AThousandCurses

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.

Iris Ascendis

At Dr Sylv's instructions, Chunji wordlessly held down Davil to the overseer's instruction. He could feel Davil struggling as Dr. Sylv proceeded with the operation. From the brief respite they were given, Chunji was unsure how much essence Iraleth, and he could provide, but it was a given that they would stake any amount of sacrifice for Davil's sake. However, what was more concerning was Dr. Sylv's calcifying hand. A brief look of surprise washed over Chunji. It was as if she had grown a claw of dragon in place of her arm. However, he recovered and focused back on Davil.

Dr. Sylv plunged her calcified arm into Davil's torso-

And then the world became undone. In its place was an unfamiliar scenery that held a serene beauty. The moon reflected off the lake's surface, leading to Chunji's eyes landing on two prospecting figures. A person he had never seen before and a Davil Chunji had never seen before. It was clear what they were spectating. A close, intimate memory that was held in the heart of his peer. Davil's purest feelings at its origin.

Then, like a crashing wave, everything changed. Images of Davil's life streamed through and rushed past. The multitude of sparring partners, the endless grit to train, and the insurmountable mountain that could not be scaled. Chunji almost felt sympathy until the blood-soaked moment appeared. "Ah, you weren't so different after all." Chunji thought to himself. He had underestimated the Davil, who could only win through murder. Before Chunji could ponder further, reality came back into shape.

Chunji nodded and began providing nama and rupa into Davil's body. Specific essences were selected as donating the Great Lotus Serpent's essence would have proved detrimental to Davil's body. Sweat grew on Chunji as he strained himself to do so. His body felt like it was burning as he provided essence. Then, once they were done, Chunji backed off and took composed breaths.

"...I will be fine," Chunji stated after he regained himself. "Rest would be enough to remedy the exhaustion. If I face complications, I'll make an appointment with the receptionist." Then, just like he had entered, Chunji turned to leave the room. There wasn't a need to inform others of his plans.

Standing in front of Room S-120, he knocked on the door. If the room was busy, he'd summon Dayin to compile a message to Steeler. Regardless, he'd inform Steeler about the events transpiring.

"Davil's stable. Dr. Sylv has said that he only needs a week's rest to fully recover, but he's alright."

Iris Ascendis

Huh, now that you mention it, that sums it up well.

Iris Ascendis

@Psyker Landshark

I think Raja is just moving to the other end of the room and letting Dr. Sylv perform her operation.

EDIT: We should be good now!

Iris Ascendis

It seemed the complexity that ailed Steeler was worsening based on what was overheard. That was concerning, but it seemed that the information shouldn't have been privy to his ears. Pretending not to hear it would be best, if an event related to this happened, he would at least used this tidbit for understanding.

Though the one that took priority was Davil first and foremost. Based on the looks on both doctors, this was not ordinary case as Chunji expected. Dr Kann in particular seemed stressed at the thought of treating it, but the overseer, Dr Sylv, would take his place in stead. "Understood," Chunji bowed with his head. Before he followed the overseer out of the room, Chloe spoke up.

It was truly an oddity that Chloe showed concern over Davil's situation rather than her own. Didn't they only know each other for two days? However, such behavior was not unusual based on the training at Professor Alto's class. "I will inform you through the Adapa about Davil's condition. If the Overseer permits, I will inform you on the step by step process on it." With that he turned he followed after the Overseer.

When he came in after Dr Sylv, the situation was tense as he had expected. Principal Raja loomed over Davil to what he presumed was she an attempt to cast a spell on to him. It didn't work judging on his facial features. Though with the Overseer here, that expression would most likely not change, but he'll be better.

Thankfully, what Otis had tried didn't turn out badly. Chunji walked up and took his side of the bed. "I will provide assistance. Please proceed with the instructions." If helping the Overseer would improve Davil's condition, then staying still wasn't an option.