-Mh.. Okay. Fine - she finally said and took a deep breath. - This potion… because that was supposed to be potion, was the first iteration of the mana incense.

-You mentioned that already. But how do you exactly go from a smoking piece of wood to a vial of acid?

-Well… you burn it.

-Yeah, incense, I get that, but…

-I mean it! It’s just the ashy remains of my first incense mixed with infused water. I wanted to somehow reuse the remaining material from the first project. If that would be effective, I would’ve essentially doubled the effectiveness and efficiency of my creation!

-That would’ve been nice, really… - I agreed. - But that didn’t answer anything.

-That’s it, I really…

-For example - I didn’t let her finish. - Why is it, or was it rather, full of light magic? Weren’t that supposed to be just a mana infused stick?

-Light…? - she gasped, realizing that I knew. - I…

-I already told you, there is no need to hide things. I am not some kind of inquisitor or something. Quite the opposite. I dabbled in a lot of things that some people would call “heresy”, or however else you’d like to…

-My research is not heresy! - she suddenly protested, making herself look even more suspicious.

-I never said that. I am just saying, even if it is, I don’t mind it. Just tell me the whole story. You said that this was just the first product, right? So there is a newer version? The thing that you used to resuscitate Jacob?

-Well, not exactly - she replied after a moment. - Right, that thing was loosely based on the first incense, but the fact is… I never made that one.

-You said it was your invention, didn’t you?

-I mean yes… but it was more just me reverse-engineering the finding…

-Ohh… - I whistled, impressed. - So someone found that first incense?

-Y..yes. It was found alongside some other magical artifacts, and it has been my inspiration and model ever since.

-If that was a model, why did you use it then?

-It was to compare its effectiveness to my own product… We actually had a couple of those sticks…

-Hm. And what was the effect, can I ask?

-I… It paled in comparison - she admitted. - While both worked similarly, the original burned a lot brighter and didn’t even leave smoke.

-Wait, so it wasn’t even the incense then?

-It definitely looked like one! - she said. - But it did confuse everyone. It acted and looked like it was burning, although it never released smoke.

-I thought it was the smoke that was supposed to restore mana…? - I asked, confused.

-Yes, in my product at least. I thought that’s what it was supposed to do, but after igniting and using the original, it appeared that it was not smoke, but the light that was the thing that regenerated us.

-”Us”?

-I didn’t work alone. I was under the wing of the Red Mages back then, too. The earlier leader was very interested in my work and helped me a lot…

-That’s peculiar… Jacob said that they were a bit of a secretive person… and they worked with you?

-I never said we worked face-to-face - she replied. - They essentially acted as my benefactor…

-And how is that different from For now?

-Well, they also were sending me some materials to help, not only money.

-And what, the mountain of random ingredients downstairs is not enough for you? Or are you going to tell me that it's still your supply from them?

-Well, some of it… - she nodded. - But I didn’t mean it like that… It was a matter of more… exotic things. Like for example the first incense.

-Ah. Any idea where that came from?

-I only know that back then Red Mages had their own men that were essentially treasure hunters. I think it’s from one of their journeys we got those…

-Hm. And I assume those people are not around anymore?

-Why?

-Well, your, I mean, Red Edge’s forces have dried out thanks to Axelrod, so…

-Ah. Well, I’ve been out of the loop recently, so I am not sure, but it is possible.

-I guess I have no luck then. I’ll have to ask For later about that.

-I’ve been meaning to ask… - Eise said after a long moment of silence - Are you really sure that you’ll be fine…?

-You asked that multiple times already.

-I know, but… this is very strange…

She was clearly uncomfortable. I can’t really blame her, it was because of her that I was in this sorry state after all.

And she was carrying a pair of severed arms with her.

When I think about it, it’s strange that she was able to walk so easily while carrying those.

-Say, I was wondering… How the hell are you that strong?

-Wha…?

