Chapter 536: Kitsu (1/2)
”I can't identify the spell, but I will say that I've seen Greater Spells for sale from the Vendors in the Solomon City.” Nezbit held one of the broken canisters in her hand. ”None of them are offensive spells; only buffs are sold.”
”Solomon City?” The Ravager fixed Nezbit with a yellow-eyed stare. ”You finished your Planar Trial?”
Nezbit nodded. ”Jun Li made it a requirement for all Embassy Floor teams.” She played with the end of one long braid when she spoke, one of her nervous habits. ”You were probably off fighting dragons or goddesses.”
”Probably,” Nix agreed. ”Good job.”
Nez's pretty face broke into a wide smile. ”Don't get all cocky with me. I had to tell you what mana, adds, and CC was when we first met!”
”Hmm... Did you? I don't recall.” The Ravager scratched one ear with its wickedly curved claws.
”No?” Nez narrowed her eyes. ”Convenient. Do you remember charging me two thousand credits to group with us?”
”Maybe, next time we group, I'll waive the fee.” Nix hopped down from Fajii's cot.
Any further discussion was stopped with a tiny speck of light appeared over Fajii's sleeping form. ”Nix?”
The Ravager stared at the bright pinpoint; the voice being emitted was easily recognizable. ”Eron? You were able to escape?”
”Yes, three may enter.”
[You've been invited to visit Kitsu]
The pinpoint of light lengthened and then expanded until it was roughly the size of a door.
Nix stared for a moment before glancing at the tent's occupants. ”Who's in?”
Unexpectedly Alfie raised his hand. The skelly archer took a step closer to the doorway. ”I'll come if you don't mind.”
”I'm going.” Del eased off of the sleeping Guild leader's feet and padded softly toward the door.
Ravager Nix considered the two volunteers before swinging his gaze back toward the dark archer. ”Double the guard until we return, Ronnie.”
Ronnie flashed the group a smile. ”Bring back something fun.”
The Ravager jumped through the door, followed closely by Del and Alfie. The light grew unbearably bright, causing Nix to close his eyes. He experienced a long moment of vertigo before being tossed onto a very soft landing.
Nix shielded his eyes for a moment, stopping after a second to stare at his own hand. ”What happened to the Ravager?”
”Nix?” A shocked but very familiar voice sounded from behind him.
”Huh...” Nix stared at the Ain'Dhassi ranger; she looked much like she had the day he fused her with the dragon egg. In truth, he had forgotten how beautiful Del Tali was. ”Where's my damn, Orion puppet?”
Alphie stared at his arms before looking up at them. ”We revert to our natural forms here?” He pushed his short brown hair out of his eyes. ”This is Kitsu?”
They stood in the middle of a green meadow; knee-high grass swayed gently under a warm breeze. A single pond filled with assorted lilypads added color and teemed with life as several waterfowl species could be seen wading and swimming in the shallows. Small grass-covered mounds started at the edge of the clearing and extended outward as far as the eye could see.
”Three have entered, and three may go. There is a time limit that you must know.” A voice sounded from the edge of the meadow. A slim man with long blue hair stood watching them. He was dressed in brown leggings and a sleeveless white shirt. Although his size ratio was perfect, he was only about four feet tall.
Nix bowed slightly. ”I'm Nix, and this is Del Tali and Alfred Eidengal.”
”One full hour you have to play, dwell here longer, and you must stay.”
”Er... Sure. Where's Eron?” Nix waited for an answer; when none came, he felt Del nudge him with an elbow.
”Try rhyming, Nix.”
”You gotta be fucking kidding.” Nix frowned at the smiling Ain'Dhassi, who was obviously enjoying the moment.
Alfie shook his head slightly. ”Not me, I'm terrible at that kind of thing.”
Nix muttered a curse and cleared his throat. ”I'm here to visit the land of dreams. Breath-taking in nature but not as it seems. If you value your life and would stop my attack, take me at once to Eron the Black.”
The blue-haired man stared at Nix for a long moment before grinning widely and clapping. ”Well done, Mr. Nix! Come, follow me” Without speaking further, the man turned and walked hurriedly out of the clearing.
The trio from the Bone Fortress fell in step behind their escort, who, although very small, had no problems walking fast.