Scenario:Marquiares - Supernal Guidance
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Supernal Guidance
Upon noticing a dense mass of energy in the sky one night, Marquiares's consciousness was transported to a strange space, where he met a sorcerer sent from the War era named Bartolosso. The two decided on the term "supernal" for the phenomenon and set to work researching it together.
Marquiares lies on the sun-drenched deck of the Grandcypher, hard at work on his afternoon nap.
However, his consciousness is elsewhere in the supernal plane, engaged in a game of chess with Estarriola.
Estarriola: Now that I think of it, I know a lot about the supernal plane...
Estarriola: But I don't recall ever hearing about how you discovered it.
Marquiares: Doho? Is that so? I thought for certain that I'd already told you the whole story.
Marquiares: It was a long time ago. Back when my skin was still plump and youthful.
Marquiares: What a truly desolate village. But it certainly befits me as I am now.
Marquiares: In those days, I was what one might call a failed sorcerer, unable to meet the standards demanded by the Acadium.
Marquiares: There was no place for me in that prestigious institution, and I was looked down upon by its members.
Marquiares: Thus, I decided to leave the Acadium and settle in a poor, remote village with few people and inadequate medical care.
Bird: Chirp, chirp, chirp...
Marquiares: Oh, are you residents of this village too? My name is Marquiares. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Marquiares: Though I maintained a respectful distance from the villagers, I was happy to offer them techniques to assist in their daily lives when called upon.
Marquiares: It was an ideal environment to continue my magical research in seclusion. However...
Villager: Thanks to your magic, the soil's come back to life. Now we can grow vegetables again.
Marquiares: Ah, think nothing of it. I was able to test out a new spell and observe the results. A win-win situation, as they say.
Villager: When the vegetables come in, we'll bring you some. And if there's anything else you need help with, just say the word.
Marquiares: Hoowee, that would be wonderful. In that case, how about a round of chess?
Villager: Chess? What's that?
Marquiares: Wh-what! You've never heard of chess? It's a game played with a board and pieces.
Villager: Ah, a game... Sorry, but I've got fields to tend to and a family to care for. 'Fraid I don't have time for games.
Marquiares: Hmm... I see...
Marquiares: How unfortunate... Poverty truly does rob people of every form of leisure.
Marquiares: I'm not exactly looking for social interaction, but things do get rather dull on my own.
Bird: Chirp, chirp...
Marquiares: Fweh heh heh. Would you care to keep an old man company?
Marquiares: Loneliness grows more profound with age—quite naturally so. Still, I found solace in my new friends and my research.
Marquiares: Moreover, that village offered a perfect spot for stargazing.
Marquiares: Each night, I would gaze up at the star-filled sky... and it was those very stars that led me to the supernal plane.
Marquiares: Hrm... A red star thought to be an ill omen in the south. That foretells stormy skies ahead.
Marquiares: I should advise the villagers to cover their fields.
Marquiares: Oho. Serpens has moved quite far to the north.
Bird: Chirp, chirp, chirp...
Marquiares: Fweh heh heh, no need to worry. This particular snake won't attack you.
Marquiares: While looking up at the stars one night, I noticed a slight distortion.
Marquiares: Hrm? What's that, I wonder?
Marquiares: Something is making the right wing of Cygnus appear hazy... A nebula, perhaps? No...
Marquiares: ...!
Marquiares: Hoowee, what a dense concentration of energy!
Marquiares: Hrmmm... Is it spreading across the entire sky? Could this be a sign of things to come?
Marquiares: No... It appears to be relegated to one spot. But why there?
Marquiares: Spellbound, I stared intently at the night sky. That's when it happened.
???: Hey... Excuse... Do you have... moment?
Marquiares: ...?
What was that? A voice in my ear? No... in my mind?
What was that? A voice in my ear? No... in my mind?
Marquiares: I had been wholly focused on the cloud of energy hanging over the Cygnus constellation.
Marquiares: When suddenly, I felt my consciousness being engulfed by the haze, and a voice echoed in my head.
???: Ah, you heard me? Thank goodness. Are you a sorcerer too by any chance?
Marquiares: Indeed I am. The name's Marquiares.
Bartolosso: Oh, a fellow sorcerer! My name is Bartolosso.
Marquiares: Bartolosso... Who in the skies are you?
Marquiares: All of a sudden, that ever-mysterious phenomenon manifested itself.
Marquiares: It happened at the moment I perceived Bartolosso's voice, likely because we were on the same wavelength.
