The next morning, the 7 members of Guild T-seeker met in the inn lobby to discuss their next move.
"It's become clear that the Lush Woodlands labyrinth is our only lead. The monuments cannot be a coincidence, but I don't know what they mean," the leader spoke up, "And between one barricading the ravine at ground level, the fog in the ravine at flight level, and the high cliffs on either side extending past the Skytalon's maximum altitude, our effective range is limited."
"Yeah, but there's still a lot we can do in this area," Maurice said, "That labyrinth is a lot bigger than it looks from our ship."
"Yes," the leader mused, "It will be much longer and more dangerous than the mine. On an expedition like this, we'll need to bring our best. However, there too we have limited options."
Maurice joined the leader in looking between the other members. "Our first team handled things well, and I don't see much room for change. I'm definitely coming. And Gabriel and James both do things no one else here can replace." James nodded at this. Gabriel, meanwhile, was too groggy to contribute to the conversation.
"One empty space, then," counting himself. The leader looked between Olivia, Kylie, and Francis.
"Olivia, I know what you are capable of," A second physical attacker who the enemies paid less attention to. "But you two…"
Francis spoke up. "Are you, by chance, assuming that I have not been honing my skills?" the nightseeker asked coldly, driven to action by the sudden realization that being left behind might become a pattern.
"...Have you?" The leader asked, bluntly.
Francis stood up and stepped a small distance away from the group before turning around, drawing a shortsword (Maurice's, which she had since bought a rapier to replace after the early expedition), and a knife at once. "I have been devising new techniques to dispatch enemies quickly."
"...Alright. I'll bring you along this time," the leader said. "I'll look forward to seeing what you can do."
"Then I'll… practice my routine," Kylie said, "It can be useful to support others, but now isn't the time to take risks."
Olivia placed a hand on the dancer's shoulder. "Tell you what, we'll see how well it improves my aim," she said, half jokingly.
"If anything goes wrong, we'll be counting on you," the leader said, before they headed off to the Skytalon.
While the ship flew, they encountered a bright red ship they did not recognize. When the leader put up a signal to parley, a woman stepped out on deck of the red ship. She was dressed lightly for the altitude, and bore a long sword.
"I've seen you in the city square before," the brown haired woman said once they were within earshot, "You're fellow explorers, aren't you?"
"Yes," the leader called back.
"It's good to meet you. My name's Wiglaf. You might not have guessed it, but I'm an explorer too."
"No," Gabriel muttered, the flight having been enough to wake him up fully, "The young lady with a sword and her own airship is an adventurer? Who would have guessed?" he continued in exaggerated disbelief. Thankfully, he wasn't loud enough for Wiglaf to hear.
"Nice to meet ya," Maurice shouted over the propellers. "We're T-seeker. I'm Maurice, here's James and Gabriel. Oh, and our leader. And Francis."
While Maurice made the introductions, Wiglaf kept a friendly smile. "It's good to meet you all. By the way… do you happen to have any golden gooses? I've been looking so long, but I can't find any… If you pick one up, will you share it with me?"
'Here we go again,' the leader thought. "Not at present. We'll tell you if we find any." The agreement made, he reset the Skytalon's course.
They next crossed flight paths with Kirjonen again. "You appear to be working hard, guild T-seeker. Not overtaxing yourselves, I hope? Ah, by the by… Have you any Sakura trouts this time? If it won't put you out, perhaps you'd like to trade me for something else again?"
"Trying to make this a regular thing?" Maurice responded, "All right. But we don't have another one right now. Maybe next time!"
The adventuring party arrived at the Lush woodlands labyrinth shortly before 12, and cooked a quick lunch before heading inside, so they would be in top shape. As the skyship drifted towards it, they all had their eyes drawn back to the monument.
"It has to be manmade," James said, "But who could have built it?"
"...The ancients accomplished things that we can barely dream of now," the leader said, "But this matches no language or style I've read of," (probably) "...I don't believe it's a warning, at least. But I can't guess at its purpose."
"...It's secrets lie buried in the fog of ages," Francis said once he thought of it, "Do you really believe you can drag it into the open?"
"I should hope so, Francis Crowe," the leader responded, "And so should you. You will be helping us, after all. Otherwise, your presence here is… unnecessary."
"Tch," Francis let out as he joined Maurice and Henry on the front lines. That did not go as planned.
"Well anyway, we'll never know if we don't go into the maze," Maurice pointed out.
"Right, right," Gabriel said, "Well, you've heard my advice already. Let's just get this over with."
The Lush woodlands had similar plantlife to the Forest mine, so after a brief look around, the guild leader turned his attention to the layout over it's appearance, and started work on a new map. The others, however, took the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and pleasant breeze. However, at the back of all of their minds was the fact that the labyrinth was dangerous, and many explorers had lost their lives inside. They all braced themselves in their own way…
'This forest feels much bigger than the last. I must keep our tactics in mind as we move.' the leader thought.
'Okay, time for a real adventure this time. Maybe I can try my new elemental sword combo techniques...' Maurice thought.
