[center][h2]Illuna Forest[/h2][/center]
[center][sub]Entering the forest[/sub][/center]

     Sulfrax was both tired and energized as he made his way into the Illuna Forets with Rem. He didn't look the sort to be comfortable walking long distances, but he'd have traveled to three different nations in nearly as many days. He'd had quite a bit racing through his mind since leaving Hyznia, not all of it relevant to his upcoming task. Still, enough of it was focused on the upcoming ordeal: confronting Dictator Yvin. Illon's leader couldn't refuse his proposal to ally with Hyznia against CMAS, but asking for the assistance of his Seven Sins...

     His thoughts were interrupted by Rem. A question about his condition. He let out a somewhat exasperated sigh; he tried to give off the impression that he didn't like talking about it. Considering the scope of the tasks at hand though, and how he was specifically ordered by Sydney to not tell anyone, it was as good of an excuse as any to defy his old co-worker. [color=lightcoral]"You might already know. Or maybe not? Sometimes I think others assume the truth, but have difficulty accepting it based on scale and probability."[/color] Sulfrax paused, pulling back his sleeve to reveal the leather wraps. Running a finger along their length made the runes grow vaguely before he unwrapped a few, revealing the flesh for a closer look.

     The flesh was dead. Withered with a loss of muscle mass, and flesh burned so badly it looked like coal. It didn't make sense that he could even move the limb, and it probably would have been healthier to have the limb amputated... but with a motion of his fingers, which seemed unnatural considering the condition, cracks became visible in the flesh. Raw arcane energy flowed beneath, like magma within stone, glowing a faint white-blue and pulsing with energy. [color=lightcoral]"The first arcane node project was a failure and a success. A failure because it wasn't moved to a stable, appropriate vessel suitable for Sydney's use. A success, because of what it did to me; I passively draw in and generate my own source of arcane energy. I am, effectively, a living arcane node."[/color]

     Sulfrax wrapped his arm again once Rem had gotten a good look, and let the limb fall back to his side as he began moving again, without missing a beat in his speech. [color=lightcoral]"When my original attempt began to destabilize, it was going to explode. There would have been a crater in the middle of the capital with my name on it. Instead, I made an attempt to stabilize it. An effort to suppress the node before all of its generated power exploded outwards. I succeeded. The damage was contained to the lab itself and my body. My arms and legs didn't make it; the raw intake of power was both drawn in and expelled first through my limbs, and the living tissue didn't fare well. My organs became nearly fully integrated with my arcane network. I move myself around with magic like a puppet, I hardly need to eat or sleep, and I've barely aged a day in the last ten years."[/color]

     Sulfrax's mouth turned, looking up as the tree cover became thicker, perhaps confirming to himself that they were still moving in the right direction. [color=lightcoral]"I have ranted out a worthy explanation of what I am for you now, yes? You should do the same for me at some point. And I would prefer it if you didn't go repeating what I told you. My story is classified information among the heads of CMAS and King Thrallmor's circle. Even Yvin isn't prone to the full details. Wouldn't want a slip of the tongue getting you in trouble in Illon. That is...if something else doesn't kill us first?"[/color] Sulfrax paused, looking off to the side suddenly, tilting his head a bit. Smoke in the distance. The beginning of a forest fire? Or were they to be attacked again?
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[@Necrophage][@Greenguy]