Professor Tang Lang casts a glance at the stands towering above him. The place is packed to the brim. Not a single seat is empty — people are even sitting in the aisles. He gathers his notes as the murmur of the audience settling down fades. He clears his throat and taps the microphone to check that the sound system is working. It’s time to begin. Another throat clearing — this time into the mic. The crowd freezes. The researcher smiles and continues.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for taking your seats quickly. We’re about to start our little lecture on the study of the new substance discovered in the City of Scholars, nicknamed the Sap…’

Tang Lang savors the dramatic effect, then goes on.

‘The Sap is a revolution that is currently transforming life for the Asgarthans at the City of Scholars outpost… and perhaps soon, our own lives here as well. This golden, translucent, sticky substance has physical and metaphysical qualities that are revolutionizing Asgarthan research. What is it? Where does it come from? That remains an open question — maybe the topic of another lecture once research digs deeper. But today, let’s try to stay practical and examine what’s happening at the outpost. There isn’t a single Faction that hasn’t tried to make the Sap their own, not a single field that hasn’t attempted to incorporate this strange resource. Let me present its various uses. That might shed some light on the substance and give us ideas for future exploration.’

Tang Lang turns off the lights in the amphitheater, plunging the room into silent darkness. He starts the overhead projector as images appear on the screen.

‘Let’s thank our Lyra friends for the photographic data they collected and sent to illustrate my talk. But let’s begin…’

Images of Axiom workshops flash across the big screen, prompting respectful murmurs as the scientist grabs his first card and comments on the photos.

‘The Axiom and their engineers are probably the biggest consumers of Sap. They immediately recognized its energetic qualities. After testing it in the lab to determine its properties, scientists instantly saw its potential. The Axiom culture of recycling — or rather, tinkering — did the rest, allowing them to adapt their various machines to this substance.’

He presses the button on his remote to cycle through the slides.

‘This discovery came at the perfect time since the expedition is facing a Kelon shortage. The refinery set up on the Screed was quickly converted to collect and process Sap into an energy solution adaptable to all Axiom creations.’

The big screen shows impressive images of the refinery, sparking admiring exclamations as people see the Sap flowing through huge conduits.

‘Its combustion power makes it an extraordinary fuel. It’s used in cartridges, cylinders, or tanks to complement or replace Kelon, which has become increasingly rare and difficult to obtain. It now powers vehicles and autonomous machines to continue exploring the City of Scholars. We’re even starting to install reactors powered by this energy into robots, drones, and flying devices. The Scholars of the City had mastered this technology — and now, so do we.’

On the main screen, various drilling and exploration machines appear, powered by the new engines.

‘Technicians on the Mesektet are currently studying the ship’s turbines to figure out how to handle the precious fuel. The pride of the Aegis, once restored, might become the first Ordis vessel to run on a clever mix of Kelon and Sap, potentially boosting its flight range and average speed. Such a change also involves transforming the steering systems: you don’t handle a race car the same way you handle a slow barge.’

The images of the Mesektet’s inner workings get a strong reaction from the audience, aircraft enthusiasts unable to contain their excitement. Tang Lang smiles.

‘The Sap has other properties that can contribute to Axiom inventions. Once transformed into a solid form with extremely high resistance, it can compensate for certain weaknesses in different designs. It’s not unusual to replace alloy parts with solidified Sap in armor plating, tools, armor joints, robotic limbs, or exoskeleton parts.’

The image of a Brassbug lying on a workbench replaces that of an Automaton being repaired.

‘Technicians working on Brassbugs also use it to repair small cracks and mechanical weaknesses. Initially used like a kind of maintenance oil, it was soon discovered that Sap has reparative properties on constructs, acting like an ointment — though, of course, on machines rather than on humans.’

Quiet laughter punctuates the last remark.

‘It’s also an insulator that can act as a protective layer. These side properties make it fairly resistant to the chaotic activity of the Tumult. Machines treated this way are less affected by the molecular changes and recompositions inherent to the Tumult. This insulating ability is found in many objects and relics uncovered during exploration of the City of Scholars — notably a curious diving suit recovered from some ruins. It’s a promising line of research that could provide a real advantage when encountering a singularity, thanks to equipment designed to withstand it.’

Exclamations ripple through the crowd. A man stands up and calls out to the scientist.

‘You mean to say that the former inhabitants of the City might have confronted the Tumult?’

New murmurs spread through the audience. Tang Lang turns to the man and gestures for him to sit down as he responds.

‘Hard to say at this point. It’s a possibility… A possibility that, if confirmed, opens fascinating prospects. But let’s continue, shall we?’

The researcher turns back to the projector.

‘The Sap is also a tasty and energizing condiment!’

Bursts of laughter echo in the amphitheater. Annoyed, Tang Lang turns around and snaps impatiently.

‘I’m completely serious! Please, look.’

He points to the screen where images of the Mess and photos of dishes with an amber sheen scroll by. The spectators’ surprise is palpable. With a conspiratorial tone, the speaker continues.

