"Ahhhh!!!" I scread, falling through the dark abyss. I could hear my fellow exorcists' terrified cries as well. Thanks to that musclebound moron, and ultimately Cira, we were all going to die as soon as we hit the ground. The worst part was not knowing where the ground really was. It was just too dark, so all I could do was scream and await the end.
Except it never ca, and a soft golden light enveloped .
"Will you all relax?" One of our two new inductees' gentle voice pierced through the darkness.
"Kris…?" I heard Triton's shaky words. "Did you do this?"
She chuckled, "Of course. It's the least I can do to make up for my colleague's reckless mistakes."
"Hey." I saw all the exorcists in their own bubble of holy light, while the eerie Holiest Witch's white hair and clothes seed to glow. Peugolo, however, shined the brightest, "How was I supposed to know the floor would break like that?"
The witch held him aloft, but his own holy light engulfing him was so pure you would think we has powering up for an attack.
"Accidents happen, right?!" Triton shouted, "Maybe we could talk about this later. On the ground!"
I couldn't bla him. It was hard not to feel high up when you couldn't see the floor. Powerless as we were, floating like this was scary.
"Lomp, if it's gonna be like this every day," Kate glared at , "Then I quit."
"Can we just calm down, everyone?" It had only been twenty seconds or so since we fell through the floor Peugolo smashed, but that was still way too fast for it to devolve into such an argunt. Luckily, Kris started lowering us all. "We are likely in the Dark Stratum, so we need to keep our wits about us. Argue when we get back to Uru, if you must, but… but just…"
I felt a tingling sensation and noticed my fellows' gazes also pointed in the sa direction. Down, of course, but a little ahead. They surely felt the sa presence I did through the 'divine relics' we wore, but this felt like it was on another level from spirits who inhabit the Last Steps.
"What… what is that?" Lant asked, looking hopelessly helpless, dangling in the air with a spiked buckler on each hand.
"Ahahah!" Peugolo roared, hyping himself up by smacking his knuckles together, "Let down there! Quickly now, Witch!"
"No, wait!" I shouted in sowhat of a panic. "The Saint was very specific that we should not act recklessly here. No offense… but I trust her words over yours in this case. We cannot engage anything without first identifying it, and if you punch it away, we don't get any aetherium. Rember why we are here."
Shit, did I really just talk like that to a witch and an enforcer?
"Aha!" Peugolo declared, "I love it! A wise one you are, Mr. Lomp. We must heed the Saint's words."
"Okay, where is the goddamn ground though—guh!" Triton exclaid over the thud I heard from his ass hitting salt.
"Exorcists, group up." I ordered, "Kris, can you illuminate the area?"
"Of course." She grinned at as the darkness receded. Dusty white walls surrounded us, and everyone eagerly watched the hallway beyond light up, waiting to see that inexplicable spirit we all felt. "But it's just an ordinary wraith. Nothing to be alard over."
With a glance, we collectively rembered Cira telling us all about wraiths. That Yl'Gad guy was supposedly so kind of wraith… They were bad news, no matter how one looked at it. Before long, its vile form could be seen. Burning eyes bored into us and waves of dread flooded the cave. I felt my blood turn cold as the hallway got even brighter.
"See?" Kris' voice accompanied the wraith's screams as holy light burned it away. "No problem—"
"Hey!" A chanical click sounded, and a crossbow bolt flew through the air, lodging into the spirit's chest. "If you're gonna waste the aetherium, then you can just head back up the Boreal."
Jules was pissed—understandably so. We were here for one specific reason, after all. We needed aetherium to cure the plague.
"My mistake," the witch giggled like a carefree child, "I just didn't want any of you to feel unsafe."
There was a considerable amount of blue powder that got sucked up into a storage pouch—so much so that I started wondering why we weren't down here in the first place. They died in one shot, as did one as powerful as Yl'Gad. We could shave a year off our hunting schedule if there were more down here.
"All is forgiven under the Saint's cold gaze." Triton kissed his palm and released it to the sky in ridicule of Cira. "Sounds like we get to go ho early tonight, so let's see where this hallway takes us."
Us exorcists were in high spirits at watching half a day's worth of aetherium co out of just the second wraith. It was moderately concerning that we found it faster than we did the strays above, though. Despite that, they had never left the Dark Stratum themselves, so it seed fine.
"Careful though, Dear." The striking young holy woman who must have been secretly very old put a hand on Triton's shoulder, "Let take the front. Sothing strange exists ahead… That much is certain."
"No, let lead the way!" Peugolo jumped ahead as we rounded a corner and was startled by a shrieking wraith. He reflexively swung his fist, and it disappeared from existence entirely, "—oops… Sorry guys."
