The Alien Within

Chapter 221: The Esoteric secret of the Nether Zone

Tessa stood at the edge of the luminous threshold separating the Higher Plane from the Lower Realm of Planet Kaelria, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. She had already agreed with Gastro about their meeting point back in the lower realm of power, shortly before their exit. What she hadn't shared, however, was the true purpose behind their rendezvous—or the perilous journey she planned to undertake.

Gastro's role in her plan was clear to her, even if it wasn't to him. She needed him as a smokescreen to curious gazes, a diversion when the time was needed, and an unwitting partner in what would undoubtedly be one of the most dangerous ventures of her life. The fact that he was unaware of the stakes only made him a more reliable accomplice. Tessa had promised him immense benefits, and while she fully intended to deliver on that promise, it would not be without risk.

Her destination: the Nether Zone, a forbidden domain shrouded in mystery and danger. Every universe has its own Nether Zone, a realm of chaotic energies and forbidden truths. The knowledge of its existence was so obscure that even the most ancient time gods had only vague whispers of its significance. Yet Tessa knew—thanks to the diseased-time god Zorath—that the Nether Zone was home to the Universe Tree, a mythical entity whose sap could elevate even a mortal to the status of a higher god.

In each universe, there existed only one Universe Tree, a monumental entity revered for the immense reserves of god energy contained within its sap. This sap, a luminous golden substance, was the purest and most potent form of divine energy known across dimensions. While the energy it held could be measured using various planetary units, the standard across this galaxy was the Kaelrian Joule—a unit so precise and universally accepted that even the most advanced civilizations relied on it to quantify divine power.

The power of the tree sap was tempting, almost irresistible. But the path to obtaining even a single drop of that sap was akin to courting death— like trying to light a match in a petrol station. The Universe Tree did not part with its essence lightly, and those who dared to try often met with destruction. Still, Tessa had a plan—one that relied on a second individual to serve as both shield and tool. Gastro would unwittingly fill that role, at least for now.

Before she could reach him, Tessa needed to leave the Higher Plane, a luminous realm where celestial beings like her father, Solaris, the sun god, and her mother, Lunara, the moon goddess, resided. It was a place of untamed power, where the cosmos bent to their will and the stars sang praises of their divine authority. Yet, this was not where her journey lay.

Her mind raced back to the cryptic guidance of Zorath, the diseased god of time, whose fragmented essence still lingered within her. His final act before succumbing to his decay had been to impart the secrets of navigating dimensions. Through his vast memory information bank—a repository of every timeline he had ever walked—Tessa had gained insights into the fragile threads connecting realities. Zorath's teachings, shared eagerly in his twilight moments, were now a lifeline.

But even with his wisdom, she knew she needed one last piece of the puzzle. Solaris. The sun god, radiant and ever-watchful, had been excited to share as much as needed with his daughter, and she with her A+ acting skills had convinced him to part with the finer details of transitioning between Kaelria's planes. His guidance felt paltry in comparison to Zorath's ocean of knowledge, yet she listened, out of duty rather than necessity. He spoke of energy modules, dimension thresholds, and exit nodes—all concepts she had already mastered. Still, she feigned intrigue, her golden eyes gleaming with an artful mixture of respect and indifference. She didn't need his help, but appearing deferential ensured his interference would remain minimal.

Now, on the threshold of departure, Tessa's focus sharpened. She stood within a radiant chamber of pulsating golden energy, the gateway between planes. Its walls shimmered with runes inscribed in the ancient Kaelrian language, humming with an energy so pure it could incinerate a mortal. Her fingers danced through the air, activating intricate energy nodes that flared in response to her commands. Each movement was precise, fluid, a testament to her innate mastery. She barely registered Solaris watching her from afar, his expression unreadable.

A vortex of swirling light enveloped her, golden threads of energy wrapping around her form like a cocoon. The transition between dimensions should have been turbulent, an ordeal that tested even the most seasoned travelers. For Tessa, it felt effortless. Almost too effortless.

She emerged into the Lower Plane, her feet touching down on soft, dew-drenched grass. The air was dense, earthy, tinged with the scent of Kaelria's mortal realm—a stark contrast to the sterile brilliance of the Higher Plane. Here, the atmosphere hummed with quieter energy, subdued but brimming with life. She glanced around briefly. Rolling hills stretched to the horizon, dotted with modest villages and smaller temples devoted to lesser gods. It was a realm where power waned and ambition thrived—a world unburdened by the overwhelming presence of deities.

But there was no time to admire the view. Her purpose was singular, her resolve unwavering. Gastro.

Tessa moved swiftly, her footsteps a measured rhythm in the quiet corridors of the rendezvous point. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, her senses sharpened by the weight of her mission. She kept her baby bump concealed beneath layers of flowing fabric, her attire designed to blend in with the Kaelrian populace. Yet, even with her disguise, she stood out. It wasn't just her radiant aura or the barely-contained energy that seemed to ripple beneath her skin—it was her sheer presence. She exuded a confidence that drew curious glances from those she passed, though none dared to linger for long.

As she navigated the bustling halls, Tessa took in the advancements of her people with a newfound perspective. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she allowed herself to admire the Kaelrians. Their bases, scattered across the planet, showcased remarkable technological feats—sky bridges suspended by anti-gravity fields, solar towers that harnessed the sun's energy to power entire cities, and transport systems that defied the very laws of physics. The efficiency of their societal structure was evident, a testament to their collective ingenuity.

Still, not all was perfect. Tessa's sharp gaze caught glimpses of corruption festering in the shadows—lower gods who abused their power, exploiting mortals for personal gain. It was a blemish on an otherwise thriving system, one she made a mental note to address when the time was right. But now wasn't that time. She had more pressing concerns.

After weaving through the labyrinthine corridors, she finally arrived at the rendezvous point. The location was unassuming, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Kaelrian bases she had passed. It was tucked away from prying eyes, a secluded chamber with walls carved from shimmering obsidian and illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. The air here felt still, charged with an almost imperceptible hum of energy.

Tessa stood in the center of the chamber, her posture relaxed but her mind in overdrive. She replayed Zorath's cryptic warnings in her head, calculating every possible outcome of this meeting. She couldn't afford any mistakes. The stakes were too high, not just for her but for the fragile balance of the dimensions.

As she waited for Gastro, she rehearsed the role she needed to play. Deception wasn't her strength, but withholding the truth? That she could do. The less Gastro knew about the full extent of her plans, the better. She would give him enough to trust her, to follow her lead, but no more. His survival—and hers—depended on it.

Her fingers traced idle patterns in the air as she thought, glowing faintly with the golden energy that marked her divine heritage. Her expression was calm, but beneath the surface, her emotions churned. She wasn't just a goddess navigating the treacherous Nether Zone. She was a mother protecting her unborn child, a woman grappling with the weight of decisions that could unravel the fabric of existence.

The faint sound of footsteps broke her reverie. Gastro was near. Tessa straightened, her golden eyes narrowing with determination.