Botanica, still maintaining her meticulous composure, gently removed the pristine white glove from her left hand, revealing beneath it a small, delicate crystal embedded in her hand. Kaiser's eyes sharpened immediately at the sight, as it was unmistakably an Albus crystal, a device he'd grown somewhat familiar with through repeated encounters. As he watched closely, a faint shimmer of light emerged from the gem, and an ethereal, glowing screen hovered elegantly in the air before her.

With practiced movements, Botanica's slender fingers danced across the translucent interface, her eyes glinting with each tap. After a few movements, she pressed a single glowing button, sending a gentle pulse of yellow light directly into Celestine's own Albus, which reacted instantly, radiating a gentle golden hue in acknowledgment.

"I have transferred the detailed version of the Tale directly to your Albus, Princess," Botanica explained, her voice crisp yet reassuringly calm. "Once the registration process is complete, I'll ensure the full documentation is shared with each of you individually."

Kaiser nodded quietly, somewhat surprised by his own understanding. For once, the technology and customs of this strange new world seemed logical, even efficient, a reassuringly familiar feeling amidst so many unknown variables.

Botanica cleared her throat , commanding the group's full attention once more. "Now, allow me to summarize the core details of your new Tale. Approximately one month ago, a request was submitted to the Liberatorium from the small town of Logshare. Curiously, only today has the quest received official approval."

Celestine's brow knitted thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing slightly in recognition. "Logshare," she murmured quietly, rolling the name softly around her tongue, testing its familiarity. "The name is…strangely familiar. Have there been other Tales from that place recently?"

Botanica shook her head slightly, her expression remaining perfectly neutral, even as a faint note of curiosity colored her tone. "None that I'm aware of, princess. This specific Tale, however, appears somewhat peculiar, thus the delay. Typically, approvals take no more than a day or two, yet this one lingered for weeks. Perhaps it was mistakenly overlooked, lost amid more pressing matters, or perhaps it was deemed non-urgent." She paused thoughtfully, allowing a rare flicker of annoyance to cross her serene features. "Personally, I suspect it was simply misplaced, as implausible as it sounds."

Kaiser's eyes narrowed slightly. "Could the delay be due to investigation? Perhaps the Liberatorium was attempting to trace the origin or source behind it?"

Botanica inclined her head slightly, appreciating the logical reasoning. "Normally, yes, but not in this case. Our records and logging systems are impeccable. Tracing an individual or phenomenon registered with us takes mere hours at most. If an investigation had occurred, I would certainly know of it."

She then continued smoothly, returning to the matter at hand, her voice regaining its habitual, measured rhythm. "Regardless, this Tale has officially been classified at the Stirring level, a category indicating significant, though localized danger. Logshare is experiencing the appearance of peculiar entities, entirely unlike typical Grounded beasts. These creatures are not natural animals, nor are they Grounded gone feral. They are, instead, beings crafted entirely from Sol itself."

A heavy silence settled upon the group, broken only by Aria's soft gasp of surprise. Elsie clutched at her arm nervously, wide eyes fixed firmly on Botanica as she continued her explanation.

"Their origins remain utterly mysterious," Botanica elaborated calmly. "No known Liberator or faction has claimed responsibility for their creation. Their purpose, too, remains entirely unknown, as does the method by which these entities are formed. The town reported roughly one hundred sightings so far, each creature as powerful as a newly awakened Liberator, individually manageable yet collectively quite dangerous."

She paused briefly, allowing the information to sink in before continuing carefully. "Witness accounts consistently describe the creatures as pitch-black entities, their bodies resembling ink given physical form: fluid, shifting, distorted. Initially docile, they wander without clear direction, aimlessly. Yet, upon reaching some unknown threshold, perhaps proximity, perhaps provocation, they become unpredictably hostile, attacking anyone or anything nearby."

Celestine's lips parted slightly, her curiosity piqued by the eerie specificity of the description. "What happens when they're defeated?" she asked. "Do they leave remains, or vanish completely?"

Botanica inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the insightful question. "No bodies remain. Instead, upon death, they collapse instantly into pools of ink, their forms dissolving entirely. The only physical remnants discovered amidst these puddles are fragments of high-quality paper, shredded and seemingly scattered without clear intent."

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

"Paper?" Ivan murmured, scratching his head in confusion, exchanging a baffled glance with Aria, who appeared equally perplexed. "What could paper possibly mean?"

Botanica's eyes gleamed slightly, her voice taking on an almost conspiratorial note. "We are uncertain. Another peculiar characteristic is their appearance, as they exhibit feline-like qualities. Many resemble ordinary cats in size and form, yet distorted, twisted, corrupted by their unnatural creation. Some have multiple eyes scattered across their faces, others bear elongated fangs protruding grotesquely beyond their mouths. There is a clear, unsettling sense of artificiality, like nightmares given flesh."

