Discussion with Illaron [8/6] Full Accursed Dev

[10:55] Ardith says, "Finally finished what I was wanting to do. The first step, anyway."
[10:55] Ardith grins proudly, rocking back and forth on her hooves.
(Ardith)
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[10:55] Illaron asks, "Oh?"
[10:56] Ardith says, "Mhm."
[10:58] As if to obviously demonstrate this, rather than explaining it (which would be boring anyhow), Ardith's own voice enters the Archon's mind. Much like his own telepathy with her, it's probably not going to be painful for him to endure.

'See? Went into some ruins with a partner. Managed to find a missing piece and...add it to myself. Sorta'.'
(Ardith)
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[11:02] Oh?

Ohhhhhh?

Illaron's attention instantly shifts to Ardith. The emotionless expression was promptly switched to one of curiosity and interest. It was clear that whatever it was that Ardith had done, it grabbed his attention.

"Interesting. Very interesting." Illaron leans in, and grabs a hold of Ardith's face, regardless of whether or not she wished it. He turns her head from side to side, as if examining something.

"And how do you feel since gaining this ability? Any further mutations? Any discomfort?"

Make no mistake, this is not born out of concern, but out of a twisted fascination of evolution, especially one born from one of his pacted.
(Illaron)
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[11:05] Ardith knows how this goes by now, she knows this particular song and dance. Illaron gave her the power in the first place so he gets his chance to poke, prod, and smush her face. Her head is turned this way and that in the Archon's hands.

She smiles, not only in reply but also in demonstration- her teeth have become wickedly sharp, much like the Archon's himself.

"This is it. Nothing else yet. 'Cept for...y'know. Some itches getting more itchy. It was painful at first. Not anymore, and not to use it either."

At least finally, finally someone understands what a feat this is. No one else has looked at it with quite the same marvel as either of them.

That's okay. They're all idiots anyway.
(Ardith)
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[11:11] "What a fascinating turn of events." The Archon replies, his eyes still trained upon Ardith. It was like a kid in a candy store, or a scientist discovering a massive breakthrough.

"You are the first to further develop the power granted to them by the pact. Even Somnus was only able to go so far..." Illaron soon lets go of Ardith's face, and takes a step back. Clearly he was getting a bit ahead of himself.

"Continue as you were, Ardith. Your progress is astounding and I eagerly await what comes next. For your body to adapt to the occult so fully..."

A magnificent test subject.

"Report to me if you develop any further mutations or abilities. There is so much to learn from this."
(Illaron)
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[11:16] The first? Ardith absolutely oozes pride, along with the usual occult, grinning ear to ear. Hearing this, knowing this, is infinitely satisfying. At least someone else finally understands how glorious a breakthrough this is.

"I got more plans to take things further. I used the runes the ring you gave me as a basis to...How do I put this."

She could say it the dumb way, which would be correct but make her sound like an idiot, or she could think for a few seconds and put it more intelligently.

"I used the ones on the ring, and a few others I researched, to let me absorb sources of a specific kind of mana. Think that's a way to explain it. And since I got the mutations, and this ring, I was able to sort of take the magic from this gem and incorporate the energy into myself to feed the mutation."

Ardith holds aloft the purple gem that once thrummed with occultic magic. The presence of its energy is now a lotfainter.

"See?"
(Ardith)
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[11:22] "The runes on the ring are designed to transfer my mana into your circuits, so it only makes sense that it could transfer other sources of occultic energy." It wasn't exactly what he was expecting to be done with the rings, but by no means is he opposed to it.

"You've done well, Ardith. Continue your research in the meantime. We will continue to observe how your power grows over time."

He nods.

"I suspect the more occultic mana you consume, the more the mutations will spread. And thus, the more your power shall bloom. Perhaps in time you'll be able to wield the occult on par with Demons. I look forwards to seeing your results."
(Illaron)
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[11:24] Now there's a thought. Ardith looks down to the hand that wields the ring, albeit under the glove, and clenches it into a fist. On par with demons.

"I already know a few good sources...thank you, Lord Illaron. There's one other thing I wanted to run by you before I let you get back to napping.

"I was talking to Eiphraem about what I wanted to do, about maybe tyring to undo the mutations that were done to demons and daemons. I think he gave me a better idea. Instead of trying to reverse what was done...trying to help them evolve past it. Like I'm evolving. Do you think that could work?"
(Ardith)
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[11:29] "Mmmmm…."

There is a long hesitation at Ardith's question. Truthfully, he isn't quite sure how to reply. He seems to ponder on something for a moment before his voice echoes within her mind once more.

"I suppose it's possible. The spires has changed many of us into what we are now. Long ago, when Valmasia first arrived on this Island, I stayed within their city for a time. There I read several books on their brand of Demons. Yokai, they were called. I'm told they're vastly different than what I am, as an example. If we evolved from them due to the influence of the spires, then further evolution is not impossible. However-..."


His gaze shifts off to the north, in the direction of one of the various spire islands.

"I suggest you tread carefully. I cannot approach those cursed islands without crippling pain. I do not know what effects they might have upon you."
(Illaron)
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[11:33] Ardith considers it. Eiphraem had said as much too. The Spire Islands were not a comfortable place for demon-kind. They might not be for her either.

"There's nothing saying I have to go there to further the evolution of demons. Right? Maybe I can find another way...or get someone to bring pieces back."
(Ardith)
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