The airship docks at its usual spot on the Citadel's main flyway, which is elevated far above the ground for the feldroks of old to perch, observe, and take flight from the titanic castle. Even in spite of its yacht-like size, the airship sits like a small cargo plane on the flyway, leaving plenty of room for several more like it should that day ever come.

Xyreko is already present with a bus to shuttle the returning members of the Fievegal's inner circle, now including Empress Sundenelle and her mother Lady Byleathea, into the control room. Sundenelle remarks in wonder, "Mother… I heard the stories, but…"

"Yes, my Empress…" murmurs the noblewoman, and the other women smirk knowingly. There is an air of tension because of what's going on, but there's still room for keeping everyone's spirits up with levity. After all, the Grand Duchess Senior is quite familiar with worrying herself sick over her beloved's unknown status when he was off to war. And, upon his return, they'd be welcoming a new daughter within the turn of a 'maternal year'.

As for Sundenelle, her mother, and her loyal gatonine guard Sir Ecklevon, the three Imperials don't yet know that Daniel has gone missing. They simply chose to make a show of returning to the Citadel with Daniel in order to further the engagement. The Empress's retinue will be travelling by the buses from Fort Peony, and thanks to their superior speed even on semi-rough terrain, they should arrive in the evening if they drive all day, which will be up to the other ladies in waiting and advisors.

Aramellianna carries Tekten, while Ryuogriar carries Jieka, escorting the princesses in line with everyone filing off of the bus in the control room.

Hekate, Geirahoel, Reignleif, and Baeka are already gathered there with Ucahote and Balamae, and Shek and Skloe join the group shortly after the majority have arrived and taken seats around a large conference table.

Senn asks the most obvious question, "Has there been any signs of life from our intrepid boys?"

Geirahoel replies, "I have been trying to reach Magnir and Mukori's helmet since they disappeared. I feel like I can sense Magnir, but he hasn't responded."

Roeta adds to clarify, "Magnir and I don't have very much mana, so it's possible he's trying to conserve it."

"Or, he's been constantly depleting it in battle," remarks Treia a little too directly. Her ears flatten when she gains all of the eyes around, and she nervously adds, "I hope it's just that he's conserving it! J-Just thinking out loud!"

Sundenelle asks, "So, Daniel did sneak away… I thought his behavior was a little strange." She watches the figure of Daniel, who is still standing near Ucahote and Balamae, and 'he' dissolves his appearance, becoming one more of the sentient golems of the Fievegal, and Doephluev sighs as she releases the illusion spell. "Next time, I'm going with my beloved. I don't care what anyone else says."

Hekate nods in agreement, which causes the archoneldwyn to cock her head with a bit of a scowl. "What are you nodding for? You were there."

The feldrok girl twitches, and her ears flatten in disappointment as her tail droops. "I… I was… But… I don't know. The… um… creature that came out of the hole with Daniel…" Hekate hugs her own arms, looking away. She can't even explain it.

Reignleif, knowing the importance of sharing information, explains, "Kernuules seems to have been a feldrok child,..." Just this part alone causes several people to gasp, and Neith frowns as he listens. The Second Dragon Empress continues, "... but it was cursed with some kind of magic that… was repulsive. Nauseating, even." Baeka and Geirahoel nod in agreement with grim expressions. The Mikadresselle adds, "I never felt comfortable around the Red Lord, but… something about Kernuules felt truly… evil."

Hekate's ears somehow manage to droop even lower, and she grips her adventurer blouse sleeve tightly.

Ryuogriar approaches the feldrok Empress with Jieka, and Luceniel, the elemental hovers around her. All three don't need a cue to hug the ravenette, who starts crying. Everyone is quiet out of sympathy for a moment, and Aramellianna adds for the benefit of the human Empress of the Grand Zenkon Empire. "As I understand it, during a scuffle with the vulnerable Kernuules, Daniel was teleported to an unknown location. Sir Magnir acted quickly enough to ensure he transported with the two, but their state is unknown as a result."

Sundenelle is quiet as she thinks, and Byleathea asks, "If I may, there is a lot of information we lack, but why did this Kernuules not simply teleport itself away if it had this ability."

The Empresses of the Fievegal all share a glance, and Doephluev takes a breath, sighing before answering. "It was a magic device we created to evacuate Daniel in emergencies. It uses an experimental magic spell that I am primarily responsible for."

