The Nature of a 'Hiro'

The night sky filled with an army of shiny stars, making for a breathtaking view outside the window. As the cool and calming breeze entered the room, one wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to relax on such a pleasant evening. However, this was not the case for the young amnesiac Hiro, who was currently in the middle of a tutoring session with his new companion.

“So…” he began, visibly engrossed with the subject, “Basically, I should be able to use regular healing like everybody else with an Attribute, huh?”

“Indeed. That would be my theory, at least. It's crucial to analyze and research the mystery behind your situation.” Ai replied, her expression filled with enthusiasm.

As previously discussed, she had volunteered to assist Hiro in comprehending the nature of his powers and maximizing their potential. The remarkable ability he possessed, akin to healing, was just one aspect of what was commonly known as an 'Attribute'. The blue-haired Elf was now elaborating on this concept.

“You're the first human ever known to possess an actual Attribute, so there are bound to be some discrepancies in our conventional understanding of this power. Nevertheless, the fundamental principles may still apply to you. We need to verify.” she continued.

Hiro nodded, stroking his chin in contemplation. The notion that, in addition to his primary healing ability, he might also wield more conventional healing powers intrigued him.

“Okay. So it’s all about intentions and focus, right? Hmm…” Hiro mused aloud, betraying the fact that something weighed on his mind.

Ai, ever perceptive, picked up on his hesitation. “Is something wrong?” she inquired, her concern evident.

“Oh, it’s just… it’s nothing.” Hiro quickly dismissed, though Ai remained unconvinced.

With a dissatisfied expression, she pinched both of Hiro's cheeks mercilessly, rendering him momentarily speechless and causing him to wince in discomfort. Once she released her grip, “What was that for!?” Hiro protested, his cheeks still flushed from the pinch.

“I've told you countless times already, I can't help you unless you're honest with me.” Ai chided, her tone firm yet caring.

The girl's words resonated deeply with Hiro. An acute pang of guilt washed over him, not due to their ongoing conversation, but because of the heavy burden of a secret he was harboring. Hidden from everyone, a significant aspect of his ability remained veiled—the side effects. This was a truth he had vowed to protect, no matter the cost.

With a heavy sigh, Hiro decided to address the immediate issue instead.

“It’s about my power.” he began, his voice laden with uncertainty, “When I first used it, I really tried to alleviate Lili’s pain. But it felt... strange. I mean, I was in a pretty rough state myself at the time, but even so, it brought tears to my eyes. It's like I did something I shouldn't have. It's hard to put into words.”

Ai listened intently to Hiro's explanation, realizing that this was a side of the story that had only come to light now. She was naturally curious about the details surrounding his ability; understanding it fully was essential.

“Interesting. And it only happened once, right?”

Hiro nodded casually in response, “I don't have a definitive explanation for it, aside from your emotions being in turmoil at the time. Still, unless it becomes a recurring theme, there's likely nothing to worry about.”

Given their current lack of knowledge and resources, there wasn't much more they could deduce.

“Anyway, shall we get started?” the girl asked, taking out a small knife from her pocket. Hiro carefully observed his companion’s actions.

“I’m gonna make a little cut on my palm for you to try and heal.”

Before the blade could make contact with her skin, Hiro caught her wrist. Ai looked at him questioningly as she knit her brow in surprise. His eyes changed their focus from the blade and back towards the girl.

“Is it really necessary?” the words stuck in his throat finally took form.

“It’s not like I’m cutting my entire hand off.” she rolled her eyes, “How else are we gonna check?”

It was clear that, to Ai, it wasn’t something worth fretting over. While Hiro was well aware that she was right, he still felt a need to confirm.

“Right, sorry.”

A small incision appeared on the girl's hand, followed by a trickle of red liquid. As directed by Ai, Hiro extended his hand towards the wound, his palm hovering just above it, never making contact. This method was particularly advantageous for Hiro, as his primary ability required direct touch. By not making contact, he mitigated the risk of unintentionally activating his primary power, focusing solely on the task of normal healing.

