Azarinth Healer Chapter 668: History

Chapter 668 History

Would be cool to have that tech, Ilea mused. But I do like my fleshy body.

Its rather traumatic apparently. Much is lost, and much is gained. Not likely a process our species could provide with the resources we currently have. I doubt even the Elves could match it, he said.

So Vor has been looking for the keys? she asked.

Scipio crossed his arms. I dont know. I dont know what he knows, or any other Ascended for that matter. Other than Nes. Its been a very long ti, since the sun was taken.

You dont think any of them would continue the war? she asked.

The man raised his brows. There was no war, Lilith. Those who invaded Kohr were rely scavengers thinking themselves participants in a war. Underestimated, certainly, but had they faced a united Olym Arcena, not one would have returned, or so I believe. The sources were only taken thanks to those working to prevent further destruction.

Wait, sources? Ilea asked.

The man remained silent for a few seconds. So you dont know everything at least. I hope you understand the implications.

Now theres more of them.

How many? she asked.

It doesnt matter, he said, making it clear that he wouldnt share anything else on the subject.

I suppose thats true, she thought.

I have told you much, Lilith, he said. May I learn how you know my na?

Ilea smiled. I dont see why not.

Rhyvor and her story with the royals shouldnt have much of an impact on the other issues at hand. They suspected the Ascended had sothing to do with the more powerful monsters appearing in Rhyvor, but neither Maro nor Elana know anything definitive.

These were your lands once, werent they? Human lands, she said.

A frontier, then and now. Though not quite as dangerous when we started building settlents, he said.

Rhyvor. I stumbled upon the Tremor dungeon in my travels, she said.

He glanced at her. I see. The capital remained in so form. Then you mustve found records of , or a portrait perhaps?

Ilea paused, looking at him before she smiled. No. I found Maro, and Elana.

Their graves? Why would there be a ntion of ? he asked.

No, theyre alive and well, Ilea answered.

He blinked his eyes a few tis, looking out onto the north and back to her. WHAT!? he exclaid, lifting a hand and pointing at her. You youre fabricating this.

Maro Invalar, king of Rhyvor. He sacrificed himself at the end of so local war, taking over the dead kingsguard and most of the dead knights of Rhyvor, fighting off the invaders and defending the capital, she explained.

You need more proof than that to support such a ludicrous story, he said.

Ilea tapped her cheek. Hmm sothing personal then. Maro didnt actually want to be king, but he was just super charismatic. Not that I really get that part, he can be kind of an ass. Elana was the one really ruling. He was often off on adventures or similar shit. He gave this, she said and revealed the Legacy of Rhyvor. But I suppose I couldve just looted it sowhere. We investigated the Soul rippers, powerful monsters that ca into the local dungeons, the sa happening in many areas of Rhyvor. Based on runes I found later, I think the Ascended were responsible for their summoning.

Thats true, all of it, Scipio said. But I still find it hard to believe. Thousands of years and they did nothing? he asked.

Well Maro was stuck in the machine controlling the knights, which were later taken over by the city turned dungeon. A bit unfortunate I suppose, but I dont think he expected to actually succeed. Elana took care of him and managed to sleep through most of the ti, Ilea said, not ntioning that the woman may or may not have lost a few of her marbles along the way. How do you feel about them? she asked instead.

Its been so long, I barely rember their faces, he said quietly. But a part of would like to see them again. We were adventurers together, a very, very long ti ago. When we were all still young, so full of stupidity and idealism. I parted ways with them and Rhyvor many years before that idiot was declared King. I knew imdiately it was Elana, he said and laughed. She was just too cold for our peoples, but Im sure in ti they understood, and ca to accept her.

Have you been to Hallowfort? Ilea asked.

You ntioned it before. A settlent of Dark Ones in the north, is it not? I have heard whispers but have yet to find its location, he said. Is it within the Dark Protectors domain?

Its independent, Ilea said. And Elana joined their council.

He smiled lightly. She did always advocate for other species. A woman before her ti, I suppose. Maro is by her side, I assu?

Hes no. I have no idea where he is. Asila so ti ago, but who knows where now, she said.

Youre aware of how dangerous that could be? That man has a way of influencing people, he said.

Its weird right? So kind of hidden Charisma stat, Ilea mused.

He nodded. I was sure he wasnt human. So kind of mind magic creature hiding in his skin, but I never found conclusive evidence.

You could find him and ask, maybe hes llowed out a bit after all these centuries, Ilea said.

No. Never. Not with everything on the line, he said. Maro cant keep any secrets, nor would he want to be involved in the things I know.

He looked up at the waiting group, Verena and Feyrair ready to storm inside the mont Ilea called. Pierce was juggling with daggers.

