On the night of the festival, while everyone was distracted by the sudden invasion of a powerful monster from the rift incident, Barpirio managed to untie himself and ran into the forest to seek refuge.
Barpirio: That darn ungrateful monster! Once I return home, I will order the immediate destruction of this country. This I swear on my noble name!
But before he gets further and surrounded by darkness, he's unaware that someone, something is lurking in the darkness, sound of leaves set an unsettling feeling.
Barpirio: Wha- , who's there, I am not afraid of you!
Barpirio mustered his courage to overcome his fear when the sound of a stick creaking behind him prompted him to run. His teary eyes and runny nose were a testament to his fright before he stumbled. Turning to investigate, he saw a set of bones with few traces of meat clinging to it, suspecting them to be the carcass of some animal that had died some time ago. He stood up, brushed himself off, decided to continue his escape. Suddenly, an unexpected guest appeared startling him. But felt relieved to see a robed person with a mask, one of his underlings.
Barpirio: Ah! Oh, it's just you, come on hurry we have to get back to our country.
But before he could get past the masked figure, he felt a sharp pain in his side. The masked figure had stabbed him with a dagger that had unusual, pointed edges and intricate symbols etched across the blade.
As the figure removed the mask, Barpirio's eyes widened in shock at the sight of his unsuspecting assistant committing such a nefarious act.
Barpirio: He… Herliza?!
His voice thinning out, Herliza looked at him with an unusual expression, smiling back as if she were enjoying the moment of torture.
Herliza: Your purpose has already been fulfilled, you are no longer any use for me!
Declared, her words were laced with malice as she pulled-out her dagger and kicked Barpirio's wound causing him to curl in pain.
Barpirio: W… why are you doing this, I… am your master!
But Herliza did not respond. Instead, she summoned a horde of creatures from the darkness. As they stepped forward, Barpirio realized they were once his underlings who had turned against him, ordered to unmask themselves revealing disfigured creatures, their bodies marred by throbbing purple veins that coursed across their grotesque features. Terrified, Barpirio reached out for his pocket to grab a hidden weapon, but Herliza, anticipating his move, commanded to maul him. Barpirio let out an agonizing scream.
A week after the siege, Selah woke up in her bed, looking at the time keep on her table, realizing she had been asleep for an entire week. She looked around, but no one was in her room. Her wounds were patched up, she checked and was surprised to find that the gaping wound in her gut had completely healed.
She stood up and got dressed, fixing her hair before putting on her pendant, which glowed with an ethereal bluish light. Flashing a smile, she opened the door, and light met her eyes as she stepped outside excited to meet everyone.
Selah: Everyone!
Far from what she expected, an awkward air greeted her. Hax was lying on the ground, twitching, and foaming at the mouth. Hyuwin was hallucinating, and Mirelan was chasing Clause around in a frenzy. Trying to piece together what must have taken place. Clause, noticed her standing in the doorway, rushed to her side, clinging to her waist and pleading for help.
Clause: Oh, my sweet sweet Selah, please save me!
Mirelan caught up, panting heavily before frantically trying to pull Clause away from Selah, begging him to do something about the others.
Mirelan: Put them back to normal at once old man!
Clause: Not that old!
It turned out Clause was experimenting with a type of concoction. Selah looked at him with a stern gaze and demanded an explanation. Clause gasped, meeting her eyes.
Later that same morning, Hyuwin and Hax seemed a bit inebriated from the substance they had ingested, but they felt significantly better.
Mirelan sat down with Selah from a wooden bench facing an open field, wind rustles. She told Selah what had happen and what did she miss during her sleep. Selah listening intently.
Mirelan: About a week ago, when tragedy struck, Yvalra and her men captured the culprit behind the rift incident. It was determined that Barpirio had ordered the ritual to summon that monster.
Mirelan's expression shifted as she prepared to share her next story, her face contorting into a bitter grimace.
