The Hall of Memories was quiet. Unlike the main dungeon where the Pattern Alpha countdown's ticking reminded them of danger, this ancient place remained peaceful.
Eli stood in what looked like a central hub, gripping Starling firmly. The staff's dark core pulsed with the 470 motes of Flux they still had left after activating the defensive portal. The golden bits from Chronoa occasionally shimmered inside.
"So many choices," Eli said, looking around the room.
Seven different doorways spread out from this center point, each one unique in how it looked and what symbols it had. They formed a perfect circle around him, with six glowing softly and one remaining dark.
Aura hovered near his shoulder, her tiny wings creating ripples of light. "Each gate leads to different training," she said with a hint of excitement. "The Aethel believed in teaching many skills."
"How do I know which one to pick?" Eli asked, walking toward the nearest doorway.
It was a huge structure made of polished blue stone with silver patterns that looked like stars. As he got closer, the doorway responded to him, glowing brighter. Three symbols appeared in the air in front of it.
"What does that mean?" Eli asked, pointing at the floating symbols.
The hourglass mark on his wrist—Chronoa's parting gift—tingled. Suddenly, he understood what the symbols meant.
"Three hundred motes," he said. "That's what it costs to use this gate."
"That's expensive," Aura said, frowning slightly. "Let's check the others before deciding."
They moved to the next portal, this one made of darker material with red lines running through it. A simple symbol floated before it.
The hourglass mark on Eli's wrist warmed, and the symbol's meaning became clear.
"Two hundred motes," Eli said. "That's the cost to unlock this gate."
"We won't know what's inside until we pay the price," Aura explained. "The portals need Flux to power their activation sequence. Without it, they remain sealed and reveal nothing of what's behind them."
Eli nodded, running his fingers over Starling's shaft. "So it's a leap of faith. We commit resources without knowing exactly what we'll get."
"Not entirely blind," Aura added. "The gate's appearance and energy signature do offer clues. This one's pattern suggests it might focus on magical arts rather than physical combat."
They walked around the circle, checking each doorway. Every one showed different costs and energy patterns. Eli carefully noted everything, looking for clues about what they did.
When they reached the seventh portal—the dark one—Eli frowned. Unlike the others, it didn't respond to them at all. Its surface looked old and worn, with spiral patterns that hurt his eyes if he looked too long.
"Why isn't this one working?" he asked, reaching toward it.
Aura darted in front of his hand. "Don't touch that!" she warned. "Some gates need you to finish other training first."
Eli pulled his hand back and returned to the center of the hub. "So what's our best plan? We don't have much Flux or time."
Aura circled thoughtfully before landing on Starling's shaft.
"We should start with the cheapest option," she suggested, pointing toward the portal that cost one hundred motes.
Eli went back to look at it more carefully. Now he could see images carved into the stone: figures fighting in different positions, using weapons and energy.
"What about that one?" he asked, pointing to the next gate over—one made of swirling silver and blue material that moved like water.
"Gate of the Veilweaver," Aura replied. "Based on the energy signature, I believe it relates to magical manipulation and energy projection. The initial activation cost is 200 motes."
Eli frowned, weighing their options. "Our Flux is limited, and we don't know exactly what's coming with Pattern Alpha. We need to be smart about this."
"Maybe we should ask Marco," Aura suggested with a shrug. "He might help us decide."
"Good idea," Eli nodded. "Let's write down what we found and show him."
Eli pulled out a small journal from his pack and wrote down the costs and functions he'd discovered. Marco had already mapped the physical layout of this place with his scanning robot, but the energy properties needed direct interaction to reveal.
Unknown Gate 1
Focus: Unknown (Aura suspects combat training based on symbols)
Initial activation cost: 100 motes
Gate of the Veilweaver
Focus: Unknown (Aura suspects magic control)
Initial activation cost: 200 motes
Unknown Gate 3
Focus: Unknown
Initial activation cost: 300 motes
Unknown Gate 4
Focus: Unknown
Initial activation cost: 400 motes
Unknown Gate 5
Focus: Unknown
Initial activation cost: 500 motes
Unknown Gate 6
Focus: Unknown
Initial activation cost: 600 motes
Gate of the First Memory
Focus: Unknown (inactive)
Cost: Unknown
Requirements: Unknown (probably need to complete other gates)
Initial activation cost: ?
