EPISODE 201: CODEX OF EARTH 2

— Edryan Queendom, Year: 7291. Season Color: Fading.

Lawruthian's thoughts grew increasingly frantic and worried.

…

Minerva was the opposite. Her mind remained clear, concise, and consolidated . Minerva kept Lawruthian's mind steady as they moved, whispering into his thoughts to get his behavior in the most appropriate direction. Who better to look after yourself than yourself? ‎

The halls of Final Hope were silent; the only sound was the thunder of Lawruthian's steps. They knew their destination and quickly reached the library—passing [Realm Guard] Terra after a brief conversation.

The Library of Final Hope was massive—Lawruthian and, subsequently, Minerva appeared like two small ants entering a room meant for giants. They weaved through the floor, knowing this was only one of several massive floors that were a repository of all written knowledge of the realm. They made their way to the back, passing the table where they once sat with the Aspect after their arrival. The desk seemed withered, decayed . The library didn't hold the same timeless aura it initially did on their first arrival. Now, it was darker, foreboding—like a dark forest sporting creatures with wicked intentions. The towering, large, grey-stone shelves radiated a sense of coldness that the torchlight could not stifle. This… room… was… ancient , and… for the first time, both Minerva and Lawruthian truly saw it.

"What…," Lawruthian began as they halted by the desk. " Is this?"

Minerva carefully felt the room. This… this was Intent—a level beyond their understanding. Intent was the strength of your presence in the world itself. Minerva understood this, not necessarily its entire meaning but with this, she was fully coming to understand the capabilities of an Aspect. "I think…," she hesitantly voiced. "I think it's the Aspect's Intent affecting the area," she whispered, finished—talons tightly digging into Lawruthian's shoulder.

What level of strength did you need to achieve to impress your will—your Intent—onto reality like such? Or was it an aspect of his power? What exactly were the Aspects?

…

It didn't take long for the pair to arrive at the entrance to the tunnel that led to Rasheed's lab. Minerva never noticed how… out of place the tunnel that led to the Aspect's lab was until this moment. The entrance to such a place was in the library of all places. The pair felt like a veil that once covered their eyes was suddenly removed.

Lawruthian exhaled, and Minerva noticed the frost that entered the air. The atmosphere since their last entry completely flipped. The gate, which once opened at Lawruthian's whisper of 'Be,' was left open like the maw of a dangerous beast. The gate's teeth jagged and dripping with liquid.

And, as they moved forward, Lawruthian's gaze flickered to the strange vials filled with creature parts. Minerva wasn't phased—each step forward brought her mind to a calmer state. Her red-gold eyes shined brilliantly, no matter what… she would be there to protect Lawruthian and Madria. They no longer spoke aloud, instead, they chose to voice their concerns through their mental connection.

'This is definitely something you would see out of a mad scientist lab… how did we not realize this earlier?'

'I… don't know Minerva. Let's just see what the Aspect has in store for us.'

'Be careful.'

That was the only advice Minerva could offer another aspect of herself.

…

Be careful.

…

Lawruthian equipped himself with weapons preparing for the worst. Minerva wasn't certain anything he tried would work against the Aspect. Then, finally, they emerged to gaze upon the Aspect and his guest.

The red dragon calmly sipped tea—the pull of his drink was the only sound in the strangely quiet room. The air was thick and both Minerva and Lawruthian felt like they fought for every breath. Their attention turned to Madria, who sat upright with a full glass before her. Her straight posture was normal for the young woman but… not in this manner. She was rigid— taut —like a strung arrow ready to lease.

There were three giant seats around a wooden oak table. Two remained occupied, with the saphen appearing like a child in an adult's seat—the final remained vacant as the occupant had yet to take his place.

"Thank you for finally joining us, Lawruthian, " the Aspect's deep voice rumbled. "Have a seat."

Minerva's mind was the calmest it's been since the day she was born. There was no nervousness, no irrational thoughts— nothing —as she remained perched on Lawruthian's shoulders.

"Madria," her partner spoke, "are you ok?"

It was simple words and Minerva knew Madria would be far from it. The time they spent together was by far some of her favorite in this daft place. They watched as Madria slowly turned her head and nodded; her jaw was clenched, and she appeared to be under immense pressure.

Minerva focused her gaze on the Aspect, there was a light in his eyes she couldn't distinguish. Those yellow-gold orbs held wisdom beyond her years, yet now… now they appeared like haunted phantoms.

"What do you want Rasheed? I believe we had an agreement."

"Ahh, but we did," he said, sighing. "We did… yet you still hide the knowledge I seek."