Mirelan: That night, I was powerless. My hands trembled as I stumbled to the ground. H'reig shielded me, blocking the monster's attack and buying me precious time to escape. But my legs wouldn't move. Hax had to carry me away from the battle, my eyes locked on the scene unfolding behind us. The monster… it… H'reig…
Tears streamed down Mirelan's delicate face as she recounted the moment they fought the monster, blaming her own powerlessness for H'reig's demise. Selah gently held out her pendant to Mirelan, its usual bluish glow emanating softly.
Selah: A friend of mine once told me to be strong and carry on with my dreams. We used to share moments like this, but now, after the incident, I don't think I'll be able to tell her stories again.
Selah recounted what happened in the Mistral Forest. How they both struggled and fought, the outcome of the battle, with one saving the other, while the other remained powerless.
Selah: Until the very end, Arifea selflessly sacrificed herself to save me from the monster's grasp, enduring death in my place. I know for certain her soul is within this pendant, but when I try to communicate with her, she doesn't respond like she used to. It feels as though I've lost a very special friend. Yet, even though it may sound impossible, I still feel like she's always here with me.
Selah looked up, recalling the countless times she had prayed beneath the very same sky. Each time, her heart full of hope and longing, seeking guidance in moments of uncertainty.
Mirelan hugged Selah tightly, tears streaming down her face as she poured out the sorrow that had been weighing on her heart. Hyuwin and Hax stood at a distance, watching with gentle smiles as they observed the heartfelt moment between Mirelan and Selah.
Clause: Oh, it seems you're both feeling okay! There's another concoction I'd like you to try.
Hyuwin: No more! Get that thing away from me!
Selah chuckled softly as she watched her father and the others' shenanigans. Mirelan wiped her tears and thanked Selah for comforting her. Selah shook her head and encouraged her to be resilient for those who love and cherish her, comparing them to the most valuable treasure. Nodding in agreement, they both watched as Clause chased after the two with a beaker containing a vial of unknown substance.
Yvalra: Selah, it seems you have woken up at last.
Selah: Oh, hey Yvalra, yes, I'm doing fine, thanks to your concern, how is your arm?
Yvalra: Yeah, it's healed somehow, but I still need some time to get used to this setup.
Selah: Will you be, okay?
Selah looking at Yvalra with a hint of concern. Yvaldra draw her sword now perched on her waist and point it away brimming with confidence.
Yvalra: Of course, a wound like this could never bring a noble knight like me to my knees.
Clause walked closer to the group and asked Yvalra for an update on their patients.
Yvalra: They seem to be doing better now, unlike before, thanks to his help.
Selah: His help?
Yvalra: I forgot to tell you, a week ago a man named Neros went to tackle a mysterious pague that's tormenting people of this country, also, he changed his occupation to Artificer, just like Fel.
Selah: Plague? Just like mother? What exactly happened?
Clause: Err, actually Selah, after the incident, many citizens, including Yvalra's guards, fell ill to some sort of a curse, causing them to convulse or behave uncontrollably, almost like wild beasts.
Later that day, they decided to visit Neros in the city's residential area. A few crystalline structures encased in metallic contraptions were placed systematically next to a makeshift structure made of lightweight materials, resembling a large tent designed to contain an infection.
Selah immediately recognized that some of the crystalline devices used were similar to those her mother had employed, but with significant improvements. Four pillars surrounded the corners of the structure, each emitting a faint energy. She scanned the room and saw people lying on beds arranged closely together, divided into two sections left and right while medical personnel attended to each patient in an organized manner.
Looking closely, she noticed some patients displaying reddish-purple veins throbbing in their throats. In the distance, Neros was wearing a lab coat similar to Clause's, examining a glass orb hunging from a curved metallic apparatus, containing what looked like a dark liquid that dripped from a small funnel carefully positioned above.
Clause: How is it Neros?
