future plans

"Hm.."

Ambrose inspects the wound, but it is not the cut in particular that was actually worrying him. If anything, given his abilities as a ghoul in the past, and now a Vampire, he should've regenerated that very easily.

Yet... there's something in there that stops it.

"The physical cut is nothing major. You should be able to regenerate that easily. But..."

"I can see the Lifestream's trace in here." How does he know? That much is answered in the following statement.

"When Henry taught me about Wayfinding, I learned how to tap into Lifestream. Ethric showed me similar things too."

"So did Adrian - albeit, with destructive potential instead."

It's almost strange for someone who uses such destructive magics to know so much about the light side of it; perhaps he learned that on purpose to understand the enemy. Nonetheless...

"Collective." Upon that word, a shadowy amalgamation emerges.

"Get me a seal out of the kit."

One made for magical energies, no doubt; there, while the shadowy amalgamation already toys about with the kit, the runecasting follows - of destructive nature, similar to Riftmancy, except...

It lacks any runes relating to space.

What comes next are the dark markings of Occult; to further empower the destructive nature of something that would be tearing away at the Lifestream- something that Seifer left behind with such a blow. With the seal finally handed over..

It is placed upon the body of Kassarus; ingrained, like a gizmo device that could support such runecasting seal, all to make sure that it does not break.

"The seal is imperfect."

"I imagine it'll hold off but a part of it. A lot more will be needed to weed this out."

"But it'll have to do."
(Ambrose Roche)

When the cut had first gone through him the physical portion of it had been nothing. A light scratch that would have easily been shrugged off with his natural regeneration and even now his cellular structure sought to repair it, but was repulsed.

"So this is the Lifestream, then." He muttered glancing down at the iridescent radiance. It was the closest thing that Seifer had ever sought to show in proof and even that had been done violently.

"And now that I am part of Cain's blessing I am a.. Detriment to this force, then?" That had been the implication though he was not so convinced. It seemed rather resilient in his flesh.

As the seal was place upon his body he grit his teeth in anticipation though there was not the usual pain associated with healing. Instead the burning simply became a nuisance that could be ignored.

Instead the more scholarly part of his mind was intrigued and whirled with questions as the wound lessened in intensity. "It certainly does not feel like anything detrimental is having.. This is persistent."

He arched an eyebrow at his brother, "How do you wield this with 'destructive potential' if it is meant to be a force for.. Good and all that nonsense the Osronans spew."
(Kassarus Falkenrath)

Interesting questions.

But while Ambrose finishes up his work on Kassarus, with a quiet hum he soon enough continues the explanation. Was Lifestream even something 'good', really?

"Lifestream is..."

"A source of what carries the spirits and souls, I believe. It is, essentially, hm.. how would I even say that..."

"A giant recycling machine that stretches across the world."

Is it silly to worship that? Most definitely, but even Ambrose recognized some merit to it- albeit, it was still flawed.

"Much like many designs in this world, it is flawed. Osrona takes it for granted, as a solid perfection that exists for a reason - hence the praise."

"They see it as part of the world and think it's unchangeable, and that it's meant to be this way. A foolish notion, really..."

"Given that the only thing separating us from animals is that we adjust the world to our liking - and they refuse to do exactly that."

"Thus reducing themselves to animals."

Still, while he explains his own view about that, the question of how one wields such destructive potential comes with a quiet hum- soon, he explains that too.

"There are formulas of runecasting to such, like the one you've just seen. These formulas can be modified, too."

"On top of that, I wield the most destructive magic - that of Occult."

"It certainly helps, given it can fuel such things."
(Ambrose Roche)

He had remained ignorant, but certainly not for a lack of asking. Though he was appreciative that Ambrose answered all of these freely it rankled at how often the same questions had been brushed off when earnest interest was given.

"So souls are taken into it and repurposed." It made sense then as he was quite aware that something had been given to strengthen himself. They shared the notion that it was silly to worship it.

"I am surprise we do not have a sect of them coming after the heads of those who reject gravity." He offered in half-jest, his head tossing side-to-side before he withdrew his raiment and donned his clothing and armor once more.

"Further I would argue the natural state of the world is change. Even in nature it can be observed. The tides and the mountains even shift yet they resist everything as if they seek stagnancy." Anytime a force of change appeared historically the Osronans had united to oppose it.

"Perhaps worse then than animals that simply observe the surroundings changing around them. Some species have the decency to die out when they are obsolete and irrelevant."

There was a pause as he considered the seal on his chest, "It seems as though it would be beyond me, but what purpose does manipulating the Lifestream serve other than.. This?" A pause, "Could you, say, destroy the soul of one you hated?"
(Kassarus Falkenrath)

Their agreements on the matter were only natural.

Why oppose the change in such manner, when it could only be natural? Though, as far as he's concerned, Lifestream might be malleable after all - if enough magi actually put in effort into that. But with that said...

"Don't get me wrong. Lifestream is certainly necessary."

