Chapter 177: Chamber of Magic

The boys explored in the new room, being amazed by the assortment amount of items laying in the tomb-like chamber: Books upon books being stacked on the walls, the stonework changed in order to be shelves as storage. A bright light that hangs up high, the ceiling non-existent, a self-made illusion to ensure even the tallest of creatures can stay here. As the boys investigated on the books, most of them seemed to be about random topics: A Child's Book on Nursery Rhymes, a Thriller regarding optical illusions, Mythologies from various locations, Mystery Books regarding Alchemy itself, and even Biographies of well-known sorcerers across time. Each book had its own unique subject, from Spiders to Stars to even records of a man dubbed Aleister Crowley. They were the perfect studying material to learn what different style they want to take up. Furthermore, Pygmalis was quick to set up a few golems from the earth, quickly shaping them to be similar to dummies, allowing the boys a target to practice such new magic before them. "Just remember to bring me that man when you're done, Okay? I'll provide you boys lots of nourishment and practice for as long as you need it."

Harvard, hearing her words, was quick to task that onto someone else. "Oh! You can just have Manipura do that! He can handle it." The boy stated, stunning the Pastor immensely. He would attempt to interject, yet the Elder Woman squeals in joy at the factor of such an idea being possible. Manipura would give a disturbed expression, looking towards the boy at why he must follow such a task. Harvard merely gave a shrug, as well as providing the locations for his whereabouts before getting back within the chamber. When he got back, he would notice Stolas already taking a few books and using a few of the dummies as practice, making the boy curious and try to look over at the titles of such literature.

"Ground Fighting Techniques." "Boxing Techniques." "Military Techniques." "Muay Thai Techniques."

Books regarding actual stances in physical combat. Stolas would take notice and pipe up, having his clothes set up similar to a trainer's get-up, complete with making more bandages to wrap around his feathered arms. "My Dad's always telling me to practice with my physical stuff before Magic. Y'now, the whole 'Magic isn't a weapon, its a tool to fight with you' and all that jazz. I wanna make sure I'm physically just as strong as my stars so we can fight them easier." He would explain, surprising Harvard in the fact he's dedicating an entire different method onto himself. He'd quickly focus back on the books, trying to pick out which one exactly tickles him fancy. One of such book immediately gets his attention:

"The Truth of Immortality. The Essence of Soul Magic"

Harvard would go to the others and showcase the book, hoping they would have an inkling of what Soul Magic was supposed to be. He was able to see two more books by his friends side: Solomon's Book being "Phenomenology of the Self" alongside multiple other books by the same author, and Zazel's "Craftsmanship of Self, The style of Armor." As the boys conversed while Stolas would be training, Manipura would prepare himself on his expedition, recognizing that he would need to do some digging on who this person was. He doesn't bother asking the children since they would need a lot of time to properly master their style. He'd make his way out of the cave, but not before being halted by the Elder Woman herself. "Here..." She'd start, giving Manipura a few Haniwa dolls. "....Use them in a pinch if you ever get caught. My lovely little ones will ensure nobody touches a mere hair on your, and my darling counterpart's heads. They're also good at scoutin' y'now..." She'd chuckle a bit before getting to work on more constructs, recognizing the threat she would be at large.

The Pastor merely sighed as he'd try to get out, but not before being stopped by Fiona. "Hold on....I'm coming along as well." She'd ask. The Pastor, noticing her conviction, would allow her to accompany, gesturing with his head to follow along. The Archer, however, would raise a question. "Ok, since we're probably far away enough now....Do you think they're....hiding something?"

The Pastor merely raised his eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Well....Not to say they aren't a big help, they absolutely are. I'm just confused on.....if they're not giving us a full explanation. Every time they talk amongst themselves, it feels like they know more on what's going on than what we're thinking. Don't you think its a bit....y'now....odd?"

Manipura grew silent as he began to walk out through the tunnels, following the path to serve as his exit. As he reaches the light to serve as their escape, he would simply add his own thoughts in the matter. "What matters right now is to deal with the threat. Unless whatever they knew is beneficial with the enemy, I do not think they are intending to cause harm on us. Whatever they're assuming that makes them more prepared than us doesn't mean they are suddenly suspicious. Are you assuming that, because of their experience, they are deemed a problem?"

"N-No! Not at all! I ju-"

"Then why do you question them?" His question struck Fiona without the slightest bit of hesitation. Right before she would get her thoughts out, he'd add further. "Just because they have more awareness does not mean they are an enemy. They want just as much in ensuring safety for all of us as we do. They want just as much the chance to eliminate the threat and not let him remain on this earth as we do. The only difference is that there's a different context between us. That is all. The goal is still the same, so even if they remain secretive with such ulterior motives, they wouldn't try to harm us to get to such a goal easier. That is not how they would respond."

Fiona remained quiet. She was quick in understanding his words, yet does let out one more question. "How....exactly do you know they won't respond like that?"

As they reached the exit, the warm, setting sun slowly reaching down, Manipura would finish the conversation with one sentence. "Because if they did, I wouldn't be here."