Chapter 2: The Forest
of New Beginnings
30 minutes
later Simul finished lecturing Novis and they returned to Rex and Cogitare, who
were still sitting by the campfire. Rideat soon returned as well and they all
sat together as Cogitare began cooking. "Hey Boss you alright? You seem pretty
out of it." Rex said to Novis who waved his hand in his attempt to muster a
response. Cogitare and Rideat laughed as Rex glanced at Simul, "Boss Lady's
pretty scary huh, well moving past that Boss how can I help? You said you
wanted me to help you protect your mom but how are we going to go about doing
that?" Novis swung to Rex, "That's a great question! Mom are we finished
traveling?" He asked as he turned to Simul. She looked at Novis stunned for a
moment. "Since when do you call me 'Mom', I thought I was Mommy?" Novis
returned her stunned look. "I-I don't know. It just felt like what I've always
called you." Novis looked down at his hands which looked different, although he
couldn't exactly tell why. "We'll circle back to that sweetheart. Yes we are
done traveling. This forest was our destination! Now we'll set up here and it
will be a beautiful home." Simul said smiling. Novis shook his head to break
out of the fog he was entering, "There you have it Rex! Help us build a home
that will keep Mom safe from the elements." Rex smiled. "Haha, you've got the
right lizardman for the job. We'll be able to get this done in a snap!" Simul,
Novis, and Rex headed towards the nearest tree. "Rex are you able to create an
axe?" Simul asked, her eyes trying to avoid looking at Rex directly. "An axe?
Nah my main weapon is a sword though I can use a spear somewhat too." He
responded confused. "No, not for combat, for general use. How else would you
chop down a tree?" Simul asked. Rex shook his head in bewilderment. "I'm not
some big spell nerd, all I know is Ball and Weapon Creation. I can't imagine
what spell would let you conjure a tool like that." Simul looked at Rex with a
terrified look on her face. "What do you mean? You use Weapon Creation. That's
the spell you just summon an axe as the weapon. Then you use it to cut down the
trees." Rex looked at Simul his jaw agape, "Whoa, whoa if that was possible the
lizardmen would be able to take advantage of the swamp so much better. You can
only summon the weapons your good at using, everyone knows that right? At least
I've never summoned a weapon I can't use." Simul stared at Rex blankly. "Rex
what year are you from? This has been common knowledge for at least a century."
Rex remained stunned before speaking. "Well I was born in the year 3536 and I
died 3586 if I remember correctly. What how long has it been a century and a
half? Less? I know it wasn't all that long." Cogitare ran up out of nowhere,
leaving Rideat to cleanup duties alone, "Rex! To think I'd have the chance to
meet someone your age." Rex shrunk as Cogitare excitedly invaded his personal
space. "Hey man, I'm not that old. Am I?" Rex clearly now concerned about how
long he had been dead for. Novis looked at Simul, he himself not sure how old
Rex was. "Rex, you're a little over 500 years old. Its currently the year
4022." Rex, his mouth once again agape, fell to the ground. "500 years…" Rex
quietly said. "Mom, could you tell me about what happened 500 years ago?" Novis
said glancing at Rex. Simul nodded, "I wasn't there myself of course but from
what I know it was a rather rough patch in a relatively peaceful time. Here in
Terra the Lizardmen and Dwarves were at each others necks. With the occasional
skirmish they were on the brink of war but right before it was said war was to
begin the Lizardmen instead sued for peace. No one knows the exact reason why
however..." Simul trailed off before looking at Rex. "Now I do personally find
it hard to believe that he is that old however. I've never been dead but to
have a soul that strong can't be that common. Plus why would the soul of a
Lizardman be here in Impling Forest? This Forest has been territory of demons
for centuries." Cogitare spoke, Novis and Simul closely listening. "Plus if
he's that old he has to have some cool techniques." Rideat said, who just
joined the conversation after cleaning and putting out the campfire. Simul shot
a glance at Rex before turning to face Rideat. "Then how about a sparing match?
It might also help get him out of this funk he seems to be in." Novis' eyes lit
up, "Plus you guys are both revived so you could go all out without worry!" He
was bobbing up and down in excitement at the idea. Rideat nodded and extended
out his hand to Rex. "How about a match to get your mind off things?" Rex took
his hand and stood up, he nodded but could not muster out a response. The two
moved further away from the camp area while Cogitare, Novis, and Simul watched
from the sides. Cogitare casted the spell Field over the two combatants. Their
fight was christened with the setting sun in the background as the once bright
blue sky faded into a smoky orange dusk. Novis was bubbling with excitement as
Simul and Cogitare watched with bated breath. Cogitare raised his hand signally
the final moments before the fight before his hand sliced through the air.
Rideat took the initiative summoning a spear made of dark magic, charging at
Rex, while Rex created a curved sword using water magic, patiently waiting for
Rideat. Rex did not wait long at Rideat closed the distance between them at
incredible speed. He went for an overhead strike but Rex blocked it easily. Rex
then fired off a water ball catching Rideat off guard. He didn't back off
though as he dodged the ball and attacked once more. Rideat fired off a rapid
flurry of blows with Rex expertly dodging or blocked them before suddenly
pushing back. Rex's grip tightened on his weapon, his stance deepening, as he
swung his sword towards Rideat's midsection. Rideat went to block the strike
with his spear but it was clear how heavy that blow was as Rideat dug into the
dirt before flying off. Before landing Rideat bolted his spear towards Rex, the
spear moving even faster than Rideat was when the fight began. Rex motioned to
block the spear but he simply couldn't move fast enough. The spear tore through
his hand ripping the sword from his grasp. Rex showed a toothy smile as he
summoned another sword in his other hand before charging towards Rideat. Rideat
fired off two dark balls as he summoned another spear. Rex made short work of
the balls, slicing through them as if they were the air itself. Rideat flexed
as he prepared to make a stand against the coming assault. His mana seeping off
as a visible aura as he charged towards Rex. Rideat moved faster than the spear
he through causing Rex to immediately stop. He crossed his arms as he blocked.
