My First Artifact!

Location: Alba / Liara' Chamber

Time: Y1503 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon

POV: Liara

I'm in a meditating position in my room. A five centimetres wide piece of wood lay on my lap. It's time to turn it into an artifact!

(Liara)

With my index I follow a trajectory on the wood. A single magic channel shaped like an infinite symbol. It takes about half a minute to draw as I slowly follow the shape.

[This new spell should be able to correct thickness, polarization and density of the aether particles for you. Just focus on the image.] (Science Me)

... There. Done.

(Liara)

This spell allows my eyes to give colors to magic channels. I can feel their structure and quality. Science Me is making giant leaps in the understanding of magic.

[This one came up nicely. Well done, Liara. It's your best attempt yet.] (Science Me)

[Fire it up!!!] (Gamer Me)

Now, I just have to activate the artifact. I direct a small magic thread toward the piece of wood. I touch the magic channel I engraved with it and inject power.

(Artifact)

"Yes!!!" (Liara)

Directly on top of the slab of wood, a small globe of light forms. It's weak, but it's stable and of a solid white. Earlier attempts resulted in the light shifting in color and intensity, eventually burning down the circuit.

[Let's see what it takes to burn it up then! Pump up that magic power!!!] (Gamer Me)

[Uhm... Why not? You burned dozens of them, already. One more or less won't make a difference. Finding out the critical aether flow will be useful.] (Science Me)

I want to show it to master Lenbor, but I guess I can just engrave a new one.

[I'm more interested in just seeing it blowing up. The he he he~ (Gamer Me)

Well, it is entertaining to see stuffs blow up. As long as I don't blow up as well.

*lumia intensify* (Artifact)

The light keep getting stronger as I pour in more and more magic power. This channel came up really well. It handles a rather large aether flow. Most Sisters have weaker channels than this inside their bodies...

[The circuit is heating up. It behave just like a resistance. It's fascinating how solidified aether in the right shape can do things like this. The physics behind magic and aether has such potential! It depressing how those troglodytes stops at fires and parlour tricks.] (Science Me)

[I have to agree with you. Before science and the scientific method our civilizations managed only the most simple of contraptions as well. Nothing like the wonders modern technology brought.] (Bookworm Me)

[So, this civilization is in a pre-industrial age in terms of science, but also pre-industrial stage in terms of magic as well?] (Explorer Me)

[We need a better name... Magitech!! This is a pre-magitech civilization!] (Gamer Me)

As my other selves muse over semantics, I keep the experiment going. Someone has to get things done.

The light goes up another notch. I have to advert my eyes as the globe becomes brighter than daylight.

*fumes* (Artifact)

The wood doesn't like this one bit. Is burning up!

[Don't stop. Keep going.] (Science Me)

[Yes! I want to see fireworks!] (Gamer Me)

If you say so...

I close my eyes and keep pouring in power.

*flash* *flare* *flame* (Artifact)

That's it. The circuit flamed out.

[We need a better substrate.] (Science Me)

A better what? Uhm... I see Science me experiences, so I get what he means. We need a material that carries away heat better while not interfering with the magic circuit.

[I say we analyze artifacts they have and search for a candidate material. At least until we get the down and can access their written records.] (Bookworm Me)

[Go ask the Master arteficers first. They are Master arteficers after all.] (Doctor Me)

[I go with finding out ourselves. Those fanatics will probably suggest to pray for it to work better or something...] (Science Me)

[Don't be dismissive of their traditions. They have flaws, but they had lots of time to figure things out. We may learn a thing or two.] (Explorer Me)

Well... I want to show him my lumia artifact anyway. I might as well ask them first.

I'll engrave a new artifact now.

*grab new slice of wood* (Liara)

(Liara)

--------------------------------

(Artifact)

I can't read Master Lenbor's expression. He seems wholeheartedly focused on examining my artifact. He makes the light stronger and weaker, but he doesn't let the circuit burn out like I did.

[He may not be capable to channel enough aether to burn it up... He doesn't have your level of aptitude.] (Doctor Me)

Oh... There is that too.

