n

n

nAlbus dived toward the next of the bear-like creatures. His fist drove through its skull before it could fully comprehend what had happened to its mate.

nHe continued this slaughter around the edge of the dome until a path was cleared for the fleeing Humans. Even from Albus' point of view, Geth could hardly keep up with the swift movements of his comrade.

n'Can Humans really achieve this level of power? If Albus was this strong in his weakened state, then why is Humanity dying off?'

nGeth continued observing as Albus tore through the monsters. His control over Mana was astounding.

nOrbs of Mana flew out around him. Each burst into thousands of needles that skewered the insect-like monsters running through the city.

nThere wasn't a single projectile that went off target. Many of the Humans cheered or bowed as Albus flew overhead.

nHis friend's sadness and regret while looking down at the people were overwhelming. These weren't the feelings of someone who had just saved hundreds of lives.

n

"These fools have no idea that you've only bought them another day, at most.

"

nA devilish voice sounded from behind him. The smell of sulfur assaulted his senses as Albus turned to face the speaker.

n

"Barbas,

" Albus almost seem to spit the name out.

nThe figure before him was a muscular humanoid creature. Its skin was a dull red, and it wore armor that had been charred black.

nA pair of wings flapped on the muscular creature's back, though Geth didn't think that was necessary for the monster to fly. The Mana exuding from the beast was a deep red, reminding him of the Demonic Skeleton.

nThe humanoid face looked at Albus with a hint of sadness. Its eyes seemed to constantly shift between a black and glowing red.

n

"When are you going to stop being so cross with me? We are friends, after all.

"

n

"Our friendship died the moment your kind started this war.

" Geth could feel the pain in his friend's voice as he spoke.

nBarbas shook his head,

"I've told you something isn't right. The Demons aren't the ones presiding over this war.

"

n

"Then why haven't Asmodeus or Lillith approached me?

"

nA flicker of doubt crossed the Demon's face,

"I don't know. They haven't been themselves for some time now.

"

n

"That's no excuse! Look down there!

" Albus waved his hand towards the devastation below,

"Those are MY people! I can't forgive what the Demons have done.

"

nBarbas frowned,

"Then I'll be taking my leave with a final warning. I know what you're doing beneath the hall... Be careful. That spell isn't what you think it is.

"

nThe smell of sulfur became stronger, and a suffocating amount of Mana filled the sky. Albus stood firm, but Geth was frightened by the immense power displayed.

nBarbas disappeared in a flash. The energy faded as if it were never there.

nGeth could feel Albus weaken, though it wasn't physical. It was as if he'd become mentally worn out by the conversation.

nWith the area mostly cleared, Albus flew back into the dome. Geth could tell that he was contemplating something and wished to hear the man's thoughts.

nGeth studied the Formations below since there was nothing else he could do. If there were a way to recreate the circuitry, there was no telling what could be achieved.

nThe flight continued without excitement until Albus landed on the training platform. He looked back towards the edge of the shrinking barrier before heading inside.

n****

nGeth was suddenly back inside of his own mental sphere. A splitting pain ran through his mind.

n

"It seems that is as much as I can show you,

" Albus spoke softly.

nGeth's self gripped his head and looked around the dome. Small cracks were swiftly being repaired by the Mana inside the sphere.

n

"I'm sure you have questions, but you should focus on healing your mind. Your other selves had to disperse. Your body is currently resting in a temporary camp.

"

nGeth nodded and laid back on the platform. He wanted to ask many questions, but looking at the state of his mental sphere, he refrained.

nHis eyes closed as he merged back into his body and fell into a deep sleep. On the outside, his body's ragged breathing once again became normal.

n

"That's a relief...

" A tired Sindri whispered from his side. She lay on her own set of furs and fell asleep.

n****

nGeth awoke to the sound of arguing outside of the tent. It took him a second to make out what they were saying.

n

"-an outsider! Why would you bring someone like that back to the rest of us?!

"

nIt was a female voice that he hadn't heard before. Geth looked around and saw that Sindri was asleep nearby.

n

"You don't have to worry about him. I believe he's here to help.

"

nThis voice surprisingly belonged to Jack. He knew that he'd garnered the man's respect, but not to the extent of defending him.

nSigh

n'I can't ever seem to catch a break,' Geth chuckled a bit at the situation and rose from his makeshift pallet.

n

"What can a single man do to help u-

"

nThe voice trailed off as Geth stepped out of the tent. He saw a small group of older men and women sitting across from Jack's party.

nThe woman looked at Geth as her words trailed off. Her eyes soon gained a sense of recognition.

n

"Taylor?

"

nGeth smiled slyly at the woman,

"How are you, Mags?

"

nThe woman's face turned bright red. She looked down at the ground and shuffled her feet.

n

"Y.. You shouldn't call me that!

"

n

"Ha, it's been a while since I've seen you all flustered, Teacher,

" Geth was amused by the woman's discomfort.

n

"Hmph! Fine, get your things together, and let's head back quickly!

" The woman turned away quickly to hide her blushing face.

nGeth recognized a couple of the others from around town but hadn't been taught by them directly.. The woman had just begun teaching while he was in his senior year.

n