For the rest of the civilizations, the martial law was lifted and access to the other territory was restored. Cities opened their doors once more as the activity for civilians returned to normal.
Since that was the case, all activity resumed as if almost a year had passed. Now, all the people were preparing for the new year as it was almost time.
Other than the civilizations, the flora and fauna in the wild were receptive to the Ether in the air and even formed a circle that benefited every single being on the planet. Some of them even changed slightly due to the nourishing effect of the Ether.
Especially those who were near the Sacred Tree. They got a large share of Ether so they inevitably changed to suit the environment.
The moment the Elf race and the escorts came to the perimeter around the Sacred Tree, they found that the flora and fauna changed and even stayed at their position, forming their own territory.
“Look at that vine, isn’t it too large and long?” one of the soldiers pointed out at the strange, brown vine.
“This is the time for observation!” Some scientists followed the escort to see the change that the Sacred Tree brought and it paid off.
The Elves felt secure the moment they laid their eyes on the Sacred Tree. All the anxiety about staying on the new planet vanished the moment they were with the Sacred Tree.
“Our home is where the Sacred Tree is.” Sybil said while reminiscing about the entire event that had followed before.
“Our escort duty ends here.” One of the interpreters stepped forward and saluted to the Elf King.
“Therefore, be careful of the giant beasts that roam around here. Especially since they get strengthened by the Ether.” He added.
Sybil nodded. The location of the Sacred Tree was quite far from the nearest human territory so he was not worried about a territorial dispute. Thus, he was satisfied.
This not only happened to the Sacred Tree of the Elf King but the other Sacred Trees. A few days were all they needed since they moved quite fast. The latest was just a week of moving to the other end of the Heavensend Continent.
While the Elves moved by using their transcendent energy, most of the humans moved by using armored vehicles. They even made sure to store some fuel before undertaking the escort mission.
“Report! We have successfully escorted the Elves to their Sacred Tree!”
“Good! Now return to base!”
“Roger! Out!”
It took another seven days before everything was settled and the civilizations celebrated the Sixty-Seven Year of the Father God Calendar.
Most of the celebration was filled with festivities but it was different from Basset Space Center located in the Hinon Federation territory.
They had a monumental task to accomplish despite the Star Battle occurring. This had been prepared for eleven months prior so all they had to do was watch and hope that whatever they did became successful.
“Preparation to launch the rocket. Stand by…”
“Checking the calculation needed to bring the payload to the geostationary orbit…”
“Checking the sequence of the multi-stage rocket…”
“All check-ups complete!”
All they had to do was launch this thing to the space beyond the clouds, beyond the stratosphere to the black heaven beyond.
“Launch sequence complete. Countdown begins. 10…”
“9…8…7…6…5…”
All eyes were on the rocket that had began to burn its fuel to ascend to the sky. They also checked their computer for the established trajectory for the rocket to do its task.
“4…3…2…1..0. Launch!”
The area around the rocket was shocked as the engine of the rocket burst with full power. Orange-red color flashed as the thrust from the engine lifted the rocket slowly but surely as it gained acceleration. The rocket then rose into its destined point calculated by the computer and several of the scientists' calculations on paper.
For those at the Basset Space Center, where the launch module was available, it was a moment where they wanted to see if their satellite could change the way the civilizations communicate, perceive things, weather prediction as well as map the entire planet.
That was all they hoped when launching the rocket filled with the satellite as the payload.
The rocket became smaller due to the distance increasing but all of them knew that it was just the beginning.
“The rocket has reached the end of the troposphere and is entering the stratosphere. The first separation is incoming!”
And that was what happened, the biggest engine which drove the rocket, finally separated from the others, slowly decelerating and then fully stopped before descending to the Cerulean Planet pulled by its gravity.
Then the second engine ignited and boosted the ascending rocket beyond the ionosphere toward the exosphere. Those on the ground could only watch as things progressed toward the planned deployment of the communication satellite.
After reaching a certain distance from the Cerulean Planet, the engine of the rocket stopped working as it finally achieved its purpose of getting the payload there in the geostationary orbit.
Then the payload was being deployed, with the case that covered the payload slowly opening, letting the load inside be properly deployed.
Then the satellite finally spread its panel, which could use the light from the violet sun to produce some electricity. Its antennae pointed to the ground as it finally positioned itself in the geostationary orbit.
Then the scientists on the ground tried to use the newest communication device using the signal from the satellite as the medium to receive the others.
“It is done!”
