Chapter 15: The Sahara Bound Phantom
The hangar at the edge of New Seattle housed Carson's most prized technological asset: The Aegis-Wraith. It was a sub-orbital transport designed by Hobs, powered not by fuel, but by a "Saber-Core" that resonated with Carson's own Qi.
"Flight path to the Eye of the Sahara is locked," Aura's voice echoed through the hangar. "Estimated travel time: 42 minutes. Warning: The sector is currently under a Class-5 Sandstorm, likely generated by the Hegemony's terraforming arrays."
Carson boarded the ship, the Star-Shedder strapped to his back. He wasn't alone. Standing in the corner of the cockpit was Hobs, looking unusually sober.
"The Liang Family was a distraction, kid," Hobs said, his golden eyes reflecting the ship's HUD. "The Solaris Hegemony has already moved their 'Excavation Division' to the Richat Structure. They aren't looking for gold. They're looking for the Core of the First Blade."
"My mother's notes said the Core is a sentient energy," Carson said, strapped into the pilot's seat. "If they get it, they can bridge the gap to Level 15."
"Exactly," Hobs nodded. "Level 15 isn't just power. It's the ability to rewrite the laws of a planet. If they reach it, New Seattle won't just be a city they control—it will be a city they dream. They can erase us with a thought."
The Wraith roared to life, but it didn't make a sound. It vanished from the hangar, leaving only a faint scent of ozone behind. As they pierced the stratosphere, Carson looked down at the earth. He could see the lights of the city fading, replaced by the vast, unforgiving darkness of the ocean.
"Master," Carson said after a moment of silence. "Why did you choose me? There were thousands of orphans in New Seattle with 'Martial Roots'."
Hobs looked out at the stars. "Because you were the only one who didn't want revenge at first. You just wanted to protect a girl and a memory. A man who fights only for hate will eventually burn out. But a man who fights to protect a 'Flow'... he can cut the universe in half."
Carson closed his eyes, his 30 strands of Qi beginning to vibrate in harmony with the ship's core. "I still want revenge, Master."
"I know," Hobs smiled thinly. "And that's why we're going to the desert. To make sure your revenge has a big enough stage."