"We all-...!" starts Hekate, but the pregnant former-assassin holds her hand up to stop her ravenette counterpart.

"I made use of others here, but I am primarily responsible. Regardless, the spell was bound to a special circle located here at the Citadel, so Daniel shouldn't have been able to be transported anywhere but to the Citadel. That is one of the many questions we have yet to answer."

"And, will remain unanswered until we find him…" murmurs Sundenelle. She then says confidently, "It'll take time, but I can have the word spread for the Empire's citizenry and merchants to start looking out for him."

Doephluev shakes her head. "Thank you, but no. Daniel is too high profile of a target to alert everyone that he has left our support network. We're already dealing with powerful enemies, and he'll hopefully make efforts to lay low as he works his way back towards us."

Gwenesphia adds, "He is a little slow to trust, and has even less reason to do so than normal. As long as he has his equipment, though, he should have plenty of supplies for both of them. His next priority will be finding a way to communicate."

"It seems the spirits have heard our desires," remarks Xyreko. She uses a spell to project what she's hearing, saying, "Say again, Magnir. I'm linking you to everyone."

"Understood. I'm draining magic crystals, so time isn't as limited. Your Greatness, your Graces, Mechanic One and I are alive and safe enough. We estimate that we're about six hours behind the Citadel's time, so possibly a considerable distance west. Additionally, it seems to be winter here, as there's snow rather far down the mountain and over the terrain visible from our altitude. I'm in the air for this message, and I don't recognize any terrain around me."

"Snow…" remarks Gold as she thinks. "I suppose it is late autumn in most other places…"

"If they're still on our continent, then they have to be in the south," adds Neith. "If they're on another continent, though, I only know a few places."

"Not even Reeffjord gets cold enough for continuous snow this early in the year," remarks Kera'tai. "So, they must be at one of the ends of the continent."

"How did they end up back in time?" asks Yormollett innocently.

Senn, still in her disguise as Luna for some reason, explains to the young Duchess, "That's actually how they know they're west of us. If it's sunrise here, it would still be night time there, because Zenkon hasn't turned far enough for sunrise yet."

The brunette thinks for a moment, and when it sinks in, she blushes and goes silent. She glances at the Grand Duchess Senior, but Aramellianna doesn't reprimand or lecture her. Instead, the matron of the Stalvaltan family adds, "If he's far to the west, then, how far is six hours worth of distance?"

Gold answers, "Probably [two thousand miles] at least, not to mention how far south they are."

"Please let Magnir know that," instructs Doephluev. Xyreko nods, and Magnir's voice replies after a moment.

"Understood. Mechanic One asked about north or south hemisphere, so are we certain we're south?"

"Yes," replies Neith. "It's late spring the furthest north we can go on the continent, and further north is more distinct. There wouldn't likely be much snow remaining at lower altitudes."

"Tell Magnir to fly east immediately with Mukori," orders Geirahoel. "Once he finds the southern fortress, he can navigate with the mountains home."

"Wait, please," cuts in Senn. "Assuming Gold's estimate is accurate, and I do, if it's further than we assume, there is a large island that meets all of the requirements, including the mountain."

Neith and Gold confirm, though Gold has never flown there.

"So!?" snaps Geirahoel. "Then they just need to fly west until they reach water, and then fly north and west, yes?"

"It's not the trip that's the issue," replies Ryuogriar. "It's what they'll risk running into at sea."

Hekate sniffles, asking with a nasally voice, "Wha'll they run indoo? [What'll they run into?]"

"The Strylak…" murmurs Sundenelle. Everyone is quiet, while the albino Empress ponders her own Empire.

The banners of the Grand Zenkon Empire feature a stylized sigil of the seemingly mythological feature. It is said to be a titan of the sea, holding dominion and preventing crossing the oceans. Since the Empire is able to use ships to trade with other ports on the continent, so long as they don't stray too far out into deep water, she often considers the possibility of sending out expeditionary forces.

The problem is, superstition runs deep, especially amongst the older aristocrats. Some claim to have seen the mountainous creature on the horizon, even from the shores, while others tell stories of ancestors who were killed by it.

