A few minutes later, when the air had cleared, the original trio found themselves looking at the rock once again.
“So, this thing is basically a condensed piece of the fey reality, and it basically does the same job as a monster that transforms mana except it can’t die, per se, and it is useful for crafting and enchanting, among other things,” Tesilim said back to Alyx making sure he had understood the gnomes explanation.
“Exactly. Other than that, remember that there are a few types of affinity gems. The two most common are active ones like this one, which transform mana, and passive ones that are just magic made physical.” The gnome responded, adding to the lesson as he approached the rock.
Apparently, the gnome had to conduct a ritual to confine the power of the gem/fey rock. Otherwise, the damn thing would be able to break open any dimensional space that it was put in or corrupt the gnome's bag of holding. Tesilim wasn’t too sure how it worked, but it had something to do with fey mana, concepts, and magic. Tesilim, who was still a newbie, had heard the explanation but did not understand it. He was a learn-by-doing individual and although explanations could help. This time, it was so far above him that it didn’t stick, and he decided to watch the gnome work.
Alyx spent some time working on the ritual. First, the gnome took out a metal disk with interlocking layers made of different metals. And by Lili’s expression, the item wasn’t just some run-of-the-mill magical item. Anyways, he put the rock on the disk, which grew from the size of a plate to the size of a large tray to accommodate the rock. Then, using a deep blue crystalline powder, the gnome made rings around the rock.
Using the same powder, he drew the runic characters Tesilim knew were what the language of magic turned into when it made the spell circles. That actual runic language wasn’t something Tesilim understood since the way it was spoken was written differently than what it turned into inside of a spell circle. Tesilim imagined that they both did the same thing. Just one was more compact for things like ritual creation.
However, from what he got from Alyx, it was like saying the word circle, spelling it correctly and everything, but then the letters got merged into a new shape and thus were no longer readable to someone who knew what the word “circle” was. Essentially, they were two versions of the same thing, except one was the written word, and the other was like using emojis.
So, in a way, Alyx was making a bunch of emojis on the ground with this powder. Then, after he finished and surprising Tesilim, the gnome consulted Lili on his work. Finally, when Lili gave her approval, the gnome poured some mana into the ritual.
The ritual was activated, and the symbols came to life along with the rings on the ground. Both the rings and the runes surrounded the rock, like rings on a planet, and tightened, keeping their rotation slow. Afterward, Alyx tapped something on his metal disk, and a dome of glass popped out of the disk surrounding the rock as if it were a museum exhibit.
“Hey, can you give me a dumb explanation of what just happened?” Tesilim asked, already feeling a difference in the air as the rock stopped producing fey mana.
“Basically, the ritual places a temporary seal on the rock so it stops exuding fey mana. Then my disk basically creates a void inside, removing any existing mana and stopping any mana from going back in.” Alyx answered.
“Wow, that's pretty nifty,” Tesilim said legitimately impressed.
“Yeah, sadly, I am not strong enough, and the seal will disappear within a few hours. So, we need to get moving because my disk is very nice, and I don’t want it to get corrupted.”
“Couldn’t Lili have made the ritual then?” Tesilim asked.
“She could have but didn’t have the mana. I have increased regeneration even here due to one of my patrons being the literal Goddess of Magic. So, it had to be me.”
“Fair, by the way, where is Drex?”
“He is probably eating the rabbits back in the last cave. Last I saw him, he was chewing on a head.” Lili answered, breaking her silence. Tesilim had to admit that the black-clad elf wasn’t looking very good. It seemed the battle had really made her burn some energy.
After the rock was encased, Alyx used the same chant he had used long ago, one Tesilim still didn’t understand. The same deep white pool leading to a different space appeared, swallowing the rock and its display case. Tesilim understood that with the seal in place, the rock wouldn’t be able to perform its usual functions and tear a dimensional space from the inside. Now, he wasn’t sure how it did that in the first place, but it probably had to do with mana like everything else.
Heading back into the hut, they found Jasmine, who was now able to walk on her own. Her skin still glowed with the infused energy she had used, but otherwise, she looked fine and smiled at them.
“We done?” Rose asked.
“Yes, now let's get out of here before that griffon changes its mind,” Lili said, her voice weary.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
The griffon had eaten the four rabbits that Tesilim had killed or brought close to death and was now sleeping. Deciding not to disturb it, the party quickly left the cave and found Drex chewing on a wererabbits leg.
“Drex, thanks for coming to my help before,” Tesilim said sarcastically, bringing up the fact that the drake hadn’t checked on him after the battle.