-
The news was full of reports from Basset Space Center that had successfully launched a satellite to the geostationary orbit which caused some people to look for the scientists to discuss things with them, specifically to make aerospace a bit more commercial use.
For the Hinon Federation, the first satellite was used for military purposes and strictly not for commercial or public use.
Those who knew realized the potential for outer space and started to get into the new race that appeared.
“Do you think it will be profitable for your family to follow in the race to outer space?” Tatsumi sighed before he asked something that was heavily related to Ame’s family business.
“It should be.” Ame replied but there was something she withheld.
“Do you feel uncertain about it? To me, it feels like the entire race will be a long one and also the thing that will shape the future. That’s my take.” Tatsumi said his mind.
“Is that so?” Ame somehow smiled slightly, hearing that. She felt that when he said those things, it could be realized.
“All that training has produced some results.” Tatsumi clenched his hand and then unclenched it, trying to feel the change in his body.
“But let’s talk about this with your father. He probably knows more about the topic than we do.” Tatsumi then shifted the topic back to the matter of the space race.
Hearing that, Ame nodded and then went to call her father to come to the training ground. Tatsumi could see that the students looked at him as usual. Those eleven months staying in the Transcendent Academy ought to mean something.
After some time, Ame came with her father. Tatsumi recognized him immediately through the mustache that the man had.
“Hmm, I think I know what you want to say.” Mikazuki Yamaguchi said while looking at Tatsumi.
“Well, someone should spend some of the wealth available to own at least some of the satellites either for weather monitoring, communication or for something else. I just want to tell you not to fear that the change will be bad.” Tatsumi spoke his opinion.
“It is still in the early phase so it is hard to see the potential of what the insider called the space race. I think that the change starts from the moment the first satellite was launched.” Yamaguchi chuckled when he said that.
“Well, you should at least take a share in that. It will not be a loss if you can take advantage of that to create your own communication satellite.” Tatsumi added.
“Do you really want to do that?” he asked which Tatsumi looked at him seriously.
“Yes. This is a long-term project that can span generations. That is why I want to discuss this matter with you. I think that this should put some weight into your decision.” Tatsumi nodded and clarified.
“Since you are in a cooperative relation with me, I think I can picture the thing you wanted to fulfill. How about we order to create the communication satellite as a starter?”
“Good enough. What about you, Ame? Do you also want to do this venture?” Tatsumi asked Ame after confirming the type of cooperation that he could do.
“Of course, I am going too. After all, it is the future of the civilization so riding the waves created by this event will be profitable. Just like what I was taught.” Ame said with excitement.
“Although I am not privy to the details but I heard that the communication satellite will replace the usual method of communication since it becomes more effective.” Yamaguchi said with a hint of mystery.
Tatsumi knew about it and did not comment. After all, it was simply how things were. If you had a better option, you would take it. Being replaced was common when technology advanced.
‘But I am afraid that this event will cause something that is currently unexpected. If we can already send a satellite to orbit around the Cerulean Planet, then the next step should be to send a manned crew to outer space and then probably send them to stay in outer space. After all of that is fulfilled, we will probably try to reach the Red Moon.’ Tatsumi thought while reconstructing things in sequence.
But it was what he had expected things to unfold without other variables interfering.
“Of course! With a better option, why would someone choose the old when the new is many times better?” Ame added.
“But development of things should be steady and not in haste.” Tatsumi advised, since he knew that rushing into things would end up mostly bad for oneself.
“The important matter has been discussed. Now I want to know how far you are progressing.” Yamaguchi said with a curious look on his face.
“Eh? Really, it is just a small matter. Not worth mentioning.” Tatsumi said with a forced laugh. Despite having time, he had only reached the fifth heavenstage in the Nothingness Realm. One reason for that was that he also used the Body Refining Technique X version 1.0. That slowed his progress a bit but his prowess increased so it was good overall for him.
“Father, we are training hard. Other than the circulation technique, we also learned the body refining technique which took us some time to take effect. But now I can confidently say that I am stronger than the transcendent with the same heavenstage.” Ame explained which made Yamaguchi contemplate her words.
“You should try a bit of the body refining technique. It is intended to make your body more fit if not increasing your strength overall. It can be done quickly if you have the resources for it. If not, then you need to slowly strengthen your body through tempering it with the transcendent energy.” Tatsumi added.
“I will consider it. This body of mine is starting to degrade. It is slow but the sign is there. Please teach me.”
Then the three spent their time exchanging insight into the body refining technique. After that was done, it was time to discuss something that was previously neglected.
“Come out. It is time to discuss another important matter.” Yamaguchi said to the shadow guard who followed Ame. Then two figures came into being through the shadow that elongated slightly.
