Chapter 1: As the Wind Rises

[Ame]

Nahema (Yasuraka) said:

Her dissatisfaction and displeasure with the answer the Observer had given her quickly faded away after revealing that Gil is nothing more than "a different form" for him. Many questions popping up in her mind, one after the other. But for now she suppresses them, knowing she wouldn't get any answers to them anyway. Deciding to grab some of the food in front of her as an attempt to prevent her from speaking.

"Food's nice." She says to whoever happens to sit near her at the table.

Hanna glances at Mipha, but seeing her reaction to Gil she sighs

"Yeah, I figured."

She walked towards the wall, spacing out in her sadness

[Source] Nahema (Yasuraka) said:

Mipha sighs at the Observers words. A god... who somehow seems to depend on "normal" people like us to help his troubles. A King who is depending on the work of similar normal people to find his missing person. These gods appear to be more human than god. That thought is strangely comforting to her. She rests her back against the chair, relaxed.

A small smile appears on her face, sighing in relief.

"Not given a choice but to participate. I may as well make the best out of it."

She turns around to look at the King.

"I recall you saying this Foodie Food Foods group is capable of creating food and objects such as gold out of seemingly nothing. Would this technology be able to create new life or perhaps bring back what was lost? Bringing back wonderful plants like the Streblorrhiza speciosa with it's beautiful pastel pink flowers. Or the lost members of the Otodontidae, I've seen their remains myself. Huge, impressively built predators. Sometimes I wonder if my kind is a descendent of them. Or if it's limited to food, why not bring back fruits like the Gros Michel banana? It's peel is thicker than the banana's produced nowadays, making it more suitable to be transported. Or silphium, the plant rumoured to cure many discomforts, function as an aphrodisiac while also bearing these cute fruits shaped like a heart."

Hanna, totally not eavesdropping on Mipha's conversation walks over, adding

"I can't say I'm super familiar with the Foodie Food Foods Group, but I do about the gold. It's a form of transmutation magic, so unless you managed to keep the soul, you probably couldn't revive someone; the same thing is true for creating new life, sure you've transmuted a body but... I don't know if anything would come of it."

Hanna wonders for a moment, before adding

"As far as I know, nobody has actually researched transmutation magic that is able to generate such complex such as life."

"Transmutation magic, from what I've read, is quite similar to mimicry and transformation magic. Where transformation magic temporarily changes the physical properties of what it is cast on, and mimicry magic changes the appearance of all matters, transmutation magic is... I suppose equivalent exchange, with a cost."

"Transmutation magic is permanent, and it's the real deal too! For example, if I wanted to transmute something into gold, I would need to use up all of the resources in that transmutation. That actually leads to some very strange biproducts. In addition, what is being transmuted must be of similar value, either by amount or magical properties! I don't fully understand it myself, but for example, if you wanted to transmute dirty water into clean water, you would have to expend mana to do the magic, and you wouldn't just get clean water, but clean water and say, some fertiliser."

"You'd also need to understand the intricacies of that specific spell in order to be able to pass it off, so most people don't dabble with any forms of magic regarding changing states, it's complicated, exhausting ,time consuming and generally not worth it."

A smug look wanders onto Hanna's face

"It's so complicated in fact, that even this so called King can't even use it, or if he can't not very effectively."

She clears her throat

"But that doesn't really help. I can't say I fully know what's happening at the Foodie Food Foods Group but it's my assumption that they are transmuting some material into raw food products, like unprocessed grain, fully matured vegetables or even certain cuts of meat!"

"I think in order to bring back something that no longer exists... I-"

Hanna looks deep in thought, so much so that you can hear the cogs turning in her brain

"I don't think it's possible. But it could be used to bring something back from the verge of... existin- exstink-..."

She grumbles under her her breath

"-ex~tinc~tion. There we go that's the one!"

"But, that's an interesting idea! I had never considered using transmutation magic for something like that... I'll have to speak to Father about that matter."

[Tetsu]

Sept 22, 2021 3:12:39 GMT -6 Oracle said:

She had a mission to do. Find coffee, and then find her past. She had no time for distractions. But... There's a pause, a cntemplation, and she speaks cautiously. "Words are one thing, my dearly troubled ruler."  She seems to search for the right words, before ever so gently easing a smile onto her features, "You have to show us, the citizens of Ferrum. Because we, realistically, are the ones dying for you." Perhaps while he is in such a more emotional state, she can make her approach. Taking a few steps towards him, Oracle outstretches her hand. "I require information. Is there anywhere in this area that will guide me towards what I seek, Adamantus? Your beloved citizen would like to learn why she is held as such a citizen before she's sent to her death."

"My actions is what has grown Ferrum to what it is today."

He looks at Oracle and sigh

"If what you seek is truly real, the merchant shall have it all for a deal."

[Alucard]

Sept 22, 2021 4:03:49 GMT -6 Ame said:

A smug look wanders onto Hanna's face

"It's so complicated in fact, that even this so called King can't even use it, or if he can't not very effectively."

She clears her throat

"But that doesn't really help. I can't say I fully know what's happening at the Foodie Food Foods Group but it's my assumption that they are transmuting some material into raw food products, like unprocessed grain, fully matured vegetables or even certain cuts of meat!"

