The control matrix of the Naidyr facility identified that she was still within range, but couldn’t give them a more precise location remotely. Fei-jan promised to drop them off in Samantha’s Central Core so they could use the scanning equipment to locate her quickly, yet as the light around them faded, they found themselves standing in a large courtyard filled with topiary animals. A few students lingered in the area, mostly in small groups centered around the benches or the fountain in the center of the courtyard. A massive building lay at the far end, floating towers visible high above.8964 copyright protection654PENANAzK3Iv6ZJtA 維尼
As this was a school of magic as well as technology, the sudden appearance of two women wasn’t particularly noteworthy to those around. Their unusual appearance, however, seemed to be garnering some attention; Bethany spotted a few of the students stealing glances only to quickly look away when they noticed she was watching them as well.8964 copyright protection654PENANACRBoge9n7X 維尼
“Huh.” Cristlyn said, scratching her head as she considered a topiary gnu, “This ... isn’t the facility.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAb7EXcRrqdJ 維尼
“Definitely not.” Bethany said, “We’re outside the Center of Knowledge. I recognize it from Jimmy’s description.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAOApvYMTE01 維尼
Cristlyn sighed. “Looks like your boyfriend needs to work on his aim.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAYStgJsiA3F 維尼
“He’s not my-”8964 copyright protection654PENANA76e2Qigsor 維尼
“Hey! You!” Cristlyn said, her eyes on a student sitting at a nearby bench. “You’re a Glyche, right?”8964 copyright protection654PENANA6qLPp7RzKp 維尼
While the student was clothed and previously occupied with reading a book, Bethany was surprised to find Cristlyn was correct; the student was a core unit. The lack of apparent gender indicated it was only at its second evolution at most, and its design was quite old, indicating that while it was likely built around the time of the Corruption, it had only been activated recently.8964 copyright protection654PENANAcCwQhSTTLh 維尼
“Oh, hello!” The core unit said in a vaguely masculine voice, standing and approaching the two sisters. “I’m glad to see another Glyche; I thought there’d be more of us here. How long have you been enrolled?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAzloueqBmrx 維尼
“We’re not students.” Cristlyn said, raising a hand to stem off further questions. “We’re here to see our sister.”8964 copyright protection654PENANA3PMyYuh782 維尼
“Sister?” The core unit said, pushing back his hat. “I haven’t seen any other Glyche.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAGlLmgLlBOa 維尼
“She’s not a core unit ... well, she wasn’t anyway. She used to be the CIC of the Naidyr facility.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAnbHD1jyN6d 維尼
“Oh, you mean Sammy? I met her, but I didn’t realize she was the CIC of the facility under Naidyr. She’s a bit young, isn’t she?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAGwrtUoPL0P 維尼
“Yeah, she’s young. So what?” Cristlyn said, putting her hands on her hips. “How old are you?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAsUOBQ4eDco 維尼
“Cristlyn.” Bethany said, putting a hand on her sister’s arm. “He’s a student, not a prisoner of war; stop interrogating him.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAcXckEph9NH 維尼
“Aw, I was just ...” Letting out a snort, she said, “Ugh, fine. Sorry, buddy.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAHus5Xcekgp 維尼
“Not a problem.” The core said. “You say she used to be a facility CIC?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAVKpoBTFI2F 維尼
“Yes. We were as well; I’m Bethany Sakamota of the Saybaro.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAEKUAgtLWam 維尼
“Truly?” the core unit said, his eyes wide. “It’s an honor to meet you, ma’am. Gillcrest Achivva, from the Achivva facility in Ircandesta.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAEYM00WsOH5 維尼
Bethany shook his hand. “A pleasure to meet you.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAfonNLtWI4N 維尼
“Are you a CIC too, miss?” He asked, looking at Cristlyn.8964 copyright protection654PENANATZDsYAx5P4 維尼
“Yeah. Wukice facility. Crislyn’s the name.” She held out a hand, which he shook solemnly.8964 copyright protection654PENANABN9FJyTO9d 維尼
“Must be fun, living around all that movie magic, huh?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAoDJYzeLcqK 維尼
“Meh.” She said. “Glad to see the back end of it for awhile. Well, look, it was nice chatting and all, but we’re on an important mission right now.”8964 copyright protection654PENANA9dZ3GowjoH 維尼
