A brief moment of silence as they all realized that they had the same understanding, fell over them. And then a synchronized sigh came out from all 6 sisters.
"Well, let's not worry about it for now. Instead, how did sealing the gates go?" Vitaliana asked, breaking the silence.
"Oh, that? It was a cinch. Those doors won't open no matter how hard they try." Fulgiana laughed.
"That's right, and it should be right about now that they realize this is the case. The human's must have been... Well..." Flairiana started making a comment then realizing her youngest sister used to be human just a matter of a few days ago.
"Don't worry about me sister. Humans are indeed quite stupid. In my previous life, I had even warned them about this type of situation. They told me it would never happen. And then they do the very thing that would cause it... Oh, and now that I bring it up, I also never missed an opportunity to tell others not to trifle with legendary monsters." Vitaliana giggled. "One time I saved two heavily injured men from a Nagath. The idiots had led their whole company into the disaster. So, even though I could have healed their injuries, I made sure to heal them in a way so they could never forget it. Unfortunate, but necessary. Otherwise they'd have been leading expeditions against impossibly powerful foes without a hint of hope. Let alone a viable strategy." She added, shaking with a bit of anger.
"Wow, I knew humans were stupid. But that sure is something. Aren't High Magus basically worshiped like divine emissaries among the human realms? Not listening to their words is the height of stupidity." Acialia muttered as she shook her head.
"Well, now that we know humans will give next to no experience... Should we change the plan? Or what?" Fernia asked, putting a wing to her beak signifying she was in thought.
"No, We should keep the plan the same. Even still, I don't think it would be enough for Vitaliana to achieve level 50 so she can evolve. But, we could rework the numbers... After all there only seem to be about 3 or 4 creatures in that city that she can't handle. The rest of the guards though..." Aieria said, contemplating a small change.
"No, even if I killed all the guards on my own... It still might not be enough. I may have only just become a monster but, I am not ignorant of the massive slow down in leveling up the closer one gets to evolution." Vitaliana said. "Even if it was possible, the area is simply too large for me to take care of by myself. I'm not foolish enough to think I can do this without my sister's help. And besides, I'd like to remain a Tori for a little while longer..." She added, blushing cutely.
"Oh? Why is that?" Acialia asked, tilting her head.
"Because, well, if I get any bigger than I am now... It will make it harder to snuggle and nuzzle with Mommy." Vitaliana answered bashfully, covering her beak with her wings.
"You're really too damn adorable. Alright, we will continue as planned. And you can evolve another time. I'm sure grandmother will also prefer you to be just as cute as you are now, when she meets you for the first time." Aieria giggled.
~ Ridgeline Fortress City ~
The city's chaos was thick. Families had locked up shop and boarded up the windows. Some tried to steal supplies from their neighbors. Other's straight up left their homes in hopes of leaving the city. Only to be met with the realization that no one would be able to leave the city. The realization went a little like this...
"Open the gates! Come on!" Some people called out to the guards.
"Yeah! You can't keep us trapped in here! We're all sitting ducks waiting for death if we stay here." Some others yelled out.
"We're sorry to announce this. However, the gate has been sealed shut. Powerful flames have melted both sides of the gates together. We have no way to open it at this time. You'll have to check one of the nearby gates, perhaps you'll have better luck." A Gate Captain bellowed out with the help of a cone.
"""WHAT! CALL A MAGE TO REPAIR IT THEN!""" The crowd yelled furiously.
Then the words they just said, sank into their own minds. They had taken the mages for granted and thought they were worthless. That was, because most people had no idea how integral mages were to their society.
"Husband, if this gate is sealed, the others might be as well." Ralond's wife said, with a painful look on her face.
"I know, if one of those birds survived then there are likely others. And if they bothered to seal any gates, they would seal them all." Ralond said, gritting his teeth.
"Father, if that's the case why don't we go visit Donath? They should be near here." Ralond's Son in law suggested.
"Yes, we should go somewhere calm for the child's sake. And there is something I'd like to ask the elderly couple there." Ralond said, taking control of the reins to maneuver the carriage.
~ Donath's Family ~
Donath had come back down the stairs, a little nervous. He was now fully responsible for comforting many people in a hopeless situation. This is bad... How did it come to this?
"Donath, dear, we must repent. And place our faith in Lady Eternia." Donath's wife murmured crying holding her two children.
"I know, my love. There has to be more to this than what we have been given. It's almost like..." Donath spoke, stopping as he heard the sound of someone coming to a stop near the door.
*Knock Knock*
"Is anyone home? Donath? It's Denro." Denro, Ralond's son in law said, knocking on the door outside the bakery.
Donath flung the door open revealing his long time best bud Denro.
"You've come, come on inside. Let us talk and pray to Lady Eternia together." Donath said, struggling to maintain his focused demeanor.
"Ah, if it isn't Ralond. Welcome, welcome. Though, I have to ask, what brings you here? Shouldn't you be leaving the city by now? Given you're already packed up and everything." The elderly man said, patting Ralond on the shoulder a couple of times.
"We tried, the gates are sealed. No one can get in or out of the city. Unless they scale the walls both ways." Ralond said in a low voice.