Daniel stood on the floating island with a hand on the dying tree, having found one of the only areas not scarred by pit marks and decay. Gaps were missing from the trunk, and as he watched a dessicated branch fell off and began to dissolve into dust. That this was similar to how material reacted when he failed an enchantment didn't escape him, and that comparison was relevant for more than one reason.

"It's magic wood," Daniel reported, pulling his hand back before the feedback became too painful. "Higher than my level too, so I can't tell what it does."

There wasn't anyone in the group dumb enough to miss the implication, but Evalyn spoke it aloud anyway. "It was eating this to evolve?"

"Makes sense." Most of the group looked at him with confusion and Daniel realized something. "Right. There's something on my world we call 'radiation'. Some rare stuff can emit it which is pretty harmful. It's not something that happens in real life, but in our fiction there's always this animal or monster that gets into it and gets stronger. This stuff is magically active, like you can feel the mana just from touching it."

"Great. Not only are the monsters getting stronger, they're eating the good stuff in the process," Shuni muttered.

"Tell me about it. Less magical material out there makes my life harder. Though, in a way the monsters are turning themselves into stuff I could use," Daniel mused. He sighed as he considered what he could've done with a giant cloud that counted as magical material, though fighting that thing with whatever evolution would've done to it probably wouldn't have gone as smoothly. To that end, he wasn't sure how you were supposed to harvest something that faded away on death. "Ah well, nothing for it. Help me with this?"

Tak, Daniel, and Hunter began breaking down the tree to scavenge what they could. Anything the cloudborn scion had been close to digesting disintegrated when hit, and at the end he was left with enough scrap wood to make up about a dozen 2x4s. He was tempted to use it immediately to test it out as the team departed, but it turned out Silora could do more than find magic material, she could identify it too. No sense wasting wood on an item that wouldn't benefit from its bonus effect.

That left Daniel with reviewing his gains from the fight. Five enchanting entries and two advancement potential, bringing him to four total. I can't keep saving them up. It's fine for Gadriel to hit all 6 at once but I don't need to be perfectly balanced. Resolved to spend three points, Daniel considered bumping endurance to 27, but honestly he had good survivability already with Hunter. There was another attribute he could benefit more from: wisdom.

After gaining meaningful improvement from Quick Mind, Daniel wanted to do whatever he could to enhance the feature. It was directly attached to intelligence, but with that at 29 Daniel couldn't improve it more without taking a premature level up. Boosting wisdom, however, should theoretically improve his senses and thus affect Quick Mind's input quality. Time would tell if his assumption was correct.

Your [Wisdom] is now 27! You have gained [Feature: Assault Craft].

-

Assault Craft (Feature, Wisdom, Domain: Enchanting, Level: 2):

You possess the Power to enhance the damage of Formulae: Weapons you can craft. This effect scales with your endurance, and the [Attribute] your crafting feature is awakened from to a lesser degree. The effect also scales in inversely with the disparity between your level and the level of the craft, to a certain threshold.

…alright. Thanks Spoke, though I'm fine with non-Artificer stuff so long as it's not from the monster domain. The power was about in line with what he expected an Artificer should get, and a universal damage buff that would continue to scale with him was amazing. Still, Daniel started to worry that he might have accidentally convinced his Spoke to stop giving him powers from outside of his class, which would be a loss.

Deciding not to bemoan his first world problems, Daniel moved to the other good thing he'd gotten. 4 formulae, and 1 affix. Not all of them were relevant to him or worth going into detail. Kinetic wand, for example, was absolutely useless for him, though Lograve and Tounaki would kill for one. Chromatic Vest was ok, giving a slight defensive benefit against all elements, but it wasn't worth spending a huge amount of material on remaking all of his team's armor.

That left the three things Daniel was excited about.

Elemental Thrower (Formulae: Enchanting, Weapon, Domain: Enchantment, Quality: Standard, Level: 2)

A portable weapon that allows a user to invest Mana into the weapon, which can then be released as a damaging stream aligned with the Affix: Elemental attuned to this weapon. Mana stored in this weapon is not reserved, and will be purged during a System Reset.

