Natasha the Halve

I think it’s a good idea to explain things sometimes. Knowledge is meant to be shared, after all. I’m a scholar and a teacher, even if I don’t behave that way most of the time. I will include a snippet of knowledge every time I add something to the journal.

I read a little of Natasha’s journal and noticed she doesn’t really understand a few things.

In this instance, I shall broadly explain E’er.

E’er is a subatomic particle, symbol ƹ, with a variable charge and behavior depending on the environment it is observed in, and a mass a hundredth of that of a neutron.

Studies have shown it’s incapable of coupling with itself. It can, however, transform matter. Levels are an example of this.

When a creature dies, E’er is released in its compressed state, which forms clumps that dissipate with time if left alone. This obeys the Laws of E’er; E’er cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed.

Some argue E’er is the source of life, and it once came close to be an accepted theory, but Perculis himself was against this and proved life can exist without E’er thanks to his skills as an Archon. Natasha’s recount of her previous life and mentioning E’er not existing further disproves E’er as a source of life.

The action of manipulating E’er and, by extension, transforming it, was called ‘E’eruum’ half a million years ago, and has since been simplified to ‘E’er’ (written in cursive).

As an individual pushes E’er into the knowledge of a skill, the formula transforms the particles and bring forth an effect on reality itself. I myself ignite E’er when using Pyromancy. Fire is not created out of thin air as a child would believe.

This would be the conventional usage of E’er. Things go deeper as one learns more, naturally.

If I actively read a formula from a book, I can manipulate ambient E’er and bring forth phenomena. It takes a long time since I’d have to read and translate while manipulating decompressed particles. Skills automate this process, as we brand the formula into our minds. This way, ‘E’er’ becomes unconscious.

---

“I still don’t fully get it,” Natasha sighed. “I mean, I understand more than before at least.”

We had made camp on the seventeenth floor, having stopped after twelve hours of continuously following Natasha. Since the Uger and Golems hadn’t repopulated yet, Natasha had continued to the lower levels and we followed. At the moment, we were going over a few details I noticed she was weak in, like specifics of E’er and the correct terms.

“That’s good progress,” Alyssa next to her offered words of comfort. “Don’t expect to understand it all right away.”

Natasha nodded, but I could see a little frustration building up. Her brows were furrowed and she was biting her lips.

“How about we leave it at this today?” I stretched. “Learning takes time, Natasha. It’s not healthy to force knowledge into your brain.”

Alyssa nodded in agreement.

“You done?” Yolin asked from inside the tent.

“Yep!” Natasha answered with relief. “We should go to sleep.”

I looked around us. The dungeon floor was eerily silent thanks to Natasha’s actions. We would certainly not be attacked by anything since we made camp far from the nests. Bonte and Bromisnar would keep watch at night.

We all agreed and entered the tent. I cursed the me from the past for not buying a soundproof tent. Another store could have a few available. Haste is bad.

“Did you make sure to keep the temperature constant?” Natasha asked me after undressing. “If the bottles get cold, it’ll take longer to ferment.”

I nodded, running a hand over her stomach.

“The spell will last a day, I made sure of it,” I assured her, pointing at the bottles outside the tent.

“What was the name, again?” Alyssa asked, already under the blankets.

“Kvass. It’s very tasty, and ideal for summer,” Natasha responded, getting under the blankets herself. “It’ll have a little alcohol, but not enough to get drunk.”

“Can’t wait to try it,” Yolin said, followed by a laugh.

“I bet,” I countered with a smirk.

We tangled in a hug under the covers and fell asleep after a kissing session.

---

The following morning we continued our descent after having breakfast.

Natasha was fast, precise, and ruthless in her advance. She didn’t use warcries, but rushed towards monsters and killed them with a single swing of her spear. The dungeon would later absorb the corpses, so it was fine to leave them as is.

From the fifteenth level to the twentieth level, Uger and Ir’ek were common sights in the jungle environment. It was my first time seeing an Ir’ek, which were Untu sized larvae. Natasha called them Kat’r Pi’lurs, will ask her how it’s written Caterpillars. Pretty disgusting, to be honest. She killed them from a distance by throwing her weapon at them and making them explode.

On the twentieth floor, a ravine separated the jungle from the gate. Fortunately, there was a wide stone bridge we could cross. Natasha came to a stop next to it and faced us with a smile.

She changed her bloodied armor for a white silk dress, stored her spear, and retrieved two white, almost transparent swords. Natasha was up to her shenanigans again, and I prepared to follow suit. The woman had been running for the last three hours, so a break from the monotony was well deserved.

“If you wish to pass, you must face me and answer my questions!” Natasha declared, crossing the swords in front of her.

Bromisnar clapped slowly.

“Oh, riddles?” he chuckled and dismounted, then approached her. “I’ll give it a shot first.”

“My name is Natasha, the Guardian of the Bridge!” she proclaimed.

The man nodded.

“The more you take, the more you leave behind!” Natasha raised her chin. “What is it?”

“Ooh… hard one,” he groaned and thought for a second. “Time?”

“Wrong,” Natasha said and shook her head. “To the back of the line.”

As we gathered in a line we didn’t know we had to make, Alyssa dismounted and sat on the ground.

“Haaa…” she sighed. “Solid ground, bless you!”

Yolin was next and walked towards the Guardian.

“What is your name?” the mysterious figure asked.

“My name is Yolin Makav,” she answered.

“What is your quest?” came the next question.

“To reach the limit of mortal growth!” the mortal said back with conviction.

