blueteamnovel 373. Caldera Industries and the Subderma Layer
373. Caldera Industries and the Subderma Layer
373. Caldera Industries and the Subderma Layer
“Beholder Knalzark. Caldera Industries.” The Dwarven Beholder spoke begrudgingly, detesting that they needed to reintroduce themselves again. “Endorse Attachment. Its humbling being here amongst friendly faces, and other less friendly faces.”
He began, unable hide his disdain for a certain justice-bearing Beholder. Regardless, he carried on, speaking with powerful, masculine voice that rippled throughout the chamber. Galia’s smile persisted, existing solely to torment him.
“And we call this place ‘neutral’ grounds. Places like this are where wars are forged. Hrm. Caldera Industries does nothing more than offer our installations and purge the depths of this world from the Genesis Stones. It is by upheaving these contaminants that Aspects and products such as the one you hold –”
He pointed with a muscular arm at Jury’s pale tech. “– Are possible in the first place. I oversee, command, and dictate the full extent of my Atelier. We create machines on all scales, all civil constructs, maintain the structural integrity of the Nex Megalopolis via the Well –”
Suddenly, he brought a hand down to the table, as if both were attracted to one another by a powerful force.Vissit for updates
“– And we are the sole reason why this Nexus floats.”
“No mention of the Spatial Distortions?” Frost questioned after she allowed a dull silence to persist. “I’ve rode one of your trains. Why is something so dangerous available to the public?”
Frost wasn’t supposed to speak, but she was allowed here because there was more to Caldera Industries than what he revealed. She wanted their introductions to be thorough before they could enter the second stage of the Council, which would be a hearing of all agendas presented by the Beholders, as well as their complications.
So, she played an inquisitive role.
“They are an unfortunate byproduct of my technology. However, as unstable as they are, they can be partially controlled and prevented. My trains have an exceptionally low failure rate before they saw a sudden spike in the last 10 years. Another occurred 5 months ago. I shall leave this topic for afterwards when it becomes relevant. But know this – We have done much for the Nexus.”
“No. A Site Core would destabilize if brought out from those depths. Amalgam. Do you know why people don’t descend and ascend with tools like shovels and pickaxes?” Satania asked. “Because the soul is a fragile thing, as is the mind. To plunge into the descent is to have the world come caving in oneself, and to ascend it to watch yourself spill from all spiritual orifices.”
Satania explained the reason why the existence of mineshafts and deep tunnels leading to the Derma Layer were absent. The reason was because descending posed a tangible risk to people, although, this largely depended on the quality of a persons soul – their Levels.
This was why Spatial Distortions were important when navigating to and from the Derma Layer. Frost was admittedly taken aback by the explanation, although the ‘why’ was still largely not understood.
However, Satania turned to the only two Exalted present.
“It is a guaranteed way to create the Impuritas. Nothing like the Hearts. But more personal ones. When I heard of the exodus of Derma Layer residents, I worried that they had climbed the well. To think that a star had come to personally pull them free. It was truly a harrowing of hell.”
Massive installations of technology resided underneath. And with how the Impuritas called the Ateliers ‘poison’ and the source of their existence, Frost theorized – no, she was convinced that these installations played a major role in the creation of the Hearts within the Derma Layer.
But at the same time, a large portion of the blame went to the other half of the Nexus that still resided deep underneath, as well as likely Elysia. Although, a part of her doubted that Elysia was as evil as people depicted her to be.
The fact that the Root-Pillars Complex was tied with the existence of the Nex Megalopolis was one example of Frost’s hands being tied. Because to get rid of that, would be to erase the Nex Megalopolis.
It was infuriating.
“Beholder Descartes 3.” Following the conclusion of Satania’s revelation, which not even the Moons were aware of, the Arbiter moved onto the next Beholder in line.