-Kleis POV-
As we departed the twilight courtyard, the gentle concern in Castorice's voice echoed, "Lord Kleis, are you sure you are alright?" I offered a reassuring smile, tapping her head.
"I am fine, Lady Castorice. Lord Lycurgus himself deemed me fit to leave," I stated, my smile a constructed facade. A wave of nausea had washed over me when I'd agreed with Lycurgus. Yet, to deceive Lycurgus, I knew I had to deceive those closest to me. Castorice's pout was immediate, and I averted my gaze, knowing I would lose this minor battle of wills. My eyes met Chirithy, nestled in Castorice's arms. He let out a soft sigh.
"It's alright, Castorice. You can trust Kleis," Chirithy offered, patting her arm. Castorice looked down at him, a fond smile gracing her lips as she returned the gesture.
As Castorice and I made our way to class, my thoughts drifted toward the future. I understood that Lycurgus's scrutiny would be constant, an ever-present shadow. However, the prospect of my eventual arrival at Okhema did not weigh on me. Lycurgus had taunted Khaslana that time was of no concern. With this in mind, I resolved to savor my time at the Grove, taking each step of my education at a deliberate pace. A smile touched my lips as I glanced at Castorice beside me. With a shared grin, I reached for her hand, and we continued our walk to class, our fingers intertwined.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Despite the sense of accomplishment and a burgeoning inner peace, a restless energy coursed through me. The new knowledge imparted by Nous had rendered the world, or at least my understanding of it, crystalline. Sitting in class, listening to the instructor expound upon the mechanics of the Janus gates, felt almost agonizingly simple. An overwhelming urge to interject, to correct their misconceptions, swelled within me. They were wrong. The true mechanism behind teleportation through the Grove didn't come from the power of the Titans. Instead, it was an intricate system employed by the scepter, harnessing the forces of Remembrance and Harmony. The Janus Gates used Remembrance to record, meticulously, one's intended destination. Subsequently, the power of Harmony would, for a fleeting moment, unify our very beings with the scepter, facilitating instantaneous translocation.
It was as though a veil had been lifted from my eyes. I contemplated the isolation that seemed to define the Geniuses within the Genius Society. What to most students was a complex and enigmatic phenomenon was, to me, now obvious.
I took a deep breath, not wanting my newfound knowledge to become arrogance. Was this why Genius were slaves to their curiously. We needed something new so that we wouldn't be so bored with the world. I thought of Zandar and how he is so dismayed by Nous. The thought of no mysteries in the world, while being so advanced compared to the average person. It must be agonizing. I couldn't help but pity Zandar and understand my senior a little more.
I glanced at Castorice next to me, so engrossed in her work. A warmth spread through my heart at the thought. Was this the reason Herta and Screwllum were so different? They had someone to connect with, allowing them to form bonds. I thought of Ruan Mei, and how she only changed after meeting the Trailblazer.
It's amazing how relationships influence the genius someone becomes. You could end up like Herta, driven by curiosity but still compassionate towards others, or like Doctor Primitive, whose research takes precedence over everything else. On further reflection, the same distinction can be seen in Ansem and Xehanort. Ansem, despite his mistakes, was capable of change because he allowed himself to connect with others. Xehanort took those close to him for granted and manipulated everyone around him. Both were brilliant, yet different individuals.
I squeezed Castorice's hand, knowing that without her and Mei, I'd become obsessed. I'd end up like Xehanort, consumed by my goal to save Ampherous, even if it meant damning the rest of the cosmos. Castorice squeezed my hand back, worried, but I shook my head. I just wanted to savor this moment, knowing that the future would bring change.
As class concluded, I escorted Lady Castorice back to her chambers. The day had passed in a blur, so swift that I barely registered the passage of time. "Lady Castorice, I bid you a good night," I said, offering a smile.
Castorice squeezed my hand, reluctantly releasing her grip. "Thank you, Lord Kleis," she replied, her own smile shy. I gazed at her, a smile playing on my lips as I contemplated the future. Nothing would bring me greater joy than a quiet life with her, yet we both understood the impossibility of such a dream. The Flame Chase Journey was fraught with countless farewells, and I knew that one day she would depart for the underworld. Even if I could travel there, we would still be separated; Castorice could never fulfill her wish.
