The Land of Etherio

New Mission Acquired

I had finished using the cube for today. It was apparently mentally taxing to continue to over use it. I had left the Arcadium and continued my investigation.

I navigated the corridors until I was intercepted by an elderly woman with short, slicked-back,black hair."Where have you been,Isaac?" she inquired in a rather abrupt tone. This woman appeared to know me and going by the fact that my only previous engagement was to attend Master Gangley's Alchemy classes,this must be said individual.

"My sincerest apologies, Master Gangley. I've been indulging in Arcane arts more pro actively and it took from my other classes." I replied.

She raised her nose and queered at me."If you do not wish to take my classes, at least schedule it to allow others to benefit." was her answer. She gestured me to follow her and we continued along the corridor.

We entered a room with rows of shelves along the walls. To a corner was a large,ornate mahogany desk. The shelves themselves were lined with vials,bottles and jars with peculiar contents. In the centre of the room was a raised platform like an operating table. On it was several pieces of parchment containing diagrams and geometric patterns.

Master Gangley stood opposite the table from me. "If you want to stay under my tutelage" she began "please utilize the materials in this room to make a stone blood formula". She exited and left me to my instruments.

I was in a predicament. The upholding of my current identity was crucial. I considered my options and I came to realization. I removed the cube from my pocket. If I used this I could possibly create this formula that was reacquired of me.

I was halted by Master Gangley's entrance."Sorry, I just forg-" she was shocked by something. She hurried over to me and snatched the cube from my hand."Where did you get this?!" she asked.

Before I could answer we experienced a tremor. The entire room shook and dust settled. She ran outside muttering to herself "I always suspected but I never...."

I followed her to the entrance of the Arcadium, except, it wasn't there anymore.

The entire chamber had been completely removed. Bare stone walls were all that were left. The look on Master Gangley's face was one of pure horror.

She looked to me and asked one more time "Where did you get that?". Like any responsible child my age,I told the adult the truth. Well, most of the truth. Just how I obtained the cube.

When I was finished explaining,she looked at me worryingly." I had always suspected he was involved with them but I could never prove it" she said." Who?" I asked.

" Dreyfus. I always suspected he was involved with the Order of the Forbidden" she replied." And what is this Order of the Forbidden?" I asked. She leaned in and explained "They are the single most evil syndicate of mages to exist. They consist of the very progenitors of the darkest of arts. And the fact that Dreyfus has allied himself with then can only be an omen of something horrid. Isaac, you were his favourite student, he always spoke of you,did he tell you anything,anything at all?"

"Unfortunately, no" I replied.

" Isaac, what I'm about to tell you cannot leave the confides of this room. It is not allowed for me to send any student of this institution on any quest but this is a matter of urgency. I want you to pursue Dreyfus by any means necessary. Take whatever you need and I will tell them that Dreyfus took you with him. I'm counting on you"

I returned to my room and proceeded to pack things that might prove useful. Master Gangley had given me the cube because she thought it might be intended for me. I finished packing supplies and a few books that seemed useful. I went outside my room where Master Gangley was waiting for me. She led me deep into the catacombs where she told me that the entrance was going to be discreet and I wouldn't be followed. We came to a halt by a large wooden door held by metal hinges.

" When you're outside, get to the Grand Etherio Cathedral. Find Igvir,he'll help you find the Order and hopefully Dreyfus. After you find him you come straight to me and tell me. Now go" she said turned a metal key in the door.

I set out and proceeded with the mission.