After confirming the Sith's demise, Corvus rushed to Keira's side.
A singular cauterized tiny hole pierced her chest, otherwise, the well toned green alien looked rather peaceful, as if she had accepted the outcome.
Seconds later, Jax came running up to his side. He was sweaty, and looked tired, but victory sang in the Force, and cloaked him in an aura of triumph.
"You have emerged victorious. Congratulations, Jax, you are one step closer to Knighthood." Corvus complimented.
Secretly, he was pleased with this Padawan's progress, because when Jax advanced to Jedi Knight, that would fulfill one of his Jedi Master quest conditions.
"Master!" Jax said in concern when he saw Keira's corpse.
"Watch, and learn." Corvus silently intoned.
He had instructed Jax on theory, and shown off the abstract method of combat that was expected of Jedi Shadows. Now was the time to show off his mastery of the Force. The Mentor ability would boost his personal disciples comprehension by 10%. Hopefully Jax would glean something from this.
Entering Pause, Corvus tried to determine if he had gone past the 5 minute limit, but found that he wasn't 100% certain. He wasn't going to take any chances. After casting [Heal] on her, closing up the wound, he invested 2 more of his floating Force Points into [Revitalize] bringing it up to level 3.
The ability now read [Resurrect those who have died-or are near death-within thirty minutes of their passing. Can be used up to 3 times on one individual.]
While the jump in the time allotted didn't drastically increase, Corvus wasn't entirely disappointed. Previously, the text said that it could only revive the same person once. Now there were a few additional opportunities for resurrection.
Glancing at the dead gorgodons, Corvus felt some guilt, as his actions had led to their deaths. Yeah, they would have eaten him if they came face to face with him, but Corvus wanted to try and live up to a Je'daiis ideals.
Once he brought Keira back, he would return the smelly bipedal lizards too. Glancing at the herd, Corvus also saw the burnt corpse of the Dark Adept who was betrayed by Ror. Without his mask on, Corvus saw that it was a kid no older than 15 or 16. In fact, it was a white haired human girl.
Corvus knew it was probably a stupid idea, but adding another Force sensitive to his ranks could be beneficial…besides, who else would be more open to turning to the Path of the Jedi than a Dark Adept who was literally stabbed in the chest, and betrayed for power?
Since he could absorb darkside energies, and tell truth from lies, Corvus decided he would also give this kid a second chance. If she proved herself irredeemable after his questioning, then Corvus would put an end to her. From a practical standpoint, this act would also help advance his Path of the Jedi quest. That was a long road to accomplish, and one he needed to grind, since it was a prerequisite for the Jedi Master quest.
Mind made up, Corvus un-Paused, and waved his hand at Keira, casting [Revitalize].
The green alien gasped as air entered her lungs, and snapped her eyes open.
Corvus gently smiled down at her, and cast [Valor] so he could calm her down.
Unlike the last few times he had tried this ability on her, this time, Keira did not resist it.
During this short amount of time, she stared him down, and Corvus felt as if a Force Bond could develop, but when he reached out, she pulled back.
Her reaction reminded him of a skittish cat.
Smiling down at her, Corvus couldn't help himself, and ruffled her hair.
Keira blinked, and then swatted his hand away. "I will check up on Linyin and the rest." Keira muttered, then walked away.
"I'll be here when you're ready." Corvus softly intoned, and then stood up to regard the gorgodons, and the acolyte.
"Are you thinking of bringing the aliens back to life?" Jax asked in a curious tone.
"Astute as always, my apprentice. Yes, I wielded them as a weapon, it is only fitting that I try to give back to them."
"But they would have eaten us if you hadn't lured them away." Jax stated.
"That is simply their nature. A beast will always act towards survival. To the gorgodons, we are within the scope of their hunting grounds, and serve as sustenance. We are the invaders. By using them, it is only right that we give back what we have taken."
"But what if you didn't possess the ability to bring them back?" Jax pressed.
Corvus glanced at his student, and was pleased when Jax met his gaze without shying away. It was good to be challenged like this.
"A worthy question, Jax. Some Jedi choose to be selfless through and through. They would not have wielded the gorgodons as weapons like me. I respect their commitment to their principles. Yet life, often, is not so simple.
Recall our discussion regarding selfishness. Self sacrifice can be noble, and in some cases, inspirational. Keira, for example, removed Kern's amulet in an act of sacrifice.
From a rational perspective, if that self sacrifice does not hold weight, or impact, it is not worth it.
If I did not possess [Revitalize], I would do what I had done 10 out of 10 times.
It was my responsibility to protect Zork, Linyin, Yon, and Paratus. If I was by myself, or none of them were in a trance, then perhaps I would opt towards a path that avoided conflict.
I hope this answer offers up some clarification." Corvus said in an academic tone.
"I still have my doubts, but I can see where you are coming from, master. Thank you for your guidance." Jax lightly bowed.
"Thank you, Jax, for your curiosity. There will come a day where my explanations do not sit right with you, or do not make sense. This is a good thing. I am not some all knowing God. Your journey through the Force is ultimately yours alone. Pursue the path that you think best suits you. I am merely a torchbearer lighting but one singular path, you are your own guide." Corvus smiled at the white haired teen, and then began to cast [Heal] on the charred, and damaged gorgodon corpses. "Now observe once again, as I explore my path."
Thanks to the AOE feature, and low cost due to Ilum's Force Nexus nature, Corvus finished up in record time.
[Revitalize] also became AOE after its upgrade, and Corvus rez'd all the aliens, and then directed them elsewhere with [Beast Trick].
At the same time, the white haired girl snapped her eyes open, and tried to rise, however, Corvus had tied her up ahead of time, preventing any movement.
Hitting her with [Force Suppression] for good measure, Corvus rendered this Padawan-tier Dark Adept practically useless.