Marquiares: What! Where are we? Was that some sort of teleportation spell? No, that doesn't seem to be the case...
Bartolosso: Hello! Marquiares, I presume? I can see your form so clearly. I'm completely blown away!
Marquiares: Wha! Are you Bartolosso? This is absolutely astonishing!
Marquiares: It was an entirely surreal experience. My consciousness was suddenly transported to a strange space, and a person appeared before my eyes.
Bartolosso: It seems we're hovering somewhere with no ground. Is this space located beyond the night sky? Hm, that gives me an idea...
Bartolosso: Hngh!
Marquiares: Whuh!
Bartolosso: Whoa, I did it! I did it, Marquiares!
Marquiares: What is this place?
Bartolosso: A flower field near my village. I pictured it vividly in my mind, and the scenery changed to match.
Bartolosso: That aside, this is the first time I've connected with someone through this energy. It's quite thrilling, to say the least.
Marquiares: Hm? Hold on. Are you saying you were already aware of this energy beforehand?
Bartolosso: Yes—but just of its existence. I sensed your magic power while I was stargazing with my wife.
Bartolosso: Did you not know about it, Marquiares?
Marquiares: Grrrgh... No, I had no idea. It pains me to say that I only just noticed the fluctuation of the stars moments ago.
Marquiares: And then suddenly, I heard your voice.
Bartolosso: I see! So it's because you sensed the fluctuation that we were able to meet!
Bartolosso: Haha! My wife said this morning that it was sure to be a wonderful day, and it looks like she was right!
Marquiares: We then went on to share stories about ourselves—and let me tell you, I was completely taken aback!
Marquiares: A war has begun with the Astrals? Wait... You can't possibly mean...
Marquiares: The War?
Bartolosso: I don't believe it! I never imagined that you were from the distant future...
Marquiares: Hoowee... We're gazing up at the sky from the same place in the physical world, yet we can't see each other there...
Marquiares: Who would have thought it's because our very eras—our timelines—are misaligned...
Marquiares: After that, we talked endlessly, losing track of time. But we also established a few rules.
Marquiares: The most important being that I wouldn't provide any information about historical events.
Marquiares: Bartolosso then discussed his research on this peculiar energy, and we conducted various experiments together.
Marquiares: Oh ho, I see. It seems that in this space, it's possible to both share and manifest visual images.
Bartolosso: Wow, what a beautiful scene! Is this your hometown, Marquiares? It's magnificent!
Bartolosso: But it doesn't feel the least bit cold, does it? Come to think of it, that flower field earlier didn't have any scent either.
Marquiares: Hmm, indeed. So it only affects the visual, auditory, and tactile senses?
Marquiares: Even back then, Bartolosso never showed much interest in theories or logic.
Marquiares: But with his high sensitivity and natural intuition, he always grasped the essence of every question.
Marquiares: So what do you call this energy? You must have given it a name, if only a temporary one.
Bartolosso: I call it "star shimmer."
Marquiares: Fweh heh! That certainly sounds like a name you'd come up with!
Bartolosso: But it does come off as a bit too poetic, especially if there's a chance we'll present our research someday.
Bartolosso: If you don't mind, could you give it a name that sounds more academic?
Marquiares: Hoowee! Really? Then let's see... Taking your sentiments into account...
Marquiares: How about "supernal"? It's a word from a distant land that refers to the heavens.
Bartolosso: Supernal... The supernal! Yes, that's perfect! It has a great ring to it!
Marquiares: And so, we continued our research, developing the technique of supernal projection into the supernal plane.
Marquiares: It was immensely rewarding, and, well... just plain fun. Hence, I forgot one crucial detail—
Marquiares: The time and place in which Bartolosso lived...
Marquiares: Was plagued by the ravages of war.
Supernal Guidance: Scene 2
As Estarriola grapples with the news that their colleague resides in the past, Bartolosso himself appears before them, revealing that his new supernal-powered weapon is causing supernal energy to expand and swallow the sky. Marquiares and Estarriola return to the material plane to join forces with the crew against the threat.
Marquiares: Hoowha? C-come again?
Bartolosso: As I was saying, I want to convert the power of the supernal plane into a weapon.
Marquiares: A weapon? Hrm, that's not something I'd expect to hear coming out of your mouth.
Marquiares: I assume there must be some reason for this.
Bartolosso: The truth is, the war is intensifying all throughout the skies. And the other villagers asked me to help.
