COI C190
The news spread to the entire region. Kinteinnou region had cheered for Isekai City to survive an old conflict from two former factions. The Hero Faction and the Demon Faction, after many years due to the stagnant time when they sealed each other from using their ultimate armies. The Heroes Faction used to have Enders to be part of the alliance. They soon become independent after the great scandal about all the heroes have fallen. Creating a void of command leaving them to abandon the city states and made their own.
Then the demons’ army invaded at the south and sealed away due to last efforts of the Hero Faction. Time went on until the stalemates reach them. The next invasion was attacking at the north. It stops at the east and northeast side of the region as their efforts dwindling over the years. The demon faction has lost their invasion at the south. It was thanks to the Enders Bridge to guard the southern region. So far, trophies of ships ashore near the bridge as the foundation piling up down to the deep. As the Fall era’s shadows fade away leaving only the remnants of their rivalries.
In Enders Bridge, the fourth moon cycle divided the bridge in half just like the third moon cycle after both moons split apart from their alignment. Rune Isles cherished the time of the Alga’s light and consumed the isles with numerous underwater creatures surfacing to the dead crusts. It persists greatly until the fourth moon cycle as the monsters are migrating to the west to follow the dark green moonlight. The problems here in this city is that the creatures coming to the surface had the same behavior.
An old ancient magic, not so, still occurring with the relentless never-ending cycle of life putting dread to the world and mindless slaughter. Many years of these Enders are trying to find the source from these abominations and finally expand their civilization. Another storm of sea beasts sprung up in Rune Isles. Deluded with runes from the isles marked and branded by magic coming from the machines. The creatures are already idling at the bridge with their satisfied mouths waiting for their hunger to struck.
Lord Lori’es is calling out the Enders for this usual critical time. This time of the cycle where the creatures are nourished, remained insane, and under the control of the Rune Isles’ secrets. It is the usual pattern, endless horde crazily attacking the bridge out of starvation. Yet, somehow can’t reach the Kinteinnou region itself when left their rune cursed isles. The same like any other time, but this moon cycle is their most fruitful cycle. The term fruitful can be bad for the Enders, and because fruitful meant for the overproduce of boundless foods.
Kinteinnou region’s fruitful time is in the first moon cycle. It wasn’t because of Alga’s light gaze on the region but in the sea. That’s the sign of fruitfulness to them. Originally, only the third moon cycle neutralized them all. Where both life and death put into the balance . . . Later Tabitha closed the book after randomly reading alone. Myrrkei, notices her worries along with Juela spending time in the archives as well. Tabitha was not expecting the conversation she had before. She was relief that her city survived somehow, but she didn’t survive the stories been told by the others.
Yui still brags but antagonizes Sanquin, Kiege has her own story when travelling to Isekai City, and Juela did her stories before they reached inside the undergrown. But for Tabitha, it was almost the perfect experience and mishaps reports regarding to the last moment of her revelation. It was her reflection, but it seems like her guild thought it more than just her own personal adventure. She was involved with the two rumored rivals. Dexter Guild and Not Worthy Guild are participating in Fuku City.
Back to her story, she can’t stop thinking about it. Juela sneaks in to her side and whispered. “I guess our new guild member feel embarrassed about the real story”
“Wouldn’t I supposed to know that they are the one who will unleash the Jigeram runes!”
“And what logic that I, a woman with powerful sash scrolls have unbelievable rune magic, can call out the dwarves’ almighty legends. That message was supposed to show respects to the Ender dwarves”
“Ah! Even Miyusuki thought you are stronger than Sanquin and Yui combined”
“I told you before, that I don’t know how to train people with magic items or physical skills. You know I rely on magic”
“Yui even looks at you as rival at first. But it was all a misconception. Now I have to read random trivia about mana and other topics to hide my dumb girl fame”
Myrrkei listens and only spoke to himself “Reading is to hide your shame. This woman had the right ways to keep out her humiliation. I have no idea a mistake like that made her like this. It’s even better than guilt when she let three of our guildmembers out”
The quarrel continues, mostly Juela teases her. “A call out message in a size of small piece of paper really is a magnitude of my greatness giggle*”
“Oh, don’t try to bring it up again. I hope this will blows and let me continue my life and . . .”
