"Ugh… Those were freaking heavy. I thought you said they'd be lightweight?"
"Well, you spent so much time dilly-dallying so of course, the incantation on the armor would wear out. Hello? Common sense?"
"Give him a break, Lola… He must've been tired from the trip."
"Yes, thank you for that. Your sister's getting antsy, and it hasn't even been five minutes," a man groaned as he walked into the cabin. "Well, I'm so, so sorry. I can't help it if I'm allergic to dumb people," a young girl harrumphed from the couch.
Heaps of armor clanked as they were dropped into a basket piece by piece, a few sighs and grunts escaping the man's lips as he rotated his shoulders to relieve the body aches. His unruly locks draped over his broad shoulders while he unclasped the front buttons of his shirt to breathe.
"Armor used by the Knights of LaCroix are supposed to be lightweight. It's just a guess, but the armor must've sensed that its bearer was not from the Knights, therefore tried to make things difficult for the captain to wear," a young man said as he observed a piece of armor in his gloved hands. He smiled, "Fortunately, Hakeem's strength was not mediocre, and he was able to wear it for six hours straight. This is record-worthy!"
"Well…we did steal it for this mission, you know," a young boy wearing a coat muttered, "But if Bronte is right, then the armor is inlaid with advanced incantations… I would like to study it if that's okay with you all."
Beside the boy was a tall mass of armor, but no body parts were seen beneath. Just a pair of glowing red eyes without a trace of emotion behind its intensity. Hakeem smiled at the boy, "It's all yours, Rubeus. Do try to keep it away from Lola, or she'll send it to kill us in our sleep."
"Hah! What gave me away?" Lola snorted from her spot. "I'm more interested in the captain's findings than your never-ending bickering," the young man looked at Hakeem, "So? How'd it go?"
"I met Erzem's apprentice in person and spoke to her for information," Hakeem said. "Really? Was she just as snotty as expected of every nobleborn?" the young man asked amusingly.
"No, she wasn't. She was polite, but there was a strong presence coming from her body. But it's not 'from' her, per se," Hakeem held his chin thoughtfully, "It's as if she is passively being possessed."
"Huh," the young man said. "Is that something we should be concerned about?" Lola asked disinterestedly, "If I remember, it's the master we're after, not some no-face apprentice."
"You're right. I must've been overthinking it," Hakeem smiled wryly then got serious, "The good news is that the thesis is still with Erzem. The infiltration of the Juris was successfully taken care of by the school. The real Knights should have come to escort him. I didn't risk watching for long and came back. We all know what will happen anyway," Hakeem stated.
"And the [Maiden's Manuscript]?" the young man asked, "The [Maiden of Prayer] manifested some time after the graduation rites. Don't tell me we were imagining that?"
"Oh, that wasn't your imagination. The [Maiden of Prayer] has relinquished ownership of the artifact and gave it to someone else," Hakeem said, causing the rest to turn to him in alert.
"Y-You mean, an Archetype has given up ownership of their own artifact for someone else?! That's unheard of!" Lola said in disbelief. "W-Who was it…?" Rubeus asked curiously.
"Who else but Erzem's apprentice?" Hakeem chuckled, "Guess she's not a 'no-face', after all."
It was silent. All throughout history as the crew knew it, there was no record of an Archetype willingly giving up their authority upon an artifact. And it just had to be the [Maiden's Manuscript] known to contain all sorts of forgotten knowledge…
"Hmph! That doesn't change anything," Lola rolled her eyes. The young man smiled mischievously, "Shall we steal the [Manuscript] from her, then?"
"Let's not divert from the mission. Our main task was to monitor the flow of events and intervene if necessary. But as you might have noticed, Erzem's apprentice was more than capable to deal with the situation," Hakeem said.
"If you say so… But I still think I could've gotten a better scope. I'd like to see this amazing apprentice for myself. She must've been extremely powerful to shut down an entire tower," the young man mused.
"If we get the chance, I'll let you do as you please. She's connected to the Archetypes now," Hakeem stared out into the seas of stars and darkness, "No doubt, we'll run into her again in the future."
Hakeem took a coat from the rack and slung it across his shoulder, taking large strides unto the deck. "Our job at the Nonaphrontistery is done. Lower the sails! We're heading out," Hakeem commanded.
"Yes, captain!"
Hoisted in the skies was an anchor connecting a large ship and a cluster of constellations beneath it. But the anchor would eventually dissipate, and the ship's sails would flutter freely before the ship began its voyage.