A flash appeared as the two made contact, blinding the three viewers for a
brief moment. When their sight returned they found that the battle had already
been decided. Rideat was face down on the floor, intact but motionless. Rex
meanwhile, was standing proud despite missing his arms. Rex fell back laughing.
"Haha! To think even after death such a heart racing battle was possible.
Rideat, it is my complete loss! Hahaha, we must do this again!" Cogitare let down
the Field as Simul, Novis, and him made their way to the two combatants. "Rex
how was that your loss? You were totally the only one still standing. Isn't
that a win?" Novis said trying to help him up. Cogitare and Simul grabbed
Rideat and brought him to the camp. "If only it were that easy Boss. Without my
arms I can wield no weapon. If he still stood I would have had no choice but to
surrender. But it's the battles I lose that I take the greatest pride in! Haha,
I believe I have found my rival of the era!" Rex proudly roared. "Now Boss you
said that we've both been revived, what manner of creature managed to take down
a warrior of that caliber. I'd dare say that even I in my heyday would struggle
to claim victory." Rex's said taking a grim tone. "Ah, I'd see where you'd get
that but Rideat wasn't that strong when I met him. Though I don't know for sure
I think it comes from the fact he died. He came back stronger, obliterating the
nonel that killed him. Maybe he's not limited by his body anymore?" Novis
responded tilting his head as he looked at Rideat. "Interesting. Perhaps that
means I too can achieve greater heights!" Rex shouted a smile on his face. The
starry night signaled the end of activity for the night and we headed to camp
to turn in for the night. Novis began to fall into sleep as he excitedly
thought about what awaits him tomorrow. Novis said goodnight as he closed his
eyes. Weightless. Novis opened his eyes, suddenly feeling weightless only to be
greeted with an empty void. Novis looked around in confusion, he didn't
remember focusing his mana so he shouldn't have summoned Interitus. Before he
could call out their name a voice boomed from the darkness. "Finally, I've
connected. Hello child." Novis didn't recognize this voice and yet it felt all
too familiar. "Who, who are you?" Novis said, struggling to speak. "I am hurt,
to think you don't remember me. Though I suppose it is to be expected. Your
consciousness had yet to develop. Hear me Child, I am the God of Disorder
herself, Chaos." Chaos spoke, her voice booming once more. Novis' mind began to
flutter with questions, "How do I get out? Will she hurt me? Is Mom okay?". As
Novis began to panic Chaos' voice boomed once more. "Novis calm yourself."
Novis felt himself stricken as she made the command. "I will not hurt you and time
for those around you is frozen, when you leave you would have just gone to
sleep." Novis breathed a sigh of relief before his face turned serious. "If
you're not here to hurt me or Mom why are you- no why am I here?" "Yes Child it
is time to tell you. As I'm sure you're aware I have given you my blessing. It
was quite unexpected to see you make it this far so allow me to educate you on
your newfound power." Chaos explained. Novis tilted his head before asking "But
why am I receiving this directly from you? I would've assumed that you'd either
leave me without knowing or having some less direct means of telling me."
"That's because my blessing is quite rare, and it can manifest itself in
different ways. The only way for me to properly instruct you is by directly
meeting you. Nonetheless, you have gained three abilities from my blessing.
Quite impressive. First you can now wield Chaos Magic. It can be used the same
as my siblings magic, though its appearance my differ. Second, which you
already know of, you can revive lost souls. Interitus has done a good job
explaining what you need to know their but know that you can push yourself too
far. No mortal should be that close to the dead for long periods of time. Final-"
Chaos began before getting cut off. "Wait how do you know what Interitus taught
me?" Novis asked looking around. "Ah, minor circumstances. They are simply my
Child. Born directly from my mana, their birth occurred after my sealing but
due to that initial connection we remain linked. Now, Don't Interrupt Me Again
Mortal." A shiver ran its way down Novis' spine as he was warned. "Finally, you
can summon one nonel. The strength of the nonel is dependent on the amount of
mana you use but be wary. If you should run out of mana the nonel will run
rampant. Of course you could selectively do that if you so please but be aware
I'll know how their used. Any questions?" Novis sat dumbfounded, attempting to
grapple with the powers he was granted. "I-I don't know. This is all so much."
Chaos exhaled before continuing. "Well Child we shall speak once more so should
those questions arise hold them." Before Novis had a chance to respond he was
returned to the world he knew. Just as Chaos said time had not passed and so
after thinking on what she said for a while Novis headed to bed.
"Novis wake up sweetheart!" Simul
excited shouted, slightly shaking Novis. Novis sat up to find Rideat and
Cogitare surrounding Rex. Novis looked at Simul, a panicked look on his face,
"Mom what's wrong? Is Rex okay?" Simul giggled, disarming Novis slightly,
before grabbing him by the arm and dragging to Rex. Rex was sitting up, both of
his arms returned. "How-how is this possible? Both of your arms were entirely
gone. And you're not technically alive so you shouldn't be healing." Novis
heard Cogitare stumbling over his words trying to find out the secret behind
Rex's sudden healing. "If I could crack this I might be able to create a potion
capable of healing untold amounts of people!" Cogitare ran off and Novis took
his spot. "Rex, what happened? I was worried you!" Novis gave Rex a hug, being
overwhelmed by the sudden flood of emotions. Rex laughed heartfully before
hugging Novis back. "As if I couldn't regrow my arms Boss! Hahaha I feel
absolutely incredible, I don't think that there is anything that could stop me.
Haha!" Simul looked at the two shaking her head as she smiled. Rideat nodded
next to her, "Rex, I look forward to our next bout. I won't go down next time!"
