KiAera still had a pit in her stomach at the thought of the [Monster Domain]’s maintenance costs, but she couldn't argue with the results they'd seen so far. Though her stomach knotted the moment she pondered having her companions hasten their foraging of crystals.
The viable crystals in the vicinity of their base remained scarce. That meant expeditions further into the UvoSathian forest, meaning an ample risk. Moreover, the past harvests of 500 crystals caused a decrease in crystals spawning in the area near their base camp.
She shot GamaGen a look, the book flicking a quick eye in her direction. "Our work may not bear fruit instantly. We will achieve nothing by hastening things."
GamaGen blinked, a flicker of guilt on his cover before his tone went neutral once again. ⎾'I'm simply saying, should a dire occasion rise that will be addressed with full force. But alas, as long as the proper equipment and guidance are provided, a dedicated group can plentifully sift crystals if given the chance, and eventually they will notice the pickings thinning. For instance, 2-3 weeks were sufficient for us to harvest 500 crystals prior to their despawning in this region. But with the next yield, one cycle may only equal 136.'⏌
KiAera frowned at this honest prediction but held her tongue. She took a breath, steadying herself before nodding. "Fine. Just please, let us not rush things. It's not like we have unlimited resources to work with here, and we can't afford to make mistakes."
GamaGen hovered, silent, then sighed. ⎾'Understood. I apologize for my enthusiasm, Miss KiAera. It has been quite some time since I've had a student, so I'm afraid I'm a bit rusty in my teaching methods.''⏌
The old book surveyed the facility. Its gaze seemed to linger on every bit and nook of the chamber. ⎾'This place brings back memories of when I used to train others much like you. To think such a place still exists after all these years...'⏌
KiAera's ears perked up at that, interest piqued. "You trained others here?"
GamaGen nodded. ⎾'Indeed. This was a place where the elite monsters of my forces gathered to hone their skills.'⏌
KiAera paused, absorbing this information. ⎾'And now you've downgraded to the tutelage of Fledglings such as I.'⏌
The book turned his head. ⎾'Ah, is that so? I do not consider this a downgrade. The current status quo is a mere change in circumstance. The quality of one's student has nothing to do with it.'⏌
Her lips twitched upward in amusement. "I see. You're a good teacher, GamaGen."
GamaGen shook his head. ⎾'Yet I failed with him... But I will not fail with you.'⏌
"Him...?" she trailed off, waiting for an elaboration that didn't come.
GamaGen floated past her, his pages fluttering. ⎾'It's best not to dwell on the past. Now then, your subordinates are in need of rest and recuperation, don't you agree?'⏌
KiAera glanced over at the Kobolbos. Their movements were beginning to slow, and their breathing was labored. She nodded. "You're right. They've been pushing themselves hard, and they deserve a break."
⎾'Do not forget yourself, Miss KiAera. You have been working tirelessly as well, and I daresay, you have been neglecting your own needs in the process.'⏌
KiAera waved him off. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine. I can keep going for a while longer."
GamaGen shook his head. ⎾'I'm afraid I must insist, Miss KiAera. You may not feel it now, but if you push yourself too hard, you could end up injuring yourself. And then where would we be?'⏌
She sighed, knowing he was right. A surprised shriek escaped her lips as Amber plucked her from the floor with her beak and tossed her on her back. The LeapLeap began to waddle off toward the exit of the training grounds. KiAera's eyes widened as she realized that the other monsters had already stopped their training and were following suit behind the LeapLeap. She frowned before a smile forced itself on her lips.
"Wait. What are you all doing?"
Scarbol stepped forth, "You're going to get some rest and food."
Julgi chimed in, "Yeah. We're taking care of it."
Tailza stammered, "Yes. It's, um, our turn."
KiAera smiled at the Kobolbos, grateful for their concern. She patted Amber's head as the LeapLeap carried her out of the chamber and back to the surface.
