January 18, 2019, 9:05 am.

"Uhm. What do you mean, gone? How can you not have males? How do you get, you know, little K'tharn?" I ask, confused.

"You don't need a male. Any user can choose who they want the partner to be. If they even want a partner. If they spend the extra irons, we can choose the gender of the child as well. It's been years since I've heard of a pu'shaha being born. Why would any K'tharn want to use one of their limited children on a male? Especially since everyone knows that females accomplished everything of importance!" Tipan practically screams as she turns, throwing herself on the grass. I'm sure she's being flippant but it's hard to tell, now that she's face down.

"I thought Ivicka said you had a father," I remind her, still confused.

"Of course, I had a father. She was just trying to insult her. How else would I have learned magic?" Tipan mumbles from where she has her face buried in the grass. Smoulder moves up next to her before glancing at me for a second then nudging Tipan with her nose.

"Uhm. What do you mean, her? And what does learning magic have to do with being a father?" Her explanations are doing the opposite of helping me understand.

"Your father is whichever mother teaches you literacy and magic," Tipan explains distractedly from where her face is planted on the lawn, her head being gently butted by Smoulder.

Well, that's embarrassing. And kind of funny. I guess my translation from Uthica isn't perfect. I can see how 'father' could come to mean magic teacher, given that's kind of what Pern did. And Uthica was the one who basically introduced the word to her people by referring to Pern as her father.

"Well. That's not what Uthica meant that word for at all," I comment as Tipan flops over onto her back, her arms and legs splayed out. Which makes a perfect landing pad for Smoulder.

"Yes. Well, it would appear that a great deal of the world I thought I knew is built on lies," Tipan grumbles disconsolately.

"Yeah. I'm pretty sure that's how it always works. At least I think that's the point Mr. Heinsberg was trying to make in my grade ten social studies class. He may also have been perma-stoned, so, who knows," I respond laying down on the grass beside Tipan.

"What?" Tipan responds in confusion, shifting to stare at me.

"Nothing. Point is, history is usually 'edited' to favour the people in charge," I explain with air quotes which Tipan probably doesn't understand either.

"But why would they hide such a thing. So, pu'shaha aren't useless. Why hide it? What is there to gain?"

"Not my area of expertise," I shrug helplessly.

"Thank you. For helping me with my Runic channelling. And for dealing with my sisters. It is still hard for me to believe that both Seldast and Bel'dast returned as Fallen. And the thought that perhaps Ivicka caused their deaths then turned them into servants," Tipan trails off as she shudders.

"You're welcome," I reply, patting her hand as I sit up. "Speaking of your sisters. I'm not sure if you want these?"

Holding out the crystals for her inspection, Tipan just stares at them for a moment, "are those…. soulstones?"

"Yeah. Apparently, they're linked to your sisters. They're corrupted though."

"I think it would be best if you held on to them. For now," Tipan decides, closing her eyes while laying back in the grass.

We sit silently for a minute before I start getting a little antsy. "Okay. Listen. I have some tests with new runes I want to run, but I don't want to wreck the garden. You can come with me if you want."

"I think I'd like that," Tipan decides after considering silently for a moment.

"Cool. Tell you what, you show me yours, I'll show you mine."

"I'm sorry. What do you mean?" Tipan asks as she pushes herself to her feet.

"I mean you probably know runes that I don't, right? And maybe I know some you don't. So, we trade them," I answer as we walk back to the common room.

"Ah. That may be challenging. While you're able to conjure runes in the air for easy study I'm... Oh…." Tipan trails off for a moment, her eyes going wide as she realizes she can do the same now. Then she turns to me with excitement, "Yes! Yes, we should do this!"

"Sweet. I just want to get Roberts, I mean Wes, to heal me up a bit," I mention looking about the room for him. He's not here but the moment I decide to check for him with my IFF, I realize he's in the change room.

"Uh. I guess we should wait. Looks like he's busy," I inform Tipan while grabbing a seat at the table.

"Surely we can share runes. There should be little harm in that," Tipan suggests.

Eagerly agreeing, we start trading spells. Tipan has the basic shield spell and the swept rune that produces a flamethrower effect. The one I never use. I've already shown her both umbrella and flight when I was demonstrating them for the others, though she takes a little while to correct her notes.

As we're talking about flight, I mention, "You know when you were unlocked runic channelling, I noticed you were flickering green and purple." It was hard not to, considering how bright it got.

