Messiah 20 : Surcleus

Ci : "... Bael? I brought your stuff."

Cillian is the younger brother of Aedan de Vorsche, the successor of the de Vorsche family known for his righteousness and masterful usage of his sword. Of course, Cillian didn't shine as bright as his brother did, but he is still a formidable opponent, regardless.

B : "Good. Leave it on the table please, Cillian."

Towards the fireplace of the cream-colored, messy room was a student with blond hair tied into four braids. She was busy tending to something inside a cauldron and did not even turn her head to greet Cillian.

Ci : "... Still, it's rare for you to use Vinrael, though. Quality herbs like these are expensive, I've heard."

He placed the paper bag on the table, and walked towards the blond girl stirring a concoction of sorts.

Ci : (... My god, what a foul stench!...) "What the hell are you making?"

With a gaze most frightening, she turned her head with a sninster smirk and glared at Cillian sharply.

B : "Would you like to try it? It's not ready yet, but I could put you on the top of the list if you-"

Ci : "I refuse. Thank you for the offer anyway. If there's nothing else, I'll leave now."

He didn't want to stay too long inside a house that smelt so foul. Cillian walked out of the small hut quickly, and shut the door behind him.

Dj : "Heh. She sure smells, doesn't she?"

Ci : "Why don't you walk inside, and familiarize yourself with that odor instead of throwing your bloody sarcasm at my face, Djinnje?"

L : "Well, frankly speaking, you said nothing of us going in, Cillian. You simply wanted extra hands to transport all of these ingredients here."

Ci : "I know, and I am grateful for the assistance. Only the gods know how many trips I would have to make if you guys didn't help me."

Ce : "Loar, we should go! They're going to run out of the good rye if we wait any longer!"

L : "!! Let's go, then!"

Cestia squeezed on the hand of her green-haired partner, and they ran off as fast as their legs could carry them.

*** ***

R : "Look, Katachi! It's an apple tree!"

Roberia set down the sack and equipment she brought with her, and climbed the unusually large apple tree to harvest an apple. Her teeth sank and crunched into the crisp flesh of the yellow fruit, and a smile of bliss shadowed her face.

*Cozy's Notes : Oooh, a Golden Delicious. Gimmie one! In case you're wondering, while it is true that the Golden Delicious was first discovered in 1905, discoveries are... Well, discoveries. There are infinite times it could have surfaced in history, that nobody has ever written records of. So... Yes. It is perfectly okay. Also, it's an alternate universe, so many things are actually different. Most plants and trees have normal names, animals have strange adjectives before them that usually describes a characteristic or/of their environment, and herbs (plants with commercial value) are all weird names.

Now, if only I can find a reliable way to create a real-life Golden Delicious from the story alone, I'd never go hungry ever again.*

R : "Here, try one!"

With that, she plucked a second apple, and dropped it on Katachi below who has yet to even put his bag down. Roberia simply sat down on the branch she stood on and started enjoying her meal, without another care in the world.

R : (! This is so sweet! The shape definitely looks like an apple, and it's the first time I've seen a yellow one, but this is really good! It's not quite as sweet as a red apple, and it's not sour like a green one. This is easier to bite and has a mild, sweet taste. I wish they grew apples like these in Rugnud. Anik sure has a lot of fancy stuff.)

K : "Roberia?"

R : "? Coming!"

With a leap, her feet plummeted onto the solid ground, followed by a roll to cushion and spread the impact throughout her body.

K : "This isn't ours, we really shouldn't eat-..."

Katachi was about to continue his sentence until he realized that Roberia had taken a big chunk out of hers. He heaved a sigh over the futility of his advice, and averted his eyes to a side.

K : "... Do as you please..."

R : "Alright then."

Roberia continued munching on the golden apple, while Katachi held it in his palms and uttered a silent prayer. When he was done, he began biting into, and savoring the fruit slowly.

R : (I wish I could enjoy this fruit over and over again, but it's almost finished...)

Roberia sneaked a glance at Katachi, and contemplated on eating his share.

R : (? Wait, that's right...)

A scene crossed Roberia's mind as she looked at Katachi chewing his portion slowly. For a brief moment there, she remembers vaguely how Mother Rinnesfeld was holding onto a very familiar-looking orange, almost like one of the oranges she saw on the orange tree.

R : (He can just use that Word of Power of his to let me enjoy this over and over again, can't he?) "Katachi, is it possible for you to make a fruit like this one last forever?"

K : "... Well, it's possible, and... Impossible."

R : "Possible? Impossible? Which one?"

K : "... Both."

Both? That was a strange answer, especially with how both terms contradict each other.

R : "What do you mean?"