“Now, remember what I taught you. Focus and intentions are what matters. Your willingness to use your own life force, to share your health.”

He listened diligently to the words gently spoken by his tutor. Behind his closed eyes, there was a battle. A fight against the growing urge to use the Wound Absorption. The instinct was overwhelmingly strong. What kept Hiro grounded were the gentle instructions reaching his eardrums, and Ai’s presence. His goal, his mind, they were clear. After a minute or so, Ai poked his tremendously serious looking face.

“Wha-?”

With his eyes adjusting back to the light, he saw his female companion with her palm raised in his direction. The cut on her hand… “It’s gone. Did I…?”

“You did it. And on your first try too. Congrats!” Ai smiled cheerfully and nodded approvingly.

Hiro sighed with relief and relaxed back in his seat.

“That confirms my theory. Your Attribute isn’t that much different, after all. The question now is, whether you were born with it or gained it somehow.”

“Well, I haven’t the foggiest.”

After hearing the girl’s conclusions, Hiro simply shrugged his shoulders without much interest. The topic of his birth was part of the past he didn’t know.

Ai bit her tongue, she was aware that talking about Hiro’s amnesia was like stepping on eggshells. Nevertheless, for their work to be fruitful, she felt compelled to satisfy her own selfish curiosity, even if only a little.

“Don’t force yourself. The fear of your old memories was the main reason behind your panic attack back then during our first meeting, right?”

The topic was unavoidable. As much as Hiro wished he could dismiss it and move on, it was undeniably a cause for concern. Although he hadn't experienced anything quite like this since then, numerous burdens still weighed heavily on his heart. Each step forward felt small and slow, a constant reminder of the lingering uncertainties and fears that shadowed his progress.

“Yeah, something like that.” he conceded with reluctance, “I’m not trying to get my memories back anyway. It might sound weird but I want to move on from the past. Even if I can neither recall nor remember it.”

Ai remained silent after hearing his declaration. It seemed to her that arguing the point would be pointless right now, so she decided to focus on the current state of things instead.

“Hey, what about creating charms? I’ve been hearing lots about them, can I do that too?” he asked curiously.

Ai smiled at his enthusiasm, “Hmm… Let’s go over the theoretical part first, shall we?” she replied, and reached for a piece of paper, “The process of creating a charm is quite similar to the art of healing. Essentially, it involves transferring your life energy into an object.” she explained, drawing a simple diagram while speaking.

Hiro leaned in, his eyes wide with fascination, “So, you’re saying I can turn literally anything into a charm?” he pressed.

“Well, yes and no. For offensive Attributes, it’s more effective to use objects that are inherently suited for offense. For example, a bow, a knife, or even a sword would be ideal—preferably one of good quality. Jewels and other rare or sturdy stones can work as well, depending on the power you wish to imbue into the charm, of course.”

Hiro's eyes sparkled with excitement, “So, my clothes must be pretty sturdy then, huh? They’ve been enchanted as well.”

“Precisely.” Ai confirmed with a smile, “As for the drawbacks and potential dangers with creating charms, there’s a limit to how many you can make in a short period of time.”

“Makes sense.” Hiro replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully, “Your life force isn’t something you can just expend endlessly.” he concluded, to which he received a praiseful applause from the girl.

“That’s right. Once you hit that limit, there’s a significant risk involved. For instance, the Magical Creature may lose their Attribute.” she added.

Hiro’s eyes widened in surprise, “Wait, seriously? So if you want to get rid of your powers, you just tire yourself out with charms?” he inquired with eagerness.

Ai's face grew solemn as she addressed his question, “No. Don’t ever let it cross your mind, Hiro.” she scolded him on instinct, “Since Attributes are a fundamental part of your existence, pushing yourself too hard can lead to a very painful and often fatal outcome.” Ai explained with a grim expression on her face

“Holy crap…” Hiro gasped in shock, “So, how do we know that it might either kill or take away your power?”

