As we walk through Steam Cloud City's busy streets, noise from people, airships, and far-away machinery echo in the air. Lynsithea walks beside me with Snowy perched on her shoulder, the owl's sharp eyes studying everything that surrounds us.
I scratch the back of my head, and glance up at Jade, who is walking ahead of us. "Where are we off to again?"
"To an artificer" Jade replies without turning around. "We need to check if there is, in fact, a real connection with the Ether Link in your Nova Watch. Might be able to fix it too."
I nod slowly, trying to process that. "I see. But who is this artificer? Someone you know well?"
Jade smiles calmly. "An old friend. You'll find out soon enough. He's a little addled, but he's the best there is. If anyone can crack the code on your Nova Watch it's him."
Lynsithea leans forward, curiosity getting the better of her. "What is an artificer, anyway?"
Jade looks around over her shoulder. "Think of them as a hybrid of an inventor and a mage. They work with an infusion of magic into technology. In Aerathis, they're some of the most skilled people, especially in repairing or enhancing things like your watch."
Lynsithea nods thoughtfully. "So, it's not just technology that they use, but magic too?"
"Exactly," Jade says. "Aerathis is really, fundamentally, the fusion of two things: technology and magic. That's why this works. The artificers here can get just about anything to function, no matter how busted it may look."
I cannot help but raise an eyebrow. "And you trust this guy? He's not going to blow my watch up by accident, is he?"
Jade chuckles a little. "Trust me, he might be a little. chaotic, but he knows what he's doing. If anything, your Nova Watch might end up better than before."
I exhaled a deep breath and tried to loosen up a bit. "All right, I'll take your word for it. I've just never had much luck with things like this."
Lynsithea beams at me, her eyes brightening with reassurance. "If Jade trusts him, then I think we're in good hands."
Snowy tilts her head to the side, listening intently to every word, and even the owl is trying to reassure me. I have to chuckle softly, looking at Lynsithea and Snowy. "Looks like we've got quite the team, huh?"
Lynsithea smiles and nods softly.
The shop itself was small and old-fashioned, tucked between some newer, larger buildings. Across the sign above its door, in flowing, elegant script, was written, [Igor's Artifacts & Wonders]. Outside, in the dim air, the scent of old leather and metal hung-a promising omen of the treasures within.
Jade lead us in to the shop, and the bell above the door jingled softly to announce our arrival. The interior is cluttered yet fetching, full of shelves piled high with oddities such as devices that shine with shiny metal parts and dark, mystifying trinkets.
In the back of the shop, an old Aurelian hunches over a workbench, piecing together what appears to be some sort of complex mechanical thing. His feathers are an interesting mix of silver and gold, and his beak is chipped in one place, giving him an air of distinction, if slightly weathered.
Jade clears her throat in order to get his attention. "Igor!" she calls with an amiable tone. "Hope we're not interrupting."
The old Aurelian looked up, with sharp eyes peaking with recognition and curiosity. He put down the tools and quickly wiped his beak with a cloth. "Jade! It's been too long," he said in a raspy yet warm voice. "What brings you here today?"
Jade steps forward and points to us. "I'd like you to meet Zane and Lynsithea. Zane here has a Nova Watch we believe is locked in with the Ether Link. I was hoping you could take a look and see if it can be repaired, or if something more is going on."
Igor narrows his eyes as he considers me and Lynsithea before he nods thoughtfully. "Ah, I see, so you're the ones with that fascinating device. My name is Igor, the artificer, so what can I do for you?"
I approach holding up my Nova Watch. "Hi, Igor. This has had a few issues with it. Jade feels you might see if it's maybe coupled to the Ether Link and perhaps fix it."
Igor takes the watch from me with careful, practiced hands. He examines it closely, turning it over to study the intricacies inside. "Hmm, interesting craftsmanship. This isn't something you come across every day."
Lynsithea watches with interest; she steps closer. "Is it possible to connect it to the Ether Link?"