Sundenelle doesn't have enough information to believe in the Strylak, other than she is now sitting in one of the upper floors of a castle so big, that parts of it can be obscured by actual clouds after riding in a vessel that sails upon the sky itself.

In a world of magic and monsters, it can be easy to believe in ones that do not exist since one must live with flexible beliefs of what is possible at times, lest they be blind to their enemies' schemes.

So, whether or not the Strylak is a titanic polypus whose arms can reach anywhere in the world, or simply much smaller monsters no vessel has been prepared to face, the sea itself is treacherous.

The teen doesn't ignore what she has gathered so far, though. "Sir Neith, yes? Am I to understand you or Lady Gold have travelled across the sea, then? You seem familiar with places beyond Stoerykame."

Aramellianna adds when Neith's face shifts slightly at the name, "Stoerykame is the name our Eastern kingdoms have given the continent. It doesn't often come up in conversation."

"I believe I've heard that before," replies Reignleif in agreement. "Though, I don't remember where. I'm not sure Mukori even knows that name."

"I don't think so," replies Wenlianna. "He and I were too busy with experiments, that…" She gives a sheepish glance to her mother, just as her younger sister did. "... I never dedicated any time to giving Daniel etiquette or nobility lessons."

Yanidere giggles lightly, knowing enough to be privy to the fact that Wenlianna was smitten with Daniel very shortly after he was brought to the Stalvaltan estate.

Neith takes over, answering Sundenelle's question, "Your Grace, I have travelled to several other continents, though not as extensively on those continents as it might sound. My goal was specific, and yet, it was stolen from me."

"Proving who the greater man is, Onii-chan…" retorts Geirahoel a little smugly, though her expression is still focused and concerned for the same person they both are referring to.

Gold adds as she leans back in her chair, not nearly as concerned about the missing Emperor and knight as the other women present, "I've been to the island S-, uh, Luna mentioned."

Neith explains, "The ocean is very large and devoid of features for a very long time. Navigation is not easy, and there are threats other than the Strylak that even I struggled to outrun."

"Strylak's gotta eat too," jokes Gold dryly.

Ryuogriar clarifies for Hekate, who is growing noticeably frustrated that Magnir is going to be able to fly with Daniel. "The island's distance will test Magnir's endurance, particularly if either the Strylak or these other threats appear."

Xyreko has been relaying this information to Magnir, who suddenly speaks, "{I agree that, if we are on an island, it will be risky. It's also why Mechanic One and I have not been flying at present. We have found local guides in a handful of kobolds, who are leading us down the mountain to a larger settlement that will hopefully have more information.}"

Doephluev requests, "Please ask Magnir how many magic crystals they have. If possible, our best option may be for Daniel to try to replace the magic crystals in the teleporter."

"Are you crazy!?" snaps Geirahoel. "It's obviously broken! If he uses it again, he could end up even further away! Or, even in the ocean!"

"Why have we been unable to reach Magnir, but can reach him so comfortably now?" asks Reignleif. "It seems none of your messages have reached him."

"That's right!" exclaims Geirahoel. "Ask him!"

Xyreko nods, and a moment later, Magnir replies, "In order, your Graces, I have… four extra magic crystals, but the one I'm using for telepathy is almost out. I felt like someone was trying to reach me, but I couldn't hear clearly when I was on the ground. Mechanic One and I believe there is some source of strange mana capable of interfering."

"Can I ask why Sir Magnir keeps calling Daniel 'Mechanic One'?" asks Sundenelle quietly, and Treia explains to her while the elven sage remarks, "Interference… Interesting. If it was negation,... Xyreko, please ask if the boys have investigated the cause."

Magnir's voice replies once he has heard the question, "Only that it seems to cover the mountain so far, but I am able to fly out of its range. Now that I think about it, I feel… different in the air… It's not like when Kernuules was present, but a strange uneasiness has been over me. I don't know if that information helps. Forgive me, your Graces, but the crystal I am using is nearly depleted. If you wish for me to continue this method, I will need to know if the crystals that remain will be sufficient."

Everyone glances at Doephluev and Wenlianna, who were the primary designers of the teleporter pack.

"It uses five…" replies Wenlianna. "Daniel knows well enough that he can supplement the mana, but there's… not much room to squeeze in more crystals."

"It only works once?" asks Veiranoei.

