Scenario:Marquiares - Swaying the Sages

Swaying the Sages

Marquiares uses his supernal powers to cheat during a chess match with Estarriola in the supernal plane, earning a scolding from his old friend. His heightened senses then cause him to accidentally overhear that the crew is arranging a surprise birthday party for him.

---

On a tranquil afternoon, Marquiares lies snoring softly in a corner of the Grandcypher's deck.

Marquiares: Snore...

Vyrn: So this is where that old-timer went off to. Should've known he'd be snoozin' away in some random spot again!

Lyria: Now's our chance! Let's get things ready as quietly as we can so we don't wake him up!

To (Captain) and the crew, the senior appears to be enjoying an ordinary midday nap.

But far from simply sleeping, he is in fact currently engaged in supernal projection.

Marquiares: Whoohoo!

What does such a technique entail?

Marquiares: By projecting our consciousnesses into our supernal forms, we are able to communicate on a higher plane of existence.

Marquiares: The supernal form may be invisible, but it allows us to converse across vast distances... and even time itself on occasion.

Through supernal projection, Marquiares has projected his consciousness into the supernal plane.

He sits across a chessboard from his old friend Estarriola, who has similarly journeyed from his own room on the airship.

Marquiares: Fweh heh heh. This game will be the deciding factor. You are aware of that, aren't you?

Estarriola: Hum, hum... Listen to you acting so high and mighty. Don't expect any sympathy from me if you make a bad move.

Marquiares: Hoowee... That's my line.

Marquiares: All right then. Let's have a fair match!

Following this fiery exchange, the chess match begins. However...

Estarriola: Snooore... You took the bait.

Marquiares: Wha!

Marquiares: The Von Popiel Gambit? I wasn't prepared for such an aggressive strategy. You really outfoxed me!

Estarriola: Hum... Is your mind slipping with age? Like I always say, chess is as much about mental cunning as it is tactical planning.

Having fallen prey to Estarriola's scheme, Marquiares finds himself forced into a disadvantage.

Marquiares: (He plays the game like a true magician. But the match has only just begun. No need to fret...)

Marquiares: Let's see... Hrm?

Marquiares: (There's no question about it. I'm not just in a tight spot here—I'm about to be checkmated!)

Estarriola: My, my. You certainly are taking your sweet time. At this rate, I might actually doze off waiting for you to make a move.

Estarriola: Snooore...

Inundated with the sound of Estarriola's louder-than-usual snoring, Marquiares becomes increasingly flustered.

Marquiares: (Hrgh... Calm down, this is just another one of his mind games. Don't let him get to you...)

He stares down at the chessboard, searching desperately for a way to turn the tide.

However, every potential move leads to a single outcome—checkmate.

Marquiares: (Ahh... It's hopeless...)

Feeling a pang of guilt as he watches his friend's peacefully sleeping figure, Marquiares comes to a decision.

Marquiares: (Huff, huff... Forgive me, Estarriola. But I can't roll over and accept a losing record!)

Marquiares: Hrnnngh!

Harnessing the grand cosmic wisdom of the supernal plane, Marquiares sets his mind to work.

Suddenly, a path to a miraculous comeback materializes on the chessboard.

Marquiares: Eurekaaa!

But the moment he reaches for his chess piece...

Estarriola: Marquiares!

Marquiares: Bwah!

As the fierce battle rages on within the supernal plane...

(Captain) and the crew are hard at work setting up a surprise birthday party for Marquiares.

Vyrn: Gramps turns 228 years old today, right?

Lyria: Yeah. Though he said he's kind of lost track himself at this point.

Lyria: I hope he keeps on living forever, just like a primal beast.

Vyrn: Then we might not wanna surprise him too much.

Vyrn: We don't wanna give him a literal heart attack!

Lyria: Vyrn! Don't joke about things like that!

Marquiares: Snore...

Marquiares: That scared the fire outta me...

Estarriola: Using the supernal arts for chess is sure to get the ol' brain juices flowing. But where's the fairness in that?

Marquiares: Urgh...

Estarriola: And on top of that, you tapped into the supernal to heighten your senses at a most inopportune time.

Marquiares: Fweh heh heh... A surprise birthday party for me, eh? I feel bad for overhearing their plans.

Estarriola: Hum, hum... It's your own fault that you found out, so try not to spoil it for (Captain) and the others.

Marquiares: I wouldn't dream of it.

Estarriola: And now that you've uncovered a way to turn the game around, I can't allow things to continue as they were.

Marquiares: Hoowha?

Estarriola: The supernal arts belong to all sages.

Estarriola: Thus... I, too, will use my supernal powers without reservation.

With a sly grin, Estarriola employs his own supernal powers to confront Marquiares.