Igor snaps his gaze back down to the watch, actually staring at Lynsithea. "It's possible, sure. This Ether Link is a convoluted network; the interface technology like this can be such a mess. But if you get the right adjustments dialed in, it could do it."
Jade looks up at us, smiling a bit reassuringly. "Igor's the best there is for stuff like this. He's worked on artifacts for decades, fusing and upgrading them."
Igor nods, lays the watch down on his workbench, and gathers his tools. "I'll get to work right now. It'll take some time. Go ahead and ramble around if you'd like, or feel free to step out for a while. I'll let you know when I've made some progress."
I sit and watch as Igor begins his work: his hands move with a dexterity and precision that speak of years of experience. Lynsithea and I share a look, both feeling slightly easier at the prospect of getting the Nova Watch sorted out.
"Well," I say, looking around the shop, "this place is certainly something."
Lynsithea smiles. "Amazing. Never thought I would see this many varied artifacts."
Jade laughs. "Igor's shop is always full of surprises. Wait 'til you see what he finds in the back room."
Igor looks at my Nova Watch closely; his hands pause for a second, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. He brings out from it a small, gem-like crystal deeply embedded within the device. The surface is cracked and dull. It lacks life, but still, I cannot help but get attracted by some bizarre allure.
I lean forward, puzzled. "What's that?"
He holds it up to the light, and the shattered gem catches a faint glimmer. "This," he says slowly, "Its a replica of Elthernium, one of the rarest gemstones not just here in Aerathis, but in any dimension. It's highly sought after for its unique properties, almost capable of acting as a conduit for the Ether Link itself."
I look at the broken crystal. "And it's broken."
Lynsithea tilts her head. "Elthernium? I've never heard of it. Why would it be in Zane's Nova Watch?"
Jade, hovering nearby folds her arms, her expression serious. "It's not something you hear about every day. Elthernium is rare, not just because of its scarcity but because of how difficult it is to work with. Whoever put it in the watch had serious skill."
I nod slowly, feeling the weight of what Igor just said. "Maybe it got damaged during my first encounter with Iris," I mutter, more to myself than anyone else.
Just as I say that, the mention of that name sets Igor's feet into ice. His eyes go wide as he takes a deep breath before staring at me hesitantly. "Iris?" he repeats in a voice little louder than a whisper. "You've encountered Iris?"
I blink, taken aback by his reaction. "Yeah, she, attacked us. But we managed to survive, though not without some damage." I glance at the broken gem again.
Igor's face darkens, feathers ruffled slightly. "There have been rumors. whispers about her. Iris has been searching for something, hopping between dimensions. No one knows exactly what it is, but whatever she seeks, it's dangerous. Those people who crossed her path don't usually live to tell the tale."
A shiver runs down my spine. I feel Lynsithea tense up beside me as she gently strokes Snowy's feathers. "We were lucky to get off that encounter alive," Lynsithea whispers to Snowy.
Igor looks at the crystal in his hand, his voice grim. "This gem. whoever made it, without even resorting to magic essence, found a way to create something which nearly acts like the Ether Link itself. The engineering is incredible. But restoring it. Its impossible. Only the person who made it can fix it. The design's far too complicated for anyone else to fix."
His words weighed upon me like a punch in the gut. The creator of the Nova Watch. was Ethan.
Ethan, who has sacrificed himself for my sake and Lynsithea. My chest tightened as all of my memories go back to that day-my smile, his last words, and the way he gave everything just to keep us alive.
I swallow. Controlling myself's hard enough. "Ethan's gone," I whisper as steadily as I can, "He was the one who made this. And he....."
She reaches out over and barely touches me on the arm, her eyes gentle and sympathetic. "He saved us both, Zane," she says, "The watch is a reminder of him. but maybe we don't need it fixed to remember what he did."