"Well, slightly more than three times," replies Wenlianna uneasily. "But, it hasn't been recharged since it was used to bring Magnir and Daniel to the Citadel to start their mission. It also uses more mana if more than one person is being transported. Wh-which… it did."

Vaergraes's voice suddenly speaks as she enters the room, foregoing further rest in order to join the meeting. "The interference began with Kernuules, did it not?" Ryukana is standing where the Uhl'tall woman is approaching from, and the violet-haired divine being exits the room quietly.

As Vaergraes approaches the table, Neith jumps up and helps her to his chair. She is still down an arm, which she is disguising with a mantle draped over her shoulder. Neith gently eases her into the seat and stands with the golems as she murmurs, "Thank you, Neith."

The Uhl'tall Archpriestess briefly greets everyone, "Pardon my intrusion. Empress Sundenelle, Lady Byleathea, I'm sorry I was too exhausted to greet you properly sooner."

"Please, pay it no mind," replies Sundenelle.

The former demon queen nods her head thankfully, sitting wearily in her chair with minimal energy. "I recommend Daniel and Magnir inspect their equipment for curses or something else that could be interfering, assuming they aren't carrying Kernuules around."

"You should be resting," urges Kera'tai. The Chi'rinnis asks, "And, wouldn't the interference have been noticed before? When Kernuules was giant?"

"We need to answer Magnir first," replies Doephluev. "Xyreko, please tell him to use up the crystal he has, but to save the others for later communication. And, tell him to look for curses, as Vaergraes suggests."

Xyreko nods, and Hekate asks, "Will Daniel and Magnir be able to find curses on their own?"

The archoneldwyn answers honestly, "Not the ways any of us might, but they'll have to find some way to narrow it down. Magnir telling us that he can feel the presence of the interfering mana near the ground is helpful."

"I hate this!" snaps Geirahoel as she bolts to her feet. "Why don't we just start searching? At the very least, we can check this continent without worrying about Strylaks and tree devils."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Not all of us will be able to search," replies Treia. "Gwen and I followed Daniel to the Citadel because he left a scent trail. Last time I checked, teleportation doesn't."

"Once the source of the interference is removed, I will be able to track them," replies Xyreko. "Assuming interference and not distance is the only factor preventing me from doing so."

Doephluev then addresses Kera'tai's concern. "I don't know if the small feldrok was part of the main combat body that was fighting. We aren't even sure that the feldrok was the core."

"Mukori's goal was to find the core, and he was somehow navigating towards the place where we found the feldrok. Even approaching the entrance still caused us distress. Its mana truly feels poisonous." Reignleif's explanation trails into a quieter, more uneasy tone.

"And, it didn't have any adverse effects on Daniel?" asks Sundenelle.

Hekate, Geirahoel, and Reignleif all shake their heads. "No," replies Geirahoel. "We initially had Magnir try to enter, but he couldn't go past the entrance. And, he appears to have been the least affected of the rest of us."

"I'll work with the alchemy teams to analyze the sample of water that was brought. For now, we need information." After saying this, Doephluev looks at Geirahoel, adding, "Geirahoel, if you choose to leave and search on your own, you will be rushing into a situation that we don't have proper control over. Magnir confirmed they're both alive."

Geirahoel rocks her jaw back and forth, and she murmurs, "More of Mukori's children will hatch very soon. I insist we find him before that."

The archoneldwyn sighs. "I am just trying to say, if we can help Daniel and Magnir figure out how to remove the interference, or repair the teleporter, then we won't gain anything from scattering ourselves to the wind. Not when our enemies are looking for vulnerabilities."

The orange dragon crosses her arms and huffs, looking away. She doesn't race off in haste to begin her expedition, but she also doesn't give any indication of whether or not she's going to heed Doephluev's suggestion.

She is thankful that Ryuogriar has had very little to say, though everyone's focus is on finding Daniel and Magnir. Sundenelle asks gently, "If Daniel or Magnir are carrying something that transported them a great distance, is there any way to send items to them?"

There's an awkward quiet among the women of the Fievegal, particularly the ones who had a hand in making that very device. "I see…" The young ruler of the Grand Zenkon Empire gestures to Ecklevon, and the gatonine knight steps forward. "Your Grace."

"Sir Ecklevon, please hand me my father's pendant."

