Within The Ring Of Perpetuity

While he was patiently waiting for Martin and Quinn to pay their respects to the deceased Millina, Kalin suddenly felt the ring that was resting on his chest heating up a little, even through his undershirt, as if it was trying to get his attention. He hesitated only for a moment, then he reached out to grab it.

The instant that his fingers came into contact with it, a pleasant female voice resounded in the back of his head.

'Excuse the disturbance, but would you be able to spare some time to have a talk?'

It was even easier to listen to the voice this time, most likely due to the strengthened connection between him and the one it originated from. Due to this, Kalin could make out that the being talking to him seemed a little lethargic and tired, but also way less pressed for time than a week ago.

He pondered for a few seconds, then he conveyed his agreement. Back when he had given the being in the ring his consent to drain him of a significant portion of his strength, he had already made the decision to find out as much about it as he possibly could - therefore, having a conversation was also in his best interest.

Before he could even blink, Kalin suddenly found himself standing in a white roofless garden house consisting mainly of delicate pillars constructed out of a sort of limestone not unlike marble. The structure was round and around ten meters in diameter. Outside of it, there was a picturesque plain which bordered a forest that stretched on for as far as he could see.

The scenery, the gentle gusts of wind and the scents of nature didn't distract him for long, however, as his focus was quickly attracted by the young woman seated on one of the four exquisite wooden chairs around a crystalline tea table.

As someone who had grown up in a world primarily inhabited by people who would have been considered drop-dead gorgeous in Isaac's old world, Kalin's standard of beauty was excessively high from the get-go. Additionally, he had recently spent quite a bit of time in the presence of the Sword Princess, whose looks were publicly acknowledged to rival or even surpass those of the majority of deities. Consequently, it could be said that Kalin had grown somewhat numb to most people's outward appearances. Only when someone was excessively far beyond the norm would he find himself in a daze. This was one such occasion.

The young woman wore her ultramarine hair in a long braided ponytail that reached all the way to her lower back, while her bangs were a little disorderly, but in a charming way. She stared at him with a deeply hidden hint of anticipation and nervousness in her eyes, whose colour was a greyish pink. Whether it was her facial features or the shape of her body, which could slightly be made out even through her clothing, they were impeccable and breathtaking. She was a bit on the frail, thinner side, but still had shapely curves everywhere that it mattered. To be honest, Kalin doubted that even goddesses of beauty could rival this woman's appearance.

Speaking of her aforementioned clothes, he wasn't entirely sure what to call them, as he had never seen anything like them before. Was it a mixture between a toga and a noblewoman's ballroom dress? Either way, the primarily black garment suited her perfectly. Because it was sleeveless, her arms were fully exposed. It also didn't reach any further than around the middle of her thighs, causing her bare legs and feet to be visible through the glass table.

Even though she was sitting, Kalin could still determine that she would be around his own height if she actually stood up - in other words, she was considered to be really tall for a woman in this world, about 170 centimeters, give or take a few. Although her physical form appeared to be at most 20 years old, he had long learned to not let this deceive him. After all, there were thousands of deities in Orario alone! If one only paid attention to how old someone looked and judged them accordingly, then one might accidentally offend an ancient existence.

It admittedly took him a while to recover from his wide-eyed state. The few seconds that he had been standing there, completely stunned, had brought a slight but amused smile to the dainty lips of the woman in front of him, resulting in her looking even more ravishing than before. If he hadn't already overcome the initial shock, then Kalin would have indubitably stood there silently for a little longer.

"Sorry about that. I assume it was you who brought me here? Also, speaking of, where is this?"

Using the age-old and proven method of diverting attention, Kalin successfully overcame the first hurdle in this conversation. He wasn't asking just any random questions either. Everything that he had inquired about was an issue that he was genuinely curious about.

The moment that he had snapped out of his daze, he had realized that his body didn't feel entirely normal. It was as if it was a bit less corporeal than before, as if it wasn't really 'there'. Even attempting to describe the exact sensation left him at a loss. He had originally suspected that he had been transported to another world, or to some pocket dimension, akin to what usually happened when he entered his teacher's private world, but that didn't quite seem to be the case.