Rideat and Rex laughed together as Novis got up. Novis turned to Simul and
began to speak. "Mom, last night right before I went to sleep something
happened. I don't want to overload you though so prepare yourself." His face
serious as he prepared himself to tell her about Chaos. Simul moved away from
Rideat and Rex to better prepare herself for a serious conversation. They sat
down near a pond and Novis told Simul about his meeting with Chaos. Simul went
through a range of emotions as Novis explained, her face switching from shocked
to horrified, settling with confusion. "So she really will avoid tampering in
your life. I was worried she'd try and turn you towards a dark path but that
thankfully doesn't seem to be the case. Now I'm sure you have questions for me
too. Ask away sweetheart." Simul's face returning to the serious expression she
had when they sat down. "I guess I'm most curious about Chaos Magic. She said
it could be used the same as her siblings magic but how is that? She didn't
actually explain how to use it." Novis asked. Simul nodded before smiling. "Ah,
that's simple enough. I remember when I was worried you'd never be able to use
magic but I'll teach you everything I know! I was a solider so I've got a
couple tricks up my sleeve." Novis nodded attentively as she moved away from
the pond they were sitting at and to a nearby tree. "Now sweetheart there are a
lot of spells, enough to where I can't say I know them all. So I'll start by
teaching you the spells I know to have the greatest amount of use. First is
Weapon Creation." As Simul spoke a axe conjured in her hand. "This spell has a
lot of uses but the most obvious is of course weapon creation. But these
weapons don't have to be used to fight!" She began to chop at the nearby tree
before leaving the axe wedged in the tree. "Now let's have you try. Imagine an
axe in your mind. Then imagine pouring your mana in the axes outline, like
filling a bucket. Then stretch out your hand and prepare yourself! Oh and don't
forget to give it a name. This can massively affect your weapon so make sure
you think about it ok?" Simul asked before patiently watching Novis. Novis
stood up and made his way to the tree. He closed his eyes and imagined a
beautiful axe, with an intricate design running the length of the haft. The axe
itself was small enough to be onehanded but wielding it with both was possible.
The head of the axe was similar to that of a carving hatchet, capable of
delivering devastating blows but also capable of more mundane tasks. Novis then
felt his mana drain as he imagined filling the outline of his new axe. Though
slow the axe filled after 30 seconds and he held out his hand. Before his very
eyes, with Simul gleefully watching him, the axe materialized. First brightly
glowing before dimming and taking solid shape. When the axe appeared both Novis
and Simul scrunched their faces in response to the axes strange appearance. It
was grotesque, and weirdly living. Before Novis had much time to think about it
though a name forced its way through his mouth. "Gran." Novis said before
looking around in surprise. He put his hand on his head as his brow furrowed.
"Who's Gran?" He said aloud. Simul walked to him before putting her hand on his
shoulder. "Amazing sweetheart! You did it first try! When I was a solider this
was one of the first spells we learned. Most of the other people I was with could
barely wrap their heads around the spell so be proud. Though it may look a
little different from what I expected…" Simul trailed off her gaze falling on
the axe. Novis looked at the axe too, "I wasn't expecting it to look like that
either. Its certainly close to what I imagined but more disfigured. Maybe its
because it was made with Chaos Magic? Also its name. I don't even know where it
came from. I was still in shock from the axes appearance then a name just
popped out of my mouth. Mom do you know a 'Gran' cause I don't." Novis asked
before looking at Simul. Simul shook her head, "Cogitare's a big fan of
research maybe he'd know. But before that give that bad boy a test sweetheart.
Give the tree one big swing, it'll tell us whether or not that name is a good
or bad thing at least." Novis nodded before preparing to swing at the tree
Simul lodged her axe in earlier. She removed her axe before backing away giving
Novis plenty of space. Novis tried replicating Rex in his practice match with
Rideat, deepening his stance and tightening his grip on the axe before swinging
with all of his strength. The axe seeming vanished as it appeared on the other
side of the tree. Novis felt no resistance as it supposedly cleaved through the
tree. Simul tilted her head, lightly frowning before getting closer to Novis.
"Well sweetheart its okay. You can always make another axe and try again." She
placed her arm on the tree as she went to rest, only to watch as the tree slid
off the stump, a line now dividing the two halves of the tree. "Whoa, where did
that come from. Novis sweetheart did you?" Simul trailed off before turning to
Novis. Novis had a stunned look on his face as he tried to figure out what just
happened. He looked down at the axe, which was undamaged as far as he could
tell. "It didn't feel like I had hit anything though when I swung." Novis said
looking at Simul. A large smile appeared on her face before she ran up and
hugged him. "Good job sweetheart!" Novis stood there stunned as Simul hugged
him, he dissipated the axe and waited for her to calm down.
Simul
calmed down and let go off Novis before they headed towards Cogitare. "Cogitare
would you happen to know about anyone named Gran?" Simul asked. Cogitare was
ruffling through his bag, probably looking for another book, but froze upon
hearing the name. "Gran? Why are you asking about that what happened? Do we
need to leave? Are our lives in danger?" Cogitare seemed panicked as he began
shoving things back in his bag. "N-no Mom was just asking because I used Weapon
Creation and when I went to name it the name Gran popped out of my mouth."
Novis responded. Cogitare stared at Novis before grabbing him by the shoulders.
"What do you mean it popped out of your mouth? What happened? Did you hear a
voice or feel a presence?" Cogitare, visibly sweating. Novis furiously shook
his head while Simul pulled him off Novis. "You heard him Cogitare, what's got
you so shaken? Your scaring Novis." Simul said her arms folded as she stood in
front of Novis. Cogitare let out a deep sigh before hanging his head. "I'm sorry
its just you came out of nowhere with that, it put me on edge." He said,
seemingly dodging the question. "Why did it put you on edge though? Tell me
Cogitare." Simul responded her brow furrowing as she spoke. Cogitare shivered
before answering, "Fine, fine. Gran is the name of one of the Primordial
Nonels. Simul I'm shocked, and a little worried, that you don't know them. You
know Primis, Gran, and Ardere the right hands of Chaos herself. They're said to
be powerful enough to wipe out the continents by themselves. Do you understand
why I was so concerned when you just started spewing off about them?" Cogitare
said, he turned around and returned to shuffling in his bag. Simul wore a look
of shock on her face, Novis following suite. "Novis where did you get this name
from?" Simul said panicked before turning to Novis. "I-I-I don't know." Novis
stammered. "It forced its way out, I was still kind of in shock from its
appearance, I wasn't thinking of a name yet." He continued waving his hands
frantically as he too began to panic. Simul, realizing her fear was spreading
to Novis, tried to calm Novis down. "Its okay, its fine. I'm sure that this is
no big deal. Maybe its not even the same Gran you know." Simul was wearing a
fake smile as she spoke. "Really? You really think so?" Novis said, clearly
eased. Simul nodded before sending him off. "Go play with Rex and Rideat okay?
