Table of contents

Chapter 1: The Crimson Mist's Embrace

Chapter 2: Onslaught of Arthropod Beasts

Chapter 3: Unraveling Secrets

Chapter 4: Enshrouded in Mist

Chapter 5: The Day of Beginnings

Chapter 6: Legacy Passed Onward

Chapter 7: An Unusual Encounter

Chapter 8: Enigmatic Settlement

Chapter 9: Every Favor Has Its Price

Chapter 10: The Menace of the Mutant Blood Mosquito

Chapter 11: The Crystal Quest

Chapter 12: Into the Dark Depths

Chapter 13: Elemental Mastery

Chapter 14: Delving into the Cursed Underground

Chapter 15: The Purification Grounds

Chapter 16: The Deluge Begins

Chapter 17: Skyward Descent

Chapter 18: The Source Crystal's Secret

Chapter 19: Future Plans

Chapter 20: Gaining Knowledge Through Endeavors

Chapter 21: Retreating Steps

Chapter 23: Shadows in the Depths

Chapter 24: The Dominion of Aquarine

Shattered Realms:

The LitRPG Wasteland Tale

Book 1

Astra Greydra

Chapter 1: The Crimson Mist's Embrace

Basking under the sun's luminosity, perched atop the highest building with feet swinging carelessly, I nibbled at a stale loaf of bread, observing the scene below. A thick crimson mist blanketed everything in sight, its vast expanse plunging deep into abyssal voids several meters down. Occasionally, the haunting quiet was broken by mysterious sounds, suggesting concealed horrors beneath this veil.

Three months had passed since I found myself in this unfamiliar realm, inhabiting a stranger's physique. Merely a day before, my primary concern had been my upcoming Informatics thesis presentation...

"Of all things, that accursed thesis... Who would've guessed that all those sleepless nights would land me here?" I chuckled ruefully, overwhelmed by the bizarre reality.

Perhaps my exhaustion pushed me over the edge, leading me to this strange fate—taking over the life of a young man named Raymond Orton, who was just eighteen.

Lost in my thoughts, my grip on the bread slackened. It plummeted, descending into the vast misty expanse below, spiraling downwards from the building's pinnacle until the mist consumed it entirely.

"Argh! No!" I reached out futilely, attempting to retrieve the now-lost bread. Anything consumed by the mist seemed to phase out of existence.

That was the last morsel of sustenance I had, previously concealed in a refrigerator within an airship's kitchen. Had I found it sooner, I'd have consumed it before it spoiled. What a twist of fate.

However, lamenting wouldn't recover the lost. The taste wasn’t delightful anyway. Shifting my focus, I accessed the digital interface that had become my constant companion.

Objective: Endure in This Realm for 90 Days

This domain spares no one; survival is paramount. Manage your provisions wisely, seek refuge, and be vigilant of lurking dangers everywhere.

Difficulty: F+

Time Left: 97 seconds

Reward: Insights into this world

Penalty: Perish

 “Seriously? Not dying twice would be great.” I muttered, gazing over the horizon. For the past quarter, my perch was this massive tower, rivalling, if not surpassing, Earth's loftiest structure - the Burj Khalifa. The countdown had been my sole focus.

Its end was nigh after this eternal anticipation. I’d have lost my sanity had it been any longer. The environment was eerie with a dense crimson mist. Enormous creatures with long tentacles, dwarfing me to the point I felt insignificant, roamed this realm.

Yet, I wasn’t idle all this while.

“Oh, how I yearn for Wi-Fi, comfort food, and my treasure trove of novels and games...” I took these luxuries for granted once; I should've cherished them more.

Honestly, my computer was my faithful leisure companion; food was just a supermarket away, and if I didn’t feel like cooking, a rideshare was a tap away. My family and friends were my constant pillars. It’s only now that I see how golden those days were.

Mission Complete!

Well done on completing your mission. Impressive endurance... Perhaps?

Your reward is on its way.

An alert popped up, notifying me of my mission’s completion. Being a novice, I assumed some mental notification for rewards. But reality had other plans. Who could predict this game’s mechanics?

I pulled up my status to spot any updates:

Maxim Peterson (Alias: Raymond Orton)

[…]

Source Level: Nonexistent

Element Source: None

Profession(s): [Universal Elements] | [Endurance Expert]

Attributes:

STR: F+ (19)

AGI: F+ (18)

VIT: F+ (16)

SRC: F- (5)

SPR: F (10)

Accumulation Points: 10 [F+]

The interface was unchanged. At its forefront, it showed my designation along with this original vessel's name, succeeded by a couple of terms unfamiliar to me: Vocations (seemingly a unique skill set) and my personal statistics. The sole reason for me inheriting this form was due to its previous owner's unfortunate demise under crushed debris, even though his physical prowess surpassed mine. What a twist of fate.

Yet, I was thankful. It granted me a foundational grasp of this realm, although his understanding was quite limited. Just a country youth from an isolated hamlet…

Nevertheless, the status menu seemed responsive to mere thoughts. I opted to delve deeper into the concealed details.

[…]

Race: Human Gender: Male Age: 18 Height: 177 cm Roles: Code-writing apprentice | Beginner wilderness expert

Unaltered.

I had somewhat anticipated this, but still...

Suddenly, an aura emerged behind me. Reacting quickly, I grasped the closeby holstered gun, aiming it at the encroaching silhouette.

"You've been found."

I nearly released a shot, but the emotionless tone halted me just in time. My perpetual alertness to my environment made me jumpy.

"Lunaria?" I inquired. "Was this some sort of jest?"

The being, which had been discreetly approaching, appeared as a levitating mechanical orb roughly the size of a basketball. And Lunaria, who professed to be a digitized consciousness or something of the sort, operated it. To me, she sounded more like an AI, given her typically flat delivery.

"Really, don't overthink the minor things. I'm here to update you with fresh information. Interested?" she posed.

"Absolutely!"

It was, after all, a compensation for my ninety days of endurance. I inferred the reward had its own way of manifesting, be it through some anomalous force or otherwise. The method, however, remained ambiguous; I needed more scrutiny.

"It's been a quarter year since you stumbled upon me online. Initially, you were petrified, barricading yourself in your chamber. But presently, you seem like someone who's navigated an apocalypse like it's familiar territory."

 “It’s essential for me to adjust to any circumstance that presents itself, or risk meeting a premature end.” I casually brushed it off.

“Understood. Let’s get you on the airship.” The orb-like vessel ascended, making its way to the pinnacle of the towering structure.

Unable to mimic its flight, I entered the edifice, lugging all my possessions with me. I proceeded up the emergency staircase. Thanks to the midday sun, the interior wasn’t shrouded in darkness. But without power, both the escalators and elevators were non-functional. Thankfully, I was nearing the building’s summit. The infrastructure showed signs of severe wear and tear, hinting that it might come down at any given moment.

Intriguingly, this locale was adorned with panels showcasing unfamiliar symbols. These were nothing like what I’d encountered on Earth. Yet, after a mere day's exposure, their meaning began to crystallize in my mind. The previous owner of this body also lacked familiarity with this script. It bore a faint resemblance to the script used in Raymond’s village but showcased numerous variations. This peculiar ability seemed intrinsically tied to my Role — [The Survivalist].

[The Survivalist]

A skillset turning its possessor into a seasoned expert, primed for life in post-apocalyptic terrains, encompassing both the know-how and instincts of a survivor.

Extended Powers:

[Identification]

[Alert to Danger]

[Quest]

I was able to delve deeper into specific powers like [Identification] and [Quest]. However, the [Alert to Danger] seemed to function subconsciously.

In no time, I found myself on the exposed peak of the edifice. The gusts here were so strong they whipped back the hood of my fur-lined military jacket. This realm’s climate swung between scorching heat and biting cold — hardly inviting.

In the vicinity, an imposing airship, boasting a cabin about fifty meters in length and a helium balloon twice that size tethered by numerous ropes, cast its shadow on me. Twin rotors took position at its rear, seemingly powered by an engine beyond my realm’s comprehension.

I anchored the airship atop the towering skyscraper, on a flat space that looked like it might've once served as a helipad. With the ship floating slightly above, tethered by ropes and anchors, I had to ascend using a swaying rope ladder to enter it.

Inside, the vastness was evident, able to house a hundred souls, though it'd be a tight fit if filled to its brim.

The vessel bore the name Lunaria.

Did she christen it after herself? I wondered, taking my place at the helm.

"You made it at last."

That voice was soon accompanied by a 3D holographic image of a young girl, around sixteen or seventeen, adorned in a dark Victorian dress. Silver locks cascaded to her waist, and a matching black frilly band graced her head. A black tie, centered by a white gem, stood out against her collar.

Her face resembled a porcelain doll: impeccable and sometimes emanating solitude. Complementing her attire were black gloves and stockings that ran up to her thighs. Her skin was as white as snow, and her captivating purple eyes gleamed like radiant amethysts.

She was a mesmerizing sight.

"You mentioned you're an AI, right? But your extravagant visage puzzles me," I remarked.

She responded, still without emotion, "Must I repeat? I'm a Digitized Consciousness!"

"Fine, fine. Understood," I conceded, although her claim seemed dubious.

She huffed, "Very well."

She had been my lone companion for the past three months in a world now blanketed by a lethal mist that mutated its victims. My search for other survivors had been fruitless.

"So, what's our next move?" I asked.

"I've plotted a course to a safer location." Her image shifted to show a detailed map. "By taking this route, we can break free from our prolonged confinement."

"That's what I like to hear. Let's make our move."

I'd always been curious about her ability to produce holograms. And truth be told, the entirety of this airship remained a puzzle even to someone as learned as me. This world, intriguingly enough, boasted technology comparable to Earth's, if not slightly superior in certain domains. All this despite its post-apocalyptic status.

Regardless, my intent was to traverse this world, seeking other inhabitants. My confidence in their existence came from the recollections of this body's previous occupant. But the vast expanse of the red fog, potentially larger than the whole of the Continental United States, made aimless wandering a fool's errand.

Suddenly, a pang of hunger hit me; having subsisted on mere crumbs of stale bread for the past two days had taken its toll. The hunger was real!

"I trust our destination will offer some sustenance?"

"Optimistic, aren't you? You consumed all the provisions I had on board," she retorted, redirecting the map projection towards herself.

"My apologies... But you don't need to eat, right?"

She remained silent at my query, hinting at an underlying secret. Yet, I chose not to pry further, deeming it inconsequential.

"No matter. Let's set sail!"

"To the skies, Captain!" She humorously indulged my jest, sidestepping the earlier topic.

Observing through the surrounding windows and the holographic screen, I saw the anchors retract and the tethers binding the airship to the structure being released by the orb-like drone. The rotors stirred to life, elevating the vessel as it began its onward journey.

I'd captained this ship only a handful of times for reconnaissance missions. It operated on a blend of tech and arcane powers, demanding immense energy. While solar energy offered some relief, it was barely a drop in the bucket. Its true energy source remained an enigma to all but its makers. Perhaps Lunaria had a clue?

Under standard conditions, the ship could maintain a pace of roughly two hundred kilometers an hour, outpacing the zeppelins of Earth's 20th century. The craftsmanship and materials were undeniably top-notch.

After navigating the pervasive red fog for hours, guided by Lunaria's directions, an alert captured my attention.

Chapter 2: Onslaught of Arthropod Beasts

Mission: Overcome Hunger's Grasp

Rations have depleted. Navigate the towering buildings before you, seeking sustenance from the beings dwelling within.

Difficulty: E

Reward: Aged emergency provisions, assorted trinkets

Consequence: Perish from hunger; demise by consumption

“Maxim, I've identified man-made edifices ahead. Curiously, the fog seems less dense surrounding that area,” Lunaria relayed.

“I noticed. We should head that way; I need to stock up if I want to survive longer.” Not proceeding there was no longer a choice, considering the grim repercussions of failure.

In a short while, the crimson mist ahead started dissipating, revealing multiple tall structures among it. From my past ventures of scavenging a skyscraper for food, the haul wasn’t substantial. But having a little was undoubtedly better than none.

However, the main concern was the “dwellers” inside. What sort of beings took refuge in these edifices?

Last time, I only encountered a few mutated rats and roaches in a skyscraper, primarily situated on floors I avoided. Additionally, the crimson haze was lethal to humans. Recollecting Raymond's village's fate always sent chills down my spine.

Ideally, attacking from a distance would have been my preference, but the reduced visibility in the fog hindered this. My semi-automatic firearm, reminiscent of both the Gewehr 43 and M1 Garand, was limited to ten shots and lacked the scope essential for distant targeting.

Moreover, our airship was devoid of deterrent weaponry... It seemed this vessel wasn’t designed for warfare. Such a pity.

“You're musing over our ship's absence of advanced weaponry, right?” Lunaria remarked, her tone suggesting it was more of an observation than a query. “Its primary function is exploration and personal transit.”

“Makes sense. Looks like we're headed down then.”

While Lunaria had the option to deploy a singular orb-like drone for reconnaissance, it was the only one of its kind. Losing it would be imprudent. Yet, that wouldn’t deter her from accompanying me.

I scanned the towering structures ahead through the ship's visuals. Identifying a skyscraper that seemed to be the safest, I expertly directed the airship to hover above its top. Sliding down a rope ladder, I anchored it securely, picking a location that would guarantee a quick exit if necessary.

With my rifle ready and a pack filled with essentials like a first aid kit, wipes, and a utility knife, I cautiously peered inside through a window. The edifice had a singular entrance, obscuring any view of its innards.

"Man, it feels like something's going to pop out at any second..."

"Why the fear? I've got your back. I'll warn you if anything approaches."

"You've got a point." Her words steadied my nerves. After all, I'd endured in this realm for ninety days. Ninety days!

Mustering my bravery, I ventured into the structure, navigating the chilly, shattered stairway with my rifle in one hand and the knife by my side in the other. To aid in seeing better, the drone under Lunaria's command flicked on its light, brightening our route.

As I gingerly nudged open the steel door at the stair's bottom, the inside revealed its past identity. It was clear that this place once functioned as a lavish hotel, with an extravagant leisure section two stories down. That's likely where the provisions were stored.

I continued along the corridor towards my goal until a junction halted me. Lunaria warned of entities to the left...

"Whoa! What are those things?!" I stifled my exclamation just in time, pressing against the wall near the junction.

A group of enormous bug-like beasts were feasting on the remains of other beings, even consuming some of their kind. It appeared that cannibalistic tendencies were normal for inhabitants of this realm.

To reach the two levels below, I'd need to traverse the emergency stairs down the corridor. But with these creatures possibly cutting off my retreat, confronting them here was essential.

Most resembled oversized mantises, while a few bore wings. This wasn’t going to be easy.

In my hidden position, I activated a unique skill from [The Survivalist] path: [Identification]. I directed it at one creature.

Species: Insecta-morph (mutated)Sex: MaleAge: 8 monthsHeight: 205 cmSource Level: NoneSource Element(s): None

Attributes:

STR: F (14)

AGI: F+ (17)

VIT: F (11)

SRC: F (13)

SPR: F- (5)

Gathered Points: 9 [F+]

With a sigh of relief, I realized I had an edge. The firearm by my side also boosted my confidence. With renewed bravery, I started plotting a tactful approach.

Certainly, I had the option to deploy an explosive device, like a grenade, wiping them out swiftly. True, my bag's side compartment contained a few that resembled M67s, but their use might attract unwanted attention. Hence, direct confrontation wasn't wise.

I turned to Lunaria for a collaborative brainstorm. In no time, we hatched a solid plan.

“It’s time. Go, Lunaria!”

The orb-shaped drone swiftly approached the insect-like beings, capturing their focus without making a sound. Finding itself encircled, the drone activated its high-intensity flash, emitting a light so radiant it rendered the creatures temporarily sightless.

Without wasting a beat, I took aim with my gun, targeting their cranial regions, and let loose a barrage of bullets.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

A tinge of yellow-green stained the nearby structures as their lifeblood gushed out. One bullet was all it took per target. However, they numbered over ten, and halfway through, I had to refill my ammunition.

The blinding tactic may not have been as potent as I anticipated, as they began homing in on me quite quickly.

“Stay vigilant! They're closing in,” Lunaria cautioned.

"Damn it! Here we go!" Even as my finger constantly pressed the trigger, only about 70 percent of my bullets hit their mark, draining the magazine quickly.

Three months back, I'd started practicing, but my aim was far from perfect. The adrenaline rush and my slippery palms certainly didn't help either.

Frantically, I discarded the spent magazine, shaking as I slid a new one into place and racked the weapon.

However, before I could fire another shot, a creature resembling a mantis with large mandibles leaped towards me, its knife-like limbs swinging down. Instinctively, I held up my rifle to block its slashing attack.

"Screech!" The beast's chilling hiss echoed, its threatening jaws snapping close to my face, displaying a clear intent to shred me.

"Darn it." With my augmented strength, I managed to shove it off, holding it at bay with my rifle. Quickly, I drew my dagger, finding a weak point near its neck and delivering a precise cut. The thick, alien fluid from its wound stained my attire, but my mind was elsewhere.

Five more to go. Lunaria controlled a drone overhead, releasing blinding flashes intermittently. The confined area restricted their movements, giving me an advantage. I capitalized on this, dispatching each of them with my reliable rifle.

"Man... Good thing they're not the brightest." Exhausted, I sank to the ground, still processing the ordeal. A single error could have been my end. It was amusing to think that just a few months ago, even a roach was a challenge for me.

"You alright? Your gunfire was muffled by these thick walls, but we should move. Who knows when more will show up?" Lunaria remarked.

"Right behind you." The events still seemed like a dream, but pausing wasn’t an option. I stood up, retrieved the discarded magazine, and mentally counted our resources. Three rifles in the airship, not even a thousand rounds left, and a handful of grenades. They had to last.

Descending a staircase, we faced another wave of those creatures, gathering by a shattered emergency exit. Thankfully, this group was smaller, making it a bit simpler to clear them out.

Having descended another level, we finally reached the recreational zone. A locked pair of glass doors stood in my way, barring entry.

Instead of impulsively breaking the lock, I peered inside. About three dozen of the creatures were scattered within, occupying a space nearly the size of a soccer field.

“We should find a vantage point and pick them off one by one. I spotted a decent spot on the upper floor.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

With that, Lunaria guided me to a hidden balcony above. As before, I lacked a scope, necessitating some strategy to draw them nearer.

“Lunaria, can you maneuver the drone to attract them here? Preferably, just one at a time.”

“Got it. Leave it to me.”

The orb-like drone edged closer to an oblivious insectoid creature, leading it towards us. When it came within just twenty meters, I pulled the trigger, having ensured enough sound dampening.

I employed this strategy again and again, systematically eliminating unsuspecting foes. Truly, it felt wasteful to use so much ammunition, but some sacrifices had to be made. Without this approach, they would have been my end.

Still, things didn't unfold seamlessly. The other insectoids detected the commotion and began congregating, inching ever closer to where I was. Even the flying varieties trailed closely behind.

Channeling my inner marksman, I quickly relocated to another hidden balcony across the way. Unfortunately, more of these creatures awaited. With a rush of adrenaline, I decided to dart towards the recreation zone, taking advantage of the creatures' distraction with my earlier spot.

I had identified the most probable location for provisions: a once-elegant eatery with a now-dilapidated entrance, near the glass doors. It seemed possible to get there stealthily.

After slicing open the glass door's lock, I dashed and leaped into the eatery with urgency. Typically, this would be a moment of triumph, but the sight within made my head snap around as I searched for cover.

The eatery was, in fact, their breeding ground!

Chapter 3: Unraveling Secrets

At first, I'd believed their breeding habits mirrored typical mantises, but that thought vanished soon enough. My suspicions had been mounting since I first came across them, particularly with the inclusion of other flying insect-like beings among their ranks. I wasn't far from the truth.

The proof that I stood in their lair was a grand insectoid creature seated in the room's heart. It indulged in tributes from its lesser kin, clearly the reigning monarch amongst them.

Species: Entomothrope Insect Sovereign (variant)

Gender: Female

Age: 36 years

Stature: 382 cm

Energy Tier: Primary

Energy Affinity: None

Attributes:

Strength: E (34)

Agility: E (27)

Endurance: E (31)

Energy: E+ (37)

Spirit: E- (25)

Reservoir Points: 22 [E]

Primary Tier? This marked my initial encounter with a being possessing an energy tier above “none,” and her royal status likely made her less combat-prone.

As I contemplated my next steps, Lunaria's orb-like drone materialized next to me, nearly startling me to a fit.

"Listen," she started, "Dashing into this nest, I almost believed you'd lost all sense of reason."

"I took the only silent entry available," I responded. Otherwise, I’d have been drawn into combat against hordes of these creatures, expending invaluable bullets and risking everything.

She responded, “Your actions may be brash, but you're sizing up the opponent, not charging blindly. You're still grounded.”

“Should I take that as praise? How kind of you."

"Interpret it as you wish." The lens on the drone adjusted, her words halting.

I surmised she was merely worried about my well-being. Throughout this venture, Lunaria played a pivotal role — from drawing the insects' attention to ensuring my safe retreat...

Shifting my attention, I zeroed in on our primary mission: to locate the stash of delectable goods. My survey of the restaurant premises hinted at a particular section, which, to my mind, could be the storage area. That space probably held what I sought, albeit I assumed many items would be past their prime.

I pondered, “The cataclysm here might have occurred ages ago. Maybe decades or even centuries.”

However, the challenge lay ahead. Over twenty insect-like creatures, not counting the larvae-looking young ones, roamed the area. A direct assault was out of the question. My best bet? Create a diversion with a grenade and throw their ranks into disarray.

With determination, I turned to Lunaria. “Could you lure a bulk of them towards their matriarch? We can strike them all in one go.”

She let out a resigned breath, then manipulated the drone to taunt the creatures. Surprisingly, only around ten took the bait.

The queen of the insectoids, irate at the intrusion, unleashed a torrent of acid towards the drone, narrowly missing its mark. That was close.

Holding my breath, I gauged the moment. As a few more converged around the matriarch, I seized the opportunity. “Now's the time!” With that, I hurled a primed grenade their way, making sure to take cover. The aftermath of a grenade explosion could be far more lethal than a bullet's impact.

The detonation was accompanied by the anguished cries of the matriarch and her underlings, and a smoky haze enveloped the vicinity.

Making use of the ensuing chaos, I dashed from my hiding place to the storeroom. My hunger was incessant, urging me forward: this was do or die.

However, a squelch underfoot caught my attention. I had inadvertently stepped on a larva, leaving a greenish smear on my boot. The sight was stomach-turning. Such squirmy things... just not my cup of tea.

Shaking off the revulsion, I pushed into the storeroom, leaving the door slightly open. Within moments, the drone slipped in, which I promptly secured.

Lunaria chided, “You certainly have a knack for pushing my limits, don't you?”

"I owe you one." I chuckled darkly, elated to have reached my goal without injury. "Let's see what treasures await."

I scanned the storeroom's interior, and unsurprisingly, most items were ruined. Several bore the unmistakable marks of teeth, varying in size, hinting at a feast by diverse creatures. A swift survey of the food items confirmed nothing was consumable.

"Drat... Was all of this in vain?" In my frustration, I nudged a nearby box with my foot. The mission had mentioned edible supplies!

"Hey, focus. Take a look here," Lunaria directed, her drone hovering over a concealed crate.

With what energy I had left, I pried open the seemingly out-of-place container. Inside were metal canisters filled with energy-packed ration bars. Why were these even here?

Questions could wait. Ignoring my curiosity, I eagerly popped open a can. The bars inside, though preserved, were tough, resembling aged bricks. It had clearly been eons since they were fresh. Attempting a bite nearly chipped my tooth.

Still, my gnawing hunger overshadowed my hesitations, and I continued to eat. Each mouthful presented a unique fruity undertone, a testament to the age-resistant ingredients.

It's funny. They say in the modern age, folks had become so choosy they'd rather starve than consume anything subpar. Yet, here I was, relishing it. Life’s little ironies.

Once satiated, I hydrated with water from my bottle and stashed as many ration cans as possible into my backpack. In this ruined world, a substantial backpack was invaluable.

Regrettably, I managed to fit only three cans due to their size. Yet, this would suffice for a month, or two with careful rationing. My airship's water system purified rainwater, so hydration wasn't a concern.

After scouring the area, I stumbled upon sealed containers holding a treasure trove: dinnerware, cookware, and assorted items. Their quality was impressive, so I pocketed a few that fit snugly into a crevice in my pack.

Had it been the old me, I wouldn't have managed to carry all these. However, my newly enhanced physique allowed me to effortlessly haul a bag weighing over twenty kilograms.

As I continued my search, Lunaria cautioned, “Maxim, the insectoid count outside is skyrocketing.”

"We need to move, and fast!" I responded.

A quick glance outside left me flabbergasted by the sheer number of insectoid creatures. Yet, with a grenade still with me and magazines fully stocked, I felt prepared to devise a strategic exit.

"What's the strategy?" Lunaria inquired.

"Just improvisation," I responded, shaking my head, "We need to play it stealthy and make our exit."

A chuckle from Lunaria followed, "Had a feeling you'd say that. It's not going to be a walk in the park."

"Can you emit an ultrasonic wave?" I asked.

"Don't be fanciful. I can't. And even if I could, these bugs wouldn't be affected. Also, you should know my battery's almost depleted."

"Great, as if our odds weren't bad enough," I grumbled but stuck with our initial idea.

Gathering courage, I ventured another peek. To my astonishment, the insectoids were in a frenzy, attacking each other. Perhaps my grenade took out their leader, or a rival faction emerged elsewhere.

Carefully, I maneuvered through the chaos, ducking behind the scattered remnants of the diner's furnishings, inching towards a back exit.

Suddenly, an insectoid corpse landed startlingly close. One by one, they were dropping. The turmoil was escalating.

Spotting the convulsing bug, my heart raced, but I held my nerve and moved on. Just then, a piercing sting shot through my hand.

"Ouch! A clear gem? Is this...quartz? Can't be..."

The item that had inflicted such discomfort was a petite crystal, just slightly larger than a thumb, adorned with captivating golden striations. Its origin and purpose were a mystery to me, so without a second thought, I slipped it into my pocket.

At last, freedom from that nightmarish place was achieved through a discreet exit.

However, my moment of respite was fleeting. Panic gripped me as I was met with numerous insect-like eyes, staring intently. I had inadvertently discovered not one but multiple hives dotting the vicinity of the resort; a grave oversight on my part.

To add to the chaos, the detonation from my earlier grenade had inadvertently attracted an even larger swarm. These creatures, although devoid of conventional senses, were likely agitated by the sudden change in the atmosphere.

It was evident. A group of these airborne fiends had fixed their sights on me, ready to pounce without warning. I found myself in the heart of a perilous conflict, with threats hiding in every shadow.

"Screech..."

"Move, NOW!" With all my might, I dashed towards the double glass entrance.

Twenty meters. Fortune favored me; the proximity was short enough that I managed to elude the airborne predators. Their chase was impeded by the building's facade. Yet, their counterparts on the ground continued their pursuit, bounding aggressively toward me through the glass portal.

"I warned you. This was never going to be a cakewalk," she gloated. Even in hindsight, her tone suggested she knew best.

Ignoring her, I continued my desperate sprint, half-jokingly wishing I had been granted the advantage of six legs. My pursuers were momentarily hampered by the cramped corridor, offering me a sliver of hope.

Yet, my apprehensions proved correct. As I approached the floor leading to the rooftop, winged assailants, having entered via the balcony and shattered windows, thwarted my path. Their allegiance—whether to the previous swarm or a new one—remained unclear.

"Lunaria, make for the airship's controls and initiate takeoff. We can't risk them reaching it first!" I shouted, pushing my endurance. In a bid to gain precious seconds, I hurled a hefty furniture piece, obstructing the creatures' chase.

"Understood, Captain." Her drone, a floating orb, promptly zoomed out of the broken aperture.

"Let's get started." I set my sights with the rifle, targeting the oncoming airborne bugs. "Fall!"

