Private Hylands Ascent Braving the North with Meat and Metal

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki had almost forgot about the monitoring drone entirely during their short break, her mismatched eyes flickering over to where the floating device was still following MAI around. She gave the drone a quizzical look before nodding.

I'll trust your judgement on that.

Thinking back on it, that drone had played a role in deploying MAI's defences when the magia was having a breakdown, so it had to be quite the advanced device. But if it was taking care of all those things... The luna wolf shook her head.

Right. Let's get moving then. And watch your step.

The weather had become quite more peaceful than it had been when they started the break, with little white dots floating gently through the air to land on stone and dirt, some of it melting away but most of it sticking around long enough to serve as support for more snow. The path ahead of them was narrow, but they were still close enough to the ground that prior travellers had made it reliable.

Once we get back down we'll have to inform people that this route is in need of some maintenance. It's one of the more popular and safer paths, so we can't leave it as it is.

Mizuki hadn't thought her response to MAI's panic attack through, which meant that behind them there was now a hole in the path which could deter future travellers if left unattended. At least ahead of them everything looked safe for now.

Out of curiosity, did you develop gravity magic because it's linked to astronomy or was that just a coincidence?

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎ ‎ 176 / 190

‎Play Sheet

Back to hearing the crunching of snow beneath their feet, MAI quietly followed in Mizuki's footsteps, sometimes quite literally. While she was no mountaineer, she did a fair share of walking up hills and mountains during vacations with her parents in the physical world. Here, her stamina was even far better than what she was working with out there.

She also understood why a path had to be maintained. She knew the pain of going somewhere and then running into that one spot that was simply impossible to get past, either due to the undesirable influence of others or nature itself. Though it was never so severe as to pose a risk to one's health. As for the question about her power of gravity... well, it was rather simple.

"Response - both aspects are part of the same mastery. This unit chose Astramancy for its overall theme, and gravity manipulation proved to be easiest and most effective to train."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

As Mizuki had said, the path before them was one of the safer one, so while they did have to be careful with the narrow parts the incline was gentle enough that they didn't have to worry as much about exhausting themselves or falling down. Of course, that also meant it took longer than other parts, where a lot of climbing would happen, but the luna wolf considered that an acceptable trade-off when travelling with someone else.

I've heard of Astramancy yes. Gravity magic seems to be its main use, but you can also use it for divination, right?

As they walked Mizuki would make sure to lead the way, her large feet leaving plenty of opportunity for the smaller female to place her feet in the same spots. In the distance multiple flying figures could be seen, but for the moment none of them made any move to approach the two travellers. Above them the clouds remained an ever-present barrier that prevented them from seeing the top of the mountain, even as every step slowly got them closer.

By the way, I might have forgotten to mention it before, but it's possible for us to come across Dissonant lifeforms. If that's the case make sure to stay behind me: they're much more dangerous than harpies.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎ ‎ 176 / 190

‎Play Sheet

Walking somewhere with someone was always easier than doing so alone, especially if there was a good conversation to be had. Although, given how much of a dreamer MAI was, she never had trouble doing the same by herself, either. Once her mind started conjuring up new ideas, all else around her would become a blur, and she'd find herself at the end of the path in no time. Although it was harder to do in harsh conditions such as here.

"Correct - Astramancy is widely used for divination. This unit has had little success with that part of the mastery, however. Instead, this unit calls forth elements of the cosmos directly."

That might have been a bit vague, but it was honestly a bit hard to explain without directly showcasing, which might not have been an idea at this moment. Mizuki already seemed to be plenty worried about MAI's energy without it being wasted on random mastery showcases. Although the mention of dissonant lifeforms was rather concerning and sudden.

"Query - Why would such beings be here, of all places?"

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

So MAI hadn't really tried to use divination much yet... Mizuki imagined it'd be a lot like having a computer try to predict the weather, although as soon as she thought it she shook her head. MAI wasn't a computer, even if she was synthetic.

I'm guessing even with Astramancy accurate divination is still difficult. (She looked over her shoulder at MAI.) I'm curious what it'll be like when you get the hang of it though. Could you predict moves in the midst of combat or would it not be fast enough for that?

In stories, the ability to predict your opponent's moves was often treated as one of the biggest cheats one could have. In reality, one's body had to be able to keep up with that knowledge for it to be useful. Then again, MAI had her drones, so it would be more effective for her than it would be for

Elements of the cosmos being starlight and the like?