"... Liara, this artifact is exceedingly well made. Is this really your work?" (Lenbor)

"... Yes?" (Liara)

[I find his lack of faith disturbing.] (Gamer Me)

"The channel is regular and strong. The shape of the enchantment is all wrong, but, surprisingly this doesn't seem to hurt the spell too much." (Lenbor)

[You troglodyte!!! Have you ever thought that maybe, MAYBE, the shapes you know are inefficient and bloated??? That this might be actually a BETTER implementation? Unbelievable.] (Science Me)

"Master, the wood burns when I channel too much aether into it. Isn't there any better material I can use?" (Liara)

"Well, wood is cheap and easy to engrave. Of course there are better enchanting materials, but it's extremely complex and expensive to engrave in metals or crystals. Your tool just isn't made for that. And it's too soon for you to use a better tool. You'll just break it. It's not a matter of aptitude. It takes time to learn, Liara. Be patient." (Lenbor)

[Like we would use your half hassed pencil...] (Science Me)

"Master Lenbor, actually I engraved this artifact using my finger. I find the engraving tool hard to use." (Liara)

"No, Liara. You need a tool to engrave. You may not have realized it, but the engraving tool you used did most of the job." (Lenbor)

[Does he thinks we are idiots?!?] (Science Me)

Calm down, Science Me.

"Master, I weaved the engraving spell myself, without using the tool. That enchantment had so many quirks to adapt to... I think that's just easier to do without." (Liara)

"... Show me how you engrave, then." (Lenbor)

--------------------------------

In the end, Lenbor left the room, and returned with Mother, Meridia and old man Faber. I guess I'll show them as well.

[Yes, please! I can't stand their ignorance!] (Science Me)

Calm down, there. I need to focus.

(Liara)

I weave the spell to be engraved. I need it to to have the right mental image. I now hold a small globe of pure white light with my right hand.

(Liara)

With my left finger I touch the wood, and start engraving the magic channel.

Uhm... I hope I didn't break any taboo or anything.

[You are the Gifted One! At this point, people will just accept whatever you do anyway!] (Gamer Me)

[Well, this is just a vastly improved version of the enchantment of the engraving artifact we were given. I don't see how this is problematic. Then again we are talking about brainwashed fanatics here. Anything is possible.] (Science Me)

[It'll be fine. Just focus on engraving a good enchantment for now.] (Doctor Me)

...

"There, it is done! Try it!" *smile* (Liara)

*take artifact*

(Meridia, Serina, Lenbor, Faber)

The four of them pass the artifact to each other and examine it carefully. Finally, Meridia collimate some magic thread and activate my lumia artifact.

(Artifact)

A few long seconds pass.

"... Take that piece of wood. Try to engrave a spell." (Meridia)

"But... I never tried!" (Liara)

"Well, try now." (Meridia)

"It is fine, Liara. Just try. For me, ok?" *pat head* *smile* (Serina)

You know I can't say no to you if you ask like that...

I grab a new slab of wood. What image should I draw?

[Draw Mother! She makes for a good subject.] (Artist Me)

Well, I was thinking more of a basic shape like a triangle, but... To hell! Let's try drawing Mother! Worst case a piece of wood will burn up.

[That's the spirit! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!] (Gamer me)

Just like before, I need to weave the spell I want to engrave as reference. I need a clear image in mind.

Artist Me! You are up! Help me drawing Mother!

[Leave it to me, boss! ] (Artist Me)

(Liara)

Artist Me directed me in creating a small image of Mother about ten centimetres high. She is clad in white and enveloped in a divine light. Her hand joined in prayer. her long flowing silver hairs are moving like grazed by a gentile wind. She looks like a goddess of peace and love in this image. So pretty.

(Liara)

Now onto the main task. With Artist Me helping me with the reference spell, the load on my mind is light. Starting from the centre of the wood, my left index slowly draw lines, whirls and squiggles. I go where the enchantment wants to go to materialize the spell.

Uhm... I feel like I'm getting something wrong, but I keep drawing anyway.

...

The more I draw, the more I feel I'm getting further and further from the image in my mind.

*exhale* "Well, the artifact is engraved, but I don't think this will work. I am not sure why, but I wasn't able to get the shape right..." (Liara)

Meridia takes the artifact and activate it.

(Artifact)

Just above the artifact small lights appear and explode like miniature fireworks. It's like the image from desperately want to come into existence, but can't.

