Avrin sat in a dark stone chair hunched over the magnificent table Eitri had forged in the towering peak of the Spectral city. The table was covered with strange dark matter crystals of various sizes. Avrin was carefully looking over one crystal the size of a thumb, trying to figure out what made the dark matter inside it so different from the rest.
“It seems it’s time for me to leave. Ah, what a shame...” Mallik said as he appeared in a blue phantom-like light, carefully walking around before stopping and looking over at Avrin.
Avrin was silent for a moment before he replied. “It will be much easier for me when you’re gone. Do me a favor and don’t come back.” Avrin didn’t hold any courtesy towards Mallik. He was infuriated that he had a linked destiny with him.
“Fragment Brother, don’t feel such hate towards me. In the end, I do what I must, it’s your fault I had to stay longer than I should have. I needed to think of an excuse for the weapon that you broke!” Mallik didn’t hold back as he blamed Avrin.
“What happened to 'looking for treasure'? Now you’re telling me you hung around because you needed an excuse? Blame that shitty ability of yours that turned those broken bits to ash, I’m sure it could have been repaired.”
Avrin’s words angered Mallik slightly as he frowned and spoke. “At the cost of my life?!“ Avrin chuckled and mumbled quietly. “Yeah....really worth it...”
Though Mallik could hear this, he simply grumbled and turned around. “Oh yes, it was worth it. I did receive some justice in watching your lover turn you away, hahaha.”
Avrin’s eyes narrowed as he prepared his Phantom Pulse, his aura strengthening. This caused Mallik to twist a little. “I’m leaving!” he spoke before vanishing in that ghostly light. Avrin was left by himself feeling irritated. “-Rodents are everywhere....lover? Nonsense. As for that situation, give her a bit of time, I’m sure she will calm down once she sees progress being made to help those people, there is no rush-” Avrin gave a careful smile before placing the small dark matter crystal down.
“--Ailirion, Erebus--” his Divine Sense carried his words to Erebus who was checking on construction progress located in the west sector on the 2nd layer of the city. Ailirion was also tending to matters, trying to understand the situation of the city better. “--Great One, what is wrong?--” Ailirion replied, soon followed by Erebus. “--Lord Monarch, how can I help you today?--”
Avrin didn’t hesitate as he replied. “--These crystals that were mined, they are very strange and I’m not sure what makes them so enigmatic. That being said, I would prefer that no one continues to absorb these until I find out just what causes them--”
Ailirion was silent for a moment before he replied. “--I agree, I also had the chance to devour one. It left me dizzy for a moment but I felt that my particles had strengthened by several percent, but I had an aching feeling that these weren’t all positive--”
Erebus followed suite. “--Lord Monarch, it is as Ailirion said. I thought nothing of it due to how well it had helped us, but if it is your wish and judgment than I believe it is the correct decision. I will be sure to have all the crystals confiscated and put away in the meantime--”
Avrin ordered Ailirion to assist Erebus and to also have Kael help. From there, he looked at the crystals around and within moments they all vanished as they were Divine Stepped away, not into the enchanted sack but within his own personal storage space. Since he had strengthened himself enough he didn’t need the enchanted sack to carry items of undefined value.
Avrin, who was preparing himself, felt Kael’s voice. “--Master, are you there?--” Kael couldn’t detect Avrin and he was unsure if his voice would reach him. “--What’s wrong Kael?--” Avrin replied calmly. Kael was his first disciple, if one could think of the situation as that, and he treated Kael somewhat better than the rest.