Minerva mentally chuckled—it was the only sound to break the quiet of her thoughts. Of course, they hid the knowledge—both parties were playing a game of cat and mouse—it was impossible for them to give up the cheese.

Lawruthian's voice emerged strong— confrontational . "I don't know what you're talking about. I've given you high levels of knowledge that should be related to what you seek."

They did give the Aspect knowledge—knowledge of stem cells and biochemistry. Knowledge of Earth's greatest minds and its mighty science—the stuff available to the public, of course—any experimental data… well, even Minerva kept that away from Lawruthian. He couldn't blame a gal if he didn't know the right questions to ask.

That type of stuff was dangerous and just splitting the atom here would change reality as they know it. A task, Minerva knew would eventually happen.

…

Now I Become Death, Destroyer Of Worlds.

…

Such a statement was plastered at the forefront of the New America Research Center. Minerva couldn't let Lawruthian easily have access to the schematics of an atomic bomb—not because she couldn't —but because she feared what would happen should she allow herself—her soul to face those consequences. Perhaps it was the Lawrence in her. Perhaps it was a fear of the darker side of history Minerva understood.

But…, she didn't want that type of burden to be placed on Lawruthian. Just being the symbol of the Goddess was a burden enough.

"You have, yes," Rasheed's gaze slithered to them. "…but off all the things you've provided. A single spell book has not been included. Do not believe me dull [Chosen]," he spat.

Minerva blinked… once… twice… thrice .

…

What?

…

Spellbooks? What spell books did Earth have? Granted, the US Government and her allies held extensive research into the occult and other phenomena but… spells? There was no magic on Earth.

'Oh fuck, does he…,' their voices questioned in unison.

If she could, Minerva would laugh—loudly and obnoxiously—here she was worried about splitting atoms and coughing babies when there was no need to even think in that direction.

…

That made everything easier for Minerva.

…

Lawruthian ignored the Aspect in favor of calling out to his fellow saphen. "Madria, come."

He reached out, prepared to be the [Hero] and save the damsel in distress. It was an age-old tale, unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately… Minerva was a [Hero] too. Madria hesitated, but at the reassurance of Lawruthian, she hopped down from the big chair. She was a [Hero] too, but both Lawruthian and Minerva held seniority. Assured of her safety, Lawruthian finally answered the [Final Dragon]. "The world I came from doesn't work that way. Magic didn't exist for us."

Rasheed scoffed, agitated. "Nothing can exist without magic; I didn't take you for a fool, perhaps an overly cautious Saphen, but you are far from stupid."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

'What's the plan Law,' Minerva questioned—it was redundant—she already knew what his answer was but just in case he'd thought of something…

'Not right now.'

'So," she laughed; it was so like her… like him… like them . '…no plan, got it, let's improvise then.'

'Minerv-'

"Perhaps we do have what you seek," Minerva finally spoke. She still wasn't quite used to her light feminine voice emerging for all to hear, but it was something she was beginning to enjoy. "Perhaps we don't."

He remained seated, but his gaze fixed on Minerva. This was the first time he finally ordained to acknowledge them somewhat. He hungered for her, for what she kept hidden. It wasn't just him, but his long-starved Aspect. It, too, hungered. Aspect Rasheed gently set his teacup down. From his position, six lifeless, stone-like dragon eggs were safely stationed on daises behind him to which Lawruthian's eyes flickered too.

Minerva could sense his thoughts, but she kept hers away. That's not going to work—the Aspect would never let you go without exchanging something of equal value .

Minerva recalled Ignis's final words as she spoke to both Lawruthian and the Aspect.

'Minerva…'

'I got it,' she responded confidently. She knew he wanted to make an attempt on the dragon eggs but unlike her partner, Minerva was mostly grounded in reality.

…

Lawruthian was a… dreamer .

…

Minerva was a… realist .

…

Magic… made both their strategies viable.

Dragons… Gods… Titians…

Aspects… Prestige… Gods… again .

"What a magnificent perk. A gem in this ruined realm. The Light of the End… ahh, how I wished you arrived before Carno."

Minerva took flight, gracefully landing on the table—while Lawruthian held his plan, she held hers. The Aspect's gaze tracked her like a moth to flame.

"We have been nothing but gracious guests as we reside under your domain," Minerva sternly voiced. "Yet the same cannot be stated about you, our host."

She shook her head like a disappointed elder. "You have kept the knowledge of the trials hidden from us, left us in the corridors meant for servants, and much, much more. Is this how the last Aspect of the realm treats its guests?"

With every word spoken, Minerva attempted to unnerve the Aspect—his clear fixation on her would be his undoing if she could manage it. He implicitly threatened them multiple times during their stay—he threatened Lawruthian—Madria—that was not permissible.