Igor can feel the weight of this moment, and he just gently puts the broken gem back on the table. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
I take a deep breath, trying to gather myself. "It's fine," I said. "I just. I just wished maybe it could still be salvaged, you know?"
Jade approaches cautiously. Her voice was calm and insistent. "We'll find something, Zane. Maybe there's another way we can reconnect it to the Ether Link, or maybe there's something we haven't discovered yet. Don't give up."
I nod, though the hollow feeling remains. I couldn't help but think of Ethan, of everything he gave up. This watch needed fixing; it felt almost like keeping him close, a way to honor him. Now. maybe just another part of him I have to let go.
Lynsithea gives me a reassuring squeeze on the arm, and I offer a weak smile back. "Thanks," I say softly though I'm not really sure if I am thanking her, Jade, or Ethan, wherever he might be.
Igor clears his throat softly. "I'll hold onto the Nova Watch for now and see if there's anything else I can do. Even if I can't fix the gem, perhaps there's another solution."
I nod. "Yeah. thanks, Igor."
As we leave Igor's store, I turn to Jade with curiosity. "How long have you known Igor, anyway?"
Jade lights a cigar and pauses before speaking. "Igor. he has been in my life for a long time. He took us in after the Quantum Exodus."
I arch an eyebrow, intrigued. "You mean 'took us in'? What do you mean?"
Jade breathes a stream of smoke, and her eyes turn melancholy with a look of nostalgia. "After the Exodus, after when my parents were on the quest to find shelter and a home to dwell in, Igor was one of the few who accommodated us in his house. At a time when everything in this world was still chaotic and uncertain, Igor provided us with protection and guidance."
I catch a warm glow in her eyes as she talks of him. "So, you grew up with him?"
Jade nods and her voice drifts into a reflective note. "Yeah. He's not just an old friend-he's like family. I owe him a lot."
Lynsithea, walking beside me, casts a look at Jade, thoughtful. "It sounds like Igor has been a very important figure in your life."
Jade is smiling, a mélange of affection and pride in her eyes. "He has. He helped me out of some really tough times and made me who I am. That's why I trust him with your Nova Watch. He's eccentric, I know, but skills and loyalty are unmatched."
I nod, understanding a bit more of Jade's connection with Igor. "It's good to have someone like that in your corner. I can see why you trust him so much."
Jade takes another drag of her cigar and flashes a smile. "Exactly. And right now, he's the best hope we have for figuring out this whole Nova Watch situation. We'll just have to wait and see what he comes up with."
As we walk on the thronged streets of SteamCloud City, I begin to feel a little comfortable. Jade's story about Igor adds the personal touch to the mission reminding me that even in this strange world where giant robots roam freely, so vast and detached, there are people connected or tied together by bonds which outstrip the chaos of what's happening in our circumstantial existence.
---
Meanwhile, Sasha, Parveen, Alektos, and Leo walked through the busy streets of SteamCloud City and suddenly came to an end up before a massive coliseum. The structure was a grand mix of stone and metal, with high walls bearing beautiful etching inspired by steampunk and waving banners. Roars of engines and deafening cheers of the crowd resounded from within.
And when they entered, it was like their breath was taken away with the unfolding spectacle.
What was before them was nothing less than breathtaking-its air race track mounted high above, twisting, spiraling through the sky marked here and there with floating checkpoints and mechanical rings. You could hear airships of all sizes flying through this course as those crew members in control maneuvered through it so perfectly, cutting corners at invincible speeds.
A crowd was roaring with applause as two airships went neck and neck, engines roaring to an ear-shattering level.
Sasha's eyes shine bright, excitement glowing from her. "This is cool! I have never seen anything like it!" she said, her eyes glued to the passing airships.
"Check out how fast they're going!"
Parveen grinned back, equally enthusiastic. "I told you this was something else! Airforce Racing—who knew? I can't believe how intense it's been."
Alektos, standing beside them, nodded his approval, his familiar composed countenance relaxing just a little, changing to a smile. "Not every day you see this kind of skill and engineering," he said.
