So there I was, spiraling down to Earth. Or rather, Ashtal as people here call it.
"You got a way out of this one, Nakros?" [Solace]
Nakros gave me a straight look.
"...Sure, let me just use a spell." [Nakros]
He then proceeded to do nothing.
"Anytime would be good." [Solace]
Nakros shrugged.
"You're right. There's just one problem." [Nakros]
"And that is?" [Solace]
"I'm out of mana." [Nakros]
"Oh." [Solace]
That was probably one of the few moments I realized mana consumption was a thing.
"Maybe you can do something?" [Nakros]
"Uh… I don't know if I have a skill for this." [Solace]
"Might as well try." [Nakros]
That was a very reasonable statement.
("|Analyze|.") [Solace]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Name: Solace
Race: Forsaken Spirit
Gender: ???
Age: ???
Level: 62
Health: 2331/7800
Mana: 547/3900
Strength: 1212
Agility: 780
Intelligence: 478
Willpower: 1180
Status: Stable
Skills: |Mystic Tongue Lv. 9| |Analyze Lv. 11| |Appraisal Resistance Lv. 1| |Liquid Bullet Lv. 3| |Ashen Arrow Lv. 6| |Flame Cannon Lv. 3| |Wind Edge Lv. 4| |Cleanse Lv. 1| |Kindle Lv. 1| |Night Vision Lv. 4| |Earthen Shield Lv. 1| |Reinforce Lv. 3| |Paralyze Lv. 1| |Mimic Lv. 5| |Status Concealment Lv. 1| |Item Box Lv. 6| |Sound Interference Lv. 1| |Enchant Flame Lv. 1| |Fire Resistance Lv. 4| |Blazing Fist Lv. 2| |Liquid Barrage Lv. 1| |Convergence Lv. 1| |Shock Resistance Lv. 5| |Wardrobe Lv.1| |Mana Detection Lv. 1| |Mana Breathing Lv.3| |Terra Javelin Lv. 1| |Imbue Alarm Lv. 1| |Cold Resistance Lv. 4| |Mental Fortitude Lv. 9| |Nausea Resistance Lv. 3| |Temperance Lv. 4| |Doppelganger Lv. 1| |Explosion Arts Lv. 1| |Vortex Arts Lv. 1| |Piercing Blow Lv. 1| |Poison Resistance Lv. 9| |Corrosion Resistance Lv. 3| |Enchant Lightning Lv. 1| |Pain Resistance Lv. 5| |Elara Lv. 1| |Revolving Shell Arts Lv. 1|
Unique Skill: N/A
Titles: |Contracted Spirit Of The Unfortunate Summoner| |Unresting Experience Trainer| |Challenger Of The Strong| |Pitiful Disciple| |Liberator| |Guinea Pig|
True Titles: |Promised Seedling|
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Looking at my status, I really wasn't sure of what I could use.
("If I use |Explosion Arts|, maybe I can counteract the momentum?") [Solace]
I thought that was a good idea for a moment, but realized that there was a protective dome around us. It also made me wonder if the dome can protect us from the fall.
("...Nah, that won't work. We'd turn into pancakes from the sheer force.") [Solace]
I thought long and hard about how to get out of this situation. Luckily, I didn't have to when I heard a familiar voice.
"Calm down. You two will be fine." [Vincent]
Master appeared beside us, somehow slowing our descent. His form was no longer that of a wooden puppet's. However, he now had a missing leg and arm.
"Master…" [Solace]
There were many questions I wanted to ask. Why are you in the form of a puppet? Who was that god? Why was Jukhan after you? I just wasn't sure of how to approach it. Especially that this wasn't the best time to ask.
"...You seem to have a lot to say." [Vincent]
He wasn't even looking at me. It was like Master could use telepathy.
"Yeah… I do." [Solace]
Master didn't utter a word. Instead, he helped Nakros and I land safely before speaking.
"Your curiosity is making you lose focus. What have you come here for? Why did you return to the academy?" [Vincent]
It was always at these times that I felt Master would shift my attention to Fina. It was like speaking of anything relating to his personal life was forbidden.
"I came back to tell you I finished the homework you gave me. I visited every mine, and even went to Medwin's estate." [Solace]
"What did you think about them?" [Vincent]
"Terrible. The marriage must be stopped." [Solace]
Vincent closed his eyes and faced upwards. I wasn't sure if he was feeling disappointed or proud.
"Then you know what you must do. From what I've been told, the marriage will be happening in three days." [Vincent]
I raised a brow.
"...How did you find that out?" [Solace]
"Leyhna told me." [Vincent]
"Huh?" [Solace]
Now I was a bit confused. Though now that I think about it, it makes sense since she's best friends with Fina.
"Leyhna assisted me when I told her about Fina's marriage. She will help you." [Vincent]
I froze.
"Wait. You're the one who told Leyhna?!" [Solace]
Just hearing that, I felt that everything was already going wrong.
"Her intelligence may be… lacking. Regardless, her combat prowess will be helpful. Do take her with you." [Vincent]
I let out a long sigh. I would refuse, but Master hasn't been wrong yet.
("This is going to be like babysitting!") [Solace]
"So? Where is she?" [Solace]
"You will know. For now, return to Fina's side." [Vincent]
Those words were ominous as hell. I always hate it when Master pulls out some cryptic nonsense.
"...Yes, Master." [Solace]