I'm just going to talk with Cogitare a little longer." Novis smiled before
running off. Simul turned back to Cogitare, her face solid as stone as she
began to speak. "Cogitare, what do you think could have caused this? Do you
think Novis' life is in danger?" She said, her face crumbling into tears as her
fears began to overtake her mind. Cogitare turned to face Simul before shaking
his head. "I appreciate your faith in my knowledge but I'm afraid I don't know
everything," his voice somber as he spoke "but I believe that Novis will be
fine. Sure we couldn't know what's going on in Chaos' head but would she make a
deal with you only to then actively harm us, especially when she's shown
herself to be neutral at the very least. Our only option is to wait and see, as
long as Novis doesn't change I believe we're going to be fine!" His voice
ending on an uplifting tone before flashing a smile at Simul. She wiped the
tears from her eyes and nodded in response. "You're right Cogitare. The only
option is to trust that Novis will be fine. I'm sure he could overcome anything
challenge that approached him anyway!" She said now puffing her chest out as
she began bragging on behalf of Novis. Cogitare shook his head before turning
back around, returning to his earlier shuffling. Simul turned around as well as
she went to Join Novis, Rideat, and Rex. As the evening wrapped up Simul,
Novis, Rideat, and Rex all played together as Cogitare sat off to the side lost
in his literature. The four fell to the ground laughing as they exhausted the
last bits of their strength. Cogitare put away his book and began preparing a
campfire for the night as the sun set, the sky going from a glistening orange
glow to a pale purple night as stars filled the sky. Simul and Rideat got up to
gather ingredients for dinner while Rex and Novis saddled up by the fire. "Rex
why are you not helping? Novis is a child he has an excuse but you're a grown
adult! Go hunt." Cogitare grumpily said, upset his reading had ended. Rex
looked at him with disinterested eyes. "There is no beast I can hunt without
destroying the meat. Plus with Rideat hunting we may over hunt leaving no food
for the future. Though my lack of assistance is rather unbecoming." Rex hung
his head before getting up from the campfire. He went to gather other
ingredients with Simul who gladly welcomed the help. Cogitare proudly walked
off, seemingly sure of himself after successfully bossing around Rex. After an
hour of hustling and bustling everyone was once again gathered around the
campfire now enjoying a hearty meal. Novis looked at Rex with a puzzled look on
his face. "Hey Rex, what were you when you were alive?" Rex, caught off guard, looked
around before locking eyes with Novis. "Ah, taking an interest in me Boss? I
was the 9th Prince of Mare, the Lizardmen Kingdom in the northern
swamps of Terra." Everyone's jaw dropped as they jolted their heads in the
direction of Rex. "What! You're a prince? I fought a prince? Oh man everyone in
the tribe is going to be so jealous." Rideat said excitedly. Simul stared at
Rex blankly as Cogitare ran towards his bag. Novis' eyes glowed as he stared at
Rex. "You're a prince, does that mean you lived in a really big house?" Novis
said his hands jittering about in excitement. Rex chuckled before responding,
"Really Boss? That's the interesting part? Well I did, I lived in the castle
with my Father and siblings of course." Cogitare ran back over suddenly, nearly
tripping over the campfire. "Rex how exactly did you die? If this record is
accurate, you died at the hands of a savage nonel, though claws maybe more
appropriate here." Rex looked at the excited researcher. "Well if you must
know, a village, distant from the capital, was in danger and so I traveled
there to put the beast down. Unfortunately my skills weren't enough to massacre
the beast as I had planned but I do believe I was able to save the village,
though who knows how it is today, centuries later." His tone going somber as he
lamented his tragic fate. Everyone went silent before Novis suddenly shouted,
"Wow! Your like a hero! Saving that village even though it was really hard."
His eyes glowing with admiration and interest once more. Rex blushed as he
looked away from Novis. "W-well Boss it wasn't that big a deal. And now that
I've been revived I'm sure I could take on that monster well and good." Rex
said his mood recovering. The air was jubilant as the stars shone down from
above. The group finished their meal, ending the night with light hearted
conversations before cleaning up and heading to bed. Novis laid down once more
to enjoy a pleasant slumber but found himself feeling weightless all over.
Novis opened his eyes, expecting nothingness, but was met with a small child,
no older than himself, staring back at him. "Heya Novis. I feel like its been
so long." The child spoke. Novis did not know this child but he knew that
voice. "Interitus? What's going on?" Novis responded looking around. The child
frowned before responding. "How'd you already figure it out? You really are
interesting aren't you. Well not important, I heard you name your weapon.
'Gran' what a strong name perfect for an axe that sharp." They spoke. Novis
looked bewildered. "How did they know about that. It just happened today and I
haven't told them yet." Novis thought to himself. Much to his surprise however
Interitus responded. "Ah well, I'm partially connected to Rex's soul you see. I
have my real special Soul Magic and so any soul related business I can easily
handle. I of course won't know everything but I'll have plenty of new fun
things thanks to that." They began to whisper something Novis didn't quite
catch, "Though if I could see them, through your eyes, that would be even more
interesting than being stuck here." Interitus transformed into a young elven
male before walking past Novis. "Now Novis as much as I'd love to just sit here
and have fun I'm sure you want to know why I brought you here. Well you're
going to meet three very interesting characters pretty soon. Skotadi is going
to get a lot more interesting in the coming months and I want to help my
favorite mortal survive you know? Soon Gran, Primis, and Ardere will come into
contact with you. They can be considered the first children of Chaos and
they're all nut cases. Just don't trust them too much and I'm sure you'll be
fine." They explained ignoring Novis' confused face. "What are you talking
about? What's going on. Why wouldn't I survive?" Novis asked his face morphing
to concern. Interitus smiled at Novis dismissingly, "I can't tell you
everything but don't worry you'll have your role to play. Just be prepared for
anything alright? Now that's all I have for you this time." They said. "Oh by
the way its going to be morning when you wake up sorry." They hurriedly said
before whispering, "I'm not as good as controlling this space as Mother, which
is quite impressive since she's sealed." Once more Novis couldn't catch the
last part of Interitus sentence but before he had time to respond he opened his
eyes to the sun rising in the distance. Novis was stunned, "What do I tell Mom?
