《Burra: Short Stories In the Shaper Universe》Harrow : Chapter 2 - Desperate Gamble

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“Parul gathered our greatest mages with priests bolstering the group to open a gate across universes. They knew they could not keep this portal open very long. Maintaining the opening would consume the most powerful mana potions and use mana crystals like water. Since there might not be enough time to transport everyone, the travelers were chosen with careful consideration to carry on the species. They numbered ten thousand strong, though the most important to their survival went first, because the portal may collapse at any time. They carried seeds, dried food, tools, and everything else that could be carried on their bodies. Parul was not sure if their inventory space would survive the trip, as a result they could only take what they could carry. Many had tears in their eyes as they left friends and family behind to a certain death. From the moment the gate stabilized the group sprinted through the opening. The Carnos seemed to realize their prey was escaping and a vast new attack began. Everyone not maintaining the portal or in the group of travelers ran to the defense.”

“At this point, many of the strongest of our guardians attacked with a new weapon. Parul had created an item that harnessed our power over time to increase the yield of our most destructive device. When it exploded the mana used to generate the explosion was contained in a small sphere of accelerated time and compressed space, which consumed all of the mana in an instant. When the sphere collapsed killing the guardian, the violence of the explosion killed hundreds. Others wore devices constructed to kill the wearer if they became unconscious. All were truly desperate as they tried to hold back the tide of Carnos.”

“At the end, their sacrifice was not in vain. After all travelers entered the portal, Parul performed his last act. He and the few mages remaining conscious through the mana drain severed their connection with the portal and then powered a final device that caused a rupture in the portal’s integrity. From this tiny rupture, a blade of immense force cut into the earth to the core of the planet as Parul teleported to the small moon that circled his world. Mana was thin here. His wards flickered and he fell to his knees, though he had enough time left to witness his world crack and then explode. As the world ruptured he felt his connection to the party members that traveled to the new universe snap. He collapsed when his wards gave out. He died with satisfaction, knowing his people lived on and were safe.”

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Folen saw tears in many of the student’s eyes as he finished. “On arrival to Burra, we found that our spells worked differently here. While there are no ley lines the ambient mana is stronger. Most importantly we discovered that our time domain skill required a Sage to awaken it, unlike in our original universe where anyone with patience could learn it. As you know we settled to the north of the Tassan empire and came to an agreement with the Empress to send Guardians to protect her using our unique skill. We built underground for safety and have thrived over the last thousand years. We will never forget the sacrifice that got us here.”

Folen gently closed the book of histories. He looked up at the class and said. “This is a sad tale, but also a tale of sacrifice and love. Countless Harrow gave their lives, so that we could be here today. Remember them and let this example guide your life and steel your resolve in times of trouble. We are Harrow!!” Folen finished with a shout that rang out through the auditorium. The class leaped to their feet, answering. “WE ARE HARROW!!!”

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