“--I received word from Ailirion but I’m confused about it. Isn’t dark matter still dark matter? I don’t think there would be any negative side effects. My assumption is that it’s possibly a purer dark matter, which is why it causes a slight dizzyness--”
Avrin was interested in Kael’s reply, but the boy had much to learn. “--You have to understand that there are different forms of matter. From my personal experience, those who progress well will be able to utilize certain emotions to power different sorts of matter. Dark matter in itself is a base form of matter, but you need to know that while there is the pure version of it, there is bound to be impure and different varieties of dark matter. I do not think these crystals are all positive and this is based on my current experience--”
Kael was making his way down the second innermost layer of the city accompanied by four individuals who wore dark cloaks. “The Monarch has ordered that the dark matter crystals are to no longer be consumed for an indefinite amount of time. Go see to it that all stocks and reserves of this resource are taken away. Anyone who resists is to be reported, but remember, do not use violence, we are one people. Simply explain the reason behind the need of this resource being taken away.” Kael wanted to be sure that no trouble or fallout would be caused by this situation.
The four nodded and vanished in quick blurs to begin their task. Kael felt a little nervous before speaking to Avrin again. “--Master, I need a favor...--”
Avrin was just about to leave when he suddenly stopped and listened eagerly. “--Hmm?--” hearing Avrin’s interested tone Kael continued. “--When I was first traveling to the northern continent, I made two friends, one of whom died after being taken by bandits, another whose fate I’m unsure about after the event with the dragons and the situation at hand. If you have spare time, please tell me if you find someone by the name of Surun. He and his sister Helia were my first real friends...--”
Avrin wasn’t sure what Kael’s situation was. Although he had gone through some of his thoughts, he only sought certain things and didn't go through his private life. “--I will see what I can do. If this person is your friend, then I will be sure to bring him with me when I return--”
Kael was ecstatic. He knew Avrin was incredibly powerful “T...Thank you Master...” he said, forgetting about the Divine Sense link.
Avrin took Kael’s silence as thanks, thinking he would be grateful. Avrin’s body vanished from the room at the tower’s peak, his body split into billions of particles as it rode his Divine Sense until he reached the southern continent. He arrived at a closed off location and when he reformed he was not in his Spectral appearance but rather in casual, common attire with his appearance reflecting his human appearance from the first universe. He found no need for the cloak, as it would attract suspicion.
Making his way out of the alley he was instantly greeted by several sights, one of which were lines of people with their children receiving food and aid from people in uniforms who handed out small crates. This was part of the assistance he had Erebus organize. He could see the joyful yet desperate looks in the eyes of these common folk. Looking around at the rushed buildings and makeshift camps that were somewhat comparable to refugee camps many many years ago in a distant era back on earth, Avrin felt at a loss as to what to think.
The situation was not one of complete despair. Avrin walked out of the alley and began to make his way around. Of course, he could use his Divine Sense, but it wasn’t like seeing it with his own eyes. He spotted the large, two layered wooden palisade walls around the small settlement that was the size of a small city. The laughter of children, the conversations of adults, the cries of babies being held by their fathers or mothers, the sounds of hammers hitting metal that would be used in the construction of defences.
The settlement had a large population. Avrin was surprised as to how well things were taken care of with such limited resources. Then again, it’s not like there was anything to threaten these people other than the Spectrals, and even then he had handled the matter. All that was left was for everyone here to rebuild.
“-Could it be a bad thing? Before, races were divided, but now they all live with the common thought of survival. But half of which is the fault of my own people...I truly owe it to these people-” he felt somewhat ashamed in regards to the situation, but not to a strong point because he knew he could make it better.
“Miss Myra said that those devil worshippers are the ones sending these resources. I don’t know what the higher ups are thinking accepting this.” a man seated at an outdoor table drinking alcohol spoke out to the three others near him.
“Spectrals, huh. I heard from my brother, who heard from his leading officer that Miss Syrana reported the slave camps were destroyed. What do you guys think of this?” a bald headed man who looked as if he had gotten no sleep answered.
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“If it’s from Miss Syrana it can’t be a lie right? Remember yesterday, we have all these new people that showed up saying they were from the south and just appeared here. Some weird magic at work,“ the man who spoke leaned in and replied in a hushed tone. “What if the gods saw what was happening and finally intervened, issuing divine punishment and sending those people here to safety? I fucking hope those devil worshipping Spectral are next.”
