Buzz… Whirr… Shrill…

And down to twelfth, refining to prime razor-sharpness…maximizing radial force…identifying the ambit of attack, multiple dark orbs detected at viable positions…Optimal momentum about to peak…

Twelve light anima spears appeared and hovered parallel to Ais, they were quite rudimentary but the spears dazzled terrifyingly against the menacing darkness akin to lightning bolts summoned by a young deity.

The spearheads screeched as Ais meticulously calibrated their shape, he refined their cutting edges to perfection, the light emanating from the spears then began to dim, and they started to spin accelerating to incredible speeds creating an illusion of a whirlwind made of light.

Kai, who had been mesmerized by Ais' light anima manipulation for quite some time, eventually snapped back to reality. He rapidly examined the situation and the available choices, if his hunch was correct, the orbs might be coated with a deflective dark anima spell on the surface given its absorptive property from the inside. Sweat dripped over his eyes, there was just no way Ais could hear him now. The whirling sound of the rotating light anima spears completely masked the sound waves. The moment Ais would launch the light anima spears, it could spell disaster: the fatal spears would bounce off of the orb's surface at such high speeds that they could rip both of them into pieces while they were in the midst of countless dark orbs.

(If I try to freeze the rotating spears this instant, I will use up substantial amounts of anima, I might also end up killing that idiot. Damn! If only the spears weren’t moving at such high speeds, I could freeze them easily, but my ice sheet would slide off or even melt because of the generated heat as a result of the swift rotation. I’m not even sure which among the dozens of orbs around us he is aiming for, Kaireus, think! Oh crap…If I do this, no, I shouldn’t hesitate, WE WILL DIE!)

Ais turned to face Kai and looked at his shadow closely. Despite the ongoing disruption of the high-speed illusionary cyclone of light, Kai seemed to have noticed the fleeting peek, but he was too absorbed, exposing himself to a total stranger was a no-brainer, BUT the situation was too dire to entertain misgivings now.

(Let’s play a game Oh Prince of Ice. If my gut feeling is correct.) ~ Volley of the Adroit Bersagliere: Sharpshooter Lucian ~

Woosh!

** Volley of the Adroit Bersagliere: Sharpshooter Lucian: is an advanced light anima spell in which the caster summons multiple light anima spears, which surround and hover parallel to the summoner and rotate until they reach high speeds. A strong radial force exerted by the caster keeps the whirling spears in place as they rotate, this causes the speed to accelerate until it reaches the final momentum. This advanced light anima spell is highly operator-dependent; the caster must have a keen sight and faultless accuracy and precision. Once the velocity rises, the caster proceeds to conclude the attack by accurately and precisely breaking the radial force. The spears follow the determined trajectory plotted by the caster, causing tremendous piercing damage.

Crunch. Crack. Hiss.

Fortified glacial shields blocked all the twelve light anima spears from hitting their targets.

Grins. (I knew it, I was right. This Kai, he really looks familiar.)

Hey! Are you crazy?! Do you want to KILL us both?

That was an impressive block Kai, who would have thought you could stop my advanced light anima spell in an instant, the precision of the Ice shields was astounding?! I knew you were an amazing invoker and WOW you're using wor…

IT’S KAIREUS AND STOP MESSING WITH ME OR END UP FROZEN AND DEAD RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW! IF… word gets out, I won’t show mercy simian.

Geez, Okay, K-a-i-r-e-u-s. I apologize for going out of bounds, but I just wanted to verify. I swear to safeguard your secret. And I honestly didn't know; I assumed we could smash the orbs from outside. I was just trying to help.

Don’t ever DO this again! Sigh. (Why am I stuck with this primitive creature for goodness’ sake.)

Do I have to explain Simian? FINE. Those inside the transparent orbs are already sound asleep. When the person within is completely unconscious, the orbs take on a transparent appearance. We've been shouting all this time, but no one within the transparent orbs has heard us. Are we okay now?

A wonderful observation! (He does have an excellent brain. Nevertheless, this guy is incredibly terrifying; I must be cautious from now on.) So, what do we do now?

Kai threw a frightening look and replied, "We? I never said I was teaming up with you."

Ais' jaw fell. (This indifferent jerk is truly a hopeless case.) He continued to jest and infer possible cooperation to disregard the previous tense conversation between them, and said, "Well, an extra hand isn't that awful, you know? So, (Chuckles), how will we save everyone?"

