"Stand beside me. Hold my hand," Mystic Mystic Moon instructed Dunce, her voice tight with exertion. "Channel your Essence – think of it as pure mana flow – through me. I'll then cast the spell using your power alongside mine. That's the only chance we have. 'Serenity's Embrace' is a Tier Six Light Art, far beyond my current level. With this staff's amplification... maybe." Across the realms, magical arts are ranked into nine Tiers by sheer power. Tiers One and Two, like the elementary Fireball or Conflagration spell Dunce could muster, define the Novice Magus. Even a simple Fireball could vary in intensity; his 'Deep-Blue Streak Meteors', technically Tier Two, packed Tier Three punch, proving his Intermediate rank. Tiers Three to Five signify Intermediate Arts; mastering Tier Four grants the Advanced Magus title. To be a Master Magus, one must command at least two Tier Five spells or one Tier Six. Tiers Six through Eight are the true High Arts – spells capable of reshaping landscapes and altering the skies. Even Dunce's late mentor, the Pyro-Necro Mage Gorith, only held Master rank, wielding Tier Five Darkness and Fire spells. Yet his unique fusion arts could approach Tier Seven power, bordering on Archmagus level. An Archmagus must command two Tier Seven spells. The ultimate title, Grand Magus, demands mastery of Tier Eight. In all known lands, excluding the Sacred Isle, only three living Grand Magi exist, forces of near-divine devastation. Tier Nine is the Forbidden Tier – the Apocalypse Arts, requiring multiple Grand Magi and spoken of only in ancient lore, almost myth.
"Got it." Dunce moved close, gripping Mystic Mystic Moon's surprisingly soft hand. He closed his eyes, preparing to channel his consciousness. Before he could start, her voice, low and unexpected, reached him: "After I save your idiot big brother, you're not allowed to be mad at me anymore. And you *have* to call me Mystic Moon. Got it?"
Dunce opened his eyes. Mystic Mystic Moon met his gaze with a faint, challenging smile, her tongue sticking out playfully, radiating an irresistible charm. He nodded mutely.
Mystic Mystic Moon's expression turned grave, her focus shifting to Girln Shi, a whirlwind of grief and rage amidst the encircling warriors. "Let's begin."
Dunce closed his eyes again. Centering his mind, he directed his consciousness – the wellspring of his mana – towards her. The effort was excruciating, like tearing a piece of his soul from its core. As it flowed from the locus within his brow, his mind went blank, his vision swam, and he stumbled. Gritting his teeth against the agony, he forced the dense, almost tangible energy down his arm into his palm. With sheer willpower, the Essence flowed into his hand. Mystic Mystic Moon's grip tightened slightly.
Suddenly, Dunce felt inexplicably *joined* to Mystic Mystic Moon. He could sense the flow of energy within her like a river of pure, brilliant gold – a profound, sacred sensation unlike anything he knew. His Essence merged with hers, flowing along predetermined pathways. Her internal mana felt noticeably weaker than his infusion, yet fundamentally different, alien in its resonance.
Dunce kept channeling while activating his Vital Cyclic Energies, the inner force sustaining his body, preventing him from collapsing under the spiritual strain.
Mystic Mystic Moon felt Dunce's Essence – thick, pure, and curiously untainted – flood into her. It lacked the vast ocean-like depth of her father's power, but its pristine clarity surprised her. She focused intensely, weaving his energy into her own reservoir. Taking a deep breath, she fixed her eyes on the berserk Girln Shi and began the difficult chant: "Radiant Lords of the High Realms! Hear the plea of your devoted servant! Draw forth the Mystic Moon from the Endless Light Ocean! Fill this humble vessel! Grant me thy power to succor the afflicted!" As her voice rose, clear as a silver bell, cutting through the clash of steel, her body ignited with light. A palpable aura of peace radiated outwards, centering on her. Within the brilliance, Mystic Mystic Moon seemed ethereal, like a battle-scarred saint. Beside her, Dunce felt his consciousness violently drained; his world contracted, sounds fading to a murmur. Only instinct kept him upright.
Mystic Mystic Moon's golden aura intensified. The topaz orb embedded in her ornate staff blazed. Raising it high, the wing-like projections flanking the stone shimmered with white radiance, enhancing the central gold. Her own mana poured into the staff; the drain was immense, causing her to stagger. But she couldn't falter; the ritual was incomplete. The air vibrated with gathering magic, coalescing into a shimmering golden dome around Dunce and Mystic Mystic Moon, gently pushing Moon Scar and the others back several meters. The brilliance silenced all but the furious fighters surrounding Girln Shi. The Earthforged Tribesfolk stood frozen in awe.
