Ancient Technology

Campaign: Return from Darkness

Chapter 13 / 5-1

Ancient Technology

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Summary

When the party finds an ancient piece of gear called a mana kiln in the facility, Ed suddenly attacks them. Afterward, Phares appears and informs the group of Ed's true identity: Beren, the fifth scion of Alberia. The stunned group then pursues the pair deeper in the complex.

Dialogue

I've seen a lot of strange things in my day, but this place is creepin' me the hell out. Could Phares be inside? Yeah, this place is WEIRD, man. The materials used in its construction are unknown to me. I suspect this structure is the reason Lake Reeve was shut off from the rest of the world. What was that?! I dunno, but it came from inside the ol' spooky palace there. Guess we gotta go inside now whether we want to or not. Don't leave my side, Ed. Understand? I understand. All right, here we go... This is... I know I ain't the sharpest arrow in the quiver, but I got NO idea what any of this junk is. I, too, am befuddled, Luca. Perhaps they are some manner of magical weapon like those we saw in Chanzelia. Hey, there's something written here! Step aside for Ranzal the narrator! ...Nope. Never mind. I can't make heads or tales'a all them squiggles. By Ilia... This is Ancient Alberian. Can you read it, Elly? Perhaps. Some of the Church's earliest sacred writings are in Ancient Alberian, and I studied the language during my early years there. So get to translating already! What's it say?! A moment please, Notte. Hmm... Yes, this one here reads "mana kiln," while these two are "collection spout" and "regulation valve." Ya wanna translate that translation there? I heard tales of mana kilns long ago. They are devices that absorb natural mana in order to create a kind of artificial mana. However, I have never seen one with my own two eyes before this day. It's gotta be REALLY old if you've never seen it, Cleo! ...Er, no offense. Which means this facility is a remnant of a civilization even more ancient than the former Dyrenell Empire. The pact between the Goddess Ilia and the Holywyrm Elysium dictated that all mana- related technology made by mortal hands was to be disposed of. Guess they missed this one. Still, what the hell is it doin' here? ...... Stay close, Ed! My brother... It's okay, we'll find him together. Just come back here, all right? You are the hollow prince of the Alberian royal family, Euden... And soon you will be broken. What?  ! Haaaah! Elly! Get away from him, Your Highness! This fiend is his doing! ...... What's going on here?! I thought his speech and attitude strangely philosophical for a child of his age. Who are you, demon?! Speak! ...... No... That ebon miasma is... Aw, hell. The kid's usin' black mana! Who are you, Ed? Who are you REALLY?! Ah, I was wondering what all the fuss was about. It seems my guests have finally arrived. ...... Phares! You did well to make it this far, Brother. Ah, but how rude of me. I haven't made proper introductions yet! This...is Beren. His name is Ed! ...... Beren, what are your first impressions of dear Euden? He is quite the fortunate prince indeed. A happy, naive man who believes in his convictions without the slightest shred of doubt. You say that like it's a bad thing, dude! Nothin' wrong with a little self-confidence. Enough games, Phares. Who is this child? I should think you familiar with the tale of Alberia's fifth scion, yes? The one who disappeared? No... No, it can't be. The name of the lost prince was Beren. And this child...is our brother. WHAT?! ...... Ed is my... Wait a sec. Waaaait, wait, wait. This is Euden's older brother?! He can't be! Look how tiny he is! Is your world so simple that you trust only what your eyes behold? Aw, c'mon! Ya really think we're all dumb enough to fall for this happy horsecrap?! I merely speak the truth. Whether you believe or not is no concern of mine. Are you really my brother, Beren? My father... Leonidas... All they ever said was that my older brother went "missing." A story purely for appearances sake. You ought to cultivate a greater ability to tell truth from fiction, my brother. They hid his existence. They took the greatest secret of the Alberian royal family and tried to simply wish it away. Ah, excellent! The mana kiln has finally reached maximum output. You've come at a perfect time, Brother. We shall wait for you at the innermost chamber. Come on, everyone! We have to find them!