I reflected on her deepest desire: "I wish to be a normal person." Castorice's wish was so fundamental, so simple, it hardly seemed like a wish at all. It was something everyone deserved. My thoughts returned to the future, and I knew I had to ask what had been weighing on my mind. "Lady Castorice, do you plan to go to Okhema?" I inquired, already expecting her answer. Her eyes widened, and a guilty flush spread across her face. I sighed, my suspicion confirmed. From my memories, Castorice had been at the Grove of Epiphany for many years, and it would be some time before she graduated. I recalled that Castorice, Hyacine, and Phainon were all in the same class, their graduations likely occurring around the same period.
"Yes, Lord Kleis," Castorice confirmed, her smile tinged with sadness. "In three years, I will graduate and head to Okhema." She looked at me, her voice soft. "Lord Kleis, these past few days have been the happiest of my life. Thank you for bringing me such joy." Her smile was now teary, and my smile widened as I decided on my future.
"Lady Castorice, would you consider living together in Okhema? While the Flame Chase Journey might bring many hardships, let's cherish the time we have left." I spoke with a touch of sadness in my voice. Castorice's eyes widened in surprise, then filled with tears as she threw herself into my arms, hugging me. I held her close, appreciating the peaceful intimacy of that moment. We embraced for what seemed like forever before Castorice let go.
The day took an unexpected turn with a heartwarming interaction with Castorice. As she prepared to enter her dormitory, she surprised me with a tender kiss on my cheek. The genuine warmth of her smile and the innocent gesture left me speechless, my cheeks flushing with pleasant surprise. Castorice, flustered, retreated into her room, leaving me standing in a moment of quiet reflection. A soft chuckle escaped me as I processed the sweet encounter.
Unbeknownst to me, behind the closed door, Castorice was experiencing a similar flutter of emotion, clutching her pillow with rosy cheeks and a hopeful smile. The feeling carried with me as I made my way back to my dorm, a newfound lightness in my step and the most radiant smile I had ever known gracing my face.
Upon entering my room, the cheerful demeanor shifted to one of intense focus. I settled at my desk, eager to commune with Chirithy. With a mere thought, Chirithy materialized before me, his familiar presence a comforting sight. "What do you need, Kleis?" he inquired. My gaze, however, was drawn to his pouch, and a specific request formed.
"Chirithy, could you pass me my phone?" I asked. With a slight look of confusion, Chirithy rummaged through his pouch and pulled out my device. As I took it, a thoughtful look came over my face, and I set the phone back down on the desk. A powerful idea then struck me. "Chirithy," I began, "the Keyblade can do anything, can't it?"
Chirithy's affirmation was immediate and reassuring. "That's right. As long as you believe it's possible, it should be. From your memories, Terra could transform his Keyblade into a cannon. Sora could manifest guns, or even summon park rides. As long as you believe with all your heart, anything is possible," he explained, his words resonating deeply within me.
Driven by this conviction, I summoned my Keyblade, Eclipsed Radiance. With unwavering resolve and focused intent, I pictured the precise tool I needed. Pouring all my will into the Keyblade, I willed it to transform. Eclipsed Radiance erupted in a brilliant, blinding light, then shrank, solidifying into what I recognized as a sophisticated, multi-function tool. An innate understanding of its new capabilities flooded my mind.
Armed with my new tool, I turned my attention to my Teleslate. Carefully and with intense focus, I disassembled the device, laying out its intricate parts on my desk. It was then, as I worked, that Chirithy, watching from behind me, broke the silence. "Kleis, what are you doing?" he asked, his voice full of curiosity.
"I'm planning to turn my teleslate into a portable device that can reach outside the Scepter," I declared, my gaze sharp with concentration. Reaching into my pocket, I retrieved the Gummi Block I'd been storing. Placing it on the desk, I transformed Eclipsed Radiance into a miniature version of itself and sliced into the Gummi Block. My Keyblade passed through the Gummi Block, slicing into it with ease.