"Of course, your Grace." The knight withdraws the small magic pendant that Sundenelle was wearing, which normally creates her blonde disguise magic. She explains as she sets it on the table. "There are eight spells preserved in this artifact, and the one I'd like to suggest isn't nearly as fancy as transporting a person, but it is good enough to transport letters and other small items. Since transporting a person has already been done, perhaps we can have Sir Magnir set up a spell to receive the parts needed to properly repair the teleporter. Something in between our two spells."

"We can already do that much," replies Hekate.

"I suspect the source of interference will still be a problem, though. The spell contained in this pendant supposedly relies on an older system of magic that has all but died out."

Senn hums curiously, noticeably becoming more interested, which lends credibility to the mature teen's claims.

"You know of this magic?" asks Ryuogriar, skeptical of a simple windfall already being present.

"There are many magic systems that come and go. Doephluev should be proof of that. If it's one that found its way down through history in the Empire, then I suspect I've heard of it, though it has been a very long time since I ever had any hope of finding spells." She draws some symbols that no one else recognizes using mana, and the symbols glow. They connect together, forming a strange shape and pattern.

When Senn taps her staff end to the spell, a wave of light passes through the symbols, and one of the glyphs suddenly sparks, creating a small dance of light and crackling noise. "This is the most I know about this spell."

Sundenelle smiles confidently as she declares, "I know how to activate them."

***

Commander Nesparu pel Contarro kneels before his liege lord, Grand Prince Yaulander kos Strylaph as the blond man receives yet another ointment treatment to try to assuage the rash on his cheek. He is wearing an eye patch over his destroyed eye, since the scarring has set in before any of the healing mages, potion masters, or others could be retrieved.

"Your Majesty, I have returned with the otherworlder known as Zuzia Spolskia."

"I'm not in the mood for any jokes," retorts Yaulander, irritated that he has had to wait as long as it has been already. "Where is she?"

"Before I demonstrate that she is contained, your Majesty, please allow me to insist on making preparations to contain her." He then says over his shoulder, "Serrentuk, appear and kneel."

With those words, the shadows in the room stir, and from them rises an elf who could pass for an assassin with his dark cloak over his rugged, but subtle travelling clothes.

Yaulander sits forward, surprised to see this. While the Contarro family has had control of Serrentuk for many generations, it is a bit of an unguarded secret, as his power is convenient, but would be relatively coveted. Just the few space distortion bags stolen from high-ranking demons that have made it back to the east have proven too difficult to replicate, and trade for exorbitant prices within the Empire, if they ever go up for auction. Serrentuk's ability puts those incredible magic devices to shame with the sheer volume of what he can store. So far as Nesparu knows, the elf can absorb an entire castle into his void, though extracting them is prone to causing the structure to collapse.

As ordered, the ancient and seemingly soulless elven sage kneels before the Grand Prince, saying nothing.

"I present to your Majesty the elven sage Serrentuk, contracted servant to the Contarro family."

Yaulander laughs, still surprised by the man who appeared from literal shadows. "What an incredible ability! I'm already thinking of several ways to make use of it."

"That part of his ability looks more showy than it is, your Majesty. However…" He looks at Serrentuk, ordering, "Serrentuk, extract Grandfather's body for a moment."

The elf says nothing, rising to his feet and summoning his staff, which he taps to the ground. A new shadow forms ahead of him, and from it, as if floating up from the depths of a swamp, an elderly man's body appears.

Nesparu explains, "Forgive my choice of demonstration, your Majesty. Grandfather is hoping for a mythical revival potation to be obtained and used on him, and he serves as an appropriate demonstration. The otherworlder is also trapped within Serrentuk's true talent; a Gate to a storage void that only Serrentuk can access."

Yaulander stands up, brushing off the maid trying to apply the ointment to his skin. "I see…"

He looks at the castle of Mornistae around him, and an idea hits him. "This ability of your elf's… What are its limits?"

***

Daniel returns from relieving himself a little ways away from the camp, and he jumps when a presence is standing at the center of the camp. The five kobolds are all bowing low on the ground, and the soft murmuring has to be nothing other than praying.

Naturally, Daniel rather easily recognizes the first goddess he became acquainted with, and the one responsible for bringing him to Zenkon. "Ryukana?"

