Elden Lord of Cinders

Although they'd spent half a day wandering around Liurnia of the Lakes—dealing with all kinds of trouble and even taking down Seath—Lloyd hadn't forgotten about the sorcerer waiting for his key. Back near the lake's entrance, in a small church, was someone who'd offered to teach him magic for just 10 Runes.

So, after speeding through the academy with Ranni and securing the key to its inner section, Lloyd rushed over without hesitation.

When Thops saw the Glintstone Key in Lloyd's hand, his voice trembled with excitement.

"Really? You're really giving me the Glintstone Key?"

"Thank you—thank you so much. I can finally return to that hall of learning… I can dive into Glintstone Sorcery again, and gaze at the stars…"

Listening to those familiar-sounding words and watching his face light up, Lloyd let out a quiet sigh.

"I'll go with you. I've got business at the academy anyway."

"Really? That's wonderful. I've still got some things stored at the academy. They're nothing impressive, but… I hope you'll accept them as a token of my gratitude. I hope you don't mind..."

As they chatted, the two made their way back to the academy. Perhaps due to Thops' side quest, they weren't attacked upon entry.

Thops soon found his old dorm. A little embarrassed, he handed over some Runes, a few pieces of Glintstone, and several handwritten research notes to Lloyd.

The Runes and Glintstones were so pitifully few, they looked like scraps you'd find lying on the side of the road—truly meager.

As for the research notes, Lloyd couldn't make sense of them. Unsure if they had any value, he just added them to his inventory.

After expressing his thanks, Thops eagerly dove back into his studies, thrilled to be back at the academy.

"What are you researching?"

"A new type of spell structure."

As he worked, Thops explained the "force field" theory he'd been developing.

"It's nothing groundbreaking. I'm just a Bluntstone, with poor compatibility with Glintstone. That's why I've been exploring more unconventional paths…"

"Back when I left the academy, I'd already gotten most of the theory down. But I was still missing a few key elements. I thought I'd go out and seek inspiration—but I never expected to be locked out. If it weren't for you, I might never have had the chance to return…"

"But actually, it was during that time outside the academy that I figured it out—the one most crucial piece this spell was missing, and that is—"

Thops fell silent.

Lloyd looked up and saw Thops frozen in place.

"No… no, it should be—"

Suddenly, Thops lowered his head, leaned over his desk, grabbed a nearby pen, and began scribbling calculations with focused intensity.

Lloyd didn't interrupt. He didn't say a word.

Because he could see it—Thops had entered a state.

A state researchers dream of, yet might never experience in their lifetime. Total immersion. Pure inspiration erupting from a foundation built on years of effort and accumulation.

In the past, two sorcerers had reached this same state in entirely different places and times: one glimpsed the Abyss while peering into darkness; the other grasped the meaning of destruction while observing the stars. Both eventually made great discoveries.

After digesting their insights and continuing their research, they became masters respected by both Caria and the Academy.

And now, as this sorcerer stared at the data and scraps before him, his eyes seemed to pierce through them—catching sight of the knowledge that lay beyond.

What did that feel like? Thops couldn't describe it.

But he knew—this might be the only chance in his entire life. If he didn't seize it, record it, and dig out the truths hidden behind it, he might never get another look once the moment passed.

So he focused. So he pushed himself.

Even as he sensed something was wrong with his body—even as he felt his soul and flesh struggling under the strain of the calculations—he gripped the pen tightly.

Lowered his head.

And began to write.

If one of those two masters were here—or even a sorcerer with greater talent—perhaps it wouldn't be so exhausting...

After all, while Glintstone Sorcery's study of the mind and soul wasn't as advanced as that of the Dark Soul arts, it still produced results.

But Thops… he was just a "Bluntstone."

Physically weak, soul capacity lacking—he fell far short of the two masters of that era.

Yet it was precisely because of that weakness that he could glimpse a kind of "knowledge" that even those masters, and the entire academy, had overlooked.

Because whether it was the Carian Faction or the Academy Faction—whether guided by the moon or the stars—they all gazed skyward, yearning to become one of the lights shining in the endless night.

And so, they never noticed—and perhaps never could—the "force field" that surrounded them, hidden in plain sight, blanketed under moonlight and starlight.

But in that moment, a small, forgotten "Bluntstone" lying unnoticed by the wayside, untouched by moon or star, stirred—and saw something.

And then, an apple fell.

It should've been a blessing. A discovery of that scale would, at the very least, be enough to earn him a new classroom, maybe even give him a shot at surpassing those two great masters.

But the problem was… this "Bluntstone" was simply too fragile.

Even a falling apple was enough to smash him to pieces.

If only he'd had a classroom. If only he hadn't been shunned and scorned. If only he'd had companions willing to lend him a hand...