These winged pests might be nimble, but they lacked the toughness of their grounded counterparts. Given the hallway's confines and my increasing familiarity with the scenario, I didn't miss a beat.

"One down with every bullet," I whispered, hastening towards the stairwell to the roof.

Something was off.

Glancing behind, my eyes widened in surprise. A horde, easily numbering twenty-five or more of these creatures, trailed me. They acted as if I was their prime target. What would become of me if they cornered me here? Why this fixation on me?!

With sweat threatening to blur my vision, I made a mad dash, skipping several steps at once, aiming for the rooftop.

Reaching the open, about two dozen of the flying menaces filled the sky, their gazes fixed intently on me. What had I done? Well, I took down their leader…

But their attention on me allowed the airship its escape, pushing against the fierce winds. She wouldn't desert me, would she?

My immediate objective was clear - the swinging rope ladder. But an obstacle in the form of these winged horrors stood in my path.

Feeling the rush of adrenaline, I unsheathed my blade, confronting the peril head-on. As they swooped down, I either sidestepped or sliced them in my path.

I had to move quicker!

Finally, with the edge of the roof nearing and my heartbeat deafening, I readied for the final leap. Just then, a rogue bug bit through my coat, into my shoulder. "Damn!"

Fighting the intense sting, I lunged, managing to clasp the ladder's end, securing myself in place. Evicting the biting pest, I felt a sharp sensation, unlike anything before.

"Chew on this!" I forced a grenade into its maw, yanked the pin, and booted it towards the pursuing horde. My final shot. Make it count.

"Skree?!"

Shielding my ears and gripping the ladder, I awaited the explosion. After a brief moment, the detonation echoed, smoke slowly dissipating in its aftermath.

Chapter 4: Enshrouded in Mist

I hoisted myself up the rope, nearly stumbling as I made it onto the airship, almost drained of strength. "What on Earth just took place?" I gasped, my breath ragged, still trying to fully grasp my surroundings.

Examining the stinging sensation in my left shoulder, I assessed the injury. Thankfully, the bite hadn't penetrated deeply due to the multiple clothing layers I had on. However, without immediate care, infection could set in.

"It's your fault for diving headfirst without thinking. Head to the infirmary now." A holographic image of Lunaria materialized in front of me.

"You're always looking out, huh? Thanks, Mom," I chuckled, momentarily distracted from my throbbing shoulder.

"Who are you calling 'Mom'?"

"My mistake, Grandma."

"Just... never mind."

Sharing a playful exchange, I mustered the strength to pull myself towards the infirmary. Truth be told, there was an intriguing aura surrounding this area of the ship. It wasn’t the seemingly standard equipment that caught my attention but a deep-rooted sense that it held secrets.

This sentiment wasn't new to me.

As I settled in the infirmary, Lunaria's spherical drone provided me with antiseptic and bandages. The injury wasn't severe enough to warrant stitches.

With a mild burn from the antiseptic that faded soon after, I carefully bandaged the wound, ensuring it was both secure and breathable to facilitate recovery.

"I've got the ship's controls. You just rest," Lunaria informed me.

"It's so handy having an efficient A... digital companion like you," I quickly corrected myself, almost slipping up.

"It’s about time you acknowledged my value," she retorted, her hologram assuming a prideful pose with hands akimbo.

After patching up, I retreated to my quarters, examining a shimmering quartz-like crystal I'd retrieved earlier. Using the [Inspection] ability, I realized I could analyze not only living entities but also inanimate objects.

Energetic Crystal (Primary Tier)

Harvested from a mutated entity, this stone embodies condensed raw energy, a force to be reckoned with.

"Ah, so it's similar to a power source. I wonder if it has other functions," I mused, slipping the source crystal into my pocket.

I considered consulting Lunaria about it, but my tiredness was too much to bear. I made my way to my bedroom, which, conveniently, was also the captain's quarters. The room was expansive, with a luxurious bed taking center stage — a room you'd expect to see anywhere. Yet, an oddity stood out: an old-fashioned tube television that seemed to defy any attempt to turn it on.

Overwhelmed by weariness, I collapsed into the plush bed. I would've drifted off to sleep immediately if not for an unexpected mission alert.

Mission Complete!

Well done on completing the mission. You've successfully evaded the grasp of the insectoid creatures.

Your reward awaits.

As for the reward, it was securely stowed in my backpack. I hoped the forthcoming tasks would be less demanding and more straightforward, without any lurking threats.

If only that were true...

***

Warning!

A malevolent force has targeted you.

"What the—?"

That warning jolted me to alertness instantly.

I'd never received such an alert, not even when I was battling the insectoid creatures. By all means, whatever was targeting me now was an imminent, grave threat.

With sleep still clinging to my eyes, I raced to the command center to grasp the situation.

Lunaria's image shimmered into view on the central hologram. "Awake already? It's been just a couple of hours."

"Lunaria, report on the ship's status," I said, settling into the captain's chair.

"We're heading west, halfway through our journey. The energy reserves have dipped from 57 percent to 31 percent, but it's sufficient to get us to our endpoint."

"Any anomalies?"

"The ship's sensors haven't flagged anything, no."

I rubbed my chin, lost in thought.

Something was amiss.

In all my time, my Vocation had never misled me — a unique power that the denizens of this realm termed a "wonder." Could this be a mere anomaly?

Hang on, it's solely targeting me… the vessel. But it never explicitly mentioned an attack, right?

While ruminating on the best strategies for the potential worst, Lunaria comforted me, "Stay calm. With me by your side, there’s no danger."

Even though Lunaria was aware of my deeper self, she was oblivious to the specifics of my Vocation, especially the [Danger Notice], since I had never shared that information.

"I suppose you have a point," I conceded, evaluating our predicament.

Indeed. No matter what challenges lay ahead, we were essentially on the same journey, treading a shared ambiguous route. I believed Lunaria wouldn't mislead me purposely. That conviction stayed with me until a chain of events abruptly altered my attention, relegating my trust in her sincerity to the back of my thoughts.

“This isn’t good.”

“Wait, what? What’s happening? What on earth is that?!”

Rising from the crimson mist beneath us, multiple gargantuan tentacles, a sinister fusion of red and black, shot towards the heavens. Each one, massive in circumference and spanning several kilometers, evoked an overwhelming fear within me.

I had glimpsed this terrifying creature once from a great distance using the ship’s telescope atop the highest tower… It never failed to send chills down my spine.

Next to this titan, our ship seemed trivial, like a mere speck. One strike from those tentacles would annihilate us completely.

In a desperate attempt to understand more about this mysterious being, I employed [Identification]. But frustratingly, it returned only question marks on all accounts.

“We’re in trouble now…” I realized our unwitting trespass into its domain must have provoked it. It was a primary reason we had been confined to that towering building.

Merely increasing our altitude wouldn’t suffice, given we'd been at the peak height to avoid the mist below.

I couldn’t admit defeat now!

“Lunaria, can we push the airship’s speed? We need to evade that monstrosity immediately!”

Pushing the vessel to its limits, I cautioned, “This is as fast as she'll go.”

The skies echoed the hum of our accelerating airship just as a tentacle stretched menacingly towards us. Its colossal size and surprising velocity made evasion difficult, even with prior warning.

“Hold on!” Veering sharply left, the ship pitched at a precarious angle.

That drastic tilt enabled us to barely avoid its grasp. Anchored securely to my seat, I managed to remain onboard.

“Next time, we might not be so fortunate…” My voice was tinged with desolation.

Then, rather than trying to ensnare us, the tentacles thrashed with increased fury and speed. Astonishingly, their strikes dissipated the ominous red mist below, indicating their immense strength.

“Lunaria, can we boost our speed any further?” A sense of urgency gripped me.

“There’s a way, but it risks burning out the engine, potentially compromising the ship!”

Without the ship, we'd plummet into the crimson fog below. A grim fate, but perhaps preferable to inaction.

“Engage it.” Hesitation wasn't a luxury we could afford.

“You certain?” Lunaria's voice wavered, but I sensed she agreed.

The once-muted engine roared to life, vibrating the entire ship, even from the distance of my chamber. We were demanding an extreme performance from it. Our speedometer shot past three hundred kilometers per hour, threatening to touch four hundred.

This velocity was unprecedented for an airship of our make, but I wasn't sure it was sufficient. Hence, I queried, “Can we push the limits further?”

“We might, but the balloon can’t withstand the atmospheric drag. We do have an air shield system, but it'll only hold for about five minutes…”

“What if we jettison the balloon?” A desperate idea, yet I wondered if the propellers alone could keep us airborne.

Her response, however, suggested otherwise.

“Have you lost your mind?!”

“Forget I mentioned it.” I waved off the notion, regretting it almost instantly.

The tentacled monstrosity relentlessly pursued, its appendages flailing even more rapidly. We continued our desperate dodges, every near miss reminding us of our fragility. Yet, fate took a grim turn when one tentacle brushed the vessel, sending shockwaves throughout.

 “Whoa!”

The vessel shuddered violently, with its insides shaking in the aftershock. The walls creaked, bending under the significant pressure they were enduring.

“Lunaria, engage the air barrier! We'll deal with the ship's state later!” What good was conserving power if we couldn't evade this menace?

“On it.”

Once the air drag was eliminated, the airship surged to an astounding speed of six hundred kilometers per hour. It was almost comparable to the velocity of a regular jet. A remarkable blend of sorcery and science indeed.

Yet, fortune wasn't on my side.

Out of the blue, a ferocious whirlwind emerged beneath us, dragging the airship into a relentless spiral. Clutching my seat became a matter of life and death.

In an instant, the strong turbulence tossed everything inside the ship around despite the presence of the air barrier. Windows shattered, various items flew helter-skelter, and something struck my head—

***

A ringing sound echoed in my ears... My sight blurred with a reddish haze, accompanied by a persistent throbbing.

Effortfully, I tried to pry my eyes open, but it felt like an insurmountable task. Moreover, I felt trapped, pinned down... Metal debris scattered all over.

That's when I saw it.

Emerging from the faint reddish mist was a hooded figure in pale green. It was hard to distinguish reality from illusion, but as it extended its three-fingered hand toward me, a shadowy tendril materialized, reaching out and extricating me from the debris.

“What... Who are you?” My words were slurred and barely coherent.

Subsequently, the shadowy appendage whisked me away. Was this creature going to devour me? Was this my end? Lunaria... save me...

Rendered helpless, my awareness began to wane, descending into darkness.

Chapter 5: The Day of Beginnings

In an obscure, dreamlike realm, I found myself engulfed by fleeting memories from all around. They shimmered, offering glimpses into someone's past, from innocent childhood days to mature adulthood. Among them, a particular memory captured the starting point.

Yes.

The day Raymond turned eighteen...

"…rise and shine!"

Suddenly, my eyes flung open, the burning sensation on my left cheek met with a jolt of pain in my abdomen. The force was so strong, I felt like it could have been my undoing.

"Ugh… Cough..."

"Ha! Look at that face! Apologies. Too rough? But hey, you're awake now."

I fixed a steely gaze on Lilia, my younger sister. Her raven-blue locks, neatly pulled into a ponytail, danced behind her as she wore that all-too-familiar mischievous grin.

With a groan, I murmured, "Lilia, move. You're not light, you know."

I pulled my blanket over my face, seeking refuge, but her persistence remained. "Hey! No snoozing again! Up you go, lazy bones!"

Even though she lingered on my torso, she soon hopped off my bed. Had she relented at last?

"GET UP!" To my surprise, she, with her petite frame, managed to wrench the blanket from my grasp, discarding it to the cold floor.

This wake-up ritual, courtesy of my sister, was fast becoming exasperating. Truly vexing!

"What's got into you this morning? Honestly."

It was a sad transformation. My once demure little sister had morphed into this playful, relentless sprite who found joy in pestering me at every opportunity.

"Did the significance of today slip your mind? You're a year older! Dad's away, and Mom's shopping for the celebration. They made me your alarm clock!" Lilia said, hands on her hips.

"Ah, right. My birthday."

"Exactly. I'll get your bath ready and whip up some breakfast, alright? Think of it as my gift." With that, she bounded out of my room.

Isn't that rather modest for a gift to your sibling? I suppressed my feelings; causing a dispute with her wasn't worth it.

Lingering in my bed for a moment, I then rose, stretching out. "Alright, I'm up!"

The anticipation for today kept me restless throughout the night. The commitment I gave my father had me so stirred. He had vowed to take me beyond our village – to a realm he described as fraught with perilous encounters, menacing beings, and an omnipresent crimson mist.

But for someone like me, whose entire universe was this village, those tales felt like thrilling journeys.

After completing my morning tasks, I stepped outdoors. To my left stood a vast expanse of woods, and further, a luminous barrier mirrored the celestial dome. The walls encircling our village shifted from brightness to darkness over a consistent twelve-hour span.

However, atop the sole hill in our village was a distinct section of the wall resembling an immense glass pane.

"Never venture to the hill at the village's edge," the elders warned. "For there, the demons reside."

Years ago, my young friends and I, driven by naive curiosity, ignored such counsel. Reaching that hilltop, we faced the glass and, through it, glimpsed an inferno...

Monstrous figures, amidst the ever-present scarlet haze, leered at us through that pane, leaving an indelible mark on our young minds.

That haunting memory occasionally resurfaced, but rather than deterring me, it ignited a burning desire.

In my entire eighteen years, I'd never ventured beyond our village, always yearning to see more.

Most elders avoided discussing the world outside. Only my father, a member of the brave few known as "scavengers," dared to share tales. As the group's leader, he often ventured out.

"You mustn't explore beyond until you're eighteen," was the constant reminder.

The world beyond had become a second home to my father. Even today, he'd left to retrieve items from that realm, serving our village's needs. I aspired to emulate him.

Upon my father's departure, I assumed the role of providing for our family. The fields awaited my labor, and I promptly set off.

“Heading to the fields, Ray?”

“Take it easy out there.”

The village residents I encountered warmly greeted me, and I replied in kind. In our tight-knit community of about a hundred souls, we were practically family.

“Ray, I've heard you're celebrating your eighteenth. Time to think about settling down?” A lady in her prime suggested, “Delia, my girl, is just a bit younger than you. Ever consider marrying her?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I aspire to be a scavenger. I wouldn’t want to bring sorrow to Delia's life.”

She accepted my response without pressing further.

Indeed, despite my father's significant contributions, he left our home with only my sister, mother, and me. The prolonged absences of my father filled my mother's eyes with a blend of loneliness and concern.

Interestingly, aside from his scavenging exploits, my father had an engineer's mind. His team's discoveries from beyond our boundaries introduced a myriad of innovations to our village. Devices, appearing magically powered, now facilitated our daily chores.

One such invention was the tractor. My duty was straightforward: operate the tractor to prepare the soil and subsequently sow the seeds. It was relatively routine work.

Once finished, I ventured towards the forest’s edge, close to our home — a spot I had come to regard as my own training ground.

During his stays in the village, my father passed on invaluable knowledge: hunting techniques, combat skills, stealth methods, fire-making, knife-wielding, and how to confront wild creatures. With this foundation, I believed I was ready for the world out there.

Preparing for the future, I consistently honed my skills. For instance, setting traps for game in the woods. Today's yield was a trapped squirrel.

As I always did, I deftly used my utility knife to process the catch.

“You’re here.” Suddenly, my younger sister Lilia appeared, stealthily approaching while enjoying her beloved lollipop.

“Lilia?” I responded, storing the processed squirrel in a pouch,

“It’s getting dark. Mom made your favorite tonight. Time to head home.” She linked her arm with mine, guiding me back.

 “Understood.” I yielded to the guidance of her hands.

In our village, there wasn't a tradition to commemorate every birthday. However, significant milestones like the first, fifth, and most importantly, the eighteenth birthday, marking adulthood, were celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Turning eighteen was a significant rite of passage. This age typically marked the start of a new chapter, with many getting married and establishing their families.

Lilia and I engaged in light conversation as we headed home.

Suddenly, the sky shifted to an eerie shade of red. This unnerving hue was a stark contrast to the regular white and black I'd seen all my life.

"What's happening?" The words slipped from my mouth.

"I was about to ask the same. Elder Brother, have you seen this before?"

"I'm as baffled as you are."

Suddenly, a piercing alarm echoed, as if signaling a cataclysmic event.

"We need to get back immediately! We should arm ourselves and alert fellow villagers on our path!”

"Agreed, Brother." Lilia nodded determinedly, her calmness surprising given the abrupt turn of events.

Father always instructed that in times of crisis, we should secure ourselves within our home until his return. Moreover, our home was equipped for such emergencies.

Our steps quickened as we warned villagers to seek shelter. Thankfully, they seemed aware and promptly retreated.

"Raymond, Lilia! Hurry inside!" A freckled, black-haired woman greeted us upon our arrival. Naturally, she was my mother.

Once inside, rather than discussing the anomaly outside, she presented a meal, saying with a gentle grin, "You must be hungry. You haven't eaten since noon."

"But, Mother…"

"No arguments. Strength is essential now."

Reluctantly, given the urgency outside, I realized arguing was futile and sat down to eat.

Before I even had a chance to speak, Lilia was digging into her meal. "Heed mother's advice," she remarked with a twinkle in her eye. "And by the way, happy birthday, big bro!"

"I get it," I responded with a sigh.

My mother, beaming with pride, embraced me. "Happy 18th, sweetheart. Eat plenty so you become stronger."

"I'm not a kid anymore."

But she swiftly replied, "To me, you'll forever be my baby boy."

Lilia, hiding a smirk, added, "Exactly, little bro. Listen to mom."

I shot her a glance, but eventually settled down to savor the crispy chicken that lay before me — always a favorite. Yet, I couldn't help but glance outside periodically. I'd do anything to keep them safe.

Picking up the utility knife dad had gifted me, I commanded, "We need to secure the doors and windows! We wait for dad's return."

Together, we fortified every entry point, ensuring even the tiniest gaps were covered.

The eerie silence was unsettling.

Our house, albeit secluded, was always teeming with life. Tonight, something was off.

A peculiar knock interrupted my thoughts. Who would visit at such an ungodly hour? I signaled to Lilia and my mother to stay hushed. Their puzzled expressions matched mine.

Could it be dad? But he'd never knock. It wasn't the wind either. Who could it be?

A muffled demand emerged, "Let... me in..."

I whispered, "Someone's there."

Reaching for the door with an ax in hand, an ominous feeling stopped me in my tracks. I retreated, noticing Lilia wielding what looked like a short sword, while mom held a sturdy kitchen blade.

Suddenly, the door crashed open, shattered planks flying. A pale, ghastly creature lunged at me, its oversized hand knocking me off my feet.

Chapter 6: Legacy Passed Onward

“Dare to touch my sibling?!” Lilia retorted, launching her blade at the beast.

Yet, despite her remarkable prowess, the entity parried her assault effortlessly with its robust limb. Her blade barely penetrated, showing no evidence of any bleeding.

Taking advantage of its distraction, I lunged with my axe, aiming a vertical slice at its skull, which almost split from its elongated neck.

Defying logic, the divided sections slowly rejoined. We stared in disbelief at this surreal phenomenon. Were these the beings outside our realm?

“Damn! What's this entity? Lilia, we need a joint assault!” We must shield Mom; she's our vulnerable point!

“Understood!”

Still, no matter how synchronized and relentless our barrage, it didn’t seem to yield. Any harm we inflicted seemed to mend almost instantly, as if this beast was impervious to death. To make matters worse, my axe was absorbed into one of its wounds due to its rapid healing.

Our expressions were clouded with hopelessness against this relentless pale adversary. But, from the shadows, a loud gunshot rang, and its neck ruptured. The creature's head catapulted into the air, crashing down like a discarded toy.

Emerging from the monster's shadow was a figure donned in a gas mask, unfazed by the fallen carcass beneath his feet.

That distinctive shot. It reminded me of the firearm my father relied on. Single shot, but its impact was unmatched.

Could it be? "Father?"

“To vanquish it, the head must be severed," came a voice, slightly obscured by the mask. It affirmed my thoughts.

The mask was discarded, revealing the stern visage of a mature man of distinct features. His raven-black hair, reminiscent of my mother's, contrasted with his pronounced eyebrows and hazel eyes.

“Is everyone unharmed? We must evacuate this settlement,” he voiced with a hint of urgency.

“Papa!”

“Honey!”

Lilia and my mom rushed over to hug my father. I refrained from joining, not because I didn't want to, but due to awkwardness and the obvious lack of space.

"Ray, grab the item I stashed in the lower compartment of the wardrobe in our chamber."

"On it." I dashed to their room and began searching the specified compartment.

Inside, I found an impressive set of gear that looked brand new. A dark military-style jacket with a fur-trimmed hood, sleek leather trousers, and robust boots. And, tucked behind everything, was a spacious rucksack ideal for extended trips.

"This was meant for your birthday gift... I know I'm late, but happy birthday, my boy."

"It's alright. Thanks..."

He patted my head gently. "Hurry and put it on. Time's running out."

I quickly changed into the new attire and packed the essential items he'd previously mentioned in case of an urgent situation.

"Got everything vital?"

"All set," I confirmed.

Both Lilia and my mom had also made their own preparations. It was safe to say they were some of the most prepared individuals in our community.

"We should move out."

As we stepped outside, the ominous crimson mist was advancing, already consuming the northern sector of our village. Our location spared us for now, but the encroaching fog made its intentions clear.

"What about the other villagers?" My mom inquired with a worried tone.

I added, "What's going on? Why is the red mist here?"

We all waited, anticipating clarity.

After a pause, my father somberly revealed, "The majority of the villagers... they're gone. The village's Life Support System malfunctioned, allowing the fog's intrusion. It's a matter of time before it's upon us."

"Where do we head?"

"To the southern woods, away from the impending danger. Other scavengers and their kin should be there already."

As we made our way, Lilia gestured to two shadowy figures in the distance. "Look, dad, two figures over there..."

"They're not humans anymore..." As he spoke, I saw tears streaking down his face.

"What... have they become?"

My father sped up without a word. I could sense the urgency, even without him explaining.

Soon, we arrived at our destination. A door stood before us, signaling an exit. A few villagers, significantly fewer than before, congregated near it.

“Is this all that's left?” My father's voice broke as he spoke to his friend, Dan.

Only about twenty remained. Most were related to the scavengers — those most prepared for this chaos.

“That's everyone we could gather…” Dan replied somberly.

“And the wounded?” My father quickly scanned the surroundings.

“All healed, thanks to Luke's miraculous power,” Dan informed.

This "miraculous power" was something peculiar in our village. Some villagers exhibited this unique ability from a young age. Lillia, with her inexplicable combat prowess, was surely among them.

“That's a relief. Guide them out. I'll stay back and—”

“Many… They're coming…”

“Change… Spread…”

Dozens of pale creatures were drawing nearer. Their disjointed words sent shivers down everyone's spine. The villagers' eyes widened in terror, aware of the impending threat.

“Hurry! Move!” My father barked before turning to Dan. “Lead them out!”

Dan hesitated momentarily but then nodded determinedly. “I’ll ensure everyone's safety!”

Understanding the gravity of his words, I quivered, “What about you, Dad?”

“My love, please. Don’t leave.”

He sighed, “I have to stay. If the red mist enters, it's the end for us. I'll seal the way.” Facing me, his eyes earnest, he implored, “Raymond, promise to protect Mom and your sister. The world outside is brutal, but promise me you'll survive.” Embracing me tightly, he whispered his plea.

With tears forming, I squeezed my fists. “I promise.”

“Now, go!” He nudged me forward, readying his weapon.

Despite their hesitance to part with my father, both my mother and Lilia chose to proceed after observing the resolute expression in his eyes.

“Scoundrel! Over here! Face me! Pursue my family and suffer!” My father was vehemently attempting to draw the white creatures’ attention by yelling and firing at them.

Thus, with sorrowful spirits, we dashed through the door, entering the mysterious tunnel that might lead us to freedom, guided by one of the scavengers lingering behind with his companions. Progressing forward, the entrance we used was sealed, leaving the courageous individual isolated.

Instead of experiencing excitement or curiosity about what the outside world might hold, my mind was consumed by a chaotic storm of anxiety, doubt, and sorrow, creating internal conflict. My mother was silently weeping, restraining her thoughts about the unfolding situation, whereas my sister seemed unusually indifferent, seemingly unscathed by the unfolding chaos.

Was she suppressing her grief?

How unsettling…

Navigating the tunnel for some time, we finally emerged into what we presumed was the outside world. However, it wasn’t the infinite, open sky I had imagined but rather a dim subterranean corridor with parallel metal tracks extending into the unknown.

Fortunately, the other members were well-equipped with portable lights, illuminating our surroundings effectively. Interestingly, markings were visible on the wall in a script that appeared somewhat familiar yet distinct, accompanied by the number “57.”

“You’re Raymond and the Ortons, correct? We’ve crossed paths before…” Dan, who seemed to have assumed the role of leader among the scavengers, approached us with his group.

Subsequently, they respectfully lowered their heads, leaving us momentarily speechless.

“The Leader’s valor will not be forgotten. I vow to ensure your safety; please, follow my directives and remain close.”

We assented and adhered to his guidance, recognizing his superior experience in this environment.

Like my father, a few held firearms, but the majority were armed with close-combat weapons like spears and swords. The ability to manufacture firearms was beyond our capabilities in the village; they were remnants of the world beyond our knowledge.

All progressed calmly until Dan signaled a halt. Advancing cautiously, he investigated a spacious aperture to the left before returning, his complexion drained of color.

 “Quiet. There's a creature here... I believe it's the 'Deathface.'”

“Not good. It’s claimed many of our friends already.”

“The path through the eastern gate is better than the southern one, but we've run out of time.”

We quickly reversed our course, our hearts pounding. In our haste, one of our group tripped over a rail and went down.

That mishap made my heart race faster. I noticed everyone else was equally terrified.

“RRROOAAARR!!”

The creature's roar echoed menacingly in the confined space, and out from the shadows emerged a behemoth: a gray, six-legged reptile with a tough shell and luminescent tentacles writhing around its throat.

“Fire! Everyone, fire!”

Dan and our team unleashed a volley at the beast, but the bullets merely glanced off its armor-like hide.

“Split up and flee! Bullets won't faze it! Nooo!!”

The reptilian horror began its onslaught, its tentacles pulling in one person after another.

“Mom, Lilia, follow me!” I yelled, guiding my family through the pandemonium.

Being at the tail end gave us a slight advantage. But, as we fled, the echoing cries of our comrades filled the air. It was clear, we'd soon be next.

It dawned on me why I had become a scavenger: to shield my village, my family. I might have grown weary of our village life and yearned for the vastness beyond, but this was the core of it all. With resolve, I grabbed a nearby lantern from a fellow scavenger.

“What are you thinking?!” He yelled.

“Ray?”

“Big brother?”

My kin looked back in shock.

From the back, trying to hold off the creature, Dan saw me and hollered, “Move it! Go!”

I mustered a small smile. “Promise to keep them safe.”

He took a moment, then nodded. “On my life.”

Starting off, he swiftly scooped up my mother and Lilia, who was struggling to reach me. Lilia's cries for me echoed in the air, fading with each passing second.

Alone now, I snatched up a jagged, rusted pipe lying nearby.

"You've finally shown up."

The echoing footsteps gave away the lizard creature's approach even without its growl. Swallowing hard, I tried to stifle the panic rising within me, shining my flashlight towards the incoming beast. Up close, terrifying was an understatement to describe its appearance.

Yet, I had strategically chosen this spot to make my stand. To my right was a narrow opening just wide enough for me. I had no intentions of giving up easily. I believed the opening led to safety. It wasn’t that I didn’t wish to help, but I wasn’t ready to meet my end either.

With a ferocious roar, the monster lunged. Bracing myself, I hurled the rusted pipe with all my might. It seemed the creature underestimated me. To my surprise and relief, the pipe lodged into its left eye.

“ARGHH!” It shrieked in agony.

“Come on, chase me!” I taunted, darting into the narrow opening which widened into a spacious cavern.