Bartolosso: Our village is charming and peaceful, but that's precisely the problem. We have no means to defend ourselves if something happens.
Bartolosso: A sorcerer's power is invaluable in war, which is why as much as I despise violence, I can't run away from this conflict.
Marquiares: Regardless of his desire to weaponize it, our understanding of the supernal plane was not yet sufficient for such a use.
Marquiares: Thus, we diligently proceeded with our research.
Marquiares: We made many discoveries, such as methods for power conversion, the secrets to longevity, and the effects of supernal sickness.
Marquiares: But you should already be familiar with that part.
Estarriola: Indeed. However... I see now.
Estarriola: The reason it took Bartolosso so long to join the Supreme Supernal Council was...
Marquiares: Precisely. His era is in the throes of a lengthy and relentless war.
Marquiares: I can only imagine the constant turmoil he must be facing. Perhaps even at this very moment...
Estarriola: My word... Even under such circumstances, he nevertheless contributed to the research of the supernal plane...
Estarriola: My hat goes off to him.
Marquiares: Bartolosso is a gentle soul—hardly the sort to be involved in warfare.
Marquiares: Amidst the ongoing conflict, he seems to find comfort in his research, as well as in the company of his wife.
Estarriola: I can relate.
Estarriola: But I have to say, it was rather cold of you not to inform me that Bartolosso was living through the War.
Marquiares: Oh, is that so? Though now that you know—
Estarriola: No, no, there's no need to swear me to secrecy—I won't breathe a word. That's why you confided in me, isn't it?
Marquiares: Hmm, who knows? Fweh heh heh!
Marquiares: Now then, enough reminiscing. Let's play another round—
At that moment, a strange sound suddenly echoes through the supernal plane.
Marquiares: Wh-what's going on?
???: Marq... res... Est... ola...
Marquiares: Bartolosso! Is that you?
Estarriola: Not only is his supernal projection unstable, but the plane itself is being affected as well. What in the skies is happening?
Bartolosso: Oh, thank goodness. You're both here! I take it this means you haven't seen the sky yet?
Marquiares: The sky? What do you mean?
Bartolosso: I've actually just completed a weapon that uses supernal power.
Bartolosso: But somehow it ended up causing the existing well of supernal energy to expand.
Bartolosso: The sky is now distorted by the proliferating energy to the point that anyone can see it. If this continues, it might swallow the sky.
Bartolosso: I'm sorry to ask this of you both, but I need your help...
Marquiares: How could you be so reckless! You promised to wait until we could fully control the supernal energy before creating any weapons!
Bartolosso: I-I'm sorry! But my beloved village, my home... and my family were in danger...
Marquiares: ...!
Estarriola: Bartolosso. Are all those things you care about still safe?
Bartolosso: Ah, yes. The completed weapon managed to keep the flames of war at bay.
Estarriola: I'm glad to hear it. In that case... what say you, Marquiares?
Marquiares: Yes, well... Bartolosso, you continue to protect what's precious to you! Leave this supernal mess to us!
Bartolosso: Th-thank y—
The communication via supernal projection is abruptly cut off, and the very fabric of the surrounding plane begins to quake.
Marquiares: The effects are reaching here too! We need to assess the state of the sky right away!
Estarriola: I'll be there in a flash!
Marquiares: Uuupsy-daisy!
Marquiares: The supernal energy is concentrated in the north-northeastern—never mind, there's no need to hunt for it!
Ending the supernal projection, Marquiares awakens on the deck of the Grandcypher and casts his eyes upward.
A portion of the sky is severely distorted, bulging like a transparent water balloon being inflated.
Vyrn: Hey, gramps! What the heck's goin' on?
Marquiares: Everyone... Look at that!
Estarriola: My, it's worse than I expected!
Lyria: O-oh no, the sky! What's wrong with it?
Marquiares: That is a mass of expanding supernal energy.
(Captain), it's too dangerous to keep flying like this!
(Captain), it's too dangerous to keep flying like this!
Estarriola: Tell me, Arcarum beast. What do you make of that?
Temperance: ...
Estarriola: Is it possible for us to contain that vast amount of supernal energy?
Temperance: Yes.
Temperance: However, it continues to expand without any sign of degradation in its quality.
Lyria: Um... What does that mean?
Estarriola: Well... take a balloon or a bubble, for example. Both grow thinner as they expand, yes?
Estarriola: But in this case, the supernal membrane seems to be remaining thick as it enlarges.
Vyrn: So if it bursts, the explosion is gonna be crazy strong!
