>Current objectives:
-Stay alive.
-Keep the skeleton-key safe
-Liberate Earth
-Put an end to the war.
-Put an end to the Corruption

>Current inventory
-1 KV-09 Combination assault blade/energy pistol. Modified with the Void Knight Shield
-1 Screwdriver
-1 Adjustable wrench
-Various spare parts
-A pouch of gold coins
-Another pouch with 17 "Calling Crystals"
-5/10 light travel rations
-5/10 full oil can
-5/10 bandages
-A skeleton-key

>Current energy stored
-2 Aether tank
-3 Void tanks
-4 Apotropeia tanks
-0 empty tanks
-Support tank-Void (12/12 full)
-Weapon-Empty
-12 EP per tank

>Calling Crystal contacts
-Jodo, chief of Yujun village (Palia)
-Rose, interplanetary drifter (Currently on Dergrume)
-Jax, Hecatun Way Knight (Currently on The Crossroads)
-Parin, Hecatun Way Knight Trainee (Currently on The Crossroads)
-Winnow, Veeka Spirit Singer (Bray)

>Current known techniques
-Blade Wave (cost:5 EP)
-Charge Shot (cost:3 EP)
-Scatter Shot (cost:3 EP)
-Close Lesser wound (cost:1 EP)
-Close Moderate wound (cost:3 EP)
-Repulse (cost:2 EP)
-Repulsor Blast (cost:3 EP
-Reflection Field (cost: 7 EP)
-Jets (cost: 1 EP/5s)

“Okay, I’m gonna need you to back up about 4 or 5 or… 10 steps there. Why was the milestone called the origin?” You ask the colossal creature. The dragon’s head goes easily a quarter of the way up the mountain, and its neck runs over the peak and out of sight. On either side of the mountain, you can see what you assume are its wings. Its brown-grey skin/scales look weathered by time, much like the mountain it towered over.

>An old tale. Some would say the first tale. The tale of Aetherion and Voidling began there, some say it ended there as well.

“That… That… I… Who are Aetherion and Voidling?” You ask, dumbfounded by this new information.

>You carry their essence with you, though it seems to be repelled by your being.

“Carry it with me?” You mumble. Then you look down at your left arm, and it makes sense. “You mean Aether and Void?”

>One and the same. The essences of the first beings is all around us.

The first beings, the Crossroads, the Milestone. This new information somehow makes everything seem both clearer and more confused all at once…

>I sense your confusion. Would you like to hear the first tale?


>[ ] Yes.

>[ ] Later, I came here for a reason.

>[ ] How the hell are you talking to me?

>>32555745
>>[ ] Later, I came here for a reason.
Seems important, but we dont have a lot of time.

>>32555745
> yes

>>32555745
>Yes
This might give us some insight.
I am also curious about how she's talking.

>>32555833
This.
As bad as the AI is, the Corruption is worse. Learning about the origin of aether and void could help.

>writing

You nod, and the Matron begins her tale.

>In the beginning, all was quiet. The universe had suns and planets and moons, but no life. There was light, but none to bask in it; land, but none to stand upon it. Until Aetherion and Voidling were born from the nothingness. And everywhere they went, life began.

>The two were not satisfied with the simplicity of their lives, nor did they enjoy the silence of the Universe. So they met upon the place of their birth and spread themselves over the universe. Aetherion touched the planets and held them in her gentle embrace, while Voidling moved into the spaces between. Under their watch, Life began.

You stay silent for a moment, taking all of this in. “This is… this is probably something I should’ve been told like… 2 weeks ago.” You say.

>Most people already know this tale, in some form or another. Speak to the Wayknights if you want a more technical version of the story. The families would know more about this than I, as I was but a hatchling as I watched the energies flow across the universe.

“Wait… you were there?” You ask.

>The Patron and I are the 2nd oldest beings in the universe. We were born from the chaotic energies of this planet shortly after the first beings passed it.

