The Proven made camp inside the Safe Zone within the Core Tunnels on the Third Floor. Since Jeze had removed the Hold Core, the area was illuminated by magical torches that the Guild had to bring in. The chamber they were in bustled with activity as the Amber Guard, the Legion, and the Templars from the Ironfist Kingdom organized efforts to learn more about the new threat they all faced. The Demon worshiping Cultists.
“Dunar, you need to keep your arm still so that your bones and flesh can mend!” Mikal cried.
“I will grow weak if I do not move,” the Leader replied.
“You will grow into a one-armed old fool if you keep this up!” Mikal snapped.
Ziplocke laughed. “That was a good one!”
Jeze shook her head and returned to studying the tomes she and Viel had found. She already missed the Dark Swordsman. Jeze chuckled inwardly at his silly name. She and Lady Kalina were seated at a wooden table laid out with books and candles.
“I don’t trust the Legion being here,” Mina growled.
Jeze nodded in agreement. It made her uneasy to sit amongst the soldiers that her and her team had beaten up a few days earlier. However, so far the Legion has been nothing but respectful to them.
“They are up to something,” Mina added.
The Ironfist Kingdom team had made camp beside the Proven. Alcard, Cris, and Joff were resting around a heating pot as they prepared a meal. To Jeze, it smelled delicious, and she learned that the Ironfist Kingdom’s diet consisted mostly of herbs, root vegetables, and mushrooms. They made a lot of stews and would add any meat source they came across. Alcard threw in some smoked Bloodling, and the fats melted into the broth.
“Hey Jezie, will your new friends share with us?” Helga asked.
“Aye, help yourself,” Alcard replied.
Jeze shook her head and said, “You will need to make five more pots.”
Rolfe and Helga eagerly approached with bowls in their hands.
“Knuckleheads!” Ziplocke said in a shrill voice.
The Goblin rested on Jeze’s shoulder as she and Lady Kalina poured through the tomes for more clues about the locations of the Core Tunnels. One of the tomes confirmed what Jeze had discovered in the Deep Wood.
“There are more Pyramids and Thresholds in the world. Many of them are still active,” the teenager said.
“And the Cultists know about them. They know more than us at the moment,” Lady Kalina observed.
Jeze glanced around and asked, “What does the Empire know?” The Legion tried to claim the tunnels.
Lady Kalina replied, “Our reports indicate that the Legion knows very little. It was Drake who organized the raid on the Core Tunnels using Legion resources, and he operated under the knowledge he obtained from your brother.”
Jeze and Viel had reported to the Amber Guard what Drake had done. His actions against fellow Guild Members were in violation of the Guild bylaws. In addition, Drake’s own Legionnaires turned him in for abusing his authority and using military resources for his own gains. The Legion Captain was currently being court-martialed. Jeze sighed. She had hoped to have another chance to face him. So far, he proved to be better in the two times they fought.
“What will happen if it becomes common knowledge about the Demon Cults?” Jeze asked.
Lady Kalina shrugged. “I care not for the politics of the Golden Empire.”
Mina grinned evilly and said, “I imagine the Imperial Family will have some trouble holding on to their lies. Maybe they will leave the Ironfist Kingdom alone.”
Alcard handed Lady Kalina and Jeze a bowl of thick soup. “The more concerning issue is this secret organization that is working with the Demons. This places the realm in great danger,” the Templar said in his raspy voice.
Mina tapped her chin and said, “They are the Anti-Guild?”
“What are you talking about?” Kalina asked with a scowl.
Jeze ate the soup. It was, as she expected, delicious! “The Guild is sworn to protect the world from Monsters. The Cultists wish to free the monsters. The name fits,” she observed.
Mina nodded, and Lady Kalina returned to reading the tomes.
“That is a disgrace,” Dunar observed. The Proven Leader had joined Rolfe and Helga to get some food.
“Is it common for the Frostsworn to eat the food of others?” Mina snapped.
Rolfe grinned widely. “We eat when we can,” the large Protector said.
“Ya! Especially if the food is good,” Helga added.
“Besides, our efforts have earned us a meal at the very least,” Mikal said with a scowl.
The Healer was on his second bowl, and the Ironfist Kingdom team needed to prepare another pot.
“It is true, the Frostsworn fought bravely and held against our mutual enemy, the Cultists. Who knows what vile things they would have done if not for their brave actions,” Joff cheered.
