Mikella was surprisingly cute when she kept losing in card games. From poker to blackjack, to the new card game that existed in this world which required a lot more skill than luck–she lost them all pretty badly.

It wasn’t that she was unlucky or bad at the game, just… easy to read. When she was on the battlefield, it was hard to predict what she might do. According to Zeke, Mikella fights along with the flow, acting accordingly depending on the situation. She was very experienced in adapting to situations quickly, especially with how they first started.

But when it came to just sitting down and looking at cards, the only way she could move was her facial expressions, and that gave her away easily. Zeke managed to figure out her calls with ease, and each time she grumbled and said that it was just luck. After losing a few more times, she just decided that he was a dick and left the table.

Zeke took it kindly though. He knew that she was just having as much fun, even if she lost. She’s the type to enjoy sports and moving around, not sitting around and doing calculating things. That didn’t mean she was all muscles and no brains, however. She just didn’t have a single deceptive bone in her body.

Once the rousing game of cards was over, she told Zeke of what she found. She figured that the other scouts would already be on their way to the general, so Zeke had first news on what was out there.

“Journeyman monsters all around?” Zeke said, his brows widening at the news.

“I don’t think they’re as strong as the ones we found before,” Mikella added in. “But their levels showed that they are.”

“Huh, I wonder if it’s one of those zone changes–like in games, where the overall level is higher and tougher. You think you can handle it?”

“I think I can, but it’s decided it was too risky,” Mikella shook her head. “Also…”

She kept explaining about the areas, and even how the wildlife is like. When he asked whether they found the aforementioned fortress, she shook her head.

“Guess it’s not that easy to find,” Zeke mentioned. But before he could continue with his questioning, Cloud called out to him.

“Guys, it’s done,” Cloud said, Val walking up beside him with a huge grin on her face. That somehow told Zeke of what he has to do. “You ready?”

“Let’s do it,” Zeke turned to Mikella. “Wanna join the first ever Eve Glade transport express?”

“Hell yeah!”

The four went over to where they first landed, and the few hours that have passed have changed the scene completely. There was a large circular area, dug out by the earth mages using spells and the soldiers specializing in Strength that carried out the debris. What was left over was a large empty area with a just-as-large circular barrier placed within. On that barrier were perhaps hundreds and hundreds of small runes drawn on it, some even entangled together and even swirling around on their own, courtesy of Cloud’s experienced Runecraft skill. There was a small device near it connected to the barrier, something akin to a console that connected to the barrier via a link to the crystal within. It was something to connect to the barrier to activate without Zeke’s prompting–another magical engineering that no matter how much Zeke wanted to learn about, kept being baffled by it.

The worst part of it was trying to connect Zeke’s runes with the device, as it wasn’t just like connecting wires and cables in his old world. He had to connect with the magical signature of the device, like trying to actively connect the wavelength of the mana with his own. It was a pretty abstract concept for Zeke, something that actually gained him another skill level.

> Mana Manipulation Level Up! It is now Level 3.

>

> You have gained +2 INT from your skill.

> You have gained +1 SPI from your skill.

Once again, his collar made him stuffy a little bit. Despite being so uncomfortable, he refused to take it off, even when Val told him that he could take it off if he’s not using magic. It wasn’t that he was afraid of his attunement taking over–if anything, he hoped he could still use his attunement with the thing on.

Though he hasn’t tried it yet. He’s only going to try his attunement when the situation practically begs for it. What mattered is that everyone survived this quest. He knew the rewards would be worth it by then.

“So, who wants to go back up?” Cloud asked, and of course the only one willing to be first was his wife as she raised her hand childishly with a glint in her eyes. “Other than Val.”

Some of the soldiers decided to go with the captain, figuring that if they were going up in that horrid speed again, they would have a Journeyman with them. They also needed to bring some more tools since it looked like it was going to take a while to conquer the biodome. A number of soldiers went along with the excited Val, and when Cloud went to the console, he poured in his Mana to activate the procedure.

A loud whirring noise occurred, all coming from the runes themselves as they started to swirl faster and began to glow, causing the barrier to act up. As soon as the barrier began to glow, it went up in a burst of speed that almost knocked everyone off their feet that were close by.

Horrible screams echoed out along with Val’s scream of excitement before they all slowly disappeared into the distance.

“Huh, maybe it needs some more fixing,” Cloud suddenly said, rubbing his chin. “That wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“Cloud, when you say it like that, it sounds really, really bad…” Mikella said, her face paling at the wording.

“He meant the knockback from the speed,” Zeke said to ease Mikella's concerns. We’re also planning on putting in some security, just in case something happens above.”

