Observing the End, Volume 3: Protagonism

Chapter 13: Interaction

Observation Log: 153441

Observer 131, reporting on our situation.

It has been 27 Orcheim days since I discovered the spacial-temporal anomaly. The mana that emanates out from this location is chaotic and harmful to most living organisms. When we reached the source, it appeared as merely a blackened crater in the side of a mountain. Yet, when we entered the valley, spacetime was different from the outside.

The farther we traveled inside of the blackened area, the heavier the chaotic mana-radiation and the stronger the temporal differential. Fortunately Michael was there to stop me from indulging my curiosity and traveling even farther into the pit.

A thick black fog seems frozen in place near the center, making it impossible to ‘see’. But even without that there, my sensors are warning me to stay away. It is unknown what the consequences of entering within that heavily distorted area might be, yet I still feel the urge to travel forward. As if there was a siren’s call, drawing me towards my doom.

It would be best if I could unlock the Arcane Orb’s defensive capabilities before we begin our journey. This will likely require several Earth years, so I am not in any particular rush. I have yet to discover how many Orcheim days there are in a year, nor have I been able to create seasons. However, I believe that it will only be a matter of time.

***

Observation Log: 153442

Observer 131, reporting on our situation.

After 389 recorded days, I have successfully plotted out the rotations of Orcheim required to orbit Orc-Sol. Approximately every 71.5 Orcheim days: 500.5 hours, or 20.85 Earth days.

It has been one Orcheim year since my last report. In that time, I have made little progress in my research of the Arcane Orb. Most of my effort is spent within the new labyrinth that appeared after I removed Observer 77 from the White Cube. It is far more complex than I had originally thought. However, it is not impossible to solve.

Typically, while my original body is working diligently to unlock the secrets of the Arcane Orb, Warsteed is free to wander around and collect ecological data. Not just observation, but also physical interaction.

I find myself quite enjoying the sensations involved in galloping and trotting around the grasslands. Occasionally, I will travel to the south. In order to investigate the aftermath of the Hellstorm.

My maximum velocity on this planet appears to be 170 to 190 kilometers per hour. The relatively low atmospheric pressure allows me to move freely without much air-resistance. Unfortunately, there comes a point where I can no longer increase my speed due to the low gravity. If he gravity was stronger, I would not be able to propel myself as far with every kick, but I also would not need to spend so much time in between propulsions.

Regardless, I travel between “Chaos Valley” and “Kitsune Mountain” within a span of 45 minutes. Although it is unnecessary, I often take many breaks during my travels to taste-test some new biological organisms. My water intake is also rather high, in order to maintain Warsteed’s digestive functions.

Talia has named ‘her’, Silvia… Michael has also agreed upon this name. I believe that they chose the name because it sounded similar to ‘silver’. Unfortunately, the actual origin is related to the Latin word for forest, Silva. The name Silvia translates to “Spirit of the Wood”.

The devastation to the south, east and west of Kitsune Mountain is astounding. Several of the nearby mountains were obliterated, while the purple blood of that crimson serpentine dragon has poisoned the land. Many of the trees have withered and burned in massive fires, while the grasses have suffered similarly.

However, there is hope for recovery. I noticed that where the green wyverns bled and died, lush forests have started emerging. I suppose that such a scenario has likely played out many times before. Nature always perseveres, so long as the damage is not too great.

Although there have been several occasions when I encountered slightly dangerous creatures, such as wyverns and large pachyderms, they were rather easy to dispatch. I am not invincible, but against normal animals, it is nearly impossible for them to harm me.

Since we are on the topic of animals, I feel that I should speak a bit about Talia. She is currently 147 centimeters tall and growing at a rapid pace; her appearance is similar to a human child. Obviously that was rather normal. The unexpected part is that she developed an interesting ability, which Michael is unable to replicate. She can purposefully infect normal animals with her own nanites and form a bond with them. Allowing her to guide and sometimes control their actions telepathically.