The goddess is watching the kobolds idly, and she doesn't look at Daniel right away.

While he's not quite as reverent as the women praying, Magnir is kneeling and waiting for permission to rise. "Both of you have women at home worrying quite a bit about you, but it seems your situation is not particularly urgent." She gives Daniel a knowing look, and he scratches his cheek as he tries to think of an answer.

"Haha… Yeah, so… Uh…" He decides to not waste time on excuses, and instead asks, "Are you here to take us home, then?"

Ryukana sighs and takes a seat on one of the simple logs used for chairs around the campfire. "If you were in severe danger, I would. Unfortunately, this does not rise to the level of what I can get involved with. And, before I was asked, I decided to make myself scarce by checking on you." She smiles a little more tenderly, relieved that Daniel was easy enough to find. "I was only able to find you via Sir Magnir, though. And, speaking of, Sir Magnir, please do rise. These ladies are welcome to pray, but I told them that I do not require such things."

The dragon nods and rises to his feet. "Thank you, my Lady." He then immediately and playfully chucks Daniel under the bus. "Though, as for our situation, I have only followed my Liege's orders."

Daniel scoffs, shaking his head as he chuckles. "That's it, Magnir. You're dead to me."

The dragon and Ryukana both laugh at him in turn, and Ryukana continues, "Your proclivities don't bother me, Daniel. And, I'm glad you two are calm about it. But, you should be thankful Amalaskae hasn't noticed yet."

"Should I panic and rush headlong down the mountain when I don't even know where we are?" asks Daniel a little dryly.

"No, of course not. But, remember, while you took the detour that led you here, Amalaskae's precious summon has remained in captivity." Her expression turns serious, "And, I think it's about to get worse."

"How so?"

Ryukana pats the seat next to her, and Daniel takes the hint, approaching and sitting next to her. She doesn't look directly at him, as if they're having some sort of clandestine meeting on a city bench.

"The artifact has disappeared."

"What?" asks Daniel, genuinely surprised. He had a pretty solid idea of how he was going to transport it to the Citadel, but other than that, he was fairly certain it couldn't be moved.

Ryukana nods. "Don't worry. The goal has been achieved. It'll be unusable to whomever managed to take it. Though…" She trails off, and Daniel asks, "What is it?"

"Without the artifact to collect the mana, the confluence where it was placed long before my time has the strong potential to spawn monsters, as you've learned."

Daniel's first thought is naturally on the people he does have some care for; namely Erimaya, Heralesse, and even Rikuto, as well as some of the servants and soldiers of the castle. That said, monsters, as far as he has gathered, are mutations of animals, and there aren't many animals roaming around the castle.

"{She's right on both counts, Daniel,}" explains Kaeralegier's voice in only his head. "{The confluence is created by the power source I placed for the artifact. I believe the circles that Kernuules could summon itself from were powered in a manner similar.}"

I see, thank you…

Ryukana smiles. "So, what do you plan to do, Hero?"

Daniel sighs. "I know that Rikuto shouldn't have been able to get a message back to Mornistae, and he has to know that trying to childishly hide it would be idiotic on this scale. I may not be a particularly good Emperor, but I have no intention to be walked all over." He leans back onto his hands, looking up at the sky. "Do you have anything to say about Project Fiendbreaker?"

Ryukana asks seriously, "Do you intend to use it against innocent populations?"

"No. Not unless my hand is forced. And… even then…" Daniel feels disappointment in himself for a moment. He doesn't know if he truly has the resolve to be a good ruler, simply because he hasn't had to fully commit to making the best of terrible decisions. Creating nukes to destroy the Devourer had minimal collateral damage, which he further learned was lessened by the fact that mana and radiation counteract each other, meaning the poisonous fallout of the bombs was far less consequential than it would be on Earth. Regardless, he only learned that after the fact, and he made his decision because it was the right answer, and he could rest easier knowing the vast bulk of the area that would be affected was already destroyed by the Devourer.

But, if he refuses to be bluffed in this game of global politics, he will need to commit further to sending troops to war.

