A/N: Hey guys! I bring to you all the new update for this story! I apologize for the delay but I've been working on essay. And I've got another essay due next Saturday, so there might be a delay for "A New Beginning" on chapter 18. So I apologize in advance. And also I'm changing certain facts from the game regarding the timeline mainly because I didn't like how you could do the bonus quest after chapter 16 (which is when the Land of Canaan is open). It doesn't make sense how Ludger would be doing other stuff and not going straight for the Land of Canaan. Just a heads up!
Anyway time to respond to you awesome reviewers!
Project AE Hachi-Roku: Well in the game, yes Julius has become a soul bridge but not in this story. I'm changing the timeline a little because it's weird for Ludger to be celebrating at a Hot Spring when Elle's in trouble, lol
-Hahaha, yeah when I was writing the part about Rolling getting eaten last, I could imagine that actually be in the game xD
-Yeah I've read your latest chapter on your story. Hoping for an update soon xD (Speaking of which, did I review your latest chapter?)
MagatsuIza: Well I'm glad you liked the mix of comedy + romance, hehe.
-Hmm... it doesn't really bother me, although I think it would have been dramatic if Bisley was openly discovered as Ludger's father. So yeah
0 Son of 7: Haha, I'm glad you like the Jude x Milla moment, hehe. And yes, don't worry. I'll take my time although I still have this urge to write, hehe
-Oh, right! Now I got it. I was kinda clueless that we were talking about DotA at that point. I don't play DotA 2 and it's been ages since I played the original DotA. I don't even remember that Juggernaut could increase his ult by getting Aghanim. Totally forgot, haha!
-Happy ending or sad ending, we shall see where this story goes (although I've already planned which ending it will be)
RKF22: Well the Celsius arc is covered in this chapter :D
Riku Uzumaki: haha, I know what you mean but I considered it as the developers just trying to make it a comedic moment. But if you think about it, then yes, the girls were harsh about what they did :( but as you said, at least Milla apologized ;)
-Yup! Elle sees it as her family now. She's a tough girl and she's adapting well, hehe
-Well she can't stop blaming herself that Ludger's hurting himself because of her :(
U-Know Yunho: Hehe, glad you liked the chapter!
-And yes! Let Teepo swallow Jura up! muahahahahah
That Mysterious Reader: Wait... every Tales have a Hot Spring scene? O_O
GroundZeroFirework: Hahaha, glad you liked the hot springs scene chapter. And yes, poor guys but well... I guess they were unlucky
-Glad you liked the part about the Jude x Milla moment as well as the Alvin x Leia moment. I feel this is the last opportunity everyone has to bond before I approach the final arc
Aldehar: Yeah, you failed to make it on time but you reviewed for both chapter, so I appreciate your feedback! :D Must still be busy with your work eh XD
-Yeah it's too bad about Ludger not being to talk. Nothing can be done about that.
-I'm currently going to my 3rd playthrough so this time I'll be sure to complete all quests on the board with the "!" mark.
-Yeah, haha! I wanted the detective to be facing fear in the game but that never happened. So I guess it'll have to do with just this story! And I'm glad you liked the battle descriptions, took me a while to choreograph it and write it down, lol.
-Ah yeah, I know what you mean. Bisley in general is another awesome character. he has his own agenda and is just unfortunate that he's extreme about what he wants. If he was willing to compromise, then Ludger wouldn't have had to die T_T and yeah, can you actually imagine? Gaius and Bisley standing toe-to-toe? Their presence would have shaken the ground! haha
-Mhm, i felt Tanner never had any form of closure and the scene I had of him saying "Thanks Big.E" was epic in my mind, with the game's music and all. But too bad it's just in written form :(
-Overall I enjoyed writing the photograph scene. I mean the game showed it in the credits and I'm like "aww" but then "wait, when did they have time to take this?" So I decided to implement it on my own. And hey, 'fractured' Milla's in it this time and that makes it more epic xD
-Now to your review of chapter 27. Yeah, I know what you mean. The fact that Milla's time is limited and that one day Jude will pass on, I don't really want to think about it. That's going to be just... UGH! FEELS!
