Meanwhile, as the battle of Monsters waged within Kabanaska, Harvard and the others were able to leave the kingdom and explore the outer surroundings, trying everything they can to find whatever's out of place from the clay-like ground and messy trees. Closer examination would show such bark made was starting to corrode, replaced by a new bark, a Ship of Theseus in floral form. Each part of the place felt more and more fake, almost akin to Synoni's landscapes. Less drawn, more sculpted. Less picturesque and with scratchy colors, more unfinished and brief. Solomon would have Shady trace through each part of the area on their sides while they split up and searched, only finding more and more falsehoods in its wake. It almost felt like one a disguise atop another, making the area a structure in it of itself instead of focusing on one part.
It almost felt ingenious, in such rushed design. With how loose it all was outside, it never drew attention to anywhere else, constantly grabbing it when they notice another off-put setting.
They never noticed this shift when they went inside, making them ponder if the Barrier does more than mere illusions in its 'sky.' To test this, Harvard would cast a spell, taking advantage of the new day with a Book. One of the spells he hasn't tried yet so far was a book detailing the sun and moon, trying to multitask with it alongside the investigation to gather as much knowledge as possible, his slits within his eyes tracking one, while his real eyes track another. In a way, he was sharing information and storing it in himself by allowing the Nuckelavee to see alongside him. Upon casting and opening the books, it gave him a top down view of the entire world, more specifically in their given perspective. One was of the sun, allowing Harvard to see the entire layout of Kabanaska on the given radius. The other was of the moon, which surprisingly worked upon the 'sky', allowing Harvard a personal view over Eustace's battle against the two, their voices familiar. At least for one of them, it was such a case. A small discourse between his father and grandfather when he was up one night, far too young to remember the conversation clearly. All he could remember was on that day, least from what he heard, was of an expedition to 'a monstrous haven', which would've helped out the Helsing name.
He couldn't care less about such a moniker, before, though with how there seems to be a slight connection with his mother against the Beldam, his mind's starting to wonder if something in this circle is speaking to him. "Can you hear it...?" the Nuckelavee spoke, an earworm of a voice coming out once he was properly alone, letting him get a good view on his friends with Book of the Sun to ensure they're safe and far away from the battle in Kabanaska's center. "This man... This dirt. This feels... familiar to me."
"By the fact its fake? Yeah, was gonna bring up-" Harvard would ask, but was quickly shot down as the Devil of the Sea spoke further.
"No, no. The voices. You're starting to be more inhumane than before. Before, you were willing to embrace the body, and now you're understanding the soul. The beating essence of what a 'Monster' is. Can you hear them talk? From here? It's a simple question, little one." The words mumbling over were a clear sign of temptation, yet Harvard was more than willing to listen. He didn't notice how long its been since he acquired his Monster Magic, more so how comfortable he's felt in this state since letting his parents witness it. He lends his ears to the Sun, hoping to hear something out of it.
"When will it end?"
"Couldn't even spare us any alcohol here to ease ourselves..."
"I'm hungry..."
"Mommy, why is it dark here?"
"Hush, my child... we're supposed to sleep. We'll wait until the night comes."
"I want Wyvios' head on a spike for this."
"Don't we all?"
The Magician's eyes widened upon hearing the many voices. One after another, piling on like it was a stack of paper. He'd close the book and backed up, wanting some proper bearings, overwhelmed by such a large volume. "What the... How did... It was just like that mountain guy... How am I?" He'd ask himself, his questions answered by the Nuckelavee's calm voice.
"An elementary inquisition. Have you not noticed the changes during your time in the Circle? How I, as you put it, 'used your head' to garner speech?" Such a thought would waft into the child's head, letting him put two and two together. His eyes widened once he understood what he meant, yet the Nuckelavee answered for him. "If I was able to imprint myself in your mind to gather your speech, you would've, conversely, did the same with me. The reason why it was never prevalent was because the Beldam was our enemy, and Xibal was simply trying to sleep. The longer we remain bound, the longer you let me inside your heart and mind, the longer you become one of us."
"...and the closer I get to an answer in beating Jesta, right?"
"Exactly! Now granted, I myself am being adjusted to these 'emotions' I ask of you to discard, but so far, I quite like it. Maybe I can be lenient and allow a few to stay, but do not forget your purpose. I believe within the right light, we might have a chance to see the next step in our evolution."
"It still feels weird... being able to hear everyone talking like this. Does that mean-"
"Indeed. The Knight harbors truth in his words. Beasts lay before us in the Castle's bedding. We must unearth it."
"HEY! I FOUND SOMETHING!!" A shout from Stolas as the conversation ended. A silent, yet firm nod by Harvard to confirm his inner demon's choices. His greed was starting to get to him, but if it means being the Hero and saving others that were potentially doomed by the Devil's grip, he'll take that opportunity. Even now, he was able to notice this 'sacrificial lamb' mindset in full swing, though he does worry how would it feel to lack any sort of emotion once he takes upon the mantle of being a beast beyond recognition.
He hopes with the time he spent with his friends, they may be able to help drag him out of that vacant hole he's digging himself into.