I understand that you were trying to be a hero a while back with your remarkable light anima manipulation abilities, but you are not our savior, okay? I've told you over and over again, if we can't break it from the inside, there's no way to shatter it from here. What more do you still not get?

Ais was still adamant about saving the other candidates. He gazed at Kai with a serious expression, as if he was ready and willing to take a good beating.

Kai finally understood Ais's tenacity; he paused, glanced away, pushed his fingers against his brows, and let out a heavy sigh. He had never been so emotionally charged. He knew he was controlled, cool, and level-headed, yet he had a feeling something was amiss. He then replied timidly, after a long pause, "Let's see, we'll make a plan along the way."

Ais' face brightened up as Kai agreed with him for the first time. He realized he was also being too troublesome and watchful around Kaireus. The two never made an apology to each other. As they began to explore the depths of this oblivious dungeon, they began to confront the demons that lurked within themselves.

But there were also a lot of things on his mind recently. Firstly, the majority of Mideorell is in bad shape, he wanted to be of help, even just in his own little ways, and finally, he was one step closer to becoming an official candidate for the Polaris Avalon Militia, but he was suddenly swooped up by a floating dungeon from out of nowhere. Most of the trapped candidates in the orbs were already unconscious, and Ais believes he bears the obligation of bringing them back with him. Finally, he couldn't find his beloved brother, which is the greatest of all the weights he is currently carrying on his little shoulders. Ais simply couldn't accept them all. Ais began to feel disturbed for the first time.

Kai looked around and started to move. “I will get out of here no matter what." He said.

"Hey, don't leave me behind.” Ais shouted, but he turned back again and whispered “Everyone, we will return to come get you all out of here once we find the way out, we will be back I promise." Ais reassured the rest of the trapped candidates as he followed Kai and spun away.

“We’re not even sure if we make it out of here, how much more for those losers who couldn’t break free from their orbs.” Kai shook his head and continued to explore the rest of the dungeon.

(I think he is just a Vanista wearing human skin, he is outright mean.) Uhm, Kai, how long has it been since that ugly hooded old man took us?

"It's KAI-reus. Finally, a non-annoying question. It appears that this place doesn't adhere to the principles of time and space. It's very interesting, if being here right now was related to anima research, I would be very much delighted to participate and...Oh...Nothing." he started talking enthusiastically, but he quickly returned to his phlegmatic demeanor after realizing he was showing another side of himself.

(He can be this talkative too? What a capricious jerk.) Uhm…Okay?… But seriously?! What on earth is going to happen to us then? Oh my, after everything I've been through. Are we going to be stuck here forever?

"Not me, but I'm not sure about you," Kai said cynically, then smirked strangely.

The two odd companions made their way deeper into the mysterious dungeon, swam around, and noticed that larger floating debris was becoming unsteady, but they quickly dismissed it since they discovered another cluster of orbs and chose to investigate.

“Look! Dark orbs!” Ais exclaimed, "Let's go check it out. I see more orbs down below! Some of them still look pitch black." He added.

They drifted to the dungeon's lower levels, and the surroundings became eerie; on the upper levels, tiny glowing objects were more common, but on the lower levels, the tiny light sources became less and less visible, as if something ominous was keeping them from venturing deeper. Kai detected a slight sound emanating from one of the pitch-black orbs, but it was hardly discernible.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Did you hear that, Simian?

Hear what? Hmmm…”

I thought Simians had some of the greatest ears in the middle world. Guess it was just a myth.

"Shhhh"…Ais cupped his hands next to his ears, closed his eyes, and focused to improve his hearing.

Hel...p...is…

"Gasp! A person!" They both exclaimed.

The two quickly drifted to the location of the pitch-black orb. This time, they had to keep a look out for floating unstable big objects, some of which were plummeting from higher elevations at dangerously rapid speeds. They also noticed several broken structures the size of a house swinging by them, which was becoming increasingly prevalent.

He..lp.., is somebody out there?

"She's still conscious, but it appears she's quite weak. We have to help her!" Ais remarked.

"Hey, are you able to hear me?" Kai questioned. "I want you to pay close attention and concentrate." He said.

(Oh, so he can actually be a nice guy too sometimes.)

"Do you know how to perform Solverre?" Kaireus inquired earnestly.

"My body is aching all over; who's there? Wait, what, Solverre?...where am I?" Perplexed, she tried to speak logically, but it was clear she was in a lot of agony.

Kai clenched his jaws, becoming increasingly impatient and agitated as more and more objects from above were moving erratically. Collisions were causing louder noises, and dust particles trickled gently, like sand through the other end of an hourglass.

