ShiningSector

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

Travis raised an eyebrow upon watching Felix not only summoning a table with a set of two chairs but a chessboard as well, covered side-by-side with fine-crafted pieces established within each checkered square. His gaze then shifted to Felix himself, "Is there honestly anything that you don't keep in your mana inventory?"

He then took his seat at the table, "sure, I'm game. It'll definitely pass the time while we're out here."

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

"I suppose that is a fair trial, given what we have at the moment," Travis replied, "it'll sure be like watching paint dry if it does last awhile though."

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

The moment Felix exited the portal, it didn't take Travis long to notice a slight change in Felix's physical condition. He watched as Felix's assured movements soon allured to enfeeble gestures. The hints were minor but added up after the former Arch-Mage instilled urgency to begin the experiment. Travis momentarily pondered how Felix got around as he rounded up everyone into this crazy quest, knowing that fact that leaving the protective perimeter of the manor would increasingly become taxing. Seeing Felix's condition immediately begin to deteriorate, even at a slow growing pace, it was more evident to Travis that their project had to succeed.

With a mana crystal in hand and in position, Felix activated their rune with the inscribed text emitting a calm blue glow. Travis immediately began jotting down notes and while he didn't find anything visually remarkable, through the use of his manalysis, he could perceive Felix's aura and mana traces improving from an apparent lessened state. While Felix seemed more lively and confident of their success, Travis didn't express the exact same tone.

"It does appear that our runic spell is doing its job, see as your cheerful attitude it back," Travis began, "though I am still concerned how long it will hold up. I'd rather it stay functioning for least several hours rather than a few short minutes, or even for a moment."

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

Travis briefly watched as Felix took passion of the scroll before generating on of his signature rifts. After Felix made his welcoming gesture, Travis stepped through the portal and exited into the Redwood forest. The Untalent took the moment to scan his surroundings, noting the massive base of each of the trees that surrounded and dwarfed him, all the way up to their towering apex. Eventually, Travis turned back and faced the portal, awaiting Felix to exit through.

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

Travis eyed Felix only momentarily having noting the Magi's second gesture of indifference, "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's give it a whirl!" he exclaimed while he rolled the scroll into a more portable shape.

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

"Honestly, my prototype was seemingly more complex than what we have here and it functioned just fine and typical mediums. I wouldn't see the problem with our rune working in the same manner," Travis replied while gathering their documents and drafts on the new rune, "plus, I aim to make my spells applicable as possible."

Having sorted out their illustrated designs and the proposed final product of their research, Travis produced a blank scroll from the pile and propelled it into the air with a levitation spell, "since we're not being picky, I suppose this should do. Think of it this way too; we can at least it properly documented."

As he held the scroll in the air, Travis channeled additional mana and began projecting the rune into the air. Having the rough designs to go by, it didn't take him long to complete it. Though even he would admit that he needed to make sure that that oriental nature of the rune was properly applied to the rune. With the holographic rune now manifested, he completed his part and had it imprinted into the scroll. Each character and symbol dematerialized as it itched into the fibers of the scroll.

Travis took hold of the scroll and momentarily gazed upon his work, checking for any unlikely inaccuracies may have occurred. Feeling satisfied, he recalled his attention back to Felix, " I do believe we're set with the medium; what's next?"

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

Travis eyed Felix for a moment before giving his reply, "a medium, huh? I believe we have a few candidates that we could use unless you have something specific in mind."

He then transitioned over to their work-table and pointed out a few of the items he had brought down to the lab days before, "we already have a few blank scrolls we can inscribe the run to. I even have a couple of vessels here that the rune could be stored to and casted too, same one I used during the last mission with my initial prototype spell."

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

"Huh," Travis took a quick witty glance at Felix and back to Raiya regarding her descriptive retort, "ain't that so?"

He eventually filled his mug and after adding creamer to the contents and took a big gulp. While he indulged in the fine items of his plate, he listened to the brief exchange between Felix and Raiya though found one part of the dialogue regarding the Academia amusing upon Felix stating those of the organization could study with little sleep needed through the process, "tell me about it..." he openly commented.

The conversation evolved and now involved the Holy Grail, a subject Travis wouldn’t normally care so much for however it has recently become an interest in their mission. As he recalled Felix explaining earlier, they were hardly ready to try and seize such an important relic, not with the other Paragons unclaimed. It was Nemo whom started the topic and queried if it could be used against the same society that revered it so. Felix replied though as Travis could have surmised, he only held speculation.

A minute later and a new discussion went underway but not exactly how the Untalent expected it. Just a moment after he noticed Felix bringing up a newspaper article via his manadial and taking a swig from his coffe-filled mug did he suddenly eject its contents from he mouth, "Jesus-!" Travis yelped as he reeled away in surprise.

