Even several days afterward, I was still getting ribbed for the somewhat…grandiose statement I’d made.

  “Behold!” Sylvia said in a playful voice, nudging me in the ribs as we navigated the streets of the lower level. “The future!”

  Alright, okay.

  Maybe I’d been a bit dramatic. But that moment had been genuinely important to both me and Grey. It was really a shame that he hadn’t been here to see it. We’d worked so hard, and for so long, trying to figure out just what it was fueling the creation of the Flux Cores, only for the answer to be hidden right in front of us.

  Or rather, inside of us.

  It was still a form of Aether, which made sense. After all, the basis of all Mysticality was derived from the energy. Only, it was neither a pure form of Aether, nor the refined form in Mana, or we even believe Ki as well. It was the byproduct of internal Mana and Ki after it had been exposed to environments that were rich with those energies.

  In other words, simply living within a society such as existed upon Vereden. Being in an environment like this, I’d long since learned in my Aetherology courses that, since the Mind acted as a filter for a Magi, it naturally filtered elementally charged Aether and residual Ki as well. The ‘waste’ energy that was expelled from a Magi’s Mind during an Ascension ritual had never really been analyzed itself, which is why Grey had no clue that it was what was within the Flux Cores. It was detrimental to Statusial growth, yes. But that didn’t mean it was useless just by itself, as a unique form of energy.

  As apparently the Netherim had discovered.

  I’d had a whole night to ponder the matter, and it was now my belief that the Netherim ‘Aether Scrubbers’ weren’t really cleaning Aether itself, so much as they were cleaning people. I think with how ubiquitous they might have been in Netherim society…just being around one of the small devices was enough to draw off the waste energy within people who were dense with refined Mana and Ki. It really was an ingenious way of kick starting an entire technological base.

  It must have been incredibly easy for the Netherim to undergo Ascension rituals, if they even needed to at all.

  The only question left was the Aetheric Fusion Collider. I’m guessing that entire generator idea had come much later, after they’d progressed down their tech tree. Eventually, they must have had growing energy demands and worked out a way to artificially generate the ‘Flux Aether’, as I was going to start referring to it as.

  With the Aether Scrubbers acting as a form of passive energy generation, not unlike solar or wind from back on Terra, combined with their active generation Aetheric Fusion Colliders…

  They’d been set.

  I know it was jumping the gun a bit, but…I was now intensely curious how they’d made that generator.

  That would have to wait for later, though. Much later.

  First, we had to deal with the Skyfall.

  On either side of us, my fellow Order members either pretended they didn’t hear my lover's mild taunts or openly laughed at me. It was me, Sylvia, my second, and her betrothed, my Captains, and a small escort of our higher-level Classers who were free in the group.

  Next to Sylvia, Maria laughed openly and loudly at the joke, more than comfortable enough around me now that she didn’t feel the need to hide her mirth. The former spy had, strangely enough, been thriving in the midst of all the recent chaos. I was finding that she was the kind of woman who enjoyed the challenge involved in putting together such an impromptu, important expedition as our planned trip was. I suppose she just thrived under pressure.

  On the other hand, Isolde was looking a bit…run down. There were visible bags under the eyes of my Commander as she marched down the flagstones of the lower layer of the city, straight-backed and determined not to show any weakness. The only help she tolerated at all was coming from Bleddyn, and I think that was only because of the public perception of their relationship. It was…acceptable for her to lean on him the slightest amount, and it wasn’t because she’d been running herself ragged.

  No sir, not my Commander Isolde of House Eisenherz. She would never drive herself to the brink of exhaustion out of a sense of duty.

  I was pretty thankful for Bleddyn, honestly. He’d been an unexpected rock for Isolde during the crisis, and I think there was the possibility that the arranged marriage between the two of them…

  Might eventually turn into something beyond a noble's marriage. I’d seen the considering looks they’d shot each other when they thought the other wasn’t aware.

  Renauld, meanwhile, was still somewhat on edge from the arrival of the Throng to the city, even though he’d been going out of his way to avoid his Father and the Gnoll’s forces over the last few days. His laugh was a bit forced-sounding, but I could tell from long experience around my Healer friend that he appreciated just…being around friends.

  All of us bar Sylvia bore the short cloak that had become the de facto uniform of the Order of the Polaris Reach. White with blue and red compass star emblazoned on the back, it made us very easy to identify as we made our way down the street. I was pretty gratified to see the reaction we received from the people around us. The constant work that my people and I had been doing for the populace of Blutstein had increased our reputation in a very good way. Respectful nods and even friendly waves greeted us as we approached the eastern outer limits of the city. Those who were out at this hour of the ‘morning’ were more than willing to make way for us.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  This was only further proof that I’d made the correct decision, those months ago. Establishing the Polaris Reach was likely to be one of the most important things I ever do.

  But, for now, my Order and I had business.

  High Lord Wersk and the Bluebacks had reached out to us. They’d found two further ships that would suit our needs when we sailed north for the Barren Forest. The messenger we’d received at the Bastion hadn’t told us which ships they were, just that I and my commanding officer's presence was requested at the main private docks of the Navy, where they were being prepared for the expedition’s use.

  And so we went.

  When we reached the entrance to the private dock, the soldiers on guard waved us through with no issue into the enclosed space. This portion of the docks was flush up against the valley wall of the overlooking Horsaval, and had been partially burrowed into the mountain. It was very much a military installation and was the primary location that the Herztalian Navy docked. The proper name was, I believe, Fort Providence, but the locals and seamen themselves had another name for it. In better times, the light of Tarus above shadowed the topography in such a manner that it resembled something other than a fort.

  They called it the Boot.

