Hidden Chapter: “The Journey of the Metaphys”
Adapting to Exile
In the aftermath of their betrayal, The Keepsake of the Acclamation found himself in the alien world of Aesarthim, filled with resentment and sorrow. Unlike some of his comrades who tried to adapt, he stubbornly refused to learn even the most basic elements of this new world, including its units of measurement. His focus remained singular: avenging the betrayal that had torn him away from his family. Along with the other Keepsakes, he began to scout the world, seeking to understand the role of the Aliezmus in binding them to Aesarthim. His journey took him to the Voidscourge of Apophis, where he sensed a powerful source controlling the overarching narrative.
A Bond with the Harlequins
Upon arriving in Apophis, The Keepsake of the Acclamation encountered many monsters pestering the local harlequins, a group of nomadic engineers and entertainers. Using his formidable skills, he eliminated the monsters, earning the gratitude of the harlequins. They allowed him to use their voidforge, and as he spent time with them, he became increasingly fond of their vibrant community. His prolonged stay prompted The Keepsake of the Pride to seek him out, reminding him of their shared goals. The Keepsake of the Acclamation assured him that he had not forgotten their mission, but his growing attachment to the harlequins hinted at a deeper conflict within him.
Repairing the Pocket Watch
One day, the harlequins repaired The Keepsake of the Acclamation's pocket watch, a precious artifact that allowed him to see a picture of his family. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he repaid them by teaching them the sophisticated arts of skysworn building. His designs, however, were too advanced for the harlequins, who struggled to understand his "indecipherable blueprints." Determined to help, he set out to create simpler designs suitable for Aesarthim's technology level.
The Virtuoso Dendritia
During his quest for simpler tools, he met Dendritia, a virtuoso with a talent for artistic representation. Together, they translated his complex blueprints into a series of hieroglyphs that the harlequins could understand. Matriarch Ranviera, initially skeptical of his elaborate plans, was finally impressed. Dendritia's hieroglyphs recorded the entire process of building the skysworn, turning the project into a collaborative effort that united the harlequins and humans.
Conflict and Trust with Matriarch Ranviera
A pivotal moment came when The Keepsake of the Acclamation and Matriarch Ranviera had a conceptual fight over the design of the skysworn's helm. This altercation reminded him of his dream of dressing a boundless sky, ultimately earning the Matriarch's trust. He also met Glial, a young girl with a dream of flying, who became his student in piloting the skysworn. Their bond grew as he taught her the intricacies of skysworn navigation, rekindling a sense of purpose within him.
Misunderstanding and Resolution
Their progress was nearly derailed when nearby humans mistook the skysworn for a colossal weapon and attempted to destroy it. After a tense skirmish, The Keepsake of the Acclamation, Matriarch Ranviera, and Glial convinced them of the skysworn's true purpose as a vehicle for exploration and adventure. The Keepsake of the Acclamation offered to explain its workings, bridging the gap between the harlequins and the human settlers.
The Skysworn's Maiden Voyage
As they prepared for the skysworn's maiden voyage, their plans were interrupted by a storm conjured by a monstrous entity. The Keepsake of the Acclamation donned his cloak of aura once more and leapt from the skysworn to defeat the monster. The harlequins celebrated their victory, but The Keepsake of the Acclamation never returned, presumably setting off to wander the land once again. Dendritia's hieroglyphs of his deeds were later hung in the Frisson Skysworn Factory, cementing his legend among the harlequins and humans alike.
The Discovery of the Magic Library
When The Keepsake of the Silence discovered the Magic Library on Gashileos, The Keepsake of the Acclamation was instrumental in investigating its secrets. Their research led to the discovery of an ineffable anti-narrative gate between Aesarthim and Visaskarma. This revelation ignited a renewed sense of purpose within him, and he fully committed to the plan to destroy the Aliezmus and return to their original world.
Refurbishing the Infinity Fortress
One hundred years before the main story, The Keepsake of the Acclamation took charge of unearthing and refurbishing the Infinity Fortress, a powerful skysworn that would enable their passage back to Visaskarma. He would later recruit harlequins and Daien, an outstanding engineer from Lyrixusc, to assist in the endeavor. Daien, under the thrall of Professor Vendread, was intrigued by the Keepsake's cosmic essence and provided invaluable assistance.
The Final Preparations
With the Infinity Fortress nearing completion, The Keepsake of the Acclamation felt a mixture of anticipation and sorrow. His longing for revenge was tempered by the memories of the life he had built in Aesarthim, especially among the harlequins. Yet, his resolve remained firm. The betrayal he had suffered demanded retribution, and he was prepared to see their mission through to the end.