Dunce's mind was gone, utterly emptied. His body felt like an empty shell, sustained only by Mystic Mystic Moon's connection. He was merely a conduit now. Control belonged entirely to her.
Steeling herself, Mystic Mystic Moon strained to direct the immense power gathering at her staff's apex. She continued the chant: "Boundless Mystic Moon! Purest force in creation! Let thy Centered Tranquility soothe all raging storms! Calm the mind! Return the intellect! Gather the strength within! Duncee! Light of Serenity!" The spell, Serenity's Embrace, was uncommon—a wide-area restorative Light Art. Designed to purge frenzy, confusion, poison, and restore calm, it paled compared to the versatile Tier Four 'Blessing Radiance' in combat efficacy. Yet its unique power to dispel berserk rages and cure toxic afflictions made it Girln Shi's only hope.
The gathered power within the staff's topaz exploded outwards. Without the near-artifact staff amplifying her will, even a Tier Three Light Art would have been impossible for her. Mystic Mystic Moon focused all her will, pointing the staff at Girln Shi. The golden crystal flared, unleashing a cloud of shimmering radiance that engulfed Girln Shi and the fighters surrounding him—barely a third of its potential range. But it was enough.
Bathed in the golden light, Girln Shi froze. Still clutching his wife's body, he stood rigid, panting heavily. The blood-red faded from his eyes, replaced by shocked emptiness. Twin trails of bloody tears carved paths down his face. His spirit seemed utterly broken. Energized by the Light of Serenity, the warriors seized the opportunity, swiftly overwhelming the stunned warrior.
The light faded. Dunce crumpled to the ground, completely spent. Mystic Mystic Moon's vision whited out; she swayed and slumped onto Dunce, unconscious. Their hands remained tightly clasped. Both minds surrendered to oblivion.
Consciousness returned slowly for Dunce. His head throbbed, his mind sluggish and hollow, residual symptoms of extreme spiritual depletion. The rhythmic clatter of wagon wheels filled the air. Gradually, awareness sharpened. He opened his eyes. Mystic Mystic Moon lay beside him, head resting on his shoulder, still deep in slumber. His hand gripped hers, palms slick with sweat. A flush crept up Dunce's neck. She must be exhausted, he reasoned; better to let her rest. Looking around, he recognized the interior of Moon Scar's caravan. Across from him, Moon Scar and his fiery sister, Moon Princess Petal, sat in weary meditation, while Miao slumped nearby, snoring softly.
"Moon Scar," Dunce rasped, his voice rough.
Moon Scar's eyes snapped open. Relief flickered in their depths when he saw Dunce conscious. "Brother Dunce! You're awake! How do you feel? Any lingering pain?"
Dunce shook his head gingerly. "Just weak... empty. Are we moving again? What about Brother Girln Shi? We just left him? His wife... how could that happen? He's... he's shattered."
A grimace twisted Moon Scar's face. "We *are* moving. Towards the ancestral heartland of the Earthforged Tribe. You and Riverress Xuan have been unconscious for a full day. Yesterday afternoon... that spell of yours worked. Your Serenity's Embrace reached Girln Shi just before he burned out his life force. But his wife's death... it's still a mystery. The tribe elders decided he and his wife must be presented to their Presidenttain. To prevent another... incident... they knocked him out. He rides in a wagon behind us, along with her remains." Moon Scar leaned forward, lowering his voice. "The Earthforged are grateful you saved Girln Shi... but suspicious. We're outsiders, potential suspects. They won't let us leave. Our fate depends on the Presidenttain's judgment. And outside?" He gestured towards the thick canvas walls. "Five hundred Earthforged blade masters are our 'escorts'. Our detour to the Deathpeaks just became significantly more complicated."
Dunce sighed heavily. "Brother Girln Shi... his pain... it's deep. He must have loved her beyond measure. We should see this through. I want to know who... who could do such a thing."
Moon Princess Petal opened her eyes sharply, her crimson hair flaring like fire. "Tandor't be naive! Think they won't pin this on us outsiders? Their suspicion of outsiders is legendary! If it weren't for their numbers and the two of you being unconscious, we'd have found a way out last night. We should have taken the Arane'a Pass route – longer, but infinitely safer."
Dunce blinked, puzzled. "Pin it on us? We didn't do anything!"
Moon Princess Petal scoffed. "You really are too trusting. The real killer, hidden among them, might *make* it look like we did! Yes, Girln Shi walked in with us, but their tribe loyalty is absolute. They won't suspect their own easily. We are the convenient unknowns."
