Ashlyn entered the dining room later than she had intended, her new dress swishing softly with each step. She hoped she hadn't missed the opportunity to mingle with other guests who might have information about the Hold. To her slight disappointment, the room was almost empty, save for a bearded middle-aged man quietly enjoying his supper.
The meal was modest, consisting of a simple soup accompanied by bread. As Ashlyn was contemplating the best way to approach the lone diner, the boy from earlier timidly approached her.
“Miss, would you like your meal served now?” he asked with a hint of shyness. He avoided direct eye contact, perhaps out of guilt for his earlier rudeness or maybe because of her improved appearance.
“Yes, please,” Ashlyn replied with an amiable smile, choosing to let bygones be bygones and treating the boy with kindness.
Left to her own devices, Ashlyn debated the best way to engage with the solitary man without seeming intrusive. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to take the straightforward approach.
“Sir, may I sit here?” she inquired, aiming to sound friendly but not overly youthful or naive.
The man paused from his meal, giving Ashlyn a thorough once-over. His initially unreadable gaze softened into a warm smile as he took in her presence.
“Certainly, young lady! But please, call me Bart,” he replied. His voice was tinged with age and a raspiness.
“Thank you, Bart,” she corrected, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. Eager to avoid an awkward silence, she dove straight into her query, albeit a bit too directly. “I was wondering if you know anything about the Hold... I mean, I'm considering going there but I'm not sure about how to go about it.”
Even as the words left her mouth, Ashlyn inwardly chastised herself for her blunt approach. She had intended to ease into the topic with casual conversation, but her eagerness had gotten the better of her.
Expecting her abruptness to have thwarted any chance of gleaning useful information, she was taken aback when Bart responded with a hearty chuckle.
“Well, my dear, that's quite the question!” he said, amusement evident in his voice. “But it's refreshing to see someone so straightforward. The Hold, eh? It's not every day you meet someone who’s not a merchant traveling there. What are your plans for going there, if you don't mind me asking?”
Ashlyn was taken aback by his readiness to discuss the Hold. Bart revealed that he was a merchant, regularly trading between the Hold and nearby settlements. He even boasted of owning a warehouse within the Hold, a luxury he claimed came at a steep price. The merchant launched into a spirited monologue about his work and the Hold, only pausing when the boy brought Ashlyn's meal.
As she politely declined an offer of ale or wine, opting instead for water, she couldn't help but savor the warm soup with its chunks of meat and vegetables, a pleasant change from her recent meals. The bread might have been a bit tough, but it did little to diminish her enjoyment. While eating, she maintained a keen ear on Bart's tales, many of which veered off-topic. She nodded and smiled politely, focusing on her meal whenever his stories wandered into irrelevance.
Throughout the conversation, Ashlyn gleaned several valuable insights. Much of what Bart shared aligned with the information she had acquired from the Neuroenhancer, but there were nuggets that were especially enlightening, particularly regarding the nuance if rules and human dynamics of the Hold.
Bart mentioned that one could expedite the process of obtaining visitor clearance by bribing the guards at the Hold's entrance. However, the mandatory screening process couldn't be bypassed. For Ashlyn, the delay in processing her visitor request was inconsequential; her concern lay with the screening itself. As someone bearing a genetic mark actively persecuted by the Hold, passing the screening would be a great risk. However, Ashlyn was convinced there had to be a workaround. If corruption allowed for bribes, surely there was a way to circumvent the screening process.
Amidst their conversation, Ashlyn playfully prodded about alternative ways to enter the Hold; Bart seemed really knowledgeable. In response, the merchant chuckled generously, his pride evident as he declared his familiarity with the ins and outs of the Hold. He explained with a touch of seriousness that no one, especially an 'unidentified unringed,' could bypass the strict security measures at the gate. Apparently, the Hold enforced the protocol with utmost rigor, with severe consequences for any lapse.
However, Ashlyn caught a subtle hint in Bart's words – the specific mention of 'no unidentified unringed' rather than no one. The distinction made her hope.
"Do you really think a resonant would accept being interrogated by unringed guards in public?" Bart joked, taking a swig of his ale.
Noticing Ashlyn's inquisitive gaze, he elaborated: "You see, the Hold's laws mandate that anyone lacking a Hold citizen mark undergo screening. But here's the thing: the gate guards are mostly unringed. There's supposed to be a resonant supervising, but they seldom bother. So, resonants typically just stroll right in, no questions asked. Sure, it poses a risk of spies sneaking in, but that's a chance they seem willing to take."
As Bart rambled on, seemingly oblivious to the gears turning in Ashlyn's mind, she gleaned a crucial piece of information. Moving forward, she feigned innocence, asking questions like, "How would I know if I'm blocking a resonant at the gate?" Bart, absorbed in his own tales and experiences as a merchant, didn't probe into her motives. He seemed more than content to be the center of the conversation, which suited Ashlyn just fine.
