Chapter 242: Forging His Own Path

Chapter 242: Forging His Own Path

Noah checked the room number on his terminal before approaching the door. The building stood far enough from the military training camp that he had not encountered anyone he recognized on the way there. Garran had chosen a private meeting room, and the receptionist had sent Noah upstairs without asking about his relationship to the visitor waiting for him.

He knocked twice. A familiar voice called for him to enter, and Noah found Garran sitting at a table with a pot of tea and a plate of pastries. Garran looked up from his terminal and smiled.

"There you are. I was beginning to think I’d sent you the wrong address," Garran said. He gestured toward the chair opposite him. "Come, sit down. I ordered something to eat as well, though I can’t promise the pastries are any good."

"The address was right. I had to take a longer route around the camp entrance," Noah said as he took his seat. He glanced at the plate. "You could have started without me."

"I ordered them for both of us. Try one while they’re still fresh." Garran filled Noah’s cup. "How have you been? Every time I think of calling, I remember you have classes. I wasn’t sure whether you’d have time for a proper conversation."

"The schedule is crowded, but it’s manageable. I spend most evenings reviewing what the instructors covered that day." Noah picked up a pastry and broke off a piece. "I didn’t expect the next part of our training to involve so much studying."

"You sound disappointed," Garran said, although his expression suggested he was amused. "Were you hoping they’d let you graduate without sitting through another lecture?"

"I wouldn’t complain about fewer lectures. Yesterday’s was useful, though. It explained First Ring advancement in more detail than anything I’ve heard before." Noah reached for his tea. "It also left me with a few questions."

"I suspected as much when you asked whether we could meet privately." Garran rested an elbow on the table. "Go ahead. Tell me what’s troubling you."

Noah took a moment to decide where to begin. "The instructor said a Law becomes part of the planet after the upgrade. I understand that much. But how do I tell whether a Law would actually suit Eldrath? It’s not something I can test and then undo if the result turns out badly."

"You haven’t started comprehending one yet, have you?" Garran asked. "Have you found any Law that interests you?"

"Not yet. That’s what bothers me. We were told to choose carefully, then the class ended before anyone explained where to begin." Noah shook his head. "The practical lesson is tomorrow. I thought you might have some advice."

"Start with that lesson and see what you learn. You’ll understand your options better once you’ve tried comprehending a Law yourself." Garran slid the pastry plate closer. "And don’t worry too much about what other planetary lords are pursuing. Their circumstances are different from yours."

Noah nodded, but another part of the lecture remained on his mind. "What about the blood sacrifices? The instructor made it clear they were mandatory. I’ve been thinking about how much Eldrath would have to prepare before I could fulfill that requirement."

"You’re thinking about starting a war already?" Garran asked. His tone was calm, but he put down his cup. "Have you made any plans?"

"Nothing definite. I don’t know how much will be required, and I haven’t comprehended a Law. Planning an actual campaign now seems premature." Noah met his eyes. "Would you begin preparing anyway, or concentrate on the Law first?"

"You can prepare for both," Garran replied. "Have your people assess what Eldrath can support, and continue your studies here. There’s no need to rush into a war when you still have other requirements to fulfill."

"That makes sense. I can review what Eldrath has available and leave the campaign itself until I know what I’m dealing with."

"That’s a good place to start." Garran reached for the terminal beside him. "Actually, there’s something I brought for you today. Your father would be irritated if I sent you away without giving it to you."

He turned the screen toward Noah. The document displayed a familiar title: World Integration Technique. Noah leaned forward, then looked back at Garran.

"The family technique? You’re giving it to me now?" Noah asked. "I thought I’d have to wait until I was closer to the First Ring."

"You’re already studying advancement, Noah. This is the right time for you to start learning it." Garran opened the document. "It’s one of the techniques passed down within House Aelwyn. Every family member preparing for planetary advancement should have access to it."

Garran initiated the transfer. Noah accepted it on his terminal, and a copy of the document appeared in a folder marked with the family’s private correspondence. He opened the first page, read several lines, and scrolled through the section headings.

