177, 1/2

Erick woke to the sounds of leaves rustling in the breeze. It was a good, normal sound, which preceded a good, normal morning routine. He decided to switch it up a bit by taking yet another swim before he left Yggdrasil, though, and he felt even better after that swim. And then he set out to the embassy to see about getting some breakfast. After a nice meal at the world diner’s market, Erick went to Tasar’s office, where he met Otaliya, and soon enough, Tasar.

Otaliya spoke of meetings with the Golds, who were apparently the merchant caste of wrought, who saw to it that everything got where it needed to go and that the economy of the Underworld was maintained. Erick wondered at the overlaps between the Golds’ market manipulations and how the economies of Earth worked, so he spoke of his own knowledge of all that, asking questions all the while. The answer was ‘broadly yes’, the Golds did oversee much of the economies of the world through various market forces, from trade tariffs to working with Mage Bank to keep gold coins at a relatively stable price, but there was no singular council that oversaw this economic action.

Each Geode had a different set of Golds —or ‘Merchants’, as they were usually called— who each oversaw their own surrounding cities to ensure that the economy worked smoothly. The various economies of each Geode would then interface through the rules laid down by the various Merchants of those Geodes. Outside of the Geodes, the price of bread was wildly different from coppers, to silver, to even gold in some of the far flung independent Underworld cities, but next to the Geodes the price of a loaf of bread was a standard silver coin.

“She means the cities around the Geodes when she talks of Geodes, Erick,” Tasar said, “Most people use one word to speak of both the Geode and the surroundings but this is simply untrue.”

“Quite right. Life inside of the Geodes is much different than outside.” Otaliya said, “Most people don’t know how much different. People think that the Golds oversee the economies inside the Geodes, too, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.” She added, “They’re probably the only people on the inquiry who will be on your side, fully, because the establishment of a true Gate Network is exactly the sort of thing they’d start glinting over.”

“And ‘glinting’ is a good thing?”

“Glinting is a very good thing.” Otaliya smiled. “I heard that the Inquisition might be glinting over you a bit, too.”

“Oh. No. Not yet, anyway.” Erick said, “Yesterday went well, but the depth of their problem with me is revealed and it’s… Large.”

Otaliya gave a flat look, a tiny hum of recognition, then said, “Probably best not to spread too much of that truth around. As long as the Inquisition isn’t coming after you, then the Sights are good. Let’s not spread any rumors that something bad is brewing.”

“Sounds good to me.” Erick looked over to Tasar. “I was thinking of going to Archmage’s Rest today to try and get on their good side.” He asked both of them. “Got any tips?”

Tasar scrunched her face a bit, unsure.

Otaliya readily said, “Tasar is too entrenched with the Rest, so she can’t give you a good answer. The people who can give you good answers are the EIPCs, though, so let’s go talk to them before you go.”

And so they did.

– – – –

Radigo, the human leader from his particular EIPC, said, “There is a lot of talk from a lot of common people about how you saved this person or that household from certain death. This talk originates mostly from the households of the barons you assisted, and has since spread to alehouses and warehouses alike. Baron Tulani of the Alchemists Coalition has been rather outspoken about how you prevented an outbreak of changeling vines in his land. This wave of goodwill has even reached the Merchants, and been magnified by their own words; they appreciate practically everything you’ve done, but especially for the caravan routes of the Main Roads level 5 and 7, where you killed that nest of Stone Leviathans.”

Erick nodded, while Otaliya smiled wide.

Loori, the dragonkin woman from a different EIPC, said, “In addition to the problems solved for the barons out there, this business with helping the Inquisition has waylaid more than a few fears of the deeply religious. In particular, the Church of the Forgotten Light actually has priests out in the open, talking up your accomplishments these days. They’re still on the Side Roads regarding your true status as the Savior of Light, but this is a very large first step. The Church of Sininindi is relieved to know that you are safe, and that ‘they never had any doubts’; I will leave the interpretation of this fact up to you. The Church of Atunir is with you, and they say they always have been.” She continued, “I will, of course, be updating you on this news, but from what I’m seeing, you might have gained another ‘yes’ out of the inquiry board’s Church seat.”

Erick nodded.

The incani, Walz, said, “We’ve been surreptitiously speaking to people about making the case for change, as you requested.” He gestured to his assistant, who began casting lightwards in the air; illustrations of graphs and maps of areas, with points of interest highlighted. He also handed over the very same illustrations to Erick on printed paper, saying, “Change is difficult, but if you want to continue on this route, you would do well to interface with the Heavies soon. They would undoubtedly have requests of you, to ingratiate you with them, and how they work. If you clear their requests then they should have no problem giving approval. We feel that those requests could happen along any of these possible lines, from fully clearing some of these larger caverns to…”

They spoke for hours.