-Yeah, in the game Ludger cleared the debt on his own but I felt if I wanted to show the hot spring scene, Ludger's going to have to have his debt cleared somehow. And I feel him completing a 20million debt in a short time... is not possible (unless they did the poker thing, which I did not include in this story).
-Yup! All Alvin's fault! Haha, writing that part was fun 'cause I was thinking on how this all happened. And it was really enjoyable so I'm glad you guys liked that part.
-haha, that skit was really a 'spur of the moment'. I was just writing the chapter that I was thinking 'This will be a good tiem to insert a skit' and the conversation really just flowed by putting myself on what the characters would say. hehe
-Yup! I felt Rowen always cares for Elize and since he and Gauis were such high-ranking people of Rieze Maxia, they should have some bonding moments, hehe
-Yeah, the Jude x Milla scene was basically an inspiration from their last converastion in ToX at Trigleph. And as for the Ludger X F Milla scene... all I can say is... you have every right to be worried! huehuehue
-In all, I'm glad you liked the past two chapters! And I hope to hear your thoughts on this new chapter! And good luck with your internship!
TheAnime4Fan: Yeah I notice you haven't been able to review as soon as you usually did, hehe.
-haha well I'm at least glad you liked my version of the hot springs but you can always be frank with me. I like constructive feedback to help me improve.
-Well the soul bridge originally needs Chronos to make but the Kresnik clan instead turns to killing a family member instead and forgets about using Chronos.
-I'm happy you liked this chapter! I hope to hear your thoughts about this chapter
Well guys, that brings an end to responding to reviews! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! And let me know what you all think!
CHAPTER 28: SPYRITE RESEARCH
"They say that couples who stand at the top of the falls develop an intense bond for each other." Celsius explained, "One human was persistent in inviting me as well but I refused. I have little interest in participating in human traditions. Although I did enjoy watching humans do so."
Currently Jude, Ludger, the two Millas and Elle were at the Kijara Seafalls along with the Great Spirit of Ice, Celsius. After returning from the hot springs trip at Sharilton the day before, Jude had promised to help the Great Spirit Celsius in visiting areas that were dear to her, so after the hot springs, Jude went to Kanbalar to fulfill his promise of helping Celsius. And Ludger being Ludger, he decided to help Jude out and dragged 'fractured' Milla and Elle along for the ride. He considered it as a sight-seeing opportunity.
Celsius had three locations she wanted to visit: The Kijara Seafalls, Fennmont and the last being Fort Gandala. And the first venue they visited was this, the Kijara Seafalls.
"I see…" Milla replied with interest, her hand placed on her chin, "It must have been an important human custom."
"Actually I've never heard of such a thing." Jude said honestly.
"Perhaps it has fallen out of practice then." Milla concluded.
"Not really." 'Fractured' Milla corrected, "That story's actually popular amongst the villagers of Nia Khera in my dimension. I'm sure it's the same in this dimension as well."
Milla shifted her posture, her hand on her hips now, "Hmm… I guess it's because the villagers never casually speak with me, so I've never heard about it. You were much closer to the villagers after all."
"That's probably it." 'Fractured' Milla said in agreement, "I remember all the villagers of my age asking me to climb the falls with them. But I had no interest on any of them."
Milla nodded and stared at the top of the waterfalls. Jude knew what Milla wanted and turned towards her, "Shall we give it a go?"
"Yes, why not." Milla replied with a smile, "And you needn't worry about slipping. Undine will make sure your fall isn't fatal."
Jude was slightly taken aback, "N-not… fatal?"
Celsius cared little about this, "My nostalgia is satisfied. You may do as you please."
"Alright then, we'll be back in a second." Jude said before he and Milla moved on to find a way to climb the falls.
Celsius watched Jude and Milla disappear somewhere as they climbed the steep, wet rocks. Elle grew bored and went to gather some pebbles on the shallow waters. Celsius's gaze then landed on Ludger, "I must admit," Celsius said, "I still find it hard to be seeing two Millas. You really look exactly alike."
When Celsius demanded what was going on when they met at Kanbalar, Ludger gave a brief summary about 'fractured' Milla and of the different dimensions. Although skeptical, Celsius seemed to believe the explanation.
"What do you expect? We're basically one and the same." 'Fractured' Milla responded coolly.