‘You can always count on the Bravos’ boldness when it comes to trying new things. The wildest experiment probably happened one relatively quiet evening when a group of cooks, faced with a pot of Sap brought back by an explorer, in a moment of collective dare, simply dipped a finger, scooped a drop, and swallowed it greedily. To their astonishment, they discovered it was not only delicious but also extremely nutritious. They reported their finding to the head chef, who then experimented with mixing ingredients and Sap… and it worked: the results were delicious and nourishing. The chefs went wild. Everyone wanted to incorporate Sap into their recipes. Even Hestia got involved, and that was it — the camp’s cuisine officially became à la Sap.’

Lang savors his clever phrasing, though few seem to appreciate his humor.

‘The Mess, the catering structure, is now always full. People flock there to taste dishes enhanced, reinvented, and transcended by Sap. While the flavor benefits are obvious — or rather, apparent to the palate — the nutritional benefits weren’t immediately clear, especially since the Mess serves mass meals, not fine dining. But every dish helps explorers set out in the morning without feeling hungry all day. Those who come to eat in the evening after a hard day enjoy the comfort of a hearty, soothing meal.’

Food-related comments punctuate the viewing of Hestia and her team’s creations.

‘It’s become such a phenomenon that every Bravos wielding a knife now fancies themselves a great chef, offering up their Sap-based concoctions to anyone who’ll try them.’

New slide, new photo.

‘The Sap isn’t just used in food. It’s added to drinks too: you’ll find it in beer and soda, both on tap and canned. No canteen in camp is without some Sap-based drink. People enjoy its sweet taste and energizing qualities.’

He presses the button again, but the machine jams. Suppressing an annoyed grimace, he taps the projector.

‘Of course, as everything is a challenge with the Bravos, Sap-drinking contests quickly popped up… Please excuse me for a moment.’

He gives the machine a solid whack and, to his relief, sees it start working again.

‘Ah, there we go. Where was I? Right. It’s no surprise the Bravos, always on the lookout for drinks and energy bars to give them a boost, are eager to stock up on Sap-enriched mixes and snacks. There’s already talk of a new ‘Eat-Me’ bar in a ‘Scholar’ version.’

He clears his throat before continuing.

‘A rumor is going around that some explorers are secretly building a still somewhere to make Sap brandy. Nothing’s been confirmed yet, but some Muna at the Farm have noticed that potato consumption has mysteriously gone up. Part of the stock might be getting diverted for a future big batch of distilled alcohol?’

Laughter breaks out here and there in the audience. Tang Lang looks pleased with the reaction. A woman stands up, visibly anxious, and addresses the professor.

‘But are we sure it’s not toxic?’

The speaker gives her a calming hand gesture, then resumes in a more serious, official tone.

‘That’s the main question, since studies on Sap’s nature are still in their infancy. In response to this behavior, the Ordis administration has decided to intervene. Is Sap safe for health? We can’t say for sure yet, even though no cases of food poisoning have been confirmed. Health inspectors have been dispatched to investigate at the Mess. Preliminary analyses by the Muna botanists haven’t revealed anything alarming.’

The audience quiets down. After a brief pause, Tang Lang checks the images on the screen. A pumpkin field is shown. The gourds are unusually large. He smiles.

‘On to the next topic. Yes, here it is. The Sap is a miraculous fertilizer. No, don’t laugh. Look at these pumpkin specimens from the Muna Farm. Aren’t they magnificent?’

He flashes a series of images on and off the screen.

‘The Sap is also a resource for agriculture. The Muna gardeners quickly seized on it to explore its use in crops. Small vegetable plots, orchards, and fields have popped up around the Farm. The gardeners started mixing Sap with fertilizers — solid, liquid, sprays, compost layers… All kinds of concoctions to boost growth. The bolder ones even tried grafts, using the golden essence as an adhesive. Others sprayed it on buds and follicles. For primeur vegetables or grains, they use it as a substrate added to the soil or fertilizers. There’s a whole range of methods. But the results are remarkable: plants grow faster, fruits and vegetables are bigger and more plentiful… and the taste remains intact. A gardener’s dream come true. That doesn’t stop the Muna from continuing to study the Sap’s effects in nature. Nearly all this Sap-enriched agricultural production goes directly to the Mess for Hestia’s dishes. Without this providential supply of ingredients, expedition logistics would be far more complicated. A point of great interest is the relationship between insects and Sap. One species has caught their particular attention: the Bumblebeets. These little critters act as pollinators on the vertical gardens of the Crow’s Eye, but now their activity has expanded since they also fertilize crops at the Farm. Those flowers are in turn visited by other insects, which carry Sap outside these areas, affecting plants that hadn’t yet been exposed to its effects. It’s a completely natural spread. In the same vein, the Muna have started studying the Libellumines, a strange flying insect species whose legs, when coated in Sap, glow in the dark like fireflies.’

A hand rises in the stands.

‘Excuse me, professor, did you say these… insects… have a connection to Sap?’

The scientific eminence cuts the questioner short.