What was Interitus talking about?", he thought to himself before getting out of
bed. "Oh good morning Novis." Cogitare said rustling for a book as usual.
"Morning Cogitare, what are you doing up so early?" Novis responded looking at
Cogitare with concern. Cogitare smiled as he shook his head, "Worry not about
my health child. I've been doing this for many years and in the pursuit of
knowledge no sacrifice is too great." Cogitare replied triumphantly lifting a
book in the air. "Maybe but moderation never hurts you know. Take care of
yourself or else you can't do research." Novis responded seriously. "Bah, if
anything should happen to me I have confidence in your spells to bring me back
to tip top shape! Now leave me be, my research continues." Cogitare haughtily
replied. As Novis and Cogitare finished conversing Simul and Rideat began to
wake up, Rex meanwhile, remained in a deep sleep. "Morning Novis sweetheart,
what are you doing up so early?" Simul said stretching as she prepared for her
day. Rideat meanwhile, stumbling off the ground and towards the nearest body of
water before dumping his head in. "Morning Mom, I just woke up not too long ago
myself so I was just talking to Cogitare." Novis pointed to Cogitare who was
now lost in his book. Rideat popped his head out of the water and shook his
head before returning to the group. "Ah I see, well Rideat and I were about to
start preparing breakfast if you'd be willing to help?" Simul responded a smile
on her face. Novis smiled as he stood up and joined them. Simul and Novis
gathered berries and herbs while Rideat hunted rabbits. Cogitare begrudgingly
prepared a fire and woke up Rex. 30 minutes later the group was sitting around
the morning campfire once more, passing around berries and rabbit meat for
breakfast. Novis nervously looked at Simul before speaking, "Mom, after
breakfast I need to talk to you alone." Simul tilted her head as she looked at
Novis, as if studying his face. After a few seconds of silence Simul responded
to him. "Alright sweetheart, just grab me when I'm finished eating." Novis
nodded and breakfast carried on. Rex and Rideat planned another sparing match
later that day, Rideat being curious as to what Rex's greatest spell was and
Novis wanting to learn more about Combat Magic, 'Ball' in particular. Novis sat
by a nearby pond, the pond filled with few fish though two stood out, their
scales glistened a rainbow pattern as light seemed to radiate off of them.
"Okay sweetheart, what's on your mind?" Simul asked as she walked up to Novis.
Novis stood up before facing Simul. "Mom, I had a talk with Interitus last
night. They told me a lot of things but I'm not sure how to handle it alone."
Simul scrunched her faces before responding with a smile. "Novis, who said you
had to handle it alone?" Despite her positive tone Novis did not return a
smile. "Interitus said I am going to meet Gran along with Primis and Ardere
soon. They said that they wanted to help their favorite mortal survive but they
didn't tell me what the big threat was. They just said to not trust those
three. They said I had some role to play before returning me to bed without
answering any questions." Novis blurted out staring at his hands as a sense of
powerlessness flooded his body. Simul stared at Novis, and due to her usually
coddling behaviors, it put him on edge. He braced himself as she prepared a
response only to collapse upon hearing her. "Novis sweetheart. You didn't
answer my question. I won't leave you alone. No matter how scared you are know
that I'll always be here to protect you. If you're worried that they will try
and hurt you I'll just show you how strong Mommy is okay?" Simul said flexing
her arm, her hand on her bulging muscle as she flashed Novis a smile. For the
first time that morning Novis smile as he hugged Simul tightly. "Thank you
Mom." Tears streaming down his face as he was filled with a sense of relief.
Simul hugged him back, "Of course sweetheart.", before the two walked to Rideat
and Rex who were preparing to spar again.
"Hey Boss, you said you were
interesting in 'Ball' spells right?" Rex said noticing the two first. "Yeah I
am Rex, what can you show me?" Novis responded, still clinging onto Simul.
"Hehe, well my strongest magic spell just happens to be a modified water ball
spell. I was just about to use it on Rideat here so watch closely, alright
Boss." Rex said a big smile plastered on his face. Rideat rolled his eyes and
shook his head, "I'll be impressed when I see it okay?", Simul laughing at the
two. Cogitare was quietly sitting reading once more, he looked up from his book
as he casted Field to keep the viewers safe. Rex prepared himself for the spell
when the Field was casted. He deepened his stance, closing his left fist and
pulling back his right hand. He kept it flat like a blade as he took numerous
deep breaths. "Rideat are you ready?" Rex said, his preparations complete.