As they emerged into the cool night air, KiAera breathed deeply, savoring the scent of the forest. It felt good to be out of the stuffy training facility and back under the open sky. She glimpsed the silhouette of Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar beneath the luminance of the moon, shading them as a dragon.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Power List! Current Power List [7th Cycle]:
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [KiAera's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 2183 Units > 2200 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Big Osseod's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 448 Units > 488 Units!
[40] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Osseod's β Status]
Accumulated Particles: 120 Units > 130 Units!
[10] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Osseod's π Status]
Accumulated Particles: 149 Units > 159 Units!
[10] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Osseod δ Status]
Accumulated Particles: 151 Units > 161 Units!
[10] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Amber the LeapLeap's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 180 Units > 190 Units!
[10] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Scarbol the Kobolbo's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 185 Units > 195 Units!
[10] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Plelepun's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 648 Units > 812 Units!
[60] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 1994 Units > 2500 Units!
[190] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
★ [🌱KiAera's Stash]
Light-Blue Crystals: 901 (Harvested)
Previous Cycle's Leftovers: 415 (from 6th Cycle)
••••••
Blue Crystals: 3 (Harvested)
Previous Cycle's Leftovers: 0 (from 6th Cycle)
••••••
Post Consumption [Blue Crystals]: 3 (Total) > 3 (Leftover)
Post Consumption [Light-B Crystals]: 901 (Total) > 459 (Leftover)
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Zeldritzon [Cycle 8] - Morning
Current Location:
[Crystal Shelter; Glades of the UvoSath Forest of the UvoSath Realm]
The next morning, KiAera's ears thrusted forth at phantom targets while her subordinates were keened in combat against one another. Every Kobolbo practiced with wooden weapons she constructed for them, every one of them accustoming themselves with the earthling weapons. She gave her best to observe, but her mind wandered as she reflected on the past.
With a breath, her sigil shone, and she devolved from her {Emergent} state to her {Fledgling} state, becoming a Merecritt once again.
She considered herself fortunate to have GamaGen by her side. His knowledge and wisdom had proven invaluable, and his guidance had helped her grow stronger in her abilities. Yet, KiAera's mind continued to wonder about GamaGen's past. Who was this 'him' that the book spoke of? What had happened to them, and why did GamaGen seem so distraught whenever he mentioned it? Her mind processed, flicking to the different entities she'd encountered. Those who had significant power.
She failed to question him about Constellai, the Enforcer who tried to erase her. Him? But there was the blonde, silver fox boy in a tuxedo. But that guy appeared too young. Then again, appearances were deceiving here...
KiAera shook her head, trying to push those thoughts aside. There would be time later to ask GamaGen more about his past. For now, she needed to focus on training her companions and growing stronger so that she could protect them.
Her head swiveled to where the Plelepun sparred with Big Osseod. "Hey, you two." She then turned to where Scarbol fought, "and Scarbol, supervise everyone. I am heading further into the facility to discuss something with GamaGen. I'll be back in a few."
She could hear them chirp, squeak, and grunt in response, and she made her way toward a passage in the facility. As she walked, she contemplated the possibility of bringing the others along to train deeper within. It would be good for them to learn how to fight in different environments, and the challenges they might face would help prepare them for anything they might encounter in the future.
When making it to the fuel chamber of the monster domain, her gaze swept the relic of a room, crumbled and cracked, in search of GamaGen. Her sight fell on a massive crystal lodged into the wall, its surface cracked and chipped. The crystal seemed to be what powered the facility, but she did not comprehend how it worked.
⎾'If you like, Miss KiAera, I can teach you how to operate the panels.'⏌
KiAera's ears swiveled in the direction of the voice. She turned to see GamaGen hovering toward her. "I would like that. This place is an asset that we can't afford to lose, so it would be wise to know how to maintain it properly."
GamaGen hovered closer, his pages fluttering as if in thought. ⎾'Indeed. Let me show you.'⏌
KiAera followed GamaGen as he floated toward a nearby control panel. He hovered over it, and a small spark of magic danced from the tip of his pages to the panel, causing the surface to light up. She watched with interest as GamaGen demonstrated how to use the controls, explaining each function and what it was used for.
