Chapter 116 : Prep Time
“Doyenne, no offense but this seems kind of… out of our league.” Gates was the first to broach the subject with Vivian. He was obviously disturbed, no doubt he felt like he was in over his head. Agni could relate. Although she’d been inside of blood shards on a few occasions she had never encountered a Grimlock like the one Dealla described. In fact, just listening to Dealla’s account of her life and death struggle was enough to set Agni on edge. The thought of something similar happening to her or Katrin caused a seething anger to creep over her. At the same time, she could only think realistically.

*Would we be able to survive something like that?* Even with Shula’s help to fuse -- Agni didn’t believe so. In fact, no matter how she looked at it -- the people within this room would be no match if a party of experienced first and second rankers were so easily dispatched.

Agni also felt that this was Oliver Pagnel’s reasoning -- or at least something along those lines. He didn’t seem to have any confidence in Vivian’s judgement at all. He seemed both agitated and worried despite his appearance which suggested he was just plain annoyed.

Katrin also seemed lost in thought as she gazed downward. This was a rare occurrence as Katrin always seemed to keep her eyes forward and her head up on principle. Knowing of Katrin’s past somewhat, Agni realized that the gravity of the situation was most likely beyond their scope.

“I know what many of you are thinking.” Vivian said as she looked at Gates while addressing everyone present.

“And your right. Most of you won’t be participating in battle. The plan is to bring two teams, both of which will travel together inside the shards we need to explore. One team will be dedicated entirely to escorting wounded or surviving adventurers out of the shards. The other will be strictly dedicated to supporting the rescue team. Aside from me, Oliver Pagnel and Gigi will participate on the defense team. I’ll also be requesting help from a few associates to fill out the remainder of the defenders. In short, those of you who I asked here will function as the rescue team.”

“All of you have previous experience in shards, so you all know and understand how to protect yourself against miasma. Furthermore, some among you also have experience with just how powerful Grimlock can be in the shard realms. Of all the members of Mystic Tower -- you all are the best suited to this task. That being said, I want to make it quite clear -- this isn’t mandatory or forced. You’re free to decline if you think you aren’t up for it.” At this Oliver’s expression contorted briefly into a faint flash of disbelief. He quickly recovered, leaving Agni to wonder what his reaction might have been about.

Vivian’s explanation did little to soften the expression of desperation which covered Gates’ face. He still felt that something was missing.

*Could we really even escape in a situation where something goes wrong? Just listening to Dealla’s story..* He had absolutely no confidence that he could.

“If you choose to join, you’ll need to clear some time starting tomorrow for preparatory training as well.”

“Will this last minute training make us powerful enough to deal with an enemy like the one she just mentioned?” Gigi asked. Of all the people gathered she seemed the least upset. Then again, Gigi’s face was almost always fixed in a permanent smile.

“It’s best not to think of the training as something that will make you ‘powerful’. What I can say is that it will make things much easier for you. Especially when it comes to survival. It’s also a valuable skill you can use once you pick it up.” Vivian explained.

The space between Gigi’s eyebrows scrunched upon hearing Vivian’s answer, almost as if she was displeased. Still, she nodded, accepting the Doyenne’s answer.

“Finally, regardless of whether you’d like to participate or not, I’d like to request your help Katrin. As a Scribe your ability to create reinforced and modified garments would be essential to our preparations. You’ll be paid of course for all the work you do.”

“Of course. I don’t mind.”

“Excellent. I don’t want you to undertake this lightly. As Dealla here suggested, this is a dire matter but nothing we can’t handle with the preparedness and careful planning. I’d like you to take the evening and think it over. Tomorrow morning I’d like an answer from each of you.”

“Doyenne Vivian. I’d like to sit in on the training session if possible. I’d also like to join the rescue party.” Dealla said, her eyes full with hope.

“Of course. You should recover by then. Your skills will be helpful, as long as you can follow both my own and Oliver’s orders.”

Dealla nodded quickly in agreement, putting the matter of whether she could join to a close.

“You don’t have to wait for my answer. I’ll do it.” Gates replied. This genuinely shocked Agni, because from his demeanor she half expected he would fold.

“Me too! If Bell is going, I will too!” Gigi said with a bounce as she latched onto Bell’s arm and pulled him close. Gates chuckled to himself, almost as if he expected such a reaction.

*Maybe his reaction isn’t all that unexpected. He was our party leader for the expedition and he seems to have a good sense for responsibility.* Agni thought to herself. And it was for this same reason that she felt Katrin may want to take up the offer as well.

Agni herself didn’t really have a reason not to go-- aside from the obvious threat of death, but she personally had no feelings on the matter.

*I guess I’ll just talk it over with Katrin and Shula first.* She thought, finally making a decision on the matter.

“Which of you here have experience inside of shards?” Oliver Pagnel asked as he stepped forward. Agni couldn’t help but notice that his expression was a bit softer now, though he still seemed displeased.

“I do. And so does Agni.” Katrin answered.

“Really? I’d have never...expected you two to have practical field experience.” Oliver was genuinely taken aback by the news that two zero rankers were the more experienced of the group.

“I do as well.” Gates said. “Though, not as much as these two.” He then added as he motioned towards Katrin and Agni.

“I see. Well, I can’t dictate your choices in this matter. But, I’d feel more comfortable if you three agree to come along. The training I give you will increase the odds of your survival substantially.” Oliver said as he assessed Agni and Katrin by looking them over.

*Odds of survival? Oliver, you’re so tactless.* Vivian thought as she resisted the urge to face palm. It wasn’t that she lied to anyone about her intentions, it was just that you’d generally be more careful about wording in situations like this.

Ironically enough Agni began to feel more interest based on Oliver’s statement. It was enough to get her seriously considering the “training” and what it might entail.

*I wonder what it could be? It will only last a day or two at most. Can he really teach us something that impressive?* Agni was tempted to accept impulsively but she still thought it best to speak with Katrin first.

Soon the meeting was called off and those involved now had a great deal to think about. In particular, Dealla’s story weighed on Agni’s mind. She couldn’t help but draw parallels to herself and Katrin just a few weeks past. In this new world of Adventia, death wasn’t necessarily the end. A single defeat would cause a status known as “Second Death”, rendering an adventurer deathly weak. Dealla forced herself up and made her way to Mystic Chapel just so that she could make an attempt to save the other chapel members -- all while suffering such a debilitating ailment.

*How strong is she, really?* Agni thought to herself. She glanced over at Katrin as the two walked back to their room. She felt like she’d already made up her mind, somewhat. Agni wasn’t necessarily interested in taking on a dangerous mission, but acquiring the ability to escape from a dangerous situation was much more attractive.

*I really don’t want to endure another traumatic event--if I can help it.* Agni remembered the last time she saw Katrin “die” before her eyes and the overwhelming rage that followed as she lost control.

She also remembered how she regretted nothing that followed. This was in fact the first time she thought twice of the event.

*He deserved it.* This was Agni’s thought as she vividly recalled sinking Glint’s own blade into his still beating heart.The trio parted ways with Gates and Gigi, then went to their own sleeping quarters to discuss what they’d like to do next.