Chapter 18: Tython and the First Blade
For the next year, Daimon had settled into his role as a Jedi Master, taking on various tasks, missions, and appointments. He went back to Coruscant and taught Padawans and even Knights about Saber combat, and Force Techniques. And now that he was a Master, he took part in planning some missions and taking part in missions against the Black Hand who were on the verge of collapse.
The face of the most powerful person in the Black Hand had become known after the 2nd most powerful person was captured during a Republic raid. Now there was a hunt for the leader while the rest of the Black Hand scrambled to hiding places or dropped off the grid.
Their influence within the Senate was all but gone, boosting the general public's opinion of the current Supreme Chancellor and the Jedi Order. The Black Hand leader managed to evade for months leading into the next year which Daimon knew was the perfect time to go to Tython especially since his custom-made ship was now completed.
He submitted the design a few months ago to a well-established ship builder who saw the design as unique compared to what he had built in the past. It wasn't meant to be a luxury ship yet inside it had some of the best computers and other technology integrated into it, while on the outside it appeared to be your standard light freighter.
And now a few months later, the ship was completed. The ship was not just for this mission, but was for all the future missions he would take in the future. He just wanted his own ship so that he could have his own privacy and freedom.
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Arriving at the dock, Cortana was already on the ship waiting, so as soon as Daimon got onboard, he wasted no time on heading to Tython.
The trip from Coruscant to Tython was short as Tython wasn't too far from where Coruscant was located. 2 hours later, Daimon's new ship was already breaking through the atmosphere of the planet and landing on the surface of the planet.
Cortana exited the pilot's seat and out of the cockpit to the central room where Daimon was sitting browsing the computer. He was looking at the various investments that Cortana had made into various construction projects, shipbuilding ventures, and colony development, all under the alias Alaric Vaelos.
As he was looking through all the investments, he felt the presence of what he knew to be the 9 Temples that were established across the world during the time of the ancient Je'daii Order. With these 9 Temples he also felt the presence of the 8 Tho Yor or the eight great pyramidal ships which carried the first members of the Je'daii Order to Tython during the First Migration.
These 8 ships and the Temples were another reason for coming to Tython as they contained ancient knowledge of the old Je'daii Order and possibly lost technology. Each temple was also dedicated to 9 different things which meant would greatly increase his own knowledge.
He looked over his shoulder to the right and saw Cortana already preparing to leave the ship, "Are you gonna look at that computer forever Daimon." Cortana said with a playful smirk.
Daimon turned back to the screen for a moment, tapping a few keys before standing. "I was just looking at all the things you've accomplished over the past year. I'm amazed at how insanely efficient you are, though I did design you like that."
Cortana chuckled as she grabbed her pistol, "You realize you're supposed to be a Jedi Master, not a business mogul, right?"
"And who says a Jedi Master can't multitask? Besides, those investments fund missions like this. I'd rather rely on that than drain the Order's resources and risk them getting curious as to what I'm doing." Daimon replied.
Cortana nodded, acknowledging the point, and motioned toward the ship's exit. "Fair enough. Now, let's get moving. The sooner we start, the better. We've got a lot of ground to cover."
Walking down the ramp of the ship, the mystical landscape of Tython was revealed. Hills filled with ancient ruins could be seen and the air was heavy with the presence of the Force. Daimon stepped onto the soil, immediately struck the sheer power of the planet. The Force was different, balanced yet intense at the same time.
Cortana scanned the horizon for a second, spotting the place where they needed to go. "The way to the Forge is this way," Cortana pointed the direction where the Forge was located.
"Yeah, but first we need to find the location of the hilt of the First Blade in order to recreate it using a Kyber crystal at the Forge." Daimon explained.
"The hilt is said to be imbued with the Force itself, a conduit for those worthy of wielding it. It's essential for understanding how the ancient Je'daii harnessed the balance between light and dark." Cortana nodded understanding how important such an artifact could be.
They set off across the terrain guided by the Force to interesting ruins along the way. Utilizing Psychometry, he was able to learn the events associated with each ruins. Some of which provided nothing, while others showed interesting events like some of the battles between the ancient Je'daii Order and the current Jedi Order.
They also encountered some of the War Droids which were created by the Forge long ago. Cortana managed to hack into these droids and permanently bring them under her control. After some time, Cortana had captured dozens of War Droids, creating a small army which she used to help them search other places in the area.
