Falling. That's what I was doing. Headlong toward the cold barren ground. With Sania watching my spiraling descent for a moment in pure surprise before she finally shot down after me. I noticed Danivra had reacted as well and in her Dokala form had moved to catch me.

“Your legs Clive,” Sania said as she scooped me up and lowered me to the ground.

“Don't worry about it,” I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek as she touched down. “They’ll grow back. I just need a minute. A small price to pay to get away from that encounter. I can’t actually tell you how glad I am to back here. Though the weather was nicer over there.”

Everyone crowded around me as Sania sat me down on the floor. “I still can't believe that just happened. There was nothing I could do,” Sania said mournfully.

“Yeah, I can't believe that happened either. Now gimme a minute, while I regrow the bottom of my legs. And yes, I’ve been neutralized again, so I’m going to have to walk.”

“Take all the time you need,” Sania said. “We should just stop here to camp. It’s getting on, anyway.”

“We need to get to that fort,” I replied.

“We can leave early in the morning. We should stop.”

“Not having the energy to argue I gave her a weak smile, before closing my eyes and focusing on my lower legs.

As they began to regrow, I heard uncomfortable shuffling. Judging by the looks on some of the surrounding faces, I think I’d managed to freak a few of them out who hadn’t known about that skill of mine.

I was tired and drained, but within five minutes I was back on my feet ready to go.

Despite their earlier discomfort, cheers, hugs and congratulations now erupted. “So what in Balgor’s crust ass fur happened to you?” Grastad asked from his position next to Galota, the Nanook.

I hadn't even been there for his meeting with the Nystiobek who had now become my followers and nearly all of them were more powerful than him, but he stood ahead of them with confidence and seemed like he had a place with them.

“For a start, who the hell is Balgor?”

“Nystiobek god.” Galota replied.

“A real god? As in, like, more than just the ones I already know?”

Galota shrugged. “Thought so until the intelligence boost. Now I doubt it. Doesn’t really make sense. Perhaps he was a great Nystiobek from the past?”

I nodded. “Maybe. I looked around. It’s fantastic to be among you all again.”

“We need to keep an eye out for them coming for you ,” Sania said.

“Sania is correct,” Danivra said. “We must make sure that you are not kidnapped through a portal again.”

“Yeah, but these were powerful Justiciars. I don't see how it’s going to be possible. The best defense I have is to have a good supply of ethereal energy.”

“Isn't that how they found you in the first place? From the fight with Stada?” Danivra asked.

“Yeah Clive, I think you really need to lay off the Ethereal energy use for a while.

“Ah, well. You see, things have changed a little bit.”

“What do you mean?” Sania asked.

“Okay, I know Danivra and Jurien and Wind of the wild are all super wise and shit you are. But none of you, to my knowledge have ever dealt with anything like this. You are erring on the side of caution, which makes a certain amount of sense. But… what you all need to understand is that this Ethereal energy is a part of me. When you take a step back, ultimately what you’re actually saying is Clive, do not use that amazing, massively overpowered weapon to fight against overwhelming odds.”

“They were all looking at me with a little wonder in their eyes. Apart from Danivra, who looked more thoughtful.

“That is not the case Clive. The problem with the overpowered weapon is that it will make the odds even more overwhelming. Not using the power is about risk management.

“Well, thank you for your concern and while you’re right in one sense. Ethereal energy is probably responsible for them coming for me. But it also got me away from them, too. There’s also nothing I can do about it, so I'm not going to shy away from making use of it. Before any of you say anything else, you should probably all check this out.

As I stretched out my arm in front of me, looks of confusion were exchanged. Until I focused on the arm to appear in its immortal shell form. It metamorphosed immediately into the white crystalline structure from before.

Now only gasps as they all took in the arm.

“How is that possible?” Danivra asked.

“What actually is it?” Sania added.

“This, my friends, is an Immortal Shell. It is one of six available to me. Which, if I'm not mistaken, means that I can create an Immortal shell on my torso, head, and remaining limbs. There is a 30 day cool down on each section. So, providing I’m smart with when I attempt to create each section I should have a full immortal shell in around 150 days.”

“Okay, so it looks and sounds impressive,” Grigor said. “But what does it do?”

“It’s indestructible for starters, but when I have Ethereal energy, any spicy balls I fire are now of the Ethereal type. Also, If I punch anybody, it’s extremely damaging.”

