Karen wake up!
[...]
Good morning, Master Kaito. How was your one night stand with the “half-human mayor”?
Drop it, Karen. I fucked up.
Ah damn it…what did I miss?
I don’t have my alchemy. And I’m dying, Karen! My head is splitting open.
Oh, poor baby! Did you misplace your legendary sword? Or perhaps someone overindulge and now has to suffer the consequences?
I swear, it feels like a whole nest of storm harpies is trapped in my brain. Do you like…make an image of my Alchemy that I could…download or something?
Yikes. I do feel sorry for you, but you made this bed, now lie in it.
Damn it, Karen.
Anyway, consider this a teaching moment—actions have consequences. So take it easy today and let your pathetically human metabolism process all that booze. Maybe try some hair of the dog? I hear the Soothing Dose is flowing freely…
Zenith stirred awake, looking equally ill. Even with her hair rumpled, faint dark circles under her eyes, and her face still flushed from drinking, she looked beautiful.
At that moment, Kaito summoned a swirl of dark energy in front of him, a purplish black hole contained in the air. It spun gently, stabilized by Kaito’s power. He reached a hand into the inky depths, feeling across dimensions, until his fingers locked in on his intended target.
He withdrew his hand, drawing out a freshly baked loaf of bread, topped with red chili flakes and speckled with herbs. The crust was a dark golden brown, still steaming slightly. The aroma of freshly baked bread with a hint of spice perfumed the air.
Zenith inhaled deeply as she woke. “My head’s spinning. I can’t come to work today,” she said groggily.
“It’s the weekend. There’s no—”
“Is that…when did you make hell herbs and bread?” Zenith asked, her nausea forgotten.
“Oh right. You haven’t tried this one. I haven’t made it recently, all that’s left is my emergency supply.”
Kaito…
What is it, Karen?
Since when have you had an interdimensional storage space?
I don’t know, probably tour six?
And…how large is it?
The space? It’s infinite.
So let me get this straight—you have access to an interdimensional storage space of infinite capacity, but you still made the beetles lug all those heavy supplies back from Plago City?
Yes, I know, it’s silly. But that pocket dimension is an absolute disaster zone right now. I can barely walk two feet inside without tripping over some ancient artifact or random piece of loot.
But...it’s infinite. Can’t you just keep traveling inward forever and dump new stuff?
In theory, yes. But anything near the entrance gets jumbled up. Like I said, total chaos in there.
Still seems like an easy fix—just spend some time organizing. Make different zones for supplies, gear, artifacts. Build a cataloging system.
Easier said than done. I’ve accumulated…actually my loot is also infinite. I have an amount of...well, everything, over the eons. Not to mention the abominations, paradoxical objects, and radioactive waste. It’s a real mess.
Yikes. But with an intern helping you categorize and clear out space, you could have easy access. Make into a quest? “Kaito’s Infinite Warehouse: 0/∞ artifacts cataloged”.
That’s not a bad idea. Thank you. We’ll find an intern and clean it eventually. Though I doubt he’ll ever clear out even a fraction. Maybe I can hire them over multiple generations…
Infinity is a fraction of infinity!
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Jogid sat on the chair across from Master Kaito, the low table between them bearing a pot of steaming tea. His heartbeat quickened as his master poured them each a cup. The time had come for truths.
Master Kaito had taken him in when no other would, gifting him clothes, food, shelter. More than that, he had given guidance. Purpose. The first seeds of control over the raging storm within.
Jogid met his master’s piercing gaze and flinched. Would anger stir those placid black eyes when he learned of Jogid’s past? Disgust? Revulsion?
No. Master Kaito was compassion itself. Had he not said, just moons past, that all beings deserved enlightenment? Surely one as great as he could forgive what one as low as Jogid had done.
But this humble magic student was unworthy of such a master’s training. The crimes stained Jogid’s soul black as pitch. Master Kaito would surely cast him out once the story passed his lips.