Ais sensed Kai was going to lose his temper again, so he came closer and motioned Kai to let him do the talking.

"Hello, my name is Ais Vallenheim! What is your name? Listen, this person next to me is Kai, and he is telling you to perform a Full Anima Unleash or Solverre; do you think you can do it?" Ais explained carefully and gently.

"Ais, Kai? What Full? It's too dark; I'm scared. Father, please take me home." She kept expressing her anxiety and uncertainty.

Kai took over and reprimanded her, "Put an end to your cowardice aside and concentrate! Do what this simian says, unleash large amounts of anima by casting an anima spell while on Full Anima Release ~ Solverre! Now."

Something like this?! Full Anima Unleash: Solverre: ~ LIGHTNING REVELRY ~

Bursts of lightning bolts spread like sea serpents chasing their prey ferociously, and the anima spell lighted a vast area of the ever-gloomy dungeon, revealing a terrible situation: above and below, hundreds of orbs were dangling, some of which bounced off after being hit by objects that moved slowly. The thunder was so intense that Ais and Kai had to shield their ears.

Amidst the chaos, there stood a powerful-looking man with a flame-like mane. His eyes blazed, and jolts erupted all over his body, the sparks highlighted his battle scars, indicating he was a seasoned fighter.

Elder sister Pri! It’s me Edirygg, I’m free! You’ve got to listen to these guys! Gyahahaha!

**Lightning Revelry is a mid-high-tier anima spell that conjures dark thunderclouds and unleashes massive lightning bolts in a designated region. The breach of the surrounding air causes roaring thunderclaps, stunning adjacent opponents.

"Huh? Sister? Eh? Whoah, you're huge!" Ais exclaimed, astounded that some random guy cast an anima spell that blasted their ears off and managed to escape from the dark sphere via eavesdropping. This guy happened to be the timid girl's younger sibling. "I don't even know what to say anymore," Ais exclaimed in shock.

"Edirygg? Brother, I'm glad you're well!" she said. Her brother's familiar voice pushed her to follow Kai and Ais' instructions, but she paused and whispered, "But what if you guys get hurt?"

"Your name is Pri, right? I know there are so many questions in your mind right now, but things are quite crucial as of the moment, and we need you to cooperate. You can do it; after you complete the Full Anima Unleash, you will be able to escape from the orb, the heavy pressure will vanish, and you will feel a lot better." Ais reassured her.

"Yes, elder sister Pri, I feel much better now. You must hurry; the anti-gravity spell appears to be shaky, and large objects may fall on us at any time. Gyahahaha!" Edirygg added.

Clink. Clank. Clink. Clank…`

Simian, did you hear that?

Hear what?

Kai picked up on a subtle rumbling sound that only a trained ear can detect. The rustling sound resembled scales rubbing together in a slithering fashion. Kaireus recognized that if they continued to waste time, they might not survive this struggle, so he muttered. "Simian, something is not right; I can feel a terrifying presence right beneath us."

I do sense it too; Something sinister is leering at us from down below.

Edirygg peered through the shadows below, pointing his index finger downwards to discharge a lightning bolt, but Kaireus motioned Ediryyg over, suggesting he not do anything to anger the creature hiding beneath.

"Pri, you've got to do it! Time's running out!" Ais cried.

Don't worry, elder sister Pri. Gyahahaha! Trust me, we're going to be fine! I am here, hurry before we become monster feed Gyahahaha!

Pri finally decided to toughen up. She bit her lip and rubbed her eyes. Forced by the urgency of the situation, she took a stance and replied, "Okay, I believe you, Edir, my brother. We will get through this, together."

Full Anima Unleash Solverre: ~ Bloom of the Millennium Fire Oak ~

** Bloom of the Millennium Fire Oak is a powerful anima spell that summons a fire oak with exploding leaves and blossoms. Pri has control over how many leaves and blooms can explode simultaneously. It is extremely damaging and operator-dependent; attention is required as errant petals may activate suddenly and damage even friendly troops.

"Guys, we need to get as far as we can from Pri, my sister can't control the trajectory of the spell and the magnitude of the explosions accurately." Edir gave a stern warning.

The pitch-black globe containing Pri appeared to be boiling, and steam poured out of the fractures immediately after. A thunderous explosion resonated across the dungeon, and a grand burning oak tree emerged, brightening the bleak backdrop. Later, burning leaves and gorgeous petals flew in enormous flocks, resembling a mighty firefowl.