She grimaced as she thought back to Titanius and the dissonance the eldritch entity had released. As time went on it became clear that Titanius wasn't the sole source of Dissonance, although she was still inclined to blame the tentacle monster for most of the problems they'd been facing ever since then.

They're not common, but... well, you've heard of Titanius?

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎Play Sheet

"Answer - This unit does not know the limits of Astramancy and its divination. However, if this game is capable of simulating the game's environment and all that is in it in real-time, then this unit has no doubts it could simulate the trajectory of another's movement before it is made."

There might have been a certain irony in talking about divination as a simulation of something that could happen. A bit of blasphemy, perhaps? All of that was a bit strange for MAI, given her mixed beliefs. Many people would likely engage in some good old-fashioned dislike of her if she were to disclose that information in the open.

"Correct - Starlight, nebulas, solar winds... depending on the configuration of masteries, this unit can bring forth a fair few cosmic elements."

It wasn't only strong, but very pretty as well. Though, from what the girl knew about dissonance, she could imagine why her powers could remind someone of it.

"Answer - This unit is not familiar with the name."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki frowned in thought as MAI brought up... a very good point, actually. While she treated this world as real it was still something that was being simulated, which meant that there was a power capable of accurately calculating everything that happened in this world. If that was the case, giving reliable output regarding a single individual's upcoming actions should be child's play.

Good point. I guess the only real limiter would be how fast you can cast the magic. In your case you could have a drone handle that once you get the hang of it.

Something like an external brain which was wholly dedicated to observing enemies and predicting their future actions through calculations. It was one of those things Magitech could be really useful for.

The idea that this was blasphemous hadn't even occurred to Mizuki yet. Computers had been used to predict things for quite some time now, so she wouldn't bother MAI with comments regarding her choice of comparison.

In this world those things must have a very different nature than back on Earth. Still, does that mean you can use plasma as a weapon?

The stars were made of the stuff after all, at least back in Earth's reality. Maybe here they were purely magical phenomena and therefore didn't have the same properties.

Mizuki raised a hand and rubbed her forehead as MAI admitted to her ignorance regarding Titanius. Not the most pleasant topic, but...

Where to begin... Titanius was some kind of eldritch monstrosity that showed up five years ago west of Astorea, and acted as a major source of Dissonance. I'm still not entirely sure where it came from, but given what it could do it could have come from anywhere. Back then all of us Travelers united and managed to beat it off, but the fact that we're still dealing with Dissonant creatures today is evidence enough that merely killing it didn't get rid of its influence.

She halted for a moment to point far into the distance where, almost entirely hidden by the snowfall and the mists, massive floating islands could be seen.

The canyon where Titanius resided was south of here, and sometimes Dissonant creatures enter the Hylands Ascent. They're one of the reasons why I said that not every fight can be resolved non-lethally, although if we're lucky we shouldn't see any.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎ ‎ 176 / 190

‎Play Sheet

"Agreement - This unit is very happy with its choice of masteries. Magitech is a very useful mastery that is capable of many things, especially when combined with other masteries. Almost as versatile in augmentations as an alter mastery."

It was kinda funny, actually. Although, given some recent developments at Camp Hope, it seemed that this mastery came at a cost... as well as the girl's race. It was unpleasant, so she hoped such a disadvantage would not repeat itself. Especially since there was never a warning during the character creation that NPCs would hate magia and try to attack them on sight or something. The same went for magitech.

"Confirmation - This unit can probably utilize plasma. However, the properties of these celestial phenomena are different from the physical world. Radiation from space does not work the same here as out there, it is simply damage."

It was a tiny bit disappointing when MAI learned of this, but it was wholly understandable. If she summoned a tiny black hole on the battlefield, it would be nothing short of overpowered if it functioned as it should. As for the Titanius... it certainly sounded like quite the thing.

"Realization - This unit did not know Mizuki had been playing this game for so long. This unit is humbled. As for the threat... The new source of dissonance seems to be under Tertoria."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki nodded as MAI voiced her opinions about her own masteries. The luna wolf wasn't exactly in a position to look at the female magia directly, leading the way up the mountain and all that, but she was frequently glancing at MAI over her shoulder to make it clear that she was paying attention to her companion's words.

If I'm understanding how you're using Magitech correctly you're using it to automate things you'd otherwise have to take care of yourself. That's definitely useful. (She paused, reminded of something else.) It's similar to Alchemy. I wonder why two support masteries act more like alters.

