A/N: This new rewrite will catch up to where we left off within 5 - 7 chapters. Anyways, this chapter was a bit short. Total words: 818.
Info -
1. Thoughts are written in italic style inside quotation marks ("___").
2. Speech is written in normal style inside quotation marks ("___").
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Planet Nova, one of the three habitable planets in the Centaurus star system, is renowned for being the oldest and most diverse among them. It is home to 35 intelligent races, each with its own distinct strengths and weaknesses. The planet's varied landscapes are rich in resources and present both opportunities and challenges.
Despite its peaceful appearance, Planet Nova hides dangers capable of wiping out the entire world. It all began thousands of years ago, when a meteorite crashed into the planet. Hidden within it were primitive single-cell lifeforms known as LUCAs—organisms that thrived on nitrogen. Over the years, these creatures evolved into multicellular lifeforms at a terrifying pace, plunging the world into chaos. Dangerous beasts roamed freely, and even with the rise of advanced technology, humanity struggled to keep them at bay.
But the real shift came with a second meteorite.
This time, it brought with it a mysterious gas—an element that accelerated evolution itself. First, it affected the non-sentient creatures, mutating them into stronger, faster, deadlier versions of their former selves. Then, even the sentient races began to change. Thus began a brutal, world-spanning war against these mutant horrors, soon known as the Star Beasts.
Standing against them were the mutant Xenons, later called Meta-Xenons—individuals who gained unimaginable powers, but at a heavy price. Some grew additional limbs; others developed skin colors and features previously unseen. Horns, scales, claws—their forms were often as fearsome as the beasts they fought. Yet despite their appearances, they became the defenders of their world.
After years of devastating battles, the survivors managed the impossible. They divided the land into six massive continents, isolating the most dangerous creatures onto a single one. For the first time in centuries, the world tasted peace.
Now, thousands of years later, Planet Nova has evolved a lot under the lingering influence of the mysterious gas. Wild beasts and perilous regions fill the world, each classified by a threat level system—ranging from Level 0 to Level 10, with Level 10 marking the most catastrophic dangers known.
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On the second largest continent of Planet Nova stood the beating heart of all knowledge: The Grand Library. Built after the war against the Star Beasts, it was a monument to what remained of the planet's shattered history. Much of the ancient past had been lost, but the library preserved what little was left—gathered from across the world. It held not only historical records but also relics of rare technology from the Old Era, kept strictly for study and learning.
Inside the Grand Library, seated at a massive desk cluttered with ancient tomes and faded documents, Nexus was deep in study, his attention fixed on the chronicles of Planet Nova's history. Their conversation unfolded not with spoken words, but through the silent connection of telepathy.
"This place has some fascinating history," Nexus mused in thought. "I'm glad I chose this place. Thanks for suggesting it, Lumos."
Hovering unseen nearby, Lumos responded, his voice a gentle whisper in Nexus's mind. "It is my pleasure, Master. But I must also apologize for being unable to assist you further."
"It's alright," Nexus replied. "As you said, the energy I possess isn't compatible with your functions. Besides, learning new things is fun in itself." He paused, flipping another page, his silver eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "By the way, I'm curious about these Star Beasts. I wonder if there's a way to identify which ones aren't native to this planet."
"That's simple," Lumos answered without hesitation. "By analyzing their origin factor. Every lifeform that evolves naturally on a planet shares a common foundational signature. And it's unique to their world's lifeforms."
"Origin factor, huh? Interesting... I'll look into it later," Nexus replied, setting the thought aside for now.
As he continued reading, he noticed a few of the other visitors at the library glancing at him—some with open curiosity, others whispering among themselves.
"Hey Lumos," Nexus thought, "Do you know why they are staring at me like that? It's like they're seeing some kind of extinct creature."
"I cannot say for certain, Master," Lumos said thoughtfully. "But perhaps your appearance resembles the old Xenons... or at least, how they were believed to look."
Nexus leaned back slightly, his gaze following the strangers. "Hmm... If what I've read is accurate, then you might be right Besides, it's truly a strange feeling seeing a single species having such diverse forms."
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a large figure strode past him toward the exit—a hulking man with four muscular arms and deep crimson skin. This drew the attention of Nexus for a moment before he started reading again.