Azarinth Healer

Chapter 838: Barrier

Ilea slowed down when her health reached a third. She deactivated her fourth tier and looked at the streaks of fire slowly dissipating behind her.

Violence!!

The Barons voice resounded in her head in what felt like a shout, the little creature rocking its head back and forth on her shoulder, slowing its movement before it turned to look at her face.

Again

Ilea grinned.

Were attracting unneeded attention, Aki sent. If youre bored, you can train in Iz while we look for an entrance.

She sighed, appearing near the ground before she landed. Alright, alright. I just wanted to fly around a bit.

The closest Executioner looked at her for a few seconds. That spell

My first fourth tier ability, Ilea sent proudly.

Smart. Another deterrent in case someone thinks to mess with what we find here, the machine sent.

Ilea raised her brows. OH. No, you misunderstand. I just wanted to see how fast I can go. And flying through that thing is fun, she sent and pointed at the massive sphere of fire and energy.

Aki just nodded once and walked away.

Why is he pissed? Ilea sent to the Fae.

The Baron shrugged. Again?

Sorry, I was told to stop by my machine overlord, she answered. Not much I can do.

Godslayer

Ignore

Rules

Yes. I know. But it makes sense sadly. I have to be the adult of the two of us, Im sorry, she sent.

The Fae drooped a little on her shoulder, flowing down as if its body was a liquid.

Youre being melodramatic.

Melonofun

Thats not a word, she sent.

Fae

All

Knowing

Yes, sure. You tell yourself that, Ilea sent when she heard Nes call out, the others gathering around one spot of dirt in the landscape.

She appeared next to the group and looked at the ground and what was beyond, though all she could see within her dominion were more enchantments. Nothing about it seemed different.

That is it, Chris said. Wonderful.

Well need this area freed up, Iana said, glancing at the Executioners.

As you wish, Aki said, void magic gathering around the shifting blades of the silver machines.

Ilea watched as the machines started to dig out the ground with quick and precise applications of their magic.

Almost forgot how efficient these killing machines were, she thought. It had been a while since she had fought one of them, though by now she could likely rip them apart like wet tissues. She didnt miss the complicated expression on Ormonts face, not quite hidden by all the hair.

Must be difficult to see them. Pride and shame at the same time, Ilea thought. She didnt envy his position.

Nes and Scipio watched with indifference, at least at the surface. Ilea didnt expect them to make a move but she was certainly interested in how theyd do against the four machines. Scipio seemed like the more experienced fighter but both of them were ancient. And Nes, while she didnt seem particularly dangerous to her, was still an Ascended, and near level one thousand.

Suppose its just not that impressive anymore, Ilea thought, her arms crossed as she watched the excavation. She wondered what a random Shadow would think, if they stumbled upon this scene. We are a peculiar group.

What would I have thought back then? Eh, probably wouldve walked up to them and asked who they were.

She saw a few people in the distance who had noticed them, but Akis machines were all over the place, and any interested parties were likely asked to leave them be.

Ilea focused back on the moment when she saw the solid steel foundation exposed. A mesh of enchantments laid atop and thrumming with magic. Below she could see the runes, carved into the steel and familiar to her. None of it would indicate anything beyond humanity, let alone the Ascended. All but the steel.

Do you know if its conjured steel? Ilea asked.

No, Nes said. There is no way to tell, but its smooth, the runes carved with expert hands, or simply molded into it by magic. I would expect the latter, mostly due to what lies within the steel.

Ascended runes, Iana said.

The runic system of the Navuun, its foundations created long before the first of us was made Ascended, Nes corrected.

Iana gave her a considering look, and nodded. Apologies.

Its quite alright, child. This is history long past, I will not bore you with my sentimentality. Let us decipher the defenses. There are plenty, she spoke.

Ilea watched them work, everyone but her using various spells and tools to analyze the enchantments. They exchanged notes and comments, spoken in languages Ilea did not understand.

It felt nice, the focus entirely gone from her. At the same time she felt amazed at their capabilities. Years if not decades or even centuries of study, all leading to their expertise. She was good at keeping both herself and others alive. And she was good at destroying things.

The people she had helped bring together, they could build the layered farms she now saw in the Haven. They could create teleportation gates and organize trade. They could safely deactivate a complex mesh of defensive enchantments, without blowing anything up.

She smiled to herself, hoping that it would last. Wondering what they could achieve. While I sit back and enjoy some high quality ale, from atop my flying fortress equipped with the most lavish lava baths.

Joy? The Fae sent.

Perceptive, are we? she asked.

A giggle was her response.

A pulse of mana went out from Nes, the enchantments moving aside, the metal splitting at the center before a one by one meter shaft opened up. Leading down into the dark.

Still, her dominion could not pierce through.

One of the Executioners stepped forward, its form flowing as the mass of its metal moved around. I will scout ahead.

Nobody complained, the machine moving quickly down into the opened up entryway.

Likely an entry to a million different traps, Ilea thought, thinking back on the Descent and the facilities she had entered in Kohr.

It seems safe, the Executioner next to her spoke.

