Chapter 302: For the Lore (2/2)
”Before we go, I do have one thing I want to ask you about.”
”What is that?”
Mike scratched the back of his head. ”Well, the thing is, I didn't exactly arrive here by myself. In fact, I left behind an entire ship load of people when I came to investigate this island.”
”Are they all like you?” Sahel asked with something approaching apprehension.
”What, human? Most of them are, I suppose, but there are a few other races as well.”
”No, I am asking if they share your level of power.”
”Oh. Well, I wouldn't exactly call them weak, but I'm the only Tier 4, if that's what you are worried about.”
The Asani nodded. ”I see...very well, I believe I can accommodate a few more. It is acceptable for you as an important visitor to arrive with an entourage, but I will need to evaluate them before they can set foot on the Asan.”
”Sure. That won't be a problem..”
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”You left us! Again!” Sera yelled as soon as he landed on the deck of the Huntsman.
”Ah...well...in my defense, I was doing something stupidly reckless, so I didn't want any of the rest of you to suffer because of it.. Besides, I had to fly all the way there. Logistically speaking, it was just simpler to go by myself,”
The Oracle fumed, turning a bright shade of red. ”That is no-”
With a thump, Sahel landed beside Mike, causing Sera's mouth to snap shut with his sudden appearance. The Asani man scanned the people on deck with a critical eye. Unintentionally, his fierce gaze seemed to be intimidating the crowd of sailors into silence.
”Are these the companions you spoke of?” He asked Mike once he'd finished his examination.
”Well, some of them.”
”Could you please indicate which you intend to bring with you?”
”I'd like to take these four, and one other.” He replied while pointing at Sera, Tal, Morris, and William, before asking the butler. ”Do you mind grabbing Lily? There's something I want her to be involved in.”
”Of course, sir.”
Sahel took up his examinations again. ”The yellow-haired female should not be a problem, but I am afraid the others lack the fortitude to withstand an Elder's presence. If you still wish to bring them along, I must warn you that they could suffer severe side effects from the experience.”
Mike stared at him for a few seconds before asking, ”...What exactly are your Elders?”
”Hm? I see, I have not explained yet. They are the remaining members of Asan's original host. The ancient progenitors of our race. Because of the vestiges of divine power that still remains within them, they have the tendency to overwhelm weaker mortals with their presence alone.”
”Wait, you are talking about people that were alive during the Second Age?”
”That is correct.”
[That's insane. Although, I suppose the gods have been around longer, technically.]
”I know you are probably busy at the moment, but do you mind explaining what all this is about?” Morris asked in the brief period of silence.
”Ah, right. Everyone, this is Sahel, the...Fifth? Yes, Fifth Spear of the Asani Coreguard. He is going to be escorting me and a few others around the island for the time being. We were just discussing who to bring.”
”So you are planning on bringing us along now? When it's convenient for you?” Sera asked, still obviously angry.
”That was the plan, but it seems there is a complicating factor.”
”Oh?” Came the emotionless reply.
”Well, I was going to meet the Elders of the Asani, but they seem to have a strong effect on those without a certain…fortitude.” He turned back to Sahel. ”What were the side effects, by the way?”
”In most cases, they are limited to nausea, vomiting, incontinence, and an overall sense of dread. However, in rare instances, seeing the Elders may cause the viewer to lose consciousness and even stop breathing, possibly resulting in death if treatment is not provided.”
[What is this, a drug commercial?]
Translating for the others, Mike explained, ”Apparently, pretty much everyone beside Tal is going to have a hard time of it, if they go.”
”...Are you kidding me?” She asked, a slightly dangerous note in her voice.
”That one would also be fine.” Sahel added unhelpfully, indicating Lily, who had just emerged on deck and was now curiously staring at the birdman.
”Did he just say Lily was fine, too?” Sera demanded.
”Uhh, yes?”
”Grr…”
Mike thought she was about to pop a blood vessel in her forehead, so he quickly followed up. ”But not to worry, i have a solution to this issue that will make it possible for everyone to go.”
”Are you sure?” Morris asked, sounding slightly concerned. ”It sounds to me that your new friend doesn't think it's wise for us to accompany you.”
”Yes, of course. Trust me.”
[Alright. I have until they get to the island to come up with a plan. Shouldn't be too hard. I guess I can probably do something with Life Magic…]