  Once inside, the first thing I saw was both the Astray and the White Gull. I’d given my permission to the Navy to tow both my ship and Grey’s to this place so they could be better prepared and armed for the coming journey. The dark, shimmering wood and furled navy sails of my ship always brought a smile to my face, and now was no different. Despite the circumstances, I’d probably enjoy the opportunity to set sail once again more than I should.

  Grey’s own White Gull was a stark contrast to my own ship. While the Astray was a fast attack and reconnaissance vessel, my mentor’s was an outright warship. I’d say it was two, perhaps even three times the tonnage, and had double the sails as well, six towering masts with black cloth wrapped around them. I knew that upon that canvas there would be the image of a pale white sea bird in flight, just based on having seen it, once some months ago. The ship itself was just as pale; the hull having been bleached a bone white. The deck itself, in contrast, had been painted a deep, dark black, far darker than the natural hue of the Astray. The disparity described Grey’s sense of aesthetics very well, honestly.

  After all, Elys could be both a shining light in the darkness, as well as a blackened face hiding in the night sky.

  As for the other ships I saw from my position, standing on the busy interior docks of the Boot, one other caught my eye, if only for how strange it was. It looked like the entire installation had been nearly emptied, either for the purposes of the expedition, or simply because all other vessels were occupied.

  One, I assumed, had to be the Throng’s Ashen Bride. It was…not what I was expecting, frankly. It was large, I’ll give it that, if not quite as big as the White Gull. The thing is…it was almost barge-like in appearance. The ship was very low to sea level, though I could see a greater tonnage than I’d expected through the clear waters of the dock. Only two, admittedly large, masts rose from her deck. On her rear was a surprising addition in the form of water wheels of all things, which…didn’t detract from its appearance as more of a barge. Still, I could see more than a few yellow clothed Gnolls scurrying over its deck, so they must have confidence in its seaworthiness.

  Other than those three, I only counted one more ship here in the docks of the Boot. It looked like another warship to me, although not one I was personally familiar with. However, I’d seen more than a few like it in my time here in the Blutstein, and I could easily identify the type as one of warships of the Herztalian Navy, if only by the red and green of its sails. These were solid, reliable ships, a tad smaller than Grey’s own bespoke warship, but still battle-proven. I was…a little disappointed, honestly, if that ship was meant to come on the expedition. I’d been hoping for one of Herztal’s few galleon-class vessels, if only for the increased troop transport.

  I guess the two the Navy had access to were busy with other matters.

  Strangely, though…I’d been told that there was another ship waiting here for our inspection. I only counted four vessels berthed in these docks.

  Where was the fifth?

  I didn’t have much long to consider the question, because I soon spotted something else. High Lord Wersk was striding purposefully in our direction, accompanied as always by a full Naval guard. Accompanying him, I saw, were the same trio of Bluebacks I’d seen back during the initial meeting, on the day of the initial Skyfall. In all the time since then, I hadn’t caught a single whiff of their presence. Not in Kyronkar, or the docks, or anywhere. It was like they’d vanished.

  Perhaps, if they were showing themselves now, they were the ones contributing a ship?

  Even so…

  I still thought their blank stares were creepy as Hell.

  I exchanged handshakes with the High Lord when he reached us. I kept my facial features still as he tried to crush my hand, quietly thrilled for…multiple reasons.

  After all, I could quite literally stop myself from reacting once more, in a way I hadn’t been able to in nearly a year now.

  Yes, yes. It was great to have you back, Middle Ring. I hadn’t regretted using my Skill Evolution on Ringed Mind for a moment. Even if the resulting Skill was…odd. I still didn’t fully understand the limits of my new Unique Skill, but it was at least promising. For multiple reasons.

  Besides, we should really stop referring to ourselves as Rings.

  We were the Lattice, now.

  The Lattice of Heaven and Earth.

  As Middle and Core Lattices pondered the complexities of my very unique Skill, I made sure to smile politely to the old sailor. “Good morning, High Lord. I understand you have some ships to show us?” As I spoke, I let my eyes drift over to the Bluebacks. Of course, they noticed and gave me the slightest possible nods of acknowledgement.

  Good to see I still commanded at least a bit of respect in intelligence circles

  The salty old noble nodded. “Aye, we do. No doubt you’ve already noticed the Gnoll’s…strange old girl,” He said, casting a baffled eye over the barge-like vessel.

  Oh good, it wasn’t just me.

  “But we’ve also convinced the Captain of the Steel Resolve to accompany you on your quest. I’m sure he and his ship will serve you well, Marshal Hart.”

  Isolde spoke up before I could, asking the question I’m sure both of us were wondering. “And where is the fifth vessel, Lord Wersk?” She asked, a small frown on her face. “We requested a second, and were informed one had been chosen.”

  The High Lord of the Sea coughed into his fist, then, but it was one of the Bluebacks who spoke instead. “It is performing an experimental maneuver,” One of the creepy men said in a monotone voice. “In regard to the 'APD’s you provided for our use. They are testing it at our behest, out in the shallows. They shall return soon.”

  I blinked at that. I guess they’d really hit the ground running, because the research teams had only finished about a couple of dozen of those for the Navy’s use in the last few days. Hell, I think we’d only delivered them to the office of the Navy last night.

  “Ah,” The sole Blueback woman uttered in a tone just as lifeless, raising a limp finger to point to the harbor door. “There it is now.”

  I followed her finger, and when my eyes fell on the ship drifting in through the open doors of the Boot, I nearly spasmed in place at the sight of it.

  Because I recognized that ship. Just seeing it again was already starting to raise my blood pressure.

  “Oh boy,” I heard Renauld mutter behind me. “Here we go.”

  It was the Thorny Reef.

  Bella’s ship.