“Documented experiences in the books I read as a child.” Ai explained, her tone grave, “I’ve never witnessed it myself, but the texts describe the process as a high-stakes gamble with little chance of success.”

“Why would anyone take that risk, then!?” Hiro asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Ai sighed, her expression serious, “There are instances where an Attribute can become more of a burden or a curse rather than a gift. Such cases are rare, but they do happen. In those situations, some individuals might be desperate enough to risk everything in hopes of changing their fate.”

Hiro’s face paled as despair washed over him, his thoughts consumed by his own predicament. The words ‘curse’ and ‘burden’ seemed to perfectly encapsulate his ability. Unaware of his turmoil, Ai smiled and gave him a reassuring pat on the back.

“It’s not like you have to worry!” she reassured him, “Just avoid overexerting yourself, that’s all. We’ll leave producing charms for later, since the technique is a bit more advanced, okay?”

“Hmm, about your Attribute. Can you make it into a charm?” a sudden thought escaped his lips.

“Yes.” Ai replied without hesitation, “With glasses for example. But it’ll be no good with the map to the Fountain, if that’s what you’re getting at.” she added, predicting his train of thought.

“Why not?” he inquired, slightly confused.

“The map’s paths and ‘language’, if you can call it that, is fluctuating constantly. All I can do is make the glasses read a certain kind of language or schematic.” she explained.

“So the effectiveness of a charm really does depend on an Attribute. And it’s not as powerful as the real thing.” Hiro summarized, affirming Ai’s previous teachings.

“You’ve been drawing all the right conclusions today, and you’re very attentive and curious. I like that about my students very much.” she praised him, “But the teacher’s pet spot already belongs to Rayna, so no luck there, unfortunately.” she teased playfully while patting him on the head.

“Not like I was aiming for it.” he grumbled, visibly annoyed with being treated like a little kid.

“Someone seems cranky. Would you rather my cute little sister ruffled your hair instead?” she teased him again, a smug smile on her face.

Hiro’s face turned red and he almost fell out of his chair.

“Don’t play matchmaker without people’s consent!”

Ai snickered in response, an uncharacteristic contrast to her mesmerizing smile.

“I think it’s enough for today.” she yawned, “It was fun, but I’m kinda tired. Same time tomorrow?” Ai asked while stretching her back.

“If it’s okay with you, then of course. Just…” his tone grew serious as he continued, “be sure to tell me if you’re not up to it. Don’t overdo it either.” he asked with visible concern.

Ai was touched by an unexpected gesture of thoughtfulness from Hiro. In this brief period of getting to know each other, it reinforced her confidence in trusting him.

A quiet chuckle escaped her lips as she retorted, “Hey, I may be a few years older than you, but I’m no grandma.” playfully punctuating her remark with a light punch to the boy’s shoulder.

“Okay. And…” he smiled, “Thank you.”

With another yawn escaping her lips, just as she was ready to head out, “Ai, before you go…” Hiro called out unsurely.

“Hmm? What is it?” she replied, her usual smile returning.

He cleared his throat and glanced away with embarrassment, “Aside from Attaberry cupcakes and cookies, what’s Rayna’s favorite snack?” he muttered, twiddling his fingers anxiously.

A mischievous smirk immediately spread across Ai’s face, “Oh my, oh my, and why would you need this information, I wonder? Could it be that you’ve taken a liking to my sweet and innocent little sister?”

Her teasing tone and playful demeanor made Hiro instantly regret asking the question in the first place. It was Ai’s earlier teasing that had prompted him to inquire.

But there was no turning back now. After a couple of carefully concealed deep breaths, Hiro gathered himself to respond.

“Do you really think your teasing will get a rise out of me?” he retorted, determined to maintain his composure.

His stoic response impressed Ai, who stood casually by the door with her hands behind her back. However, Hiro’s attempt to stay calm was quickly undermined.

“Oh, I don’t know. From the color of your cheeks, I’d say I already did.”