Ilea raised her brows. Really, sure its not just because the defense activation enchantments havent detected your machine?

There may be a possibility of that, but its unlikely, Aki said.

Movement and mana sources are the main sequences, Nes added. Though there are more nuanced enchantments.

Then Ill check it out next, Ilea said, warning the Fae on her shoulder and giving anyone a few seconds to object. Nobody did, and so she jumped down.

Ilea fell for three whole seconds, her wings spreading when she saw a hall opening up below, stopping her in mid air to avoid any potential pressure plates. Though she saw the Executioner standing on the ground, green eyes looking at her in the dark. She could see statues nearby. Beings in battle. Checking for any mana sources or enchantments, she came up with nothing. Hmm. Expected those to come to life. Well, they may be using some other tech or magic. She watched them closely.

The hall was large but not overly so. About the size of the Redleaf mansion entrance hall. The walls and floor were smooth. Marble perhaps or another fancy cut stone. Not metal. Though there were enchantments laid within, ones she could not pierce. Lining the walls were the statues she had seen already. Rock and metal of various colors and make, depicting all kinds of beings. There were humans, clad in plate and leather armor, some in robes, wielding swords, staves, axes, and their spells conjured from their hands.

Nearby were statues with sharp teeth, claws, and aggressive body language. Plenty to know that they were elves. All expertly crafted or molded. She could see dwarves as well, some wielding hammers, others axes, others yet commanding the still replications of Taleen machines. There were Mava too, interspersed between the others, and large humanoids in plate armor, massive weapons in their arms, some with more than two limbs. Here and there she could see Feynor, and large humanoids with tusks growing out of their faces.

Interesting.

It all depicted a chaotic scene, but the different species werent facing each other. They were facing horrors from beyond. Creatures of nightmare. Bent forms with too many legs, all of it too long, too stretched, with joints in places where they did not belong. Instead of heads there were strange flowers, amalgamations of teeth and small tentacles. Some had eyes, most did not. A tide. She could almost feel them move. Unending, unstoppable. A gray mush of limbs that would end all that there was. They did not belong.

But they faced a united front. Plate wearing warriors and calm mages, beings of fangs and claws. Humans, elves, dwarves, mava, and dark ones. Even the Feynor were there.

The beings of Elos.

She walked closer to the statues, gently brushing her hand against one of them. She did not feel any magic from the stone sculpture, nor any enchantments or mechanical components within. There was no dust anywhere, other than what she brought with her. It was perfectly quiet.

A memory? Or a tomb?

The others joined, floating down or brought by Aki. Are you sure its safe?

No, the machine replied and started towards the only hallway that led deeper into the facility.

More statues lined the walls there, however all of them were monsters, all of them moving towards the defenders in the entrance hall.

How valiant, Ilea thought as she moved on to follow the silver machine. She glanced over to Nes when an enchantment lit up where she touched.

Just light, the Navuun said as magical lamps lit up above, the light cool but not quite cold.

Ilea relaxed, realizing she was about to advance. A little jumpy.

Ill ask next time, Nes said.

Please do, one of the Executioners said. We dont want any surprises.

From anyone, Ilea thought as she walked into the hallway. The monsters she saw unsettled her slightly. More on a primal level than anything else. The closest she had fought were Soul Rippers, and those she had slaughtered in droves. Does anyone know what these are? she asked.

We have faced similar beings. Before Io. Before Kohr, Ormont said, the dwarf squinting his eyes at the monsters.

Beings of the void, Nes said as she touched one of the statues. They hunger for all that is whole, all that has matter. Manifestations of magic, from where there is no soil, no sun, no life.

You brought them here, Ormont said.

The Navuun looked at the statue before her, silent for a moment. Yes. I understand that some civilizations in Elos were starting to interfere with the mesh. Creating chaos and distraction through monster infestation was an efficient way to keep those people busy. To keep you busy, she explained, looking at the dwarf with her white eyes. Im sorry. For what our kind, has done to yours.

Ormont did not reply.

Beings of the void? Is there a realm of them? People here summon demons from Kohr to reach the same chaos and distraction, I guess the Ascended use this void instead, Ilea said.

Kohr is different, than other realms. The connection is easier, though the void is everywhere, and nowhere, Nes said.

Just like the fabric itself. Layers of reality. I dont think you can call it a realm as much as you cant call the fabric a realm, Scipio said.

Yeah, but you can move through the fabric. Its here. I can see it. I cant see the void, Ilea said.

Some can, Scipio said, his voice grave.

Ilea crossed her arms. It still doesnt make sense to me. Sure, I can imagine there being another layer around like the fabric. I can see that one and I cant see the other, because Im not a high level void mage. Im not a void mage at all. But while there is surely a way to travel through the fabric, it just seems strange to assume there is a way for these monsters to reside within something similar. They have physical manifestations. You can touch them. You can kill them.

You would know that? Scipio asked.

Yes. I would, Ilea said.

They are creatures of flesh and blood. Different perhaps, but there are different monsters here too, Ormont said.

The categories in my records show varied creatures. Your kind studied what they could, Aki said, glancing at the Taleen.