The young man stood next to Hakeem while the tall armor manned the steering wheel. "Are you sure there's nothing left to do?" the young man asked.
"If you're still worried about the administration's actions regarding the tower, I'm certain they won't act out of line. As of now, the Nonaphrontistery does not possess any threat," Hakeem stated, "So long as the central tower stands, the Nonaphrontistery won't break out of neutrality."
CK stood pensively as the elevator hummed, continuing to descend at an alarming but harmless speed. She wasn't sure how to feel about returning to the 'danger zone' of the school. She almost died in that place. Should she make a run for it?
On her left was Professor Erzem, looking disinterested in almost everything. On CK's right was a tall dragonborn wearing the luxurious robes of the administration. His blithe smile did little to assure CK that his curved horns won't stab her behind her back.
'I felt safe going with master, but must Administrator Duarte tag along, too?' CK wanted to grimace. She unconsciously turned to the administrator, flinching when she saw him staring at her first with a smile.
"Excuse me," CK smiled wryly and looked away nervously. Administrator Duarte smiled, "You look uneasy, child. Would you like to hug my tail to ease your anxiety? I promise you, my fur is well-maintained and soft."
CK looked at him curiously as his tail whished beneath his robes. Her eyes glimmered with temptation upon seeing the fur rimming the edges of the tail. Her fingers itched to reach out, but she shook her head. No! Keep it together, CK!
"I thought dragons were reptilian," CK said. "Ah, you must've seen my land kin. Terrestrial dragons are known best for developing reptilian features to suit the environment. I, however, am suited for colder climates. Hence, my fur to keep my human body warm," Administrator Duarte explained, "Come, feel it for yourself."
CK's lips pursed in hesitation to see the tail slowly raise up to her. CK averted her gaze elsewhere. The fur looks so fluffy… Must resist!
Administrator Duarte chuckled to see her looking away. It's difficult to avoid cute things. He understands this wholeheartedly. Seeing humans—especially the little ones—always wants to make him smother them. So cute!
"Eek!" CK jolted when the end of the tail ruffled her hair, causing her to shut her eyes in response. However, she opened them again to see the tail brush against her cheek softly, as if trying to ease her.
"There, there. No need to be so anxious, little one," Administrator Duarte said. CK reached a hand out to feel the softness of the fur in her hands. Her lips parted in surprise. It's so… It's so soft!
Before CK knew it, she was brushing the fur with her fingers with a little giggle. Seeing that she was no longer tense, the administrator smiled happily. Professor Erzem, on the other hand, had a look of displeasure.
"CK…must I remind you that it is not just a dragon's tail, but an administrator's tail you're currently fondling?" he asked irritatingly. CK pouted at him, "But…"
"It's alright, Theodore. You might not know this, but CK has made some unpleasant memories about the place we are headed at the moment. She witnessed plenty of fallen soldiers and had an unfortunate clash with a Juris Vindicator all in the same night," Administrator Duarte now used his hand to caress CK's hair, "I'll be more than happy to help her go through such terrible memories."
"Are all administrators as kind as Administrator Duarte?" CK pouted in awe. She looked at the administrator and blinked her eyes childishly, "You're now my favorite administrator."
"Ahaha. I'm glad," Administrator Duarte chuckled. "I'm afraid each administrator has their own respective views on their jobs. Not all of them are as…affectionate as Administrator Duarte," Professor Erzem said carefully.
There was one last task that Professor Erzem had to do, and it was heavily connected to the danger zone. CK was incessantly begging to go with him, so he indulged her. But truthfully? He wouldn't have allowed it. It was only after Administrator Duarte gave his permission to let CK accompany them.
CK was cuddling the tail with a respectful hug until the elevator arrived at the lowest floor. "Let's be over and done with it," Professor Erzem muttered and walked on ahead.
He barely gazed around the panopticon and led the way through the halls. "You told me that the corruptive energy was plenty around this area. Did it spread quickly?" Professor Erzem asked, "CK?"
He had no answer. He frowned and turned around, seeing that CK was waddling behind Administrator Duarte, cuddling the ends of his furry tail as if it were an oversized plush toy.
"Hm? Were you saying something, master?" CK blinked her eyes innocently. Professor Erzem sighed.
"This is what happens when you indulge her," he muttered. "I see nothing wrong with it," the administrator mused.
"Of course not," Professor Erzem sighed and regained composure, "We're going to approach the Space Rupture Anti-Incantation. CK, keep a safe distance away."
