Master Of None

Chapter 2664: 2664. Forms Of Dark Mana

It was an awkward start to say the least. The cleric of decay that represented the obsidian slime race appeared to be straight forward and did not seem to want to chat much. This being the case, it left the party to travel in science mostly. There were times that the obsidian slime would speak but mostly just to warn against stronger movements in the dark mana that could harm them.

Surprisingly, for someone who had a class called cleric of decay that should focus on the benefits and natural process that decay was, the obsidian slime avoided larger amounts of decaying dark mana. Not just because the party was there it seemed either.

Walker could tell that the obsidian slime absorbed large amounts of decaying mana as part of its survival. For a species that fed on dark mana and also the creatures that had affinities for it, the obsidian slimes were most likely similar to what a dark mana affinity slime would feed on. However, it seemed that the more destructive and dangerous forms of dark mana still could cause it harm.

The cores of a slime could degrade, meaning that they were not immune to dark decaying mana that could break the cores over time. For the obsidian slime race, that would mean too much dark decaying mana would break their abilities to communicate, use magic, and more to do with their bodily functions.

”If you and your people worship the natural process of decay and even assist in the balance related to it, do all of them struggle to maintain that balance of decaying mana within themselves as well?” Walker broke the silence while they traveled toward the growing density of what they all knew as undead mana.

”It is not a struggle when it is an honor to walk this path. Those who can maintain control and fulfill the requirements will gain the support of all. Those who cannot maintain the balance or focus elsewhere will walk other paths still valuable to the ways of our people.” It was well said but it made it clear there was a divide of sorts related to the decaying dark mana and the other forms of dark mana.

While the other forms of dark mana were not as clear to many people, it was there. Some dark mana was all about the night and what was hidden within the darkness. The dark mana that was related to stealth was similar but still different since it would break down the sounds that came with wind mana allowing for better sneaking. There was the offensive but not decaying dark mana condensed in to blades and weapons. Then there was even the dark mana which was peaceful and calm that represented the opposite of the more brutal and vicious side of light mana.

Walker went on a small monologue about these forms which seemed to slow the obsidian slime. From their perspective, it appeared they did not expect Walker or the party to have this knowledge let alone ability to understand. When Walker began to mention that there were those with all these forms of dark mana within the world, the obsidian slime stopped for a half step, its body seeming to shiver slightly as the information settled.

”What of your territory steeped in darkness? Does it rot out of control? Does it grow more than what you would expect? This dragon that acts as guardian, do they demand sacrifice or worship?” The questions made it clear that there was a strange history for the obsidian slime race. Both involving a lack of fertile lands for living and growing on and potentially dastardly dragons who donʼt deserve the name dragon at all.

”The dark dragon territory is kept balanced with natural and created elemental runes and rune formations. There are many experimental and also nutritional foods and herbs grown on it. It is being built for the dark affinity races that come there constantly since the territory is larger and will most likely expand as time goes on. The dragon, Mordant, is a royal dragon and must live up to the beliefs and needs of his people while also maintaining the pride of a dragon. The dragons of the world rarely fall in to poor habits and actions.”

Another shiver moved through the obsidian slimeʼs body hearing this. It sounded like a palace that was peace and protection over all else. ”Genesis is an alliance that supports and believes all races can and should live in unity. Everyone is equal. Even the weakest race is equal to the strongest race and will have a representative on the Genesis Council to speak for them. New races join as we make connections with them. We as the founders, leaders, and people of that alliance wish to help expand that unity too.” When Su spoke up, everyone in the party stood a little taller. They were bragging about their home after all.

”I will decide if I bring some of the young ones with me when we visit then.” The statement was short but it appeared that enough interest had formed for the obsidian slime to show their standing as higher within the race. They could bring the younger obsidian slimes to a new land if they desired, something major for any race. Meaning that the cleric of decay class was held in higher regard than what Walker and the others had realized earlier.

”You would be very welcome to come and see the world. We have potions, armor, and other magic skills to help protect from other manas while you are there. The world is balanced and houses all manas in a balance, so even the dark territory is mixed with other manas.” Alice halted to quell any worries. She wanted to make sure that it was known that safety measures were taken just as she had been humming a song she made to buff everyoneʼs dark mana resistance here.

The obsidian slime seemed to have noticed her intention and also seemed to understand her stance as a healer giving her a soft bow of respect. While healers were not all light affinity, they had a respect that came from healing. Many healers who met of any form or affinity could sense the same core beliefs that came with becoming a healer. Respect for the protection of those around them.

There was a change in the terrain that caught Gilʼs eye as he halted everyone to have Walker focus on it too.

The larger cut sun the ground made a bone white crust easier to see as if it had settled over top the dark barren rock terrain that had been there before being damaged. There was also a black sludge that had gathered in the divers and trenching the ground.

ʼDecay sludge

This is the refinance of what was once a monster from the light elemental plane. As it was affected by a dense and pure form of dark decaying mana it lost its body and life causing it to degrade in to this state. This sludge is extremely toxic to any being that does not have high affinity with the decaying form of dark mana, even then it could be considered a poison to them. It can be used to assist in balancing decaying…ʼ

Walker used the all around appraisal and it appeared that the obsidian slime was happy to see this sludge. But since it was used to balance areas without decaying mana then it did have value. It could also be purified with significant light mana but that would leave it inert and not useful for much at all.

That was, they were happy until Walker noticed broken round objects nearby too. ”Youʼre people who came here fought well.” They all realized these were obsidian slime cores, all that remained of the obsidian slimes who had been unfortunate to come here seeking to remedy the problems.

”They did their duty to balance. Now we will bring them rest by ensuring that balance is kept.” A ripple lived through the obsidian slimeʼs body as a staff left their body and came to its hand. It stored the staff within itself but the energy from the deep dark rocky staff was clear. It was a potent and controlling form of dark mana that drew in dark mana from all around to be used.

”And that thing moving ahead is our opponent then.” The dark shape that should not have been able to hold out was snapping thorny black vines back and forth. The thorns were bone white and the mass larger than what the party expected. It wasnʼt just an undead monster, it had changed in some way from what it had been due to the unique conditions.

Walker hastily used his all around appraisal on it.

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