Of course, Ormont said, his chest rising ever so slightly.

They are monsters, nothing more, nothing less, Nes said. Chosen because they could be ripped from the void with little expenditure of mana, and because of their destructive and powerful nature. Compared to necromancy or what became of the Navuun, they are the most efficient. Not the most powerful, mind you, nor am I aware of a way to control them once summoned, but if all you seek is chaos She left the rest unsaid.

Throwing around monsters from other places to fight in your stead seems so terribly fucking boring, Ilea said.

You are a warrior, Scipio said.

Not a conqueror. Or a ruler, he said and sighed. I understand the necessity of such choices.

And yet perhaps it is those very choices that bring our downfall, Nes said in a quiet voice, once more brushing her hand over one of the void creatures.

I suppose there could be a way to reside within the void my items are within my domain as well.

Is there a realm where these creatures come from? Ilea asked the fae. She assumed if anyone here knew more about it, it was the Baron.

Void

Is

Void

So there is no place where I can go to fight these monsters? Ilea asked.

Yes

And

No

The Fae touched the lower part of its head in a thoughtful manner.

Will

Becomes

Manifest

Ilea looked at him for a moment, the creature acting like those three words made everything clear. I dont get what you mean.

Stupid

Go on.

Theory.

No

Monster

In

Void

Only.

Will

Energy

Intent.

Perhaps

Will

Also

Manifestation

Of

Void

In

Fabric.

Or

Will

Already

In

Void.

Brought

Into

Fabric.

Will

Manifests!

Monster

Born

So you dont actually know, those are mere theories? Ilea asked.

Yes

Fae

Fabric

No

Void

Right, I guess that makes sense. So youre telling me I should ask someone more acquainted with the void, Ilea said.

Yes.

Ilea grinned. To think the all knowing Fae is limited as well. This new title is giving me a lot of perspective. She nodded to herself in feigned deep understanding.

The Baron crossed its arms and huffed, with no lungs.

She looked at the various depictions of strange creatures until they reached another hall. Still, there were no traps, no guardians, no machines or monsters to stand in their way.

There were statues here as well, reaching only up to the halfway point of the marble hall. Ilea stopped next to the green eyed silver machine, crossing her arms as she looked at the magic before her.

Now thats a problem, she murmured. A golden barrier stood in their way. It didnt shimmer, nor could Ilea see through it at all. It looked downright solid, more potent than what the One without Form had conjured around Iz. A single steel pedestal stood before the magic, with runes carved into it. None that she knew.

There is a Source here, Nes spoke.

Scipio scuffed. I could create something similar, given enough time.

For how long? Ormont said. It does not waver. It is solid. Perfectly maintained.

Iana walked past and stood before the pedestal. Chris, isnt this-

Masked Lysian. Strange choice, the man said when he reached her.

Those arent runes? Nes asked.

No. There are many theories as to why this language was even created. Mimicking something magical with the mundane. Each rune equates to a word in Standard, Chris explained.

There could be magical meaning you simply do not grasp, Ormont said.

Chris nodded, opening and closing his mouth.

Yes, but even after thousands of years, nobody has grasped anything magical, Iana said. You know the nature of runic symbols. Do you see any of it here?

No. Not right now, not yet. But there could be something hidden, Ormont said.

There is nothing there, Scipio said, scratching his chin as he used a few spells to look at the pedestal. He squinted slightly.

Nes didnt comment, but she did move a little closer.

What do the words say then? Ilea asked. She perceived no magic from the runes, so she assumed there was nothing beyond that.

The path is locked and five seals bar the way. Turn back, for there is nothing here for you alone. Chris was silent for a moment after he had read the words.

Iana watched the pedestal and the barrier with her magically enhanced eyes. The others cast a few spells in turn.

Do you see it too? Iana asked.

It is not hidden, Nes said.

It could be a trap? Scipio added.

No. The activation leads to nothing else. It is plain to see, there is no deceit here, Ormont said.

Can you confirm that, Baron? Aki asked, looking at the fae.

No

Violence

Boring

Ilea rolled her shoulders. So, I have to go collect another set of keys?

Iana slowly walked up to the barrier. She reached her hand up to touch it. A pulse of magic flowed into the barrier, five glowing white lines extending outwards, flowing into five complex runic symbols.

The enchantress took a step back and pointed at the first symbol. There were shapes part of it that Ilea had seen before. Riddles. This one I can solve, Iana murmured and pointed to the next. A lot of sharp angles and a complex mesh that seemed to repeat itself, Ilea finding a headache growing in her mind when she looked at it for too long.

Iana looked at Ormont.

He smiled slightly, and nodded.

The enchantress moved her arm to the next. Flowing shapes, ending abruptly. Mava, she said and went to the fourth one. This one looked the most varied, a confusing feel mixed with a strong sense of unity. Runic languages used by the Dark Ones.

She pointed at the last. A beautiful sense of purity, arcane deeply ingrained in the flowing shapes. An almost primal feel to it. Elvish, she spoke and turned around to look at Ilea with a smile on her lips, blue runes glowing in her eyes.

No, Ilea. I think you already did.