Dawn broke over Vyrn like a reluctant confession, painting the sky in hues of bruised purple and gold. Elarion and Kirael had bartered through the small hours: a pouch of Aetheric crystals—forged from Elarion's infinite mana—in exchange for the map and passage aboard Kirael's sloop, the Shadow's Grin. The vessel was a relic itself, enchanted hull wards repelling abyssal creatures that lurked in the Echoes.
As they cast off, the port receded, swallowed by mist. Elarion stood at the prow, the Kainos pendant pulsing warmly. The system chimed softly:
[System Query: Analyze Map? Y/N]
He mentally affirmed, and data flooded his vision: coordinates pinpointing an Aetheric node in the Jagged Wastes, overlaid with warnings of temporal distortions and Netherkin activity. The Key of Sypherion wasn't just a hideaway; legends whispered it could anchor dimensions, potentially stabilizing Vein Bleeds or even bridging planes. No wonder the Arcanum hunted it—and him.
Kirael steered with a steady hand, his good eye scanning the horizon. "You're no ordinary Seeker, lad. That power... it's like the Elderglow tales. You reek of aetheric power. Bah, you look like a curse wrapped in gold." As if referring to the vast amounts of aetheric crystals he had seen Elarion forge with his very hands.
Elarion leaned on the rail, watching luminescent waves. "Curse or gift, it concerns you not. Tell me of the cult. Why the Well?"
The smuggler spat overboard. "Netherkin worms call themselves the Void Whisperers. They think the Cataclysm was unfinished business—want to crack the Veins wide open, invite their kin through. The Key could let 'em hide armies in pockets, strike from nowhere."
A shiver ran through Elarion. His system's origin nagged at him—was it truly his benefit as a transmigrator? "Or a Starborn tech, a Netherkin ploy, or something else? Infinite mana felt too convenient, like a leash disguised as freedom.
Hours into the voyage, the Abyss stirred. Tentacles erupted from the depths, coiling toward the ship—abyssal leviathans, drawn by the map's residual energy. Kirael cursed, drawing a cutlass that hummed with enchantments.
Elarion stepped forward, mana surging. "Stand back."
With a gesture, he unleashed a torrent of Aetheric bolts, infinite reserves fueling a storm of light that shredded the beasts. The system logged:
[Combat Log: Enemies Defeated - 3. Experience Gained: Minimal. New Skill Unlocked: Aetheric Barrage (Rank 1).]
Kirael whistled. "By the Starborn, you're a monster."
Elarion smiled faintly. "Or a savior. The Wastes await."
But as the ship pressed on, a shadowy figure watched from a trailing vessel— an Arcanum spy, relic in hand, reporting back to the Spire.