If. If. If.

But there were no "ifs."

He was a "Bluntstone"—scorned and rejected by every sorcerer, barred even from stepping foot inside a proper classroom. All he could do was huddle at the edge of a cliff barely fit to be called a room, set up a table, and begin his research there.

If he didn't let go of that apple, then he was doomed to die like a stray dog—nameless, worthless. Even the research he left behind would be thrown away like garbage, or worse, laughed at by other sorcerers over drinks.

That was the fate of a "Bluntstone." No matter how hard he fought or resisted, the end would always be the same...

Or would it?

A small flame flickered to life.

Warm. Gentle. Carrying a faint, healing light.

The power was so faint that Thops didn't even notice. It didn't interfere with his thoughts at all.

The apple kept falling—falling endlessly. The "Bluntstone" it struck should've shattered on impact. But under that soft flame's touch, it somehow held onto a thread of life.

Thops no longer remembered how long it lasted.

Only that, when he finally put down his pen, examined the "work" before him, and looked up...

The dim sky above was slowly brightening.

Then he turned his head toward the little flame beside him and opened his mouth slightly.

"Tha—"

But before he could finish, blood spilled from his lips. Darkness rushed in, and he lost consciousness.

Yet before he collapsed, a hand caught him by the shoulder.

Its owner steadied him, checked his condition, then let out a heavy sigh.

"Burning your life and soul for research…"

"You're seriously fucking incredible…"

[Acquired Sorcery – Thops's Barrier]

[Thops, once known as a Bluntstone, gambled everything to uncover this magic]

[Creates a field of magical power that repels sorceries and incantations]

[Can trigger repeated pulses while active]

[Consumes no Focus Points]

[And so the tale passed down through generations—]

[That once, a flame stood at the master's side,]

[And turned aside the blade of fate]

…

"This discovery alone could justify founding an entirely new school."

In the Grand Library, the Queen of the Full Moon set down her notes, her expression grave.

"But at the same time, it's the kind of discovery that would have the entire Academy Faction—and maybe every sorcerer—coming after us."

"Is it really that extreme?"

"More than that."

She shook her head.

"No cost at all, and yet it redirects all magical flow while revealing that sorcery and incantations share the same origin..."

"This could shake the entire foundation of our magical system. I can't even begin to imagine the uproar if this gets out."

As she spoke, something crossed her mind and she sighed.

"Good thing I'm not Queen anymore. If I were, just knowing about this would've cost me half a year of sleep…"

"Is it really that powerful?"

"Absolutely."

She nodded, then turned to the person Lloyd was carrying on his shoulder.

"So he's the one who came up with this?"

"Yes."

Lloyd nodded.

"But he overdid it. The research took a toll on both his soul and body. I patched him up a bit, but he's going to need some time to recover."

The Queen of the Full Moon thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Leave him with me. I'll have Moongrum look after him."

"If this were the old Academy Faction, I might still trust them, but now…"

She trailed off and shook her head, as if recalling something unpleasant.

"Caria and the Academy Faction—they've changed far too much from what they used to be."

"Then you're not going to do anything?"

The Queen countered, "Why do you think I'm here, of all places?"

Lloyd: "..."

He had to admit—she had a point.

Her expression softened again as she continued.

"Don't worry. This place is still relatively safe. Academy sorcerers rarely come around here. Even if one does, a bit of 'Bluntstone' lying around won't raise any suspicions."

"As for what comes next, I can help him a bit, but how far he goes will be up to him."

"Alright."

With her reassurance, Lloyd carried Thops out and handed him over to Moongrum.

After passing on the Queen's instructions and checking Thops' condition, he didn't linger and left the academy.

Not long after, as he was walking, Lloyd suddenly noticed a mark.

It was the kind of signal he and Nepheli had agreed on—left behind to point out something worth investigating.

Following it, he found a narrow, hidden mountain path. After climbing for a bit, he saw Nepheli crouched beside a corpse.

"Ah, it's you."

She looked back at the sound of hoofbeats, and upon seeing Lloyd, let out a quiet breath of relief before turning her attention back to the corpse and the ruined village in the distance.

"What do you make of the devastation here? When I was little, I saw scenes just like this—where the weak were trampled, plundered, and slaughtered…"

"A glimpse of hell on earth."

She sighed, but her eyes gradually steeled.

"But I'm not that helpless child anymore. Even if it's late, it's time I settle the score—with those who did this."

"Let them know that I, Nepheli Loux, am a warrior."

"Will you fight with me?"

She looked at Lloyd.

But unlike before, as he took in the wreckage and Nepheli's heartfelt call, he didn't immediately answer.

Instead, he pulled out a map, glanced at the location, and his expression subtly shifted...