Swaying the Sages: Scene 2

Marquiares and Estarriola pause their game to reminisce about how they first met. While struggling to have the supernal plane recognized by a magic research institute known as the Acadium, Marquiares faced Estarriola in a street chess match, and their shared interests led them to become fast friends.

---

Marquiares: Nrrrgh...

Estarriola: Snooore...

The chess match between the two supernal arts users continues to drag on without a resolution.

Marquiares: Hurg... Gwurg... I'm going to end up with supernal sickness if this keeps up...

Estarriola: Now hold your horses. I don't want any eruptions happening here. Let's take a short break.

Setting the chessboard aside, the pair gaze absentmindedly up at the ceiling.

Marquiares: "The supernal arts belong to all sages," huh...

Marquiares: Those words of yours sure took me back.

Estarriola: Hum... How long has it been since we presented our argument to the Acadium?

Marquiares: Ah, yes... That was back when our skin was still plump and youthful.

Marquiares had gained access to the cosmic wisdom known as the supernal plane.

Recognizing its potential, he desired for all living beings to have the same access to its gifts.

The supernal arts appeared capable of not only sustaining and facilitating life, but also serving as fuel for the day-to-day. However...

Marquiares: If we want to advance our research further, we'll need more than just the two of us.

???: Hmm, you're probably right...

Practical application of the supernal would likely require the wisdom and efforts of many sages.

Marquiares deemed it imperative to have such scholars recognize its existence and agree to collaborate on the relevant research.

Thus, he barged into the Acadium, an institution comprised of sages who traverse the skies to pursue their research on magic.

Marquiares: The guidance of the stars speaks to nature and governs all creation. It is, indeed, what we refer to as the supernatural.

Marquiares: By harnessing the supernatural, we can reach that hidden place beyond the stars...

Marquiares: And fling open the door to the boundless wisdom of the great supernal plane!

Acadium Sorcerer: Marquiares... I understand that you have persisted in your research even after leaving the public eye.

Acadium Sorcerer: However, I must admit I'm finding the topic difficult to grasp, as it seems rather extravagant.

Acadium Sorcerer: This, er... What was it again?

Marquiares: Supernal plane.

Acadium Sorcerer: Ah, right. Does this "supernal plane" truly exist?

Marquiares: Of course it does!

Marquiares earnestly describes the supernal plane to all who will listen, but to no avail.

The Acadium dismisses his claims as mere fantasy and refuses to acknowledge them in any way.

Marquiares: Levitation that defies the concept of gravity... Agelessness that goes against biological law... Grand eruptions...

Marquiares: Regardless of the Acadium's stance, the supernal arts have enabled the use of infinite magic that drifts within a higher realm.

Marquiares: The supernal is, without a doubt, a revolutionary magical theory unlike any conventional magic known to this day.

Marquiares sighs deeply, recalling the face of his friend and research partner.

Marquiares: Oh dear... How am I supposed to break the bad news? I'm too ashamed to face him.

???: Heh. So who's going to be my next challenger?

Marquiares: Hrm? Challenger?

The senior peers down a nearby alleyway to see a crowd of people gathered around a chessboard.

Marquiares: Oh ho, they're betting on chess? Now this is intriguing.

Chess Fan: I'm even willing to offer a handicap. Whoever steps up can make the first move.

Marquiares: Excuse me, dear sir. I happen to have quite the passion for chess myself. Would you mind if I threw my hat into the ring?

Chess Fan: Not at all. As long as you can cover the stakes, anybody's welcome!

Marquiares: Fweh heh heh... Then let's have a fair match!

Marquiares proceeds to defeat the chess fan handily, as well as every subsequent opponent.

Marquiares: Come now. Is there no one left with the courage to take me on? My, how woefully dull.

Chess Fan: Kgh... I hate to admit it, but he's the real deal.
C'mon, folks! Isn't there anybody out there who can put this smug old codger in his place?

In response to the chess fan's plea, a small hand pops up.

Chess Fan: Oh, here we are! A brave challenger—

Estarriola: Snooore...

Chess Fan: He's asleep?

Estarriola: Hum, hum... Playing chess against a skilled opponent is perfect for exercising one's mind. I'd love the chance to challenge you.

Marquiares: ...!

Marquiares: (A deeply mysterious technique that allows communication even while in slumber...)

Marquiares: (Fweh heh heh... To think I would cross paths with the renowned sorcerer Estarriola here of all places.)

Marquiares: (But perhaps this too is fate. As well as a golden opportunity...)

Having served as a royal sorcerer from a young age, Estarriola is highly regarded even among the sages of the Acadium.

Marquiares is filled with determination, eager to outshine him.

Marquiares: Fweh heh heh... A more than worthy adversary. Let's have a fair match.