It was time. To hide his past would be the highest dishonor. He had vowed to walk the path of righteousness when Master Kaito initiated him. What use vows, if they were so easily forsworn?
Jogid raised the tea to his master with both hands, as tradition dictated. “Master Kaito,” Jogid began. “I feel it is time for me to share my tale with you.”
The master had both index fingers pressed against his temple. Not a good start. But he pushed on.
“Not a good time, Jogid,” Kaito groaned.
Another test? The master must be testing my resolve. His clawed hands trembled around the tea cup. He took a sip to steady his nerves before continuing.
“I hail from the Fireclaw Clan, a proud warrior tribe of the eastern volcanoes. It all began under the Crimson Moon, a portent of my destiny. My scales, black as the night itself, marked me for greatness or doom…”
Kaito leaned his head back and sighed heavily.
“As a hatchling, I had a unique connection to the natural world. My mother, blessed with the art of herbalism, guided my hands in nurturing fire-berries and hell-herbs. Our garden was a marvel, envied by all in the clan.”
After rubbing his bloodshot eyes, Kaito drained his tea cup, then dragged the pot over to pour another.
“But then, Master Kaito, fate turned its cruel hand against me. I discovered the Azure Lotus, a plant of legend. Little did I know, it would attract the unevolved megnac beetles. They devoured everything, bringing ruin to my clan. The elders, in their fear, saw my scales and the prophecy as a curse. They exiled me, tore me from my mother and my home. I was blamed for a disaster I never intended.”
Kaito sat his cup down. “I understand—”
“And so cast out and alone, I roamed the realms, a dragonfolk without a clan, seeking refuge and a purpose. My guilt over the infestation and the loss of my clan weighed heavily on me. But I didn’t give up. I vowed to find a way to redeem myself, to prove that I’m not the harbinger of doom the elders claimed I was. My journey—”
“That’s too much telling.” Master Kaito’s hand snapped up. “Jogid, your story... it’s something else. But can we... maybe... talk about this... later?”
“You’re too kind, Master Kaito. But I can’t be at peace until I’ve shared my past mistakes.”
“Jogid, I already know more than you think. Let’s skip the confessions. How about I teach you a spell instead?”
But of course. I should’ve known he’d understand, even without my words.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Zenith floated through her morning tasks in a daze of contentment. Images from the night before flitted through her mind and brought a smile to her face. The feast, the cheers, the rum—it had been utterly sublime. Even thinking about the taste of the herbs and hearty bread from this morning made her stomach growl happily.
She lifted the heavy bucket easily as she went to gather water, feeling the vitality flowing through her limbs. Yes, it was a good day indeed.
That lasted until early afternoon, when she heard a booming knock that could only belong to one person. She opened the door to see Jogid shifting from foot to foot.
“Come to the Master’s house to see us off,” he rumbled without preamble.
Zenith froze. “See you...off?” She repeated faintly.
“Yes, yes! Make sure you bring Portia and Angelina. Leaving for a few days to train! Master Kaito has great plans for this one.”
Days. All of the sudden? Zenith managed a mute nod before shutting the door. She pressed a hand to her chest as an odd pang went through her. She didn’t care for this feeling at all. It sat like a stone in her gut, weighing her down with every step she took through the village.
When she arrived at Kaito’s property with Portia and Angelina, she saw Kaito’s hands flowing through a series of hand signs—a spell? The dragonfolk bounced eagerly beside him, and suddenly an infernal doorway rose from the ground, bordered by fingers of obsidian that clawed at the open sky. Her heart sank even lower.
Odd symbols were carved across the door’s surface. They glowed red—a brooding, nasty red that made Zenith uneasy. She tried to study the markings, but they writhed when stared at too long, morphing into strange characters she didn’t recognize.
Kaito shuffled towards the demonic portal. But she sprinted and caught the end of his sleeve before he crossed the threshold.