Neros stopped what he was doing and seemed to extract the black liquid into a glass tube held in his palm. As soon as he laid eyes on Selah's pendant, he noticed its transformation. Intricate gold and blue patterns now encased its delicate glass interior, glowing with a soothing bluish light that piqued his interest. However, he decided to set it aside for further observation.
Neros: Professor, how is everything on your end?
Hyuwin: Professor?
Yvalra: Yes, it seems that Neros and Clause are calling each other some unusual names.
Selah: Nel-…
Everyone: Nel?
Selah bit her tongue, attempting to call for Neros, her cheeks flushing with warmth. She clutched her chest, a flutter of unfamiliar emotions stirring within her, leaving her flustered and at a loss for words. Overwhelmed by embarrassment, she turned and hurried away.
Clause nudged Hyuwin with his elbow, making him feel a bit uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Neros picked up the tube from his workshop desk, just a few feet away from the apparatus, and placed it inside a device designed to analyze the composition of the extracted liquid. He began to explain the process to everyone.
Neros: A week ago, a foreign energy bombarded this country, blighting the positive energies known as ethereal energies and disrupting each individual's natural ability to manifest.
Yvalra: Positive energies?
Soren picked up another glass tube from the side of his table, which contained two contrasting liquids. One with a bright color and the other with a darker shade.
Neros: Precisely. You see, for a very long time, we have been accustomed to the ethereal energies flowing freely in the air. However, we have now been introduced to another variation, one that is less pure and causes fluctuations within us. This disruption affects our natural circulation, resulting in the symptoms you see now in those who are afflicted.
Mirelan pulled Selah inside to join the group, fidgeting. Yvalra proceeded to ask in response.
Yvalra: Then how do you explain why we haven't been infected by this blight? Are there special conditions that allow anyone to contract these 'negative' energies?
Neros: Hmm, based on the samples we have gathered, it seems as if it reacts to one's soul.
Yvalra: One's soul?
Neros: That is correct, this blight not only attacks the physical body but also attaches itself deep to those who lack the resistance to repel it. The soul with high levels of purity houses ethereal energies, they coexist harmoniously within. A soul lacking these qualities are more vulnerable.
Clause: You mean.
Neros took a sample from his drawer stored in a vial.
Neros: Coming from a sample of a beast that was captured few days ago and try experimentation to prove my theory. I purposely blighted the mindless beast and the results were out of the ordinary. Almost immediately its eyes changed coloration and it act out of control. Unlike human capable of loving and showing compassion. The beast, we captured purposely does not possess the same quality.
Clause: It only means that the quality of the soul is tied to one's character, right??
Neros: Impressive Professor, you get it just as quick!
Neros and Clause held hands while jumping up and down with joy, while everyone else wore a unified expression of disappointment.
Yvalra: So, based on your discovery, does this mean that everyone can be infected if they display signs of a weak character?
Neros: Yes, but this research is still incomplete. So far, I have named the two conflicting energies, positive energy "Aetheris" and negative energy "Nerathis."
Selah observing, recalls the time when her mother teaches at the capital vividly as she feels a little nostalgia. Hyuwin notices the shift in Selah as he gazes on her.
Mirelan: Uhm, are those beasts still edible?
She thought she had asked one of the most important questions, but an awkward silence filled the air. Everyone trying to dodge the question. Neros continued.
Neros: So, uh, in conclusion, this blight only attaches itself to living organisms and acts as a catalyst that disrupts their natural manifestation, causing it to rogue. I theorize that this energy can manifest independently when certain criteria are met.
Everyone grew concerned upon hearing this, but Clause proudly pulled something out of his pocket and displayed it to the group, while Neros applauded him.
Clause: Thankfully, the Professor and I have created what we call a "Verdis Potion." This liquid can be applied by ingestion to those who are blighted. Potently alleviating their symptoms and eradicating any traces of Nerathis from within.
