Etulas – In search of the Centrox
The Story
How the journey begins
The story begins in Amato Hill, a town steeped in astronomy and folklore, with young Adam Bookman and his best friend, Tank, preparing for a night of stargazing on Mount Amato. The mountain is renowned for its unparalleled views of the cosmos bringing in amateur and professional astronomers from all over the world. Adam, a curious and introspective teenager, grapples with a secret discovery—a small, mysterious stone he found recently that will change his life forever. Despite his excitement about observing Silvia’s comet and NASA’s Sudden Impact mission this very evening, Adam is preoccupied with the stone and awaits his grandfather, Dr. Gerald Bookman (Dr. G), for guidance.
Amato Hill
Where the Advendure begins
Amato Hill is a picturesque town nestled in the mountains, renowned for its rich history and deep connection to astronomy. This enchanting town seamlessly blends old-world charm with its status as a global center for stargazing.
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Amato, a majestic peak rising 12,000 feet above sea level, Amato Hill offers clear skies for nearly 360 days a year, earning its nickname as the “gateway to the heavens.” Its cobblestone streets and timber-built houses adorned with green living roofs create a harmonious blend of nature and architecture.
The town is alive with activity during the day, with quaint shops and cafés lining its streets, yet retains a serene ambiance at night. Winding paths lead visitors through a maze of charming homes and inviting establishments, offering an idyllic setting for leisurely strolls.
Starway Alley – The gateway to the mountain
Starway Alley is a vibrant gathering place where stargazers and visitors come together before embarking on celestial adventures. Nestled at the foot of Mount Amato, this charming alley serves as the gateway to the mountain’s renowned stargazing zones.
Lined with cobblestone streets and timber-built houses, Starway Alley reflects the rich history and heritage of Amato Hill. Soft lantern light adds an air of mystique, drawing residents and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the wonders of the cosmos. The alley’s inviting atmosphere fosters a sense of camaraderie and excitement, setting the stage for unforgettable nights under the stars.
Meanwhile, in Egypt
In a dramatic turn, the story shifts to Egypt, where Dr. G and his trusted partner, Tarek, are fugitives. Framed for stealing relics from the Terces excavation site, they are relentlessly pursued by both local authorities and the Iestri—a shadowy, powerful secret society with far-reaching influence. The Iestri believe Dr. G and Tarek possess an artifact containing a map that leads to the Centrox, a legendary destination at the center of the universe, said to grant unimaginable power to its holder. For centuries, countless seekers have pursued the Centrox in vain.
While in hiding, Dr. G devises a desperate plan to return to Amato Hill and seek out his grandson, Adam, to confirm if the artifact he uncovered is truly the fabled map.
What he discovers in Adam’s possession surpasses anything he has encountered in his decades of archaeological exploration. The artifact is indeed the map discovered by Marcus Bookman, Dr. G’s son—Adam’s father, a man he has never known. At last, the elusive map leading to the Centrox is within reach, setting the stage for a journey that will change the course of their destinies.
In search of the Centrox
Dr. Gerald Bookman (Dr. G) and his grandson, Adam, arrive at Bragg Airfield under the cover of darkness, where an old HS-121 Trident awaits to smuggle them to safety. The plane’s decrepit state raises doubts, but urgency leaves no room for hesitation.
Before they can board, Biancho Shultz and his Iestri agents emerge from the shadows, their demand clear: the artifact. With the pilot, Mohamed, held at gunpoint, the tension is palpable. Dr. G signals Adam to stay calm, his quick thinking the only chance of escape.
In a daring maneuver, Dr. G disarms the attackers, freeing Mohamed and securing their path to the plane. As the aircraft ascends into the night, Adam feels the weight of the artifact’s mystery and the growing realization that their journey has only begun. The Iestri’s pursuit looms large, and the stakes are far greater than he can yet comprehend.
Closer to the edge
While in Cairo, Adam and Dr. G begin piecing together the map’s clues, connecting it to celestial alignments and ancient Egyptian sites. The artifact’s coded markings align with star constellations visible only at certain times of the year. Dr. G realizes the Centrox’s location is tied to an ancient star chart hidden beneath the Great Pyramid.
The chamber’s significance becomes clear: the circles are not merely decorative but part of a mechanism designed to create a vortex—a gateway to the Centrox. The room’s ancient carvings, depicting the seeds of life spreading into the universe, evoke awe and trepidation in the group. For Dr. G, this moment represents the culmination of centuries of archaeological and scientific inquiry, with the potential to unlock the universe’s deepest mysteries.
Dr. G, Adam, and Tarek find themselves in an ancient chamber filled with mysterious engravings. At the center of the massive floor lies an etched circle perfectly aligned with another on the ceiling above. Both circles are connected by a pattern resembling figure eights, which Dr. G identifies as representations of DNA strands. This discovery astonishes the group, as these structures, etched 4,000 years ago, predate humanity’s understanding of DNA by millennia.
A voyage thru the universe
Adam finds himself caught in a vortex of light within the mysterious chamber. The stone walls around him dissolve into a glassy material filled with a blinding violet glow. This sudden change is both physical and surreal, taking Adam on a journey unlike anything he has ever experienced. The glowing light intensifies, and Adam feels as if he is being compressed and hurled through a twisting corridor. The sensation of falling endlessly and helplessly consumes him, leaving him uncertain about his destination or fate.
As Adam continues his freefall, the corridor twists and turns, accelerating his movement. The experience is deeply physical, as he feels immense pressure throughout his body, yet he can breathe and remain conscious. The environment around him defies explanation, behaving as though it operates outside the natural laws he knows. The violet light, dazzling and omnipresent, makes it impossible for Adam to fully comprehend his surroundings.
After what feels like an eternity, Adam’s journey comes to an abrupt halt with a thunderous clap, and he finds himself lying face down on the ground. The sensations of falling and compression vanish, replaced by the organic aroma of soil. As he lifts his head, Adam discovers himself in a serene oasis, a lush and vibrant environment resembling a tropical paradise. The sudden shift from the blinding light to this tranquil setting leaves Adam bewildered. He wonders if he has arrived in heaven or some other extraordinary realm.
Calling out for his grandfather, Dr. G, and their companion Tarek, Adam hears no response, intensifying his sense of isolation. The chapter ends with Adam grappling with the realization that he is completely alone in this new, uncharted world. This moment marks the beginning of a new phase in his journey, as he must navigate this mysterious environment while trying to uncover what has happened to him and how to reunite with his companions