The dome above danced with the backdrop of stars as KiAera flicked her gaze between the panel, the crystal, and the dome. It reminded her of her time operating the control panels at the space station. It also reminded her…of crimson. Her last moments on Earth.
Ms. Rabbit… KiAera heard that brief whisper. Why did that voice sound familiar? Yeah, that had been old life’s nickname, or a piece of it, The Blue-Winged Rabbit, a name she believed brought hope to humankind. Now? She glimpsed her paws, she remained this. She clenched them, her ears drooping.
Besides those dreadful thoughts, she felt a swell of pride at the fact that GamaGen trusted her enough to show her how the facility worked. "Thank you, GamaGen," KiAera murmured.
GamaGen floated by her side, his pages rustling softly. ⎾'It is my pleasure, Miss KiAera. I am honored to share my knowledge with you. However, there is one more thing we must discuss.'⏌
KiAera looked up at him expectantly. ⎾'Miss KiAera, once this task of yours is completed, what are your future plans?'⏌
She hesitated, frowning. She had not given much thought to the question, so focused on the present. GamaGen continued, ⎾'You are a rather fascinating creature. Your tenacity, your resolve, your kindness—it's inspiring. Your companions are lucky to have you, and they will continue to grow as long as they are by your side.'⏌
He paused, his pages rippling in the air before settling once more. ⎾'You have a destiny far greater than this, Miss KiAera. One that takes you far from here. And when the time comes, you may find yourself walking a difficult path. I simply wanted to remind you that there are those who care about you, and who will stand by you, no matter what.'⏌
KiAera let a weak smile form on face. "You're... you're making me uneasy with that kind of talk, GamaGen. I'm not sure if I deserve such high praise. But... thank you for your words." She took a deep breath, pushing aside her doubts. "You're right—there is a greater purpose for me in this world. A destiny beyond these woods and the creatures who roam them. And I will do my best to fulfill it. But I will never forget those who have supported me along the way."
KiAera turned and looked up at the massive crystal lodged into the centermost portion of the floor. Her gaze trailed down its fractured length before stopping at a smaller crystal nestled within its core. A pristine, perfectly rounded orb hovering in the air.
"What is that?"
GamaGen floated toward the crystal, his pages fluttering with interest. ⎾'This crystal contains the essence of the being who once inhabited this place. Their power still resides here, dormant but ever-present. This is what sustains the facility, giving it its life. Lairica...'⏌
KiAera's eyes widened as she stepped closer, mesmerized by the crystal's beauty. Its surface shone with a soft, pulsating light, and she could feel a strange energy emanating from it.
GamaGen's voice echoed throughout the chamber, his words carrying a reverence that KiAera had never heard from him before. ⎾'They are an ancient existence, one of the few creatures that have existed since the dawn of Zeldritzon's creation. They are bound to this place, trapped within this crystal, their powers used to sustain this domain.'⏌
KiAera reached out a paw to touch the crystal but stopped just short of making contact. The power that emanated from it was intoxicating, and she could feel her own energy responding in kind.
You're a fascinating critter... human.
KiAera's ears perked up as she heard the faint whisper. She turned to GamaGen, but the book was silent. She stared back at the crystal, its glow casting a soft halo around itself. It dimmed.
She gazed at it, awestruck. "Are you... talking to me?"
The crystal's glow intensified, pulsating with each word spoken. No, no. I am not. You're imagining things.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she listened to the strange voice. It sounded like a whisper, but she could hear it as clearly as if it were coming from inside her mind.
KiAera continued to stare at the crystal. "Who are you? And why are you trapped inside this place?"
The crystal's glow flickered. I am nothing. A mere shadow of my former self, a husk of who I once was. Another like me has begun to stir. But enough. I'd like to sleep once more. I had an eternity of slumber until that old crow became bothersome again.