'Okay… monsters everywhere, and I'm an expert on what they can do to people. But we've got some pretty good members this time, and they'll be between me and danger. We might make it.' Gabriel thought.
'I guess we're not far from the mine on the grand scale. The animals will be mostly the same.' Henry thought, 'Glad I have armor.'
'Okay, this is the real thing,' Francis thought, 'No mercy to be asked for or given. Time to show how great I really am.'
To the west as they entered, Maurice was the first to spot a sparkling pillar of light that seemed to stretch up into the heavens. The leader nodded and gestured for them to head in that direction. However, Henry and Francis couldn't help pausing a short distance away and holding up the others.
"A Geomagnetic Pole," the leader said, "So this is what it looks like…"
"That's right," a voice spoke up, and they all looked around to spot a Tharsis soldier they had overlooked while they gazed at the pillar. "A curious thing, isn't it? You touch it, and you'll be able to go to and fro between the city and the forest in an eyeblink."
"Really?" James responded, "How does that happen?"
"Don't bother asking around how it works. It was here when explorers found this maze long ago," the soldier responded.
The leader of T-seeker seemed intent on proving him wrong as best as he was able "The Geomagnetic Field phenomenon is well documented in certain circles. These Poles appear at regular intervals within Yggdrasil Labyrinths… but not usually this far from the tree itself." However, this was enough proof for him to say that the Tharsis Yggdrasil was one of the Seven unless something else came up. "As he said, it has been linked to the entrance to town. Once a person touches it, it will recognize them and allow them to travel back and forth… and to any other Poles they encounter in the future."
There was said to be a way to manipulate the geomagnetic field further for other effects, such as creating links to new locations by supplying coordinates in a language it understood. But few were capable of such feats even among the learned. He wasn't sure he was capable of the same technique.
But the guild didn't seem to be pressing him for these details. He found that… disappointing.
"Well, anyway, it's handy, that you can be sure of," the soldier spoke up, "My advice? Put it to use, and never you mind about the particulars." He then left with a pleased expression.
"Uh, anyway, we should touch it? And any other ones we see?" Maurice said.
"That's right. But there's no need to warp back just yet," the leader said.
So after stopping to each place a hand into the swirling pillar of light and feel it's power long enough to become acclimated to it - and it to them, the party continued on. The first attack by the labyrinth was easily dealt with - two rollers and two grasseaters, while the strongest hoard of monsters they had yet encountered, were little match for Maurice's elemental link slashes and Francis' Ice Knives. Rollers' hard armor were of little use when none of their attackers needed to rely on solely physical attacks anymore.
However, they were relieved to find that there were new species of monsters here. Large purple Tree Rats would sometimes join the Rollers. Thankfully, this meant that it was simple to collect Rat fangs for Wynne. And while exploring, Gabriel noted a good spot to gather Aloe.
But while they were venturing further into the maze, they heard a sudden sound from a nearby thicket. No sooner did they draw their weapons again, than a herd of monsters leapt from the underbrush! At first, it looked like another herd of two rollers. But they all saw that one of them was gleaming gold.
"Concentrate all attacks on the shining one," the leader shouted, "Don't let it get away!"
Suffice to say, it didn't. Although it did last long enough to hurl itself at Francis, who dodged nimbly while it's glow brightened.
"...Okay, they're dead," Henry said, "What was that all about?"
"They're called "Rare Breeds,"" the guildmaster explained, "Various superstitions have it that they're stronger than usual monsters, or that good luck will come to one who slays them. What I know for sure, is that they're cowardly. No, I should say, paranoid enough to run from a fight."
"So, you just wanted to make sure not to let it run away?" Henry asked.
"Either way, they aren't to be taken lightly," the leader said, "If nothing else, winning this fight was a good experience."
Further along the winding trails, they stopped to note something unusual. The path was littered with wood splinters, as if an entire wall had been torn apart. On reflection, they'd already seen fallen, honey-smelling logs blocking otherwise viable looking paths, but they had moved along past them quickly lest animals attracted to the smell attack. But more importantly, this meant there was something in the woodlands strong enough to splinter large amounts of wood at once.
While the leader was thinking about what could have caused that, Maurice motioned for them to stop. There was yet another log barricade down another trail. But this one clearly had something behind it. Even at this distance, and with the small size of the cracks, they recognized a large bear. A large FOE bear.
"What now," she said quietly, although, "We're out of it's range for now. But if we get too close, it'll tear through that barricade and chase after us."
The guild leader nodded. "Yes, it probably will. However," a thought crossed his mind, "Maybe that's what we want."
Everyone turned to him with surprised and suspicious looks. "Didn't think you were the crazy type," Gabriel said, "You want that thing to catch us?"
"Catch, no. Chase and break logs, yes. Several paths have been blocked off. If we can lure that bear to them, it might clear the way for us. I know it's risky, but…" He passed around the map he had been drawing, "We've already investigated every branch we can reach. The only open one leads right past that bear - and it won't let us pass without us leading it out of the way first."
"...I guess you're right," Henry admitted.
"This trickery is our only choice," Francis said, not letting fear show on his face. "...Interesting."