"The way those pilots handle their airships. almost like they are dancing up there in the sky."
Sasha leaned against the railing of the landing bridge, her eyes wide on the verge of admiration. "I can't believe people can actually race like this! And with airships! Back home, the only thing we ever raced were wyverns, and they don't go nearly this fast."
Parveen chuckled. "I guess this is next-level compared to that. I mean, look at those turns! One wrong move and they're crashing right into the track."
The race continued, with one of the airships dipping low, narrowly avoiding a floating ring, only to sharply ascend again. A gasp from the crowd erupted into cheers as the ship made it through the checkpoint intact.
Sasha grinned and turned to Alektos. "Imagine flying in one of those! You think you could handle it?"
Alektos smirked. "I've piloted a lot of things in my time. I'm sure I could figure it out."
Leo stood back a bit from the others, his brows furrowing as he listened to their enthusiasm. He could not be convinced that something felt quite right, however. "I don't know, guys," he said, running the back of his neck with his hand. "This looks. dangerous. What if you crash?"
Sasha waved him off with a laugh. "Come on, Leo, where's your sense of adventure? Besides, you know us-we don't crash."
Parveen grinned wickedly. "Yeah, and if we do, well. we'll make it good."
Leo sighed, still unconvinced. "I just don't want you guys getting in too deep over your heads. Jade's counting on us to stay out of trouble, remember?"
Alektos gave Leo a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Leo. We'll be fine. We're only here to scout for the meantime anyway."
Sasha's eyes sparkled as another airship swooshed past, engines whipping her hair about. "Yeah, for now. but maybe we should give it a shot one day."
Leo's frown only grew more pronounced, but he couldn't help the small smile creeping onto his face. "Just. promise me you'll think before you act, okay?"
Sasha grinned, nudging Leo playfully. "You know us too well, Leo."
As the race intensified with those airships, showing off by flying very close to one another, the group became more thrilled. While Sasha, Parveen, and Alektos were fascinated by the view, Leo would stay alert, his mind thinking of how things might go wrong. He just hoped not to get caught up in any trouble they should not really be in.
As the last lap of the race unrolled in the airforce, tension among the crowd became a crescendo. Airships whizzed past blindingly, engines roaring, trails of steam and magic-infused energy streaking behind them.
Sasha, Parveen, Alektos, and Leo watched intently as two airships battled neck-and-neck, taking their crafts to the absolute limit.
The audience roared, like one of the airships should have gained a speed that no one ever must have thought, slicing across the sky with the fine cuts from the design precision. Sasha set forward with her eyes opened wide in excitement. "Just look at that one! It's flying, not even a thread can tell it's using engines!"
Parveen smiled from ear to ear and nodded affirmatively. "Yeah, that pilot is not holding anything back! Whoever is behind this ship knows what they are doing."
Alektos, always composed, murmured, "Technique separates the best from the rest here. See how tight he's coming into those turns."
Leo, still uneasy, could not help but get caught up in the excitement of the moment. "This one is close, but I think that one has it."
As the airship crossed the finish line, the whole coliseum exploded into deafening applause and cheers. The announcer's voice boomed from the speakers throughout the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the 40th Airforce Race is. Dimitri!"
Sasha clapped her hands excitedly, almost bouncing in her seat. "Dimitri! It's a human pilot! That is awesome!"
Parveen laughed. "He earned that. Did you see how he took those last turns? Pure skill!"
Alektos nodded. "Impressive. He is quite the seasoned racer."
Leo, who had been watching it all with cautious skepticism until now, finally allowed a smile onto his face. "Alright, I'll admit; that was pretty incredible. That last lap was intense."
As the crowd cheered, Dimitri's airship elegantly descended to the docking area, and the pilot himself emerged from the cockpit. Tall, confident human, with dark short hair and sharp features, Dimitri stood out as he stepped out onto the platform. Dressed in a sleek flight suit that told of all the custom design and features that mean it was fitted for him with symbols of his sponsors, he smiled as he waved at the screaming fans before giving them a deep, respectful bow.