The fewer who learn of us, the better, Scipio said. Even if you may trust them, it would an a lot if you kept our presence here to yourself.

Ilea did trust them, but this had beca a little bigger than she previously thought. She trusted Feyrair, especially after what happened in the Praetorian facility, but she didnt know how he would react to what she learned here. If anything, he didnt seem like soone capable of keeping secrets for extended periods of ti. Nor was she, if she was honest.

What she definitely wanted to avoid was the Elders learning about everything here. She decided to talk to Feyrair later, and in private. Right now they were all working together, perhaps in a pursuit of a future alliance, but with the knowledge she had gained here, she wasnt entirely sure anymore. Before it had been about stopping the Taleen, but soone would get the source. And she didnt know if Isalthar would leave it to them.

I dont think Ill be able to tell a convincing lie about what happened in there, she said. But I can try. I suppose it depends on what youre actually doing here. There were tubes with humanoids inside them, and all the Ascended research Ive seen so far was rather problematic, for all living creatures on Elos.

He chuckled. I understand. I suppose after everything theyve done, its only natural to think them our enemy. Especially after so much ti has passed. I guess nothing but the truth will do. I dont know if I could stop you, nor do I want to risk myself and Nes to try. Too much is on the line. Co, let show you.

Ilea followed him back inside, teleporting past the quickly deactivated anti space magic field.

I will show her around. Its going to be fine, the man whispered to Nes who still sat in the sa chair, her glowing eyes looking at Ilea before they focused back on Scipio.

She followed him down into the cellar where she had found the containers before. Nes remained upstairs.

Navuun, Scipio said. The ones saved before their sun was taken.

Theyre dead, Ilea said.

Not quite. Not yet. What your magic fails to perceive is the genetic material and tissue present. No longer able to sustain themselves, they were put into a near perfect stasis. What you see here is what we believe to be all remaining Navuun. And we aim to bring them back to life, he said.

Now thats a risk, to tell that, she thought. Comndable, I guess. But why here?

You dont deem them a danger to mankind? he asked in a curious voice.

If you dont implant their minds with so kind of terminate all humans command. I befriended a Mind Weaver, Fae, fire fox, and a tree of all things. I think its safe to say I dont really care, she said.

I have several new questions, but regardless, that is our cause. I have learned much about their physiology and they require a lot more mana in their environnt than humans do. The north is appropriate but the conditions have to be perfect, especially upon their waking, he explained.

Theyre gonna have a shock when they wake up after all those years, that much is sure, she said.

These are children, Lilith. Young enough to rember very little. It was the only way they could ensure their survival. Nes tells the adults died upon entering the stasis, he said.

Ilea didnt know if he was speaking the truth. If he was, she didnt see a reason to reveal their location to anyone or to hinder them in any way. The Navuun had the sa right to survive as everyone else. Those not directly responsible for the sun removal that was. The fact that Nes hadnt imdiately attacked or insulted her was nearly enough to convince her already. And the way she reacted when Ilea had ntioned the demons. She wouldnt take any of it back. They slaughtered near all of Ravenhall, but she could empathize with Ness view point. To an extent.

What were you doing with Cless? I dont think you being in the sa dungeon was a coincidence, Ilea said.

It wasnt. I look for fissures in this realm, connections and shifts. You should understand if you can see the fabric. It has always fascinated , but now its more than that. Anything could co through, worse even than Ascended. And sotis reasonable beings from other realms show up, willingly or more often, not. Cless could not share any world changing research with , but I was happy to save her in a place unknown to her, and to teach her so things that may help her on her journey, he said.

What if we hadnt shown up? Ilea asked.

You are aware of the concept of an orphanage, I hope? A gifted child like her would have a better chance than most others. In her realm, she benefited from education far beyond what a child her age would receive in even a noble household, he said.

Any clue how she got here? I dont think shes a capable space mage who tore through the fabric, Ilea said.

There are many possibilities. I can share my research on the topic with you, if you are interested. In regards to Cless herself, it is as you say, she lacks any perception of the fabric. To her, she simply appeared here, much like many I found before, he said.

Nothing new here, Ilea thought, a little disappointed. Can you go to other realms? she asked instead.

I fail to understand what this has to do with the work were doing here, or your secrecy, he said.

I thought we were done with that already, Ilea said. You didnt attack and you saved Cless. What additional evidence do I need?

He blinked his eyes a few tis. You are far more trusting than I dared hope.

Yeah, thats why I have multidinsional friends, she mused.