“Oh.” Gill said, “Anything I can do to help?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAlUdWp2tmfH 維尼
“Not unless you know where Samantha is. Do you?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAmZWfYfhRBn 維尼
“Well, no, but ...”8964 copyright protection654PENANA9LrjOhaJa5 維尼
“Oh well. Have fun at school.” With that, Cristlyn walked toward the main Center building.8964 copyright protection654PENANAHZusDIwIWz 維尼
“Sorry about her.” Bethany said, blushing. “She can be a bit ... direct.”8964 copyright protection654PENANACozdg53Fvp 維尼
“Bethany!”8964 copyright protection654PENANABPnd0p5fIJ 維尼
“I’m coming!” With final nod at Gill, she hurried after her sister. To her surprise, Gill followed her.8964 copyright protection654PENANAmIUWWd9ur0 維尼
“Mind if I tag along?”8964 copyright protection654PENANALmzxMR4nh5 維尼
“Don’t you have classes or something?” Cristlyn asked, not bothering to look at him.8964 copyright protection654PENANA3b9mdOvOGW 維尼
“Not for another two hours. I’ve got time, and like I said; I don’t see many other Glyche around here.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAowyPhF5IEd 維尼
“Sure, fine, whatever.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAkz22I4ThVR 維尼
Gill looked at Bethany; he didn’t have hair (or most facial features, for that matter), but Bethany didn’t see any harm in it, so she nodded. Beaming, he jogged until he was beside her and together they followed Cristlyn into the Center of Knowledge Reception area.8964 copyright protection654PENANAiDIXwCpw17 維尼
Often the first room seen by prospective students, the reception area was a pleasant enough place; there were plenty of chairs and couches for those waiting (invaluable during open enrollment), display cases showing various trophies and plaques displaying the names of exceptional alumni, a few busts on pedastels featuring famous scholars, mages, and technicians.8964 copyright protection654PENANA51wRScxKvi 維尼
“Thomas Desygan.” Gill said, pointing at a bust. “They put it here a few weeks ago based on an old portrait found in the Jaalus facility.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAc8hQlpOUH3 維尼
“Really?” Bethany said, gazing at the man who many acknowledged as the grandfather of the modern Glyche.8964 copyright protection654PENANAocI1BWwHrR 維尼
Thomas Desygan was one of the bio-form Glyche’s best scientists and programmers. It was he who programmed the first functional core unit, he who aided Narrator Number One in stopping the original Corruption, and he who headed the operation that saw the Glyche facilities built in Wenapaj in preperation of what was to come. By all rights, he should have been considered a hero across Vinta, but his legacy mostly remained in Wenapaj.8964 copyright protection654PENANAHAvvqEMIyp 維尼
“Got the nose wrong.” Cristlyn said matter-of-factly as they passed the bust.8964 copyright protection654PENANAVxjVLyiBvv 維尼
“It’s still a good likeness.” Bethany said.8964 copyright protection654PENANAsGlEyVA6DL 維尼
“Yeah, good enough, I suppose.” Cristlyn approached the front desk. Bethany was a little worried about this; given her sister’s pushy nature, she was sure that should anyone be unfortunately enough to be in line in front of Cristlyn, a scene would soon follow. Fortuantely, there was no one; it was a slow day for the Center, apparently.8964 copyright protection654PENANAKrTSkwTAvz 維尼
The woman at the desk gave Cristlyn a polite smile. “How can I-”8964 copyright protection654PENANAOQ5iX3Byqc 維尼
“Where’s Samantha?”8964 copyright protection654PENANA9mH8KBlbXU 維尼
The receptionist’s smile twtiched ever so slightly. Turning to her computer, she asked, “Last name?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAgiZllaSfvh 維尼
“No last name. Just Samantha.”8964 copyright protection654PENANANyXLDx5mze 維尼
Seeing the receptionist’s questioning look, Bethany said, “She was the CIC of the facility beneath the center, ma’am. She recently downloaded herself into a core unit, and we were wanting to check up on her to see how she’s adjusting.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAOoWDhA6rCx 維尼
Her demeanor visibly brightening at Bethany’s politeness, the receptionist said. “Ah, thank you. She’ll be registered as a core unit, then; that narrows the field quite a bit.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAoxTqoJi8E3 維尼
After tapping at her console for a few moments, the receptionist said, “You’ll need to see the Seed.”8964 copyright protection654PENANA6kNVkjRueS 維尼
“What?” Cristlyn said, “Why?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAFArTpnL1qb 維尼
“Because your Glyche, and anything to do with the Glyche goes straight to the Seed.” Eyes shifting to Bethany, the receptionist added, “Ma’am.”8964 copyright protection654PENANABba4Aum8n5 維尼