Rideat silently nodded as he summoned a shield out of dark magic. Rex roared
out "Water Claw!" His right hand was covered in a gauntlet made of water with
fingers sharper than any blade Novis had ever seen. Without warning his right
hand shot out before returning it to where it was. The speed of the strike was
so fast that the air itself failed to move until his hand returned. Rex stood
up completely before bowing to Rideat. Novis, Simul, and Cogitare all turned to
see Rideat's upper half falling to the ground. Novis ran towards the field
followed by Simul, Cogitare fell to his back, his eyes wide as he tried to make
sense of what he just saw. "Wow, Rex that spell was incredible! I couldn't even
react." Rideat said his face painted with bewilderment. Novis stopped in his
tracks before shouting at Rideat. "Your okay? I was so worried, why were you so
silent?" Cogitare motioned to drop the Field as Rideat responded but he was
stopped by Rex. "Ah, you see his attack was so impressi-" Rideat begun before
Rex shouted out. "Cogitare, don't drop the field! Water Claw is so fast it can
tear a hole in the mana in the air itself. If you open the field I fear it may
implode as the mana rushes in to fill the hole, not to mention the fact the
mana maybe forcefully pulled from your bodies to fill said hole. Give it 10
minutes and it should return to normal, or at least a safe amount." Rex's voice
was grim as he spoke. Cogitare gave him a silent nod before returning to his
book. "Haha! You see that Boss? That's the power of the 'Ball' spell!" Rex
shouted to Novis. Novis looked at Rex dumbfounded before shaking his head and
returning his attention to Rideat. "Ah Novis don't worry. With Simul here I
have company and with your magic I'm sure I'll be fine, Rex's arms healed up
didn't they?" Rideat responded. Simul sweetly nodded as she gestured Novis to
head towards Rex. "Heal up quick okay?" Novis said before running off. "Rex you
have to teach me that. How on earth could 'Ball' do something that amazing?" He
shouted towards Rex. "Haha. Its simple, the gauntlet is made of water, it is
just a reshaped water ball!" Rex proudly said as he began demonstrating. Rex
casted water ball before elongating it to cover his hand. He casted it 5 more
times to cover his fingers before making those water balls thinner and sharper
as they slid in place. Just like that, with 6 basic water balls Rex constructed
the 'Water Claw' gauntlet before Novis' very eyes. Novis' mouth hung agape in
surprise and admiration. "That. Is. Incredible! Rex how did you even figure
that out? It seems so easy but I would've never thought about that!" Novis
said, jumping up and down in excitement. "Easy Boss," Rex said smugly, "I'm
just a genius when it comes to combat and combat magic." He was now pressing
his thumb on his chest in a bragging moment. Rex smiled at Novis, "Want to
learn how to cast it?" Novis' eyes nearly popped out of his head as he began
frantically nodded. Rex nodded in response as he casted another water ball.
"Alright Boss, start with a single ball, a Chaos Ball in your case." Rex said.
"Okay, I'll do my best." Novis replied before sticking out his right hand.
Novis closed his eyes and imagined a ball. He filled it with mana and opened
his eyes to see a strangely colored ball floating. "I-I think I did it!" Novis
excitedly shouted. "Good job Boss! Now here comes the hard part, imagine that
ball getting longer and fitting over your hand." Rex said. Novis stared at his
hand and did his best to imagine the ball covering his hand. Novis began to
grunt as the ball slowly moved, just as he exhausted all his energy the ball
completely covered his hand. He jumped in triumph as he laughed. "Boss, your really
good at this! Do you know how long it took me to get this done and your just
speeding through, the brain of a child is really different huh. Now summon
another 5 and have them cover your fingers." Rex said giving Novis his next
goal. Novis nodded and closed his eyes as he summoned another 5 Chaos Balls. He
began to move them to his fingers, and like the one covering his hand, he
quickly managed to get them all in place after a little struggle. He didn't
stop though. He imagined the new fingers becoming sharper, as sharp as Gran,
easily able to cleave through any obstacle. As if by instinct he found it
incredibly easy and he officially formed his first 'Chaos Claw'.
Rex looked at Novis with shock
before smiling and giving him a gesture of accomplishment. "Good job Boss! I
think this is the fastest I've ever seen anyone do this." Rex said before
turning to Cogitare. "Cogitare I think we should be good now, plus Boss here
just learned himself a new spell." Cogitare looked up from his book with a fire
in his eyes. "Hoh and what is this new spell may I ask?" Cogitare asked
dropping the field as he spoke. "It is 'Claw', though of course for Boss it is
Chaos Claw. I don't think it will be as strong though as Water Claw. Never
hurts to have an ace up your sleeve though, haha!" Rex responded. Novis looked
away from the two conversing and ran back to Simul and Rideat. Rideat was
already healing, his lower half already forming its skeleton. As Novis ran to
Rideat he felt an intense light headedness before collapsing. Simul ran to
Novis, asking him what was wrong. "Novis sweetheart, what happened? Are you
okay?" Novis weakly looked at Simul and managed to barely get out a response.
"I feel so light headed. Its as if all of my mana left my body, I barely have
the strength to move." Novis' blinking was slow and Simul tried to think of a
cause. "What happened though sweetheart? You were just walking over here. I'm
going to give you some of my mana but try to think what could've caused this
okay?" Simul spoke softly to Novis before casting 'Shot' causing him to burst
back to life as mana flowed in his body once more. "Novis sweetheart how does
that feel?" Simul said, still speaking softly. Novis smiled before responding.
"I feel so much better. I still feel a little tired but I can move again. Thank
you Mom." His voice weaker than usual. Simul sighed in relief before helping
Novis to his feet. The two walked together to Rideat who was still healing at
breakneck speeds. "Hey Novis, are you okay? I saw you collapse over there what
happened?" Rideat asked, though he was still laying down. "I think I ran out of
mana, I did cast a couple of spells but I felt fine after. I'm not sure what
happened." Novis responded hanging onto Simul. Simul looked at Rideat and
closed her eyes before yelping in realization. "Novis sweetheart, your mana
might have gone to Rideat! Your mana must be what's powering his healing, its
why he is healing so fast, plus with the field up it might have blocked your
mana from reaching him, as a result instead of a slow drain it all flew away at
once." Simul said looking back and forth between Rideat and Novis as she
explained. "Mom, mana is still a pretty big mystery to me so if you think
that's what happened I'll believe you." Novis said clearly unsure of the idea.
Rideat meanwhile was much more receptive. "Ah, that would make a lot of sense.
Plus if its happening at night, like Rex's last time, Novis might not even
notice the drain of mana when he wakes up in the morning." He was nodding as he
attempt to come to a deeper conclusion. Rex walked up behind the three
discussing and changed the subject. "Ah, after using such a spell I think its
time for lunch. What about you guys?" Simul and Rideat shot him looks before
rolling their eyes while Novis happily agreed to lunch. "Alright we can lunch,
but only because Novis is hunger." Simul said looking at Rex sternly. Rex
flashed a smile to Novis before nodding at Simul with his best poker face.
Rideat looked at Rex and said "Guess that means you'll have to hunt huh. I sure
can't in this state." Looking at his still healing body as he spoke. Rex looked
dumbfounded, "But what about Cogitare? I'm sure he could hunt some excellent game!"