Estarriola: Hmm... In order to diffuse the supernal energy before that happens...
Temperance: The optimal solution would be annihilation via equally potent magic. Next would be absorption, perhaps...
Estarriola: There are multiple options, then. In that case... Marquiares?
Marquiares: Not to worry! I understand. (Captain), you and the others stand back!
Marquiares and Estarriola attempt every possible means to bring the supernal energy under control.
However...
Estarriola: No effect.
Marquiares: Hrmmm...
Lyria: What if we borrow the power of a primal beast?
Estarriola: It would likely be swallowed up, or worse—it could cause the expanded energy to explode.
Vyrn: No way! But there's gotta be something we can do!
Marquiares: Now, now—take it easy. We'll handle this supernal fiasco.
Marquiares: There's still a way.
Vyrn: Really?
Estarriola: Marquiares, you don't mean...
Marquiares: Fweh heh heh... With age comes wisdom, you know.
Marquiares: I will absorb the supernal energy into my own body.
Supernal Guidance: Scene 3
Unable to find an effective measure against the expanding supernal energy, Marquiares makes a last-ditch effort by taking it into his own body. Though he manages to control the absorbed supernal power and disperse the energy with his newly evolved form, he still ends up suffering from his usual supernal sickness afterward.
Estarriola: Do you hear what you're saying? Don't be daft, Marquiares!
Marquiares: Come now. It's only by exploring every possibility that we can deepen our understanding of the supernal plane.
Marquiares: Don't worry. I'll just start off with a small dip. Hup!
As Marquiares raises his staff, the inflated surface of the supernal energy begins to effervesce, eventually transforming into a beam of light.
Lyria: Oh my! The light is being absorbed into his staff!
Marquiares: Hrrrgh!
Marquiares: (I'd expect no less from the supernal. The odds are rather against me here!)
Estarriola: Marquiares! Switch with me before you run out of breath!
Marquiares: Don't mind me! You young'uns stay there... and feast your eyes upon my magic eruption!
Marquiares uses his levitation technique to soar high into the sky.
However, his body is driven back to the ground, seemingly overpowered by the supernal force.
Marquiares: Oh dear... This is quite the conundrum.
Estarriola: All right, let me step in. If we go at it together, then maybe...
Marquiares: No. I must be the one to do this.
Marquiares: I'm sorry, everyone. All this after you went to so much effort to prepare my birthday party...
Vyrn: Wait, you knew about that?
Marquiares: Fweh heh heh... Didn't I tell you? The supernal arts are incredible. There's no hiding anything from me.
Lyria: Oh no... We can't let you do this alone! We'll go up with you—
Marquiares: No!
Marquiares: I take pride in having discovered the supernal plane and establishing the arts. It's my responsibility. And furthermore...
Marquiares: An old geezer like me could never dream of robbing the young of their future.
Vyrn: Are you tryin' to get yourself killed, gramps?
Marquiares: Fweh heh! I have no intention of throwing my life away. However...
Marquiares: There's no time for debating. Please... forgive me!
Lyria: Eep!
A burst of magic from Marquiares sends the crew flying into the distance.
Marquiares: ...
I should have known it wouldn't work on you.
I should have known it wouldn't work on you.
Estarriola: Indeed. Now, let's tackle this supernal energy together—
Marquiares: Estarriola. Look after them for me.
Marquiares: The young need someone to guide them. Someone like you.
Estarriola: Ngh...
After taking in and evaluating every word behind closed eyelids, Estarriola eventually gives a small nod.
Estarriola: 20,312 wins and 20,311 losses. The lead in our chess duel is mine.
Parting words delivered, Estarriola quietly takes his leave, accompanied by Temperance.
Marquiares: Forgive me, everyone. I've lived for 228 long years. While I have no intention of throwing my life away... I'm prepared to lose it if I must.
Marquiares: Now then... I'd better be going.
Marquiares soars back up into the sky, his sights set on the supernal energy.
Marquiares: Parting with friends is truly painful... but it's all thanks to the supernal that I've come this far.
Marquiares: So perishing alongside it doesn't sound so bad.
Having drawn as closely as he can to the supernal energy, Marquiares raises his staff once more and resumes absorbing the vast amount of magic power.
Marquiares: Hrgh, my staff simply can't keep up. Thank you for your loyal service, my friend!
His beloved staff slips from his grasp, quickly accelerating as it plummets and then vanishes from sight far below.
Marquiares: Hnnngh!
