Goals of the Philosopher [Part 2]

“Next question: What are the enterprises that’s going to make us busy?”

This is the most important question that involves the near future. I want to make sure I can coordinate my own plan around his own convoluted plots.

“We’ll be going to a few locations to either gather information or an item.”

“What are the locations?” I readied to write in my notes.

“The first is an establishment called the House of Flies. This is where Infernalior like to partake and create a variety of wagers. The next is the residence of an individual that I need to fulfill my end of a contract that we formed. The last is an unexpected opportunity. We are formally invited by an Infernalior to a function that they are hosting. I believe there'll be some people of interest that will be an asset to our cause.”

So, a casino, a deal to complete, and a party… Interesting…

“Can you provide a little more details?”

“... I will be discussing a potential wager with an Infernalior at the House of Flies. As for the contracts, I'm not sure about the other end of its completion; they have yet to volunteer any information regarding what they desire. The potential opportunity is an invitation to a celebration event: the Infernalior that is hosting the event has succeeded in achieving another Eternal Name. The only reason why I chose to attend, is to form potential contracts that will aid us in the future.”

He sure does like to make contracts. I guess I don’t blame him. If he did that more in the past he would still be in his original position.

“Next question: I’ve been having some strange sensations ever since I passed the first test that this Guild requires. The sensation is like a form of precognition. I recall you mentioned that your knowledge about the attack on the mission may be akin to a vision. Is this type of ability possible?”

“Interesting… This type of ability has only been known to occur with Infernalior. It’s never been proven, but some Infernalior have claimed to see events in the future. I have no information to agree or disagree with the idea of predicting the future. What I find interesting, if what you say is true… Hmm...”

He then peered out the window; he must have some ideas of his own. What he said wasn’t very useful, so I better just let him think about the idea before I ask more questions about the topic.

“Next question: Do you know how long your plan will take?”

“That’s going to depend on you.” He swiftly and slyly answered.

“'You' as in the Guild?” I questioned.

“Sure… Just remember: I’ve been thinking about this plan for decades. Thus, there is a good chance that it will take decades to complete.”

Decades, huh? That’s a long time to dedicate to something that has zero guaranties. At least, zero guaranties from my perspective.

⧫⧫⧫

The interview lasted for a few hours. It felt like I was back at Stanford attending lectures. I always enjoyed gaining knowledge and writing down thoughts and ideas. This was quite a nice experience for me, especially from the first two encounters I’ve had with him. I'm pretty sure that he was also enjoying it, just a very little bit though. I would think the reason why would be. He respected someone that was thinking as hard and as constant as he was.

Respect. That was the main thing we had in common. I know that I respect him. Even if I get frustrated with him every once in a while. I respect him for his knowledge and he respects me for my intelligence. Hopefully.

There were several instances where there was almost complete silence. The reason for that is because every time after he answered one of my questions; I had to rapidly scrawl the dozens of thoughts and ideas into my notes. As well as fidgeting with my sling arm. It was so quiet, the only thing that I could hear were the rhythmic gestures of pen to paper and wind gently sneaking by the window. There were moments with long silence so instead of waiting for me to finish my notes he just went back to his own. Once I was close to finishing what I was writing. I respectfully told him:

"When you are ready, I have another question prepared."

I then waited for him to place his pen down.

“Before your next inquiry, I have one of my own I'd like to ask.” He requested as he placed his pen down.

I gave him my attention.

“What language is that?” He asked quite seriously.

“Oh, this? It’s just a made up one that me and some of my cousins created.” I explained. This might not end well. I didn’t think he’d ask about my writing. But I’m sure that skepticism will pay him off in the long run.

“Why would you need to do that?” He then glared.

“Well, I don’t really need to, I just like to. It reminds me of my village every time I write, which helps me think a little better, and it looks kinda cool.” I smiled slightly.

Okay, I don’t think he bought my story. But I’m pretty certain that he won’t investigate the real reason why I write in my notebooks like this.

“... Ask your question...” He slowly shook his hand.

“Thank you. Next question: You mention that the ultimate goal for the Infernalior is ‘Absolute Freedom’ and the only way to achieve that… is well, challenging, seems like an understatement. Surely some have given up on the nigh-impossible idea, considering the decades that some Infernalior have held their positions.”

Understanding the exact behavior of 72 powerful and unpredictable competitors is a lot to analyze for the time being, having a generalization, really, will be better in the short term.

“Your assessment is true. The lower echelon have committed their lives to simple fulfillment, lacking true ambition… Many are indulging in hedonistic occupations, a number are garnering higher education for their Consociation, some are even farmers.”

“You seem almost bothered by that?” I slowly acknowledge.

“And you seem more than an aspiring cartographer…” He retorted,

I won’t lie… A harsh chill drilled into my bones. I knew he wasn’t going to harm me, but that doesn't mean the threat of fear would fade. Thankfully I had a defensive remark prepared.

“Well, you could say that I was ignorant.”

“Of what?” He gently posed, with a dark glint in his eye.

“Of the world… I had no idea the world would be filled with so much potential.” I revealed, with a devious smirk.

A heated scoff fled his nostrils. Hard to tell how he felt about my answer, but being impressed would be the best guess.

“You talk like a politician, rather than someone with a map passion.” He joked.

“Any more questions?” I asked as my smile grew.

“Carry on with your inquiries.” He waved, somewhat satisfied with the small debate.

“Next question: What was the purpose of the items we got?”

“They are Artifacts that were in the possession of the Seven Primordial Pneuma of Consciousness, or one of their previous incarnations. Their purpose is to strengthen the connection with the receptacles.”

So, I was right. They were meant for those Seven. This is a good opportunity to get more information about them.

“How many Artifacts do you have?”

“In total: Thirteen.”

“So, the others have two now? And I only have one.”

“Unfortunately, no. Prior to your most recent expedition. Vahaemarr is in possession of three. Elros, Nelaemala, and Aeryvon are also in possession of one.”

Vahaemarr has the most; that makes sense, he has been in the Guild the longest. So, Quen and Írui just got their first one too, even though they have been members longer than Elros, Nel, and Aeryvon. I wonder why…? I suppose that isn’t an important question right now.

“How many do you plan on getting?”

“As many as I can get my hands on.”

Well that's quite interesting... I wonder how many artifacts there are. It sounds like they are of great value. My biggest question is, I wonder what they can do?