A new day arrived on planet Hex. Lilly and Iain had finalized all their preparations for their upcoming training. After leaving craftsmen street yesterday the siblings returned to their home.

Like students before an important exam they had tried to cramp as much knowledge as possible into their heads. Nua’s books were concise and a great help, but there was simply too much to learn.

At least the young Rottals now knew what to expect from the Frozen Hell, albeit the descriptions were just too unbelievable.

However, all their preparations couldn’t reduce the nervousness the siblings were feeling. Even the newly bought weapons and armors wouldn’t spend much safety. Realization slowly dawned on them that they were heading for their first real fight against beasts right now.

Others growing up in this universe might not think much in such situations. In many parts there were even traditions forcing children to kill their first beasts. Unfortunately, this had been unthinkable for Lilly and Iain for most of their lives.

Strangely some excitement mixed in the sibling’s minds, as the observed the other adventurers around them.

This was the first time the travelled on the lower floor of a transray. A lot of adventurers filled the room here.

Some wore neat and tidy armors, calmy preparing themselves for their next trip into the Frozen Hell.

Others boasted about their legendary fights while proudly presenting their scars.

While Iain and Lilly listened to the surrounding conversations, a tall, lanky woman suddenly approached them.

“Hello young adventurers! I am Rogki Molt. May I know your names?”

Observing the woman’s inviting smile and clean appearance, Lilly didn’t feel any threat.

“Sure. I’m Lilly.”

“My name is Iain.”

“Haha nice to meet you, Lilly and Iain. I love meeting new people. Are you heading for the Frozen Hell?”

While Lilly tried to figure out the woman’s aim, Iain answered first:

“Of course. We’re going out to train.”

“Training? A good decision. Many newcomers overestimate themselves and lack preparation when they face real danger.”

The young man smiled shyly.

“Well, this was organized by our… mother.”

“Ahh makes sense. I guess your mother couldn’t afford some space storage then, judging from the bags you are carrying?”

Iain was slightly thrown off because they didn’t know the answer to this question. These bags were prepared for them by Nua, so they hadn’t thought about using a space-storage.

After all they knew that even Groob’s space-storage was bought by his mercenary group and didn’t really belong to him.

Seeing her brother’s hesitation, Lilly chimed in.

“No sadly that’s a bit out of her budget.”

“That’s a pity. Then what would you do if you slay a big beast and want to bring it home?”

Slowly recognizing the direction this conversation was heading, Lilly answered with a shrewd smile:

“I don’t know, but I’m sure you will soon tell us.”

Rogki laughed slightly, but still answered shamelessly:

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Of course. Just come to find me. I will buy all those materials you can’t transport at a better price than the army.

Or, if you only want to transport something back to the city I can…”

“Molt!”, interrupted a voice rudely. “We are waiting here for you. What are you doing? Are you ripping off newbies again?”

Rogki rolled her eyes as she turned towards the approaching man.

“Dur. Why are you slandering me? I’m a reputable businesswoman!”

“Sure, sure. And I’m the blue apostle. Let’s go.”

Lilly and Iain didn’t know what to think as the tall woman flashed them an apologetic smile.

“I would never rip you off. Believe me! Come and find me in the base camp. Just ask for Molt.”

With those words the reputable businesswoman was dragged away by her partner.

After this small interlude the transray soon reached its destination. The siblings were familiar with this form of transport by now as they calmly exited another station together with all the other adventurers.

Since Groob had arranged for them to meet here, Lilly and Iain waited in front of this station. As their eyes fell on the unmissable object occupying their sight, the siblings had to admit that this station was suitably called Western Wall Station.

Craning his neck, Iian observed the impressive city wall opposite the station. An oppressive pressure spread from the massive construction guarantying the city’s safety.

Patrols of the luminous army diligently secured the area around the wall, stopping everyone from approaching. At the same time brave soldiers held watch on top of the wall, looking out for any beasts stupid enough to attack the city.

While the siblings stared at this beacon of security, a group of adventurers finally approached them.

“Yo, kids. You won’t find me if you are only searching up there.”

Hearing the familiar voice, Lilly and Iain turned towards Groob with smiles on their faces.

“Morning Groob. Are they your team?”

Lilly observed the adventurers Groob brought with him. Groob told them that he would bring his team with them into the Frozen Hell. This would surely be safer for everyone.

As the young woman mustered the three additional men, she had to admit that they made a reliable impression.

Groob seemed to be in a good mood as he answered enthusiastically:

“Yeah, they are. Let me introduce everyone.

This tall, dark-skinned guy is Voro. He’s good with lighting magic and knows a lot about technology.

This shorty is Forgoz. When he draws his sword, his enemy dies so fast you won’t be able to see it.

Last but not least that fat dude is Uramant, he is an expert in ice magic. Our most important member in the Frozen Hell.”

After the adventurers greeted the siblings, Lilly looked at them weirdly.

“Haha, I know that look.”, laughed Groob.

“You are wondering if we really belong to ‘Earth Fire Mercenaries’, right?”

“Ehm yes. Sorry but this name is obviously confusing.”

“Don’t fret it. You aren’t the first with such doubts and won’t be the last.

The truth is that this name existed before our leader arrived on planet Hex. Something went wrong back then and our leader had to search for new business.

Since he lost a lot of members, especially fire mages, he decided to come here but he kept the name for nostalgia.”

“Ohh I didn’t think you would have such a troubled backstory.”

Groob lightly waved his hand.

“Don’t worry, this happened thousands of years ago. By now we have a good reputation on planet Hex. Each of our teams can protect themselves in the Frozen Hell.”

After this short introduction the group practiced some small talk to get to know each other. Meanwhile Groob led them to follow the continuous stream of adventurers.

Together they entered a building which was directly built against the city wall. Hundreds of people calmy waited in a big hall here, always under the army’s strict supervision.

A dangerous aura surrounded the many soldiers stationed here. Under their unfriendly looks even the unruly adventures didn’t dare to step out of line.

Suddenly red lights began to shine from the ceiling. The hubbub quickly died down as the building’s gates closed slowly.

Blearing alarms rang through the room.

Finally, the wall opposite them got dragged upwards, as everyone orderly entered a long hallway.

Strong winds pulled on the adventurers’ bodies as they approached the other end. At this point the siblings understood how thick the city’s wall was. This dozens of meters long hallway only existed to lead them across the wall.

At the other end a new vehicle was already waiting for them. Since it was directly parked against the wall, the siblings weren’t able to make out its form.

However, just from the spacious lounge waiting behind the vehicle’s door, they could estimate its sheer size. A transray seemed like a toy compared to this flying behemoth.

Iain had easily kicked it off with the tech-loving Voro, so he asked in admiration:

“What is this? Is it also a transray?”

Being asked about one of his favorite topics, Voro answered enthusiastically:

“In a way, yes. This is a H-22 Exploration Transwhale. Different from the normal transrays, this beauty was specially developed for usage on planet Hex.

With a length of close to 200 meters and it’s 12 decks it can easily transport hundreds of people. On top of that it contains scientifical facilities, training centers and many more.

Naturally it can also defend itself against the dangers planet Hex throws at us.

There are also less luxurious versions of it, which are used by miners.”

Iain listened with relish as they boarded the flying behemoth.

When they finally started their journey, Groob arrived with a few local yelle beer. The newly formed group happily toasted as they traveled towards unknown dangers.