"... That was too much I guess. You know what you got wrong?" (Meridia)

Actually I don't...

[For now! I will find out if you only give me a minute!] (Science Me)

"You made the enchantment with a single continuous closed magic channel. Only the very simplest of spells can be done this well. Your . Or a of a simple shape, like a ball." (Lenbor)

"In order for more complex spells to be engraved, channels need to branch, join and intertwine. Change size and texture." (Meridia)

[That makes sense... But make no mistake! I will have find out anyway without their help!] (Science me)

[Meridia was at one time the greatest enchantress in the continent, apparently. Those people have been enchanting most of their lives. Give them some credit!] (Explorer Me)

"I still have much to learn..." *look down* (Liara)

"Yes. You do, little girl. But I see in you the potential to surpass both me and Meridia! You may yet be worthy of receiving my techniques! This is a great honor. Don't make me regret for taking you as my apprentice, little girl." *grin* (Faber)

*look down* (Lenbor)

"It will take many years for you to realize your potential as enchantress, Liara. For now I want to show you some artifacts. I want you to peek at their shapes. Glean of what can be accomplished with enchanting." (Meridia)

The Church Treasures

Location: Alba / Tunnels

Time: Y1503 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon

POV: Liara

The arteficers are leading me somewhere. We climb down the spiral stairs of the tower.

As we go underground, the neat walls leave space to naked rocks, and the stairs, change from neatly chiselled to roughly shaped.

As we silently descends, I see lights on the wall.

(Liara)

[... There are channels engraved in the walls. Very different from our own.] (Science Me)

What do you mean?

[Our channels are drown in straight lines, uniform in size and texture and turn in curves or sharp angles. Those channels look like...] (Science me)

[Roots. They reminds me of trees. They are organic in shapes, and branch and join just like living trees. They branch and branch until the smallest are too small for the eye to see.] (Artist Me)

"Meridia, the enchantments on the wall look... different. Who made them?" (Liara)

"You can tell? They were made by elves. Long ago." (Meridia)

[? That's a new word. I never heard it before. It is the name of a race or a civilization, most likely.] (Bookworm Me)

Before I speak up, Lenbor intervenes.

*touch wall* "I didn't know there were elves in this continent. Much less that they left behind enchantments." (Lenbor)

"The elves were long gone by the time we Fair Skin and Dark Skin arrived in this continent. What we know of them are mostly myths and fairy tales." (Meridia)

"What do those enchantments do?" (Liara)

"They draw aether from the air, collimate it, and make the rock stronger." (Meridia)

[Self powering! Structural integrity enchantments! Now this is something worth seeing!] (Science Me)

"At your level, trying to understand them will only confuse you. Make a working first, baby enchantress." *grin* (Faber)

I hate this old man's attitude!

--------------------------------

Location: Alba / Treasure Vault

We arrive in a small grotto. Stalagmites grows from the floor and the roof, covered in enchantments glowing blue.

There are several tunnels in front of us. Meridia leads the three of us inside.

Lenbor and Meridia, the tallest amongst us, have to crouch to pass. After about twenty meters, we arrive to a door made of black metal. Meridia touches it, and... wow.

[How beautiful! This door works like a camera shutter, with a metal iris opening wide!] (Artist Me)

We pass through, and we enter a dark chamber. It's pitch black here, no blue enchantments lighting up the room here.

(Meridia)

Meridia shines light. A perfect sphere, about five meters in diameter, with neat black walls that seems eating light. A grid like platform made of black metal we can walk on.

Along the circumference of the chamber, six platforms. Items floating over them.

"Master... is this black gold? I had no idea there was this much in the whole world!" (Lenbor)

[ I heard that word before. It's a valuable metal I guess.] (Bookworm Me)

[I'm no mineralogist, but this metal looks... weird. It looks like graphite, But It looks like it's very dense. This is speculation, but this metal forming process might involve aether. I want to examine it in deeper details.] (Science Me)

Everything here looks special, to be honest.

"... I'm speechless. Meridia, what others wonders are you hiding down here?" (Faber)

For that old man to be taken aback... I feel like I'm being shown something super important.

[That would explain why we are being followed.] (Soldier Me)

What?!? We are???

