Chapter 22 - Issuing A Challenge

"Why are words used while casting a rune ability?" Zenith, who was sitting cross-legged, asked Fable who was standing.

"It helps invoke resonance, sort of like a drum beat that makes the resonance flow better. There's a lot of complicated science and research crap that goes into it, but without it, you can't form the ability. Think of it like a lock and key. But!" Fable suddenly raised his hand, aiming at the wall to the side. A ball of fire suddenly condensed and shot over like a flash of heat, exploding into the cave wall and spraying fire around that dissipated after a few moments, leaving scorch marks. Zenith was stunned; he didn't know resonance runes could be done like this. He looked back at Fable who spoke.

"If your mastery of Resonance runes is exceptional, or if you have great understanding into how one works, all you need is thought and familiarity. But imagine the strength when you add an incantation."

Fable seemed to enjoy being admired by Zenith; after all, the limelight was always the best. "Earth Grip is a low-level rune ability, but don't think it's bad. In a pinch or when you need to flee, it's really good."

Fable waved his hand again, causing the ground a few meters away to shake before several pillars made of earth shot up and curved around each other before hardening like rock. Zenith was amazed at how Fable didn't need to use an incantation, but he assumed it wouldn't be hard with effort.

"The incantation for this rune ability is 'Mighty Earth, Seize & Imprison.' Simple and straightforward. With each spoken word, be sure to feel their might, cause the resonance mass in your body to tremble, beat it like a drum. And picture your target imprisoned in pillars of earth." Fable then waited for Zenith to speak.

Zenith looked at both his hands for a moment, then stood up quietly looking at the ground beside Fable. "Mighty... Earth... Seize... &... Imprison!" But all he got was a soft fluctuation of resonance.

"BAHAHAHA, what are you doing!! Taking a dump? Say it with confidence, don't stop for so long. Mighty Earth Seize & Imprison!" Fable waved his hand, the ground around the first pillars of earth shook as several enormous pillars that dwarfed the ones from before shot up, encasing around the first set.

Zenith sighed in fascination. He relaxed himself, calming his mind a bit. "You can practice this. I'm gonna lure another group; you can continue to practice between each clean up and lure."

Back at the freighter, Mirabell was giving Jenabell some sandwiches and tea as they sat at a table near the teleporter device. They would receive auto check-ins from both Fable and Zenith so they weren't fussed. Mirabell gazed curiously at her grandma as she went over her device, looking at information. The two then heard the sounds of excitement and talking. They looked up in surprise, seeing a large crowd in the distance that soon parted. The figure of Mythica Aralune, accompanied by Lieutenant Amada and her protective robots, walked by. They talked to each other in the distance, Amada obviously respectful, Mythica seeming nonchalant.

Mirabell tilted her head a bit, emitting a curious tune, to which Jenabell spoke. "Allspace used to be just as mighty, but look how far we have fallen. Sometimes I wonder if this is a punishment from the heavens, or a test for us." She got back to her work, not paying more attention.

But the chatter and crowd seemed to get closer. Jenabell raised her head again, only to see Mythica walk over to them. Jenabell and Mirabell were surprised; the former sighed quietly before standing up, as Mythica with Amada behind her approached. Amada, of course, took the time to shoo the crowd away, with some effort dispersing most of them.

"You're Miss Jenabell Novaforge?" Mythica spoke, her voice strong, with maturity and firmness.

Jenabell smiled. "Indeed I am Lady Mythica Aralune. To what do I owe this visit to?" She got straight to the point; Allspace currently had nothing anyone needed.

Mythica looked at Mirabell for a moment, who appeared a bit nervous, then gazed back at Jenabell. "I've always admired the Allspace relic hunter organization, trailblazers that tore through relic sites and contributed so much to the federation. It's really a shame that it's fallen." She lamented a bit.

Jenabell, though, chuckled quietly. "Allspace may be missing its former strength, but its heart and spirit are stronger than ever." She responded. Mirabell nodded fiercely; Amada walked closer but kept silent.

