Conclusion
At this time, everyone appears to be meeting back at the center of the camp with a similar look of confusion. No matter which way adventurers went, all of them saw the flashing light and felt the trembling of the ground beneath their feet. You all take time to exchange information about what happened and what might have caused whatever went on, with Vinta having pulled out a notepad in order to take notes. The only one not immediately swept up in the growing excitement is Aventus, who appears to be standing nearby and listening quietly to all the exchanges.
It’s not until the topic of the core arises that Vinta seems to react with utter surprise and concern. The groups are quick to tell them of the stone that seemed to be locking the control panel, but at the news it was lost during the tremors Vinta cannot help but look a little deflated.
“I see… It would seem that everything had been set up in such a way as to where the so called ‘King’ would not need to be present in order to maintain his hold on things. I assume the stone gave preset commands, and whatever hold he had was affecting the core somehow. We will not know the exact method without the ability to investigate the stone itself, but there are several things we can infer based on what you all have told me. Perhaps I -”
As they speak, they shoot a glance towards Aventus and upon meeting his gaze quickly seem to cut themselves short.
“Actually… I will save my explanations for now. There is a time and place for the more… contemplative… ramblings of a mage. The problem is solved for the moment, and there is something more important to focus on."
Vinta straightens their posture, now turning towards Aventus as they speak.
"Professor, the gate has been constructed without issue. We should be able to send back those who wish to return to the school grounds, shortly."
Aventus gives a small nod of approval, which Vinta seems to appreciate. A tired smile etches it’s way on Vinta’s face as the professor now takes his turn to address the group.
“While everyone else had been occupied with their own tasks, I surveyed the area and determined the perfect location for the Void Wing to be built. I will construct it now, if there is nothing further to discuss. Though… I do suggest that anyone who is still injured or weary from this journey return through the gate before I begin. Those who plan to stay behind, I hope you may enjoy watching what comes next.”
You remain behind with a decent sized group, following Aventus a short walk from the camp to an area nearby that is largely rubble and not immediately threatened by any spires that could be knocked loose. There are murmurs throughout the crowd that has gathered around at a safe distance, some in anticipation for what he must be planning while others seem confused at what exactly ‘building’ the Void Wing would entail. For those too curious, Vinta quickly shoos them away before taking a place at Aventus’ side.
Aventus gives a small nod of approval, which Vinta seems to appreciate. A tired smile etches it’s way on Vinta’s face as the professor now takes his turn to address the group.
“Vinta. The map, if you would.”
The archmage nods, reaching in their bag to pull out a very large scroll. Though their exhaustion was clear on their face, they did their best to steel themselves and waved a hand. In response, the scroll slowly floats out of the bag, unfurling in front of Aventus and the spot that he stands. He does not look to Vinta, but there is a slight nod of thanks as he concentrates on the area before him.
It only took a minute for the process to begin, but for those watching it was the longest minute they had experienced. Aventus stood there, hands at his side, palms facing the area in front of him. The air, which had been relatively calm since everyone had regrouped, suddenly felt thick with a heavy aura. It wasn’t painful, but for those unfamiliar with large amounts of magic, it would be uncomfortable to say the least.
Still, the discomfort was one you and the group did your best to ignore as you realized it was coming from Aventus himself. Yet again, tremors began to arise from the earth beneath your feet, a feeling that was becoming a little more familiar than you would have liked. Cracks in the floor began to appear, splitting it open dramatically and causing large amounts of colorful smoke to arise. He raised a hand dramatically, pieces of the ground jutting upwards to follow his motion and command.
You and the group could only watch in awe at the display before you. Rocks from the floor and the ceiling rose to take shape into what appeared to be a massive structure. But it wasn’t just the ground - pieces from the remnants of the old ruins and cities also followed the motions of his arms, fitting together on the steadily forming building with a skillful amount of precision. Lights from the colored pieces of glass that formed windows on the building refracted across the room, illuminating everything in a colorful display. Work that would have taken months progressed in minutes, Aventus’ brows furrowed with a focus and intensity unlike anything he had displayed before.
Even those not well versed in magic could tell that this was a display of power to be reckoned with. Perhaps this truly was why he had been standing back for so long, considering the massive amount of energy something like this would have taken even for the most skilled of magic users. If one had been able to get a look at Aventus’ face, they would be able to see that his mouth was pulled in a strained line, his teeth gritted as small beads of sweat ran down his face.
He continued like this for some time, continuously looking from the plan Vinta had before him to his work before it was finally complete. The air was still filled with magic and smoke but soon settled, leaving behind a beautiful building engraved with symbols of the void domain aspects. It was sleek and elegant, with dark walls and colorful stained glass windows. The theme was very Victorian, one that seemed to fit the browbird who shaped it very much.
Aventus slowly lowered his arms, exhaling slowly as he did. The strain on him was great, but he was not going to display any sign of weakness to those around him. Vinta watched him with the same shared awe as the group, but when the work was over it slowly faded into a look of concern.
“Aventus, you-”
“I am fine.”
He turned, giving Vinta a small smile before looking at the group.
“I hope you all enjoyed watching. There is still much to do, but for now, the hardest parts have been overcome. It could not have been done without you all, and without your determination and leadership, Vinta. Thank you. Truly. I am proud to have stood beside you all, and that Headmaster Elsinon has entrusted me with running this wing of the College. I hope that for those of you that may be attending, I can also make you proud in return.”
Then, in a gesture unlike anything he had displayed before, Aventus bowed graciously.
“Now. There is much work to be done. Please, if you all could return to the school grounds to ensure the Headmaster is notified. We will take care of the rest from here. Thank you, truly. All of you. This would not have been possible without your help.”
After such an adventure, you decide it is finally time to head through the portal and begin on your own way again. Upon your return to Aldebast, you find that the majority of your group seems to have felt the same. Though none seem much worse for wear, the signs of exhaustion are visible on the faces of many who now rest and recuperate within the schools main hall.
The few who live here seem to be busy catching up with local friends, chatting away and telling of the party's grand expedition (perhaps exaggerating just a bit as they speak.) Those who don't, seem to be readying themselves for the boat ride back to the mainland. Despite the general weary atmosphere, everyone who has gathered appears to be leaving in good spirits. Excited to take home the tale of such a fascinating adventure, and perhaps even a few new items they'd found abandoned along the way.
As you prepare to head out, you give one last look inward, towards the center of the college. For many, the catalyst that brought them here initially was likely wayward chance, but for you..
You think back to the trophy. The missing gem.. your fur prickles with tension at the very recollection of Vinta's words. Something is stirring... But nothing can be done without first having all the facts.
You turn, and make your way out of the college back towards the ships to leave.
The archmage promised that they would have it looked into eventually. If anything should ever come of that.. they would likely know how to reach you.
...