Tabitha stops herself. she forgot the plan she needed to learn before returned back to her home world. The time of taken a break after the convention and worrying about her city being sieged. Her research was stalled and only thing left she could do is . . .
Myrrkei sees her starts to realize. The moment of her mind starts working, he then gives her an update while she was gone. “My, my, my. Are you finally get your promise with the elf?”
“That’s right, I was too caught up being embarrassed and forgot about him. If what he told me that he had the remnants of the people who are from the same world as I am. It will help me not to waste time using magic and use what technology it can do back in my home world”
Juela stops teasing her and gives her a hand. Tabitha didn’t stop their quarrel. She gives a mean look at her and said “Whatever happens to me inside the sphere and they mention about my misunderstanding. I won’t let you give a single night of peace at our usual drinking night. I will teach you from my city’s greatest bitchy tongue twister you will ever learn from a toxic woman”
Juela replicates the pose that usually did in the convention. A heart and auras of heart coming out. The magic she used with illusions where small angels flying around her showing more gaze of its cuteness. Tabitha was struck, yet embarrassed. She left the archive leaving Juela a win.
Tabitha recaps the reactions they did about the training with the shield student. The actuality that it was a secret collaboration with the dwarves. Others didn’t agree with their leader not to help the citizens. The Ender dwarves were good separate people to deliver the Jigeram runes to them. It was truly unrelatable to the message of Juela. The message though is truly personal and wasn’t involved with the Jigeram runes test. The great misunderstanding is that they thought that she knew about it and added little mischief for the trainee.
That guess was meant for the Dexter Guild. For the Dexter Guild, who also manage the sphere of the golden world where the two moons balanced each other out. The confused was there and thought the Dexter Guild was part in it. Tabitha had connection with them now. Still, everyone got what they wanted. Keeping the Isekai alive is a trustful reminder that they believe they are going to leave this world. Tabitha was in the middle of the cause and effects, the delusion of the build up because of one magic scroll that signals the dwarves.
The timing though is luck, and left her into an embarrassing state when she said it to the others. There are a few people who are explaining to her about it. Thanks to them, she is able to realize and understand much about the ranges of magic. One of the people she thinks about confronts her as she climbs down the stairs from the Archives. The elder lady greets her with a worried face.
“Your partner is still in bed”
Tabitha frowns, and there’s more as the elder lady give more troubling news. “Also, someone is willing to replace him as your guardian”
“No! I think I could handle myself. I’ve been training and with my new equipment given by Yui. I should be ready as an Enders”
“Ah yes, Oue’jhnr’s effort to bring it to Haw. I say much of him that he was provided the service because of her favor. Sorry, I always forget myself when you mention so much about your resolve. This is not someone who you can’t refuse. Someone is offering authoritatively than requesting to our guild master Naim. Uhm, it would be better you should visit your partner”
The elder lady left and a message flying around Tabitha had already opened and said ‘Greetings, I have heard that you did your personal journey back to your home city. Also, you brought back the rest of our guildmembers safely. Except for one. You and I need a talk and this a personal matter especially what you did to my son’
Tabitha had met them before. She did saw Archivist’s father carrying him back to the guild tower. He was very fortunate to see his son safe, yet Tabitha felt guilty about it, that he was able to fight without her supporting him with more of her magic cards.
As Tabitha steps into the infirmary, she founds out that parent who is angry is Archivist’s mother. His mother is more against him going out to Isekai City because of the restriction. The restrictive measures put him in disadvantage even Yui did her best find a way to get his strength back. It wasn’t enough when fighting against the demon follower. It took her by surprised and the consequence is now lying on the bed, resting. Although it was a success and everyone survived. But it seems like his mother didn’t take it well. She despises the restriction, making their own people weak without given much effort to help Isekai City effectively.
