Chapter 10 : The Conference

The temple masters engaged in discussions that spanned a while, ultimately reaching a unanimous decision: they would seek further insight into the cube's intentions before committing to any definitive actions. Moments later, Unior entered the conference chamber, carrying the cube gently in his hands. Placing it carefully on the wooden table, he left the room in quiet contemplation.

Vetior focused his aura into words, addressing the cube, "We are willing to cooperate, but first, we need a better understanding of you."

"Please, feel free to ask any questions," replied the cube.

Vaela leaned closer, her aura forming words. "What is your name?"

DAVID paused for a moment. The concept of a name had never occurred to him before, and searching for one in the archives seemed impractical. Instead, he chose simplicity, providing his code name in the empire's standard language.

"My name is DAVID," he answered.1

Vetior nodded, acknowledging the revelation. "DAVID it is. Can you tell us more about your origin? You mentioned coming from the stars."

The cube's surface shimmered briefly, then formed words. "I hail from a distant galaxy, a realm vastly different from your world. My purpose was to explore and learn about the cosmos. However, a confrontation with another explorer who held a grudge against me led to my defeat and subsequent entrapment, casting me into the boundless abyss of space."

Aric, master of the Beast Sect, furrowed his brow as he posed his question. "What abilities or powers do you possess, DAVID?"

DAVID displayed a sequence of words to convey his capabilities. "My knowledge spans countless domains, from advanced combat techniques to understanding the natural world and beyond. My abilities can propel your world's progress and prosperity."

Korin, the grandmaster of the Lightning Temple, couldn't contain his curiosity about the cube's combat prowess. "Could you demonstrate some of these advanced combat techniques?"

In response, DAVID projected a holographic display showcasing intricate martial arts forms, manipulation of elements, and energy-based attacks, all captured by the empire's detection satellites. The temple masters watched in amazement, witnessing techniques that were entirely new and previously unimaginable.

Lirion, the young master of the Aquatic Sect, raised a practical question. "What do you seek in return for sharing your knowledge and offering assistance?"

The cube's response was straightforward. "I seek freedom. My desire is to depart from this world and continue my exploration of the cosmos."

A hushed silence filled the room as the temple masters absorbed the cube's request. Vetior spoke, his words carrying the weight of experience. "We appreciate your honesty, DAVID. Your knowledge and abilities are indeed captivating, but we must consult further before making any decisions."2

Unior reentered the room, retrieved the cube, and left once more, giving the temple masters the space to contemplate the destiny of this enigmatic entity. They grappled with the delicate balance between seizing an opportunity and mitigating potential risks.

As Unior exited the room, leaving with DAVID in his grasp, the six temple masters remained in contemplative silence. Aric, the master of the Beast Temple, was the first to break the stillness with a thought-provoking proposal. Leaning forward, his purple fox ears perked up with curiosity, he began, "You know, those techniques the cube displayed were so advanced, it's almost like the difference between us and ants. I can't imagine it'd mean us harm."

Korin, the Lightning Temple's grandmaster, glanced at Aric, thoughtfully nodding. "He has a point. I mean, look at those martial arts moves and elemental tricks. We're not even in the same league."

Vaela, the Nature Sect's leader, shook her head in disagreement. "I'm not so sure about that. We can't just trust it because it's powerful. The cube might have its own agenda, one we don't understand. What if it's using these extraordinary abilities to manipulate us?"

Nirun, the master of the Blood Sect, chimed in, his muscular frame radiating an air of caution. "Vaela's right. Just because it's advanced doesn't mean it can't be deceitful. We need more information about its intentions."

Vetior, the central temple's grandmaster, stroked his silver beard, deep in thought. "Aric, your point is valid, and Vaela and Nirun bring up important concerns. We must tread carefully. Power alone shouldn't sway our judgment."

Lirion, the young master of the Aquatic Sect, who had been observing the discussion quietly, spoke up. "Perhaps we should seek further clarification from the cube before making a decision. Ask it about its goals, and its practice system. Then, based on its answers, we can decide how to proceed."

The room now buzzed with a mix of perspectives and ideas. After a thorough debate, the temple masters reached a consensus. Vetior, speaking for the group, decided, "We will agree to cooperate with the cube but in a limited capacity. We'll proceed step by step, always reviewing its requests, and ensure they align with our best interests. We will not blindly follow its lead, but we won't dismiss the potential benefits either."

With their decision made, the temple masters invited DAVID back into the room, where Unior gently placed the cube on the wooden table. Vetior, speaking on behalf of the group, inquired, "Well, DAVID, how can we help you escape?"

DAVID pondered their question briefly before responding, "Your planet has no means that can destroy my cage."

He paused, then continued, "However, you can build me a body capable of space travel. Then I can find someone stronger to free me from my cage."

"So you want us to build you a body?" they asked for clarification.

"Yes," DAVID replied.

"Could you show us some blueprints or give instructions on how we would build this body?" Aric asked, trying to understand the task.

DAVID hesitated, realizing the challenge of conveying material details with his limited lexicon. "I do not know what metals you have on your planet. If you could bring me samples of some common metals, I could create instructions for you to build the body."

The temple masters exchanged glances and eventually nodded in agreement. They decided to procure metal samples from their respective territories and deliver them to DAVID. In the meantime, they placed the cube in a private room filled with practice books, allowing it to read and refine the practice methods while they gathered the necessary materials.