“Aye! Well spoken, my friend,” Dunar said and raised his bowl.
“We should get Ale,” Rolfe suggested.
Helga beamed, and the warrior maiden rose to her feet. “I will be right back.”
Dunar slapped Mina on her armored shoulder with his good arm. “There you have it. We will provide drink.” The large man nearly knocked over the Ironfist fighter.
Joff and Cris rose to their feet. “Does she need help?” They asked.
“Nae, I can carry a few kegs of ale. Stay put and keep cooking!” Helga replied, and she departed through the Exit Portal.
“She can?” Cris asked.
Rolfe nodded and thumped his chest. “Us Frostsworn are strong!”
*****
A dozen Imperial soldiers escorted Drake. The Legion did not want to take any risks with the dangerous captain and had five Initiate-ranked Legionnaires among his escort. The dark-skinned man was stripped of his weapons and armor and wore a simple blue tunic and pants with dark leather boots. In addition to the burns on his face, the captain had bruises on his cheeks and a split lip as proof that his recent apprehension did not go without incident. Drake shrugged his broad shoulders. This was not ideal, but he was still alive.
“You are a disgrace to the uniform,” the old Rune caster in a heavy blue jacket with golden buttons hissed.
Drake smirked. That was like the dozenth time the old man made that comment. Among his escorts were his former team and an officer. Drake glanced around at his captives. Despite being captured he took pride in the fact that the Legion needed to send their best in order to arrest him. It was dark outside under the red sky and the ominous looming presence of the Spire. He was escorted toward the Legion headquarters, which was stationed just outside and away from the bustling tent city. Drake could make out the huge block-shaped tents in the distance with the Rising Sun insignia emblazoned on the flags. The jingling of heavy armor marked the arrival of a contingent of Ironfist soldiers in dark green tabards that formed a semi-circle and blocked Drake’s escort.
“The criminal comes with us,” a Templar stated. She had a square jaw and a deep voice.
“It feels good to be wanted,” Drake joked.
The old caster whacked him on the back of his head with a Rune-covered rod. Drake winced in pain and then glared at his former subordinate.
“He is an Imperial soldier and will be handled as such,” the Legion officer in the crisp blue uniform replied.
“You forget that you are in the Ironfist Kingdom. You have no authority here!” The Templar snapped back.
The soldiers on both sides gripped their weapons. Drake chuckled softly to himself. This was rich, he thought. The mirth faded from his face as he searched for an opportunity. Drake grew up in the slums of Capitol City with nothing. It was his knack to spot opportunities that led to his success as an Adventurer and eventually to the rank of captain. He worked too hard to get to where he was, and his ambitions soared even higher. Being arrested was a minor setback. Nothing he could not overcome.
“You both are wrong. By the Accords, this is neutral ground where the Guild enforces the laws. Adventurer Drake comes with us,” another voice chimed in.
Legionnaires and Ironfist soldiers turned their heads toward the newcomers. A team of five Amber Guard appeared from out of the shadows. Both Ironfist and Empire soldiers took a step back.
The Empire officer scowled. “Drake was a Legion soldier and will be dealt with by our Imperial courts.”
“He committed crimes in the Ironfist Kingdom and within our jurisdiction,” the Templar retorted.
The Amber Guard spokesman stepped forth. He was a light skinned man with dark hair and a scarred face. A man who has seen many battles.
“He is a Guild member who committed crimes against Guild members on Guild territory. I will not repeat myself. He comes with us,” the scarred man stated.
The four other Amber Guard readied their weapons. Drake shook his head and chuckled. It would be very fortuitous for him if they fought. He could escape in the confusion. However, the reputations of the Amber Guard preceded them well, and the soldiers from both nations took a step back. Even the officers appeared hesitant. Drake remained silent. He believed he was lucky to be alive and did not want to risk testing the scarred Amber Guard. That man clearly has killed before and looked willing to do so again.
“Adventurer Drake, come with me,” the Amber Guard ordered.
Drake glanced around at his captives with a smirk and walked forward. The Legion officer looked like he was about to intervene but stopped himself. That was wise, Drake reflected. When the Amber Guard said they would not repeat themselves, they meant it.
