The first thing Ezekiel noticed as he returned to consciousness was that he was dizzy. The second thing he noticed was that he was incredibly sore and wished that he was still unconscious. The third thing he noticed was that he couldn’t use his mana. Leading him to mentally complain to himself that he needed to work on his theories and testing more often when he got a new lab set up in the future.
For the moment, however, he didn’t bother trying to sit up, open his eyes, or otherwise move. He could tell that he was far worse off than when he had purified Riley’s soul. So, he knew that doing anything besides lying down and allowing himself to heal would simply exacerbate his injuries.
Though he did wonder how he was still alive. If he was this injured, then any mundane beast would’ve been able to tear him apart for an easy meal. Any wild Spirits wouldn’t be as inclined, but they wouldn’t have a reason to save him either. At least, not as far as he knew.
“Well, that’s surprising.” An elderly voice called out from the side. “Usually, men your age are trying to get up and about as soon as they regain consciousness. This is the first time I’ve seen one just lie down and recover. Like a good patient should.”
Ezekiel nearly jolted in shock but managed to keep himself still. Though he did tense his muscles. Much to his regret, as his body flared in pain as he forced himself to relax.
As he calmed down, he continued to lie still. Speaking would hurt, and it wasn’t as if the person who was next to him was likely to harm him further. Not if he had, apparently, done work to help Ezekiel’s condition improve.
“Hmm... Looks like you understand that I’m not here to hurt you either. Smart kids like you are both a joy and a terror to work with.” The voice said. “I know you can hear me, even if you can’t, or at least shouldn’t, talk right now. For the moment, just stay quiet and try to relax. It would do your mind good to be awake for a little bit. I’ll knock you out again once I’m done mixing these medicines.”
Ezekiel then heard a muffled shuffling sound as the owner of the voice moved around a bit. For the moment, Ezekiel decided that he would do as told. Though he did tentatively reach out across his bond to Shine. It felt like hours passed as he managed to gingerly do so but couldn’t have been more than a few minutes at most. Something that should’ve taken less than a second.
He was shocked when he saw the damage to Shine’s soul. It was nowhere near as extensive as the damage done to him. However, it was still far more extensive than Ezekiel had expected. In fact, he hadn’t expected much soul damage at all. The Jump spell should’ve only had a physical reaction.
Going through the possibilities in his head, he realized that the mix of spiritual aspects of some of the elements in the Ten Spark Flares was likely the cause of the damage. It was unfortunate, but now he knew for the future. When he eventually created warp gates that would allow instant travel between global regions. It was a long-term goal, but most of Ezekiel’s goals were such.
For now, however, he needed to figure out how to tell whoever was treating him that his sword also needed treatment. He vaguely realized that his hand was wrapped around Shine’s handle. But as he focused more attention on it, he realized that it felt far lighter than it should’ve. He desperately wanted to take a look, but he knew that now wasn’t the time to do so. Perhaps tomorrow, when he hopefully recovered enough to keep himself alive.
A sudden return of shuffling noises caught his attention. The owner of the voice from before had moved back to his side. Closer than before, if what little his senses could perceive was correct.
“Alright then. Keep calm. I’m giving you a sleeping mixture that will knock you out for at least another day. By that point, you should be able to at least open your eyes and communicate with only a medium amount of difficulty.” The voice said.
Ezekiel felt a pin prick in his neck, nearly causing him to scream from the sudden pain. But he quickly found himself falling unconscious once again. This time, slightly more confident that he wasn’t going to die. At least not yet.
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Ezekiel wasn’t sure how much time had passed since he had last fallen asleep. But as he returned to consciousness once again, he realized that he was feeling much better than before. His soul seemed to be much more put together, and his body didn’t scream at him as he attempted to move.
Moving his fingers and toes, he felt a slight soreness, but it felt more like the soreness from moving after stiff muscles from lack of movement. Taking in a deep breath, he attempted to stretch and was happy to find that he wasn’t so injured as to hurt himself doing so.
