The sun could be seen emerging from the darkness that was the clouds. Blasting the desert with rays of light to brighten up the world. The morning was freshly upon our heroes and the Ingram family and the task at hand remained: collecting the geo-spheres.

Bram’s wife, Kiana could be seen preparing another hearty meal for her family and the new arrivals. It meant extra work, but it was all worth it to move things along smoothly. Of course, she had some of the servants' aid with the work.

Upon the table were various meals ranging from the cuisines known to the Ingrann people along with some more suited for human consumption. It didn’t take long for the others to join in on the feast all besides Noel who was still feeling the after effects of the poison that had once circulated within his veins.

He was seen gazing out the window looking at the bland and boring sand that covered most of the estate. He was certainly starting to miss his home right about now. Hopefully today they would be able to return so he gets back to his lavish life and quit this foolish attempt at trying to get attention from his parents.

After what was a semi-peaceful meal it was time to get back down to business. Isaac and co knew that and so did the Ingrams. That is why Bram made it clear after they were finished.

“Captain Jace. Although we enjoyed your company we understand that you and your friends are busy. I’ll have my son Lamont guide you to the cave.” The king spoke.

Lamont nodded at his father’s wishes taking a stand before Zain held out a hand towards his brother.

“Father… allow me to. Lamont shouldn’t be skipping out on his training if he expects to be as fine a king like you.” Zain started. “Allow me to guide them, after all, I know the area like the back of my hand.”

Bram smiled at his son, it warmed his heart to see that his kids were so thoughtful of one another. He nodded and looked over to Jace. “Is that all right?”

“It’s fine. Isaac, Yadon. Come with me to get the spheres. Keianna, Claire you two stay here and keep an eye on Noel.” He instructed.

“Understood. You guys be careful out there.” Claire warned.

“We’ll be more than careful. Come on, let’s grab the stuff!” Yadon immediately made a rush for the exit.

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“That idiot always has so much energy. He needs a chill pill.” Keianna sighed.

“I’m just glad he’s excited. It really raises morale.” Isaac complemented before looking towards Jace. “I’m ready when you are.” He then glanced at Zain who was seen exiting behind Yadon.

“It’s not too far from here. You can meet your friend and me outside.” Zain stated as he left.

Once everyone was gathered outside Zain started to guide the group on foot. It wasn’t far enough that it required camels. Even though the terrain was rough it was still easy to manage. The group had brought bottles of water just in case the unexpected happened.

“I can’t believe it. A first successful run that’s not bad being recent graduates, huh Jace?” Yadon asked his Captain.

“You shouldn’t think that the mission is over just because we are nearing the end. That’s when things normally go wrong.”

“Jace is right. We always have to keep our guard up.” Isaac added to that fact.

The group had been walking for a while what seemed to be like emptiness until finally, they saw a trail that led up to a cave. The hill was steep and so Zain cautioned them to watch their step. Once they made it up the path and into the cave they could see it…

Deep inside the cave were tiny spheres of bright yellow that radiated with a benevolent Mana. They sparkled in the moist environment, emerging close to the ground.

“We did it!” Yadon shouted, his voice echoing amongst the cave as he untied the brown bag he had brought. “I got it from here. I’ll stuff as many as I can carry and you know that’ll be a lot.”

“Feel free to help yourself. This place is undying and will always bear the fruit of Chumana’s seed. Her great energies make this place quite mystical.” Zain notified.

Yadon could be seen stuffing a handful of spheres into his bag while Isaac was seen looking over his shoulder. “Geez, hard to believe these little things pack so much energy. That’s an Ancient for ya.” Isaac said.

“How lucky for you to be smart enough to untap their potential. We were wondering what to do with them for a while now.” Zain added though it sounded more like a jab.

“That’s the one thing we’re known for. Thinking outside the box.” Jace mentioned.

Yadon moved towards a new area near the back of the wall and proceeded to grab another handful of spheres, but before he could, something grabbed him. “Whaaaaa!!!?” He seemed surprised as he saw this greyish colored hand latch onto his.

“What is it?” Jace asked.

“Something grabbed me! And it’s strong!” He admitted as he tried to break free, but the grip only tightened, causing him to wince in pain. “Dang it! Let go!” Soon his body was shrouded in his yellow-colored Mana as he latched onto the hand with his left and squeezed it hard enough for it to release his own then he forced it out from underneath the ground…

What emerged was another Basilisk though this one was a lot heavier. Seeing this Yadon tossed him to the side as it landed on its feet, sliding across the ground.

“Hssst! Lucky. I was just about to inject you with my venom.” The creature smirked.

“Not good! It’s an enemy!” Isaac hurried to Yadon’s side, but as he did so two other Basilisk emerged from the ground. One being quite muscular and the other more slender.

“Everyone be cautious! Remember that they are quite agile and they only need to strike you once to inject you with their venom!” Zain warned as he and Jace regrouped with the others.

“Ahh, you aren’t the Ingram we were expecting. Oh well. It doesn’t matter, hsst. It’ll be more fun this way.”

“What? What are you saying?” Zain questioned.

“We were told to lie in wait here by someone within your little family. We have orders to kill everyone present here, hsssst!”

“You should know that won’t be so easy. We know how you fight, there’s nothing you can do to surprise us! Bring it on you bastards!” Yadon yells before charging in.