Supernal energy flows into Marquiares through his outstretched palms.
Marquiares: Ngh! My arms... This is tough going!
The absorbed energy begins to expand, causing his arms to swell along with it.
Marquiares: It seems my body isn't compatible with the supernal after all. A pity indeed.
Marquiares: Not good... At this rate, the swelling will spread from my arms to my entire body, and I'll ultimately explode.
Marquiares: If only the supernal energy... could revert to its original state... through absorption and explosion...
Marquiares: Oh no... My head is starting to spin.
Marquiares: I... see birds flying... In the end... I never did manage to learn their language...
Marquiares: And I'm still behind at chess... Ending on a loss... is a bit irksome...
Marquiares: Stuck as a loser... Hmm... That's a bit... No, that's rather...
Marquiares: Hrm... Honestly, that's quite frustrating...
Marquiares: I want to understand the words of my bird friends. But even more than that...
Marquiares: I can't bear losing to Estarriola!
Bird: Chirp, chirp, chirp!
Pulling himself up with the last of his strength, Marquiares sees the old friends he spent so much time with in the past.
Marquiares: My friends! So that was you I glimpsed earlier! But why are you here?
Marquiares: Could it be?
His eyes dart downward to peer far below.
Whether by supernal guidance or coincidence, the Grandcypher sits anchored atop Table Mountain, where Marquiares once lived.
Marquiares: I see... Then I must protect your home as well!
Marquiares: Come forth, supernal! It's time... for an eeeruption!
Marquiares: Hnnngh! Rgh... Rrrgh...
Marquiares: Hurg... Eeeyooooow!
The absorbed supernal energy fuses with his own magic and courses throughout his body.
Marquiares: Fshooo...
Marquiares: This power... It's overwhelming...
Marquiares: Hngh!
Marquiares pummels the supernal energy mercilessly with his buffed-up muscles. The next moment...
Marquiares: Heh.
The energy that had been causing the distortion vanishes without a trace, revealing a clear, blue sky.
Marquiares: Fshooo!
Vyrn: ...!
Hey! You okay, gramps?
Hey! You okay, gramps?
Marquiares: Hm?
Still hovering in midair, Marquiares looks down to see (Captain) and the crew leaning out of the airship and waving wildly.
Lyria: Is that you, sir? You look... different!
Marquiares: Heh heh... So you've noticed.
Vyrn: Whoa!
Marquiares: This form is a testament to my complete control and mastery over the supernal. It grants youth and longevity as well, you see!
Marquiares: I'm sure I'll never get supernal sickness again! Yahoo—
Marquiares: Hm?
Marquiares: Good heavens! My body's gone and shrunk!
Vyrn: Talk about a delayed reaction!
Marquiares: I thought I'd conquered the supernal... I thought I'd become all buff and strong... Bah!
Vyrn: Forget that! What happened to that supernal energy? Did you absorb it all?
Estarriola: Hum... The Arcarum beast detected that the saturated energy seemed to have fused with you...
Marquiares: That's right! I'm pretty sure it merged perfectly with my own magic!
Marquiares: And then I used my newfound bulk to punch the excess energy flooding the sky, like "Whammo!"
Vyrn: So is all that energy gone now? Look's like the sky's back to normal...
Marquiares: No, the supernal is still there. You can't see it, but it is—mark my words!
Estarriola: Good grief. Your explanations are just as vague as ever.
Estarriola: Here, Marquiares. I believe you dropped something important.
Marquiares: My staff! You picked it up for me! Thank y—
Marquiares: Urp!
Vyrn: Gramps! Your face... Don't tell me...
Marquiares: Hurg... Gwurg... This can only be one thing...
Marquiares: It's supernal sickness! I haven't overcome it after all!
Lyria: Don't erupt, sir! You have to hold it in!
Marquiares: Blerg... Now that's just plain unfair! Please, just one teensy-weensy eruption?
Bird: Chirp, chirp, chirp!
Seemingly drawn by the lively chatter, a flock of beautiful birds flutter down beside Marquiares, chirping as though to thank their friend.
Marquiares: Oh! I'm so glad to see you're all safe!
Lyria: Looks like the birds have come to celebrate too! Let's take a short rest and then get started on the birthday party!
Marquiares: My stars! I completely forgot.
Marquiares: Hoo boy... What a relief that my birthday didn't turn out to be my deathday as well.
Marquiares has surely evolved from the supernal energy he absorbed.
But further research will be needed for him to completely overcome his supernal sickness.