Rex said before pointing to Cogitare. Cogitare looked at Rex, his face
scrunched, before walking off. "Ha, if you can get him to hunt then sure but if
not then you'd have no choice. You can't eat if you don't help." Rideat smuggly
replied. Rex hung his head low as he headed off into the forest for an animal
to hunt.
The day progressed with no major
issues, Rideat remained stable, slowing healing, Rex and Novis played around
with their 'Claw' spells while Simul and Cogitare relaxed after a long journey,
finally growing accustomed to their new surrounds. The group was seated around
the nightly campfire, having just finished another meal, as Novis asked Simul a
question. "Mom, are we finally done traveling? Is this going to be our new
home?" Novis' gaze locked onto Simul's eyes. Simul sat silent for a moment
before responding. "Well sweetheart, I'd imagine so. Why are you bringing this
up so suddenly?" Novis gave Simul an innocent look, "Well sleeping in the tents
hurts after a while. If we are going to live here why not build a proper home?"
Novis stared at Simul patiently waiting an answer but Simul simply returned a
blank stare in response. "That is an excellent question. You three what do you
think?" Simul eventually said staring at Rideat, Cogitare, and Rex. The four
exchanged looks as an awkward silence settled in. Rideat was the first to break
this silence, "I thought we were staying. I'm happy with this little spot.",
followed by Cogitare, "Yes, this place is rather wonderful for reading, and it
has amble foodstuffs to provide for our group.", and Rex speaking last, "Well I
didn't think I'd get a say but this is a perfect place to train myself anew,
while protecting Boss and his mom." Simul nodded and shrugged before turning
back to Novis. "So does this answer your question?" Novis smiled at her
response. "So when are we going to really make this place home? We can't sleep
in tents forever." He was clearly excited as he spoke. Simul chuckled lightly
as she responded. "Well sweetheart it is pretty late. I'm sure we can start
tomorrow but lets sleep on it first okay?" Novis excitedly nodded, practically
bursting from the seams, before running off to the tent and jumping into bed.
"Goodnight!" Novis shouted before hurrying off to sleep. Novis closed his eyes
ready for the day to come and for the new home that awaited him. Just as he
began to drift asleep Novis felt a familiar feeling of weightlessness. He
opened his eyes, not to the inky black darkness that usually greets him but
instead, to a bright white space. The white was purer than freshly fallen snow
and, as usual, it seemed to be an endless void. As Novis surveyed his
surroundings a male voice boomed. "This is my sister's champion? Its not but a
child, and I know of no special lineage. Could that contemptable creature truly
become this desperate?" Panic filled Novis as he realized he didn't know who
this was. The presence they exuded was regal yet grandstanding. Despite the
voice presumably talking about him it was clear the voice did not actually care
about him. Novis went to speak but was quickly interrupted by the booming voice
once more. "Child, perhaps you can be some use. After all one as grand as I
cannot understand the ploys of the weak and pathetic all the time. For what
reason has Chaos taken an interest in you?" Novis sat in silence trying to
think of an answer but the voice boomed again, "I do not wish to waste my time
on small fries forever, child. Prove yourself useful, if not I may have to
consider pruning you, after all I do not wish to give that creatin any more
tools." Novis felt fear rush through his body, though the voice's tone did not
change it was clear that he was serious. "I-I don't know. I've only ever spoken
to her once. All she did was explain the workings of her blessing, the God
Chaos has done nothing else." Novis blurted out, praying with all his might
that would satisfy the voice. The light
grew in intensity for a moment before the voice boomed once again, his tone
colder this time. "Do not refer to that Worthless Miscreant as a god. It drags
down those of us Father actually loved. Sealed as the beast is she cannot hurt
you mortals, you'd do good to remember that. Alas, even the mortal she's using
is unaware. Child we shall speak again and when we do be sure to provide all
information she gives you. Understood?" Novis, fear still freely flowing in his
body, nodded. "May I ask a question however?" The voice remained silent, Novis
taking this as a sign he may continue. "Who are you? I don't believe that we've
met before." The light of the void dimmed as the voice sighed, exhausted of
mortals. "You humans truly are flawed. I am your Patron God, Sanctus the Holy.
To think there exist humans unaware of who I am, you make me question the
effort I put in to save you all. Next time we meet I expect you to know." The
blood flushed from Novis' face as he nodded again, he tried to think of
something to say, anything, but the words escaped him. Nothing could salvage
the situation, the Patron God of Humans was speaking to him, what could he do
except prostrate himself and pray for the best? Novis remained silent as
Sanctus dismissed him from his space. Novis opened his eyes to the sun rising
once more. The smell of flavorful smoke filling the air in the tent as Novis
came to. He left the tent and was greeted with a the sight of a roaring flame
as Cogitare sat hard at work cooking up a hearty breakfast with plenty of
rabbit meat and some wild vegetables. Rideat and Rex sat next to him carefully
watching, practically drooling, with Cogitare occasionally turning to yell at
the two essentially on his back. Simul was off elsewhere planning where they
would put their future homes, and how those homes would actually look. Novis
ran out to Simul hugging her tightly as he made it. "Mom! What are you doing?"
Simul smiled as she turned to Novis, "I'm planning where the houses are going
to go. I'm also thinking about how the houses will look on the inside. Right
now I think you and I would have our own house while Rex, Rideat, and Cogitare
share one. What do you think?" Novis happily nodded. "Alright then sweetheart,
would you want to help me get wood for the houses when breakfast is over?"
Simul asked Novis, a patient smile on her face. "Yes! I want to help Mom!"
Novis excited replied. The two headed over to Cogitare, who was clearly ready
to boil over with Rideat and Rex pestering him none stop and so Simul diffused
the situation as breakfast was served. After the hearty breakfast Simul began
diligently delegating tasks. "Rex, you'll be doing most of the constructing.
Rideat and Cogitare, you two will inspect the logs and do any preparing
necessary, while Novis and I will be chopping down trees to collect the logs.