"There’s more here than I expected," Noah said. "Did you study this when you were preparing for your own advancement?"

"Of course. I remember spending hours going through the material when I first received it." Garran smiled at the memory. "Some sections took me several attempts to understand. You’ll probably have questions of your own once you start studying."

"I can already see a few things I’m unfamiliar with," Noah admitted. He returned to the introduction. "Does the technique cover the meditation used for Law comprehension, or only the integration afterward?"

"It covers your study of Laws and the preparation needed to incorporate one into your planet," Garran explained. "Go through the material carefully before you start practicing. Some of the later sections will be difficult to understand until you’ve studied the earlier ones."

Noah examined another page. "And if I encounter something I don’t understand?"

"Mark the section and send it to me. We can go through it together when you’re free. Don’t try practicing something when you’re still uncertain about the instructions."

"All right. I’ll begin with the introduction tonight. The instructors might explain some of these terms tomorrow, which should make the rest easier to follow."

"That should help. Just remember that the technique doesn’t take care of your other advancement requirements," Garran said. "You’ll still need the Faith Points and blood sacrifices. Those are things you’ll have to prepare separately."

"I understand. I’m grateful you brought it. At least now I have something to study before the practical lessons begin."

"Your father has always intended for you to make your own decisions, but you’re still entitled to the family’s inheritance. You can ask us for guidance whenever you need it." Garran poured himself more tea. "There’s another matter we should discuss while you’re here. Did your instructor explain what happens to Eldrath after it reaches the First Ring?"

"Yes. We were told there are two choices. We can place our planets inside Empire-controlled territory or accept a random location somewhere in the cosmos." Noah paused. "I haven’t given it much thought yet. I still have to complete the advancement requirements."

"That’s understandable. You’ll have plenty to consider before the upgrade." Garran set down the teapot. "But there’s something the instructor probably didn’t mention. You have another option available through House Aelwyn."

Noah looked at him with interest. "What option?"

"Once Eldrath reaches the First Ring, you can choose to place it within House Aelwyn’s territory," Garran explained. "The family controls its own regions, separate from the territories directly occupied by the Empire. We can arrange for Eldrath to be situated within one of those regions."

"So Eldrath would remain inside the family’s territory itself?" Noah asked. "It wouldn’t be placed somewhere else in the cosmos with the family providing protection from a distance?"

"Of course not. Your planet would be situated directly within our territory, where the family maintains control and provides protection. I’ve already discussed the possibility with the family, and there will be a place for Eldrath if you decide to accept."

Noah set down his cup. He hadn’t expected the offer to be so direct. "You’re certain? I assumed the family territories were reserved for planets already under its administration."

"You’re part of House Aelwyn, Noah. There’s no reason we wouldn’t make room for your planet." Garran raised an eyebrow. "Or are you worried someone will start giving you orders about how to govern Eldrath?"

"That was actually my next question," Noah admitted. "I’ve managed Eldrath independently so far. I’d prefer to continue making those decisions myself."

"And you will. The family will provide protection, but Eldrath remains under your authority. You can continue managing your planet as you’ve been doing." Garran paused. "If you ever have concerns about the arrangement, speak to me directly."

"That makes the offer much easier to consider," Noah said. "Eldrath could continue developing without having to deal with an unknown neighbor immediately after the upgrade."

"Exactly. Your people could focus on their development, and you wouldn’t have to worry about unexpected threats from outside the region." Garran studied Noah over his cup. "But before you decide, tell me something. How far do you hope to take Eldrath?"

Noah considered the question. "I haven’t decided on a final destination. I know I don’t intend to stop at the First Ring, and I’d like to see what exists beyond the regions the Empire controls. Whether Eldrath will be ready for that soon is another matter."

"Then you have quite a journey ahead of you," Garran said. "Our family territories can provide a safe place for Eldrath to grow. The Empire also has its own protected regions. You could spend many years developing in either location, and there’s nothing wrong with that."

"But you think I should leave eventually," Noah said. "Is it because you expect me to accomplish something for House Aelwyn?"