Sasha crossed her arms, and a playful smile spreads across her face. "He looks like he knows he is the best."
Parveen laughs. "Well, after a show like that, can you fault him?"
The announcer's voice cuts through the noise again. "Dimitri has once more proven to be one of the world's best airship pilots! Let us give it up for our champion!"
The crowd roared back, louder still, people on their feet, screaming out Dimitri's name. With adoration as his coating, Dimitri walked up to the edge of the platform and gave the fans a charismatic smile.
"Thank you! Thank you, everyone!" he called out across the coliseum. "It's an honor to race for you all, and I'll be back next year to defend my title!"
Sasha, Parveen, and Alektos look at each other, wide-eyed, as they absorb the performance.
Sasha grins and turns to the others. "One day, that could be us up there taking the win."
Parveen nods enthusiastically. "Yeah! I mean, if Dimitri can do it, then why not us?"
Alektos is always more measured, but he's intrigued. "It would take a lot of practice. but it's not impossible."
Leo couldn't help but chuckle at their enthusiasm as he watched them. "It's not all glory, you know," he reminded them. "A lot rides on races like this one."
Sasha waved him off, grinning. "Yeah, yeah. We get it. But admit it, Leo—you're pretty excited too."
Leo shrugged, still smiling. "Maybe a little."
He waves to the crowd as he scans the excited fans. And his eyes settle on Sasha, standing along with her friends. She is something - an aura of mystery, a presence he can't quite define. Dimitri himself feels intruded upon as he steps down from the platform and walks through the crowd, which parts like the tide to let him through. His steps are deliberate, and soon he stands before Sasha.
Without any hesitation, Dimitri took her hand, his touch firm but respectful. Inquisitive eyes studied her features closely. "Your hands… they're cold," he said, his voice smooth and measured, laced with fascination. "I haven't seen anyone like you around here. What kind are you?"
Sasha blinked under the sudden spotlight. For a second, her assertive calmness gave way, but she regained it all in one second. She raises her eyebrow, smirking: "Cold, huh? I guess I just have a chill about me."
Dimitri's smile spread across his face at her response. "A chill, indeed," he repeated, nodding his head to one side, his curiosity growing with that movement. And yet, something. unique about her. She doesn't seem like the others here. May I ask, what's your name?"
Sasha glanced at Parveen, Alektos, and Leo, all of whom were watching the scene of interaction with mixed reactions, Parveen was amused, Alektos intrigued, and Leo concerned. She turned back to Dimitri, her posture straightened as she met his stare, her smirk crossing over into a grin.
"Sasha," she declared boldly. "And yes, I suppose I am not from around here. One could say I am a traveler."
Dimitri's eyes seem to gleam with fascination. "Sasha… a name that suits your shrouded aura. And a traveler, you claim to be? Interesting. It doesn't happen every day in Aerathis for one to meet new people, especially ones with. such an aura."
Sasha laughs softly. "Unique aura, huh? You flatter me. But I could say the same about you. You just won an Airforce Race, after all."
Dimitri smiled, the warmth in his voice inviting. "Ah, yes. It's what I do best. But races, victories. those are fleeting. Meeting someone intriguing, now that's something I don't encounter every day."
Parveen nudged Alektos with a grin, whispering, "Looks like Sasha's getting all the attention."
Alektos smiled slightly. "Seems like it."
Leo, though, arms crossed, still a little uneasy about things. "Let's not get too caught up here," he said quietly to himself.
Sasha, sensing Leo's unease but none-too-pleased with the matter, threw him a quick look back over her shoulder before turning her attention to Dimitri. "Well, it's nice meeting you, Dimitri. Congrats on the win, by the way."
Dimitri smiled warmly still holding her hand. "Thank you, Sasha. Perhaps we'll cross paths again in this city. I would certainly enjoy learning more about you and your… travels."
