The briefing had gone on for hours while James explained what they had in store for them, and what was to be expected. Although, to the scientists extreme dismay, their departure had been delayed by one day.
It seemed that the Curse tide that he and his mother had escaped the other day had grown vastly more powerful than expected, and had spread farther than anyone anticipated. Two Sages had been called to action to deal with it together, and it was expected that the matter would be handled soon.
Even so, until the danger was confirmed to be gone, the scientists had express orders not to leave, and without them the soldiers couldn't leave either. Although, technically, Nero felt like the soldiers could have gone in and scouted the area, it was also good to take their time and prepare more.
Perilith really was a place full of peril.
As the meeting came to a close, Nero followed Corporal Thomas and his team out. They apparently had rotations and the night protective detail within the base belonged to other teams. This would allow them to rest and perform any other duties they had.
The others exited too - or, well, most of them.
In a few minutes, only Vanessa and James remained in the room, both lost in thought. Vanessa seemed to be reminiscing, her eyes staring wistfully at the screen which was now portraying a list of gear items each person, scientist or soldier, would be expected to carry into the new dimension. James, on the other hand, had lost his signature smile, and instead seemed to be solving a puzzle that had confounded him.
For a couple of minutes, they both sat in silence. But as if by some prior agreement, they woke from their reveries at the same time, and locked eyes.
The scientist's signature, warm smile returned.
"Young Vanessa, things are finally coming together over here. How are things going on your side?"
James seemed ever the smiling old man, but as someone who was working closely with him, she knew just how the old man had risen up the ranks. Or at least the rumours of it.
"Your application for a work visa in Nova has been submitted. If everything goes according to plan, you will get it just as we're done here. Afterwards, you can even accompany me back to Nova with my delegation if you wish."
"I cannot wait. To think, we humans have come so far that soon, we will be able to craft our own spell models."
"It's still far from being able to do it on our own," Vanessa commented. "But at least our understanding of spell models has increased enough where we can begin experimenting. Speaking of spell models, I couldn't help but notice how you treated the newest member of our expedition."
Vanessa met the scientist's gaze, a somewhat stern expression on her face. At this moment, she did not at all look like a research assistant facing her superior. Instead, it looked like she was interrogating an employee.
"Ah, how could I resist? It's so rare to find a spell model directly able to combat curses, and finding one at the Neophyte level is even harder. I just
had
to take a look. And can you believe what I saw? The spell model was an icosagon! A 20 sided spell model at only the Neophyte level? It's unheard of! That's the starting range for Initiate level abilities."
"So what? You've heard of the theory of adaptive evolution. It's practically a fact that by now, after a thousand years of cultivation and card masters, humans are slowly adapting to aether better, and are producing stronger spell models."
"Yes, but the distinction between Neophyte and Initiate level spell models is still a barrier not so easily crossed. It's not just about the number of sides. The spell model itself was so wonderfully complex."
"I'm sure it is," Vanessa said, her voice even. "But I have to remind you that he is a valuable asset to this mission. It would be a great loss if anything were to happen to him."
James was suddenly startled, and then began laughing.
"Miss Vanessa, I don't know where you think we are, but the laws in Kolar are not so easily broken - even by me. Besides, you may be unaware of these things, especially since you've been so focused on your work and outside news is limited, but that young man is not without a sufficiently impressive background. Although I may be 102 years old, I still wish to live quite a bit longer."
Vanessa raised an eyebrow, but did not comment.
"We only have a little over three months before the portal to Perilith closes," she said, turning her gaze back to the screen. "If we don't find that pond, then it might not be so easy for me to guarantee you the work visa, or even access into New Dawn Research Institute."
The old man smiled weakly at the little girl. Although he was a Colonel, and an Arcanist, while she was just a research assistant and an honorary junior officer, it looked a lot like
he
was taking orders from
her
.
It couldn't be helped. She was an Abel. Their influence worked even over here.
*****
Nero followed Thomas as the Corporal informed him of what was coming next.
"Since none of the guys know you, and you have no experience in protection before, we're going to have a joint training session tonight and tomorrow night. It should help familiarise you with everyone else, and we can train you in some defensive tactics, as well as what your role will be in case we face a threat. As the weakest in our team, actual combat should be the last thing on your list of actions."
The Corporal suddenly paused his speech, and Nero only needed to look forward to find out why.
Bael, Clarissa, and the other Neophytes were standing together, as if waiting for them.
"Nero, do you have a bit of free time?" Bael asked, stepping forward. "I thought that since we are going to be working together, it'll be best if everyone gets familiarised with each other."
Nero was pleased to see that Bael was as confident as ever, though his confidence was also the source of his arrogance which Nero strongly disliked, so maybe it wasn't a good thing. Either way, it seemed like their near death experience in the library hadn't adversely affected him.
A single glance was all it took for Nero to understand that while Bael was the one speaking, he was definitely not the leader among the group. He did, however, clearly have their respect and recognition.
"Sorry, but I have training with-"
"No, you should go with them," Thomas interrupted. "While building a rapport with us is important, you will be heading into Perilith with them, so your coordination with them is even more important. I suggest you use your time wisely."
Nero nodded, and turned to Bael.
"Looks like I'm free, so what did you have in mind?"
Bael grinned and his body trembled with excitement.
"I've already booked a combat hall. I challenge you to a fight!"
Nero raising a single eyebrow out of curiosity was clearly not the reaction he had been expecting. It was quite an anticlimactic reaction to something he had clearly built up in his head.
"It's a good way for everyone to see my combat style, so I suppose it's a good idea," he said. "But in that case, I think it would be a better idea for me to fight someone I'm unfamiliar with."
Nero's gaze couldn't help but wander to Clarissa. There was something about the way she stood, the way she moved, the subtle gestures and expressions she made… It made Nero think she was
incredibly
strong, at least in a fist fight.
Yet that was not the response Bael was hoping for.
"Do not underestimate me, Nero. You were stronger than me when we last met, but things are not the same anymore. Whether you can beat me, or even fight me is yet to be seen."
Nero looked back at Bael, masking his serious doubt with a plain expression.
He knew Bael's ability. It was self healing. It had been a couple of weeks so maybe he was better at using the ability now, but Nero seriously doubted it would make much of a difference. Nero was
much
stronger.
But he recalled his fathers words. Do not be arrogant, and do not underestimate the enemy. The true strength of a card master is not his body or even his innate ability, but his cards!
With that thought, he managed to rekindle a hint of interest in fighting Bael.
"Alright, fine. Although the invitation stands open. If anyone else feels like having a little friendly spar to get to know each other, I wouldn't object to it at all."
"I expected nothing less from the
best Neophyte alive
," remarked a Neophyte with blonde hair, which caused some of the others to chuckle.
Instead of being offended, Nero only grinned.
"I know, I know," he said, waving a hand. "That was a bit much. I don't
actually
think I'm the best Neophyte alive."
He paused, a faint smile still on his face as he looked at each of the others faces.
"But I for sure am a hell of a lot stronger than any of you."