Glistening, in streaks it piled, the fluidity of it caused swaths to form trickling down any mark it spouted from. It struck, splashing my vision in a crimson blur; A metallic embrace, invaded my nostrils and grasping at my inescapable prison lacking comfort. Within these decrepit walls I... Could only watch, my weak body had no retort, all too ready in service of the powerful. Swelling emotion filled my eyes, forced to witness the endless brutality of my mother's suffering. And the sinking feeling of hatred. Fissures straight to the bone, as if it were splintered wood. I tried, and tried, the scene never escaped me. Yet it wasn't nearly the cusp of horrors I'd soon become far too familiar with.

...

Not stopping, intrusive it shone with a glaring ferocity, the light refused denial, it all too happily woke Ceron. The light cared not for his fatigue piercing like a beam thin eyelids had no hope. Ceron rubbed his eyes with a groan, "Blasted light..." The window showed a low sun, the day must've passed while he slept, though a rising thought occurred to Ceron. How was he seeing the outside... Though accounting the strange distortions, the building seemed to defy physical law's, quickly dismissed the pondering as another oddity of this lodge. The twinkling annoyance, called for attention as it kept reflecting the sunlight all too well.

Hanging above the bed wooden beams lined the ceilings structure, hiding in one of the sharp corners were three crystals getting up, Ceron saw each to be semi-translucent with a hint of greenish blue. Though different from one another in shape they all weighed about the same, held numerous silver engravings. "Magical runes..." A standardized form of currency for magi, these crystals often referred to as runes had many properties and purposes depending on grade and amount....

Avid with curiosity Ceron brought them into more of the light, as he thought they glowed even brighter. It didn't shock him, rather it just confirmed it. No doubt they were magical runes seemingly water based judging by color and a low grade by it still being fairly visible and obvious specks of an indiscernible metal. "Heavily sought after for practitioners of magic, and the nobility alike... Three of low grade, that's easily a few gold or more." Ceron contemplated, this Asriel was nobility, though lived in a drab room with crystals and was a dreaded character... Normally one of high status, availability to resources as crystals wouldn't be caught dead in the likes of this room. Despite the runes their price and amount surely wouldn't be cause for bankruptcy for any marginally nobility family. Something is amiss.

Catching spite in the fact he couldn't know the answer Ceron tucked the crystals into his pants pocket. Many growing things had escaped his knowledge, or ability to act in any way he wanted too. It had been decades, decades since he felt feelings of weakness and vulnerability as he did now... Well except for the most recent betrayal, Ceron grimaced at the thought of his brother. How could he have been such a fool, Sarieth and myself, dammit all; That seal was so blatantly obvious, and his manipulation, oh how much I wish... I could rip the spine from the "fair" maiden that swept his heart in hypocrisy.

Ceron looked over the room, then addressed his shirt and other belongings he had parted with during sleep. All the while feeling out his body, the weighing feeling of death and unbridled tingling had long ceased, "Much of my energy seems to have dissipated, I can only rely on this vessel now..." Ceron continued a slow mumble, though appreciated his form. He wasn't old, fat nor sickly his body was youthful, while not at its peak it was something he could work with. "Thank thy blessed Goddess Of Light." Ceron said mockingly, as if only to anger any light deity, too receive a thanks from a person such as him. Truth be it Ceron still had no idea why he was given this chance, though he doubted any higher power would outright plight him for giving unwanted thanks.

The Goddess of Light, mainly dealt with miracles and fate. Yet these labels had caused many to die under the thumbs of deities and other powers before, nothing is ever what it appears to be. Ceron too well knew that these proclaimed deities of good, and light most played facade. If not all did what benefited them. And weren't too far off from the darker shade of powers that they wholly preached were vile incarnate.