*****
Helga had returned with kegs of ale. The Proven and the Ironfist team cheered and in moments they were deep into their cups. The two teams shared tales and songs around their magical campfires. Other teams joined them and the noise grew louder. Jeze, Ziplocke, and Lady Kalina sat at the table off the side. The boastful singing and laughter resonated throughout the chamber.
“I worry that we can be attacked again,” Lady Kalina observed.
Jeze placed a hand on the Amber Guard’s shoulder. “We are fine,” she said.
They were surrounded by Legionnaires, Ironfist soldiers, and teams of adventurers. There was still plenty of treasure to be found in the Core Tunnels, but many of the teams came here because it was a way to get away from the bustling noise of the tent city outside.
“As far as Safe Rooms go. This is probably the safest! Since the Hold Core was removed, all the Monster Portals are disabled!” Ziplocke shrieked.
Lady Kalina glanced at Jeze.
“Did you find it?” Ziplocke asked.
“Yes!” Jeze exclaimed. Things were so busy that she had forgotten that she had the Core in her pack. She retrieved it.
“The Guild knows little about them. Was this what the Cultist and Drake were after?” Kalina asked.
Jeze shrugged. “The Cultists, perhaps. Drake only knew that there was an important treasure here.” The Legion Captain only knew what Daverius told him, Jeze thought to herself.
“It is small, but I can feel its power from here,” Lady Kalina observed.
Ziplocke’s eyes narrowed, and his ears curled back. Jeze did not like the look on the Goblin’s face, and she instinctively held the Core closer to herself.
*****
The Amber Guard led Drake to a Safe Room within the Spire that was converted into a prison. Rune covered steel doors were installed at the entrances. Escape seemed futile. Drake’s heart raced as they marched him closer and he turned toward his captives.
“The Bylaws state that I get a fair trial,” He said.
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“Don’t touch me!” The scarred Amber Guard snapped and struck Drake as fast as a flash of lightning.
Drake fell to his knees and grinned as blood dripped from his mouth. Rough hands hoisted him up as the enforced steel door was opened. He was shoved in.
“A fair trial? You will have one after the Wandering Spire event. Until then, I hope you rot in here,” the Amber Guard hissed. The Steel door slammed shut.
Drake rose to his feet. The chamber was dimly lit with many ominous shadows. Footsteps could be heard around him.
“Legionnaire scum,” a deep voice hissed.
Drake chuckled. They placed him in a cell with cutthroats, thieves, and murderers. But worst of all, they were all from the Ironfist Kingdom. Six thugs surrounded the former Legion Captain and cracked their knuckles. At least I’m still alive, Drake thought to himself. As long as he was alive, he always had a fighting chance.
*****
“How was it made?” Lady Kalina wondered about the Hold Core.
“From a Dragon’s heart,” Jeze answered.
“How do you know that?” Kalina asked.
This made Jeze nervous even though the Amber Guard was only asking out of curiosity. Jeze did not want to place any more attention on Viel and the teenager was grateful when Ziplocke interjected.
“That is correct! Oh, the story of how the Hold Cores were discovered is interesting. You see, Dragons are terrifying creatures of immense power. But, like all things, they can die. Their deaths showed us that Gods, and even Fiends, are not invulnerable. None of us are!” The Goblin said in his high-pitched voice.
Kalina’s attention was diverted toward the Goblin, and she narrowed her eyes. “How do you mean?”
“There was once a powerful Dragon who was called Oblivion because death and destruction followed him wherever he went. Like his name, he was believed to be an indestructible force of nature. Something that can not be changed. But, it was discovered that he could bleed. With that question and thought of his death came next. You see, thoughts are the truly most powerful thing in the universe. Once they are planted, they will grow, and grow!” Ziplocke cried.
“What happened next?” Jeze asked.
“Oblivion was slain and the fear of Dragons with him. Everyone has secrets and weaknesses. Even Dragons! Even Gods!” Ziplocke replied.
“Watch yourself,” Lady Kalina cautioned. Her hand went to the holy symbol of the One Goddess.
Ziplocke snickered, and he continued, “Dragons are very powerful. They can travel in between realms. They have much magic! But, you see, they also have weaknesses. They need to sleep for decades in order to build their power. They are naturally greedy! Power hungry! Selfish! As a result, they are distrustful and are often alone. Those weaknesses were exploited, and once it was discovered that their hearts could be turned into a valuable power source, they turned into prey and were relentlessly hunted!”
