Isaac strolled through the winding wilderness that Regulus had just described — twisting and turning in every direction, always seemingly wanting to latch onto him.
Fortunately, having experienced slightly similar situations before in the past, Isaac was able to fluidly weave through the wilderness' path without much hindrance.
As for the direction he was heading, he had absolutely no idea.
But it is what it is, and he's just following the flow.
The sunlight beamed down on his face, casting a soft warm glow, and slightly invigorating him. Coupled with the crisp, cold morning breeze, as well as the faint mist hovering just above the ground providing moisture to the grass and other plant life, he couldn't help but enjoy this leisurely stroll.
He had always liked occasional serene moments like this — the tranquil atmosphere acting as a way to calm himself down as well sort of purifying his soul, if that makes sense.
Of course, this could also serve as a safety precaution for the others. Since the longer he stays around other people, the more likely some sort of accident would occur involving his fog. As such, it was better for him to create distance as soon as possible.
"Hah..."
While walking, he couldn't help but fall into a state of retrospection, reviewing what he had done so far. 'I successfully managed to join Vertin's team without causing too many complications... As well as get past a chapter in the story...'
He feared that his sudden involvement in the story would cause some sort of change in the course of the story, but fortunately, no such thing happened. At most, the closest thing he had done to diverging from the story was being approached by Arcana.
He had planned and waited for this opportunity for too long. To have the opportunity to get close to the protagonist, help her and her team a bit, and utilize the Foundation to achieve his ultimate goal.
It was by no means a coincidence for Vertin to summon him. In truth, he had been eagerly praying, wishing, and begging every moment for her to summon him — which was one of the prerequisites for the summon.
And at last, he was finally here.
He sighed deeply. 'Well... Now that the story is about to enter the third chapter in the game, I'd better prepare...'
There were many things that happened in the third chapter. Many changes would occur within the Foundation, and Vertin — the protagonist — would be in an artificial coma for at least eight months.
The Storm reversed them to February of 1913, and the finale of chapter 3 ended in October of the same year.
And so — for eight months — it would just be him and Vertin's team against the Foundation who will try to forcefully assimilate them. Their leader would essentially be stripped away from them during that time, leaving them defenseless.
But of course, how could Isaac just allow that?
As seen by the others before, Isaac had certain capabilities of a leader, as such, he devised a plan that won't seriously change the course of the story.
He will just tilt the scale of the story a bit to be in their favor.
And to do that, Isaac needs to take up the mantle of leadership and defend Vertin's teammates in the meantime. Of course, not only in combat, but also in other factors such as logistics, comfort, and strategies.
Pausing briefly, a wry smile managed to creep up his face. A memory just flashed through his mind after thinking about all of his next plans.
"That's right... I'm following in your steps again..."
Yet again.
After that brief pause, Isaac lingered for a bit before continuing his walk, trying to find a suitable place to build his base of operations.
He could have stayed in the building where Vertin and the rest were — yes — but his presence would undoubtedly cause some problems. As such, he just opted to build his own abode far from the main settlement.
After walking for a good while, Isaac felt that he had a good distance now. Moreover, the spot he encountered appeared to suit his taste. Spreading out his fog and connecting his senses to it, he surveyed the area more.
It was a clearing in the middle of the wilderness where trees stood tall, acting as natural barriers. The grass was flourishing and there were some occasional stones and boulders present.
Looking at the scene, Isaac nodded. "Yeah... This is perfect. Nice and comfy while retaining a sense of isolation. It can also be quickly accessed from the main settlement and it isn't far from the Lake."
"Alright, it's decided — I'm building a comfy wooden cabin here."
It would serve as both his personal base of operations as well as a safe location away from the others.
"But..." However, just as Isaac thought of that, another problem rose in his mind, quickly souring his mood. He then fell into contemplation while his eyes gazed at the nearby trees. "Can I build one as soon as possible...?"
They were currently in Italy and Isaac had no money on him — except from a couple of British pounds — as such, unless he exchanged them, he really couldn't build anything right now without the appropriate tools.
Needless to say, his fog was incapable of cutting wood. They can absorb and redirect attacks, but they simply just can't cut blunt objects. This was reasonable.
Then, looking down at his fine clothes which outlined his character quite cleanly, a thought rose in his mind. 'I wonder if I can sell...'
'No!' However, he immediately erased those thoughts. 'Remember, Isaac, this was bespoke tailored! And they're made from the finest materials! You can't, you just can't...'
Isaac valued his appearance well. And he simply just couldn't bear the idea of selling off his finest clothes — especially the ones that give him the most aura!
While in the middle of his conundrum, someone at some point in time stepped foot near Isaac's vicinity, which alerted the fog and subsequently notified Isaac.
'Huh...?' Sensing the person walking towards him, Isaac raised a brow. 'What's she doing here?'
He didn't even need to send out his senses to know who it was. Just the fact that the trees and bushes giving way for her was enough for him to instantly recognize who it was.
Appearing from the wilderness, the trees swayed comically and bent away from her, as if respecting her figure and letting her pass.
Seeing who it was, Isaac quickly addressed her, his voice laced with curiosity. "Ms. Druvis? What brings you here?"
Indeed, it was Ms. Druvis, who was — evidently — cherished or even beloved by the plant life around her.
Druvis, her reticent self appearing before him, looked around at the clearing Isaac found before speaking.
"Were you thinking of building a wooden cabin here?"
"I was just thinking about it, yes. Why do you ask?" Still not knowing why she appeared, Isaac answered.
Surely she wasn't here to stop him, right? After all, he was just thinking of cutting off some trees — and as a druid herself, that was akin to cutting down something she cherishes.
Druvis became silent for a few moments, seemingly thinking of something in her mind, before looking back at him and speaking.
"I can help you."
"...yes?"
At her declaration, Isaac doubted his ears for a moment. However, realizing that what she said still lingered in the air, he was sure that she had indeed uttered those words.
"A, Are you sure? I mean... I appreciate the help, really, but why?" He uttered, still in a daze.
Druvis shook her lightly. "Yes, I am sure. Moreover, I can perceive which trees are nearing the end of their lives and those who are willing to use themselves as materials. This way, you won't cut down those who still want to live."
"Furthermore..."
Druvis paused. All of a sudden, she lifted her hand as if gesturing for something to rise.
The ground soon shook as birds in the distance flew away.
A moment later, a tree in the distance suddenly sprouted from the ground and towered above the other trees. Strong roots gathered beneath it, as if lifting it up. Then, with a push, the roots took the tree and headed towards where Isaac and Druvis were before stopping just behind her.
The ground continued to shake, and from random points in the vicinity, more and more trees sprouted upward.
Druvis, who still retained a reticent and calm expression, continued her words. "...with me, you don't need to use tools."
"..." Isaac was momentarily taken aback, still processing what was happening. However, upon hearing her words, he couldn't help but snap back to reality.
Suddenly, he seemed to be seeing Druvis as some sort of angel sent down by the heavens.
He couldn't be more grateful.
"...thank you, Ms. Druvis. I... I'll never forget this favor."
And with that, Isaac's comfy wooden cabin was now underway.