Getting up the floor bellowed under Ceron's weight as he reached for the chair, yet stopping noticeable marks were etched by the chair-legs, leaning down Ceron could clearly tell they weren't there before. He couldn't help but anger at the thought of some fuckard intruding on his room, HIS room. He was the greatest necromancer, highest mage-lord and someone dared to barge in on his slumber; Ceron quickly sighed trying to put aside his anger, it wouldn't help the situation. It was hard thinking of himself as his current abilities and stature, he could still vividly remember his palace and all that adorned it, feeling the memories weren't but a day or so old. This body and... This place would take time getting used too.

"So someone tried to get in last night. That girl? It wouldn't be a stretch considering that poti- posion... But it could well have been some other person this Asriel has seemingly kicked in the crotch." ... They either had a key or picked it, considering this chair was the only thing holding them. Ceron thought as he retracted from the flooring, twisted the doorknob without using his key, with a slight creak it opened. Peering out of the cracks and looking both ways before emerging from the doorway, Ceron then closed it meeting the carpeted path. All while being the utmost silent he could, the hallway remained barren no one else was around. Or had wished to be seen.

It still irked him that he hadn't heard the disturbance of someone trying to get in as he slept, anytime before he would've woken at the slightest of noise. Ceron clenched his fists as he focused, his senses and experiences hadn't left him, while not extraordinary his proficiency in the arts should still have been retained, that would hopefully included his reflexes. "My revitalization must've dampened my abilities as I slept..." Ceron spoke, grasping the only truth he wanted.

...

Nearing the hallways edge Ceron was greeted with mysterious sounds, emanating from the lobby unlike before the entrance hall was now home to a bustling marketplace, stalls with various banners and unique tents were pitched, home to oddities selling their assorted goods. An abundance of cloaked individuals buying these wares could be seen, exiting and entering the stalls with numerous persons, merchandise. A multitude of things seemed to be sold ranging from strange commodities to gems, books, and other mysterious artifacts.

This sprawling marketplace looked as if it extended for miles. "How peculiar, this a mirrored dimension or..?" Ceron was perplexed, a mirrored dimension is a space outside of the existing plane, an area created by practitioners of magic to test various experiments or to wage war on each other. Hence cut off from the normal plane of existence any action performed in the mirrored dimension won't adversely affect the normal plane. "I've never seen one used like this before, however, there needs to be a catalyst." Approaching the wall Ceron laid his head against it, feeling the vibrations. Focusing on the surface, edges then concentrating on the carpet. ... "I can't sense it." Ceron returned back to his posture before, scratching his head.

"Yet I may not sense it, it's still there, I'll have to figure it out next time. Hopefully, this market will have what I'm looking for." Ceron approached the dimension, sticking his hand through, it refracted giving off an odd reflection any normal man ignorant would shriek in terror. Perhaps believing what just occurred to be the workings of a devil. However, Ceron knew this was just the dimension warping light, smiling he fully immersed himself in the portal.

An Aurora of purple hue filled Ceron's eyes surrounding his entire being twisting around enveloping him, this mirage of energies soon faded and Ceron completed his transition to the mirror dimension, upon entering slits of light closed behind him and so did the energies that enveloped cease retracting into the void. The marketplace once more took up the scenery stuffing every corner, yet something was off unlike earlier the skies weren't obscured by a ceiling but covered by glistening stars, nor were there walls obstructing the sides.

Behind the layer of murky clouds a multitude of various planets, moons hung filling the night sky their radiance shone lighting the surface. Howling from unknown creatures, screams invaded Ceron's ears, what's more, floating islands reigned above with crystal-like rivers endlessly flowing. From within the haze of night, creatures similar to tarragon's boasting thick hides and long feathers flew from these islands, carrying slim figures on their backs... Large plumes of smoke emanated from the creature's mouth as they hovered above to eventually land somewhere in the marketplace.

Looking further, Ceron saw gigantic mountains that seemed to be thousands of meters high striking the sky, covered with snow, even there the marketplace took residence "Amazing... Whoever, or whatever designed this place must be incredibly talented, there shouldn't be anyone capable of doing something of this magnitude alive..."

