PART 1
Vice-captain of Crimson Code, Christine.
Yggdrasil time [20:25]
Outer regions | Designated Location Point 64: The Lake Tritonis.
Above the skies, a vibrant fire burst wildly, resembling a meteor as it descended with a blazing intensity. As it continues to slow its descent toward the lake, the Crimson code watches in awe of the scene.
"That's quite the firepower," Christine remarks, "Do you guys think that a body would remain or would turn to ashes before it hits the water?"
Liu stood up as she answered, "Regardless of the Seeker's fate, it is our duty to recover their body. Who knows, that fallen Seeker might have the monsters' blood on them, or bear a race we do not know."
Liu took out a lengthy, sturdy-looking rope from another sack with a dark green drawstring. Before running towards the trees, she said, "I'll get the rope ready."
Meanwhile, Christine continued to watch the blazing descent of their compatriots, and then suddenly a loud clap reached her ear, causing her to turn her head. She saw Phantom, his eyes closed and his hands clasped together in a prayer-like gesture.
"What are you doing?" Asked Christine.
"With all my soul and being, I fervently wish for a beautiful lady's descent from the heavens," Phantom answered.
Upon hearing his words, Christine gave a cold gaze to Phantom, but he ignored it as he confidently added, "I strongly suggest that you do the same, Ms. Patron."
"No thanks."
Christine made her way to the cliff, turning back to ensure everyone was following their usual save and rescue tactic. When she noticed Phantom's presence, something caught her attention, and she couldn't help but point it out.
"PUT. THAT. DOWN."
Phantom carried a plate of sandwiches and paused momentarily, contemplating before returning to the table to set it down. Meanwhile, Liu arrived with a rope hooked onto a tree.
"Rope is secured," Liu reported
With a nod of approval, Christine unclipped the sword from her belt and simultaneously untied the dark green drawstring of her sack of holding. Christine slid the sword inside, marveling at the capacity of the spatial magic. Satisfied, she secured the sack on her belt.
"Let's stick to the usual plan," Christine declared, "Liu, make sure you maintain contact with us and the nearby patrol. Phantom, prepare your packet nutrients for first aid."
Both of them nodded at Christine's words. Phantom took hold of the rope and embraced Christine from behind. Together, they began their descent down the cliff, with Phantom's feet carefully navigating the cliffside as they swiftly moved downward.
The light from above suddenly vanished. Regardless, Phantom continued their descent quietly while Christine strained her eyes to make out the details of what was happening above. However, the constant movement made it difficult for her to see. Instead, Liu spoke of the situation using her adaptive eyes, allowing her to perceive even the most distant objects and provide assessment effectively.
"It appears that the Seeker has stopped using her fire to propel herself upward. She's still alive, but badly injured," Liu reported, her tone filled with concern. "I believe she'll use her abilities again just before the impact. However, the strain caused by the sudden temperature change might render her immobile."
"Really?" Christine replied with a hint of doubt, her eyebrows furrowing. "Just how certain are you this time, Liu?"
"We've witnessed similar situations in the past, but not with such immense power. I'd estimate about 80% certainty based on our previous encounters," Liu transmitted back through their private communication.
"Mhm," Christine nodded, "I see. Then have you secured contact with the patrol team nearby?"
"I attempted to contact them, but they informed me that they had been annihilated by a Hegenees and are currently present in the Capital." Liu answered, "I will seek assistance from other nearby comrades instead."
"We're counting on you," Christine transmitted back.
After a strenuous descent, Phantom finally reached the base of the cliff, carefully placing his Patron onto the relatively dry ground. The area was scattered with slick, wet stones, some featuring menacing spikes jutting upwards, a potential hazard for anyone unwary.
"Careful," Phantom warned through his motionless lips. "This is a highly perilous environment."
"How many times are you going to warn me that?" She retorted.
"I will continue to remind you as long as it ensures your safety, Ms. Patron."
Suddenly, a brilliant burst of light appeared directly above them, immediately diverting their attention toward it.
In a fleeting moment, Christine managed to catch a glimpse of the fallen Seeker's appearance. The girl's disheveled red hair was singed from the explosive fires, and her body bore numerous scorch marks. Despite being subjected to the flames, there was no denying that the girl was wearing clothing resembling Christine's standard imperial uniform.