As I picked up the Gummi Block, I scrutinized it, noticing that its interior seemed to blend magic and science. Recalling the knowledge imparted by my Nous, I cut the Gummi Block into small chips. 'Based on the information from Nous, these chips are akin to the jade abacuses the Xianzhou used for their communication devices,' I mused, beginning my experiments by placing the Gummi Block chips into my Teleslate.
I looked at my Teleslate, which now had Gummi Blocks inside the phone. I concentrated as I transformed my Keyblade into a soldering iron and used fire to fuse my Teleslate and the Gummi Block chips. For a moment, I thought everything was fine until my Keyblade, acting as a soldering iron, shattered my Teleslate. Gritting my teeth, I pointed at my broken Teleslate with my Keyblade and channeled the only spell I knew that could fix my mistake. "Reversion," I chanted as time rewound, and my Teleslate was whole again.
Hours melted into a blur as I hunched over my workbench, painstakingly repeating the process of fusing Gummi Blocks to the delicate technology of my Teleslate. The dream of crafting my own Gummi phone, a device I knew was within reach, fueled my tireless efforts. After all, if Chip and Dale could engineer one for the Guardians of Light, I could replicate their ingenuity. Rubbing my weary eyes, a familiar sting of frustration pricked at me with each failed attempt. Yet, with every setback, my grasp on the intricate workings of my Teleslate deepened, revealing new insights into what resonated with its core.
"I suppose you were right, Herta," I murmured, the words a breath of acknowledgment to the absent Genius. "There's truly nothing more precious for a genius than a well-earned failure." I gestured to the collection of fused parts spread before me, a testament to my persistence. There, gleaming under the workshop lights, was a new iteration of my Teleslate, Gummi Blocks now seamlessly integrated, forming an entirely novel device.
With a surge of anticipation, I retrieved my Keyblade and rested it upon the newly constructed Teleslate. Whispering the incantation, "Thunder," I channeled a spark of energy. My Keyblade pulsed with a faint glow, its magic infusing the device. Carefully, I lifted the Teleslate, turning it over in my hands before pressing the power button. For a fleeting moment, the screen remained a void, a silent testament to the unknown. Then, with a soft hum, it sprang to life, bathing my face in its luminous glow.
My eyes, wide with a mixture of relief and exhilaration, fixed on the familiar icons of the home screen. The smooth surface of the Teleslate hummed faintly beneath my fingertips, a comforting sound in the otherwise tense silence. I scrolled through the standard applications, the rows of neatly arranged icons a testament to the ubiquitous design of these devices found across Amphoreus. There were the usual suspects: the holo-comm suite, the cartography apps connected to Aglaea's golden thread, my personal ledger, and the familiar social network interface. Each one was recognizable, as expected, from any Teleslate found across Amphoreus, a digital lingua franca that connected its citizens.
But then, a jolt of surprise coursed through me, a sudden, sharp intake of breath that I hadn't realized I was holding. Nestled amongst the expected programs, in a position that defied the alphabetical or chronological sorting I knew the system to employ, was an app I knew, with absolute certainty, did not belong. Its icon, though subtly different, was unfamiliar. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the quiet hum of the Teleslate.
With trembling fingers, a sensation that belied the steely resolve I felt hardening within me, I tapped the icon. The screen flickered, a brief distortion in its otherwise crisp display, as if the system itself was momentarily struggling to process this intrusion. Then, with a surge of anticipation that made my breath catch in my throat, a bold headline appeared, not in the standard system font, but in a stylized, almost defiant script. The words stretched across the display, a message that not only acknowledged my discovery but promised something far greater. It was a message that stretched my lips into a wide, triumphant smile, a silent declaration of a victory I had long thought lost.
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Cosmic Update: The Aeon of Erudition is Active Again
After a thirteen-hour period of silence, the Aeon of Erudition has resumed its activity, alleviating concerns about a potential universal decline. Moments ago, the Intelligentsia Guild announced that observatories have confirmed the Aeon's thought-stream has stabilized, with all cosmic cognition indicators returning to normal.
"The universe is safe. The Erudition's silence was brief and not disastrous," stated Guild officials. "All star systems can return to normal operations."
