Chapter 178: Book 3: Inspired (x2)
Once the pain in my skull fades, I note that I feel a lot better—maybe Zhir was telling the truth. I certainly don't feel like I'm out of Firmament anymore, though it's possible that has more to do with... whatever it is about Inspirations that causes time to freeze around me. I've always felt that this place is more mental than physical, even if Kauku's abilities tend to blur the line between the two.
"I would enjoy hearing your tale regardless," Kauku says casually, leaning back against nothing in particular. "I don't get much entertainment here in the void, you see—let alone company. Rare enough that I get an Heir of my own and the opportunity for conversation. Surely you can indulge me?"
I'm all too cautious of the warning that was just shot into my head. Try not to let it reach Kauku. I have no idea what this "it" is, and I'm assuming if my future self could have been any more specific, he would have.
But I don't need to. As far as I know, Kauku is entirely inaccessible except via Inspiration, exactly like this. If my future self is telling me that something was able to gain access to him...
Well. That means that more likely than not, they were able to gain access to him through this. Through the process of selecting an Inspiration. It shouldn't be possible—not with the way reality itself freezes to a stop to allow for this process—but there has to be a reason I sent myself this warning.
Until I have more information, it might be best to either not trigger future Inspirations at all, or to do these as quickly as possible. Or at least keep both to a minimum.
"I'm afraid I don't have time," I say. "I'm sure you've been watching. You know exactly what I've been up to."
"Quite." Kauku grins at me, all pretense vanishing. "I must say, you're doing even better than I expected. I've outdone myself."
"You've outdone yourself?" I raise an eyebrow.