Creation of this item requires use of an Affix: Elemental during the creation process. Only one such affix can be added.

-

Phasing Ammunition (Formulae: Enchanting, Ammunition, Domain: Enchantment, Quality: Standard, Level: 1)

This ammunition allows the wielder to ignore the first Entity: Nonliving between themselves and the target, up to a certain threshold. Upon contact, the ammunition will briefly become Intangible, before reappearing on the other side of the obstruction. If used on an obstacle too large to move through, the ammunition will manifest within the obstacle.

Creation of this item requires no Special Materials.

-

Essencecut (Affix: Enchanting, Domain: Enchantment, Quality: Standard, Scavenged, Level: -)

An affix that may be applied to Items you enchant. This affix allows you to use Nonmagical Essence scavenged from Creatures as a Material: Enchanting of a level equivalent to the origin. Use of this affix requires essence of a mass suitable for the desired creation.

The flamethrower, or lightning thrower, or cold thrower, was an absolute win. Daniel didn't see him using it much considering he already had what would be equivalent to a man-sized artillery piece on his world, but his mind had immediately gone to Padri's constructs. They'd had trouble aiming the weapons they'd been supplied, but with something like this, did you have to aim at all?

His new formulae and affix came with problems as well as benefits. It was almost a joke at this point at how much time a new ammunition formulae added to Bullet Math. Roughly speaking, three and a half solid days to make 2 phasing ammo variants for every affix combination. That wasn't because he'd added 4 hours of work from what he'd shot today, not counting Khiat's arrowheads.

To be an Artificer was to be busy. The only miss was that he had no idea how they were supposed to harvest essence from elementals. Even Tak with Monster Scavenger had no clue. The affix certainly implied it was possible, but you'd probably need a specialist to do it. It's a shame we don't know anyone like that in Threst, Daniel thought as he began to replenish the team's ammunition, starting with Khiat's.

…

Gordon of Farthest Run had been to Aughal's borders many times. If you considered his team for only a second it'd be clear why. Back when the Thormundz had been something more than the first region to fall his team had helped safeguard people and expedite other hunters to it in times of emergency. That there was but one way through to the majority of the region, a pass that bordered territory frequented by monsters, made this a necessity at times. But the Ranger and co-Captain of a well-respected hunting team had never considered leaving his home.

Now, he stood at the border between Aughal and Threst and knew this might be the last time he trekked across a desert. He had to give it to the region of the wing, which made one Crest of a first impression. Unfortunately, Taloran was ruining it.

"Oh, but for a moment's peace amid a stormy sky. Would but for the courage to fly. Lift me above the struggles that traps my heart. To a better place where… no, that's not it," the Bard's singing voice died as, standing on the very edge of the desert he became lost for words. Taloran had made the unfortunate choice of making his voice a kind of quasi-intrinsic Focus. He could still bind another instrument whenever he wanted to, and Gordon was finally reaching the point where he was considering gifting the Bard one he couldn't resist using.

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Part of the problem was Marky. Before the fall, the Druid had had a good rapport, reigning in the Bard and keeping him stable enough. Now it was the Druid who needed more help. Ever since their fight against the so-called 'elite' monster preceding the attack on Aughal, Marky had refused to enter a beast form. He had other talents, healing included, but his restraint severely hampered his effectiveness in combat. That wasn't touching the man's depression either. It was colder than Taloran's often exaggerated moods, and had yet to break as quickly as the vain Bard's.

Qess broke off from the half-dozen 'refugees' that were serving as their cover to stand beside him. His bonded hunt partner took in the sight and flashed him a weary smile. "Well, at least it's easier to fly there. Bet you're sour Copy Ability doesn't work with Grow Wings."