Radigo, Loori, and Walz were each from a different EIPC, and they thus had doubled up on some of the footwork and information they presented to Erick. All of them had different areas of focus, though, which was why Erick had hired three of them, as Silverite suggested.

Radigo was focused on the ability for Erick to make the economy much larger and more robust, opening up new markets everywhere. Loori was focused on working with the various churches and religious leaders, gauging the will of the populace through its priests. Walz was focused on graphs and information and facts, ensuring that everything was as orderly as it could be, for the wrought preferred order above all else and an inquiry was perhaps where that demand was most crystallized. Otaliya simply knew everyone that was mentioned or could be mentioned; what they did, what they wanted. Erick was surprised by the depth of the information presented to him, but perhaps Otaliya surprised him most of all. Everyone else came into the room with papers and assistants and they would occasionally stop to look at some information, to clarify some point, but Otaliya never had to reference anything or anyone. She just knew it all. If she had some [Telepathy] help, Erick couldn’t tell.

At the end of four hours of discussions and planning Erick had gained the names of several important people to meet and a reaffirmation of his main goal with this inquiry; to gain runic web clearance.

And so, Vibrant Falls was his next stop. He needed to link up with Archmage’s Rest and see about appeasing Riivo; the one person who absolutely had to say ‘yes’. The only problem was that while Riivo seemed pleasant enough, he had already told Erick that he was not getting clearance from Archmage’s Rest, due to Erick’s violation of the Core.

Walz said, “Once Riivo has decided on something, he generally sticks by his word, rarely ever overturning any past decisions. This is going to be a problem.”

That didn’t sound like the man Erick had met, though. He said, “Riivo seemed willing enough to change his mind about [Steadfast Ward] once I told him how I was going to use it with Yggdrasil, and not directly.”

The three EIPC people were surprised.

Tasar spoke up, “Riivo changes his mind all the time, but he also has a bit of a reputation. That reputation is not unearned.”

Otaliya said, “A single spell compared to runic web clearance is a rather incomparable situation. One is a simple defensive spell for a World Tree, so that the World Tree can withstand stronger attacks, while runic webs are dangerous for a whole host of other reasons. It will be difficult to get Riivo to change his mind on this, with such a change likely demanding much of you, personally, Erick.” She said, “I suggest you put forth some ideas of how necessary a runic web will be for eventual Gate Network security. That should be enough to change his mind, or at least open him up to talking.”

Erick nodded.

They spoke for a little while longer, shifting back and forth on topics, but after two more hours they had reached the natural end of the discussion, with all the gathered information given out, dissected, and understood. It was time to move on.

Otaliya went back to Tasar’s offices.

And Tasar went with her mother, because, “I will undoubtedly take Riivo’s side in any argument, so you’re better off going there on your own. You know the way there now, so good luck.”

And so, Erick was on his own again.

– – – –

Erick stepped off of the t-station onto the land in front of Archmage’s Rest. The building was the same as it was last time; a facsimile of the Grand Wizard’s Tower in the Core. The last time Erick had been here the entire place had been layered behind several illusions, which were attached to the building in some sort of semi-permanent runic web, for sure, though the runic web was obscured from mana sense. Now, the place stood fully revealed, and the false facade was gone.

Last time he had been here in the middle of the night, but this time he arrived mid day. Normally, it would be hard to tell the difference here in the Underworld, but Vibrant Falls was lit like a beam of sunlight falling from the heavens, bathing the entire cavern in sunlight. Erick had already seen the shift from night to day in this land before, but it was nice to see again. This place looked much better in the daytime.

In this ‘daylight’, Archmage’s Rest was bustling. A few people came and went from the t-station, but only wrought. And Erick, he supposed. The guards by the t-station were out in the open this time, though Erick didn’t pay them much mind and they didn’t hassle him in return. The majority of people visiting the Rest, though, flew in and out from the rest of Vibrant Fall’s cavern, on spellwork of various kinds, from platforms to more esoteric flying spells, to land on the edge of the cliff and follow the stone paths to the front door. Dozens of people walked in or out of the massive open doors per minute, and it wasn’t long till the first one noticed Erick. Many of them paused in recognition, and either sped up or slowed down, to get out of his way or to let him go first.

Erick followed the crowd inside, nodding in thanks as groups of mages bowed as he passed.