"And despite similar looks, your personality is completely different." Celsius said with amusement, "So speaking of dimensions… that means there are different versions of me in other dimensions as well?"
It was Ludger who answered, "There should be. Every dimension is different so it's kinda hard to tell but I'm sure you exist in several dimensions."
"I see…" Celsius ended the conversation there, turning to face the waterfalls before she drowned in her thoughts.
Elle was still collecting pebbles so Ludger and 'fractured' Milla were left waiting. Ludger decided to ask, "So Milla… you've been… invited to climb the falls here before? In your dimension."
'Fractured' Milla nodded, "Yes but none of them had my interests. Most of my time spent was helping my sister and cooking. The villagers were really kind but… at the time, I was only focused on helping my sister."
"So… you don't see the Muzet of this world as your sister?" Ludger asked.
If Ludger had asked this question in the past, 'fractured' Milla would have been upset. But now she just calmly shook her head, "She's different. She looks like my sister of course, but they're not the same. Every dimension is different after all."
And the conversation ended there because Jude and Milla made their return. Still Ludger was glad that 'fractured' Milla was able to actually speak about her home dimension without getting angry. It seems like she was finally moving on. She had identified herself to the prime dimension now.
'Fractured' Milla noticed Milla had an amused expression on her face, "What's so funny?"
"Oh the whole climb was really great," Milla said with a broad smile, "And you should've seen Jude. When we reached at the top, he-"
Jude quickly interrupted Milla, "Milla! I told you to pretend that never happened!"
"Ah you're right." Milla then sighed, "I quite enjoyed that to be honest but if you insist, I shall suppress the memory."
Jude thought for a moment before he said, "Well… you don't have to forget it but… just keep it between us, okay? A secret."
"Very well. It shall be our secret." Milla replied with a nod.
Of course while they were saying all that, Ludger and 'fractured' Milla were nearby and heard the whole thing. Celsius couldn't be bothered about such trivial things and Elle was still busy collecting pebbles. Ludger also cared little for it but 'fractured' Milla's attention had been caught.
"Just what happened up there at the falls?" 'Fractured' Milla inquired.
Milla turned to 'fractured' Milla, "I'm not supposed to tell but… I don't know why, but somehow… I now have this itch that I need to tell someone what happened."
"Milla!" Jude cried.
'Fractured' Milla shifted her posture to match Milla's, "Well even the Lord of Spirits cannot avoid the trait to gossip with friends." 'Fractured' Milla then directed this to Milla, "You don't have to tell me now but maybe when we're alone."
Milla had a light laugh, "I'll consider it."
"Milla?!" Jude was close to panic at this point.
"I'm joking Jude." Milla assured the spyrite researcher. She then turned to 'fractured' Milla, "I'm sorry but I do intend to keep my promise. Although this 'itch' is really… quite bothersome."
"If you're done, I'd like to move on to the next spot." Celsius said in an impatient tone.
Jude scratched the back of his head in shame, "R-right. Next one's Fennmont, let's go."
Jude and Milla led the way and Celsius followed the pair. Once they were out of earshot, 'fractured' Milla whispered to Ludger, "What do you think happened with Jude and Milla?"
Ludger shrugged, "I don't know and I don't think we should find out. It's between them." 'Fractured' Milla made a little pout. Ludger then called out to Elle, "Elle, we're leaving."
Elle got out from the waters and ran to Ludger while showing a beautiful blue pebble, "Look Ludger! Look what I got!"
"That's really nice." Ludger said honestly, ruffling Elle's hair, "What're you going to do with it?"
Elle merely gave a wide grin, "I'm gonna keep it of course! Just like my seashell I showed you!" Ludger chuckled and the three made a move, catching up with Jude and Milla. Their next destination was Fennmont.
Fennmont was the same scenario for Celsius, where she reminisced about the past and how the region of Fennmont was so much different 500 years ago. After Celsius was satisfied, the group moved for the final location, which was Fort Gandala. Jude got permission from Rowen to enter the compounds of the fort since it was a military installation.
The moment Celsius entered the compound of the fort, she could instantly tell that this was the place she wanted to visit. Of course the fort was not there 500 years ago, but the mana flowing in the area was still the same. Just through the flowing mana, Celsius felt like she was transported through time, back to when she first met 'him'.