"I think in order to bring back something that no longer exists... I-"

Hanna looks deep in thought, so much so that you can hear the cogs turning in her brain

"I don't think it's possible. But it could be used to bring something back from the verge of... existin- exstink-..."

She grumbles under her her breath

"-ex~tinc~tion. There we go that's the one!"

"But, that's an interesting idea! I had never considered using transmutation magic for something like that... I'll have to speak to Father about that matter."

The King grabs a handful of nuts and chuckles.

"I suppose your father never told you what my area of expertise is. Nice fellow him, but you are almost right. The laws of nature in this world, as we know them, would not allow one to create something without abiding by the concept of equivalent exchange.

He grins as he glances over at Hanna.

Granted, the entire field is similar to advanced chemistry at best. It is why I, indeed, know very little on the topic.

He raises his finger again and nods slightly as he waits a second before continuing.

I have designed a field of magic that no longer needs to abide by those limitations. To answer Mipha, transmutation as explained by my dear citizen here has not succesfully brought any living thing back as such. It would be a task better suited for necromancers. I know nothing of the dead but I imagine the art of creating and ressurecting a soul is the most difficult part, the transmutation of matter into something that "looks like" an extinct species sounds rather... elementary."

[Oracle]

She got an answer. That's all she needed. She doesn't quite have the heart to respond to his fire line about Ferrum, she can understand it- but his actions are also what imprisoned his own citizens here. A double edged sword that Oracle is simply not caffinated enough to explain. She needs a warm beverage before exploring his lead. Carefully she curtsy's again, bowing her head. "Thank you, my dear ruler. I appreciate all you bave done for Ferrum up until this point." she brings herself upright, and turns on her heel, going to the nearest server or nearest place that supplies caffine to get herself a fresh cup- this time of black tea. A deal? A deal... Though she wasn't expecting a rhyme as an answer, she doesnt exactly have a lot of money on her- she had originall just come for a gala aferall.

Merchant... Looking to her wrist, at the map, she begins out the hall they're in and towards the merchant's room, hoping the clue was simple enough to decode. Gentle footsteps echoe through the halls as the heiress makes her way towards what she hopes is the Merchant's room, fist gently knocking on the door once she makes her approach. If nobody opens it, then she'll gladly do so herself.

[Nahema (Yasuraka)]

Sept 22, 2021 4:03:49 GMT -6 Ame said:

"I think in order to bring back something that no longer exists... I-"

Hanna looks deep in thought, so much so that you can hear the cogs turning in her brain

"I don't think it's possible. But it could be used to bring something back from the verge of... existin- exstink-..."

She grumbles under her her breath

"-ex~tinc~tion. There we go that's the one!"

"But, that's an interesting idea! I had never considered using transmutation magic for something like that... I'll have to speak to Father about that matter."

Sept 22, 2021 4:17:59 GMT -6 Alucard said:

The laws of nature in this world, as we know them, would not allow one to create something without abiding by the concept of equivalent exchange.

Mipha nods in understanding. She lays her hands on the table, folded and fingers interlaced. Eyes closed, thinking out loud:
"Very interesting. Unfortunately, reversing the cycle to increase an organism's numbers to prevent extinction like this would most likely cause a population very limited in it's variety. If the individual used in the transmutation is vulnerable to a disease, then so would it's clone. Assuming this magic creates an individual identical to the 'original'. Depending on the reason of it's impending doom, you'll be doing nothing more than delaying the inevitable."

Sept 22, 2021 4:17:59 GMT -6 Alucard said:

I have designed a field of magic that no longer needs to abide by those limitations.

Mipha opens her eyes. Looking at the King, showing her curiosity. But her smile is turning into a smirk.

"No longer having to abide by the limitation of equal exchange. Well that sounds like a dream come true. Making the impossible possible. That is... if this claim is true. I'm afraid I don't quite buy it, King. I have a suspicion you find yourself restrained by the limitations hidden behind the equal exchange you thought to have gotten rid of. After all, if you were able to achieve the impossible... Conquering the "no longer menacing ocean" as you put it before, would've been done already, would it not? Just to clarify, I'm doing nothing more than vocalizing my thoughts, King. Fuelled by nothing more than curiosity, I can't help but try wrapping my head around the mysteries laid in front of me."

She glances at the Observer, knowing he has picked up on her feelings before. She can't help but hope he catches on some of her curiosity, as it's definitely not limited to only the ruler of the Lazy Lowlands.

[Nazo S⸸aRo]

  Hisoka gathers his card deck and neatly places them into his pocket. He gets up and starts walking towards the exit of the Dining Hall. 

  "Oh." He stops behind Mr. Excel and reaches behind his ear only to pull a Joker card seemingly out of nowhere. 
It's only fair I let him know after all...
  "Looks like I can't protect you during the night with the news we just heard." He said waving the card around before placing it with the rest.

  Hisoka then walks out of the Dining Hall, his heels echoing in the walls under the conversations in the room. 
He makes his way walking through Main Hall idly looking around him and enters the Hall of the Four to check the place out.

