Full of curiosity about the 'pseudo armors' Erik had mentioned, the group cautiously returned to the underground camp. The journey took longer this time, since Tiberius was exhausted and they had to make wide detours around the temples to avoid being detected.
Upon returning to their dark refuge, barely lit by a few crystals emitting a greenish light, Zoe, Elara, and Frank couldn't help but let out small sighs of relief. Although the place was nothing more than an improvised camp, somehow it managed to give them a strange sense of security.
"Get some sleep, Tiberius."
As he stroked the black wolf's head, Erik spoke in a calm, warm voice. Tiberius barked softly, then curled up and jumped into his contractor's arms, where he quickly fell asleep. At that moment, the jealous silver wolf began to nudge Erik's hip with his head, making the star-haired young man laugh as he reached out to pet his head.
"Are you going to tell us what those pseudo armors are about now?" Zoe asked, watching as Erik petted the silver wolf while holding the black wolf in puppy form with his other hand. Erik looked at Zoe and answered without stopping petting Kaiser.
"It's actually something simple. Even though our armors can no longer be considered magical artifacts, they're still made of very rare and durable materials. So, even without the runes, they're stronger than anything I could make here.
"But, although they're tough and provide great defense, their weight is really uncomfortable and slows us down. Plus, the lack of the basic functions of an armor is really noticeable. So, my idea is to create a simple magical artifact to wear underneath, which will lighten the weight of the armor and give us some basic functions."
"That sounds like a great idea! What functions are you planning to include?" Elara quickly asked with a cheerful smile. Erik replied as he walked over to one of the crates to grab a notebook.
"Not many, to be honest. The artifact can't be too complex or the golden chains will appear to destroy it." Erik opened the box and, after going through several stored notebooks, took one with a leather cover and a small rune engraved in the center. After reaching the stone table while flipping through the notebook, Erik continued.
"For now, I have four functions planned. First and most important, to lighten the weight of the armors as much as possible. Second, a basic thermal and environmental insulation system. Third, emergency life support, though a very simple one. And lastly, a reactive shield system. But don't get your hopes up for the shields, since wisdom runes can't be used—it'll be hard to make them work."
"That doesn't matter; just the first three functions will be a huge help in future battles." Zoe said softly, at which point Elara commented a little regretfully.
"It's a shame there aren't any communication functions. They'd be really useful if we ever have to split up."
"The problem is the lack of key minerals and the impossibility of making things too complex. I have some ideas for a communications system, but it would be a rather complicated project. There's no point in having a communications system if others can intercept and decipher it." Erik commented in a calm voice as he started writing in the notebook, while Ebonique curled around his neck to watch. Elara nodded in understanding and replied.
"You're right. It's better to have nothing than to have a 'window' that gives the enemy our information."
"Do you need us to help you with anything to create the 'armors'?" Zoe asked as she looked at Erik, who nodded and replied.
"Yes, you and Frank could help me by taking measurements, cutting, and sewing the pseudo armors. Meanwhile, Elara could help me organize the rune arrangements."
"I'm not an expert, but I'll help as best I can." Elara quickly announced seriously. Zoe also nodded, but just as she was about to speak, Frank raised his hand, prompting her to ask curiously.
"Is something wrong, Frank?"
At the question, Frank lowered his hand, and after hesitating a little, he took a deep breath, then looked at all the direct disciples—especially Erik—and added with great seriousness.
"It's just that I think it's important to keep an eye on the hunters, especially the second temple. So I'd like to volunteer to watch it. I might be able to discover a lot of information about the careless leader."
"Are you aware of what you're saying?" Erik stopped writing in the notebook and looked at Frank, asking in a serious tone. The young student nodded solemnly and replied.
"Yes, boss. I know it's dangerous, but someone has to do it, and I feel it should be me. If it weren't for you, dear direct disciples, I'd be dead by now. If I hadn't died at the hands of that golem, I would've ended up killed by a hunter.
"It never would've occurred to me to look for another entrance, and even if I had, the basilisk would have killed me. So, I feel like I need to prove myself, and my wind affinity gives me a bit of an edge in spying."
"Nice words, but they don't make sense." Erik commented in a casual tone, turning his attention back to the notebook as he continued.
"I imagine this whole thing about direct disciples and being a university student makes you think you're not that valuable to the team, but let me tell you something—the most valuable person here is you. Thanks to you, we found this entrance. Thanks to you, we discovered the basilisk in time. And thanks to you, I found that golem.
"And that last part was the most important. It practically confirmed to me that 'extreme simplification' was the trick to being able to have magical artifacts here. In any case, the point is that we need you, and we can't afford to risk you. So go, start taking measurements, and stop with the nonsense."
Erik's words had a big impact on Frank, who staggered back a few steps. But even so, the young man quickly picked up Lirio in his arms and tried to speak, but no words came out of his mouth. At that moment, Erik looked up and gazed at him calmly, asking in a casual tone.