"Okay," CK said. They eventually arrived at the same room where CK found the strange obelisk. Just like before, it continued to emit alarming volumes of dark energy that was sucked into the surrounding warp tunnels.
"It seems like the obelisk won't hold out for long," Administrator Duarte said observantly. CK stared at the obelisk warily, "What is that thing supposed to do?"
"The obelisk is a physical manifestation of overlapping incantations meant to channel energies between spatial points," the administrator turned to her with a smile, "Did you know that the Nonaphrontistery is being protected by this same obelisk?"
"No… How?" CK asked curiously, letting go of the tail she was cuddling. "Is it alright to just tell her about this, administrator?" Professor Erzem asked dubiously.
"She has seen plenty, and she's a smart child. Surely, she'll understand," Administrator Duarte said. Erzem simply bowed his head, and CK looked at them confusingly.
"The Nonaphrontistery exists in a singular, separate dimension where we have our own time, our own weather, and our own environment, which is bordered by the eight towers around the islands. The first founders did this to protect the institute from raids and attacks from the enemies. We were caring for fragile and young students, so the protection of the school was a priority," Administrator Duarte explained, "The best way to do so is to remain out of reach by the outside world. So the first founders created a breach in space to create the foundation of the school's own dimension."
CK's eyes widened in surprise. "So…in a sense, we're inside a large, artificial world?" she asked. "Yes. That is a simple way of putting it," Administrator Duarte nodded, "However, in doing so, the breach in space would slowly spread out and 'come loose', causing distortions that could cause the dimension to fall apart or twist against itself. If that happens, everything within it will be affected and turn out into countless unpleasant possibilities."
The administrator gestured a hand to the obelisk. "That is why the Rupture Anti-Incantation was built as countermeasure. It serves as a siphon between spaces, correcting any distortions in the spatial foundations of the school. But…well, even this has its own troubles," the administrator gestured at the corruptive energy gathering around the obelisk, "Such troubles are the ones before us."
"It gets corrupted?" CK guessed. "Not an accurate description, but close," Erzem said as he walked towards the obelisk, creating a single-handed gesture and casting a large magic circle beneath him.
"Pay close attention, CK," Administrator Duarte said, causing CK to glance at him in surprise. So, he actually knows her name?
The circle expanded and produced a wall, sealing Erzem and the room inside it. CK looked at this worryingly but did nothing to approach. Erzem took steady steps, unaffected by the smog of energy slithering close to his feet, attempting to decay the magic circle's foundation.
"The Art of Syntaxis revolves heavily around the energy sustaining everything around us, both microscopic and macroscopic. To control such energy, we 'speak' its languages with the aid of the Archetypes and communicate with the energy to act according to our will. In this sense, we conclude that the environment relies heavily on the 'languages' we speak," Administrator Duarte stated.
"But when the language of the world becomes incomprehensible, that same energy follows a confusing order that is against its natural order. Because neither wordsmith nor the world could correct this error, it corrupts itself to sustain order," he added, "Such remnants become corruptive energy, which then results in what we call 'Syntax pollution'."
Syntax pollution—the phenomenon that skilled wordsmiths fear of encountering. Although Muses allow wordsmiths to channel Syntax energy in many miraculous ways, it all becomes nothing once Syntax pollution settles in. It is just like the Juris' technology, except that it doesn't nullify the power of Muses. It corrupts, twists, and produces a disarray of incantations that the wordsmith does not anticipate.
When communication between wordsmith and Syntax energy becomes a problem, it results in disorderly incantations that destroy its surroundings. Hence, 'Syntax pollution'.
Administrator Duarte placed a calming hand atop CK's head, but his gaze on the obelisk was cold. "The incantations inside the obelisk encounter countless of errors in its attempt to sustain the spatial foundations of the school's dimension. Without a wordsmith to constantly check on its configuration, the obelisk may sometimes produce errors. Once it stacks on errors over time, this corruption happens," he said.
"It is then Theodore's task to cleanse the obelisk every year. Among us all, he is the least prone to contamination brought by the obelisk's pollution," the administrator stated. "Contamination?" CK was confused.
"Yes. Syntax pollution may corrupt anything and everything that has access to Syntax energy. That includes us wordsmiths. We are most sensitive to Syntax energy because of our Muses. The more sensitive we are, the more powerful our incantations. But that also makes us more highly to be corrupted by Syntax pollution. It's a high risk, high reward kind of a situation," Administrator Duarte smiled apologetically.