“Madness! It was a terrifyingly beautiful anima spell Pri!” Ais commented.

Gyahahaha! That’s my talented sister! Ais, Look out!!!

Err, I warned you my Solverre may be deadly..Ick…

Everyone! Use your anima sparingly, there’s still so much we have to make use of it, we can’t afford to deplete our anima reserves! Simian don’t try any funny ideas.

Yosh. This is fun! Full Anima Unleash: Solverre: Adroit of…mumble mumble..

Gyahaha! The Ice guy has no chill, he sealed Ais’ lips frozen! Gyahaha!

Tsk, told you not to try stupid ideas.

True to her words, the massive force generated by Pri's Solverre swept away a significant number of enormous pieces of debris. The disturbance caused by the explosion caused the slow-moving pieces of debris to move violently, and the candidates had to avoid being injured by steering clear of both large and small drifting objects, as well as using some of their anima spells to destroy objects they couldn't avoid. Soon, everyone noticed a frightening wail emanating from the depths.

Pri had shivers all over her body; her instincts told her to move, but she froze when she heard the sound and asked "What's that noise?" I detect an awful lot of anima from underneath!". "Edir! We have to flee because it is ready to do something terrible!" She added.

Hiss! Hey why would you do that! (What a mean bastard!)

Gyahaha! It's one problem after another; continue your argument later, the beast down there...it's starving! Gyahhaha!

Kai let out a loud scream, his face filled with terror. "Run to the dungeon's edges, cling to any rocks or fissures, and seek shelter!"

Edir grabbed and hoisted her sister in an instant, striding with rapid speed. He then slid to the edge of the protruding rock and hid.

Clang…Hum…

Now what! Prepare for any attacks, everyone!

"Kai! What is the sound? It's like giant bells are ringing; my head is going to burst if this continues." Ais yelled in agony.

"This dungeon is trying to murder us all! "Edir, we might not make it home," Pri remarked frantically.

Static. Otherworldly chorus singing in incognizable language. Static.

"Tell me the truth, or something beautiful. Oh, tell me the ugly truth, or something pretty. Which do you think can cut deeper? A rusty sword decayed by lies or an honest tongue? Choose you this day, lesser mortals? To live in a fleeting moment of truth or endure for a millennium made of days embellished with colorful lies? Time is stagnant here, and space is irrelevant. Choose you this day, devour them all Despair, and tell me if they’re tasty." a mysterious voice resonated with a chilling and cryptic declaration.

Static.

With an angry grimace on his face, Ais turned his head to the direction above and exclaimed, "Who's there? Set us free! Why are you doing this to us?" Ais then attempted to perform an anima spell, but he was hesitant due to the impending threat from below, so he chose to retreat and grab onto something.

"Ais! Keep low! The rumbling returns! I suspect the beast is going to do something dangerous! Gyahahaha! Edir expressed concern.

Tsk. This moron of a simian never fails to disappoint me.

Edir hugged his sister tightly before turning to face Ais and Kai and exclaiming, "Hold on tight, boys! It's coming!"

The enormous, absurd beast that emerged from underground opened its big jaws and breathed deeply, sucking everyone and everything into its massive orifice. Except for one person, everyone else, was clinging to their lives.

All of the unconscious candidates inside the translucent spheres were dragged into the awful creature's maw. When it was about to seal its mouth, something unexpected happened.

Kai. I trust you with my soul. The other candidates, we can’t afford to lose them, I will bring them back. ~ Chains of Salvation: Radicles of the Sacred Anchor ~

**Chains of Salvation: Radicles of the Sacred Anchor: is a high-tier light anima spell that summons a massive golden anchor with several limbs formed of chains of light, which move fluidly under the caster's full control. The amount of chains is often proportional to the caster's anima reserve.

Just how much anima does Ais Vallenheim possess…This is amazing…

Gyahahahaha! Down he goes! Elder sister Pri let me put you down first. Yohoo! Elder sister Pri, I'm going with Ais, figure out something, save us! Gyahahaha!

NO WAY… these crazy people…

Static. Otherworldly chorus singing in incognizable language. Static.

"Tell me the truth, or something beautiful. Oh, tell me the ugly truth, or something pretty. We are the three sieves. The three sieves will bring you salvation, or judgment. The three sieves will bear the hammer and dampen the hot rod. Pass the test of the first sieve, and your eyes will be opened to new dominions that you knew not before. We are the three sieves. The first sieve will set you free, or will damn you to hell."