Heart-racing growls awoke Ceron from his train of thought, bizarre scaly bipeds strode past, outfitted in bizarre attire glowing an ominous green. Akin to snakes these unknown lifeforms locked eyes, striking desire. Their glare pierced Ceron's soul, quickly he fell to the ground on knees clutching his chest panting, sweat trickled down leaving a puddle "..I-I've.. truly lost all of my power, that creatures gaze alone caused my spirit to almost shatter..." Heavily breathing, profusely sweating Ceron wobbled to his feet. Only then did Ceron truly understand his weakness. He was powerless in his form, any being with the slightest of power had ample ability to devour him, the flash of his throat liquefied passed again. "I need the Elfer Herb, far greater dangers could lay beyond this hosts memories, I need to prepare..." Weary eyes surfaced on Ceron as he quickly strode past the crowd, glancing ever so often at the things he saw. And the uniqueness of the stalls, the dimension was the biggest he had ever seen. Not to mention the assortment of faces, races he hadn't the clue of.

Besides the mysterious cloaked entities and bizarre creatures strutting by. Strange figures wearing unknown artifacts covered their entire faces, bodies lined with gaudy pipes, some with plates that seemingly turned liquid to solid armor, back again waving between phases, etched lettering powering some ambiguous machine spewing chemicals on their backs. "The world has changed, am I really in Terra...? If this market was any indication, it seemed an entirely different world and not just a mirrored dimension, it seemed stable with all the people; As if a link to an entire world...

That's when a smell attracted Ceron's nose, an intense aroma of plants and various ingredients. A tiny wooden shop was constructed, a stark contrast compared to the tents surrounding it, the shop's windows were filled brimming with assorted ingredients. "This place might have what I'm looking for." Ceron thought whilst approaching the door steadfast, immediately entering the shop's interior. Once in the outside world was shrouded, the inside grew, stretching deforming to the state where it was many sizes larger than previously viewed outside. Ceron stood shocked at his new reality, behind him the door remained that gave some comfort at his dismay, "Weirder things have happened..." Ceron said softly, noticing the assortments of ingredients much he never seen before were labeled and categorized alphabetically.

With drive to continue further, Ceron walked through the commodities coming in tune with horrendous stenches though it did little to deter him from the ingredient desired. Full of color, shape and sizes, some appeared made from animal flesh or almost inanimate like stone or metal, yet were plant-like. They were something curious, as a well diverse botanist and potion master of his time, Ceron wanted to know the new oddities he found but hadn't the time. These strange things could've been used, even in helping him but now the singular goal was to strengthen himself and regain memories or at least knowledge of this vessel... "Not having the slightest idea of this vessel's history is like a target on my back." Ceron searched for dozens of minutes, checked again but any part of ingredients he needed laid barren, especially the Elfer Herb...

At this point Ceron had grabbed thin air, "This shop lacks it... And where even is the front desk in this maze of plants?" Showing clear dissatisfaction Ceron clicked his tongue in annoyance, headed back for the door; his departure had been a waste of his time, something Ceron had valued the most.

...

In that same instant, a deep rumble came as if a precursor to an even stronger one the ground seemed it wished to burst bringing him along with it; Though followed by this unwanted event it was almost as if cold water had showered Ceron, strange laughter derived from above. Ceron looked up, in disbelief saw a massive face filling the sky with a toothy grin. The face of a bearded old man blanketed the ceiling, that was once akin to the skies in the valley of plants "Something not to your liking I assume laddie?" The old man sarcastically laughed, soon causing Ceron's vision to blur- Or to be precise the surroundings had. A chilling gust ran through Ceron, punching the air out of lungs his face grew red as he rushed through the sky. Ceron felt as if his body was about to be torn, cursing in his mind at the thought of that, had he foolishly stepped into a trap?

The feeling then stopped and in an instant as the surroundings flung him to a near immediate death they just had morphed back into a small dinky wooden shop, appearing normal as a river with water. Stunned at the reality he just bore, Ceron stood gawking sheepishly at his surroundings, noticed a transparent globe filled with green vegetation in-front of him. Ceron grimaced, realising what had happened he was played like an infant, looking up he saw the face of an older man staring back at him. Noticing only for a moment Ceron, saw the man gauging him like a butcher would evaluate his meat.

