The Formation That Blackridge Couldnt Open

Chapter 158 — The Formation Blackridge Couldn't Open

The northern forest had become unusually quiet. Aether walked at the front of the group, with Nyx beside him. Aria, Lyra, Seris, Vaelira, Sylvara, Elara, and Evelyn followed behind, while Blackfang and Ironhide scouted ahead through the trees. They had returned to investigate the spatial fluctuations discovered during their previous expedition. Vaelira's Spatial Origin Crystal had reacted several times since then, but none of the disturbances had revealed their source. Today, however, the fluctuations were considerably stronger.

"How much farther?" Lyra asked.

"Not far," Aether replied.

"You said that twenty minutes ago."

Aether glanced at her. "Would you prefer that I lie and say we're already there?"

"I'd prefer a useful answer."

Aria laughed. "You two could argue over anything."

"That's because he makes it so easy," Lyra replied.

Vaelira interrupted them. "We're here."

The trees opened into a narrow ravine surrounded by steep stone walls. Ancient markings covered the rocks, and a circular formation occupied the center of the clearing. Unlike the formations they had previously encountered, this one showed obvious signs of recent disturbance. Several stone plates had been removed, deep scratches crossed the outer ring, and fragments of unfamiliar metal lay scattered near the center.

Aether's expression sharpened. "Blackridge."

He recognized the insignia engraved on one of the metal fragments. It matched the markings associated with the organization whose forces he had fought previously. Blackridge had investigated this place.

Aether crouched beside the fragment while Vaelira examined the formation.

"How long ago were they here?" Evelyn asked.

It's difficult to tell, but they didn't leave this place untouched," Aether replied.

Lyra looked around the ravine. "They found an ancient formation and couldn't open it?"

"Let's find out what they managed to accomplish."

Aether picked up a damaged metal cylinder. Its outer casing had cracked, but a thin crystal strip remained inside. When he released a small amount of Origin Energy into it, the crystal flickered and projected a series of diagrams above its surface.

Vaelira immediately approached. "That's a spatial analysis record."

The projection displayed the formation from several angles. Some sections were marked as stable, while others were crossed out. A line of text appeared beneath the diagram.

[Spatial Anchor: Damaged.]

[Destination Coordinates: Incomplete.]

[Stabilization Attempt: Failed.]

Aether studied the information. "They weren't merely trying to activate it. They were attempting to establish a connection to a specific destination."

Vaelira nodded. "The outer rings regulate spatial stability, while the inner structure appears to identify the destination. Without complete coordinates and a stable anchor, the formation cannot establish a reliable connection."

Aether examined the damaged rings. "Can we repair it?"

"I need to understand the missing components first."

Aether opened his private System interface.

[Ancient Spatial Formation Detected.]

[Primary Function: Spatial Pathway Stabilization.]

[Current Condition: Damaged.]

[Destination Coordinates: Incomplete.]

[Missing Components: Three.]

[Available Research: Partial Blackridge Records.]

[Reconstruction Feasibility: Undetermined.]

Three missing components, incomplete coordinates, and a failed stabilization attempt. Blackridge had made progress, but its researchers hadn't solved the problem. Aether stored the crystal strip and approached the formation.

As he studied the markings, he felt a familiar resonance within his body. His Voidmoon Physique had continued integrating even while he traveled, fought, and rested. The progress was slow without dedicated cultivation, but his Infinite Origin Physique had never stopped refining the copied physique's characteristics.

He had already gained a degree of spatial sensitivity from the Voidmoon Physique. Now, faced with an actual spatial formation, that sensitivity became more useful. Aether extended his hand toward one of the damaged rings and focused on the subtle differences in the spatial energy surrounding the stone.

Something became clear. The energy wasn't simply flowing through the formation. Space itself was being compressed and stabilized along specific paths, allowing the formation to connect two distant locations. Aether could perceive those paths more clearly than before.

He adjusted the direction of his Origin Energy, and one of the outer rings illuminated.

HUM!

A thin silver line appeared above the formation before vanishing almost immediately.

Vaelira turned toward him. "You altered the spatial flow."

"Only slightly."

