A state of mind defined The Veil's edge rather than a physical location. It was a *mood*. A misty wetlands of dreary grays seemed to have paint-rolled the sky with washed-out water as burning bread and shame created the odor. The ghastly clothes of_UPDATED_MARKET'S_ITEM_UPDATE_ dragged in mud which adhered to him like a clingy ex-girlfriend.
He hit a flying mosquito almost the size of a thumbtack as he complained about walking three times longer than he expected at "*two miles*." "We've been walking for *six*."
Lyra didn't turn around. "I lied. Resistance to our mission would have occurred if you learned the path covered six miles instead of two.
"Damn right I would've!"
She turned her attention to check behind her with frizzled blue hair distorted by the steamy weather. The saving of humanity would become insignificant to you because your socks remain soggy? Pathetic."
"My socks aren't wet. My *soul* is wet. The area resembles a swamp to the point of being actual swampland.
According to Lyra the mystical threshold crossed by humans during death is nonsense. "Show some respect."
"Mystical threshold my ass. The cleanliness level of porta-potties seems higher than this mystical entrance.
---
At dusk they located the Veil Lord camp that was hidden between two stone ruins which used to be a temple before its demise. The site had transformed into nothing more than tents that looked depressed alongside a fire which released sparks in contempt of the universe.
Elias took position behind a boulder while peering through the lenses. "Guards?"
With her hands Lyra passed him the poorly maintained pair of binoculars. "Three at the gate. Two patrolling. A guard within the camp sat asleep in his hammock.
Elias peered through the lenses. The guard who was supposed to watch slept soundly while holding a mango that lay unnoticed in his hand. Is there any proof that these individuals are the famous Veil Lords? One of the guards makes a poor impression with salsa sauce dripping from his shirt.
The power of Veil energy transforms ordinary people into odd individuals according to Lyra. Their leader serves as a cruel tyrant who would delight in skinning us alive. That is why we need to stay focused right now.
Elias's stomach growled. Does the security post have any food stands?
Lyra stared at him. At this moment you are consumed by thoughts about snacks?
"I'm hungry! Protein bar eaters have dealt with chunks of chalk for their daily sustenance.
"Fine. A survival guarantee from me will get you ramen.
"Spicy pork?"
"Yes, you garbage raccoon."
----
Lyra had created a straightforward diversion with her dragon holographic effect that included smoke and fire effects. The dragon glitch exited the campgrounds with a cowboy hat riding over it while continuously sounding the "Yippee Ki Yay" yodel.
The guards stared.
"Uh," said one. "Is that… normal?"
Lyra hid her eyes with her palms folded in front of her face. "The Aether code's corrupted. You were told not to get the bogus system update.
Elias waved his glowing wristband. "It said 'critical security patch'!"
"It was a meme, Elias! The dragon glitched into Yosemite Sam with a cowboy hat while doing a yodel as it soared through camp airspace.
One of the guards blinked away his sleep before seeing the flying lunch. "…The guards were doubtful "Whether we face an attack or look at a talent show."
----
The camp chaos gave them the perfect opportunity to move in among the carts of old weapons and barrels of an unpleasant smelling fermented substance. A lone teenager guarded the Fragment inside a tent while sharpening his dagger which had shadow-venom poisoning.
Elias frowned. "That's the guardian? He looks twelve."
Lyra elbowed him. "He's a Veil prodigy. That dagger's poisoned with shadow-venom. Getting scratched by that dagger would force you to spend seven days vomiting out your internal contents.
"Cool. So we'll ask nicely."
Elias entered the guarded tent while displaying his hands in surrender. "Hey, kid. The shiny rock is our only interest while standing here. No need for stabby-stab, okay?"
The boy looked aggressively at them while holding his dagger tight. "You're the Catalyst."
"Yep. And you're…?"
"Jiro." He lunged.
Elias yelped, dodging. "Whoa! What happened to evil monologuing?!"
Lyra burst in, tackling Jiro. The shelf collapsed beneath them and pottery pieces scattered everywhere. "Grab the Fragment and go!"
Elias grasped the burning crystal while it rested on its base. "Got it!"
Jiro writhed under Lyra, furious. "You don't understand! Since the Fragment exists as the sole reason why my sister survives.
Lyra froze. "…What?"
The sickness which the veils transmit through lungs afflicts her body. The Lords promised to heal his sick sister whenever he guarded the Fragment.
Elias's gut twisted. The Fragment pulsed in his hand, warm and heavy.
Lyra released Jiro from her hold as she spoke with unusual gentleness. "How old's your sister?"
"Eight."
Elias stared at the Fragment. He felt uncertain while breaking off a shard from the Fragment before giving it to Jiro. "Here. Take this to her."
Lyra's eyes widened. "Elias—!"
"It's a rock, Lyra. We'll make do."
Jiro clutched the shard, stunned. "…Why?"
Elias shrugged. The reason behind his action was that he once had a sister who turned eight.
----
The shouting mob emerged after the campers escaped with the Fragment's illumination slightly reduced.
Real speech started from Lyra only after they reached the swamp again. "That was stupid."
"Yep."
"Reckless."
"Uh-huh."
She stopped walking. "You're not a hero. You're a mess."
Elias grinned tiredly. "Takes one to know one."
Lyra made no attempt to refute anything for as long as they walked.