Finally realizing the burning sensation on his face, being called out on it no less, was just too much too ignore at this point. The embarrassment washed over him, shattering his façade of composure.

“Oh just…! Whatever! I promised to take her out to the city sometime. That’s why I’m asking. If you’re just gonna tease me, then-…”

His frustrated half-sentence was abruptly cut off by Ai’s simple reply, “Ice cream.” she smiled.

It wasn’t her usual radiant smile; this one held a mix of nostalgia and genuine happiness. It was mesmerizing to behold.

“Oh. Okay. Thanks!”

Finally regaining his grasp on reality, Hiro could only muster a quiet word of gratitude in response. Touched by his innocent reaction, Ai decided to tease him one last time before leaving.

“You know… now that I think about it, in the end, you never denied liking her…” Ai remarked with a light chuckle, watching Hiro slowly come to terms with the situation.

“Just leave already!” he exclaimed, nudging her towards the door.

“Okay, okay, I’m leaving! I have to see if the coast is clear first, you know?”

After checking her way out, she finally departed. Hiro sighed heavily, leaning his back against the door.

Ai picked up an empty cart and began her journey back, feeling somewhat anxious being alone at this late hour. She cautiously checked every corner as she walked, fearing confrontation or unreasonable requests. The servants' quarters were located on the highest floor of the basement, with small windows near the ceiling to provide minimal light and ventilation. The floor consisted of cramped rooms for two, furnished with only the most basic necessities. The beds were so close together that occupants could practically hold hands, and a small table in the middle served as a makeshift dining area, though many ended up eating on their beds due to space constraints. In front of each bed stood a small wardrobe with a mirror on its door, while toilets and baths were located one floor below.

Despite the lack of space and privacy, the living conditions for the mansion’s Elven staff were considered sophisticated compared to others. Some servants often expressed gratitude for their living arrangements, citing horrific experiences from previous employments that made their current situation seem bearable in comparison. Some Elves, however, struggled to cope, unable to fight against the oppression they faced. For those who yearned to return home, many found their homes destroyed or lost, leaving them with nowhere to go.

These stories weighed heavily on the sisters, fueling their determination to find the map to the Fountain of Knowledge—their last hope for the oppressed Elves. Despite a century of efforts, there seemed to be no end to the suffering. A miracle was seen as the only solution to resolve their plight.

Whenever Ai found herself alone, she often immersed herself in thoughts of a better future to ease her mind. Lost in her thoughts, she finally approached the entrance to the basement, letting out a sigh of relief. Just as she reached for the door handle, a loud voice greeted her from behind.

“Out on an evening stroll too, I see!”

Ai jumped in surprise, her heart pounding as if it were about to burst out of her chest, “Shhhhhh!!” she hissed at the crimson-haired knight who had appeared out of nowhere, “Why do you always have to be so loud, Felix?!”

“It’s just who I am. Nothing can be done about it.” Felix shrugged nonchalantly.

Ai let out an exasperated sigh, clutching her chest to calm down. Felix, meanwhile, stood there, visibly unfazed.

“On a more serious note, what are you still doing here? Isn’t that kinda risky? Or maybe… Could it be that you missed me so much that you orchestrated this whole thing just to check up on me, your precious friend?”

Ai responded by karate chopping Felix on the head. He backed away, massaging the spot where she had hit him.

“So mean. And here I was, all worried.”

Something about Felix's statement felt off to Ai, making her uneasy, “Why would you be worried?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

For a brief moment, Felix’s expression turned grim before reverting to his usual demeanor, “Well, since you didn’t come back on time, a certain someone asked for my assistance. Honestly, I thought I’d have to tie her up just to stop her from doing something stupid.”

Ai’s eyes widened as realization dawned on her, “Ah… Right. I forgot to tell Rayna…”

With her head hung and shoulders dropped, she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt. An awkward silence filled the hall beside the basement door. Felix simply rolled his eyes and smiled, placing reassuring hand on the girl’s shoulder.