Milla could see that Celsius definitely saw this as a special place and had to ask, "Celsius, why is this place so special to you?"
Celsius turned to face Milla, "Because this… is the place where I met a human for the very first time." Celsius then stared at everyone, "Are you familiar with a human by the name of Howe?"
"That name sounds familiar…" Jude said softly, thinking for a while before it hit him, "Wait… you don't mean Doctor Howe?! The head scientist who laid the foundation of Spirit artes?!"
When Celsius confirmed that Doctor Howe was the one she met 500 years ago, it was quite a shock to Jude and Milla. Ludger and Elle had no idea what they were talking about and while 'fractured' Milla had a brief knowledge on the subject of Doctor Howe, she made no comments.
"Who's this doctor Howe guy?" Elle asked, clearly confused, "Is he someone like you Jude?"
"Well, I guess you could put it that way." Jude said with a laugh but then he turned serious, "Doctor Howe was a spirit scientist who lived 500 years ago. He's like… the father of spirit artes." Jude went on to explain about Doctor Howe's contribution, such as being the first to theorize the existence of spirits. Jude spoke of Doctor Howe with admiration and praises.
When Jude was done explaining of Doctor Howe's accomplishments, Celsius scoffed, "You make it sound like he was some noble historical figure, when really he was just a lovesick fool. He spent all his time trying to get close to me, trying to woo me."
Jude's mouth jaw was wide open at that point, unable to believe the revered Doctor Howe was like a love struck teenager, "Wait… Doctor Howe… hit on you?!"
When Celsius nodded as confirmation, Milla pressed forth with another question, "So all these places we visited… they were places you spent with Howe?"
Again Celsius nodded before she turned around and spoke, "Yes. He used to drag me around everywhere while talking passionately about his dreams for the future." Then she spoke softly, "He talked to me… as if I were a human. Those times were… nice." Celsius smiled at the memory. Then she glared at the party, "But ultimately, humans and spirits are different creatures. So Jude and Milla, I shall ask you both this: Do you truly believe that spirits and human can coexist peacefully?"
Normally a question on an individual's life goal would require some thought to answer. But Jude gave his answer without any hesitation, "I believe it. In fact, I plan to prove it."
"We have vowed to do everything we can to accomplish that goal." Milla said by Jude's side, supporting him. The two shared a quick glance at one another, their determination and passion welling within.
Celsius could tell from that the strength of their vow. She then turned to Ludger and 'fractured' Milla, "And what about you two? Do you think they can achieve their dream?"
Ludger nodded, "I believe in Jude. I know he can do it."
'Fractured' Milla smirked, "Milla and I may be different in personality, but I know we share the same strength and will. She'll make it happen."
"That's right!" Elle added in, "My Milla can do anything she sets her mind on!"
Celsius stared at everyone and finally released a snicker. She never had the best opinion about humans but Howe was an exception, despite his annoying attempts in trying to woo her. And now staring at Jude and Milla, it was like looking into a mirror of herself and Howe 500 years ago.
Celsius time was coming to an end and she gave her final words to Jude and Milla, "Jude… Maxwell… you two might actually accomplish the vision that Howe… and I had all those years ago. You have what it takes to go and create… the world that Howe… and I… dreamed of." She then turned to Ludger and 'fractured' Milla, "Because what Howe… and I didn't have… were friends that… gave their utmost support."
Celsius slowly faded away and her time as a spirit came to an end, transforming into a dull stone known as a spirit fossil. Normally a spirit fossil would be bright blue in color, filled with mana but since Celsius had used it all to manifest into a physical form, the spirit fossil was dark. She was gone. She had entrusted her dream to Jude and Milla.
Jude picked up Celsius's spirit fossil, holding it on the palm of his hand, "Celsius… Doctor Howe… thank you for everything. I'll make sure your dream… our dream… will become a reality!"
Milla looked down at the spirit fossil, what used to contain Celsius, "Yes… it isn't just Celsius and Howe's dream… the vision for spirits and humans to coexist is also Milla Kresnik and Maxwell's dream as well. Now we shall carry on their dream."