He walked back towards the stairs. As to your question. Yes, as can you. If youre asking if I can form a fissure myself, the answer is no. There are theoretical ways but they require a lot of energy, the sacrifice of essence, as is the case in blood magic, or simply an unfathomable amount of preparation and perfect execution. As there are always two or more realms involved, including the fabric that connects all, the conditions need to be perfect. The story changes when you have access to two realms, or a magically ingrained location in the fabric. Two anchors in two realms are not so different from two points in the sa one, though more energy will be required to travel between. I have developed ways to detect shifts and fissures, one of the most reliable ways to travel to unknown realms still a simple occurrence of chance, as infuriating as that is to accept. Though I suggest you have an anchor here, to not get stranded, should you ever choose to follow such a trail. I have seen worlds filled with creatures perhaps equal to the very Dragons that rule the skies far north of here.

I poked his passion topic, Ilea thought, looking at the Navuun staring back at them.

You have learned of our purpose then? she asked.

I did. I even know so people that might be able to help, she said. Cant keep this puzzle from the adow. Not after everything its done for .

I will not underestimate you again. Who would know more than us and be willing to help? Scipio asked.

My friend, Deus Ex Machina. The adow. Its entire raison dtre is to help creatures awaken. Im pretty sure it would gladly assist your cause, Ilea said. And it could figure out if there was anything fucky going on. Just in case. And only because you sliced off my legs, Golden Eyes.

I will et this Deus Ex being, and see if it truly is worth our ti, Scipio said.

Ilea looked at him and laughed.

What? he asked in a hissing tone.

Ah yes, Im sure it will be honored to et a master space mage like yourself, Ilea said in a mock encouraging tone.

Im ready to be humbled, Lilith, if that is what you think will happen. But I prefer to make my own impressions instead of trusting your judgnt. Your extensive knowledge is the only reason Im even considering it in the first place, he said.

Sure, Ilea said, still smiling.

He squinted at her and crossed his arms. Is Deus Ex the one who taught you about space magic?

I was joking before. Its na is just the adow, she said. And I did learn a lot from it, but I suppose the Fae was more detrintal in the actual Class acquisition.

You ntioned it. But the ones I encountered did not communicate, nor did they seem interested in in any way, he said. How did soone like you no offense manage to gain their trust?

Offense taken, Ilea said. Maybe you just werent violent enough.

They were so of the most peaceful creatures I encountered in my travels, he said in a confused tone.

Sha. Their realm really was quite unforgettable, Ilea said.

You how did you get there? What did you do? Tell ? he said, getting louder and closer, touching her shoulder at one point before he retreated, tearing at his hair.

Ilea laughed, finding Nes joining in.

Long has it been, she said when they had cald down, Scipio rely grumbling to himself. Since laughter filled this hall.

Lovely marriage it seems, Ilea thought. Maybe take a break and go on a date sotis, she said.

Do not worry for us, dear. We find the ti, but not here, Nes said and gently touched her arm.

How do you, you know? Ilea whispered to her.

The Navuun put a hand to her mouth. Oh, you already know his na. I shall not share any more of his secrets, Lilith. He is a private man.

Great, now Im even more interested, she said.

Scipio ignored them, murmuring about the Fae. How. How do you contact them? Do you have a way? To return?

If you et the adow, you might run into Violence. Ah if you hurt or use the little guy, I will hunt you down to the end of the very fabric of reality, she said with a smile.

Every creature with more than two cells in their brain understands the fallacy of such an action, he murmured.

Then Vor apparently lacks a brain, Ilea said.

Scipio looked up in shock. He did. Good to know. We might be able to use it against him if he ever finds us here. Making enemies of creatures in the realms of Dragons and Fae is the very downfall of the arrogant.

Eh do you know Audur, per chance? Ilea asked, scratching the back of her head as she laughed a little.

The Guardian of the West. I have heard of her. Best avoid her domain entirely, she is apparently very easily angered and is known to hold on to grudges for millennia, he said.

Shit, Ilea said.

The man stared at her for a full five seconds. Well. Good luck.

Thanks, Ilea mused. I just have to reach a suitable level before she finds .

If anyone can do it, Im sure it would be you, Nes said in a confident tone. Despite your weak magical affinity, I was always fascinated with the drive and adaptability humanity showed.

Its really just healing and resistances, Ilea said. And a bunch of luck.

The Navuun chuckled lightly. There is no need for false modesty. You are among people who know what it takes to get past level three hundred.

Speaking of levels, what would the Navuun be? They are mammals I assu? Ilea asked.

Pregnancy takes much longer than what you humans require, and it is, rare. Most were born at close to level two hundred, with high affinities for mind magic, space magic, and other variations depending on the parents genetics. The body you see before you is not that of a Navuun however, and we did not have to fight the sa struggle to reach the power we wield, though I suppose as a civilization, the pursuit of technological advances is a struggle all on its own, she explained.