Eventually, within some ruins hidden within a cave, the hilt of the First Blade was found. The hilt was designed for a bladed weapon from ancient times which was not a problem as Daimon could use the Forge to use the hilt, a kyber crystal, and a few other parts to create an actual Lightsaber.
The path to the Forge was filled with War Droids which Cortana easily delt way allowing them easy access to the Forge. Daimon walked up the stairs arriving at
the entrance of the Forge, its towering doors inscribed with ancient runes. Cortana examined the surroundings, her sharp eyes scanning for potential traps or mechanisms.
"Impressive architecture," she remarked, "Even after millennia, the craftsmanship is remarkable."
Daimon nodded, running his hand along the etched patterns on the doors. "The Je'daii understood balance in ways the modern Jedi can only theorize. This place wasn't just a tool, it was a sanctuary, a temple to their philosophy."
With a gentle push from the Force, the massive doors slowly opened, revealing the interior of the Forge. The room was immense, its walls lined with intricate machinery and carvings depicting the First Migration and the creation of the Je'daii Order. At its center stood the Forge itself, a massive, circular device with a platform surrounded by conduits.
As they stepped inside, a voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the chamber. It wasn't a voice they heard with their ears but one they felt through the Force.
"You who seek the wisdom of the First Blade, state your purpose."
Daimon stepped forward, "I am Daimon, a Jedi Master seeking to understand the balance of the Force. I come to recreate the First Blade and learn from the wisdom of the Je'daii."
The room fell silent for a moment before the voice responded. "To wield the First Blade is to embrace balance. The Forge will test your resolve. Do you accept the trial?"
"I accept." Daimon responded.
The conduits around the Forge flared to life, casting the chamber in a radiant light. The platform in the center began to shift, revealing a pedestal where the hilt of the First Blade was to be placed. Daimon carefully approached, placing the ancient hilt onto the pedestal. As soon as he did, the room shifted.
Suddenly, Daimon was no longer in the Forge but standing in a vast, endless expanse of light and shadow. Figures began to materialize around him, silhouettes of Je'daii Masters from ages past. They spoke as one, their voices a harmonious blend of wisdom and warning.
"To achieve balance, you must confront your inner conflicts. The Force is neither light nor dark but a harmony of both. Show us that you understand this truth."
The figures dissolved, replaced by manifestations of Daimon's old fears, the weight of the lives he had taken, and the temptation of power that lurked within him. Each vision felt real, and the pull of despair was strong.
But Daimon stood strong, drawing on his years of training and the presence of the Force that surrounded him. He embraced both his light and dark, acknowledging his flaws without succumbing to them. The Force flowed through him, a current of equilibrium that pushed away the illusions.
When the visions faded, Daimon found himself back in the Forge. The hilt of the First Blade was now glowing, infused with the energy of the Forge. The voice spoke again.
"You have passed the trial. May the First Blade serve as a reminder of balance and wisdom."
Cortana stepped forward, watching as Daimon lifted the hilt from the pedestal. "Well, that was something. You, okay?"
"I'm fine. And I think I understand now, balance isn't something you achieve; it's something you strive for every day."
The Forge began to dim, signaling the end of its activation. With the glowing hilt in hand, Daimon turned to Cortana. "Let's finish what we came here for. Time to create the First Blade anew."
Together, they worked to combine the hilt, a Kyber crystal, and other components in the Forge, following the ancient techniques he received upon touching the Forge. The process was intricate, requiring both precision and an attunement to the Force. The Kyber crystal which Daimon brought had begun to turn into a yellowish gold color.
Finally, as Daimon completed the assembly, the First Blade ignited, neither too bright nor too dark, but a perfect blend of energy. Holding it, Daimon felt a deep connection, not just to the blade but to the very essence of the Force.
"It's done," Daimon said, feeling excited that he completed another step in his goals.
Cortana smirked. "So, what's next? Galactic conquest?"
Daimon laughed softly. "Not yet. This blade... it will be more than a weapon. It will be a symbol of what true Balance can achieve."
Cortana nodded, marking his words down to see how different his future self would be compared to now. With her creation she understood the path that Daimon was going down and the dangers it presented. So, she planned to monitor what he says and does to see how different he will be once he does reach his end goal.