Master Of None

Knowing that the royal dragons and the other soldiers had heard and understood the situation at the border, the Fel angels did not hesitate to make way for them and go to speak with the Rize empire archangels. Under the careful watch of Rise, they followed what needed to be done. Meanwhile, the angel that had been speaking to Walker finally introduced himself.

"While I am not the highest ranking of the researchers here, I am one of the few that enjoys the travel. I am Ethan, the wandering researcher." The introduction was short and sweet but told a lot.

Since the Fel empire was focused on research, many of them had systems that were focused on one thing or were research systems to start with. The fact that their angel in charge of moving around with forces as a soldier would be a wandering research made sense. While broad, the system would allow Ethan to be able to learn many things at all times about the world around him.

"I know that might sound odd. A wanderer taking the position of a soldier, but I assure you, that I am up to the task." The attempt at comedy was enough to show that just because the Fel empire was focused on research did not mean they forgot to have some personality. Many researchers were known for forgetting their emotional roots unless their research topic was a hand. But Ethan appeared to still be somewhat focused on people.

"I wouldn't say it's odd. More that you are a wandering researcher and not some soldier though. I wonder what you like to study?" Walker focused on this to be nice. But he also understood that he would need to know much more about the Fel empire to keep moving forward. The Fel empire was a mystery in terms of what they did overall.

"Of course, I prefer to research the changes in the world around me. I recently completed a study on the growth cycle of the black cap smoke shroom. A very odd mushroom that only grows in the shadows of burned wood. It sprouts white but absorbs the smokey remains of trees. Then it turns dark black before exploding to release more spores. Years later it will evenly sprout upon the next forest fire. A very odd mushroom with both darkness and fire elemental manas within."

"And what if it's harvested?" Remey heard everything. She had been somewhat unfocused because she was waiting to see what the plans would be. She wanted to see the maps so that she could be ready to make a move. Especially since she had less experience using her light affinity knuckles. The better prepared she was the more she would be able to fight. Especially if she had Alice boosting her attacks with a song that helped light elemental mana gather.

"It is often used to create some interesting effects within health potions. It can actually make the normal health potion in to a long lasting poison! It will cause a burning decay within the veins of anyone that consumes the health potion. It also causes the red potion to become a deeper scarlet. But I believe it can be used for food for flame salamanders or red magma salamanders as well." Ethan appeared to be the same as anyone who wanted to share knowledge. A researcher didn't research to hoard their knowledge but often to share it in some way.

"I'm going to need more information about it and some of them. I should be able to use them pretty well to make a dual affinity of fire and darkness. Not many people have fire and darkness dual affinity but who cares? I haven't made one of those yet." Remey was very interested. A new path in alchemy? Great. A new chance to show off her favorite set of skills that weren't fighting? Perfect!

"I have heard of these affinity potions. Some were brought for research and they are still causing commotion. I was wondering if I should change my method of study to the reactions alchemists were having to something new. It was very interesting." Ethan seemed to lean forward toward Remey waiting to hear more.

"You should have also heard about the alchemy guild. If they are that interested, then they will join. We have tests for entry and can allow entry to classes that study many different potions. That is, if you are a member. Genesis is all about learning about one another. Your researchers would have a place there." Remey seemed to be taking over Walker's job. Not that he disliked it. He would rather hear Remey doing this than stealing away more herb knowledge right away.

"Yes, I have also heard of that. Guilds are not that popular here due to the nature of our empires. Elemental halls are popular in the Rize empire but here, we call our groups laboratories. The alchemy laboratory, the monster anatomy laboratory, history laboratory, and many more. Unique, right? I once studied the creation of the history laboratory. It was founded because someone gained the first recorded archeology recording system. Oddly specific but they have recorded multiple archaeological discoveries with a very tough team of diggers."

More tangents seemed to appear that made Walker curious. But that also made everyone else wonder what other odd things the Fel empire studied. One thing had become very clear though, it was a very divided empire. That was the reason for the lesser population and battle forces. Sure, those of this smaller population were powerful.

A focused mage on one focused learning could definitely rival many with their attacks in their best practice. Unfortunately, that would not mean that they would always be the best option. Therefore, there needed to be many varied mages of different affinities. It meant that the Fel empire was like a spear. Perfect for piercing shields but would fail in overall defense due to lack of coverage. They had managed to rival the Rize Empire because of their devastating strength and the Rize Empire kept them at bay with their large population in defenses.

That also raised the question, how many hidden researchers were there? How many angels had hidden away to research some extremely specific things that yielded unheard of results? How many had delved in to unspoken or dangerous topics? These questions couldn't be answered right away but would easily weigh on Walker's mind while he met more and more of the Fel empire's people. He just had to figure out who was the good and the bad. Some research topics would easily be seen as evil if they were not careful.

"I will need to see some of those when I am free. It would be very good for both empires to share more knowledge instead of fighting all the time." Walker made the casual comment before he noticed that Rise was coming back. Ten angels were flying behind her and immediately stood in line to report to the other royal dragons.

"Gil, do you want to go and make introductions with the tent that came with us? Su too?" Walker knew that between Gil and Su, things would be handled. The ten angels from the Rize empire appeared to be uneasy since they were across the border. This would normally be putting everything at risk. Especially if they did the wrong thing while here.

"Done and done." Gil moved toward the new additions to their ranks while Su followed beyond. The two appeared serious enough but when Walker looked toward Ethan, he noticed that there was also a growing unsettled expression.

"Those Rize angels are part of the same army that will be helping you. The same as when your healers helped them. It's a two way street." Walker made sure to put more force in his words so that every angel heard it around him. None of them dared to say a word in response since the royal dragons also looked at them with sternness. "Now, we have to check out the current maps." Walker lightened his tone to ask for this.

The dragons had already made the moves to change in to their dragonkin forms which amazed the Fel angels the same as it had the Rize angels. Not that this stopped the Genesis soldiers from finding it just as amusing since they had already adapted to such changes.

The angels that heard this rushed forward and began to set up a table right in front of them. Upon doing so, four more angels poured dirt on it. They started to shape the dirt created a map of earth that was very detailed. Even two places showed that sandstorms were moving over it. "This is the last known map we have of the desert area. This is where the ruins we have issues with undead are."

….

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