Limits

She looked at me, expecting an answer. "Think Alicia. When everything started?", I asked her. She replied, "You mean the past, before the barrier? What does that have to do with anything?". I said, "It started from Bramans and Humans waging a war on each other. Eterians lived in the North, a place where war engulfed them. They ultimately sided with Bramans, although they perished. Did you ever wonder why?". She shook her head, so I asked, "What if Bramans didn't perish. What if they are the ones behind this war?". Alicia replied sternly, "You are delusional. A race that perished or barely survived with a few members, how could they control Eterians?".

"You know what that Eterian told me?", I asked. She didn't reply, but seemed eager to find out. I continued, "There are existences in this world, that look down on races such as Humans or Eterians. You might think Hatmandor, like I did back then, but he just smirked. He mocked Hatmandor". Alicia looked at me seriously, "Are you suggesting, there are other forces behind all of this?".

I nodded, "North is convoluted. There are contradictions everywhere, but Hydra is real. Bramans existed before the time the barrier was created, perhaps even after too. What if someone is manipulating Eterians. What if this war has a greater meaning than simple struggle of power?". She replied, "But you have no proof. For all we know, Eterians want to exact their revenge. Doesn't that sound more probable? There is also you in all of this. You keep on staying here, even though you have no reason".

"It's true, I might be able to take my friends away from here. Leave this place and never return. Let the northerners worry about North". She asked confused, "Then why?". I continued, "Because I want to explore my life. I've seen the whole continent, I need to go further. Further towards the north, beyond Hatmandor and the sea. Have you ever wondered, what is out there? What if there is another continent like this? Different, yet familiar? Hatmandor, Hydra, I believe those things don't belong to this place. They must've come from somewhere, a place that is full of wonders, full of new things and ideas".

"Even so, that doesn't explain why you are here", she said. "That is true. I don't know myself. I'm somehow attracted to this place, somehow want to help those people out. My friends are here too, you are my friend as well. I can't leave, without knowing my friends will do well here. Hence I don't want to win this war, what would be the point? Another one could break out, then another. An endless power struggle, without a reason. I want to stop this pointless struggle. I know what revenge mean, what rage is. Yet, I am the one who is looking for a solution to end this war, not to win it". She smirked, "Says a guy who removed a few races from existence".

"I am willing to pay for what I did, if the North becomes united and peaceful", I said. Alicia sighed while asking, "So what exactly do you plan on doing?". I replied, "It's simple but complicated at the same time. I want to focus on that outside force, I just feel it in my bones that something is not right here. If I can take them out, Eterians wouldn't need to fight anymore. Yes, the hatred would still be there, but time has already proved how we can forget such things. So long enough time passes, people will forget, the old will die, replaced by new generation".

I continued, "I know, it is far fetched and all that, but you don't have a way to disperse that mist. For now, finish the equipment I gathered in Sedon, and we will defend. I will try to figure out some more stuff".

She nodded, "It's not like I have a choice really… Do what you will, as long as you promise to protect…". I stopped her, "I know you are worried about Suly, but Obsidian Mountains should be fine for now. If they attack, it will be Sedon or Boltier". She nodded, while I left the room to check up on Tulin. I needed to know how long it would take them, to finish with all the equipment. 'Good thing I don't have to motivate them. After they heard about the mist, they became much more eager to complete those Formations', I thought.

I found some Lizards in the open area, and asked about the equipment. They told me all the important figures got involved at that stage, and they should be done much quicker. I decided to wait, instead of running around between cities and camps.

The time slowly passed. I had nothing to do really, and I didn't want to pester others, therefore I only sat in my room trying to improve my Aura manifestation. Other than sleeping and breaks for meals, I stayed inside the room, until someone knocked on the doors. It was one of the Lizards, and she informed me that the equipment I brought was ready. "Great, I will collect it and then deliver that stuff to Sedon. I'm sure they are getting worried already", I told her.

We went to the open area, where the Lizards already awaited us. Alicia and Tulin were there too. Tulin spoke first, "All the equipment you brought, has had Formations placed on them. We placed the best Formations we could in this short amount of time, but how strong those Formations are is dependant on the piece of equipment itself. Make sure to deliver them to Sedon, so that they can better defend the city".

I just realised I still haven't asked them about better storage items. When I did, they already had that covered. "We made new storage items for you. The weight in each bag will become 70% less heavy, and you can fit quite a lot into those new and improved bags. We made three for you, although one is enough to store all the equipment, we separated it into two bags. The third is empty and for your personal use". I thanked them, and asked about my weapon.

Alicia smiled, "I knew you would ask. Not ready yet. You asked me for the best Formations I can create. With the knowledge of Elements available to us, my Formations can also improve. But, that means I need more time to make them. It will take me some more time to finish everything. Do what you intend for now, and take this with you". She handed me a sort of statuette depicting a dead tree.

I asked confused, "What does it do?". She replied, "Nothing". I was lost. 'Why would you give me that then?', I asked myself. "It does nothing, because it's supposed to do nothing. When I finish with your weapon and armour, I will break the same statuette. The one you have will break as well. That means you can come back here, and pick up your stuff". She then walked up, and said "Be careful" quietly. I nodded, and headed towards the exit.

With the improved equipment, Sedon could defend itself for a longer period of time. 'This will give me time to investigate some more. I will probably need to make another trip to Boltier, but this time I shall be much more persistent', I thought while activating the Formations. Since Sedon was repaired, they could make more Scorpions and send them to Boltier. I appeared outside, and stealthy left the area. The load was not that cumbersome anymore, but the way back was long anyway.