In its blind rage and with green blood seeping from its wounded eye, the creature squeezed through the passage, lunging at me with renewed fury. Suddenly, the earth trembled violently, causing the advancing creature to stumble. An earthquake? Perfect timing.

Struggling to remain upright, I felt the ground crack beneath us. The unstable ground, combined with the creature's aggressive movements, had compromised our footing.

As the quake subsided momentarily, the beast steadied itself for another attack. Yet, fate intervened, opening a chasm beneath it. It teetered on the edge, and I seized the opportunity, delivering a fierce kick, sending it plummeting into the abyss below.

As my moment of triumph was cut short, the fissure widened rapidly with a deafening sound, engulfing the ground under my remaining foot. Unexpectedly trapped, the collapsing earth took me with it, casting me into a shadowed void.

"Fascinating."

A voice echoed as I descended into the inky depths, my hands grasping at the fading glimmer above...

***

I found myself surrounded by an infinite, mirror-like expanse of water. The obsidian abyss pressed in from every direction, and there, mirrored below, was a face.

Angular features... Dark hair... But it wasn't my visage... Resembling, yet distinct.

It was Raymond.

With a start, the watery plane shifted, positioning itself as a vast vertical looking glass. Contrary to my reflection, he cradled a luminous orb in his palms.

"To the one bearing my legacy. In this life, my sole remorse is leaving a promise unfulfilled. Would you pledge to care for my kin?"

I responded with hesitation. "I can't guarantee anything. But given the opportunity, I'll strive with all my might."

"Such determination suffices." With a melancholic grin, he offered the radiant sphere, which transcended the mirrored barrier and settled in my grasp.

And with that, the entire realm disintegrated.

Chapter 7: An Unusual Encounter

Waking up, I was greeted by the sight of a ceiling I didn't recognize. This wasn't the airplane's interior I remembered... it seemed more tent-like.

My eyes felt moist. The dream had felt so real, almost as if I had lived through it. A pact with Raymond… Maybe his unresolved feelings had permeated my dreams. If fate permits, I'll search for those dear to him.

If I recalled correctly, after Raymond's unfortunate fall into the chasm, he serendipitously discovered an airship. However, with injuries sustained from being pinned under rocks, he tragically bled out.

It was then that my consciousness shifted to his body, and Lunaria came to my aid, though the ordeal had me confined to bed for weeks. A tumultuous start in this alien realm…

Recollecting the harrowing events, I tried to move but was met with sharp discomfort. Right, I was hurt during the assault from the tentacled creature, leading to the ship's descent. I blacked out before the crash, unsure of the aftermath. Hopefully, the vessel was intact…

I quickly scanned the tent for any sign of my mysterious rescuer.

Empty. He wasn’t present. With limited options, I chose to remain hopeful. I was intact after all; anything less would've been distressing.

Lost in thought, a cloaked figure in green stepped in. My vision was clear, allowing me to finally discern his appearance.

You've got to be kidding!

The being resembled an upright mollusc, with eyes reminiscent of a snail’s. He could easily be mistaken for an extraterrestrial on a mission...

His face was hard to read, so I wasn't sure if my awakening surprised him. He then uttered words in an unknown tongue.

“### #####?”

Although I could hear him perfectly, comprehension eluded me. It wasn't a language I recognized from Raymond's village or the ancient structures. It wasn't nonsensical either; it seemed structured and real.

"Excuse me? Who are you?" I queried, utilizing the two known languages of this realm.

He responded in his tongue, yet it was clear I couldn't comprehend.

Recognizing the futility of verbal communication, he gestured with his hands, each bearing only three chubby fingers. He then presented me a bowl filled with an odd-smelling, green concoction.

"Is this... sustenance?" Could he be attempting to harm me with this eerie green substance?

He gave an affirming nod and signaled for me to consume it.

Reflecting, if he had malicious intentions, I would already be in peril. Perhaps I was too pessimistic. Giving him some trust might be reasonable. Deep breath.

Taking a hesitant sip of the liquid...

Oh no!

A searing pain erupted in my throat! It was surely toxic!

"Ugh!" I clutched my neck, struggling to expel the bit I'd taken in. "Cough, cough!"

The individual, seemingly amused, might have been chuckling. Why else would he act this way? It brought to mind the age-old warning about taking treats from unknown people.

"You..." My glare was icy.

However, he was now brandishing another bowl filled with a clear liquid, and he hurriedly poured it into my mouth. My weakened state made resistance futile. Was this his endgame?

Yet, the inferno in my throat began to wane... and my senses returned. It felt as if the prior ordeal was merely a hallucination.

"Hmm..."

It seemed the clear liquid was an antidote.

Why did he first offer the harmful substance? Was it a test of my compliance? It seemed plausible. But who was he?

Interrupting my internal musings, I activated [Identification] on him, hoping to unravel the mysteries surrounding him.

???

 […]

Data Level: UnknownData Element(s): UnknownRole(s): Unknown

Attributes:

POW: Unknown

SPD: Unknown

END: Unknown

MAG: Unknown

MNT: Unknown

Total Points: Unknown

Strange. This was the subsequent instance when my [Scanner] skill rendered just ambiguities.

It's peculiar for attributes to be concealed. Either he surpassed my strength significantly, or I hadn’t met certain prerequisites to unlock the details.

[…]

Type: Unknown Gender: MaleAge: 43 yearsDuration: 43 yearsStature: 186 cmProfession: Mystic recluse | Unknown

However, some discernible personal details were evident.

He raised his hands, gesturing me to relax. He possibly was unaware that what he offered as food was harmful to my system… Yet, that wasn't the focus now. My vulnerability made seeking any potential aid imperative. If it meant imploring this sentient two-legged cephalopod…

In what seemed like a moment, three days elapsed.

I had minor bruises and superficial wounds, yet no grave injury had taken place. It was astonishing. Being ejected from the air vessel and making an impact should have been fatal.

Moreover, consuming the antidote he provided hastened my healing process. What exactly was that substance?

Emerging from the tent after a night’s rest, I felt almost fully rejuvenated; I shouldn't impose on him anymore. A petite stream flowed nearby, and the tent was nestled within a slight cavern. Oddly, the omnipresent crimson mist that shadowed me for a quarter year was missing.

“You’re up?” The cephalopod, known as Spitzek, inquired while he was engrossed in grinding a mortar.

“Ah, yes. Gratitude for your assistance.”

In several days, with little else to distract me, I had picked up on his language. While ordinarily such a skill would take years, it mirrored how I'd comprehended the writings in that massive tower earlier.

“In the ‘Crimson Fogland’, this is the common tongue,” he explained, “a blend of numerous languages and regional dialects. We simply call it ‘Fogland’.”

It turned out that the place enshrouded by the red mist was dubbed “Crimson Fogland” and we were right in its heart.

However, a nagging thought had been bothering me, so I voiced it. “Could I ask something of you?”

“What is it, young one?”

“I need to revisit the site you discovered me at.” My intentions were to inspect the plane and retrieve my belongings, but more importantly, to confirm Lunaria's safety.

He paused momentarily, then replied, “You wish to return there? I can guide you.”

With that, Spitzek took his peculiar staff and began navigating downstream. I hurriedly kept pace. This was my first venture beyond the vicinity of our camp. Soon, I found myself amidst a mix of exotic and recognizable flora. The verdant woods seemed to be influenced by some foreign biology. While currently untouched by the red haze, its safety was not indefinite.

In mere minutes, the forest opened up to reveal a stunning pond. Hovering above was my aircraft, albeit somewhat damaged. Surprisingly, it seemed as if it had been skillfully crash-landed to minimize damage. Likely Lunaria's doing in my unconscious state.

Opting to keep Lunaria a secret, I requested some solitude. His response was understanding. “Of course. Take your time.” He departed without another word.

Searching through the scattered remnants, I hoped Lunaria, being digital, was unharmed. But could she be gone? Suddenly, movement caught my eye. Whirling around, a hovering drone revealed itself.

“Lunaria!” I cried out, clutching the device. “I'm so relieved. Hold on... This is just your drone.”

 “Indeed, that’s me. I embedded a fragment of my awareness into this device,” she stated, with her petite holographic image emanating from the drone.

“And after I blacked out? Did you navigate the airship to this location?”

“Yes. The twister that took the airship veered in the direction of our target… Okay, it veered slightly south, but you get the gist. Surprisingly, the red mist is minimal here.”

“Makes sense…” I sighed deeply. “But, you didn’t intervene when I was being taken, did you?”

“Apologies, but I had to shut down temporarily until we had adequate solar energy to reboot. It was due to the engine's overexertion.”

“I see.” I examined our vessel, noting the somewhat deflated balloon despite its sturdy build. “Can this airship be restored to its former glory?”

As I posed the question, a new mission notification flashed before me.

Mission: A Wrecked Ship’s New Hope

Your airship is in shambles. Seek a skilled hand to mend it promptly, or the consequences could be dire. Who knows how locals might react upon discovery?

Difficulty: C-

Time Limit: 30 days

Reward: Restored airship, an added ally

Consequences: Forfeit the airship, potential data breach leading to fatal outcomes

Seriously? Right when I voiced it... Why is the penalty always so severe? And isn’t this sudden spike in challenge a tad extreme? Moreover, I don't even have an opt-out option without facing repercussions…

“Unlikely. Unless there's an expert who can salvage this. I’d look to you, but, well, you're not exactly equipped for the job.” That stings a bit, I must admit…

"Man, that was close. But hey, we got through that monster, right?"

"You think? And who do you suppose we owe that to?" Her arms folded, a hint of pride evident despite her neutral face.

"You, naturally."

"I expect more appreciation."

"I'm truly grateful, Lunaria. It was your bravery and skills that pulled us through," I said, thinking there's no harm in acknowledging.

"I'm pleased you see it that way. Speaking of which, what happened after they took you? I searched everywhere for you; believe me when I say I was incredibly concerned."

"I met this intelligent molluscoid named Spitzek. He assisted me," I began to explain.

"The people from Fogland..."

"Do you know about them?"

She remained silent. Each time I broached the subject of this world's end, she either deflected or chose not to speak. It felt like there was a weight stopping her from sharing.

"Never mind. It's like talking to a brick wall with you."

Chapter 8: Enigmatic Settlement

"Where did my backpack go?" Having been forced to consume that bland gel-like substance for days on end had left a vile taste in my mouth. Now, even the dull flavor of my energy bars seemed like a gourmet meal.

"It's right here." Her holographic image vanished as the drone zipped to the rear of the airship. "After the mishap, I've been collecting all the displaced items once I became operational."

Due to the airship's tilted position, a hidden nook revealed itself beneath. This spot, with all the displaced belongings stacked, was notably drier than the swampy central part of the pond. Plus, it granted some privacy from potential onlookers.

Regrettably, most of the salvaged items were just random, non-essential trinkets...

"My weapon, where is it?"

Surveying the gathered materials, my firearm was nowhere in sight. Without it, I felt utterly defenseless, capable of nothing but fleeing. But, if a grenade had been tossed out, it would be a potential disaster. Thank goodness they were safely stored in the weapons chamber.

"It's likely still within the airship. Let me retrieve it."

Lunaria's drone smoothly glided into the damaged window of the airship. As it did, I unzipped my backpack, grabbing three energy bars and devouring them ravenously. Delicious...

Shortly after, she returned, presenting my firearm along with a few additional magazines. Coupled with what I had in my backpack, I had around a hundred rounds.

We then strategized our next move.

The airship needed a guardian, but the location was quite concealed due to the encompassing cliff walls around the pond.

"One part of me can remain here, but for your safety, the drone should accompany you."

"Sounds good. But it might be best if you stay concealed in my backpack to avoid drawing attention."

"I agree."

"Oh, and I've decided to call the drone 'Luna-1'. Hope you're okay with that."

"Do as you wish."

With our plan in place, we left the damaged airship behind, hopeful for its eventual restoration. After all, soaring through the skies was far preferable to treading on foot.

I dashed back to the tent, only to see Spitzek meticulously crushing various herbs into a greenish mix using a mortar and pestle. It looked like some sort of remedy.

“Spitzek!” I exclaimed.

He looked up, “Hmm?”

“Do you know of any nearby settlements? Anywhere with people resembling me?” I gestured towards myself. Communicating would undoubtedly be simpler with other humans.

“Like you? Haven't come across... But there's a village nearby... I plan on trading there tomorrow.”

“Would you mind taking me? I owe you for your help.” I was overwhelmed with guilt for just sleeping for three days without helping.

He nodded slowly, “Compensation... acknowledged.”

“What?” I was baffled, not recalling any such exchange.

From his pouch, he revealed a slender, pristine crystal, “This... origin crystal.”

I quickly felt my pocket, realizing the vacancy. He must've taken it while attending to me.

“Fine. But in return, you'll explain its purpose.” Lunaria might have known if I showed it to her, but collecting insights never hurt.

“It harnesses magic... and strength…”

With patience, Spitzek began to unfold mysteries of this realm I hadn’t grasped. They had something called a Source Level. Those channeling this 'source energy' were termed either source evokers or source enhancers. The enhancers used this energy to amplify their physical prowess, gifting them unmatched strength, resilience, and speed. Conversely, the evokers channeled this energy externally, enabling them to manipulate their environment in astonishing ways.

For them, the Source Crystal was a medium to augment their abilities, to ascend in their Source Level. I was in awe.

Who would've imagined such force was even a part of this universe? Every day here felt like a revelation, and I was constantly torn between awe and apprehension.

And suddenly it hit me – the debris that had pinned me down after the airship disaster wouldn't have budged unless Spitzek had some extraordinary strength.

Upon examining his status once more, I uncovered various novel details.

Spitzek Arhak

[…]

Source Rank: Level-2 Amplifier | Level-2 Summoner

Source Component(s): ???Profession(s): [Cloaked Fist]

Attributes:

STR: D (55)

AGI: D (48)

VIT: D (53)

SRC: D+ (59)

SPR: D- (44)

Total Points: 62 [D]

Though there remained mysteries, indicated by the question marks, I was beginning to grasp the workings of the status interface. Understanding it depended on possessing the requisite knowledge.

Could the source gem I found during my escape be the very thing luring those insectoid beasts towards me? I pondered, rubbing my chin thoughtfully.

That seemed like a plausible reason.

I then retreated into the tent, reflecting upon the avalanche of information I'd just been privy to. Mastering this newfound power as a source practitioner would be imperative for survival here. Yet, such knowledge wasn't given away. Everything demanded a price. Given his affinity for source gems, accumulating more before seeking guidance seemed wise.

“I’ve decided my next move,” I declared with a spark of determination, clapping my hands.

“Hold on a minute. Why didn’t you inform me about that artifact you possess?” The drone wriggled free from my backpack.

“I was spent, and the time never seemed right.”

Lunaria, with a hint of admonishment, stated, “That source gem happens to be a primary fuel for airships.”

“Another incentive to amass more. But, securing them means confronting formidable adversaries, like the mutant insectoid matriarch.”

 To vanquish formidable creatures, strength is imperative; to amass strength, you require source crystals; and to obtain these crystals, battling mighty beasts is a must. It felt like a perpetual loop, leaving me bewildered about where to initiate.

Nevertheless, a trip to the adjacent settlement was imperative for tomorrow. Only after making the necessary preparations would I venture into the pursuit of source crystals.

***

At dawn's break, we initiated our trek towards the town, tracing the creek upstream — opposite from the wreckage of the airship.

The journey was smooth; this region posed minimal danger, especially with Spitzek by my side, who was familiar with every nook and cranny here. It felt considerably more tranquil than my prior adventures.

“I’ll collect samples of the local flora,” chimed Luna-1, the orb-shaped drone that Lunaria operated, snugly nestling into a pocket of my backpack.

It became evident that Luna-1 possessed specialized sensors for data collection. Such capabilities would be invaluable in identifying toxic vegetation. I certainly had no intention of consuming anything lethal…

As the hour neared its end, a vast tunnel carved into a sprawling hill came into our line of sight. Spitzek mentioned that the town awaited us just beyond the tunnel’s descent.

Plunging into the earth’s embrace, an awe-inspiring realm emerged. Far from the rudimentary cave I envisioned, this was an immense subterranean expanse. Its vastness was undeniable, with the ceiling stretching almost a kilometer high, wrapping us in a surreal atmosphere.

And as a testament to its wonder, at its heart stood a colossal, luminous purple fungal structure. No jest... Tiny figures ambled beneath this mammoth mushroom, which towered as high as the loftiest skyscrapers of our world, boasting a base diameter of at least three hundred meters.

If I wasn't mistakenly a titan, this meant the mushroom truly was of that monumental scale. It radiated a soft cyan glow, illuminating the cavern’s expanse. Coupled with the rocky formation and the glow of indigenous creatures, this place bore little resemblance to the stereotypical dark cave. It gleamed with ample brightness.

Pointing to the enclave nestled around the fungal giant, Spitzek proclaimed, “Behold... the town.”

"Is there a name for it?"

"It's called Aquarine," he replied, nodding toward the towering purple mushroom. "It stands guard against the encroaching red mist."

"Intriguing," I murmured, my eyes scanning the surroundings. "Is there a place around here where craftspeople work? Perhaps a blacksmith?" In my time with Spitzek, I hadn't seen him use any advanced tools.

"To your left," he indicated, then gestured to the right, "and there's the marketplace. You'll find me there, bartering."

"It seems our paths diverge here." A strange emotion tugged at me. Even though our acquaintance was brief, he was the first soul I'd truly interacted with in this realm, not to mention my rescuer.

"May your journey be blessed," he whispered.

Returning his gesture with a nod, I bid him farewell and eagerly approached the town. Its ethereal aura was far beyond what I'd ever conceived.

As I ventured forth, I was intent on etching every detail into my memory. Dome-shaped dwellings sat atop one another, and peculiar designs were everywhere. Luminescent mushrooms dotted the pathways, casting soft glows, painting a scene beyond words.

Its denizens were even more awe-inspiring. The variety of humanoid creatures was staggering – their hues as varied as a rainbow. Some resembled terrestrial creatures, like reptiles and birds, mingling and going about their business. A few even seemed almost human, though with unique traits, like tails.

Suddenly, a colossal hamster ambled past, drawing a cart laden with exotic produce. I stifled my urge to react, observing a fellow perched atop the creature, nonchalantly guiding it.

This wasn't the typical fantastical town I'd envisioned, but its allure was undeniable. The sheer wonder of it all sent tingles through my fingers.

Without further delay, I directed my steps to where Spitzek had indicated earlier. The unmistakable clang of metal rang out, leading me to a zone bustling with artisans and vendors, showcasing a myriad of metallic wares and peculiar contraptions.

In this unfamiliar territory, trust wasn't something I could freely give. Rumors spoke of potential information breaches, compelling me to tread with caution in my words. The denizens here were peculiar and exhibited an unsettling demeanor; there was no telling if their behavior would mirror human norms.

“Pardon me...” Venturing into a nearby shop, I subtly probed the proprietor with veiled inquiries. Nevertheless, the concept of an airship seemed utterly alien to him, let alone its mechanics.

Undeterred, I persisted, scouring every possible location in my quest, much like a bewildered bird in unknown terrain. Alas, the answers remained elusive. It was unsurprising, considering their technological spectrum ranged from primitive Iron Age to bits of contemporary innovations.

What odd mind even crafted such a vessel? I mused in frustration.

For someone like me, an outsider from a different realm, deciphering this conundrum was a daunting challenge. While I had the option to assemble a team under Lunaria's guidance, the stakes were just too high.

Resting against the cold bricks of an old workshop, the weight of time pressing down on me became palpable. A resolution was urgently needed.

“Are you the foreigner seeking airship repairs?” A voice inquired.

“Um, yes?” I responded, taken aback by the descriptor.

Lifting my gaze, I encountered a striking humanoid woman. She had an alabaster complexion, oversized eyes, and twin crimson horns that emerged from her brow. Cascades of silken white hair framed her face, while her feet diverged from human anatomy. Her peculiar appearance was further accentuated by the primitive attire she donned, crafted from animal hides, and... was that fur adorning her skin?

“Have we met before?” I asked, feeling a vague sense of déjà vu.

I paused, realizing my folly. I hadn’t explicitly mentioned "airship" when seeking artisans. Instinctively, I reached for the weapon secured to my back, ensuring an escape route was within grasp. Yet, something told me to remain.

“I should introduce myself. I'm Tuilë,” she greeted, extending a hand that dwarfed mine in comparison.

Chapter 9: Every Favor Has Its Price

"Good to see you as well... My name's Maxim."

"Maxim?" Her eyebrows lifted, as though tasting the uniqueness of the name. "How about 'Max', sounds cool, right?"

Clearing my throat, I asked, "You mentioned repairing airships?"

Curiosity got the better of me. I used [Identification] to gauge her abilities.

Tuilë

[…]

Ranking: Tier-2 enhancer | Tier-1 evoker

Known Element(s): ???

Profession(s): [Master Mechanic]

Attributes:

STR: D (47)

AGI: D (53)

VIT: E+ (39)

SRC: E (31)

SPR: D (54)

Stored Points: 46 [D-]

Impressive! She’s on par with Spitzek. Yet, there was a delicate aura about her, not reflecting her strength. And this Profession... what exactly does it signify?

[Master Mechanic]

Endows the holder with unparalleled expertise in all mechanical constructs. Moreover, it enhances their innate ability to dissect and understand the fundamental composition of objects.

"I'll need to see it first. However, when it comes to machines, we're considered the best," her voice drifted, hinting at a deeper pain.

"Really now? Having an expert is always better than going it alone. Would you be willing?"

"Naturally, but everything comes with a cost," She patted her chest, a gesture to assure her reliability.

"And that would be?"

I anticipated this. It would indeed be peculiar if she demanded nothing in return. I'd previously inquired about the prevalent currency in this town. Bartering was the norm, though Source crystals were also accepted. However, they were deemed too precious for trivial transactions.

She motioned for me to follow and led the way to the workshop against which I'd been resting.

"Is that a tail?" I observed a distinctive elongation swinging behind her, which wasn’t quite feline; it tapered to a fine point.

"Do you see something amiss?" she inquired.

"No, just an observation," I replied, realizing it might be impolite to point out.

"Come inside. It's cozy, but you should find it comfortable." As she ushered me in, the lights illuminated the interior.

The ambiance inside mirrored that of a traditional blacksmith's forge, laden with the pungent aroma of molten metal. However, what truly piqued my curiosity was—

"Is that... a robot?" I exclaimed, my eyes fixated on an imposing metallic figure, adorned in brown, situated at the back.

This machine resembled a medieval knight, boasting a formidable physique. Its head mimicked a helmet with a star emblem, and its limbs were designed for nimbleness, accompanied by two conspicuous exhaust pipes. It oozed a steampunk vibe.

"It's more of a work in progress," she remarked, affectionately patting the machine. "I need your assistance with it."

"What exactly do you need from me?" My voice betrayed my surprise.

"I require numerous source crystals for activation, including a Third Order one. While I can use electricity as a substitute for the lower-grade crystals, the Third Order one is non-negotiable. I can't procure it by myself."

"You can't expect me to take on such a task!" I protested.

"Isn't that firearm on your back functional?" She gestured towards it.

"This? I can handle a First-Order creature, but not much more than that."

In this realm, creatures were classified based on their strength, from First to the mightiest, Sixth Order. The method used to discern these categories was unknown to me. Perhaps, I thought, once I harnessed the power of sources, either as an enhancer or evoker, such knowledge would be clearer. It was a nugget of wisdom I’d gleaned during my recovery with Spitzek.

Taking into account the mutant insectoid queen was merely a First-Order mutation, it did give me a hard time. The thought of facing a Third-Order mutation sent shivers down my spine.

"Hey, calm down! I've got a plan and a goal. No need to fret. And lighten up a bit!"

I found myself pondering the situation, evaluating its upsides and downsides. Yet, ultimately, did I have other options? Consulting anyone other than her without a proven track record was akin to gambling blindly. The mission was graded C-, signifying I was on the right path.

"First off," I started, "I've got some inquiries." I wasn’t about to jump in without asking.

"Proceed."

"Why pick me? Aren't there more suitable candidates? Honestly, I haven't even reached Tier 1." It had been gnawing at me.

"The answer’s straightforward. It's a challenge to find someone with the right skill set. Within Aquarine, only a handful are adept with machinery, and even fewer can defend themselves."

"Alright, I understand. But you owe me three more favors after this," I asserted, showing three fingers.

"Deal! And trust me, when it comes to machinery, I'm unparalleled. Given time, I can build anything."

"I'll take your word on that."

"Off we go! No time to waste!"

"Hold on... Right now?"

"Absolutely. The earlier, the better." With her robust hand, she pulled me to a clearing near her workshop. Her strength was overwhelming, far surpassing mine.

Tuilë quickly moved to a concealed, large object, revealing it. Underneath was a sleek, elongated aircraft resembling a motorized glider with a rear propeller driven by some steam mechanism, which was beyond my understanding. An intriguing invention.

"Wow, what's this?"

"It's my steam kite, my trusty companion over the years. We aren't walking to our destination; that’d be way too time-consuming."

This "steam kite" could barely fit two, with a seat at the front and another at the rear, though it looked rather tight. Moreover, I didn't spot any safety belts or emergency buttons. Was this contraption even safe to operate?

Taking into account the mutant insectoid queen was merely a First-Order mutation, it did give me a hard time. The thought of facing a Third-Order mutation sent shivers down my spine.

"Hey, calm down! I've got a plan and a goal. No need to fret. And lighten up a bit!"

I found myself pondering the situation, evaluating its upsides and downsides. Yet, ultimately, did I have other options? Consulting anyone other than her without a proven track record was akin to gambling blindly. The mission was graded C-, signifying I was on the right path.

"First off," I started, "I've got some inquiries." I wasn’t about to jump in without asking.

"Proceed."

"Why pick me? Aren't there more suitable candidates? Honestly, I haven't even reached Tier 1." It had been gnawing at me.

"The answer’s straightforward. It's a challenge to find someone with the right skill set. Within Aquarine, only a handful are adept with machinery, and even fewer can defend themselves."

"Alright, I understand. But you owe me three more favors after this," I asserted, showing three fingers.

"Deal! And trust me, when it comes to machinery, I'm unparalleled. Given time, I can build anything."

"I'll take your word on that."

"Off we go! No time to waste!"

"Hold on... Right now?"

"Absolutely. The earlier, the better." With her robust hand, she pulled me to a clearing near her workshop. Her strength was overwhelming, far surpassing mine.

Tuilë quickly moved to a concealed, large object, revealing it. Underneath was a sleek, elongated aircraft resembling a motorized glider with a rear propeller driven by some steam mechanism, which was beyond my understanding. An intriguing invention.

"Wow, what's this?"

"It's my steam kite, my trusty companion over the years. We aren't walking to our destination; that’d be way too time-consuming."

This "steam kite" could barely fit two, with a seat at the front and another at the rear, though it looked rather tight. Moreover, I didn't spot any safety belts or emergency buttons. Was this contraption even safe to operate?

Taking into account the mutant insectoid queen was merely a First-Order mutation, it did give me a hard time. The thought of facing a Third-Order mutation sent shivers down my spine.

"Hey, calm down! I've got a plan and a goal. No need to fret. And lighten up a bit!"

I found myself pondering the situation, evaluating its upsides and downsides. Yet, ultimately, did I have other options? Consulting anyone other than her without a proven track record was akin to gambling blindly. The mission was graded C-, signifying I was on the right path.

"First off," I started, "I've got some inquiries." I wasn’t about to jump in without asking.

"Proceed."

"Why pick me? Aren't there more suitable candidates? Honestly, I haven't even reached Tier 1." It had been gnawing at me.

"The answer’s straightforward. It's a challenge to find someone with the right skill set. Within Aquarine, only a handful are adept with machinery, and even fewer can defend themselves."

"Alright, I understand. But you owe me three more favors after this," I asserted, showing three fingers.

"Deal! And trust me, when it comes to machinery, I'm unparalleled. Given time, I can build anything."

"I'll take your word on that."

"Off we go! No time to waste!"