[You need to be more aware of your surroundings, Liara. Well, the one trailing us is very skilled. He might be using something similar to the magic that assassin used back then. But he can't hide perfectly from me.] (Soldier Me)

[We should be fine. Just don't do anything stupid.] (Doctor Me)

Alright, but I had no idea. This makes me slightly uncomfortable.

[It's ok, Liara. You have much to learn, and you can count on me when it comes to stuffs like this. I will not fail us!] (Soldier Me)

Soldier Me is so reliable. He protected me twice before, so I trust him.

"You'll see in time, Faber. This is the Treasure Vault of Alba. We store valuable artifacts here." (Meridia)

We move toward the pedestal near the entrance. A large golden armor complete with legs, torso, arm guards and an helm. They float above the platform as donned by an invisible mannequin.

"This is . Once Leonora's armor. It's the handiwork of the Royal Enchantress Kytara Salesmia. This armor powers by itself, and ward the user against magic. While far from my masterpieces, Kytara's skills have grown considerably." (Meridia)

This feels now like a guided visit to a museum, Meridia our guide. We move on the next pedestal in a clockwise direction. A sphere of solid gold with two handles and rich inscriptions in Shura language.

"This is one of my own masterpieces. The greatest offensive artifact the church of Gloria owns. . Fill it with magic, and a fire wave erupt, incinerating everything around the user. A last resort when all is lost." (Meridia)

We see two more items made by Meridia, and one made by an ancient High Priestess of Gloria.

She left the greatest for last. A three meters long staff made from white wood. The staff is shaped like two entwined snakes, the eyes of the two snakes are made of a clear stone and gazes on each other. It looks like the wood is not dead? Inscriptions in a language I don't know glow green over the length of the staff.

"The temple treasure, I assume." (Faber)

"We can't read the runes. We call it simply . It was made by High Elves ages ago. It has healing properties. The most complex enchantment you'll find in this continent. *glances at Liara* Well, the second most complex..." (Meridia)

[I want to see what's inside!] (Science Me)

[Hold your horses, let's ask first.] (Doctor Me)

"You can only enter here when I'm here as well. And I forbid you from ever speaking about this vault and its content. Even the High Priestess won't be able to stop the Inquisition from silencing you, if you do. Other than that, feel free to examine the artifacts here to your heart's content." (Meridia)

[Our birthday arrived early this year it seems!] (Gamer Me)

Faber's eyes are glittering! Lenbor look at the staff with hungry eyes. Meridia wears a smug. And personally, I can't wait to look inside those artifacts. This staff looks especially incredible.

[ probably has something to do with . Those two words share many sounds. Just like and . It might be two closely related species.] (Bookworm Me)

We can ask Sister Geneva later, during our lesson. Right now I'm more interested in the magic aspect of this.

[Your arrival was turbulent, but your lucky star is working extra hard lately. You have the greatest arteficer and the greatest enchantress as your teachers and access to what looks like the greatest artifact around.] (Doctor me)

[Let's hope things stay this way for a while longer... There is so much to do!] (Bookworm Me)

[No! The Jinx!!! Haven't you learned anything, last time?!?] (Gamer me)+

Travelling Merchant

Location: Secularia / Outskirts

Time: Y1503 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon

POV: Inquisitor Novella

Secularia.

Inquisitor Incubo gleaned the location of the sinners who dared raise their hands against the Gifted One.

They had a base in this wretched town that has forsaken Gloria. Heretics. The path of Gloria is not an easy one to walk. Surrendering just to a little fire and barbarians is pathetic.

In our mercy, if it was just that, we might have left them to rot in the cold, away from Gloria's embrace. But to attack Gloria's own herald can never be forgiven.

"Halt! Who goes there?" (City Guard A)

"I'm just a travelling merchant, seeking to sell my goods." (Inquisitor Novella)

Inquisitor Kaven asked me to quietly seek sinners, so that they may be eradicated. I disguised myself as a merchant, selling cheap fruits and crops.