"Theodore is quite lucky. He has almost mastered Magna Alkemia and had transmuted his body to resist corrosion. He even stopped aging as a side effect, haha!" he laughed lightly, "I'm truly impressed by the things that alchemy could do."
That's what makes him the best person to cleanse the obelisk of impurities. CK returned her gaze to Erzem and watched as he cast several advanced incantations on the obelisk, the chants hardly heard from the distance.
"We were told that casting incantations could be dangerous," CK muttered, "I only realized why."
She felt gentle pats on her head as response from the administrator. "But what about those warp tunnels around the obelisk?" CK asked.
"Those tunnels exist as additional support for the obelisk to do its job. They are like those roots that help terrestrial trees stand upright," Administrator Duarte said, "The spatial points around the school are constantly moving. In order for the obelisk to keep track of the dimension's borders and the outside world, it needed a system to help it contain the network of spatial points."
"So…those tunnels don't exist to flush out the energy?" CK asked. "No, child. Although that becomes a side effect, it was never the intention of the warp tunnels to send out Syntax pollution," Administrator Duarte smiled.
CK's jaw dropped, then she felt her face warm up in embarrassment. She accused the school of keeping a nasty conspiracy during her trial in front of the faculty members. Now that she realized her mistake, she couldn't help but blush.
"I made a mistake," CK muttered embarrassingly. "Haha!" Administrator Duarte ruffled her hair with a chuckle, "I hope this trip has taught you many things and has also cleared any unease you may have felt for the school."
"It did…" CK muttered. The magic circle disappeared, and the corrupted energy disappeared in a flash of alchemic energy. Her eyes widened upon seeing a burst of snow inside the room and the obelisk glimmering as if it were brand-new.
"We need to re-adjust the warp tunnels so that it does not gather the accumulated energy next time," Professor Erzem said as he walked back to them. "Yes. We'll discuss it in the next meeting. But for now, we should return to the surface," Administrator Duarte smiled, "I believe Miss CK has much information to process."
"Oof!"
Erzem simply watched as Administrator Duarte walked back with CK nestled within the twists of his tail awkwardly. Although he said nothing, his gaze was mild but wary. What was the real reason for him to bring CK down there with them?
They rode the central elevator and returned to the surface. Once they exited, the administrator was first to bid his goodbye. CK was on the verge of sleeping but was gently placed back down on the ground, waking her.
"Aw," she pouted disappointedly, causing the administrator to chuckle. "I assume that you'll be leaving first, Theodore?" Administrator Duarte asked the professor.
"Yes. I am expected elsewhere and has been inevitably placed on a tight schedule," Professor Erzem replied with a disgruntled sigh.
"I see. In that case, I wish you safe skies. It's a pity you're loaded with work right after you've recovered," Administrator Duarte said, "Now that matters have been resolved, I have no reason to stay for long."
He smiled as he looked at CK. "I've received reports from Kitmar. Although you've decided to drop out, would you consider taking a position at the Nonaphrontistery?" he asked. CK blinked.
"Such as?" CK asked. "Working under the administration running the school. I'll be honest: I've always been intrigued with your creativity and the life you chose to live here at the Nonaphrontistery," Administrator Duarte said, "Do you want to work as an administrator's assistant?"
CK's lips quirked just as Erzem's brows twitched. "You mean to work for you, precisely," CK said, causing the dragonborn to laugh lightly. "Yes… Yes, you've read the lines well," Administrator Duarte said.
"Hm… No. Tempting, but no," CK answered, causing the dragonborn to smile in amusement. "I respect your decision. I just had to ask out of curiosity," Administrator Duarte said and made a casual wave, "I shall leave now. I bid you both farewell."
"Goodbye, Administrator," CK bid politely while Professor Erzem bowed his head. The administrator stretched his wings and took off into the skies with a powerful flap of his wings. The two individuals could feel the surges of the wind trying to sway them before gradually disappearing.
"It's a good thing you're leaving, CK," Erzem suddenly said as he walked ahead. "Huh?" CK was curious, "Why?"
"Attention from the administrators may seem flattering from the outside, but they never act without motives," Erzem muttered, "Duarte just tried to take you as one of his subordinates. I don't know why, but he wanted to keep you within his grasp and radar. It's a good thing you declined."
CK followed him until they arrived at the stadium of the main island. The group of disguised Knights were standing in formation next to a vehicle that resembled a cross between a ship and a mechanical whale, three pairs of metal wings of varying sizes adorning its base like the paddles of a ship.
