13:00 IST, Sixteenth day, Eighth Month, 3078 PV | Risia / Itokin-Human Embassy / Monolith?
As I walk into the monolith structure, the feeling of the presence swells dramatically. Almost as if the door was acting as some form of barrier. However, the presence feels somehow different. Almost as if it is trying to guide me forward, rather than crush me into dust.
The two overseers follow behind me until I reach the edge of the altar. Once I do, they motion for me to step onto the altar. Which I do, after all, it is far too late for me to change my mind.
Once I have reached the center of the altar, I feel a strange sense of calm. Almost as if the prior presence is reassuring me that everything is alright in the world. Next, a smaller door opens in the side of the monolith and sixteen Itokin clad in white cloaks come out.
These Itokin have the same insignia on their forehead, but they feel somehow different. If the overseers had a feeling of strangeness, these ones have a feeling of rightness. The overseers join me on the center of the altar.
Each of the white-clad Itokin walks to one of the sixteen prongs and places both of their hands upon it. For the first time, I hear Itokin make a sound. However, it is not a translatable language (otherwise my universal translator would have picked it up). It sounds like an archaic chant, like you would've heard during a tribal ritual in humanity's past. Although this chant sounds much darker, and it resonates with power and intention.
As they chant, the strange energy around me seems to dissipate. The floating cube above my head also starts to spin clockwise. I can sense something is happening, but it is not yet apparent what.
After a few minutes of chanting, the prongs and markings in the floor start to glow with that light-yet-darkness. After a few more minutes of chanting, the glow rapidly starts to spread towards the walls. I can see it start to ascend the markings that I saw on the outside of the monolith.
After the glow has made up about a third of the monolith (which by the way, is a large hollow cylinder apparently), I start to notice a sense of vertigo. It is very similar to the sense of spacetime folding when accelerating to hyperspace. However, rather than feeling like space is folding, it feels like it is expanding upon itself.
After about ten more minutes of chanting, the center of the altar, which me and the overseers are standing on, begins to float upwards. Along with the cube like device. We start going up very slowly, but as the chanting continues, we accelerate faster and faster. The feeling of vertigo intensifies the faster we go.
Once we are about halfway up the monolith, the vertigo changes into a mind bending stretching. It is almost as if every fiber of my being is being stretched out drastically. Our speed accelerates even further. I would try to estimate a current speed, but I cannot discern time or distance.
What feels like a minute later, we are 75% up the tower, the fainting has grown very faint with distance. I look above myself and notice something strange. The cube that was there has started expanding rapidly. Its energy output has also increased at least twofold.
Once we hit the 85% mark, the cube starts to unfold. I am not prepared in the slightest for what is contained inside. It appears as though it is a vortex of sorts, like one would see a ship being encased in before accelerating to hyperspace.
The vortex quickly accelerates and reaches the top of the tower. There it rapidly expands, and I can start to see through it. It is strange, it is as though a tear has opened within the fabric of the universe. It is notably different from a wormhole, yet I can tell it likely uses similar principles.
The platform we are on quickly approaches the vortex. I start to feel a strange sense of nervousness. Like I am about to do something that no being should ever do.
Impact.
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The moment the circle enters the vortex I feel as though every fiber of my being is being infinitely stretched out and compressed, simultaneously. I also notice many sensations, almost as if I am connected with a vast network of other creatures.
Once the stretching stops, I am surrounded in darkness. The pain has stopped, the sense of energy has stopped, the movement has stopped. In fact, it feels as though everything has stopped.
Strangely enough, I can still see, hear and feel myself. I try to scream out into the endless void but my voice quickly fades into absolute nothingness. After what feels like an eternity, I notice a series of lights in the distance.
Having nothing better to do, I approach the lights. As I get closer, it is apparent that there is a large amount of them clustered together in a shape similar to that of the milky way. There must be nearly five hundred million individual lights. I try touching them, but my hand effortlessly glides through, and has no effect. Almost as if they aren't there in the first place.