But what caught Christine's attention the most was the sword in the fallen Seeker's shoulder.
As they continued to watch intently, Christine concentrated her thoughts, commanding her body to undergo a certain biological adaptation in response to her immediate needs. As a result, her neck started to fill with oxygen, causing it to gradually expand, while her face started to glow a pale blue hue.
Christine contemplated, 'Where she lands is nearby, and I can easily swim to her. There's no need for me to develop aquatic fins… And for a third eyelid… Yeah, no.'
As the process of Christine's biological adaptation continued, the girl's body plunged into the lake, causing a resounding splash. The once serene waters now simmered with steam, a consequence of the fierce fire from the girl who tried to propel herself.
"I'm going to jump," Christine declared.
"Good luck, Ms. Patron."
Without a moment's hesitation, Christine leaped into the icy depths of the lake. The chilling water soaked her clothes, but she paid no mind to the discomfort it brought. This was a familiar routine for her, having performed countless rescues in recent hours, and every time she swam beneath the surface, the underwater world revealed itself with breathtaking beauty, but also a hint of fear of the unknown waters.
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The moonlight glow reached only so far, its light penetrating the surface of the water, creating rays in the water. A sight Christine cannot help but be in awe every time, a sight she could never naturally experience in the real world.
Undeterred, Christine propelled herself through the water, her movements deliberate and unhurried, closing in on the girl slowly descending to the depths. Even with the girl's powerful flames, the underwater remained ice cold, to the point Christine could no longer ignore and commanded her body to resist.
As Christine approached, her gaze fixed on the girl's critical state. A gruesome sight awaited her - a sword impaled on the girl's shoulder, while a glowing liquid profusely spewed from her mouth. As she grew closer, Christine noticed a grotesquely swollen neck, and black marks from fire spread around the girl's body.
'Poor girl…'
And as she neared the girl's maimed figure, it became chillingly apparent that one arm was missing, while the other remained charred to the very bone. The skeletal remnants of her fingers hauntingly traced the silhouette of her former limb.
Christine couldn't fathom the creatures that resided in the castle above. As far as her memories go, Seekers who had escaped this deathpen were critically wounded. While those who are unfortunate lost their lives during her rescue.
Liu's voice echoed in Christine's mind, jolting her from her thoughts, (Christine of the lake, what is your knowledge?)
(Shut it. Let me focus.)
As Christine finally reached the motionless body, she gently tapped the girl's shoulder twice, hoping for a response and confirming neutrality. Yet, as expected, the girl remained unresponsive. However, Christine found a steady beating pulse of the girl's heart.
(She's alive!) Christine transmitted a message. (But I'm not certain whether she is blanking or unconscious!)
(Retrieve her quickly. We'll assess her situation after.)
Christine embraced the girl from behind, firmly placing her arm around her. She could feel the girl's body growing colder, causing a wave of panic to consume her.
'shit!' She cursed.
The sword that penetrated the girl's shoulder hindered Christine's hands to stroke freely, causing her to remove it. However, to her surprise, the sword firmly latched on the girl's body.
'Why would she regenerate herself along with the sword?' Christine wondered, her mind swirling with possible explanations for such a strange choice.
However, as time slipped away, she made a quick decision to adjust her body position, wrapping her arms around her from the side, and started swimming towards the shore.
Liu's voice resonated in her mind, (Vice-captain, how is your situation?)
(So far so good,) Christine replied. (You?)
They were fortunate that the body of water remained calm, free from the lurking presence of underwater monsters. But there was no information about what may live down under, and that unknown made Christine feel tense.
Even with the presence of the moonlight underwater, there was a limit on how far she could see. Regardless, Christine continued to swim ashore.
(I have contacted a nearby friend,) Liu transmitted, (they should arrive in 20 minutes.)
After reaching the rugged stony shore, Christine carried the unconscious girl in her arms. With a worried expression, she passed the girl to Phantom.
Phantom immediately carried the girl to dry land, lying her down where he had prepared a pile of towels. As he placed the girl down, he heard Christine's footsteps approaching from behind. He made room for her, creating a space beside him.
"Ms. Patron," Phantom muttered.