"The fee to enter the city is one coin. You'll need a permit to sell merchandise. Three coins." (City Guard B)

"Four coins in total?!? How am I supposed to turn in a profit with such ridiculous taxes? My husband didn't have to pay this much!" (Novella)

"Reconstruction founds. He he he. You have to make a contribution!" (City Guard A)

"Well, we might just make you a discount if you entertain us. I'm sure your husband wouldn't mind." *grin* (City Guard B)

"My husband is dead, you scoundrels!" (Novella)

"Even better! No hard feelings, then. You must be lonely. Let us warm you up!" (City Guard A)

"I bet you look gorgeous under that hood. I might just take you for myself! A young woman shouldn't travel alone. You need protection!" *grin* (City Guard B)

*creep closer* (Guards)

"No! Stay away from me!" *teary eyes* (Novella)

What to do?

I could dispose of them easily, but this would break my cover. My duty is to infiltrate the town as a helpless merchant widow. If rumors spread that I'm adept...

If it's just my body they want, maybe I should just let them have their way with me. Yes. If this is what is required to succeed, then so be it. I am but an instrument to realize Gloria's will. The path of Gloria is not an easy one to walk.

Companion

Location: Victoria / Royal Palace / Royal Library

Time: Y1503 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon

POV: Aurora

I have been holed in the library for a while. Thankfully there are rooms and beds here for us to rest. And I say it was for the best. I was able to study records of Alba, the Church and examine reports about the Beast. All while not having to worry about my sisters attempting at my life. I didn't look weak either as it is expected for me to research knowledge related to my duties.

The only annoying thing is that we need to keep our voices down. The silence feels so heavy in such a large place. I wonder how Sistina stays sane.

"This will do, Sistina. Thank you for your help." (First Princess Aurora)

"I'm just glad I could help you, for a change. Too often, it's the other way around." *look down* (Princess Sistina)

Spending time like this around Sistina made me realize that I have someone to care for. The two of us are both shunned by the others, albeit for opposite reasons. My standings are too high, I am a threat to everyone. Sistina's standings are too low. She is considered useless by everyone.

But she isn't useless. I am starting to understand why Mother allows her to stay in the palace as a Princess. Sistina is inferior to me in all aspect but one. Knowledge. It's the one field in which she shine more brightly then everyone else.

Other's have knowledge. The Magi. The scholars. But they have an agenda. They can whispers lies or withheld information if they believe the lies to further their own goals.

Not Sistina. She seek knowledge for knowledge sake. She share knowledge without giving it any color. And more importantly, she is someone I can trust.

And trust is the most precious commodity in this world.

"Sistina, when was the last time you left the library?" (Aurora)

*look down* (Sistina)

"No, it's fine! I'm not making fun of you! I... am leaving for Alba. Healers there can help me with my arm. I wonder if you can accompany me?" (Aurora)

"I don't think you should choose me, Aurora. I will only be a liability out there." (Sistina)

"It's quite the opposite, Sistina. I need your knowledge. Plus, don't you think it will do you good to see a new place?" *smile* *hold hands* (Aurora)

I am confident that I can hold my own when it comes to combat. I can protect both my tutor and my friend. Not having to fear being stabbed in the back by a warrior or a mage is actually an advantage.

"I... will think about it, Aurora." *look away* (Sistina)

"I depart tomorrow, I know you won't let me down." *smile* (Aurora)

Secret Mission

Location: Alba / Tunnels

Time: Y1503 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon / Sunset

Alba was mostly deserted at this hour only the night guards were awake.

The Fourth unit was given an important mission. To procure black gold for the master arteficer. Black Gold is an extremely rare metal that demands outrageous prices whenever it appears on the market but Faber shared a source for it.

The catch?

"Figures we had to go to the Black Mountains. Just our luck." (Scout Feldris)

"It's alright, I think. I got a little stronger thanks to Liara's technique. I think I can keep us safe." *smile* (Mage Knight Stella)

"Quiet you two, we can not afford to be found out and reveal the the arteficer secret gathering location to others." (Leader Steffen)

The three were walking in one of Alba's many underground tunnels. Feldris' animal companions were with them, of course. After about twenty minutes of travel, they reached a stony wall.

"Stella, activate the enchantment laid on that wall." (Steffen)

Stella used the Gifted One's collimating technique, spinning on herself to gather aether.

*touch wall* *channel magic power* (Stella)

(Enchanted Wall)

The ancient enchantment weaved on the old wall activated.

"Can we really pass through this?" (Feldris)

"Only one way to find out. Be careful." (Stella)

As the scout of the unit, it was Feldris duty to try the way. He extended his hand forward, trying to touch the wall. The wall was there, it could be seen, but Feldris' hand was passing through, like the wall was just an illusion.

