SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 582: The Separate Dimension

Trafalgar directed his gaze across the table at Dravok.

"So, what was it you wished to discuss with me? Vivienne mentioned today was the day for a significant announcement, though she phrased it rather indirectly. She simply stated you had something to impart."

Dravok reclined slightly, one hand hovering near his beverage.

"Indeed. It has been an interval since our last proper conversation, and I did not wish for you to languish for two years before understanding our endeavors." His eyes briefly flickered toward Rhosyn. "Her current depleted state is due to the lion's share of the demanding tasks falling upon her. Her unique class, her dimensional capabilities, and the inherently troublesome aspects of her nature are proving most advantageous to us at this juncture."

Caelvyrn pivoted his head to face Dravok.

"Now, hold on, I am contributing significantly as well," he interjected, one eyebrow arching. "The mana you are currently utilizing is, for all intents and purposes, mine."

Dravok appeared unmoved by this assertion.

"Yes, and mine as well. However, that is not the crux of the matter." He shifted his gaze to Vivienne, offering a subtle nod. "Thank you for bringing him. We shall discuss your inaugural day later."

Vivienne responded with a nod, although her focus was now intently fixed on the unfolding conversation.

Trafalgar propped an elbow on the table.

"Pray tell, what exactly are your plans? To be perfectly candid, my curiosity is piqued to an extreme. I have been pondering this for some time."

Dravok's demeanor shifted to a more somber expression.

"We are in the process of constructing an independent dimension specifically for training. To be precise, for your training. This is where I shall instruct you, as previously stated."

Trafalgar's fingers ceased their rhythmic tapping on the table's surface.

"An independent dimension?" he questioned. "Is such a feat even feasible? How would such an arrangement function? I have never encountered any precedents for this."

It was Rhosyn who offered the explanation.

She appeared so drained that articulating seemed a considerable effort, yet she managed to sit up a little straighter.

"I too doubted the possibility of employing my powers in such a manner," she admitted. "However, it appears Dravok possesses a more profound grasp of my abilities than I do. He was acquainted with your mother, and if her powers bore similarities to mine, it stands to reason he would know how to guide this process."

Trafalgar absorbed her words with keen attention.

Vivienne mirrored his focus. Despite her proximity to Dravok, it was evident she had been unaware of the full extent of the truth. Her gaze traveled between them, her fascination growing, as if a long-held secret was finally manifesting before her eyes.

Rhosyn elaborated further.

"It will be a dimension accessible to you, conceptually akin to a Rift in its most basic form. However, rather than facilitating egress, it will function more like a Gate. You will possess the ability to traverse in and out. I retain the capacity to open and seal it at my discretion, thus preventing unauthorized entry, but its activation is contingent upon the chosen anchor point."

Trafalgar promptly inquired, "And where precisely are you establishing this dimension? Should its existence be discovered, the implications could be perilous, necessitating an exceptionally concealed location."

Caelvyrn responded with a smile.

"Within my domicile," he declared. "Or more accurately, my lair."

Dravok regarded him with an unimpressed expression.

"'Lair' undersells its scale. It more closely resembles a metropolis."

Trafalgar slowly turned his head toward Caelvyrn.

The ancient dragon seemed unduly pleased with himself.

"What?" Caelvyrn exclaimed. "I command a subterranean city, constructed millennia ago, the entirety of which is under my dominion. That is our operational base."

Trafalgar held his gaze for another moment.

"And how does one reach this location?"

"By flight," Caelvyrn stated. "On my person. While I have never been fond of serving as a mode of transport, certain sacrifices are requisite for endeavors of significance." His grin broadened. "It is situated in proximity to Euclid. More precisely, over five hundred kilometers distant from Euclid, beyond Morgain territories, in unclaimed land. Or rather, land that rightfully belongs to me. Hehe."

Trafalgar expelled a prolonged sigh.

"I comprehend..." He reoriented his attention toward Rhosyn. "Then, how does this place fundamentally operate?"

Rhosyn responded, her voice strained.

