[color=#1A1A3B][b][u][h1][sub][sub][sub]Farren[/sub][/sub][/sub][/h1][/u][/b][/color]		    shivered as a wave of goosebumps rose on the back of his neck at the tailend of Gerlinde’s words. He’d just been thinking that seeking out knowledge of Ascension–and perhaps eventually achieving it–could certainly lead to them instituting some truly drastic changes to the world at large…when that sensation utterly interrupted his thoughts. Attention scattered, Farren’s next step was a stumbling one that led almost immediately into a steadying one as he drew his Effigial Blade of Mercy, his gaze darting about as the sensation of being watched pressed against him, making his skin almost itch with its intensity.

Worse, Gerlinde’s words implied that this had been Ego’s attention sweeping over them, which left Farren feeling…violated, one eyelid twitching repeatedly as he breathed through the sensation. After a moment, Farren hesitantly sheathed his weapon and shook himself. He noted Ophelia sending–and then receiving–Messages and moved closer to read them.

The golden words on one of the scrolls made him clench his teeth painfully hard, just to steel himself. He had no desire to return to that place, let alone do so by virtue of Ego’s invitation. When the Shopkeeper’s reply came, Farren nodded silently to himself, but said nothing. He knew there could be…terrible consequences to doing such a thing, but a deep part of him craved to slay the Golden Bastard for what it had done to him…and what it was continuing to do by ensnaring others with its insidious influence. Still, given what they knew of the Shopkeep’s experiences during the Night of the Blood Moon, well…they truly might not end up having a real choice in the matter.