Chapter 10
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Elara shouted out “Finn! Snap out of -” but it was too late. Just like that, Finn was gone.
Toren walked up to the area Finn had been before he disappeared. “The remnant magic here is much more powerful than Finn should have been able to produce, especially at his current rank. What in the hells happened?”
Meanwhile, Cadan, Lia, and Ariella reentered the domain and Lia froze, her senses well adept, she noticed the tension of auras in the air and the disturbed magic within the domain, even as it was quickly returning to normal.
“Trouble,” she said, rushing to the gathering of concerned companions.
When the trio arrived, converging with the rest of the team, it became obvious that something had happened to Finn.
“We need to go find him!” Elara said, frantically.
“I know,” Toren replied. “But we don’t have any idea where to start. Lar, he could be anywhere on the planet. And I don't need to remind you of the importance of reaching the ruins.”
Elara’s face screamed reluctance, but she let out a slow breath and calmed herself, frowning gravely.
“We can follow the pendant, it will guide us back to him, then we can resume our journey”.
Toren frowned, “Lar, the pendant only gives us a direction, it cant give us a location or distance, it would take far too long unless he’s already nearby”.
“What happened?’ Lia asked Toren.
“Honestly, I have no idea... Finn was following his usual routine when suddenly he began floating, surrounded by powerful magic, and then, in the next instant, he vanished.”
Ariella was already scanning the area, waving various crystals and wands, studying it intently.
“I think Finn somehow managed to channel Bronze rank magic into his magical matrix, causing him to overload himself and it had some kind of adverse reaction. It essentially pulled him through a portal, and I have no idea what the destination was.”
Toren looked at her. “Can’t you get any kind of idea where he might be?”
Even as she talked, Airella was waving more wands around and continuously checking another magic tablet.
“Mmm... I believe so... Ah, yes, okay. If I'm reading this correctly, Finn is in... the Veridian Depths.”
“The Veridian Depths?” Branok erupted. “That’s nearly on the other side of the planet!”
A powerful and benevolent aura washed through the entire domain, originating right in front of the team. Immediately all of the locals dropped to one knee, facing the manifestation of their goddess, and the team quickly followed suit, dropping to take a knee.
In this world, the gods were powerful entities, representing a core aspect of reality. This being said, they operated on their own scale, largely staying out of the affairs of the creatures of the world unless there was a disturbance to their domain. That is not to say they did not interact with the inhabitants of the world, but gods were so powerful that their inherent power was so vast that they could severely damage people without an incredibly strong aura of their own.
The town radiated with the power of the goddess, making the entire team tremble as she stood before them.
"Fear not, for Finn is strong and resourceful," Serena began, her voice imbued with a comforting warmth. "His journey through the Veridian Depths, while fraught with peril, is also an opportunity for growth. The challenges he will face are not beyond his capability to overcome."
Elara, still kneeling, raised her head, her eyes meeting Serena's ethereal gaze. "But how can we aid him from afar? The distance is vast, and our mission..."
Serena's gaze softened at the depth of Elara's concern. "Your mission is indeed of great importance, and it must continue. As for Finn, remember that the strength of your bond as a family is a guiding light stronger than any darkness he may face."
Toren, steadying his voice, asked, "What guidance can you offer us, then, to ensure his safety and our success?"
“Your journey to the ruins and Finn's path through the Veridian Depths, while separate, both lead toward greater understanding and strength," Serena clarified, offering a broader perspective. "The key to navigating the challenges ahead lies not in physical proximity but in the strength of the connection you share as a family. Trust in that bond to guide you both."
Lia, always pragmatic, pressed further. "Is there no direct aid you can provide him?"
“In the realm of mortals, direct intervention by gods is bound by ancient pacts. My power is limited to my domains, and Finn is beyond my reach. However, I offer you this wisdom: Finn possesses a rare resilience and spirit. Encourage him with your thoughts and prayers, even in his absence. They will reach him," Serena advised, her voice resonating with untapped power.
Branok, ever the protector, frowned. "And what of the dangers he will face in such a region?"
