Before extracting the Firstborn from the planet, they had to prepare a container to receive it. That terrifying monster was difficult to control, and only by keeping it suppressed in a prison at all times could they rest easy. Therefore, Hao Ren and Raven 12345's shadow clone... er, thought-form clone, first teleported into the Dream Plane.
The golden ruined city of Alamanda was at dawn. When Hao Ren arrived at the teleportation plaza, he saw the first brilliant rays of sunlight slanting over the city from the horizon, spreading a radiance across the solemn, ancient ruins. He felt that the Tanans must have visual mechanisms different from those of humans—because whenever the skies over this city were clear and the sun was bright, it was practically blinding enough to hurt Lily's eyes.
But in any case, beginning the project at such a splendid moment seemed like a good omen.
"I plan to set the research station in Tanagrus's orbit." Hao Ren raised a hand and pointed at the sky. "From now on, Tanagrus will have a large satellite too."
The planet had no large natural satellite like the moon, only three tiny rocky satellites orbiting it. Those three satellites were far too small and clearly unsuitable for housing the Firstborn's prison. Hao Ren believed that once the "container" was built, it would become the brightest light source in Tanagrus's night sky.
Raven 12345 lowered her head and looked at her hands. It was easy to see layer upon layer of ripples spreading out from her. She sensed that somewhere deep in the universe... or perhaps in some frequency, there was a hidden force reacting to her visit.
The Goddess Sister curled her lips. "Tsk. It's been weakened this badly and it's still reacting? Damn, it's sensitive."
"What?" Hao Ren had