Aside from that, now that his initial fascination had mostly faded, he could see the faint cracks running through all of the marble-esque stone surrounding him, as well as sense the deep exhaustion exuding from the gorgeous young woman. Most likely, it wasn't that she didn't want to stand up, but that she either couldn't or shouldn't.

"First of all, why don't you take a seat? Feel free to pour yourself some tea. It's delicious, I guarantee it!"

Discerning that he had noticed the real state of this place, a trace of helplessness flashed past the beauty's features, then she invited Kalin to her table. Only after he had sat down and taken a sip of the tea, widening his eyes in its taste's resulting elation, did she begin her explanation. Her voice was still just as enjoyable to get a taste of as when he had heard it deep within his mind.

"To answer your questions: Yes, I am the one who brought you here. This is the world fragment within the Ring of Perpetuity. And before you ask: No, you're not physically present. I merely invited your consciousness to this place, so that we could have a chat properly, face to face."

Lifting the corners of her dress ever so slightly, the young woman performed an incomplete, polite curtsy while sitting, smirking imperceptibly when she saw that a fraction of Kalin's attention had wandered to her more-revealed thighs during that moment.

"It would be unfair of me not to introduce myself when I have essentially borne witness to your entire life up to this point. My name is Zoe, and I am the last survivor of the Archai. It's nice to finally make your acquaintance properly."

Scolding himself internally for instinctively gazing at her in an inappropriate manner, Kalin took in what she had just said, before realizing two important things. Despite knowing that he would sound rude, he couldn't hold back his curiosity.

"Hold up, did you just say that you've watched me all this time? Also, what are the Archai? I've never heard of them."

Traces of sadness marred Zoe's stunning features for a moment, then she responded.

"I'm sure you've realized that I've paid attention to the matters taking place around you from within this ring ever since you've acquired it, correct? Because the Ring of Perpetuity had been your father's possession before, I've seen you whenever he was in your vicinity. Do you need me to regale you with some of your endearing childhood memories to make you believe me?"

Looking away in embarrassment, Kalin cleared his throat and dismissively waved his hands.

"No need, no need! I get it already."

Smiling at his adorable reaction, Zoe continued.

"Alright. Then, as for the Archai… it is no wonder that you don't know about us. As far as I'm aware we were the second species of beings that was created. The years that have passed since then are uncountable, and all who still remember us call us 'Failures'. We were - almost entirely - purged only a few hundreds of thousands of years after we first opened our eyes."

Even though these events had taken place so long ago that Kalin would have difficulties even wrapping his mind around it, Zoe's voice was still deeply suffused with sorrow, causing him to put his apprehensions about her aside for a bit.

"... I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't intend to open an old wound like that, my apologies!"

Clearly sensing that he was genuinely feeling dejected for her, Zoe shrugged weakly and shook her head.

"It's fine, really. I had to tell you sooner or later. It's also not healthy for me to run away from the memories altogether."

A few seconds of silence followed that statement, only then did Kalin figure out what to ask next.

"You mentioned that the Archai came second. Then… who came first? Was it the primordial deities?"

Indulging his intrigue, as she saw little harm in sharing this information when he had already unknowingly come into contact with 'them', Zoe shook her head.

"No. It's the Concepts. The primordial deities that you're talking about are a further ascended form of the regular deities, which the Concepts created long after we Archai had already left the stage of history. Also, I'm sure that I don't have to tell you this, but I shall warn you nonetheless: Don't haphazardly talk about the Concepts, they can detect it somewhat when they are mentioned. It doesn't matter whether you're within the Lower World or in Heaven, or in any other place that they have control over - they'll know."

Feeling a cold shiver run down his spine at the implications of this knowledge, Kalin gulped and mentally replayed what she had said one more time. It was at this point that he took note of a certain detail.

