WALLACE GARRET
I strolled along the well-trodden wooden pathways of Everwood, a place where my first encounter with the First Herald had unfolded. The vibrant and animated ambiance served to uplift my spirits as Kabir guided me through the intricate network of paths towards a secluded establishment.
Having concluded the meeting and delegated the war preparations to Gary, I followed Kabir Khurana’s counsel, which led us to an artisan skilled in harnessing the remnants left behind by the departed Keeper of Time.
With a faint creak, the door swung open, revealing a diminutive dweller with silvered hair and pale temples engrossed in his work at a workbench. This scene contrasted starkly with the traditional blacksmith’s forge. Instead, it resembled a scientific laboratory, replete with a plethora of colours, vapours, and fragrances intermingling in the air.
"Greetings, First Herald," the elderly craftsman addressed without diverting his attention from his task.
Kabir approached him, offering a reassuring pat on the shoulder, prompting the craftsman to shift his gaze and acknowledge both of us.
"This is the individual responsible for crafting my armaments and armour, utilising the essence extracted from the three Voidshades that fell by my hand. He possesses the expertise you require," Kabir explained.
The craftsman took a moment to assess me before speaking in a hushed tone, "I detect an otherworldly aura from you. It appears that a Voidkeeper has met their demise."
I responded with a well-practiced expression of surprise.
The craftsman stood and declared, "Let us proceed with our deliberations."
**
Upon bidding a farewell to the esteemed artisan, Kabir guided me to the zenith of the majestic tree, where only the night sky stretched forth, a silent audience to our presence. No one shared this space with us; it was solely ours.
"In order to rival the might of a Voidkeeper, the artifact forged from Zlamaos’ essence would undoubtedly bolster your strength. However, remember, it is an artifact. The pivotal factor is you, Wallace. You must acclimatise yourself to the newfound blessing that has been unlocked within you and unravel its secrets. I have a proposition that could benefit us both," he proposed.
His words conveyed his intention clearly to me.
"So, you’re suggesting that over these coming three months, we engage in combat, honing our abilities through our exchanges. It’s an astute suggestion. Learning while sparring with the most powerful human would indeed be a privilege," I responded.
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My words held truth. Though Kabir’s strength might not equal that of a Voidkeeper, he was undeniably close to their level. Training alongside him would undoubtedly offer me insight and firsthand experience in preparation for the impending war.
Perhaps, within these sessions, I could uncover a clue to unlock the third phase of space weaving. Mastering the utilisation of Nelchael’s eyes was also imperative, as they stood as my most potent weapon.
"Finding a location capable of withstanding our clashes is vital," Kabir mused.
"I have the perfect setting in mind," I disclosed.
"Are you referring to the ‘Edge of Limbo’? But how can I access that place, considering my confinement within Limbo?" he inquired with a hint of curiosity.
"Do not overlook the fact that the ‘Edge of Limbo’ constitutes a portion of Limbo itself. You merely require a means of entry. Nevertheless, there’s a complication," I hastened to explain.
"A complication… I surmise you’re alluding to my innate influence over Sol, which would naturally resist external manipulation," he deduced.
His inference was accurate. This was a principle applicable to individuals of Voidshade or Voidkeeper caliber. Their control over time engendered a subconscious barrier against unfamiliar forces, like time manipulation or attacks within Zen moments. It resembled a contest between their inherent manipulation and the foreign power's resistance.
Consequently, I couldn’t directly teleport Kabir using my abilities unless he subdued his influence and suppressed his aura.
"I request that you momentarily temper your sol influence," I stated matter-of-factly.
Simultaneously, I triggered Nelchael’s Eyes, and the sea of sol enveloped me. The intricate energy of Sol rippled around Kabir as he complied with my request.
"Agreed," he assented, and I perceived the ripples of sol around him fading into the background, becoming an inconspicuous ripple.
In that moment,we vanished, leaving the mystical canopy bereft of our presence.
The sight that met our eyes was none other than the edge of compound 001. Kabir’s gaze held a tinge of curiosity as he swept his vision across the sprawling terrain, captivated by the mystical and otherworldly ambiance. The crystal-like, obsidian-hued grass combined with the cosmic expanse above bestowed an ethereal quality upon this place.
In an instant, a figure materialised from thin air, extending a welcoming greeting to us. He stood as the caretaker of this realm, an elderly man whose visage bore resemblance to Nebeus and the other caretakers. He had previously alerted me about the severed connection with the caretakers of compounds 004 and 007.
"Greetings, Kabir and Wallace," he addressed us in a voice seasoned with age, his pale blue eyes seemingly containing an inexhaustible well of knowledge as they appraised us.
"Can I assume you are the caretaker?" Kabir inquired.
"Indeed. I am privy to your entire history, Herald. The prospect of meeting you face-to-face had appeared unlikely to me, given my confinement to this locale," he responded.
Kabir acknowledged his statement with a nod. "We’ve chosen this place for our training. In three months, we’re going to war," he declared.
Our prior discussion on Earth remained beyond the caretakers’ ken, as their oversight was limited solely to Limbos.
"My foresight encompassed this development. I will extend whatever assistance I can to both of you. The time has come to bring this to an end. Feel free to utilise this space as you see fit. Worry not about the fragment; I shall promptly notify you if I detect any threats," he assured.
His words ushered in a sensation of relief within me.
"The flow of time is twice as measured in this domain, affording us six months. Let us commence," I announced, readying ourselves to engage in combat.