She usually didn't think too much about how the game systems worked, as she wanted to treat this world as real. Nevertheless, sometimes she couldn't help but wonder, especially when someone like MAI made insightful comments.

A gust of wind made her shield her face for a moment, flattening her ears before shaking her whole body to get rid of some of the snow that had gotten stuck in her fur. That didn't mean she didn't listen to MAI's explanation regarding plasma, however, replying once she was done cleaning herself up.

As I thought then, even if that doesn't quell my curiosity about what traits it does have. Especially since it got combined with gravity and divinations.

MAI's awe of Mizuki's playtime made the wolf blink before shrugging, not realising that her companion would draw attention to it in advance.

This world was closed off for four whole years, so all things considered I haven't been here for that long. But yeah, I was around for Titanius, and believe me when I say that you're lucky that you joined us after that. I think a lot of people still have nightmares about it.

After having pointed out the direction in which Titanius could be found back when it was still alive Mizuki resumed walking, but paused once more in response to MAI's words to glance back at those distant floating lands.

Hrmmm... Back when Titanius was wreaking havoc the people of Tertoria asked for our help, so if they're once again struggling with Dissonance... we'll have to go there and figure out what's going on.

Titanius could have been an anomaly, but a second occurrence of Dissonance originating from Tertoria was too much to dismiss.

But as I said, keep an eye out for anything that looks... off.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎ ‎ 176 / 190

‎Play Sheet

"Correction - While this unit does automate much through crafting and usage of remote drones, this unit actually primarily uses Magitech to augment its own body. A unique interaction for magia."

Magia were basically super advanced versions of the stuff that Magitech was capable of creating, so it only made sense they could interact with it in such a unique way. Although some players would probably find it a bit too much to augment themselves in such a way. On the other hand, it might have been a dream come true for any fans of cyberpunk aesthetics, surprisingly found in this heavily fantasy-themed game.

Watching Mizuki behave a bit like an actual animal was also a fair bit amusing. Beastfolk have truly earned a lot of MAI's attention, although she was sure that many would take considerable offense if she voiced her opinion on how the race seemed to make even the more harsh individuals rather cute and adorable in certain aspects.

"Disagreement - This unit feels that if such a threat appeared once, it likely won't be the worst of what people will have to eventually face. Developers always have to surpass their old creations."

That was probably a horrific thought, wasn't it? Maybe she was wrong. After all, there was simply no way to predict such things.

"Understood - This unit will scan the area around us."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

I have noticed how your body has more tricks to it than just being synthetic. There aren't a lot of friendly magia to compare you to, but I imagine not all of them are that invested in using Magitech for self-enhancement. (She looked at her furred hand.) But now that you mention it... We can't modify ourselves as much as you can, but I bet there's non-magia Magitech users out there who've turned themselves into cyborgs. Maybe if they also use Animancy.

She'd never thought about it before, but there wasn't any rule saying that one couldn't use Magitech to enhance a flesh and blood body. The only challenge was making sure the Magitech additions didn't cause health issues for the biological body, and there was plenty of magic that could help with that if properly applied.

Mizuki was facing away from MAI while shaking herself, preventing her from noticing how amusing the magia found her behaviour. Mizuki was more animalistic than most Traveler beastfolk, even though she was pretty sure that compared to native caenis she was still rather stiff. Something which she had very intentionally been working on.

You're not wrong that the developers would want to give us new challenges to keep us engaged, but... Hrmmm, how to put it... (She fell silent for several seconds.) To put it simply, I don't think everything that happens in this world was planned in advance.

It was a strange feeling, but ever since the encounter with the Calculator she couldn't help but feel like this world was creating its own scenarios, without any oversight.

Glad to hear it. I've got good senses but I imagine that at long distances you still edge me out. That said, we're more likely to be harassed by animals such as those over there. (She pointed at the flying figures that were still ignoring them in the distance.) Those are reapers... I never got around to telling you about them, did I?

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎ ‎ 176 / 190

‎Play Sheet

MAI was actually quite proud of what she managed to do with her own body. Of course, it was quite scary at the beginning, but she got used to it soon enough and realized there was absolutely nothing to be afraid of. One of the few times she explored such a seemingly 'extreme' option and was rewarded for it.