Galactic scholars are celebrating the Aeon's return, viewing it as "a reminder that even the most brilliant minds need occasional quiet contemplation." The cosmos can now rest easier.
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The faint hum of my dorm room vanished, replaced by absolute silence. For a moment, I was frozen; the stillness making my heart pound frantically. Then, a tremor went through me, not of fear, but of unadulterated joy. My hands, still shaky, carefully reached for my invention and set it aside. With a rush of adrenaline, I grabbed Chirithy and spun my friend around in a spontaneous, happy dance.
"Chirithy, we did it!" I exclaimed, the words tumbling out in a rush. My first invention ever! I just knew the power of the Gummi Blocks, the heart of my creation, would be how we escaped the Scepter's grasp. I was thrilled by the cross-world communication capabilities the Gummi Blocks gave my Teleslate.
Normally, cross-world communication wouldn't be anything to write home about. Most sentient beings across the cosmos possessed the ability to communicate across vast distances. But Gummi Phones were different. They weren't just transmitting signals; they were bridging the very fabric of existence. The worlds of Kingdom Hearts, as I understood them, were not mere planets; they were separate dimensions, each with its own unique, often bizarre, set of rules and physical laws. My invention had the potential to navigate these disparate realities.
I could hardly contain the giddy excitement bubbling inside me as I reassembled the Teleslate. The delicate components clicked back into place with satisfying precision. With the device fully operational once more, I eagerly scrolled through the cosmic newsfeeds, my fingers flying across the holographic interface. Then the previous headline finally registered, its weight settling in my mind. "Nous did what?" I muttered, my eyes widening as I devoured the details of the unfolding cosmic catastrophe. The article painted a grim picture: "Thirteen hours of silence." A chill snaked down my spine. "Did I just give the cosmos a heart attack?"
I slapped my face in exasperation at what my actions had caused. But, in my defense, how was I supposed to know that Nous would decide to silence itself? As I scrolled through the cosmic news, one article caught my eye.
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Galactic Intelligencer: Mystery Surrounds Genius Society Member No. 84 After Erudition Silence Correlation Emerges
Byline: Stellar Affairs Correspondent Lyra Vance
INTELLIGENTSIA GUILD — A new controversy is rippling through academic circles following the Genius Society's announcement of Member No. 84's induction. This individual, whose identity remains unrecorded, was revealed just moments after the Aeon of Erudition unexpectedly resumed its cosmic calculations after a thirteen-hour silence. The precise timing has prompted widespread speculation about whether the enigmatic member may have influenced the Aeon's prolonged cessation of activity.
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As I read the news article, I couldn't help but sigh. I knew that with my new status as a Genius Society member, people across the cosmos could connect their thoughts. Staring at the phone screen, I began searching for information on Herta's space station. I thought long and hard about my next move. I wasn't arrogant enough to believe I could solve everything myself, but now that I could contact Herta directly, I had more options.
I knew I'd told Mei I didn't want to contact the geniuses just yet, but things had changed. As a member of the Genius Society, I had a reputation I could use to protect Amphoreus, but I needed more. If I could popularize the use of Gummi Blocks, and by being the sole provider, that would offer Amphoreus even greater protection.
However, I also knew I could trust Herta's morals; she wasn't the type of person to exploit others. She could be assertive, yes, but she understood her boundaries. As long as I could offer her something in return, we could agree. I considered the simulated universe I could offer my help; based on my research on the cosmic net, the Astral Express hadn't been repaired yet, which meant the simulated universe wasn't created yet. I already suspected this, as this is the cycle where the eternal recurrence began, but now that I had confirmation, it gave me hope.
Tapping the contact information caused my phone to ring. After a few moments, an automated message picked up. "Connection request acknowledged. Routing to Herta Space Station. Please hold. Or don't. It's your time." Then, the unmistakable voice of a Herta puppet chimed in.
A burst of static crackled through the speakers, then a clipped, tired, and unmistakably irritated voice said, "Herta Space Station, Research Division. What do you want?" For a moment, I didn't know what to say, but I forced myself to speak.