Avrin’s eyebrows twitched a little and he moved on, but the conversations he could hear were 90% related to his people and nearly all of them were not in a positive light while the few ones that weren’t all negative simply showed confusion as to who his people were.
“-What a mess-” Avrin thought while continuing forward. He needed to think of a way to restore Seleria to its previous state. He was certain that while its position within the Spectral Domain made it safe, converting Seleria from dark matter to mana would make it even safer.
As Avrin’s Divine Sense was spread out over the entire settlement, he naturally knew where everyone he wanted to find was. Now that he had gotten a good understanding of what was going on with his own eyes he didn’t need to beat around the bush anymore.
Entering into a closed off corner, he Divine Stepped away. The settlement was organised in a rushed manner as there was little time and resources to have arranged things. There were several living districts, a minor trade district and an official district where those in charge could be found.
The official district was not closed off to the public. Because everyone was surviving together situations needed to be made aware, allowing people to come and go, with good reason and appointments.
Shimaru seemed somewhat more aged than previously. He had a tired look and was overseeing two dozen people, giving them commands as he trained them. These were not people of his clan, but people he felt had decent talent and, because of the situation, every bit of manpower, present and future, mattered.
“Straighten your leg more. Luin, your stance balance is weak, shift your left arm more and part your feet. Feel the strength of your stance. If you do not feel immovable then you're definitely not!”
Shimaru grumbled a little as he walked over and sat back down cross legged. “-It’s been over a year, at least some progress has been made-” he thought quietly. “--May I borrow a bit of your time?--” Avrin’s voice sounded in Shimaru’s head. This sudden communication made the old martial artist blink in surprise and look somewhat eager.
“All of you, today’s session is over. I expect you all to progress and train at your dwellings. There will also be no lesson tonight.” with that said, a minute passed on with those students leaving in ached tones. It didn’t seem Shimaru was going easy on them, but in truth he was.
Shimaru walked over to a wooden cabinet and pulled out a strange half porcelain half glass rounded bottle with several curved edges. He walked over after bringing two cups and sat down back in his spot. “How long are you going to keep your mentor waiting? You damn trouble maker, look at all the issues you have caused. I should have personally beaten some sense into you. Ah, what a situation.”
Shimaru shook his head in regret but he had a happy tone. Avrin was a disciple he took on agreement but it didn’t take long before Avrin effortlessly surpassed him. A soft light brightened the room as Avrin’s body reformed already seated cross legged a meter away from Shimaru.
“Mentor is it? That doesn’t sound fair for me.” Avrin grumbled as he glanced at Shimaru, who looked back at him for a few moments. “Ah, you look normal?” Avrin gave a soft chuckle. “One of my abilities. Wasn’t my appearance before normal? Who is to judge what’s normal and what isn’t. Was something wrong with me before?”
Shimaru laughed silently as he prepared the cups. He reached over to the crystal lid on top of the strange porcelain bottle and emitted some mana over the crystal. The crystal turned into a glittering dust before it all delicately fell into the liquid stirring in the bottle, causing it to emit a soothing fragrance. “You managed to win the heart of my granddaughter who continues to never shut up about you. It’s gotten to the point where even I want to curse at you!”
Avrin was somewhat stunned. He wasn’t sure who he meant. “Ayame?“ he asked curiously. Shimaru’s face twisted slightly. “That girl? Well I’d say she has grown up quite a bit thanks to these events. She shows no real care for such emotions and has been solely focused on training. Who I mean is Izanami! Over the years, her, Ayame and Syrana have been searching for you. That was until the situation with the dragons, and then there is this issue. I have no idea what is going on but after this so called “rebirth” her strength and talent has skyrocketed. She has even insisted on travelling to the northern continent, saying that we will be safe. But with what’s going on, I don’t think that is the case.” Shimaru poured Avrin a cup, then himself.