"Ah, I was channelling my mana. I have a strong affinity with wind mana, which I was encouraged to focus on. I also have some affinity with lightning, but I never worked on my skill," Tipan explains as I bring up my pierce spell.

"This is a strange combination," Tipan comments, inspecting the floating water sculpture I hold in place in the shape of my pierce rune.

"Oh? It's kind of weak. But it was my first spell," I offer, proud and embarrassed at the same time.

"Well, I can discern the intent behind it. It is meant to bypass barriers, correct?"

"Yeah. That was what I thought I needed at the time," I confirm while blushing. That was an awful mistake.

"Strange that you didn't use it against the Fallen. I imagine it would have worked quite well at ignoring their shields," Tipan observes, while rubbing her hand along the shimmering water structure.

"Uh. Oops." That's totally not because I forgot that it was more effective against barriers. Nope.

"I don't have any spells like this one. Excuse me for a moment."

"So, is there a primer to how runes work somewhere?" I wonder as Tipan adopts the familiar I'm-checking-my-interface look.

"There is. But I'm no longer sure how useful it might be. One of the earliest lessons was to never lock your mana in place. I can only imagine how many other portions are incorrect," Tipan answers while gesturing for me to rotate the rune for her.

"Huh. Good point," I reply as we continue. Tipan shows me her rune for firing a flat spinning disk. Which I want to test out, but until Roberts returns, I hold off. As she's demonstrating, she explains that she usually forms it out of Aero instead of mana.

"That reminds me, do you want me to unlock your codex for Aero?"

"That would be excellent. The only description I have is from the Aetherium's codex library. Who knows how much they tried to mislead me," Tipan exclaims, clasping my hand in excitement.

"You have received a request to examine Tipan of clan Lithania's resource. Would you like to know more? Obtain the full codex for 18.7 focus and 13.8 facet. Note, the codex will be shared with Tipan of clan Lithania."

The cost of these codex has really come down. Confirming, Tipan and I read over her codex.

“Codex obtained: Resource - Aero.

Iron grade higher concept resource.

Current known users: Tipan of clan Lithania.

Description: Drawing on very limited knowledge of the system’s understanding of aerial fluidics, Aero is slightly destructive, but is especially good at slicing attacks. It can also be passively channelled to slow or accelerate a user's descent through the atmosphere.”

“Aero’s primary contributing attributes are Intellect and Spirit, with a lesser contribution from Perception and Resolve and a minor contribution from all other attributes.

Like most iron grade higher concept resources, Aero may not be fashioned into armour.”

Wow, Aero is almost the same as Smoulder's Ignis. Just for wind instead of fire.

"Well, it's nice to see that at least this matches what I was told. Though it didn't mention the increased contribution from Perception and Resolve. Hardly a critical mistake seeing as they recommend them for an Aeromancer anyway."

"Maybe that primer could be useful if they're only partially mistaken," I suggest.

Even as I'm speaking, Tipan is already shaking her head, "your understanding is already beyond the primer. It only covers the three basic runes as well as fundamentals on how to unlock an element. It also claims that trying to develop more than one element is a path that will limit a user. Clearly, that too was a lie."

"They're really trying to keep you guys down, aren't they?" I ask rhetorically to which Tipan nods dejectedly before resting her head in her hands.

"Hey, why don't we continue? I haven't even shown you my best spell yet," I offer, perking her up.

"Yes. Yes please," Tipan replies, shaking her head before nodding resolutely.

As I'm showing her the twin helix's and explaining why you need to point the outputs to the sides, a thought occurs to me.

"You know, now that you have the helix, you should really use it with lightning mana. It has a kind of auto-aim and auto-chaining effect."

"I… I can do that. I think," she replies as she continues copying my rune. Then, once Tipan has copied the twin helix, I show her the runes I don't understand yet.

"Well, I don't know that it's the only use, but I've heard that an infinity helix is a type of capacity rune for creating delayed effects. Properly integrated into a spell it should allow us to create a continual effect. I've created a similar effect with the standard shield rune, though it tends to store very little energy," she explains as she records it in her own spellbook.

The unfolded cardboard box rune is a mystery to both of us. Tipan guesses that it might be a connection type rune, which I'm inclined to agree with. It was connected to a lot of other runes when I first discovered it.

