Chapter 439: Quiet Arrival (1/2)
“What about these… machines from the Ascended facility in the Descent. Any clue what they do?”
“Impressive technology. Their runework truly is a marvel. No wonder they were involved in such large scale operations. We are not sure but it seems you have a tool that allows for magnification of a high degree. Another one made to project an image into thin air and yet another for ambient light.”
“Kind of boring. Sad there wasn’t a coffee machine.”
“Is that sustenance of some kind?”
“Yes. Yes it is. It’s like a mana crystal for humans. A dark brown liquid.”
“The Ascended did not strike us as a being in need of sustenance.”
“Yeah. Maybe some coffee would help that thing chill the fuck out,” Ilea murmured and stored the machines again.
The only thing left of interest seemed to be the Midnight Claw of the Red Church. “Any clue on this?”
“We suspect it is comparable to an elixir of some kind. One capable of shaping a path for classless humans more related to blood and its manipulation. It seems crudely made. Very old. Perhaps the Vampire you have faced and took this from had initially used it to gain such power.”
“He didn’t seem quite in control of it.”
“No. He did not. Had he trained his Mental Resistance as you have, perhaps the result would have been different. As it is, he was overwhelmed by an evolution not initially meant for a human body. Or perhaps a less arcane or blood related form of madness. We may never know.”
“Are you saying the Azarinth could turn me into a mindless zombie too?” Ilea asked.
“It is inherently a change that forces restoration and arcane pathways. If anything at all it will lead your mind to expand. Be wary of warnings associated with the mind however, should a choice like that present itself.”
“Like berserker classes? I generally avoided them because of that exact reason.”
“A wise choice. Great power for a human body but one that holds its own dangers. The part of us you know has now recovered sufficiently to separate once more. Would you like to know more?”
“Thanks. I think we talked more than enough. Thank you for all the advice, information and the training as well,” she said and bowed towards where she thought the Fae to be.
“And we thank you for the time you have spent with us, for the help you have offered without expecting a reward in turn and for protecting us when we were not able to do so ourselves. As slim as the chances may be, a majority of us hopes for your survival.”
“What does the rest hope for? Out of curiosity?” Ilea asked with a smirk.
“A variety of results. Splattered entirely by a Dragon, turned into a gem, fusing with an Ash Elemental, betrayed by a dear friend, surrounded by loving dogs, and a variety of other outcomes, few of which you would comprehend.”
“Speaking of unlimited potential. I could fuse with an Ash Elemental?” she asked.
“We will not elaborate on such endeavors. However a large part of us agrees that a date would be desirable should you ever follow that path. Your mind and essence would become something entirely unrecognizable. If you wish to preserve who you are, we suggest you refrain from such actions.”
“Well… who knows. Maybe I’ll grow tired of being me in ten thousand years. Dating you as an ash elemental might just be the thing I look forward to then. Nice meeting you.”
Greeting, the thought reached her as her eyes finally recognized something in the weird space.
“Hey, you’re back. Are you okay?”
Good
Leave?
Ilea nodded and waved at the unimaginable being she could not comprehend.
The space magic had ceased, her breathing and arms back to normal. Barely been choking anymore. Nice skill to have for sure. It will help with drowning as well. Weird that I never got it from the training with William.
Well
Done
“You mean talking to you and the others? I guess it went well. Learned some interesting things. Was it you to convince them not to share information on locations as well as creatures, higher evolutions, and levels?”
Baseless
Accusation
“It was you. Nice. Well, I don’t disagree entirely. So what are your plans?”
Stay
Then
Explore
“Weren’t you captured for what… centuries? And now you already want to go out again.”
Yes!
Ilea chuckled. “I like the spirit.”
Mark? it asked.
“You’re talking about the mark left by you?”
The Fae nodded.
Modification
Visit!
Ilea laughed. “Sure, if you want to. I’ll try to learn about my soul so I can keep it there. Just be careful when you visit. You know the drill.”
Yes
“Now that I think about it. Can I mark you too? I have a skill that allows me to put a Sentinel Mark on someone. Supposedly it allows for you to signal me. I’m not sure what else it entails.”
Agreeable
Ilea smiled and used the skill on the Fae, watching as a small rune like symbol formed on its hand. It cost nearly two thousand mana to apply. Nothing else seemed to change.
General
Location
“It adds that too? I can’t seem to tell where you are though,” she said.
Home
Protected
“I see. Does it work through other realms though?”
Yes
Home
Special
“I could tell,” she said and smiled.
“Anything else it comes with other than a general location and your ability to signal me?”
If
Close
Health
“That’s good. Well, I’ll test it with another friend soon. Glad you agreed. Do call for me if you find yourself in a bind on one of your adventures. I’m also happy if you want to join me on mine again at some point.”
The Fae nodded.
Joy!
It hugged her face from the side, held close by her hand.
“Trian’s been waiting for me though. I should finally show up again. Thanks for saving my life again, little one. And for the company. Visit me if you get lonely,” she said and stepped to the side.
The Fae let go and floated away.
Survive!
Joy!
Adventure!
They looked at each other and sent the last concept together.