Chapter 1100 (1/2)

Of course, whatever had happened with the Nether Ritual meant that Randidly was stuck out of the watching for a while. In addition, his left claw was extremely sore as it had remained in the drawn-out time of this dense Nether flow while his Perception slowed down to follow that sort stint of Vualla’s that Randidly had watched. It had earned him several Skill Levels, but that might just be a relative time thing.

But honestly, the pain was a bitch. Even with his cores and bubbles, it was aggravatingly constant.

It felt like not very long had passed, but time moved strangely as Randidly used the Nether Ritual. More strangely than usual.

Sitting cross-legged in his shack, Randidly dearly wanted to use Nether Ritual again to try and confirm that he had reached Vualla. Considering the things that Cail said, he was clearly trying to push her toward something. Maybe not now, but it was building toward something. To give in to the more dangerous side of her emotions. It was frustrating to be used as a tool by this weird looking man, but most of Randidly’s fear was focused on the possibility that Cail would succeed.

Yet, for the first time since Randidly had conceived of the Grim Chimera, it counseled patience. If one Nether Ritual wouldn’t convince her… more would also not convince her. Did you see her spirit? Respect that.

Randidly closed his eyes and waited for the pain of using Nether to fade. He needed to trust in the emotions that he had transferred through the mutating Nether Ritual. With every fiber of his being, he had sought to confirm the very same emotions that made Vualla say those lines. The hatred for those in power, the wonder toward their seemingly fragile connection, the hope for the future… Those emotions had been dispatched. For someone who those things weren’t enough, more wouldn’t change things.

But even as Randidly told himself that, he knew that the fear in his heart urged him to send more. To overwhelm Vualla with the message until she had no choice but to believe. Releasing a breath, Randidly stood.

To keep himself distracted, Randidly continued with his daily practice as the deep wound he had received from letting his attention wander from how much Nether was moving through his body. The schedule became law to Randidly. Adapt to the energy of the Fate blade. Follow through the motions of the Grim Chimera’s moves. Carefully examine and tug away the loose strings of the Aether Key with his Aether Skills so this strange prison in which Randidly found himself would tumble down faster.

Meditate and calm his emotions while he waited for his claw to recover from the exposure to Nether.

Small steps forward. Small steps he took alone, ignoring the maelstrom of emotions that chased each other endlessly in his chest. If feeling something could change the world, wouldn’t Nadia and Kailm have been able to revive their daughter…? No, the only thing I can trust is my own strength. Vualla and I are in this situation because we are weak. If we can take that step forward…

After his practice finished, he went out and forced himself to spend some time with Salazar and Zauna.

For their part, it was obvious that they were both savoring the simple life of farming that this image provided them. The relish with which they approached the tasks was staggering to Randidly. To them, nothing seemed more satisfying than continuing their idyllic existence here, in an oasis in the Great Rift. But in some way, he understood.

Although it wasn’t fair to say they had given up, they had accepted that their fates had been bound to Randidly. Their survival was tied to him. When it was so obvious that he was furiously training himself, it was their job to relax and wait. They found harmony in their existence. Aside from the continually grumpy Zagnal, the dinner of harvested fruits and vegetables that Randidly had with those images become something of a mental sanctuary for him.

Which, Randidly supposed, they understood. Which was why they so enthusiastically embraced it.

It wasn’t that his hatred for the System that took advantage of him faded, but his empathy for the other people struggling in the System grew. Vualla might be the one who so perfectly shared his ideology, but they did not have a monopoly on suffering from the whims of the Nexus. Seeing these people seize onto the small moments of peace was oddly moving.

With a calmer heart, Randidly returned to his tent and began to weave a Nether Ritual. The wound of his claw had finally recovered.

Congratulations! Your Skill Nether Ritual (A) has grown to Level 25!

At the number, Randidly’s eyes flashed. It seemed he had been so wrapped up in the vision of Vualla two days ago that he had missed some Skill Levels. But it did make sense that whatever happened yesterday would lead his Skill Level to shoot upward.

Slowly, the image before him resolved. He focused in on Vualla’s figure. Once more, he detached his Perception and allowed it to slow down to match what he was watching. Steadily, the figures came into sharper focus.

Vualla was now standing outside the tent of Lord Miln with Lady Iellaya. Both were looking toward the closed entrance to the tent, but Randidly’s focus narrowed on Vualla. Her face looked… strangely drawn. Although she still looked determined, it was a much more passive stance than Randidly was used to seeing on her face.

What had happened while I was away?

Before Randidly could worry further, Cail Tweocs walked out of the tent with a huge grin on his face. Seeing both of the women looking at him in askance, Cail pounded his chest self-importantly and piped up. “Ahem. After much consultation, I have agreed with Lord Miln that it is best for all involved that the image Randidly Ghosthound remains on the front lines.”

Randidly studied Vualla’s reaction carefully, but she didn’t even bat an eyelash.