Plotplundering...
Plotplundering...
Chapter 55. Threshold
Zorian Kazinski and Zach Noveda coordinate their efforts as they travel back to Cyoria, marking a new level of trust between them. During the journey, Zorian confirms details about the nature of the time loop and Zach’s mental defenses.
Following a reset, Zorian Kazinski finds himself in Cirin, where he successfully rendezvous with Zach Noveda. The two prepare for their return to Cyoria, planning their transit while maintaining the secrecy required to navigate the complexities of the time loop. Zorian uses this time to observe Zach more closely, focusing on his companion's current capabilities and mental state.
During their interactions, Zorian investigates Zach’s mental architecture. He discovers that Zach possesses only basic, non-structured mental defenses, a fact that highlights the disparity between their magical proficiencies. In a symbolic gesture of building trust, Zach ceases the use of the Mind Blank spell in Zorian’s presence, opting for transparency as they consolidate their knowledge of the loop’s mechanics.
The duo departs Cirin by train, accompanied by Kirielle Kazinski. As they travel toward Cyoria, Zorian reflects on the critical nature of the time loop and the mysterious artifact known as the cube, which serves as the anchor for the recurring cycle. With Zorian’s focus on long-term strategy and Zach’s role as the loop’s primary catalyst, their partnership transitions into a more collaborative phase. The chapter concludes as the train moves closer to their destination, with both individuals acknowledging the gravity of their mission and the necessity of their continued alliance.
Zorian Kazinski meets Zach Noveda in Cirin following a fresh reset of the time loop.
Zorian examines Zach and determines that he only possesses basic, non-structured mental defenses.
A fifteen-year-old magic student beginning his third year at the Royal Academy, who prefers isolation to his overbearing family.
aka Zorian, the black sheep +1
The original looper and official Controller of the time loop, who struggles with precise magic but excels at raw power.
aka Zach, original looper +1
Zach decides to stop using the Mind Blank spell when around Zorian to demonstrate his trust.
Zorian, Zach, and Kirielle board a train to travel from Cirin to Cyoria to continue their work.
The artifact that generates and manages the time loop.
aka cube, the Gate +3
“Maybe I’m a little biased, since my family all died and I wish I actually had a family… but I honestly can’t figure out your animosity for them.”
“I mean, I know it’s hard to practice non-structured mind magic when you aren’t psychic like me, but I’ve seen other regular mages with similar defenses and theirs were a lot better than this.”
“Alanic has access to potions I have never even encountered elsewhere and knowledge of how to help if something goes horribly wrong. I don’t think it’s going to be too much of a problem, though – he’s a pretty helpful person, despite initial appearances.”
“Why was such a rule put into place? I mean, there is only one Controller to begin with, so why put that sort of limitation in place?”
“They aren’t a copy, so there is no problem with them leaving. But everyone else would have to kill someone to get out, and that’s unacceptable. Is that correct?”
“If one of the copies wanted to leave this place, you could switch their soul with that of the original?”
“Let’s move on to something else. Guardian, you said the Gate is barred because the Controller has already left the time loop.”
“Scattered across vast distances. And if the Maker is a god like you suspect he is, well… the gods have been silent for centuries. That only leaves his agents. Who would that be?”
“That is the job of whoever placed the marker on you. And by temporary, I mean that the target of the lesser marker will retain their memories and abilities for up to six iterations before the marker dissolves.”
+10 more quotes →“But if copies that retain awareness for more than a month count as people and killing them is wrong, doesn’t that mean that using these lesser markers is effectively murder?”