Jake’s senses heightened. His heart wouldn’t calm down. He looked in front of him where the sand sloped upwards. He then heard the sound of water crashing against the hundred-metre-tall walls surrounding the edges of the path either side of him. Above him flew the tinoos, flying in a figure eight that indicated that they could relax for the time …

Feeling ominous glares surrounding him, Gin opened a single eye. It took a few seconds to gain his vision but, when he saw the curious faces of Brim and Michal, he wanted to go back to his slumber. However, the gazes prevented him from doing so, provoking him to keep awake instead. ‘Can you stop?’ Gin requested. ‘But this regeneration …

Since I’ve pretty finished the forest arc, I thought it was fitting to show some artwork related to the novel. Enjoy! (Be warned though, my drawing abilities are terrible) Ok, let’s start with the most iconic piece from the novel: the INS. I drew this 2 years ago (!) but, as you can see, there are usually 3-4 chambers to …

Gin concentrated on his arm, picturing the image of the Xernim1XernimA parasitical entity that sometimes benefits its host returning to the default position. It complied, though instead of decaying like usual, it peeled off his arm like the skin of a Bandra fruit. Regardless of the parasite’s methods to reveal the sliced-up limbs, he found the underside of the Xernim …

‘Is it over?’ the boy asked as he fidgeted restlessly, waiting for an answer. His palms were sweaty, but he crossed his fingers, holding his breath as his father studied him with an inscrutable expression. ‘Yeah. You’re cured. You also don’t need to wear glasses now as a bonus,’ the doctor concluded. ‘Really?!’ ‘Yep. Read the chart across the room. …

With the caravans filled to the brim with water, stone and other commodities, Brim held onto the reins to the lupim carrying the lot. He patted the furry beast, receiving warm nuzzles in return before it barked at the other canines, ordering the pack around. The other dogs howled back, turning into whimpers when their leader roared in response. ‘Oho, …

Jake found something wet sprinkle against one cheek and something else squelch against the other. He felt cold, devoid of the natural heat fire elementals possess. His mind scattered in a million directions, unable to process what had happened, but the sudden snapping of branches brought him back into rationality. ‘He’s alive! I hear heart!’ A familiar voice, Jake thought. …

Jake found something wet sprinkle against one cheek and something else squelch against the other. His felt cold, devoid of the natural heat fire elementals possess. His mind scattered in a million directions, unable to process what had happened, but the sudden snapping of branches brought him back into rationality. ‘Well, that was easy.’ Huh? A woman? Jake thought. He …

For the first time in a month, Gin felt revitalised. His muscles no longer ached nor did he suffer from mental fatigue. Granted, his nanobots helped with the former and the eighteen-hour nap with the latter, but that didn’t stop him from brimming with energy. He stepped out from his tent, took a deep breath of the earthy musk from …

To eat or not to eat, that was Gin’s question as he stared down at the pre-made lunch, hating himself for salivating at it. It was a mish-mash of fruit, mage meat and (what seemed to be) rice. On the one hand, it was very well made and the procedures to get the food seemed humane enough. On the other …