‘I didn’t say that, ma’am. But the entire ecosystem of the City of Scholars seems, more or less, connected to this substance. So it makes sense to study endemic specimens, especially those involved in pollination. It’s important to understand all the ramifications. But if this has unsettled you, hold on tight — the next part won’t disappoint.’

The speaker turns to the screen, which now shows strange images of a woman preparing some kind of concoction. In a more hushed, almost conspiratorial tone, Tang Lang continues.

‘The Sap can also be used in magical arts, as demonstrated by the Yzmir researchers. Naturally, they were bound to take an interest in this substance. If ingestion seemed to improve physical performance, perhaps it could be used to enhance magical abilities too? The Nilam Spires investigated this, creating a workshop dedicated to studying Sap. The early attempts were difficult. Raw Sap didn’t seem suited to magical applications. But through refinement, it became more usable, especially in decoctions. These preparations provided some mental comfort, but it wasn’t enough. Research then shifted to inhaling Sap vapors. Some volunteers took part. Ultimately, the test subjects noted their minds felt sharper, more focused, making it easier to manipulate Mana during magical operations.’

He scans the audience to gauge his colleagues’ reactions.

‘It became common to make Sap infusions, first inhaled, then drunk. The vapors go straight to the mind, while the infusion relaxes the body, putting the user in the right frame of mind for magic. Now, no Yzmir mage goes on an expedition without these little Nilam Spires-prepared infusion sachets.’

A heavy silence full of questions follows. The audience looks puzzled. The scientist raises an eyebrow.

‘You think we’ve covered it all? Not at all — the Lyra have also contributed to the research. With a different, more… artistic approach. Naturally, they tried ingesting the substance. The effects immediately appealed to artists who use their bodies as instruments. Lyra musicians started using Sap to maintain their instruments, like a wax. This improved durability… and harmony. The sound became clearer and more refined. Intrigued, the singers joined in, using Sap in gargles and mouth rinses before going on stage. No more lost voices! Their tone stays on point for hours without straining their vocal cords.’

Tang Lang beams. He’s beaten many colleagues to be the first to present all these discoveries.

‘For lack of inspiration, the writers borrowed the idea of Yzmir infusions to put themselves in the best creative mindset.’

A pause, quickly seized by a member of the audience.

‘You mean it’s a drug?’

Tang Lang waves his arms in denial.

‘No, no — not at all… well, at least, pending further research.’

He pauses, then goes on.

‘Only the Ordis Faction hasn’t gotten carried away by Sap. You could even say they’re very cautious about this substance. Bureaucrats are naturally wary of novelty, preferring minimal risk. For them, a subject must be fully studied before being tested in practical applications. For now, the Ordis are more focused on the why and how. This research involves studying the city’s relics and artifacts, analyzing, cataloging, dismantling, and dissecting them. But for now, the analyses don’t lead to any further explanations.’

He already sees himself elevated to the rank of Jian Lam, or Vaike Swiftwater. Among those who have made a lasting mark on Asgarthan society…

‘If the energetic appeal doesn’t bother them too much—especially if it could benefit transportation and ships like the Mesektet—the ingestion of the substance without thorough research does raise questions. From studying the frescoes and artifacts brought up from the City, it seems that the civilization that disappeared was deeply connected to the Sap. They also ingested it. And perhaps that is exactly the reason they vanished: excessive consumption of this substance. But for now, these are only conjectures, and the authorities will undoubtedly legalize its use in the coming months or years.’

Yes, it’s really just a matter of time, and he’s already rubbing his hands in anticipation.

‘By going deeper into the City and its maze, the Ordis archaeologists hope to find more information that will help them understand the origin of the Sap and its possible role in the downfall of the civilization that once occupied these places. In the meantime, the other Factions will probably come up with a thousand new applications for the Sap. That’s how it always is with innovation. Thank you all for your attention. I’ll make sure to reach out again when more details come in over the next few weeks.’

A respectful silence precedes a round of polite applause. Tang Lang turns off the projector and turns the lights back on in the lecture hall. He thanks the audience with a forward bow. The aisles fill with people heading for the exit, amid an amiable murmur. The professor calmly gathers his things. Once the attendees have left, he grabs his briefcase to take his leave as well. In the doorway, a man seems to be waiting for him. He’s wearing the classic uniform of a high-ranking Ordis bureaucrat. As the scientist is about to step across the threshold, the man calls out to him.

‘Professor Tang Lang? May I speak with you for a moment?’

‘Make it quick. I wouldn’t want to be late to my dinner with my colleagues,’ Tang Lang replies in a curt tone.

‘You showed a lot of determination to be the first to talk about the Sap, didn’t you? Almost a sense of urgency…’

Tang Lang freezes, hesitating.

‘Come on. Science waits for no one.’

‘Nor do patents, I imagine.’

The professor opens his mouth to protest, but the man’s icy stare immediately puts him back in his place.

‘You spent nearly half an hour praising the Sap as if it were a panacea, a miracle cure. I strongly suggest you show a bit more restraint in the future…’