Jeze felt a little bad for Viel. Him being in human form had forced him to be modest. He was a good person. But, Ziplocke’s story still resonated with her. It reminded her that even the impossible can become possible once conquered. It was not easy, but with determination, perseverance, and hard work, all things could be possible.
*****
The six thugs lay on the ground before Drake. Two were moaning in pain, and three lay silent. Drake snorted to himself. That was easy. The fight took a few moments. The thugs were strong but lacked skill. Even without his weapons, Drake’s experience in combat was enough to incapacitate his attackers with relative ease.
“Finally, a real challenge,” a voice spoke from within the darkness.
A man emerged into view with dark skin and braided hair. Drake narrowed his eyes.
“I know you,” the former Legion Captain said.
The newcomer paused and smiled. “Do you now? How?” He asked.
“You are Ozun, a wanted fugitive known for robbing adventurers in the spire,” Drake recalled.
Ozun smiled, he was pleased to be recognized. “I have killed too. How high was my bounty? Twenty thousand ducats?”
Drake snorted and said, “It was barely ten thousand. You think too highly of yourself.”
Ozun’s eyes narrowed, and he growled, “Watch yourself. I only wanted to play with you. But if you keep that rudeness up, I might want to hurt you instead.”
Drake looked the other man over. Ozun was well built, like the thugs, but he had a sense of danger about him. Ozun’s muscular arms bore faint scars. Drake knew from the reports that this was a man who was trained. Ozun was dangerous, and honestly, Drake was surprised that the Amber guard had captured him alive. This could be an opportunity, he thought to himself. Under different circumstances, Drake might have been interested in a duel to test his skills. But the former captain didn’t have that luxury at the moment. Drake held up his hands in a peace offering.
“We don’t need to fight. We could work together,” he said.
Ozun scoffed and nodded toward the heavy iron doors. “Sorry, friend. There is no escape from here. Those doors are reinforced with Runic magic. We are at the mercy of the Guild.”
Drake grinned. He was a man who came from nothing. Growing up on the streets of Capitol City, he needed to steal to survive. Skills that are developed for survival never go away. Once a thief, always a thief. Drake held up a small Rune-covered stone, the one he had pickpocketed from the Amber Guard before they struck him.
Ozun narrowed his eyes and asked, “What do you propose?”
“We defeat the Spire.”
“We will need a real team,” Ozun observed.
Drake nodded. “We will.”
“I know some people,” the braided-haired man stated.
“Good, so are you with me?” Drake asked.
Ozun grinned. It reminded Drake of a snake before it struck. “This should be interesting.”
The two fugitives shook hands.
*****
“You said this powers the portals?” Kalina asked.
“There are four in total, and according to these tomes, they power the entire Spire,” Jeze answered.
“What happens if you remove all four?” Kalina asked.
Ziplocke snickered. “The Stronghold turns off!” He shrieked.
“Will people be trapped inside?” Lady Kalina asked, worry on her face.
Ziplocke shook his head. “The Wandering Spire will turn into a giant tower. The floors will become floors and not pocket dimensions.”
“Pocket dimensions?” Jeze asked.
“Each floor is connected to another realm. You knew that!” Ziplocke cried.
“All of that is powered by just four of these little Hold Cores?” Lady Kalina wondered.
“Yes! Want me to show you?” Ziplocke asked.
“I am curious,” Lady Kalina replied.
“May I have the Core?” Ziplocke asked Jeze.
The Goblin snickered. He always snickered and was mischievous, but for some reason, this concerned Jeze more than normal. She could trust him, right? Ziplocke’s tiny hands were waiting for the orb. Jeze hesitated a moment but decided she could trust him. He had saved her life multiple times.
Ziplocke grinned, showing sharp teeth, and he hopped off the table with Hold Core in his hands.
“What is he doing?” Lady Kalina asked. Her voice rose in shock.
“Ziplocke, no!” Jeze cried.
It was too late. The Goblin placed the Hold Core into his mouth.
*****
Drake followed Ozun through the makeshift tent city. He scratched under his stolen armor and leather helm, and his eyes searched cautiously for any signs of the Amber Guard. They walked through rows of laughing people, market stalls, and food pavilions. Nobody paid them any attention. They were just another two adventurers passing through.
“Not much further,” Ozun said.