"What? Are you trying to tell me that it's all thanks to Lirio and not you, and that I could just take Lirio?"
"…"
With an incredibly complicated expression, Frank nodded silently. Erik smiled as he reached out to scratch Ebonique's chin—she was wrapped around his neck reading the notebook—and then commented in a casual voice,
"As it turns out, I'm 'disabled'. I don't have any kind of magical affinity, so almost 40% of my combat power depends on this beautiful and heroic dragoness, and almost 20% is thanks to my wolves. Do you think I'm worth less because of that?"
"Do you?"
Ebonique looked at Frank with narrowed eyes and asked in a cold voice, genuinely angry that the young man would dare insult her beloved Erik, even if only indirectly. Frank panicked and quickly shook his head vigorously, declaring sincerely.
"I-I would never dare to think something like that, Direct Disciple Erik. You're a unique genius, capable of surpassing the greatest genius in all of human history, Master Eldurdóttir. Your talents are varied and incomparable, and these past days I've been able to confirm that every day. It's possible that in the entire young human generation, there isn't a better artificer or alchemist than you."
"Enough with the flattery." Erik commented with a hint of annoyance at the excessive praise, then continued in a casual tone.
"The important point is that the power of your contracted spirit is part of your own power—or at least, that's how I see it. So if you belittle yourself because something was done by your contracted spirit and not by you, well, you're insulting me too. And besides, if it ever crossed your mind to give Lirio to me, you better erase that thought."
Erik turned to look at Ebonique and commented with a small smile as he stroked her chin.
"This dragoness is way too jealous and would never let me have another contracted spirit."
"Hmph, no one is worthy." Ebonique replied proudly, lifting her head slightly—though not too much, since she still wanted to enjoy the petting.
"…"
Hearing Erik's words, Frank looked at him intently, his eyes slightly red and a lump forming in his throat. Although he was a "second-generation" rich kid thanks to his parents' business success, as a mage he was pretty average at the university. The university planet was inhabited not only by the most impressive geniuses of the Arcane Order, but also by talent from all over the galaxy.
The university was literally the gathering place for the best in the galaxy, and in a place like that, even he, who had been considered a genius in his early years, learned what absolute suppression felt like. He, Frank Svensson, lost all his pride and vanity in just his first year at the university, leaving behind only a humble and reserved person trying to move forward.
But without realizing it, that humility had turned into a serious lack of self-esteem, which inevitably led to his reverence for the 'direct disciples.' After all, only someone who had experienced the overwhelming talent of a direct disciple could truly understand the sense of powerlessness and awe they could inspire simply by existing.
The direct disciples were the crème de la crème—people so far above the rest that it was hard to even see them as human. Something that might take him years or decades of hard work and dedication, a direct disciple could achieve casually in a couple of months. But even among those legendary 'direct disciples,' there were levels. Like the young man standing before him now, who put most direct disciples to shame—if not all of them.
For that reason, the words of the star-haired young man meant so much to Frank. The best of them all—the one who could even inspire reverence and admiration from the direct disciples Belmonte and Laverne—had called him someone valuable, someone they couldn't afford to risk. But even more significant, that star-haired young man was a bit like him: someone with limitations who relied on "external things" to stand out.
If Direct Disciple Erik could stand at the top while needing a notebook to write down his thoughts so he wouldn't forget them and needing a contracted spirit and a pair of contracted animals to make up for his lack of power. Then maybe he could have a chance too. Maybe he wouldn't reach the very peak, but perhaps he could make his name echo throughout the galaxy at least once.
…
"Well, if you have nothing else to say, then start taking your measurements—we need to move quickly." As Frank got lost in his thoughts, Erik commented casually, turning his gaze back to his notebook.
"U-understood, Boss!"
Frank quickly snapped out of his thoughts and replied enthusiastically. Immediately after, the young student ran off to look for a rope among the neatly stacked boxes. At that moment, Elara approached Erik and commented with a small smile.
"You're really good with words, Erik."
"I didn't say anything that wasn't true." Erik replied in a calm tone. "Frank really will be vital in the garden. Lirio's ability is a game changer we can't afford to risk. Besides, he himself is a great mage—very serious and obedient. He's worth having on the team."
"That's not exactly what I meant, but you're right—he's a great talent worth nurturing." Elara said thoughtfully as she watched Frank grab a rope and start taking his own measurements.
"But do you really depend that much on your contracted spirit and the wolves, Erik?" Zoe asked curiously, glancing at Ebonique around Erik's neck, Tiberius sleeping on the stone table, and Kaiser at the young man's feet.
"It's true—not having magical affinities limits me a lot. While I wouldn't be short of options without them, since I'm good with Myst constructions, when it comes to attacking I rely heavily on them." Erik replied calmly as he spread a large sheet of paper on the table, taken from a box.
"I see… I'll start with the measurements." Zoe murmured thoughtfully, then watched as Erik began drawing a rune arrangement on the sheet.