Slowly opening his eyes, he was happy to see that the area he was in was fairly dark. A small candle flickered in the corner, and he realized that he was in a hut of some sort, rather than a sterile room. Looking at the decor around him, he figured that he must be somewhere in the Fjorya. Likely amongst one of the local clans that lived under the protection of a powerful Spirit.
He noted that the old man who had spoken to him the last time he was awake wasn’t in the room. There was no one there, and he was apparently left to his own devices. Forcing himself to sit up, he took a better stock of his condition, but as he did, he saw what had happened to Shine.
The blade in his hand was shattered into dozens of pieces, and scattered around him were all his various items from when he had left the Archipelago. Focusing on Shine, however, he was happy to see that their physical condition hadn’t appeared to have greatly impacted their soul.
Reaching through their bond, he was relieved to find that it was much smoother and took far less time to do so. But he knew that it would take Shine a while longer before they regained consciousness as well. Perhaps if he could find a spiritual Life treasure, then he’d be able to help Shine’s recovery. But for now all he could do was patiently wait.
The only thing keeping him from freaking out was the fact that he could tell that Shine’s soul had partially recovered from when he last checked. If it hadn’t, he’d be a bit more frantic at the moment.
The ruffling of the hut’s flap drew his attention. Turning to look at it, he saw and elderly man with hair turned white from age, covered in wrinkles that were only visible on his face. The rest of his body was totally covered in thick, heavy robes that were dusted with snow. The most striking feature, however, were the bright green eyes that shone with a subtle, resting power.
“You’re awake, good.” The man said. “The elders and the Guardians wish to speak with you. While it’s a bit earlier than I’d like, I know you wouldn’t be awake if you weren’t in a good enough condition to move.”
The old man moved over and began checking Ezekiel’s body. The old man started moving him in different ways and caused him to wince as he moved in ways he wasn’t used to. After this went on for a few seconds, the old man clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“Your soul is still in no condition to be using magic. Which will make your trials more difficult. But you are recovering. Perhaps another day or so before you can use your magic. Though it will be painful.” The old man said. “Now, let’s get you up. We have places to be, and things to do.”
“Wait, wait... Who are you, and where am I?” Ezekiel asked as the old man pulled him to his feet. “What trials are you talking about?”
The old man just continued moving Ezekiel along as he explained.
“My name is Welt. I am the healer for the Feather Peak Tribe of the Fjorya mountains. The trials I speak of are to ascertain whether or not you deserve the badge you came here with.” Welt said as he put a heavy robe over Ezekiel’s body. “If you fail, you’ll be kicked off the mountain. If you succeed, then you’ll receive our continued help, regardless of cost.”
Ezekiel was confused. The badge that Talon had given him was that valuable? He had thought that it was simply a badge of friendship. Something that would prevent anyone from attacking him and his party. Not something that would give him unlimited aid from one of the largest tribes in the Fjorya mountains. Things had officially become much more complicated.
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Walking through one of the largest tribal territories in the entirety of the Fjorya mountains, Ezekiel was both surprised by the level of development that he could see, as well as annoyed that he was being stared at like an animal at a zoo.
When he had first looked into the cultures and people of the world, Ezekiel had done some passive research into the Fjorya. It had mentioned that there were numerous tribes that were protected by guardian beasts. Though the number never reached anything close to what Tarquessa had when compared to cities, towns and villages.
At the same time, the people of the Fjorya also tended to have nothing to do with either of the regions to the north or south. Thus, it was considered that the people of the Fjorya were isolated and barbaric. An assumption that was generally accepted due to the little amount of information that was actually available to outsiders.
Usually, traders and businesses that had work to do in the mountains rarely went above a certain elevation. Similarly, they were chased out of many different areas by the tribes and Spirits in the area.
The only times that an outsider had a decent time with the Fjorya tubes was when they stuck to defined trade routes. Either to and from the smaller mines near the foot of the mountains, or when passing through to go to and from the Empire and Tarquessa. Even then, if the tribes in the area weren’t agreeable at the time, there was a chance of raids. The only exception was specific businesses that had managed to acquire agreements with a tribe’s Guardian Spirit.