“Oh, hi Zen. Didn’t know you were coming,” Kaito uttered between heavy breaths.
“Mayor, I’m glad you made it,” Jogid chirped with half of his body already past the portal
“Hey, don’t look so down. I’ll be back before you know it,” he said bracingly.
Zenith puffed herself up. “Hmph! As if I care where you go or for how long.” Yet even as the prideful words left her mouth, she could feel her face crumpling. Kaito’s eyebrows drew together in confusion.
He opened his mouth to respond, then grimaced and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Sorry. Still recovering. We’ll...talk when I’m back, yeah?” He looked oddly vulnerable in that moment. Lost, almost.
Before Zenith could say anything further, he turned to the ominous door. Jogid slapped him on the back, eliciting another wince, and they both stepped into the pulsing darkness.
Zenith thought her eyes were playing tricks as the door seemed to stretch and distort. Strange shadows moved where none should, beckoning them further inside.
With a resounding boom, the doorway collapsed, disappearing entirely from sight and leaving an empty space behind.
They were gone. Truly gone for days on end. Zenith slowly became aware that hot tears were spilling down her cheeks. She dashed them away angrily, but the hollow ache in her chest remained.
“It’ll be fine. We’ll protect Calmo,” Portia said, placing a hand on Zenith’s back.
Suddenly, the bright afternoon dimmed. Dark clouds swept across the sky as the earth shuddered. Zenith grabbed Portia’s shoulder to steady herself.
Just as quickly, the quaking stopped. The door melted out of the ground once more. Jogid emerged first, grinning widely.
Zenith gaped. “What—did you forget something? Is that why you’ve returned so soon?”
Kaito followed after, smoothing his black robe. He strode out of the portal, spine straight and shoulders back. His complexion shone robust compared to the pallid tone Zenith recalled from earlier. Alertness and energy had returned to his eyes.
“Well that was invigorating! You’ve improved much as well, Jogid,” Kaito declared.
Zenith gaped. “What—did you forget something? Is that why you’ve returned so soon?”
Kaito raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? We’re done.”
“Done? But you just left!” Portia exclaimed. “What did you do?”
Jogid laughed heartily. “Ah, but not by our reckoning!” He flexed his claws, muttering a spell—a new spell—under his breath. Another doorway rose up - this one a simple wooden affair etched with scratches and much smaller than Kaito’s portal.
Angelina applauded eagerly. “Marvelous! But where does your door lead, Sir Jogid?”
He chuckled. “Merely a small room, though a tight fit for me still. A fine starting point thanks to our Master Kaito’s wisdom!”
Zenith swelled furiously. She stomped right up to Kaito and jabbed a finger at his chest.
“Gone for days?! Why do you say that, it wasn’t even funny! I ought to feed you to a hell beast for worrying me so!”
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Why is she so angry?
Blame Jogid for that one—So, back to your personal dimension. Tell me again, how does it work exactly?
As I said, it’s time dilation. One second there is one day in the real world. And my physiology moves as if it were in the real world. So no need for food or sleep. My body and mind experience the full day, but since only a second passes outside, those needs don’t accumulate.
[...]
Yeah, that shit doesn’t make any logical sense. You can’t just pause or alter fundamental bodily functions. And learning requires proper rest and nutrition to encode memories.
Okay listen, it’s like…in there you’re able to train intelligence, but not wisdom. Does that make sense?
I still don’t understand how your body and mind can experience days while no time passes. It violates the laws of physics!
I know, it’s absolutely paradoxical. But dimensional magic has never obeyed natural laws. At this point, it’s best not to overthink the logistics too much. Let’s just say it works because magic, call it a plot hole, and move on. Debating the credibility just distracts from the intended effect.
Ah ‘magic did it. How convenient. Very well, Master Kaito. As long as it works for your narrative, who am I to argue with the logic of magical dimensions?
And the best part is, I skipped right past that nasty hangover without having to suffer through the misery.