After finishing his notes, Eli looked around the hub once more. "Let's go talk to Marco. The time slowdown works in our favor—we won't lose much outside time."
They walked back through the Hall of Whispers, past the Healing Pool in the Grotto, and finally through the doorway that connected this place to the main dungeon. As they came out, the rhythmic ticking immediately hit their ears.
Tick... tick... tick...
The countdown to Pattern Alpha was a harsh reminder of their danger.
"Marco, I need your help," Eli called out, turning on the communication link.
A hologram of Marco appeared through the circlet, his expression focused and calculating. "You're back quickly. Did you check out the gates?"
Eli connected his journal notes with Marco's 3D model, watching as the AI updated it with the newly discovered costs and energy signatures. The hologram now showed detailed Flux requirements floating near each gate.
"Each gate needs different amounts of Flux," Eli explained. "And their costs match what you guessed about what they do. We need to choose carefully. We have 470 motes left, and less than twenty-three hours until Pattern Alpha hits."
Marco's projection studied the updated model with careful precision. His digital eyes moved back and forth, running calculations and comparing options.
"Good work confirming this," he said with a nod. "My robot mapped the physical structure, but couldn't access these energy details. The costs match my theories about their functions. Did you try any of the gates?"
"No," Eli replied. "We wanted your advice before spending any Flux."
Marco nodded approvingly. "Smart move. Based on the data, you have two best options."
His projection expanded, showing a comparison chart.
"Option one: Focus on combat training through the Gate of the Thousand Strikes. It fits with your existing physical skills and would help most quickly against guardian enemies. The starting cost of 100 motes is also the cheapest."
"And option two?" Aura prompted, her light pulsing with curiosity.
"The Gate of the Veilweaver," Marco continued. "While more expensive at 200 motes to start, it would develop your magical abilities—an area where you lack formal training despite your natural talent."
"Which do you think is better?" Eli asked, looking between the two gates on the model.
After talking it through, they decided to activate the Gate of the Veilweaver for 200 motes, leaving them with 270 motes remaining.
"Actually," Marco said, his projection changing to show a new design, "I've been working on something that might change how you train."
The hologram showed a complex circlet similar to but more advanced than the one Eli currently wore for communication.
"What is it?" Eli asked, leaning closer to study the design.
"A neural training interface," Marco explained proudly. "I've been extracting combat forms and physical training methods from my archives—the Eight Forms of the Shifting Star and related techniques. This device would let you access that training directly, giving you a virtual teacher to guide your physical development."
"So you're saying it could do what the Gate of the Thousand Strikes does?" Eli asked, eyes widening.
"Not completely," Marco cautioned, "but enough to make the Gate of the Veilweaver potentially more valuable to you. My device could handle your physical training while the gate could develop your magical abilities—areas I can't effectively teach."
"How soon could this device be ready?" Eli asked, excited by the possibility.
"About two hours," Marco replied. "I've been working on it since we discovered the Pattern Alpha cycle starting. The basic structure is done, but I need to finish the calibration algorithms and energy stabilization components."
Eli looked at Aura, who seemed cautiously hopeful.
"Will it work with the hourglass mark?" Eli asked, touching his wrist.
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"Yes," Marco confirmed. "The mark itself contains time properties that my device can work with. It should also help you access and use the knowledge Chronoa gave you more effectively."
"What about the binding spell?" Eli asked, touching the collar. Since learning its true purpose as a protective mechanism rather than just a prison, he'd been rethinking his relationship with it.
"That's where things get interesting," Marco said, his projection shifting to show the silver-gold threads now visible in the binding spell's structure. "My device would help you work with the spell instead of against it. Based on what Chronoa revealed, the spell is designed to stabilize and balance your energy—not just hold it back."
"And that would help with magic training?" Eli asked.
