Doubts In Reinforcements

"Going somewhere?"

Akiol paused and sighed, "Finishing up matters James left."

"Hm, if that's the case I'll tell Jarvis you couldn't come along."

"Did he want something?"

"Just a bit of assistance. He asked mainly for Kan'na and I."

"Interesting, for him to request assistance. . . A shame I can't tag along."

"I'll send you the details in case we need backup when you're back."

"That Igneel fellow keeps following you around right? Why not take him too?"

Wrock pondered the thought, "Not a bad idea, I possibly want to know what that alter ego of his is."

"He can take my place! Quite a strong warrior too."

"Good luck with whatever it is you need to handle. Kiro is waiting for us."

"Don't get too out of hand."

Wrock made an exaggerated gasp, "Who do you think I am?"

Akiol merely chuckled and walked out of the door. After the Gated Arena issue was solved Akiol finally contacted Rebecca to discuss the truth. After all it was James' final request.

Although the occasional delay got in his way now that there were no foreseeable issues he figured it was a good time as any. His only hope was that Rebecca wasn't too upset at the news. . .

Steeling himself he walked through the door, prepared for whatever consequences may follow this decision.

~ ~ ~

Gear sat on a pile of rubble. Jarvis made a comment about requesting for assistance and Kiro rapidly left to greet them, but he wasn't too positive on what they could possibly do. Even the powerful Whitelash proved to be of little help against an A class Chimera. What could a handful of people do against six of them?!

Still it went to show that Jarvis and his tames were the strongest thing he's ever seen in person outside of the Chimeras. It wasn't impossible to think that he would know people who are even stronger. If such a thing was truth. . .

Jarvis closed his book, "That was much faster than expected."

Gear frowned and looked up, "What-?"

A light appeared and revealed a group of 6 people. One was Kiro, who Gear was already somewhat familiar with. Another was a dark skinned muscular man, wearing an Azure colored Gi and Gear could've sworn he saw a flaming bird behind him for a second. As Gear studied this individual a name appeared in his head, as if remembering an old face: 'The Azure Phoenix, Wrock'.

Another person was an Elf, equipped with enough heavy armor to protect several people. Gear found the sight odd since Elves were often acquainted with more light-armored classes. However when he observed the strange person another name appeared in his head: 'Tilia, Unwavering Juggernaut'.

Since it happened twice it couldn't have been a coincidence. Try as he might however, he couldn't find the reason why this was happening. Turning his attention across to another person he found it happening again: 'Sage of Knowledge, Kan'na'.

That was right! After Kan'na displayed her incredible amount of magical prowess in the Gated Arena she was granted a Special Title! Oddly enough this one wasn't from her name being decided on by the Gated Arena, but rather it was granted by Mana itself! Mana is a tool of the world, and since the world was the only one capable of granted a title with 'Sage' it was considered a great honor.

For instance Whitelash was the Sage of Strength, Extreok the Sage of Lighting and Wind, Guarton the Sage of Earth and Fire, and Neorvil the Sage of Water and Life. Deemed the world's protectors they were granted a 'Sage' title. One that only legends would hold.

Kan'na managed to gain the respect of the world by not only bending the laws that was set, but also through the sheer amount of knowledge she obtained despite her young age. Her understanding of magic and Mana transcended that of higher Stage spellcasters. With such qualifications the world had granted her with a Special Title. As for its effects. . . only Kan'na was aware of that.

Gear also noticed two others, but with no names appearing in his head he assumed they were of a lesser and more unsuspecting type. From a first glance it seemed like one was a Priest and the other a Pugilist of some kind.

Jarvis greeted, "Did you just teleport here? Wasn't that a bit unnecessary?"

Kan'na shrugged, "Perhaps, but it also served as a successful test."

"Test?! You told me you were already aware of what you were doing!", Wrock spoke in alarm.

"Did I? Ah my bad I might've slipped up about that."

"You're gonna be the death of me one of these days."

"Let's not be dramatic."

Jarvis coughed, "Well I am glad you all could make it. Or at least most of you?"

"Akiol had something to take care of, so I brought along Igneel."

"Thanks for having me!", Igneel said cheerfully.

"So, I take it you're Gear?", Wrock asked while changing the subject.

Gear snapped out of his daze, "Ah, yes that's me. I managed to pick up a few names but just who are all of you?"

A quick round of introductions were exchanged. Gear felt as if the group lacked a sense of urgency. As if what they were going to handle wasn't something to be feared. It annoyed him, they didn't understand the threat that they were going to be facing, nor how much was at risk if they failed.

Not willing to speak his concerns he asked, "Is there anything you need to prepare before we attempt this?"

Jarvis looked about, mostly towards Igneel however. Glances were tossed about and Wrock shrugged, "Not exactly sure what we're facing, so what's there to prepare?"

Gear felt his eyebrow twitch, "Surely there's something? Like what parties normally do, potion check, strategy check?"

"What strategy? We barely have an idea of what's going to happen. As for potions. . . eh we have Yielya it'll be fine."

Yielya remarked, "I'm not gonna heal you because you said that."

"Oh come on! I have faith in your healing abilities! It's a compliment!"

"Willingly putting more work my shoulders is a compliment?"

". . . When you put it like that it doesn't sound that great."

Gear interrupted, "Alright, I get it. If you're that confident what's keeping us standing about?"

"Fair enough, lead the way!"

. . .

"So these are the opponents eh? Are they sleeping or something?"

Igneel walked up to the door and pressed a palm against it. It flashed and revealed a series of runes and magic enhancements. Kan'na waved a hand and several magic circles leapt into the air. Each providing a decent amount of light to brighten the remaining dark parts of the room.

Gear spoke, "Since the door is locked I think we naturally need a key. Problem is this is the only thing we've found that has anything to do with the Chimeras-"

"We don't need a key.", Kan'na corrected.

"What? How else do we get in?"

"We get rid of the thing preventing us."

Cracking her knuckles she approached the door, "The cool thing about this world you play in is the amount of freedom it has. Study enough magic and things like this are only annoyances. With a bit of effort you can find the small strand to pull, making it fall apart."

"You can do that?!"

"Of course, takes a lot of effort however. Most people would rather play by the rules since it's easier in the short term."

"How long is it gonna take?"

"Surprisingly this isn't even that encoded. Maybe my proficiency grew but this is the magic equivalent to a padlock. Just serves as a deterrent."

"Out of curiosity. . . if this is a padlock have you broken through harder stuff?"

"To maintain the comparison I'd say one thing I broke through was a high security vault."

"That seems. . . insane?"

"What was inside was even more so."

The glass door flashed and the runes shattered and fell apart. Kan'na dusted her hands, "And like that it's done. Now be careful everyone, a door without any security measures means we're either in a lot of trouble or about to be completely underwhelmed. Who wants to do the honors of opening it?"

Igneel was eager to participate, "Allow me!"

"Go for it."

Reaching out Igneel pushed against the doors. His muscles bulged as he was met with an incredible amount of resistance. The glass doors made a cracking sound before blasting open, and a horrid feeling mana leaked from the entrance. Kan'na frowned and distanced herself.

Igneel, not too familiar with the different types of Mana, was ignorant to this feeling. Taking a step forward he said, "We're free to proceed!"

Gear's grip tightened around his sword, the massive amount of heretic power that lay beyond the door spurred his title into action, and the benefit the world gave him only further deepened his concern. His eyes grew able to see just what exactly the stone statues were.

<<<Chimera: A-41>>>