Luné Alpenglow
Luné walks quietly, thinking about the succession crisis Marie had expressed her intent of. Luné could only get lucky, that’s what she would have to do, but the thought of a crisis gives her extreme pause. It's weird and unnerving that a Queen would want her own nation to suffer such a thing. Luné looks at Sebastia and asks a question as they walk back to Codex, “Sebastia, why would Queen Rein intend to cause a crisis?” Sebastia looks at Luné then grins happily, “Anemn and Moa are not suitable for the throne. Their youngest sibling was the one that was more fitting, but they disappeared a day before I went into the tower. If a succession crisis were to happen, a fitting King or Queen would reign, instead of those ill fit to running a nation. That and they’re her kids. Of course she’ll be worried about them.”
Luné looks forward again, realizing Sebastia thought of a side she had not. Which surprises her, as she knows she was loved by her own parents. Would they have done the same if they were in this situation? What about in her own situation? Would her parents do what she has done so far? She began to miss her home again, and she spoke, “Sebastia? Could you tell me about the magic in your world?” Sebastia nods, and begins speaking, “How deep of an explanation do you want? Because Queen Rein could do far better if you want something deeper than just a basic understanding. She is a Magic Professor at the Grandian Royal Academy, after all.” The Priestess speaks, “I am rather interested as well. I would love to hear more about your home. We were interrupted while you were telling us your story.” Sebastia smiles and nods to the Priestess, as Luné begins speaking, “A basic understanding is fine. I’m just curious about what Transmutation is.”
Sebastia looks at Luné and begins, “I should start with the types of magic in my home. These are Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Necromancy, and Transmutation.” Luné interrupts, tilting her head slightly, confused by one of Irae’s titles she had seen, “No Destruction? I saw that Irae had a title for defeating a Destruction Master. Why was that not a part of the types?” Sebastia smiles, “Evocation can be used in many more ways than just destruction. That Altanan Wizard was hyper focused on the destructive side of Evocation.” Luné is silent, and the Priestess speaks, “So that wizard was an Evocation Wizard, who focused his studies on destruction, is that right?”
Sebastia nods and then continues, “Abjuration is a defense against something. For example, my protection spells, and especially the one that allowed us to go into the Lake and fight, is Abjuration. Conjuration involves summoning something into being, usually without a full consciousness. Carcere Fabricator could be considered Conjuration, but I think there might be something special about it. That’s something to ask the Queen about. Divination allows one to see briefly into the future, or into the distance, even spy on someone. Enchantment is something affecting the mind, usually to charm or confuse someone. Evocation is what someone with no knowledge expects magic to be. Bolts of fire, lightning being called down from the clear sky, that kind of thing. But you also have the ability to create fresh water from nothing. Illusion is what it sounds like. False images, false sounds, things that look, sound, taste, feel, or smell so real they trick you into thinking they are real. Necromancy is necromancy. Everyone knows what that does, but if you don’t, even though we just fought skeletons, it puts a false life into something. In one case, that I know of, it can also bring the soul back to a body, actually bringing someone back from the dead instead of putting a false life into a body. Though it is seen as a dark art, it isn’t outlawed in Grandia, just some aspects of it, such as raising corpses and keeping them raised, or bringing someone back from the dead against their wishes. I knew a detective who was a necromancer. He would bring the soul back to a corpse, talk to them, then send them back to rest. Though creepy, it was a lawful use of necromancy. Finally, Transmutation, which allows the alteration of a body to make it stronger or more useful, or the changing of one material into another.”
Luné nods slowly, and then says, “Your magic sounds far more in depth than ours. From what I know, we don’t have specific types. We just have magic.” The Priestess speaks, “It is relatively new to Humans, that is why we do not have types. The other races have had magic for much longer, but it is innate to them, so they do not understand the fundamentals. Humans don’t know the fundamentals yet, but Prince Leonarde is working with several Mages to figure it out. Perhaps he could come speak with your Queen, Sebastia.” Sebastia nods in response, then says, “It would definitely allow Grandia to make a good impression with this nation. Which reminds me, what is this world like?” Luné speaks before the Priestess can answer, wanting to ask about something the Priestess said that seemed off, “Before that, Priestess Jordan? You called the Crown Prince just Prince, did something happen?” The Priestess nods in response, remembering that Luné was still living in a world equivalent to a year ago, “The Prince gave up his bid for the throne, allowing the Crown Princess to take his place.” Luné nods slowly, then says, “Okay, thank you. That clears that up.” The Priestess looks at Sebastia, then says, “As for what this world is like, would you like Geography and Nations? Or would you like an overview from the start?” Sebastia speaks, “Geography and Nations. I do not need an overview of everything.”
