The only runes left on Raum’s amulet belonged to his associates, who were working in the field and too far away to reach the hidden lab in time.

“Before you do something stupid, know that I’ve already pillaged your lab, emptied your stock of magical resources that you left outside your omni pocket, and even stolen your diaries.” Leegaain said. “Everything you have and are is stored inside my pocket dimension.

“Run away, and you’ll have to start your precious research from scratch. Run away, and the madness we both know is consuming you will turn you into a rambling idiot who doesn’t even remember his own name.”

“My diaries?” Raum’s Decay eyes went wide in surprise, knowing that his father was right.

Many times during the millennia had the Wonderer lost himself to oblivion and insanity, managing to return to his senses only by clinging to the written records of his existence.

Raum treasured his diaries as much as his magical research and would rather die than let his descendants learn about the depths of his depravity. At least until the moment he could justify his actions by offering them the secret of true power and immortality.

“Well, before you do something stupid, father, remember where we are.” The Wonderer elongated his claws until they prickled Xenagrosh’s skin and drew droplets of her black blood.