Once again, it was Nemo had started the new conversation, although indirectly. Apparently, their white-haired talent, as Travis learned further by pulling the same article from his own manadial, had been on a late night killingspree that involved eliminating a rival gang in violent competition with Raiya’s. The feat was undeniably impressive Travis had to admit but rather extreme and bloody at the same time. He closed the article down, not wishing to no more of the exact details. Meanwhile, Felix reaffirmed the importance of making sure they keep their presence here a secret, using whatever discrete methods they had at their disposal.

Having said that, he watched as Felix rise up from his seat and departed to the kitchen and momentarily returned to inform Travis to come to the lab when his was finished, “y-yeah will do, I’m almost done here.”

Quite frankly he wasn’t too sure is the discussion became awkward or not but it unsurprisingly seemed that Nemo and Raiya were on to another conversation, thankfully one that didn’t involve arguing. Just as he has said with Felix, Travis finished his meal before they got up and dropped off is dishes in the sink as well and made his way to the lab.

Shortly after arriving, he poured himself another cup of coffee from the pot Felix had brought with him, “Sorry if I kept ya; so, what should we get started on first?”

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

After he and Felix to finally agreed to step back for a much needed R&R, Travis made his way back up stairs to his Quarters. With every step he took, he felt as if he as having to apply a little bit more mental effort to keep his balance. Having stayed up for several days without sleep and only caffeine to keep him going, he felt that the psychoactive stimulants that coursed through him were expiring far sooner than what he was used to perceive. Half up the stairs, he elected to use the railing to guide him up the next floor.

Upon reaching the next floor did Travis stumble upon an all to familiar sight and an annoying one at that; Nemo and Raiya arguing again. Travis rolled his eyes continued towards his room, disregarding the aggressive stance Raiya was assuming by lifting Nemo up by his shirt's collar. If he was more awake and in a caring mood, Travis would have been more startled about the scene. However, all he could really do was manifest his annoyance of the two's bickering. At least that what he thought they were doing anyway. The words that exited their mouths were inaudible and came off as drowned grumblings; another sign that fatigue's weakling grip gripping tighter.

Having reached the doorway to his room, he bothered to face both Raiya and Nemo one more time, finding that their feud was over as each returned to their own rooms. Travis sighed and shook his head before entering his quarters. Given the circumstances of hise declining mood and awareness, he disregarded the typical ritual of disrobing himself and instead lazily shifted any extra layers off before finally collapsing into his bead. It only took a minute after closing his eyes before passing out.

---

Travis eventfully came to after less than a day had passed. He gave a wide yawn and allowed his eyes linger around the room for a moment as while became more aware of his arousing. He concluded to an amusing notion that he eventually did undress and pulled the sheets over him, at some point in time he couldn't recall, only remembering just nonchalantly collapsing into the berth. A moment later, he could hear muffled sounds from downstairs and the faint smell of an unique. Having slept for such a long time, Travis could already feeling his stomaching aching for sustenance. Giving in the to feeling, he arose and made his way into his quarter's bathroom to bathe and clean up.

Before starting the shower, he prompted to look into the mirror there and gauge his appearance. After several days of not tiding himself, he could see tiny hairs forming around his chin and jawline; his body's persistent attempt to craft him a beard. Ironically, while he was against this, he couldn't say the same for the portion of his scalp having been saved off and still unnaturally failing to grow even one single long thread there. He frowned but proceeded into the shower to wash up and shave.

Minutes later, Travis exited his room with fresh attire proceeded downstairs. While still feeling like he could sleep for five more hours, he still felt fairly rejuvenated to move around on his own accord without any material assistance to keep him balanced. He arrived at the main floor found that everyone one had congregated for what appeared to be an Eastern cuisine compiled at the dinning table. Travis passed by and took his seat and proceeding to pour himself some coffee.

"Good afternoon, I take it? Gosh, I slept like a rock," Travis stated while working on his caffeinated beverage.

Paragon's End [Modern/Fantasy/Anime/Adventure]

"I honestly can't see why we couldn't imprint it onto that old thing of leather, assuming the final product isn't cumbersome. Everything seems promising thus far." Travis causally replied after finishing off the contents within his mug in one gulp, his focus still centered at his rough draft.

It was then Travis had taken notice of Felix assuming a comfortable posture with a rather satisfied expression on his face. Someone seemed pleased. As it turned out, his Talent counterpart was compelled to complement him on all of his work and contributions to them team, even going as far as stating his integral he was in getting them this far. Travis felt proud by the recognition though he didn't know how to verbally respond. Renown or prestige were pleasant once received though he found more sentiment with accomplishing the task at hand nd the greater good that came with it. His work and craftsmanship was what he strived for.

Travis produced an embarrassed chuckle but decided not to elaborate more once Zuri came into the conversation and reported on her training. It appeared she was also being the productive the best she could as well, "Splendid work, Zuri."

Upon her second advisory of calling it a day, Travis examined the time on his manadial before turning to face Felix, "I concur with Zuri. Now that we have finally something to work with, I think we would be more productive after getting some actual rest rather than topping off more caffeine shots."