Karen wake up!
[...]
Good morning, Master Kaito. How was your one night stand with the “half-human mayor”?
Drop it, Karen. I fucked up.
Ah damn it…what did I miss?
I don’t have my alchemy. And I’m dying, Karen! My head is splitting open.
Oh, poor baby! Did you misplace your legendary sword? Or perhaps someone overindulge and now has to suffer the consequences?
I swear, it feels like a whole nest of storm harpies is trapped in my brain. Do you like…make an image of my Alchemy that I could…download or something?
Yikes. I do feel sorry for you, but you made this bed, now lie in it.
Damn it, Karen.
Anyway, consider this a teaching moment—actions have consequences. So take it easy today and let your pathetically human metabolism process all that booze. Maybe try some hair of the dog? I hear the Soothing Dose is flowing freely…
Zenith stirred awake, looking equally ill. Even with her hair rumpled, faint dark circles under her eyes, and her face still flushed from drinking, she looked beautiful.
At that moment, Kaito summoned a swirl of dark energy in front of him, a purplish black hole contained in the air. It spun gently, stabilized by Kaito’s power. He reached a hand into the inky depths, feeling across dimensions, until his fingers locked in on his intended target.
He withdrew his hand, drawing out a freshly baked loaf of bread, topped with red chili flakes and speckled with herbs. The crust was a dark golden brown, still steaming slightly. The aroma of freshly baked bread with a hint of spice perfumed the air.
Zenith inhaled deeply as she woke. “My head’s spinning. I can’t come to work today,” she said groggily.
“It’s the weekend. There’s no—”
“Is that…when did you make hell herbs and bread?” Zenith asked, her nausea forgotten.
“Oh right. You haven’t tried this one. I haven’t made it recently, all that’s left is my emergency supply.”
Kaito…
What is it, Karen?
Since when have you had an interdimensional storage space?
I don’t know, probably tour six?
And…how large is it?
The space? It’s infinite.
So let me get this straight—you have access to an interdimensional storage space of infinite capacity, but you still made the beetles lug all those heavy supplies back from Plago City?
Yes, I know, it’s silly. But that pocket dimension is an absolute disaster zone right now. I can barely walk two feet inside without tripping over some ancient artifact or random piece of loot.
But...it’s infinite. Can’t you just keep traveling inward forever and dump new stuff?
In theory, yes. But anything near the entrance gets jumbled up. Like I said, total chaos in there.
Still seems like an easy fix—just spend some time organizing. Make different zones for supplies, gear, artifacts. Build a cataloging system.
Easier said than done. I’ve accumulated…actually my loot is also infinite. I have an amount of...well, everything, over the eons. Not to mention the abominations, paradoxical objects, and radioactive waste. It’s a real mess.
Yikes. But with an intern helping you categorize and clear out space, you could have easy access. Make into a quest? “Kaito’s Infinite Warehouse: 0/∞ artifacts cataloged”.
That’s not a bad idea. Thank you. We’ll find an intern and clean it eventually. Though I doubt he’ll ever clear out even a fraction. Maybe I can hire them over multiple generations…
Infinity is a fraction of infinity!
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Jogid sat on the chair across from Master Kaito, the low table between them bearing a pot of steaming tea. His heartbeat quickened as his master poured them each a cup. The time had come for truths.
Master Kaito had taken him in when no other would, gifting him clothes, food, shelter. More than that, he had given guidance. Purpose. The first seeds of control over the raging storm within.
Jogid met his master’s piercing gaze and flinched. Would anger stir those placid black eyes when he learned of Jogid’s past? Disgust? Revulsion?
No. Master Kaito was compassion itself. Had he not said, just moons past, that all beings deserved enlightenment? Surely one as great as he could forgive what one as low as Jogid had done.
But this humble magic student was unworthy of such a master’s training. The crimes stained Jogid’s soul black as pitch. Master Kaito would surely cast him out once the story passed his lips.
