"Alright, I guess I will talk to Yui about that too."

Krenocia says "We are sorry we can't do more to help."

"It's not your fault."

Seronia says "That's not entirely true, we are partly to blame for the condition of this world."

"Yes, but at least you admit it and are working to correct it. If nothing else, you brought me here so any good I do is to your credit."

Krenocia says "By that logic aren't we also responsible for anything you mess up?"

"Well, yes, I guess so."

Seronia says "Then we need to work harder! Otherwise we will become the villains!"

"Hey, I'm not that bad!"

Core says "Oh look, the twitch is starting again!"

"You don't need to help them!"

Krenocia says "Maybe you are cursed, Ash. Cursed to forever be teased!"

"Ha ha, very funny!"

Seronia says "All teasing aside, as fun as it is. Is there anything we can do to help right now?"

"No, I mainly needed to discuss putting off the temples."

Krenocia says "We will leave that up to you. You know what benefit destroying them will have. You decide if it is worth the risk."

"Until I find information that says otherwise, I don't think it is worth the risk."

Seronia says "If that is your decision then that is what we will do. The two of us will work on improving our churches and try to build our power that way so that we can help."

Krenocia says "Ask us anytime you need anything. If it is within our power we will do it."

Core says "I will also do what I can to help, although that is limited."

"Thank you, I will do my best as well."

Seronia says "Alright, we will be going now."

Krenocia says "Goodbye for now, Ash."

Once the two of them are gone I end the soulscape and return to Core's room in the column. She looks a little disoriented so I give her a few minutes to organize her thoughts. She has this look in her eyes like she wants to laugh at me but is holding it in.

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Core says "Well, that was certainly an interesting experience."

"Yes, the first time in a soulscape can be a little bit eye opening."

Core says "I was referring to meeting the goddesses and seeing their interactions with you."

"Oh, that."

Core says "Yes. It was totally not what I was expecting. I thought your head might actually explode when they talked about becoming your wives."

"Can we please not talk about that!"

Core says "Alright. I just don't see what the problem is."

"It is hard to explain and I don't want to talk about it!"

Core says "Okay, then what are your plans now?"

"For now, I plan to return to Illium. I have a lot of things to take care of. Then I will see about looking for ancient ruins that might hold information on the temples."

Core says "What about the driders?"

"They and the matriarch are on the list, but it will be a while before I am strong enough."

Core says "Alright. I will teach Kechara and record our knowledge into books until you return."

"Do you plan to record your race's magical knowledge?"

Core says "Yes. If they were still around I wouldn't but since they are gone I see no reason to let the knowledge die with them."

"Yui is going to love reading that! Speaking of Yui, I wish there was a way for you two to talk to each other."

Core says "Why?"

"Well, she is basically a sentient spell, you two are in similar situations. I just think you would get along well and would benefit from having someone to talk to."

Core says "That makes sense. There might be a way."

"What way? What do you need me to do?"

Core says "Well, when we were evacuating the city we only focused on the people. We didn't have any time to spare for our relics or art."

"Meaning they should still be here. You think there is something useful?"

Core says "There was a relic that might work, it was a pair of mirrors meant for long range communication."

"So if I retrieve them, leave one with you, and get the other to Yui, you will be able to talk?"

Core says "That is what I am thinking, yes. However, if you don't think it is worth the risk then nevermind."

"No, it is worth it. Where are these mirrors?"

Core waves her hand and suddenly a 3D map is floating between us. It shows the entire city with an amazing level of detail, even the destroyed north gate. It shows the column, the plaza around it, and then the buildings surrounding the plaza.

Core says "These were the public buildings, the mirrors are inside this building. They should be on the main floor towards the back of the building. You will find them set facing each other and there should be a sign explaining what they are."

"How big are the mirrors?"

Core says "They are full size, about five feet tall and two feet wide. They weigh around fifty pounds each. Why?"

"My backpack can't hold any more right now. So before I leave I want to make sure I have enough room in my pouch. I don't want to drop them and break them."

Core says "While they would not break easily, carrying them would be awkward. Especially while fighting. There may be another solution."

"What would that be?"

Core says "From what I can see of your backpack, it is not very good. Wouldn't a better backpack be more useful?"

"Of course it would, but I have only found the one backpack so far. When I find a better one I will upgrade."

Core says "Hold please. Scanning. Located!"

A red dot appears on the map, it looks to be in a house on the far side of the public buildings. It is a decent distance from the column, but not exactly out of range since I can fly. In fact from this high up on the column I can probably glide most of the way to the city wall.

"So, what does the red dot mark?"

Core says "A backpack, a much better one than the one you are using. Each of our scout commanders was issued one. I am just glad one got left behind."

"An upgrade would be nice. Alright, I will go fetch it. Asuna, Bones, you stay here."