Moon Scar nodded grimly. "My sister's assessment is unfortunately sound. Meeting their Presidenttain... it could go very badly."
The thought of Girln Shi's loss hung heavy on Dunce. Though their time together had been brief, he had warmed instantly to the warrior's blunt honesty and solid presence. "He..." Dunce began, but a soft sound beside him cut him off.
"Mmm..." Mystic Mystic Moon stirred, lifting her head from Dunce's shoulder. Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused. "Where...? Feel awful... like wet sand inside..."
Moon Scar's gaze held a new respect as he looked at her. "Riverress Mystic Mystic Moon. Your Art... that Light Art... it was truly formidable. To achieve such a level at your age must demand relentless dedication."
Mystic Mystic Moon flushed slightly, looking at Moon Scar. Dedication? Back in the sacred precincts, she'd been notorious—her father the Arch-Prelate's wild child, barely scraping through basic studies unless the Patriarchs intervened with their own purifying energies. Without their constant aid, she'd likely still be struggling with Tier One spells.
"It wasn't easy," she mumbled, deflecting. "Moon Scar... we're moving? Is Girln Shi stable? That rage... terrifying. And his wife..." She shuddered.
Moon Scar patiently recounted the events as he had to Dunce – the "escort," the Presidenttain's judgment, their predicament.
Mystic Mystic Moon's expression darkened into a scowl. "Unacceptable! We *saved* him! They have no right! And, Dunce! Why are you holding my hand?"
Heat flooded Dunce's face. "I'm... I'm not! *You* were holding mine! Tight!"
Moon Princess Petal rolled her eyes dramatically. "For Light's sake! Stop the handholding nonsense! You've been glued together like that since collapsing yesterday! We couldn't pry you apart if we tried! You've been sharing body heat, end of story!"
Mystic Mystic Moon stuck her tongue out at Moon Princess Petal, then glanced back at Dunce. "Must be the aftermath of channeling through me. Right, Dunce?" She paused, eyes narrowing dangerously. "What did you just call me? Back when I cast Serenity's Embrace? You promised!"
Dunce remembered his vow. "Yue... Mystic Moon," he stammered.
Moon Princess Petal snorted a laugh. "Oh, so cozy! Mystic Moon? Does that make you Duncesie?" Her tone dripped sarcasm.
Mystic Mystic Moon glared at Moon Princess Petal before giving a satisfied nod. "Much better. Dunce, what do you think happened? To his wife? His grief... it was overwhelming. Who could be so cruel? Such a deep hate?" Her playful tone vanished, replaced by genuine horror.
Moon Princess Petal added bluntly, "Defiled *and* murdered. Likely some twisted, rutting monster. If I ever find who did it..." She made a sharp scissor motion with her fingers low near her hip.
Mystic Mystic Moon blinked in confusion. "Find who? Do what? Cut what?"
Moon Princess Petal's cheeks reddened. "Ask Dunce! I'm not explaining!"
Moon Scar shot his sister a stern look. "Moon Princess Petal! Mind your words! That's not suitable conversation for anyone, let alone a lady! Riverress Xuan, please ignore her."
Mystic Mystic Moon looked curiously between Moon Princess Petal's blush and a bewildered Dunce. "Do what to what...?" she murmured.
Moon Scar cleared his throat, shifting uneasily. "So... the Earthforged say the journey from Girln Shi's outpost to the ancestral steadings takes two days. We've traveled more than one. We should reach it by dusk. This incident... it's significant. The Earthforged hold weight in the Federation. Their Presidenttain's son's wife, defiled and murdered? It will cause storms." He lowered his voice. "The tribesmen who examined the scene found little. Neighbors heard nothing. The killer... seemed a sadist. Her arms, legs... snapped bones. Terrible pain before death. Then... after the violation... killed by a blade thrust into her... her womanhood. Brutal. Calculated cruelty. This speaks of a true predator."
Miao, roused by the voices, sat up groggily. "Brother Moon Scar... you think... the Killer Ninja' Guild?" The name hung heavy in the small space. Dunce flinched, fists instinctively clenching at the mention of the killers who had shattered his world.
Moon Scar shook his head. "Unlikely. Guild assassins are efficient, indiscriminate killers, yes. But this? Defilement? Brutality? That's not their style. They execute, vanish. This feels... personal. Intimate. My instincts say it was someone close. Someone from *within* his own tribe, harboring deep, deep hatred."
Dunce frowned, recalling Girln Shi's earlier words. "But Girln Shi said... his people are proud... honorable?"