"So, if I talk about them in a world that the Concepts aren't in charge of - like this one - then it's fine?"

Chuckling at the excited glint in his eyes, Zoe elaborate a little further.

"Yes. If you're planning to tell your teacher while you are in his world, then you're safe. I would advise you to not let too many people know, however, as a simple slip of tongue could have disastrous consequences. You don't want to inconvenience your teacher, do you?"

"Don't worry, I got it."

His face a stiff mask of seriousness, Kalin nodded. At the same time, he also picked up on what she had just conveyed to him between the lines. Internally, he took a step back and distanced himself from her, because he couldn't allow himself to be too captivated by her for what came next.

"Let me apologize in advance if my questions from here on out are impolite - but I absolutely have to ask them, no matter what. Why did you reach out to me? My father never mentioned you at all, so you likely didn't interact with him at all. Why me? Also, if you're really as powerful of a being as you imply to be… why did you not help my father!?"

The mood at the table instantly turned gloomy. Zoe obviously felt uncomfortable now that these topics were brought up, but Kalin simply stared directly into her eyes with a stern, unwavering look, waiting for her to explain herself.

Eventually, she sighed with reminiscence dulling her gaze.

"I'll begin with what you want to hear about most. About your father… you're not wrong in saying that I could have theoretically helped him. But there were countless people like him over the ages - beings who picked up the Ring of Perpetuity and carried it with them. I witnessed them all dying, and I never intervened. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, much of the energy that I gathered over the years to help with my recovery would have gone to waste. And secondly, the Concepts could have noticed my interference. I am the last of my species - the only hope that we have left. How could I stake it all on saving someone who ultimately is a stranger?"

Looking back into Kalin's eyes, now significantly more calm and collected than before, she explained further.

"I know that this might sound cold to you, but it's the truth. I'm not a good person. To recover, I extracted small amounts of energy from everyone who owned the Ring of Perpetuity, and I never gave them anything in return. I was a lowly parasite. We all have our own circumstances. Still, I don't expect you to forgive me out of pity or understanding. In your eyes, my inaction probably makes me look guilty, am I right?"

Kalin neither confirmed nor denied this assumption of hers, causing Zoe to give a self-deprecating laugh and shaking her head. Then, she switched topics and answered his other questions.

"As for why I reached out to you… there are multiple reasons for that as well. Firstly, as I told you earlier, I watched you grow up. I grew fond of you in the process. But that alone wouldn't have been enough for me to go against my principles and risk exposure. There have been others over the ages whose situation was similar to yours, after all. But the presence of your teacher, that unfathomable being, changed things. I'm certain that he could even listen in on us while we are here, in a world fragment under my control, if he ever wanted to. I can't even begin to imagine what he is capable of, but I'm certain that he is the only one who could set events into motion that could save me… and countless others."

Realizing that Zoe appeared to think far more highly of his teacher than of him, Kalin couldn't help but feel a little disgruntled inside. He was well aware of the unbridgeable gulf that separated him from Isaac, but to have it pointed out to him so blatantly was nonetheless uncomfortable. Besides that, this situation made him fear that he would end up a mere carrier pigeon between his teacher and Zoe, which was a role that he would play if the need arose, but he wouldn't be happy about it. He most definitely didn't want to be a third wheel!

"So your real goal is to get into contact with my teacher, then? Are you afraid to talk to him directly? Or are you too shy? Is that why you approached me first?"

Although Kalin wasn't exactly pouting, his sour feelings were still written all over his face, making the downcast Zoe's mood brighten up again, a partially suppressed giggle escaping her lips.

"What is that? Are you jealous, perchance? There is no need to be, though. After all, your teacher isn't my type at all. He might be divinely handsome and have an air of mystery about him, but he will only ever treat that Sword Princess genuinely. As for any other women that approach him? He wouldn't spare them more than a polite glance! Do you take me for a neglect-play addicted wench? Of course, I would never crave for the romantic attention of such a man! As for you… Well, now that I've already placed my bets on your side's victory, a girl can begin to dream, right~?"

