743 Good and bad news

Since they were still close enough to the city, Hera sent a text to all Royal Explorers explaining what her group had found. She also included a few pictures and some examples of how they could identify parts of the exoskeleton before passing by them. Things like vines seemingly wrapped around nothing and changes in the ground, showing that there was something heavy lying on top of the grass. She also added that stealth spirits were close to her location, so people should be careful when dealing with them.

This wasn't the first time Hera dealt with spirits. After all, she could find them in the forest of dreams. But this was the first time the spirits would be close to the place where she was living. To make matters worse, they were Stealth Spirits. Meaning that most people would have a hard time noticing them getting close. If they ended up endangering the monsters or making them angry, it would be hard to feel safe even in their own city.

Hera had to explain all that in the texts, especially after Bonnie asked if they could grab some of the exoskeletons to bring to the city. If they used that for armor or even tried to set up some sort of protection around Zaxalam itself, they might be able to have a pretty secure fortress. One that only people who knew how to get there could do so. However, since this was home to spirits, they couldn't risk just taking out pieces of the exoskeleton.

That being said, the Spirits didn't seem to be hostile just because of their presence. They were watching Hera and the others intently, but not in an aggressive way. It was more like they were curious about the strangers. Lurize was the only outlier. He kept feeling more and more uncomfortable to the point where he had to ask Hera to stay in the legacy. Helena had a few ideas about why this was happening. According to what she knew, spirits of different types couldn't coexist. After all, a spirit was a being of pure mana of a specific kind, and they could only live in places where that specific type of mana was not only abundant but overpowering. The moment a spirit of a different kind got close, they would taint the area. Because of that, spirits would usually be attacked if they approached another kind's territory. It was a good assumption that Lurize was being affected by that.

The other teams also shared some of their discoveries. Bonnie, Shane, and the others found a few overgrown buildings where the Naga might have set up outposts. One seemed like a hunting lodge of sorts, while the other seemed to be some kind of military installation. Unfortunately, that place was completely destroyed, and not just by the passage of time. It looked as if a large creature went wild in the place, breaking every wall before moving along.

Callenas' group discovered a dungeon on the east of the city, while Chiton's was able to reach the invisible wall on the north. They were going along it to see if there was anything of note and already had noticed a few monster packs that could be a potential threat. But those required more studying. For now, they just looked big and powerful. There wasn't anything showing they were aggressive. The first group was made out of yellow tigers that generated static electricity as they moved, while the second one was made out of an odd mixture of a kangaroo and an ostrich. They had powerful back legs that they used to jump around, muscular wings that only helped with stability, and a very long neck that ended in the face of a marsupial. It was surreal, and some of the Royal Explorers were calling it their new sleep paralysis demon. Those creatures also were quick, but thankfully, Zaxalam was deep in the jungle, where their speed would be severely hindered. The tigers wouldn't have the same problem, but they didn't seem to roam around all that much.

Hera's group also found one more thing, aside from the Scryotra's exoskeleton, a dungeon. It was right by the foot of the mountain they crossed to arrive at the stealth spirit domain. There was another cave with a single door made out of wood at the end. When touching it, a notification popped up.

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Would you like to enter the Guardian's Rage dungeon?

[Yes]  [No]

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Hera knew that the guardian could be the guardian of the Naga, but something in the mana surrounding the place made her think it was actually talking about Scryotra, the scorpion-praying mantis centaur. But they decided to wait before going there. Even if Hera really wanted to check it out. The rest of the day was spent exploring the area and filling in every nook and cranny they could find on their maps. When it was time for them to return to the city, Hera went with everyone to the gates, but she and Blue had one more thing to do. They would fly around the room, looking for the invisible walls to know the actual dimensions of the place. Trillian had already figured out the room covered an area of just around 50km². Meaning that if Hera was riding Nimbus, they could check one of the sides of the room in a bit over one hour. Even less if they had the option of running in the ground. Blue tagging along was just a safety measure and also some practice for the controller. She never had the chance to fly at full speed for long periods of time. It was something that would take a few days to complete, but having an aerial view of the entire room would be a huge help for everyone living there.

Alex wanted to join on that trip, but she wasn't confident she would be able to follow along for hours. Unlike Hera and Blue, who would be using their legacies to fly, the assassin had to run along with the wind. That by itself would already be hard, but when considering the altitude they would be at, it made the idea too dangerous for them to risk it.

They were alone outside the city and about to take off when Blue stopped, "Actually. I don't think It's a good idea for me to do this."

"Why not?" Hera frowned.

"Eventually, I'm going back home. The more I know about this place, the more the guild can force me to tell them in order to let me see my family. Honestly, even knowing about the bones might be a problem," Blue explained.

"Oh… yeah. Maybe. But you can just not talk about it. And if they ask if we are doing anything to increase the defenses, you can say you don't know. That wouldn't be a lie."

"Yeah, but if I tiptoe around some answers too much, that will also give information. I don't know. The more I think about it, the more I think I should just leave," Blue sighed.

"Blue…. I-" Hera started talking.

"Hera. Tell me honestly. Do you think that me being here is worth the danger I might put the people of Boothudurn into?"

"To me, you are," Hera replied without missing a beat.