"Countless wisps, lesser spirits, or even major spirits exist. Besides, the souls of the dead actually do need to go somewhere."

"And as far as I'm concerned, turning whole world immortal isn't just a bad idea, it's also asinine."

"By far not everyone deserves immortality."

In fact, he could already name a few vampires that, in his opinion, do not deserve to live forever... but that's another topic - and it mostly comes from the grudges against certain people.

"And, hm.."

"No. I don't think destroying a soul is that easy, or even possible through Lifestream. It seems like soul-destroying arts simply..."

"Don't exist. At least, there's potential to damage the soul with Occult - but never destroy one."

He refers to Death Magic, of course.

"I'd say the purpose of manipulating Lifestream can vary."

"Either to open the massive gates, like in the case of Riftmancy, or travel alongside with it subtly - like Wayfinding."

"Or even draw power from it, like Seifer."
(Ambrose Roche)

"Well, of course as is gravity. Most of these exist for an indisputable purpose yet no matter how we manipulate the former it exists and for all their concerns over it.." His shoulders rolled in a shrug, "Even Andromeda has not managed to end the world as we know it."

He agreed, at least, that the world did not deserve immortality. That would lead to stagnancy and of those promised the gift very few deserved to exist in perpetuity. "And you are telling me. Usually I have killed out of self-defense or necessity of a cause, but it is a happy day when they happen to be annoying and frankly undeserving of life in the first place."

There came another slow nod of comprehension, or at least acceptance of the fact, that souls were beyond reach in such a manner. "As that one Fae did, I heard of that." Even their might had not been enough to destroy a soul, much less something comprised of all souls.

"Then what difference is there in say.. Shifting the Lifestream, by what you call Riftmancy, in order to travel elsewhere and.. Seifer's redistribution of it into my wound?" Perhaps it was an idiotic question yet it seemed scarcely different.

"Is this not part of its power missing merely out of.. Spite?"
(Kassarus Falkenrath)

Of course, such parts of the world were necessary.

But it doesn't mean they can't be modified - or made to fit someone in question. Still, as far as that much is brought up, a merely agreeable nod is given.

"Mhm."

"That being said... we might want to think of the ways about how to adjust it for our own use."

"It could be quiet a project on its own."

Besides, nobody has really done that before, or at least, none of that he knows of. Regardless..

When the question of Seifer's use of it comes up? He's prompt to answer.

"There is no difference, Kassarus."

"Lifestream is a tool. It is indifferent - it just acts, because it's created to fulfil a certain function."

"It has no feelings. No emotions. No thought."

And as such, thinking about it with any emotional aspect is rather... stupid, to say the least.

"I could usea knife to cut my bread."

"Or... I could use a knife to cut another person, instead. In the end, it's not the knife that does something."

"It's the hand that wields it - and Seifer chose to use it for violent purposes."
(Ambrose Roche)

That was something which could change the scale of the world and put their ideals out. There was no hesitation, "I would be glad to aide you in this how I can." For progress and out of spite for their ideal, to prove that it was irrelevant.

"Something to end the debate and force them to admit they act out of cowardice and hatred of the fear they feel." It was disillusioning and upsetting that their hatred had been so mislabeled.

A zealot could be palatable were their beliefs actually true and to that end part of him had hoped that Seifer and Thorn might have had some actual point to make.

"He made his choice, but the question remains.. What project could we utilize the Lifestream toward?" His mind whirled to see how the physical connected to the metaphysical on such a grand scale.

"If it can be used to move from location to location, a collapse of the physical, then.." He was tossing out anidea more to learn of the limitations of their project than suggesting something feasible.

"Then could we, say.. Draw blood from all of the world or a specific region. A manifestation that localized and specific or.."
(Kassarus Falkenrath)

At the end of the day, doing something like that might be the lifetime of work.

Quite frankly, Ambrose wasn't entirely sure yet just how far it could be made to affect anything at all- though, with such suggestion thrown out, he quietly hums.

Thinking.

"Well..."

"Lifestreal, technically, is a flow of mana - one that processes souls and spirits. but.."

"At its core, it's a never-ending flow of mana. As we know, mana is energy - and as much as magi are capable of great feats.."

"Some world-bending techniques require so much mana that no magi can do it."

That's actually something he was familiar with, given the fact that he studied Riftmancy. Another pause follows, after which he hums once more... and at last, he remarks.

"Technically..."

"Riftmancy is only as limited as your mana is. For example.."

"I could transport us to another end of Esshar. But if I tried to transport us all the way back to Apropriya?"

"Due to distance, I'd literally die under pressure. I just won't be able to bear with it."

Does Kassarus see yet where this is going?

"But... if something like Lifestream is constantly giving me a source of mana.."

"Maybe that'd be possible. We could tap into world-wide travel that way."
(Ambrose Roche)

Though he was unaware of the exact nature of how it interacted with the physical world the general concepts he was quick to pick up on. There was a reason why he was selected to be an officer and though they had not spoken at length like this.. At heart he was a scholar, a soldier by necessity.