"I'll make due." He was already thinking about how to handle the land bridge. Details had been scant on how they'd be transported to Pinion's Point, only that it would be figured out on the other end. There was no direct land route that didn't get close to Aurus, so they'd have to be flown part of the way. The Artificer would be part of the welcoming party, but the last Gordon had seen him it'd looked like Daniel had been anything but. Whether it was a power gifted by Hammer as he'd claimed was anyone's guess.

"The sun…" Gordon turned his head as one of the two armored duskers spoke behind him. Instead of looking ahead they were turned around, tracking the setting sun to the west. It should have been impossible for the sky below them to glow orange, what with an entire region in the way, and he understood their concern.

"Threst is different, but it has night," Gordon assured. "Hopefully your daughter's bringing something to help during the day." He felt for the two, he really did. The Tyrant hadn't spared enough concern to give them something like a covered wagon, likely operating under the assumption that they would appear too well-prepared for supposed deserters. They'd run into two monster packs on the way here, one during the day. Whereas the other refugees could potentially survive an injury with Marky's help, a scratch to the armor of either dusker would've ended them.

"No fucking way." Qess' disbelief drew everyone's attention to the front, though Gordon couldn't see anything alarming. A small flock of monsters three kilometers away, but they didn't give him a sense of anything stronger than level 1. He could take out that group in seconds if they ever got in bow range.

"What?" Qess pointed up and to the left in response to his question, and he took comfort in the fact that she wasn't readying herself for a fight.

"They're already here. Almost beat us to the border," she said with a bit of humor. "Ten kilometers out, a cloud just got in the way. Keep looking and you'll see them."

"You can see that far?" the female dusker, Achia, asked with guarded wonder.

"Helps if there's not much in the way. Damn," Qess laughed as she focused on the horizon. "I can see why people like living here. All this sky."

"It would be appealing for someone with wings," Marky said bitterly, dwindling Qess' smile. Both she and Gordon knew he had a combat form that could fly, and so to him Threst offered only another temptation. Gordon would say he was a competent hunter, decent co-leader and person when you got down to it, but he was out of his depth when it came to Marky. He just didn't know enough to help.

Then, their welcoming party appeared through the clouds. It was unmistakable, despite the distance, as leading them was a member of one of the largest races on the Octyrrum. More members of Wingcraft appeared, flying in a V formation. He could only make out general species at this point, though the way they were all flying was slightly confusing. It appeared as though they'd all Grown Wings, but that didn't-

"That's… that's a flying house," Gordon said weakly as the last 'member' of the team appeared out of the cloud.

…

"Mom! Dad!"

"My star!" Xtalo cried as the three duskers reunited within Padri's platform, which Daniel had converted into their shelter through judicious application of walls. He wanted to get the show turned around so they could get back to Pinion's Point as soon as possible, but there was something to be done first.

"I wasn't expecting you," Daniel said to the hunting team Zolyra had mentioned would be backing them up. Either she hadn't known about their history with Farthest Run or this was a pretty bad joke, and it wasn't just on him. Most of the team was taking in the various ways Wingcraft had developed since leaving Aughal, with Marky laser focused on Hunter who was staring back.

"Likewise. Don't tell me there are two of you now," Qess opened, attempting to break the tension with humor.

The Druid wasn't having it. "That's the ringcat. I'm certain."

"You managed to revive him." Gordon kept his voice level, seeming to acknowledge the divide between them while leaving space for reconciliation. "I'm happy for you. Between that, all your gear, and the shelter…" He shook his head incredulously. "Here I thought we were busy."

"And you two survived!" Taloran exclaimed, looking at Tak for a moment before fixing his gaze on Evalyn. "I was so worried when we heard that-"

"Thank you," Evalyn spoke over him, winning a silent Bardic clash similar to the first time they'd met which effectively told the vocalist that he didn't have a chance. "Gordon, Qess, I should let you know I've reclaimed my position as leader of Wingcraft. Are we going to have a problem with your Druid?"

"Only if he makes one," Hunter growled.

"Shouldn't we be suspicious?" Marky protested deeply. "Monsters are moving against us. The leader of this region has betrayed us, and he… either he is another agent of the dark gods, or he proves everything the Spiritualists were saying was right. What am I supposed to think?"

