Jared had no compunctions with agreeing, but he had a few reservations. “I’m willing to do what I can, but I’m not sure how much of a difference a couple of Consolidated stage people will be able to make.”
Eleisa nodded, apparently having expected a similar response. “You are correct, as we are we would most certainly perish without making much of a difference. But within the kyrien lands there is a dungeon that is perfect for aiding delvers to progress quickly through Consolidated to the Exemplary Ascension. At that point, we would be strong enough to take part, and war is one of the best opportunities for growth. The dungeon is only open to the direct kyrien royal line, which I happen to be a part of, and their chosen Parties.”
“I’m not sure a dungeon would be the best choice for me. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of what happened in the sewers.”
Bonlanu answered this time. “A dungeon is a pocket in the fabric of the world where magical energy collects. Once the pocket is sufficiently large or powerful, it separates from this plane of existence almost entirely, leaving only a passageway between the two. Old, powerful dungeons are entire other worlds.”
“And the one we’d be going to is one of these?” Jared quirked an eyebrow at Eleisa. She nodded.
“The Repository of Metamorphosis is one of the oldest dungeons on the continent and is one of the only reasons my people have been able to hold on as long as they have. Each floor is different, but it is characterized by large open spaces, such as plains. Another benefit is that because of the concentration of magic within the dungeon, time passes slower within. So even if it takes us years to reach Exemplary, which it very well could, mere months will have passed outside.”
Jared nodded, then voiced something else that had been nagging at him.
“Okay, that makes sense. Well, it doesn't, but I don’t need to understand how it works. You keep mentioning this ‘enemy’ you are at war with. Who, or what, are they exactly?”
“They are called the Depthspawn. They come from the ocean and seek only to flood the land completely, leaving only their domain. All of the territory they have taken from us is now submerged, and we have little hope of reclaiming it. But if that were all, we might have defeated them without much trouble. Their true advantage, aside from their endless numbers, is their capacity for adaptation. The more we fight against them, the better they are able to counter our methods. That is why we have been searching for allies; we need abilities and strategies that the Depthspawn have not seen and adapted to.”
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Jared frowned. “If what you’re saying is true, wouldn’t that be nothing more than a stop-gap solution? What happens when the Depthspawn adapt again?”
“While their ability to adapt is powerful, it has limits. If we are able to drive them back and give ourselves a reprieve, the Queens have a plan to keep them at bay, if not turn the tides for good.”
“Alright, I’m in. If anything, it’s a better opportunity to keep getting stronger than I would have had otherwise. Lanu?”
The arborial nodded. “I have heard of your war with these Depthspawn. I would be honored to contribute my abilities to your cause.”
Eleisa bowed her head. “I thank both of you from the depths of my heart. I am certain that together, we will provide the push my people need.”
They returned to the common room and shared some drinks, chatting and enjoying each other’s company. It was late when they finally turned in for the night, but none regretted spending the time together.
The next morning, Jared picked up his repaired gear from Sabrine, who was just as energetic as ever, despite having been either working or packing up most of the night. Jared and his companions bid her farewell, promising to go to her the next time they were in Fairbourne.
Then it was time to leave. Eleisa had picked up traveling supplies for them the previous evening, so they had nothing left to do in Panstrum. They headed out the south gate, and Jared spent a moment just taking in his surroundings.
As they walked away from the red stone walls of Panstrum, the bustling sounds of the city started to fade. The golden plains opened up before him in an endless expanse, reflecting the morning light. Small sounds of wildlife filled the air. Jared looked to his companions: a mimic, a butterfly girl, and a tree man. He shook his head, chuckling under his breath. He had no idea how his life had gotten to where it was, but he was enjoying everything this new world had to offer.
There were sure to be dangers in the coming days, both at the dungeon and in the war, but he couldn’t help grinning at the thought of the heights to which danger would propel him and his companions. As the city faded behind them, Jared only had one thought:
I can’t wait!
End of Book 1