Mythica gave a slight smirk then retained her expressionless look. "I've come to hear that Allspace possesses the A rank device that your founder and others vanished into long ago. I was curious to know if that's true, and if you are selling it?"

Jenabell's heart skipped a beat. Clearing her throat, she replied, "I'm not sure where you got that information, but the device is long gone. Otherwise, considering the worth of those that went missing, the federation would have no doubt sent a rescue party or at least people to investigate."

Mythica pondered for a moment, looking into Jenabell's eyes as she appeared thoughtful, a hand raising to grasp her own chin. "That's fine. Is your grandson Fable Novaforge currently inside?" Mythica looked towards the teleporter then back.

Jenabell nodded. "Time is money for us; we can't afford to be picky these days."

Hearing her reply, Mythica appeared thoughtful. "There are rumors that some years ago, he was to be groomed to be a future relic syndicate leader, but he put all that aside to join Allspace. It's quite a loss for the federation. But for us heroes of the new generation, it's also an obstacle to our growing pride, someone equal to us that we haven't fought yet."

Jenabell laughed quietly, a bit irritated. "I would say, being part of Allspace which contributed so much already to the federation, is in itself quite an honor. But hearing your words, you aren't just here to ask about the teleporter device; you're intending to fight my grandson for this pride you new generation have?"

Mythica gave a slight smirk. "Indeed. Only by honing myself and testing my limits can I prove that I am the most worthy for Aleren Vailen."

Jenabell laughed a little. "How sweet..." She choked back her words almost, continuing, "But as I said, time is money for us. You have gain, but we have none."

Mythica looked confused. "What do you mean? Is it not enough that your grandson will be able to fight me? How many people wish for it but don't have the chance?"

Mirabell almost chuckled, holding in whatever tune was going to escape. Jenabell shook her head a bit. "I'm sorry to say, Lady Mythica Aralune, but if this is the mindset of your new generation, then it's a pity."

Mythica seemed offended, her gaze and face forming a frown. "Is that so? Well, how about this: Amada here has told me you have some issues with Scorpius, the B rank relic hunter organization. If Fable Novaforge beats me, I'll have my backing handle the debt you owe them. Consider it even."

Jenabell's eyes widened, gulping as she thought for a moment. "Wonderful! How can I not agree!" A blessing in disguise for her. Mirabell was also a little excited, but Mythica, seeing this, felt off. "Hrm... you seem quite certain that your grandson will win... judging by how happy you both are?"

Jenabell cleared her throat, speaking up. "With all due respect, Miss Mythica, that little farce gathering the elites did years ago is just a little play date. My grandson would have mopped the floor with all of you, including that Aleren kid."

Mythica's eyes narrowed, her teeth clenched. "Watch your tongue!... Hmph... we'll see if that's the truth then. Let's do it this way: if you lose, you need to get on your hands and knees and beg for forgiveness for speaking about Aleren like that."

Jenabell snickered. "Why not? I accept. When he returns, we can set it up."

Back inside the relic site, Fable suddenly sneezed as he smacked a resonant creature with his hand casually, causing its entire body to explode, wearing the backpack as he fought. "Someone's talking about me..." he grumbled as he sneezed a second time.

Zenith was fighting as well. This was the 4th wave they faced of average size, consisting of 10 creatures. Zenith was dodging and agilely moving, his body more flexible and strengthened due to the constant resonance strengthenings he had undergone.

His gauntlet crushed the skull of one creature before he ducked, avoiding the tackle of another, then stabbing upwards into its belly, then throwing it with force at a third that rushed over.

"I'm getting there; progress is progress," Zenith quietly spoke, calming his mind. He found a creature in the distance. He pointed the gauntlet-encased hand over. "Mighty Earth, Seize & Imprison!" His voice was firm and filled with confidence, imagining the creature encased.

A moment later, the ground beneath the creature ruptured as several pillars of earth shot up, encasing it and trapping it between them, as it hissed trying to escape, clawing at it.

"Huh? It worked!" Zenith looked excited. Fable, looking over, was stunned, eyes widening. "You're kidding me?... What the fuck? This kid is a little monster. It took me a week before I could get that incantation properly visualized..."