“Huh…”

>[ ] How old are you anyway?

>[ ] Where is the Patron?

>[ ] Business.

>>32556643
>How damn old is this lass?
>Patron
I'd like to know where her (I imagine) BIGGER hubby is.

>>32556743
This

>[ ] Where is the Patron?

I feel like i've already read the answer. I think it was in the previous thread that never got to take off.

>writing

“So you’re as old as life itself… exactly how old is that?” You ask. A loud grumble comes from the dragon.

>Long enough that I’ve stopped counting multiple times. Beyond that, I couldn’t give an exact number. The Wayknights probably could, obsessive record keepers they are.

“And what about the Patron, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of him. Where’s he?” You say. You think Thorn might’ve said something about him, but it doesn’t come to mind.

The Matron closes her eyes, and a strange, mournful grunt echoes off the surrounding mountains.

Thorn puts a hand on your shoulder, causing you to jump a bit. You’d completely forgotten she was here. “The Patron is… missing…” Thorn says delicately. You don’t think missing is quite the word she meant.

“Missing how? If he’s as big as I think he is-“

>The Corruption has taken him.

The words appear in your eye, accompanied by a low grumble.

“That’s… terrifying.” You say. “But not hopeless. I’ve been successful in cleansing the Corruption before, perhaps-“

>Speak your peace Void Knight. You did not come here to talk of the Corruption.

>[ ] You’re right

>[ ] There must be something…

>>32557196
>[ ] You're right

Doesn't seem like she wants to discuss this with us, and we still need her help

>>32557252
This
Plus
>...I'm sorry

You’re right

>writing

“You’re right, and I’m sorry. I know too well what it’s like to lose a loved one.” You say, awkwardly scratching your head while you consider how to continue. “Which is exactly why I’m here…”

You tell the Matron about the situation on Earth, and why she should help you retake it. It doesn’t take long to finish explaining, considering that this is the third time today that you’ve given this spiel.

>So much like the rest of the universe, your world is being taken over.

“Has been taken over, probably. Things weren’t really looking good when I left.” You say.

>And you believe that destroying this… core will liberate your people?

“It’s a bit more certain than that, but essentially yes.” You say.

>If all my children must do is put on a show of force, then I can lend you a few wings. Return here once you are prepared to put this plan of yours into action, and I shall have my own preparations completed.

With that, the Matron slowly raises her massive head. In the distance you can see her wings spreading.

You have time for one more thing, or you can just leave.

>[ ] How are you talking?

>[ ] Ask about previous void knights

>[ ] Other

>[ ] Go back to Dergrume

>>32557802
Back to dergrume

We should remember to ask nosim about the other voidknights. Maybe there's some info we could garner there.

>>32557802
>One more thing... how are you talking?
Then Dergrume

>writing

“One more thing” You shout. “How is it that you’re talking?” You ask.

A low grumble responds, and the Matron slowly turns and lumbers away. Shaking the earth with every step.

You hear Thorn laughing from next to you. “Dragons speak with their minds.” She says, slapping you on the back. “Didn’t you notice how her voice comes from inside your head?”

“Not really. In fact, I didn’t hear it at all. Her words showed up as text on my operations display.” You say. Come to think of it, this is something that Vicky probably could’ve told you. But she’s been quiet for a while.

<You still there?
>Yes. The Matron’s communication took up a large amount of processing power, I was unable to function normally while you were conversing with her.
<If the Matron was talking into my brain, how come you had to translate?
>Your brain is not compatible with a Dragons Aether-based communication, as such it had to go through channels not meant to receive such information.
<What channel is that?
>Your net connection.

Huh… so the dragons speak WiFi…

“Where to now?” Thorn asks.

“Probably just back to Dergrume. There’s still a few things I need to ask Oz, and then I’ll be going back to the Milestone. As there’s even more things I need to ask there…” You say, opening a rift back to the room where you left Oz and Rose. Then you take Thorn by the hand and hop in.