"Ah so you've noticed youngster, that globe is quite the thing ant it?" The moment briefly lingered as Ceron processed what just happened, it was a defying experience, something he'd rather not have been apart off. The answer to what happened unfortunately to his dismay evaded him, it surrounded the globe but what was it. A trance? Some-type of reality shifting or something else entirely, ... The man coughed, Ceron made notice of his messy hair and overalls, strange glasses with numerous lenses and robust physique. Then the man's words caught up to his mind, "youngster?" He.. He called me that? "Adressi- ..." Ceron quickly caught his tongue, before making a fool of himself, of course he was youth in body.

Still Ceron pained a worry thought, at the fact he couldn't sense the power of the globe or this man. "I don't have all day you know." The man said, interrupting the awkward silence, Ceron gave a small smile though he hated it, "Y-es, I in search of a specific item, though it appears you don't have it." Seeing the man's leering manner, Ceron continued. "The Elfer Herb." The man's face twisted as if contemplation, before showing a inquisitive expression, "Ahm.. The Elfer Herb? HA! What tree have you fallen from, you look dimwitted as your words!" The old man laughed all too mockingly, Ceron bit his inner lip as he clenched his teeth in annoyance. He had killed men for far less than what this man before him said, the pleasant image of him kicking this man's head upon a curbstone surfaced several times.

This seller seemed to sit himself in high regard, it damn near made my blood boil. If not for the display of power this man had shown moments prior, I doubt he'd be standing so proud as his indented face would be meeting the floor in anguish. Ceron loathed being looked down upon in the case of his new body, but... It did fortunately have its advantages, as no one would expect a master of the arts or potioneer, it was good cover. Still Ceron doubted his ability, the man held a strange aura about him that wasn't anything normal. As good as Ceron believed himself to be, his current body still lacked in.. Well everything to catch up to any endeavor apart from his mental capability and experience, his body needed to be conditioned.

"What do you mean old man? Do you have the Elfer Herb or not." Ceron said almost sneering, though tried to hide it the best he could, the man huffed in response, "Do they teach nothing these days? And it'll be another hundred winters on my back before you can have the gall to call me old man! My name is Reedrick better remember it kid." Smoke shot from the man's nose fuming he continued laughing "The Herb?" Ceron asked again.. "Ugh yes its extinct!" "What!? It's one of the most abundant ingredients on the Azuel continent!" Flabbergasted Ceron yelled. "Hmph" Reedrick walked from behind the counter, but was a lot shorter, he was a dwarf. It would've been amusing if not for the current circumstances, "Over here kid." Reedrick went to a sagging shelf, picked up a tattered book with chains wrapped around it.

Extinct? ... It couldn't be, Ceron frowned as the dwarf laid the book on the counter unshackling the chains. "They teach you kids nothing." Reedrick eyed Ceron, back behind the counter as he put on his glasses. Causing a visible twitch Ceron tried to suppress, being called in such a demeaning way wasn't something he was particularly fond of. "I sincerely hope, you know at least the basics of our broken isles, the torn continent once known as Azuel..." Reedrick paused seeing the lad's uneasy face, "You don't even know that?" He'll be easy then.... Reedrick let out a smile, "Go on.." Ceron said, with a hint of regret revealing a glaring fact of his own ignorance.

Reedrick laughed at that, an uneducated fool had walked into his shop, could he be used? ... Pondering that Reedrick noticed the lad's cuffs and hummed. It was a familiar emblem.

...

