Chapter 59: Power Stones
The day the colossal, mountain-like hourglass emerged from the earth, the world changed forever. As stars rained down in a cosmic spectacle, the earth itself cracked open, creating deep, glowing fissures known as Earth Veins. These veins contained a precious undiscovered resource—Power Stones—a mineral unlike anything humanity had encountered before.
In the past, electricity was primarily generated from natural elements like air and water. However, after the great calamity, the balance of energy shifted drastically. Power Stones quickly became the most valuable resource, capable of generating nearly limitless energy far more efficiently than any previous method. With their discovery, humanity abandoned traditional means of power generation and fully embraced this new, powerful energy source.
Interestingly, while oil and natural gas still exist in this era, their usage has decreased. Some older vehicles and machinery continue to depend on them, but the once-dominant fuel sources now play a minor role compared to Power Stones. The biggest casualty of this transition was traditional electricity production. Although electricity is still used today, the methods for generating it have completely transformed—no longer relying on hydroelectric dams, wind turbines, or fossil fuels, but instead harnessing the immense power stored within these extraordinary stones.
Power Stones are not merely an energy source but the only element capable of powering and sustaining nano-particles, a vital component in advanced technology. Previous efforts to energize nano-tech with conventional power failed, but Power Stones transformed everything. Their discovery accelerated the advancement of new-age technology, enabling extraordinary innovations, including mechanized armor, high-energy weapons, and even airborne vehicles.
However, despite these advancements, remnants of the old world still linger. Many cities continue to be filled with aging concrete buildings, roads, and cars with wheels—symbols of a past civilization struggling to keep pace with rapid evolution. While flying vehicles exist, they are heavily restricted, reserved exclusively for Rangers and high-ranking officials. Civilians have minimal access to Power Stones, much less the advanced technologies they power.
The significance of Power Stones goes beyond personal use; they determine the power hierarchy among cities. The more mines a city controls, the stronger and more influential it becomes. For instance, Elria, a leading city in this era, oversees eleven Power Stone mines, greatly enhancing its technological and economic growth. This control has positioned Elria as the fourth most powerful city in the world, solidifying its role as a technological hub and a major contender in the global power structure.
In this new era, power is no longer solely about political influence or military strength—it now encompasses who controls the mines and, consequently, the future itself.
The trucks rumbled along the oldest roads, passing the towering walls of Elria. Their destination—a Power Stone mine—was where they would drill next and serve as an essential learning ground for the new Rangers. Here, they would witness the significance of these rare stones firsthand and grasp their actual value.
As the convoy moved forward, Tyson gazed out at the ruins of crumbling buildings, remnants of a past civilization now overtaken by time. Meanwhile, Shaun, ever the analyst, tried to estimate the miles they had traveled. His calculations, though confident, were purely based on guesswork—yet he persisted anyway, as if solving an invisible puzzle.
On the other hand, Lara had spent the entire morning looking for a chance to start a conversation with Tyson. She glanced at him, searching for the right moment, but no opportunity arose. He was either too focused or simply uninterested.
Meanwhile, Ken and his subordinate had long stopped caring about the journey’s length. Their only concern was catching up on sleep, dozing off as if the trip were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.