“Come along. We’ve still got a little way to go before we get to the elder’s hall.” Welt said as he pulled Ezekiel along.
Snapping out of his daze, Ezekiel shuffled along a little bit faster. He did his best to ignore the stares that he was getting, but it seemed like this was the first time any outsider had been seen by these people in their lifetime. Something that he didn’t doubt, given what little he knew of the Fjorya’s tribes.
The state of this tribe was truly amazing, however, with the architecture and infrastructure not falling short of what he had seen of Tarquessa’s towns and villages. It fell just short of the larger cities but was still quite developed. With buildings having multiple stories. Buildings and bridges made out of ice and stone. As well as being built into the mountain itself, leading to underground areas and farms. If what Ezekiel could see of the tribe’s enchanted formations was anything to go by.
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“You seem to be both nervous and incredibly interested. Ask your questions. There’s no point in keeping them bottled up inside you.” Welt said to him as they reached the steps leading up the mountain. “Besides, you’ll be answering a number of questions once we get to the council. This will make things somewhat fair.”
Ezekiel was shocked as he heard this. He had mostly been silent as he had been dragged through the mountain top city. This was mostly to ensure that he didn’t do anything disrespectful. As well as to allow him to focus on Shine, whose handle he was still holding onto. So, to hear that he was allowed to ask his questions was quite surprising.
“Alright then. What are these trials supposed to mean for me?” Ezekiel asked. “Also, what are the chances that I’ll be able to get help for my Spirit?”
Prior to their leaving Welt’s medical hut, Ezekiel had explained the presence of Shine, his Void Spirit. Something that had greatly surprised the old healer. Usually, he wouldn’t have done such a thing with a complete stranger, but he knew that Shine’s soul needed help to heal in an efficient manner.
So, he needed to do something that would get his Spirit some help. Telling the healer that had helped him was the best chance he had. It was risky, but he had to do it.
Luckily, Welt hadn’t held any bad intentions when Ezekiel informed him of Shine’s existence. Only taking a look at the soul bound to the sword handle that Shine inhabited. The old man wasn’t able to do too much at the moment but did determine that Shine’s recovery would happen faster if the blade was repaired.
Apparently, the shock of the blade breaking was enough to shock their soul. Not enough to outright damage it, but enough to make their vessel very tight. A larger vessel would give Shine’s soul more room to grow into. Rather than just making do with the space that they had. Welt explained it as being something like having bandages that were tied too tight.
“The trials will depend on what the Guardians have decided for you. Most of them are about survival, as well as the character of the person that is being tested.” Welt explained. “A Relic of the Ancient Glacier will be used. Allowing us to do an in-depth examination of who you are. If you are found wanting, you will be launched from the mountain. If you survive, that is your fate. If you do not, that is also your fate. But either way, you will never be permitted within the region of this mountain peak again.”
Ezekiel supposed that this was fair enough. But he did hope that he managed to pass whatever trial he was given, as he was in no condition to survive such a fall. Though he did wonder how Hunters were tested this way, as their Spirits could, potentially, fly them away.
“In the event that you have a Spirit, especially one that can fly, your bond will be severed.” Welt went on. “Usually, this would be impossible, but the Relics of the Ancients are truly powerful.”
Ezekiel was nearly in open mouthed shock as he heard this. Never had he thought that the bond between a Mage and Spirit could be severed, outside of a Spirit Covenant. But that was something that was an internal agreement. It wasn’t something that was forced upon a Hunter. At least not as far as he was aware.
“What about Mages with elements that allow them to fly?” Ezekiel asked after he had composed himself. “Wouldn’t that guarantee their survival?”
Welt didn’t reply, he just pointed up to the side. Turning to look at where Welt was pointing, Ezekiel nearly choked as he realized that there was a massive stormfront rolling in. Worse yet, now that they were high enough in the air, Ezekiel could see that, far enough away, there seemed to be a swirling wall of wind surrounding the mountain at a distance.
“That is the border of the tribe’s mountain. Do you think that any old Mage would be able to survive that?” Welt asked. “Not even Legendaries dare to cross that storm front without taking numerous precautions. This is the advantage of having several Guardian Spirits to support us.”