“You heard the news, right? Your city is safe. Thanks to the Jigeram runes”
Tabitha can’t give a straight face as she is still annoyed of the misunderstanding. Archivist’s mother sighs “I am still in awe that this serious matter kept you blinded by your shame. However, I am still can’t believe that you have been through a lot and my son giving his expertise. Even my own husband, he is helping you to provide the mysteries of the old past. I can’t deny since he was involved something historical while I find my own about you”
Archivist’s mother appeared in robes with traditional long cloth but dyed in dark colors like any Enders blending into the dark environment of Rune Isles. Her breathing lights up her robe and revealed the red garden like colors in its design. Fascinated by her long robes and magic item controls around her. She remained seated then bends around her and Tabitha magically takes a seat by moving the chair then moved Tabitha closer. She did it by the use of her foot.
“Tabitha, I learned that you wanted to master your home world’s law of nature. My husband found rather interesting texts for you, but my son is still in bed letting the demonic curse bruised his body . . .”
Tabitha interrupts her “Sorry, it was my fault he was in that mess. But I would love to do it on my own. I don’t think I can repay everything from your family’s support. Please let me do what I can do . . .”
Her mouth was shut. Archivist’s mouther uses runes from the bandages inside the infirmary, sealing Tabitha’s lips. This is what the elder lady talks about, Archivist’s mother never requested it and did it out of her own selfish acts.
“Let me finished” Archivist’s mother is puppeteering Tabitha’s head, forcing her to nod as she can’t control her body because of the runes. She never asked Archivist about his parents, but the other guildmembers did mention about his mother. Treat her like a sergeant or any strict and getting her way attitude. This makes her tremble, but Archivist’s mother soothe her internally as her abilities are surging through her. As the bind inside of her is invaded, the interference occurs.
Archivist’s conscience spoke out to his mother and to Tabitha. “My mother wants to know about you. Which is your world technology. She may look traditional, but she has her eyes on you because of the connection with the Dexter Guild. She is one of the prosecutors against them. Please mother, have a softer heart. Their world is more peaceful than you think”
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The bind cuts off as Archivist mother laughs “That won’t work on me as your partner coming back to her city to save her community. Peaceful because they are weak and dangerous when they are strong”
Tabitha agrees with her, but the way she wants to help is hurting her. Thankfully, that was enough that his mother calms down and removed her bending from the environment. Tabitha finally speaks out.
“I don’t know why you are being forceful with me. But you are not wrong as everyone in my city can be harsh”
“. . .”
“So, I was wondering why you are interested about my plans?”
His mother wipes her head and bends the air to flow her hair back to her head. Smoothly and strengthen with magic. “I have a lot in my mind. And I have own grief about the weak. Sigh* My son is right. I got conflicted, either side . . .”
Tabitha listens to her motives. She felt a deep bond of how mix she is as her mind concentrating in both sides. As a mother, a disciplinary, and prosecutor in one single moment. She worries her son, she hates weakness as her son is going through the dangers but the city enforced his disadvantages, and lastly, Tabitha involved was the rumors about Dexter Guild involvement. Her deed had great consequence against the Dexter Guild. She still wants to know what Tabitha is up to. There is no telling how the Dexter guild’s intellectual theft practices where Tabitha’s city shows a modern vibe.
Tabitha did try to talk her out. It didn’t work as complex investigation and probability spoke into her and Tabitha had nothing to do with it. Then there is another trustful face coming to her aid. The spokesman comes in and sensing the dread of Archivist’s mother.
“Spokesman!” Tabitha says it with joy. Archivist’s mother felt insulted to hear the girl shows no interest what she wanted from her. Spokesman waves his hands swipes away the bending she casts around the infirmary.
“Elrond is calling for her” Tabitha smiles with glee as he is trying to rescue her.
