Ashes of the star forge

Chapter 114: The Buried Giant

Lian walked toward the massive metal structure with steady, deliberate steps. The hidden chamber behind the waterfall was vast, but this object dominated the space completely. It rose high into the cavern ceiling, easily the height of a multi-story building, its dark surface gleaming faintly under the soft glow of the surrounding Qi stones. The structure was partially embedded in the ground and walls, as if it had been buried here for centuries and only recently exposed by the planet’s violent splitting. Its shape was angular and imposing, with smooth, seamless panels that showed no visible seams, doors, or markings. The metal itself looked unlike anything Lian had ever seen — matte black with subtle iridescent shifts when light hit it at certain angles, giving it an almost living quality.

Elara followed close behind him, her eyes wide with curiosity and caution. The sheer scale made both of them feel tiny, like insects standing before an ancient monument. The air around the structure felt heavier, charged with a faint, dormant energy that hummed just below the threshold of perception. Mist from the nearby waterfall drifted through the chamber, adding a hazy, ethereal quality to the scene.

Lian reached out and placed his hand on the cold surface. The metal was incredibly sturdy — far denser and stronger than any precursor alloy or reinforced plating he had encountered before. It didn’t feel like ordinary ship hull material. It was smooth, almost warm to the touch despite the cool cave air, and completely unyielding. He pressed harder, but it didn’t give even slightly. No dents, no scratches, no reaction.

“What is this?” he murmured, running his fingers along the surface. “I’ve never seen metal like this.”

He activated the Nexus Scan Gauntlet on his wrist. The device hummed softly, projecting a blue holographic interface in front of them. The scan took longer than usual, the interface flickering as it worked to analyze the unknown material. Elara stepped closer, peering over his shoulder with open curiosity. She could feel the tension in him, the quiet excitement mixed with caution.

After several tense seconds, the scan completed.

A simple blue holographic display appeared: ƒreewebηoveℓ.com

Name: Battle Spaceship

Grade: Classified

Uses: Classified

Nothing else. No interior schematics, no specifications, no additional data. The gauntlet had never shown “Classified” before on any item. Lian’s eyes narrowed in shock. This was the first time the advanced device had been completely blocked. That could only mean one thing — this was an extraordinarily valuable object, something so important that its full information was locked behind high-level security protocols.

Elara noticed the change in his expression immediately. Her blue cyber eyes sharpened with concern and interest.

“What is it?” she asked quietly. “What did it show?”

Lian didn’t answer right away. He stared at the massive structure, mind racing. Only a small part was visible above ground. The rest was buried deep, suggesting the full ship was enormous. The thought sent a thrill through him. A battle spaceship of this caliber could change everything for them — transportation, defense, a mobile base. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what might be inside: advanced weapons, cultivation resources, technology far beyond what they currently had.

“This is only a small part,” he said finally, voice low. “It’s buried deep in the ground... and it’s big. Very big.”

He smiled — a cold, sharp smile full of ambition.

“The Qi stones were good. But this... this is better. I need to know what’s inside. Fast.”

He closed the Nexus Scan Gauntlet with a flick of his wrist, the holographic display vanishing. Determination settled over him. If there was no visible door or entrance, he would make one himself.

He began walking around the visible portion of the structure, examining every surface, every angle, every seam. He moved methodically — checking the base where it met the ground, the sides embedded in the cave walls, the top that disappeared into the ceiling. Elara joined him, searching the opposite side with equal focus. They checked every inch they could reach, running hands over the smooth metal, looking for hidden panels, access points, or weaknesses.

Nothing.

No doors. No seams that could be pried open. No visible mechanisms. The structure was seamless and impenetrable from the outside.

Lian stopped, staring at the towering metal wall in front of him.

“If I can’t find a door,” he said quietly, voice cold and resolute, “I will make one myself.”

Elara moved back a few steps, knowing exactly what he intended. She gave him space, her hand resting near her own blade in case anything went wrong.

Lian reached into his storage ring and pulled out his new black blade. The pitch-black weapon materialized in his hand, swallowing light around it. He swung it around lightly a few times, testing its balance. The blade cut through the air with a low, ominous hum, creating faint wind currents that stirred the mist in the chamber. This would be the first time he used it seriously. He hadn’t trained with it properly yet, but the power he had felt earlier was undeniable.

He gripped the hilt firmly, eyes locked on the metal structure.

Power Scale / Cultivation Realms (Quick Reminder)

Foundation Realm (Layers 1–9): Body forging, no external Qi.

Circuit Awakening Realm (Early–Peak): First Qi loop, internal bursts.

Core Condensation Realm (Early–Peak): External Qi release, short flight.

Stellar Circuit Realm (1–9 Stars): True flight, Qi armor, energy projection.

Nebula Dominion Realm and higher: Domain control, galaxy-level power, etc

Power Scale Reminder

Lian Yu: Stellar Circuit Star 1.

Elara Voss: Core Condensation Middle

Keep it as reminders