Having nothing better to do, I wander aimlessly around in this space. I don't feel like it is a dream, it feels far too real, but at the same time unreal. For what feels like several hours, I wander. I encounter various other clusters of light, but no effect.
After about one day of wandering (my metric), I start to feel a pull. It is not the strange presence from before. This time it is coming from within me. I follow the direction that my very being seems to wish to go.
I walk for hours and hours. I lose track of time.
At last, I came to a strange orb. It appears to be made of the light-yet-dark glow.
As I get closer, the pull increases significantly. It appears as though I am meant to walk into the orb. Which I do without much hesitation.
When I touch the orb. I feel nothingness. Then I feel as though every fiber of my being is being pulled into the orb, as though it has the gravity equivalent of a supermassive black hole.
My self is sucked into the orb.
When I regain awareness, I am in a large chamber with an altar not dissimilar to the one from the monolith. However, this time every surface is white. A white that is so perfect that it appears to deflect all light. The room is incredibly bright. However, my recently improved eyes seem to have no problem adjusting to the brightness.
Once I regain my sight, I notice a large crowd of Itokin in front of me. They all wear cloaks of either black, white, or purple. Each Itokin also has the insignia on their forehead. I look around and notice that the room seems to be about the same size as the monolith was, it even is the same height.
It is almost as if I have been transported somewhere, but how? The only methods of movement are by physically accelerating something or folding spacetime to 'travel'.
This type of movement feels a lot like teleportation, which according to all known laws is impossible. While noting wormholes, which could in theory be used to achieve a teleportation-like effect. But there is no known technology that is able to stabilize a wormhole for anything more than small data streams.
As I debate the circumstances of my situation, one of the Itokin before me speaks. Yes, they speak. Their voice is very deep, as one might expect from a very old being that has lived for millions of years.
"Welcome, Kovon Ducker, to the Sanctum. You are officially the 967,456th non-Itokin to pass the trial of the void. You can now call yourself a Voidwalker.
You are now statistically better than 78% of initiates. Congratulations on completing the first of three stages in your trial of convergence.
Now, I'm sure you have a lot of questions. But first allow me to introduce myself. I go by the name Qualtrak, I am the current Sage of initiation of the Order of Convergence. I am the one responsible for managing and overseeing all trials of convergence." Sage Quaktrak seems to be a very important figure. They are also the first Itokin to ever speak to me directly, which must be a great honor. So, naturally I ask the most pressing question.
"Nice to meet you Sage Qualtrak. I do in fact have many questions, can I first start with a basic one? Where exactly am I, what exactly is the Sanctum?"
"The sanctum is this realm. I believe you would best understand if we said it is a separate dimension. It exists in a plane that is similar, yet different than the one that the rest of the universe knows.
The 'hyperspace' as it has been deemed, is another similar realm. However, all but us few consider it to still be a part of the normal universe. But under the Order's understanding, it is something else entirely."
Qualtrak's explanation both leaves me somewhat enlightened but also with many more questions to ask.
"So, I suppose that void thing was the first part of the trial? And I am to undertake some other ones."
"Yes, that is correct. There are three stages to the trial of convergence. First an initiate must find their own way to the sanctum via the pathway of the void.
The next trial, you shall learn about shortly. For now, please follow me, I will lead you to a place where you can rest for a while. The first voidwalk takes a great toll both mentally and physically."
The other Itokin presents make a path and line the sides of the altar room. There is a large door that is standing open. Qualtrak walks through the door and I follow him.
When I leave the monolith, the sight takes my breath away.
It is a city, no, an entire world. As far as the eye can see (which is quite far with my newly enhanced vision), there are buildings made up of the strange white material. Many buildings tower into the sky. The tallest buildings look to be temples of some sort, they are easily 10km tall if not taller.