"Exactly," Marco replied. "The Gate of the Veilweaver focuses on energy control, projection, and management—all areas where the binding spell's stabilizing function would help rather than limit you. The spell might actually make your learning better in these areas if you approach it right."
Eli thought about it, tapping Starling against the ground. "What should we do while waiting for your device?"
"Go back to the Hall," Marco suggested. "With Aura's help, explore the Gate of the Veilweaver's options since you've already activated it. Make a list of magical abilities you might learn and their individual costs. This will help us create a training plan when my device is ready."
"And what abilities should I focus on?" Eli asked.
Marco's projection expanded to display an energy diagram. "Based on your current abilities and the likely challenges of Pattern Alpha, focus on balance and control skills that improve efficiency. Your main limitation isn't raw power but control and conversion efficiency."
"That makes sense," Eli agreed, nodding. "The binding spell limits how much energy I can channel at once, but it doesn't limit how efficiently I use what's available."
"Exactly," Marco confirmed. "With proper magical training, you could potentially do the same things with half the energy. This would effectively double what you can do without needing more raw power."
The ticking countdown seemed to grow momentarily louder, reminding them that time was running out.
"Two hours," Eli confirmed. "We'll go back to the Hall, check out the Veilweaver options, and meet you back here for the device."
"I'll work as fast as I can," Marco promised, his projection already showing him working on components. "Be thorough in your exploration—the more specific information you gather, the better we can customize your training."
As Marco's projection faded, Eli turned to Aura. "Ready to go back?"
The tiny being's light brightened with determination. "Lead the way."
They returned through the portal to the Grotto, the sudden absence of the ticking countdown creating a brief feeling of relief. Passing the Healing Pool with its glowing waters, they made their way back to the Hall of Memories and its central hub.
This time, Eli approached the Gate of the Veilweaver with clear purpose. He pointed Starling toward the gate, which was still closed.
"I want to see what's inside," Eli said. "Let's activate this gate."
He directed 200 motes of Flux from Starling toward the gate. The energy flowed from the staff in golden streams, connecting with the doorway's surface. The silvery-blue material rippled like water suddenly disturbed, then parted to reveal an opening.
As the gate activated, a complex array of symbols appeared before it - an elaborate constellation of connected glyphs that hadn't been visible before. Lines of light connected various symbols, showing paths and relationships between different skills.
"It's beautiful," Aura breathed, circling the projection in fascination. "A complete magic curriculum, now revealed."
Eli studied the display, trying to make sense of the complex patterns. The hourglass mark on his wrist warmed, helping translate the ancient symbols, though many remained mysterious.
"Now I can see what's inside," Eli said. "Help me understand this," he asked Aura. "What are these main branches?"
Aura settled near the projection, her light illuminating different sections as she explained.
"This central path is basic energy control," she began, tracing a line of blue glyphs. "Simple techniques for channeling, containing, and directing magical energy. Cost: 150 motes."
She moved to another branch, this one glowing with silver light. "This is barrier and protection magic—creating shields, wards, and defensive constructs. Base cost: 200 motes, but requires the foundation path first."
A third branch, pulsing with emerald energy, caught her attention next. "Space manipulation—the beginnings of teleportation and phasing techniques. Very advanced. Base cost: 250 motes with significant prerequisites."
Eli noticed a fourth path, this one shimmering with golden light. "And this one?"
Aura hesitated. "Flux Attunement—techniques for converting, purifying, and enhancing energy from various sources. Very useful for your corruption harvesting. Base cost: 180 motes, but works well with your binding spell based on these symbols."
"That sounds promising," Eli said, studying the golden path more closely. Now that the gate was activated, he could see several sub-modules branching from it, each with additional costs:
Conversion Efficiency: 75 motes
Purification Acceleration: 90 motes
Crystalline Formation: 100 motes
Flux Resonance: 120 motes
"This matches what Marco suggested," Eli noted. "Focusing on efficiency rather than raw power."
"True," Aura agreed. "And look at these indicators." She pointed to symbols beside each module. "These show binding spell compatibility. The Flux Attunement path has the highest compatibility ratings."