“It’s amazing, Clive,” Sania said, touching the arm reverently.

Danivra smiled. “I can see why you think it might be difficult to not use Ethereal Energy and I find myself agreeing with you in light of this new power and the extra Ethereal energy you now receive.”

“Ah, you know about that?” I replied.

“I was confused at first. I knew the bond had changed, but we didn’t know until you did your full broadcast and I felt all of the other people now attached to you.”

“How did you manage it?” Sania asked.

“I didn’t. Sazor and Johan did. I think they must have converted all of their people into followers. They are both clerics now from the number of Aspirants they encouraged.”

“Amazing, both women said in tandem.”

“At least all of these people do not have to suffer the soul bind as I did.” Grigor said.

Sania and Danivra looked at him with questioning looks and he quickly corrected them. “Of course, you two, as well.”

“Well, there was nothing I could do about that. Luckily, we’ve all moved on, right Grigor?”

“Right,” he replied in his deadpan tone, and I laughed at the grouchy bastard. Also guys seeing as we’re talking instead of walking. You should know that once the Immortal Shell is complete I will reach a new Ethereal stage. Though I gotta tell you, I'm not comfortable doing my head. I'll be leaving that until last! Imagine if I couldn’t make it appear human,” I chuckled. Imagining Joel calling me Crystal head Clive.

Danivra shook her head. “While I can agree with some of the other points you have made, that is an absolutely terrible idea. I cannot make you do anything, but I can strongly and repeatedly encourage you to create an immortal shell from your head. Then your torso. Those are the areas your physical body can most likely be killed through. You've proven you can lose legs and arms without a care.

“Danivra’s absolutely right, Clive,” Sania said seriously. “In thirty days, you will have a Crystal head.”

I couldn’t help but smirk. It appeared I didn’t need Joel here after all.

“You will be able to make it look human like your arm won't you?” She continued.

“I would assume so,” I replied, making my arm return to its human appearance.”

“How did you do it?” she asked.

“Oh, that was easy,” I said waving my hand in front of my face. “All I had to do was get this chopped off. I was in a hurry when I tried to regrow it, so I decided to add a little Ethereal energy to the process. Speed it up a little, you know?”

“Seems like a dangerous idea,” Sania said. “So yes, I do know.”

“It entwined around the dark tendril and golden Meridian in my right arm, and once the hand was rebuilt, it contracted. That caused a merging of the three forms of energy. I reckon I can do my head without cutting it off,” I said, pre-empting the obvious question.

“Seems like it worked out pretty well then,” Grastad remarked. “Clive is even more powerful than before and closer to his goals. I bet we got a few less Justice big guns to deal with, too.”

Sania didn’t look impressed with his words, but I smiled. “I sure wouldn’t pay to go through that again, Grastad. But you have a point. They’ve helped us out by forcing me to develop.

“So back to our main problem in relation to me and Justice. They can just pop in and snag me any time. Olata’s shield and presence was perfect to counteract that. Probably why they decide to come now as well, though they said they knew I was heading for this fort. Not that I’m blaming her for going to protect her people, mind you,” I quickly added.

“There is a chance that the Drengalfar will have something similar. They deal with war, so their skills first and foremost are in that area.”

“You know,” I said thoughtfully. “Despite my portal hopping escapades, I just thought of something obvious I could have been doing myself.”

“Which is?” Sania asked.

“Well, you saw how my ability to manipulate the air caused their projectiles to lose power. Perhaps I could banish their portals in the same way. There’s always a sight of them appearing.”

“It should work,” Sania said. “We all just need to make sure everyone keeps an eye out for the signs of a portal appearing. We should travel in the center of our people too. For the most part, anyway.”

“That is a good Idea, Danivra said. “And dismantling the portals would be an excellent solution until we can come up with something less reactive.”

“What happens if they make a portal and fly through while you destroy it on this side?” Grigor asked.

“Not sure. Nothing good, I imagine, but then I'm not too concerned with Justice’s wellbeing right now.”

“Slight change of subject,” Sania said. “But how come you teleported into the air without power?”

“Why do you think?” I laughed. “For a start, the power to teleport isn’t from my own Neuma. It’s from the Neuma within the protectorate, and second, I used you as my focal point.”

Sania laughed too,” Knocking into me affectionately with her shoulder. “I’m both flattered and amused. Did you not consider I would be flying?”

