AThousandCurses

Iris Ascendis

The way back to the dormitory was met with complete silence. Otis and himself didn't exchange any words as they were escorted into the respective rooms. Unlike Otis, Chunji was greeted with a familiar yet unfriendly face. Rio, as expected, didn't seem entirely happy that Alto managed to catch up on his return trip. Where Rio went was not Chunji's concern; he didn't get involved in a perilous situation like Davil or Steeler.

"Soft drinks are ill-advised to be consumed prior to rest," Chunji began. Yes, Chunji was more concerned about Rio's diet than he was about where he went. "It is common knowledge that soft drinks tend to contain high concentrations of caffeine and sugar..." For the next ten minutes, Chunji elaborated on the health issues related to consuming soft drinks before bed. Connecting the fact that most soft drinks, including 'Feemie's Fizzyfun', have around 40% of sugar for daily consumption to the body's reception of sugars and caffeine. In conclusion, Rio will have a harder time sleeping.

For the past ten minutes, Rio was forced to listen to the elaborate explanation of why sugary drinks are bad before sleep. If Rio was intuitive enough, he could detect ill intent, but Chunji didn't display any in his tone or expression.

"I would suggest consuming water or any substitute that doesn't have amounts of sugar in it." Finally, the obvious conclusion came. Chunji finally decided to lie down on his bed and closed his eyes. However, the act of resting didn't mean the immediate state of unconsciousness. There were a few minutes of silence before Chunji spoke up again.

"Steeler and Davil were stable the last time I saw them. I will not question your whereabouts as they aren't my concern. What is my concern is the wellbeing of individuals I am aware of. With two students being attacked, another being held under suspicion of being an Umbralist, and another incapacitated for the foreseeable future, I thought being prudent was the best course of action. That is all." With that, Chunji spoke no more. Rio didn't care for reasoning, but reasonings were all Chunji could provide. The only reason Chunji explained himself was to alleviate the sense of stress he now endured.

While he could no longer use essence, the feeling of snakes slithering through his skin became more prominent. No matter how much time has passed, no matter what obstacles sealed them away, they were always with him. Thicker than blood, the covenant that was made at conception was eternal.

His blood boiled, yet his skin felt as if it was cold as a corpse. Nausea swept through his stomach, and his eyes began straining from a non-existent light source. Although Chunji was impassive, there was a certain feeling in his heart. Fear. Fear for not being able to fulfill his life-long contract, fear for the loss of connection, and fear of failure.

His breaths evened out as he calmed himself. It was only seven days. At the end of those seven days, the nullification ring would come off, and everything would return to normal. Then, he'd find himself a routine to immerse himself in. Talk to Professor Lumyr, study at the library, and attend classes. That is all he had to do once everything returned to normal.

Iris Ascendis

Birds of a feather flock together.

Iris Ascendis

I think I'll skip as well.

I don't think Chunji has any interesting thought to share, so he'll probably put on the ring.

Iris Ascendis

I'm gonna edit my post a bit.

Iris Ascendis

"For all the protectiveness, you don't even show up at your friend's side." There was bitterness in his words. It was as if somebody had told him an obvious solution to a complex equation. All the evidence from this point suggested that Rio and Steeler held a close bond with each other. Why was he not here when she needed him the most? It only leads him to two conclusions. The first was that Rio only cared about himself. That conclusion wasn't surprising considering the track record of the Compact 3. The second was that it was entirely for Steeler, which didn't make sense to him either.

It didn't make sense for Rio to suddenly walk up to the fountain and teleport himself to who knows where.

Teleporting himself to an unknown location...

Chunji's eyes narrowed in suspicion. The last time he saw his peer was a little before orientation, and then he sucked himself inside the fountain with that strange coin. This happened during Steeler's incident, during which he didn't show up to her aid. Then, after or during orientation, Davil got into an altercation and was taken into the domain. During this time slot, everyone was gathered to spectate the duel, but Chunji decided to check on the status of both Steeler and Davil.

This timing...

"Dayin-" Before Chunji could issue a command, as a voice interrupted his thoughts. His head was a blur as Dr Kann appeared out of nowhere. "Yes?" Chunji couldn't mask his surprise as the dwarf came up to him. The aspiring doctor nodded at Dr Kann's informative yet blundering reveal of Steeler's information. "I understand; I will ensure this information will not be divulged to anyone else." Admittedly, it was a little obvious judging by what he knew about Steeler and her current state.