Estarriola: Haha. Don't go too hard on me, now.

Thus begins the battle between the two sorcerers, Marquiares and Estarriola.

Marquiares: Your move.

Estarriola: Hmm...

At the onset of the game, Marquiares appears to dominate the board with his aggressive strategy.

However, he soon gets caught in Estarriola's carefully laid traps and winds up driven into a corner.

Marquiares: (Urgh... I can't let it end like this. I must strike back... against the Acadium!)

Estarriola: Snooore...

Marquiares: Fwuh?

Marquiares: (Is he... sleeping in the middle of the game? No, this must be a psychological tactic—I won't be deceived. That sly dog. Grr...)

Estarriola: Yawn... There's no rush. Take your time to think it through.

Marquiares: Urgh!

Estarriola's offhand remark lights a fire in Marquiares's heart.

Marquiares: (Yes... We are sorcerers! Let's settle this fairly... using the power of magic!)

Marquiares: (Supernal plane, O great cosmic wisdom! Lend me a sliver of your power!)

Estarriola: ...

Marquiares: Fweh heh heh! This victory... is mine!

Using the wisdom obtained through his supernal powers, Marquiares devises a strategy and pulls off a stunning turnaround.

Chess Fan: Boy, that was quite a show. Thanks a lot!

As the crowd of spectators begins to disperse, Estarriola heaves a deep sigh.

Estarriola: Wasn't that supposed to be a fair match?

Marquiares: ...

Estarriola: Chess is a game of wits, where strategy and mind games are key. But gentlemanly conduct is no less essential.

Estarriola: And yet... what was that peculiar power just now? Was it magic, or something else?

Marquiares: Er, well... Since we're both sorcerers, I thought using magic would be fair...

Marquiares: Actually, no. This is merely my pride speaking.

Marquiares: I was thoroughly bested here today. Not only at chess but also as a sorcerer. Forgive me, Estarriola.

Estarriola: Snooore...

Marquiares: Again?

Estarriola: You know my name? Haha. You've made my day, Marquiares.

Marquiares: Wait... You've heard of me as well?

Estarriola: A lone sorcerer who has honed his craft in seclusion...

Estarriola: How could I not know of such a fascinating individual?

Estarriola: But I must say, that power you displayed earlier was perhaps even more fascinating.

Following this encounter, Marquiares and Estarriola continue to deepen their bond through the supernal arts and chess.

Swaying the Sages: Scene 3

After crafting a thesis and improving his rhetorical skills with Estarriola's help, Marquiares finally persuaded the Acadium to acknowledge the supernal plane and accept them as sages—along with a third collaborator. Following this recollection, Estarriola asks Marquiares how he initially discovered the supernal plane.

---

Estarriola: When a living creature returns to the bottom of the skies at death, their knowledge, energy—and perhaps even their very soul—remains.

Estarriola: All this is then drawn into the cosmos, where it transforms into a high-density spiritual energy that undulates in a ribbon-like manner. Is that correct?

Estarriola: The more I learn about the supernal plane, the more I am struck by the grand cosmic wisdom that it possesses.

Marquiares: My sentiments exactly! And yet the Acadium had the gall to brand it as some sort of delusion!

Marquiares: Harrumph... Just thinking about it gets my dander up.

Listening to Marquiares express his outrage, Estarriola furrows his brows in puzzlement.

Estarriola: I understand that you're irritated, but the achievements of the Acadium are not to be dismissed.

Estarriola: There must be some reason why they refused to acknowledge the supernal plane.

Estarriola: Hmm... Tell me, how exactly did you go about proposing your theory to the sages?

Marquiares: Well, you can imagine my excitement after making such a monumental discovery.

Marquiares: So I stormed into the Acadium and delivered the speech of a lifetime!

Upon learning the full story straight from the horse's mouth, Estarriola can't help but burst out laughing.

Estarriola: Haha... Ahaha. In that case, it's no wonder they dismissed it as wild fancy.

Marquiares: Hrm? Now, I take exception to that remark. What did I do wrong?

Estarriola: It's quite simple really. The goal of the Acadium is to enrich people's lives, correct?

Marquiares: Yes, just as it is mine!

Estarriola: But from what you just said, it sounds like you were more focused on showcasing the greatness of the supernal plane.

Marquiares: Oh, fiddlesticks...

Estarriola: Your fervor for the supernal arts is admirable.

Estarriola: But if you wish to convince the Acadium, you must present your findings calmly and objectively.

Marquiares: Urgh... If I could do that, this wouldn't be an issue!

Estarriola: As a passionate genius, I suppose objectivity isn't your strong suit, eh?

Marquiares: A-a genius, you say? Fweh heh heh... Please, I'm not that exceptional.