“That’s fine.” Bethany said.8964 copyright protection654PENANAPTZnIS6Y7a 維尼
“What? No, it’s not fine! We shouldn’t have to check in with the Seed because we’re-“8964 copyright protection654PENANALx17vzfku1 維尼
“It’s fine.” Bethany said, raising her voice. “After everything that’s happened, I think a little caution is justified.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAJM3BRWoRFI 維尼
“That wasn’t our fault.’ Cristlyn said with gilded cheeks.8964 copyright protection654PENANASPeknkCF7M 維尼
“I know.” Beth said, softening her tone.8964 copyright protection654PENANAbf4vTlSfia 維尼
Cristlyn stared at her for a moment before letting out a sigh. “Fine. Whatever makes the bio-forms comfortable, I guess.”8964 copyright protection654PENANA2Js5Uukfg3 維尼
“I can show them the way.” Gill said. “I’ve got some time.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAPA4L80cWww 維尼
“I’d appeciate it, Gill.” said the receptionist.8964 copyright protection654PENANAqV6aAkueLv 維尼
Catching Bethany and Cristlyn’s curious looks, Gill shrugged and said, “Like I said; there aren’t many core units here.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAemEknjgkwU 維尼
He led them through the doors in the back of the reception hall and onto the main grounds of the center. While the building housed many of the classrooms and labs of the center (the remaining being in the towers that floated above the Center via magic, technology, or a combination of both), the main grounds were home to some outdoor-specific classes such as the druidic arts, weather alteration, herbology, and Magi-zoology. There was still plenty of open room, of course, and some of the less dangerous plantlife was allowed to grow on the grounds, giving the area a very peaceful appearance.8964 copyright protection654PENANAoy4CXHYoZh 維尼
In the center of the main grounds was the Seed’s Tower; a somewhat strange but still impressive building, the Seed’s tower was built right into the Center’s largest greenhouse, and housed many interesting specimens. Since the area was protected from the cold of winter, the plants were allowed to thrive, and were in full bloom as Bethany, Cristlyn, and Gill entered the tower.8964 copyright protection654PENANAN5PrqlSMhi 維尼
They were soon greeted by a woman with skin as brown as fresh dirt, her hair an equally dark green. From the leaves growing in her hair, the rough bark-like patches on her knees and elbows, and the lack of pupils in her brown eyes, Bethany recognized her as a dryad, likely bound to one of the trees in the main grounds.8964 copyright protection654PENANAkt02micO61 維尼
“Hello.” The dryad said, a tenative smile on her face. “What are you looking for?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAb8cF77Ar7d 維尼
“A wizard with a big red mustache.” Cristlyn said.8964 copyright protection654PENANAOePLiCoEGQ 維尼
“The Seed?” she said, a little startled by Cristlyn’s directness. “He’s in his chambers at the top of the tower, but ...”8964 copyright protection654PENANABY5PdohjMK 維尼
“Good.” Cristlyn immediately headed for the base of the ivory spiral stairwell that led to the tower’s upper floors, only to be stop as thick vines that burst from the ground, effectively making the stairs completely impassible.8964 copyright protection654PENANA41mO7jJmMW 維尼
“The Seed is currently testing a prospective student.” The dryad said, hand still raised as the vines continue to twist and wind arount the stair railings. “You can’t go up there.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAy0q954JOEy 維尼
“Oh yeah?” Cristlyn spread her arms and took an impressive leap forward, easily clearing the growth of vines and landing half-way up the first floor stars. She paused to stick her tongue out at the dryad, unaware of the creepers already slipping around her ankles. She tried to take another step, only to fall flat on her face. The vines pulled her down the stairs as she tried in vain to stop both them and her. She eventually managed to get a firm grasp around one of the railing posts near the bottom of the stairwell, and held on tightly as the vine continued tugging at her legs.8964 copyright protection654PENANANizgR08Uzq 維尼
“Okay, you’ve made your point.” Bethany said, concerned that Cristlyn would be hurt. “Please, let her go.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAa3NnvOYvWU 維尼
The dryad met her gaze for a moment before nodding and lowering her hand. The vines slid from the stairwell and back into the ground as Bethany hurried over to her sister.8964 copyright protection654PENANAvkQNtXvsfe 維尼
“I coulda gotten out.” Cristlyn muttered beneath her breath as Bethany helped her stand.8964 copyright protection654PENANA3wZUWjzvrH 維尼
“You just got that body.” Bethany told her. “Are you really so eager to get it torn apart?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAjX6CSzGjwZ 維尼