"Hera… c'mon. You are the first of a new species. You have been part of the noble houses of Boothudurn since always, and you helped save people from the guild. Now, you are even having big meetings with the Queen of the Children of the Sky. Put your feelings aside and tell me, do you think that my presence here won't bring any trouble?" Blue looked into Hera's eyes.

The Empress thought for a moment. Sure, Blue was aware of the city and the strength of the dwarves. She also knew how this was connected to the Aerie of the First Flight and what the Royal Explorers were trying to do. Hera wanted to say that she didn't have to worry; after all, the guild would just believe in what she said. But she didn't trust that was the case, not anymore.

"You don't have a great poker face, you know. I can tell what's your answer without you even telling me. Face it, I'm a liability, and while I'm here, any attempt to make Zaxalam safer will come with a big asterisk," Blue finished the thought.

Hera squinted at her, "This doesn't sound like you."

"Naka talked with me this morning while I was getting breakfast. She basically said that despite everything, if I'm not staying here, I shouldn't be here. In less kinder words," Blue chuckled.

"Blue…"

"No, really. She is right. I made my decision a long time ago. I can't support what the guild is doing, but I can't just turn my back away from them and leave my family behind, not like Alex and Lena are doing. I can't keep trying to have my cake and eat it, too. Besides, even if I leave now, it will take me a couple of weeks to reach an exit from the MAZE. Then a plane ride back home."

"Are you going today?"

"No. I'm going to talk with everyone first. Tell them what I want to do and say goodbye. It's probably going to be a while before we can talk again, but I doubt this will be the last time we see each other," Blue showed a sad smile.

Hera nodded, "It won't be. Things might get worse before they get better, but we will see each other again," she went in for a hug, holding back her tears.

They stood like that for a few moments before Blue pulled away, "I'm going to break the news to everyone else. Go do your thing. I'll be here when you get back. I promise."

"You better be. We are definitively having a going away party," Hera cleaned her eyes and smiled.

"I was counting on that," Blue looked back at the city, "Man. I suck at saying goodbye."

"You'll have a lot of practice. The entire city will want to say their goodbyes."

Blue groaned, "I didn't even think about that. This is really going to suck. Go, fly. I'll see you soon."

Hera nodded and took off with Nimbus. Between him, Daskka, and Dusa, they kept talking about Blue's decision, but it was more to comfort the Empress than anything else. Their first journey to the east invisible was uneventful, and a couple of hours later, they were landing once more in front of Zaxalam. Just as they walked past the entrance, a guard stopped them to let them know Rutigan wanted to talk with Hera.

With a sigh, the Ophidianite walked towards the house that was being used by the king for now. She wanted to talk with the rest of her party but knew that if Rutigan was asking for her, there must be a reason.

"Hera! I'm glad you could make it. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," the king gestured for her to sit on a chair to his side.

"Sort of. Blue is leaving, and I wanted to throw a party for her."

"I see…" Rutigan looked down, "It's a shame, but I understand her reasons. If you wouldn't mind. I'm sure Fethy would be more than happy to toss something together."

Hera smiled, "I appreciate the sentiment, but I think we will plan the party ourselves. It's nothing against Fethy, but Blue is like family to us."

Rutigan nodded, "I understand. Then I'll say what I want and get out of your hair. Typhera just got a message from the other leaders. They are all interested in Deakoshara and asked if they could send one person from each species to join your exploration. They hope to have these people as part of a task force for any situations that might arise during the incoming conflict."

"So they are already considering that a conflict will happen?" Hera asked.

Rutigan took a deep breath, "Yes. They don't think it's a matter of if but when. Honestly, I'm not even sure the guild will be the one to make the first move. Tensions are high, and if you think we were having trouble, you have no idea what is going on in other places. There were some protests that were just shy of full-blown riots. Some people got hurt, but it was on both sides, but no one crossed the line. Yet."

"In the end, people are waiting for someone to die, aren't they?"

Rutigan gave a solemn nod, "It seems like it. And I don't like that either. For now, we are able to stay away from the center of the conflict. Typhera already made an offer that I accepted. When this war actually starts, the elite guard of the Aerie will be split between there and here. That way, we can protect ourselves. But I digress. They are asking you to make a team. A team that will first explore Deakoshara to be a potential safe space for us. The royal us, I mean. And to work in any covert operation that we might need during these trying times."

"And having Lena, Bonnie, Alex, or even Shane in this group wouldn't work because they are humans, correct?" Hera looked at the king.

"Yes. This was something that was brought up. They understand that we trust them, and they agree that not all humans are bad, but they don't want to risk it. Not if they are going to give you important missions. Even if we vouch for them, they don't have a way of being sure Helena and the others are not spies. Making this team now would be a way to have you build trust and teamwork with this new group."

Hera sighed, "Yeah. Fine. I said I wanted to help, so I really should. Tell them I'm okay, but ask them to at least talk to each other and make a balanced team. I don't want to end up being with five mages and me as the front line. Even with my legacy."

"I will. And I'll let you know if they give any options. Thank you."

"Do you mind if I get going?" Hera asked.

"Of course. Go. I'm sorry for taking up your time. And please, let me know the details of the party. Even if you don't want to make an event out of it, I would like to say goodbye to Blue, too."

"I will," Hera thanked the king and left. The day started so well, and things went south so quickly that she got some whiplash. Still, she had to focus on one thing at a time, and Blue's farewell party was her first priority.