>[1/2]

As you step out of the rift, Oz and Rose both look at you expectantly.

Then Thorn comes out of the rift. “Holy crap it’s cold in there! How do you stand it?” Thorn asks.

“Is it? I’ve never noticed.” You say, shrugging.

“Seriously? It’s like jumping naked into a pool of ice water! How can you not notice?” Thorn says, shivering off the cold that she apparently feels out there.

“Hmm, I’ve heard that the void is cold. He probably doesn’t notice because of the shield, or because he’s weird. Either way, how’d it go with the Matron?” Oz asks.

“Well. I may have made her a bit cross, but she agreed to lend me some wings.” You say.

“Excellent! I look forward to this plan’s fruition, the idea of going to a world with no magic is… exciting. So, what do you intend to do now?” He asks.

>[ ] Go back to the Milestone

>[ ] Ask Oz about the ‘first tale’

>>32558814
To the milestone.

While it would be neat to hear his take on the first tale, it'll have to wait for sometime when we aren't planning an alien invasion.

>>32558814
>First tale
Runecasters think they left their homeworld first, right? Wonder what insight they got.

>>32558814
>Milestone
We can ask Nosim about the first tale.

>writing

“I’ll be going back to the Crossroads. The Matron said I could find out more about the ‘first tale’ there.” You say, punching in the coordinates for the Crossroads.

“The first tale? Why go to the crossroads for that? I know all abou-“ Oz begins.

“Oh quiet you. You know the Aklabran version of the first tale, where the first beings went to your world first, made you, and then half assed all the other life they created.” Thorn says, eliciting a giggle from Rose.

“I don’t suppose you can prove that my version is wrong, can you?” Oz says.

“I can. The question is whether or not you’ll listen.” Thorn says, poking Oz in the forehead.

You can’t help but laugh. Even though people know how the universe began, everyone still has their own version of it. “I’ll leave you guys to that.” You say, opening the rift.

“See you later!” Rose calls out as you leave Dergrume. She seems a bit more chipper, at least.

As you rocket through the Void you wave your arm about and flex your face muscles in an attempt to feel the cold that Thorn mentioned. You get nothing. The Void doesn’t seem to have a temperature, the only real sensation you have out here is the sense of motion. Other than that, it’s all just kind of numb.

>continued

You arrive at the entrance to the Milestone without incident, and immediately start trying to figure out just who you should find first.

“Oh, there you are.” You hear from behind you. Turning around, you see Jax approaching you.

“Hello. How’s it goin’?” You ask him.

“Better, now that they’ve let me out of lock up. They put me in there on suspicion that I was cooperating with you, and let me out when they figured out that you weren’t a bad guy.” He says, laughing it off.

“Wow, sorry?” You say, not sure whether you should be apologizing or not.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not the first time I’ve been down there and it probably won’t be the last. Anyway, I’ve been looking for you.” He says.

“What for?” You ask.

“Because literally everyone else has been looking for you, Achillea, Parin, Nosim, several council members, the guy whose face you punched in a while back. Everybody.” He says.

Well, you should probably go see-

>[ ] Parin

>[ ] Achillea

>[ ] Nosim

>[ ] The Council

>[ ] The guy whose face you punched in

-first…

>>32559731
>[ ] Parin
or
>[ ] Nosim

Either is fine with me.

>>32559731
>Find the one you punched in the face... and punch him in the balls.
>I kid I kid, go see Parin first.

>>32559731
Nosim, then parin.

Then maybe the guy we punched.

>>32559843
this

>writing

“I leave for half an hour…” You say with a sigh. “I guess Nosim first. I meant to ask him something anyway.”

“Alright, he’s in his office… probably. You should know where that is.” Jax says, walking off.

“That’s it?” You ask.

Jax turns around and shrugs. “Ushering you from place to place aint my job, just like delivering messages aint my job. I’ve got actual work to do you know.” He says, turning back around and waving as he walks away.