It was time. To hide his past would be the highest dishonor. He had vowed to walk the path of righteousness when Master Kaito initiated him. What use vows, if they were so easily forsworn?
Jogid raised the tea to his master with both hands, as tradition dictated. “Master Kaito,” Jogid began. “I feel it is time for me to share my tale with you.”
The master had both index fingers pressed against his temple. Not a good start. But he pushed on.
“Not a good time, Jogid,” Kaito groaned.
Another test? The master must be testing my resolve. His clawed hands trembled around the tea cup. He took a sip to steady his nerves before continuing.
“I hail from the Fireclaw Clan, a proud warrior tribe of the eastern volcanoes. It all began under the Crimson Moon, a portent of my destiny. My scales, black as the night itself, marked me for greatness or doom…”
Kaito leaned his head back and sighed heavily.
“As a hatchling, I had a unique connection to the natural world. My mother, blessed with the art of herbalism, guided my hands in nurturing fire-berries and hell-herbs. Our garden was a marvel, envied by all in the clan.”
After rubbing his bloodshot eyes, Kaito drained his tea cup, then dragged the pot over to pour another.
“But then, Master Kaito, fate turned its cruel hand against me. I discovered the Azure Lotus, a plant of legend. Little did I know, it would attract the unevolved megnac beetles. They devoured everything, bringing ruin to my clan. The elders, in their fear, saw my scales and the prophecy as a curse. They exiled me, tore me from my mother and my home. I was blamed for a disaster I never intended.”
Kaito sat his cup down. “I understand—”
“And so cast out and alone, I roamed the realms, a dragonfolk without a clan, seeking refuge and a purpose. My guilt over the infestation and the loss of my clan weighed heavily on me. But I didn’t give up. I vowed to find a way to redeem myself, to prove that I’m not the harbinger of doom the elders claimed I was. My journey—”
“That’s too much telling.” Master Kaito’s hand snapped up. “Jogid, your story... it’s something else. But can we... maybe... talk about this... later?”
“You’re too kind, Master Kaito. But I can’t be at peace until I’ve shared my past mistakes.”
“Jogid, I already know more than you think. Let’s skip the confessions. How about I teach you a spell instead?”
But of course. I should’ve known he’d understand, even without my words.
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Zenith floated through her morning tasks in a daze of contentment. Images from the night before flitted through her mind and brought a smile to her face. The feast, the cheers, the rum—it had been utterly sublime. Even thinking about the taste of the herbs and hearty bread from this morning made her stomach growl happily.
She lifted the heavy bucket easily as she went to gather water, feeling the vitality flowing through her limbs. Yes, it was a good day indeed.
That lasted until early afternoon, when she heard a booming knock that could only belong to one person. She opened the door to see Jogid shifting from foot to foot.
“Come to the Master’s house to see us off,” he rumbled without preamble.
Zenith froze. “See you...off?” She repeated faintly.
“Yes, yes! Make sure you bring Portia and Angelina. Leaving for a few days to train! Master Kaito has great plans for this one.”
Days. All of the sudden? Zenith managed a mute nod before shutting the door. She pressed a hand to her chest as an odd pang went through her. She didn’t care for this feeling at all. It sat like a stone in her gut, weighing her down with every step she took through the village.
When she arrived at Kaito’s property with Portia and Angelina, she saw Kaito’s hands flowing through a series of hand signs—a spell? The dragonfolk bounced eagerly beside him, and suddenly an infernal doorway rose from the ground, bordered by fingers of obsidian that clawed at the open sky. Her heart sank even lower.
Odd symbols were carved across the door’s surface. They glowed red—a brooding, nasty red that made Zenith uneasy. She tried to study the markings, but they writhed when stared at too long, morphing into strange characters she didn’t recognize.
Kaito shuffled towards the demonic portal. But she sprinted and caught the end of his sleeve before he crossed the threshold.