“As we all know, it has been almost a year since the Star Battle started. Now that the Star Battle is over, there is no need for us to be here any longer.” Yamaguchi opened by saying this since it was an important point.
“Right. I left the high school almost a year. I will definitely get repeating grades, no need to ask.” Tatsumi remembered about his school and realized that he would have to repeat. He felt helpless since the matter was beyond his control.
‘But then Ame should be in a similar situation as me.’ Tatsumi thought while he also realized that he thought about those close to him.
He also started to think about the family in the Hinon Federation that he could rarely contact. He wondered how they fared without him, whether they also thought of him.
“According to the information I have, all the education institutions will have to repeat since the Star Battle interrupted the usual plan.” Ame said to calm Tatsumi since she could feel that Tatsumi had started worrying about his education and family.
“Such a good thing happened? I am glad, really.” Tatsumi let out a breath that he did not know he held.
“And since you two have gained a reputation in the Transcendent Academy, I suppose we can have a farewell party for all the people involved. That’s fine, right?” Yamaguchi suggested which both Tatsumi and Ame nodded in agreement.
During his stay in the academy, he had made many friends and even sparred with some of the students from Class F to Class A of his peers. Even Ame followed behind his footsteps and also did a similar thing since it could improve her control over the Ether in her body.
“Yes! We need to inform them as soon as possible!”
And then they planned things before they went to their residence to rest since it was late in the afternoon.
Tatsumi took a bath before he went out for dinner. He went to the academy cafeteria to eat as usual and as expected, it was filled with students and teachers.
“You are here as usual.”
Tatsumi heard the familiar voice and found that Ame was walking to enter the cafeteria.
“I am here for the food. All the training left me empty in the stomach. A little food for my tongue would not hurt.” Tatsumi replied while rubbing his stomach.
Then the two of them joined the queue to get the food. After that, they found an empty table and chair and sat while bringing the food of their choice.
They managed to get some quiet time to eat. But Tatsumi could feel the gazes from familiar presence and could not help but feel that he was being scrutinized. Fortunately, he also knew that they would not make a ruckus about this.
Savoring the thing he chewed, enjoying the smell of the meat as well as its taste after being covered with sauce, that was what he got here. Undoubtedly, it was delicious.
“Uhm, may I sit here?” someone finally decided to get the first move.
“Yes. I believe you have something to say.” Tatsumi at least knew that the people who knew them would not miss this opportunity.
It was the young man who was helped by Tatsumi before. He then sat the opposite of the two since he knew that the two were close.
He also placed his meal on the table.
“I remember you two saying that you would stay as long as the Star Battle was ongoing. Now that it is determined that it has ended, are you going back?”
“Yes.” Ame was the one who said that and the young man was surprised to hear that come from Ame.
“Please remind the others if they ask. We are here only for the purpose of learning some things. We overstay due to the Star Battle. Also, please fix your stance.” Tatsumi added.
He knew that the young man was also aspiring to become a transcendent and he lacked a proper technique. So Tatsumi let him become one who learned from him among the others.
“Ah, yes. Thank you for informing me. I will make sure that they know.” The young man nodded vehemently while trying to get a piece of the vegetables to his mouth.
Then the three resumed their meal, while the others were either finished with theirs or trying to get one.
Then Tatsumi and Ame finished theirs and decided to leave.
“Don’t forget to inform them. You know how many, right?” Tatsumi said as a reminder.
“Yes. I think I know everyone who is training with you two.” The young man remembered clearly who was eager for that and waved his hand since the two stood up and prepared to leave.
After confirming that, Tatsumi and Ame finally left to their residence.
The young man finished his meal before he went to inform everyone about the departure of the two most famous figure in the academy.
“As for the two, they are going to leave the academy. Please inform the others if possible. I will also go to their place to get them to know this.” The young man had contact with the girl his age since he saw her often trying to get a training session with Tatsumi and Ame.
“Alright. But it is a pity that they are going to leave. Thank you for informing me.” The girl understood and sighed.
The fact that the two would leave spread among the cohort of students from Class F to Class A. They felt that they were losing someone who could guide them. In the time when the Star Battle commenced, Tatsumi and Ame both trained with them to increase their understanding of transcendent energy as well as hone their technique.
It benefited both parties so they continued to do that for eleven months.
Just as the news of the two leaving became known to the students, there was information that there would be a farewell party. The source was someone they did not expect: the headmaster.
This caused the students who had received guidance from the two to prepare to attend.