“You don’t know that”
“True . . .” Tabitha feels betrayed
“Neither will you trying to figure out the suspicion between her and the Dexter Guild” Tabitha was shocked.
“Sigh* I guess I’ve been conflicted again. Excuse me, I think you people should leave this room for now”
She bends her magic and pushed everyone inside the infirmary, including the guild member who works. The look of the staff’s face is unfazed of how he was treated and kick out along with the two. Spokesman nudges at Tabitha
“I bet your parents would done the same when you’re brought home injured”
“What!? There is no way a woman like her acting all high mighty because of her own son who is willing to help me. He is not a kid anymore”
“I understand that part, but for her she doesn’t do much with her emotions. You can even tell how Archivist looks, laugh*”
Archivist has always covered his face, and more people like him are mostly women in Enders Bridge. Then she realizes something, his parents didn’t have something to hide their faces. Then asks
“Why Archivist’s hide his face again?”
“Have you forgotten that he has special abilities with his face. I don’t know much about Circoston culture. I am sure that strong warriors always hid their faces. Compared to the others for cosmetics, your partner has an exception”
Tabitha kept forgotten about his face always never been seen. There were a lot of reasons and guesses. The man with them checks the door then pushes him back as he tries to get in. Tabitha randomly asks him
“How about you? Do you know anything about Archivist’s face?”
“I checked him before. The silhouette coming from his breath. He is really committed to hide his face. If he was our enemy. I’m probably be gone when I take on him”
Archivist’s mother removed the blankness from her son’s hood and reveals his face. Clean and smooth and no demonic magic corrupted on it. Where she sees his own mind forming a technique passively. The proud expression in her eyes. That her son is gifted with vast knowledge of skills he can perform. Only through his mind, but didn’t pass down through his body. It is a sigh of his lack of physique needed to fend off the neutral mana’s scourge. Archivist’s body is vulnerable because his premature passive technique.
In regards facing citizens, it is still the same effects as the others are using neutral mana on him. Better yet, never try to test death. To make it clear as she remembers it. He can’t fight against them for the killing blow. He can’t kill them with his strength nor can she herself, and they can easily break him if they can hit him. So far, his training is good and have all the skills needed to fight against them. However, there is one exception. His passive technique is strong with the right combination, even his mother is looking at him feeling the presence of his abilities.
One touch of his aura that she can easily shifted away. The vulnerability is now exposed to her. One of the strongest techniques is in passive. Then she covers her son’s face. Later she uses the same passive technique as her son. Mature and masterfully, combined with her skills. Not only exposed by flesh, but the objects around them. The absolute form of neutral mana within her reach. The neutral mana under her own will, the mastery into culture. She kept it hidden too as the legend tells a candidacy of the ascended. The daemos’ despised mortals because of that, just like Sanquin.
Tabitha goes into the sphere. Elrond keeps watch the fight between the Enders and the citizens. The tolerance to let the Ender dwarves give the Jigeram runes had shown no changes, or was it limited to what he can understand. So far, the Enders are secretly sending their hatred on them. The cursed descendants who chose to stay are acting more and more about convince them to leave the Horsin world. While the citizens truly agreed, they need help with the blockade in the Foundation. This divide will lead to more trouble for Isekai City.
The past had written to them. All humanesques, Rusics, Gobins, and Eledesunes are the surviving races that brought the world into the apocalypse. Many other beings fell into extinction and the fight never ceased because of the undying leaders. The Enders bear the marked of their own freedom made them realized the hopelessness of not giving a chance to leave this world permanently. Forcing to fix this world that they can’t control when the daemos are the perfect undying race. Sealing them is their death, but many were able to escape from it. The endless cycles continue.
Tabitha finally meets with him and said “Hey! Elrond. I came back from my reflection. Do you still remember we have agreed?”
“I didn’t forget . . . rather, I brought you the equipment made by your predecessors. Take a look”
Tabitha sees the schematics, designs, and books regarding to most other engineering, medicine, and other topics she can also find in the internet. This one she sees is an alternative improvement. This version, a sea powered powerplant.
