'How long have I been here?'
I questioned as I lay in the snow, finding comfort in it now. Prior to this, I had been so frightened of freezing to death on this planet, but now? I actually found the cold to be somewhat bearable.
That damn dragon, Azmakul, really is cruel, and strict. He refused to let me take even a small break, I had been forced to study and learn all throughout my time here, so much so I did not know how much time had passed.
I simply didn't bother taking note of it, because I was engrossed. Tossing the final crystal, the one containing knowledge of the sorcery of names, during my time here, I had mastered the basics of Circle Sorcery and Runic Sorcery, yet the sorcery of names was still an enigma, my understanding of it was pathetic, by my standards.
It was such a weird feeling, that dragon had definitely done something to this place, I had not required food or water at all throughout the time I was absorbing the knowledge contained within the crystals.
I thought to myself, as I threw my gaze at the three crystals sitting beside me, now hollow. Before, they were vibrant with colors, but now, after I had absorbed everything contained inside, they had lost their pristine condition. The crystals containing knowledge of runic and circle sorcery even had cracks in them.
I ignored the words of the dragon standing beside me, and focused on the river above. I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy my time studying all those things, besides the sorcery, this dragon had also given me a lot of information. In the form of stories. But the sight of the river was beautiful, it was...nice to see it from time to time.
Could a girl not enjoy pretty things?
He was similar to my grandfather, who wouldn't get tired of telling stories and answering questions. My initial feelings about Azmakul were gone, no longer was I afraid of him anymore, treating him more like my grandfather. Azmakul was kind, surprisingly, but not nice. He would be cruel when needed, but ultimately, whatever action he took or the attitude he enforced it with, was for my benefit.
Was I missing Grandpa? Probably, I don't know how long I have been here. I miss my family, the one that cares.
I said, my voice bleak as I focused my attention on the river above, manifesting a blue crystal and holding it in my hands. A habit I developed... I was missing the group too.
"Twelve years, I had thought it would take you twelve years at the least to comprehend the knowledge I stored within those crystals, yet..."
My interest was piqued, I stopped staring at the river and looked at him, raising my head.
"You managed to do it in merely one."
'Ah, so a year passed.'
I was a bit shocked, I had spent that long up here? In this strange space built by this dragon? I wonder what everyone else has been doing. Surely, they didn't waste this time, right?
They may have even reached the 'heart of Kizmal', the goal of our journey.
'I hope I didn't miss much.'
"You lack any sense of achievement over this, that is surprising."
"I do? This face of mine is one that expresses my sheer, utmost happiness. I will have you know."
"Is it? Then it seems I performed the engraving of the rune wrong, Let me do it again." "... No need."
With a frightful look on my face, I covered my chest with my hands, looking at the dragon with a look full of scorn. The strange rune, one that looked like a hashtag with curved edges, had been a painful memory.
This dragon had engraved it right between my breasts, closest to my heart, according to him. It had worked, but it was incredibly painful! Though the rune had accomplished it's objective and increased my control of the [Darkness] element, it wasn't a pleasant memory.
It was weird as well! It may not be a big deal to a dragon, but it was to me, a human, to have it placed there!
I stopped, thinking to myself.
'When have I ever heard him laugh?'
Did I hear that during the time I spent with him? Absolutely not, he would never laugh!
"You should be proud, you have accomplished something great."
"I still don't understand the sorcery of names, fully, though."
"The fact that you managed to understand even some of it is astonishing. I had honestly believed you would have destroyed your mind, and I would have had to fix it. Do you know how much of a hassle it would be to explain to the prince?"
'Was it that dangerous? I didn't know that...'
"But, it does speak of your talent. If the knowledge had crippled you, you wouldn't have been able to go far. You are aware of what sorcery of names is, right?"
"Dragon tongue, you told me many times."
All the 'sorcery' she studied was derived directly from Dragon tongue, the sorcery of names being the closest to it. Circle sorcery was the furthest from it, but even it utilized dragon tongue. Runic sorcery had greater applications, but it was nothing compared to the sorcery of names, which actually used dragon tongue.
"I thought I was supposed to make my own sorcery, though?"
Azmakul chuckled, turning around to face. She was no longer scared of his mask, She had even tried to take it off at one point... intending to study it.
She didn't know what she was on at that time...
"That is something you will embark on when you reach the [Epic] rank, it's still far from you. You are not a dragon, so the process of formulating your own sorcery will take time, I am eager to see what you will make of it. Your limitations of mana impede you greatly.
I suppose the basics I have taught you haven't been forgotten?"
She laughed, wishing she could forget things. Even if she didn't want to, every experience in
her life was vivid in her memory.
"I'm an eidetic... I don't forget anything."
There was a period of silence between the two, Azmakul had turned around once more, gazing
beyond the fields of snow, and Sabrina lay on the snow, enjoying the blessing to the eyes that was the river, and caressing the crystal in her hands, appreciating it's smoothness.
There was a moment of peace...
"Ah, the prince finally reached the spear."
Broken in an instant.