"The Veridian Depths are ancient and“The Veridian Depths are ancient, holding secrets long forgotten. Finn's unexpected presence there will serve as a catalyst, awakening strengths he has yet to discover within himself,” Serena explained, her distant gaze as if bearing the weight of eons. hold secrets long forgotten. Finn's presence is unexpected, but will act as a call to awaken strengths he has yet to discover within himself”, Serena explained, her gaze distant, as if carrying the weight of eons of history within her existence. "Guide him with your wisdom, and trust in his ability to navigate the trials ahead."
As her form began to fade, Serena's final words lingered in the air, a beacon of hope amid the storm of uncertainty. "Your paths will converge once more, in a time and place governed by the threads of fate. Until then, move forward with courage and faith."
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With that, Serena's presence dissipated, leaving behind a renewed sense of purpose among the group. They rose, each member carrying within them a piece of Serena's wisdom, a silent vow to support Finn in spirit and to continue their quest with renewed vigor.
Elara, now standing, turned to her companions, her resolve hardened like steel. "We will reach the ruins and fulfill our mission. And we will keep Finn in our hearts, guiding him as Serena suggested. Let's prepare. Our journey is far from over."
The group nodded, their determination unshaken. They understood the road ahead was fraught with challenges, but the goddess's guidance had provided a clarity of purpose. Finn, though physically distant, remained a vital part of their journey, a reminder of the strength found in unity and the power of unwavering faith.
As they set about their preparations, each member carried with them an unspoken pledge: to reach their destination, to uncover the secrets that awaited, and to reunite with Finn, stronger and ready to face whatever lay ahead together.
- Break -
As Finn and Cosmo departed, Finn took out the magic staff he had been gifted by Toren. He hadn’t used it before, as was advised by Toren.
“Be careful with this staff. It can amplify your power, but that means you will be able to wield magic more potent than you’re used to. I advise you to master your normal magic until you begin to explore the power this staff can offer,” Toren had advised him. Finn trusted Toren’s guidance, but now, in unfamiliar territory and feeling the magic of the area surpassing his own capabilities, he knew he might need the staff's power to protect Oscar, Cosmo, and himself from any threats.
Finn trusted Toren’s words, but he was now in a place he did not know, and could feel the magic of the area much higher than what he could handle if monsters attacked. He wasn’t alone, he had Oscar and Cosmo to protect, and he would need all the power he could handle if he wanted to keep them all alive.
Cosmo had taken an immediate liking to the big panda, who he began calling Oskie instead. Cosmo, now riding on Oscar, seemed to be doing a lot better now that he had gotten food, water, healing, and someone to keep him company. Alongside, Finn walked with the pair, with the wariness of having the weight of protecting everyone, scanning his surroundings, watching for enemies, and looking for signs of civilization.
The forest was covered in thick brush, and Finn pulled out the small multitool, remembering that Branok had mentioned most tools had magical enhancement options. After some trial and error, Finn found a small lever that could draw on magic to increase in size, creating a machete like weapon that would be perfect for cutting the brush down and forging a path. He suddenly remembered that he had also been given a map and compass.
The map was a magical device that he was able to project so that he could view it while walking. It wasn’t a paper map but an orb-like device that had notches that he could attach string to create a bracelet. Finn pulled out enough bamboo to quickly string together some and attached it to the orb and slid it on. After channeling some mana into the orb, it lit up, and Finn watched as the projected screen created a sphere of what looked like the planet, but all was obscured save for two locations. He realized this meant he had a way to have a great sense of how to return to the village, but it was on the other side of the planet.
“No point worrying about that right now” Finn said to himself, “Just focus on getting Cosmo to safety and getting enough resources to survive.”
The compass that had come with the map now hangs from a loop on his backpack strap for ease, and the machete weapon in his right hand, as he chopped away at the brush.
“See, I’m trying to find a stream of water” Finn said to Cosmo as he hacked away. “I was told that water always leads to civilization, and I’m hoping that’s true here too.”
- break -
Finn's quest for a water source had been uneventful until his magical compass abruptly began to pulse a dire red, quickening in a rhythm that set Finn's nerves on edge. He signaled for the group to halt, motioning for silence with a sense of urgency that bordered on fear.