Static hostility grew between the two as it became clear they may in fact have a problem. Hunter spoke before anyone in Farthest Run could countermand Marky. "We fought for your city. I died for it. Now I stand and speak before you. Do you fear me, or the truth?"

The staff of the Druid began working a hole into the land bridge as Marky twisted it in his grip. "They tormented me because of those people! Everyone knew the Spiritualists were evil, I agreed with them, but because Druids can turn into monsters we were grouped together with them. I hated them! How am I supposed to accept that we were wrong?"

Hunter raised an eyebrow at the pain in the Druid's voice and replied softly, "You were shunned. I know that pain, and worse. The truth is not black and white. They were right about me, but I do not claim them as mine. We are here to fight the Spiritualists. If you hate them, good, we can fight together. Do not make an enemy of someone who understands you."

Marky brought his forehead into his staff, closing his eyes as he shook it side to side. "I'm not going to fight you. But that doesn't mean I will enjoy this."

He needs to talk to Willow, Daniel thought. And Festra if she ever shows up again. Marky was deeply conflicted, and it was worth remembering he'd been laboring under the Tyrant Daniel had escaped. Everyone in Farthest Run was thinner, and each aside from Taloran bore at least one new scar. Kindness and understanding, Daniel mentally sighed. "We should get moving. Once Khiat and her family are done we'll get them in the shelter." Daniel indicated the four others who had come with the group. He didn't recognize any of them and they had no levels, and had likely been chosen at random to fill out the roles of refugees 3-6.

"We're with you the whole way," Gordon replied, but there was skepticism in his voice. "But if you're planning on flying straight there, I don't know how effective we'll be."

"Cramped too," Qess added.

For a moment Daniel flashed back to the Ranger pressing him up against a wall while the other held a sword to Hunter. They'd attacked unprovoked. Then again, if he could have the jump on Soraso he'd take the chance to ambush him. "It's fine. I've got flight gear for everyone." Daniel extended an arm and mentally rolled the wing up it for emphasis. "I was expecting six at most so I've got spares."

"You don't happen to have any in another color?" Taloran asked when Daniel withdrew one of the old wolf fur wings. The Bard held up his hands as everyone gave him a withering look. "Sorry, sorry! It doesn't hurt to ask, right? And yours look so stunning."

"These work opposite of what you would assume," Daniel explained to Gordon as he handed him the gear first, ignoring the now sheepish Taloran. "Wings are for stability in the air, the boots are for propulsion. We haven't detected any monsters nearby so you'll have time to get used to them. We'll be moving the whole way back but we can use the platform to rest. Khiat and I take night watch, but we could use one of you too."

"Damn, here I thought we'd be the ones handling things." Qess took the next pair of wings, inspecting them. "These work with Grow Wings?"

"Yeah. You should ask Shuni about that though." Daniel nodded his head toward the Rogue, who was remaining apart from the main group. He hadn't told her about Farthest Run since it just hadn't come up, so she was missing context. With the enchanted items parted out he was going to check on Khiat, but Gordon stopped him.

"We need to clear the air," the Ranger said quietly, enough that only Hunter could listen in. "What happened during the siege? "

"We have bigger problems than that," Daniel said, cutting him off. "You made a mistake. If you'd listened to us the first time we could've gotten to the square sooner. Maybe saved more people. Maybe stopped that horde before it reached the crowd." Maybe prevented Hunter from dying if we'd felt comfortable enough working with you in the Sun Spire instead of splitting off. Daniel shook off that that and suppressed the latent anger at the team. "Honestly? I don't have the luxury to care about what you did. I've worked with people I've hated more anyway. You've already said sorry, so if there isn't anything else to add let's just leave it at that."

He was hardly letting them off the hook, but it seemed Gordon would take a truce. He wasn't done, however. "Marky. I can keep him in line, but if he's provoked… I can't tell you what he'll do. The world hasn't been kind to him."