It was quickly settled that Kris would take lead, and we continued down the bleak hallway as it gradually descended. I could feel a stark pressure bearing down on , like a weight on my soul almost as bad as the spring chamber when I tried to stop Cira. All of us with the so-called sacred relics on could feel it, and that only got stronger as we progressed. Peugolo was reassuring in a pinch, but he was the only one who complained about the Witch leading the way.
"Wh-what is this?" I couldn't help but ask as my knees popped. There was a large archway with no door, but I couldn't help feeling more hopeless the closer we got.
"Yeah, pop up one o' those barriers like the Saint had." Triton mused, "I'm sure she had one for ancient hatred."
I thought his description was apt. That was how it felt in a nutshell.
"Did she now? I truly cannot wait to et her." Kris' lips curled up even further, "Unfortunately I only have power over that which I understand. Once I see it, I'm certain I can protect you from it."
Damn… Not even Cira said sothing that weird. It sounds too pretentious to co from the sorcerer, but sohow this witch stated it all too casually.
"Don't worry, little one." Peugolo patted Kate on the head as she physically recoiled, "I will keep you safe."
We passed through the archway in a cloud of holy light—it was the best Kris could muster apparently, but it did help a little—just not enough. Dread and hatred seeped through our skin, muscles, blood, and mind. It throbbed like a burning migraine, and I could tell the others felt the sa. All of us exorcists slowed or stopped, instantly thrown into a state of panic as we passed the threshold.
"Fascinating…" The witch almost sounded like Cira here, demolishing another wraith as a small and hazy golden sun rose to the ceiling, "I've never t a creature which gives birth to wraiths. What could its purpose be, I wonder? No, I'm more curious about its origin."
Her light soon revealed an entire wall made of blackened flesh. Rotted far past the point of decomposition, sohow held together with such severe degrees of tangible hatred.
That's how it felt anyway. I was no expert. But this bleeding flesh wall wailed a thousand anguished whispers while countless incisions or tears ford the vague shapes of mouths or eyes. I could already tell this was sothing which should have never seen the light, and absolutely should never be gazed upon.
"What… is that—" My voice trailed off as the other exorcists similarly looked on in horror, stumbling on their words with tears forming in their uncertain eyes.
"We—we gotta get outta here!" Triton turned around to run but was held in place with a holy shield.
"Not so fast, Boy." Kris spat, strangely serious. "What was all that talk earlier? I thought you wanted the plentiful aetherium these wraiths have to offer? Look, there's one now."
An engorged eye socket expanded until a shredded mass of aether was expelled, which quickly took on vengeful eyes—staring straight at Triton front and center.
"Hyah!" A boorang cut through the wraith in a flash of light, "Get it together! You know how much aetherium we can get from this thing?! Delilah will have a stroke—we'll be outta here in a year!"
Kate was so excited she caught her boorang and imdiately sliced through the next wraith. "If you're just gonna stand there, at least open your pouch!" She yelled at Triton, but it really applied to us all.
Stolen story; please report.
We had many more adventures with the two new exorcists, but most of them took place in the Dark Stratum. I almost felt bad for disobeying so of Cira's rare earnest advice, but then I thought of all the trouble she brought , and clearly intended to bring in the future. The Dark Stratum was a story or ten for another day, but today… Let's just say I was not happy with Cira.
___
"Mr. Lomp!" My new secretary, Lyrainne, fell through the double doors, "The—the regulatory council is here to see you!"
"What?!" My blood pressure exceeded rates previously known to mankind, "What are you talking abou—WHY HELLO Regulator Hale, Sir!" I stood up and gave my most forthright bow, "To what do I owe this visit?"
"I think you know what." Brindle was not present, but ten mages stacked up on either side of him to fill my office. They didn't wield staves, but each held a single gauntlet, seemingly made of cloudy glass that resonated with mana. It seed they could conjure with each finger should they so chose, but the sight of all these people in my office gave pause.
Things have been going great in the Last Steps! We're way ahead of schedule! What could possibly be wrong? "I can only imagine that damned Saint has roped into further trouble." I pounded my fist on the desk and threw my back into the chair. It rolled all the way to the wall as my fist clenched.
She saved everyone! How can I be mad?! I wanted to do it for years, so I can't complain about the workload after she accomplished everything else in my stead. How could I?!
"What?!" I threw both my hands up in outburst, "What could possibly rit this appearance?!"
"Mr. Lomp, please calm down!" Lyrainne placed a firm hand on my shoulder, bringing back to reality, "I'm sure it's a misunderstanding!" She looked at Hale speechless, putting on her best dumbfounded face, as it was her natural reaction.
Regulator Hale watched us both for a few minutes while his enforcers each held a glass-clad palm outstretched toward . After a very long silence during which I took Lyrainne's words to heart, I was glad to see Hale let out a long breath and sit down across from .