Honestly, she is not a college student. She graduated in Highschool and find her way to study for becoming a public servant. As she did it successful, now she is getting the plans so that she could make a profit out of it. It wasn’t that easy when Elrond offered it to her and more. Neither of her wanting to live that way, as the opportunity is lost because she is in another world. She wants to go back home. She has her reasons and purpose. Her only ticket for a comeback is to gain whatever she can to make her successful and earn a living with it. It might be more, if she could get some help as an Enders.
There are some audios and testing from the people who made it. Tabitha plays it. The conversation they spoke out is barely English. Elrond explains to her.
“This is few generations have passed. The English dialogue they have before was being diminished with other worlds. Can you understand the hybrid tongue?”
“No, not even my translator could work”
“Then let me translate it for you”
During the audio, Elrond carefully trying to speak out the words between communication and the names the tried to describe as. It is difficult for him to get it right, but eventually, he was able to get it through.
“. . . In this project, we have found out these natural resources have the same integrity and identity from much any other world. Because of many different worlds with alternative exteriors and interiors altogether. We found out there is more innovation without using magic. Together, we developed a project focusing on the sea. The large spaces provided to produce energy is a must. The thought of underwater civilization is new idea and away from the presence of neutral mana . . .”
“. . . No matter, we have the new and improved sea water power plant. It will constantly need of maintenance because we are in the prototype stage. As we are going to make another anti-mana project, that we are sure to prove that no gods’ magic ever created what man should’ve been created on their own. We will finish this project and prove it all before the other department, who finally visualized their ideas on mana fusion research. This is the race that we mustn’t lose for the future of our human race . . .”
Elrond stops and remembered that line. Back then, before Archscience was fully identify after the success of all mana type combination. The fifth mana was born. Tabitha continues to listen to the audio but Elrond didn’t anything else
“Hey, is something wrong? The audio still playing”
“Apologies, history kicks in and I almost forgot how the discovery led this world into the apocalypse”
“You mean something it didn’t use any mana”
“That one is fine, it was back then against their opposing research. A name that I have said before, it was its prequel name”
“You mean Archscience?”
Elrond calmly sighs “Yes, I am not done with the audio. As promised that my offer will help you to build what you have wanted when you returned home”
Tabitha continues to listen about the project, then her mind shifted away and thought about Archscience. It is known to be the ultimate mixture of all the mana types in correct uses. It was the most difficult procedure to combine all mana into one. The mana was used to any productions. It was treated an industrial power structure.
Treating the mana as an alternative material fusion to the other like a computer. Alternatingly everything was used for by the logic of its strength and weaknesses. This makes her head spins to think and listen to Elrond. It was hard enough, but this makes the idea of the use of Archscience. She thinks that way after reading some books in the archives. Then she soon understands that those mana types are like that, different alteration and multitude of combination without causing a compound that separate or explodes from the unstable reactions.
Neutral mana is the main mana source of life and imagination out of strong will. It can’t stand against runes for its solid materials carved and engraved with highly concentrated mana that granted by the dwarven gods. It can kill the neutral mana. However, runes can’t do much against shamanism, neither will shaman against it. Its reaction and condition required certain conditions to activate. If imbalance it will forced to leave or to balanced it without any changes happening to the living. It doesn’t matter of it all when the elven magic comes forth. It is like a force of nature coming down, but lasts only like it behaves in a natural disaster.
Archscience is the one that was able to balance them all. So much details getting inside her head, it makes it no sense how they harmonized together. The only guild she knew who can master the combination of it all is the Dexter Guild. Then she stops. Elrond sees her in shock.
“What’s wrong?” He asks
“There is something on my mind. Who are the people who can still manufacturing made from Archscience?”
“Many can craft it”
“No, I mean. In an industrial level. I remember my world manufacturing with vast technologies require different natural sources to create it. Again, are there people who are capable to do it?”