“I figure you would be fine, plus I had things to eat.”
“Do you even need to eat as a summoned creature?”
“No, but they are tasty, so I might as well.”
Tesilim grumbled under his breath about his supposed familiar and how he should have gotten a dog instead.
It wasn’t long before the party was out of the cave, Drex looking the best out of all of them. His stride filled with confidence and happiness, having eaten his fill and knowing he had some more of the other non-werebunnies stashed away. The act had brought Alyx higher on Drex’s list of people he liked.
As they walked through the forest, relief coursed through everyone's bodies as they left the fey mana behind. From there, their bodies worked hard, and by the late afternoon, when they arrived at the city, there was no fey influence on them. On the way to the city they had decided to turn in the quest and report what they had found. Then, they would split up again and take one day off to recuperate before finding another mission to take and head back out.
Arriving at the Adventurers Guild, they found a bit of a hubbub. However, seeing as their favorite receptionist, Penny, was open, they quickly headed to her cubicle. There, they quickly explained what they had found in the fey incursion and explained what the cause of the problem had been. They had to present proof of what they found, and Alyx took the rock out of his spatial storage. Once that was done, Penny marked the two missions complete, and Tesilim got the notification.
🔷 Crystal Notice 🔷
Congratulations! You have completed the goals: Flourishing Fey and Moon Bunnies. You have gained 2 Chaos Points.
Speak with the Adventurers Guild for your gold reward.
🔷
It didn't take long, and Penny brought the 900 gold they were owed. The party split the gold four ways since Alyx declined the payment as usual. This meant they all got 225 gold, which brought Tesilim's new total to 458 after he had spent his fair share on drinks, food, and equipment.
Naturally, before leaving, they had to ask what all the hubbub was about.
“So, Penny, what's going on? Why does the guild seem so riled up?” Tesilim asked, exhaustion already taking its toll.
“Oh, right, you guys have been out all day. Well, supposedly, there might be an expedition deeper into the island soon.”
“Really? For what?” Lili asked.
“Well, apparently, the city has reason to believe that there has been a large incursion from the Lush Realm deeper in. And might be looking to team up with the guild to send in a big group to ensure it gets stomped before it grows too big.”
“Are they letting anyone in or just high-rankers?” Alyx questioned
“Not sure. There haven’t been any actual details yet, but you know how it is. People talk, and rumors start from something. So, there is a good chance of it happening.”
“Have there been more reports of more plant monster sightings than usual?” Rose asked, knowing that when incursions happened, there was usually an increase in monsters.
“Yes, which is one of the reasons for speculation. More plant monsters, dark nature spirits, monster hybrids, and reptiles have been seen. You know, stuff you find plenty of in the Lush Realm.” Penny answered.
“What about the tribes? Usually, one or two aren’t happy with things and ask for help.” Lili asked. She had already been in Wildwood for a bit and had participated in one such raid. Last time, it had started because one of the tribes didn’t like being pushed around by the others who had aligned with the invaders and decided to tip off the guild and the city.
“As far as I am aware, no one has heard from any of them,” Penny answered.
“Well, thanks for letting us know,” Tesilim spoke up.
“Happy to help!” Penny answered, cheer returning to her voice.
The party left the guild in silence as they all thought about what the possible raid meant. If allowed, would they join in? It was a dangerous risk but one that would help them grow faster.
“I think we are all thinking the same thing,” Jasmine said, breaking the silence and pausing to make sure she had everyone’s attention, “However, we are tired, and this possible raid is still some time away. So, how about we rest and return to this another day?”
Seeing everyone agree with her, Jasmine smiled and attempted to switch topics. “So, what's everyone planning to do tomorrow?”
“I know exactly what Tesilim is planning to do tomorrow,” Lili replied, her tone having a bit of mirth as she looked at Tesilim.
“Damn it, Alyx! You just had to open your big mouth.” Tesilim did not even remotely acknowledge Lili’s words, choosing to berate Alyx instead.
“Hey, man, there is nothing to be ashamed about.” The gnome replied.
“Yeah, whatever. Anyways, when do you think we will get the gold for that rock? I kind of want to buy a bag of holding for myself.” Tesilim said, changing the subjects.
“Actually, how much gold will we get for that?” Jasmine questioned.
“Depends on how attuned the thing is to the fey. Usually, the more attuned it is, the higher the price. Based on what we felt in the cave, I think it will go for 1,200 gold or so.”
Tesilim got a coughing fit upon hearing how much the thing would sell for, while Lili, Rose, and Jasmine smiled, knowing they were about to get a good bonus.