"Hold on... Right now?"

"Absolutely. The earlier, the better." With her robust hand, she pulled me to a clearing near her workshop. Her strength was overwhelming, far surpassing mine.

Tuilë quickly moved to a concealed, large object, revealing it. Underneath was a sleek, elongated aircraft resembling a motorized glider with a rear propeller driven by some steam mechanism, which was beyond my understanding. An intriguing invention.

"Wow, what's this?"

"It's my steam kite, my trusty companion over the years. We aren't walking to our destination; that’d be way too time-consuming."

This "steam kite" could barely fit two, with a seat at the front and another at the rear, though it looked rather tight. Moreover, I didn't spot any safety belts or emergency buttons. Was this contraption even safe to operate?

Vegetation and creatures from mysterious origins had infiltrated this realm. The ordinary slowly transformed into the extraordinary.

"The flora and fauna here differ from those near the colossal fungus." I tapped a plant resembling sea coral with my boot.

"With each appearance and disappearance of the mist, things change," she commented, taking a deep breath. "Remember, this zone gets enveloped in crimson mist come nighttime. Our window is just today."

"If we don't succeed today, can we try again tomorrow?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Regrettably, these 'transitional zones' shift every week. Today marks its final day."

"I see..."

In the relative quiet, I scanned our surroundings. Decayed structures overtaken by nature stood tall, interspersed with remnants of once-contemporary transportation and public artifacts...

"Hold on, what on earth is that?!"

Hovering amidst the stone structures was an enormous mosquito, about six meters in height, equipped with six wings and multiple razor-sharp limbs.

I'd been told of oversized mosquitos in the Amazon, but witnessing one of this magnitude was staggering. Imagining its needle-like mouthpiece piercing me, I'd probably turn to dust instantly. The very idea sent chills down my spine.

Chapter 10: The Menace of the Mutant Blood Mosquito

"In this area, it's likely the creature's domain. How about we take it out to ensure our backs are safe from surprise attacks?" Tuilë suggested casually.

"You mean dodge it— Wait, did you just say 'take it out'?"

"Eliminate it. I was clear, wasn't I?"

"Hold on! That monster can finish us with just one blow!"

As if on cue, pale humanoid beings similar to the one that had assailed Raymond's hometown wandered nearby. The mosquito swiftly descended, piercing one with its massive needle-like appendage, lifting it up, and draining its life essence in a heartbeat.

A chill went down my spine; this was more dangerous than I'd anticipated. Intrigued and somewhat alarmed, I accessed its data through my status interface.

Species: Blood mosquito (mutated)

Gender: Male

Age: 5

Height: 604 cm

Power Tier: Second Order

Energy Type(s): None

Attributes:

Strength: D (47)

Agility: D (55)

Endurance: D- (43)

Energy: D (46)

Spirit: E (32)

Gathered Points: 22 [D]

This creature is only a Second-Order mutant. By my estimations, with the gear we have, it might not be invincible. Plus, the surroundings might give us some advantage since it's not an expansive plain.

"Okay. I want half the energy crystal, though," I negotiated.

"Seems reasonable. Find a good vantage point and when the moment is right, take the shot. Focus on its vulnerable spot — its head. I can move faster than you, so I'll draw its attention."

"Got it. I'll look for a strategic place to set up." I affirmed, nodding in agreement.

The locale was dotted with structures. It wouldn't be challenging to find a covert spot to target the oversized mosquito.

Keeping our strategy in mind, I darted into a vacant five-story building. It wasn't entirely empty, housing mutated rodents. But they skittered off as I dispatched one with my blade — proving dominance was sufficient to send them packing. I then positioned myself at the top floor.

"Darn, I didn't realize this rifle lacks a scope..." Regardless, given the proximity, I'd need to be precise.

"Maxim. Those pale creatures from before are heading here. The commotion might've drawn them," Lunaria observed abruptly.

She had remained silent in my backpack all this while, hardly making a peep. With no other eyes watching, she must have seen it as her moment.

“Really? Where did they go?”

“They're inside the building now. Maybe we should move?”

“No, let’s take them all down.” I readied my gun, releasing the chambered round. Oops.

For some reason, these creatures irked me tremendously. Maybe it was the lingering influence of Raymond's spirit, or perhaps it was just me. I felt the need to end them, to relieve them of their misery.

The room offered only a single narrow entrance, a tactical advantage I could exploit by creating a barrier with just enough space for me to aim and fire. And if things went south, the window beside me served as a potential exit.

With that in mind, I slid a cabinet against the door. All that remained was the impending confrontation.

“Human... Here...” The first of them rasped, ripping the top of the door open and looking inside.

“Here goes!” A bit taken aback, I nonetheless steadied my rifle and fired.

Raymond's father once mentioned, “Aim for their head.” I remembered this and acted accordingly.

The bullet flew, cleanly decapitating my large adversary. Take that! Laughable!

But that wasn’t the end. More were attempting to breach, reaching in for me. Systematically, I aimed for their elongated necks, dispatching them in succession — their bodies acting as additional barriers.

While many were frail and not of the First Order, there were a few mightier ones among them, intensifying the threat. The door and parts of the adjacent walls buckled under their might.

“Enough!” I yanked the pin off a grenade, lobbing it at the larger adversaries and swiftly vaulting through the nearby window.

The explosion resonated as I clung to an external ledge. The ensuing force and smoke nearly sent me tumbling, but I held on. It was a close call.

“Darn it. I left Tuilë behind.” Scanning around, I began my re-entry into the building.

In the heat of the moment, she found herself desperately evading the mutated mosquito's pursuit. Despite the intensity of the chase, she maintained a safe distance, even managing to fire off shots from her weapon. However, it wasn't as lethal as I'd expected. Perhaps the creature was just exceptionally resilient.

The room's entryway was swamped with those pale abominations, but I bypassed the temptation to collect the source crystals and hurried to assist Tuilë. All I needed was the perfect shot. But she was unaware of my position.

To communicate, I instructed Lunaria to intermittently dim Luna-1’s strobe lamp in Tuilë's direction. Recognizing the cue, she strategically steered the mosquito toward me. Having the high ground made targeting its head easier, aiming for a fatal wound.

Hold on…

My heart raced, the weight of the task almost suffocating, and my pulse echoed in my ears, heightening my nervousness. The gun was almost slippery from perspiration.

Now's the chance!

I aimed and fired at the enormous insect hovering roughly twenty meters away. But, to my dismay, it perceived the danger and reacted. Although it attempted to ascend, the bullet's speed left it no room to evade, puncturing it.

"Wh-What?!" I stammered, struggling to comprehend the scene unfolding before me.

I'd underestimated its agility, especially at such proximity.

"Did you know? Mosquitoes have panoramic vision," Lunaria chimed in.

"Great timing for a trivia, Ms. Know-It-All," I retorted, retreating further into the room, then sprinting for the exit.

Yet, my gunshot had redirected the creature's attention to me. It forcefully wedged into a narrow window, shattering it. Had I not taken evasive action, its spear-like proboscis might've impaled me.

Staying indoors might've seemed safer, but the building's structural integrity was questionable, given its years of neglect. It wouldn't withstand the strain from a mammoth mosquito, particularly after the prior onslaught of the pale creatures.

As a last resort, I had a few grenades on hand. But before I could deploy them, the mosquito partially squeezed in. Reacting swiftly, I vaulted over the heap of vanquished monsters near the exit, in a desperate bid to escape.

I sprinted from rooftop to rooftop, hopping from one building to another. However, I soon recognized that the creature wasn’t on my tail. Regardless, I continued my dash until I reached a safe distance. There, I paused, trying to regain my breath.

“Why is this thing so powerful?!” Gasping for air, I leaned onto my rifle for support.

“Are you alright?” A voice whispered into my ear, and suddenly, a jolt of electricity zapped my spine.

“Yikes!!” The shock revived my previously drained strength, making me feel like I’d been jolted awake. “Tuilë... What on earth was that? I felt like I got zapped!”

“Sorry, that's my source power,” she giggled, her palm glowing with a spark of electricity. “It’s great for rejuvenating energy... Anyway, I got sidetracked.”

“Give me a heads-up next time, okay? So, what's our next move?”

“Well, it's significantly wounded after I distracted it. Why didn't you shoot? I heard a huge bang where you were.” She rested her hand on her hip, clearly miffed.

“I got cornered by those pale creatures...” I recounted the ordeal.

“Pale creatures? Ah, the mutants. That’s unfortunate. That beast is probably feasting on them now...” Her gaze shifted to me, filled with worry. “Hold on, you're unharmed, right?”

“Yup, I'm good. What’s up?”

Relieved, she said, “Just be cautious. They have this red mist inside them that can turn others into their kind. Since you aren’t a source user, you’re completely vulnerable.”

“Got it.” I felt a chill realizing the danger I’d been in.

“However,” she continued, “this gives us an opportunity.”

“Opportunity?” I quizzically looked at her, attempting to decipher her point.

“Exactly.” Tuilë positioned her weapon over her shoulder. “It’s overindulged. All we need to do is target its bloated belly.”

“Makes sense!” I remarked, glad to have an ally so knowledgeable.

“Here’s the plan…”

We headed back to the initial building after discussing our strategy. As we'd predicted, the beast looked inflated, almost as if it was expecting. A precise strike to its gut would surely inflict lethal damage.

“Time to act.”

Tuilë readied her electromagnetic weapon, targeting the oblivious mosquito. Yet, the insect soon sensed the danger. My role? Distract it.

Upon a detailed look, I noticed the mosquito was marred with a variety of wounds, both minor and major. I had initially miscalculated the potency of Tuilë’s weapon; its strength rivaled my own semi-automatic, albeit functioning differently.

“Oi!” I yelled, gesturing wildly to provoke the creature. “You reckon your recent feast came at no cost? Time to settle the bill, pest!”

The mosquito, even if not comprehending my words, shifted its focus to me, sidestepping Tuilë. Its prior agility was compromised by its engorged abdomen, limiting it to half its usual pace.

Tuilë had briefed me on the thirty-second charge time of her device. Seizing the moment, I sprinted into the alley, weaving through the compound, all while raining bullets onto our pursuer. Every precise hit to its swollen body made it bleed profusely.

The alley's tight space hindered the mosquito's flight, proving an obstacle to its chase. Harnessing the wind's flow, I adopted a hit-and-run approach, zigzagging strategically while consistently pelting the insect.

Closing in on the end of my planned route, the crucial half-minute was almost over. But to my astonishment, the mosquito was now ahead, hovering, as if expecting me.

I steadied myself, readying my weapon. Suddenly, a huge rupture tore through its body, resulting in a gaping wound larger than my stature.

It plummeted, spewing a mixture of blood and fluids. Puddles of green and red combined to stain the surroundings a sickly hue.

The power of Tuilë’s weapon was astounding, reminiscent of a booming cannon's might.

Taking a deep breath, I sought cover, but my gaze remained fixed on the fallen menace. Knowing the risk of the red fog, I was wary, as the mosquito's meal had been from those white aberrations. Better safe than sorry.

Chapter 11: The Crystal Quest

Rapidly closing the gap between us, Tuilë, with her weapon resting on her shoulder, remarked, “Snap out of your daze, alright? Let’s dive into that mosquito's carcass for the source crystal. While you're at it, inspect the altered humans in the structure.”

“Understood.” My unwarranted astonishment at her gadget was quite uncharacteristic.

Using a sharp blade, I sifted through the remains of the enormous mosquito. Lunaria subtly assisted, and it wasn't long before I unearthed the source crystal. Remarkably, this one surpassed the size of the crystal from the insectoid monarch, resembling a jagged, oversized marble.

“Once we sort everything out, we can divide the proceeds from this,” Tuilë proposed. “Though the carcass might have its uses, it's impractical to haul it with us at the moment.”

“True that. Any clue where our primary objective might be?”

“Just a short distance ahead. About two hundred meters down this path,” she indicated, gesturing towards the northern road.

“Considering the closeness, I pray our ruckus didn't alert it.”

Our next move was to examine the pallid beings I'd dispatched inside the structure. Unsurprisingly, they'd been completely sapped of life essence. Nothing of value seemed likely to remain within their desiccated forms. Tuilë reassured me that the ominous crimson mist present in their systems dissipates upon death.

“Though these crystals lure the mutants, the bloodthirsty mosquito mutants aren't tempted by them. They have a preference for the vital essence.”

“Your expertise on this subject is impressive.”

“It should be! I've navigated this territory for around three years.”

Her human-like appearance hinted at her age, perhaps eighteen or nineteen. But to confirm, I employed [Identification].

Age: 19 years old

Spot on!

“You’ve gone quiet. What’s on your mind?” She caught my momentarily lost demeanor.

“Just thinking we should secure the crystals.”

“Agreed,” she replied with a nod.

Having had prior knowledge about the source crystals, she knew of their locations, especially that only five large ones existed in the First Order. We tucked the crystal we found securely into my backpack.

After finishing that task, we swiftly returned to the steam kite to restock and gather the equipment needed to confront the Third-Order mutated creature.

“So, remind me, what are we up against again?” I asked.

“We’re dealing with a pale cruncher. Imagine a massive, ghostly bugbear with a vertical mouth lined with incredibly sharp fangs. It has a penchant for gnawing on concrete structures, but trust me, it can digest anything — even durable metals."

“That sounds downright nightmarish," I gulped.

“Don't fret,” she comforted, “It lacks the ability to see or smell, equipped only with its mouth and an almost useless set of ears. Stay silent, and we can defeat it without much hassle."

“That explains the vast amount of gunpowder and the landmines you’re carting around."

“Exactly. I would have preferred a stronger arsenal, but this is the best bulk supply I could find.”

“Something's better than nothing, I suppose.” I wondered where she had sourced those mines.

Hence, we ferried an extensive stash of gunpowder and landmines, sufficient to create a significant crater, to a point 150 meters away. Given that we eliminated the reigning monster of this territory, others might soon claim it. Yet, not confronting it would make our task of transporting the required resources a lot more daunting.

As we reached our destination, the pale cruncher was right there in the intersection, feasting on huge chunks of buildings. Its presence was as Tuilë depicted – a tall and sturdy frame, eerily smooth skin, and a mouth so vast it could consume a vehicle. A single reckless move, and its power could be the end of us. The sight was genuinely horrifying.

Species: Light Shatterer (mutant)

Sex: None

Age: 53 cycles

Height: 452 units

Source Level: Tier Three

Source Element(s): Absent

Attributes:

STR: C+ (77)

AGI: C- (61)

VIT: C (74)

SRC: C- (62)

SPR: D (52)

Accumulated Points: 126 [C-]

How potent is a being possessing seventy-seven in strength? I hypothesized that relative to my original form, this entity could easily bear double the load for a limited duration. Consequently, it could potentially demolish solid structures just by traversing them.

"Maxxy, the responsibility to activate this detonator is yours," conveyed Tuilë, handing over a device resembling those used for igniting explosive barrels, and elaborated, "The strategy is to entice it to the proximity of mines and explosive containers positioned by me in the vicinity." She indicated a lofty structure, nearly comparable to a skyscraper, on the brink of structural failure. "Press the lever when I signal. Understand?"

Her demeanor radiated assurance, revealing that this tactic was meticulously devised. The explosive barrels would ignite the mines, collapsing the crucial structural points and trapping the Light Shatterer beneath the debris. However, since numerous creatures inhabited nearly every structure, confronting them silently was imperative — a task I found challenging.

Success was paramount; there was no room for errors.

"Indeed. However, is utilizing your firearm, as with the previous encounter against the blood mosquito, not a simpler solution?" There seemed no need for such intricate preparations if a straightforward option was available.

"That’s unfeasible," she refused, shaking her head. "It's a one-time use before the energy cell is compromised. Regrettably, I don’t possess a backup, and it lacks the capability to penetrate the defenses of a Tier Three mutant."

"Disappointing… So, who will be the decoy?" If she suggested me, I’d refuse outright...

"Attracting it is synonymous with a death wish; hence, I'll restrain it using my firearm from a distance. Let’s disperse and assume our positions without delay."

 “Alright, take care.” If she fell here, our mission would be compromised, and that would spell doom for both of us.

“Will do!” Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she replied.

Once the strategy was in place, we moved to our designated spots. She commenced by sweeping the building and subsequently setting up landmines methodically. I chose a nearby safe spot to station myself, given my limited experience. After all, she had the upper hand in strength.

After all the preparations, Tuilë positioned herself atop a two-story building, taking aim at the ghostly creature before letting loose a bullet. It rocketed from the gun, striking the creature squarely, causing a massive blow.

“GURUUUU!!” A roar echoed from the creature as it zeroed in on its attacker.

Although Tuilë was a good fifty meters from the ghostly creature, it bridged the gap in just a heartbeat. The creature's staggering speed caught even Tuilë off-guard, but her reflexes didn’t disappoint.

The carefully placed landmines were just meters from her current spot. She initiated a series of nimble jumps from one rooftop to another, hoping to lead the creature away. The creature, undeterred by the structures, plowed through anything that stood in its way. Its lack of keen senses was evident as it blindly followed her, heading straight for the trap.

As Tuilë discharged a shot skywards, I knew my cue had come.

Without hesitation, I triggered the detonator. A chain of blasts lit up the minefield. A dense cloud of smoke enveloped the area, and as the debris settled, the edifice crumbled, entombing the creature beneath.

“Is it over?” The question hung in the air, though I had a hunch about the answer.

Lunaria weighed in, “I'd say there’s a 98 percent chance it's taken care of.”

“We can't be sure until we see it with our own eyes.”

With that thought, I waited for the haze to clear before rushing to the blast site. I had glimpsed Tuilë dodging the final explosion, yet I wasn’t sure about her condition. We had indeed taken a risky gamble…

“Tuilë! Can you hear me?”

“Yes, I’m here!” Tuilë raised her hand to signal, urging me to stay away. “Stay back! The ground’s unstable... The building's collapse must have weakened it further.”

I had overlooked it, but the path in front of me showed fractures and dents. This situation felt oddly familiar.

Suddenly, the earth split, exposing a vast, growing sinkhole. My heart raced! I hastily retreated from the ominous gap, but...

“Hurry! Get over here!” I shouted to Tuilë, who was now trapped on the unstable terrain.

While Tuilë's physique had some unique features, allowing her a greater jumping ability, this time, the ground's rapid descent seemed too much.

“Reach for me!”

Sensing danger, Tuilë threw aside her weapon and a bag, took an impressive leap, and stretched out her hand towards me. We were inches apart... Unless I made an extra effort, I couldn't save her. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as I extended further to grasp her.

“Hold tight!”

But our combined weight was too much. The ledge I was holding onto gave way. I managed to latch onto a stable part of the earth with my other hand.

“No! This is too much weight!” Supporting both of us was straining every muscle in my arm.

“Maxim, let go of me! You need to survive.”

“You can swing and reach the ledge, right?” Given her physical capabilities, I thought she might be able to muster enough strength for a final effort.

Her response, however, was heart-wrenching.

“I can't... I’m so sorry... It seems this is my end.”

“What do you mean?”

I glanced downwards, the chasm seemed bottomless, swallowed in shadow. To make matters worse, I noticed blood oozing from Tuilë’s other hand. Her injuries from the explosion earlier were taking a toll. This is not good.

Do I let go?

Escaping on my own would be easier. However, the mission's success wasn't dependent on her assistance alone. Weren't there others skilled in machinery just like her?

YET...

I couldn't shake off my moral obligations. Upon arriving in this unknown realm, recognizing the value of a trustworthy ally was crucial. Our association was brief, but letting her down would be a burden I'd bear forever. I wasn’t ready to live under the shadow of regret.

Moreover, the situation wasn’t as dire as initially perceived; I had one more tactic up my sleeve.

When I chose to rescue her, the ground under my feet betrayed us. The road edge crumbled, sending us spiraling into a pit below.

“Lunaria!” My voice echoed with urgency.

From my backpack, Luna-1, the orb-like drone, rapidly deployed its mechanical appendage, clutching my jacket's back to prevent a freefall. I kept my grip firm on Tuilë's hand. The drone's strength, however, was insufficient to bear our combined mass or elevate us. At most, it slowed our descent.

I landed some distance from where I'd plummeted, colliding with jagged stones. Thankfully, I’d shielded my vital parts in the nick of time.

“Ugh… Ouch! Seriously, how deep is this abyss?”

Chapter 12: Into the Dark Depths

I writhed on the cold floor, attempting to overcome the agony. After a quarter of an hour, I pushed myself upright and surveyed the shadowy pit we'd landed in.

Peering into the obscurity, it became evident that our descent had left us near a towering precipice. This massive formation stretched upwards for about fifty meters and spanned roughly a hundred meters across. Climbing it seemed unfeasible, given its sheer surface. We would've met a grim end falling from such a height if not for Lunaria's intervention, softening our landing with the drone.

Immediately, I took stock of my belongings. My pack was intact, and the firearm slung over my shoulder was still secure.

On that thought...

Frantically, I located Tuilë, who had been separated from me during our descent. She lay still some meters away.

"Tuilë, are you okay?" Given her prior injuries, the tumble could've easily worsened her condition.

She remained motionless...

"Didn't think to check on me first? Charming," Lunaria's voice filled the void, her holographic figure emerging from Luna-1 hovering nearby.

"You're linked to a drone. Even if it were damaged, it wouldn’t harm you.”

“Well, you're not wrong."

“Do you reckon basic first aid would suffice for her?” I inquired, turning to Lunaria.

While I carried a basic first aid kit, it contained little more than bandages, antiseptic, and cotton wool. Given her ordeal, it'd be a stroke of luck if she only had a fracture or two.

"Focus on halting any bleeding, then bandage her. Follow my lead,” she advised.

“Understood."

Relying on Raymond's memories, I tended to Tuilë as Lunaria directed. Her resilience was remarkable; it wasn't long before she stirred.

"Maxim? What happened? Where are we?" She propped herself up, her large, bewildered eyes scanning our unfamiliar surroundings.

Meanwhile, Lunaria discreetly stowed the drone away in my backpack.

"We ended up in this pit," I remarked, rubbing my neck awkwardly. "But don’t panic. There must be an exit around here."

I wasn't just being overly optimistic. There ought to be some sort of drainage or a tunnel in a city's foundation, based on my understanding.

She appeared skeptical, though.

"I’m such a failure! History repeating itself. I haven’t changed," Tuilë lamented, her expression a mix of serenity and self-deprecation. "I apologize… You're in this mess because of me."

"Don't say that. Helping out is just what friends do," I replied, having considered my actions. I wouldn’t have dived into danger without a good reason. I hoped my judgment was sound.

"Friends… I left mine, my family, everything… I don’t even know if my home exists anymore, with that ominous red mist." Her eyes were downcast, her fists tight.

"Your homeland?" It struck me that perhaps she came from a place like Raymond’s – a protected enclave.

If she did hail from such a location, and her shelter’s systems malfunctioned around the same time as Raymond’s, that would be intriguing.

"Yes… We reside on a colossal creature with six legs, named Morpheus, nestled in a valley shielded by towering mountains, right at the edge of the Crimson Fogland. We roamed from one ancient ruin to another, which is how my people learned the old tongue and how to operate the relics of the past," she revealed her origins unprompted.

Their guardian creature had been ambushed by mutated beasts, similar to the pale cruncher, for venturing too close to the red mist. She tried to divert their attention using her steam kite, but things went south, and she lost her path.

She had a compass, but the fog rendered it erratic. With her combat skills, sheer determination, a touch of luck, and after facing countless adversities, she found herself in Aquarine. Yet, she remained uncertain about the safety of her kin.

Then it dawned on me: Her motive for reaching out to me was my airship – a chance for her to return home.

"It's impressive, you know? Reaching here with just a steam kite is a feat in itself."

Even if she had taken refuge atop a towering structure, similar to the skyscraper I had once come across, she would've still exceeded the aircraft's range. And that's even without her knowing her actual destination.

"Is that so?"

"Absolutely. If you doubt it, you can ask anyone here... Well, I mean, if there was someone other than me. But you understand what I'm saying."

"You crack me up, Maxxy. You're quite the character."

Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of a growling stomach echoed. Clearly, it wasn't coming from me. I turned to look at the only other person present, Tuilë. Her pale complexion made the blush on her cheeks all the more evident.

"Ah! How could I... This is so awkward." Visibly flustered, she thumped her belly. "Why did I have to leave my provisions on the steam kite?"

I set down my pack and handed her a compact energy snack and my water flask, offering, "Here’s something to tide you over. It might not be gourmet..."

"You sure about this?"

"Absolutely. You rest up. I’ll scout around for an exit."

With a nod, she started munching on the snack. I decided to leave the backpack, grabbing only my firearm. I ventured forth, seeking an escape route. Soon enough, I stumbled upon one. A potential way out was carved into the cliff's face about ten meters off the ground; it appeared to be a drainage conduit. Following it would surely lead outside.

Although reaching it might be a challenge, I hurried back to update Tuilë. Every bit of hope counted.

"Hey, Maxim, what's this orb-like gadget?" Tuilë curiously examined Luna-1, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

"Enough with your antics," Lunaria chided, surprisingly using the Fogland dialect she'd secretly mastered. That was unexpected.

Now that Tuilë was aware of Lunaria's presence, there was no reason to conceal her. Yet, it was remarkable how swiftly she'd picked up the language. The capabilities of a digital consciousness are truly astounding.

"Wow! You're a talking tech! Fancy a quick look inside?" She examined the drone with enthusiasm, eager to understand its workings.

"Stay away."

"Why so protective? Just a peek? Come on!" she giggled.

"..."

Lunaria and Tuilë exchanged playful words. Tuilë's previously somber and isolated demeanor seemed to have evaporated instantly.

After allowing her to tinker with the drone briefly, I intervened. Taking the moment, Lunaria stashed the drone in my bag.

"By the way, I found a passage that might lead us out. The place gets engulfed in red mist at sunset, right?"

"Yes. As I mentioned, the red mist can mutate regular folks. Only someone with the source, like me, can endure it a bit longer. But long exposure is risky all the same."

Realizing this, did it mean the mission's difficulty would spike? Yet, on double-checking, there was no alteration. It seemed I couldn’t undertake multiple missions simultaneously, and a mission would persist unless accomplished or failed.

This wasn't exactly ideal. As night approached and the red mist enveloped the area, I'd be in danger of turning into one of those pale creatures. A gas mask might help, but neither of us had one. Tuilë didn't need it due to her source abilities.

"And," she added candidly, "I think I injured my ankle during the fall. Perhaps a twelve-hour rest would get me back on my feet?"

"By then, I'll be gone!"

"Your loss," she replied with a mischievous grin.

"Was it a mistake to rescue you?"

Her next words cleared my doubts.

"Just kidding. Why not transform?"

"Into what?"

"Become a source user, an enhancer. Typically, it's a lengthy process, but we have a stash of source crystals. The Second-Order crystal we acquired from the mutant mosquito will do, especially given you're almost at Tier 1."

Listening to her words ignited a fire within me. Who wouldn't crave unmatched power?

I felt as if the wind propelled me forward, bolstering my determination to be unrivaled in strength.

"Will you be my guide?"

"Indeed! Trust in me. Now, pay close attention..."

She then embarked on a detailed discourse about the foundational knowledge and the path to becoming a source enhancer — the more straightforward route of the two. I gathered that to achieve this state, one must activate twelve distinct points in the body, reminiscent of acupuncture points. This would allow the ambient source energy to flow freely within. The process could be aided by source crystals obtained from creatures.

Crown, belly, both legs, both hands, both feet, both forearms, and both sides of the torso. These were the pivotal points — there was a resemblance between Tuilë’s structure and mine.

"Start with the Primary source crystal. Depending on your aptitude, you might need fewer than most."

As the five Primary source crystals lay before me, I methodically attached each to the designated points. Her guidance proved invaluable, especially given our similar physiologies. Following her lead, I activated each point in succession, with each taking under thirty minutes. Altogether, the entire procedure took slightly over five hours.

I never had to resort to the Secondary source crystal. However, I nearly exhausted all the Primary source crystals, with the final one barely retaining its potency. Interestingly, the spent source crystals transformed into a coarse residue.