Itokin, as well as a few non-Itokin, some without cloaks and displaying their markings, some with cloaks that appear to not have the insignia on their foreheads. It seems that this sanctum is not just a place for the Order of convergence, or trials. But for an entire civilization.
As we proceed through the streets, people of all varieties part for us. Young ones, old old ones, and people who look like everyday workers. Some are carrying bags laden with groceries, while some are hauling various materials.
As we pass, they all drop into deep bows or kneels, depending on their apparent status. It seems that Qualtrak, as a sage, is very highly ranked. However, I notice that almost all of the eyes are focused on me. Likely the first human they have ever seen in the flesh, let alone in the sanctum.
Along the road are various shopfronts and doors that likely lead to homes and other such places. It appears to be a fairly normal city, just like you would expect on any planet.
I look up into the sky, what I see amazes me even further. There are shuttles, frigates and even cruisers flying about. As well as various other crafts. I think in the distant sky, I can see the outlines of a few battleships or colossus.
It appears that this sanctum is far more than what it appears. Perhaps it is not just this one space, but a large interconnected space that spans the universe.
There must be billions in this one 'city' alone. This means that the Itokin must have far more resources and influence than a person on the outside world would expect.
After what feels like ten minutes of walking down long and complicated pathways, we arrive at what appears to be a church of some form. It is a large double helix structure that towers over twenty kilometers into the sky. It is a marvel of engineering that could only be constructed with billions of years of engineering experience.
We enter the church and are greeted with a gigantic cathedral type space. There must be space for around fifty thousand to sit and listen. We take a door in the side and enter what appears to be a fairly typical antechamber. Qualtrak speaks once again.
"This suite of rooms has been assigned for your use. Typically an initiate such as yourself would not be allowed such luxurious accommodations. However, given your standing as a contestant and the first human to ever enter this space, you are given special consideration.
If you would please sit, I will be glad to answer many of your questions that are no doubt burning a hole in your mind."
We proceed to sit down on chairs that are floating off the ground. They are extremely comfortable.
"So, I think I roughly understand what this space is. But I think I could use a more detailed explanation."
"Fair enough. This space is known as the Sanctum. It is a space alongside the universe itself as one might say. The 'city' we are currently in is known as a bastion. In each bastion is a voidlith structure, where you entered from.
There are several such voidliths that are scattered throughout the actual universe. Each one comes with its own corresponding bastion. If you ascend into the skies of the bastions, you will be met with the vacuum of space just like in the universe.
By traveling this space, we are able to navigate to other bastions that are distributed throughout the universe. However, by moving in this space, we are able to effectively travel much faster than in the actual universe. By a factor of around a fifty times."
Taking their words at face value, means that there are various points that can be used to access this 'sanctum'. By utilization of the sanctum, you can effectively travel ten thousand times more efficiently. This means that our battleship, the Clak, which has a hyperspace speed of around four million times lightspeed, would be able to move at two hundred million times lightspeed if it were in this space.
As I take this astronomic discovery into consideration, my face makes a look of absolute astonishment. Qualtrack notices this and starts to laugh very loudly.
"From that look on your face I can tell you have done some calculations. What you have likely thought is true. By entering hyperspace within this space, we are able to move fifty faster than normal. This would in fact mean your battleship would be able to move at effectively two hundred million times lightspeed.
In addition, highly skilled shifters are able to move large objects and people into this space via the use of the voidliths. The most skilled shifters are able to move ships up to the size of a battleship. In addition, they have the ability to bring other people through the monolith structures, allowing those without potential to enter and exit."
This is very big news. With abilities that these shifters possess, we could travel between galaxies at insane speeds. For reference, going at four million times lightspeed, it would take around 1.25 years to travel five million lightyears (which is the distance between many galaxies nearby the milkyway). Whereas going at two hundred million times lightspeed, that same trip would be a mere ten days.
