We had arrived at the Game Studio. We had each bought some snacks and fruit juices to take before we began the fourth session of the Game. We were all excited at having found one another. It opened up new possibilities in terms of exploration.
After eating a few of the snacks, we put on our Virtual Headsets and logged into the Game. As I explained earlier, XCalibur AOP 2's Gameplay System fused Mental Conceptualization with actual Body Motion and that's how the Battle System worked as well so we got plenty of exercise simply by playing the Game.
We found ourselves back on our Islands in the middle of the Ocean. Keiran's and Concordia's Sky Islands glided serenely through the Skies, Ariel and Saito's Sub Islands floated undersea, Arlene and Mitsuki's Gravitational Islands hovered over the Sea and Ciella's and mine floated on the surface of the Sea. All of us were currently in my Island's Bridge when all of a sudden, my Dad's voice began to speak.
"You successfully researched the ability to convert energy from one state to the other and in so doing extend your range of exploration. You also successfully researched nature and the ability to convert Principles present in Nature into Technology. Congratulations on finding one another.
In the days of old, before the Age Of Exploration began, the might of a Nation was measured by its Military Prowess. However, the constant cycle of destruction and rebuilding locked the Ancient World in a state of no progress or simply put, a stasis. Finally fed up with all the destruction, various Nations began to work towards new ways of demonstrating their might and that was how…Sports were born. Sports were indeed designed to foster harmony, however, they are also an expression of a Nation's Physical and Mental Prowess. As such, there were Sports designed to test the Physical Prowess Of Nations and those designed to test their Mental Prowess. There were Sports designed to be played by individuals and those designed to test Teamwork. In a sense, it could be said that the strategies employed by the Teams of various Nations could also connote their Cultural Values. The Rings Of Olympus each symbolize a single continent however, the way they are assembled connote Unity In Diversity.
The Games begin with the lighting of a Torch. As Dream Knights, Flame generally symbolizes Four Major Themes. Crimson Flames for Vitality, Blue Flames for Fortitude, Golden Flames for Purification and Black Flames for Destruction. Worldwide, Flames also symbolize 'Communication' as well as 'Will'.
The Lighting Of A Torch could thus symbolize a 'Beacon' or 'The Expulsion Of The Dark Age'. For now, I will observe you to see the preparatory measures you will set in place towards this event. I will guide you through each Major Level with a Set Of Hints" my Dad said as the line cut.
We sighed.
"That sounds kinda interesting. But it kinda sounds as though this is going to be another tough level" I said.
"Well, why don't we begin by exchanging Maps to our various Peristylia. That way, each of us can find the others' lands at any time. That should generally expand our exploration range as well. Don't you agree?" Keiran asked.
"Certainly, but first some basic rules. No one is allowed to invade the others' Peristylia or to attempt to conquer it via Military Force understand?" I asked.
Everyone agreed.
"For now, we should explore other Peristylia to try and gain a general understanding as to how adequately we should prepare towards the Olympus Event" Concordia suggested.
"Makes sense. Dad did say he'd be observing us to see how well we prepare towards the event. So far, there haven't been any significant changes or events so we've probably not made adequate preparations just yet" Saito said.
"Besides, we are yet to figure out what sort of events we'll be facing. Will we be dueling one another or working together?" Ariel asked.
"It's hard to say but we'll most likely be working together" I said.
"How can you tell?" Ariel asked.
"Dad so far has made it clear that the events in this Game are the equivalent of actual Dream Knight Missions. What we're fighting against or trying to achieve is ultimately to simulate the best way to diminish Zanfar's influence in the Real and Dream Worlds. If Zanböngfar's influence is the antagonist or last boss of the Game then it is unlikely the Game is set up so that we'd beat one another. However, rivalry is encouraged, a healthy rivalry that allows us to sharpen our skills as well as one another" I explained.
"You've really given this a lot of thought haven't you San?" Keiran asked.
I nodded.
"Certainly have" I said with a smirk.