A palpable surge enveloped me, akin to achieving a new realm. I noticed Tuilë's silvery tresses dancing in the air, compelled by this force, prompting her to shield her face. An unprecedented surge of energy pulsated within, coursing through every sinew of my being.

I was now attuned to the energy surrounding me. While not as refined as the one within, I grasped how Tuilë could discern the rank of a mutated entity without a specialized skill like mine. Now, gauging an individual's source strength seemed effortless.

A surge of energy. That's how it felt.

I had never experienced such vitality before. I imagined easily hefting a massive stone weighing a hundred kilograms, maybe even shattering a thick barrier with a mere fist. Though, the latter might be a bit of an overreach.

Curious about my newfound abilities, I glanced at my status display.

Maxim Peterson (Also Known As Raymond Orton)

[...]

Source Rank: First-tier augmenter

Source Element(s): Basic (All)

Profession(s): [Elemental Mastery] | [Survivor Specialist]

Attributes:

STR: E- (Previously 19 → Now 25)

AGI: E- (Previously 18 → Now 24)

VIT: E- (Previously 16 → Now 22)

SRC: F (Previously 5 → Now 11)

SPR: F (Constant at 10)

Gathered Points: From 10 → To 12 [F+]

While I anticipated the boost in the initial stats, it was the SRC that truly piqued my interest.

SRC (Essence Power)

This represents the containment capacity for elemental energy and the proficiency in launching elemental assaults.

"You've evolved to a First-tier augmenter. Given it's your first step into Tier 1, there might be a period of adaptation. We also need to discern your elemental signature. It's pivotal for your offensive capabilities."

"Elemental signature?" I had seen the term on the display, but its meaning eluded me.

"Indeed. Bar a few exotic exceptions, there are seven dominant ones: Anemo, Geo, Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, Dendro, and Electro. I have honed my skills in Electro. Should you possess a notable alignment with Electro, I can mentor you."

"Intriguing. How do we ascertain this alignment?"

"We utilize catalyst stones. Of course, there are advanced tools to gauge one's alignment, but they're beyond our current reach. Regrettably, I only possess the Pyro and Electro catalysts." She then passed me two radiant stones; one with a fiery hue and the other deep violet.

Upon noticing a vibrant crimson jewel embedded on my left hand, distinct from a ruby, my intrigue for fantasy was reignited. An uncanny itch spread across my fingers, prompting me to caress the luminous stone. It radiated a comforting warmth, filling me with boundless zeal.

The mere notion of wielding fire thrilled me to the core. However, only evokers held the power to harness magic without the aid of a catalyst weapon.

Yet, no response emerged from the stone.

Tuilë chimed in, "Remember to infuse the gem with source energy." That vital information should have been shared earlier!

Following her guidance, I channeled energy into the gem, causing its vibrant hue to intensify, reminiscent of a glowing lantern.

"It seems you possess a strong connection to the Pyro element. Typically, individuals align with just one or, at most, two elements. But there are rare cases of individuals harnessing elements they don't inherently resonate with. For instance, while I can interact with Pyro, Electro resonates more profoundly with me... What?!" Her expression shifted to astonishment upon observing the brilliance of the Electro catalyst stone, rivaling that of the Pyro's.

So, this reveals my secondary Vocation.

[All Elements]

A unique trait granting the wielder access to every elemental source. However, mastering them hinges on inherent prowess.

Currently accessible elements: Anemo | Geo | Hydro | Pyro | Cryo | Dendro | Electro

Reflecting upon it, the rationale for possessing dual Vocations eluded me. Perhaps the essence of one's soul dictates their Vocation, and my reincarnation might have catalyzed this duality.

Despite all, I was no fool to overlook such a glaring truth.

Chapter 13: Elemental Mastery

"Wow, that's impressive! Dual elemental affinity is quite rare." She thumped my back, and I winced a little. "In a hundred source wielders, maybe one possesses an affinity like yours for two elements."

Given my [Master of Elements] Vocation, it made sense.

"Okay, but how do I use this?" After all, what good was a power if you didn't know its applications?

She pondered a moment, then took the Pyro and Electro catalyst stones from me. Picking up two stone daggers from a bag nearby, she fit the stones into slots on their handles. "Try these daggers out. I'd intended to use the second one, but I'm curious to see what happens when you wield it."

While I'd been focusing on my enhancer abilities, she'd been crafting weapons from available materials. Her resourcefulness never ceased to amaze me. Rescuing her had been a good decision.

"To use a catalyst weapon, think of it as a part of you. Channel your energy as you did with the stone, but more intensely. Understand?"

Honestly, her instructions were a tad vague, but I caught the main idea. Gathering my source energy, I channeled it into the dagger in my right hand, specifically into the Electro catalyst stone it held.

The dagger gleamed with a purple light, reminiscent of vibrant lightning. I was certain it could slice through a thick barrier effortlessly.

"Time for a field test, then."

"Agreed." Tuilë got up, now fully recovered, ready to aid me.

The ground was littered with broken concrete pieces. I figured the Third-Order creature we'd defeated lay somewhere beneath. To complete our main objective, we'd need to unearth its remains.

"Finding its body amidst this debris might prove challenging... A thorough search and excavation could take days." Time that we simply couldn't afford.

Lunaria signaled for Luna-1, which gracefully emerged from my bag. "Let me look it up," she offered.

"Much appreciated, Lunaria. Your assistance is invaluable."

"Don't mention it." Luna-1 darted away swiftly, sensing Tuilë's piercing gaze.

Subsequently, we found an ideal location to practice with my newfound ability. Before us was a large concrete fragment, resembling a massive rock. Quite the fitting target, I thought.

I activated the Electro stone dagger similarly to before, its blade now humming with a potent electric charge. In one fluid motion, I sliced the rock, leaving a profound mark on its surface.

"You're quite adept at this," she observed. "But try harnessing your power this way." Lightning danced around her fist as she punched the concrete, causing a muted boom and resulting in a web of cracks at the impact point.

"Incredible," I uttered. It seemed an enhancer might not command elemental attacks, but channeling energy through their physique was no challenge.

She smirked, "I'm also an evoker, meaning I can manifest my elemental power directly." Demonstrating, her hand was enveloped in a violet electrical surge, morphing into a beastly claw. She then took a swipe at the rock.

It broke into five distinct sections. I was thoroughly astounded by the feat.

"It's a nifty move, yet since you're not an evoker, it's beyond your reach for now. But once you are, tasks like these are elementary. Remember, evolving into an evoker is much more challenging than being an enhancer, so set realistic goals."

I nodded slowly, pondering. If she held such might, what about those of even higher ranks?

Seemingly reading my thoughts, she chimed in, "In all of Aquarine, only one has reached Tier 4: the leader of the Divine Mushroom Cult."

Divine Mushroom Cult? The name seemed ludicrous. Who would choose a mushroom as a sacred emblem? But then, recalling the massive purple mushroom at Aquarine's heart, revered as the realm's guardian, it started making sense.

I shelved the trivia for later. What mattered was the potential dual source users like her held, even if the journey was demanding. Someday, I hoped to join their ranks.

Being recognized as a dual source user definitely sets one apart from the crowd, doesn't it? Managing a single path is challenging enough, mastering two is truly commendable.

"Don't flatter me," she responded, though her evident pride belied her words. "Most who wield source powers seldom aim for dual paths; it demands too much time and resources. And you must be innately gifted."

Her explanation clicked with me. She and Spitzer must be outliers in this aspect, given their unique capabilities.

While on the topic of resources, I queried, "Can one hone source power without employing source crystals?"

She replied, "I should've mentioned earlier. Attempt to channel the source energy within you. This not only refines your power but also combats the red fog's corrupt influence. Ambient source energy is there in the environment, though it's cruder than the internalized version."

"That's enlightening."

We dove deeper into our practice — or more accurately, I took lessons from her — until Lunaria chimed in with the whereabouts of the pale cruncher.

"The location is verified. It's right beneath that mound of debris," Luna-1 exhibited a holographic representation of the sinkhole, pinpointing the creature's position. Fortunately, it wasn't buried too far below.

"Wow! What tech is this?" Tuilë's eyes gleamed with curiosity, her fingers itching to dissect the floating drone.

Spotting the imminent threat, Luna-1 ducked into my bag. A brief look of frustration crossed Tuilë's face, but I chose to ignore it. I couldn’t afford to misplace the drone now.

Clearing my throat, I said, "We should focus on retrieving the source crystal from the pale cruncher." Despite my newfound enhancer abilities, bridging the distance seemed daunting.

"Why not scale it and create an entry point above the creature?" she suggested.

"Are you able to... Oh, right, forget I asked."

She smirked, effortlessly jumping atop the jagged three-meter-high debris pile. "Need assistance?"

"I'm good," I said, reminded of her impressive physical prowess. With my enhancer capabilities, I managed to reach her position with some effort but without too much struggle.

We quickly made our way to the cruncher's position, about fifteen meters to our left. As the electrical energy gathered in her hand, she slammed it onto the terrain, setting off an electric tempest that created a cavity in the cruncher's form.

"Incredible strength," I muttered, struck by the sight for the second time.

She sighed, "That's the extent of my capabilities." She seemed exhausted, her breathing noticeably heavier. "I'm not much of a summoner, unfortunately."

"Don't sell yourself short," I reassured her, "Everyone excels in different areas. You did remarkably well, trust me."

She looked up, hopeful, "Really?"

"Absolutely. No one excels in everything. Just as I struggle with complex sciences, physically demanding sports, or even mundane tasks like laundry without a machine. It's challenging when certain things just don't align with your strengths."

She seemed buoyed by my words, smiling broadly. "True that."

Returning our attention to the task at hand, we pushed aside chunks of broken concrete, revealing more of the cruncher. Despite its encounter with explosions and heavy rubble, the body of this Third Order creature remained mostly whole.

One might mistake it for being alive on first sight, but the status screen confirmed its state.

Status: Deceased

"Do you have any idea where its core crystal might be?" I inquired.

"For humanoid entities like this, it's typically close to the heart, right beneath the breastbone," she indicated the center of its torso.

"I'll handle this." I didn't want her to shoulder all the responsibility, and it was a chance for me to learn more about dissecting unfamiliar beings.

Using the hunting knife she'd pointed out, I attempted to slice into it, but it resisted the blade as if it were a chunk of impenetrable metal. I then opted for the stone dagger, channeling my inherent energy into its inlaid Electro catalyst stone, energizing it with electric power, and gave it another shot.

The dagger penetrated about twenty centimeters deep, halting upon hitting an obstruction. Unveiling a core crystal, the size of a soccer ball, with intensified hue and additional gold streaks running within. Its shape was atypical, more rounded than elongated.

"Is this for the bot you're crafting?" I was skeptical about the efficiency of crafting a robot using a Third-Order source crystal.

She hesitated for a moment before nodding, "Partially true. A Second-Order crystal would've done the job, but for something truly limitless, how could I settle for less?"

"Wow... Ambitious much?" I sighed in disbelief.

"Why shouldn't I be?" Tuilë responded with fervor.

I pondered a bit. Ambition was fine, as long as one didn't let it cloud their judgment. I was aware of this much.

Carefully, I stashed the Third-Order source crystal in my pack.

"Look! My rifle's over there!" Tuilë exclaimed as she sprinted towards her misplaced weapon, its power cell nestled in the bag. But her excitement dimmed, "Shoot... It's damaged. Guess I'll have to fix it later."

"Good you retrieved your weapon, but do you have an alternate catalyst armament? I regret taking that crystal blade you designed."

"Don't fret. My abilities aren't just for show!"

"Got it. Let’s hurry to the exit."

"Right on!"

We quickly navigated through the debris, returning to our prior position, heading for the underground passage I had noticed earlier.

"Darn, that's nearly ten meters off the floor... That's a stretch for me."

Even if we decided to stack the rubble, creating a makeshift ladder to the passage, it'd consume precious time. The sun was high, indicating it was post midday. Lingering wasn't wise.

"Wait up, I might have a trick to get us there," Tuilë said, her face breaking into a mischievous grin.

Chapter 14: Delving into the Cursed Underground

"Alright, I'm all ears. Share your plan,” I prompted.

With a mischievous glint, he replied, "It's pretty straightforward. You'll use my outstretched hands as a springboard. Jump with all your might, and try to plant those daggers of yours into the wall. If you make it to the passage in one go, even better."

Although Tuilë's hands were only slightly larger than mine, they had more power. On top of that, his strength stat was almost double mine, ensuring that I'd get a significant lift.

To be honest, I was still piecing together the exact benefits of each increase in stat points. From my observations, it seemed like each point could give a 5% boost over the previous one. Though, more testing would be required to confirm this – a task for another day.

"Well, alright then." Given the circumstances and Luna-1's limitations, this was the best idea on the table.

"Just ensure you channel your core energy into your legs. It'll amplify your jump,” he recommended.

"Understood."

I distanced myself by about twenty meters to gather the necessary run-up.

"Count to three. Ready? One… two… three!" I called out, accelerating at a pace that could rival the top sprinters of my home world. The sheer speed was thanks to this enhanced physique and the core energy coursing through me. I was confident that if I continued to harness this energy, the world's sprinting records would be no match for me.

Approaching Tuilë, I took my initial leap onto his hands. Channeling all my core energy, and with his assistive push, I soared higher than I ever thought possible.

Ascending one meter, then two... and finally five meters...

The ascent was rapid, like being launched from a bouncy platform. Yet, I managed to cover only three-fourths of the distance to the passage. Good thing I had my daggers, already charged with both Pyro and Electro, to pierce the wall. They did slide a bit due to my weight, but they held.

Looking upwards, I judged the remaining distance to the tunnel's entrance. Climbing the rest of the way wouldn't be too challenging.

Navigating steadily, I moved closer to the tunnel, unfazed by the vile odor emanating from its depths.

"Your move, Tuilë."

Acknowledging with a nod, Tuilë prepared to leap. While I had built up speed with a run, she simply crouched, then sprang upward. Even her extraordinary strength didn't permit her a ten-meter ascend in one try, leading her to use a charged punch to create an intermediary hole.

Once grounded, she crouched again and leaped with more force, aiming for the hole she’d formed. Naturally, the hole was not spacious enough for entry, so she used it as a springboard for another attempt. This time, she employed a somersault to gain additional lift, almost touching the ten-meter point.

Extending my arm, I caught hers and aided her entry into the tunnel. It wasn’t her first struggle, but her technique was more refined than mine.

Pausing to catch my breath, I scanned the dimly lit passage. “It’s eerily dark in here. I wonder what threats are concealed.”

“Have you considered using your catalyst daggers to illuminate our way?” she suggested.

“An idea, indeed. But Lunaria has a drone that could guide us.”

Right on cue, Luna-1 emerged from my pack, activating its built-in light.

“Ah, so its name is Lunaria—”

Interrupting her, Lunaria clarified, “That’s my title, not the drone's. Ensure you remember that.”

Chuckling, Tuilë replied, “Understood, Lunaria.”

Their playful exchange continued as we ventured further. Beyond, the passage expanded into a broader sewer filled with stagnant water. The ground was uneven, with sludgy puddles dotting the path. The repugnant aroma was overpowering... undoubtedly the source of our earlier discomfort. How I loathed that scent.

“Such a horrid smell…” Tuilë remarked, wrinkling her nose. “Avoid any flames.”

It was a good thing I hadn’t activated the Pyro catalyst dagger for illumination; the results could've been disastrous.

“Lunaria, would you analyze the air composition? Presence of methane could be perilous over time.”

Luna-1 hovered towards the middle of the tunnel, remarking, “The air does have a slight methane presence — around 10 percent. It's safe as long as no flames are introduced.”

“Understood.”

Yet, I couldn't shake off the feeling that we were being observed from the shadows. Lunaria soon validated my suspicions.

“We have company approaching.”

Tuilë concurred with a swift nod, positioning herself towards the most obscured section of the tunnel, preparing for an impending confrontation.

Emerging from the darkness was a horde of large, gray, and furry beings with distinct noses and formidable teeth. They resembled an overgrown and mutated version of rats. Their hefty and rotund forms, spanning about half a meter, looked especially grotesque.

““Squeeeek!””

These mutated rats hissed, agitatingly swishing their tails, with drool dripping from their gaping maws.

“Darn it! We're surrounded by countless of them!” Clearly, our presence in their territory was unwelcome, and they seemed intent on making a meal out of us.

Using a rifle in such close quarters didn't seem wise, so I clenched my catalyst daggers and channeled energy into the catalyst stones, being cautious not to overdo it.

“Maxim, watch my back. And ensure they don’t bite; their bites can spread infections,” she cautioned, her expression tensing.

With her gun rendered useless, Tuilë flexed her fingers, which now emitted sparks, and began decimating the mutant rats. I dove into the chaos, targeting areas she might miss. Each strike against the rats was effective.

While the feeling of cutting through their coarse fur and flesh was distasteful, the stone daggers, enhanced with source energy, eased the task.

Glancing at Tuilë, her relentless use of her source power was evident. Even unarmed, her combat proficiency surpassed mine as she felled numerous rats. I tried to keep pace, but the reach of my daggers often prevented a lethal blow.

Unsurprisingly, the rats weren't going down without a fight. Some leaped at us, fangs ready to pierce. But with my enhanced agility and speed, dodging these creatures was second nature. However, in a split moment of surprise, one rat lunged, teeth bared menacingly. Reacting quickly, I swung my twin daggers diagonally, barely fending off its attack.

“SQUEEEEEK!”

The rodent collapsed, a scarlet gash visible on its abdomen. The growing pool of dark liquid beneath me made the ground treacherous, drenching my boots.

The cramped area aided our defense by limiting the rats' approach. Yet, they began to traverse the water from the opposite side, their crimson eyes glaring with ferocity. They seemed insatiable, unaffected by the losses they suffered.

We couldn't keep this up indefinitely.

“We can’t stay here. We need to find shelter!”

Tuilë responded with a swift nod, her hand now resembling electrifying beast claws, clearing a path. Having her on my side was a blessing.

“Lunaria, did you spot an exit?”

“Indeed! Just twenty meters ahead, there's a potential way out.”

While we combatted the rats, Lunaria had discreetly explored the tunnel using Luna-1. Eradicating these mutated rats wasn't our initial plan.

Progressing forward, we noticed a slender corridor to our left. Silently agreeing, we headed that way, fighting off any intervening rodents.

Without her leading the charge, I doubt I’d have lasted long. A reliable partner was invaluable.

However, reaching that spot didn’t halt our pursuers. Simply hiding wouldn't secure our freedom. Resolving to confront the situation, I lit the methane gas, creating a barrier of flames.

“Looks like I have no other option.” Reaching into my backpack, I extracted a grenade, activated it, and tossed it amidst the incoming wave of gray.

A deafening blast echoed throughout, originating from the grenade that had landed, igniting a fierce blaze that spread rapidly. The explosion was further intensified by the trapped methane, setting the mutated rats aflame, their shrill cries echoing in the aftermath.

Had Tuilë not yanked me away in the nick of time, pushing us further into the tunnel's depths, I might not have survived. Yet, the force of the blast left my ears ringing incessantly, having failed to shield them in time.

After what felt like an eternity, Tuilë finally halted.

"Are you alright?" She panted, coughing from the smoke.

The way she had gripped my collar during our escape had been near suffocating. This wasn’t my debut in eliminating monstrous hordes, but it undoubtedly ranked high in intensity.

“What exactly did you use back there? It looked like dynamite, but without the fuse!” Her energy seemed to return quickly, as she quizzically shook me, demanding an answer.

“It's... a kind of explosive," I replied, too drained to elaborate.

I rued the fact that only one grenade now remained in my possession. As an evoker, the rat confrontation could have been effortlessly managed with a conjured fireball, rendering the grenade superfluous.

I'd be hard-pressed to recreate that explosive rescue.

“Have you ever wondered," she began, "if these mutated creatures are edible?"

I had never sampled such fare, and who better to query than an inhabitant of this realm? Lunaria had mentioned its toxicity to humans, but perhaps there was a safe culinary method.

“If you fancy a vicious bout of food poisoning, then by all means, feast,” she retorted, a sardonic edge to her voice. “Though being a source user might give you some immunity, maybe just a nibble won't harm."

I mentally vowed to steer clear, having no desire to test its palatability, let alone risk poisoning.

“Maxim, Tuilë, I’ve located an exit,” Lunaria chimed in as the drone discreetly reappeared, "but there’s a hitch..."

Chapter 15: The Purification Grounds

An unsettling sensation washed over me. "Please don't tell me..."

"Indeed," began Tuilë, her face somber, "A creature stands ahead. A grotesque beast, reminiscent of the very essence of these sewers, blocks our exit."

"You're kidding!"

Just why? Why were these creatures always hindering us? No, wait... Was it us seeking them out? Or perhaps someone orchestrating these obstacles for me?

Before I could further unravel that thought, Tuilë's playful slap on my back brought me back.

"Such creatures often lurk in these forsaken places. I fear this one might rival the blood mutant mosquito or the ghostly cruncher in power. We must be ready."

"You're right."

Being ready was paramount. Without preparation, disaster was the only outcome.

Guided by Lunaria's directions, we advanced in the unbranched tunnel. A potent, overwhelming aroma assaulted me.

Holding my nose, I complained, "This smell is even worse than the previous tunnel."

Tuilë laughed mischievously, "Maybe it's just you?"

"Absolutely not!" I retorted.

She teasingly moved closer, pretending to assess the situation. "Hmm, you seem alright."

"Hey! A little personal space?"

Yet, I had to remind myself that our cultural norms differed. What seemed natural to me might be alien to her, and vice versa.

"Odd," she replied, puzzled. "Amongst my kin, it's a sign of camaraderie."

Lunaria, sensing the banter might go on, intervened, "Focus, please. We need to leave this place."

Chuckling, Tuilë teased, "Are you upset you can't partake in the scent game? I could always upgrade you with scent receptors."

"I've told you, I'm not a mere tool!" Lunaria's frustration was evident, especially with Luna-1's erratic flight patterns.

Chuckling heartily, I hadn't felt such elation in ages. Their antics consistently brought joy to my days, a sensation I'd been deprived of in recent months.

Once my mirth subsided, they didn't question my earlier outburst but continued our journey. As we ventured further, an overpowering odor intensified. Aged metal bars, teetering on the brink of collapse, barred our path ahead.

Observing our surroundings, it was evident we were in a derelict underground water purification facility. Tanks, basins, and an intricate network of pipes were everywhere. Clearly, it had been non-operational for quite some time due to the absence of electricity, making the entire place seem grimy and in shambles. It must have been deserted for years, if not decades.

The centerpiece of this gloomy scene was a gargantuan tank containing a pulsating, amorphous mound of purple-brown muck. The creature had blank eyes and a massive maw linked by viscous strands of slime. Trash and detritus were scattered over its form. The source of the vile smell was now clear.

It was intriguing how waste had accumulated to such an extent inside the plant, indicating a significant breakdown in the system. Prioritizing our next steps, I utilized the [Identification] ability:

Species: Living toxic sludge (mutant)

Sex: Asexual

Age: 88 years old

Height: 13.2 meters

Source Level: Third Order

Source Element(s): Geo

Stats:

STR: C (74)

AGI: D (52)

VIT: B- (81)

SRC: C (73)

SPR: D+ (56)

Accumulation Points: 145 [C-]

Another formidable Third-Order entity!

Its form suggested that traditional projectiles would be ineffective, and explosives seemed futile too. The presence of a source element augmented its threat level, surpassing even the pale cruncher we'd encountered. And if that wasn't challenging enough, multiple smaller entities of the same kind lurked nearby.

In a hushed tone, I whispered, "This isn't good," feeling a sudden discomfort in my abdomen.

"See there, Maxim?" Tuilë gestured towards the metal pathway below us, equipped with railings. "If we tread lightly and remain unseen, the ladder in that corner will lead us upwards."

Navigating to the peak required traversing four successive platforms. Thankfully, the chamber was illuminated by the open ceiling.

"We mustn’t grab its focus," I cautioned.

"Indeed. Best not to stir a dormant beast."

Together, we formulated a strategy to sidestep the creature: reactivating the wastewater facility, hoping it might neutralize the creature – if not kill it, then at least render it immobile.

While Tuilë was set on restarting the facility, I was responsible for ensuring an exit. Given her Electro evoker abilities, supplying power to the plant was a non-issue. And if all else failed, her outstanding agility would ensure a swift getaway. And the drone? It was self-explanatory.

Following a brief pause, we launched our scheme. With Luna-1's assistance, Lunaria had previously surveyed the plant's critical sections.

Our immediate obstacle was silently severing the metal bars without alarming the lurking entities below. However, our catalyst blades proved handy. Tuilë took the segmented parts, storing them behind her.

Directly beneath, by approximately two meters, lay a metallic path with handrails branching into two directions. Oblivious to our presence, the creature remained undisturbed as we descended, later parting ways.

So far, all was well.

Treading cautiously along the pathway, I was at the lowest level, rendering this stretch particularly perilous. At its conclusion stood a metallic ascent, which I ascended swiftly, periodically glancing at Tuilë's progress.

Elsewhere, with Lunaria's guidance, Tuilë had approached the main control switch. Her dual talents as an Electro evoker and adept mechanic ensured that, provided any component of the plant remained operational, she could employ it to thwart our adversary. I hoped that would be the reality.

Upon reaching the second platform, a wave of relief washed over me. If I maintained this rhythm, an unnoticed ascent seemed feasible. Perhaps there wouldn't even be a need to engage the plant.

Unaware if it was my growing distance from the monstrous mutations or a momentary sense of security, I became a tad negligent. Tragically, the corroded metallic platform beneath me gave way, producing a thunderous clamor. Darn it! How fragile is this thing...?

As anticipated, the grotesque, sludgy creatures swarmed towards the uproar. My heart raced uncontrollably, adrenaline surging from the unforeseen peril.

Keep it together. I can't let panic control me. Endeavoring to steady my frantic heartbeat, I quickened my pace.

Luckily, the subsequent ladder was within reach, bolstering my determination. Ascending swiftly, I sprinted to the following ladder.

How inconvenient!

Whoever engineered this layout was undeniably thoughtless. Why would they design ladders at entirely opposite ends?

The colossal sludge creature detected my presence and spat a corrosive substance. Nimbly dodging, the spot I just vacated suffered as the caustic spit eroded the frail steel walkway and adjacent wall, releasing a nauseating odor. Truly, it was a biological menace.

"I'm doomed if that hits me!"

The other sludge entities followed suit, launching their less potent spit. But avoiding them was imperative.

Noting its spit attacks were ineffective, the massive creature lumbered towards me. Given its bulk, navigating the walkway wasn't implausible. Moreover, it scorched the ground in its wake.

Speeding to the next ladder, I ascended, weaving to avoid the noxious spit, until reaching the highest platform. A metal exit door loomed ahead, but it was stubbornly sealed.

Preparing to blast it open, while monitoring my pursuers—

Suddenly, a gargantuan sludge hand loomed, ready to strike. Evading seemed futile given our closeness.

Out of nowhere, Tuilë intervened, her electric claws disintegrating the menacing sludge. The main creature recoiled from the force.

"You took your time," I remarked, unable to mask my astonishment.

She was surprisingly fast in her escape. She must have jumped on each walkway to get to the one above it in contrast with doing what I did by manually scaling the ladder one by one. Talk about superhuman strength…

Looking at the fact that she was already escaping, it appeared that activating the plant seemed to bear no fruit whatsoever. But I decided to ask about it.

“Does the plant unable to be activated? I don’t see Luna-1…”

“Luna-1? Nah, it’s the reverse. Lunaria is the one to trigger it below since I have powered the thing enough with electricity. I’m sure that once this whole thing is on, although the other systems are broken, water will gush in from all the water pipes below and flood this place. And when that happens, the drainage system will kick in and suck the water along with those mutant sludges into the drain hole. It seems to be a part of the emergency protocol of this plant.”