Ezekiel simply nodded in agreement. “Clearly you are well protected. Is that just to protect you from other tribes, or are there dangers in the mountains that come from elsewhere?”
He was curious as to whether or not the tribes of the Fjorya had had to deal with the Cruor. They were, for the most part, outside the range of the Desolate Lands. So, it wasn’t likely, but he wanted to know all the same.
“You speak of the Cruor? We had some attempts, given we are the mountain tribe closest to the waters on the eastern coast. But nothing that actually made it past the shallowest of shores.” Welt explained. “Back to your question about helping your Spirit; there are currently no Legendary Life Spirits, so only I have the power to aid your Spirit. Although, depending on what the Guardians say after your test, it may be possible to use a treasure. Though the cost on your part will be significant. Even if you pass.”
The two fell silent as they continued up the stairs. Ezekiel had several more questions, but none of them were directly relevant to the situation at hand. He knew his answers would only come once they had reached the top. So, there was nothing to do besides get there as soon as possible.
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Now at the top of the mountain, standing with the central chambers of the Feather Peak’s elder council, Ezekiel could see that there were more than a few faces that didn’t look happy to see him. As he looked over the assorted men and women in front of him, He couldn’t help but notice the lack of Hunters amongst the Hunters. Taking it in, it seemed like the elders were set up much like the Grand Scholars of the Church of Ten, where only retired Legendary Hunters sat among them.
Off to the side, Welt sat with the Adept level elders. The ones that had gotten their positions from age and experience. Only three true elders sat above the rest. Welt should’ve sat with them but explained that he had long since stepped down due to his own ailing health.
There were also a number of Hunters that lined the walls, but clearly weren’t elders. They were likely there for security, or perhaps as witnesses for other reasons.
“Ezekiel Luminance. That is your name, correct?” The man that sat at the head of the elders said. His voice boomed through the room. Barely visible streaks of blue were spread throughout his hair. Showing Ezekiel his element, as well as his age.
“Yes.” Ezekiel replied. Not bothering to elaborate or make inquiries. He was currently unarmed, besides the Shine’s sword handle. The robes he had been given were also removed, and he was dressed in a pair of loose shorts and bandages.
“Our most revered healer has spoken, briefly as it was, of your character. However, given that you have only been awake for a few hours, we will need to learn more about you for ourselves.” The lead elder said. “Tell us, first and foremost, how you came to possess the badge of friendship.”
Looking around at the impassive faces of the elders around him, Ezekiel forced himself to calm down. Taking a deep breath, he let out a tired sigh before he began to explain. Keeping it brief at first. Explaining how he had contracted Talon to directly escort his party to Zime. Only to find that it was under attack. But when that was not enough, Ezekiel started to explain the events leading up to that point.
Eventually, Ezekiel had given them the full story of everything that had occurred during his time in Tarquessa. Barring the soul purging that he had performed on Riley. Not feeling that that needed to be explained in depth. As he finished, the elders all shared a look. There were several cavern Mages among them, though none were Legendary. None of them had indicated that they had detected any lies, however, so Ezekiel’s words were believed, for now.
Even if there was a pause brought by frantic whispers when he explained his existence as a Void Mage, and the presence of his Void Spirit. There had been a moment where it seemed like they were going to confiscate Shine’s handle from his person. But, apparently, the intensity of his glare towards the elder who had said that was strong enough to make them back off.
To the side, Welt gave a small smile as he saw Ezekiel’s dedication to his Spirit. Something that the Legendary elders all seemed to share. Though they were more restrained and didn’t show more than a twitch of the lips as they noticed Ezekiel’s suppressed outrage.
“His Spirit is greatly injured. To the point that it cannot help him should we decide to strike him down.” One of the other Legendary elders said. “He, himself, is also greatly injured. To the point where he cannot use his magic. Separating him from his Spirit at this point would serve no purpose other than to make him suffer. Which is not necessary for his trials.”
The council of elders quickly fell silent at that. Though Ezekiel thought that it was likely more due to the fact that his apparent trials had been mentioned. It seemed that the members of the Feather Peak tribe held their Guardian’s trials above all else.