Any questions?" Cogitare put his hand up while locking eyes with Novis. "Simul,
I believe that logging is too dangerous a task for Novis, plus how could he fell
these massive trees alone?" Simul nodded at Cogitare before responding. "Your
question makes sense but allow Novis to prove that he is more than capable of
doing this." Simul turned to Novis, "Sweetheart, could you knock a tree down
for Cogitare. We'll get started after that okay?" Novis smiled at Simul, "I can
do that Mom!", before running off to the nearest tree. Novis took a deep breath
before summoning Gran. Novis entered a stance before swing the axe with both
hands. The axe cleanly cut through the tree. "See Simul, his strike failed to
make a dent into the tree. This is clearly too much for him, despite his size
he is still a child." Before Simul could respond Novis pushed the tree and
Cogitare, along with Rex and Rideat, sat in awe as the massive trunk toppled
with ease. In its place all they could see was a trunk that looked as if it had
simply been sliced with a sheet of paper. "I doubt you have any further
questions, do you Cogitare?" Simul smugly said standing next to Novis. Cogitare
silently shook his head as the group broke off to their tasks.
Simul and Novis spent the day
chopping trees, Rex occasionally ferrying them to Rideat and Cogitare, with the
height of the trees they had more than enough wood after a couple of trees but
continued chopping for extra stores of wood, for any future building projects,
fire wood, or any other necessary wood related situations. Cogitare and Rideat
diligently inspected the wood, sorting the wood between build and store. For
logs that were simply unusable they were added to a separate pile. They also
further chopped the logs into a usable size. Rex, being the muscle of the
group, dug four large holes for each house before placing the largest logs in
them. These would act as the supports for the houses before he filled the hole
back in. He then carefully constructed two basic log cabins fit for Simul and
Novis, and Cogitare, Rideat, and himself. They remained hard at work for a
week, the large trees proving difficult to work with at times, taking
occasional breaks to refill and depleted mana. Simul and Novis finished
chopping trees and helped the other three, with Simul helping Rex with building
and Novis helping Cogitare and Rideat with inspection and sorting. One day
while Novis was resting he looked to the sky and began cloud watching. However
he began to see more than just clouds, he saw glimpses though he wasn't sure
what of. Just as Novis began to see a clearer picture he heard Interitus' voice
boom in his head. "Novis, stare at the ground, get everyone around you to stop
looking at the sky. For your own safety stare at the ground." Their voice a
cold and serious. Novis wasn't sure what was happening but he yelled out
anyway, "Everyone! I just heard Interitus' voice. We have to stare at the
ground, no matter what don't look at the sky!" Novis said standing up and
staring at the ground with all his might. Everyone looked at Novis but seeing
his determination they acted in kind and focused on the ground. A few seconds
went by with no change. "Hey Boss, what are we avo-" Rex begun before a
terrible trembling silenced him. The shaking was greater than any of them had
ever know as the sky itself seemingly rumbled. Rex, driven by his curiosity,
turned his head and faced the sky. "What is tha-" he mumbled to himself before
falling silent once more as a light thud could be heard. Novis shouted to Rex
to no response. Despite his fears Novis held it in, his gaze remaining affixed
on the ground. A loud shatter was heard, as if glass was falling to pieces on a
scale imaginable. A first it was just one shatter but the group continued to
hear the sounds of countless panes of glass shattering. None of them, except
for Rex, were brave enough to look up. Silence ensued for a few seconds, no
matter shattering occurred, instead a shriek was heard. Loud enough to vibrate
through the bodies of all those currently present chills rushed down their
spines. None were brave enough to say it yet their minds thought it in unison,
"What manner of creature produced that sound?" Then without warning the sounds
of the shattering glass reversed, as if someone was delicately putting the
panes back together. No more shrieks were heard and after 5 minutes the sounds
completely stopped, along with any rumbling ground. "Novis its safe to look up
again. Now, I'm sure you have many questions. In three days time I'll answer
whatever I can." Interitus' voice boomed in Novis' head once more. "Interitus
says its over." Novis said aloud, his voice shaking as he spoke. The group
turned their attention to the shockingly silent Rex. Novis screamed as they
find his decapitated head face down on the ground. "Rex! What happened? Rex!"
Novis shouted, tears streaming down his face. "Novis its okay, come here, its
okay. I'm sure he's fine, I bet the mana is going to come rushing out of you
any moment now okay?" Simul said hugging Novis tightly. Before Rideat and
Cogitare could get a word in Rex's body inexplicitly began to move towards his
head. The body grabbed the head off the ground and placed it back where it
belonged before Rex began to suddenly speak. "Ow, never thought getting
decapitated would hurt that much." Rex said shaking his head and stretching his
neck. Novis stared at him stunned and silent while Simul spoke up, "What is
wrong with you? Novis gave you one request! You terrified him you…" she trailed
off struggling to find the words. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Boss I'm fine I swear
there's no need to worry about me. Did you already forget, I'm the strongest
lizardman!" Rex loudly boasted his thumb pressed in his chest. Novis looked up
at Rex sniffing "Really? You really are the strongest lizardman?" tears still
streaming down his face. "Haha, of course, I wasn't royalty for nothing!" Rex
proudly replied. Novis smiled. After 30 minutes the group returned to work from
this extended, unexpected, break. As the day neared its end the final touches
were completed on the houses. "With this these new houses are all done!" Rex
shouted. "I guess our roots are truly planted now." Simul said solemnly before
joining Novis. Rideat and Cogitare began exploring the insides. "Novis
sweetheart, are you excited about the new house?" Simul asked Novis. "Yes Mom,
it looks so much better than a tent!" Novis happily responded. "Do you think more
people are going to move in?" He asked. Simul thought in silence for a moment.
"Maybe, we are close to the Kingdom of Yafnit, its not impossible for someone
to want to leave the kingdom, why do you ask sweetheart?" Novis proudly smiled
before replying. "Then we'll need a name for this place. What about Liber!"
Simul smiled and nodded at Novis, "Liber huh? I think that's a great name
sweetheart." With Novis' earnest question Liber began it course to alter
history in the year 4023, on the 2nd of Metallo[jb1] .
[jb1]Chapter
2 ends on the 2nd of Metallo, 4023