A pod was ejected from the ship flying at great speeds and it passed through another barrier. Ahead was another world, similar to the broken world but more intact and surreal.
The oval pod could not linger in the beauty and descended rapidly, deeper into the atmosphere of that planet. It dropped like a stone tossed into the water, entering the atmosphere of New Alven and approaching its rich surface.
With gentle precision, it landed softly on the ground.
Then there was silence, the pod stood upright atop a rocky cliff with many trees and a large lake to the sides. Slowly there was a hiss, and the pod's doors slid open with a descending ramp platform that bathed in the warm light of the sun.
Immediately, the soft, healthy and plentiful air of the planet seeped into the pod engulfing everyone inside. With its presence, it replaced the artificially contaminated air inside that has become the norm throughout the galaxy.
Wein stood up still partially blind, he was regaining his eyesight back, though everything was still a blur. He could sense Neilson and Eric besides him still hesitant to venture out.
Neilson was the first to step out, holding his cane he emerged into the world unseen by most.
New Alven was a place untouched by the corruption and industrialisation of mankind and technological civilisations. The entire planet was untouched and natural, it was nature at its purest form.
The skies were blue and clean, the land filled with green trees and plants for as far as the eye could see. There was no metallic artificial structure in sight and the air was as pure and refreshing as spring.
The birds that flew in the air did so with freedom, the fish in the sea were safe from pollution and everything followed the circle of life without any deviation just as intended.
New Alven was a paradise of a planet, but its importance did not come from that but from the divine energy that permeated the air, the same energy that made Nielson who was in his last days feel better.
"Come," he called gesturing for Wein to follow.
Eric supported Wein on one side, guiding him out of the pod on the other side was an android carrying a large backpack. Besides the android and the luggage, no trace of modern technology would accompany them from that point.
As soon as Wein set foot on New Alven, he could feel something within, his senses recovered at an alarming rate, his sight getting clearer and his strength rising. He could feel that he had changed.
He opened his eyes, revealing to him a wonderful sight beyond imagination. From all the planets he had been on as a Trooper, none held a candle to the view before him.
Forests stretched endlessly, their emerald canopies shimmering with an ethereal glow emanating through the pure white clouds in the sky. From the high cliff, he could see silver rivers quenching the thirst of the land, stretching out within the furthest regions of the land.
In the distance were towering peaks, their tips hidden by mist and standing like silent guards watching down across the land.
There were no artificial lights, towers, or machines just the untouched beauty of nature, thriving in all its majesty. The very air brought life to various animals that went on their day's work not minding the new people.
The group could spot the many species of birds that sang in the air, some insects that were buzzing within view of them, and small animals running across the land. Some were curious and observing them and some ran away.
Wein instantly felt at home, the unknown energy in the air resonated with him. Just breathing, he felt better, stronger and more powerful, he understood and turned to face Nielson.
"This world," Neilson spoke, his voice with more life. "Is the final inheritance of House Voss."
Wein listened in silence.
"Among the Empire and throughout the whole galaxy, there are certain planets that are as special as this one and we are fortunate to have the authority over of such." Nielson gazed at the endless landscape. "Within the Empire planets such as this are in the possession of Original Noble families. They are essential in increasing the power of the Divine Blood and are there beacons protecting life, a gift to all living things in the universe, given by the goddess."
Neilson walked towards Wein.
"Because House Voss has control over such a planet, we are hated by other houses but that also means we have a certain power over them. My family has protected this planet for eons and I ask you to continue to do so. As you grow further as a noble this will be of great assistance to you"
Neilson looked up at Eric and the android and sighed. He had regained some of his strength, but he was still weak.
"This is where my journey ends," he continued. "I will remain here as my last strength fades and be buried next to my ancestors. I only ask one final time, that you avenge my family's honour."
Wein felt his throat tighten, the severity of those words was too much.
"You are no longer Wein Serin, I now name you Wein al Voss, the new Baron of House Voss with all my possessions and influence."
A gentle breeze swept through the plains, rustling the grass, and sweeping dust up. With one last glance at Wein, Nielson turned and stepped away. He gave Eric a nod and began his descent down the cliff, the android followed him carrying his tightly staked luggage.
Wein and Eric remained atop the cliff, watching the figures of the two as they descended.
New Alven was a planet the members of House Voss had protected for years, it was the wish of all the leaders to be buried there and that was where Neilson was going, to lay with his ancestors.
"What will happen to the android?" asked Wein.
"It will assist the former lord and bury him when the time comes. It is under Astra, she knows the process" replied Eric. "When you return here, you will be able to pick it up."
Wein nodded at that information. He took another deep breath of the air, felt himself getting accustomed. He was now a lord, a Baron, he had a lot to do, and he could not remain on New Alven for much longer.
"Let's return"
With that Wein and Eric returned to the pod that was sitting upright. After it closed, there was silence for a bit and then it slowly lifted, hovering for a moment. Then without question, it was yoked up as if pulled by some invisible force ascending to the sky and atmosphere.
The pod slowed down when it exited the atmosphere floating in space, above was the ship it came on waiting. It flew towards it and entered.
…
The moment the pod docked inside the ship, the doors unsealed with a soft hiss. Wein in a hospital pyjama stepped forward his senses sharper than before. He observed the ship he was on, it was vastly different from the ones he had been on, more advanced.
The ship's systems hummed, and the air carried the sterile scent of metal and clean oxygen, he missed the refreshing air of New Alven.
Wein could feel the faint vibrations below his feet and could hair the softest sounds, he looked around the ship, there was a lot.
"We are set to leave New Alven's orbit my lord."
Astra's voice brought Wein back to the present. He did not have any words to say, the whole thing had happened even before he could understand anything. He exhaled slowly and steadied himself.
His body still ached from the transformation, his muscles were growing even more firmer and stable. He could feel a new power surging within himself, he was no longer Wein Serin. He was Wein al Voss.
He and Eric made their way to the bridge where Belson was waiting.
"I greet you Baron Voss" Belson spoke as he bowed.
Wein was taken aback but he remained composed. He was now the new lord, but he did not know what it truly meant.
As a lord, he had to safeguard his territory. There was no telling how the nobles, Empire and all the factions aligned against House Voss would react when they learned Nielson was gone and had given his title to a commoner.
He had one year to strengthen himself. After the agreement between the Emperor and Neilson, His identity would then be revealed. He had to be ready for when that time came.
To do that he had to fool the galaxy into believing it was business as usual in-House Voss's territory.
"Rise"
He turned his head to the space beyond the window. "Astra, return us Velmora. Starting now, limit all knowledge about my existence and promotion to the best of your abilities."
"As ordered," Astra's voice confirmed the command. "Plotting a course to Velmora."
The ship changed course and flew back.