I believe it is a nanite mutation brought about by mana-radiation. Michael however, has failed to realize that he has also started changing. Exposure to low gravity over such a long time has caused his nanites to begin remodeling his skeletal structure. Essentially, he is growing taller. Perhaps in several years, he might be able to actually ride me? That would be interesting.

***

Observation Log: 153443

Observer 131, reporting on our situation.

Another year has passed. Talia is nearing puberty and is currently the same height as Michael, even though he has grown 2.5 centimeters taller. Now they are both 170 centimeters. Unfortunately, they are still too small to comfortably ride upon my back, even with the saddles that Michael has created.

Aside from constructing houses, Michael also spends a lot of his time working on carriages and wagons. Usually giving up on them half way and starting a new project. However, he was able too teach Talia some basic woodworking skills. Not only that, but also fashioning bones into tools as well.

She now has a small collection of ranged weapons, including two bows, three slingshots, a crossbow and many blowguns. Although they might be rather archaic and crude, such instruments are very capable of killing the various beasts that live within the grasslands.

Talia often travels to the east and west, searching for interesting herbs, fruits and vegetables or taming ‘cute’ animals. She can only exert her full control over a single creature at a time, but by feeding and taking care of animals from birth, it is not difficult to train them to become useful pets. Her current favorite is ‘Jackie’, a jackal-like dog, with brown fur and black spots. It is so large that she occasionally rides atop its back, though her own running speed is actually much faster.

Michael rarely exerts his full strength when running or jogging, so he is usually left behind his daughter when they have ‘races’. The two of them have reached over 50 kilometers per hour while sprinting. Although it is significantly slower than my maximum speed, they are not horses. Our body structures and forms of locomotion are dramatically different… It would be rather strange if they were able to catch up to my pace with their current bodies.

Ironically, due to the low gravity of this world, my Personal Reconnaissance Drone can travel over 300 kilometers per hour if necessary. The consumption of energy would be enormous, but it is possible for it to move even faster than that. Of course, that is the advantage of flight, rather than ground transportation.

“Silvia! Look what I found!”

Ah, Warsteed was just startled awake by Talia’s voice. She is holding a green apple, 30 centimeters in diameter with both hands. This is a type of fruit that appeared recently to the south…

“I found this in the forest near Kitsune Mountain… I didn’t know if it was poisonous or not, so I brought it here for you to smell. Do you like it? Can we eat it together?”

I can sense large quantities of concentrated mana within this fruit, primarily within the seeds near the center. However, the whole fruit does seem to be emanating a ‘Nature Aura’. It is very orderly and calm compared to the chaotic aura that the crimson serpentine dragon possessed.

Hmmm, the taste is quite exquisite. I have consumed an unaltered version of this fruit before, over a year ago. However, this one is significantly more nutritious. I feel, odd…

“Oh wow~! It’s so yummy! I bet that Daddy will like it too!”

So much energy… It is overwhelming! I cannot remain idle! This is exactly what I have been searching for all this time! A stable and relatively harmless form of mana!

“Neigh~!”

Talia giggled and rubbed my snout, then asked “Are you sure this isn’t poisonous? I feel kinda funny… Woah~! Cool~!”

Telekinesis? She is able to warp the grasses around us as she moves her hands. Do the gestures influence the movement or are they simply… I can see the mana radiating from her fingertips. The plants move in order to capture as much of the mana as possible.

Although it is not technically telekinesis, she is still able to manipulate animals and now plants, with her thoughts. The efficiency is rather low however. Regardless, I now know what I need to do in order to unlock the Arcane Orb’s other functions.

From now on, I will gather as much of the mana-fruit as I can. Even though it is dangerous, I should also try to see if there are any parts of the crimson dragon still intact. I am a Combat Drone now. I should not refrain from entering hazardous environments any longer. My sense of self-preservation seems to be a bit too high lately.