“Wait, I am not coming with you?”
Retvik seemed genuinely surprised by the fact that Galyn was about to leave without him. After all, he had spent the last goodness knows how long following Galyn around and helping him with his duties. He had seen a lot, perhaps too much, while being Galyn’s apprentice. For Galyn to not call for Retvik and tell him they were heading off was… almost out of place.
“No. Not this time.”
Galyn didn’t look quite right. He was wearing more armour than normal. And he normally wore a lot of armour. Attached to his waist was a long, shimmering sword, the one Galyn normally had stored in his quarters on his ship. In fact, every Decay Lord Retvik had seen lately seemed on edge.
Well, even more on edge than usual.
“Why? What is going on?”
Galyn stopped whatever it was he was doing, then wandered over to Retvik. With a frown, he sat Retvik down in the nearest chair, then sat down next to him.
“It turns out this so-called “Apocalyptic” is far, far more dangerous than anyone realised. Kal included. Itaviir and Vikalos recommended that you stay out of this mission, for your own safety.”
Retvik tutted. There was something that didn’t quite feel right in Galyn’s words.
“That has not concerned you in the past. We went and fought Corruptions. We took down Voidborn ships. None of that has been an issue so far.”
“This… this is unfortunately quite different. I cannot take you with me this time.”
Galyn seemed genuinely concerned. Which was strange, as he seemed to have far less concern about Retvik in the past. Especially since they had done a lot of strange and potentially dangerous things together.
“Why are you not telling me the entire truth?”
“Because it is best for your small mind that you do not know the entire truth. Please do not take this as an insult, but you are still mortal-minded, which makes this current threat too dangerous for you. Far too dangerous.”
The Decayling grunted, feeling somewhat insulted, despite Galyn’s request. “I would rather that you be honest and tell me exactly why I cannot come with you, rather than honey-coating the issue.”
“I already explained. Your mortal mind simply cannot comprehend what an Apocalyptic is, so it is safer for you to stay here.”
“Why can I not comprehend these things? What makes an Apocalyptic so scary, aside from its name?”
Galyn sighed, then took a deep breath. “Here is a simple question for you: Do you know what non-euclidean geometry is?”
“Uh… no?” Retvik admitted. Anything related to mathematics was never his strong suit. “All I understand is that, within it, parallel lines are not actually parallel.”
“Can you apply any of your limited knowledge to space-times within four dimensions?”
“No.”
“Can you withstand the mind-altering effects of non-euclidean landscapes?”
Retvik shook his head. “I have not seen a non-euclidean landscape.”
“Then you do not have the mental capabilities to be able to accompany me. Simply put, I would rather introduce you to these difficult environments in a safe, secure manner, rather than risking your life by bringing you close to an Apocalyptic. Understand?”
The Decayling sighed. “I understand.”
Galyn smiled, gently patting Retvik on the shoulder, before making his way towards the door. “Do not fret, little one. We will be back soon…”