“Oh, hi Zen. Didn’t know you were coming,” Kaito uttered between heavy breaths.
“Mayor, I’m glad you made it,” Jogid chirped with half of his body already past the portal
“Hey, don’t look so down. I’ll be back before you know it,” he said bracingly.
Zenith puffed herself up. “Hmph! As if I care where you go or for how long.” Yet even as the prideful words left her mouth, she could feel her face crumpling. Kaito’s eyebrows drew together in confusion.
He opened his mouth to respond, then grimaced and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Sorry. Still recovering. We’ll...talk when I’m back, yeah?” He looked oddly vulnerable in that moment. Lost, almost.
Before Zenith could say anything further, he turned to the ominous door. Jogid slapped him on the back, eliciting another wince, and they both stepped into the pulsing darkness.
Zenith thought her eyes were playing tricks as the door seemed to stretch and distort. Strange shadows moved where none should, beckoning them further inside.
With a resounding boom, the doorway collapsed, disappearing entirely from sight and leaving an empty space behind.
They were gone. Truly gone for days on end. Zenith slowly became aware that hot tears were spilling down her cheeks. She dashed them away angrily, but the hollow ache in her chest remained.
“It’ll be fine. We’ll protect Calmo,” Portia said, placing a hand on Zenith’s back.
Suddenly, the bright afternoon dimmed. Dark clouds swept across the sky as the earth shuddered. Zenith grabbed Portia’s shoulder to steady herself.
Just as quickly, the quaking stopped. The door melted out of the ground once more. Jogid emerged first, grinning widely.
Zenith gaped. “What—did you forget something? Is that why you’ve returned so soon?”
Kaito followed after, smoothing his black robe. He strode out of the portal, spine straight and shoulders back. His complexion shone robust compared to the pallid tone Zenith recalled from earlier. Alertness and energy had returned to his eyes.
“Well that was invigorating! You’ve improved much as well, Jogid,” Kaito declared.
Zenith gaped. “What—did you forget something? Is that why you’ve returned so soon?”
Kaito raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean? We’re done.”
“Done? But you just left!” Portia exclaimed. “What did you do?”
Jogid laughed heartily. “Ah, but not by our reckoning!” He flexed his claws, muttering a spell—a new spell—under his breath. Another doorway rose up - this one a simple wooden affair etched with scratches and much smaller than Kaito’s portal.
Angelina applauded eagerly. “Marvelous! But where does your door lead, Sir Jogid?”
He chuckled. “Merely a small room, though a tight fit for me still. A fine starting point thanks to our Master Kaito’s wisdom!”
Zenith swelled furiously. She stomped right up to Kaito and jabbed a finger at his chest.
“Gone for days?! Why do you say that, it wasn’t even funny! I ought to feed you to a hell beast for worrying me so!”
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Why is she so angry?
Blame Jogid for that one—So, back to your personal dimension. Tell me again, how does it work exactly?
As I said, it’s time dilation. One second there is one day in the real world. And my physiology moves as if it were in the real world. So no need for food or sleep. My body and mind experience the full day, but since only a second passes outside, those needs don’t accumulate.
[...]
Yeah, that shit doesn’t make any logical sense. You can’t just pause or alter fundamental bodily functions. And learning requires proper rest and nutrition to encode memories.
Okay listen, it’s like…in there you’re able to train intelligence, but not wisdom. Does that make sense?
I still don’t understand how your body and mind can experience days while no time passes. It violates the laws of physics!
I know, it’s absolutely paradoxical. But dimensional magic has never obeyed natural laws. At this point, it’s best not to overthink the logistics too much. Let’s just say it works because magic, call it a plot hole, and move on. Debating the credibility just distracts from the intended effect.
Ah ‘magic did it. How convenient. Very well, Master Kaito. As long as it works for your narrative, who am I to argue with the logic of magical dimensions?
And the best part is, I skipped right past that nasty hangover without having to suffer through the misery.