"Remember, Daniel, I'm not here to lecture you on morals. In fact, I'm not even allowed, technically, to disapprove of you using any of your weapons of mass destruction in this world. I suspect Chaos and Order wouldn't even expect action if you conquered this world using them, even if you wipe out a sizable portion of the population or any of the other races. Or humans, instead, for that matter. My purpose isn't about morals, as sentient races define them. My purpose is to preserve this world. Unchecked escalation just makes it more difficult to respond in a timely manner if it's ignored. So, basically what I'm saying is, it's very VERY difficult for you to cross the line to such a degree that I will be forced to take action against you. That said, personally, I do approve of your rather docile approach, though it's undeniably going to prove to be a weakness to you if you don't find a balance between that and holding a line that is drawn."

Daniel nods. She's right, and he has always known it. But, it's hard for a person to simply change how they respond to a situation. He wants to simply lead a mission with his companions to forcibly take Zuzia and the artifact, but he risks making them all enemies of everyone if they're aggressive and disregard borders. Politicians and aristocrats are always leveraging those kinds of things for gains and to prevent losses.

And, ultimately, Daniel wants his family, especially the children of him and his friends to have a future where they can choose their own destiny and don't immediately meet obstacles because of their parents. In an ideal world, making the world a better place for the children of the future is a responsibility of the parents, but it's more complicated than simply doing one thing or not doing another.

I need to secure the artifact, and Amalaskae is counting on us to rescue Zuzia. If they're both in the hands of the same person, then we need to identify who and capture them.

"Can you tell me who has Zuzia? Is it the same person as captured the artifact?"

"I'm not sure about the latter, but from what Amalaskae said, an elf named Serrentuk is using a spontaneous ability referred to as 'Gate' to move objects into a timeless void. It's similar to void bags, but Gate has no limit on size, and so long as Serrentuk's body lives, he can access the void. Unfortunately, he is under magic contract, which will prove to be problematic."

Daniel nods. "Understood… Then, it stands to reason he's the same person who took the artifact."

"Yes."

"{Definitely,}" agrees Kaeralegier, though she remains hidden from Ryukana.

Daniel does his best to think. While it's being kept quiet from most, the Citadel is almost completely depleted of mana. There isn't enough to maintain the barrier continuously anymore, and the golems are likely being collected and shutdown by Xyreko, because they need to curb mana usage. It was the cost of using the Fiendbreakers to end Kernuules's hold on a large forest that forms a partial barrier to the Fievegal's expeditions to the west.

I need to ask Xyreko to keep the stealth golems on Mornistae on whoever took the artifact…

Daniel finds a notebook in one of his belt pouches. It's a little water damaged, but he didn't have anything too important written down. He jots down some notes, and hands it to Magnir. "Magnir, next time you make contact with Xyreko, please relay these messages."

"Of course, Sire."

"One last thing," starts Ryukana. She reaches into the neck of her dress, clearly fishing something out of her bosom.

Daniel watches awkwardly, a little surprised that a goddess is showing such a suggestive action.

She smirks at him. "See something you like, Daniel?"

He clears his throat, replying honestly, "Sorry. I was just caught off guard. I didn't take you for the type."

She snickers, withdrawing her hand to reveal a rolled up scroll. "Perhaps. But, I'm allowed to have fun as well." She hands the scroll to Daniel, saying more seriously, "Vaergraes asked me to deliver this to you. You'll probably need Magnir's help, but she insisted that you are the one to cast the spell contained within, or it won't work properly."

Daniel inspects it briefly, and she teases, "Do you honestly think I would give you a cursed scroll, Daniel?"

"After what I just saw, I almost feel like it's going to be a pinup of a goddess and my face will melt off seeing it."

She laughs for a moment before teasing him, "It's not the Ark of the Covenant. You're allowed to look."

Daniel cautiously unfurls the scroll, pretending to hide his face a bit as he 'avoids' looking. Ryukana rolls her eyes in amusement, waiting patiently.

The scroll contains a magic circle, as well as a note from Vaergraes. Daniel sets the scroll on his lap and reads the note.

"[My Dearest, foolhardy Danny,

On the next page are the instructions required to use the magic circle contained on the scroll. You must be the one to activate it, or it won't work. It will bring forth reinforcements to help guide you back to us as well as help provide defense. I'll know if you don't use it, so please use it.

We'll be working from our end to retrieve you, so rest assured and be safe. If you reach the sea, do not try to cross the waters yet. Magnir is strong, but if the dangers that lurk in the sea confront you, he may not have the strength to escape and defend you both.

