Forever.
"The Ashed Graves" []
The Ashed Graves is the first area of Level 278. It resembles a vast expanse of mountainous region located in a remote part of the area. The terrain of the area is rugged and unforgiving, with steep slopes and winding roads that make the act of travelling through the area challenging. The mountains are characterized by sheer cliffs and rocky outcroppings, creating a rather dangerous landscape. The mist and fog that often shrouds the mountains also blocks one's vision, causing multiple cases of wanderers falling down slopes and cliffs due to their limited vision. The mountains are covered in a thick layer of ash, which blankets the ground and causing the surface to be slippery. During winter, most of the area is often covered in a blanket of snow and ice rather than ash, which adds to the difficulty of one traversing through the terrain. The snow and ice makes the already treacherous slopes and cliffs even more dangerous, requiring caution and skill to navigate safely.
The mountains in the region are made up of volcanic rock, and there are many active and dormant volcanoes throughout the area. The volcanic activity in the area frequently resulting in small eruptions, releasing ash, smoke, and other volcanic materials into the air. These eruptions is known to contribute to the area's already thick and hazy atmosphere. The volcanic activity also contributes to the geothermal activity in the area, with hot springs and geysers dotting the landscape, and the water produced would be scalding hot. In addition to small eruptions, The Ashed Graves is also prone to larger and more destructive volcanic events. These events can cause significant damage to the surrounding environment and pose a serious threat to wanderers that stumble upon.
The air in the area is also thick with ash particles and coal dust, which can be harmful to breathe in for extended periods of time. The high concentration of these particles in the air also makes it difficult to see for long distances. During the winter months, the temperature can drop well below freezing, causing the air extremely freezing and chilly, so it is highly recommended for wanderers to dress warmly and take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia. However, in the summer months, the temperature can rise to moderate levels, but the air quality can still be poor due to the air content. One should also take precautions to protect their respiratory system, such as wearing masks and limiting exposure to the air.
Besides the surrounding air, the area also contains a unique magnetic field. The field is assumed to be created by the geological composition of the mountains, which are likely contains a high concentration of magnetic minerals such as magnetite. The magnetic field is known to be quite strong, causing compass needles to point in unusual directions and affecting other electromagnetic devices. Some individuals have reported feeling disoriented or experiencing hallucinations when in close proximity to the field to the M.E.G. The cause and exact properties of the magnetic field are still not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by the area's volcanic activity. Wanderers are advised to be cautious when navigating with compasses or other electromagnetic devices, as the readings may be unreliable. It is also recommended for wanderers to take precautions to protect sensitive electronic devices from the effects of the magnetic field.
"The Peak of Stars" []
The Peak of Stars is the place one will finally reach by climbing to the peak of the highest mountain in Ashed Graves. Similar to the previous area, the terrain of The Peak of Stars is rugged and rocky, with a series of peaks and ridges that rise sharply into the sky. The slopes of the peak are covered in a layer of loose rocks and scree, while the cliffs are often sharp and jagged, with sharp edges and deep crevices that plunge deep into the earth, and the incline can be steep in places.
Most of the cliffs are often hundreds of meters high. The ridges of the peak are equally challenging for one to investigate, with narrow pathways that wind their way along the peak of the mountain. The ridges are often exposed to high and strong winds, making it difficult to maintain balance while walking along them. The night sky above The Peak of Stars is commonly described as a rich tapestry of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies by many individuals. In addition to the stars, the sky above also contains stunning displays of aurora curtains, or northern lights.
The Peak of Stars is quite a towering mountain range, with its highest peak reaching an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level. The range itself extends for over 50 kilometers (31 miles), and it is often shrouded in clouds and mist due to its elevation. The temperature of the area is highly dependent on altitude and season, with significant temperature changes occurring as the elevation increases or as the seasons change.
At the base of the mountain range, the temperature is typically mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F) during the summer months and 0-5°C (32-41°F) during the winter months. As elevation increases, however, the temperature drops significantly, and at the peak, the temperature can be below freezing even during the summer months. During the winter months, temperatures at the base of the mountain range can drop below freezing, and at higher elevations, they can plummet to -20°C (-4°F) or lower. Heavy snowfall is common during the winter months, and the mountain range is often blanketed in snow and ice. During the summer months, the temperature at the base of the mountain range is typically more comfortable for life, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F). However, as elevation increases, the temperature drops significantly, and it is not uncommon for the temperature at the peak to be below freezing even during the summer months.
The weather at the Peak of Stars is highly variable and can change rapidly, depending on the time of year and altitude. During the summer months, the weather at the base of the mountain range is typically mild, with often rainshowers. As elevation increases, however, the weather can become more unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and the possibility of thunderstorms and hail. During the winter months, the weather at the Peak of Stars is cold and snowy, and blizzards and high winds can also occur during traversing the area.
In addition, due to the area's harsh weather conditions and its high altitude, it is largely devoid of vegetation. The rocky terrain and steep slopes make it difficult for plant life to take hold, and the weather patterns in the region are often too harsh for most species to survive. The lack of vegetation at The Peak of Stars also caused the area's landscape is particularly prone to erosion, with exposed rock faces and unstable slopes.
The Ashed Graves and The Peak of Stars are two different sides of the same coin - representing life and death. According to this theory, The Ashed Graves symbolize the end of a journey, the final resting place of those who have passed on. The rugged and treacherous terrain of the area represents the challenges of life and the journey one must take to reach the end. The volcanic activity and thick ash particles in the air represent the destruction and chaos that life can bring, while the magnetic field represents the mysterious and unknown aspects of death. On the other hand, The Peak of Stars represents the afterlife - a place of peace and tranquility, represented by the serene night sky and the breathtaking views. The harsh terrain and treacherous paths represent the challenges one must overcome to reach the afterlife, while the extreme weather conditions and temperature changes represent the changes that one must undergo in death.
The Ashed Graves and The Peak of Stars are a metaphor for the human psyche. This theory suggests that the two areas represent the two sides of the human mind - the conscious and the subconscious. The Ashed Graves, with its rugged terrain and harsh conditions, represent the conscious mind - the logical, rational, and analytical part of the mind. The volcanic activity and thick ash particles in the air represent the chaos and stress that the conscious mind experiences. The magnetic field represents the electromagnetic energy that the mind generates, influencing one's thoughts and emotions. The Peak of Stars, on the other hand, represents the subconscious mind - the creative, imaginative, and intuitive part of the mind. The serene night sky and the breathtaking views represent the peaceful and expansive nature of the subconscious mind. The extreme weather conditions and temperature changes represent the unpredictable and constantly changing nature of the subconscious mind. Overall, this theory suggests that the two areas represent the duality of the human mind, and the journey through the level represents the process of integrating and balancing these two aspects of the mind. In addition, this theory also suggests that this level has a connection to Level 267.