I originally intended to immediately skip to the sequel, but after I read the great reviews of this work, I started to write about Zel's destination. Here's a short second chapter. The third and final chapter will emerge sometime this week, depending on the mental fatigue generated by my job and the willingness of my muse.
After a few days of travel, I finally perceive my destination. I had heard rumors of a ghost town, consisting of several ancient temples and libraries, at the end of the desert. I tried not to get my hopes up at the prospect of a cure, but if my cure could be found in this area of the world, it would most likely be in one of those libraries or temples. I continue my trek towards the building, firmly reminding myself to remain only cautiously optimistic. A heartless magic-using swordsman may be prone to rage, but such rage would only hinder my quest.
If I did not find my cure here, I would not likely find it anywhere in this part of the world. Perhaps if this particular search proved fruitless, another method would be more likely to get results. But aside from searching for archaic temples and libraries, what method was there? Rezo's main lab was destroyed, and I had already searched the others I knew of. I winced as I recalled my reaction to the lack of even a possible cure. The other labs and libraries of Rezo would not help anyone else, due to my misplaced rage.
While I had been thinking, my cursed body had managed to get closer to the building. I could now see the outlines of other buildings nearby, and also make out the features of the closest building. The features were similar to the temples I had damaged previously. The metal gate was large enough for several tall men to walk through at once simultaneously, with an inconspicious handle halfway down on the left side. Around the gate was a fairly short wall. Taller than any human could jump, but I could easily levitate over it. It seemed very appropriate to the entrance of a small ancient town.
I look through the gate at the buildings. Some of the buildings were tall and curved, while others were shorter, wider, and rectangular. The curved buildings were more elaborate, with flying buttresses extending from the sides to support the weight. Small figures were visible on the roofs of each curved building I perceived to be a temple. I think they are more elaborate than other Outer World temples I had visited, which seems a good sign. The rectangular buildings were hopefully libraries, but probably served other functions. Hopefully one of these buildings would possess my cure.
I arrive at the gate to the ghost town and weigh my options. I could pick the lock, destroy the gate with magic, simply levitate over it, or try to force the gate with my chimeric strength. I decide to consider this a test, to see if I could restrain my rage. The reason I had not searched Seyruun yet is that I tended to damage a fruitless area, and did not want to do so to Amelia's city. Both because of her disapproval, and the fact that I would most likely become a criminal. I inspired enough fear and hostility without having wanted posters plastered everywhere. For this reason, I barely noticed the bounty hunters sent by Eris.
I grasp the handle of the gate firmly, and experimentally pull it towards me. I blink in shock as the gate swings toward me with slight resistance in the form of metallic squeaks. I smile as I briefly fantasize that the entire city is in such a miraculous state. I start to walk through the gate when I notice only a small amount of rust covered the iron gate. That could not be possible. According to the rumors, several generations have passed since the city was occupied. This was confirmed by the large desert. At least a few hundred years had passed, perhaps even a thousand. No gate, or building for that matter, could stand that long in such outstanding condition without some sort of assistance, whether physical or magical. And no life was present.
Magical assistance. That was a heartwarming possibility. But no spell I knew of could protect an area for so long. It must be either a holy spell that was lost to humans a thousand years ago, or some sort of magical artifact. For the first time since my arrival at the Clair Bible, I gaze at an area that very possibly held my cure.
Fate had intervened then, destroying access to both of the entire Clair Bibles, at least temporarily. Or so the dragon Milgazia said curtly to me when I returned there alone. I did not ask for elaboration, or if I had his permission to enter when the repairs were made. His look of disapproval was enough answer for me. Perhaps Filia could put in a good word?
I stop at this thought for a second, then continue to walk ahead of the gate, getting closer to the abandoned buildings. I allow myself a very human gaze of appreciation at the fine architecture, then quickly enter the building closest to the gate. I would search this city as systematically as I searched any other area. Hopefully, that more thorough method would have more desirable results. Perhaps I will have an uncharacteristic amount of luck and find my cure.