"Excuse me, this is Genius Society Member 84. May I speak to Madam Herta?" I asked, and then I heard a choked gasp. Before the messenger could reply, the call ended, and another voice took over.
"Well, well, well. Look who it is, my junior, who thought it would be funny to ruin my morning. What do you have to say for yourself, mister?" The undeniable voice of The Herta came from my phone. I honestly didn't know what to say, so I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"Madam Herta is a peerless gem. Madam Herta is an unrivaled genius. Madam Herta is an inimitable beauty." I said, hoping to appease the woman. For a moment, silence reigned before I heard a chuckle emanating from the phone.
"I must say, you truly know how to compliment your seniors," Herta commented, and I could tell from her tone that she was smirking. "Junior, what did you say to Nous to make him shut down for thirteen system hours?" She asked, her tone shifting. I paused, considering whether to say anything, before shaking my head. I knew I could trust Herta.
"I prove the existence of the Heart," I said. Herta hummed as she processed my words.
"It's fascinating that you've proven the heart to be the seat of the soul, emotions, cognition, and consciousness. Ruan Mei will probably be disappointed. But it's surprising that Droidhead was stumped for so long. I imagine the heart is far more significant than we initially believed," Herta remarked, and my eyes widened at how quickly she pieced things together.
"You are just as brilliant as I thought, Madam Herta," I said with a chuckle. I paused, and then my tone turned serious. "Senior, I need your help," I said gravely. Herta fell silent, sensing the shift in my voice.
"Asking for my help so soon after we met. Junior, why should I help you? We Geniuses aren't a unified group. What could you possibly say that would make me help you?" Herta's voice held a touch of coldness. My expression turned serious about her words, as I had expected her response. After all, we had only just met, and I was already asking for her help. I knew well that the Genius Society wasn't a unified entity. However, I was confident that my words would capture her attention.
"Madam Herta, I am a data entity living within the confines of an Emperor's Scepter. I am sure that a scepter is no problem for you or Screwllum, but my home is the cradle to a Lord Ravager aimed at the Erudition." I added, and if possible, the line went even more silent, if that was possible.
The line was silent before Herta's voice came over the line. "You're really something else, kid. After giving the universe a cardiac arrest, you do this. You sure are a troublemaker," Herta said, as I could imagine her rubbing her eyes in annoyance. "Just a moment, Junior," Herta stated before concluding the call. I didn't have to wait long before an unfamiliar number started a video call.
I readily answered the video call, my eyes widening in surprise upon connection. Drinking tea and aura farming there was Herta, and it was unusual as she had no hat on. Countless Herta puppets were visible, scurrying about in the background.
"Explain, Junior," Herta commanded while casually farming aura. Herta sat and listened to my tale, though I couldn't gauge the duration of our conversation. Herta finished her tea and let out a sigh. "I never imagined Zandar would take such extreme measures. We seem to be in a rather difficult situation. From your words, as soon as Irontomb starts his self coronation it will be capable of killing Droidhead." Herta said, as she seemed to narrow her eyes as if she were staring at Irontomb.
My head shook as I immediately replied, "As far as I know, Irontomb might not do that. Madam Herta, I've seen the script for Finality, and I was never meant to exist. My world's savior was supposed to embark on an eternal journey spanning over 33,550,336 cycles to the point he could wound Destruction itself. But my intervention has changed things. The Irontomb that I saw in the script possessed power surpassing that of a normal Emanator before its self-coronation. But now.." I trailed off.
"But with your existence, Irontomb may not gain that same strength again." Herta finished for me. "Well, this makes this easier, doesn't it?" Herta asked. Despite the obvious threat in the future, Herta wasn't wrong. I never planned on letting Irontomb gain its future strength.
"Madam Herta, Irontomb's birth is anchored to the instant of Nous, and that is the main issue. There is no stopping its rise." I said, and I could see Herta's eyes twitch at my words.
"Seriously, Droidhead, do you want to die?" Herta asked with annoyance dripping in her words. "It's clear things are serious. Send me your spatial coordinates, junior. "I will bring Screwllum with me," Herta said, and I winced. Herta's eyes narrowed as she caught my reaction." Wait don't tell me?" Herta trailed off.