As Christine positioned herself beside the girl's lifeless body, she initiated her initial examination. Her face, now cleared of a glowing color, stayed focused.
Upon closer inspection, it became evident that the girl possessed the distinct features of an Athari. If all limbs were intact, there was no doubt about her origin. However, solely based on appearances, Christine couldn't firmly confirm the girl's identity, as rescue reports for this deathpen did not mention any Athari. It seemed likely that she belonged to a different race altogether.
'Majority of the survivors have wings, the latter were either spirits.' Christine thought. 'This girl must be a spirit of some sort.'
Placing her hand next to the girl's mouth, Christine could feel the girl's breath gently brushing against her wet skin. Christine noticed the bulge on the girl's neck was slowly shrinking.
"Good, no water entered her body." Christine said, "Start giving her you-."
Suddenly, as if jolted by an electric shock, the girl's body convulsed for a fleeting moment, her eyes wide open. With a swift motion, she jumped away from the duo and quickly assumed a defensive stance.
The duo was taken aback by the girl's defensive reaction. Looking closely, they couldn't help but notice her body trembling from the cold of the night. Not only that, she appeared to be swaying yet displayed enough strength to retaliate if necessary.
Christine was caught off guard by the girl's behavior, though it was not entirely unexpected. Raising her two hands, she gestured for Phantom to follow suit. Through their private communication, she urged Phantom to maintain vigilance.
As Christine focused her gaze on the girl, she couldn't help but notice her eyes - large, white pupils filling the entirety of her black eyes. The enlargement of the eyes has various meanings, and it made it futile to discern the girl's type of eyes.
Or rather, there are downsides when one tries to biologically adapt their eyes, especially with two eyes. It's impossible to form a clear image everywhere for Athari.
"By any chance," the girl muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, as she raised her hand guard, "are you two an Aetherian?"
Christine quickly responded, "Yes. We saved you when you fell into the lake." Christine continued her observation towards the girl, refusing to let her guard down in case of a potential attack. A sense of familiarity lingered within her, though the girl's deconstructed form posed a challenge in identifying her avatar's appearance.
With the game banning Mind Networking, it was impossible to scan the other party's real-world profile.
Glancing swiftly at her surroundings and examining her own body, the girl turned her gaze at the duo, her face completely devoid of expression.
"Is that so? My apologies for the defensive act, and thank you for rescuing me." Saying so, the girl lowered her hand and walked towards them.
"Don't worry, it happens. I'm just relieved that you woke up before something bad happened. AH!" Christine exclaims, remembering a memory, "Do you want to do nutrient packs to recover your body?"
"Nutrient packs? You mean, Blood transfusion?"
"Yes"
"No need. I am not comfortable with blood transfusion. I believe any food will suffice."
Phantom answers, "We have an ale."
Hearing this, Christine shouldered him from the side, smiling stiffly with water dripping from her hair.
"Any other?'
"Well, we have grape wine?"
"Any non-alcoholic, and nutritious? I need to recover my body, after all."
Christine reached for the sack of holding attached to her belt, carefully retrieving a Ketl fruit. The glow light made the girl pique her interest, and with a stiff smile, Christine forwarded the Ketl fruit to the girl.
"What's this?"
"A Ketl fruit." Christine answered, "Other seekers found it on the frontier. Here~ Aaa."
Without hesitation, the girl devoured the glowing berry from Christine's hand. Then, She expressed thoughts, "Quite nutritious. By the way, what's your name?"
"I am Christine, this one is Phantom. We are the Crimson code auxiliary group of the expedition Tailgate. You?"
"Alicia white. I thank you for all your efforts in saving me."
As Alicia declared, an unregulated memory from the past suddenly flooded Christine's mind, the appearance of Duchess Fenix overlapping the girl. Christine couldn't help but ask, carefully selecting her words.
"Are… you perhaps Alice Blodeuwodd Fenix? The Divine?"
Hearing so, Alicia furrowed a brow, clearly discontented with what she heard. "Yes, what of it?"
After stating so, the members of the Crimson Code quickly straightened their posture and dropped to their knees in reverence before the Divine. Christine's heart raced as she nervously wiped the sweat from her brow, her mind racing with the thought, 'Did I unknowingly feed the Divine poisonous berries?’