The foyer beyond the wide open door was a busy communal area, almost like a food court, with people sitting at tables and working at stuff, or talking to each other, or eating food procured from one of the many restaurants here and there. More than a few people stopped what they were doing as Erick walked in, but almost all of them resumed whatever just as quickly. Except for one.

A silver male orcol wrought stepped away from his station beside the door, asking, “Archmage Flatt? Is there something the Rest can help you with today?”

“Looking to make an appointment with Riivo, or something along those lines. Whatever is needed to talk to him for a little while.”

“Of course.” The man looked up and a telepathic tendril came off of his head. After a moment, he looked back to Erick, saying, “Seventh floor. He is out of the office right now, but he’ll be back momentarily. If you do not mind, there is one other who would like to speak with you, if you’re willing to wait.”

“Uh. Sure? Who?”

– – – –

Erick stepped up from the stairs onto the seventh floor, into the semi-private space where the general public was not allowed. Riivo had his offices on this floor as well as his meeting rooms. Riivo’s secretary, a silver incani woman, was at the top of the stairs waiting for Erick.

“Right this way, Archmage Flatt,” said the woman.

She led him to a comfortable meeting room with sturdy chairs, a nice table, and a few chalkboards.

Aisha, an iridescent silver human wrought woman, stood by the window, but at Erick’s entrance, she turned, with a gentle smile upon her face. The celesteel woman was one of the librarians for the archives and also a world-class prognosticator with a focus on the past.

“Hello, Erick.” Aisha said, “I’m glad you have returned.”

“Hello again, Aisha.” Erick moved into the room, asking, “I heard you wanted to see me?”

“I’d like to talk a bit about Wizards while you have the chance.” Aisha said, “Riivo should be back in an hour or so but he’s dealing with some bureaucrats out of Titanite so there’s no telling how long it could take; I’m not too good with [Future Sight].”

At the mention of Wizards Erick suddenly went on edge, especially because Aisha was a prognosticator and she was directly coming to him with this sort of information…

But he forced himself to relax just as fast, and said, “I would like to hear more, yes. Thank you for the offer. I’m more interested in how Wizards are capable of breaking anything and what makes that dangerous, more than actual examples, but I suppose examples would be good, too.”

Aisha nodded, then she took her seat, saying, “I would like to have this conversation telepathically.”

Erick took a seat, sending, ‘Sure.’

With a delighted smile, Aisha sent, ‘First thing: you should hide your throat with one of your Privacys or some other way because a truly trained prognosticator can read subvocalizations, and even the speediest of thinkers still have them. I know I am not readable, for I have trained myself out of this, so I will not put a Privacy on my own throat.’

… Well that was a bit disturbing in its implications.

Erick cast a Privacy inside his neck and mouth.

Aisha nodded. ‘When encountering a Wizard you should know that they’re just people, but each one is sitting on a massive bomb that most don’t recognize as a bomb. The Wizard themselves might not recognize their power as a bomb, either, for the bomb is usually not ready to explode for a number of reasons. Primarily, it takes time for a Wizard to become a Wizard. Sometimes this ascension is directed and fast, taking only minutes or seconds to unlock due to an immediate physical or psychological stressor, and them already being primed to activate. In these cases you usually end up with a problem too large to contain at that point in time and evacuation or immediate execution of the Wizard is the best course of action, depending on what the Wizard was going for at the time.

‘Normally, though, the ascension of a Wizard is slow and methodical. Usually, a Wizard is someone who makes a little break here or there and they don’t realize that they’ve broken something they shouldn’t break.’ Aisha sent, ‘It is in these breaks that you will truly know a Wizard for a Wizard.

‘These breaks are all the same.

‘These breaks work on a concept, instead of an Element.

‘Concepts are very difficult to influence, with most of them being Banned as soon as they are discovered. Some are not, though. All of the Elements and Esoteric Elements are not Banned, but you can see how some of the Elements are more real than others.’ Aisha sent, ‘Indeed, while it is a mite blasphemous to say, some would argue that all the Elements are concepts, and that all of magic itself comes from Wizards creating those magics in the first place.’ Aisha went silent, waiting to continue.

For Erick was having a small crisis at the moment.

He had heard words similar to Aisha’s before, but not laid down in such an open way.

… And that was the problem.

He had heard all this before… So why didn’t he make this connection before now? Before it was directly spelled out for him? He had even taunted that dragon at Ooloraptoor with ‘changing his Element to Truth’, which was a conceptual change. He supposed the most ‘new’ information that Aisha gave him (by implication) was that the various forces of Veird, from gods to the wrought to Melemizargo and the Wizards of this world, actually ‘decided’ on which Elements they allowed to flourish in the Script, and which ones they Banned.