"There are some barricades nearby. We should know quickly whether the smell of honey on them will be enough to attract its attention away from us."
The leader took back the map and outlined a path on it. "The moment that bear rushes after us, we run back south, circle around this spring, and back to here. Are you ready?"
After a few seconds of consideration, everyone nodded and stepped towards the bear and barricade. All too soon, they heard that the FOE had noticed them, and began tearing at the barricade. (Apparently, this one hadn't been honey scented, else it would certainly have broken out by now already.) In a few seconds, the bear had torn the log barricade asunder and roared to the sky as it stepped forward.
"Now!"
They rushed along the planned route. Before long, they ran past the first barricade, and heard the bear's footsteps pause as it sniffed. They gained several meters as it tore apart this one too. And then the next one. And the next one… The adventurers and the bear couldn't see each other anymore, but they knew it was still chasing them. As they continued through the path it had been guarding, they turned a corner and realized that one of the barricades had been a shortcut, and the bear had closed in on them again.
"There!" The leader pointed at a large door on the other side of the clearing. It seemed to be part of an old ruin that had otherwise ceased to exist, nestled between two thickets. However, it worked much like any other door, and they knew a bear wouldn't be able to work it, nor would it be likely to uproot wet, living trees just to get at them.
After they slammed the door behind them, the heavy breathing of the bear faded as it's footsteps calmly strolled away. It had lost all interest in them immediately.
But shortly after they had evaded one enemy than they spotted another - an Angry Baboon was attacking. The party all winced, weapons at the ready.
Then James walked up to it. "Hold on, this isn't an FOE. I heard about this one at the bar," he said as the wild beast started tearing at him, "It's still tough though."
"Then we'd better go all out," Maurice said, "Francis, Boss, you're with me. Try an all out Ice attack!"
It was worth a try. Maurice tutted as Francis made it to the Baboon first, slashing with Ice Knives. She hit next, with an Ice Linker. The leader concluded with an Ice Lance rune. Or perhaps not a conclusion, as an echo of Maurice's blade followed up on his spell.
"Did it!" Maurice cried out, "Except that it's not weak to ice." Indeed, the afro'd baboon was largely unphased. "I'll try Electric Link next."
"Very well," the leader said, preparing his Lightning Rune. Francis decided to try his normal blades next.
This was no more effective than the previous combo, but the damage was building up. One more round should do it. Maurice had exhausted the energy she needed for special techs, so she lunged in for an ordinary strike with Francis, while Gabriel healed up the beating James was taking grappling with the monkey. This, as it turned out, was enough to finish it off.
"So, what do you think of that combo?" Maurice asked, panting over the baboon's corpse.
"It helped a little," the leader said, "We should keep in in mind for enemies we know are more vulnerable to elements."
Further in the forest, The group encountered a Tharsis soldier lounging in the corner of a clearing.
"Hm, you guys are new to me. Do you come here a lot? More to the point, do you need anything?"
"What do you mean?" the leader asked.
"I do a small trade in things from the city to help out explorers," the soldier explained, "At least take a look at what I have." What he had was a broad-bladed sword for 1000 and an Ariadne thread that could be used to warp back to Tharsis for 250. This raised suspicion, since the usual price of Ariadne thread in town was 100.
"While the sword looks interesting, I'm afraid we can't pay your price yet," not without returning to town to sell the spoils of the labyrinth, "Perhaps next time?"
"All right. I'm not going anywhere."
Shortly after this, they discovered a shortcut which would make it much simpler to return to the airship. It was decided that this was a good idea, because while they were all still healthy, they wouldn't be using any powerful techniques anytime soon. Thus, another Baboon would be a deadly opponent of they were unlucky enough to find a second one.
It was late at night by the time they made it back to town this time.
"...You're late," Olivia said, arms crossed at the entrance to town, "I was about to head after you, but then I realized that we only have one airship."
"Sorry," Maurice said, "This maze is a lot bigger than the last one."
"We'll need to discuss how rescue missions will need to work tomorrow morning," The leader said, "We may have an alternative route… But for now, we have errands to run before going to sleep. Specifically, business at Berund Altier."
Now dat we got da rat fangs, we can finally carry dose Kopises again!" Wynne said, appraising the collection of plant and animal parts the guild was selling off to her and digging out the en to pay for it. "Dat sword's real popular wit explorers since it's cheap, sturdy, and easy ta use. I recommend it!"
"We'll give it a look," the leader said, stifling a yawn.
"Well, tanks a lot! Ya can get da reward from dat lady at da bar."
At the bar, they wasted no time confirming the success of the quest.
"There have been scant few requests from civilians at this bar," the bartender commented, "You might think of quests as a bridge between you and the citizenry here. Here are the Ariadne Threads that constitute your reward. Now, you will not have to buy one next time, yes?"
"Yes, very useful," the leader said. "On another note, have any new quests come in?"
The barkeep smiled, "Yes, in fact. And they're both for a place you're aquainting yourself with well."
"We'll look at them tomorrow. Let's go to the inn, team."