"How?"

"The Voidmoon Physique gives me a natural affinity for spatial energy. The more I integrate it, the better I understand how space responds to Origin Energy."

He didn't explain the full extent of his Infinite Origin Physique. The important part was that his spatial understanding had developed naturally from a physique he already possessed. The ancient formation had simply given him an opportunity to apply that understanding.

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Aether withdrew his hand. "I can influence the spatial flow, but I can't stabilize the entire formation yet. The anchor is damaged, and we still lack the missing components."

Vaelira nodded thoughtfully. "Then your abilities and my research can complement each other. I can help reconstruct the formation's structure while you investigate the spatial principles themselves."

"Exactly."

Aether's System updated.

[Voidmoon Physique Integration: 39% → 39.1%.]

[Passive Integration: Active.]

[Spatial Comprehension: Improving.]

The increase was small, but it required no cultivation session. His Infinite Origin Physique continued integrating the copied physique in the background, while his practical understanding improved through observation and use. If he cultivated specifically to refine the Voidmoon Physique, the integration would accelerate considerably.

Aether closed the interface. Before he could continue examining the formation, Nyx suddenly stopped moving. The silver mark on her forehead began glowing, and the formation emitted another faint pulse. Aether turned toward the far side of the ravine.

Someone was watching them.

A figure wearing a silver mask stood atop a rocky ledge, a pale cloak moving in the cold wind.Aether immediately became alert. "You again." The masked figure descended from the ledge. "I see you've found Blackridge's research." "You knew they were here?" "I knew they had discovered this formation. Their understanding, however, was incomplete." Aether's gaze remained steady. "Then tell me what they missed."

"The formation was constructed to stabilize a spatial pathway. Its original creators understood how to establish a connection, but the destination coordinates were recorded separately. Blackridge recovered part of the mechanism without recovering the information needed to operate it."

Vaelira looked toward the stranger. "Can the missing coordinates be recovered?"

"Possibly. The damaged anchor contains traces of previous synchronization. Reconstructing the destination will require the missing components and a better understanding of the formation."

Aether considered the answer. "Why did you let Blackridge investigate it?"

"I did not create this formation, and I do not control everyone who discovers it."

The answer was reasonable, but Aether didn't mistake it for proof of innocence. The masked figure continued, explaining that other formations of the same kind existed where spatial pathways intersected. Some remained intact, while others had been damaged or forgotten.

Aether's eyes narrowed. "So Blackridge was searching for a network of spatial formations."

"That is what their research suggests."

"Can these formations connect to other worlds?"

The figure paused. "They can establish connections beyond ordinary spatial distance. Whether a particular pathway leads to another region or another world depends on its destination."

That was the clearest answer Aether had received so far. The formation was part of something larger, and Blackridge had been trying to gain access to it.

Aether looked toward the damaged anchor. "Then we'll repair it."

The masked figure regarded him for a moment. "Understanding a formation is different from controlling spatial pathways yourself. But your affinity may allow you to accomplish what Blackridge could not."

Aether understood the implication. His Voidmoon Physique gave him the foundation, while his Infinite Origin Physique was gradually integrating it. The knowledge gained here could accelerate his understanding. Eventually, he might not need ancient formations at all. He could create his own spatial passages, although that level of mastery remained far beyond his current abilities.

For now, the damaged anchor remained their greatest obstacle.

A small movement behind the masked figure caught everyone's attention. A tiny white fox cautiously emerged from behind the pale cloak. Silver-white fur covered its body, faint violet markings traced its sides, and nine fluffy tails swayed behind it.

Lyra blinked. "Nine tails?"

Elara's eyes widened. "I've never seen a beast like that."

The little fox took one look at the assembled group and immediately retreated behind the stranger.

Aether scanned her.

[Target Identified: Nine-Tailed Origin Fox.]

[Current Cultivation: Origin Tempering — Stage 1.]

[Innate Traits: Ninefold Illusion, Spatial Instinct.]

[Potential: ∞.]

[Foreign Restrictions: None Detected.]

Aether looked at the masked figure. "What's her connection to this formation?"