Necessity to live and to see the change he wished to impose upon the world.

"So instead when one uses Riftmancy they tap in say.." His finger trailed through the air, "The outer fringe where the mana is more 'loose' and malleable."

It was not the Lifestream itself that performed the act, but instead fueled it. That realization was incredibly limited and underwhelming compared to the possibilities.

He nodded slowly as the gears clicked into place. Before Ambrose had spoken already he had comprehended the implication and his finger traced to the center of the spire.

"World-wide travel, infinite batteries to power cities, truly limitless possibilities." Perhaps it could even be used as a substitute for the blood that they required- That much would have to be investigated.

"Astounding.. This is the balance they seek to preserve." Though to what end was unclear, but he suspected it was the same thing that Ambrose had mentioned before. "Their peace of mind, fear of progress, afraid of what may come.. That is why they created a religion of it."
(Kassarus Falkenrath)

All of these ideas were good.

Great, even. As far as he's concerned, Lifestream is a potential for the infinite mana supply - but even he realized what could happen if it's abused too much. And so...

"As far as I'm aware, Lifestream repairs itself all the time, even if damaged."

"It's not a big deal - given that one is unable to leave permanent damage, but.."

"At the same time, if it's constantly damaged and disallowed to repair itself, then effects can be rather drastic. As far as I know, even magical sickness could come over the land in the ways that are harmful to all beings, us or the mortals."

So it wouldn't benefit them to have that. After all... even Apropriya is rather 'clean' when it comes to the surge of Lifestream.

Grassy meadows and forests are all around, with little of any lingering damage whatsoever. Perhaps, that's for the best.

"If we are to tap into that power, we must make sure to either switch locations every now and then to let it repair, or be careful to not overuse it."

"Like any tool, it can backfire upon the owner that uses it wrong."

Though, with that said, it's evidently something that could be worked on.

"But yes. It could be a stepping stone to immense progress."

"One that they're certainly terrified of."
(Ambrose Roche)

A clawed hand rose to stroke his chin as he listened to the catch. There was always something, but that just meant they had to learn to work around it.

"If you do not maintain your tools, they break. This is maintenance and nothing more." He agreed, but it was easier to sympathize with the fears now that he understood there were indeed repercussions.

"They are uneducated and forget why they even defend this." Playing Kaor's advocate he began to consider against the point. "It would have to be regulated if the use were to become more.. Widespread."

Though that was the case with everything, even something as mundane as depleting the forest. He was not just considering on the scale of himself and Ambrose, but the more hands held tools.. The better the yield.

Yet the greater the risk.

"It seems to be the core would not need to be accessed, but rather.. If we can manipulate spatially.."He closed his eyes envisioning a circular stream of power, "Were we to space out in a ritual, separate portions of the energy being used, then we could contribute them to the same effect until we learn how to access the core."

It would be small steps toward the ultimate goal. He nodded more resolutely, "But, enough on theoreticals.. When you have time I would learn of this, brother. I will not stand by idly when there are grand works to be done."
(Kassarus Falkenrath)

Naturally, that was the case with all the things out there.

If one does not maintain what they have, it breaks - and the Lifestream could become the same tool as well, used by the magi around the world in order to contribute towards something.

It could be viewed as a gift, rather than only responsibility. Why not use it as such?

"True."

"We'll have to figure out how to work around it."

But then again, there were already suggestions floating about in the air. With time, they're surely to complete that, but for now..

"And of course."

"I'll let you know once the work for that begins, although I doubt it'd be a quick project."

It could essentially change how the world itself works. Of course it won't be quick.

"Then again.."

"We have all the time we could ask for."
(Ambrose Roche)

The specifics of it could be worked out once he had a better idea of how to put the works into practice. "It should be easily done given our mutual ambition." Already he had a few ideas of how it could be useful in his crusade against Theria.

A rift had ravaged the city before out of spite.. Now it could be used to help them.

There was an amused smile at the notion that they did indeed have no fear of death. Where some might find comfort in leisure he could only feel the world unfold before him.

It was not all the time in the world to accomplish something. It was all the time in the world to accomplish multiple somethings. "That we do and I think we can bring some true change to the world with it."

A hand fell to pat at his chest, "I have not thought about the burn once. Thank you for the chat and the healing, brother." For now he intended to complete a bit of writing once Ambrose was prepared.

"I have a few things I need to complete beforehand.. A deadline for the poems I have already exceed, but.. Just let me know and we shall get all of this into motion."
(Kassarus Falkenrath)

Both of them had something to do, no doubt.

Yet given the fact that they would have all the time in the world in the following years, he had no fear about whether they'd manage to complete it or not. As the time goes on, their resources will only continue to grow, same about their skill.

It is the potential to become something incredible over the time.

"Of course."

"We'll get to that later on."

For now, a mere nod is given- he wouldn't be holding up Kassarus any longer.

"Farewell, and stay safe."
(Ambrose Roche)