"I'll be damned, it's working! But who assures us that it won't close half way?" (Feldris)

"You will. Go forward. Knock if you make it alive to the other side. Careful about the cliff." (Steffen)

Under the worried eyes of Stella, Feldris cautiously walked inside the wall disappearing from sight. A few long seconds passed in silence as droplet of sweats formed on Stella's frown.

*knock* *knock* *knock* (Feldris)

*exhale* (Stella)

"Let's go. It's going to be a long march." (Steffen)

Closing her eyes Stella passed through the solid rock, and after a few steps, she found herself on a small path on the cliff side. In front of her a deadly drop, all the way down. Had she not known, she might have taken a step too much, falling to her doom.

"This secret passage sure is convenient. It allows one to bypass all defenses and quit quietly." (Feldris)

"Yes. But let's not take any chances. Stella, make a cover for us." (Steffen)

Retaining most of the magic threads she collimated just before, Stella picked up an artifact from her belt, a ten centimetres wide ring of wood, and activated it.

(Stella)

The three became like chameleons, with their skin and clothes mimicking their surroundings. The only trace of their existence was a mirage like distortion in the air around them.

"I thought you no longer needed artifacts, Stella. You have the Gifted One's Collimating Technique." (Feldris)

"... This technique only allows me to weav~ collimate aether faster, Feldris. It does nothing about improving my original aptitude. I just can't weave large spells on my own. I'm a Mage Knight, not a Mage. I'm sorry." (Stella)

"Don't sell yourself short, Stella. You may need artifacts, but it takes more than aptitude to keep your cool in the midst of battle. It takes courage and faith. Who was that sustained despite burnt hands and arrow wounds?" (Feldris)

"Enough of this. Time to go. Join hands and walk. Be careful. We don't want to stumble upon each other now that we are camouflaged. Will Bone be ok, Feldris?" (Steffen)

*quiet bark* (Bone)

"Of course he will, Leader!" (Feldris)

Wings

Location: Roots of the Black Mountain Range

Time: Y1503 / 18th day of the Harvest Moon / Night

The camouflage spell long expired, but it was no longer needed. The three had been walking for many hours, and it was the heart of the night. The white moon was not at its highest, but provided enough light to work with.

"Feldris. How are we going?" (Steffen)

"It won't be much longer, maybe half an hour of walk to reach the spot." (Feldris)

Feldris was especially talented as trailblazer. He was taking steps of consistent width and kept count of them to keep track of the distance. He used the stars, the moon, and geographical references to keep his bearings.

Just hours before Steffen showed him a spot on a map, and surely, Feldris was leading the group there. What they will find on the spot, Feldris still doesn't know.

*pant* *pant* (Stella)

"We will rest once we are near the spot. Let's keep going." (Steffen)

The hills were becoming higher and steeper, and the grass shorter and weaker as the group neared the roots of Black Mountain Range, a muntainous terrain that makes for a formidable natural barrier. It takes its name from the colors of the rocks, and for the danger posed by the monsters that make nest there.

*woof* *woof* (Bone)

"Wait! Bone is feeling somehing. What is it, boy?" (Feldris)

The quintet halted as Bone sharpened his nose.

--------------------------------

The group stood still in a tight defensive formation for many minutes, trying to figure out the threat. Finally, the danger revealed itself.

"It's above us! It's diving!" (Feldris)

The worst case scenario came to be. A wyvern, a large winged lizard, was circling above them at an high altitude. Suddenly it entered into a sky dive.

Wyverns usually don't hunt during the night. The group was unlucky.

The hunting tactic of a wyvern was simple. To come down at an high speed from above and straighten the flight path at the last moment. Powerful claws would have done the rest, maiming the prey.

(Stella)

Using an offensive magic to shot down the monster was suicidal. The spell would likely have missed, or the wyvern could simply have manoeuvred around it. And even if the spell had hit, the large lizard carcass would still come crashing down.

The only chance was to endure its first dive, and retaliate when the lizard was recovering its flight attitude.

Stella had been collimating aether ever since Bone first warned of the danger. Once the threat was known, she took another wooden ring from her belt, and prepared to weave.

