16th Crystal: [Voice]

[cladinthedark]

[There's a crackle of what sounds like electricity for a few moments before Golbez speaks, half to himself, it sounds like.]

My powers... restored. Not from the spirits, but my own power...

This is insane. They expect us to... [The rest is inaudible.]

[Locked to FF IV cast: 90% unhackable]

Are... any of you unaffected?

Comments

[Voice]

[salvationfound]

I admit, this is something I hadn't expected.

[Voice]

[cladinthedark]

The situation escalates at an unnerving rate. In addition to our previous problems, now we must wonder what the Malnosso will do when their demands are not met.

[Voice]

[salvationfound]

I assume they will carry out what they threatened.

[Voice]

[cladinthedark]

Why attempt to have us do it then? I doubt it's truly intended as a mercy... and attempting to convince us would seem to take as much effort as doing it themselves, especially considering the effort that removing the power cap must have taken.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

Edge was unaffected, the last time I saw him. Other than that, everyone else seems to be, one way or another.

...wait, what do they expect? I've been airborne too long.

[Voice]

[cladinthedark]

I see. So Edge may be safe...

Rydia... The Malnosso have demanded the lives of all the affected. They claim that should we fail to kill you ourselves, they shall do so in a far more painful manner.

... Beware, I do not know if any of the residents have decided to do as they ask.

[Voice]

[eidolon_soul]

What? But how are we a threat to them? We can't leave even with these powers! Bastards. I can't believe that many would listen to them...but some might be crazy or desperate enough to do it.

Thank you for the warning. I'll remain on my guard and try to protect anyone who might need it.

[Voice]

[cladinthedark]

[Frustrated.] I don't know. This occurance must be a threat to them, or they wouldn't go to such desperate lengths, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how.

Do so... and let's hope that when the Malnosso inevitably move, our new enhancements can actually do something to help you and the other affected.

[Voice]

[dragoon_pride]

No... your powers... that cannot be.

...Why do you ask?

[Voice]

[cladinthedark]

It is... and I fear it is not a coincidence. Most likely, all unaffected by the latest event have had their power caps removed.

And there is a reason. The Malnosso wish the affected slain.

[Voice]

[dragoon_pride]

That may be the will of the Malnosso... but what is your own?

[Voice]

[cladinthedark]

I will not bow to their orders.

But be warned, Kain. Not everyone will defy them. Some may see this as an opportunity... and the Malnosso claim that if we do not slay the affected, they will. How we would prevent them from doing so... I cannot say.

[cladinthedark]

... While I salute the sentiment, the barrier makes accomplishing such a task rather difficult.

[cladinthedark]

If we could find a weakness in it, yes... but nothing of the sort has ever been located.

Though... they must be threatened by this event, or they wouldn't go to such lengths to pit us against the affected. I just wish I could figure out what danger this poses to them.

[Filter]

[slickandskilled]

I'm unaffected.

[Filter]

[cladinthedark]

That makes two of us. Then next question. Have you seen the Malnosso's latest demand?

[Filter]

[slickandskilled]

Sadly. Do they expect us to just follow it?

[Filter]

[cladinthedark]

Evidently. And I fear some of the residents will, at least.