“Not that anyone would be crazy enough to jump into the massive hole in the ground…” Mikella said, but gave in when everyone went their ways.

Cloud explained that Val didn’t just go up to get a ride again, though that was something she looked forward to. She wanted to come back to visit the house to make sure that Ana was alright, and then take some important items Cloud asked for. Meanwhile, Cloud himself would stay behind to work a little bit more on the base, making sure that everyone was working properly. As his assistant at this point, Zeke went off to help, and Mikella joined in because she pretty much had nothing to do.

For the next three and a half days, the routine was set up; Prepare the base, and scout out the areas around them. During those days, Zeke had been getting quite a workout with his Runist class thanks to Cloud’s further teachings. There was something to be said about teaching oneself through books and study, and another when taught by someone who had years of experience.

> Runecraft Level Up! It is now Level 9.

>

> You have gained +1 INT from your skill.

> You have gained +2 SPI from your skill.

He was so close to either advancing or evolving his Runecraft skill, which was close to how Cloud’s skill is. His skill only advanced since he wasn’t a Runist, reaching up to Epic rarity. Since he wasn’t used to it, it barely leveled at all despite so many years passing by.

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On the other hand, Zeke was close to the max. He might have the option to evolve, which by his opinion was a better option than just merely advancing. But how it evolved was still a mystery to him. Not even Cloud knows how it would end up as the skill is formed based on the Runists’ needs and wants rather than the direction the system would automatically take it towards–that’s how advancing the skill works after all.

The base grew to be a little more homey, if that was the right word to use. The buildings were made with wood and it even became more fortified. Some of the soldiers here had skills built for building things rather than for combat, so that became useful rather quickly. On the other hand, Mikella has been controlling her attunement at an easier rate so far, believing that she could use it during combat without losing too much control, and even better, without Zeke having to help tone it down with his Recovery.

She had quite the workout against the other soldiers who were forced to wait for the scouts to come in and out with their mapping. Sometimes Mikella would go in, and sometimes she would stay and let someone else join them for defense. She often had Myra and Jackie as sparring partners, and sometimes even the soldiers from Zacharia’s group.

Zacharia himself, however, went off on his own to see the surroundings for himself. With his power and defensive abilities, he would have no problems being out there by himself. Though that still didn’t stop the other soldiers from his group being worried for him. Considering that the man could even tank undeath, Zeke had no worries at all for him in this type of area.

The elevator express that they created also worked wonders. They were able to bring in and out many items with ease, and it barely needed any supervision other than Cloud or Zeke coming in to check every once in a while.

All in all, the base was coming by smoothly, and the buff that the barrier gave certainly helped as well. Eventually, it was time for everyone to make a foray into the biodome, and with it, their quest to get started.

Zeke was at his own temporary home, a small household with really only two rooms, one for him and for Mikella. Figuring that the base could be big enough, each soldier had the option to create a small home for themselves or with each other, which was convenient considering that there were some with different sexual preferences that would be a bad idea to room with just because they share the same gender.

Not that anyone here would be crazy enough to start anything. Zacharia would quickly deal with that, as well as Cloud and Val since the situation demands all of their attention. Rest and relaxation was alright, but anything romantically involved is a serious pain to deal with, and heavily distracting.

Though for some reason they were okay with Zeke and Mikella rooming up. The journeyman already knew that they weren’t romantically involved, and everyone who doesn’t know their origins knew that they were married based on their story. It still made Zeke a little more nervous considering that, but right now wasn’t the time.

He put on his robes, one that was more combat-focused ones that tightened the sleeves on his wrists and ankles than having it flow about like an actual wizard’s robe. He put on his Gloves of Sanctuary, the gloves that improved his support skills way more than it naturally could. He spotted Mikella, dressed in her leather armor waiting outside.

“You good?” She asked.

“Yeah,” Zeke nodded as the two walked forward to the center. “Today’s the day, huh?”

“We’ve been preparing for this for a while now. God, I haven't done a single fight with a monster for so long now. It’s time to change that.”

Zeke nodded to that. While not having to fight for one’s life like back in the tower was a good experience, he knew that continuing that would be dooming them both. He followed Mikella, speaking about what they plan to do and what they should do if any situation arose.

Such as being separated from one another, for example.

“Zeke, whatever happens, just focus on surviving like before, alright?” Mikella said, her tone implying that she won’t be argued against at any moment. Zeke only nodded to that. “And come back to me. No matter what.”

“Same to you,” Zeke smiled. “Though I’m betting that won’t happen. I’m certain the Journeyman won’t let it happen at any time.”