“Anyway, make sure it doesn’t happen again. She’s probably already beside herself from all that worrying.”

As he pulled his hand away and turned to leave, a sudden realization struck Ai. “Why did she ask for your help specifically?”

The question made the knight stop in his tracks and turn back to face Ai. With a hand brushing through his crimson hair, he answered, “We were supposed to scout out the place for our next escapade. In any case, I was happy to help!”

With his eyes closed, the red headed knight was making a pouty face. His answer somewhat humbled Ai’s suspicions, and she sighed with relief.

“Right, right, of course. Thank you, Felix.” with a genuine smile, Ai expressed her gratitude and turned to leave.

Her simple reaction took Felix off guard, his smile fading as he corrected his posture with a heavy sigh, “Honestly. To be so dependent on someone…” he mused, causing Ai to halt abruptly.

Hearing his demeaning remark, Ai's brows twitched in irritation. She gripped the handle of the basement door so tightly it seemed as if she might crush it.

“What was that?” she asked in a cold, monotonous tone, her eyes piercing into the knight.

“It’s unhealthy and dangerous. She was ready to interrogate half the mansion if you weren’t found by morning, jeopardizing everything. Do you realize what I’m getting at?”

Felix’s demeanor had shifted dramatically. Gone was his usual playful self; this was one of those rare moments when he was entirely serious.

Ai gritted her teeth, fury blazing in her eyes. She approached the knight swiftly, jabbing an accusing finger into his chest, “Don’t even go there. Not after…” before she could utter another word, Felix cut her off sharply.

“I don’t care about the drama surrounding that situation. I did nothing wrong. I’m not here to fight with you, Ai. I’m just worried about her, that’s all. Rayna needs to face reality and stop this unhealthy behavior.”

His stoic calmness only stoked Ai’s anger further. She refused to back down, “You know exactly what she’s been through. You understand how it affected her and how much she suffered because of it.”

It took all of Ai's willpower to maintain her composure, knowing that starting a fight now would be unwise.

“Yes, and I honestly feel for her.” he retorted instantly, his tone tinged with wistfulness, “Even so, it’s about time to let it go. With Hiro by our side, it feels like fate is giving us a signal. I, for one, am all for using that opportunity to the fullest. I’m simply asking you to consider talking to her about it, that’s all.”

Felix’s gaze was unwavering, his determination to make his point clear surprisingly resolute.

“If you really care about how she feels, then you should’ve…” she bit her tongue, knowing better than to finish that sentence.

Felix, on the other hand, had no such reservations, “…accept her love? Pretending to reciprocate it in order to make her emotionally stable? I’m not that cruel.”

There was a certain logic to his reasoning, and Ai, despite herself, had to acknowledge it. She had no response to the rational words he had spoken. Felix smiled once more, turned, and began to walk away, “Goodnight, Ai. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

And thus, Felix reverted to his usual self. Ai couldn’t deny his sincere concern and willingness to help Rayna. It frustrated her that, in some sense, the words that had aggravated her so much held a kernel of truth. These thoughts swirled in her mind as she finally entered the room where she resided.

Her breath caught in her throat as she glanced at her younger sister sitting on the bed. Tears shimmered at the corners of Rayna’s eyes, her body trembling slightly. Her nose and long ears were flushed red.

Upon noticing Ai standing in the doorway, Rayna’s expression shifted drastically. Her eyes squinted, and tears flowed like a waterfall down her bright red cheeks, “Ai…” she called out quietly.

Without any hesitation, Rayna launched herself into Ai’s embrace, her sobs and muffled cries heartbreaking. Ai gently caressed the back of Rayna’s head and whispered soothingly, “I’m here. You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Just let it all out.”

Rayna tightened her embrace in response, her sobs continuing unabated. It took some time for her to finally calm down, her tears gradually subsiding as she clung to Ai for comfort.

“I’m sorry… your uniform.” Rayna murmured as she pulled away from her older sister, noticing the state of Ai’s clothes, wet and covered in snot.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll just wash it up tomorrow.”