Regardless, when he was finally finished with his story, the room fell silent, with Welt being brought forward to escort Ezekiel from the room. Apparently, the council needed to deliberate what they had been told.
Ezekiel would go through the trials no matter what. But it seemed that the council needed to deliberate what to do moving forward. As it seemed that this was all new information for them.
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The wait wasn’t that long. Ezekiel managed to get some meditation in, and even managed to touch on his mana. He couldn’t do anything about using it, but he could at least touch it. Which was more than he had expected at this point. But it seemed like his soul was growing stronger and stronger.
“Ezekiel Luminance, are you prepared for your first trial?” The lead elder asked when Ezekiel had reentered the room. “If so, step forward, and enter into the water before you.”
As he said this, lines along the ground lit up as mana flowed through the enchantments in the room. A pool of water was revealed as the stone floor was pulled away. The shallow pool made of intricately carved ice that was a mix of blues and white emanated a powerful aura. It was stronger than any Legendary figure that Ezekiel had ever met before. This was clearly an item that belonged in the Mythic levels of power. Something that Ezekiel had never faced before.
Not even Meryn’s false ascension was as strong as what he sensed right now.
“Your first trial is as such. Enter into the water and show us the purity of your soul.” The elder said. “The darker the waters turn, the blacker your heart is revealed to be. The clearer the water, the purer, kinder, and more in line with the ideals and teachings of the Ancients you are.”
Ezekiel couldn’t help but feel curious as to how this could be an artifact of the Ancient Glacier. The powers of the soul fell under the Life and Death elements, with the Light and Shadow elements having an effect through eldritch means. As far as he knew, water shouldn’t be able to affect the soul like this Relic apparently could.
Then it hit him. Perhaps this was like how he conveyed the concept of ‘nothingness’ with his Void. Water could, potentially, have different concepts, themes that were connected with the idea, or existence, of water that could also be utilized in ways that weren’t thought of by humanity.
Water could be tied to the idea of ‘purity’ and if that was the case, maybe that aspect of water was what the Ancient Glacier had tied to this Relic.
“Step forward. Now.” The elders said in unison.
Taking another deep breath, Ezekiel stepped forward. As his foot entered the water, he felt a biting chill throughout his body. But he couldn’t pull back from the pool. He was drawn deeper and deeper into the water, until even Shine’s handle, still in his hand, was also submerged.
Standing waist deep in the water, he suddenly felt a dizziness that threw him forward, falling into the water fully. His eyes closed as the chill consumed him. But suddenly, it changed to a warmth that spread through his body and soul. It then turned into a soothing coolness that didn’t bite like the chill from before. This change happened again and again, going from warm to cool and back, over and over again.
As this happened, Ezekiel could feel the aching in his soul seemed to lessen. Just a bit.
Eventually, the changes in temperature stopped. For a moment, Ezekiel didn’t feel anything. It was like the water had disappeared. Opening his eyes, Ezekiel saw the ice at the bottom of the pool with a starling clarity. In fact, the water was so clear that it was as if there was nothing there at all.
“Ezekiel...?” Shine’s voice drifted quietly through Ezekiel’s mind. Their soul having stabilized, just a little bit more than before.
The choking sensation he had as he gasped in shock snapped him out of his daze.
Throwing himself upward, Ezekiel frantically made his way to the side of the pool where he threw himself over the side, coughing out a lungful of water. A wrinkled hand reached down to pull him from the pool. A glowing green hand helped him expel the water in his chest.
As he calmed down, he turned to see Welt staring at him with eyes wide open.
“Did I pass?” Ezekiel asked with a wheeze.
“... Considering the water turned so clear we thought that it had disappeared, I would say yes. You did.” Welt said with a touch of awe in his voice.
Turning to look at the other members of the elder council, he saw similar looks of shock and awe on their faces. Obviously, they had never seen such a thing in their lives before. Even the Hunters that were there for security looked shocked.
Ezekiel didn’t fully understand the significance of his test. All he hoped for was that his next test would be just as simple as this one.