-Chapter 2-

The group then returned to Athlum. Some of the team members stayed at the local inn, while others made themselves comfortable in the Castle's guest chambers. Emma was on night watch today, and she made it clear that curfew was in effect. Everyone needed to get to their beds and sleep right away, lest they wanted Emma's boots up their ass. The hallways were dead silent- no one lingering around in them. Emma of course smiled to herself at a job well done, but really, she's just looking out for all of them, making sure they're properly rested and in top form for the next day.

Morning came all too quickly for those in the guest quarters, as Emma slammed open each door, startling every poor individual awake just as the sun came up. Lord David and Rush smirked at each other, amused at those who had yet to see this side to Emma. It was mildly childish, but still worth every second. Rush and David's faces quickly changed as Emma turned to look at the two. Then she turned to give more orders to the team. One poor Jorgen in particular was stumbling around, almost knocking down priceless vases in the corridors. He was not a morning person.

Lord David was very pleased. The castle was livelier than it ever was. Everyone had been served breakfast, but there wasn't enough room at the table for them all so many just went back to their rooms to eat. Even those who stayed at the local inn visited the castle, mostly to talk with other team members they happened to get along with. Blocter in particular was having a nice debate with his Yaman brother-in-arms Baulson over the advantages of carrying a Tabar-Zin around while he has to lug around a Harpoon. Pagus was discussing with Maddox about his travels, and which military tactics he discovered were the best while exploring around the world. Torgal was demonstrating how Emma could implement quad-wielding swordplay into her own dual-wield style. Albeit short, the positive energy in the castle was a marvelous sight to see. Rush wishes it could happen more often.

Evening came around, and now it was time for business. Rush and Lord David were deciding the group formations and party members to tag along with them, with some tips from Pagus. The whole group is on stand by in the castle's lounge.

"Alright guys, here's the game plan!" Rush excitedly states.

"We will be taking 4 groups with us. Two of the groups will contain 5 members, while the other two will have 4. We shall be moving through Sienbur, through the second and third paths. Make sure you are aptly prepared; this isn't a place to be taken lightly. Danger lurks with every step."

"Of course, it's nothing we can't handle...but y'know." Rush raises his hands in the air, and gives out a shrug.

"This is how the units will be. In Rush's Troop, Violet, Paris, and Jager. In my division, Torgal, Baulson, and Sheryl."

"Two new squads will be formed. Nora and Wyngale, you get your own groups." Says Rush.

"Hmph. About time kiddo." Nora jokes.

"Nora your group will consist of Jorgen, Allan, Zolean and Loki. Wyngale, you will have Gabriel, Glenys, Sibal and Gaou."

"..." Wyngale merely stares at Rush and Lord David.

"Pagus, Blocter, and Emma, I trust you will keep Athlum safe until we return." Lord David gleams at his generals.

"But of course Lord David." Pagus reassures.

"Count on it!" Blocter gloats.

"Alright team, let's move!" Rush garbs his carrying case and readily awaits setting off for their journey.

"Hmm...It seems we are in the same group Miss Glenys." Gabriel walks towards her.

"Ah...yeah." She absentmindedly says.

"Perhaps now we shall now see the fruits of my labor."

'...' Violet silently ponders.

The second path, underground crosscut filled with hordes of were-dragons and armorshell. Athlum's very own knowledgeable Yama had told Rush about it, explaining all the valuable items, monster splits, and treasure inside. Little did the team know, they would be facing a most fearsome opponent there...

"Welp, that's the last of them on this end. And you were worried Dave." Rush sasses.

"Not so hasty Rush. They strike best when we let our guard down."

"Well it's not like—"

When they say death lurks around every corner, they mean it. The looming eyeball teleported to Rush's location, and ambushed him.