The Priestess smiles her soft smile, and then begins, “We are in the Southern Middle of the world, however, still west of the middle. This is the Deadgrave Wood, originally named for how dead it was. With time, and holy fervor, Humanity under Material’s light turned this dead wood into a lush forest. To the northeast, is the Capital of Humanity, Goldbrooke. This nation, the Kingdom of Goldbrooke, or Kingdom of Humanity as most call it, is the nation of Humans. Almost all of us are here, and we are the smallest, and in the middle, of all nations. We are a Monarchy underneath King Leo Whitewood. To the south is the Beastkindom, or the nation of Beastkin. Ruled by a council of their Heroes, the Beastkin are an aggressive people, often launching raids into the neighboring nations. However, as there is never a trace of connection to the Beastkindom, no nation can actively attack them and be supported by the rest of the nations. To the southeast, is the Imperial Elven State, or Elven Empire. To the west, is the Dwarven Federation, or the Dwarven Kingdoms. To the Northwest is the Dracenlend. Or the nation of the Dracen, which is more a federation like the Dwarven Kingdoms. Finally, to the Northeast, is the Orc Tribes, who constantly war amongst themselves. No nation interferes with their land, in fear of causing a tidal wave of Orc Warlords to descend upon their soon to be helpless nation.” Luné nods, realizing the world hasn’t changed much since she disappeared.
Sebastia nods slowly, then says, “I have one question, what would happen if another nation suddenly appeared? Grandia will be unlikely to remain quiet. We’re a proud people, and we may have sense, but eventually, the Lion will be raised for all to see.” Luné begins to think about that, and the Priestess simply shakes her head, then answers, “I do not have a good answer, but I have a rough idea. If Grandia does not ally with Humanity, then the King will likely want to destroy Grandia, and fail thanks to how strong this small confederation of Dungeons is. If the other nations were to hear of Grandia first, they would send their most dangerous heroes to destroy it on the grounds that it is a Dungeon, not a nation. In which case, Grandia would fall. If allied with Humanity, the King would likely declare Grandia as a citystate underneath Goldbrooke’s guidance. Hopefully, disallowing the other nations to destroy Grandia.” Sebastia frowns heavily, then looks at Luné, “My Lady, if you wo-” Luné cuts her off, “Go ahead. I know you want to tell them about this. I don’t want them to be destroyed either. Like Priestess Jordan said, this is a con-con-” She pauses, confused at the word, until the Priestess says it again with a small giggle, “Confederation.” Luné is immediately back on track, “-confederation of Dungeons. We watch each other’s backs.” She pauses, and then looks at Priestess Jordan, “What is a confederation?”
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Sebastia turns and starts sprinting back to Grandia, as Priestess Jordan begins explaining, “A confederation is different to a federation, but not entirely. Unlike a federation, a confederation is a group of states that work together toward a common goal and do not have a central government they all report to.” Luné tilts her head, now curious what the exact difference is, since she also doesn’t know what a federation is, and the Priestess smiles softly while answering her unspoken question, “A federation is that, but with a central government they all report to. Such as a council or third party in charge of the highest levels of government for all nations therein.” Luné nods, now understanding, as they walk back to Codex.
Chaos, of Probability
He smiles happily, glad to have taken the time to revisit an old memory, and then he looks over at the Slaver Camp. The Boss was walking around, his golden eyes gleaming, and alert anger filling his scowl. Chaos smiles happily, and pokes the Boss with a thought, I should remove that dungeon. Or better yet, ensure what it is fighting dies. Pulling his little tendrils of thought away, and watches as the Boss yells out, “Lock up the slaves! Start preparing for a fight! We’re going to enter the forest, and find our missing slaves! Then we’ll kill every Dungeon we find!” There is no resounding cheer, and no excitement. Grinning, he goes and looks at the town, finding the Town to have returned to normal. After about half an hour of waiting, he hears a Guard at the west gate call out, “The Slavers are moving! Someone get the Captain!” Chaos chuckles to himself, then returns his focus to the Dungeons, finding Luné just arriving back to Codex.
Luné Alpenglow
Luné is entering Codex again, finding it untouched and calm. She begins walking to Codex itself again, as she walks, she finds Koto sitting quietly on the porch, his head on his knees. She steps up to him, and sits down beside him, “You look sad, is something wrong?” Koto looks up at her, and then out to the forest, as he says, “I want to do more than just sit here, quietly wanting to do more. At the same time, I don’t want to worry Miyoshi.” Luné smiles sadly, understanding the need to be able to do something, but being held back by something. She says, “I know how you feel. I was never good with any weapons, but now I know I am good with throwing daggers. Find a weapon you can easily use, then train with it. If you get to use it in a proper fight, then you get to test it. I can always set up some safe fights for you. I don’t know how it would work experience wise, but it would definitely allow you to learn how to fight.” Koto starts to smile softly, then says, “Thank you, Lady Luné.”
