Orion's morning began early, with the anticipation of the expedition stirring him awake before the sun had fully risen. Following his morning routine, he joined his grandfather, Alexander, for breakfast. The quiet companionship was comforting, a brief respite before the day's adventure.
As they ate, Orion shared the details of his mission to the small world. "I might not be back for a few days," he explained, noting the concern that flickered in Alexander's eyes.
"Just be careful, Orion," his grandfather advised, his voice steady but laden with concern. "These missions can be unpredictable. Trust your instincts."
Orion nodded, taking his grandfather's words to heart. After breakfast, he gathered his gear and set out for the GARB building.
Arriving at the GARB building, Orion was immediately struck by the bustling crowd. The area was teeming with awakeners, more than he had ever seen here. It was clear they were all here for the small world expedition. Scanning the crowd, he soon spotted Mira.
Mira, upon seeing Orion, waved him over. "There you are! This is quite the gathering, isn't it?" she remarked, her eyes scanning the crowd.
Orion nodded, his gaze following hers. "It's more than I expected. Do you know about these groups?"
Mira leaned in, her voice low. "Yes, a few. That group over there," she pointed discreetly, "is from the Azure Serpent Clan. Known for their aggressive tactics and strength. And there," she gestured towards another group, "are members of The Mystic Shadows. They're more stealth-oriented, often taking on espionage missions."
Orion listened, absorbing the information. "And them?" he asked, nodding towards a notably diverse group.
"That's The Harmonious Path. Mostly cultivators, but they've managed to assemble a team of six Level-Up users. It's impressive, showing the depth of resources larger clans possess," Mira explained.
Orion's eyes continued to wander through the crowd as Mira provided more insights into the various clan groups gathered there.
"See the group with the crimson banners? That's the Blood Oath Brotherhood," Mira pointed out a robust group with a fierce look about them. "They're known for their unbreakable vows and fierce loyalty to each other. Don't expect them to back down from a fight."
Next to them was a group with an air of elegance and sophistication. "Those are the members of the Starlight Enclave," Mira continued. "They're renowned for their mastery of elemental magic and have some of the best mages in the city."
Orion's gaze then fell on a group of individuals who seemed more rugged and wild. "And them?" he inquired.
"That's the Wildrunners Clan," Mira explained. "Experts in survival and wilderness combat. If the small world has any forested or wild areas, they'll be in their element."
Mira then directed his attention to a smaller, less conspicuous group. "Over there, that's the Silent Whisper Syndicate. They might not look like much, but they're masters of information and subterfuge. It's said they can uncover secrets and weaknesses like no other."
Lastly, Mira pointed out a group that seemed to be keeping to themselves, observing the others. "And those are the members of the Celestial Order. They're a bit of an enigma, focusing on balance and harmony. They're not aggressive, but they're formidable in maintaining order and peace."
Orion listened intently, etching the details of each clan into his memory. Each group brought their own strengths and strategies to the table, making the dynamics of the small world even more complex and intriguing. It was clear that the expedition would be a melting pot of different agendas and capabilities. Understanding these groups could be crucial for forming alliances or avoiding conflicts.
As the various groups from the top clans of Azure City assembled, a GARB official stepped onto a raised platform, capturing the attention of the crowd. He was a middle-aged man with a stern but commanding presence. The chatter amongst the awakeners slowly died down as he began to address the assembly.
"Awakeners of Azure City," he began, his voice resonating through the area. "Today marks a significant moment. The discovery of a new small world presents us all with an unprecedented opportunity for exploration and advancement."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "This expedition is not just a quest for individual or clan glory. It is a chance to expand our collective knowledge and to uncover mysteries that could benefit us all. Remember, the small world is a shared environment. Cooperation and respect for one another will be key to the success of this mission."
The official's gaze swept across the crowd. "However, let's not be naive. We are all aware of the competitive nature of such explorations. While striving for your goals, I urge you to maintain a sense of honor and fairness. The Global Awakener Registration Bureau will not tolerate any misconduct or breaches of the established universal awakener code."
The official continued, addressing the practicalities and the unique nature of the small world. "Remember, once you enter the small world, you're subject to its inherent rules and mechanics. They are stable realms, but that stability can change. It's crucial to stay vigilant and adapt to any shifts in the world's environment or conditions."
The official then clarified the exit protocols. "While there is no set deadline for exiting the small world, I advise you to plan your exploration carefully. Prolonged stays can be risky, as conditions within the world might evolve in unpredictable ways. Ensure regular communication with your team and establish a clear plan for re-entering our world."
Concluding his speech, he added, "This mission is as much about exploration as it is about survival and discovery. Keep your wits about you, and may your journey be both safe and enlightening."
Following the official's speech, the crowd of awakeners began to move towards a fleet of vehicles organized by GARB. These vehicles, designed for large-scale transporter missions, were lined up neatly, ready to ferry the groups to the small world entrance.
Orion and Mira found their way to one of the transporters, joining other awakeners from various clans. The atmosphere inside was a mix of anticipation and quiet strategy, with teams discussing plans and potential scenarios they might encounter.
The journey to the small world portal took around 40 minutes. The landscape outside transitioned from the urban sprawl of Azure City to a more secluded, natural area. The portal was located in a remote zone.
As they arrived, the first thing that caught Orion's eye was the portal itself. It was a massive, swirling vortex of light and energy, suspended in mid-air, casting a shimmering radiance over the surrounding area. GARB officials were stationed around the portal, overseeing the entry process and ensuring everything went smoothly.
In line with the established protocol, the higher-ranked clans were granted priority to enter first. This was a common practice in such expeditions, acknowledging the status and power of the top clans.
Orion watched as groups like the Azure Serpent Clan, The Mystic Shadows, and The Harmonious Path approached the portal. Each group disappearing into the swirling vortex one after another.
Despite the wait, there was no sense of impatience among the other clans. This was a part of the unspoken agreement within the awakener community — a respect for hierarchy and power. Mira and Orion used this time to review their plans and mentally prepare for the diverse challenges of the small world.
Finally, it was their turn. As they stepped up to the portal, Orion felt a surge of adrenaline. He exchanged a determined glance with Mira. This was it — the beginning of their journey into the unknown.
With a deep breath, they stepped forward together, crossing the threshold of the portal. The world around them twisted and turned, and in a flash of light, they were transported into the small world, ready to face whatever lay beyond.