The sun of the unknown planet was just beginning to rise over the horizon, painting the rocky formations in shades of gold and purple. The surface was covered in dark, rough vegetation, with black-barked trees that seemed to absorb light, and glowing lichens moving slowly as if they had a life of their own.
Dorian carefully stepped down from the Epsilon-03. The slightly stronger gravity tensed his muscles, and every step required conscious effort. Beside him, Omega, the AI integrated into his consciousness, floated with a bluish glow, projecting information directly onto his vision:
"Breathable atmosphere. Minimal radiation. Hostile life probability: high. Intelligent life signs: none detected."
The smart helmet of his suit opened at a single thought, sliding smoothly backward and leaving his neck free. His black hair with an orange tint shimmered under the alien sunlight, and his green eyes reflected the curiosity and alertness of a warrior trained since childhood.
He took a deep breath. This first planet outside Astra Helion smelled of danger, but also of freedom.
The sounds of the planet were strange: a low metallic hum mixed with the creaking of vegetation swayed by a heavy, humid wind. Dorian adjusted his battle suit, light and ultra-advanced, designed to amplify every movement without restriction. Beneath it, a thin layer covered his body like a second skin, lightweight yet resilient. Every muscle, every fiber, seemed aware of its own action.
He advanced along a natural path, his boots barely sinking into the black soil. Omega indicated:
"Hostile life signals detected at 300 meters. Unstructured, hunting animals. Direct contact not recommended, but combat potential: optimal."
Dorian gave a slight smile. That was exactly what he had been waiting for.
As he entered a clearing surrounded by razor-sharp rocks, the creatures appeared: bodies covered in mirror-like scales, multiple eyes, claws capable of tearing metal. His combat instincts, honed on Astra Helion, sprang into action.
The first enemy leapt at him. Dorian evaded with a swift spin, feeling how the planet's gravity enhanced the force of his movements. Every punch and kick landed like metal striking metal, even though there were no weapons in this first encounter.
Omega projected trajectories onto his vision:
"Left, impact in 0.7 seconds. Evasion probability: 89%."
Dorian adjusted his stance and struck down the nearest creature. Another emerged from the shadows, and another behind it. Every movement demanded perfect precision. Longer jumps, more complex spins, force concentrated into a single strike: his body seemed capable of the impossible.
The battle lasted several minutes. Every breath measured, every movement calculated. Dorian noticed he could anticipate the attack patterns of the creatures, adapt quickly, and respond with flawless strength. Fatigue began to set in, but the challenge of the planet kept him alert.
Between fights, he observed the terrain: roots moving like tentacles, a violet sky with gray clouds flickering with distant electrical pulses. It was a world beautiful and lethal at the same time. He felt small, yet more alive than ever.
Finally, the last creature fell. Dorian inhaled deeply, his heart racing but his mind clear. Omega intervened:
"Mission accomplished in hostile terrain. Physical status: optimal. Recommendation: scan for resources and potential shelters before proceeding."
Dorian walked to a rocky outcrop and surveyed the horizon. In the distance, another formation resembling a canyon stretched out, which, according to Omega, could contain stronger enemies or valuable resources.
His adventure had only just begun, and he could already feel the pulse of a world that would teach him as much as he was destined to learn.
He sat for a moment, resting the cylindrical sword on his back against the rock. He thought of Astra Helion, his home, and the training that had shaped him. Every planet, every enemy, every future victory would be part of his story.
"This isn't just a journey," he murmured. "It's the beginning of something that will change everything."
The sun slowly descended as he activated the Epsilon-03's advanced scanning systems. Omega floated beside him, projecting maps and analyses of all nearby territory.
"Next exploration zone: northern sector of the canyon. High probability of hostile fauna and rare minerals."
Dorian nodded. He adjusted his suit, his internal sensors, and took a deep breath.
Every step on this planet was a lesson, and he knew he had only scratched the surface of what this world could teach him.
As night fell, the echoes of battle still lingered in the air. Dorian prepared to explore further, aware that true challenges and threats awaited him. But he was ready. Always ready.