Elsie visibly shuddered. "Elsie does not like the sound of ink monsters," she whispered , glancing nervously toward Kaiser.

Kaiser, though intrigued by the strangeness of this Tale, showed no outward fear or concern. Instead, his mind worked rapidly, considering the implications and possibilities this strange phenomenon presented. A mystery this complex suggested deeper intrigue.

"Strange beasts indeed," Kaiser remarked, his voice carrying a quiet, authoritative tone that effortlessly drew attention. "But every creation has a creator. I would guess that Sol constructs like these do not simply manifest without reason. Has anyone attempted to trace any form of patterns?"

Botanica shook her head lightly, her expression neutral yet faintly appreciative of his sharp thinking. "Thus far, no discernible pattern or origin point has been determined. Each appearance seems entirely random, scattered across Logshare without rhyme or reason."

Celestine exhaled slowly, clearly troubled by the implications. "It sounds as though our first task will be to investigate thoroughly. Perhaps speaking directly with the townspeople could offer us insights."

"Indeed," Botanica agreed calmly, her eyes again shifting subtly toward Kaiser, thoughtful and quietly expectant. "This Tale is ideally suited for a resourceful, intelligent team, one capable of investigation and combat. While these entities appear individually manageable, the threat posed by their collective presence and mysterious nature is considerable."

Kaiser met her gaze evenly, acknowledging the subtle praise with a slight nod. This quest, though strange and enigmatic, represented precisely the sort of opportunity he required. Success here could start their reputation, granting access to more significant resources.

Celestine, regaining her composure fully, spoke firmly, determination burning bright within her golden eyes. "Very well, Botanica. Consider this Tale accepted. We shall uncover the truth behind these strange occurrences."

Ivan and Aria exchanged excited, albeit nervous glances. Elsie, despite lingering fear, nodded resolutely, imagining the rewards awaiting her successful completion of such a peculiar quest.

Botanica inclined her head gracefully, satisfaction evident in her composed expression. "Excellent. I expected nothing less. I shall register your party immediately and forward complete details to the rest momentarily. May this be the first step in a tale worthy of your combined potential."

Without missing a beat, Botanica gestured toward a long, polished oak table at the far side of the spacious room. A stack of neatly arranged parchment and several finely crafted pens awaited them there.

"Now, if you'd be so kind," she continued, her mismatched eyes brightening as she silently appraised them all, "The Liberatorium requires some basic information about each of you."

Celestine stepped forward first, offering Botanica a grateful smile. "Thank you, Botanica. Your help today is beyond appreciated."

Botanica inclined her head slightly, the corners of her mouth curling into an amused smirk. "I assure you, princess, the pleasure is mutual. It's a rare delight watching promising new Liberators unfold in real-time."

Elsie eagerly grabbed her parchment and a pen, her eyes sparkling. "Elsie will have no trouble with this! Elsie has many impressive things to write down!"

Kaiser eyed her briefly, suppressing mild amusement. "Indeed. Do try to keep it within the provided space."

Elsie huffed, puffing out her cheeks. "Elsie can be concise! You'll see!"

Celestine chuckled lightly. "Don't worry too much, everyone. Write what you can. If you're having trouble with anything, do let me know."

Kaiser paused mid-stride, glancing sharply at Celestine, the hint of a dry smirk briefly tugging his lips. Somehow, he felt that particular reassurance was aimed directly at him. "Your trust is inspiring, Princess," he murmured, voice laced with cool irony.

She raised an eyebrow, smiling softly. "Still, I trust you're more than capable, Kaiser."

Kaiser merely offered a noncommittal hum, sitting down and taking one of the pens in hand.

Ivan sighed heavily, scratching the back of his head. "Alright, alright. How hard can this be?" He squinted at the parchment, quietly reading aloud to himself. "'Name…place of birth… Origin?"

Aria shook her head, her pen tapping impatiently against the paper. "Write whatever you know. Nobody's grading you."

Ivan sighed again, scribbling uncertainly, muttering softly as he did. "Easy for you to say..."

Elsie enthusiastically began writing, whispering loudly. "Elsie, Hero of heros… Rescuer of many… Beautiful, talented—"

"Elsie," Celestine interrupted gently, smiling, "I think they only want your name in that slot..."

Elsie pouted dramatically, but quickly resumed writing with more restraint.

Aria wrote slowly and methodically, carefully wording each response, occasionally glancing at Ivan's paper to help him along. " "How can you even read that? Your handwriting looks like someone dropped a bowl of noodles on the floor." she whispered, pointing it out.

Ivan flushed, hastily scratching out and rewriting. "No one asked you to check on me…" he whispered back sheepishly.

Elsie paused, tapping her lip thoughtfully. "Do you think they'd mind if I just wrote 'very strong' under abilities?"

Celestine laughed softly, shaking her head. "Perhaps try something slightly more specific."

"Fine," Elsie sighed dramatically, scribbling something quickly.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.