"It can't be true. Why would the church poison people with this stuff?"

Nathan turned to them, holding his hand out as he showed the small crystal-like bit of flesh that stood on his palm. Divine like magic still pouring from such a tiny bit of body.

"It's a simple thing. A body of a divine contains the pure and raw power of the G.o.ds. This power is corruptive to anyone mortal. The typical path to take with corruption is death and decay. When this shard lodged itself in your daughter's stomach at first, it released magical energy to power the potion that accompanied the medicine."

Nathan put the fragment into his pocket as he sat back down, letting everyone else sit close around so that he could lower the volume of the conversation.

"Once the potion effects wore off and the magical energy inside this fragment no longer supplied anything else it began to build in your daughter like a poison. Unable to activate itself and become useful it merely dwelled inside till today when she died of Mana poisoning.

Nees face became a shade of white as she felt her face to fight back the tears, Azo looking at Nathan with confusion as he listened to him. His knowledge of magic making him one of the few people who understood the concept.

"Can you answer me this Nathan. You said Magic is poison to the body, but mages use it just fine. Even in the Vortex, we are unable to use magic without Mana crystals. What is up with that?"

Nathan looked at the man as he let out a small sigh, this was going to be a topic that caused some issues as he knew that many people could have come to different agreements on how Mana worked.

"I do not wish to cause issues. I'll say that when mortals use magic, they are not keeping inside themselves. They are but a conduit for the mana to shape it to a form they desire."

Nathan looked to Nees as he knew that the woman possibly did not want to hear this right now. Still, he could not refuse a question in regards to something he designed himself.

"The average mana concentration around is between one to twelve percent. The richer the mana in the area the stronger spells you can cast. In the Vortex, it's roughly around zero point one four percent."

Azo nodded his head in understanding as he knew something was missing from the explanation and even the part about why the vortex was, so mana dry was also not explained.

"Now. Nees, I need to ask you a few things. Can you tell me if you know of any leaders of the community? Ones who have enough sway that people will listen to them."

It took a few moments for Nees to think as she looked back to them all, quickly nodding as she responded.

"Well, each area has a person in charge. I know of them really, but they are the ones who hold the sway inside the slums. Each section holds certain powers, but people will listen when they speak."

Nathan nodded as he pulled out a map from his cloak, handing it over to Azo as his smile grew. He was sure Azo who is a smart man had understood his plan to some extent.

"Excellent. When the time comes, you will all need to lead everyone to this location. Gather as many supplies as you can for the journey. I know you will do great."

Azo and Bull both nodded as they understood. Azo nodding due to knowing the plan while Bull was nodding because it sounded like he was getting some action. The twins directly stared at them both as they just shrugged.

As Nathan left, Azo sat in his seat as he looked at the many others around before unscrolling the map as he looked it over, seeing many green marks leading back to Baski.

"What is this plan that he is speaking about with the leaders? What do we need actually to do?"

Nees spoke as she looked slightly worried, she had just gotten her child back to full health, she would help due to the immense emotional debt she owed the man until her kids became endangered.

"I guess that he is going to do something so damaging to the church that the slums out here will no longer survive. He has posted these places as restocking points for water and food so people can make it to the town of Baski which can then led to his town of Sanctuary."

Nees looked at the man like he had spoken something crazy, almost gasping as she shook in fear. "Wait what are you talking about. That almost sounds insane. I've never heard of anything in regards to a town of Sanctuary!"

Azo just let out a small laugh as he tried to calm the woman down, the loud voice could attract the wrong kind of attention as he merely continued to smile at her.

"Calm down. The city is created and maintained with G.o.d-like power. It's breathtaking as I've seen it myself. It has a flowing river of pure fresh water running through the town, green as far as the eye can see with trees so tall that you have to crane your neck to see the tops. It's a magical place, and I think you should get your son and daughter out of this h.e.l.l."

Nees felt the shock running through her; this was almost to good to be right her mind becoming pained at this point. Who would believe about a magical area that was perfect to live in. She had spent nearly the entire ten years inside the vortex and she had forgotten about life outside the harsh walls.

Azo smiled at her, taking a hand in hers as he spoke.

"He saved your daughter. Do you think he could harm them after that."

Nees let out a small sigh, those words defeating her as she nodded.

"Fine, I'll help."