“-Izanami...-” Avrin’s first impression of her was not a good one. He had considered her a man-eater that sought to challenge herself by going after him, but it seemed over the years she had truly been interested in pursuing him for no reason other than to challenge herself. He wasn’t really sure what to think of it. Avrin had never considered having a partner at this stage, he had so much to accomplish and now he had so many people relying on him. He didn’t know that what he felt was a slight fear that he wouldn’t be able to look after everyone that put their faith in him.
“It wasn’t my intention. I had my own share of problems.” Avrin stated as he glanced down at the flowing blue alcohol that entered his cup. “You have problems? My boy, you’re very immature. From what I have seen you’re as strong as the gods and have talent that is as long as eternity, and you think you have problems? Tell that to the children who have no parents after watching them die in front of their eyes, tell it to those who have nowhere to live, to the people who go to bed starving every night. And while you’re at it, why don’t you tell it to Syrana, who has sacrificed more than any of us.”
Avrin’s body tensed up hearing Syrana’s name. He had mixed emotions and questions about her. “Syrana....what’s happened to her? We met in the north.” Avrin responded respectfully. Shimaru could see the complex look in Avrin’s eyes. He was not a fool, he could tell Avrin held a lot of guilt. “I understand. Do not worry, I won’t blame you for this. I wouldn’t have taught you if I was certain you would bring the apocalypse, hahaha! As for Syrana, after the Rebirth a few dragons had survived, one of which was injured after a territorial dispute with another of its kind. It saw this lush area as a place to establish itself and demanded everyone leave. Syrana didn’t have any of that though. That damned creature intended to devour Myra on the spot, but Syrana intervened. The creature was felled with the help of Giron and some others.”
“I see...” Avrin reached up to rub the bridge of his nose as he raised the cup and brought it to his lips, drinking the entire thing in two gulps. All he felt was a slight refreshing taste, no burning or anything.
“Whoa, don’t waste it all! That’s an aged Blue Rose brew! Ahh, what a waste...” Shimaru sighed as he brought his own cup up and took a sip, giving a relaxed look.
“If you want,” Avrin said, “I can handle the remaining dragons on Seleria.” Shimaru trembled slightly. He knew how powerful dragons were, and the way Avrin had just spoken made it seem as if they were nothing but ants. “Avrin, this is their world too. They are also just trying to survive now, the issue with Orochi also struck them hard. Dragons prefer to slumber, but with the lack of mana it’s harder to find areas with enough mana to sustain them.”
Avrin looked miserable. He felt his decisions so far were half and half, worth it and not worth it. He needed to tread carefully, but he had a sudden insight as to how he could make things work. “I think I have a way to make sure in the future no dragons attack and also find mana for everyone here.”
The building they were in was made of wood and stone. Although it wasn’t in the best shape, it resembled a dojo crossed with a gym. It had that architectural style that represented Shimaru’s clan.
The door opened and a young woman walked in. She wore a blue and purple dress that showed off her curves and her well-endowed chest, and her long, glistening blonde hair was in a ponytail.
“Grandfather, I’ve come to- oh, you have a guest?” hearing her, Shimaru and Avrin turned around. Avrin blinked in surprise, this was someone he knew. She was different and more elegant and controlled but he knew her.
“Ah, Izanami. Why yes, I’m just talking to a friend I made earlier.” Shimaru was quick to adapt. He didn’t know whether Avrin wanted to be known or not.
“Friend? Grandfather, you don’t make friends, you make students into masters.” said Izanami. Her face was more lustrous like a jade, yet her pupils shined in a purple light. She looked much more attractive than before.
Avrin wanted to laugh, but he didn’t want to give himself away. He remained quiet and turned back around to glance at Shimaru. “Izanami, this matter is private, can you-” unable to finish his words, Izanami’s body flickered with astonishing speed as a very thin, glass-looking dark matter scimitar slashed sideways towards Avrin’s head.
Izanami had an emotionless look, as if this were normal for her. Avrin didn’t glance at her as he frowned slightly before leaning his head forward, the blade missing perfectly with not even a hair touched.