Luné gets up, and gives him a pat on the head, then goes inside. When she reaches Codex, she places a hand on her, and receives a warm feeling. They then combine again, and Luné starts her work around the dungeon. She starts checking inventory first, finding plenty of planks so far, and most importantly, a finished set of bronze plate armor. She has the armor brought to the core room, and then has the Smith add more tin and copper to the melting queue. Then she needs nails again. She then checks Codex’s Mana, finding the maximum amount to be doubled, since the last time she looked. With silence, she looks around the Core Room, having not noticed any changes, despite the Room now being Level 2. Now that she has the view Codex always does, the floor and walls look smoother and cleaner. She smiles, and goes off to look at other things.
Sebastia Rin
“Thank you, my Queen.” Sebastia was bowed before Queen Rein, who speaks in a calm and collected tone, “No need for that, Sebastia. You have Lady Luné to tend to now. See to her, not Grandia. We will deal with what comes our way, as we always have. Now stand, Knight, and do your duty to your new Lady.” Sebastia begins to stand, still keeping her head lowered in respect, only to get her chin smacked upward by the Queen, forcing Sebastia to look Queen Rein in the eye out of shock. She looks annoyed at Sebastia, but of course, Sebastia has no idea why. Could it be that Queen Rein is upset that Luné stole away one of her Knights? This could be bad if that is the case, “I apologize on Lady Luné’s behalf.” Queen Rein stares at Sebastia, then just sighs and shakes her head, “Sebastia, there is no reason to keep being so formal, and for the sake of the gods, what do you even think you’re apologizing for? Lady Luné has nothing to apologize for. Now take that damned horse and go.” Sebastia is completely silent, and baffled. She must have offended Queen Rein somehow, but does so, and gets on the horse, then begins riding back to Codex.
It was a nice tea break with her Master, but as Queen Rein had said, she must return to Lady Luné. Sebastia rode in silence, letting the thundering of the horse’s hooves, the whipping of the wind, and the expertise of her guidance, speak for her. Like a flash of lightning, Sebastia was moving, dodging and weaving through the trees, jumping over brush, making her way to Codex, only for something to bring a chill down her neck. Pulling the reins of the horse, causing it to slow and stop suddenly. The silence of the woods is cold and uncaring. As the silence continues, she hears a branch snap, and whips the reins, moving suddenly and fast, she steers the horse around trees, and around, coming towards where the sound had been, her sword drawn, and her attack ready, only to see someone laying on the ground, hand on a broken branch. She pulls again, trying to get the horse to stop before they trample him. And it does, letting her stop and sheathe her blade. Getting off, she brushes the horse a small bit to reward it for being patient with her. Then she moves over to the man, and crouches. She moves him, and can tell immediately that this man is the same one that Koto had described. She begins hoisting him up, and puts him on the horse, in front of her and the saddle. She gets back on, and holds him tight, as she begins moving the horse back to Codex.
On arriving home, she thunders to the front of the house, and stops, finding Koto standing up quickly. She wonders where the Priestess had gotten off to, and says to Koto, “Find the Priestess, immediately.” Koto runs off, as Sebastia gets off the Horse, and picks up the man, carrying him to the Core Room. She enters, finding Luné getting up from the floor, and Codex floating up and expanding to normal. Luné looks at Sebastia, and says, “That’s the man who saved my life. What is his condition? How is he?” Sebastia starts to lay him down on the floor, “I’m no healer. I already called for the Priestess. She should be here soon.” Luné nods in response, waiting with Sebastia.
Quint Radoc
As he opens his eyes slowly, he sees that damned Priestess. Of all people to find her, it had to be her on that horse. He can see her working on his wounds, speaking to him. But he hears nothing, until his hearing starts to clear, and he begins waking properly from his near death, “-doc, if you can understand me, say something.” Radoc frowns heavily at her, and then says, “Fuck you.” He gets a very hard slap in return, which nearly knocks him right back out. Radoc turns his head to look at her, and just frowns, as she says, “Rude Dark Elf. Do you want me to stop and let you die? Or are you going to be nice from now on?” Radoc smirks, and then says, “I’m going to be me, no matter what you do. Dead or alive, that’s how it has always been.” He then sees someone in armor step up to look down at him, she speaks, “You are lucky I was riding past, or you would be dead, Mr. Radoc. We cannot leave a debt unpaid, after all. Think of this as repayment.” He raises an eyebrow at her, and asks, “Who the hell are you? I don’t remember you at all.” She nods, then says, “You would definitely remember my Lady.” A certain face enters his vision, and he takes a second to realize what he is looking at. Then he grins, “Good to see you, my Lady. I apologize that the stone did not work properly. Something about that dungeon must have fucked with it.” Luné simply smiles sadly down at him, then says, “It is okay. I am just glad you did not die. How did you escape? You would have had to fight five heroes at once.” Radoc chuckles, then coughs, getting a stern look from the Priestess of Humanity. He then simply smirks and says, “Trade secret, now if you don’t mind, I need some damn sleep.” He suddenly passes out, resting instead of dying.