Even if these so-called weak spots in the universe are very infrequent, this is a big deal for intergalactic travel. If I assume that the full weight of Itokin's support would extend to the use of void drives, we could move entire military fleets around the universe at unprecedented speed. This would be in insane advantage in the trial of ascension.
"So, how rare are these high skill shifters exactly?"
"While I cannot tell you exact numbers, they are quite rare. However, given your potential, we believe you have the ability to become one of the strongest classes of shifters."
"You mean, I could make use of these void drives to move entire battleships into this space and thus around the universe in record time?"
"With enough training and practice, we are certain you can. Supposing you are able to complete the trial of convergence.
Also, to address another concern you are likely to have. Your crew of a ship you were to bring into this space would be allowed. However, during their entire time in this space, they must be heavily monitored and are not allowed anywhere near a bastion.
However, we would prefer it if you only bring in crew members that have been trained and are already under vows of secrecy. We will be happy to provide you with crew going forth, don't worry, they are of the top quality."
"Your companion, Rayleigh Inan, on account of her relation to you and fellow status as contestant. Will be allowed to enter the bastions, so long as she is accompanied by you at all times and swears a similar vow of absolute secrecy as you will should you complete your trial."
Qualtrak somehow predicted the question I was about to ask next. It is good to know that the crew of any ship I shall bring into this space will be allowed in. I can also choose to take in crew that are accustomed and allowed free movement.
Even better, it seems that Rayleigh will be given special permission to explore the sanctum along with me. I'm sure we won't get into any mischief.
"Ok, that is fantastic news. Now, what about this strange presence or energy that I have been sensing emanating from many of your kind and all around the exterior monolith?"
"Ah, you must be talking about Inae. Inae is, in simple terms, psychic control over reality itself. Accomplished with special implants that are installed in our brains. You have already received one of these implants when you made your offering. You will learn how to activate it shortly. Inane is highly important, it forms the basis of practically all of our technology. From the spacenullification, or massless-tech as it is widely known, to the functions that are used to shift through the void.
For any person that wishes to attain a high level of shifting, controlling and mastering Inae will be vital. There are also several other types of Inae control.
They are split into three categories, which are not mutually exclusive; Shifters (Purple Cloaks), which can use weak spots to move things into sanctums without voidliths, Skier (Black Cloaks), which can use Inae to wield influence over the minds of others, and Gesir (White Cloaks), which are able to manipulate Inae in its more raw form, which allows them channel power into the voidliths and other important technology.
It is clear that you have an affinity for shifting, but the other two types will require you to complete the trial to determine your affinities."
I let this information sink in. Inae, what appears to be a psychic control over reality itself, but is actually just a highly advanced piece of technology that very few are able to control.
"For now, I think that is enough questions. I have shared just about all I am allowed to tell you before you complete your trial of convergence. Please take a day or so to rest and recuperate. If you wish to explore the bastion, please inform the guard that will be posted outside the door. We shall assign someone to escort you around. We shall collect you once we feel you are rested enough to undertake the trial. May the stars be ever aligned in your favor."
With those words, Qualtrak departs.
For now, I do exactly as they suggest. I lay down and sink into a deep sleep. Whatever this trial is will have to wait until tomorrow, I am completely exhausted after one revelation after another.
Whatever this trial is, whatever the future shall bring. I say, bring it on.
End of Chapter 17
A/N: Why hello there, o great and dear reader. It is the author of this ever expanding work once again. This achapter was an interesting one for sure. The introduction of the sanctum and some explanations for the Itokin have been long in the making. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it was really interesting to write.
If you are confused about the Inae and such stuff, don't worry, I will be compiling a Codex chapter for all things strange Itokin tech, and publishing that soon. Which should help to further explain the bizarre tech that kinda seems like magic (which it isn't, it is all perfectly scientifically explained, even if a few laws that aren't known in reality had to be invented.).
As always, if you are enjoying the novel, be sure to favourite/follow/comment/leave a fun joke. See you in the next one, dear reader.
Cathrix