“Well, at least he’s honest…” You mumble to yourself as you walk into the Milestone and attempt to remember where Nosim’s office is.

Luckily, Vicky remembers. Because you sure as hell don’t. Arriving at Nosim’s office, you give the door a few taps with your metal knuckle.

“Hmm? Ah! Logan, good to see you. I trust whatever errand you left on was successful?” Nosim says.

“Yep, I now have a flight of Dragons on my side when I go back to Earth.” You say, with no small amount of pride.

“Ah, so you went to see the Matron. How is she these days?” Nosim asks.

“She’s… big.” You say, walking into the room and taking a seat.

“Yes, she does have that impression on people.” Nosim says.

“And a little down, considering that the Patron is Corrupted.” You say.

“Corrupted…” Nosim looks troubled as he strokes his beard. “That is bad news… There are only so many things that can defeat a being of the Patron’s caliber, and to hear that he’s not on our side…” He trails off. “I’ll have to inform the council of this later, or you could. They want to speak with you again. They seem ready to join your cause, but they want to hear the story from you before they make their decision.” He says.

Well, you’ve already given the spiel 3 times today, what could a 4th time hurt?

>[ ] Ask about the first tale.

>[ ] Ask about previous Void Knights

>[ ] Go see Parin

>[ ] Go see the Council

>>32560347
>[X] Go see Parin

>>32560347
>first tale
>previous vks
>sexy green imouto

>>32560453
Seconded.

>>32560453
This

>writing

“I’ve got a few questions before I go, if you’ve got a minute.” You say, settling back into your chair. It’s not the comfiest chair around, but it’s better than nothing.

“Go ahead.” He says, mirroring your move and leaning back.

“So, the Matron told me about the ‘first tale’. The story about Aetherion and Voidling, and said I should ask the Way Knights if I wanted to know more.” You say.

“Ah, the first tale. It’s known to just about everyone, I guess I assumed that you’d know it too. What do you want to know?” He asks.

“Well, for starters I’d like to know well… the story. I got a paraphrased version from the Matron.” You say.

“Alright, well…” Nosim launches into ‘storytime mode’, belting out the tale of Aetherion and Voidling. Apparently the Hecatun were the first life to bloom in the Universe, which makes sense if Aetherion and Voidling were born here. It was after they grew bored looking out at the lifeless stars that they decided to spread life throughout the universe, and the Milestone marks the point where they left the Crossroads. “… Although technically, their essence is still strongest at the core of the Crossroads, no one knows how to open the passage.” Nosim finishes.

“Hang on, there’s a passage to the core of the Crossroads?” You ask.

“Well, yes. It lies underneath the pedestal that the shield is kept on in times of peace.” He says.

>[1/?]

>>32560766

“And what about the previous Void Knights? Everyone seems to know about them, but the only one I’ve heard anything about is Thitu. What were the dangers that they protected the universe from?”

“A curious thing, that. You see, I was wondering the same, so I checked the archives for information about the previous Void Knights and I found nothing.” Nosim says, furrowing his brow.

“Nothing? But-“ Vicky would know, she’s got their archives saved.

<Vicky, give me all the names of previous Void Knights
>In order of choosing: Logan Drey, Figresvithitudlie.
<And then…
>Those are all the names of the Void knights.

“Just Thitu and I…” You say out loud, stroking the stubble on your chin.

“Curious, I know. If you’d like, I can do another check of the archives.” Nosim says.

“Don’t worry about it.” You say. As troubling as this news is, it means that there’s basically no precedent for these events. If there’s never been a Void Knight before, then the universe has never been in danger like this… So no pressure, right?

You pinch the bridge of your nose. “Alright, I think that’s everything. I’ll go visit the council later, for now there’s like… 6 different people who I need to see. Speaking of which, you wouldn’t happen to know where I could find Parin do you?” You say.

