The Life I Gained From Dying

Chapter 34 - The Rift

Noya turned her head towards the group for a moment, and in that time they noticed thar her pupils were extremely dilated. Not only that but her iris were abnormally large, to the point where the scelera in her eyes were barely noticeable. She casually turned her to observe the rift once again.

"How do you know me?" Jayson asked.

"I know a lot of people, including you Avery." Noya stated. "Your father was a very interesting man."

"You met my father? But he never wrote about coming here."

"I didn't meet him here, it was actually someplace on the air continent."

"The air continent?"

"I would love to tell you the story, but I do believe that you all are pressed for time."

"We are. I was told that if I came here I'd find something that would help us get to Aestus.

"Yes, and there it is." Noya replied while gesturing at the rift.

"...What is it?" Jayson asked.

When Noya gestured towards the rift, she diverted all of their attention to it. By the time Jayson asked his question and looked over to Noya again, she had vanished.

"What the..."

"Moya disappeared the same way before." Shaedon said.

"Thank you for talking to my sister." Noya whispered into Shaedon's ear as she appeared behind him.

"AHH!"

Shaedon shouted and stumbled forward into Avery's arms. Everyone was visibly stunned and confused with what was happening before them.

"How'd you do that?" Tanner asked.

"Do what?" Noya replied playing clueless.

"Hey you said it yourself, we're pressed for time so can you please tell us how does that thing help us get to Aestus." Jayson exclaimed.

"Well pardon me Mr. mixed blood. 'That thing' down there is a rift. A distortion of space caused by an overabundance of essence within a very small area. These very rare anomalies are capable of transporting matter across space within no time at all."

"So if we walk through that..."

"It'll take you where you want to go." Noya assured.

"Is it safe?" Avery asked.

"I think so."

"You think?"

"If you're going to use it I'd recommend doing so soon, because anything that contains a large amount of essence usually ends up attracting some unwanted visitors."

"Jay?"

Jayson glared down toward the rift, contemplating on what he wanted to do.

"Noya, do you know how long it would take to get to Aestus if we walked from here?" Jayson asked.

"Aestus is about one thousand miles to the southeast of here. Therefore walking there would cost you around thirteen days depending on the pace you're walking with."

"..."

"Bluejay?"

"Every minute that passes the people of my homeland are killing each other because of a disagreement that has spiraled way out of control. Mother Merina and everyone else have faith in me to bring back help and assist in ending the war. If using this rift means I can complete the goal of my mission sooner, then I don't believe there's anything left to ask."