"Hey, Nepheli, you really don't know what's going on here?"

Nepheli blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Your father—I mean, the All-Knowing. Didn't he tell you?"

Lloyd pointed toward the village ahead.

"This is the place he ordered to be wiped out."

"...?"

Nepheli froze for a moment, then her face flushed with anger.

"How dare you insult my foster father like that—"

"No, really, he told me himself. If you don't believe me, go back and ask him."

Nepheli stood there, speechless.

Lloyd shook his head.

"Just giving you a heads-up. If you're set on stepping in for justice, that's your call. Just know that, technically, it'd be striking down your own allies. Think it through."

With that, Lloyd rode Torrent into the village. After clearing out a few monsters, he suddenly sensed a faint soul fluctuation from a nearby pot.

He gave it a shake, and an illusion dispelled, revealing an old Albinauric man.

"Ah! No, no... please, stop..."

He collapsed to his knees, pleading.

"I don't know anything! I haven't hidden anything..."

"What don't you know?" Lloyd asked, curious.

The old man froze. Then realization hit.

"You're not one of them? Thank the heavens..."

He let out a long sigh, his tone easing.

"Forgive me. My name is Albus. As you can see, I'm an Albinauric."

"This village—and I—are finished."

"Those damned Cursemongers destroyed everything. There's no one left with their sanity intact."

Grimacing, he pulled a half-oval medallion from inside his robes.

"Please, take this medallion. It mustn't fall into the hands of those Cursemongers."

"And if you come across a girl named Latenna—she's an Albinauric too—please give this to her..."

"Oh, Latenna? She's staying in my quarters right now."

Lloyd nodded.

"As for those 'Cursemongers,' I'm not entirely sure who you mean, but I think I know their leader. His office is right next to mine—not that we're on the same side."

Albus: ...What in the name of—?! I—I—what did you just say?

Albus was stunned. But with the medallion already offered and his life nearing its end, he had little choice. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke firmly.

"Even so, I believe you."

"This medallion is our last hope. Far to the north lies a city of Lord Miquella—Elphael. In that city, even Albinaurics can receive eternal grace..."

"That medallion is the key. We can no longer journey ourselves, so it's the most precious treasure we have."

"But that girl, Latenna—she needs it to complete her mission..."

Lloyd paused to think. "Why don't I just take you to her, then?"

Albus shook his head. "My legs are fading fast, and my life's almost over. It's a terminal affliction among Albinaurics—we don't have the time."

Lloyd raised his hand.

A flame ignited.

Albus could feel the healing warmth, and sensation slowly returned to his feet. It wasn't much, but it proved one thing—he was still alive.

"You're in pretty rough shape. I can't cure you, but I can at least buy you some time."

After testing it out, Lloyd sighed.

"If that doesn't work... well, just turn your soul into ashes. I'll take you to her myself."

Albus was completely stunned.

What had just happened in these few short minutes shook him more than anything in his life.

When he finally came back to his senses, the way he looked at Lloyd had changed.

"Could you be the lord the heavens have sent us...?"

"My name is Lloyd, sure—but I'm no 'lord.'"

Lloyd shook his head, then asked,

"So, you want to meet her yourself, or should I pass this on for you?"

"I…"

Albus opened his mouth, then lowered his head.

"If you'd allow it, I'd like to see her with my own eyes."

Lloyd took his hand and brought him to the Roundtable Hold, where he and Latenna met.

Their conversation was simple—just like a grandfather seeing his granddaughter. He told her to stay safe and not to forget her goal. She nodded tearfully.

But before parting, Albus remembered the fire Lloyd had summoned and added,

"Latenna, I don't know how you met Lord Lloyd, but perhaps... he might truly be our salvation."

Afterward, Lloyd didn't send Albus back to the village. He dropped him off at Castle Morne instead.

"This is...?"

"A place full of Misbegotten and demi-humans. I'm close with the Lord here—let's see if we can find you something to do."

Lloyd brought Albus to Edgar. After a brief exchange, Albus was entrusted to him.

"An Albinauric, huh..."

Edgar's expression was oddly conflicted.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing... just didn't expect you to start recruiting Albinaurics. After all... well, never mind."

Though Albinaurics were natural enemies of the Erdtree, given the state of Castle Morne, things weren't that different anymore.

Desecration was already a done deal. Might as well go all in. Maybe, just maybe, they could still survive by joining forces.

And a few Albinaurics shouldn't draw too much attention...

Edgar fell into thought.

...

After dropping off Albus, Lloyd used the Grace to teleport back to the Village of the Albinaurics.

There, he saw Nepheli standing to the side.

"What, you still planning to act?"

Nepheli hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Her gaze firmed.

"Even if it was my foster father's doing..."

"I can't turn a blind eye to this."