“What is your favorite color?” she asked with a mischievous grin.

“Teal!” she answered the mighty being.

The golden individual draped in white silk nodded, the wisdom in her eyes visible even from my position behind Bonte.

“Off you go, then,” she said, taking a step to the right.

We were silent for a few seconds as Yolin crossed the bridge while laughing.

“Oh, so I got a riddle because I said it out loud?” Bromisnar contemplated at the back.

“I’ll avenge you, Bromi,” Bonte comforted him.

The Tigea walked forward with confident steps.

“Guardian of the Bridge, I challenge you to a duel of Sword, Shield, and E’er!” the brave, albeit short Scout announced.

He was towered by the much taller woman, almost two heads of difference in height.

“Ha ha ha ha!” the sinister laugh coming from the Guardian echoed in the jungle. “I’ll have you know I’ve beaten several children already in this mighty sport.”

“Kuh!” Bonte grunted and took a step back. “Children? Your power knows no bounds, Guardian of the Bridge!”

Both balled their hands and prepared themselves.

“You have three chances. If you win once, you may pass!” the omnipotent being graced him with mercy.

They moved. Natasha picked E’er, and Bonte went for Shield. Natasha won.

“Tsk!” he clicked his tongue. “Again!”

They moved once more. Natasha picked Sword, and Bonte went for Shield again. Bonte won.

She stared at him for a few seconds with a blank expression.

“It’s illegal to use the same move every time…” she mumbled.

Alyssa giggled at that and I chuckled. Bromisnar clapped as justice was served.

“There were no such rules, Guardian of the Bridge. I have achieved victory!” he puffed his chest in pride and crossed his arms.

“Fair enough, brave Bonte. You may pass,” she declared and stepped aside.

The Tigea whistled as he crossed the bridge. Yolin received him with a high five.

I was next, so I walked over to her.

“What is your name?” Natasha asked.

“This again?” I raised my eyebrows. “My name is Lapia Pofeta.”

“What is your quest?” came the next question.

“To further my research and optimize E’er absorption,” I said, resting my hands on my hips.

Her face morphed into the most cocky shit eating grin I have ever laid eyes upon.

“Repeat after me. Четыре чёрненьких чумазеньких чертёнка чертили чёрными чернилами чертёж.”

A tongue twister in a language I don’t know. This woman is a cheater. I clicked my tongue and attempted to say it anyway. I would make her write it later.

“Chetire chorninki chumasenki chertenka chertili... chornimi chernilami... chertush…?” I butchered it.

“Pretty close,” she praised with a nod. “To the back of the line!”

I let out a defeated sigh and hung my head in defeat.

“So strict!” I complained as I went to the back.

Next was Alyssa. She stood up and walked over to the evilest of evils.

The Evil Mastermind stored the swords and produced a piece of paper and a quill, wrote a few lines, then gave it to Alyssa.

Receiving the sheet, she went over the contents and groaned.

“You are to act the script I have handed you,” Natasha smiled and crossed her arms. “Let’s begin.”

Alyssa nodded and sighed.

“We will have our revenge!” Natasha angrily said.

I was surprised by her voice. It sounded angry, sad, and helpless at the same time.

“Bah!” Alyssa exclaimed in a deeper than usual voice. Her dismissive tone almost mocked Natasha. “Revenge! Revenge! I WILL SHOW YOU… REVENGE!” the last bit she almost growled. “I AM FIRE! I AM… DEATH!”

Natasha excitedly clapped with a huge smile on her face.

“It was perfect!” she squealed in joy.

Natasha hugged Alyssa and gave her a quick kiss, then stepped aside.

“That was really embarrassing…” Alyssa muttered as she crossed the bridge.

“Very well done, Lady Alyssa!” Bromisnar cheered while clapping. “Marvelous performance!”

“True, very well done.” I praised her.

The man walked forward for his second attempt.

“Another riddle, if you would,” he said with a nod.

Natasha nodded and held her chin for a few seconds.

“I never was, am always to be. No one ever saw me, nor ever will. And yet, I am the confidence of all who live and breathe. What am I?” she asked.

I sighed in relief. That one is a classic from Saravia’s compendium.

“The future,” he instantly replied.

Natasha’s eyes widened in surprise. I chuckled at her reaction. Bromisnar is a Performer so naturally he must have read Saravia’s Divine Records.

“Alright…” she nodded and stepped aside.

He chuckled all the way to the other side of the bridge, where everyone received him with cheers.

I stood in front of her.

“A riddle, please,” I muttered.

“I see…” she smiled. “I have a golden tail and a golden head but no body. What am I?”

“Sheesh…” I sighed. “So that’s where your smarts are.”

She nodded and laughed.

“I suck at numbers, but words and shapes are my thing,” she proudly said.

“What was the correct answer to the first riddle?” I asked, gaining time.

“Footsteps,” she answered with a grin.

I slowly nodded.

A tail, a head, no body. I gave it a good thought.

“Heads or tails…” I muttered, then looked up. “A gold coin!”

Natasha, the Guardian of the Bridge nodded.

“Correct!” she declared approvingly.

She stepped aside and I crossed the bridge.

Natasha slowly made her way across the bridge followed by Sonya and Pochi. When she made it all the way to us, she knelt on the ground and took deep breaths.

“Come on, it wasn’t that deep,” I teased her, looking down the ravine.

It was maybe thirty meters deep.

“Deep enough…” the most powerful species in the world said while trembling in fear.

I chuckled. No matter how mighty, we all have weaknesses.

“I bet,” I said back.