"I apologize, Madam Herta, but I never left the scepter. I do not know where in space I am," I said as Herta let out another sigh.
"Well, I can not track you. The scepter seems to block your location." Herta said, and my eyes widen how she casually admitted to tracking me. Herta chuckled at my reaction, "Please, junior, I intended to track you if this was a prank. You should be lucky that you're honest-looking." Herta said with a smile.
I could only sputter in shock as I grew red at how easily I was being teased. Composing myself, I quickly changed the topic. "Madam Herta, do you think working with Zandar is a good idea?" I asked, Herta hummed as she processed my words.
"Learning from the first genius is something few can claim. If you could gain his trust, you might learn where the core of the scepter is. Hold one moment," Herta said as I received a data package. "Considering how you could build a way to communicate outside the scepter, you must have tools. Junior, build that beacon once you gain entrance to the core of the scepter. I can scan the scepter with the help of Screwllum. If we can not stop Irontomb, we can gut him. Zandar does not know you can contact me. Screwllum and I can learn as much as we can about the scepter." Herta said as I looked over the data package.
I couldn't help but wince at all the materials. "Madam Herta, I have little. I used up most of my supplies rebuilding my phone. I would need to collect the materials. With how the time dilation between us, it may be years for me before I can gain everything." I said, but Herta waved off my concerns.
"Junior, we are in no rush. As long as you can start this eternal recurrence, we will have time." Herta said, and I let out a breath of relief. She was right; we had years before the last cycle. "Junior was the year in the original script?" Herta asked, I thought about her question.
"Madam Herta, in the future I saw the Astral Express was functioning, and the navigator was a woman by the name of Himeko. She looked to be about in her late twenties or thirties." I said, Herta hummed as she handed a data pad to a Herta puppet.
"I must say it's comforting to know the Trailblaze will start once again." Herta said before her eyes narrowed onto me. "Now, Junior, tell me about your research. I haven't been this excited in a while. What could you say that would stump Droidhead for hours? Herta said as her voice slightly grew excited.
I couldn't help but chuckle, "Well, I don't mind explaining, but as long as you do not start any experiments, it is after all my research topic." I said as Herta shook her head at my words.
"Junior, the first rule of the genius society is no intruding on each other's topics. Oh, how rude of me! I cannot keep calling you Junior, can I? What is your name I will add you as a contact and inform the rest of the society." Herta said, and I grew silent for a moment. Before I grew a small smile.
"It's 'OttoApocalypse', Madam Herta." I said as Herta smiled at my words. Herta gave a small smile as she could tell I wasn't truthful.
"Well then, let me be the first to welcome you to the genius society, 'Otto Apocalypse'," Herta said. "Now let us continue; the night is not getting any younger." Herta urged me as the two of us spoke as time passed.
Throughout the course of the evening, our conversation flowed uninterrupted, and I dedicated our time together to elaborating on the intricacies of the Heart. With the passage of time, a strong conviction grew within me that the future would be exceptionally bright. In a manner remarkably similar to that occasion, time became indistinct, with entire months vanishing as the days sped up in their progression. I would dedicate each day to a structured routine: Castorice and I would engage in dedicated study sessions, Gnaeus and Polyxia and I would take part in rigorous combat and training exercises, and finally, Mei and I would find solace and spend quality time amidst the tranquil and forgetful waters of oblivion. Nightly, Herta and I would engage in discussions and planning sessions pertaining to my ongoing research, with Herta's valuable input proving instrumental in facilitating the advancement of my personal studies into the Heart. I would frequently find myself in possession of data packets that contained pertinent information concerning both the physical body and the spirit. These notes served as a valuable resource, facilitating the slow but steady advancement of my own independent research.
The days would continue to recur in a monotonous cycle until the eventual day on which I would encounter the second deliverer of Amphoreus. However, a sense of calm pervaded me, as I had heeded the wisdom that had carried over from my previous incarnations. There was no need to worry as I let My heart be my guiding key.
Chapter 10: Time Moves Forward End
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Author's Note: Here's the next chapter as promised, and it includes our first time skip. Hopefully, the chapter was enjoyable for you.