It was grand just as it was intimidating. Luckily, the size of the vehicle was not massive, else CK would have been frozen in intimidation. CK noticed as Professor Erzem adjusted his sleeves.
"Wow. You're really leaving so quickly," she said. "Once you adapt a busy lifestyle, situations like this become normal," Professor Erzem replied. He glanced at her, "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"I'll see you off," CK grinned. "Hmph," Professor Erzem said nothing and approached the vehicle. The Knights nodded in acknowledgement when he was close enough.
"You know, I won't be here anymore by the time you return from your business trip," CK said. "I'm aware," Erzem replied.
"That means my apprenticeship already ended. We might not see each other again," CK said. "Correct," Erzem replied again. CK pouted.
"I don't know why, but I feel a little upset. You're leaving so suddenly, and I wasn't able to host a little appreciation party for you," CK said. Erzem glanced at her, "Is that what troubles you?"
"Yes. I've been your apprentice for two years. It doesn't feel right for you to just cut off the apprenticeship like that. It feels…disrespectful," CK pondered over her choice of words, "Or sudden. Or is the right word 'inappropriate'?"
"You're quite sentimental," Erzem commented. "Is that a bad thing?" CK pouted.
"No. Not by itself," the professor said. Noticing that CK was still upset, he shook his head.
"I don't know how to put this in the 'appropriate' words, but there's nothing for you to sulk about. Just because I'm no longer your master doesn't mean you have to cut ties with me," Erzem said, "However, it doesn't guarantee we'll see each other."
"But I'd like to see you again. My proficiency is back to zero, in case you don't know. You're going to have to teach me again!" CK said. "Absolutely not. Two years with you is already enough," Erzem said tiredly.
"Do you want to get rid of me that much?" CK sniffed dramatically, causing the professor to sigh. "Listen, CK," he said, "It's a big world out there. That much, I can testify. I didn't reach my level of proficiency just by being mentored. Sometimes, experience is the key factor to new discoveries."
CK's pout remained. Staring at this, the professor's gaze softened slightly. It's like dealing with a child he had to foster for two years, then having to leave abruptly.
"Huh?" CK was surprised when Professor Erzem patted her head gently. She tried to look at him, only to feel his hand deliberately keep her from looking up at him.
"If I could postpone my schedule, I would have. But being at a position of power comes its consequences if duties are not upheld properly," the professor muttered gently, "You understand this, don't you?"
"Yeah…" CK muttered a reply. "Good," the professor said, "That is why you should do things to your leisure while you still can. You are gifted, CK. Sooner or later and whether you like it or not, you will bear responsibilities the more you pursue the life of a wordsmith. Until then, enjoy what you can. Adulthood is a tasking affair for the living."
"…Is this your final word of wisdom for me?" CK smiled. "No. You have plenty to learn, after all," Erzem replied, "Go out there and be someone else's problem, CK. Once you've got the time, I'll tell you more about the intricacies of the Great Alchemy."
'In short, we'll be seeing each other again,' CK thought with a smile. "I look forward to that, professor," CK said happily.
"…That's good to hear."
Erzem ruffled her head again before removing his palm. Without any words of farewell or formalities, he turned and walked towards the vehicle, letting CK watch from where she stand.
"Safe travels!" CK waved as the professor and the knights all boarded the vehicle. She watched in amazement as it came to life. Rumbles of the interior machines were heard until the vehicle slowly levitated. The metal wings slowly began to flap, and the vehicle continued to fly further until it was a tiny dot in CK's sight.
CK sighed once it completely out of sight. Looks like it's her turn to prepare.
"Tsk, tsk. That old man still doesn't know how to express his sentimentality in a healthy way, huh? You would imagine that after living for so long, he might've learned a thing or two!"
The young woman paused at the sound of the voice. She turned around, finding a familiar woman in a white fairytale dress watching the vehicle disappear into the horizon. CK's brows rose.
"You're…the woman from the Maiden's Tower," CK said. The familiar but strange woman turned to her and smiled, "I'm glad you still remember me. I guess I did make an impression worth remembering."
"It's not very pleasing, though," CK placed a hand on her hip warily, "You're not from the Nonaphrontistery, yet you come and go as you please. You also seem to know some things about my master. Seriously, who are you?"
"I told you, I'm currently acting as a fairy godmother," the gorgeous woman said blithely, "But if you must find something to call me by, you can call me 'Sonnet'. Nice to meet you!"