Path of the Deathless

213 (II) Troubleshoot

213 (II)Troubleshoot

"Such as these," Shiv said dully. His head throbbed with a building headache, and that existential exhaustion inside him overtook all other emotions. The easy thing to do would just be to finish Andra off. She couldn't stop him. Cullywier didn't seem to to stop him. He was only advising Shiv, and the winds he cast over the Deathless's body were half-hearted impediments at most. No more than a soft breeze could serve as a bulwark against a falling avalanche.

"Valor Thann has recruited many disciples, trained many Pathbearers," Cullywier said. "I have even encountered He Who Halts Eternity on several occasions, and he slew me thrice and worked with me approximately twelve times otherwise, though he was only aware of me on two of those occasions. As such, I have some insight into his character and personality."

Just then, Adam entered the fray. He erupted from one of his dimensional pathways and came to a halt right next to Shiv. The Gate Lord was a tempest of activity. His vector wings flared bright, and his hand reached out, snatching the dagger heart out of Cullywier's hand and clutching it tight with his Necromantic vambrace. The fairy tried to say something, but Adam held up a finger.

"Don't know what you are. Don't want to ask. Shiv! Conference, now!"

Adam Lord promptly blasted Shiv with his Unique Skill, and Shiv felt himself obtain Adam's Commander's Foresight. The cognitive endurance shared by the two of them was more than doubled when Shiv projected his Psychomancy into Adam's mind.

Shiv asked.

Adam replied. Then a growl of frustration escaped him.

Shiv said dully.

Adam said.

Shiv replied.

Shiv didn't respond for a few seconds.

A tired noise escaped the Deathless. He tried to find the words.

And then Adam understood.

Shiv continued.

Adam said again, and Shiv could taste his discomfort, his misery as well. However much Shiv hated this, Adam was suffocating under his own weight too. He had to contend with the rulers of his republic proving to be some of the worst people Integration had to offer. He had to contend with his missing family, with his current situation.

Shiv uttered.

Shiv said.

Adam said, and this time he was filled with resolve.

Shiv couldn't bring himself to fully agree.

Adam sighed.

Shiv said.

Adam hesitated.

Adam's viciousness surprised Shiv a bit, and he felt every ounce of the Gate Lord's malicious intent bleeding across their psionic link.

Adam interrupted,

Shiv considered the implications of that. If he killed her, then, according to Cullywier, he'd be dealing with the Jotuns as well. All of them. He didn't think Valor would turn on him over this, especially since he was justified.

But that thought led him into ugly territory.

He that was how Valor would respond. But who among them actually knew what Valor was like when he was whole? The Valor that Shiv knew was a shadow of the Legend that used to be, in more ways than one.

And then there was her Divination skill, and her Cryomancy. That was the deciding factor for Shiv. Previously, he'd tasted Sullain’s Omnimancy, and though it was immensely powerful, he'd spent it immediately to gain an edge against the Inquisition. Other Legendary Skills were invaluable, and with his Vitaemancy, he could use them against his enemies.

Shiv said, determinedly.

Adam said slowly.

Shiv said flatly.

Adam replied with a slight huff.

Shiv said.

A grumble of agitated laughter escaped from Shiv.

Shiv said.

Adam snorted. Both of them fell quiet for a moment and shared another laugh.

Shiv said.

Adam replied.

That statement threw Shiv for a loop.

Adam scolded.

Adam bit back a bark of frustration.

Shiv sort of liked what he was hearing, but he didn't grasp it, not fully.

Shiv deadpanned.

***

Harlock said.

"No," Veronica said, trying to keep her right eye from twitching. She'd made a mistake. She'd thought that boy was smart. Instead, he was simply audacious. What fugitive started a fight on the campus of Phoenix fucking Academy mere seconds after they arrived? Now, she needed to come up with a ridiculous excuse for Anthony's Ascendant to spare Shiv from recapture.

"There's been a bit of confusion. Those are my assets. They're handling things." Veronica leaned against her table and exploited her power. It was the truth, after all.

Harlock repeated, sounding unconvinced.

"Matters that are best resolved through rhetoric; the Neath is involved.”

A loud hiss of disgust came from Harlock, and she knew Shiv was spared. For now.

Harlock replied. She felt the Ascendant’s presence recede from her mind. Veronica clutched her head and sighed.

And with a huff of annoyance, she pulled out her sync-letter and began drafting a note of feedback for her wayward grandson.

To her surprise, there was already something there for her. The corner of her lip quirked up as she read his profane message directed toward her, and she scoffed. “System, boy, we need to do something about your Writing Skill. This is more of a tragedy than your lack of . Here: a demonstration of formatting.”