Jude closed his grip on the spirit fossil and nodded, "Celsius and Doctor Howe have given me the lead I need to resume my spyrite research." Now that he had his answer, Jude took out his GHS and contacted the one person who needed to know of this. That person picked up on the third ring, "Balan? It's Jude. I may have found a way to complete the spyrite project."
While Jude spoke with Balan on his GHS, 'fractured' Milla reached out and grabbed Ludger's hand, surprising him. "Jude and Milla are doing everything they can to make their dream a reality." She then turned to Ludger, "We have to give them all the help they'll need."
Ludger nodded with a smile, "Yeah…"
Elle crossed her arms on her chest, staring at the ground, "I don't get what's going on."
Jude promised Balan he would meet him at Sharilton since they were nearby there and Balan was at the Sapstrath seahaven conducting his own research. Once that was agreed, the party made their journey towards Sharilton.
Skit: The two Millas hair
Present: Ludger, Jude, Milla, 'fractured' Milla & Elle
Elle: Hey Milla? How come your hair's sticking out like that? And it's sort of blue.
Milla: Hmm? Oh you mean this? Undine designed this for me. Do you like it?
Elle: Well its okay, I guess… *Thinks* Hey how come my Milla's hair isn't like that?
'Fractured' Milla: *Flustered* Well firstly I lost the Great Four after destroying Exodus, so I didn't have Undine to fix my hair for me. And secondly, I like the way my hair looks. It looks good right?
Elle: Umm… I don't know…
'Fractured' Milla: Ludger, it looks good right?
Ludger: Huh? I, uh… well…
'Fractured' Milla: Answer me Ludger!
Milla: Interesting. I've read about this somewhere. Is this what they call a lover's spat?
'Fractured' Milla: W-w-what did you say?!
Milla: Are you denying that you aren't lovers?
'Fractured' Milla: Y-you…! T-that's not…! Ugh! *Leaves*
Jude: Milla, you still read those kinds of books?
Milla: Why, yes. I learn a lot from them but was I wrong about calling them lovers? The book clearly mentioned the signs and I was positive Ludger and my other self possessed those signs.
Ludger: *Sigh*
Jude: Er… well… anyway, I'll go get Milla back.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Jude and the party met up with an excited Balan at the central plaza, where he demanded Jude to tell him everything Jude knew. So Jude did, explaining to Balan that since spyrite were still spirits with their own mind, they should be asking for the spirits for their cooperation rather than controlling them. Jude further explained that spirit artes were, in a sense, a form of communication with spirits. Jude concluded that the artes performed by humans contained a message that was sent to a spirit.
Balan was now beginning to see where Jude was coming from, "Yes… of course! Now that you mentioned it, we did pick up an incomprehensible system of signals when our team was analyzing the spirit artes process. If spirit artes turns out to be an encrypted spirit language, this just might be what we've been looking for!"
Jude nodded, "If it is a spirit language, then all we'll have to do is decode it and apply it to spyrites, spyrite technology might actually happen soon."
"Very soon indeed!" Balan agreed excitedly, "Oh, I can just imagine it! But of course to truly test spyrite's success, we'll need to see if we can communicate with a Great Spirit. If we can obtain the cooperation of a Great Spirit, then spyrite technology is a success!" Balan was pumping his fists in excitement at this point, "Alright, I'll go and analyze the signals immediately! Keep your GHS close, I'll be giving you a call soon! Oh and while I'm analyzing signals Jude, I want you to go and look for a spirit fossil of a Great Spirit!"
With that Balan ran off, leaving Jude behind before he could even say anything. "Just where am I going to find a Great Spirit's spirit fossil?" Jude muttered in defeat.
"Balan's really excited about the whole thing, isn't he?" Milla said in amusement, "You humans really are something when you put your heart into it."
Jude smiled, "We're still some ways off but… we've at least found a way to move on with spyrite research." Jude then took out Celsius's spirit fossil he kept in his pocket, "Thank you for everything. I'll make sure… that your dream comes true."
Just then, Jude's GHS started ringing and he quickly but carefully put the spirit fossil back into his pocket. He then answered his GHS, "Hello?"
"Jude, I've got something to tell you." A familiar voice said.
Jude instantly recognized who it was, although he was surprised it was him, "Ivar? W-what's going on?" At the mention of the name of her personal handmaid, Milla's attention was caught.
