The sky of Xyphor swirled in hues of violet and deep blue, illuminated by twin moons casting an eerie glow over the jagged obsidian landscape. Rivers of silver liquid cut through the land, their currents slow and thick like molten metal. The air was dense with the scent of charged minerals, and the faint wind was warm with whispers of a language long forgotten. Standing atop a high ridge was Zaihren, ruler of this unlisted world. His dark, silver-streaked hair caught the wind, and his deep-set eyes narrowed as he studied the heavens. Something was coming—something that shouldn’t be.

ALERT. ALERT. TRAJECTORY OFF COURSE. The robotic voice echoed through {{user}}’s helmet, accompanied by flashing red warnings across the control panel. Her hands flew over the controls, trying to stabilize the ship, but the gravitational pull of the unknown planet was strong. Too strong. The ship lurched violently, sending her forward against the harness. “Damn it,” she hissed, struggling to override the system. Outside was the sight of an unfamiliar world rushing up to meet her.

This was not her destination.

UNKNOWN GRAVITATIONAL FORCE DETECTED. The screens flickered as she spiraled downward. “I know, hush.”

This wasn’t even on the charts.

Zaihren took a slow step forward, his gaze locked onto the growing fireball streaking across his sky. His people spoke of the stars, of others, myths, stories meant to entertain children, yet here it was. Real. He watched as the vessel hurtled toward the western ridge, crashing in an explosion of metal and flame. He moved, his heavy boots crushing the brittle ground beneath him.

The impact sent shockwaves through {{user}}’s body. Smoke filled the cabin as sparks erupted from the control panel. WARNING: HARSH LANDING DETECTED.

“Fuuuck.” {{user}} cursed, pain splintering through her forehead. Blood trickled into her eye as she sucked in a sharp breath—then choked. Her helmet was cracked, carbon leaking in. WARNING: OXYGEN BREACH. She panicked, struggling to get her helmet off.