“Wait, what? Why?” Cal didn’t understand. He thought he at least understood the Gryalth’s motives with his universe, but this didn’t remotely fit with what he knew.
“Because it helps them, at least, I assume. Based on what I’ve learned from your memories and what I already know, I think my assumptions are a pretty safe bet. They help tear some fresh holes in the shallowest parts of the Abyss and let the eggs drop into our universe. The beasts grow, mutate, and feed on us. Less Gryalth die in their eventual invasion. The fabric of our universe is weaker, much easier to tear their holes, and then they just have to clean up the abyssal creatures full of ever-multiplying powerful mana,” Icelord’s explanation did nothing to calm Cal, even if the explanation made sense.
“Dammit, so what now? I had some plans to fight the Gryalth, but every time I feel like my ideas are going somewhere, something new pops up,” The frustration in Cal’s mind caused his questions to spill out as a desperate plea for help.
“Why are you suddenly questioning your role? It is obvious, is it not? We fight. We die. We fight more. Eventually, we win,” Third Smasher’s unexpected answer to Cal’s pleas did not fall on deaf ears.
“And what if we don’t win?” Cal asked back.
“Then we die, but we die trying, and that is what matters,” Third Smasher answered.
“I have no idea why that is oddly reassuring, but it is. TS, we are going to have to find a way to get you loop-aware, though probably not this loop. I think the idiot brothers have to get it this time,” Cal said. The squirrel’s matter-of-fact way of saying they win or they die had resonated with him in a way few things had when the overwhelming anxiety of what he had to do crept over him. Who knew the answer was just to face an idea of mortality?
“Yes, as the squirrel so eloquently put it, we fight, win or die, and now that I’m aware of your unique situation, I don’t think everything is as grim and full of doom as I once thought. Don’t get confused, though I don’t think we are anywhere near having a real shot at winning this yet, but I see a chance. I didn’t see that before,” Icelord added on to Third Smasher’s words.
“Oh, does that mean you’re going to get rid of the volcano out there?” Sleek asked.
Stolen story; please report.
“I suppose, but not just yet. I won’t plan to destroy the world anymore, but it may still prove very useful in removing the infestations from our homes. Now, Cal, what can I do to help you? I’ve seen some of the insanity you’ve been floating around your head, but none of that has to do with the here and now. So spill it all out; what can I do?” Icelord’s casual reference to his plan to destroy the planet didn’t go unnoticed by Cal.
“Honestly, you’ve probably given me more information than I usually get, but anything you could tell me about multiple mana spirits and how that would work with my plans to expand the void house? Oh and actually anything about Merlin and Excalibur. Dad would love to get as much information there as he can,” Cal answered. He was still strongly considering collecting as many different mana spirits as he could despite the current limitations he was facing. Onelder had said there was a reason most people didn’t go this route. Hell even Exaclibur had backed that up, but he still wanted to try if it was remotely possible.
“You’ve got a world seed in you that’s likely going to let you bound as many mana spirits as you want. Normally, most people wouldn’t want this as it takes time to build your bonds, as you know, but with the void realm you’ve built, this gives you a lot of room to work and help them grow. It will be easier the more they are able to grow and bond within their own ranks, and again, thanks to that world seed, you’ve got the potential to give them the exact world to do so. Now, if you’re asking, would I ever recommend that someone try this? No, I wouldn’t, but you already want to try it, and you’ve got the time and the resources, so I’m also not going to recommend against trying it. If you want to pursue this idea. I think it’s a decision for you and your already-made bonds to make.” Icelord looked over at Sleek several times during his speech before turning back to Cal.
“Okay, well, I can’t really ask anyone else until we knock out the Gryalth interference, but how do you feel about it, Sleek?” Cal turned to her as he asked.
“I think it’s a great idea. Imagine if you manage to bond enough of us to create a universe seed!” She said excitedly.
“Extremely unlikely, little one, but then again, we live in impossible times, so who knows? As for your second question. Hundreds of years ago, a man from your world found a natural bridge to this world. Here, he found the sleeping sword and learned of a magical world beyond anything he had dreamed of. He brought that sword back to your world and helped usher in a new age of magic for it. He found a king worthy of wielding it, and in the end, he returned to the sword to sleep here, waiting for a new master. What happened to Merlin after that? I don’t know, but I do miss the conversations,” A wave of melancholy washed over Cal as Icelord told his story, forcing him to consider just how lonely the life of a world spirit could be.
“How did the sword get here in the first place?” Cal asked.
“There are some secrets that you aren’t ready for, but maybe one day,” Icelord’s smile returned.