“As of now, only in Rune Isles have the materials needed for the Runes. It says so in the name. Kinteinnou region is flourishing at first with stable neutral mana. Shamanism is mostly everywhere now within the chaos. The elven gods are the one who will be providing the elven magic. But I know that power never goes away after it descends. They can able to manufacture it together if they can able to compressed the elven magic than forever spread into nothing. I’d say, Enders Bridge have the chance to make Archscience works”
“Then what you are saying is that Enders Bridge has the capable to manufacture dangerous weapons”
“It seems so, why are so interested about it now. We are just learning about your future project when you go back home”
“I know, but it reminds me of Archivist’s mother. Me being involved with the Dexter Guild, which what I recall can use Archscience. Sorry, but I feel like I want to know more about Archscience”
Elrond sees her passion shifted. He turns his head and feels downed. “I see, then we should be discussing for the other time”
“Sorry” She apologizes and left.
As she left from the sphere. The old man from Dexter Guild heard their conversation as he surveyed the sphere. Elrond comes out from the sphere and lays his elven magic near his mouth closing in to suffocate.
“Don’t you dare try to interfere. Let it flow naturally and learn about your mana type. She wants to leave this world, and she will do any harm to you nor this bridge”
The old man didn’t see fear and kept his eyes professionally as his life is not worth than the fate of his entire guild. However, Elrond says a good point. He stops and let Tabitha understand this world a little bit more.
Tabitha returned to the guild tower and sees the elder lady standing in front of the entrance.
“Elder Lady!”
“Hmm?!” Surprised by her loud voice calling her name.
“Where’s Archivist’s mother?”
“She is somewhere up on the stairs”
Tabitha didn’t have the patience and played her cards and search for her. Archivist’s mother is with the other guild members taking a break and Tabitha teleports herself near them. The magic appearing before them and a strong spell come forth to negate Tabatha’s amateurish entrance.
The blasts went silent and the force that supposed to fly away their things they have on the table have ceased. Tabitha comes to Archivist’s mother and said,
“I think I want to know something from you”
She looks at her and the others are looking to the mother. Archivist’s mother looks around as she sees herself being turned against by Tabitha’s stare. Tabitha continues
“Archscience, I want to know why your son talks about Dexter Guild?”
The guildmembers stepping back and give them the space they need to talk. Archivist’s mother said to her about them
“This is really out of a blue. Yet, we might get along and share some details”
She gives her the pictures of the guild banners. The same banners who she met at the island. Archivist’s mother continues
“I have my own business to figure things out when they come back from the island. This time though, I won’t be asking for it. I have been talking with the guildmembers from how I act. As of now, I am planning to help you in some way to pay the favor to let my son face the dangers he didn’t face before. A demonic presence of a follower. Ask away, this is the least I could do after our first meeting”
“Archscience, is it true that the people who discover it are the same people in my city?”
Tabitha should’ve asked Elrond about it, but instead she asks her. The reason behind her head was because this is what expected to put trust to the Raker Mawn guildmember. Either it is foolish or not, Archivist’s mother actually knows about it more than Elrond. Tabitha is one lucky girl. She casts her magic up to the Archives and messaged him. Myrrkei receives it and noted about Tabitha’s curiosity. Asking permission if she is ready to see the secrets of the Archscience.
Myrrkei responds, and she replies to Tabitha. “If you’re ready to witness the such a feat. You’ll take your first quest as a Raker Mawn guildmember. Accept this quest and maybe I can help you understand. Will you accept it?”
“What? That’s not I was saying at all. I just want to know about Archscience”
Tabitha sees in her eyes glow, and her cards quickly open up and was able to block her eyes with an illusion. That almost scared her. Tabitha feels her gaze has magic to harm her. She was put into a predicament that she never readied for. Her first quest, going on a mission with Archivist’s mother. She feels regretting it, but seeking the truth will always be the hardest challenge for her. Just like she did when trying to save her community.