-I mean, I am made of pure stone essentially. And you’re carrying, what, two solid chunks of me with you. How the hell are you even able to walk?

-Er…

I think she only realized that just now as well, because she looked as dumbfounded as you’d expect.

-I… It’s not heavy…

That was not what I expected to say. I mean, I honestly thought that she’d come out with some kind of excuse or something, but she was as stumped as I was after hearing her be confused.

-What do you mean “it’s not heavy”? I am pretty sure I know how much I weigh, or at least how much I used to. Those are not light.

-I don’t know what to tell you… - she replied, now weighing the baggage in her hands. - Those are very light. I didn’t really think about that, but that’s even lighter than… I would’ve said that those were hollow…

-Hollow? Well damn… I can’t really check that on my own, so I’ll take your word for it.

That made me think. Why in the hell would those get lighter? I mean, sure, they were not part of me any more, or at least I don’t think so, but would that mean that some properties would change? Mana doesn’t really have any weight though, so even if the supply was cut, that wouldn’t change a thing…

There was no time to think about that though, because we’ve already arrived at the tower where I last saw For.

We quickly reached the staircase and ascended to the top. I didn’t even think about checking other rooms, just directed her straight up to For’s chambers.

-Er… are you sure we should…

-What, you’re worried that you’ll disturb her or something? Nah, doesn’t matter. Just knock, don’t worry. I would, but currently I am a bit…

-Yeah…

She hesitated for a bit, but did knock on the door.

Strangely though, there was no reply.

She tried again, still nothing.

-Maybe they are not here…

-Check if it’s open.

-Are you sure…? We can’t just…

-Oh for fuck’s sake, do it or I’ll just kick the door open. My foot’s still in great shape.

She pulled on the handle and the door unlocked without an issue. I guess For didn’t yet manage to remake all the locks in the castle. Good for us.

-Excuse me…?

I walked towards the stairs leading to her actual room and walked up without even considering to knock.

-For? Come on, are you sleeping on the job?

Even though I was joking, it actually appeared so. She was lying on the couch that still was replacing her chair at the desk. Still covered in books, still full of crap.

-Oh damn you…

I think I realized that a bit too late, but she was not sleeping. It was just as I found her before: she was in a trance. Did she use the spell again?

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

It actually looked similar to that. With my enhanced sight let me know that her mana was in that weird, dream-like state, similar to the one when he tried finding out more information about herself and the Origin Crystal. But there was something else this time…

For the first time, I had to do a double-take: her mana looked different.

And I don’t mean that her mana was weaker or stronger than before or something like that, no. It was like her mana was… connected to something. It was similar to when I first saw Kon.

-That is concerning… - I muttered to myself.

Eise, still behind me, sheepishly walked upstairs and finally noticed her boss slumped on the couch, seemingly asleep.

-I knew we shouldn’t have intruded - she whispered.

-Yeah, I don’t think she is sleeping. She’s unconscious.

She gasped.

-What happened?!

-Let’s ask her personally…

And I approached her, wanting to drain her mana.

Reflexively, I went ahead and tried extending my arm, but that was not going to work, so instead I just awkwardly leaned on her, essentially headbutting her. I am pretty sure that looked absolutely weird to anyone, and confirming my hunch I felt Eise shudder.

-Er… What’s going on…?

But I didn’t reply, instead I focused on a feeling of mana flowing into me.

That feeling… was somewhat unexpected. Last time I had contact with her mana, it was unique and fresh, almost addicting. But what I absorbed was quite different.

It was more like I was absorbing a plant…. It had no color, no taste… bland and bleak. Honestly, it somewhat reminded me of Goldie, or maybe rather ILMA inside Goldie.

After learning what exactly was sitting inside him I kind of understood why his mana looked like that, but to feel something similar here? That’s weird.

And if that was not enough, her mana seemed to not decline. I was still in contact, still draining, yet she still was full of it.

It’s not like that was going to stop me.