And with that, Dimitri let go of her hand and gave her one last bow before leaving for his airship with cheers from the crowd accompanying him. Sasha watched him go, and her grin slowly faded into a thoughtful expression.
But Parveen leaned in closer, teasing smirk on her face. "Looks like the champ's got a crush on you."
Sasha rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Yeah, well, he's not my type."
Alektos raised an eyebrow. "Not into airship pilots?"
Sasha shrugged. "Nah, too much steam and ego." She winked at her friends, her usual confidence fully restored. "But he was kind of charming, I'll give him that."
Leo finally relaxed and breathed in as a sigh of relief. "Let's just not get too much attention. We really have other things we need to be on."
Sasha nodded, the playful grin coming back. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, Leo. We're still on track." But as they walked away from the coliseum, Sasha couldn't help but sneak one last look backward, her mind momentarily wandering before settling back onto the focus at hand.
---
Dimitri strode through the locker room doors still bathed in and underpinned by the voices of the crowd, yet he couldn't shake off his thoughts of Sasha. For him, there was that haunting tune he had not heard; it was both so strange and at the same time so enticing.
"Sasha..." he whispered to himself as his fingers stroked his lips as if grasping the elusive feeling of their meeting.
A soft mechanical voice cut across his reverie. [Is something the matter, sir?] His female android assistant-a sleek and polished figure designed to help him out in his racing endeavors-those gleaming cyan eyes, a serene expression.
Dimitri shook his head, snapping to attention again. "Sasha. I have never seen anyone like her before," he mumbled to himself in awe over her pointed ears and her cold demeanor."
The assistant paused for a second, trying to commit the name to memory. [Shall I run a scan or check our records to identify her?]
Dimitri waved her off. "No need," he said. "I will take care of it myself. She's. different. I want to see where this goes."
Just then, his communicator buzzed, and a familiar name flashed on the screen.
"Mother," he grumbled under his breath, seeing Iris Venyamin Vanya calling.
He accepted the call, and Iris appeared in holographic before him, seated in some opulent room with a view of the city's skyline behind her.
"'Dimitri,' Iris's voice carried a proud tone, even to sharp features softened by an almost affectionate smile. [I watched your race. Another flawless victory. You've done well, my son.]
Dimitri's face lighted up as he saw his mother. "Thanks, Mother. I'm glad you could watch it."
She leaned forward, her tilt of the head a small acceptance, and her regal reprimand still very much in place. [You have always been one to make me proud, Dimitri. Racing in the Airforce is not an easy affair, and you have shot right to the top, just as I knew you would. You're really displaying for the world what it means to carry the Vanya name.]
Dimitri smiled, but remained humble. "It's all thanks to your teachings, Mother. Everything I learned was taught by you."
Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and something slightly more calculating. [You've always exceeded my expectations, but you remember the races are only a fraction of what you face ahead. The work we do for IRIS Corp is much greater. I'm sure you'll maintain your focus on our greater goals.]
Dimitri nodded, serious. "Of course, Mother. I'll never forget what we're working toward."
Her smile softened a bit, her voice taking a sharp edge. [Good. There are… developments you should know about. Things are moving, and soon we shall have to act. But until then, celebrate your victory. You have earned it.]
"Thanks, Mother," Dimitri said, lowering his head a little.
Before hanging up, Iris took one final look at him. [Keep your wits about you, Dimitri. I have heard murmurs of possible new faces in Aerathis. Comedians that may probably be connected with our mission. Keep your eyes open.]
Dimitri's heart skipped a beat with her words because he was reminded of Sasha. "I will, Mother. I'll keep watch."
And with that, the hologram faded to nothingness, leaving the room silent. Dimitri leaned back in his chair, staring at the locker room ceiling. He couldn't help but think of Sasha—the way she carried herself, the air of mystery, and those piercing eyes. It's as though she didn't belong in Aerathis, but in the midst of its weird beauty, she fit.
