"We're now arriving at the mines of Terraria...in Terraria." Jet said as the ship landed close to a large orange gate with the earth symbol, just set in front of the mine entrance.
"Didn't think he'd pick the mines as the kind of place to wait for us." Magnamon said.
"Well mining and farming are how this country grew to be one of the largest in the Elemental Universe." Theo said.
They opened the gates and entered the mines. As soon as they did, the ground shook as something emerged from underground.
"Whoa, what's this?!" Ethox asked, going into a defensive stance.
"Calm yourselves." a figure spoke.
"You must be the knight of Earth." Jexi said.
"That is correct, young sir. I am Arnet, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." the knight introduced.
"Whoa… This guy's armor looks really bulky. He must be really strong." Rantaro said.
"It's bulky...cause it hides this." he said, removing his armor to show muscle underneath. "Anyway...you wish to claim the earth stone, yes?"
:Uh… yeah, that's right." Hope said.
"Is something wrong?" Arnet asked.
"No, nothings wrong, I just didn't expect a big guy like you to act so… uh…. Gentlemanly." Hope said.
"Come on, Hope. Not everyone with muscles like his are meatheads." David said.
"Yeah, you're right. I just got caught off guard a bit." Hope said. "So, what do we need to do to claim the Earth Stone?"
"Scavenger hunt." he said, holding some mining equipment. "Seven gemstones: a ruby, a sapphire, an emerald, a diamond, a topaz, an amethyst and a lapis lazuli. Get me all seven and it's yours. Oh...just so you know...you'll be competing against someone."
"Who would that be?" Ginseng asked. "Is it you?"
"Nah...it's a couple that got in before you." Arnet said as they saw a wall be brought down.
"Well well...wasn't expecting to see you guys here." said a familiar voice.
"Daruk?!" Revali said.
"Wait...you're the guy we're competing against?" Zoro asked.
"Yep. We heard about these dungeons so we're checking them out too." Daruk said as Yunobo soon joined him.
"Lord Daruk is interested in this Sword of the Elements too. We didn't realize you guys were after it." Yunobo said.
"We're here because Cheetah and David did some research on it. We currently have three stones so far, this'll be our fourth." Bow said.
"Well...prepare to be disappointed when we snatch it from under you." Daruk said.
"Now...begin!" Arnet said as they scattered to start mining.
"Okay...here we go!" Cobalt said as they started to dig in the walls.
"Whew… Can you guys feel it? Your shoulders, arms and back are getting a good workout." Dynasmon said.
"Yeah...this is nice. Oh…" Meowth said. "Got a Topaz!"
"I found an emerald." Rem said.
"I got the sapphire!" Kazuma said.
"Got a diamond." Sectonia said.
"I've found a Ruby." Al said.
"And here is the...Amethyst." Cheetah said.
"Now we just need a Lapis Lazuli." Yaoyorozu said as she looked over to see how fast Daruk and Yunobo were digging up jewels. "And we need to do it fast."
"I think I almost got it. Ha!" Kendo said breaking down a mine wall and getting the Lapis Lazuli. She then heard grunting as she saw large moles there. "Uh oh."
"Oh yes...I nearly forgot to mention the moles." Arnet said with a sly smile.
"Now you tell us?!" Kazuma asked.
"Don't worry, I'm all over this." Kendo said stashing away the lapis lazuli as the Moles moved in. Kendo reacted quickly and was able to knock them out using her powerful strikes and enlarged hands. "Sorry. Just take a nap for a little bit."
"Man, it was almost like the Jewel Eater all over again." Ajna said.
"And...time." David said, stopping his timer.
"And time...the Hero Alliance wins." Arnet said.
"Dang it...all we needed was a diamond." Yunobo said.
"Well you did your best." Jade C said.
"As promised." Arnet said giving them the Earth Stone.
"Now we only need the light and dark stones." Cheetah said.
"Well you'll have to wait awhile for both." Daruk said.
"What do you mean?" Titanica asked.
"From what we know, Illumus and Shroud only exist during certain times of the day." Yunobo said.
"I think I get the jist of it. They're both the same place. Only, it becomes Illumus during the day, and Shroud at night." David said.
"So we will have to wait then. I doubt Corona and Tsuki's powers would be able to help us in this case." Ace said.
"Actually...I think there may be a way to cheat the system." Robin said.
"Yes...that's a good idea." Ainz said. "But we need to arrive in Illumus by 5."
"5:00? We've only got...30 minutes?!" David said.
"Then we need to get going." Daruk said.
"Yep. Double time, everyone!" Lloyd said.
They hurried into the ship and took off.
"So they learned of the loophole." Arnet said. "Hope they're ready for what they gotta face now."