*skreeeeee* (Wyvern)

The winged lizard let out a terrible screeching noise, made even more terrifying due to the speed of the dive and the Doppler effect of the looming threat.

*extends wing* *ready claws* (Wyvern)

The lizard aimed for a spot a few meters from the group and at the last moment, it fully extended its wings and straightened its flight path.

Its claws shined as the monster prepared to decapitate its first prey.

*clash with barrier* **SKREEEEEE** (Wyvern)

*shimmer* *thrown away* *bounce* (invisible Wall)

*crush down* (Wyvern)

The wyvern impacted the invisible wall weaved by Stella at an high speed. Something the monster did not expect.

The impact had a great effect. The barrier shone in a blinding white light. The light immediately subsided and the seven meters long wounded lizard roughly impacted the ground. It came to a stop a dozen meters away.

Stella channelled a great deal of magic inside the artifact, causing it to burn, but it held without even cracking.

The problem was that the lizard was heavier than the sphere and everyone inside it. because of the momentum, the sphere was catapulted away, rolling and bouncing like a rubber ball. it come to a rest two dozens meters from where it was before.

*melt away* (Invisible Wall)

*awwww* (Feldris)

*groan* *in pain* "Quckly! Ready yourselves!" (Steffen)

The people and the animals inside the invisible wall were full of bruises and livid. Steffen wore a leather armor and was physically stronger than the rest. He was the first to regain his wits and stand up.

Feldris was holding his right arm while in great pain. It was probably broken.

A stream of blood was flowing from Stella's head, she was unconscious on the ground, but breathing.

The ring was laying unattended at the centre of the barrier. Flames were consuming it, and seconds later, the enchantment was damaged enough that the barrier wilted away, letting the charred ring fall to the ground.

Everyone was covered in dirt and grass. The barrier extended shallowly underground, and that portion of earth was shaken around as the barrier bounced away.

**SKREEEEEEE** (Wyvern)

The large beast had one of its wings broken, but a seven meter long lizard doesn't need wings to fight a wounded Dark Skin swordsman.

It ungracefully charged forward at full speed.

(Inquisitor Augure)

As Steffen, the only one still capable to put up a fight, readied his sword and prepared to fight the beast, a spot on the back of the head of the monster flashed brightly.

Like a broken doll, the gigantic winged lizard fell forward, its momentum dragging it a few more meters until it came to full stop about five meters from the fourth unit.

The monster was dead. A smoking clean round hole, one centimetre wide, was open on the forehead of the monster.

--------------------------------

(Augure)

"Ah!" *raise* "The Wivern!" *ouch* *groan* (Stella)

"Rest easy, Mage Knight. The beast is vanquished." (Augure)

The Inquisitor, a Fair Skin woman almost two meters tall clad in a black robe, was holding one of Stella's artifacts above her. She was performing emergency treatment.

*weak voice* "What happened?" (Stella)

"The inquisitor was following us from a distance. She saved us." (Steffen)

[To think she followed us without me realizing... Scary...] (Feldris)

"It is my duty to ensure that everything happens according to Gloria's design. This is all there is to it." (Augure)

"Falling a wyvern is no small feat. You are a capable woman." (Steffen)

*look down* (Stella)

"Wyverns are formidable enemies, Leader. A diversion is needed to fight them, and you provided such diversion. We share the accomplishment. You even survived the dive. I say you and your subordinates are impressive in your own right. The Church is grateful to have such capable hands." (Augure)

"I take you would have completed our mission yourself had we fallen." (Steffen)

"Of course. Such is my duty. Once you are on your feet, I will follow you from a distance. In the unlikely case another wyvern shows up, I will snipe it from a distance while you try and endure its dive." (Augure)

*bark!* (Bone)

*pet head* "It's fine, buddy. This corpse will scare other wyverns." (Feldris)

Dig

Location: Roots of the Black Mountain Range / Black Gold Harvest Spot

Time: Y1503 / 19th day of the Harvest Moon / Mid night

Feldris looked around, trying to identify geographical marks.