Two consciousnesses—one soul.

Aspect Rasheed's momentum slightly withered under Minerva's barrage and after a moment, he tiredly spoke. "A many years have passed since this mountain… Final Hope has seen guests. I apologize for my inadequate services."

"How about this, all can be easily forgiven, granted you tell me how this trial can be accessed. You may also include…," Minerva continued—keeping the attention of Rasheed upon her. She urged Lawruthian forward, toward his objective. The Aspect's hyper-fixation on her withdrew his attention from all else.

The Aspect began to explain before a clawed talon grasped at the air and out emerged a golden medallion.

"It's not that we're hesitant to give you the knowledge you seek," Minerva gestured for the medallion. "It's only you've been inconsiderate and impolite even after knowing our station. Granted, it's been many years since a visitor has last stayed in these halls, but that is no excuse for our extreme treatment."

A talon grasped the medallion, and Minerva prepared herself for flight.

"I apologize—truly—I have… lost my…," Rasheed's words came slow, struggling as he wilted under Minerva's words. "…understanding. However, I will ensure that is rectified immediately—please… understand… it is not easy for me… …they were all I knew…," he whispered. "…and now they are gone. I can save them—I couldn't save her, but I can save them… I must save them. I. MUST. SAVE. THEM."

"We can save them… together… allow me to help you with your research, but you must promise me no danger will ever befall Lawruthian or Madria because of you," Minerva wasn't taking any chances—she couldn't allow Lawruthian to die.

‎ "Yes, I swear it on my name, Rasheed ."

There was a shift in the air, a response from the mana to the Aspect of Knowledge pledge. Minerva nodded, satisfied. Whatever Lawruthian was doing was taking far too long, sooner or later the Aspect would notice them behind him.

"A trade—let us conduct a trade—no more falsities—no more games," Rasheed's voice grew strong and his yellow-gold eyes seemed to gain new life and strength.

"That is possible—(Inspect)," Minerva activated as she gazed at the medallion. "Good—what do you wish to trade for."

Transfer Medallion — Hall of Attributes

Rarity: Mythical

Category: Consumable — Teleportation Artifact

Properties:

1. Activates instantly when held and infused with a small amount of energy, transporting the user directly to the Hall of Attributes.

Cost

10 Points of any Resource Attribute.

Description:

Crafted from [Aura Gold] and inscribed with ancient runes of Kair-unian, this medallion serves as a gateway to the Hall of Attributes—a realm where one's essence is examined, calibrated, and enhanced to be come more.

Minerva tsked, their time was almost up and Lawruthian had yet to secure his bargaining chip. She mentally chided him. 'Hurry up, I'm running out of things to say and Rasheed is growing impatient. He wishes to conduct a trade. I have received the token needed to activate the trial… all you have to do is inject mana… HURRY!'

Her words urged him along, and she continued to speak with the Aspect to finalize the agreement of their trade. She would help him with his research, and Lawruthian and Madria would be treated to better quarters, among other incentives. Minerva laughed—what a joke such a trade was. However, if it stalled for time and gave Lawruthian a better chance of completing his objective then she would continue with such nonsensical agreements.

"Minerva," Lawruthian spoke. It was sudden but she long prepared for it. Her gaze turned to Lawruthian—there was a dragon egg safely in his hands, while Madria clutched onto him.

"Took you long enough," Minerva grumbled, taking flight. She was slow—deliberate, making a show.

"MINERVA DON'T!"

Minerva let out a rueful smile, one that only an owl could make.

"I believe an exchange has been made. As you hold my child hostage, I shall hold your own."

She flicked her talon, releasing the medallion in Lawruthian's direction as a clawed hand enclosed around her. They were both saying nonsense—stalling—Minerva didn't understand why the Aspect decided to let Lawruthian go—no—she understood… he wanted Lawruthian gone… since the beginning, all Rasheed ever wanted was to be alone with Minerva.

"Madria," Lawruthian urged. The young woman understood and caught the golden medallion.

"Inject your mana into it, Madria," Minerva urged—she couldn't take any chances… if the Aspect was to change his mind…

Lawruthian took a step forward, his hands heavy with the egg but his gaze determined. "I'm not leaving without you, Minerva."

"I'll be fine, go," Minerva urged. "Remember, two consciousness…"

"…one soul," he softly responded before disappearing in golden light.

…

Rasheed slowly opened his hand, yellow-gold eyes shining with a light not seen in millenniums. "Well, then perk of knowledge… let's get to work."

…

And to work they got. In those months away from Lawruthian, Minerva helped Rasheed progress his research into reviving—no, they were never alive in the first place—into manifesting them into reality using… everything .

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