Nodding, Erick sent, ‘Okay. That makes sense. Continue, please.’

Aisha continued, ‘Fire is an Element, and this is normal. Things have fire and heat to them.

‘Book is a concept. Several pages of language stuck together in a binding? This is a concept. It’s one of the few I can point to and tell people that, yes, this is not natural.’

Erick sat there for a moment, thinking. He had accepted that ‘Book’ was an Element because, sure, why not. But no. Rozeta —probably Rozeta— had decided to let that one remain? Elemental Book never got Forgotten Campaigned because it was useful. How many of the others were useful?

All of them, probably.

Which ones did Melemizargo add to Veird? Destruction and Dark, perhaps?

No way to truly know right now.

Aisha waited.

Erick sent, ‘Okay. I sort of… Get that.’

Aisha sent, ‘With your creation of Particle Magic, this was one of the ways that we thought you were a Wizard, but when other people on opposite sides of Veird were able to make Particle Magic using your ideas we realized that you were not a Wizard, but simply a planar with new ideas that worked in this New Cosmology.

‘We have a theory here in the Rest that all you really did to ‘make’ Particle Magic, was use telekinesis and instinctual aura control. Further proof that all you did was expose a blind spot where mana meets matter is already being proven in Alchemy, the world over; a school of magic where you have never shown any true learning, or desire to learn.’ Aisha sent, ‘This was most solidly proven over in Songli, where, by clearing up some misconceptions and giving Intelligence to a few people, and then stepping away, you have blossomed the seed of basic alchemy into a whole new branch of Particle Alchemy.’

‘… I never heard it put that way, but… Okay.’ Erick asked, ‘Noticing a Wizard is as easy as seeing a magic that should not exist? How does that work?’

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‘This is rather darned difficult unless you know all magic that should and can exist.’ Aisha shrugged. ‘But once you’ve cleared that barrier, the spellwork you showed when you captured a few of the major forces of Terror Peaks is more than sufficient to capture and contain all but the strongest of Wizards. If such a Wizard should come along, it would likely take all of the wrought to put them down, so please don’t go upsetting any possible Wizards to where such actions are necessary.’ Aisha sent, ‘I doubt you would, but the words needed to be sent.’

After a moment, Erick sent, ‘I would like some examples of Wizards, please.’

‘There was this pirate known as Hullbreaker a while back. He’s probably one of the most famous recent Wizards, simply because he evaded everyone due to the creation of Elemental Pirate.’

Erick blinked a bit.

He… Wasn’t sure what to think about that, other than it was a bit silly. ‘That’s a bit silly.’

‘Yes. It was silly. It’s probably why it took so long to capture and kill the man; he wasn’t doing anything too objectively evil with his power aside from doing various pirate-things, like stealing from other ships and raiding coasts and being a general nuisance. He was a killer, yes. Killed thousands. But he was also rather insane in a very specific, non-genocidal way. He was also so deep in his power that no one wanted to set him off by applying too much pressure.’ Aisha said, ‘We sent small teams to capture and contain the man but what usually happened was that our teams had to give up the chase, to stop whatever horrors Hullbreaker unleashed to throw those teams off. Hullbreaker’s favored tactic was to expose two dragons in the nearby populace and start a dragon fight, and then escape in the confusion. Oceanside eventually got the pirate. Not sure what happened past that point as Kirginatharp took the man and did what he normally does.’ Aisha sent, ‘I have an idea of what he does but I’m not privy to the truth, nor do I want to be.’

That reminded Erick— He asked, ‘Is Kirginatharp trying to rid himself of his Curse?’

‘Oh yes.’ Aisha said, ‘He’s tried a thousand times before, too. We try to help him with that when we can, but it’s near impossible. You know that the Dragon Essence Curse was laid down by Kirginatharp’s brother, yes?’

‘Idyrvamikor; I heard from a Shade. Wasn’t sure until now, though.’

‘Wizardry flows in their whole draconic family but it skipped Rozeta and Kirginatharp.’ Aisha sent, ‘It would take a Wizard of uncommon means to break the Dragon Essence Curse. The Dark could do it, but there is bad blood between grandson and grandfather for an uncountable number of reasons.’

Erick asked, ‘Do you know what it would take to break the Dragon Curse on a different dragon; not the Headmaster? Would breaking every single inheritor of the Dragon Curse from their Curse make curing the Headmaster easier?’ Erick asked, ‘What about the Black Curse? What is the Black Curse, anyway?’