"Mr. Lomp… We did not grant you the title of Omniseer on a whim." The Underseer never even existed until Cira felt like building a city and carving my na on the main governnt office. I would be glad to tell her I spent a full mithril coin paying a mage to remove it just to spite her, but the damage was done. I was the Underseer. It wasn't until Hale arrived and brought the hamr down on old Pappy that he rged Overseer and my own position into one—thus, I beca the Omniseer.
To be fair, I governed more of the Boreal than anyone except the Gandeux Group as a whole as long as you asured by land mass. This was of course only including land within the Boreal, for many of the top mbers of the Gandeux were highly influential in their own neighboring skies.
"Of course… I've never lied to you about the ti I spent with the Hidden Witch, nor the Saint." In truth, I never directly claid they were different people. Just, depending on the story, I referred to her differently. This had blown way out of proportion, and I couldn't believe my ramshackle crew of ssengers had woven such convincing stories of different people that it had beco like this. Perhaps there really was rit to paying everyone in mithril. "The day she left was the day I knew I could possibly one day die in peace. If there have been any developnts regarding the Saint or whoever she consorts with, it can only be bad news for . Now please, Regulator Hale… could you tell what has brought you here today?"
He sighed deeply, and eventually leaned back, "Honestly… That is the impression I got. It seems the Saint has her own sense of what is right and wrong. There are rumors that rlin X instated a certain guideline of ethics for those with certain sorcerous capabilities, but that's all smoke on the wind. The reason I am here is because of a certain ssage the Council received the other day. Are you familiar with Blackwood Trading Company?"
Fount Salt only grew vegetation in the planters, and only that which could be eaten. Veggies, worms, and salt. Wood was outside my purview, "No… I can't say that I have. I was born on Fount Salt and have never involved myself in politics."
"Blackwood belongs to the Gandeux Decadin. In terms of profit and employnt trics, they are almost as influential as Earth Vein. Top five to be certain. It turns out that the third mber of the Saint's faction has finally stood her ground in these skies… You said you only t Captain Dreadheart once, correct?"
"That's right." I claid, "She turned a handful of drunkards at the bar into and army of pirates fit enough to overthrow Black Scourge Don over the course of a few drinks. I t her in line at phisto's."
"Right…" Hale placed his chin in his hand and gazed out over Uren and Silver Lake through the window, "But you see… Dreadheart has been making big moves."
"No…" I ant this from the bottom of my heart, "That… troubles greatly."
"I feel the sa," It seed Hale and I could understand each other if given the chance. "As I ntioned, the Blackwood family is one of the highest ranking mbers of the Gandeux. Considered decadin, one of the top ten families. And it appears Captain Dreadheart has taken the family's heir hostage…"
My heart skipped a beat.
"And I wish it ended there…" He continued to tell the story John Blackwood recounted, along with a very specific ssage Cira apparently left. "Naturally… I have co here to discern the nature of Mobile Fortress Fount Salt, and the veracity of Dreadheart's claims. If anyone had insight… The Regulatory Council has agreed that person might be you."
"An ard group of mages sounds like a little overkill if you're after insight…" I frowned, and Hale seed to mirror my exasperation. "But if that's what your after, I can give you my opinion. Just don't be trying to make an accomplice, okay? I just want the people on this rock to survive, Council be damned."
"I understand, Mr. Lomp… Anything you can offer will surely be of help, and I am well aware of your circumstances. I will personally vouch for you if it cos down to it."
Well… where do I start? It sounds out of character for Cira, but to be honest, it also sounds exactly like sothing Cira would do.
"If Captain Dreadheart has truly Deposed Pirate King Wick, is that not a good thing? If Don was selling deritium, it stands for reason Wick made profit from it." I tried to give neutral opinions on the matter, and it ca surprisingly easy, "Dreadheart removed this island's deritium deposits and cut of the local illicit supply chain. Regardless of her future misdeeds, we can only be grateful that the plague will not spread through the Boreal."
Hale and I had co to an understanding previously about the Saint's intentions in regard to deritium and the plague. It was clear that the threat to human existence should not be, and it was hard to deny the Saint took great asures to make it so. Though apparently, Dreadheart's recent coup stirred up worries that she had plans for the deritium herself. I didn't want to appear as though I knew too much, or I would have told them she destroyed it.
One night after a few drinks on his first visit, Hale even confided in that he wished the Saint wasn't so quick to disappear. Turns out, the Gandeux respect power, and those with good intentions were often let off in lieu of potential cooperation. I already knew though, that Cira would never have wanted to join the Gandeux.