"As you know, or should have known... Was that our beloved ground, beneath our feet was once part of Azuel- That were broken isles caught its name. " ... Oh.. Wish my miracle now, goddess Ceron thought in contempt at seeing the Dwarf's attitude, hoping with a "stroke" of good luck his heart would clog. There was something else, Ceron could feel it in Reedrick, it was almost sinister that facade of a smile he kept on display. It was a practiced visage... "That occurred before my time, over three centuries ago. I'm not privy to the details of why destruction, but it's common knowledge that the result of the blast caused the numerous rifts in the world. Spiraling into war, famine and ironically advancement." Reedrick Stopped briefly, catching breath as he opened the book in front of him.

"De cuculla... The cowl of darkness, much is referred to the centuries stricken in turmoil in ceasing chaos lords." Reedrick said, assumingly reading part of the book. "This book contains some documentation of the time, though it isn't length on detail and.. It's worn and barely readable. Not just your special "Elfer'' were lost, many things had ceased almost instantly in the initial explosion.."

"--- long past, centuries ago----of that era formed a great alliance, s---he evil chaos lords that resided in that age. Savage wars raged, devastation reigned scorching the land's, for greed had taken the churches after se---, corrupt powers soug----ords powers each electing guardians, to find this power to hold supreme title over the chur---- world. In the end, after the onslaught of these six lords had ceased, slain by the church's announcing their victory, proclaiming tranquili----ght guardians whom were elected in grasping the Lord'----- were not all unified. The betrayer, a guardian stole fragments of these powers, in doing so opened p---to other dimensions, worlds which previously weren't possible. Causing distortions which scarred the wor---astly altering the -----allowing unknown ----desired however new magic, technolo----covered from the other worlds, creatures w---the portals but new wars w---g over half the world to be torn in flames."

Three hundred years... Ceron inwardly thought as he focused every word. It wasn't by any means a short period, by the strange complexities of what already seen the world had changed. Am I but a mere whisper in history? A footnote too soon to be forgotten. Had what I accomplished been eradicated, Ceron pained speculation at his dismay mortal lives are far too brief.

...

"Azuel torn into mere chains of isles..." Honestly it shocked Ceron, it was the largest land mass on the Terra, dwarfing any other to the state it became akin to a Pangaean mass. And judging by the passage... Someone or something caused it.. A guardian at that, a keeper of the light. Someone sworn and bound to duty of protecting life, had accomplished something even Ceron hadn't. Not that I would ever want too. Eradicating all that potential slave caste would be a waste. Ceron sighed, as Reedrick closed the book "Ah, Don't look so worried kid. I know where you can catch some Elfer but it's not a task for the weak of heart."

The dwarf drew a wide smile, it looked fake as shit, "What's the catch?" Ceron said arms crossed. Reedrick's smile grew more wild as if on verge of a frenzy, "You.. Catch on quick, and. It's merely a simple task I need, As you can see I'm short on hands. Being The sole caretaker of this fine establishment... I need an aid, to go to a certain place and take a potion from it's depths. And then I'll get you the Elfer Herb." ... Reedrick leaned in closer awaiting response, it was overbearing. A trickle of sweat rolled off Ceron, truth had it he wanted to leave but this dwarf had him clenched by the balls. Every so often it was stupidly clear, a menacing aura popped off from Reedrick, there was no escape; Looking back at the door mere feet seemed worlds away. Anything but the correct answer, would be knocking on death's door.

"Say I accept this arrangement of ours. What's hold you back from cheating me?" Ceron said, albeit a little hesitant but held true in his stance, making Reedrick none the wiser. Or to the point he didn't show it... "Wishing to make this formal then? Hmph... We'll use the Oath of Aletheia, I doubt you're unfamiliar with it. Judging by your attire that of a soon to be magic apprentice." Pointing towards Ceron's golden cuffs engraved with rings, Reedrick then pulled out a red orb from behind the counter. It was glaring red, a fossilized eye rooted at its core... "Oath of Aletheia..." Ceron mumbled staring at the mysterious object intently. "You are ignorant of Aletheia as well? It's worse than I thought scraping bottom of the barrel, are they?"... A stern expression laid on Ceron's face. "The Oath of Aletheia is a contract being, binding the parties to the deal they set Aletheia and similar mysterious creatures came from the portals, what's more, Aletheia causes the party who neglected the deal to die eating their soul, piercing the individual's heart.."