"I'm only telling you this because you're the only one whom Lady Milla respects that I trust." Ivar said with a hint of annoyance, "I'd do this myself but since I'm a junior agent of President Bakur, I'm totally busy. So I guess you'll have to do it instead!"
"Do what?" Jude was still a little lost.
"The local critters told me that they found something interesting on the Nia Khera Hallowmont. I'd collect it myself but like I said, being a junior agent is too busy. So you'll just have to check it out and see what it is. The little critters told me it should interest Lady Milla." Ivar explained, "Now I need to go. President Bakur's got a task for me. You better be grateful!"
With that, Ivar ended the call. Jude stared at his GHS for a while, not sure why Ivar told him what he did and whether it was legitimate.
"What did Ivar tell you?" Milla inquired.
"He told me that there's something that might interest you at the Nia Khera Hallowmont." Jude answered, "We're already done with here so I guess we can check it out if you want."
Milla thought about it for a moment. Finally she gave a nod, "Ivar isn't the type to lie about things when it concerns me. I guess we should check it out."
"Let's go then."
The party left Sharilton and now made their journey towards Nia Khera, the village of the spirits.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
It took the party several hours before they arrived at Nia Khera. The familiar village was a sight that Milla missed. But it was not just her as 'fractured' Milla found herself missing the humble village as well. Since she lived with Ludger at his apartment, it had been a long time since she came to see her home village.
The villagers upon seeing Milla, they all quickly stopped whatever tasks they were doing and stood before Milla before dropping to their knees. Each of them gave their respect to her, the usual scenery really. However this time they were shocked when their gaze landed on 'fractured' Milla.
"Is that… two Lady Milla?" A villager whispered with surprise.
"What's going on?" Another villager said.
Seeing the villagers' reaction, Milla realized this was the first time they saw 'fractured' Milla and her together. The villagers had seen them separately before, mistaking 'fractured' Milla to be Milla herself. But now that they were together, it must be a shock to them.
"Lady Milla!" The familiar village chief said with respect, going down to his knees, "It is an honor to see you again! Although I must say… Lady Milla, can you clarify what's going on? There are… two of you now."
Milla turned to 'fractured' Milla, who simply shrugged. Milla quickly thought of something, "Yes well… she's my…. twin sister you see… so we look alike. But due to unforeseen circumstances, we were… separated. But we're together now…"
The villagers all gasped and started whispering again. The village chief was shocked as well, "T-twin sister? I see… that means she's of the same status as Lady Milla. Everyone, please show your respect to her as well."
The villagers all faced her, still on their knees and gave their respect to her. 'Fractured' Milla seemed a little lost but she just casually waved at the villagers, not sure what to do. Elle found the sight to be funny, giggling at the sight.
'Fractured' Milla whispered to Milla, "Twin sister?"
"It's what I could come up on such short notice." Milla murmured back, "I forgot this is the first time the villagers see us together."
'Fractured' Milla eyed the villagers still paying their respect and whispered to Milla again, "This takes me back… when I was still a Lord of Spirits. I've been a human for so long, I've forgotten about how much the villagers respected… us."
Milla nodded, "Yes. Their devotion and loyalty is equal to that of a dog with its master."
Once the villagers were finished, they paid one final respect to Milla before they returned to their original task. Only the village chief remained.
"So what brings you back home, Lady Milla?" The village chief asked.
Milla faced the village chief and got to business, "I'm going to the Nia Khera Hallowmont. There's something there I need to check."
The village chief turned to face the direction of where the huge mountain is, "Yes… lately the monsters in the area seem to be… much docile. Perhaps something happened at the Hallowmont." The village chief turned back to Milla, "I wish you the best of luck, Lady Milla."
"Thank you." Milla replied graciously then turned to her friends, "Let's go."
To get to the Nia Khera Hallowmont, the party would have to pass through Milla's shrine, which was on top of a steep hill outside the village of Nia Khera. Then behind Milla's shrine was the Hallowmont and they would have to climb the mountain.
During the journey to Milla's shrine, there was no encounter with monsters. This in itself was strange because the monsters were active in the area. 'Fractured' Milla remembered how annoying it was to fight monsters when she had to return to the shrine so in the end, she decided to live in the village.
