Magical Engineering [Progression Fantasy, LitRPG] (Book 3 Complete)

"That is unusual behavior for a mana beast of any kind. I'm not entirely sure I have ever heard of it before. Primals are usually not able to use any sort of mana or class orb until several stages past where this moose is. It's quite the curious situation. It makes me glad you have all decided to protect your primals rather than exploit them for a limited gain," Roril said, now examining the moose much closer as he spoke.

"Is this something we should be worried about?" I asked, not really sure what we could do even if we were worried.

"No idea, but I am making sure to add your planet in as a frequent visiting destination. I want to see just how these amazing creatures develop. Now then, let's go find the bear. I believe the orca will be nearby. Morkland, do you think you can get us there?" Roril said, looking to the other paladin.

"I should be able to. Is there anyone else you want to bring?" Morkland said, looking back at me.

"I think the group we have now is fine, depending on how long we will be gone," I said.

This wasn't really an adventure, so Pryte, Elody, Maud, and the brothers seemed like plenty. I looked back, wondering if Alex wanted to join us. With how far along her pregnancy was getting, I doubted it, especially as she hadn't even come this far.

"Unlikely to be very long. We can't stay beyond the day," Roril answered.

"Alright, then yes, let's go," I replied.

The moment the words left my mouth, I felt an energy pass over me. It felt similar to when I released soul mana. All around me, the forest went hazy. The greens and browns of the trees seemed to merge together as colors danced in my vision. My stomach dropped suddenly, and the world reformed around me. It was now much more grey and rocky. The forest was long gone, replaced by a cliff over the ocean far below.

"Hello, friends!" Roril yelled immediately.

At the bottom of the cliff, I saw just what the paladin had called to. There at the edge of the water was a large white bear, slowly eating some species of large fish it had recently caught. Further away in the water rested a large orca, seemingly intently watching the bear. Both looked up at Roril's call.

The moose, who I hadn't realized was with us, leaped off the cliff. The sunlight reflected the shield around it for a split second as it crashed to the ground next to the bear. Neither of the animals seemed bothered by the moose's actions.

All three of them turned their heads towards each other and began loudly yelling in their own unique sounds until the polar bear dropped the fish and stood up. It raised a paw up towards us and, with an incredibly human-like action, signaled for us to all approach. Roril shrugged and leaped off the cliff, much the same as the moose had moments before.

"Should we follow?" I asked, not sure who had the answer.

"You should, and perhaps Maud should as well, considering her quest. But I think everyone else would best be served by remaining up here. You are their emperor, and they need to recognize it, even if a few may not like it," Morkland replied.

"Alright, come on, Maud," I said as I placed a shield around both of us and jumped down the cliff. Maud's cry beside me told me she had also leaped.

We both crashed to the ground, and I felt the shields absorb all the damage, recharging most of the energy I had used to make them. Someday, I'd need to test the new limits of where I had pushed myself with this setup. Maybe once Mel returned, I'd push myself against just what he could do. Though there was also the simulator that I hadn't tried myself on recently. Was I slacking too much without Mel around? It was possible, and I'd need to examine that when I had some more time. After all, if Cecile's future could place him in danger, I'd need to be ready to protect him.

The bear's eyes narrowed, and it showed its teeth as I looked from Roril to it. Neither the moose or the orca had reacted in any similar way. Was this just the natural aggression of the polar bear at play? Or was it something to do with the dungeon energy?

"I've placed a barrier around all of us so that we can speak freely. That includes you, Ms. Polar Bear. And yes, I am aware you've already gained the ability to speak. Quite impressive," Roril said.

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"How do you know this? Who are you? No, what am I? Why aren't I like the other bears anymore?!" There was a rage in the bear's questions.

"Yes, I imagine waking up first, and so early with such a weak mana flow is rather confusing," Roril replied, with a firmness in his voice.

"Is that why you fought with Rabyn for so long? Fear of us?" I asked. It was a topic we needed to get out of the way.

"I do not like invaders. They killed my cubs. Will humans be better to me?" The rage had turned cold in its voice.

"I'm deeply sorry that happened. No one should have to see the death of their children. But Rabyn was likely not involved there," I said. I wasn't actually sure he wasn't, but it seemed unlikely. "You are now a member of the Empire of Dave, as is the moose and the orca here. I welcome you both, but there are rules, and we won't be killing innocent people. Do you understand?"

"Dave, it may be easier to show the creatures the core's form that you have within yourself. And no, don't look so shocked. Some of my awareness lets me understand all living things, people included. While I am not overly connected or able to understand dungeon cores. Unlike many, I do respect them as living beings, so I will not out your secrets, but as it is likely dungeon energy that has led to this bear's predicament, it is best she understands why it has happened," Roril said.

I pushed away the initial stab of fear that hit me as I realized Roril knew about my bond with Corey. It was bound to start coming out, no matter how much danger it may put us both in. I pulled up a message window instead of dwelling on the realization.

Three manifested core forms appeared nearby. Apollyon's form they had chosen was something like a spider. I had seen them use it to climb all over their cavern. I hoped that meant they enjoyed the activity and weren't just doing it because people tended to fear spiders.

"You all feel like the energy that made me think! Why?" the polar bear asked.

"That is our fault. We are using dungeon energy to stop the curse energy from killing more of the planet. And it appears that that has caused a reaction within some of the primal mana beasts. I apologize for any harm it has caused," Corey answered.

"No harm, I understand the world better. I am more able to protect myself. Thank you. You're my friends now," the polar bear replied.

"We can all be your friends. I think your white fur is really pretty. Can I touch it?" Maud asked, taking several steps toward the bear cautiously.

"I suppose." Some of the rage has finally dropped from its voice. Were the cores helping control it?

"Madam bear. I fear that I will not be able to purge the dungeon energy effects on you now that I closely understand them. I'm not sure what this will mean for your growth. But as I see you are in control of your faculties, is there anything you'd like me to do to help you?" Roril asked as his tail started vibrating again.

"I want to understand more," the bear replied, as Maud got close enough to stroke its fur. It even leaned into her efforts.

"This is going a lot better than I expected," I said. I had been expecting a fight.

"Primal mana beasts are often very reasonable creatures. They are not so unlike dungeon cores, though their awakenings are usually much less traumatic," Roril replied, before turning his head to the orca. "And you. I know you are unable to speak yet, but know that once you can, you will be welcome to share your knowledge with these people. I will return in time, and when I do, I wish to meet with all four of the primal mana beasts and discuss what your future goals will be."

The orca made a loud sound and then vanished below the sea. The Moose dived into the water after it. So two out of four of our primal mana beasts were strange. Why was I surprised? Everything around me seemed to be strange these days. Somehow, that held true even by Spiral standards.

"Hey, do you think the polar bear could come to the school you are starting for dungeon cores? I bet she could learn a lot there. She needs to learn to read, Dave. It's important that everyone can read!" Maud continued to stroke the bear's fur as she rambled these words.

"It might be a good idea," Roril replied.

"I would like her as a fellow student. She has a rage and hatred I deeply appreciate," Apollyon added. I still could not tell how serious the core was anymore.

"Okay, I guess the bear gets to go to school then," I said, trying not to laugh. Just because the situation was ridiculous didn't mean the bear needed to think I was making fun of her.

Ladies and gentlemen, and forms of all shapes, sizes, and genders of the class of ninety-nine. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, it would simply be to always question the sapient sun. There is no greater advice I can give you, more based in fact other than not to trust the sapient sun. That should be the only true worry that you keep in mind as you grow. As all other worries are not a thing that can ever be predicted.

The sapient sun is a constant, fear it, question it, and stretch.

Blurzman