Since I’ve acquired this ability, I have managed to constantly use and abuse it, and this time I didn’t plan on doing differently. Her mana was not running out? So what? I was going to drain more and more until I finally felt the change.

But, saying that, I was not insane enough to try and contain that much in myself. Even though she apparently was able to, I decided to at least try and waste it.

But that reminded me: I was no longer able to use magic, meaning the issue was problematic. Before that though, I decided to try and regenerate my arms: since I found myself seemingly an infinite source of mana, it was a shame to not use it.

I focused on trying to pour the excess power into what I felt used to be my arms, and, sure enough, it was working.

I started glowing, slightly, but surely, getting brighter and brighter at the stumps, and slowly they started to regrow.

It was not all that good though, because as soon as I started using mana, For’s supply instantly started dwindling, and at an incredible rate. Same with me, actually.

It didn’t take even two centimeters of growth for me to again feel her unique magical signature come back and she opened her eyes.

-Mor…?

I immediately jumped back, breaking the connection.

-Ha. I am surprised that this worked so well… - I muttered, looking at her. - What happened to you?

-I… I don’t know…

She clearly was not awake completely yet. If I didn’t know better, I’d say that she was drunk on mana, because her speech was a bit slurred and slow.

-I remember pain… then visions…

Just as she mentioned that, her face contorted in pain and she immediately went back to her regular self.

-What’s going on!? Where are your arms!? Are we under attack!?

-No idea, behind me, and also no idea. In that order.

The response only confused her, especially after Eise walked into her view, carrying the bundle hiding my severed arms.

-Eise… what are you… WHAT IN THE…!?

-I already answered that. And don’t ask, I really don’t know how exactly that happened - I said, not really keen on explaining the strange attack. - You better tell me what happened to you?

I don’t think my answer helped her calm down, because she looked more panicked than ever before.

-We need to act quickly! I think Jacob and the rest are also in danger!

-Also? You think?

-I had a vision. They were in pain, and squirming on the floor… - she said, shutting her eyes. - But…

-Hold on - I interrupted her. - What vision?

-I… I don’t understand. Just before I fainted… suddenly a white flash of pain overwhelmed me. Along with that came a flood of visions… Jacob, Caleb… even you…

-Me?

-Yes. You were buried under some kind of wardrobe… I think…?

I exchanged a look with Eise.

-Maybe a set of shelves? In a red room? Crushed glass? Spilled “oil”?

-Yes…! And you were there, Eise! How do you know!?

-Well, because that happened to me - I replied. - And that’s how my arms got broken.

-Wait, that was real? So we really need to hurry!

-Who else did you see?

-It was Jacob. He was squirming on the floor while his brother was standing right next to him observing. I think he attacked him! Or she, rather!

-ILMA? That’s…

I wanted to say impossible, but I already knew better than that. After all, everything so far seemed close to impossible, yet was happening constantly.

-Let’s move then. It was where, exactly?

The three of us rushed out of the room and started making our way downstairs.

-I left them in the dungeon… along with Kon, Felix and the rest.

-Ah, so he was already okay?

-”Was” is the keyword here. If that vision was true, then all of them are currency incapacitated. And it might be the work of that “algorithm” of yours.

-Let’s not jump to conclusions… - I muttered, but was concerned as well.

The thing was, I also remembered having some kind of visions too. And it indeed involved the people she mentioned, even more of them too. Although I was not able to remember exactly what I saw, I was sharing her worries.

Especially after being cut off from Kon. Or, maybe more worryingly, from Iloa. How the hell did that even happen? Weren’t we supposed to be one? Or at least on the way to becoming one?

I mean, in some ways that was good, but…

Jacob was supposed to be in the dungeon still, so as soon as we reached the stairs leading down, she started shouting for him.

-Jacob! You there?! Are you alright?!

I didn’t expect to hear the answer, and it did not come.

-Something’s wrong. There were supposed to be more people here.