“Didn’t even cross my mind. I’d been chased for hours. Two of those under the sea getting smashed in the face by fish. When I teleported, I was being slowly crushed by a Nephilim with a level 195 Justiciar and high leveled friends floating around me ready to start bringing the real damage. So when I jumped, I was pretty damn desperate.

Sania, leaning in against me, nodded. Looking wistful she surprised me with her next words. “I’ve never seen the sea. I would like to.”

“Well, I never want to see the sea again. But I’m sure you’re going to get your wish and I’m not.”

“I’ve never seen the sea either,” Grigor said and suddenly a whole conversation around who had and hadn’t seen the sea sprung up. I was glad for the subject to move on and it turned out the goblins were about the best well-traveled of our crew. Only Danivra among all of the Alfar had seen the sea.

“I bet you wind of the wild has seen the sea,” I remarked. “Have you seen him again since the battle?” I asked Sania.

“Only briefly. A few hours ago. I wish there was a way to tell him you are back and well.”

“I’m sure he’ll be back soon enough. I’ll have to thank him. Hell, I need to thank you all. Those of you who arrived in time to save our asses.

Freeler came to stand in front of me and smashed his fist against his chest. “Freeler killed five Paladins of Justice. Point has been proven.”

“That’s amazing man. You’ve been a revelation, Freeler, and I apologize for any doubts I had about you.” As I spoke, I wondered if the mad bastard intended to leave us and set up another Rattayak.

“You welcome, Lord Clive. Will kill many more at the fort we go to see. Help more peoples.”

“That’s the spirit Freeler. Glad you’re up for the long haul.

“Great successes ahead. Level seventy-one now. Will be eighty when we reach new home.”

“That wouldn’t surprise me, and you will be a real asset to Far Reach. We might even be able to name a street Rattayak.”

As the night wore down, I ate some semi dried meat and settled down. We slept in the center of our group this time, and I didn’t complain. After my recent ordeal, I was happy to be protected for a few hours.

The next morning, I felt great. Refreshed and ready to continue our journey. I was suddenly aware that I had next to no clothes again as I stood up. I would have to address that issue again. I ran in the center of our column with Sania and Danivra. At the front of our column was Grigor, Freeler, Grastad, and Galota. It was a fearsome line up for sure.

A few hours into the run, I really felt the slow pace we moved at. It was the Goblins who set our pace, and I wasn’t sure why it affected me more as I ran on the ground with them. But it prompted an idea.

“Hey Galota,” I said through the bond. “Can you guys carry people?”

“We do not normally, but we can make an exception for you Lord Clive.”

“Ah, it’s not me. I just never realized how much the goblins were slowing us down before. I was thinking maybe…” I could sense the distaste at the task as he spoke over me to reply.

“We will do it and it will be an honor to carry our troops into battle.”

“Shit, thanks Galota. I’m just thinking it will speed everything up a bit.”

“It will and they are small practically weightless creatures. They will present no larger burden than the stench they emit.

“Great!” I replied and brought everyone to a stop.

Quickly explaining the situation to everyone the goblins began chattering with nervous excitement about the prospect.

“I ride big one!” Freeler said, pointing at Galota.

Smiling, I shook my head. “That's not how this is going to work, Freeler. You can run fast enough without help. It is for your low leveled goblins.

“That's not fair,” Freeler said folding his arms with a surprisingly petulant expression. “If manky little goblins get carried, then chief get carried.”

“I’m not getting carried. No one here over level 35 is getting carried, so don’t sweat it. I stage whispered over. “If you don’t need to be carried, then that means you’re the best!”

He mulled over it for a while and looked around at the others not being carried.

“Stupid little goblins, too slow. Better if they are carried to keep up,” he finally replied.

Once the goblins were on board Galota and his kin, I couldn't help but laugh at the sight. Close to 50 goblins clinging onto each Nanook, back for dear life. While they should have been terrified, they looked like they were having a whale of a time. Whooping and cheering as we set off. I wanted to tell them to shut up because of the noise, but the sound of the Nanook’s crossing the land was far more dramatic.

Sania never left my side, despite both our reservations that someone needed to be scouting. She refused to go though, and I couldn't blame her. If she had suddenly been snatched through a portal, then I wouldn't have left her side either.

By midday of that day's travel, we had had no visitors from Delosha coming back to capture me again after my escape. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but I thought they were scared. Either way, we made good time and with the knowledge that we would be seeing signs of the fort and Justices troops later that day, I insisted we took to the skies once more.