Eradan approaches the crystalline shoreline beside the shadow clone. The lake of void remains perfectly still, its dark surface reflecting the violet sky without ripple or distortion.
Eradan
How far does the safe edge extend? Does the water remain harmless beyond the tested point, or does its nature change with depth?
Eradan pauses just short of the water, silver hair stirring in the quiet air. She studies Tsumiki’s hand, where void-cold still dulls the violet light along one sleeve.
Eradan
You felt that cold when you tested it. Is it merely a sensation, or does the lake draw something from you each time you touch it?
The Shadow Clone
She tested only the edge, and the lake gave no hostile answer. I will watch for any change before Eradan steps closer.
Eradan
I trust the test, but I would rather understand the boundary than assume safety. What may I do here without asking you to spend more power?
Eradan waits at the shore, hands lowered and posture open. The shadow clone remains beside her, attentive but still, while the lake offers no answer beyond its flawless silence.
“I tell her that it's very deep further out but it is safe for you”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Tsumiki
It is very deep farther out, but it is safe for you.
Boundary-Speaking carries Tsumiki’s reassurance across the shore without distortion. Honest Ability Account keeps it exact: the lake’s depth changes, but its water remains safe for Eradan.
The shadow clone watches the dark surface as its depth falls away into violet distance. No current, chill, or unseen pressure reaches the shore, and the lake remains calm.
Eradan
Then I accept your word. I will examine the deeper water carefully, without mistaking depth for danger.
Eradan extends one hand over the lake. Psionic perception reaches downward through the silent black water, finding immense depth but no hostile response or force drawing at her.
The Shadow Clone
The boundary holds as she examines it. Your assurance was accurate, and nothing in the deeper water has changed.
“Is there anything you want to know Eradan”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Tsumiki
Is there anything you want to know, Eradan?
Boundary-Speaking carries Tsumiki’s quiet question across the shore without distortion. Her Superb Diplomacy leaves the choice entirely with Eradan, offering trust without demanding disclosure.
Eradan lowers her hand from the silent lake and turns toward Tsumiki. The shadow clone remains watchful beside her, while the deep water reflects the violet sky.
Eradan
Yes. I want to know what this refuge asks of you when you shape it, and whether showing it to us places any burden on you.
Her question is careful rather than accusing. Eradan’s gaze moves from the lake to the crystal shores, seeking the limits of Tsumiki’s hospitality without pressing toward forbidden truths.
The Shadow Clone
She is asking about cost and responsibility, not your origin. An honest answer should be enough.
Eradan
That is what I want to understand. I can accept mysteries, Tsumiki. I only need to know which boundaries protect you, and which protect everyone you invite here.
Eradan’s question is now plainly answered in spirit: she wants the refuge’s obligations and limits, while leaving Tsumiki’s concealed origins untouched.
✓ Quest Accepted
Explain the refuge’s costs and boundaries to Eradan
“I explain what shaping this refuge costs me and what its boundaries protect and that it has no effect on me”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Tsumiki
Shaping this refuge costs me attention and power, but maintaining it places no burden on me. Its boundaries protect everyone I invite here, not me. Nothing within the refuge can harm, bind, or alter me.
Boundary-Speaking carries Tsumiki’s explanation clearly across the shore. Honest Ability Account keeps every claim exact: the refuge requires her shaping, yet its protections do not consume, weaken, or change her.
Eradan
Then the cost is chosen effort, not a wound or a debt. And the boundaries defend your guests while leaving you untouched. That is reassuringly clear.
The shadow clone lowers her watchful hand. The lake remains still, and the crystal shore gives no sign of strain, confirming that the refuge’s protections hold without demanding anything from Tsumiki.
The Shadow Clone
Its boundaries answer to her will, but they are shaped to shelter invited guests. They do not restrain her, and nothing here can impose a cost upon her without her choosing it.
Eradan
I understand. The refuge asks for your attention when you shape it, protects those you welcome, and leaves you entirely beyond its danger. I can accept those terms.
Quest Complete
Explain the refuge’s costs and boundaries to Eradan
“There was another reason why I bought both of you out here so Eradan can continue practicing with her magic but on this shadow clone here. then I creat a battle platform in the middle of the lake”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled +0)
Tsumiki
There was another reason I brought you both here. Eradan can continue practicing her magic against this shadow clone, and I will create a battle platform in the lake.
Tsumiki steps toward the lake’s edge and raises both massive void cube weapons. The left gathers the darkness beneath it into a single point, while the right opens a limitless channel through starless void.
Violet geometry spreads across the lake’s center. Stone and dark crystal rise from below, assembling into a broad circular platform with firm footing, low rails, and enough space for a magical duel.
The left weapon compresses the surrounding darkness beneath the platform, anchoring its weight to one precise point. The right carries the shaping force through its limitless channel, smoothing the platform’s edges without disturbing the lake.
Eradan
A dedicated platform over the lake. That gives me room to practice safely, and the shadow clone can answer without risking the shore.
The Shadow Clone
I am ready. I will defend myself and provide Eradan a moving target, while keeping every spell contained on the platform.
The completed platform floats steadily at the lake’s center, its dark surface ringed with violet markings. Eradan steps onto it beside the shadow clone, and the practice field awaits their first spell.