"Unknown - This unit does not have enough information to determine whether something like that would be possible. However, based on previous experience, this unit believes that as long as a mastery combination theoretically allows for it, it is likely possible in some way."

It was frankly impressive just how versatile this game's system was. Not many titles, even in this current age, allowed for such freedom of combination. But then again, TerraSphere was anything but an ordinary game. The same went for what Mizuki said next. MAI did not doubt that many things were caused rather naturally. But there was always that first spark someone must have caused.

"Opinion - It is natural that things are allowed a manner of free reign. Otherwise, things could become boring and predictable."

Letting some things run their course meant amusing twists that a person wouldn't even be able to come up with ahead of time. And that was, undoubtedly, a good thing for the game... as long as it wasn't killing people. Which it usually was, it seemed...

"Surprise - Based on their name, this unit expected them to be more terrifying. Confirmation - Mizuki did not explain prior to now what Reapers are or how they operate."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

It seemed that she and MAI were in agreement on the possibility of cyborgs, although Mizuki was also confident that they could find examples if they looked hard enough. Cyberpunk was still popular back on Earth, so at least some Travelers would be trying to get cybernetics in Terrasphere if it was possible.

It's an interesting thought, at the very least. (She wiggled her fingers.) Personally I'm happy with my Metamorph abilities, but I'm now curious at how far non-magia have come with Magitech augmentations.

She could also imagine someone combining Magitech with Metamorph to transform their body into the tool they needed on the spot, but that wasn't quite the same as someone who modded their own body to become something more than biological.

With her hand shielding her eyes she stared at the flying figures a bit longer, judging their movements. No sign of hostility yet... had they not noticed the two Travelers, or were they not hunting?

True, but it does mean I'm not confident we'll see anything like Titanius anytime soon. (She looked at MAI.) I'd describe it to you, but I'm not sure how strong your stomach is.

Having to dig her way out of Titanius's insides to escape before the eldritch god collapsed was definitely something she didn't want to experience again if she didn't have to, although it was still vastly preferable over dying in the belly of the beast.

The much more pleasant topic were the Reapers, and Mizuki happily switched to that.

Ascent Reapers are birds of prey that are large enough to hunt humans and lift them into the air. Best I can tell they're called Reapers because they're ferocious, don't hesitate to attack people, and their lack of vocalisation as adults means that if you're not paying attention one can dive down and either grab or impale you before you know what's happening.

Holding her arms up in the air she indicated a length comparable to a longsword or even a short spear.

They've got four wings, and their beak is about this long and sturdy enough that if they miss their target and hit the ground instead they can pull it back out without being hurt. They're more or less living, flying javelins.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎ ‎ 176 / 190

‎Play Sheet

Considering the fact that MAI had never met anyone with magitech augmentations, she simply wasn't able to answer that question, as interesting as it was. Though if she ever did, she made mental note to tell Mizuki afterward. Titanius appeared to be an equally unapproachable topic, not only making some unpleasant memories surface for the wolf girl, but with the warning, also presumably one that would do the magia no good either.

With the reapers explained, MAI's understanding of these mountains broadened as well. She didn't quite understand why they needed two pairs of wings, given how birds usually worked, but it was sometimes best to not question the fantasy world. The description of their means of hunting did also further increase the thought in the back of the girl's mind that this entire trip was a bit of a mistake. Although she was reasonably sure that unless they hit her head directly, she'd be fine even if they scewered her with those beaks.

"Acknowledged - An entry about this bird of prey will be stored in this unit's databank. This unit will be sure to avoid them as much as possible."

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki nodded as MAI resolved to avoid Reapers if possible, although the luna wolf didn't think it was up to them whether they'd have to deal with those damned birds or not.

We should be fine even if they attack us: they're mostly a threat to defenceless travellers, and we're both capable of defending ourselves should the need arise. But there's no point in wasting time with them, except if we're running low on supplies.

There were various lifeforms that could be hunted on the Ascent, but Reapers were probably one of your better options if you had the opportunity. The huntress shook her head as she cast her gaze ahead.

As long as we don't slow down too much we shouldn't have to worry about that: I've packed enough to last me the trip. I do prefer fresh meat myself, but we're here for what's on top of this mountain.

Soon they'd encounter their first real obstacle (aside from the harpy, which was a random encounter). The path which led onwards was met by a sheer cliff face, and given the fact that pitons had been driven into the stone by previous travellers it was clear that the idea was that anyone who wanted to go any further had to scale the cliff.