“Whoa! That’s better than expected. Let’s quickly head outside then—”

An earthquake with a high magnitude suddenly appeared out of nowhere, causing both of us to tumble down. The walkway we were on was showing signs of breaking apart — the bolts holding the railing were loosening and the other walkways below were letting out a loud snappy popping sound.

What was going on?

Chapter 16: The Deluge Begins

Peering down through a gap in the balustrade, my eyes met the enormous mutated form of the sludge creature. Where before its limb was damaged, it now regenerated at an alarming speed, its form shimmering with a peculiar brownish glow. Its appendages connected with the wall, pumping eerie energies. The source of the tremors, I assumed.

Gripping my firearm, I aimed at the door, only to pause. The door was mechanized. A gunshot alone might not do the trick. Tuilë, however, wasted no time. Channeling electricity through her fist, she struck the door. A faint dent appeared, indicating the door's formidable construction – perhaps some reinforced alloy.

Our immediate goal was clear: find an escape route.

"This thing's tough! Might take more hits," Tuilë muttered, nursing her slightly injured hand.

The sludge entities below merged, swelling in size and towering nearly twenty meters high, causing tremors as they grew. They were nearly level with our vantage point.

In a fit of desperation, I fired at the behemoth. The bullet pierced its surface, only to have the wound seal instantly. My usual strategies were fruitless. Frustration surged.

Panic threatened to engulf me. My pulse quickened, source energy surging like a tempestuous river within, every fiber of my being ablaze. A quiet curse escaped my lips.

As weakness threatened to take me, time seemed to blur. I had to regain composure.

Then, salvation came in the form of water. Gushing from pipes, it flooded the area. The sludge creature, reacting to the deluge, began dissolving. Unable to vocalize its distress, it writhed, inexorably pulled towards a massive drain in the plant's center.

All the while, Tuilë persisted in her assault on the door. With one final blow, it yielded. Daylight streamed in, jolting me back to the present.

"Outside, now! I think it's readying a toxic attack!" Tuilë cautioned, quickly unholstering her weapon and its battery. With calculated force, she hurled it at the creature, its maw gaping wide in apparent preparation to release something lethal.

In a bizarre tongue, she began her incantation. Oddly, I could decipher it: "{Electrocute}!" From her extended finger surged a violet electric arc, which connected to the gun's massive battery.

With a deafening explosion, the mutated sludge creatures were torn asunder. By good fortune, we'd already distanced ourselves from the blast radius.

Was that sorcery? The lore surrounding evokers was enigmatic, but I pushed aside the musing, more preoccupied with evading the cascading debris of poisonous goo.

"You heard that, right? Kaboom! Guess it couldn't handle the battery's surge. Cutting it a bit fine there?" She animatedly re-enacted the event with her hands, a humorous gesture.

"Tuilë, isn't that your only weapon of its kind?" It felt reckless using it that way. Then again, without her intervention, we'd be dealing with venomous spit.

"Don't sweat it. I can craft another with the right materials. When given an opportunity to vanquish a beast, why hesitate?" she responded in a resolute, deeper tone.

"Point taken."

Perhaps the creature's demise would yield a Third-Order source crystal. But our well-being was paramount. Anyhow, the vortex might've whisked away that precious crystal.

"Maxim! Duck!"

"What?!"

Suddenly, she thrust me aside with astonishing force. But why?

She cried out, a mask of agony overtaking her features as a dollop of the violet ooze made contact, scarring her.

The realization dawned on me. She'd seen the danger when my focus waned and intervened, receiving the brunt of the harm meant for me.

But why risk so much? As if reading my thoughts, she mustered a strained grin, remarking, "You had my back once; I had yours. We're square. Plus... the source crystal's in your pack."

"Tuilë!" Putting the gemstone above her own safety...

"I'll manage... Argh..." Her stance faltered, and she crumpled, clutching the most grievously wounded part of her body.

"Can you stand?! It seems like you're always getting the short end of the stick. Seriously, are you okay?" My concern was rapidly shifting from her to my own state of mind.

Species: ??? Status: Wounded | Mild Poisoning

Gender: Female

Age: 19 years

Height: 172 cm

Profession: Technician | Innovator | Explorer

Using [Recognition], I could see her current state. This feature usually popped up when there were abnormalities. While recognizing mutated beasts was often based on distinct traits, discerning her exact species was somewhat elusive. Nevertheless, that wasn't what worried me the most at this moment.

As I pondered this, Luna-1 approached us, accompanied by Lunaria's sarcastic remark, "You two are truly birds of a feather. Always hopping from one perilous situation to another."

I brushed off her teasing comment, hurriedly unzipping my backpack to retrieve the emergency medical kit. The injury wasn't grave, but prompt attention was essential. While her elevated VIT made her resilient against harsh conditions, she wasn't entirely indestructible.

Lunaria, appearing uninterested, said, "Fine. I'll scout the area to ensure it's secure. Stay put." She guided Luna-1 away.

This marked the second instance I had to bandage Tuilë. This time, however, I needed to cleanse the venomous substance. Luckily, I had two bottles of purified water. After rinsing off the poison, I disinfected the injury with antiseptic, finishing by placing a bandage over it.

The extent of her injury was considerable; toxin had singed her fur and underlying skin, revealing the raw flesh. It made me wonder how I would react if I were in her shoes.

"Thank you..." She offered a weak smile.

"No problem."

With her injury addressed, my curiosity got the better of me. "How did you trigger that explosive spell on the artillery earlier?"

She responded, "It's an evoker technique. Essentially, an evoker harnesses ambient energy to craft spells."

"Intriguing. But isn't a lengthy spell recitation or ritual typically required?" I had always believed casting required extensive chanting.

She chuckled, "Rituals? No. Just utter the spell's name in the source tongue or, as some say, the magical dialect."

"That's handy," I responded, clapping my hands in astonishment. "How does one become such an evoker?"

“Apologies.” She dipped her head slightly, explaining, “I’m not entirely sure myself. When I first set foot in Aquarine, someone shared that knowledge with me.”

“Understood.”

I chose not to pry further on the identity of this individual, as I already had an idea of whom to approach if I decided to delve into evocation. Naturally, my prime suspect was Spitzek.

In no time, Luna-1 rejoined our group. Lunaria shared insights about the surrounding terrains. With her earlier crafted map, we now had a clear path back to our steam kite.

Listening to her, Tuilë’s expression grew uneasy. “Seems like we're on the boundary of the interval zone.”

As we conversed, the once radiant sun began its descent, casting shadows around us. Darkness enveloped the area. Urgency was evident; the longer our stay, the more perilous our situation would turn.

“We need to get back to the steam kite swiftly. Can you manage, Tuilë?” Concern evident in my voice.

“Absolutely, I’m good to go.” She rose, stretching her limbs.

“Excellent. Lunaria, lead us. We're relying on you for a safe return.”

“Consider it done.” Despite Lunaria’s stoic demeanor, a bit of appreciation occasionally was all she needed.

Our return was largely undisturbed, as we purposely steered clear of zones infested with mutated creatures. Instead of the direct route through the city's heart, we took a detour around its fringes. My newfound abilities as a source enhancer aided me in navigating terrains that would've been challenging before.

Curiously, I spotted a sign reading, “Doom is imminent!” and another proclaiming, “The deadly red mist approaches!” I pondered the events that had transpired here before the cataclysm. It was easy to envision throngs of people protesting aimlessly on the streets.

But what was the catalyst for such chaos? Extraterrestrial intervention? A botched experiment? Celestial events? Or something more mystic and unfathomable?

That remained a mystery only the divine could answer.

Nevertheless, a budding aspiration grew within me: to discover a place with human inhabitants. The hope was faint, but a part of me yearned to find others of my kind. Maybe remnants of an advanced society, similar to my home—Earth—existed somewhere.

Within moments, the steam kite emerged in our view, but several ghostly white creatures obstructed our path. Approaching without their notice seemed impossible. Direct confrontation seemed more sensible than failed stealth.

Sliding the semi-automatic rifle, which had rested on my shoulder, into position, I found an elevated vantage point atop a deserted convenience store. The distance was manageable, and my proficiency with the weapon had improved over time. Missing wasn't an option now.

"Do I need to intervene?" Tuilë whispered, appearing beside me, her complexion ashen.

"You're hurt and essential as our pilot. Conserve your energy," I instructed.

"Understood," she replied.

Targeting the necks of the nearest ghostly figures, I fired. For those farther away, Lunaria drew them in, employing our familiar tactic. In under two minutes and exhausting two magazines, the path was cleared.

We dashed towards the steam kite, relieved to find its cargo undisturbed. It made sense; these creatures weren't interested in mundane equipment. Imagining them wielding such tools was a disturbing thought.

Tuilë coughed, trying to conceal it but a crimson tinge gave her away.

"Are you alright?" Even without asking, I discerned the blood she tried to hide.

"Just a minor discomfort in my back," she said, massaging her shoulder.

"The poison's effect is manifesting from your wound," Lunaria noted. "Immediate treatment upon our return is crucial."

"Can you help her now?" I turned to Lunaria.

"Only on the airship," she replied.

"It's okay," Tuilë reassured, boarding the steam kite. "The faster we leave, the sooner I get help."

I agreed, climbing aboard with Luna-1 snug in my backpack. The propellers whirred to life, and we soared upwards, leaving the desolate zone behind, soon shrouded by a thickening crimson mist.

Chapter 17: Skyward Descent

Thirty minutes in, as we approached Aquarine's outskirts, the majesty of the post-sunset horizon didn’t captivate me. Instead, my gaze was fixed on the sudden, alarming instability of our steam kite.

“Tuilë?!”

Silence.

[…]

Status: Wounded | Severely Poisoned

Severe Poisoning

This individual has ingested a potent toxin, with effects reaching essential organs. Urgent detoxification is paramount.

Beyond the system's warning, I observed her uneven breaths and her complexion taking on a fiery crimson hue. Touching her forehead, the burning sensation indicated the venom's dominance. An unsettling realization dawned on me: with her incapacitated, our vehicle was essentially pilotless. To put it bluntly, we were plummeting. Damn it!

“Maxim, get the parachute now! We're going down any second!" Lunaria’s urgent tone emanated from my pack.

As expected, the steam kite's shaky descent became more pronounced. Sensing the impending doom, I had preemptively placed the parachute within my grasp.

Thank goodness she packed it for emergencies.

Given my unfamiliarity with the kite's controls and the challenge of shifting positions in-flight, the only recourse was to take the leap with Tuilë. Slipping on the parachute-laden backpack alongside my own, I cradled Tuilë securely against me. Ensuring all was set, I braced myself and took the leap.

The forceful gusts hit, but they weren't overwhelming. Given our moderate altitude, maybe just a kilometer or so above the ground, I could trigger the parachute when needed.

In the distance, the steam kite spiraled uncontrollably, its descent to the forest below both swift and inevitable. Had we lingered a tad longer, evasion would've been impossible.

After what felt like a heartbeat but was actually ten seconds, the ground grew alarmingly close. Any further delay in deploying the parachute would be fatal. With a jolt, I released it. Gratefully, the canopy bore our weight, slowing our rapid descent.

Navigating through the sky was a first for me, an exhilarating experience to say the least…

I glanced at Tuilë, her condition seemed to deteriorate, her skin burning to touch, flushed with an increasing temperature. As perspiration streamed down her forehead, I silently hoped she would pull through. It'd be futile if anything happened to her now…

Grasping Tuilë securely, I tried to decipher the terrain beneath. A sprawling expanse of dense green forest awaited our descent. My inexperience with parachutes meant maneuvering to an open space was not an option.

“Of all the places! No clearing in sight for a smooth landing…” I muttered.

As we neared the forest, roughly a hundred meters up, I readied myself for a rough landing. Turning my frame to ensure my back bore the brunt of the impact and our backpacks cushioned us, I braced myself.

Moments later, the forest's thick canopy broke our fall, branches snapping until we finally touched solid ground. I let go of Tuilë momentarily.

“Darn it! Who chooses a forest for a landing? An open field or even a pond would’ve been better!” I panted, mentally and physically drained, laying on the forest floor.

Lunaria chimed in, “Why the fuss? Be thankful you’re still in one piece.”

“You have a point there.”

Once my fatigue subsided, I surveyed the forest. The lush green surrounded me, a stark contrast to the peculiar flora near Aquarine. Thankfully, this forest wasn't teeming with altered creatures.

"Lunaria, can you point the way to Aquarine?" I inquired while checking on Tuilë, whose condition seemed increasingly dire.

She nodded, “Come, follow my lead.”

Discarding the parachute, I adjusted my backpack and hoisted Tuilë onto my back. Guided by the drone Luna-1, Lunaria led the way, indicating we head south.

With renewed vigor, I sped through the dimming woods until an open landscape appeared. However, my true goal was not the town, but Spitzek.

Gasping for breath after hours of non-stop running, Spitzek's creek was now in sight. Part of me yearned to stop, to rest, but the thought of jeopardizing Tuilë’s well-being fueled my determination.

Navigating through life's challenges, my sole intent behind assisting her was to leverage her skills for my benefit, specifically to mend the airship and dodge impending doom. If she wasn’t by my side, the mission could easily collapse, and I shudder to imagine the aftermath.

This hidden intention probably was the force that drove me, even when my strength was stretched to its limits. An adrenaline-fueled drive never ceased to keep me moving.

“There! Look, Maxim. The stream’s just ahead,” Lunaria pointed out. I noticed a modest stream slightly to my right.

“Got it.” Picking up speed, my footsteps echoed a steed's last sprint. To an onlooker, I might seem like a marathoner in the final leg, battling exhaustion yet driven by determination.

Thankfully, the tent stood undisturbed.

Though he mentioned heading to town, he never clarified his duration or if he had other destinations. I darted towards the tent, halting only when I reached its entrance.

Taking a deep breath, I drew back the tent flap, shouting, “Spitzek, are you in there?”

Greeting me was a bipedal mollusk-like creature, eyes bulging out, clad in a hood. “Ah, young one. Our paths cross sooner than anticipated.”

“Spitzek! She needs your help!” My plea was evident.

Without uttering a word, Spitzek signaled for me to place Tuilë on the cot. Her condition was critical; the venom had crawled from her back up to her shoulders. Had it not been for her remarkable resilience, she would have succumbed long ago.

“I recognize her,” Spitzek murmured.

“You do?” I glanced in surprise.

“Yes. We crossed paths about three years ago. She shares a spirit similar to yours,” he reflected.

Hesitating for a moment, I let him proceed with the healing. Using the same procedure as he did with me, he handed her a clear potion — the antidote. Just recalling the acrid aftertaste made me grimace.

But amidst this, a pressing matter arose. I needed to relieve myself, so I quickly stepped out.

Upon my return, I was met with a sight of relief. Tuilë's once ashen complexion now gleamed with vitality. And the once venomous mark? Erased, as if by some spellbinding craft. How is this possible?

A sense of urgency hung in the air. "Will she recover?" was the burning question in my mind.

"She'll be okay... Just a day or two," was the reply.

Reassured, I exhaled deeply, the weight lifting from my chest. The adrenaline rush from battling a horde of fiends, evading a vast chasm, and the endless sprints had drained me. It was about time for a respite.

Totally spent, I found support against the bedside.

After regaining some energy, I approached Spitzek. "I need to discuss something. Is now a good time?"

"You have my attention," he replied.

"Could you train me in the art of evocation?" Since I was here, it seemed apt to pursue my aspirations.

"You wish to master the arcane?" he inquired.

"Absolutely! And I'll cover all costs, including her care," I affirmed, glancing at Tuilë momentarily. Without hesitation, I revealed a Second-Order source crystal, placing it on an adjacent table.

His eyes widened in interest, swiftly securing the crystal beneath his cloak's sleeve.

"I'll share my knowledge willingly," he declared.

"I appreciate it. But first, a night's rest?" I was confident in his integrity; Spitzek was a man of his word.

"Understood."

Though the Second-Order crystal was invaluable, without the requisite expertise, it was merely ornamental. And if needed, I could always acquire more by confronting those creatures.

Eventually, I settled into a restful slumber.

***

A subtle yet distinct shift in the air jolted me awake, like a gentle tug on the tapestry of source energy, synchronized with dawn's first light. Familiar yet contrasting to my ascension to Tier 1, I felt the energy in the atmosphere being drawn elsewhere.

Compelled by this anomaly, I stepped outside, only to find Spitzek absent. This absence cemented my suspicion that he was connected to this irregularity. With my newfound connection to the source, I honed in on the epicenter of this enigmatic force.

A short stroll away, adjacent to a clearing near the stream, Spitzek sat in deep meditation atop a flat stone. He seemed to be experiencing a significant moment – or perhaps he had just passed it.

Unable to resist, and even if it breached etiquette, I invoked [Identification] on him. Sometimes, my thirst for knowledge trumps manners.

Spitzek Arhak

[…]

Power Level: Tier-2 enhancer | Tier-3 evoker

Elemental Affinity: Dendro | Life (healer)

Role(s): [Shrouded Hand]

Statistics:

STR: D (55 → 56)

AGI: D (48)

VIT: D (53 → 54)

SRC: C- (59 → 62)

SPR: D- (44 → 47)

Accrued Points: 62 → 67 [D+]

A Tier-3 evoker, impressive! Furthermore, I could see his elemental affinities. Mastering two elements is no small feat. But "Life"? I don't recall having that as an option...

Pushing the thought to the back of my mind, my gaze shifted to Spitzek as he approached me. Halting a short distance away, he began to speak.

"You're early, young one... Prepared for my lessons?"

"Absolutely, without hesitation!"

I responded with fervor coursing through my veins.

Chapter 18: The Source Crystal's Secret

Spitzek signaled for me to join him on the flat stone. Taking my seat beside him, I mirrored his cross-legged posture.

"I'll pass on all I know," he began, "the rest is up to you to discover."

"That's fair."

Without the assistance of source crystals, the path to becoming an evoker was an arduous one. The nearly drained First-Order source crystal I had was hardly sufficient.

"What have you learned about source evokers?" he inquired.

"Besides what you've shared before, they're experts in long-range source manipulation, right?" I paused, recalling what Tuilë had mentioned. "They weave spells using the source language. That's the extent of my knowledge."

"Your understanding is mostly accurate. I see you've become an enhancer, yes?"

"I have. It's a recent development. And you? Did you experience a breakthrough?"

Spitzek smiled, "I've ascended to Tier-3." He gestured towards the ground, and almost instantly, a unique rose without thorns sprouted. "My elemental affinity is Dendro."

Mesmerized by the magic unfolding before me, I was momentarily lost for words. "Incredible!"

Perhaps my amazement seemed overblown given the simplicity of his demonstration. But, coming from a world devoid of magic, this was an extraordinary sight. Here was a plant sprouting without sunlight or nutrients! I began pondering its potential impact on farming, ironically, a topic I had extensively researched for my thesis, minus the digital components.

"Wait, shouldn't you...?"

"As you ascend in tiers," he interjected, "simple conjurations, like the one I performed, no longer require chants."

"Ah, understood!" To my surprise, my speech pattern began mirroring his intermittent pauses. I shook my head, trying to stay focused.

I attentively listened as Spitzek delved into the intricacies distinguishing source evokers from source enhancers, the path to becoming an evoker, and mastering ambient source energy. He emphasized three fundamental aspects I needed to grasp.

To harness the power of a source evoker, one must first sense the source energy in the surroundings and control it. Once I became a source enhancer, sensing such energy became as natural to me as breathing. But, mastering its manipulation? That's another story.

The next step was to craft a source heart, marking the transition to a full-fledged Tier-1 evoker. Think of this "source heart" as an auxiliary heart designed specifically for storing source energy. Only with it can one weave magical incantations.

And then there's the mastery of the source language. While comprehension was almost innate for source users, invoking it to cast spells required another level of fluency. It wasn’t a feat one could achieve overnight.

But first things first, I had to master manipulating the source energy around me. Fortunately, my background as a source enhancer gave me a head start.

"To control source energy, envision its movement," he began. "Think of it as water in a basin. That water represents your source power."

He raised a finger on his verdant left hand, tracing a circle in the air to illustrate his point.

"Visualize holding a vessel. With this vessel, you select from which part of the basin you draw the water. From the collected water, magic emerges." Suddenly, a nearly invisible, ethereal strand appeared in his hand.

Astonished, I exclaimed, "Incredible!"

All I needed was a vivid imagination and a clear mental image. Sounds simple, but execution is another story. However, I wouldn’t truly know until I gave it a shot.

Without hesitating, I followed his instructions. As a coder, my focus was sharp. Combined with my source enhancer prowess, sensing the surrounding source energy was a matter of mere seconds. The challenge was its manipulation.

Interestingly, source energy manifested differently based on its location. Within the body, it resembled a serene wave coursing through, but externally, it assumed a more turbulent, raw form, often coalescing into strands.

Guided by Spitzek's demonstration, I attempted to maneuver the strand-like energy. It resisted, not bending to my will. But with Spitzek's insights to guide me, I remained hopeful. My efforts were far from wasted.

I'd been immersing myself in this process, with Spitzek's intermittent guidance, for an unknown duration. Now, I had gained the capability to shape the core energy similar to the one within me. Whether expanding them manifold or condensing them into a tiny sphere, I had the power.

Intriguingly, my insight into this core energy had honed ever since I began its external manipulation. For example, I could detect Spitzek's essence by the luminescent green core energy residing within him.

His inner energy, shimmering with a slight glow, gathered around his solar plexus. But the energy flowing through him was almost as intense. Perhaps the greater one's Tier, the denser their core energy. The hue, probably, was defined by their elemental source.

Breaking my train of thought, Spitzek remarked, “You're ready... The first requirement is met.”

I responded, gratitude evident in my eyes, “I owe it to you.” A self-assured grin spread across my face, making me feel like the journey ahead was unobscured.

He nodded. “Now, you need... to forge a core heart. All you need... is to concentrate the core energy... to a singular point in your physique... continuously reinforcing it with untainted core energy... You'll require... an abundance of... core crystals. Return with them... I'll be your beacon.”

I had subtly tasked Lunaria with documenting the information he was surreptitiously sharing. This meant I might not have to revisit this with him. His guidance, though invaluable, did come at a premium.

Hesitating for a moment, I posed, “Isn't there a way to become an evoker without leaning on core crystals?”

His answer was swift, “It's possible... over months or maybe years... based on your innate talent.”

That's an eternity! Who would invest that much while being static? Certainly not me. And so, our lesson on “Evoker Foundations” concluded. It's not like I could simply request him for some crystals, right?

Tuilë slowly opened her eyes, her senses returning. The setting was both alien and familiar. What was this paradox?

As she oriented herself, her gaze darted around. Indeed, this was the same tent she first encountered in Aquarine, the backdrop almost mirroring her initial arrival.

A rogue whirlwind had taken her by surprise, resulting in her plummeting onto a vast meadow and subsequently blacking out. That was the time she bumped into that quirky recluse.

She never got the opportunity to learn his name, as she had nothing on hand to offer him in gratitude. He appeared distant and aloof, yet he permitted her to stay in his domain until her recovery. He even introduced her to the concept of the source evoker. Rather, it was her quietly observing his actions. Luckily, by then she was a proficient enhancer, enabling her to grasp the fundamental concepts swiftly.

In her native land, people were aware of the source power, but they were oblivious to its other applications beyond becoming a source enhancer. If this knowledge had been prevalent before, past incidents might have been averted. A true pity.

After being torn from her loved ones, haunted dreams frequently plagued her sleep. The faces of her parents, her elder brother, and younger sister often surfaced; she yearned to be with them again.

“Where is Maxim?”

She suddenly noticed his absence. The surroundings were devoid of any other presence.

Maxim wasn't just any individual; he belonged to a race bearing a resemblance to her own kind. She believed she'd recognized his kind from images dispersed on skyscrapers in the Crimson Fogland.

Their acquaintance might have been brief, but their moments were cherished.

***

Maxim’s Viewpoint

Returning to the tent, I found Tuilë propped up, wearing an expressionless look.

“You’re up?” Clearly, the answer was evident, but posing the question was more a matter of decorum.

“Maxxy? What is this place?” She gestured vaguely.

Rubbing my chin, I responded, “Well, there’s quite a tale behind it…”

I filled her in on our adventures, from her lapse into unconsciousness, our airborne escape, and our eventual arrival here.

“I probably brought you a world of trouble, right?”

“Not at all. And, uh... I regret not being able to save your steam kite.” Our journey here would’ve been swifter had I been able to pilot it.

“Don’t fret! It’s not a major issue. Given the resources, I can craft another. We can also recover the previous one.”

“When you say ‘we’, are you referring to the both of us?” Somehow, I felt she was hinting at something.

“Indeed! I’m counting on your assistance to recover it later.”

She clearly had planned this all along.

"Alright, I'll consider it if the opportunity presents itself."

"How did you manage the expenses for my care? The person in charge here mentioned..."

"I used the Second-Order source crystal we acquired from the blood mosquito for your treatment and some other things." I regretted not informing her earlier since it wasn't solely mine.

"You're serious? I'm not bothered, but how will you manage?"

"What's the problem?"

"A Second-Order source crystal is ten times more valuable than a First Order one. You could have secured delicious food for over three months with it."

How was I to know? My choice was beginning to feel misguided, yet, in that situation, I had limited options. Knowledge was, after all, the ultimate power.

"Anyway, are you feeling better?" I changed the subject, trying to keep my regrets at bay.

"Absolutely!" Tuilë sprang from her bed, striking a confident pose. "I'm back to my best. I feel guilty about you spending that crystal on me. Let me know if you need anything."

Hold on, what's she implying? I used that crystal without informing her. I pondered, realizing she might have misunderstood my intentions. But she had risked her life for me, and I could never ask her for more. In fact, I owed her my gratitude. Then again...

"Did I get something on my face?" She teased with a playful grin.

"No, but... may I feel your horns?" Realizing I might have overstepped, I hastily added, "Only if you're comfortable, of course."

"You're joking... are you?"

I had been curbing my curiosity, but now it surged forward. We were of different races, and she possessed two features I lacked: horns and a tail. While it would be presumptuous to touch her tail, maybe she'd be alright with just the horns?

Chapter 19: Future Plans

While wondering whether my request was absurd or not…

“Ouch!”

There was a sharp pinch on my nape, and it came from none other than Luna-1. Yeah, it was absurd indeed.

Tuilë didn’t seem to notice my cry of pain and said, “Well, sure…”

“Hahaha... I know you won’t… Huh, are you serious?!”

My eyes were locked on her two small brilliant red horns. Anyone would be attracted to the red horns that stood out like a sore thumb. I mean, it looked similar to the candy cone that you often saw when Christmas. I wondered whether it would be sweet just like one. Ah! I just want to eat some candy…

“Don’t mind if I do.” I took a deep breath and let my hands slowly approach the two horns.

Since I was a bit taller than her, despite her being taller than average… or maybe it was just the normal height of her race, she didn’t have to sit down. But for some reason, she closed her eyes.

As soon as my hands touched her horns, she flinched a little. Still, the texture was akin to a candy cone. Hard and smooth. I stroked and felt her horns for ten seconds before reluctantly pulling back my hands — anything more would be crossing the line.

“Ahem.” I cleared my throat. “Sorry… That’s rather inappropriate of me to do that.” Maybe I shouldn’t have done that, but there was no use crying over spilled milk. I think that it was well worth it…!

“N-No… it’s fine. I understand the curiosity you hold for other races.” She showed me a toothy grin as if what I did didn’t bother her at all.

“Say, can we move to our main business here,” Lunaria interjected as Luna-1 flew out from my backpack.

“Mm-hmm! Now that I’m back to my tiptop condition, I can get back to work again.” Tuilë flexed her muscles.

“That’s great. While we are here, I’m going to show you the airship. It’s not far down the creek.” I pointed outside with my thumb.

“Sure! I’m also curious about what exactly you want me to repair.”

Subsequently, we headed for the location of the airship by following the creek. If the clearing where Spitzek was at was located up the stream, then we were going in the opposite direction.

Maxxy queried, “Are you familiar with the resident of this place?”