“I knew it!. Grandfather’s friends are sure to be strong. I apologize for this.“ the dark matter scimitar turned to ash as she respectfully bowed then left as she shut the sliding door behind her.
“That was....” Shimaru wasn’t sure what to make of the situation. This was the first time Izanami had acted so impulsively. Avrin was also left confused, thinking his cover had been blown. His Divine Sense spread out, he could tell Izanami was still there around the corner of the building as if waiting for Avrin to come out. Her presence was so well hidden that Shimaru didn’t notice a thing.
Avrin’s Divine Sense carefully twisted as it invisibly coated the walls of the building so their voices couldn’t be heard outside. “That was interesting.” Avrin gave a soft remark.
“To say the least, yes.” Shimaru replied “She has been quite strange lately, I dont know what’s going on. But I hope it’s fine.”
Avrin and Shimaru continued talking about the situation for half an hour. Avrin even told Shimaru about the planet he was on, as he felt no need to hide it. He even told him about his idea and how he was a merchant. “Selling Sigil weapons? You’re a crazy one all right. Weapons supposedly only forged by gods are being sold as if they are nothing. This old man has heard of everything. But you came here without a gift! Such a stingy student!”
Shimaru berated Avrin. “Well, you’re right. Hmm, if I was to make you a weapon it would take a bit of time, but this isn’t goodbye. I will definitely come again. In the meantime, please make due with this.“ Avrin reached into the enchanted sack he had and pulled out two Unclouded crystals that he began to cover with dark matter. He knew Shimaru was a fan of staff weapons and it was simple enough for him.
A swirling mist of dark matter surged around the Unclouded crystals, forming the skeletal shape of the staff before the thin frame began to grow thicker and thicker with strengthened dark matter until a decorated bo staff was formed, the two Unclouded crystals embedded within as to not interfere with the grip of the weapon.
“Ooo, I wonder if Izanami is capable of this...incredible.” Shimaru eagerly spoke as he received the weapon from Avrin. “Later on, if she wants to learn, she will be able to as well.” Shimaru glanced at Avrin as he stood up and began to swing the bo staff around in a masterful manner, each swing and thrust of the weapon was careful with no wasted movements. “Very good, I will accept this gift. I wanted to ask you a small favor if that is fine.”
Avrin glanced up at Shimaru, curious as to what he may need. Shimaru sat back down, placing the dark matter bo staff to the side of him. “If what you say is correct then once your business on that planet grows you will be able to send these Lucent crystal things to Seleria. That will solve a very large issue, it can let me worry about my family some more, specifically Amias.”
Avrin remembered the young boy. Hearing his name made Avrin feel heavy regret. Amias wanted to be friends with Avrin and learn as much as he could but Avrin treated him like a pest he wanted to be rid of, and the issue with Kael compared to Amias made it seem very unfair and unjustifiable.
“What’s wrong with him?” Avrin asked. Shimaru reached up to scratch his head. “What’s wrong? Well, the boy is a little monster. I have no idea how conversion works and how you Spectrals advance but that kid is advancing very quickly. I always knew he was very talented, even more so than his father and sisters, but from what I have seen in a couple of years going toe to toe with a dragon won’t be hard for him. I hope that you can lead him down the right path and correct him should he ever...feel the need to abuse his abilities.”
Avrin understood Shimaru and was somewhat stunned. “You’re worried that his rapid rate of advancement will get to his head? Hmm, I’ll take him to the north with me and teach him what I can. My biggest worry is my people abusing their power, so we are both on this issue.”
Shimaru nodded and smiled. “I should head off, there is someone else I’d like to see.” standing up, Avrin spoke those words as he glanced at Shimaru. “It was good to see you again....Master.” Avrin spoke in a respectful tone to make the old man feel better. Shimaru was delighted as he laughed and raised his cup, taking some more sips as he watched Avrin walk away towards the sliding door.