"Nothing of the sort. The family hasn’t asked you to conquer territory or collect resources for us." Garran shook his head. "I’m talking about your own future. You mentioned wanting to explore beyond the Empire. There are places out there where our influence doesn’t reach. If you decide to travel that far, you’ll have to handle whatever you encounter."

Noah leaned back in his chair. "I understand that. But wouldn’t it make sense to strengthen Eldrath first? If the family can provide a safe environment, I could use that time to prepare."

"Of course. You should prepare as much as possible before venturing into unfamiliar regions. I’m not suggesting that you leave immediately after advancing." Garran took another sip of tea. "Just remember that you won’t always have the family nearby. You’ll need to build a civilization capable of handling those challenges on its own."

"That’s what I’ve been trying to do," Noah replied. "Eldrath has made considerable progress, but I know there are civilizations far stronger than mine. We still have plenty of development ahead of us."

"Then continue preparing. You’ll have opportunities to see what exists beyond the Empire when you’re ready." Garran leaned forward slightly. "There are resources and civilizations out there that you won’t encounter within our protected regions. Some might help Eldrath develop considerably. Others could threaten its survival. You’ll have to judge those situations when you face them."

"What would you do in my position?" Noah asked. "Place Eldrath in family territory, choose an Imperial region, or accept a random location in the cosmos?"

"I’d need to know what Eldrath is capable of when it reaches the First Ring," Garran replied. "You’ve still got time before that decision. Continue developing your planet, and see how things progress."

Noah laughed quietly. "You asked me how far I meant to go, and now you won’t tell me which option to choose."

"Because it’s your planet." Garran smiled. "I’ll give you my opinion when you have more information. But you’ll be the one making the decision, and I expect you to think it through."

He continued after a moment. "Listen, Noah. House Aelwyn can help you get started, and we’ll always recognize you as part of the family. But if you’re serious about becoming powerful and traveling far into the cosmos, you’ll eventually have to leave our protection. The Empire’s protection won’t extend everywhere either."

Garran looked directly at him. "There will be times when you have to deal with problems yourself. You may encounter powerful civilizations, unfamiliar dangers, or opportunities that require difficult decisions. You’ll have to learn how to handle those situations through your own abilities. That’s how you’ll forge your own path."

Noah considered Garran’s words. He understood why the older man had offered him a place within the family’s territories while also encouraging him to explore beyond them. The offer would allow Eldrath to develop safely, but Noah would eventually need to assess whether his civilization was prepared for the wider cosmos.

"I’ll keep the offer in mind," Noah said. "Right now, I have a technique to study and a Law I haven’t even begun to comprehend. The location decision can wait until Eldrath is ready."

"That’s fine. Let me know when you’re approaching the upgrade, and we can discuss your options again." Garran glanced at the time on his terminal. "Before you go, make sure you don’t stay awake all night studying that technique. You have class tomorrow."

"I can manage my sleep," Noah replied, though he glanced at the long file still open on his screen. "I’ll read the introduction and continue after the lesson. I’ll send you any questions I have."

"Good. And remember to keep this meeting private. Your instructors and fellow trainees still don’t know about your connection to House Aelwyn."

"I haven’t told anyone at camp, and I don’t plan to change that." Noah stood and gathered his belongings. "Thank you for the technique, Garran. I’ll let you know how the first lesson goes."

"Please do. I’m interested to hear how you’re progressing." Garran accompanied him to the door. "And Noah, you’re welcome to contact me whenever you have time. We don’t need to wait until there’s an important family matter to speak."

"I’ll keep that in mind. Take care, Garran."

When Noah returned to his quarters, he placed his terminal on the desk and reopened the World Integration Technique. The introduction was detailed enough that he read several passages twice, but he resisted moving ahead into the later sections. He marked terms he intended to ask about and set the document beside his notes from First Threshold Fundamentals.

The next day’s class would introduce practical Law comprehension. Noah checked the time, reviewed the first page once more, and then closed the terminal. He had questions for the instructor, a family technique to study, and Garran’s offer to consider once Eldrath was ready for its advancement.