Chunji thought that would be the end of it. Of course, much like everything that happened today, Dr Kann continued talking. The lack of context and information that Dr Kann had for the situation was as apparent as the expression on his face. How could care be given when one person within the compact was going to be potentially sentenced to death? "Of course, I understand. I will keep it in mind for future cases." Watching as Dr Kann disappeared back into Steeler's room, Chunji brought back his original chain of thought.

From what Chunji understood, someone must have manipulated the leylines.

Based on what he knew about leylines, the set locations were often places that held an abundance of people and the concentration of the land's essence. Furthermore, someone could overcharge the leyline and take control of it.

But there was a problem. The location that Davil was in lacked the first two requirements. Not to mention that the leyline stretched out of its range to reach the alley. An Ethos, while capable, seemed too unlikely as his investigation didn't divulge that information. Something else must have facilitated its change and acted as an intermediate.

Something like the coin that Rio used at the fountain?

There was a pause before Chunji shook his head. It was a coincidence, but he'd have to confirm it later when he next saw Rio. Chunji wasn't familiar with teleportation, but Rio couldn't have been an expert. He needed more evidence before continuing this theory. There were still too many mysteries of today.

Though with Dayin reporting back of the whereabouts of Rio's Adapa, it seemd that was more or less a coincidence.

How did the Umbralist with the leyline network? Who was the third person in the alley that Davil attacked? Where did Rio go and his association with Steeler? Why did Otis and Iraleth ignore his initial message? What was Ciara's problem?

Regardless, he needed to inform someone of Rio's absence.

Hello, Professor Alto
Currently, the entire Compact 3 is under watch if you haven't heard of it already. All of us, except for Rio, are here, which brings me to the subject of this message. Can you locate where Rio is? He hasn't responded to my message. The last I saw him was at the Plaza, where the fountain was.

Iris Ascendis

@Nanaya

I see! Very insightful! Well I guess that lessens my suspicion by quite a bit. I figured the coin was some sort of medium of translocation.

Also was Dayin unable to receive the location of Rio's Adapa?

Iris Ascendis

I understand, I was trying to figure out how Rio was able to accomplish such a feat with the fountain.

Iris Ascendis

@Nanaya

What are the general rules of teleportation?

Say to go from Point A to B, would the two places be intrinsically connected through say a leyline or something?

EDIT: Also, Chunji is going to use Dayin to track Rio's current location.

Pokémon: Sorrow's Song {looking for players}

Yeah, I'm fairly interested. Are we allowed to play Psychics (Trainer).

Iris Ascendis

"Hm. While I may not speak for everyone here, I believe it was only the natural course of action. There is no need to feel indebted, Ms. Steeler." It was normal to be concerned, but to be this oddly invested meant there had to be more than worry. Did Steeler have a phobia of death? While it was natural to fear for one or another's safety, to be driven to tears by a classmate known for less than half a week. It was an enigma to Chunji, but one that wouldn't bother treading on.

"If it's the duty of nobility or weight of consciousness, I will begin compiling a list. I'll inform you by the end of the week of what my potential demands are." With the delivery of a brick wall, Chunji replied in earnest to Steeler. However, he quickly went to her side as a flash of pain painted her expression. He helped her over to the bed and laid her comfortably in it. It seemed her symptoms were worsening past the minute.

"Understood. I, too, have questions that I desire to be answered." With a nod, Chunji began to leave the room. Just before he opened the door, he spoke up. "Regarding your illness... If you have any troubles with it, you may request my assistance. While I may not be a licensed doctor like the Overseer or Dr Kann, I'll try to provide aid in any capacity I am capable of." With that, he left the room. Steeler provided that same concern to Davil, so the natural action was to show the same to her.

With that obligation now fulfilled, rest was now required. Taking a seat inside the busied clinic, Chunji contemplated. Without his Ethos, there was no way to tell what was happening outside the clinic, and he wasn't in a condition to leave it either. If there was a possible interrogation for the Academy's staff, he would have to prepare a proper response as well. He could, however, fulfill one duty while waiting in recovery.

"Davil and Steeler are currently in the clinic being treated. Everyone else in our Compact is here as well. May I inquire about your location as of right now?"

Sent. Dayin disappeared as Chunji rested against the chair. Who knows where Rio was in all this? Chunji, as a classmate, did his job of informing him about the circumstances. He closed his eyes and tuned out the hectic noise of the clinic to recover from his ordeal.