K : "... Ahh... Explaining this will be difficult, so... Have a seat, Roberia."

Katachi pointed at the rock to a side, and Roberia quietly sat down and relaxed herself.

K : "... I don't think you are familiar with how my Word of Power works. Well, it... It could help knowing, so you will know what I am capable of when the time arises, so this... Sharing session, could be... Could be good."

R : (Stuttering? There's no need to stutter, is there?) "Go ahead, then."

*** ***

K : "... Let's start with 定, then. First of all, it means 'fixed' in Anikan, and that means I can fixate an object in a designated space."

R : "Fixate... So you can stop things in place?"

K : "Yes. Just like that grey great sword you had at one point, I can fixate it in that space, and stop it from moving. I can also stop things from moving in part, instead of simply stopping it in space." (固定! Fixate position - Left forearm!)

Raising his healed left arm, a golden 定 formed on his forearm and Katachi demonstrated its ability to Roberia by attempting to swing his left arm about. Sure enough, his arm could move, but it was stuck in its outstretched position from when he raised it.

R : "So, you can do things like fixating a flail's head, making it immovable, and you can also fixate a person's position, so they can't budge?" (So that explains the fight that time. Interesting.)

K : "... More or less. That's the most basic thing I can do."

R : "Is that all?"

K : "! No, no. Not even half of it. I also have a couple of other things I can do with it. For example, well, the time I tackled Yvolki - Do you remember?"

Roberia widened her eyes slightly as she recalled Katachi pushing the great beast in a most unbelievable fashion - Leaping towards the great ebony wyvern with his arms outstretched, Katachi almost seemingly took to the skies while pushing the huge hulking beast away.

R : "! Yeah, how did that happen?"

K : "... There's a phrase in Anik that allows me to make states 'constant'. Uhm, well... For example..." (What would make a good example?... ?)

Katachi picked up what seems to be a small piece of a rotten trunk next to his foot, and threw it upwards.

K : (恒定! Constant speed - Object!)

The object simply flew up, and up, and up... Until the two could no longer see it.

R : "! What- What?! Where did it go?"

Roberia sounded surprised, but with how gentle Katachi's motions were when he flung it upwards, it was an expected response.

K : "I set the speed which it traveled up as 'constant'. Speed can be considered a state, just like how a Mossroot snail is slow while a Galerider is really, really fast. I sort of... 'Fixated' the state itself; That's why it just keeps going up, and up, and up... To the heavens, maybe, where the Gods live."

R : "I don't really get what you meant by that, but it's sort of cool, I guess."

Roberia gave a hard look at the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the object one last time. Nothing - Nothing at all.

R : "So, let me get this straight - You can fixate objects in place, and you can fixate an object such that it becomes immovable. You can also set something as 'constant', right?"

K : "Yes."

R : "Why not just set this apple's state as 'constant'? Wouldn't it be easy that way if it could stay in the 'fresh' state forever?"

Katachi frowned a bit at her surprisingly predictable, gullible response.

K : "... It's... It's a lot more complex than simply that."

R : "Then tell me why already! Don't keep me waiting!"

K : "Alright! Just calm down, I'm getting to that part!" (Why the sudden burst of excitement?)

Katachi's face changed to one of astonishment, one that Roberia caught on to quickly.

R : "! Uup!" *gulp* (I think I went a little bit far with that. He won't start calling me a glutton just because I want to savor the flavor, would he?...)

K : "... When an object is 'constant', its state cannot be... Changed. That is the law, the... The one condition of using this ability."

Katachi stuffed his hand through the bag, and fished for a certain object.

K : "It functions very much like Urdythari's rune."

When he pulled his hand out, a small pebble was clasped between his fingers and palm. Katachi held the small pebble above a small sapling to his right, and uttered a couple of words.

K : "An unending stream flowed."

Upon those words, the pebble started dripping water, and gradually, the water it released increased until it was significantly more than the pebble's size.

R : "How are they similar?"

K : "...

... Alas, poor Urdythari! For she witnessed a sight,
Her consort Ufel, gravely wounded from a fight.
And nary could she help but to shed another tear,
As she embraced her love, the one she held dear.

From beneath her feet, an unending stream flowed,
Long with her life, head and soul in tow.
A fool fated to be, negligent of the fact,
That Ufel and Cerule had once signed a devil's pact.

Such is transience, in all of its glory,
and yet fleeting life fuels another's story.
To give her spouse life, she must embrace death,
A repeat of the tragedy of Queen Elizabeth.

Her tears poured forth, and paved into rivers,
It flooded the fields, and drowned non-believers;
But mind not how much, for she understands,
That all things that start all have their own ends."