“Yeah, well, I still don’t like Zacharia,” Mikella scoffed. “I have a feeling that he might try to separate us just to see how well we can handle it. Or worse, try to find out how our link works. God, if he actually tries that shit…”

Zeke pressed his lips together. That would sound like something Zacharia would try, at least to test out their link’s potential. But he shook his head.

“I won’t let that happen. I don’t care if he’s in charge and the rest of the group teams up against us–I won’t let that happen.”

“Damn straight,” Mikky smirked. “Let’s get some decent XP, eh?”

They got to the group, which was a large array of soldiers currently waiting for the general to make his orders. Cloud and Val stood by, each standing with purpose and decked out in their own adventuring gear. Cloud even had his unique staff with multiple bands slung together on the cross, with Val’s impressive sword tightened in her grip.

Zacharia stepped up in his full metal-plated armor and faced the crowd of soldiers, each one now standing straight and saluting to him. Obviously, the Eve Glade crew didn’t follow, but listened nonetheless.

“Today we begin our venture into the biodome. Due to the quest, our main goal is to take over the fortress by taking out the leader within it. But that will not be our purpose for today. We will instead focus on conquering the surrounding areas, find any resource that’s available to us, and study the makeup of the monsters and creatures inhabiting the prison.”

The soldiers nodded in agreement. Zeke also understood, thinking of the old tactic of ‘divide and conquer’ rather than going straight for the boss. Being able to get some XP and level up sounds pleasant in the meanwhile.

“For that, we will divide our teams into four. The first two will be the scouts, each heading in different direction. This time, we’ll have melee and ranged fighters joining them. The third will be the main group, consisting of Vitality and Endurance based fighters with healers on hand. The fourth will follow the main group as its main ranged attackers, consisting of mages and archers. Does anyone disagree?”

Of course, his own retinue didn’t complain at all, and instead nodded. Mikella noticed that due to her stats, it might be possible that she will be separated from Zeke. Zeke wondered as well, but after noticing Cloud and Val’s stare, they smiled as if knowing what they were thinking.

Looks like we’re in the clear.

“The first two teams will move on ahead and scope out the areas. The leaders will then return and report the monsters within that area, and the main team will take care of it. Depending on the difficulty, the first two teams will return to us and fight along with us. We will continue like this until further notice. That’s the end of the briefing. Soldiers, at arms!”

The soldiers responded in unison, prepping their weapons and putting themselves into a ready stance. Once the general turned around and flung his arm forward, he shouted again.

“March!”

…..

As Zeke expected, he and Mikella were put in the main team. The team consisted of the Journeyman users, the healers Casia and Rajin including himself, the fighters Mikella, Myra, Jackie and Piker, making it a large team of 10 in all.

They traveled across the biodome, this being the first time Zeke went off beyond the base for himself. He marveled at the scenery, the crystals seemingly coming alive at every corner, nearly blinding him. He was certain his Intelligence was boosting his cognition to the point where he could take it all in with ease.

As well as the battles ahead. Before long, the main team was reported by one of the scouts that several bison were ahead. Seeing them chilling around and grazing at the ground looking for crystals to munch on for himself, Zeke gazed upon them in a new light.

“I guess not every monster is a lunatic wanting to kill us,” He said to Mikella by his side, seeing how the bison didn’t appear all that tentative despite a team of ten coming towards them.

“Be careful though; they’re still Journeyman rank,” Mikella warned him, getting him to nod.

The scout teams would be the first to down the monsters if they deemed them easy to handle. But since this is the first time for anyone, the main team will focus on them first, then if the situation calls for it, the range group will take over to deal with them.

It was a very careful and very organized troop of soldiers, each one having their own experiences in battle. Normally, this would make any non-combatant feel safe, but Zeke had enough of a reason why he needed to be on guard even if he wasn’t fighting at all.

There were three bison to face, and each one turned to find them coming towards them. The bison stood on their pillar-like legs and mooed at them, creating a noise that a rampaging cow or ox would make. The sound definitely felt strong, his very bones tingling from the noise reverberating from it.

As usual, the Journeyman will stay back. If the situation arrives, then they will step in, but they have no reason to take potentially good experience from the soldiers. As for the main team, it was already decided.

“Mikella, be careful,” Zeke said, even though this time he had no intention of holding back on using his barriers.

“I’ll be fine,” Mikella nodded. “Just give me a minute or two before launching barriers, promise?”

“Fine, I’ll let you bash your face in a couple of times before I step in,” Zeke smirked in good gesture, and Mikella responded in kind before facing the bison stepping forward.

It roared at her, scraping against the ground with its crystalline hoof. It twisted its head, the horns swung about as it charged right after her. Mikella got into her sword stance she had been practicing for many months now.

She breathed, slowly and surely; then she struck.