Testing and Experimentation

Campaign: Return from Darkness

Chapter 13 / 5-3

Testing and Experimentation

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The Ferocious Firelord

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The Hollow Lakelord

Summary

In the depths of the facility, Phares begins his experiment. Beren pours mana from the kiln into a dragon, producing a void version of Poseidon. But Leif suddenly appears to help the heroes, and together they face off against their massive foe.

Dialogue

Is this the facility's innermost chamber? It's pretty huge... Hmm? What's this? The hell is this creepy stuff? It ain't water, I know that much. I feel drawn to it. Could it be the artificial mana you mentioned earlier, Cleo? Mana is by its nature formless, invisible, and inviolable. And yet... Perhaps it was put into this form to make it easier to manage? But that would take unimaginably advanced technology... Well, whatever they're doin', it's terrible. No wonder the lake and forest around here are all dead—they took the mana! Dude, look! Over there! It's little creep and big creep! Phares and Beren! Welcome, one and all. What is this place, Phares? You stand before a mana kiln, a device wrought from ancient wisdom that permits the harvesting and subsequent physical utilization of mana. And this place would appear to be a testing facility for early models of said kiln. It is a place with a massive accumulation of mana...and it is the perfect location for my experiment. Now let us begin, Beren. ...... Nnngh... What is this intense wind?! The hell is this kid doin'?! Everyone hold on to somethin'! I'm gonna get blown awaaaaay! Hang on to me, Notte! Don't gotta tell me twice! All the mana was swallowed up! This miasma is unbelievable... I cannot see a thing! The heck's happening to his body?! Beren's preparations are complete. Now for the next step... Okay, this is NOT good! C'mon, not ANOTHER void dragon! No—that roar came from a dragon that still has self-awareness. But it is filled with a terrible fury. Graaargh! Is this the guardian dragon of Lake Reeve? Cleverer than I thought, my brother! This is indeed the water dragon that oversees the mana of the lake. I thought it strange that we did not see a dragon at the lake. You captured it?! More accurate to say that a dragon that was ordered to be captured alive by the Empress was given to me. So you got it from Morsayati? Phares, why are you following the Other?! I care not who aids my research, so long as it is aided. The objectives of the Empress and myself are one and the same. Graaargh! Phares, Beren's in danger! ...... What are you doing?!  ?! Gr...gr...GRAAARGH! The dragon! The black mana has claimed it... The child is responsible for the production of void dragons. Then you're the one who sent the void dragons after us, aren't you? I wondered when you might realize this. No wonder the dragons kept rushin' us the moment we ran into ya. You damn trickster! Now then, I wonder how much power this new dragon truly has? Thankfully, we have a suitable opponent on which to test it conveniently located right before us. I do hope I can count on your prompt cooperation in this matter. Phares! S-stop... Why are you doing this?! Beren! Brother! Stop this now! We have no reason to fight! Brother, is it? Your ignorance is pitiable. Euden, watch out!  !

Pray forgive the lateness of my arrival, Prince Euden. Leif! Are you well, Your Highness? I'll be all right, Leif, thank you. But what are you DOING here?! Chelle informed me that Phares was plotting some most nefarious deeds. Chelle told you? If you would suffer my personal opinion, Prince Phares, I must give it—I fear you err most grievously in your ways. Your wisdom is meant to bring light to Alberia, and I cannot stand by and permit you to use it in this fashion. Heh. You never change, Leif—you always did love preaching about principles. Ah, well. If you will be joining my brother, that only makes the setting for my grand experiment all the better. What will be the result of pouring mana far beyond their original levels into a dragon? Let us discover the answer together! Graargh! Are you done listening to me, Phares? Is there nothing I can say? So be it. In that case, I'll do what I must to stop this dragon—AND you! Your Highness, take care to be cautious. This creature is a most formidable foe. I will assist you to the best of my abilities. Thank you, Leif. Now let's go! Right!