K : "... 'That all things that start all have their own ends.' This part of Diehl and Urdythari's tragedy explains that the water that comes from the pebble cannot last forever."

Katachi points to the spot where the water had seeped into, which was now dry.

K : "... Like a mirage in the desert, the pebble produces all the water one needs - But it is only enough to sate the imagination. The water eventually disappears. Though, there is good in this - It may serve as motivation for people to struggle against life a little longer, even if it is futile."

*Cozy's Notes : This section actually tests your observation skills - Notice how Urdythari runes are used for shower tanks, but never in, say, Sage Raufid cafeterias? This is the reason why. They can't last forever, so if cooks used this water in cooking water-based foods, their broths and soups will always be dry. Whereas, using them in shower tanks mean the shower water disappears, and the dirt and grime taken along with it into the soil. No need for drainage, and no need for maintenance. Water from Urdythari tanks are always used for washing and cleansing, and nobody actually drinks the water to stay alive. I had plans of revealing this earlier in the story, but it got... Held back, somewhat.*

R : (The water from the pebble doesn't last forever. Does that apply the other way as well?) "The same applies to the states, doesn't it?"

K : "... Yes. Yes it does. It may be possible for me to make the fruit stay 'fresh' forever, but despite so, its state of being 'uneaten' will also last forever. You can eat it for as long as you'd like, but it will never fill your stomach."

R : "I figured as much. Then, the orange at Mother Rinnesfeld's house?"

K : "I... I found that at Rulid, and I thought it was really good..."

R : (He did pick the orange tree at Rulid, then. That makes sense. We slept in the same abandoned house, so it stands to reason that he too would have plucked an orange to save on coin.) "In any case, it means that I can savor the flavor, but I would never feel full, huh."

K : "... Yes. Why else is a person to eat, if not to his fill?"

R : "To enjoy the flavor of food, perhaps?"

K : (That's one way of eating, but like the states and the pebble's water, nothing lasts forever. Still, enjoying what little fleeting lives we have... Indulgence isn't too bad, I guess.) "... Perhaps."

Katachi got up and walked towards his luggage.

K : "... I think we've rested for a good while now. Do you still need rest?"

R : "Let's go. We're not making progress just sitting around."

*** ***

B : "Deku, do you have a moment?"

De : "? What?"
T : "Another woman? Really, Deku?"

Deku was busy combing a young girl's hair and a strange humanoid golem made of rock was stirring a pot of porridge in a corner. Bael knew that Mister Jiel's children needs to be taken care of, but Deku is likely the only person whom would voluntarily accede to her... 'Request'.

B : "I need to speak to you in private. Is it fi-"

T : "How many people do you intend on bringing in here, Deku? First that girl Aldia shows up, and then that Zelkova guy, and now her?! She stinks!"

De : "Quiet, Totta! That's rude! Bael is a person I greatly respect! Her devotion to the path of magic and herbalism is a standard I aspire!"

T : "What's herberlism?"

De : "Just... Just let me talk to her in peace, Totta."

The young girl pouted at Deku again.

T : "She's not going to leech onto you like that Aldia woman and waste my precious story time, is she?"

De : "... No, she isn't going to take long. I promise. Just... Just let me talk to her. She must have an important reason for coming all the way here. If I take too long, I'll crease the number of stories I tell a week to 2. Is that okay?"

The young girl was reluctant at first. But, after a while, she finally turned her head away from Deku, and snorted angrily.

T : "Fine. You better keep your promise, Deku."

Deku had a wide grin on his face, and put the comb in his hands down. He walked with Bael out of the room, and closed the door behind them.

De : "... So, Bael, what brings you here?"

Bael had to make it as convincing as she could. If she couldn't, she may have to bind Deku down and force the potion down his throat, if possible.

B : "Deku, darling, I want you to be my test subject for this potion."

Bael withdrew from her side pocket a vial filled with ugly brown liquid with a hint of purple and green.

De : "!! Ugh, what is that? It looks horrible!"

B : "I know, I know. It looks horrendous. But, I wanted you to be the first to taste it, to test it. Please drink this and let me examine its effects."

De : "This looks really revolting! It's all messily mashed together!" (The healing syrup from the competition was... Consistent and cream-like, at least, but this has chunks and bits strewn about here and there! This looks absolutely disgusting! I don't even want to imagine the small little pieces getting stuck on my throat!)

B : "I haven't had time to beautify it and make it look presentable, alright? Just... Try it, Deku. I think I'm nearing something with this. It's supposed to enhance your senses and boost your physical strength. It's a pinch medicine taken at a critical window so that a magus can defend against a fast rogue."