“You’re talking about Spitzek?”

“Ah, Spitzek. That's his name? Where might he be?”

Shrugging, I replied, “Last I heard, he went herb collecting and won’t be back till evening.”

“Got it.”

As we idly chatted, we strolled towards the pond, finding the airship just as we had left it, albeit a tad more worn.

Tuilë, eyes wide, exclaimed, “This magnificent machinery is what you wish fixed?! It’s so vast and intricate!” She dashed to the battered airship, her excitement evident as she murmured to herself.

“Handle it with care, please. Its condition can’t deteriorate any further…”

Pivoting to Luna-1, she inquired, “Lunaria! Is this your primary form?”

“Yes… I mean, no! The ship is named Lunaria too,” clarified Lunaria.

With a knowing grin, Tuilë responded, “Ah, understood!”

Lunaria retorted, “You haven’t grasped anything, clearly.”

Silence ensued.

Amidst their playful exchange, I deftly entered the tilted airship, whose entrance was skewed 40 degrees. Enhanced agility made this once challenging task straightforward.

Navigating the diamond-shaped passage, I reached the armory. I stockpiled more ammunition and loaded the vacant magazines. With the ship’s angle, maintaining balance against the wall was essential while reloading.

Troubling.

The bullet count was dwindling, fewer than five hundred remained, backpack included. And merely half a dozen grenades were left. Ideally, Tuilë, with Lunaria's extensive modern database, could produce more if provided the blueprint.

From the scarce supplies, I managed to load ten full magazines and stashed three grenades into my backpack’s side pocket. In the wilderness, possessing reliable backups like grenades was paramount, both mentally and for practical reasons.

Before departing, I grabbed additional attire that I hadn’t retrieved earlier. Surely, I couldn’t be expected to don the same outfit for the upcoming weeks, could I?

Emerging from their discussion, Lunaria and Tuilë were deeply engrossed in talks about the airship's restoration, but they swiftly found common ground. It was evident to me that two minds collaborating often outdid one, even if they didn't always concur on every point.

“The biggest challenge in fixing this vessel is its location - submerged in a pond. It might not be deep, but extracting it seems a colossal task,” Tuilë candidly pointed out.

“I concur. However, we can't strip any vital components from the ship.”

While I wasn't sure about Lunaria's deep connection with the ship, dismantling would undoubtedly consume precious time. And with my survival hanging by a thread, the essence was efficiency.

The impending deadline loomed over my head:

Mission: From Rags to Riches

Your once magnificent airship is now in shambles. Secure skilled hands to restore it promptly. Beware... No telling how locals might react on discovering it.

Difficulty: C-

Time Limit: 30 days

Time Left: 27 days 22 hours 34 minutes

Reward: Restored airship, an ally gained

Penalty: Ship forfeiture, potential fatal information breach

“Isn't there an alternative to retrieve the ship?”

“There is,” Tuilë paused momentarily, then added, “The solution has always been there, recall?”

I was puzzled for a moment. Had I overlooked something vital?

A hint from her came, “Think about the Third-Order source crystal.”

A realization dawned upon me. “Ah, that’s the key!”

The solution was in the robot she had been crafting. Given its unique design, it could potentially function as a makeshift crane. The possibilities seemed endless after embedding it with the source crystal.

She continued, “However, there’s another substantial hurdle.”

“What's that?”

“We require a vast quantity of resources to rejuvenate this ship. Lunaria and I are on the same page about maximizing its potential. I’m eager to elevate its capabilities to the zenith.” The fire in Tuilë’s eyes was unmistakable; she was entirely earnest. “This is, after all, my premiere with such a vast machinery.”

 “I get it now…” I mentally braced for the additional tasks.

A deep exhale escaped me as I considered the increased responsibilities that would soon land on my plate. Well, no choice…

Several potential solutions floated into my mind, and among them, the most straightforward would be amassing a considerable number of source crystals. Only by consolidating all the town's resources could I execute this grand plan and achieve my target.

But first, securing the source crystals was imperative. A ballpark of about a thousand source crystals seemed sufficient for the task at hand.

“Alright, I'm heading back to town. Are you coming with me?” I asked.

“Absolutely. There are a few matters I'd like to inspect there. Plus, I'm eager to see that robot fully assembled,” the reply came. Missing out was not an option.

“Great, let’s go.”

***

Upon our arrival at Aquarine, our steps led us straight to Tuilë’s lab. There, a towering four-meter robot stood, characterized by its unique design – cylindrical limbs, a vast star-shaped face, and dual pipes jutting out from its rear. In its chest center was a slot designed for the source crystal.

“Alright, hand over the source crystal,” she outstretched her hand.

I passed her the substantial Third-Order source crystal, which had become a cumbersome item for me. “I get that this powers the robot, but how does it really function?”

To operate something as complex as a robot without a detailed multi-function program seemed implausible.

“It's all thanks to 'runic engraving',” she gleefully replied.

“Runic engraving, huh? So that's the term you all use…” Lunaria interjected via Luna-1, who was peering out from my backpack.

“And what is that?” I inquired.

“Heh, unfamiliar with it? Watch closely; I'll demonstrate.”

She placed a mortar-like instrument on her desk and threw in a random catalyst stone. Then, she cranked its handle, pulverizing the stone — producing a pinch of catalyst dust.

“That seems rather wasteful,” I remarked. To me, any catalyst stone had the potential to evolve into a potent weapon, though I wasn’t well-informed about their scarcity.

Tuilë swiftly responded, “Wasteful, you say? Listen, catalyst stones vary in quality. The one I employed is devoid of any elemental traits, so it isn't squandered. Conversely, elemental catalyst stones are suitable only for crafting spells matching their elements. Using them as I did with the non-elemental one would be disastrous, understand?”

 “My bad. Continue, please.”

“Mhm.” She then took out a pinch of dust that looked like a finely ground source crystal and mixed it with the catalyst dust inside a glass apparatus by shaking it well together. Further, she mixed it with a liquid reagent that seemed to be made out of oil and several other elements she took from the side rack.

The final product became a muddle substance that looked no different than a suspicious potion given by a witch.

“Voila! Catalyst marrow!” She held the so-called “catalyst marrow” high in the air.

“That’s a strange name and pronunciation of the thing itself.”

“Seconded.”

Both Lunaria and I agreed on this matter.

“You two, don’t nitpick on petty things, will ya?”

After she was done with that, Tuilë grabbed an inkless mechanical pen and dipped it into the catalyst marrow. She proceeded to write strange engravings on the Third-Order source crystal, line after line, into a long, justified paragraph.

Similar to how I was able to understand the source language, the inscription was no exception. It turned out that this runic writing was the written language of the source language itself.

“Wha—! Isn’t this whole runic inscription thingy being just a programming language in disguise?!” I couldn’t help but blurt that out loud.

Like seriously, while the syntax was completely different, the logic behind it was similar if not the same. The only difference, it seemed to have built-in functions in the form of written magic spells that act to shorten the whole inscription itself.

“Pro-gram-ing? What?” Tuilë stopped what she was doing and sent me a confused gaze, a bit annoyed by the sudden interruption.

“Oh yeah, I remember that you told me that you’re a programmer student or something.”

I mean, three months of constant battle between life and death had made me forget my identity as an IT gradua… student. And my skill was rather rusty after not touching a computer for such a long time.

Still, wouldn’t this be the place where my skills as a programmer shined the most?

Chapter 20: Gaining Knowledge Through Endeavors

It wasn't in my place to meddle with her tasks. Instead, I aimed to first comprehend the underlying principles. Haphazardly attempting to understand runic scripts without a solid foundation would merely be recklessness. This much was clear.

Roughly thirty minutes later, Tuilë was on the brink of finishing the engraving, evidenced by the dense runic patterns filling the crevices of the source crystal. Abruptly, her diligent hand paused, and she took a step back, releasing a weary sigh.

"Is it complete?"

"Nearly," she responded, drawing a deep breath and her tail flicking slightly. "The advantage of a superior source crystal is its ability to hold more inscriptions. It has a broader absorption limit and is more resilient. This means that intricate commands can be executed without the need for multiple smaller ones. However, I may have overestimated the capacity of even a Third-Order crystal. Do you grasp my meaning?"

"I think so. What if you distributed the runic scripts across the robot's components? That way, only the essential elements would be on the source crystal, potentially leaving room for other functions."

Conceptually, this would resemble the principles of object-oriented programming: defining classes of objects and associating them with specific methods or functions.

In simpler terms, it's like delegating auxiliary parts of the script to the mainframe, which could then be referenced as needed.

"Interesting... I was so focused on the core that I overlooked the entire structure. Where did you draw this inspiration from?"

"Um, it's..." Now wasn't the time to play coy. Could I really share that I hailed from a different realm? Sensing my hesitance, Lunaria chimed in, "Maxim has a knack for experimenting with age-old artifacts, like computers, if you must know."

Lunaria had known about my background since my arrival in this land—truly the one who understood me best.

“Interesting.” Tuilë held her mouth in pondering and then said, “Very well. Usually, I don’t want anyone to get involved with my work, but I can make an exception for you two. Maxxy, do me a favor and show me what you can do!”

“Wha… Why so suddenly?” I was about to reject her offer, but this could very well be the time to let my programming skill shine.

Thereafter, I was given the mechanical pen, the catalyst marrow, as well as a paper containing a list of written runic inscriptions.

While runic inscription was simpler and more versatile by several magnitudes from other programming languages that I’d learned, it was by no means easy. Additionally, I had to learn to use it from the basics. What a daunting task.

With the help of both Lunaria and Tuilë, I spent hours inscribing runic inscriptions, adding set after set of commands and functions that made it all work. Since we were implementing my way of doing things, we had to erase some parts of the prewritten runic inscriptions.

There were parts of the robot that were hard to reach because of how tall it was, even with it sitting on the ground; I had to use a highchair to inscribe the back of its head. How hilarious.

One thing to take extra note of in doing this was that I couldn’t make a mistake; I couldn’t just press that backspace or delete buttons and revert back. There was, of course, a way to erase any errors, though I had to soak it with hot water before peeling the wrong part with a specialized tool, which was handled by Tuilë.

As I finished the last line on the leg, I stood tall and tilted my head back, feeling all elated. “That should do it.”

“Are you done? That took a while… Mmmm. This thing is dry as heck but delicious. It’s unfortunate that Lunaria can’t taste food…”

Why is she eating my food…? I thought while looking at her nonchalantly munching on the compressed energy bar that she took from my backpack I put aside while making remarks. Whatever.

“As I already said, I’m not an AI, a robot, or what have you. I’m. A. Digitized. Mind! I have…” Lunaria suddenly stopped.

There might be more to her statement than what was heard by the ear. However, I wasn’t too keen on forcing her to cough up answers to the many questions that she had presented… Not right now, at least.

“So? I can tell it to turn on?”

“If the inscriptions work, then it should be fine… I guess?” She tilted her head, wiping the food stain on her mouth.

“Alright then… Um…”

"Curious," Tuilë mused, her expression thoughtful. "Alright. I don't typically let others interfere with my projects, but for you two, I'll bend that rule. Maxxy, impress me with your skills!"

"Why all of a sudden?" I hesitated momentarily, wondering whether to decline. But then, perhaps this was the perfect moment to showcase my expertise in programming.

Soon after, I was handed a mechanical pen, the catalyst marrow, and a sheet inscribed with runic symbols.

These runic symbols, while seemingly simpler and more adaptable than the other programming languages I was familiar with, were far from straightforward. Starting from scratch was intimidating, to say the least.

Guided by both Lunaria and Tuilë, I devoted hours to etching runes, layering command upon command to get the desired functionality. Since we were adapting the code to my methods, some existing runes had to be discarded.

Reaching certain sections of the towering robot was a challenge; I had to perch on a high stool to etch runes onto its head. Quite a sight, really.

It was crucial not to err in this process. Erasing a mistake wasn't as simple as hitting a backspace or delete key. To correct an error, the rune needed soaking in hot water before scraping it off, a task Tuilë managed.

Completing the final rune on the robot's leg, I stepped back, filled with a sense of accomplishment. "I believe that's it."

"You're done? My, that was time-consuming. Oh, this is so bland, yet oddly tasty. Pity Lunaria can't savor this..."

I glanced over to see her casually nibbling on an energy bar she'd pilfered from my backpack. Why was she eating my snacks? Oh well.

"I've said it before; I'm not an AI or a robot. I am a Digitized Mind! I have..." Lunaria trailed off suddenly.

It felt like there was more she wanted to say, but I didn’t want to press her for answers. At least not yet.

"So, can I activate it now?"

"If the runes hold, it should work, I suppose?" She pondered, cleaning her face from any food residue.

"Okay, let's see... Uh..."

It dawned on me that this creation lacked a name - I'd essentially coded its designation as...

"Can I spend some time with Lunaria to discuss the ship's modifications? I'm thinking of brainstorming and compiling a list of needed resources. Just a thought," said Tuilë with a sly grin.

Luna-1, hovering near Tuilë, rotated rapidly from side to side, signaling its hesitation.

"Well, alright," I hesitated, "but only if you promise not to touch the drone unless Lunaria gives the go-ahead." I had a gut feeling about what she might be up to if left alone with the device, so I felt the need to lay down some ground rules.

Rolling her eyes slightly, Tuilë replied, "Alright, alright. That's fair, I suppose."

Before Lunaria could respond, I interjected, "Okay, I'm off. Planning to explore the town for a bit."

Something told me that leaving Lunaria with her might not be the best decision, but I also didn't want to become overly reliant on the drone.

"By all means, do as you wish," she said, not even bothering to bid me farewell. Typical of her.

I guess I shouldn't expect any different from someone so engrossed with gadgets and tech.

***

I took the opportunity to closely observe the inhabitants of the town. They bustled about, deeply engrossed in their tasks, each one unique in their appearance. Although they resembled a mix of alien and familiar fantasy races, they weren't freaks of nature. Rather, they were the native intelligent species of this world.

Their actions mirrored that of humans—bargaining, conversing, cracking light-hearted jests. Their appearances differed, but racial prejudice didn't seem prevalent here, as far as I could tell.

On one occasion, I had inquired about Tuilë's species. She had mentioned it was called "achlys" in her language. But, remembering the racial backgrounds of everyone would be an enormous feat.

Meanwhile, I took some time to assess Vocations using [Identification]. My previous attempt had been brief. From my observations, only one in every four or five individuals possessed a Vocation. Most of them seemed insignificant or of minimal utility. And interestingly, I never came across someone with multiple Vocations...

In this realm, the concept of "Vocation" was foreign to many. They referred to it as "miracle power" among other terms. Though my Vocation allowed me to discern them, I hadn't spoken to anyone about other means of identification.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over me. My limbs felt heavy, probably a repercussion of overusing my Vocation. It was an unfamiliar fatigue.

Next thing I knew, I was on a cobbled pathway. It looked like a marketplace, with booths lining both sides.

"Offering a variety of meats, from dried to fresh cuts! Grab them now!" a stall keeper, resembling a humanoid rhino, bellowed.

"Our blades are the finest, perfect for cooking or protection," chimed in another, who looked akin to an insect creature, minus the menacing appendages and with a kinder visage.

"Looking for wild edibles or perhaps a bouquet for a loved one?" This one had the appearance of a lithe lizardman, akin to those in mythical tales.

I ambled around, observing the diverse merchandise. There were intriguing relics, rare fruits, and dazzling jewels. Oddly, a few stalls showcased contemporary gadgets, like electric ovens, teapots, and even cells. Their assortment seemed rather eclectic.

While meandering, I didn't just window-shop; I chatted with sellers to gauge product values and hinted at potential future transactions. It seemed a single source crystal had substantial worth, equating to sustenance for ten days or more if spent wisely. I equated its value to roughly a hundred dollars.

Considering the town's subterranean setting, minerals were abundant and affordable. Some precious metals were even undervalued by the unsuspecting sellers. As I neared the market's end, a peculiar shimmering ore caught my eye.

Compelled, I discreetly used [Identification] on it.

Mithril.

A lustrous metal of silver hue, mightier than steel yet far more lightweight. Its exceptional ability to channel magic makes it prime for crafting enchanted artifacts.

Mithril in this realm? I had not expected that...

As I continued on, I noticed the streets broadening and becoming more pristine, a stark contrast to the earlier alleyways that hinted at squalor. It wasn't as if the streets were paved with gold or silver, but they were undoubtedly neater.

I was nearing the immense luminescent mushroom at the heart of the city. Beyond, a majestic alabaster altar stood at the base of the massive fungus, surrounded by numerous hooded figures in reverence. Observing closer, these hooded individuals donned masks, eerily reminiscent of cult followers. The emblem of a gigantic mushroom marked their cloaks. Clearly, they belonged to the Sacred Fungi Order.

Considering the mushroom's revered role in shielding the domain from the nefarious crimson mist, it made sense that these inhabitants would hold it in such high regard.

"I believe venturing deeper may not be wise. It's best to retreat," I whispered to myself.

I had gleaned enough insight into Aquarine's customs and intricacies; overstaying could spell danger. Entering forbidden zones was tempting fate.

Yet, as I made up my mind to leave, a subtle noise whispered past me.

Chapter 21: Retreating Steps

The resonance wasn't the ordinary, hazy noise reminiscent of a malfunctioning radio. Instead, it was akin to a voice... Someone or something was humming... whispering melodiously, pulling me towards its origin.

“~~~.”

Such a calming sound.

The words eluded my comprehension, but whoever or whatever produced this sound was neither human nor, I'd guess, a Foglander.

“Is anyone there?” I questioned.

However, my attempt to trace the source was interrupted by a group of hooded figures – precisely five. The foremost figure had distinct red designs on the facial portion of his hood, only partially concealing his mouth.

Retreating a step, I recognized his aura – a potent source user, an evoker. His exact Tier remained a mystery, but he was undoubtedly more formidable than I was. Fortunately, my firearm was always snugly secured over my shoulder, ready to be drawn against potential threats.

He began to move his lips but…

…silence ensued.

Instead, he extended a mask, similar to those donned by the cultists. Was he proposing that I join their ranks?

“I apologize, I believe I've taken a wrong turn.” I said, gesturing my disinterest.

His reaction to my refusal was a mixture of confusion and animosity. Peering at me through the slits in his mask, his intentions seemed less than benevolent.

With caution mounting, I methodically retreated, all while employing [Identification] to assess his attributes.

???

[…]

Source Level: Tier-1 enhancer | Tier-2 evoker

Source Element(s): Aqua

Vocation(s): [Sensory Suppression]

Stats:

STR: E (26)

AGI: E (31)

VIT: E- (23)

SRC: D- (42)

SPR: E (34)

Accumulated Points: 62 [D]

I need to distance myself immediately!

"After that, please pardon me." I spun around and dashed off as quickly as my legs would carry me.

Yet, within moments of sprinting, my sight faded to black, and an overwhelming feeling of emptiness and quiet overtook me. The rhythmic pulse of my heart became inaudible, light became a distant memory, and even my own fingers seemed to vanish.

"What on earth...?" I tried to scream, but silence met my cry.

It felt as though every sense had been erased, as if I'd been plunged into a abyss.

Nonetheless, I pressed on, relying on the path I'd mentally charted since it was primarily straight.

"Ow!"

Suddenly, I felt a jolt; my tactile senses had returned as I collided with something firm. Feeling around, it appeared to be a wooden post.

My heart pounded fiercely.

Gradually, my senses began to resurface. Only when my sight completely returned did my racing heart find some solace.

Glancing over my shoulder, there was no sign of pursuit. Perhaps it was merely a warning.

Drained by the prior unsettling event, I slumped and trudged towards the workshop. Lost in thoughts of the harrowing ordeal, I accidentally collided with a passerby.

"Look where you're going! That's risky!" a hefty man resembling a chunkier version of a Muppet character chastised.

I stared at him, dazed and still processing recent events.

"You deaf or what?"

"Apologies," I admitted, realizing my misstep.

"Tch! At least you have some manners, kid." He ambled off, taking wide strides.

What a chilling place this was.

I decided that the next time I ventured somewhere unfamiliar, I’d have Lunaria alongside. It's always better to have someone to rely on. Maybe keeping the mask on would've prevented the ordeal. Overconfidence from my recent growth had possibly made me careless.

With a weary motion, I opened the workshop door to find both Tuilë and Luna-1 (Lunaria) waiting.

"Maxim, you've returned? Why do you seem so distant?"

"What transpired? I should've been with you."

"It's... it's nothing. I'm okay." I mentally grounded myself, trying to shake off the lingering unease.

"If you're sure, then..."

Tuilë fetched a lengthy scroll from the counter, handing it over. "This is the compilation of materials we need for your upgrade. Surprisingly, there were a few I only learned about through Lunaria."

"Expected," Lunaria responded with an air of someone stating the obvious. Indeed, considering her vast knowledge, she was akin to a living library.

A brief look at the extensive list uncovered several items, some of which were foreign to me.

"My goodness! This is overwhelming!" My eyes widened in disbelief.

Mountains of aluminum alloy, steel, sheets of glass, cloth, significant quantities of helium, varied metals, timber, plastic strips, and layers, and the list went on. This didn't even include the interior furnishings. Honestly, I doubted whether Aquarine could supply all this.

"You planning to empty my pockets?" Collecting all this would be comparable to erecting a five-floor structure.

"Don't make a mountain out of a molehill," Tuilë said, "We've already deducted the reusable materials from the old airship, since we've almost finalized the design of the new one."

"I second that," Lunaria chimed in.

Their nonchalance left me flabbergasted. They proceeded without even securing my consent!

"Can I see the design?" I had to see their creation for myself.

With a clap from Tuilë, Alfredo approached from the workshop's rear, carrying a detailed design on a board. Notably, his movements seemed smoother than before.

The design placed before me was a marvel, breathtaking in its complexity. At its core, it was a state-of-the-art airship augmented with magic. Unlike the older model with a zeppelin balloon tethered by cables, this one had it directly fused to the vessel, using the cables for extra support. It also boasted wings on each side.

Specifically, it had four levels, twin engine-like structures on each wing, a spherical core at the base's end, and a sleek, expansive stern. It was an unprecedented design in my eyes.

Frankly, I was eager to witness its completion. It promised to be a masterpiece.

But the question lingered: How could such a marvel stay airborne?

The helium-filled zeppelin balloon wasn't strong enough to hoist the aircraft. To me, even this damaged airship seemed mystical. After all, it didn't resemble a conventional plane which gains speed on a runway due to its wheels, though no such runway existed here anyway.

Seemingly reading my mind, Tuilë flashed a sly smile, “You've figured it out, haven't you? Even your current airship uses propeller-driven thrust, though it’s somewhat outdated and inefficient.”

From what I gathered, runic symbols could bestow magical attributes upon objects. It wouldn't be far-fetched to imagine them on the vessel's structure, creating propulsion by manipulating air or even repelling the earth using Anemo or Pyro magic.

“You're catching on. True, there are stones with inherent magical abilities, but they are rare here. In my homeland, though, it's a different story."

Sure, other methods existed to infuse items with magic, such as enchantments, but that was a tangent. The crux of the matter was...

“Tuilë, your brilliance astounds me!”

She chuckled, “I appreciate your praise. But there's more.” She paused, inhaling deeply, “Beyond its almost negligible need for buoyancy, its cargo capacity has increased tenfold. Its travel speed rivals that of what you term as an 'airplane'."

Intrigued, I asked, “And its defensive prowess?” An undefended airship was practically useless.

She grinned, “I was hoping you’d bring that up. Lunaria, would you do the honors?” I felt a jab at being called out like that.

Unfazed, Lunaria stated, “The upgraded plane boasts a primary artillery gun beneath the front bridge. Moreover, it has six turret guns along its frame and another one underneath. For added protection, numerous small-caliber defenses are strategically placed throughout the structure."

Considering our main adversaries in this red-fog-covered realm were monstrous, tentacled beings, a formidable long-range arsenal was essential.

"If only we had access to missiles."

"Creating missiles is a complex task given our resources. Producing intricate components is challenging, and we're limited. A basic missile might be achievable, but an artillery gun is both superior and more cost-effective," Lunaria explained.

"Darn, that slipped my mind." My lips pursed in contemplation.

Crafting chips or microcontrollers demanded highly specialized tools. The current design was already beyond what I'd anticipated, so expecting more seemed unreasonable.

While the features were impressive, the real question was about the duration to complete it. If it took more than a month, then opting for a basic repair might be better. I hate to rush things, but we're racing against the clock here.

"Tuilë," I glanced towards her, "do you think you can wrap this up in under a month?"

"A month? Seriously? Do you even know who you're talking to?" Her expression was that of sheer confidence, screaming, "If not me, then who?" "But that would mean I can't assist in gathering source crystals–"

"No worries! Lunaria and I got that covered."

"Uh-huh, and since when did you become the decision-maker? Though, I guess I'd have helped regardless."

"Trust me! I guarantee a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind airship within the promised time. I've got Alfredo on my side; the heavy lifting won't be an issue." However, she suddenly clutched her belly. "All this airship chatter has made me hungry. What do you say, lunch? We're a tad late though."

She had a point. Aquarine wasn't directly beneath the open sky but underneath a cavern ceiling. Hence, time-keeping was a bit tricky without any standard references.

"Sounds good. Lead the way."

"Onward!" She signaled and gracefully exited the workshop.

***

She led me to the boulevard where my journey in this town began. Among the row of domed structures, there was a diner with a sign showcasing unfamiliar letters. We stood right at its doorstep. The aroma of spices wafted around, hinting at the gastronomic adventures within.

"This the spot you had in mind?" I inquired, being unfamiliar with the local dining scene.

"Absolutely. It's my go-to when cooking at home isn't an option."

"Must be quite the place then." Honestly, any meal would do for me, as long as it was edible. Considering I'd survived on energy bars lately, this was a refreshing change.

"Let's dive in." Tuilë seized my hand, drawing me in alongside her.

Currently, there were only a few other customers other than us, so it was pretty quiet. We sat at one empty table by the window, and soon an old frog person that seemed to be an old lady came forward and passed us the menu.

The old lady let out a heavy sigh. “Welcome to Morana’s Eatery, home to all sorts of culinary. What’ll it be?”

Although I was well-versed in Fogland language thanks to my Vocation, the written language was a different matter… There was no time for me to learn it.

Due to that, I’d to ask for a recommendation. “Your recommendation, please. Although, I will have what she’s having.”

“Well, we have our recommended dishes like this one…” She pointed at a certain spot on the only menu that Tuilë was holding.

“We’ll have two specials!” Tuilë decided without my consent.

“So that’s two specials… Ordering! I need two ‘meaty shells.’” The old lady walked toward the kitchen while shouting the order.

“Comin’ right up!” the cook replied, full of energy.

There was one thing that I didn’t quite understand: How did we pay?

For one thing, bartering seemed to be not an option here, and source crystals would be too valuable for two dishes of food. Hence, I questioned Tuilë for an answer.

“I never told you before, but there’s another new currency below source crystals: the good ol’ gold and silver. They’re measured by weight — only a few places accept this new currency, however.”

“Huh? Aren’t they still too valuable for simple trading?” It’d make sense if there was bronze or copper mixed in, though.

“Well, I think it’s normal. But if you’re being pedantic, you can say that it’s because gold and silver are abundant around here.”

“I see…”

I had to toss in the surrounding environment when considering things like this. After all, a culture was formed by its people and the situation that shaped it.

“By the way, what kind of food is served here?”

“It’s… Look, the dishes are about to be served.” Tuilë pointed at the old lady bringing a tray toward us.

“Hot and crispy woodlouse, smeared with gravy. Enjoy your meal.” She put the dishes on the table and backed away after smearing the brown sauce.

Fu—

The food was actually a fat bug the size of a basketball rolled into a ball. I felt like seeing a lot of these bugs out in the wild… Its shape was so appalling that I couldn’t imagine anyone eating this shit. Bleh…

In the cozy eatery, the soft murmur of a few other patrons lingered. We chose a vacant spot near the window. Not long after, an elderly amphibian, reminiscent of an old woman, approached with menus in hand.