-I thought we were alone in here?

-Yes, I meant Abes and Eicam. Maybe even one of your friends.

-Not a good sign…

She almost broke the door out of the hinges he bursted into the room so violently. Honestly, it was pretty amazing. Not just a few moments ago she was lying unconscious and only awakened because I drained her, yet still she had more strength than you’d think. Hell, even if she was fully rested and fresh, I’d never think that her body had that much raw physical strength.

Eise was also a bit spooked, but followed us without a word.

Inside was the exact same as I left it, besides the fact that now Jacob was lying on the floor, unconscious, just as For not so long ago.

-Jacob!

She immediately stood between him and his brother, who still was sitting in the same position, staring into space.

-What the hell did you do!?

Of course, she got no reply, so I had to ask for her.

-ILMA, what happened here? Why is he on the ground?

-Reason: unknown mana interference.

-Unknown? So you didn’t do that, ILMA?

-Negative.

-There you go.

-And am I just supposed to believe it?

-Well, do what you want, but you were in the exact same situation as he is right now. And she was nowhere near you, I believe?

-I guess… wait, does that mean that you can wake him up too?

-I intend to try.

I approached him and kneeling next to her.

-Give me his hand, I kind of…

-Oh, right…

She took his hand and carefully, avoiding touching me, placed it on my shoulder.

-Just tell me when it’s enough…

But I was no longer listening, instead focusing on mana.

It was just as I thought. The situation and the feeling I had from the flow was the exact same as I got when I drained For.

This time there was also a lot less mana to drain as well, I didn’t even get to try and regrow my arms.

As I was doing that, I realized that not only Jacob was starting to stir, but also For looked a lot more pale. I thought I might have accidentally been draining her as well, but that was not possible…

-Auhg…

As soon as Jacob started groaning, I shook off his hand off me, breaking the contact.

Even though pale, For understood and quickly moved him away so he wouldn’t accidentally touch me again.

-Jacob! Jacob!

He slowly raised his head, trying to focus on the voice.

-What… who…

He was still stunned, not like I can blame him.

-Welcome back.

-Jacob, are you alright?

-I… For? I… yes, I think so…

-What happened? Where are the others?

-I… I don’t know… - he mumbled, staggering onto his feet. - I remember…

And he fell down back on his ass.

He squinted and I swear I thought he was about to puke.

-Slowly and in order. Where is the rest?

He looked up and for the first time actually noticed me and Eise hiding behind me.

-Mor. Yes. I… your friend wanted me to tell you that he’s going back to help with the move. That’s also where the two guys went. I sent them as the escort… I believed your “not harming anyone” bullshit... Look where that got me…

-So it was her?! - yelped For, again standing between the two.

-I smell bullshit. What, you actually saw her attack? - I immediately asked.

-No… but what else can get into my head like this if not your stupid technology or whatever she is…

-In your head? So you saw that too?

-Too?

-A bunch of visions - I explained. - From different perspectives.

-Wait a second, you had this too?!

-And me - nodded For. - He found me unconscious and managed to resuscitate like he did before. And now did the same to you.

-I was, on the other hand, saved by Eise - I said pointing behind me, to the woman hiding in my shadow.

-Eise…? What are you… WHAT IS THAT.

Ah. Right. She was still carrying my arms.

-I… had a bit of an accident. Doesn’t matter, now tell me, where’s Kon?

-He should be upstairs, in a guest room. That is if he’s not left the place already. He was supposed to go gather the rest of your “friends” and prepare them for transport.

-Right… the orphanage…

-Yeah. If they are not there, they are at the library. But…

His face got contorted in pain once more.

-I remember… seeing them in the library for some reason…

-Probably one of the visions, yeah?

-How do you…

-Had plenty of those myself. Can you walk? If you’d seen them as well, it’s possible that they are in a similar state as you.

-My head is killing me, but I should be fine…

-Good. Move it then.