"Dravok's objective is a dimension where temporal progression is accelerated. A single day in the external world could equate to a month internally. Furthermore, the location will be abundant in mana." Her gaze shifted back to Dravok. "I am uncertain how he engineered this specific aspect, but the mana density surpasses that found in nearly all other locales."

Dravok's lips curved into a subtle smile.

"We are Primordials," he stated. "Mana is as intrinsic to us as the air we breathe. Our bloodline possessed the most profound comprehension of its nature. You are still young, Rhosyn, thus certain intricacies remain beyond your current grasp. And Trafalgar is even younger, rendering any mention of him in this context superfluous."

Trafalgar's eyes narrowed.

"My gratitude."

Dravok disregarded his sarcastic remark.

"Caelvyrn is likely the one here closest to grasping its true nature. Presently, we are maintaining it artificially until its structure achieves stability. This necessitates the infusion of immense mana into the anchor, a feat few beings could endure without succumbing."

Caelvyrn rested his chin on his hand.

"Ridiculous is an understatement."

Dravok continued.

"Consequently, stabilization is projected to take perhaps one to two years. Fortunately, this aligns perfectly with your projected completion of the academy."

Trafalgar absorbed this information quietly.

A separate dimension.

A hidden training area.

A place where a single day could equate to a month within.

"That is..." he paused, searching for the accurate descriptor. "Remarkable, I presume."

"Indeed," Dravok affirmed. "And this is not a novel concept. The Primordials employed similar techniques for training in antiquity. Your mother pioneered such compartmentalized spaces when we needed to prepare young Primordials to confront the Void Creatures."

A hush fell over the table.

Dravok’s voice softened, not with sorrow, but with the weight of ages.

"Newborn Primordials were placed within these spaces around the age of three and remained there until eighteen, undergoing rigorous training. Such was the demand of our history in those times."

Rhosyn averted her gaze.

Dravok observed this but continued speaking.

"Circumstances have shifted. The remaining few exist more like scattered kin now. We are no longer the warrior lineage we once were in our earliest days." He directed a glance towards Rhosyn. "Her contribution is nearing completion. This is why she appears so depleted. Further adjustments are required, but she should be free from the most taxing aspects within a few months. Following that, the majority of the responsibility will fall upon Caelvyrn and myself."

Trafalgar looked at Rhosyn.

She managed to lift her hand once more, offering a weak thumbs-up before letting it fall immediately.

Trafalgar's lips twitched subtly.

"You appear rather unwell."

Rhosyn’s eyes shifted towards him.

She offered no verbal response.

Her silence served as a complete answer.

Trafalgar redirected his attention to Dravok.

"Understood. Very well. When may I visit this place?"

"Upon its completion," Dravok stated without hesitation. "Currently, it remains unstable. I would prefer you not enter a partially formed dimension and discover some novel method of self-destruction."

Trafalgar stared at him.

"That explanation seemed remarkably specific."

"It was intended to preempt further inquiries."

Caelvyrn emitted a soft chuckle.

Dravok indicated Trafalgar and Vivienne with a pointed finger.

"For the present, concentrate on the academy, both of you. The initial phase will be less demanding, but that will not persist. Your coursework, schedules, and training regimens will soon adapt to your developing capabilities."

"Understood," Trafalgar acknowledged.

Vivienne offered a nod in agreement.

Outside, dusk had begun to encroach upon the grimy windows of the old establishment. The dim light accentuated the room's weariness, though Trafalgar sensed no concern from those present. The place had always been unappealing, yet it offered privacy, which was of paramount importance.

Trafalgar rose from his seat.

"Do not push yourself too hard, Rhosyn."

Rhosyn responded with the most languid nod Trafalgar had ever witnessed.

He then turned towards Caelvyrn.

"Might I have a moment of your time outside? I wish to discuss something with you."

Caelvyrn’s violet eyes ignited with immediate interest.

"Oh?" he inquired, rising from his chair. "You have piqued my curiosity, Trafalgar. Please, lead the way."