Moon Princess Petal scoffed again. "Honor masks rot. Even honeyed milk can curdle. Nobody could have slipped unnoticed into his dwelling, right in the heart of camp during daylight hours, unless they belonged. Period. Only one of their own could have managed it."
Miao muttered, "May their Presidenttain's wisdom uncover the truth. And may it *not* involve sacrificing outsiders as scapegoats." He stretched. "Brother Moon Scar, I'll relieve Miles at the reins."
Moon Scar nodded. Miao slipped out. The wagon halted briefly. Moments later, Miles climbed in, and the caravan rolled on.
Miles glanced around, his expression troubled. "Heard from the tribesguards. Girln Shi woke. He's... silent. Motionless. Not fighting. Blank. Like his mind is... gone."
Moon Scar sighed, the sound heavy with sorrow. "When the heart breaks, the soul shatters. His wife's death... it cleaved him in two."
Dunce met Moon Scar's gaze. "I need to see him. Girln Shi. Perhaps... perhaps I can reach him. Offer some solace?"
Moon Scar raised a cautioning hand. "Brother Dunce, it may be futile. Worse, it could stir suspicion."
Dunce shook his head, resolve hardening in his eyes. "I must try. I know... that emptiness inside. That loss." He thought of Owen. Ignoring Moon Scar's implicit warning, ignoring Mystic Mystic Moon who seemed lost in her own thoughts, her eyes closed in apparent meditation, he opened the wagon door and jumped out.
Earthforged warriors, clad in light leather cuirasses, their long blades a constant presence, surrounded the caravan. Directly behind their wagon lumbered a larger, heavier one, guarded by a dozen grim-faced tribesmen. An aura of profound sadness hung around it, untouched by the bright sun.
As the larger wagon drew level, Dunce approached the lead guard. "Warrior," he addressed respectfully, "I hear Brother Girln Shi is awake. May I see him?"
The guard frowned. "Girln Shi woke little ago. Best leave him to stillness. Return to your wagon, Shaper-of-Light. The Presidenttain will shed light on all."
Before Dunce could protest, the thunder of hooves approached. Girln Ju, the formidable warrior who had confronted Girln Shi outside his home, now clad in dark steel, rode up. "Issue?" he demanded.
The guard saluted. "Brother Girln Ju. This Light Shaper wishes to see Girln Shi."
Girln Ju studied Dunce, his expression softening slightly. "Your Light Art, and the young mistress's... they pulled Girln Shi back from the void yesterday. For that, Earthforged remember." He sighed heavily. "His wounds run soul-deep. I tried... words fail. But... if your heart urges you, see him. Keep it brief. He needs healing beyond the body."
Gratitude washed over Dunce. "Thank you, Brother Girln Ju!" He darted to the rear of Girln Shi's wagon and climbed inside.
Within the dim interior, Girln Shi lay strapped to a sturdy board, immobilized. His eyes, empty as dried riverbeds, were fixed unblinkingly on the dark wood coffin resting beside him. His face was parchment pale, the ghost of his yesterday's fury etched in hollow cheeks and a slack jaw.
"Brother Girln Shi?" Dunce whispered, moving closer. "How are you?"
No response. The eyes didn't waver from the coffin.
Dunce sat beside him. "I know... this pain. Losing those held dear. It eats the world." His own memories surfaced, sharp and painful. "But... you can't drown, Brother. The one who did this... they are still free. If you lose yourself to the darkness... her spirit cannot rest. I... I lost someone too. An uncle. Murdered. I was too weak. Too weak to fight." His voice thickened. "I was... nobody. Alone. Then my master found me. Taught me magics, artificing. But it was my uncle... Owen... he took me in. Trained me. At first, I hated him for stealing me from my master's home. But... he cared. When... when they came... the enemies... they pushed him too far. Poison... took him." Tears welled, unbidden, tracing warm paths down Dunce's cheeks. One fell onto Girln Shi's cold, motionless hand. "I... I miss him... every day."
He paused, gathering himself. "Brother Girln Shi... find your strength again. For her. That blood debt cries out. If you sink into this abyss... the one who did this wins. Moon Scar... he suggested..." Dunce hesitated, then forged on, channeling Moon Princess Petal's brutal logic. "...that the darkness might have come from *within*. From one of your own. Your tribe stands strong, but... even the purest honeycomb might hold a sting."
Girln Shi stirred almost imperceptibly. The coffin-bound stare faltered. He whispered, ragged and hoarse, "No... impossible. My brothers... kin of earth... heart's blood sworn. They... they could never... harm Cloud..." His eyes, filling with a terrible, dawning anguish at the mere thought, flickered towards Dunce for a fleeting second before settling back on the coffin, a silent storm raging in their depths.