>>5848852https://youtu.be/fB4wM6TZM3k?si=GEYFDbiiyRKe-pkCYou snap your fingers, indicating for the boys to switch up the song, and face the writing mass in the tube properly and keep a sharp look in your eyes. “It had a counterpart. One that was still active. Still feeding. Still ‘alive’ in a sense. Key word here being ‘had.’ The intent is still to shut down the one here and be rid of it. But you’re aware of the surroundings here enough to know more than just its location. It’s not the first thing I’ve noticed you withholding information on, either.”
There’s a beat of silence. You… feel a weird numbness in your mind for a moment, spotting Cheelai rubbing her head, and even the Para Para bros seeming confused by a strange sensation. Basilea ends up on guard, while the Majin twins keep their eyes fixed on the tube. ‘…Are you sure you wish to make an accusation like that?’
You shrug. “It’s a statement of observed fact. I’m not naive. Especially given how that young woman reacted to you. Look, I still intend to help you in spite of you not giving us the full story. But I need you to be willing to actually trust us some more.”
Another beat of silence. Basilea looks down her nose at the tube, making it clear she hopes he picks his next words very, very carefully. You though keep the sharp but honest look you’ve been giving him. ‘…Very well. The… woman who became that mannequin may have… been part of the prototypes used in the creation of the machine. The technology behind it is based in part on my designed for puppeteered golems, as a method of control.’ he begins, several eyes closing. ‘The intent was to connect a method of control to our best, strongest, and most skilled, to use that fractured god’s powers to control those who would threaten Nemuria. To turn our foes into our guardians. Things did not go as intended, the Queen can be thanked for that, and the fragments proved stronger than anticipated. I have been trying to keep tabs on it, but the first few incursions using my golems did not go well.’
“Not go well now, exactly?” you question.
‘It took control. Used them as its own pawns. They had to be destroyed. From there and then, I have done my best to keep observations of it. Its influence can wax and wane, depending on how well it things it can take control of those nearby. Some of the Deep Dwellers that have investigated this area in the past have come too close to it and ended up thralls to it. They had to be… dealt with, lest it gain influence beyond this area.’
You cross your arms. “So it’s capable of a form of psychic possession. Is that all?”
‘If you truly do wish to face it, you will need to be aware of that power. I do not doubt your strength of will, your skill in Magic, but I tell you that the fragment down there is not to be taken lightly.’
(cont.)