001st Forged Devil: Like a Fallen Angel [Action, Voice]

[curseresistant]

[The journal picks up a glimpse of the sky as it falls to the cold dirt, followed by a skewed view of the forest. Things are quiet -- almost eerily so.]

[That's when, with a horribly heavy-sounding thud, a pale-skinned, white-winged, and white-haired man unceremoniously drops into view, faint wisps of breath barely visible from his mouth. Were it not for that, he would certainly appear to be dead.]

[The feed cuts off not too long after that, the journal closed by a strong gust of wind.]

[Much later in the afternoon, before the shops close for the evening, Hector busies himself with finding his belongings. He lingers in the smithy for a while, browsing armor and weaponry before moving along to the plaza.]

I am told that these 'journals' can send my voice to others. If there are others listening, I am Hector. I have only recently arrived here in... Luceti.

Would any of you know where I could acquire [...] raw materials? I would like to... work on something.

Comments

[Action]

[mountain_sage]

[Really, Saleh doesn't know how else to take it.]

...I apologize. It is even difficult for me to swallow, despite the years I have been here.

The experiments...they vary. To put it simply, they range from alterations of mind or body, or alterations of the world around us. The experiments typically last for about one week before things revert to normal. Literally anything can happen. Anything you may think impossible, it is quite possible here.

[Action]

[curseresistant]

... There is very little that I would think impossible at this point.

[Now that he's at least partially assured that Saleh won't attempt to attack him, he glances over his shoulder to see what that pain is.]

[...the sight of snow white feathers doesn't startle him, but instead gives way into a fit of bemused chuckling.]

Though this... t'is certainly a thing of fantasy. Wings, on me of all people.

[Action]

[mountain_sage]

...Is that so?

[A remark like that, plus what Julia had shared about her home world. Was it really that terrible?]

Fantasy...it may seem that way. But I assure you that the wings are quite real. You must care for them, for damaging them will lead to weakness and illness, while losing both wings will cause immediate death.

[Action]

[curseresistant]

[Oh, Saleh. If only you knew.]

I know that they are, as they bother me fiercely at the moment.

[A humorless laugh escapes him.] Still, there is irony to be found here; me, versed in arts that others view as a sin against God, with wings white as an angel's.

[Action]

[mountain_sage]

The pain will pass after a day or so.

[But the remark on the irony makes him curious.]

How do you view those arts?

[Action]

[curseresistant]

[Hector is quiet at first, letting his eyes close. His face is the very expression of stoicism, not betraying a single hint of emotion once he does begin speaking.]

When I was first learning, it was simply a means to an end. It was a power with which I could grow; I believed that it was neither good, nor evil.

But now... [He laughs dryly.] Knowing its origins and what its original purpose was, I see it as the cursed strength it truly is. I wish this power on no one.

[Action]

[mountain_sage]

[There's a pause as Saleh takes in the words, contemplating their meaning.]

Hmm. I would also believe that magic alone could be neither good nor evil, but it would reflect on the wielder. But if one possesses a truly evil power...would it have the ability to corrupt the wielder?

[He has heard of the dark-based magic in his own world corrupting its users, hence why he hasn't studied it.]

[Action]

[curseresistant]

T'would indeed. T'is a result of Dracula's dark curse upon the land.

[He knew all too well about that, having almost been corrupted by it himself.]

[Action]

[mountain_sage]

"Dracula...?"

[There was that name again...]

Julia had mentioned a "Lord Dracula" when she arrived here, but...who is he?