With each detail Bart unwittingly divulged, Ashlyn pieced together a clearer picture of her plan to enter the Hold. She now had a piece of the puzzle, a 'how' to gain entry. What she needed next was the 'when' – the opportune moment to put her plan into action. As the evening wore on and Bart's stories continued to flow, Ashlyn sat there, her mind actively working on a strategy, using any valuable insights she managed to acquire.
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Holding a small, red, and hole-punctured disk in her hand, Ashlyn contemplated its inner workings. After the informative conversation with Bart, they had arranged to meet again at breakfast for further discussion about life in the Hold. Despite her growing excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead, Ashlyn had managed some sleep.
During breakfast, as she spooned the morning porridge, Bart revealed a crucial detail he had previously omitted. The Hold, it turned out, had strict regulations against using external currencies within its walls. Those looking to fund their stay were required to exchange their coins with designated dealers outside the gate. Initially confused by this rule, Ashlyn only understood it when Bart delved into the nature of the Hold's unique currency: the 'rings,' comprising of small, big, and star varieties. The peculiar disk in her hand was one of these rings, which was essential for powering various magical devices called ringtech.
Ashlyn listened intently as Bart explained ringtech – a concept entirely alien to her. These tools, powered by the disks, facilitated many tasks like illumination, heating, communication, and transport, simplifying processes she knew to be complex. Despite Bart's tendency for long-winded explanations, Ashlyn found herself genuinely intrigued by these ring-energized devices.
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Although Bart declared himself an expert, his knowledge of ringtech's inner workings was painfully lacking. He shared that these devices were crafted and powered by resonants, presumably far more trained than Ashlyn currently was. The specifics were unknown to him, but he recounted witnessing a resonant 'charging' a disk by infusing it with a small golden ring.
This newfound knowledge piqued Ashlyn's curiosity further. The concept of ringtech not only opened a window into the Hold's advanced capabilities but also hinted at the potential depths of power resonants could wield.
Bart, then, proceeded to show Ashlyn how to check the charge level of a small ring storage unit, which was the technical term for the disks. It was simpler than she had anticipated. The disk was segmented into ten parts, forming a complete circle, with each segment representing a charge. When charged, each section would light up, indicating the number of charges in the disk. According to the merchant, these ring disks were essential for powering ringtech devices, functioning as a fuel of sorts. An empty ring disk still held value, as it could be recharged for later use.
Ashlyn's mind buzzed with the possibilities. Learning about the existence of five different types of ring storage, each representing a school of perception, she deduced that her abilities might only extend to charging disks aligned with Consistency and Alignment. Eager to experiment, she traded an empty red disk – symbolizing Alignment – with Bart for five small coins. She had hoped for a blue disk – Consistency – as well, but Bart only had red ones. He tried to sell her a fully charged disk for 25 coins, but she declined.
Apparently, the exchange rates at the Hold's gate weren't much more forgiving: ten coins for an empty and fifty for a charged small ring. This realization cemented her decision to try charging the disks herself, leading her to extend her stay at the Inn for another day.
After a somewhat over-the-top expression of gratitude to Bart, which also served as a polite evasion of his invitation for more stories, Ashlyn excused herself and retreated to her room. On her way, she stopped by the innkeeper's counter to pay for another night's stay, her coin purse considerably lighter as a result. Her remaining funds dwindled to 14 small coins, erasing the option of purchasing an already-charged ring.
Concealed in the quiet of her room, Ashlyn turned her attention to the task at hand: mastering the art of charging the ring using her ‘Assembling’ skills. She engaged in a deep conversation with the Neuroenhancer, probing for insights into the charging process.
[To charge a Small Ring Store Unit, particularly one from the Alignment school, the ‘Assembling’ technique and the concept of ‘Assemble’ must be utilized.] The Neuroenhancer provided a starting point, but the task was uncharted territory for Ashlyn.
Fortunately, she was perfectly balanced between Consistency and Alignment, which meant that using the techniques exclusive to those schools, was within her abilities. Before starting, she revised what she knew about the rings. In her practical comprehension, she had divided the ‘ring theory’ into five layers, schools, techniques, and concepts. There are five schools, which represent the perceptions of the interference field or simply, magic. Then, the techniques a resonant can use to control the field. Finally, the concepts that guide the techniques to specific effects.
In total, there are 20 techniques: one exclusive to each school, one for each pair of adjacent schools that needs a perfect balance between the pair, and two unbalanced ones for each pair of adjacent schools.
In her case, the exclusive techniques are ‘Reinforcing’ and ‘Assembling’, of Consistency and Alignment, respectively; ‘Materializing’ as the perfect balanced technique; and ‘Binding’ and ‘Shaping’ as the two unbalanced techniques between her two schools. Currently, she has only used ‘Materializing’ through her natural ring.