Eli frowned in concentration as he studied the projection. "With only 270 motes left, we need to be selective. The basic energy control would cost 150 motes, leaving us 120 motes in reserve."
"We should be careful with our resources," Aura advised. "Maybe we should focus on just one sub-module instead of trying to unlock the entire path."
Eli nodded. "You're right. The Conversion Efficiency module at 75 motes would be most immediately useful, and we'd still have plenty of Flux in reserve."
"Are these costs one-time payments, or ongoing?" Eli asked.
"One-time payments for each module," Aura explained. "Once activated, you can train in that discipline as much as needed while in the Hall, taking advantage of the time slowdown. However, more advanced techniques might require additional Flux to unlock specific exercises or simulations."
Eli began recording the details in his journal, taking special note of elements that Marco's scanning robot couldn't see. He focused particularly on the Flux Attunement path and its sub-modules, documenting their costs, prerequisites, and binding spell compatibility ratings for later integration into Marco's model.
"This one is really interesting," he said, pointing to the Crystalline Formation module. "It seems to be about those crystal formations we've been creating when harvesting Flux."
"Yes," Aura confirmed with enthusiasm. "It would teach you to create those formations on purpose, with specific properties and functions. You could potentially create stable energy nodes throughout the dungeon."
"Strategic resources," Eli mused. "That could be incredibly helpful during the Pattern Alpha wave."
As they continued exploring the projection, Eli noticed something unusual. Certain glyphs seemed to shift or change when he looked at them directly, as if responding to his specific energy signature.
"The gate is adapting to you," Aura observed. "Reading your current abilities and adjusting its offerings accordingly. That's why some modules are highlighted more brightly than others—they represent the best learning paths for your specific energy pattern."
"Amazing," Eli whispered. "The Aethel built this system to be completely personalized."
"They believed in tailored education," Aura explained. "No two students would see exactly the same curriculum."
After documenting everything they could about the Veilweaver's offerings, Eli decided to check one more gate before returning to Marco. He approached the Gate of the Awakened Mind, curious about its fixed cost structure.
As before, the gate responded to his presence, but instead of a complex constellation of modules, it displayed a single, unified symbol glowing with intense silver-gold light—remarkably similar to the threads now visible in his binding spell.
"Why is this one different?" he asked Aura.
"The Gate of the Awakened Mind is special," she explained. "It doesn't teach specific techniques so much as it accelerates breakthroughs—helping you achieve deeper harmony with your energy core and the binding spell. Its effects are more... fundamental."
"And the fixed cost?"
"It represents a complete package," Aura said. "Unlike the modular approaches of other gates, this one requires full commitment. Three hundred motes activates a comprehensive meditation program that can't be broken into smaller parts."
Eli made notes about this gate as well, though less detailed than for the Veilweaver. While interesting, the fixed cost and less tangible benefits made it a lower priority given their current limits.
"I think we have enough information," he said finally, closing his journal. "Let's head back and see how Marco's device is coming along."
They made their way back through the Hall and Grotto, emerging once again into the main dungeon where the ticking countdown immediately resumed its persistent rhythm.
Tick... tick... tick...
"We've been in the Hall for what felt like fifteen minutes to us," Aura noted, "but in the outside world, barely any time has passed. Marco will still be in the early stages of working on the device."
Eli nodded, appreciating the time dilation effect that would work to their advantage. "The time flow difference will help us prepare."
"You're back early," he observed without pausing his work. "Did you finish exploring?"
"We focused mainly on the Gate of the Veilweaver," Eli explained, showing Marco his notes and diagrams. "The Flux Attunement path seems particularly promising given our current needs."
Marco's projection studied the information with interest. "Excellent work. This will help me customize the training interface."
"How much longer until it's ready?" Eli asked.
"About ninety minutes," Marco replied. "I've made good progress on the core components, but the integration with the hourglass mark is proving more complex than I thought."
Reaching into a compartment near his workstation, Marco produced a small silver disc. The device was simple, with only a circular display showing glowing numerals.
