The transformation from the conference room we met in last night into the new auditorium room is a testament to the shaping power of earth lancers. Nico, one of the human earth lancers, and Apper transformed the entire room during breakfast. Unlike the conference room, which was just an empty room, the auditorium has rows of stonework tables and benches that line the semi-circle rows. The rows are layered so that all seats clearly see the stage. Another table with chairs on the stage faces the rest of the benches.
No longer on ground level, the earth lancers must have excavated a hundred feet down and significantly expanded the room's size. Runes on the walls and ceiling of the auditorium dispel any darkness. Instead, it feels like I'm basking in the comforting rays of the sun. Thinking of the sun and its brightness, I tense up and prepare for the sneak attack that is sure to come. Fortunately, no sneezes come, and I can find a seat near the entrance.
Wide doors allow for all to pile in quickly, and the space between each row is large enough that it's easy for each attendant to find a chair. As it is now, we have way more chairs than people. A few older strangers I have not met sit in the back row with me. Besides a terse nod from the leathery-skinned women, none of the grizzly people seem to notice I'm here. One of them almost sits on me until I clear my throat and startle the man. He grunts and finds himself an open seat.
Cru and his five regents, along with the synth sisters and Roxxi, enter the room together. The group garners a lot of attention from the new folks, but other than looks and whispers, no one opposes the group. Most are familiar with the arachnoids' presence due to Nette and her sisters. The nine of them find seats among the lycan children and sit with them.
The most prominent person to attend the assembly and probably most intimidating is Fury, who still looks like he is shaking off death. The dragonoid has barely woken from his rest in the dungeon core.
Despite his scaly features, the dragon is a shoo-in for the grizzled vets in the row with me. With his thick scales forming his armor, draconic face, and massive wings, the dragonoid not only looks like he knows war, he's lived it. Despite the crowded back row, Fury finds a seat next to me.
"Hello, Fury," I whisper to the dragon as he drops onto the bench. I could be hearing things, but I think the stone groans under the man's weight.
"You and I are sparing after this," Fury responds after several attempts at finding a comfortable seating arrangement. The dragonoid is still struggling, so I summon a bunch of furs and a magic cord that turns into a makeshift cushion. "And good morning," he says when he settles down on the cushion. To curb my jealousy, I summon myself a cushion as well.
"Do you want to spar with me or the tree stump that put the spell in the first place?"
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"Roxi will get her turn. She's scheduled for a spar after our match."
"So you already know?"
"Nette and Bones updated me about our newest team member." There is a growl in his words as he speaks of Roxi. "They said the only way I can fight her is if she agrees to a spar."
"And she agreed?"
"Gladly."
"Do we really have to fight?"
"You killed me. And absorbed my scales."
"It's a shame I couldn't obtain your wings. Or even your darkness spell. That thing is nasty and unfair."
"You owe me." The dragon's tone is playful now, and a smile crests his lips. I'm unsure if that puts me at ease or on edge. I try to smile back and stop all of my focus from getting excited about the upcoming bout. Maybe I can obtain his wings… or upgrade my scales further this time. I brush away the silly thought.
Gene, Bones, Gavin, and Scotty take their place on the stage, with Gene sitting in the middle of the table. The light on her grows brighter as Gene stands while the lighting elsewhere dims. The sounds of washing water play through the entire auditorium until all conversations are silenced.
"Hello and Welcome." Gene's regal voice is clear and loud as if she's speaking directly to me. "We are glad you are all here and have much to discuss. Do not fret, though. We will be done in time for a lunch feast. Gavin, you have the floor." Gavin stands, and Gene sits. Gene isn't small by any measure. She's probably above average in height and size. Next to Gavin, she looks tiny.
"Thank you, Gene, for hosting and helping my people with the spirit beast invasion. We are honored to be in the Lycan Queen's presence." He bows his head toward the queen. "My people," Gavin turns his attention back to us sitting in the row of chairs. "We are lucky to be here today and even luckier to be given a life-changing opportunity. With your permission, I'd like to proceed with the details."
No objections arise. Most heads nod yes, and a few shout out to get on with it and other friendly encouragement. Upon everyone's agreement, we are pulled into Nette's mindscape. Our landscape doesn't change. We are still sitting in the auditorium with the four leaders on the stage. Instead, what changes is that we all feel more connected and that our thoughts flow freely. All concepts of time or outside distractions no longer exist. The gasps of shock and excitement begin to escalate.
"We are now in my mind's domain," Nette says. Her words diffuse much of the rising tension. "I bring you in here to allow us to fully explain the situation and opportunity before you. However, oaths must be made before we can continue."
Sensing more tension, Gavin speaks again: "I promise you these people mean us no harm. As you all have seen, they are in a precarious situation. They need our help, and they are offering a massive reward. The oath is one of trust and safety that will go both ways. If you still trust me as a leader, I encourage you to take the oath and hear the people out."
Again, no one objects to Gavin and hundreds of oaths are made simultaneously.