She greeted us with a wearied tone, "Welcome to Morana’s Eatery, where we cater to all tastes. How may I assist?"

While I could speak Fogland tongue due to my Vocation, reading it was another story. I hadn't had the time to learn.

So, I sought her guidance, "What do you suggest? Though, I'll have the same as her."

She gestured to a particular dish on the menu Tuilë held, "Our specials are quite popular, like this one."

"Two of the specials then!" Tuilë announced, making the choice for both of us.

The elderly amphibian nodded, "Two specials it is!" She then moved towards the kitchen, calling out, "Two orders of 'meaty orbs' on the double!"

"Right away!" An enthusiastic voice from the kitchen responded.

Yet, I puzzled over one thing: the method of payment.

Bartering didn't seem customary here, and using source crystals for two meals seemed exorbitant. I turned to Tuilë for clarity.

She explained, "I forgot to mention earlier, but beneath source crystals, we have another currency: gold and silver, weighed and valued by their heft. Though only a few places acknowledge them."

"Isn't that a bit lavish for everyday transactions? Unless they mix in some bronze or copper."

She shrugged, "Perhaps. But gold and silver are plentiful in these parts."

"Understood."

Local customs and economies were influenced by their surroundings and circumstances.

I inquired further, "What's the specialty here?"

She motioned to the approaching elderly amphibian, "Here comes our order. You'll see."

The amphibian served the dish, "Crispy woodlouse, drizzled in rich gravy. Please enjoy." After pouring the sauce, she retreated.

I stared in astonishment.

The centerpiece was a bulbous insect, akin to a coiled-up basketball. It looked familiar, like something I’d seen in nature. The sheer sight of this entree, so foreign to my palate, was enough to make me hesitant.

In the cozy eatery, the soft murmur of a few other patrons lingered. We chose a vacant spot near the window. Not long after, an elderly amphibian, reminiscent of an old woman, approached with menus in hand.

She greeted us with a wearied tone, "Welcome to Morana’s Eatery, where we cater to all tastes. How may I assist?"

While I could speak Fogland tongue due to my Vocation, reading it was another story. I hadn't had the time to learn.

So, I sought her guidance, "What do you suggest? Though, I'll have the same as her."

She gestured to a particular dish on the menu Tuilë held, "Our specials are quite popular, like this one."

"Two of the specials then!" Tuilë announced, making the choice for both of us.

The elderly amphibian nodded, "Two specials it is!" She then moved towards the kitchen, calling out, "Two orders of 'meaty orbs' on the double!"

"Right away!" An enthusiastic voice from the kitchen responded.

Yet, I puzzled over one thing: the method of payment.

Bartering didn't seem customary here, and using source crystals for two meals seemed exorbitant. I turned to Tuilë for clarity.

She explained, "I forgot to mention earlier, but beneath source crystals, we have another currency: gold and silver, weighed and valued by their heft. Though only a few places acknowledge them."

"Isn't that a bit lavish for everyday transactions? Unless they mix in some bronze or copper."

She shrugged, "Perhaps. But gold and silver are plentiful in these parts."

"Understood."

Local customs and economies were influenced by their surroundings and circumstances.

I inquired further, "What's the specialty here?"

She motioned to the approaching elderly amphibian, "Here comes our order. You'll see."

The amphibian served the dish, "Crispy woodlouse, drizzled in rich gravy. Please enjoy." After pouring the sauce, she retreated.

I stared in astonishment.

The centerpiece was a bulbous insect, akin to a coiled-up basketball. It looked familiar, like something I’d seen in nature. The sheer sight of this entree, so foreign to my palate, was enough to make me hesitant.

“Absolutely not,” she replied, waving her hand dismissively. “The destination I'm referring to isn't that. We can't travel swiftly anymore since our steam kite is gone.”

True, the place she hinted at was both distant and fraught with peril. Unless it was essential, like before, I'd keep a wide berth from such locations.

Moreover, she'd mentioned crafting gas masks for us, anticipating similar situations in the future. Merely depending on our abilities as source users would be unwise.

From what I understood, Tier-1 source users could withstand the red fog for a mere week. Tier 2 lasted three times longer, and Tier 3 thrice as much as Tier 2, continuing in that pattern. The resistance would be greater for those who were both enhancers and evokers. The dual role indeed had its advantages. Yet, caution was imperative when confronting the red fog.

***

The very next morning, I made my way to her workshop right after preparing myself. To my surprise, her home was equipped with running water, allowing me to indulge in a much-needed bath. It felt invigorating.

Munching on an energy bar, I entered the workshop to find Tuilë immersed in some intricate work. Judging by her actions, it seemed she was crafting a new gun, perhaps to replace the one that had malfunctioned.

She was always one step ahead. Had she not slept at all? The previous night, she had shown me my room before retiring. Conveniently, her dwelling was adjacent to her workshop.

She glanced up, “Hold on.” Setting aside her tools, she approached me. “All set?”

“Indeed. The sooner I gather what we need, the better.” I felt the pressing weight of time, knowing complacency was not a luxury I could afford.

“Before we start, we should determine your elemental affinity,” Tuilë interjected.

“You mentioned a specific device for this. Is it some kind of enchanted instrument?”

She nodded, retrieving a crystal orb from a nearby shelf and placing it on the counter. “Rest your hands on this sphere and channel your source energy into it.”

I touched the cool, glossy surface of the crystal sphere, which mirrored my features almost perfectly. A cooling sensation pulsed, then... a soft tremor.

The moment I channeled my inner energy through my fingertips, I felt a peculiar sensation. Suddenly, a throbbing pain shot through my skull, reminiscent of a glass needle being twirled inside. The onset of this pain was accompanied by a subtle luminance emanating from the orb.

"Exactly like that, don't release!" Tuilë intensely observed the sphere.

"Ngh… How much longer should this last?" Shouldn't such tests be swift and pain-free?

Had it not been for my newly enhanced resilience, I would've released my grip on the orb earlier.

Her laughter rang out. “Merely five seconds would suffice. But I was curious to gauge your endurance.”

I frowned, searching for words. My unfounded doubts about her harboring resentment seemed to multiply.

She reassured, “The longer you endure, the higher your potential. The outcomes will be even more precise."

A thought struck me. Could I perhaps employ [Identification] to ascertain my elemental compatibility? Given its ability to pinpoint my primary elements, it didn’t seem too far-fetched. I resolved to investigate this later.

"You may remove your hands now if you wish. And the outcome is... WHAT?!"

Alarmed, I withdrew my hands and observed the sphere now swirling with a vibrant mix of seven colors: crimson, amber, deep blue, teal, soft green, bright lime, and violet.

"Maxxy, does this mean...?"

"I believe so." Their astonishment wasn’t mirrored in me.

"You possess an affinity of over 80 percent for all core elements! Anemo, Geo, Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, Dendro, Electro. I've never witnessed this before..."

"Is it truly remarkable?" I asked, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Absolutely! This means you won't face any issues with the alignment of nearly all catalyst weapons. Typically, they require an average affinity of 20 percent. Only 10 for basic ones." She clenched her fists excitedly. "Ugh, how I envy you! For perspective, my affinity for Electro is just 72 percent, and Pyro hovers around 40. The other elements? Not even noteworthy."

"I understand about the weapons, but how does the affinity rate affect other aspects?"

“To be an evoker, one must hold a minimum of 40% affinity to an element. This makes the path to becoming an evoker considerably more challenging,” Tuilë explained.

I pondered, stroking my chin. My Vocation, [All Elements], was undeniably a remarkable advantage. Yet, it wasn't a free ticket to power; I had to earn it. Essentially, the strength I could harness was directly proportional to the dedication and time I invested.

“But there's a downside to this,” Tuilë cautioned.

“What might that be?”

“Envious individuals might see you as a target. While I wouldn’t claim that Aquarine is overrun by malevolent souls, the threat remains.”

It was clear. With most people limited to wielding one or two elements, my proficiency in all could draw unwelcome attention. As the old saying goes, “The tallest tree catches the most wind.”

“Let's table this discussion; I lack the source crystals to even think of becoming an evoker right now. By the way, where's Luna-1... or should I say, Lunaria?”

Luna-1 had a battery restriction onboard the airship, often going into a power-saving mode. Lunaria often apprised me of this.

“About that…”

“Did someone mention me?” Lunaria chimed in as Luna-1 hovered nearby. Intriguingly, the drone now exhibited intricate patterns across its exterior.

“Wow. I'll rely on you as always. Did you undergo some modifications?”

Lunaria heaved a sigh. “Constantly, I remind you to keep Luna-1 away from her and her peculiar fascinations.”

“You might have a point there.”

“How dare you both team up against me!” Tuilë retorted. “I merely added enhanced features to the drone. It can now deliver an electrical jolt upon contact.”

“That's impressive.”

Yet, the most astonishing fact wasn’t the drone’s enhancement, but Tuilë’s aptitude to modify such a sophisticated device, a feat I couldn't fathom.

Concluding our conversation, we set out towards the town's outskirts, far from my prior run-in with the cultist. The location revealed itself as a dim expanse dotted with gravestones and intermittently lit by luminescent fungi—an expansive graveyard.

I noticed a subterranean lake to the right of our path. The water was so clear, it felt like you could see for miles, and I realized it must be the primary water source for the inhabitants of Aquarine, numbering over three thousand.

Apart from us, several other individuals were navigating the area. They weren’t visiting to pay respects at the graveyard. Instead, they bore tools like pickaxes and large containers, hinting at mining activities. Confirming my suspicion, there were numerous cave openings that seemed to function as mines. People were constantly entering and leaving these openings. Remarkably, the main cavity had another internal recess.

“Is that the site you mentioned earlier? I was under the impression it was a distant spot from the town. Hold on, are there mutated creatures in there?” I asked.

“You ever hear about the tale of the colossal fungus consuming the red mist?” she inquired.

“Of course,” I affirmed.

“It’s more than just a tale. Most of the red mist resides beneath us. Whether the fungus actually stores it, I’m uncertain, but it makes the interior resemble the Crimson Fogland.”

“That sounds treacherous! Isn’t it akin to having an active minefield right under us? What about the folks who mine there?” I was flooded with concerns.

“Hold on! There's no cause for alarm. The upper levels of the mine are devoid of creatures. They mostly lurk deeper, and very few are of any significant threat. Plus, they can't ascend to the top and are regularly kept in check.”

She took a brief pause before continuing, “Interestingly, remnants of a bygone era lie within these caverns, negating any need to venture outside Aquarine. A considerable number of Aquarine's elemental users fancy spelunking here, although the accessible areas have mostly been thoroughly examined.”

“Intriguing! I'm curious to see what’s in store.”

The prospect of uncovering the mysteries inside intensified my enthusiasm.

When we were close to the cave's entrance, Tuilë halted, “I’ll leave you here.”

“Right, you need to work on that airship.”

“Exactly! But before that, a trip to the market is necessary to find what we require. Also, with Lunaria accompanying you, you’re equipped for any challenges.”

True enough. Although the journey might pose risks without Tuilë, depending on her for everything wasn’t feasible. I had my challenges to face, without expecting others to constantly bail me out.

Chapter 23: Shadows in the Depths

Gazing into the distance, Tuilë's silhouette gradually faded. Preparing myself, I checked my gear. Ten magazines, loaded with a total of a hundred bullets, and three grenades were at my disposal. Should things get dire, I had my twin catalyst daggers for close-quarters encounters. There were few weapons as efficient as these when enemies closed in.

Determined, I walked into a nearby entrance. To the side, miners were hard at work. Their presence barely registered in my mind as I ventured deeper. As I approached a descending pathway on my left, a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Oi, where you off to? That's beyond your mining zone!"

I recognized the voice's owner instantly: the rotund man resembling an orange puppet, whom I had run into at the market just a day before.

"You again? The tall, thin guy from yesterday?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Your point being?" I replied.

Even without invoking [Identification], his aura betrayed his identity as an enhancer. If he intended to challenge me, it might serve as a good warm-up.

"Stay away from that area, understood?" His voice carried a haughty undertone.

"You think you can stop me if I decide otherwise?" My hand instinctively went to the daggers sheathed behind me, keeping a close eye on his status.

Yorith

[…]

Source Level: Tier-1 enhancerSource Element(s): GeoVocation(s): None

Stats:

STR: E (33)

AGI: E (29)

VIT: E+ (38)

SRC: F+ (17)

SPR: F (14)

Accumulation Points: 19 [E-]

He grunted, folding his arms defiantly. "Whether you heed my advice or not, I don't care. Just know if you ignore me, you might just join the dead and be consumed by the Divine Mushroom."

I paused, trying to understand his reference. Ah, the graveyard I saw earlier, the one the Divine Mushroom Cult worshipped.

He sighed. "I've warned you, what you do next is up to you." He resumed his tasks, paying me no more attention.

Looking at him again, he didn't seem malicious. Maybe it was my initial judgment based on his strong demeanor that I assumed he was antagonistic. My bad.

"I can handle myself, you know."

He chuckled, "So you wield the Source, huh? Fine, a piece of advice for you. Beware of the undead tainted by the crimson mist. Few venture there due to the danger, but who knows? You might uncover something worthwhile amidst the peril."

"You're quite informed about this place." If his intention had been harmful, surely, what lay ahead would be not treasures but monstrosities. Yet, I chose to reserve my judgment.

"I gather resources here to support my kin. Now, move on and stop pestering me," he waved dismissively.

Without wasting more time, I decided to venture into the left tunnel. As I progressed, a thick pale mist engulfed the surroundings, making visibility increasingly poor, and the tunnel’s entrance light soon faded.

"Maxim, the air is clean but there's movement nearby," Lunaria cautioned, switching on the drone's flashlight.

I gripped my daggers tightly, preparing for an encounter. Relying on a rifle with limited visibility seemed unwise, especially considering ammo conservation.

Emerging from the thickening mist were five undead beings, their tattered attire ensconced in a haunting red haze. Unlike mere skeletal remains, these entities resembled ghouls, their decaying flesh haphazardly clinging to their bones. Curiously, not all of them bore familiar human forms — they were remnants of the departed from the Fogland.

As I prepared for a direct confrontation, I quickly assessed their stats to evaluate the threat they posed.

Species: Crimson Draugr (mutant)

Gender: Not Applicable

Age: 52 years old

Height: 182 cm

Source Level: None

Source Element(s): None

Stats:

STR: F (15)

AGI: F (10)

VIT: F (13)

SRC: F+ (16)

SPR: F (8)

Accumulation Points: 9 [F+]

Their stats were on the lower end, but I remained vigilant. Concealed within the dense mist, others might be lurking, ready to strike when I was off-guard.

Drawing on the source energy, I channeled it into my dual daggers, imbuing them with elemental power. I sprinted towards them, prioritizing offense over defense, understanding it's best to be proactive.

“Return to your rest, foul creature!”

A single dual swipe with my charged daggers split the head of the closest Crimson Draugr into quarters. Burn marks stained its severed sections, and it crumpled lifelessly.

Swiftly, I targeted the next one on my right. As it lunged with a menacing growl, I nimbly sidestepped and delivered a decapitating strike, its head tumbling down like spoiled fruit.

“Behind you!” Lunaria alerted.

Heeding Lunaria's urgent call, I executed a swift pirouette and cut down the attacking draugr’s leg. It collapsed, and I used it as a stepping stone to engage the next enemy.

Despite the enhancing red mist, their frail bones were no match for my empowered daggers. Ideally, blunt weapons would be most effective, and while firearms were an option, I’d reserve them as a last resort.

With precision, I dispatched the remaining two with a single blow each. The ease of the encounter affirmed my newfound strength.

Upon triumphing over my recent foe, a larger shadow emerged from the encompassing fog. I identified it as a First-Order draugr by the faint energy it emitted.

“GROAR!!”

Enraged over the demise of its comrades, it lunged at me with a roar. Rapidly advancing, it aimed its decayed arms my way. If I had been ensnared, a lethal bite to my neck would follow.

Despite being twice as swift as its predecessors, its moves were amateurish and foreseeable. Sidestepping its charge, I slashed its flank. As it pivoted toward me, a well-placed kick sent it crashing into a nearby wall. It murmured in pain, offering little resistance as I finished it off by crushing its cranium.

Extracting the source crystal from its chest using my daggers, I remarked, “Is that the best they've got?”

“You and your confidence. Aren't you scared they might get the upper hand?”

“You might be onto something.” I conceded, not wanting overconfidence to be my downfall. “I ponder, why are there undead creatures in this cavern?”

It seemed plausible that miners from above accidentally discovered this realm, meeting grim fates and morphing into these blood-red draugrs. Their numbers grew, shaping this sinister enclave.

Lunaria's insights bolstered my hypothesis.

Venturing deeper, I deduced the cavern's vastness and the fog’s source: water vapor from a nearby spring. Its exact size eluded me, but I entrusted Lunaria with the task of charting it to prevent misdirection.

During my exploration, I clashed with numerous draugr packs. Typically, they roamed in trios to sextets, seldom alone. I had no interest in deciphering their grouping habits, as long as some First Order ones were among them.

Regrettably, that was seldom true. Only on three occasions, including the initial encounter, was there a First-Order mutant at the helm.

The total denizens of Aquarine didn't surpass three thousand. Consequently, genuine source wielders were an even rarer breed, perhaps numbering under a century. My recent evaluation indicated this. At the highest count, they wouldn't surpass two centuries.

Moreover, I discerned that the daggers weren’t too effective against these creatures. Their durability seemed to be waning, even when consistently infused with Pyro and Electro. Perhaps in the future, I’d consider switching to a more substantial weapon like a sword or spear. If only there were a weapon suitable for every scenario...

After battling these draugrs for roughly an hour, I leaned against the cave wall, seeking a short break.

"It seems they just keep coming. It’s tedious dealing with these lesser threats, yet if left unchecked, they'll surely pose problems."

"It might be wise to follow one side rather than wandering aimlessly,” an old tactic, but it works.

Taking Lunaria’s suggestion to heart, I moved alongside the cave wall, which led to fewer confrontations.

Eventually, I reached a vast abyss whose depth eluded my sight. The sheer sight of the gaping void made me swallow hard, a sound echoing in the silence. The memory of my fall through the sinkhole brought a slight shiver, instilling a newfound fear of such voids.

"Maybe we should explore this later... Or," I glanced at Luna-1 with a sly grin. Spending time with Tuilë had brought out a cheekier side of me.

"I see what you're thinking," Lunaria probably caught onto my plan and sighed, "Fine. Let the drone scout below."

In a short while, Luna-1 returned safely, providing details of what was beneath.

"Maxim, the chasm is approximately twenty-five meters deep. The immediate surroundings below are clear of creatures, but it’s uncertain what lies further within."

That was reassuring; at least I wouldn’t face immediate danger descending. But would it be worth the risk?

"In any case, the remnants of the old world there might be worth our time," she commented, surprising me with her revelation.

"Wait, remnants? You mean ancient ruins?" Could I possibly acquire another Lunaria model if I stumble upon a second airship?

She appeared holographically, placing her hands assertively on her waist. "You're pondering the idea of having another version of me, aren't you?"

Darn. Her intuition was always on point. However, playing ignorant seemed the best option here.

"I have no idea what you're implying. One Lunaria is more than enough for me."

"Huff. Alright, let's not dwell on this. In any case, we lack the equipment to navigate this chasm. I suggest we return at a later time when we're better prepared."

"Agreed," I responded, nodding in affirmation. "It's always best to err on the side of caution. Not to mention, deep chasms make me uneasy nowadays."

Recalling the past, I remembered when I risked descending to rescue Tuilë. A repeat of that act might land me in a dire predicament.

With those thoughts, I retraced my steps, heading back to my previous location to confront more of the crimson draugrs.

Chapter 24: The Dominion of Aquarine

As I took a moment to study my surroundings, I realized the cavern's walls were veined with pale, root-like tendrils. Here and there, ruby-red nodes pulsed within these tendrils, then darted out of sight, a sight that sent shivers down my spine.

"This cavern grows more unsettling with every step."

Between the enveloping mists, the distant moans that occasionally reverberated, and now these eerie growths, I marveled at my own courage to persist. Lunaria's presence, however, bolstered my resolve and kept my fears at bay.

"You know, this cavern is directly beneath that colossal mushroom. Although fungi lack roots, they possess ‘mycelium’, structures that help decompose organic material."

"Intriguing..."

I dedicated most of my time to pursuing more of the red-hued draugrs. Ultimately, I managed to collect eleven First-Order source crystals. However, after facing numerous undead, I felt the weight of exhaustion. It was time to ascend.

The upper levels were relatively devoid of formidable mutated beasts. Yet, I knew that going toe-to-toe with Second-Order creatures would be a gamble. My plan for the morrow? Dive deeper and potentially locate a Second-Order mutated monster.

"Ahoy, chief! Made it out in one piece? Color me impressed you endured that nightmarish abyss." An orange, Muppet-like figure greeted me at the cavern's entrance.

"Simple undead don't have what it takes to end me."

"You've got some swagger, I'll grant you that," he remarked with folded arms, making way for me. "Ever considered working in the mines?"

I declined immediately, "Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not keen on sweating it out for meager wages."

His laugh was hearty and unapologetic. "Bold words! I admire the audacity. Yorith's the name. I ensure the miners' safety while ensuring our operations run smoothly."

His introduction strangely mirrored that of a corporate HR manager, reminding me of my time interning at an everyday tech firm.

"Good to know. I'm Maxim, just a guy on the hunt for ancient treasures."

Despite his occasional rash behavior, his heart wasn't malicious. Associating with him posed no issue.

Exiting the cave, I made my way back to the workshop. I had spent nearly seven hours inside, but the day wasn't close to winding down.

Fatigue gripped my body from the extended hunting session. I earnestly hoped such exertions wouldn't become habitual. Overexertion had always been my downfall.

***

Upon entering the workshop, its emptiness struck me. Only Alfredo, the mechanical golem, and a half-assembled firearm greeted me. Tuilë likely meandered about the marketplace or busied herself with her usual activities.

My gaze settled on Alfredo. The golem stood idle, but I noted the reactor in its chest glowing. Observing closer, its broad shoulders seemed capable of easily bearing the weight of two individuals.

I recalled never having inspected Alfredo's status since it came to life. Did it have any stats?

Alfredo

[…]

Source Level: Pseudo Third OrderSource Element(s): NoneVocation(s): None

Stats:

STR: C+ (78)

AGI: D- (43)

VIT: C (73)

SRC: D+ (59)

SPR: D- (44)

Accumulation Points: 109 [C-]

[…]

Species: Mechanical golem Sex: NonexistentAge: 1 day oldHeight: 405 cm

Despite being labeled 'pseudo', its capabilities rivaled a Third-Order entity. Armed with contemporary weapons, its potential was fearsome. A band of pale crunchers would pose little challenge.

Given that Tuilë's return seemed unlikely in the near future, I retreated to my quarters for a brief respite. Later, I felt compelled to wander the town streets, savoring the rejuvenating fresh air. I could either loiter indoors, tending to my weaponry and gear, or embrace the outdoors. While the dangers surrounding me discouraged idleness, overburdening myself wasn’t the answer either.

As I wandered through the streets, I approached an unfamiliar corner, treading with heightened alertness— 

To my dismay, figures in cloaks—members of the Divine Mushroom sect—were visibly present. Although I had seen them sporadically in the past, their presence had become unusually more frequent now. 

Were they searching for me? 

Take a deep breath, Maxim… You’re not their target. Keep it cool and casual, I reassured myself, believing it was mere coincidence. 

Trying to suppress my nervousness, I walked by them. To my relief, they paid no attention to me, not even a sidelong glance. 

“You alright? You seem spooked,” Lunaria inquired, her drone peeking from a partially unzipped compartment. 

"It’s those sect members…" 

“I see.” 

Upon closer observation, they were distributing leaflets. It was intriguing to see that paper was a common commodity here… Perhaps stocking up on toilet paper wasn’t such a far-fetched idea. 

“Find tranquility within yourself. Join our path for inner peace.” 

“The Divine Mushroom shall lead you to your true essence.” 

“Seek serenity in your heart and soul.” 

It was evident that they were trying to expand their following, albeit in a somewhat unsettling manner. Hesitantly, I accepted a leaflet, hoping to avoid any unwanted confrontations. 

In my world, such actions would have drawn the attention of law enforcement due to potential false information dissemination. However, no such authority was evident here. 

This nagged at me: Who governed Aquarine? 

Lost in thought, a sudden electric shock jolted my back, snapping me back to reality. Yikes! 

“Hey, Maxxy! Daydreaming much? Finished with your quest for the source crystal?” Tuilë playfully nudged me, appearing from a side angle. 

“Why the shock?” 

“Relax, I was being gentle.” She smirked, displaying her hand, tinged with residual electricity. Oh, you...

In any case, since I was with Tuilë, a seasoned resident of the town, I decided to seek her thoughts on the matter.

Upon hearing my query, she pondered a moment and said, "Hmm, let's discuss that on our way back."

"Okay... Is this some sort of confidential intel?"

By the time we made it to the industrial zone where Tuilë's studio stood, she started to share her insights.

"To be honest, I'm in the dark too."

"What? Seriously?" I looked at her, puzzled.

She just shrugged. "The majority of Aquarine inhabitants live autonomously; there's no taxation or such. The only semblance of an authority is the Diving Mushroom Sect. They issue divine edicts periodically to maintain harmony in Aquarine or even rally the residents."

What a bizarre system.

Had someone narrated this tale in the past, I'd have laughed it off as a wild fantasy. But now, witnessing it firsthand, it was surreal. Yet, given the cultural amalgamation here, a religious sect binding different species didn't seem so far-fetched.

The important thing now was to avoid any confrontations with them— Oh no, I've already messed that up!

***

The next day was no different. I set out for the mines early. The morning zephyr was rejuvenating, brushing past me in this vast grotto that seemed to have its unique environment.

Armed with gear like grappling hooks and ropes, my journey down the pit was easier this time. My enhanced strength from being a Tier 1 came in handy.

I acknowledged Yorith, overseeing the workers, and made my way to the decline on the left. The area I had cleared out the day before was now occupied by the crimson draugrs. So, before I could progress, I had to remove them.

It was strange. While individuals turned into "pale ghouls" upon encountering the red mist, these draugrs transformed into the undead. It seemed the limited exposure to the mist in this cavern section, and the order in which they perished, contributed to their current state.

Without pausing to ponder, I swiftly took action against the blood-red draugrs. It would be unfavorable if I tired out and later found myself surrounded. The presence of three First Order among the initial four clusters meant my efforts weren’t in vain.

“Graa—!”

With one clean swipe, the final draugr lost its head. The body trailed, first collapsing at the knees and then crumpling entirely.

“That was the final one.” I exhaled, leaning against the cave's surface, fatigue evident.

“Your efficiency in clearing the path is commendable,” Luna-1 commented, its flashlight beaming while channeling Lunaria's voice. “From the behavior exhibited by these blood-red draugrs, I’ve deduced they're under some control.”

“They’re what?! Could there be a leader orchestrating them?”

“Possibly. Yet, their commander seems incapable of issuing complex commands and operates mainly on instinct. Not very different from the typical brainless draugr. As long as you aren't deliberately searching, there’s minimal threat.”

“Relieved to hear that.” Still, I knew I must stay alert.

After recuperating, my path led me towards the cave's endpoint where a pit awaited. I set to gear up for the descent, removing my backpack to access the required equipment.

I secured the climbing rope, which had a grappling hook affixed, to a nearby stalactite. Then, I carefully released the opposite end into the pit.

Having confirmed the surroundings were safe with Lunaria, I checked the rope's sturdiness before initiating my descent. The unfathomable depths of the pit, its base obscured, caused my palms to dampen...

“Hesitation won't serve any purpose. Unfounded concerns will only hold me back.” I murmured, more to myself.

Despite potential unforeseen threats ahead, I had strategies in place. If things went awry, I could retreat since the path was now devoid of the blood-red draugrs or rely on my ace up the sleeve.

With such thoughts, my descent began.