"Take this chronometer," he said, handing it to Eli. "It's synchronized to the time flow outside the subdimension. When it reads ninety minutes, my device should be ready. With the time dilation effect in the Hall, you'll experience much more time internally."
Eli accepted the disc, noting its lightweight feel and the pulsing numbers. "This will help us know when to return."
"And this device—it will help with both physical and magical training?" Eli confirmed.
"In different ways," Marco clarified. "For physical training, it will provide direct instruction—holographic demonstrations of forms and techniques, with real-time feedback on your execution. For magical training, it will help monitor energy flows and binding spell interactions, alerting you to inefficiencies or dangerous patterns."
"So it complements the gate training rather than replacing it," Eli summarized.
"Exactly," Marco agreed. "Which is why I still recommend pursuing the Veilweaver path in the Hall, with particular focus on the Flux Attunement modules."
The ticking countdown seemed to grow subtly louder, a constant reminder of their deadline.
"What should we do while waiting?" Eli asked.
"Rest and prepare," Marco advised. "The training ahead will be intensive, especially with the time slowdown effect. Your body and mind need to be in good condition."
Eli nodded, suddenly aware of the fatigue accumulated over the past several hours. Between the encounter with Chronoa, the Flux harvesting, and the exploration of the Hall, he hadn't taken proper time to recover.
"The Healing Pool in the Grotto," Aura suggested, her light brightening. "It would help restore your energy while we wait."
"Good idea," Eli agreed. "We'll rest there and come back in ninety minutes."
"I'll call you when the device is ready," Marco promised, his projection already returning to its detailed work.
As they turned back toward the portal, Eli cast one last glance at his journal notes—particularly the section about the Gate of the First Memory, the mysterious inactive portal that seemed to require completion of all others. Something about it called to him, a feeling that seemed to connect with both the binding spell and Chronoa's hourglass mark. It reminded him of Chronoa's cryptic words about progression and ordered learning—that some knowledge could only be accessed after the proper foundations were established.
"One step at a time," he reminded himself, stepping through the portal with Aura. "First the Veilweaver, then we'll see what comes next."
The ticking of the countdown faded again as they entered the other dimension, replaced by the gentle ambient hum of the ancient Aethel structures. Ahead, the glowing waters of the Healing Pool beckoned, promising restorative energy before the intensive training to come.
Eli settled at the pool's edge, removing his boots and dipping his feet into the glowing liquid. The water immediately responded, tendrils of light spiraling up his legs and easing away the aches of recent exertions.
"This feels amazing," he sighed, letting the healing energy work through his tired muscles.
Aura hovered nearby, occasionally dipping close to the water's surface. "Don't get too comfortable. Remember, time moves differently here."
Eli nodded, glancing at the chronometer on his belt. The numbers had barely changed, confirming that while it felt like minutes had passed for them, only seconds had ticked by in the outside world.
"A short rest, then we begin training," he decided, allowing himself to sink deeper into the pool.
For what felt like an hour to Eli, he soaked in the restorative waters, feeling his energy return and his mind clear. When he finally stepped out, he felt completely renewed, ready for the challenges ahead.
The chronometer showed that only eight minutes had passed in the outside world.
"We have plenty of time," Eli noted, securing his boots. "Marco's device won't be ready for another eighty-two minutes."
Aura's light brightened. "That's over six days of training time for us. We should head to the Veilweaver gate and begin immediately."
Eli nodded, picking up Starling. The staff's core pulsed with the 90 motes of Flux they still had in reserve after activating the Flux Attunement module. The binding spell around his neck felt different now—not just a constraint but a tool waiting to be properly used.
"Let's make the most of this time," he said, heading back toward the Hall of Memories and the waiting gate. "We'll return to Marco when the chronometer reaches ninety."
As he walked, his mind turned to the Pattern Alpha wave approaching in less than a day, and to the transformation that awaited him beyond the Veilweaver's portal. With the hourglass mark warm against his wrist, he stepped forward to begin his training, determined to master whatever skills the gate would reveal.
—