Nosim nods. “She’d be at her house, for the moment. Her father’s illness is worsening.” Nosim tells you the way to House Tellna, and you say farewell and head off.

>[2/?]

You set a brisk pace as you walk out of the Milestone and into the surrounding town. Your new legs have a lot more power in them, you can feel it with every step.

You admire the Hecatun brickwork as you head through the town. The buildings are all fairly straight, but each brick is a different shape, with a different pattern etched into them. It gives the entire city a strange feel, like you’re seeing each building through a funhouse mirror.

The Hecatun themselves cast sidelong glances at you as you go by. They probably don’t get too many visitors here, never mind the fact that many have probably still not accepted you as the Void Knight.

The Tellna House is pretty easy to spot from afar; in fact you’re surprised you didn’t notice it the first time you were here. It’s one of the buildings surrounding the town square that you first arrived/puked in, and it’s damn huge. It’s built in the same style as all the buldings around it, but it could easily fit 4 or 5 of those buildings inside it.

You walk up to the door and pull on the ornate knocker at its center. A strange thing to find all the way out here…

An old Hecatun man with blue skin and white hair opens the door. “Ah, you must be the Void Knight. Come in, I shall fetch the lady for you.” He says, gesturing you inside.

He immediately heads up a large staircase at the other end of the entrance hall and disappears out of sight.

Shortly after, Parin comes out the way he left. She’s dressed… up, you suppose is the best way to put it. Considering that you’ve only ever seen her with (and without) her trainee armor, the formal dress-like attire she has on now is an interesting change. She looks conflicted about something as she stands at the top of the stairs, so you-

>[ ] Say hi

>[ ] Tell her about Earth

>[ ] Ask about her father

>[ ] Let her speak

>>32561238
>>[ ] Let her speak
sorry for the delay dizzy

>>32561238
<whistle>
>You look... good.
>Let her speak

>>32561450
This

>writing

“Hey Parin, you look good.” You say, laughing nervously to stave off the awkwardness that’s slowly descending on the room.

“Logan… My dad… he…” She sputters, on the verge of tears. “He wants to speak to you.” She finally gets out.

“I… okay.” You say. If it’s urgent or bad enough to put Parin in this state, you’re not going to question it.

You hurry up the stairs after Parin, and she leads you down the hallway she came out of and around a few corners until you reach a large room which you can only guess is the master bedroom.

“I brought him, father.” Parin says, rushing to the side of a sickly looking Hecatun lying in the ornate bed at the center of the room. The Hecatun, Parin’s father, looks… terrible. His hair is gone, his horns are withered, and his skin is stretched taught over the bones beneath.

“Good… th-thankk you daughter… Void Knight, come closer.” He says, raising a bony arm to signal you over.

As you move towards the bed, Parin turns to leave. “Wait… Pa-parin, this… this yoooouuuu” He breaks into a fit of coughing. “must hear… as well.” He says finally, as the coughing subsides.

Parin looks confused for a moment, then moves hurriedly to the other side of the bed, taking one of her father’s hands.

“Logan… Drey… Do you know the first tale?” He asks.

>[ ] I think so…

>[ ] Yes

>>32561858
As of today, yes.

>>32561858

[x] I think so

>>32561858
>I think so

A few things to consider if we're going to go ahead with retaking Earth
>What does Vicky think of her capacity to not be subverted by the AI?
>How does Vicky estimate possibility of subverting AI instead?
>Maybe we should visit Kema again and find out more about the Forger. What sort of creature was it anyway?
>as far as cosmology is concerned, we still don't know how to reconcile the notion of Aether=life while it seems humans are alive pretty well even without it.

Also

>whose decision was it to set up the void knight institution? Who came up with the armor that's clearly a powerful magic artifact? How come nobody told us of this before? Where has Thitu been even chosen, it couldn't have been that long ago...

oh and

>scan the father, see if there's anything we can do to help him

“Well, as of today, yes.” You say. “I heard it from the dragon Matron, and then from Nosim.”

