Nero studied the picture, as well as everyone's reactions. He was still new to the concept of dimensions, and his dad had recently only promised him that he would not need to worry about dimensions until he was
at least
a Mystic, but if appearances were anything to go by, he was dead wrong.
Due to his largely lack of knowledge about dimensions, Nero did not have a large reaction to the appearance of new dimensions, though he was interested to learn that not all dimensions could be accessed from everywhere.
The others, however, were taken aback, as if their very understanding of reliant had been challenged. There were
some
who had no reaction at all, as if they already knew - Vanessa being one of them.
"For those of you who do not know," James said, looking towards the soldiers rather than the researchers, "Primeveil is the name of our dimension - the one that we exist in. It is one of many dimensions, though by far it is the most stable existence. Alternate dimensions are a source of many valuable resources for us, as well as a potent weapon against curses, so you can probably guess that with the appearance of a physical entrance to a new dimension, we at Fordham base moved quickly to explore.
"Now, I know you all understand that everything I am telling you is all highly confidential. Someone will administer the relevant oaths at a later date. What is important for you to understand is why I am sharing this confidential information with you to begin with. After all, you don't necessarily need to understand the details of a mission to complete it."
James' gaze remained on the standing soldiers, who all put on a solemn expression, while none of the researchers seemed to be surprised at all.
"I have judged that understanding the mission will motivate you even more. Lieutenant Earl assures me that a chance to earn honour for your country, and contribute to its growth shall never be given up by a warrior of Kolar."
For a brief moment, Nero felt like the scientist looked specifically and specially at him just a little longer than others.
"We learned a few things about this new dimension we have titled Perilith. The first thing that we learned is that this wooden cabin, which serves as the entrance to Perilith, is dissipating from existence. We estimate that, at most, in a few months, the cabin will disappear completely.
"Considering that we have yet to discover another way to enter Perilith, we can consider for the time being that we only have a small window to access the opportunities that Perilith provides - and its opportunities are extremely plentiful."
The scientist reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a piece of purple ore, still covered with rock, only small traces of the actual metal within visible.
"This, my dear fellows, is called Valefor. Are you familiar with it?"
Nero furrowed his brows as the name sounded too familiar. Where had he heard it before? Nero had only begun to ponder when a soldier suddenly exclaimed, "The Hammer of Valefor!"
Everyone in the room was suddenly stunned as they recalled that legendary weapon, wielded by one of Neires heroes!
"Yes, the Hammer of Valefor. The legendary weapon used by General Astarties - one of Emperor Iskaunders most trusted followers. Actually, this ore is named specifically after his hammer, which he discovered in the Eldrim ruins. No one has ever been able to discover what metal, or alloy the lost weapon was actually made from.
"Yet upon procuring this sample, and after running a few tests, we discovered that this ore carries the exact same qualities as the hammer, and so we have taken it upon ourselves to name the ore Valefor - since we are the ones to discover it.
"This ore is but
one
of the many treasures that Perilith has to offer, and so I'm sure you can imagine why it is in the army's interest to explore this new dimension as much as possible and reap all it has to offer. Yet there is a problem. It is not a coincidence that Perilith has been named so.
"Indeed, this new dimension is one of the most dangerous dimensions we have ever encountered, and we have already lost an Ascendant and several Mystic card masters while exploring it."
A heavy, solemn silence hung over the room as they all heard James' revelation. They lost an Ascendant? Had they even lost a single Ascendant in the literal world war they just had? Honestly, they probably had, but the details were kept under wraps. Yet to suddenly lose an Ascendant while exploring a new dimension? It filled them with shock!
Yet Nero did not react just yet. Instead, he narrowed his eyes. What could they want from a bunch of Neophytes if even Ascendants had died? Unless…
"Yet their sacrifice was not without gain," James continued after a sufficiently long pause to let the weight of the matter set in. "We learned something very important. While the topography of the dimension never changes, same as with its many bounties, the danger within Perilith is not constant. Instead, it is determined by the level of the strongest person to enter.
"So to say, if a team of Neophytes enters the dimension, the dangers within will be of the according level, while the rewards stay the same."
Understanding suddenly dawned on all the soldiers, and the Neophytes in the room were suddenly filled with a sudden resolve. None of the Neophytes here were weaklings.
Each and every one of them had served in the war, each of them had faced death, and each of them had survived. While the majority of Neophytes who entered Lumina either faced death or severe injury, there were a few who emerged stronger, strengthened in the ancient crucible of despair.
They were the elite, the ones who did not shy away from a challenge, but rose to the occasion. Nero had noticed that while he had his accolades sewed onto his uniform, he was not alone in that regard.
Bael, Clarissa, and all the others had
at least
one other badge on their uniforms besides just participating in the war.
"As we speak, a requisition order has been sent forward to the table of Sage Morphius, and all capable Neophytes across the country - especially the ones who proved themselves during the war - have been requested. But of course, whether that works out or not is not up to us, nor is it any of our concern.
"With all the pieces in place, the approval for the mission has arrived and we will set out for Perilith at the break of dawn. While other teams may follow, we only have to focus on our current mission."
The image on the screen behind James changed once more, and instead of one image, the screen was split between six images which showed various items.
"These six ingredients are our immediate and highest priority, and retrieving them will be your primary mission. Secondary and tertiary missions include exploring and cataloguing Perilith so that each subsequent excursion into Perilith becomes much easier.
"The details of these six items are classified. How to handle and store them is also classified. All of that will be handled by the researchers we will be sending into Perilith with you, who will handle the actual procurement and retrieval. All you only have one mission - to escort and protect the researchers!"
For a brief moment, James had a very serious expression on his face as he looked at all the soldiers, but soon enough he broke into his characteristic, warm smile.
"Of course, I still think the result of the mission will be a little better if I share
something
with you. So allow me to tell you that these six items… are ingredients that are used in Sage level Eldrim cards."
The entire room was stunned, the researchers and Nero included, though for very different reasons. The researchers couldn't believe that such highly confidential information had been so easily revealed! If that kind of information was leaked, they could literally face an invasion from a neighbouring nation, or at least some psychotic organisations such as the rising Clear Path!
"Now, allow me to elaborate on some of the threats you will be facing in Perilith. For the most part, while the dangers of the dimension will be fixed according to your level, staying within the dimension after dark is akin to death. You also have to watch out for the changing weather patterns…"
James, without giving anyone enough time to completely get over his massive revelation, began explaining the details of the dimension. Nero, understanding the dire situation he was now in, paid close attention to everything the old man said.
But instead of being concerned, Nero relaxed a bit. As someone extremely attentive, he had noticed that there were some people who had somewhat expected such a revelation. While this more or less confirmed Nero's theory about the old man being a sly, conniving geezer, at least he wasn't senile.
Now he just had to uncover what was
really
going on, and make sure to survive it all.