Demonstrating the double helix torrent rune again, Tipan starts making adjustments to her spell when Beth and Josh walk in from the garden. Huh. I guess we missed them.

"Uhh. Good morning, Alexis. Tipan," Josh says as he takes the chair across from me.

"Morning," I grumble back. I'm still kind of upset at how he snapped at, then avoided and flinched from me yesterday. I'm trying not to hold it against him but argh. Can my resolve just be at forty-five already?

"Was that explosion earlier, you, Alexis?" Beth asks while tucking her fiery orange hair into a ponytail. Is it just me or is it more vibrant than when we got here?

"Actually, that was me," Tipan interrupts with a wave of her paw, quickly telling them about our lessons before sharing her revelations about how misinformed she is. While they're talking, I happen to glance over at Josh, yet he doesn't flinch away. Giving me a tentative smile, he offers a small wave.

I don't really know how to respond. I'm happy he's not flinching away from me anymore, obviously, but I'm still feeling kind of peeved that he was in the first place.

I give him a small wave back, but I can't find it in myself to return the smile.

"I'm afraid I've discovered I know nothing of our world. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to be useful," Tipan finishes, gently drawing her claw across the surface of the table, unable to meet Beth's eyes.

"Uhm…" I start to object, trying to voice my disagreement but Beth beats me to it, "Tipan, you likely saved us from a brutal death at the hands of your sister. You brought us here, giving us time to grow in relative safety. And yes, some of your intel was incorrect, the only things you were wrong about are so outside the norm that the system has issued an incredible quest to fix them. We owe you. Big time."

"Thank you. But I meant I'm not going to be useful for knowing what lies ahead," Tipan clarifies while smiling bashfully.

"Really. I know I've said it before but thank you Tipan. And not knowing just puts you in the same boat as the rest of us," Beth counters giving Tipan's shoulder a squeeze as Beth stands. "Anyway, I wanted to visit some of these training challenges, see what they're about. What do you say, kid?"

"Training challenges?" I respond, curious.

"Yeah. Under training in the general abilities menu," Beth answers, "it lets a citizen initiate special challenges."

"Must have missed that when I saw the restoration option," I muse.

"Well, I picked it up. Looks like you don't have to buy it either. The ability gives a basic map of the dungeon with icons for each of the challenges and the ability to activate it for the party."

"This sounds amazing. Being a citizen is going to change so much," Tipan remarks.

"What? Just because we can complete challenges?" I ask.

"Challenges are hard to find. The records indicate there's at least one challenge in every dungeon. Unfortunately, unless you stumble across one, they remain hidden. And their rewards with them. When a challenge is discovered, it's recorded in the Aetherium's sealed records for special training. They pay small fortunes for new challenges. Which I thought was generous. But it's just another form of control isn't it?" Tipan complains bitterly.

"See Tipan. Useful knowledge already. It sounds as though it'll be worth the investment," Beth observes, not commenting on Tipan's last question.

"I didn't realize I had such prestigious guests. It's not often I have visitors who are capable of having conversations I don't understand," Raz comments with his teeth fully on display as he brings a pitcher of juice to the table.

"Wait, you can't understand us?" I ask. We were talking in Vausian, so it's not like we were hiding our discussion. Even as I ask, Roberts emerges from the change room, walking towards us.

"I imagine you're talking about your Citizen benefits. No. No. Don't bother trying to tell me. It'll all just end up as useless noise anyway," Raz protests, both his razor-clawed hands held up to forestall Beth who was about to answer.

"Thank you for the juice," Beth replies instead, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"You're quite welcome. And if any of you fine citizens are interested in custom equipment, please, don't hesitate to ask," Raz finishes with a bow before retreating from the table.

"Wes. Any chance you can heal me up? I've got more experiments I'd like to run," I request from Roberts, making a conscious effort to call him by name.

"Absolutely, Alexis. One moment," he responds, stopping a half-metre away while closing his eyes. I'm about to ask what he's doing when I feel his energy wash over me, replenishing my health.

"I've managed to extend my range, just a little," Roberts explains with a surprisingly shy smile.

"Sorry, could we back up a second here. Your name is Wes?" Beth asks with a chuckle.

"Westley, actually," I supply before Roberts can respond.

"Well, congratulations on your progress, Westley. Has anyone heard from Rufka? I'd like to head out soon," Beth asks while looking around the table.

"No. But give me a second," I reply as we all shake our heads.

