Chapter 215 - Entrance Token (1/2)

Nix stopped by Darsi's shop on the Glory docks before heading out. She had told him that the artifact he requested was ready.

”Hey, Trip-7!” The blond sniper was stocking her shelves when Nix walked in. Since she had risked a great deal to help him, Nix had no qualms about helping her out whenever she asked.

”Got Beta's artifact copied already?”

Darsi nodded, her blonde hair was up in a bun, only Nix knew that she was even prettier in real life. ”Gonna cost you this time, boss.”

Nix nodded. ”Figured, so, what do you want?”

”Jeans... the comfortable ones, not the stupid slim fit kind. Oh, and some tank tops.” Darsi pushed the ring across the counter to him. ”Maybe some underwear if you are feeling generous.”

Ice Blood: Ring [Unique]

Description: Matches your

body temperature to the

surrounding environment.

Crafted by Darsi.

”It's a ring?” He held it up and examined it for a moment before slipping it on his finger. Nix glanced over his shoulder at the door and lowered his voice. ”Don't ma.s.s produce these.”

Darsi nodded, ”I'm also working on an artifact that grants thermal vision; it's a work in progress.” She gave him an innocent smile, Darsi understood all the advantages both artifacts came with.

”Owe ya one, Darsi.”

”Hmm... I'll think of something Trip-7.” She started to wave and then stopped suddenly. ”Hey wait!”

Darsi grabbed a small leather pouch and tossed it to him.

[Create Breach: Lapu Crater]

Nix stepped onto the beach near Lapu Crater, or what remained of it. When Severance super-charged the core, it exploded and took a large portion of the mountain with it. The surrounding bays were still intact. Several Manta were circling him cautiously while he moved to the edge of where the crater use to start. It should have been entirely underwater, but it wasn't. The smell of sulfur and brimstone saturated the air.

[Whisper: Mina to Nix] May I stay at your place for a while to keep Nansu company?

Nix extended his hand and armed himself before peering into the depths of the crater. He had forgotten that Nansu and Mina were spirit companions. The first Human/Aquarion pair to do so. ”You know you don't have to ask Min. Let me know how it goes.”

He stealthed and activated his Ice Ring. His eyes turned Deep Orange, signifying that he enabled Dragon Eyes also. At the center of the smoking pit was a large crack that gouged deep into the black rock.

Nix has activated his bloodline.

[Third Form: Archon]

The crack was perhaps 50 feet across so Nix leaped in and glided down. The temperature and light increased with each pa.s.sing meter. His route led directly to where Severance use to have her lair, the entire place was littered with bodies.

[You have joined the Pathfinder Channel]

/Pathfinder: Nix: I'm on the scene. Where is everyone?

/Pathfinder: Jiggs: Sure... the big guns show up after we spent half a day fighting.

/Pathfinder: Nix: You mean after Gideon and Roto killed everything.

/Pathfinder: Gideon: Heh... you must have been watching Commander. Half of these bodies were put here by Shae, she's with Severance.

Nix kicked over the nearest body, the Aquarion was wearing armor from one of the Greater Houses.

/Pathfinder: Nix: Not just an Aquarion, but one from Solomon City. What could they want here?

/Pathfinder: Nebula: Not going to say hi to me Nix?

/Pathfinder: Nix: Hey Nebs.

/Pathfinder: Nebs: Most of these are human, but there are a few Aquarion fighters thrown in. They dropped a lot of decent gear.

/Pathfinder: Gideon: Follow me Commander, I'll take you to Shae. The rest of you watch our backs.

The route down to Shae looked like a cla.s.sic descent into h.e.l.l. The flames grew hotter and the rocks around them started to glow. The path down took them to a small cave where Shae was sitting near Severance.

/Pathfinder: Nix: The f*ck is this?