After a few minutes, Frank, Elara, and Zoe gave Erik their measurements using a rope as a reference. With the data, Erik quickly created three armor templates on paper, then measured himself and made one for himself as well. Once the templates were ready, Frank and Zoe began cutting the tanned leather from the boxes, while Elara started doing calculations as Erik requested.
For her part, Ebonique began making threads of true copper and falamite using her claws—a process she was already used to and could do with relative ease. The hours passed, and soon the armors, sewn together with dried animal tendons, were ready. By that time, Erik and Elara had finished the matrix arrangements, so Erik quickly started embroidering the runes onto the leather with a bone needle.
After Erik explained how to do it, Elara, Zoe, and Frank began helping with the embroidery, though only with the less important sections—the critical parts were done by Erik. While everyone was quietly embroidering, focused on their work, Tiberius began to open his eyes and soon got up, barking happily and running over to Erik.
"You seem full of energy." Erik commented with a smile as he petted the little wolf. Tiberius barked energetically, which made Elara smile tenderly, and she soon commented.
"He really is an adorable little one…"
At that moment, Kaiser, who had been lying beside Erik, quickly shrank down and jumped up to stand next to Tiberius, "demanding affection" as he barked adorably. As Erik reached out to pet the silver wolf's head, Zoe and Elara looked at each other and then laughed softly.
"Well, now that Tiberius is rested, it's time to confirm whether the basilisk really woke up or not." Erik said in a serious tone while petting the pair of wolves, which wiped the smiles from Elara and Zoe's faces as they quickly got up from their seats.
"You're right, we can't put this off any longer." Zoe said as she placed her left hand on the hilt of the katana at her waist. Erik nodded in agreement and spoke as he turned to look at everyone.
"This time, stealth and speed are everything, so I'll go alone."
"That's too dangerous!"
At that moment, a female voice replied firmly, which brought a slightly bitter smile to Erik's face. Looking at the dragoness flying in front of him, Erik reached out his hand and spoke in a calm but firm voice.
"We already talked about this, Ebonique. It's risky, but the fact that we're still alive and well here only means that either the temple can withstand the basilisk, or it still hasn't fully awakened. It's not as dangerous as it seems."
"But…" Ebonique replied with visible reluctance. Erik smiled and responded confidently,
"Don't worry, we'll go together. If anything happens, we'll face it together."
"…"
Ebonique fell silent, gazing into Erik's green eyes, then looking at one of the galaxies visible in his hair. After a few seconds, the dragoness let out a sigh and replied, meeting Erik's eyes.
"Alright, let's go. Whatever comes, we'll face it together."
"That's what I like to hear."
Erik replied with a smile, then looked at his companions—but at that moment, he couldn't help but show a confused expression. The fox spirit, Hiyori, was licking her fur with her eyes closed and her ears pressed tightly against her head, as if she didn't want to see or hear anything. Though curious about the fox's reasons, Erik shook his head and, looking at his companions, added.
"Well, I'm going to investigate the other side. I won't be long."
"Take care, boss. I know I can't be of much help, but if you need anything, I'm at your complete disposal." Frank quickly replied in a serious, solemn voice, while Elara and Zoe bit their lips in frustration. Erik smiled casually and replied.
"I know, but for now, focus on finishing the embroidery. Whether the basilisk has awakened or not, we're going to need them."
"Understood, boss!" Frank responded seriously. Zoe let out a sigh, then looked at Erik and said seriously.
"It's frustrating not being able to do anything, but for now, we're completely depending on you, Erik. Be very careful and avoid any unnecessary risks. We'll be waiting here, ready to rush to help you at any moment."
"Thank you." Erik replied with a small smile. At that moment, Elara walked up to Erik and handed him a bamboo pouch with a leather strap to tie around his waist and said.
"There are some healing and concealment potions in here. Take care of yourself."
"Thank you." Erik said again, grateful as he took the pouch and tied it around his waist. Once it was securely fastened, Erik looked at the others and said in a calm voice.
"See you all later."
Under everyone's watchful gaze, Erik reached the temple accompanied only by the black wolf, and with a quick pull, opened the stone door. Without a moment's hesitation, Erik, with Ebonique in his hair, entered the temple with a steady step and closed the door behind him. At that moment, Kaiser, the silver wolf, walked over to the door, where he sat with his chest held high, like a proud guardian.
…
Upon entering the temple once again, Erik quickly analyzed the place, realizing that everything was in order, without any apparent changes, so he quickly walked to the door guarded by the statues. With a swift motion, Erik opened the door, revealing once again the corridor with walls densely covered in runes. Wearing a serious expression, Erik quickly examined the corridor, and once he confirmed that everything was normal, he looked at Tiberius at his side.
"Hide me."
With a restrained howl, Tiberius's shadow stretched out and completely covered Erik, who quickly placed his hands on the wolf's head and began to move down the corridor with steady steps. When he reached the end of the hallway, Erik, for the first time, took a deep breath and then pushed the door open.
***
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