"Her kind possesses an unusual affinity for spatial Origin Energy. She may eventually perceive pathways that ordinary cultivators cannot. But that isn't why I'm bringing her to you."

The fox peeked out again.

"She needs somewhere to grow without being treated as a tool," the figure explained. "I believe you can provide that opportunity."

Aether didn't immediately agree. "If she comes with us, she'll have the freedom to grow at her own pace. I'll help her cultivate and protect her while she's young, but I won't force her to obey me or fight before she's ready."

"That is what I want for her."

Aether crouched several steps away from the fox. "Do you want to come with us?"

She stared at him without moving. Aether took some preserved meat from his storage and placed it on a flat stone. After several hesitant steps, the fox snatched the food and retreated.

Lyra laughed. "Impressive. You've already negotiated a treaty."

"She's accepted the food, not the treaty."

Nyx approached and cautiously sniffed the newcomer. The little fox froze, her nine tails stiffening. Nyx sniffed once more before sitting beside Aether. She didn't seem particularly bothered by the newcomer, although her golden eyes continued following her movements.

Seris smiled softly. "At least Nyx isn't frightening her."

"Give them time," Aether replied.

Aria approached slowly and offered the fox a small piece of food. Kiyomi hesitated before accepting it.

"She's adorable," Aria said.

"She's also a beast with unusual spatial traits," Vaelira reminded her, although she sounded more curious than concerned.

"I can appreciate both."

Aether considered the fox for a moment. "Do you have a name?"

The masked figure shook its head.

Aether thought briefly before speaking. "Kiyomi."

The fox tilted her head.

"If you like it, you can keep it."

She approached his hand, sniffed it, and gently touched it with her nose before looking toward the remaining food.

Aether sighed. "You're going to cost me a fortune in food."

Lyra burst out laughing. "You're already spoiling her."

"I've known her for less than ten minutes."

"And yet, somehow, I doubt that will matter."

The masked figure began preparing to leave. Before the spatial distortion formed, Aether spoke again.

"One more question. Can someone eventually travel between worlds without relying on these formations?"

The figure turned toward him. "Understanding the principles behind a pathway is different from controlling those principles yourself. But if your comprehension of spatial energy becomes sufficient, you may eventually create passages of your own."

Aether's expression remained calm, but he had already begun considering the possibilities. His Voidmoon Physique was only partially integrated. His Infinite Origin Physique continued developing it passively, and dedicated cultivation could accelerate that process. With sufficient understanding, he could turn spatial manipulation into an independent ability.

The masked figure disappeared into the silver distortion. A moment later, the ring collapsed, and the ravine returned to silence.

Aether turned toward Vaelira. "Document every marking. We'll compare the results with the Frostveil formation."

Vaelira nodded. "I'll also examine the Blackridge research. Their records might reveal where the missing components were taken."

"Good. Blackfang and Ironhide can search the surrounding area for anything else they left behind. The rest of us will inspect the damaged anchor."

Everyone immediately began working. Aria and Lyra searched the western side of the clearing, while Sylvara, Elara, and Evelyn examined the scattered equipment. Seris stayed near Kiyomi, giving her food and water without trying to force her closer. Nyx remained nearby, watching the little fox with cautious curiosity.

Aether focused on the formation. The first spatial pathway he had discovered was damaged, but its underlying principles were becoming clearer. Blackridge's research had revealed the purpose of the structure, while his Voidmoon Physique allowed him to perceive aspects of spatial energy that ordinary cultivators might overlook. The System could analyze what he discovered, but it couldn't replace the understanding he needed to develop himself.

That was fine. He wasn't expecting to master spatial manipulation in a single afternoon. He only needed to keep progressing.

Once they recovered the missing components and reconstructed the destination coordinates, they could attempt a controlled activation. If the pathway led to another world, it would become the first step toward something much greater.

Aether glanced toward Kiyomi, who had cautiously settled beside Nyx. His group had gained another companion, Blackridge had left behind a trail of useful evidence, and his own abilities had taken another small step forward.

For the first time, the possibility of creating his own passages between worlds no longer felt like an abstract idea. It was a goal he could work toward, and Aether intended to achieve it.