As he cautiously surveyed the surroundings, his gaze locked onto a horrifying sight. A Corrupted Treant loomed ominously over the forest canopy, its once noble and life-nurturing form now a grotesque mass of corruption and decay.
Dark sap seeped from its bark like the wounds of a festering sore, and its eyes, ablaze with a sinister red glow, promised nothing but malice. Branches, twisted into the guise of clawed hands, twitched with eager anticipation, ready to lash out with deadly speed at the slightest provocation. The air hung heavy with an oppressive dread, the ground below littered with the remains of the treant's unfortunate victims, a grim testament to its ruthlessness.
Rooted to the spot, Finn prayed silently that they remained unnoticed, but fortune was not in their favor. With a thunderous roar that seemed to shake the entire forest, the Corrupted Treant charged, its every step a declaration of impending doom. Finn's heart pounded in his chest, a frantic drumbeat heralding a dance with death. The treant's aura of malevolent power, a sickening miasma of high-end bronze rank, enveloped Finn, overwhelming his senses with its vile intent.
Finn, dwarfed by the monstrous entity before him, realized his grave error in underestimating the treant's agility. Bracing himself for a swift evasion, but he was still unprepared for the sheer speed of the treant's attack. The massive limb struck with devastating force, a blow that Finn could only partially avoid. For a moment, time stood still, a brief respite before the onslaught of pain. Turning to face his assailant, Finn's eyes widened in horror at the sight of his own arm, now a grisly appendage hanging by mere shreds of flesh.
In the tense silence that stretched between the moments of chaos, Finn felt a wave of nausea and horror threaten to engulf him as he grappled with the brutal reality of his injury. His attention snapped towards Oscar and Cosmo, their faces etched with fear and worry, a sight that pierced through his shock and galvanized his will to fight. Oscar, with his gentle eyes wide in alarm, seemed to brace himself, ready to leap into the fray despite his natural inclination for peace.
Cosmo, though young and undoubtedly scared, stood firm, his resolve reflecting the bravery Finn had instilled in him. This display of courage from his companions fueled Finn’s determination, transforming his fear into an indomitable resolve.
With his grievously injured arm hanging by a thread, Finn’s mind raced, calculating his next move against the towering Corrupted Treant. Its massive form loomed, branches twisting in a grotesque parody of its once noble stature, as it prepared to deliver another blow. The ground shook with its every step, its eyes burning with a hatred that seemed to set the air itself aflame.
Drawing on the depths of his training and the countless hours of magical practice, Finn reached for his staff, a conduit for the untapped power within him. He was acutely aware of the vast disparity in strength that lay between him and the treant, a gap that seemed insurmountable. Yet, the staff in his hand vibrated with potential, eager to channel the surge of magic Finn was desperately gathering.
Finn’s focus honed to a razor's edge as he conjured bolts of arcane lightning, each one a testament to the teachings of his adoptive family. The air crackled with energy, the buildup of power visible in the swirling storm of electricity that cloaked him. The treant, sensing the shift, roared in defiance, its steps hastening as it sought to crush the fledgling threat before it could fully manifest.
As Finn dodged and weaved through the forest, a desperate ballet of survival, he allowed his emotions to fuel his magic. Anger at his past failures, determination for a second chance at life, and the raw fear for the safety of Oscar and Cosmo melded into a tempest of power. Each bolt of lightning he summoned was laced with his resolve, his desire to protect, to survive, to fight back against the darkness.
The storm around Finn reached its crescendo, a maelstrom of lightning poised to strike. With a defiant cry, he unleashed the full fury of his magic upon the treant. Bolts of electricity, each one a carrier of Finn’s hope and rage, converged on the corrupted giant. The forest lit up with blinding flashes, thunderous roars echoing as the magical assault bombarded the treant, a last-ditch effort to turn the tide of the battle.
Through the chaos, Oscar and Cosmo watched, their hearts pounding with fear and awe at the display of power. The connection they held with Finn, sculpted through trials and shared struggles, however new, remained unshakeable, their belief in him steadfast. As the lightning storm raged, they stood ready to support Finn, to face whatever outcome the battle would bring, together.
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