Her reply and genuine smile cheered Rayna right up. Slowly but surely, the girl began to return to her usual self.

“I’m sorry for reacting like this.” Rayna whispered, her voice laced with embarrassment.

Despite her deep concern for her sister, Ai couldn't help but find Rayna's vulnerability endearing.

“It’s okay. You’ve got nothing to apologize for. Although… It’s been so long since something like this happened. Why now all of a sudden? It’s not the first time I’ve been late without telling you, right?”

Rayna responded with a loud sniffle, taking a deep, shuddering breath before laying her head comfortably in her sister’s lap. Ai's fingers traced soothing patterns on Rayna’s reddened cheeks, offering comfort through her touch.

“I… had a nightmare. When I woke up and you still weren’t back, I…” she trailed off, her fear evident.

Ai quickly put her index finger against Rayna’s lips, stopping her mid-sentence, “I get it now. You don’t have to say any more.”

Despite the comfort she found in her sister's presence, Rayna couldn't shake her unease. Suddenly, she sat up, her movements sharp.

“I know that it was childish of me! It won’t happen again, I promise!”

Ai, momentarily surprised, quickly understood the depth of her sister's distress, “Rayna, you can cry to me as much as you need. It's not something you should be ashamed of. If anything, I’d be angrier if you didn’t tell me when something’s bothering you.”

“But I’m supposed to be strong, right?” she retorted defiantly, “I can fight! I should be the one to protect you now, right?”

Rayna’s voice was animated, her arms flailing to emphasize her words. Her older sister was the one who saved her in the past. She looked up to Ai, the one who inspired her to become strong and skilled. Ai knew how much pressure Rayna put on herself.

“Almost right.” she remarked with a smile, “We protect each other. That’s what family does.”

“But Ai—” Rayna started, only to be enveloped in her sister's embrace again.

“No buts. You don’t have to prove anything to me. You’re plenty strong and very skilled. You have no idea how proud I am of you. I just hope… that you can believe in me in return as well.”

Rayna’s eyes softened at her sister’s words, and she hugged Ai back tightly, “I do! I really do! It’s just… I get scared sometimes, that’s all.”

Ai smiled affectionally in response, “That’s okay. What really matters, is that you’re able to fight in spite of this fear.” she explained, “How about we catch some sleep while there’s still time.”

Rayna nodded reluctantly, the tension easing from her face. Ai tucked her into bed and turned out the lights. As exhaustion washed over her, she soon fell asleep, comforted by the presence of her beloved sister.

In the heart of the sprawling mountain range south of Osata, a fervent and one-sided dispute was steadily escalating to its climax. Amidst the tumult, a woman in the prime of her thirties was fervently ransacking her own workspace, turning the once-organized laboratory into a chaotic scene. Glass test tubes lay shattered, books were torn asunder, and furniture lay strewn in disarray – tables and shelves upended as if caught in a tempest. Amidst this pandemonium stood an eerie, luminous figure, cloaked in enigma. To be precise, it was a three-dimensional projection, cast by a diminutive crimson gem resting on the floor.

“Are you done, Tanda?” the man beneath the hood heaved a sigh exuding palpable vexation.

The woman's impulsive actions had obstructed his completion of a crucial report. Tanda, with a forlorn countenance, leaned despondently against an upturned table.

“I suppose. Forgive me, I could’ve sworn that I put it somewhere around here. Start over please.”

The enigmatic figure emitted yet another sigh, a testament to his fatigue in contending with his female compatriot's demeanor.

“The subject has been located, bearing the current designation 'Hiro'. It was discovered in the company of one Lord Alastair Vaillant's daughter, who, to be more precise, was rescued by the subject following an encounter with bandits.” the words resonated through the chamber.

The woman, now fully engrossed in the conversation, found herself pacing the expanse of the floor in an agitated rhythm.

“An unorthodox behavior to say the least. Did it kill the bandits?” Tanda interjected with a tinge of curiosity.