“I’m fine!” Cristlyn said, pulling out of Bethany’s grasp. “Geez; chill out already.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAX4Oyyi48GL 維尼
“One moment;” The dryad said, “You mentioned recently getting your body; am I correct in assuming you are Samantha’s sisters?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAORXwblGoRc 維尼
“Yes.” Bethany said, taking the dryad’s knowledge of them as a good sign. “Bethany Sakamota of the Saybaro, and Cristlyn of the Genovis facility.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAwA4GUrpxHf 維尼
The dryad seemed to recognize Bethany, but seemed puzzled at Cristlyn’s introduction.8964 copyright protection654PENANA51VuEuSJeK 維尼
Sighing, Cristlyn said, “The one in Wukice.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAUqnEjrtNB6 維尼
Recognition dawned on the dryad’s face. “So you were both formerly CICs as well? I understand. Please, go on up.”8964 copyright protection654PENANABORTmyoAsy 維尼
Bethany and Cristlyn traded curious looks.8964 copyright protection654PENANAfIwMB2pQ3C 維尼
“They’re expecting you. ” The dryad said, obviously feeling it explained everything; without another word, she turned her attention back to the garden.8964 copyright protection654PENANAjfdkoHKEuP 維尼
“Well.” Gill said, letting out a small cough. “We should probably go.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAtqSeHg6LPo 維尼
“Yeah.” Cristlyn said, giving the dryad one final glare before she rejoined her sister and the Glyche student.8964 copyright protection654PENANAgpkbYWHX6m 維尼
They walked in silence for a few floors before Gill let out another polite cough. “So, how are you two finding your newfound freedom?”8964 copyright protection654PENANACm8MXz3ipp 維尼
“Are you kidding? It’s fantastic!” Cristlyn said. “As a CIC, I had to work to see thing as more than just data. You know how hard it is to enjoy a nice symphony when you can feel part of your mind noticing every instrument that misses a note by even a fraction of a second? To look at a painting and to see it for what it is without part of you analyzing the trace elements that differentiate the colors?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAAsxIJ6xg0i 維尼
“To enjoy a piece of cake without having to analyze every single atom.” Bethany said.8964 copyright protection654PENANAYj8uZxowFU 維尼
After a few moments, she realized they were looking at her, Cristlyn with a bemused expression.8964 copyright protection654PENANAmDcUfRGPu9 維尼
Blushing, Bethany said, “Um, so Gill; what are you studying?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAsijyiGxNi5 維尼
“Oh, I’m majoring in Gineran Magi-technology. Fascinating subject; the idea of merging the order and dependability of technology with something as chaotic in nature as magic.”8964 copyright protection654PENANALMuQucDzj0 維尼
“Yes,” Cristlyn said, stifling a yawn. “Fascinating.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAqDcwMsOgU1 維尼
Bethany shot her sister an annoyed look before looking back at Gill. “Are you planning to be a magi-tek technician or engineer?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAiYmWwys6kH 維尼
“Actually, I’m hoping to become a Builder.” He said, rubbing the back of his shiny head. “There’s a lot of demand for good Builders on Earth, and I’d like to help, maybe even join up with the Knights of the Star.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAsMkM4lLw9E 維尼
“Uh-huh.” Cristlyn said. “Looking to be the next Crash, huh? Fight some monsters, save innocents, make a name for yourself?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAhvzCeeGDTm 維尼
Gill blushed. “No! I mean, maybe. Who doesn’t want to be a hero? I do have a concrete goal, however.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAT0exzX8Ibv 維尼
“Really? What’s your goal?” Bethany asked.8964 copyright protection654PENANAwTI4AKlW3y 維尼
“Have you heard of the Ulasomorf project?” When Bethany shook her head, Gill said, “Well, it’s all very hush-hush, but apparently the Knights of the Star are close to building a starship capable of travelling beyond our galaxy.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAQKD5nydBKl 維尼
Cristlyn chuckled. “That would be a lot more impressive if we didn’t live on a planet with sentients.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAgnvnMOkQmH 維尼
“Yes, sentients can portal across great distances, but they have to have already been there to do it. I’m talking about actual faster-than-light travel.”8964 copyright protection654PENANA0HibZpsm17 維尼
“Physically impossible.” Cristlyn sniffed.8964 copyright protection654PENANAGXs6by0m1M 維尼
“I know.” Gill said, a grin spreading across his face. “But not magically impossible.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAFplz8m9VS5 維尼