"What is most vexing," Hale continued, "is that I cannot read this faction's intentions. For one… why would such a pure-hearted saint join up with a pirate of such loose ambition? Are they perhaps related? Where does the Hidden Witch fit into all this? It's impossible not to think she has ties to the Third Order, but nothing else adds up. Those people never act on such scale, at least that we can see."
"The Hidden Witch…" I let my words drag, "She told once… that her primary goal was to surpass her father. Such small worries like political interests and the profits of old n are inconsequential to her. She granted us reprieve from our woes like she may burn the mites hiding beneath a passing gull's feathers."
"rlin X…" Hale's bitter voice trilled, "Do you think that's her father?"
"Perhaps… It's hard to say." I didn't know how else to respond. "But there's one thing I can say for certain. It doesn't matter if this island moves or not. Mobile Fortress Fount Salt is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. But make no mistake…" I cast heavy eyes upon Regulator Hale. He had to understand the weight of my words, and that no matter the lies he guessed I told, that this was the absolute brunt of my feelings on the matter, "Even if she is bluffing, it doesn't matter if Fount Salt can fly. The Saint is probably on her way to you now, and the Hidden Witch follows her gaze. No news on the illustrious Captain Dreadheart likely ans that she's very busy. My loose lips don't even concern her. She specifically told that if it would endanger the people of Fount Salt, I could tell you anything I knew."
"Hold on… Where were you two when she said this—"
Hale seed to be missing the point, so I exaggerated a little, "Do you see this scar?" I pointed to my forehead where my brother threw a fork at my head as a baby.
"The spring chamber." I lied to a degree, "Despite her good intentions, the Saint nearly destroyed . Many people on Fount Salt were displaced, so almost died, and Earth Vein was all but forced out. Despite the fact that she fixed the floods of this island… I tried to stop her. I didn't think she could do it at first. And as a result, I almost died. She sent you a warning through this Blackwood fellow as a courtesy… but I promise you will have to face her if you don't take her intentions seriously. I don't think she would say sothing as lofty as 'act of war' lightly. Even if she were alone, I don't think anyone up the Boreal would enjoy a war with her. Not after what I've seen.
After what happened here, who knows what Cira's capable of, but I guarantee she wouldn't be easy to deal with.
"She wouldn't need an island of any size to attack Porta Bora if she felt like it. Worst case scenario if you win, the Gandeux will probably lose a great deal. I don't know what advice to offer… but I hope you have the wit to avoid this eventuality. Friend is better than foe, I promise, when it cos to soone as absurd as her… or any one of them…"
If you split her deeds into three… It's still more than I want to deal with.
"You an to say…" Hale started, looking a little worse for wear after hearing my rant. "That the Mobile Fortress of Fount Salt was a re bluff… but her threat of war was very real?"
"Yeah. Think about it." I leaned back in my seat and took a sigh, "I doubt you could ever kill her, so she would just fly away if it ca down to it. Unless you intend to use your own citizens as hostage, she has nothing to lose from opposing you in order to see her will co to fruition."
"My gods…" Hale took a deep breath, and it was clear his mages were rattled, "Would you say… that the Saint is the ringleader here, or is it Captain Dreadheart after all?"
"No… From what I understand, they each follow a very particular code…"
Regulator Hale knit is hands together, resting his chin on them. He was lost in thought, trying to figure out what to make of all this, when a window suddenly shattered.
"An ambush!" One of the mages shouted, and half of them turned to the window when so kind of projectile burst through. The other half charged up mana trained on my various vital organs. "Protect the regulator!"
He was first of five to fire an array of elents from his gauntlet. anwhile, I was completely lost. Why would I be getting ambushed right now? It's… coming right for .
A nagerie of spells assaulted whatever it was and I felt a mont of relief when Hale threw out his hand, "No, stop!"
A barrier ford around the projectile and his mage's spells diffused. They each stayed their hand, looking to Hale with shock as the object gently floated towards my desk and landed on it.
"Wait… what?" It was paper folded in the shape of a ship.
"Unfold it." Hale urged on with curiosity. I quickly glanced at the broken glass on my floor before unfolding the paper only to discover writing on it. "Read it aloud, if you would."
Dear Lomp,
I hope this letter finds you well.
It has co to my attention that the sudden influx of Gandeux nobles has been making life difficult for the residents of Fount Salt. I would sincerely appreciate if you could do sothing about that. For if I must step in myself, it is certain to turn into a larger deal than it needs to be. Many thanks in advance.
Warm regards,
Eternal Empress Dreadheart
Regulator Hale peered at over his knit hands, and I felt a scrutinizing gaze.
Dammit… Why now? Why would you do this?
"Captain Dreadheart…" I tried to hide my grimace as I looked him in the eyes, "Does raise so legitimate concerns."
Next ti I see that girl… she owes more mithril.
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