Feeling his cheeks heating up due to the embarrassment of having his thoughts directly exposed, as well as the clearly flirtatious tone of Zoe's voice, Kalin's eyes darted away shyly, looking at his teacup as if it was the most interesting object in the room. And to be fair, it was one heck of an impressive antique - nobody else had laid their eyes upon one like it ever since the Archai got exterminated.

"... stop playing with me."

In response to his panicked and bashful whisper, Zoe's grin grew wider, her eyes taking on a barely hidden, fiery luster.

"I'm not kidding, though~?"

Freezing up for a second, Kalin's face reddened even further, then he shook his head forcefully and dispelled the expectation-filled, youthful daydreams that had sneakily crept up on him from his subconscious mind. Panicking due to his inexperience in this field, he hurriedly tried to switch the topic once more, causing him to recall what Zoe had said the first time that she had vocally interacted with him.

"Oh, right! I've been meaning to ask you this. Why did you warn me about Valenoa?"

Evidently amused at him dodging her teasing advances, Zoe took a sip of tea before returning to a less playful mental state.

"I've been wondering when you would finally bring it up. Valenoa… that girl has been lying to you ever since you first met. I can't exactly tell who she is, or why she has come to your side, but she is most definitely not an amnesiac. I can only sense a limited area around the Ring of Perpetuity, though, so I'm afraid that this is the extent of my knowledge. Your teacher told you to figure it out by yourself, right? I'm certain that he knows all about what is going on already."

By the time that she finished speaking, Kalin had balled his hands into fists, clenching them so tightly that his knuckles appeared entirely white. Zoe felt quite apologetic when she saw him like that, but she knew that this was a bitter pill that he would have to swallow at some point. The feeling of having been betrayed, of having his worst hypotheses come true, warped Kalin's face for a while, before he eventually took a deep breath and switched to an almost terrifying calmness. Apparently, his teacher's method of coping with rage had ever so slightly rubbed off on him.

"I see. I'll take your warning into consideration. Please forgive me for not immediately being able to believe everything that you've told me. I'll have to verify these claims first. If it turns out that Valenoa really did what you said, and if she did so with bad intentions. If she… faked all of those feelings for me that she led me to believe that she had… then I won't forgive her. But the same goes for you as well. If you deceived me just now… then I won't let it slide."

Staring at him with a mixture of amusement, sadness and helplessness, Zoe eventually grinned.

"You're aware that I could end your life with a mere thought, and yet you still talk like that. Impressive. You're remarkably brave. If I didn't know you, then I'd think you a fool."

Closing his eyes for a few seconds, Kalin took a couple of deep breaths. By the time he opened his eyelids once more, he had recovered to a more mischievous state as well.

"You could obliterate me for sure, but do you have the guts? I'm certain my teacher would pay you back plenty."

When the possibility of facing Isaac as an enemy came to her mind, Zoe began to shiver uncontrollably, the tea almost spilling out of her cup. Quite flustered by this, her cheeks grew a little rosy and she placed it down on the table to avoid any unfortunate accidents. Due to how distracted she was, she didn't even notice that Kalin had momentarily lost himself because of how incredibly tempting and seductive her bashful appearance was.

"How bold of you! I should ask you this instead: Do you have the guts to get killed by me? Yes, I'm certain that your teacher would get revenge for you. But he would also snatch your soul and give you the worst scolding of all your lifetimes for making him clean up your mess!"

Kalin couldn't help but laugh when he imagined a scenario like that taking place, despite it involving his life and death. His joy was contagious, as Zoe also began to giggle, resulting in the atmosphere at the table finally turning far more relaxed.

When the chortling subsided, the two stayed silent and finished their cups of tea. Taking a deep breath, Kalin once more steeled himself and returned to a serious topic.

"Forgive me for ruining the mood, but there is something that I have to know. Why did the Archai get purged? Was that genocide purely an act of evil, or was there an actual reason for it?"