They both stared at him for a moment before Bethany realized his meaning. “A Magi-tek starship engine?”8964 copyright protection654PENANAk9inxzALZK 維尼
“So I’ve heard. In development since the days of the Old Rangers, if rumors are true.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAchdaVHJCnM 維尼
Cristlyn looked impressed despite herself. “Clever little bioforms. Don’t like the way the universe works? Change the universe. Wouldn’t want to be the tekker in charge of keeping it running, though.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAsr5vgt5shl 維尼
“I would.” Gill said. “Gladly.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAcD8n8XZU8n 維尼
Cristlyn shrugged and said nothing. Bethany kept her peace as well; the idea of exploring the boundaries of space certainly had some romance to it. Ultimately, however, she found herself agreeing with Cristlyn. She was feeling homesick already, and she’d only been away from the Saybaro for a few hours.8964 copyright protection654PENANAOoxuY9ZIsx 維尼
As they neared the top of the tower, the sounds of chanting could be heard.8964 copyright protection654PENANAdzjrRKiIsf 維尼
“And here comes the hocus pocus.” Cristlyn said, sounding vaguely annoyed.8964 copyright protection654PENANALxq5hM00dW 維尼
Sighing, Bethany said, “Please don’t offend the Seed, Cristlyn.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAg9PalRaKdd 維尼
“Yes, mother.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAiB6hBqnSNk 維尼
Bethany frowned at her sister. “I’m serious; Jimmy said he was a kind old man. There’s no reason to offend him.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAEDHfu748XK 維尼
“Yeah, Cristlyn.” Seed Thamasa said, inexplicably walking on Cristlyn’s other side. “Don’t go offending the old man.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAgycoJ6Feis 維尼
He was much as Jimmy described him; pretty much the exact image of a wizard one would imagine upon hearing the word; long beared, sequined robe, pointy hat with a wide brim, pouches strapped to his belt no doubt filled with magical objects and reagants. The only noteable variant on the ‘wizened wizard’ look was the Seed’s massive bushy red mustache, a perfect match for that of King Iniagus. Rumors persisted that the two were related, some even suggesting that they might be the same person.8964 copyright protection654PENANAzXS7zRqaSf 維尼
Cristlyn jumped a little. Holding a hand to her chest, she said, “Creator’s Grace, don’t do that!”8964 copyright protection654PENANAg3KsaYcW6J 維尼
“Oh, come on!” The Seed said, clapping her on the back. “Just a bit of levity. Now that you’re unfettered, you need to learn to have a bit of fun.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAn7ynznTsfY 維尼
“What do you know about that?” Cristlyn said, sounding suspicious.8964 copyright protection654PENANAKXHhnaDDG5 維尼
Thamasa thumbed his nose, his eyes twinkling. “You should see my newest and brightest student.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAoHuuAnhpUy 維尼
“That’s okay.” Cristlyn said as they reached the final step. “We’re just here to see our-”8964 copyright protection654PENANAcN85jeY7jo 維尼
A waterballon hit her right in the side of the face. Bethany couldn’t help but laugh at the surprised look on her sister’s face as she tried to process what had just happened.8964 copyright protection654PENANAhovmAXxiO2 維尼
“Think fast!” said a familiar voice.8964 copyright protection654PENANAIi2cOvHA4x 維尼
Bethany turned in time to see another water balloon speeding her way. Her hand shot forward, slicing through the air in a smooth motion and scooping the balloon from the air without breaking it.8964 copyright protection654PENANAOxagBwiiv9 維尼
“Whoa.” Gill said, looking at her with wide eyes. “Nice catch.”8964 copyright protection654PENANAJUC3Qjpwk1 維尼
“Thanks.” Bethany said. In truth, she was only slightly less shocked than Gill. The movement had been automatic ... involuntary, even.8964 copyright protection654PENANAOneSxB1vJ9 維尼
A giggle broke her from her thoughts. Looking away from the water balloon, Bethany found herself staring at a fourth-evolution core unit with blonde pigtails and bright blue eyes. She was wearing a Center of knowledge uniform and held what was undoubtedly a wand in her delicate fingers.8964 copyright protection654PENANA8gdKHHw92L 維尼
The woman twirled her wand with a delicate hand at a nearby table that was practically covered with water balloons. To Bethany’s amazement, one of the balloons rose at Sammy’s prompting.8964 copyright protection654PENANANUlG7IaEYw 維尼
“See Crissy?” Sammy said, a wide grin on her face, “You were wrong! I’m a great wizard after all!”8964 copyright protection654PENANAxAvxJYibqY 維尼
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