Ramata waves SoulStealer away. A gust of magic power teleports him to his allies. Thousand Styles Miles is already demanding justice. The petty tyrant has SoulStealer empty wallet feeling better. SoulStealer fans the flames by saying, "They said they wanted to find a magic sword, sir. They might be after your treasure. We must hunt them down no matter what."
As expected, Thousand Styles Miles contacts his people in Pike to monitor for the party. They are a very odd group, thus easy to track.
Ramata steps aside as a small, green-goblin-like creature who is mumbling to himself comes out of the portal. Ramata is bowing deeply at this creature, commanding respect. For a goblin, his clothes are fine woollen clothes. Golden armour made specifically for him, otherwise why would a normal armour have a hunchback carved into it.
In a rather coarse voice, the goblin says, "I thought there were more of them this time?" The goblin didn't even look up at them. The only person who seems to be affected is Lux. As soon as the goblin stepped out, she started sweating heavily.
Ramata sounds as if they are nervous and says, "These six and the others had a contest..." Pointing at Tyr, SKY Ocean Hunter, Lux, Tatiana, Styx and Frey"... such is the result." The goblin rubs what is presumably his gold-filled coin purse. His red cape flaps in the wind. Tyr can't quite make out what the blue symbol is on his back.
The goblin then says, " That is acceptable since only one of them meets the qualification. As they are part of her team, they can also take part." The goblin for the first time looks at them directly. Lux falls to her knee as his red eyes gaze over them all. None of them can move at all. He brings out several black rocks, placing each rock. In front of the gang. They each glow a different colour except for the one in front of Tyr. The goblin looks at Lux, then moves to Tyr, removing the black rock.
Ramata says, " It will be done at once, commander Tau." She signs as translucent purple symbols float around them. The gang can only take a deep breath as the goblin commander vanishes, his eyes having returned to Lux. The other rock all fly into their mouths, freeing them from the pressure.
Tyr says being the first to regain his senses, " First Speaker, was that your commander?" Tyr is interested to know if they are recruiting.
Ramata, while still working on her spell formation, says, "No Supreme Commander Tau simply wanted to verify the information I brought him. Ordinary creatures like yourselves should count their lucky stars."
SKY Ocean Hunter is concerned with Lux. She had an extreme reaction to the commander in fact she is still on her knees. "Hey, babe? What's wrong? Come on, snap out of it." As gently as he can he shakes her a bit. Lux hugs him, stopping the tears from flowing.
Lux says, " That...That goblin has a bloodlust stronger than anybody back home?"
SKY Ocean Hunter says, "Back home where?" He can see she is really out of it. She is even taking deep breaths.
Lux says, holding onto him, " Sorry he confused me for a moment. That goblin is terrifying. I'm sure he could destroy us all with just a thought." Ramata harrumphs in agreement with Lux. The symbols form a single tunnel. On the side are buildings.
Ramata says, " you lot follow me." The gang, one by one, make their way to the portal. SKY Ocean Hunter helps Lux. Carry the red elf like a princess. When Tyr steps up to the portal, a spear from Ramata blocks him.
Tyr says, "Is there a problem?" A hint of fear in his heart. Tyr knows that sometimes people can be kicked out of a trial for any number of reasons without being told why. Plus, that the Commander spoke about qualifications has him worried.
Ramata's metal mask moves over to the top of their face. Tyr can see that they are smiling at him and Ramata says, "No problem...you just can't come with us. Your path as a leader is one of blood and light. To the east is a gate. There are stairs take them as high as they go."
Styx says, "Then what are we doing?" Styx is a little worried. If their fighting force is reduced even more. They might not pass whatever test lies ahead. He can see that Lux will need time to recover and that will mean SKY Ocean Hunter will have to limit his actions. Without Tyr, only Tatiana, the half-giant, can deal with the highest physical damage even if she is a mage.
Ramata ushers them into the tunnel proper, pointing the direction Tyr must go. The horizon she points to. Has dark grey, thick ominous clouds. Streaks of bright orange lighting appear every few seconds. Ramata says, " Worry not. The seventh floor is an opportunity for them. Yours lies over there." And with that, the gang and Ramata vanish. The tunnel closing without so much a peep.
Tyr stands in the middle of the grassland alone with his spear and shield. He is glad that at least Thousand Styles Miles and his gang are not here. Tyr looks to the east and starts jogging. He maybe has another few hours before the announcement by the system. He really wants to be done by then. The jog only takes about forty-five minutes. In that time, his stamina actually recovered fully. The closer he gets, the more refreshed he feels.
The gang appears in a small stone-faced town. Several races from the other continent are walking around too. Styx sees a person made completely of metal. Next to the metal man is something he can only describe as a moving collection of rocks. Frey marvels at how beautiful everything is the design of the building seems to emit relaxing energy. SKY Ocean Hunter slithers forward toward Ramata.
Sky Ocean Hunter asks, "Where are we?" The buildings have a similar design aesthetic to the library of Andria. He can't help but think the same people who built the library have built these buildings.
Ramata says, " Opportunity is what you make of it. Now go, your leader can't wait forever for you guys." She vanishes however the dust cloud she leaves behind indicates she ran away faster than they could perceive.
Styx goes to Frey and says, "Should we look around, Mi Amor?"
Frey is giddy with happiness says while pulling along Styx, "Back in three hours." She is moving towards a large building where she feels the energy is stronger.
Tatiana, with a tinge of embarrassment, says, " Might as well look around too." She has spotted several mages walking around with devices she has never seen before and is quite interested in them.
SKY Ocean Hunter nods and waves her away. He wishes to explore, but until Lux feels better, he would rather wait. Looking at her on the bench, he put her on. SKY Ocean Hunter slithers closer to Lux, looking around at the people going about their business.
Ramata is standing in a tall tower office overlooking the square where the gang is. The office is filled with old papers and a random assortment of boxes and weapons. At the top of a pile of boxes is a woman with a look of exasperation at the report she is looking at.
Ramata by the window says, "Sub-Commander Diana, are you sure this is the best way. With a little guidance, I could show them the correct path."
The regal tired face Sub-Commander Diana moves her light green hair to look at Ramata and says, "For a Vinicoid, you are really caring. Don't you think you have helped them enough already by bringing them here instead of just throwing them out like you were supposed to?"
Ramata says daring not to face sub-commander Diana, " Well, the supreme commander said that one of them had the qualification. Even though ultimately she didn't pass the test, I thought it would be a waste to let her go. There is just something about them that makes me want to help them."
Sub-commander Diana says, "You said that about the Children of King Ghidorah and look at how they ravaged the continent of Dumile. I think it would be best if you make sure that they don't go anywhere they shouldn't. Least the Voidless tempts them into dooming us all"
Ramata says dancing out the room, " You see even you want to them!" As Ramata closes the door, several books slam into it thrown by the Sub-commander."
With a glance, Sub-commander Diana says, "At least she has a good eye."