Reactivating my connection to Rufka I realize it's pointing me towards the door leading back into the streets. But the connection is really weak.

"I think she's already outside," I inform Beth getting up from the table.

"Good. Everyone ready to go in, say, five minutes?" Beth checks, looking to each of us.

"Indeed. I'm ready to test myself," Roberts declares, a transparent staff shimmering into existence in his hand while his body is encased in a similar set of transparent plates.

"Wow. Sweet upgrades," Josh exclaims, holding his hand up to the doctor.

"I modelled them after your own. Your instructions yesterday were quite helpful. Thank you again," Roberts replies as he politely high fives Josh. I didn't realize you could politely high five. Not until that moment.

While they're casually testing the effectiveness of Roberts's new armour, I bump Tipan's shoulder then gesture to the door. This is a perfect opportunity for us to test some spells.

Rising beside me, we make our way out. The moment we step through the door my sense of Rufka gets stronger, snapping upwards. I look up just in time to see a large fluffy shape descending on us.

"Eep," I barely squeak out before Tipan and I are squashed by Rufka.

"Good morning, sleepy-cubs," Rufka howls out while laughing from on top of us.

"Rufka. How could you? I nearly blasted you," Tipan declares as she struggles to free herself.

"Mum always says, don't forget to look up," Rufka answers unashamed as she extends a hand to each of us. Which I accept while Tipan stands on her own.

"I don't believe that applies to rest areas," Tipan exclaims while dusting herself off.

"Of course it does. Fallen like we saw yesterday? Those aren't going to play nice. And neither is your sister. We can't count on the rules you're used to skyborne," Rufka disagrees, her grin still in place.

"That… Those are valid points," Tipan concedes casting her eyes down ruefully.

"Hey, what did I just say about looking up?" Rufka asks, grabbing Tipan by the chin then guiding her head towards the horizon as I watch, trying not to giggle at poor Tipan's expression. Then she moves Tipan's head back and forth several times before lightly bopping her on the head just as Beth and Josh step out of the door behind them.

"What'd we miss?" Beth asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, just flying death kitties, raining from above," I chuckle as I activate my spell, floating upwards.

"Ohhh. Yes. I'm totally a flying death kitten who reigns from above," Rufka declares as she leaps into the air beside me, drawing her bow while striking a pose.

"Aww. That's so adorable," I admire mockingly.

"Damn. I was going for majestic," Rufka replies as Beth whistles, getting everyone's attention.

"Okay people. Turns out there are hidden challenges in these dungeons. Now, I've unlocked the subsystem that will lead us to them, but we're still going to have to fly to each one. Turns out none of them are next to the rest area. Now, we may have defeated the Fallen leaders, but we don't know if there will be more or what else is waiting for us, so let's try to pay attention."

"Questions?" Beth calls once she's finished.

"What type of challenges?" Rufka asks as she tries to lean on me. But I float away just enough she has to keep floating over until I suddenly stop, causing her to run into my elbow.

"It doesn't tell me that part. I guess we'll have to go and see," Beth replies as everyone starts strapping into their gliders. Except Tipan, who is now able to join me and Rufka.

"I wish I could have retrieved the core control for the gliders," Tipan sighs as she floats beside us while watching the others.

"That's why they're all so inefficient!" Rufka exclaims from beside us.

"What?" I ask from next to her, wondering if her outburst cost me any health.

"The gliders should be more efficient than a flight spell. They're properly crafted artifacts after all. But I had to install that mana-battery just so Josh could stay in the air. But obviously there's a master control so that they can't just be stolen. It's what mum would do," Rufka sighs.

Moments later we're flying towards the nearest challenge that's also in the direction of the 'silver bullet' we started exploring yesterday. Because we haven't finished with that yet. I never got a chance to test my new runes yet either.

On our way, we discover several packs of Fallen, but between our aerial mobility and spells, they're picked off easily. Since they're small packs, Tipan recommends I don't waste my facet on my aoe looting. She instructs us that if we have a class we can loot for free.

Trying the process, I discover I have to touch the body, send mana into it then confirm that I want to loot it at which point it'll deposit the essence into our inventory. Testing with my aoe technique proves that looting everything within three metres is cheap enough that manually looting isn't worth the time and effort.

Then we arrive at the challenge location where a single large slab leans against a nearby building. There's nothing else here.

Flying next to Beth, I search the area again before asking a question.

"So, where's the challenge?"