[Tetsu]

Sept 22, 2021 4:30:09 GMT -6 Oracle said:

Merchant... Looking to her wrist, at the map, she begins out the hall they're in and towards the merchant's room, hoping the clue was simple enough to decode. Gentle footsteps echoe through the halls as the heiress makes her way towards what she hopes is the Merchant's room, fist gently knocking on the door once she makes her approach. If nobody opens it, then she'll gladly do so herself.

As she enters she noticed the room seems to be dimly lit but that's not what caught her eye. No, what caught her eye was a ginormous man sitting behind a table.

 "Ah, a customer, how can I help Ms Oracle." 

Sept 22, 2021 5:13:39 GMT -6 Nahema (Yasuraka) said:

She glances at the Observer, knowing he has picked up on her feelings before. She can't help but hope he catches on some of her curiosity, as it's definitely not limited to only the ruler of the Lazy Lowlands.

The Observer notices Mipha looking at his and gave her a slight smile but decided to stare at his golden chalice instead

Sept 22, 2021 5:27:05 GMT -6 Nazo S⸸aRo said:

He makes his way walking through Main Hall idly looking around him and enters the Hall of the Four to check the place out.

Hisako notices four statues, each on a separate podium and a door past them and one to the left and one to the right

[Oracle]

Ah. So it is the correct room? Oracle is glad. Taking a small sip of the tea blend she has she enters quietly, closing the door behind her to stand infront of the large merchant. Putting all her heiress charm into her words, she smiles at the man- who for a particular reason knows her name. "Hello, Merchant." she speaks then. "I'm looking for... information. If you know my name, then you know who I am and what i'm looking for, yes?"

[Tetsu]

Sept 22, 2021 5:43:03 GMT -6 Oracle said:

"I'm looking for... information. If you know my name, then you know who I am and what i'm looking for, yes?"

"Of course, of course, your parents is what you seek isn't it?"

[Oracle]

Her head inclines ever so slightly at that, "Anything about my past, not specifically my parents..." her grasp on her teacup tightens ever so sliighly, "However, I will take any information I can get. What is the price for such information? I have jewels, if that is to your taste?"

[Nazo S⸸aRo]

Sept 22, 2021 5:38:59 GMT -6 Tetsu said:

Hisako notices four statues, each on a separate podium and a door past them and one to the left and one to the right

  Hisoka takes his sweet time to examine each and every one of the four statues, as well as look for any epitaphs or clues as to who are the depicted personas. Here's to being bored, i guess...

[Alucard]

Sept 22, 2021 5:13:39 GMT -6 Nahema (Yasuraka) said:

"No longer having to abide by the limitation of equal exchange. Well that sounds like a dream come true. Making the impossible possible. That is... if this claim is true. I'm afraid I don't quite buy it, King. I have a suspicion you find yourself restrained by the limitations hidden behind the equal exchange you thought to have gotten rid of. After all, if you were able to achieve the impossible... Conquering the "no longer menacing ocean" as you put it before, would've been done already, would it not?

"No amount of creation will bring me to who i'm looking for faster. But I would gladly explain the science and magic behind what I do another time!"

He gestures around and looks at observer.

"Sorry mate, won't steal your thunder now that you're here. Please do tell them all about yourself! Whatever is hiding in that head of yours, other than imminent destruction of Satorae the ultimate fan?"

[Tetsu]

Sept 22, 2021 5:53:38 GMT -6 Oracle said:

Her head inclines ever so slightly at that, "Anything about my past, not specifically my parents..." her grasp on her teacup tightens ever so sliighly, "However, I will take any information I can get. What is the price for such information? I have jewels, if that is to your taste?"

"Oh hoho, but for Ferrumnian it's free! So, let's see, hmmm, Tatiana...Tatiana, once was the greatest family and confidant to The Founder of Ferrum. Such a shame they have to fall from grace due to their greed." 

Sept 22, 2021 6:03:13 GMT -6 Nazo S⸸aRo said:

  Hisoka takes his sweet time to examine each and every one of the four statues, as well as look for any epitaphs or clues as to who are the depicted personas.

Hisoka finds that the four statue which does not seem to have a head on them. Other than that, nothing else to note.

Sept 22, 2021 6:24:10 GMT -6 Alucard said:

"Sorry mate, won't steal your thunder now that you're here. Please do tell them all about yourself! Whatever is hiding in that head of yours, other than imminent destruction of Satorae the ultimate fan?"

"Oh its nothing, a King should be given more attention. Things that are in my head has already be told, which I doubt anyone would bother. Her accidental death is my failure to control my emotions." 

[Oracle]

There's a pause as she glances at the man, taking in his words and squinting every so slightly. "So when Adamantus said Lady Titania..." she trails off, and takes a small sip from her cup before levelling her gaze at the man once more. "They... greed? So..." There's a pause. Did this mean that she... actually was a heiress? And they were... confidants. That was.... "What did they do?"

[Nazo S⸸aRo]

  Hisoka spends some time at the headless statues, but nothing of interest shows after all. He decides to go on ahead and walk into the Tower of Worship. What an interesting name!