Aletheia? Ceron scoffed, in his mind had this Dwarf taken him for a fool. He must've a contract being, wasn't a new concept it was often practiced in schools of magi and summoners. Piercing one's heart? A contract being would mutilate the party to their extent of disobedience towards the deal, only grave actions as killing your partner would account for such a recourse. After-all, contract beings were but other world entities that amassed power by summoning, regardless of its completion of contract the act of willing it sacrificed one's life force.

Though, this resource doesn't account for idiocy and their own will it wasn't some animatronic force but a living being able for reasoning... But I wonder, how loose would this contract be.. Ceron contemplated, was there a silver lining to be plundered...?

...

Bizarre to the uneducated but not to me... Ceron thought, then quickly spoke. "You seem capable enough, still a complete stranger you ask; Why me? What stops you from briefly closing this quaint. place?" Reedrick unknowingly, or not twitched at the last few words. Had a vessel popped in his brain, his place quaint? ... After briefly stopping at the audacious lad, Reedrick smiled once more, ".. I thought you might say that, truth be it the place is guarded by magic runes. A foot in that place would be my end... In essence only someone weaker, like yourself.. A boy whose magic isn't even tapped would be able." ... "I see.." That explanation was more full of holes than Swiss cheese... Ceron lamented at that, but kept up the facade. The display of ignorance of youth was his only weapon.

It stinked no way about it, and not that I can just walk out of here... Ceron slowly drew in, "Fine, I accept but on two conditions... I want that book and a map of the area." Almost like securing bounty, the light in Reedrick's eyes went aflame, "Good Good... You have quite the mouth on you, better not squander it on something you can't keep." He gazed at the book, for a moment... "Your terms are alright with me." Reedrick laughed, "Come closer." Nearly instant, after the dwarf's tone changed becoming tense the joyous attitude faded soon non-existent upon Ceron reaching the counter.

Strange scent soon dwelled on the surroundings, with an ominous sound of crackling. As if being the spark, the fossilized eye moved, vibrating with intensity objects fell, as the room shook in it's severity. Glaring a fiery radiance burst from the object's core, gushing it filled the room in reddish hue. Ceron clenched his teeth, the contract entity while specifically unknown to him, seemed powerful- Not ceasing change, the eye started to bulge, soon pulsed as violet veins extended from the fossil, embracing the sphere's entirety. The throbbing eye jittered, flecks of the fossil slowly disintegrated, falling off leaving a rejuvenated eye in its place.

A calm tranquility set, nearly foreboding strange tingling of wind swept... The dwarf seemed larger, Ceron couldn't describe it other than that. Reedricks presence, it almost encompassed the room a stark contrast to Cerons diminishing stature in the commotion. "Now don't waste my time, place your palm on the sphere before the window closes." Reedrick with asserting force, gestured Ceron to follow suit. immediately as done so, chains sprouted from the sphere enveloping both hands. Like a snake, seemingly conscious the chains quickly twisted crawling around and up to the elbow with a spiked tip at the lead. An odd display.. Ceron couldn't stop but wonder at the creature's manifestation, often a display of its aptitude the greater the apparition. "No going back now.."

Seeking out any crevice, the chains pointed end nearly pierced into Cerons arm as it slowly crept to his shoulder, growing tighter as it climbed up. Strange however the chains were translucent as if not there fully, alluding more no clink or tang came as Ceron thought it would. Bringing oddity to his sense of touch...

"Now boy, repeat after me and hear my terms." Reedricks voice struck with authority, as he thought himself the better. "I Reedrick Alengad state the terms of contract. I by heading authority, will acquire the Elfer Herb, as agreed. Once fulfillment of request by another party, in acquisition of a potion. Under this oath of Aletheia I will not attack nor deceive others in the terms of contract and Oath." ... Reedrick turned his gaze onto the the boy- Risk and reward, Ceron thought before answering, "I Asriel Elrad abide by these terms set under Oath of Aletheia." A slight smile surfaced on Ceron, after uttering the pledge crimson rays blanketed the room.