"Love at first sight," he sighed to himself, shaking his head in a chuckle. "How ridiculous."
Still, no force of will could dislodge the image from his mind.
His android assistant reappeared at his elbow. "Shall I schedule for the evening, sir?"
"No, cancel everything," Dimitri said after a hesitation. "I need some time to clear my head."
"Very well," the assistant replied, bowing slightly before leaving him alone with his thoughts.
As Dimitri sat there, his heart pounded, but not with the thrill of victory, but with the inexplicable pull of a woman he'd just met.
---
Standing in the dimly lit shop, its walls lined with an assortment of interesting artifacts, I felt that it was full of curiosity and nostalgia. In the old shop, each relic whispered stories from ages past, holding a very unique charm that so surrounded it. Jade sprawled out on the couch, sleeping there deeply; her soft breaths punctuated the quiet room. Lynsithea sat beside her, softly stroking Snowy, who gave a seeming purr at the touch.
I lost myself in my thoughts until Igor called out for me, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere. "Zane, I'm done with your Nova Watch," he said, his voice reeked with a trace of fulfillment.
I met his gaze with interest. "Really? What did you manage to do?"
Igor, the old Aurelian artificer, looked up from the workbench where he had been huddled over bits and bobs.
"I couldn't repair the replica of the Elthernium gem - that really is a bit beyond my skills and resources. I have hooked in a gem tracker to your Nova Watch, though. That will warn you if you ever come across the real Elthernium gem. For now, your Nova Watch is good as new."
A heart-stopping thought: it worked. I buckled the timepiece to my wrist, feeling its cool, familiar weight. "Thanks, Igor. I appreciate it."
"Of course," Igor said, readjusting his glasses and regarding the timepiece with a look of pride. "You should try it out."
I reached out and called on my sword, focusing on that familiar call. "Aether."
The sword took its shape immediately, but its design remained the same. The long curved blade gleamed forth in this dim light but reflected a soft glow. I investigated it to note how its intricate hilt and fancy form mirrored my mind's state at the moment. The sword was always believed to be an extension of self, kindred to one's inner strength and struggles.
Igor's eyes widened slightly as he eyed the sword. "That's quite the weapon you have there. Its design… it seems to embody something more than just functionality. It almost reflects your mentality."
I looked at the sword, then back at Igor, confused. "You mean the design? How does it reflect that?"
Igor nodded, his interest obvious. "Yes. The workmanship on the sword, its balance, the way it seems to complement you-it's as if it is part of you, adapting to your sense. It's a rare quality in a weapon, and it's fascinating. Many weapons are made for physical might, but this one just seemed to hold something more."
I thought about his words, a small smile pulling at the edges of my mouth. "I guess I just never really knew about it that way. I mean, it feels like it's a part of me, but I didn't know there was such a connection."
Igor smiled quietly to himself. "It is an interesting fact of life, sometimes the tie between a warrior and his weapon can say more about who that person is, than they know themselves."
I glanced over at Lynsithea, who stopped petting Snowy as she sat and stared up at me. She smiled encouragingly at me as she looked up. I could feel a surge of confidence with this new purposeful resolve. "Well, if the sword reflects my mentality, then I guess it's a reminder of what I'm fighting for."
He nodded in assent. "Exactly. And that new functionality in your Nova Watch will enable you to find the actual Elthernium. It could be just what you need to complete your mission."
I flexed my fingers, squeezing the sword tightly. "Thanks, Igor. That means a lot to me."
He waved aside my thanks with a humble gesture. "It's my pleasure. Just beware on your journey. The path you are walking on is fraught with peril."
I turned to look over at Jade, who was still sleeping, and Lynsithea and Snowy, before setting off. The quest standing before me and the possibility of arriving where the true Elthernium lay decided me even further. With the Nova Watch functioning, and Aether by my side, I set myself for whatever was next.