“Surprisingly, no. It employed a blend of subterfuge and intimidation – or at least, that is the tale it recounts.” the man responded with an air of composure, his words tapering into silence.

As the gravity of his statement settled in, Tanda ceased her pacing abruptly, her gaze sharpening as it locked onto the spectral figure before her.

“Recounts? Are you implying...?”

The tone of her voices shifter, becoming icily detached. Her eyes radiated an intense fervor, a stark contrast to the chill enveloping her tone. With an unwavering demeanor and devoid of hesitation, the inscrutable messenger provided a succinct and systematic answer.

“Indeed. Evidently, the subject has evolved a semblance of ego and self-awareness. One might posit it has attained a level of consciousness akin to that of a human.”

In an eruption of anticipation, Tanda's clenched teeth could practically be heard grinding. A book, propelled by her exhilaration, was hurled at the spectral figure – a futile endeavor, as it passed through without impact. Undeterred, the enigmatic envoy retained an unperturbed countenance.

“Marvelous! It may not have unfolded precisely as I had envisioned, but the results are undeniably exceptional. And its response?” Tanda's elation was palpable as she exclaimed.

“Befuddlement, ignorance, and trepidation. At present, the subject appears to be under the impression that its lack of memories stems from a form of amnesia.” the enshrouded figure within the cloak replied with a measured tone.

Tanda's gaze drifted into the distance, as if focusing on some distant prospect, before she resumed her inquiry, “In the grand scheme, this outcome is acceptable for now, whether good or bad. But what of its emerging ego?”

Succumbing to another weary sigh, the cloaked man embarked upon yet another explanation, “It seems the subject has developed a strong sense of responsibility to protect what it values. This inclination likely began with its first act upon awakening—rescuing that child. Additionally, it has formed connections with both Humans and Elves. Notably as well, it possesses an Attribute that allows it to speed up the healing process for all types of injuries.”

Tanda's expression became contemplative, “Only one Attribute so far? Perhaps the vessel is still in its early stages, limiting its potential. Nonetheless, this ability is incredibly useful. It's almost like a form of immortality, wouldn't you say?”

A fervent anticipation emanated from Tanda, a signal that registered as cautionary in the cloaked figure's perception. He tugged his hood further to obscure his face, as if seeking refuge from the anticipated tempestuous response.

“Unfortunately, the subject is incapable of performing the miracle healing on itself.”

“Useless!” Tanda shouted angrily, throwing another book at the spectral projection.

“How should we proceed from here on out? I can promptly neutralize the subject and retrieve it.” the hooded figure proposed.

Tanda responded thoughtfully, “Not yet. Let’s observe its progress for now. This development might be useful after all. Yes, its growth could solve our problems.”

“And the Fountain of Knowledge?”

“Inconsequential at this point. We’ve managed to get by without it. Soon, you and I will get back what was taken from us.” she proclaimed, her conviction unwavering.

With a wordless nod, the man terminated the transmission.

Tanda retrieved the gem from the floor and advanced toward a fortified entrance, which led deeper into her labyrinthine laboratory. Placing her hand upon a palm-shaped, gilded mirror, the massive door obediently swung open before her.

“It appears that a soul has indeed found habitation within the vessel. With each passing moment, we draw nearer to our goal.” Tanda mused, a mournful resonance weaving through her declaration.

She extended a hand, her fingers brushing against the glass visage before her. It belonged to one of twelve containment units, each harboring a vat of azure, fluidic substance. Suspended within were the forms of both humans and elves, their bodies weightless in the cerulean medium.

Resting her forehead against the reflective pane of one such unit, Tanda's gaze fixated on the figure within – that of a little child, an appearance that seemed to defy time itself.

“I’m sorry, my little sunshine.” she whispered wistfully, tears in the corner of her eyes, “A decade of anticipation and experimentation has culminated in this juncture. Finally, a chance is upon us.” she murmured, a mixture of lament and hope interwoven in her words.