Through the haze of blinding red and burning light a massive silhouette, floating above the orb. Soon taking shape, through obscurity fading a ghoulish dragon eye filled their gaze. Residing in astonishment it's figure dropped with wiggling pieces of torn skin. A strange feeling came, as Ceron froze at the sight of Aletheia, mostly likely only a minor manifestation. I lied... Still I stand, or did I? Ceron perplexed at that thought, was the contract too loose? ... Immense energies gleamed off the Aletheia like drenched in an ocean of power.

Its gaze monotone, no discernible emotion laid on the creature. Still a heavy burden suffocated the room, sweat rolled off of Ceron, gazing by Reedrick his face didn't change, his hands only slightly more tense than before. Had he done this often? Ceron dwelled, coming back to a piercing gaze. "... THE.. CONTRACT. WILL BE BROUGHT BY TERMS SET. ASSURANCE, EXTEND LEFT HAND OVER HEART. IN ACCEPTANCE." The commanding words filled the room, echoing from every discernible direction. Alethia's voice was telepathic, head-splitting it hammered headaches in both Ceron and Reedrick causing a noticeable flinch.

In unison and exchanging looks, Ceron placed his hand over his heart as Reedrick did so- "THE CONTRACT HAS BEEN SET." Once uttered, beyond loud echoing immensely in their minds till it would never be forgotten, the chains crackled. Reliving sentience, in a frenzy they stretched growing more profound and twisting wrapping from their arms to the chest. In a few hazy, short breaths each pointed end had reached over their heart's piercing them both. However no pain surfaced, moreover a warm sensation enveloped the area struck, in an instant a calm relief bursted as the chains turned opaque wiggling wildly, retracting towards the eye before they started to vanish. Dissolving in the air, an eerie silence weighted and despite the sudden calm, a blaring figure still strained the room.

Like a final act, or gesture the manifestation made a motion similar to a nod, as it warped back into the sphere. With its presence fading, the weighty air dissipated returning back to what it once was, the surroundings were no longer a haze. The outside world once more showed itself, a elated expression bubbled on Reedrick, "That wasn't too hard. Asriel is it?.." Reedrick looked with intent, the boy had stood in the face of Alethina, most first timers leave with drenched pants. Thankfully, he didn't need the rags this time. It put stock in the boy's courage... or stupidity, Reedrick solemnly thought this would make his fourth attempt...

"Alright then lad, this is what you'll need a map and an ample description of what I need looks like." Reedrick spoke, still sitting behind the counter pushing the content's to Ceron. Curious.. Ceron idly thought, the contract entity was unlike any he had seen before and this dwarf... It hadn't affected him, hell it seemed as if he enjoyed it. Could he be a summoner? ... Gripping those thoughts Ceron approached the counter, snatching the book and map with a smile. "Hmm... Yes I'll need a bit to prepare, I assume that's no issue. No date had been set in our terms." Ceron smirked at the last bit, "Mmph! Take all that you need, but I'll only wait a month or you can call our deal void!" Reedrick huffed, his face red. Presumably forgetting to set a time restriction.

Relaxing and after a brief exchange, nodding Ceron turned heading for the door. "It was a pleasure." In haste, Ceron strode to the exit, leaving Reedrick still seated. And yet, he wasn't merely idle, Ceron could feel it. Perhaps he had let it slip, no one with the appearance of his age would likely notice, it felt as if he'd been stabbed through. By the throat and gutted, a murderous glint shone from Reedrick akin to a hungry beast as the "little" boy left.

...

"Repulsive dwarf did he really think I wouldn't notice his seething intent to gut me? time hasn't changed the world. Quickly I must regain my former abilities, weakness is a sin." Ceron scoffed, exiting the shop... "There should be another shop here selling ingredients, I'd rather not bargain with that dwarf more than I have too." Ceron thought, immediately entering the expansive marketplace.