"Like Hunter said, he isn't the only one with a difficult life," Daniel replied, no mercy in his voice. "I'm willing to give this a new start, but let's get one thing clear. Hunter is a person, he's part of our team. If Marky can't tolerate that, then you'll have to choose between staying here or leaving him behind."

The Ranger considered Daniel for a moment, seeing someone who was perhaps fiercer than the half-beast that had fought Gtoll. No, that wasn't quite it. Before it had been man just awakening his true strength, whereas now Daniel was growing used to it. He wouldn't want to fight the other team, even if the numbers were even. "I can keep him in line," Gordon repeated. "We'll just have to hope for a smooth ride. Everything works out, you won't have to deal with us once we reach Pinion's Point."

"Yeah. That might be for the best."

…

Zozar had come to Aurus alone. Questions had been raised as to what had happened to the rest of those they'd protected in the past, joining with the rumbling, growing discontent among the people of the city. Threst was not a place that took upset to tradition lightly, despite how much Soraso had tried to prime them for a change over the years. It was obvious to anyone with eyes, however, that his rule was unchallengable by anyone in the city. The greater air gestalt around him could simply crush any opposition like they had the veteran stone eagle a few months back.

There was even fear that Zozar had taken over, regardless of how many times Soraso made to show that he still commanded the Sword of Threst. The truth was that both Zozar didn't need to control the region, and that they couldn't if they wanted to. Not without undoing all that they were trying to accomplish. It was a secret they had kept well, served by the isolation of the former Sojourn. Also the fact that Zozar's level meant there was none in the region that could identify him, including Zolyra.

It had never occurred to anyone to ask why he'd said it would take the Zozar a month to get to Aurus when repelling Lagori's challenge to the Regency. For one that could fly, you could travel the span of the region in half that time and do so carefully. But to come from elsewhere, such as from outside of the Octyrrum, you'd need more time.

Yet they were here now. Zozar's mind encompassed him, their powerful will overwhelming. Soraso had long passed the point where he could consider direct refusal or defiance. Yet, he did speak in the way of gestalt to Zozar in disagreement now, whilst secluded in his manor. "It's too risky. We know they're going to make a move eventually. Better to reserve our forces, continue monitoring what we can, and put an end to it then. Defeating 'traitorous' forces will only strengthen our case to the other regions!"

The air trembled around him with Zozar's discontent. Soraso received nothing intelligible back, but it wasn't necessary for him to get the message. "This is why I'm here, isn't it!? I'm telling you, you're making a mistake. Fail and you reveal our special forces too early. It only takes one sending stone message to ruin us if they figure it out. Give them any conclusive proof to show Kallical, Vellus, or the rest, and you'll never fulfill your deal!" The mist in the room thickened, bringing Soraso as close to choking as his race could get.

There was nothing for it. Daniel had removed himself from Zolyra's influence and was days away from other aid. If all they wanted was to send a detachment of guard from Aurus to arrest the Artificer he wouldn't have complained. Soraso knew that would fail, but not in any catastrophic way. But no, Zozar knew that would fail as well. They intended to send their best.

Not the elites that the Old One had made on its own, no. Soraso had let those controlled by that god into the ruins as a show of good faith, for their plans did include claiming that place before the Illustrious could. Daniel hadn't figured into the original plans, but once his abilities had been made known he was too important to be left out.

So important that Zozar was sending some of the best they had to deploy to capture him. Nothing overwhelming in number or level, the greatest of their special forces were garrisoned near Aurus in preparation for Zolyra's attempt to take the city and were too far away to make it in time. But they had advantages that would humble a team on otherwise even footing. A bond, attention from the Old One itself, and the ability to call on one of Zozar's powers if needed.

The odds weren't in Daniel's favor, especially if the Great Guardian's level 6 power was deployed. They'll kill the rest taking him in. Gods, but this isn't the right way to do this. If only his opinion mattered. Against Zozar's will it might as well be a breeze against a tempest.

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