Limits

She didn't hesitate anymore, and asked. "That arm of yours… Did you… you know?". I smiled, "No, I didn't kill any Lizard for this arm, nor did I hack a random corpse. I know what you are thinking, but contrary to what people believe, this is my arm. How it came to be like this, is another story which I will not share with you". I continued, "How about I ask a question now?". I wanted to do a sort of exchange of questions, and she didn't seem to mind that.

I asked, "What exactly is that thing below the ground? The one I encountered while looking for you guys". She replied, "I'm not sure myself. I know it's evil, and it's been there since ancient times. We the Grey Lizards were tasked to keep an eye on the seals. You know, make sure that thing never escapes". Just as she finished, a Lizard walked over and said. "It's called Hydra, and it was sealed a long time ago. We were not the ones who sealed it though". I asked, "Hatmandor?". He nodded in confirmation, then sat at our table.

The female Lizard was shocked and wanted to leave, but the guy told her she could stay. I said, "Seems you have a high standing here. Especially since you seem to know so much". He replied, "You could say that. I don't know much about Hydra though, but I know that all those Formations and knowledge came from Hatmandor. That was the reward for our duties. Well, we of course developed our own stuff later, but that is how everything went".

I smiled, "Go on. You must've wanted to ask me something important, since you shared that with me". He smiled, "Was I that obvious? Here is my question then. How did you manage to find us?". I smiled again, "Is the question indeed, right?". I took out my mask, and said "It's thanks to this. I can sort of see Formations that collect energy from the environment". He looked at the mask for a while, then asked "Can I have a look at it?". I threw the mask at him, "By all means, there are no secret Formations on it anyway. It was made by Alicia after all".

He was even more shocked. Before he jumped to any conclusions, I added "Alicia is not to be blamed. It's not due to Formations alone. Give it a try if you want, but I'm quite sure you will spot nothing". He took me up on that offer, and placed the mask on. The mask morphed into a face of a Lizard, but it was weird. The eyes were not hollow, instead they were golden. Other than that, there were four horn like structures coming out on each side. Sort of like whiskers, but not exactly.

After a while, he said "It's a Formation that improves eyesight. I can see better, but I can't see any Formations hidden anywhere". I asked, "Can you see anything floating around?". He shook his head, then took off the mask. "Huh? Why does it look like this?... Another Formation?". I nodded, "Yes, it's a Formation that changes the shape based on who wears it". He passed the mask back to me while asking, "I still don't know how you were able to find us".

I replied with a smile, "I think it's my turn for asking questions. Answer, and I will tell you exactly how. It's not like I mind telling you". He agreed to my proposal, so I asked. "Hatmandor. Who are they exactly?". He motioned for the female Lizard to leave, and only spoke when we were alone. "Hatmandor is an ancient race of some sort. I don't know what race, what they are called or where they come from. I only know they were the ones who told us how to use Formations properly. Hatmandor is the island just north of the North, that is why we call them like that. They don't originate from that island though. Hydra was not originally a creature that existed here either. They are much more advanced than we are. Their Formations are beyond ours, while their knowledge is more vast than the whole Continent… At least I think that to be the case".

He continued, "There is one more thing. They were here long before North became what it is today. After all, they were the ones who created the barrier". I already suspected that, and I could guess the reason for this barrier too. That Hydra, the barrier, it would make sense. I wanted to ask about it, but he smiled while saying "Isn't it your turn now?".

"It is indeed. Do you know about Elements? Well, I call them that. There are at least six Elements in this world. Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Darkness and Nature. Although I suspect there is one more. If there is darkness, there must be light. Maybe I wasn't simply able to find them yet. Anyway, those Elements are responsible for feeding the Formations. Since I can track them, I was able to find your location… and the location of Hydra".

He stared at me for a while. I waved my hand in front of his face, but it didn't wake him up. I clapped my hands in front of him, and he finally woke up from his thoughts. "Elements you say… That would make sense, after all where would the Formations get the energy from? We always thought that there must be something in the air or ground, but it turns out it was those Elements you speak of. You said there are at least six of them, right? Even possibly seven?".

I nodded, "Yes, but North doesn't have them all. Earth and Air Elements are the most common. Fire not so much, except Obsidian Mountains. Water Element is even more scarce. As for the Darkness and Nature? Darkness Element is absent in the North, there is no night, therefore no darkness. It doesn't work in dark places, it has to be night specifically. The Nature Element can be found in Apium, but it is rather scarce too".

He mumbled something to himself, then said "Yea, I have some ideas now. I should share that with others. This might allow for new Formations to exist". Just as he was about to leave, I asked one last question. "Is the Hydra related to the barrier?". He nodded, "In a way. Others don't know that, especially our own kin… I can tell you more later, I need to go now". He left quickly, while I was left hanging. 'Ah whatever, I will get some answers later' I thought, and went to get more food.

Fortunately, Grey Lizards had loads of food. 'I don't remember how long its been since I ate so well. I should probably check up on those guys too' I thought, and headed back to the large hole I made in their base. I was surprised to see it already repaired, although a few Lizards were still there doing some stuff. "You guys are quick. I guess Formations are really useful". They didn't really mind me, and continued with their tasks.

I returned to the open area, where I asked about their leader. The Lizard replied, "They should be in their area. It's that tunnel over there, but you won't be able to acc… Please don't break any more Formations alright. I will go there and ask for someone to meet you". I agreed, and waited in the open area.