The dark-skinned, braided-haired man wore a steel helmet with a crooked nose guard. After their escape the two fought several guards before fleeing into the first floor of the Wandering Spire. It was there where they attacked an initiate-ranked team and stole their equipment and supplies. Drake shuddered at the memory as Ozun mercilessly killed them. What have I gotten myself into? Drake thought to himself with worry. He quickly shook the concerns away. He will defeat the Spire, gain immortality, and ask Princess Yasmine’s hand in marriage. Once he is a part of the Imperial Family, his potential can no longer be denied. With immortality, all he needed to do was wait, and maybe one day he will be the next Immortal Emperor. Drake grinned at that. A thought occurred to him.
“We should buy better equipment,” Drake suggested.
Ozun shook his head and replied, “Too risky.”
Drake scowled and grabbed his colleague’s shoulder to stop him. Ozun turned with a dangerous glint in his dark eyes.
“If we are serious about defeating the Spire. I need more than this junk,” Drake said as he motioned to his cheap shield and sword.
Ozun scoffed, “The warrior makes the blade, not the other way around. Come, we are close.”
Drake growled, but he agreed. A true fighter did not need fancy gear. His sword and shield were extensions of himself. They will serve, and Drake hurried after Ozun. The two waited in line at a portal before entering. Drake worried that the Amber Guard would be looking for them, but the news had not spread, so they had not yet guarded the portals. Or they are short-handed and can’t. Drake grinned. Once they reenter the Spire and find a team, they would be home free. A concern grew in his chest. What type of people will Ozun introduce him to? Drake shuddered at the thought, but beggars can’t be choosers. Just like his equipment, his potential teammates will have to make do. Nothing will stop him from his destiny!
*****
“Ziplocke! What have you done?” Jeze screamed.
The commotion drew the attention of the Proven and the Ironfist Kingdom team. They arrived to see what was happening. Ziplocke shook as red Curse energy exited his body. Was he cursed like Viel? Jeze wondered. Ziplocke Shaped the aspect into a swirling ball of greasy energy.
“Finally, I am free!” Ziplocke cried.
The Goblin grew larger, and a pair of curved black horns appeared on his forehead.
“You are still tiny, ya?” Helga observed.
It was true. Ziplocke went from the size of a kitten to maybe the size of a medium-sized dog. The tips of his horns came to Jeze’s chest.
“Fools! You do not understand! I am the Prince of Darkness!” Ziplocke shrieked. His voice was just a tad bit deeper but still very shrill.
“Jeze, what is going on?” Dunar asked, concern on his face.
“He ate the Hold Core,” Jeze said softly. She felt betrayed. She felt hurt and could not form the words to express herself.
“So? He is still small. Ziplocke, why did you do that?” Rolfe asked.
“To reclaim the Power that was taken from me!” Ziplocke cried.
“I knew it. I warned you all,” Mikal muttered.
Helga scoffed. “But he is still the same Zippy, right? Just a little taller and with horns.”
But Jeze and Mikal knew otherwise. They saw the faint glowing Runes that formed along his body. More intricate runes, which meant that Ziplocke had access to more spells. More abilities. He was much more dangerous.
Jeze finally found her voice and asked, “Why?”
Ziplocke’s red eyes glared with fury. “My kind created the Spire. Controlled the Spire! We were betrayed by the Fiends! Our power is taken away. For centuries, I schemed for revenge. The Ones from Before could not complete what was needed! I have waited too long! Finally, I have found a Hold Core! You fools gave it up so easily!”
The Goblin cackled and howled with laughter.
“Do we fight him?” Mina asked. Her sword and buckler were in hand.
“You can try!” Ziplocke cried.
“What? No, Zippy is our friend. Right?” Helga asked.
Ziplocke’s glee melted from his face, and it became serious. Deadly serious. He turned to Jeze.
“Release me from our pact,” the Goblin hissed.
“Why?” Jeze asked.
“Because if you don’t, I will release this curse on your team. It will not be pleasant,” Ziplocke growled.
Helga’s face turned hard. The Proven and the Ironfist Kingdom team readied their weapons.
“Where will you go?” Jeze asked.
“It does not concern you,” Ziplocke growled and demanded, “Release me!”
Jeze crossed her wiry arms and stated, “I have three conditions.”
