chaos. Eons ago, both collided into each other and collapsed, forming one universe known as Ensar. It is a universe filled with both Order and Chaos. Mystics of the Holy Tal’manac believe the eternal Goddess will return at the end times and vanquish Chaos once and for all, at which point Ensar and its twelve dimensions will be reincarnated into a universe where only Order exists.
EX-600—an environmental suit that conforms to one’s DNA. Though one of the most expensive armors to purchase in any market, it is a priceless investment for mercenaries and explorers who often find themselves in many foreign habitats that may otherwise prove to be dangerous.
Eye of Soth’yugon—a primordial relic said to contain the secret powers of a sinister magus who lived eons ago and became tainted by magic, causing him to be imprisoned. According to legend, the primeval artifact has the power to open an arcane gateway into a realm known as the Spectral Pulse in which the sorcerer’s prison may be found.
Feyzala—a small animal of flight native to planets with zitrogen such as Aarda and Pravura. It is usually found near a pond, lake, or beach. Unlike most creatures, it only needs jamna or water to survive. They either have purple or blue eyes, multicolored feathers, and a tiny snout rather than a beak since it only needs water to sustain itself. While their meat is healthy to eat, hunters avoid killing them because people cherish them. The reason feyzalas are adored so much is because of their ability to chirp, creating tranquil songs that have been proven to scientifically heal mental illness. Most humyns have feyzalas for pets.
Fhen’da-re—an alien race from planet Astao in the Zesga’De Xanam Galaxy. Their bodies tend to appear malnourished with birthmarks that resemble tattoos. They also have multicolored eyes akin to the color of a rainbow. This is a hopeless romantic species, thriving on having a social life. It is believed among them that to be alone is to be no different than dead.
Frincraws—a little creature that dwells in the seas and beaches of planet Omav. They have a thick exoskeleton with four limbs. It possesses two pairs of pincers, one located in front of its body and the other at its rear, allowing it to defend itself from both sides. This is a rear creature to find, but rarer is the food it prefers to eat, which is an echoic igsus.
FT-356—a grenade enchanted with frost magic. Upon detonation, it releases a dense wave of icy power capable of freezing enemies or slowing them down.
G12—a technology installed in environmental suits that creates gravity.
Ghanis Blade—an enchanted sword whose blade is two feet long. It also has an extended hilt, allowing for a double-handed grip. It is one of the more expensive weapons because it has a longer-lasting enchantment than other swords. While normal blades without enchantments are durable when parrying and riposting against similar weapons, they are known to immediately shatter in an attempt to repel laser, fusion, or plasma beams as well as destructive magic. Ergo, an enchanted sword such as the Ghanis Blade is a fine weapon against all threats.
Ghensoth—an alien race from planet Zieksar, located in the Torpo Giayan Galaxy. This species has a brutish appearance consisting of boney exoskeletons, muscles trice the size of humyns, tresses of hair along their hardened spines, snout-shaped beaks, and blood-soaked eyes with horizontal pupils. They are also between twelve to fifteen feet tall. For decades ghensoths were known to be superior gunsmiths and traded with most races until the cycle of 80483.251 when war ravaged their planet; they quickly ran out of resources and have since then abandoned their homeworld and live as scavengers throughout the galaxy.
Hevala—a female race of flowery beings from a mystical world known as Shomia in the Oga Vay’tos Galaxy. Their vine-shaped hair is filled with colorful blossoms whose pigments match their doll-like eyes. Few scientists know how, but the hevala have the ability to intensify one’s sexual feelings. Since hevalas appear very sensual to people, many of them are prostitutes.
Hyirum—a power source known as liquid mana, created when arcane astrophysicists expand the flow of magic from a seemingly subatomic level to a corporeal form. It is used as fuel to operate machines, various tools, passenger vehicles, and starships.
Jamna—a purple fluid with healing properties, believed to be blessed by the eternal Goddess herself. In ancient times, jamna was as abundant as water. Now it is rarely seen. In fact, it is so rare to come across jamna in the universe now that skeptics think it is nothing more than a myth to give incurable people hope of recovering.
Jintar—a two-legged beast whose single eye stretches across its skimpy forehead. Though it only has one eye, its vision is better than most creatures in the known universe. Not every jintar is sentient, but those few that are can be excellent steeds if trained properly.
Jorga—an alien race of barbarians and knights located on planet Nobia in the Torpo Giayan Galaxy. The jorga have indigo skin and are bald by nature, their irises and pupils completely black. They also have natural tattoos for birthmarks covering their muscular bodies. While there have been several kingdoms developed by jorga, the largest and most powerful one in Nobia is the Kingdom of Larjan. Though aware of the cosmos, they have yet to leave their world and enter the sea of stars.
Kinetic Link Device—a computerized gizmo famously called a KLD, worn on one’s wrist. It is said to be a gateway to an infinite collage of information. The ethernet is merely a fingertip away from the user. More so, it allows people to purchase anything they desire and have it teleported to them in an instant. Items digitally linked to a KLD such as ancient artifacts, weapons, armor, or furniture can also be stored in its databank; this feature is known as cyber storage. The screen may also be expanded by adapting it into a digital display, thus viewing programs or movies at the highest available resolution. In essence, with a KLD the user can do just about anything he or she wants.
Koth’tura—the source of chaos that threatens Ensar, believed to be an entity of immeasurable power. It was never defeated, only exiled from the known universe by the eternal Goddess. It is stated in the scriptures of the Holy Tal’manac that Koth’tura will return in the end times, where a final battle between order and chaos shall take place. Scientists and many skeptics theorize that such an entity was either a powerful alien who was imprisoned during an epoch long before the present era or simply never existed.
&n
bsp; Koth’vurian—a race of magical, shape-shifting beings that derive from Koth’tura, also known as the Lord of Chaos. They are the only aliens capable of flying through space without artificial propulsions and can enter black holes without being harmed. Contrary to races like humyns, they do not breath zitrogen. In fact, legend has it that they are beings of pure magic and only need the arcane energy found in stars to survive.
Magical Ion—an arcane atom or a molecule containing myriad electrons infused with magic. It is theorized by most arcane astrophysicists that magical ions are the birth and wellspring of all magic and originate in protostars. Other stars also contain magical ions, but they are not as pure due to the density of radioactive isotopes. Magical ions within a soul form what is referred to as an ionized essence. The overall process of consuming them is known as arcane ionization. While magical ions rejuvenate any wizard or witch whose powers have almost been depleted, they are extremely poisonous to a person without the arcane gift.
Mana—the invisible, intangible life force of magic that flows like zitrogen through those gifted with arcane power.
Mana Shield—a tremendously powerful spell known as an ethereal tapestry of magic cast by wizards or witches that envelops a person(s) or object(s) with a barrier akin to a technological force field.
Maz’hura—the eternal Goddess of Tal’manaism. Scriptures of the Holy Tal’manac reveal that she created Ensar and its twelve dimensions. Prior to the creation of Ensar, she existed as Order in another universe. Back then, Maz’hura existed in a realm of purity until Koth’tura breached it, at which point she fought and exiled it. Yet this caused her universe to collapse. Scholars do not know why this occurred; they only know that the occurrence caused both universes to merge as one universe that contains Chaos and Order. She is believed to be eternal and will one day return to vanquish Koth’tura forever.