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She understood that focusing solely on Alignment, despite being equally adept at Consistency, was theoretically easy. However, because she was the only documented resonant with such a perfect balance, the Neuroenhancer lacked precedents to confirm this theory.
Ashlyn centered herself, extending her hands with intent. She focused on conjuring her zero ring, but this time with an emphasis solely on her understanding of Alignment. The initial attempt sputtered, the golden light flickering and fading – an expected setback, but a valuable learning experience. Her instincts, so finely tuned to her signature field, were now an obstacle to overcome.
The room's stillness and the satisfaction of a full meal aided her concentration. Trial after trial, she edged closer to success. Eventually, after numerous attempts, she managed to summon a new zero ring imbued exclusively with her Alignment perception. It was a familiar sensation, yet distinct, akin to viewing the world with one eye closed.
Next came the challenge of summoning the first ring. Instead of risking potential damage to the ring storage unit, she opted to practice on two small coins. Her intuition guided her to link the ring with multiple targets, a strategy that matched her understanding of Alignment. She proceeded cautiously, opting to perfect the first ring before daring to attempt the second.
With each attempt, Ashlyn felt a growing connection to the Alignment aspect of her abilities. The process was slow and methodical, but she was determined to master it.
In the dimly lit room, she watched with immersed attention as the golden ring hovered near the coins. Unlike the transformations she had commanded in her signature field, the pure Alignment field seemed to exert its influence more subtly, without needing direct contact. The coins, under the ring's unseen force, began to quiver, slowly aligning and floating as if bound by an invisible string.
This simple yet profound display of the Alignment field's power captivated her. It wasn't just about moving or altering objects; it was about changing the way things interacted with each other. The realization of the field's vast potential and versatility filled her with a sense of awe and a surge of ideas.
After several minutes lost in contemplation, Ashlyn shook off her reverie and refocused on the present. Practical, relentless training lay ahead. She had set a rule for herself: she wouldn’t progress to the second ring until she could summon the first ring with ease.
Hour after hour, she practiced, pushing the limits of her concentration. The task was mentally exhausting, but each successful summoning of the first ring brought a new understanding. She discovered nuances in her ability: the greater the difference and distance between targets, the more taxing it was to affect them. This was a valuable lesson in the limitations and requirements of her rings.
As dusk enveloped the room, Ashlyn realized it was time to pause. She needed to replenish both her physical and mental energy. Quiet supper awaited her in the dining area, as Bart had already departed.
As she ate, her ears tuned into the conversations around her. A young man in modest attire and an elderly couple were discussing a rogue fugitive who had escaped from the Hold, heading east. This piece of information reminded her of the potential dangers that lay ahead.
Despite her eagerness, the grip of fatigue claimed Ashlyn as soon as she returned to the room. The next day, refreshed and determined, she engaged in a series of stretches, her body responding with familiar ease to the ritualistic movements. With her muscles awakened and her mind alert, she plunged back into her arcane studies.
The Neuroenhancer had imparted a curious insight: the process of charging rings, a task common to all schools, differed significantly from other ring manipulations. It lacked a definitive target. Embracing this concept, Ashlyn focused on adapting her first ring to the notion of a target. Surprisingly, simply holding the thought of 'target' in her mind's eye seemed to set the stage. The next step was more intricate – the second ring, embedded with the concept of 'Assemble.'
This was a subtle yet demanding task. Unlike her previous endeavors with Shape, Unshape, and Reshape, where she had to juggle two distinct actions simultaneously, 'Assemble' required a more delicate approach. It was akin to throwing two punches with slight variations in force – simpler in concept but intricate in execution.
Hours slipped by unnoticed as Ashlyn immersed herself in practice, honing her skills until the first light of dawn filtered through the window. A sense of accomplishment surged within her when she finally managed to cast the second ring embedded with the 'Assemble' concept. However, satisfaction was still far away; she knew she could push further and refine it more.
The errand boy's knock at the door, signaling the imminent end of breakfast time, broke her intense concentration. She acknowledged him with gratitude, masking the fatigue that clung to her voice.
In the dining area, she savored her breakfast, contemplating the dwindling state of her finances. With only six coins remaining, she resolved that this would be her last night at the Inn. It was imperative to make the most of it, to ensure that when she stepped out the next day, she was fully prepared for the journey ahead.
The day progressed with relentless practice sessions, each one edging her closer to mastering the 'Assemble' concept. Ashlyn understood that the path she had chosen was filled with challenges and uncertainties, but her determination was unwavering. As night descended, she retired to her room, her mind already plotting the next steps of her audacious plan to infiltrate the Hold. Tomorrow, she would set forth on a path that would test her resolve and skills. But for tonight, she allowed herself a moment of rest, a brief respite before embracing the unknown that awaited her.