Neros: Verdis is a refined form of Aetheris extracted from the air. Allow me to show you.
Neros led everyone outside, where a curious crowd had gathered around an unusual structure. They proceed to demonstrate an apparatus resembling a fountain, but instead of water, Aetheris flowed gracefully within. Its radiant essence danced across the surface, casting mesmerizing patterns of light that shimmered in the air. The ethereal glow bathed the surroundings in a soft, magical luminescence, captivating the attention of everyone present.
Neros and Clause: Tada! We call it the Spring of Dreams! Yay!
Showcasing their creation while waving their hands to stir excitement but everyone ignored them and proceeded to admire the beauty of the fountain instead.
Neros: Ahem, the light you see is the Aetheris, which behaves like water. This device captures the very essence of this energy, and through a special method, it gains its mass and retain it all the while remaining contained.
Neros captured everyone's attention as he displayed glass tubes attached on each side, filled with a glowing light.
Neros: This is Aetheris in its unrefined form, which will undergo several purification stages until it transforms into Verdis, an exact replica of the energies found within the soul.
Clause: Also, apart from extracting Aetheris. This fountain is truly a work of wonders, as it radiates energy in close proximity that can cure the early stages of Nerathis infection.
The light from the Well of Dreams reflected in Selah's eyes, and it was the first time Hyuwin had seen her captivated to such a degree, stirring a hint of jealousy within him.
Hyuwin: It looks fascinating don't you think, Selah.
Selah: Uh, yeah, it reminded me of Mother when she was still working with her own creations.
Hyuwin: Neros, does he remind you of your mother?
Selah: Somehow, I mean, he is such a cool guy with his pioneering inventions.
Hyuwin: I see…
After a few moments, Selah felt that something was amiss and asked him about it.
Selah: Hmm, why did you ask?
Hyuwin: N… nothing really.
Selah looked at Hyuwin which she finds acting rather suspicious, until. Mirelan suddenly sneaked up behind him and asked the same question.
Mirelan: I am also curious, Hyu-hyu, tell us.
Startled, Hyuwin accidentally stumbled closer to Selah, their shoulders brushing together and creating an unexpected intimacy. His heart raced as he caught her gaze, feeling a rush of emotions surge within him. In that moment, he wished time would freeze, allowing them to linger in this unplanned closeness just a bit longer.
Clause: Hey, what are you three doing, let's go.
Clause called from a distance, urging them to follow him to their next destination. Hyuwin and Selah exchanged awkward glances before making their way.
The following day, Sabin's leader invited Selah and the rest of the group to a feast to celebrate their accomplishments, a way to thank them for saving their country and its people.
Their eyes were mesmerized as they entered the palace-like hall, which invited them in with its grandeur.
The grand feast hall featured towering columns and a vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes of heroic tales. Rich tapestries lined the walls. Polished bronze lamps hung from above, casting a soft glow over long wooden tables filled with an array of delicious dishes. The air was fragrant with spices and freshly baked bread. A raised dais at the far end showcased honored guests, decorated with vibrant floral arrangements.
As everyone busied themselves exploring the place, they searched for seats at the feast, where an array of delicious food lay before them, enticing them to indulge.
A woman with vibrant pink hair styled in a side braid wears a small, elegant hat adorned with a flower. Her burgundy shaded dress is tailored to fit her figure, with intricate white embroidery tracing the seams. Underneath, a flowing cream-colored blouse peeks out, complemented by a fitted waistcoat that cinches at her waist. She completed her outfit with knee-length brown boots and a silver brooch engraved with the country's insignia.
She found her seat at the edge of the table and introduced herself along with her four assistants each wear elegant, well-tailored uniforms. Their attire consists of dark, fitted coats with silver accents, crisp white shirts underneath, and polished boots. Each assistant wears a high-collared vest with intricate embroidery.
Recivela: Greetings, everyone. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Recivela Rosenthal, the ruler of Sabin and I thank you sincerely for accepting my humble invitation. Come enjoy the feast!