Estarriola: This is too big a task for one excitable old coot to handle. Let me give you a hand.

The pair resolve to advocate for the grand source of cosmic wisdom—the supernal plane—before the Acadium once more.

Deeming a written thesis indispensable to their objective, Estarriola works to extract every possible detail from Marquiares.

Along the way, Marquiares also receives rhetorical training to ensure that he can present objective facts without embellishment.

Marquiares: You can bet your bottom rupie that the supernal plane exists! I swear it on my life!

Estarriola: Hey! Don't let your enthusiasm take over. Remember—calm and objective.

Marquiares: Ouch... Sorry, got a little carried away. That's what happens when you're a passionate genius like me, I suppose.

Estarriola: (I never should have opened my big, fat mouth.)

With help from a patient and good-natured Estarriola, Marquiares continues to improve.

At last, he delivers an argument that deeply impresses the members of the Acadium.

Acadium Sorcerer: A logical explanation and practical demonstration. Not to mention this thesis. Why, it's nothing short of remarkable.

Acadium Sorcerer: Without a doubt, we have come to understand that the supernal plane does indeed exist.

Marquiares: Oh, you finally believe me! See? If I tell you the supernal plane is out there, then by jingo, it's out there!

Estarriola: Hey! Don't get full of yourself.

Acadium Sorcerer: The grand cosmic wisdom of the supernal plane... A force that could one day benefit all living beings.

Acadium Sorcerer: But as it stands now, few are capable of harnessing this power.

Marquiares: Whuh?

Estarriola: I agree. A novice could find it too much to manage and end up causing their own downfall.

Estarriola: Foolhardy sorcerers in isolation would be one thing, but in the worst case, it could impact the Sky Realm itself.

Marquiares: Ngh... In other words, practical use is unfortunately still a long way off. But someday...

Marquiares: I hope the supernal arts will be able to help treat severe illnesses and injuries, bring bountiful harvests, and provide fuel for daily life.

Acadium Sorcerer: For the time being, knowledge of the supernal arts will be shared only among the sages of the Acadium.

Acadium Sorcerer: That is to say, those of us here as well as the two of you—sages Marquiares and Estarriola.

Marquiares: M-m-me? I'm a... a sage?

Estarriola: Haha, looks like you've been accepted by the Acadium. Congratulations.

Estarriola: But I never expected to be made a sage as well. The Acadium truly is generous.

Marquiares: Er... If it's not too much to ask, could I make one more request?

Marquiares: There was another individual who assisted in this research on the supernal plane. I'd like to nominate him as a sage too, if possible.

Acadium Sorcerer: Oho, then we shall certainly have a word with him. Could you arrange the meeting, Marquiares?

Marquiares: Of course! Ahh, that's a sage of the Acadium for you! Already embracing new discoveries!

From this point on, meetings of the Acadium's Supreme Supernal Council are conducted via supernal projection, unrestricted by time or place.

Marquiares: Ah, memories. I relied on you so much back then—

Estarriola: Snooore...

Marquiares: Fweh heh heh... Nowadays, I don't even bother making a wisecrack when you're not listening.

Estarriola: Well then. I imagine your supernal sickness must have subsided by now.

Estarriola: Shall we continue our game?

Marquiares: Fweh heh heh. I'm ready when you are.

Immediately after resuming, the chess match is decisively concluded.

Estarriola: Aaand checkmate.

Marquiares: Wh-whaaat!

Marquiares: Eh? Wait, let me see... I don't believe it! I didn't even see it coming!

Estarriola: After a long, hard-fought battle, this makes win number 20,312. I finally have more wins than you.

Estarriola: Haha, I must thoroughly savor this moment of triumph. Snooore...

Estarriola had waited patiently for Marquiares to recover from his supernal sickness.

It was all part of a strategy to prevent his friend from suffering an eruptive outburst upon losing the game.

Marquiares: Grrrgh... To think I was outmaneuvered so easily. I'm so mad I could rip my beard out!

Estarriola: Mind games are a substantial part of chess, after all. Snore...

Marquiares: Mrgh... I hate to interrupt your victory celebration...

Marquiares: But please... Please, just one more game! Otherwise I'll be far too frustrated to take my daily nap!

Estarriola: Hum, hum... That does sound like quite the predicament.

Estarriola: Very well. I'll indulge you.

Estarriola: But under one condition. You must pinky swear not to use your supernal powers in the match!

After an intense moment of linking pinky fingers, the pair resume their positions on opposite sides of the chessboard.

Marquiares: Now then, let's have a fair—

Estarriola: ...

Marquiares: What's the matter?

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 strokes his beard, thinking back to a time when his skin had still been supple and vibrant.