Parin’s father laughs, breaking out into another fit of coughing as a result. “Forget… what they told you… The tale… the tale is wrong…” He says, coughing once more.

“Hold on, what do you mean wrong?” You ask.

“The universe… not… as it should be… we… our family has known…” He coughs, this time it comes up with some of the Hecatun’s blue blood. “The key… Zeshua… my son… knows the tru-“ More coughing, the fits seem to be worsening. “the truth about the tale… we have kept it… our pride… ouuur shame!” He says

“Father, what secret? What’s going on?” Parin asks desperately.

“Complete the key… there is… is only one who knows now…” He twists, reaching over and grabbing your hand with extreme difficulty, then he places a small, 11 sided medallion in it. “He will… will guide you… down the way…” He relaxes back into his bed.

“Father, no…” Parin says, the desperation in her voice growing.

“My daughter… I should have cherished you… both of-” He coughs, and his voice grows quieter. “both of you… you’re all… all that’s left… please don’t despair…” He says, before turning to you. “Void Knight… take care… care… of my daughter… and don’t… don’t think… badly of us… when you learn the truth… the universe… they could never know…” He says, fixing you with a determined stare.

“The universe… is WRONG.” He says with the last of his breath. Parin breaks out into tears on the bed, and you step back, dumbfounded.

Turning over the medallion in your hand, you attempt to answer some of the questions storming around in your brain to no avail. So you pocket the medallion and walk over to where Parin is grieving, and place a hand on your shoulder.

The universe is wrong, he said.

How the hell are you supposed to make it right?

>End of Chapter 27

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>>32562278

>Place a hand on HER shoulder. Not really sure how I fucked that up...

>That's all for tonight, hope you guys enjoyed this one!

>If anyone has suggestions for when a better time for me to run would be, feel free to throw 'em in.

>Something something twitter...

>Something something questions...

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>>32562278

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>>32562217

(none of those are obviously things to ask the sickly man, should have clarified that. For now let's hear him out.)

Oh, and we should probably scout out the mother Terra before launching an all-out attack, gauge AI's developments that took place during our absence.

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>>32562364

Cheers for the thread, OP(s)!

>time
it's your story, I can but bemoan that it takes place between 2 and 8 AM CET, but such is the price of globalisation it seems

>Zeshua knows the truth
well fuck. He hasn't been exactly cooperative so far.
Maybe inspecting that prophecy stone that's been mentioned in the beginning might yield some insight. Or it might be all bullshit I guess.
Also how the hell did a few space fiends pull wool over everyone else's eyes so perfectly?

>Universe is wrong...
Hmm. Maybe it's the Aether/Void that's the problem and Earth has simply escaped it somehow. How many worlds are connected by aether threads anyway? How do you even connect new worlds by Aether if no one has gone there before? Although those ancient aklabarans don't seem to need Aether to get around...

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>>32562364
Something I've always wondered... Dizzy, and I, have a pretty decent idea of how these guys/gals sound, in our heads. Question is, how do YOU hear them?

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>>32562519
Forgot my own name...

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>>32562519

Huh. Never thougt about that, really.

After all, all input is translated by Vicky on the go anyway, isn't it? I imagine that would sound pretty human for most of the species. Maybe with small specific anomalies, like Rose's presumably forked tongue hissing a bit?

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>>32562650
Forgive me, what I meant to say was, essentially, if you were going to pick a voice actor for the characters, who would be most appropriate?

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>>32562725

No idea, really. I can't say I've ever evaluated people's voices this way.

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>>32562791
Food for thought! Regardless, it's time to rest my head. Have yourselves a good night, everybody!

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>>32563112

Good night OP(s)! Cheers for the thread

>>32562278

things to do first order of business

>scan the medallion (duh), inspect it
>confront Nosim, tell him what the dying man told you

>(keep in mind to talk about that to Oz and the Matron when we see her too)