Her eyes glazing over once more, Zoe seemed to look back directly into the past, only responding after staying silent for more than a minute. Of course, Kalin didn't interrupt her during that time, he wasn't an insensitive jackass.

"I mentioned before that I extracted energy from the owners of the Ring of Perpetuity, correct? Well, to simplify it, the trademark ability of the Archai is the power to absorb pretty much anything and grow in strength as a result of that. Of course, we can't do so indiscriminately. We have to progress one step at a time, and can't just begin absorbing beings or powers much stronger than ourselves right from the start. If that was the extent of it, then there wouldn't have been any major issue. However, we Archai don't have a limit. We can grow indefinitely. Eventually, we could have potentially reached the level of the Concepts, or even touched the realm of the Creators. This was never intended. We are a failed creation, with too much potential. That is why we are called Failures. The latent danger that we posed is why we were erased."

With a pained sigh, Zoe cleared her head of the depressing memories, returning her attention to Kalin, who appeared deeply in thought, as well as displeased. He evidently felt resentful towards those who had ended an entire species merely because of what they could eventually have grown into. At the same time, he was well aware that nipping threats in the bud was the wisest choice…

A warm, fluttery feeling took hold of Zoe's heart as she observed him, and a gentle smile blossomed on her lovely lips. She hadn't told him this yet, but she truly cherished Kalin's realistic, but empathetic and caring personality. It was another reason as to why she had chosen to tie her fate to his.

"Don't beat yourself up over it. More importantly, please give me your hand. I have something to bestow upon you. Don't forget to let your teacher know about it when you see him, I'm sure he'll explain it to you in detail."

Sitting up straight, Zoe stretched out her arm and placed her hand on the table, with her palm facing upwards. There was a hint of excitement shimmering in her eyes, mixed with overwhelming bashfulness. She had been confined to this space far before any romantic developments could have ever taken place in her life, so her heartbeat grew a lot quicker even at the mere notion of touching the hand of a man that she felt interested in. All of her coquettish behaviour was merely false bravado.

That was despite the fact that she had witnessed many previous owners of the Ring of Perpetuity engaging in far more acts of procreation than she would ever admit. After all, it was not like she had wanted to see those events taking place! What was that? She could have simply averted her gaze? … that was what she had done. Most of the time.

Hesitating for a moment, Kalin eventually placed his hand in hers, doing his best to avoid thinking anything untoward… but the smoothness of her skin made that quite difficult. If he would ever tell Jakk about how immature he had behaved in this moment, he was sure that his friend would burst into unrestrained laughter.

After shivering a little when he touched her, Zoe closed her eyes and stayed still. 'Fortunately', Kalin didn't have to 'patiently endure' the direct contact for too long. Mere seconds later, she hurriedly pulled her hand away from his, not even daring to meet his gaze. Seeing her behave in such a way, he momentarily forgot all about the real reason as to why they had popped their handholding cherry. A mesmerized grin played across his lips.

"Ahem!"

Only when Zoe cleared her throat did he finally snap out of it, almost immediately feeling ashamed of his own behaviour. What had gotten into him today? Hadn't he already slept in the same bed as Valenoa on multiple occasions? How could something as pure as handholding still influence him to this degree!?

"I think what I gave you will manifest itself as a Skill, but I'm not entirely certain about how the Falna works. In any case, look forward to it! I won't be a mere parasite any longer - I aim for the both of us to have a symbiotic relationship."

Although she had intended to continue talking, all of a sudden, Zoe's expression saw a change and her tone became hurried.

"It seems like your friends are waiting for you. Don't forget what I told you in regards to the Concepts and that girl, Valenoa! I'll send you back right now."

Not giving him any chance to say anything, Zoe kicked him out of her world fragment just like that. But in the fraction of a second that she had spent doing so, with a bright but stern smile adorning her lips, Kalin had noticed that the aura of exhaustion that she exuded had become many times stronger. Apparently, her act of bestowal had taken far more out of her than she wanted him to know.