Everyone felt out of place, except for Neros, Clause and Mirelan, who eagerly gobbled up the food in front of them as if it were about to run out.
Recivela acknowledged and congratulate everyone's efforts, praising their bravery in taking down the monster, saving the country from peril, healing the blighted, and pioneering new, helpful tools. With a graceful nod, she called upon Neros, who sat a few seats back beside Clause and Mirelan, who was still munching on his food, his cheeks stuffed.
She began discussing Neros's discoveries, emphasizing how they could benefit the country's future. Mid-conversation, she gestured to one of her assistants, who promptly handed her a cube adorned with intricate gray and blue patterns. The moment Neros laid eyes on it, his expression turned serious.
Recivela: I believe this small piece of device played a vital role in the incident, is it not? If so, I would assume this is a relic from eons ago. Would you care indulging me with the specifics about its use and how does it work?
Neros stood up and slowly pulled another one from his pocket, confirming the ruler's suspicion. Her eyes were glued to Neros as he prepared to reveal the secrets of the cube.
Neros: Your highness, this device, which is rather unusual for this age, is called a 'Link Matrix Cube.' Its primary function is to awaken the dormant energy stored in a Spatial Conduit. A dodecahedron device capable of tearing the fabric of space between dimensions.
Clause recalled the night of the festival as he arrived at his workshop, where Neros was already at the scene, de-stabilizing the Spatial Conduit from sending more energy into the uplink.
He caught a glimpse of the device, now expanded with four pillars with complicated mechanisms supporting the cube as it channeled massive streams of red energy into the sky.
Neros further demonstrated by pressing the circular tip of the cube against the surface. It buzzed softly and then expanded, revealing its intricate internal circuitry with faint light flowing through its delicate pathways.
Neros: Thanks to everyone's efforts, I've managed to buy enough time to diffuse the activation of this device. That said, this device has the capability to supply an almost endless amount of energy. However, in the wrong hands, it could cause a catastrophe, just like the one we all witnessed.
Recivela: But, how did such a dangerous artifact from the Forgotten Age end up in Clause's hands?
Clause, startled, looked at Neros, silently asking for his help, but Recivela insisted that he answer the question himself. Nervously, he rose from his seat and answered.
Clause: Err, your highness, I accidentally found it…?
Recivela: Accidentally?
Neros nodded at Clause, instantly calming him down. It was a silent gesture of their mutual understanding.
Clause: In actuality, Your Highness, I have been scouring all parts of Sabin ever since my wife passed away ten years ago. During that time, I developed several inventions that help me detect artifacts scattered throughout the country which I stored in my workshop.
Recivela: I see. Forgive me if I seem overly concerned, but this involves the entire country even the world. I've heard about the incident in Cardal'tha, and I fear for the safety of our citizens.
Clause sat down, feeling relieved, as he melted into a slouch in his seat.
Recivela: There's still something that bothers me, how did the 'enemy' possess the cube and find out about the location of Spatial Conduit?
Yvalra wished to answer the question. She asked permission to speak, and Recivela nodded. Yvalra handed the Memory orb to one of the ruler's assistants.
Yvalra: I believe this can answer your suspicion, Your Highness. Prior to the festival, we captured a suspicious audience and confiscated this memory orb.
Recivela's assistant placed the memory orb in front of her. The bronze orb twisted like petals, revealing a green gem inside that emitted light like a hologram. This shocked everyone, as it showed the thief sneaking into Clause's workshop and taking images of its contents. She immediately suspects that this is not a mere coincidence, as if someone is pulling the strings.
Yvalra: Also, Your Highness, my guards pursued the culprit, whom I believe is Barpirio. They followed his trail into the forest, where they found his belongings along with a splatter of blood, but he was nowhere to be found.
Everyone has their own conclusion about his fate, asking the same question, where is he?