There was more taking place. Let’s rewind just a little.

Nicholai went back to the inn to study his potions book a bit more. There was really no one else in the village for him to speak too. He could go and see Vesta, but he was told she had other business to tend too. However, his studying led to something interesting. A potion in the book spoke of the name Culion, who he remembered from the story. He wanted to find Benneb and asked him more about the fame mage.

He stepped out into the village, the sun was resting. He looked both ways before starting his walk, he headed directly for the elevator. Once nearing it he saw the outside of Vesta’s shop, Benneb was floating there. He was unable to hear, but Vesta was scolding the old man. She shut the door in his face. Nicholai saw this as a good time to approach.

“Hey old man. Let’s get some food. I want to talk about this Culion guy.”

“Eh. You want to know more. Young people like you tend to stay away from history.” Benneb said, starting to fly over the elevator.

“Well, i'm not like the other youth. There’s a war going on and my friends just left to fight it without me. I need to know more.” Nicholai insisted. Benneb smiled.

“I like you kid. But I recommend you watch out for Vesta. She never likes guys.” Benneb responded.

“What does that mean?” Nicholai naively questioned.

“You’ll understand when you're older.” Benneb and Nicholai walked into the elevator and took it up. Instead of the traditional restaurant, Benneb allowed Nicholai access to his secret club. The small man showed a sight of sadness when realizing Numil was off for the night. However Sera was there, surrounded by more women to count.

“Done all your work for the day.” Benneb asked the large man.

“Of course short stuff. Now leave me be. As you can tell i’m busy.” Sera said.

Benneb scoffed at the man, then walked away. He and Nicholai strayed over to Benneb’s private room. Sera was whispered something in his ear by one of the girls. He smiled at the lass, then stood up to leave the club unannounced.

The private room was home to a selection of fine wines, stuffed pillows, and….other special inquiries about. Nicholai felt uneven being in the room. And even more trying to sit anywhere.

“You sure we can’t do this somewhere else.” Nicholai asked uncomfortably.

“This place is the most secure and quiet.”

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“So you’re trusting me with more secret info. I’m guessing no one knows about this Culion.”

“Oh. Catch on fast. You’re right. There are some things even a small man leading a village like this one has to keep away.” Benneb said getting onto the bed and dissolving his cloud.

“So what’s the rest of this story?” Nicholai asked while confidently sitting down in a chair.

“Culion started the war, because of his wife's death. Those who dabbled in science and technology were trying to create something that would help them topple the other empires of the world. A weapon that converts matter into energy. All forms of matter. Have you ever wondered why the Freelands are so small. Because the humans back then were draining the continent. Literally taking the water and earth to power their weapon. It wasn’t the most efficient.”

“Which is why there are so many rocks around the shores. No ships can get in because of it. But I have to ask. You said the people of Cloudwick are the remnants of the ones with technology. Does that mean you too have access to such weaponry?” Nicholai questioned. Leaving Benneb silent for a moment.

“Yes. And I intend to use it to tear down Mount Culion. Then we will ally with the other villages to create…..Genesis!”

“Genesis?”

“Yeah. It’s this large city made from both magic and technology. It is a strange yet intriguing mixture of the two. The city was designed by Culion…..and one of the scientists.”

“What?”

“An unlikely friendship. The two tried to kill each other. Only to be the ones to usher in a great idea.”

“So Genesis is a city. That’s going to take a hell of a long time to build.”

“Oh, but that’s the catch. You see. Together the two actually locked its power inside of a tome.” Benneb’s statement made Nicholai slightly gasp.

“The tome itself creates the city. All that is needed. Is to complete it.”

“Complete it?”

“Yes. The tome has been split into two halves. The blueprints, and the book cover.”

“And let me guess, you have the blueprints?” Nicholai asked.

“Yup. When Grimm gets back. His next mission will be finding the cover. And I think you’ll be the best help in finding it.” Benneb stated.

“Why is that?” Nicholai questioned.

“Because I believe it’s in the village Fayspell. Which is exactly where you’re from? If i’m not right.”

“How-” Nicholai was quickly cut off.

“Another came here before. Wearing the same thing as you. He was here about 15 years ago.” Benneb explained.

“That was when my mom died. It was my dad. Where did he go?” Nicholai frantically asked.

“That. I don’t know. Sorry kid.” Benneb’s answer made Nicholai fall down.

“Well. At least I know he was here.”

“Don’t feel bad kid. Things like this take one step at a time.” Benneb said in an attempt to comfort the sorcerer.

“Yeah.”

“Look. if you need some time, I understand.” Benneb suggested. Which Nicholai took. He stood up and left the room. He exited out into the street of Cloudwicks night. Away from the club and back near the edge of the village close to the elevator.

He was slightly becoming nostalgic of Fayspell. He stared out towards the large mountain. Just on the other side. Every single person he ever knew or cares about is on the other side of it.

“If my dad is out there….” Nicholai said to himself. “Where the hell are you!?”

Nicholai tried to get his mind to wander off his parents. The only thing keeping him from doing so, was the screaming that came from behind, screams that overshadowed his. Coming back from the club. He rushed over to the building. Villagers were running away from it in terror. The entire place was engulfed in flames. Nicholai acted quickly to put it out.

“Muse 1: Invoke, Water!” Nicholai summoned a large amount of water and dosed the building, putting out the fire immediately. The people stopped their terror. It then grew silent. “The mayor is still in there.” Nicholai started to approach the home quickly. However he was stopped. A large flaming sword erupted from the clubhouse. Attached to the sword, a massive man made of fire stood. Nicholai looked down as two figures walked out of the front door.

It was Vesta, and Nimul. Nicholai looked at the two in shock. For they were still not alone. Benneb was with them, and he was beaten harshly.