GamaGen's voice cut through the air, tinged with a hint of irritation. ⎾'You've always been so dramatic, Lairica. Do you think it was easy for me to find this place after all these years?'⏌
Whatever. The crystal's light dimmed once more, and KiAera felt the energy emanating from it fade. She glanced over at GamaGen, who seemed to be seething in frustration. His emblem flicked red a few many times. KiAera stifled a laugh, she'd never seen the book so flustered.
"Well, I'm glad you found it," KiAera said. "And I'm sorry for waking you up."
The crystal pulsed with a faint glow, the voice whispering once more. Don't worry, little one. Your presence was a welcome change of pace. And though I may not show it, your curiosity humors me.
GamaGen let out a huff, his pages rustling with exasperation. ⎾'Miss KiAera, it would be best for you to return to the surface now. Lairica may seem agreeable, but they are a being of immense power—one that should not be trifled with—'⏌
And there you go yapping your wizened mouth again. I'm going to sleep, as I have been for an eon, or more.
KiAera blinked as she watched the crystal fade to darkness once more. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had felt such power before, and the experience left her feeling both exhilarated and exhausted. Her gaze fell on GamaGen. "You two have a lovely relationship."
GamaGen's pages fluttered in exasperation. ⎾'I suppose it could be worse.'⏌
"How did you find this place, anyway?" KiAera asked.
⎾'Find is a strong word. I knew about the existence of this place, and I managed to track down its location after some time. But finding it was only half the battle. Getting Lairica to let me in took a considerable amount of convincing.'⏌
KiAera tilted her head. "Why? I thought you were a powerful sorcerer."
⎾'Powerful? I suppose you could say that. But even I am no match for Lairica's sheer might. That's why they agreed to let me stay here, to train and learn from their knowledge.'⏌
KiAera's eyes widened. "Wait. You trained under Lairica? That's incredible."
⎾'With. I trained WITH Lairica. They were quite adamant that I not become another prisoner in this place.'⏌
KiAera frowned, sensing an underlying sadness in his words. She wondered what had happened to him during his time here, but she decided not to pry. But she gave this inquiry a chance. "Constellai, that constellation monster. He mentioned being your subordinate. A Zeldritzonian Enforcer of the Rules of Existence."
GamaGen's pages rippled in the air, and KiAera could feel a tension in the room. The old book floated closer to her, his voice taking on a serious tone. ⎾'Constellai went too far in his attempt to eradicate you, Miss KiAera. But it is true, I was once the Supreme Chancellor of the Enforcers, the leader of those who uphold the Rules of Existence. And Constellai was my marshal.'⏌
"Marshal?"
⎾'My left-hand man, so to speak. He was my second most trusted and loyal subordinate.'⏌
KiAera stared at GamaGen, her mind racing as she processed this information. "So, Constellai worked directly under you?"
GamaGen nodded. ⎾'That is correct. Though we've fallen out of touch over the years, I never would have expected him to try and kill you. Especially without a trial.'⏌
KiAera's ears twitched as she pondered this. It seemed that there was more to this situation than she first realized, and she made a mental note to ask GamaGen about it later. "And for Vaida...that fox boy...?"
She felt the energy in the room shift as GamaGen let out a sigh, his pages fluttering in the air. ⎾'There is much you don't know about this world, Miss KiAera. There are forces at play beyond your comprehension—powerful beings who have lived since the dawn of Zeldritzon's creation.'⏌
He paused, his gaze drifting toward the crystal that housed Lairica. ⎾'But even those creatures can be bested, if one is clever enough. Or powerful enough.'⏌
KiAera watched as GamaGen floated over to the crystal, his pages fluttering softly as he hovered near the surface. She couldn't help but notice a hint of sadness in his voice as he spoke.
"And Vaida is one such being?"
GamaGen nodded. ⎾'No. The child is unique, indeed. And yet...'⏌
KiAera stepped closer to the book, curious to know more about the mysterious fox boy. "And yet what?"
GamaGen turned to her, his emblem flashing. ⎾'It's nothing.'⏌
KiAera frowned, sensing the book was keeping something from her. She decided to let it go, for now, knowing that GamaGen would tell her more when he was ready.