Chapter 60
New Gains
The sunrise painted the peaks in gold.
A distant hawk soared, cruising the updrafts coming off the cliffs.
Despite the stained granite, a profound sense of calm settled over the hidden depression. Annette’s presence seemed to put everyone at ease.
Shoulders loosened, smiles made appearances between quiet jokes.
George was resting in a nest of furs, his severe wounds stabilized.
“If only I could have healed like this fifteen years ago..”
George slowly moved his arms, checking his progress.
One could almost see a look of surprise on his rugged face.
“You look better every hour, at this rate you will be back on your feet tomorrow…”
Jaime knelt beside him, gently helping wash away the dried blood from the still closing gashes crisscrossing his body.
“You're telling me. If only we had this kind of power before.. So many patients I've watched suffer..”
With an even exhale, an almost imperceptible cloud billowed from her with supernatural speed.
It clung close, encompassing everything around her in a sphere.
She could now project her Aura of Protection at will, giving a subtle security to George.
Dan was moving confidently, with a new, subtle fluidity.
The immediate evidence of frostbite had receded, his hands and leg looking pink, but whole.
The rigid structure of his Weight Affinity now felt just a bit more flexible.
Almost like it needed a vehicle..
I think.. I feeI like I may be able to.. reach out..
He bounced a small rock in his palm.
Up and down, he followed its smooth, consistent arc.
“No.”
With his command spoken, and a flare of will, the stone paused at its apex.
For but a moment.
The air around the stone didn't just get cold, it felt heavy.
As if Dan were trying to hold reality itself to keep the rock from falling.
It fell back to his palm, ice crystals melting, leaving beads of moisture on its pockmarked surface.
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A sheen of sweat frosted on his bare head, steaming in the sunlight.
Dan’s black beard split with a wide grin, under dilated blue-black pupils.
Kim flowed.
Her spearhead twirled, casting reflections of light to the stone beneath her feet.
She spun with a fluid grace, Qi reinforcing every movement, replicating the burst of speed and strength she felt the previous night.
The spear is finally feeling like an extension of me.. I know I’ve heard that somewhere before..
As she practiced her movements,
Luna watched, giving an occasional huff.
Constantly vigilant.
I’m definitely seeing something here?
Chris intently studied the Qi-enriched materials Jimmy had found.
He confirmed his theory.
Lines..
Connections?
A wild chaos of static–like lines were attempting to order themselves before him.
Jumping, back and forth amongst the materials scattered around.
Tying, twisting, joining, seeking, they faded in and out of reality.
Possibilities?
The lines weren't just visual.
He felt oscillating, uncomfortable frequencies humming in his teeth, causing him to clench his jaw.
It promises order.. if only I could find the right 'joint' to connect them…
Hooded eyes glinted.
“I'm totally going to craft a Legendary leg.”
Dan's snort rang out into the crisp morning air.
“That's made of titanium — you already have a legendary leg! Some dwarf might kill you for that.”
Chris didn't bother looking up; his plots couldn't be paused with idle chatter.
Belle was practicing quietly in the corner by the grotto’s mouth.
Flashes reflected off the stone walls.
Annette guided her as she coaxed a spark along her fingers.
A twinge of discomfort crossed her small face, a humming ozone filling the air.
A massive, controlled step away from the panic-induced release.
“See? Progress!” Annette gave her a large supportive smile.
Belle nodded absently, tired, but determined.
Jimmy sat, eyes drooping, fingers following intangible weaves of light.
I think I can replicate that illusion..
Just need..
More practice..
Dan moved toward him, stretching, looking at the same sunrise.
“How scared should we be Jimmy?” Dan asked quietly.
“Very,” Jimmy uttered tiredly.
Dan flinched as if struck, head whipping over to his normally optimistic friend.
He took his glasses off, rubbing his tired eyes.
“We have no idea what is out there, or how powerful it will be. That was enlightening.”
He carefully placed his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
“I think they still had Seeds, just an affinity. What happens when we run into something at Core Formation?”
Dan paused, understanding and fear cracking through the hope gained from his recent growth.
“Yeah.. we need to find power..”
Dan looked down at his forearms as he flexed them, “any more leads on another treasure like this water source?”
"Nope," Jimmy replied with a long breath.
"Then get some sleep, Jimbo," Dan urged, his voice low with genuine concern.
"We need you to be alert.”
Jimmy perked up.
“You can not handle me alert.”
“There we go.” Dan chuckled.