"Leader, this is the spot you pointed on the map. A small grassy plain beside a quarry. What are we looking for?" (Feldris)

"A half a meter wide hole in the ground. It should be camouflaged by grass. All of you, search. Be careful. Don't engage any beast on your own. Go." (Steffen)

"Yes, Leader!" (Feldris, Stella)

*bark* (Bone)

*caw* *caw* (Garlic)

The battered group searched the wide area, until a crow could be heard in the distance.

*caw!* (Garlic)

"Garlic found it!" (Feldris)

A few minutes later, the group was gathered in front with a half a meter wide hole in the ground. Like Steffen said, it was seamlessly camouflaged by grass.

"What now? We don't have any tools... how are we going to excavate Black Gold? Is it a secret hoard?" (Feldris)

Without saying a word, Steffen put his backpack on the ground and extracted several iron nuggets from it. He left them on the ground, and jumped in place.

*jump* *jump* (Steffen)

*giggle* (Stella)

To see his mighty leader jump in place, was somewhat of a comical sight. Stella tried hard not to laugh, but couldn't help herself.

"Now we wait." (Steffen)

--------------------------------

The group sat on the grass for about half an hour, consuming some rations, drinking water, and overall trying to relax. Augure's treatment was only superficial, so they were still bruised and in pain.

*point* *bark* (Bone)

The ears of the shining fang wolf straightened up as his eyes were fixated on the hole in the ground. He barked, to let the group know that something was happening.

"Feldris. You have your way with beasts. Go and do just as I instructed you." (Steffen)

Feldris carefully approached the hole.

He could see a furry snout slightly protruding from the darkness of the hole.

Feldris picked an iron nugget and presented it to the creature.

The creature came forward. It was a small furry creature about twenty centimetres long. It had long claws, a furry snout with feelers and small eyes. The fur was short and brown in color. It was a Mole.

The Mole carefully sniffed the nuggets in Feldris hand, and, convinced of its purity, it eat it in a single gulp.

Feldris presented the creature with another nuggets, but as the Mole prepared to eat it, Feldris took it away.

*squit!*(Mole)

The Mole voiced its disappointment with an acute whistling noise.

Feldris followed up by presenting the mole with a small marble of Black Gold.

"Try this, little guy." (Feldris)

The Mole sniffed it and tried to eat it. After a few munches, the Mole rejected the marble spitting it on the ground. Apparently, the Mole couldn't digest it.

"You don't like it? But it's delicious!" (Feldris)

Feldris cleaned the marble with a rag, and put it in his mouth, making exaggerated munching movements. He then presented the Mole with another iron nugget.

*munch* "Let's make a deal, little guy. You bring me the black gold I like to eat, and I give you the iron you like to eat! Deal?" (Feldris)

The Mole eat the iron nugget and hurried inside the dig.

--------------------------------

*whisper* "I never thought one could collect black gold this way..." (Stella)

*whisper* "It's a secret technique of the Master Arteficer after all. Keep it for yourself, Stella. It might as well be invaluable." (Steffen)

From the hole in the ground, a queue of Moles formed. In front of the hole, there were two piles of metal nuggets. One was a pile of Iron, that kept getting smaller and smaller as the moles were eating them, one after another. The other was a pile of unrefined black gold nuggets, that kept growing bigger and bigger as the moles dropped them from their mouth.

[With my play I made them believe that I eat black gold but only have iron. I had no idea moles were this intelligent. They understand the concept of trade.] (Feldris)

The pile of iron nuggets was half way gone when a mole stopped in front of it while looking at Feldris.

*squit* *squit* (Mole)

"No more black gold? It's okay, you can keep the rest. Have a banquet! It's on me!" (Feldris)

**squit!!!** (Moles)

Seemingly overjoyed, the moles scrambled to get the remaining iron nuggets, as Feldris put the black gold in a rucksack.

"Here, leader! Almost two kilograms of unrefined black gold!" *grin* (Feldris)

"Incredible... How much could such a treasure be worth!?!" (Stella)

"Two hundred heavy coins. Easily. Black gold is rare. People that needs it will pay you as much as you ask." (Feldris)

"Well done, Feldris. You as well, Stella. Bone and Garlic, you deserve praise as well." (Steffen)

*bark!* (Bone)

*caw* (Garlic)

"Let's not relax. We have to leave the Black Mountain Range before daybreak. We wouldn't want to meet another monster along the way." (Steffen)

""Yes, leader!"" (Stella, Feldris)