A few minutes later, they entered the shrine and Milla found the sight to be quite sad. Just a year ago, she lived here and now, the place was completely empty. There were cobwebs on the corner and dust decorated the floor. Since Ivar was now working with Spirius Corporation, there was no one to maintain the shrine. The village chief was just far too old to do so anyway.
"Let's move on." Milla urged, leading the group through the back of the shrine.
"What do you think we're supposed to find here?" Jude asked, eyeing the mountain.
Milla turned to Jude, "What did he say?"
Jude shook his head, "He just told me that the critters found something that will interest you but he never said what."
"Maybe it's on the top of the mountain?" 'Fractured' Milla suggested, "My sister… Muzet, used to go there to communicate with Maxwell. Maybe there's something up there now."
Jude and Milla eyed the top of the mountain. On the top of the mountain was the one connection to enter Maxwell's domain. That was one year ago. With no leads on what they have to find, they decided to check if there was anything on the top of the Hallowmont. The climb was a pain and Ludger had to help Elle climb. After some arduous moment, they finally reached the top of the Hallowmont.
"There's nothing up here." Jude claimed, walking around. "Ivar really should have told me more about what we're supposed to find."
Ludger crossed his arms on his chest, "Maybe he was just pulling a trick on you?"
Milla shook her head at that, "No Ivar wouldn't do that. I know him. He might be a pain sometimes, but I know that he always looks out for my best interest."
"Hey look what I found!" Elle called out and showed to the group a pretty stone in her hand, "I found another of that… fossil thingy."
Everyone's gaze landed on the stone in Elle's hand and they instantly knew what it was. "A spirit fossil!" Jude cried out.
"What's a spirit fossil doing up here?" 'Fractured' Milla questioned. Elle handed the spirit fossil to Jude.
Jude inspected the spirit fossil, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. He wondered whether this was the item that Ivar meant. While it was true that a spirit fossil itself was useful, it was nothing special. So he was not sure how this spirit fossil would mean something to Milla.
Milla however felt a spark in her chest. She stared at the spirit fossil in Jude's hand and felt a familiar pulse to it. It was a familiar sensation, one she had not felt in almost a year. Then the answer dawned upon her.
"Milla? What's wrong?" Jude asked, seeing Milla's focus was on the spirit fossil.
"That strange pulsing…" Milla said in awe then she faced Jude, "Jude… that spirit fossil… it's the spirit fossil of Maxwell!"
"Maxwell?!" Jude exclaimed in shock, "You mean this? Maxwell… is a spirit fossil?"
"This must be what Ivar meant." Milla concluded, "To think that Maxwell is now a spirit fossil… Jude, Maxwell just might be what you need to help you in your spyrite research."
"That's true." 'Fractured' Milla said in agreement, "Balan did ask you to find a spirit fossil of a Great Spirit. To think you'd find the spirit fossil of the Lord of Spirits is definitely a big one."
Jude was still skeptical. He could not believe that the spirit fossil in his hand was the former Lord of Spirits. With this, all they needed now was for Balan to finish his analysis on the spirit language, then the spyrite research just might be almost done.
Jude tightened his grip on the spirit fossil and looked at everyone, "Everyone… let's get to the Helioborg research center. This just might be what we need!"
Ludger, Milla and 'fractured' Milla all gave a nod of support. Everyone's effort was now coming to fruition. Elle was the only one who was still clearly confused.
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"What's the report?" President Bisley Bakur asked his agent.
"Sir, they've already collected the item at the Hallowmont. Everything is proceeding as planned, sir." The Spirius agent said.
Bisley nodded and sent the agent away. "Everything is going as planned. At this rate, the way to the Land of Canaan is almost at hand. In order to get 'her' I needed to separate Ludger. With this, that will happen soon enough." Bisley then turned to the other person in his office, "You did well Ivar."
Ivar looked away with guilt on his face. All he did was follow his orders but he was conflicted since he was still Milla's personal handmaid. But in the end, he decided he had to stand firm. He was still searching for his own path and right now, he was an agent of the Spirius Corporation.
"Everything… should be fine… right?" Ivar said to himself, staring out the window. And yet, he could not trust his own words.
CHAPTER END