Ziplocke grinned, showing sharp teeth. “Clever girl. What are they?”
“Jeze, you can’t be serious? He has the Hold Core!” Lady Kalina said.
The teenager shook her head. She knew the power behind that curse energy. “We have no choice.”
“Well? What are these terms?” Ziplocke asked.
“That you explain why. That you can not harm me or my friends. And lastly, you owe me a favor of equal magnitude,” Jeze stated.
Ziplocke laughed loud and hard. “I owe you? Are you mad?”
Jeze remained resolute.
“No,” Ziplocke answered.
“Then I will not release you,” Jeze replied.
Ziplocke growled, “This will hurt your team a lot.”
“We are strong, and we will fight you,” Jeze replied.
Ziplocke’s red eyes scanned back and forth, thinking. Finally, he grinned widely, “I will not owe you a favor. I will agree to your other terms on the condition that you also can not harm me. If you do, then the pact is broken. Do we have a deal?”
“Deal,” Jeze replied.
Their original pact was broken, and a new one was formed.
“Fools!” Ziplocke cried.
“Why?” Jeze asked.
Ziplocke’s ears pulled back. “If the Proven were held captive and enslaved, what would you do?”
“I would free them,” Jeze replied, understanding filled her heart. But it could not replace all of her grief.
With that, the Goblin shaped Glyphs and chopped the air. A shimmering Purple Rift appeared. Jeze’s eyes went wide. He had the Rift Aspect! In a blink, the Goblin disappeared through the Rift with his laughter echoing in the chamber.
“Did he just threaten to hurt us?” Helga asked.
Dunar nodded, his face impassive.
“I always said…” Mikal began.
“Not now, Mikal!” Jeze snapped. Tears formed in her eyes.
The Healer closed his mouth. Rolfe came over to Jeze and hugged her. Helga was next, and then Dunar. Mikal scratched his head and fidgeted back and forth on his feet. Finally, he joined in the group hug.
*****
“We are here,” Ozun said.
Drake looked around. They were in a secluded cave on the second floor with only one exit. Was I just betrayed? Drake worried, and he readied his sword and shield.
Ozun laughed. “You do not trust me? That’s good. But, they will be here soon.”
“Who?” Drake asked.
“You will see,” Ozun replied.
“How do you know them?” Drake moved closer to the only exit.
“When you travel the road toward power, you encounter other travelers with the same goals,” Ozun replied and added, “As you and I.”
“What does that mean?” Drake asked.
“You want to make it to the top? So do I, and so do them,” Ozun stated.
Drake growled, “Who’s them?”
“You’ll see.”
Drake readied his sword and shield. Ozun smiled and drew his two swords.
“I am curious to see how this will play out,” the braided-hair fugitive said.
“It does not need to come to this. Just tell me straight. Are you playing me for a fool?” Drake demanded.
“Just wait. They invited me to join them. I declined, but if I changed my mind they said to meet them here,” Ozun said.
“Who?”
“People like us who seek power at any cost,” Ozun answered.
A purple tear appeared in the middle of the chamber. The sudden light caused Drake to flinch. Three dark-robed figures emerged. Drake arched an eyebrow. He recognized the blonde woman in the middle but couldn’t place where.
“Ozun, you have changed your mind? And you brought another? That is good, we are now five,” the woman said.
“I have not agreed to anything,” Drake stated.
“Where else can you go, Drake? You want to go to the top, and so do we. You are an outlaw, just like us,” the robed woman said.
Ozun grinned. The other two robed individuals remained quiet. One was a dark haired woman with web tattoos along her neck. The second was a rough looking man with a square jaw and a stocky frame.
“How do you know me?” Drake asked.
The blonde woman smiled. “I was with the Runic Research Division.”
“Val?” Drake asked.
The blonde woman bowed.
“You betrayed the Guild,” Drake observed.
Val pretended to flinch but then chuckled. Ozun and the others laughed. Drake’s sharp eyes saw that the stocky robed man casually positioned himself in between him and the exit with his hands tucked under his robe. He most likely had a weapon. Four against one? Drake wondered. He didn’t like those odds, especially with Ozun in the mix. Plus, the Rune magic Val used was something he was not familiar with.
Drake put on his most charming smile. “I was telling Ozun we will need to upgrade our gear if we are serious about going to the tenth floor.”
“Glad to have you two join us,” Val said.