You owe me a great deal of affection, Danny, so do make haste. It was difficult writing this letter with one hand. Return and spoil me for once.

If you agree, perform the spell precisely and make sure to follow its guidance. I'll explain once you've returned.

Sincerely, and with great affection,

Vae]".

Daniel looks over the instructions. They're pretty straightforward, even instructing him to use one of the magic crystals or Magnir's mana to provide the temporary mana he'll need to cast the spell, in spite of the curse that keeps him from having any mana of his own.

"Thank you, Ryukana. I know you didn't have to do any of this, and I appreciate it."

"I'm in a technical grey area. I may not be able to use my power directly to help you, but delivering messages is… Well, let's just say this was an 'oracle'."

Now it's Daniel's turn to laugh warmly. "Fair enough. You're welcome to hang out here with us, of course, though I worry about what it'll do to them." Daniel looks at the five kobolds that are still praying to her. "What did you even tell them?"

"In my defense, they decided on their own that I'm the great spirit Yavva. Though, they use a different name. I tried to tell them I'm simply your friend."

Tulztame warbles desperately, and Ryukana speaks casually, "Yes, I am perfectly comfortable with any way you treat me. I would honestly be content if you were to relax. Meeting Daniel and Magnir was quite fortuitous for all of you, so I hope you will continue to remain kind to my friends."

The kobolds all confirm brightly with warm smiles, grinning at each other happily. Glizumi and Sodenizia even have watery eyes as they resist tears of joy.

"They understand this language?" asks Daniel, surprised.

"Not quite. Unless I intentionally prevent it, most things that I say are automatically heard in the most comfortable language of whoever hears me. Did you never find it odd that you hear me in English?"

Daniel realizes that she's right, and that he had genuinely never noticed. He has continued speaking Eastern Trade to her, but he really does hear her words in English, rather than the language he has gotten used to with this world.

"I see… That's quite handy."

"True oracles are rarely given out, but naturally, it may need to be heard and understood by a great many people all across the world. As the world manager, Amalaskae has even more abilities than I do at present. But, of course, I should probably not mention much more. Chaos very much might send you an oracle that is, what did you say? A pinup that melts your face off?"

Daniel laughs. "I'll be cautious of any gifts from Chaos, then," jokes the human.

With that, Ryukana stands up. "Now, I would like to stay, but it seems Rikuto is requesting me. Given where he is, I suspect he is unaware of the state of the kingdom he is responsible for, yet."

"He wasn't particularly happy about the compromises he had to make in the peace summit, I suspect," replies Daniel. "I wish no harm on him, but I also have no particular loyalty to him. Though, he did try to kill me…"

"I know," replies the violet-haired goddess. "I'll see what he wants, but I have no intention of acting rashly on either of your requests." She winks, and as if walking behind a mirror, she disappears simply by 'walking out of sight', in spite of there being nothing present.

Magnir lets out a breath as he relaxes. "I admire Lady Ryukana, but I don't know how you can speak so casually with her, my Liege."

Daniel chuckles. "It helps that she doesn't insist on being viewed as a greater being." The mechanic shrugs. "And, I guess I just don't really get starstruck anymore. Every other day, skeletons were springing out of closets on Earth for celebrities, politicians, and royalty. Turns out, they were all human. Probably just an extension of that, for me."

"I see…"

Daniel takes a breath and sighs. "If you don't mind, let everyone know what the plan is, and I'll start disassembling my kit to test for anomalies, in case I'm contaminated."

"Would you like the void bags as well, your Grace?" asks the dragon.

"No. You had no trouble in the air while carrying it. Everything on your person should be fine."

"Understood. I'll return shortly once again."

Daniel nods and he watches Magnir take off into the sky. With Daniel and the kobolds alone once more, the women sit up on their reptilian knees and look at Daniel with a bit of wonder.

"If you start worshipping me, we're not travelling together anymore," jokes Daniel. He knows they can't understand him yet, though they have a few words they can say.

"Daniel friend…" starts Moelka, before her warbling becomes indecipherable to him. The other women nod in agreement, and he rolls his eyes.

He feels a little useless being stranded so far away from everyone, and with yet another problem piled onto his plate. He can only hope whatever Rikuto wants is harmless as well.

***

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