Chapter 4: What Next
Meru sighed and leaned back in her chair. She uncrossed her hoodied arms and forced a smile, which was more radiant than the sun in Zale's eyes. "So, what about work then? Did they say anything when you asked?" she asked, happy to change the subject from death and immortality.
Zale nodded. "Because it was a work-related accident, the company just filled my position temporarily. They did mention giving me some easier work after I was discharged. No idea what that means, but I probably won't be hunting in the field for a while."
Meru looked downcast for a moment, but then shrugged and spoke brightly. "It's better than losing your job. And you'll be back in the field eventually. I'm glad you have your job still," she said, then added with a wink, "Plus, I'll see you around when we're at the office."
Zale shook his head with a raised eyebrow and a smile. "You just want to see me beef up again," he poked.
"Well, I'm not going to say no to that," she joked, not hiding her admiration for him.
"Really, though, I'm just happy. I need to get back to the company, though. There's a late afternoon raid on a new dungeon portal. I'm on add duty."
"I envy that, honestly. I'd love to have something to do," Zale said with a downcast look at himself.
"Soon, my love, soon. Just take it easy and focus on getting better. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" she said, leaning over and kissing him gently on the cheek then the lips.
He returned the kiss and agreed to see her tomorrow.
When Meru left, Zale finished his coffee, mumbling to himself, "If I'm going to prove anything, I need to research first. I know what to do, I guess. But how do I start?"
He stared out of the window and thought for a while, pouring over his memory of the library. There were hundreds of thousands of books there, and he could only access a limited selection within his reach. Of those he could reach, some were sealed with inexplicable magic. Others he could read neither the titles nor the contents of; their pages were blank or full of some illegible characters.
He spent his time in the library time reading from that limited selection. The topics ranged from seemingly benign information on plants and history, to world-changing revelations, like how to become a sorcerer and the path of immortality. Zale opened a new document on his tablet and unclipped the pen. He scribbled down a couple of notes to solidify some thoughts.
Magic "core" required for magic generation.
Need magic essence for refining.
Monsters have essence, but not useable.
Pure essence - purification?
Magic essence- where to locate?
He looked at the two questions at the end, pen to his mouth as he thought. "Monsters have all kinds of essences, but none I could kill would have magic essence, I don't think. What would have strong magic essence then? And what can I use to refine or extract it," he mumbled.
When nothing came to mind, and the caffeine kicked in, he reluctantly packed up and took a walk, stretching his already sore and weary limbs.
Weekly Power Status
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