It goes without saying that only animals suited for climbing can be used here.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎ ‎ 176 / 190

‎Play Sheet

Mizuki only talking about supplies for herself did make MAI wonder if the wolf thought that magia did not require food or water due to their mechanical nature. There was no further inquiry, but if the wolf did think so, she was probably in for a surprise the next time the two of them visited any kind of establishment where they offered food together.

When they arrived at the cliff-face, the mechanical girl wasn't looking particularly bothered. Where Mizuki would have to scale the harsh terrain, she could simply... walk. Jumping up, her gravity suddenly changed, and she fell sideways, landing on the wall and standing up as if it was the new ground for her. That way, she only had to worry about potentially kicking some of the pitons. Although she wondered why the wolf suddenly mentioned animals.

"Query - Climbing animals? Who would bring animals along for such a path?"

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

Mizuki watched as MAI displayed her Astramancy by shifting her own gravity until she could walk up the cliff as if it was the floor. It was certainly quite a sight, as the magia's movements made it clear that this was more than just sticking to the surface, but a part of the luna wolf was worried about MAI's energy levels. How exhausting would it be to mess with gravity like that? She had no point of comparison.

Given that MAI hadn't changed Mizuki's gravity the huntress would do this her way. Flexing her hands she stepped up to the cliff and grabbed the first piton, muscles tensing underneath skin and clothes as she began to climb at a respectable pace, her breathing steady as she moved with the confidence of someone who had experience with this kind of thing.

This was hardly her first time up this path, after all. She barely had to think about where to reach to grasp the next piton by this point.

Supplies, mostly. The Sun Claw tribe that lives at the top of this mountain has opened up to outsiders, which means that there's trade to be made. (She grunted.) The Ascent may look like this, but the top of the Hylands is shaped more like a bowl, with a fertile valley in the middle.

It was somewhat mysterious, but it was true nonetheless.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎Play Sheet

The girl was willing to help Mizuki out as well if the wolf had requested it. But as there was no such request made, she merely watched her companion scale the stone-covered wall as she walked beside her at a rather casual pace. It almost felt a bit mean... but on the other hand, there was no way that MAI herself would be able to climb like that. Her mechanical body might have been considerably stronger than she was in the physical world, but it was still far more nimble than anything else, so her steel bones offered only so much.

"Query - Is this tribe where we are headed? Some landers are not fond of magia due to recent incidents around Vintergard. This unit did not bring much in the way of disguise."

If it were necessary, she could just try to stay out of the way, although that didn't always work out super well. Especially when she was wholly unfamiliar with the land, which was very much the case here.

@Ueno Mizuki

 

[Ueno Mizuki]

It was an interesting experience to climb up a wall that someone else was walking up as if it was nothing more than a vertical floor. Mizuki didn't mind the exercise, since she'd expected it anyway, and if MAI could make the journey easier for herself like this without overusing her magic that just made things easier for the both of them.

She blinked as the magia expressed concern about discrimination, shaking her head before turning her gaze upwards towards the next piton.

I was planning to head to the nearest village for food and rest, but our goal is a good spot from which we can look at the sky at night. And due to them living up here and having little to do with the lands down below they shouldn't react to you the way people of Falderen and Astorea would.

Mizuki herself hadn't noticed much discrimination against magia yet, but then again, she wasn't one and wouldn't be subjected to it. She'd just take MAI's word that the synthetic people weren't having a good time thanks to Szofrit's antics.

That said, the Sun Claw are distrustful of outsiders in general. They're not going to chase us out without reason, but don't expect them to embrace us on sight.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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‎ ‎ 176 / 190

‎Play Sheet

"Expectation - camping outside with limited supplies can be very difficult. If this unit can use of any accommodations without being run through by a claw first, then this unit is happy."

It was a hyperbole, of course, but after someone tried to stone her to death, she opted to be just a bit more careful with these things. In that sense, she could understand being wary of strangers, especially ones of a completely different race. Although she herself was perhaps a bit too trusting, which might have resulted in some unfortunate situations on the rare occasion.

"Query - Do no human settlements exist up above?"

She would have almost expected at least some players to try and establish a bit of a stronghold. Unless that would cause a direct conflict with these Sun Claws, as Mizuki called them, a place for other players to enjoy while possibly being denied elsewhere just sounded like an obvious goal to try and accomplish.

@Ueno Mizuki