De : "Why not ask the other teachers to drink this for you? They can dispel its effects as well, can't they?"

This is the critical moment. Once this one barrier of suspicion is broken through, Bael is certain that Deku would drink it. She just has to give a convincing argument.

B : "Well, I've considered asking other teachers, but they didn't want to drink it because it looks too disgusting for them. I also wanted to ask Bertund, but he's out for tombsweeping."

De : (Bertund and his crazy Anik tradition obsessions... Wait, there's Shelly too, isn't there?) "Ask Shelly, then. She's always at school, and I bet her dispelling magic is top notch as well."

B : "Yeah, see, the thing is... I think you're the best candidate for this, Deku."

De : (Oh no! She's singling me out! As much as I want to help, that thing is so gross! PLease, please tell me it's something I can worm myself out of!) "Wh- Why me?"

B : "Because you are muscular, and fit, Deku. Your body is stronger, so you'd be able to tolerate its effects more effectively. I'm afraid that the strain Vinrael has on their body may be too great. Whereas, you look sturdy enough to sustain its effects."

De : "V-Vinrael!?" (I've heard about Vinrael! It's a quality herb... It increases the blood flow and focus of the body, allowing its user to become resilient towards cramps and lets them dodge flexibly without first warming up. A bitter herb, but the effects are definitely worth the aftertaste...)

B : "Yeah. You exercise a lot, Deku. Look at how succulent your muscles are."

Bael wrapped her hands around Deku's left arm and stroked it gently.

De : (... I'm having doubts on this, but if it's made from Vinrael, it must be expensive. It would be rude to turn her efforts down after she went that far to prepare and test it.) "... W-Well, if you insist..."

B : (He's taking it? He's really taking it?)
De : (Dardicel guide me.)

Bael watched silently with anticipation as Deku downed the potion in a single gulp.

*** ***

De : "... Hmm. A strange tint of sweet and sour at the end there."

B : "Yeah. I added a bunch of honey and Surcleus there, to make it taste better."

De : "Honey and Sur- !?" (Surcleus?! A herb that numbs a person's senses and makes them yielding?)

Deku opened his mouth to speak, but he can no longer utter a single word.

His hands glowed yellow, uncontrollably, and he clutched his head to steady the dizziness.

De : "You... Sur... Cleus..."

His hands began shaking uncontrollably, and he couldn't stand up straight any longer. Deku leaned against a shelf, only to break the shelf down into a yellow fluid and absorb it into his arms.

B : "... It's a berserk drug, Deku ♥"

He had to balance himself as for as long as possible. He took a step to the right, away from the wall, and bumped into a table, which was also absorbed into his arm.

B : "Now, Deku..."

With a gesture, a few needles grew from the hairs on her arm, and they impaled themselves into Deku's head. It was so deep one could almost be certain that the needles were poking into his brain.

B : (Do as I say, Deku. Find Katachi and that conceited warrior princess... And end them both.)

D : "... No..."

Deku was struggling to resist the influence. He struggled to regain control of his body, but alas, it was far too powerful. The Vinrael which should have increased his blood flow also increased the poison's dispersion, and he felt the Surcleus taking effect faster than anything he's ever felt before. Of all the things he's been made to experiment with from Bael, this was a serious brew - A model of an ideal berserk drug, no less.

It didn't take long for Deku's resistance to fade off completely, leaving behind an empty husk of a Dardicel follower.

At the very least, before his final burst of energy left his will, he felt consoled by the fact that the effect of Surcleus is short-lived.

*** ***

I'm crying

Cozy :

... I thought of how Endus Reignum was going to progress.

I thought of how it was going to end, how the characters are going to build up and become the people they are.

But no matter how much I think, no matter how much effort I put into the story, there is one indisputable, unchanging fact.

Katachi and Roberia can never be real.

And yet, why do I feel the true essence of humanity, just by looking at them?

... I'm sad. I really am. Maybe... Even depressed.

When I think of how they warm up to each other, I just... I can't stop crying.

It's sad, it's beautiful, and it reflects upon a truth I will come to face throughout my life.

And when I think about that, when I put my pencil against the paper and draw out, sketch out their lives...

... I almost stop breathing.

It hurts.

My dissatisfaction with life cannot be filled with a story.

I know that, and yet I write, despite every stroke, despite every press on the keyboard making my heart clench.

Despite every stroke, making my eyes squint at its brilliance.

Despite every key making the void within me larger.

Despite knowing that the story will never be read, knowing that it will never be loved by anyone but me.

...

... And yet, I must.

... I'll keep writing. I'll write until it takes my life, or until I finish it. Whichever comes first.