Jax, meanwhile, silently observed everything from behind. Corvus could feel his interest radiating in the Force, yet he ignored him in favor of observing the girl.
"What is your name?" Corvus asked.
The teen glanced over his shoulder, and grimaced when she saw the melted remains of Kern, and she glanced up at Corvus with a horror stricken expression.
"Master brought you back from the dead after your own companions betrayed you. Answer him." Jax coldly intoned.
The girl flinched, and stared at the ground.
Corvus, meanwhile, nudged Jax through the Force, sending his encouragement. It would be helpful to have a 'bad cop' during this interrogation.
"Janna."
Lie.
"Your name, girl." Corvus squatted, and forcibly lifted her chin so that he could look her in the eye.
"Your master is dead, Dooku is dead. The Jedi will not murder in cold blood." Corvus softly intoned.
"But master, where would we imprison her? The ship doesn't have enough room."
"Good point, my apprentice. The icy dungeons of Ilum would be perfect to suit my aim-"
"Triss, it's Triss, okay?" The girl-Triss-hurriedly answered.
Truth.
Corvus pulled his hand back, and nodded.
"How long have you been learning the Force, Triss?" Corvus asked.
"Since I was little. My parents sold me to Count Dooku, and I have been training at the academy ever since. This was my first mission, to build my lightsaber, and ambush Jedi. I haven't killed anyone, please don't leave me here!" Triss explained as if her life depended on it.
Truth.
"What abilities were you taught?"
"I can uh, jump good, and, and I'm fast with the training blade!" Triss said, as if her worth was being judged by a prospective buyer, and failure to be sold meant going to a terrible fate.
Truth-Lie.
"Relax. Breathe. You will be my prisoner for two months. In that time, I shall judge your character, not your skill with a blade." Corvus smirked when he saw her flinch as he realized her little flub.
"If you prove yourself worthy, perhaps there shall be a place for you in the Jedi Order. However, if I find you wanting, then I shall deposit you on a planet inhabited by sentients. Do you find such terms agreeable?" Corvus said, and focused on her signature in the Force.
"I don't have a choice, do I?" Triss bitterly smiled.
"We could always leave you here." Jax shrugged.
"I agree!" Triss exclaimed, and widened her eyes as fear gripped her heart.
Corvus glanced at Jax with an expression that said 'a bit overkill, don't you think?'
Jax shrugged as if to say 'I'm only following your lead, Master.'
Shaking his head, Corvus smiled, and clapped his student on the shoulder.
"Very well, Triss. Know that I have brought you back from beyond the grave. It is not the Jedi way to senselessly slaughter, but should you harm my people, I will end you. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal clear, master!" Triss bowed her head, and submitted herself.
Corvus nodded, then took Jax to the side.
"What do you think?" Corvus asked.
"You are very merciful, Master…I do not think I would be so charitable." Jax struggled to say.
"I too wonder if this is a mistake. However, one of the greatest Jedi, Revan, was a Jedi turned Sith who redeemed himself and became the savior of the Jedi. Even Master Yoda once fought his own demons before emerging as the brilliant Grandmaster of the Order. Some of the greatest forces for good were once the most heinous of villains." Corvus said with a wistful expression, and turned to admire the various crystals within the cavern.
"Is that why you have used Revan as your pseudonym? To remind yourself of the Light?" Jax questioned.
"..."
Truthfully, Corvus just thought Revan was a cool symbol of rebellion. But when Jax posed that question, it really made Corvus think. He frequently straddled the line between good and evil.
Perhaps using the moniker of Revan was a good tool to remind himself of who he was, and what he fought for.
"Your insight is impeccable, Jax. I find myself appreciating your company more so every day. I am pleased to be your master." Corvus lightly bowed towards Jax, and nodded in pride.
"I am undeserving of such high praise." Jax hurriedly lifted Corvus from his bow, and had a look of embarrassment cross his face.
"Haha, very well. Did you learn anything from my healing session?"
"..." This time, it was Jax's turn to turn his head away.
"No worries. Perhaps healing is not your forte, we can try something else ano-"
"No. Respectfully, Master, I would very much like to learn how to heal." Jax put his foot down, and all but demanded.
Corvus saw the fire in Jax's eyes, and knew that Order 66 had scarred this boy deeply, yet he still persisted to be better. He respected and admired such conviction.
"I understand." Corvus replied with as much weight and seriousness as he could muster.
This serious episode was broken when something within the cavern began to shake and rumble.
Looking over towards the direction of the chanting Jedi, Corvus saw a rainbow shimmer into existence in the air, and through it, he learned of the hyperlane to Tython!
"Amazing." Jax muttered in awe.
Corvus wordlessly nodded along.
This rainbow didn't only transcribe a location, but it also carried with it the light, and a song produced by all the kyber crystals within this cavern.
The Living Force was heavy in the air, and a magical, otherworldly atmosphere inhabited the air.
For the first time since he arrived on Ilum, he felt how alive this planet was.
All around him, the crystals sang a melody that could only be described as blissful harmony.
It was without a doubt the most beautiful thing Corvus had ever experienced in his life.
His lightsaber, which was clipped to his belt-the first one he had awoken with on Coruscant-unbuckled itself, and floated in the air in front of him.
Blue azure ignited in front of his eyes, and as soon as he saw the beam to his lightsaber, Corvus felt that nascent connection from long ago, as well as an invitation.
Without missing a beat, he grasped the hilt to his lightsaber, and entered a mindscape.
Excitement gripped his heart, as today would be the day he created a Force Bond with his kyber crystal!
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AN: Read up to chapter 118 at: patreon.com/KarpQQ
I update there every Mon, Tu, Wed, Th
Publicly on Fridays