Chapter 20: Echoes of a Vast World
After his partial yet frustrating success with the prototype aether condenser, Tian Heng realized he needed a broader perspective. Repairing the regulation node would require materials that might lie far away. Accessing the data panels required power he had yet to stabilize. Continuing his training here was effective, but it didn't solve the issue of energy transfer or the pressing need for knowledge. Before deciding on his next step—whether to risk channeling another energy source or return to replenish his meager supplies—he needed context. Where exactly did this Vault lie in the grander scheme of the world? How vast was this world, truly?
"Core, does the database (Level 1) contain any maps or geographical data of the outside world? Display the broadest available scope," he directed through the mental link.
There was a pause, longer than usual, as if the Core were rummaging through dusty, forgotten archives. Then, an image began to form in his mind—faint, incomplete, yet staggeringly vast.
[Displaying known world map of 'Alorian Earth' (Ancient data, variable accuracy, large unexplored regions):]
A mental image—or perhaps a faint holographic projection—materialized before him, representing a colossal planet. It was not a modern political map, but more like an ancient navigator's manuscript or a strategic survey from the golden era of the Vaults.
Continents: Massive landmasses sprawled across the globe like sleeping giants, separated by vast oceans that seemed capable of swallowing entire empires. Some continents bore strange, resounding names like "The Radiant Continent," "Land of Eternal Dusk," and "Archipelago of Raging Winds," while others—smaller or polar ice masses—remained nameless, mere white or gray spaces.
Oceans and Seas: Expansive blue areas dominated the map. The largest were named "The Bottomless Ocean" and "Sea of Whispers." There were smaller inland seas and islands scattered like dust.
Geographic Features: Faint markings indicated towering mountain ranges stretching across continents like ancient scars ("Riven Thunder Peaks," "Pillars of the World"), desolate deserts as vast as seas ("The Gray Hollow"), dense rainforests the size of small kingdoms ("The Great Green Labyrinth"), and regions marked as twisted or cursed by magic ("The Ashen Lands," "Aetherstorm Plains").
Unknown Regions: Most importantly, there were incredibly vast areas—larger than all the known regions combined—labeled simply as "Unexplored" or "Danger: Insufficient Data," or left blank entirely. These swaths engulfed large portions of the continents and separated the few "civilized" zones shown on the ancient map.
Ancient Civilizations: Small scattered dots represented known population centers or empires at the time of the data's recording. Their names were ancient and unfamiliar to Tian Heng. Where were the current kingdoms and empires? This silent map offered no answers.
Vault Location: Most crucially, the map showed a faint glimmer representing the approximate location of the Origin Vault. It was not near any recorded ancient civilization. It lay deep within a vast and treacherous mountain range, labeled as "High-Risk Zone – Unstable Aetheric Fluctuations," on the edge of a massive continent largely marked as "Unexplored." They were isolated—utterly so—from anything that could be considered the "known world," even by the standards of those who made this old map.
Tian Heng absorbed this information, a cold shiver running through him despite the energy surrounding him. The world was far more massive, wild, and empty than he had imagined. This confirmed the necessity of his cautious approach. Rushing outward now would be suicide. The Vault had to become a fortress, a fully self-sufficient power, before even considering exploring this vast and unknown world. The idea of seeking the "deep veins" Lilith had once mentioned now seemed like a quest that might span continents and confront unimaginable forces.
He mentally zoomed the map in on the region directly surrounding the Vault's location. The ancient map offered no fine details—just rugged mountainous terrain and steep valleys. There were no markings of nearby surface water sources or any other indicators useful in the short term.
And so, the decision to return temporarily to the central core chamber to replenish supplies became necessary. He now possessed slightly greater power and might be faster and better equipped to handle minor obstacles on the return path. He also needed time to study the condenser schematic and try to understand how to improve it or repair the regulation node based on the fragmented maintenance logs.
"Lilith," he said quietly, breaking her silence as she watched him. "We're heading back to the central hall—for now."
She didn't ask why. She gave a slight nod, her crimson eyes gleaming with obedient anticipation.
Tian Heng gathered his tools and cast one last look at the glittering cave—his potential source of power and current challenge. Then he turned and began the journey back through the dark tunnels, his demonic shadow trailing him soundlessly. He was now armed not just with new tools and slightly increased strength, but with a deeper understanding of his place in this massive and dangerous world—just a spark in an endless ocean of darkness and unknowns.