Crystal Gate

"Have you seen what's happening?"

"Of course I have, isn't it amazing?"

"It's more alarming. . ."

"Thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands! More and more Second Stages are rising to the surface, all without a Path!"

"I-I know."

"This is an opportunity like none other. One we must grasp at its fullest."

"How do we do that?"

"We grant access to The Gated Arena-"

"But we can't do that for everyone!"

"Then host the Trials for access. A force this numerous, it will only be beneficial!"

"What if they aren't interested?"

"We will offer the same rewards for those who can clear the Trials. That will be enough."

"Do I begin this immediately?"

"Yes, it excites me to see what will be coming next."

"Right away Honorable Leader."

~ ~ ~

Opportunity and Ryolu were flying away, after a few hours of chatting Ryolu decided it was time to part ways. Now that the two were alone Ryolu asked, 'Was your doubts subsided?'

"No, if anything they were increased. He didn't say anything."

'I am not sure why you question the background of a slime.'

"It's deeper than that."

'Forgive me then.'

Scratching her head Opportunity sighed in frustration, "I'll find out eventually. More importantly did you enjoy your time with Givale?"

'She has grown outside my expectations.'

"Aw, what a casual compliment. That little battle of yours was entertaining."

'It was.'

Leaning to the side Opportunity eyed a part of Ryolu's side, "So, you want to get that wound treated?"

'I'll let this one heal on its own.'

"I saw you take the effort to hide it."

'It would be detrimental if she grows too confident.'

"You're so sweet."

~ ~ ~

Wrock exhaled, Spirit fluctuated around him. With a sharp intake of breath he rapidly executed several moves. The air flowing along his body. His body seemed to hum with satisfaction as he exercised it thoroughly. Slowing his movements he came to a standstill. His Spirit had reached a bottleneck.

Kan'na, who had been idling nearby, asked, "Can you not do that technique?"

"I am unsure, it's not something I can easily test either."

"Is the requirements that strict?"

"No, if anything they're incredibly simple. If it fails I cannot attempt it again however."

"So you're not going to risk it."

"Preferably, but if I don't I'll remain at this level."

"I can try making a suitable environment if you want."

"Thanks, but I'll have to decline."

With a shrug Kan'na mentioned, "Worse case scenario you'll have to find another source of strength. But I have a feeling you won't do that."

"You would be right."

"Well, there might be an answer to your problem. Have you heard from Yielya?"

"No, I've been training for the past few weeks."

"An event has been scheduled to start. It's called The Gated Arena. Supposedly we have to complete a trial to partake in whatever benefits it provides. Currently any information on it is pitiful."

"Trial?"

"Again, no other information. All I know is that the minimum requirement is Second Stage."

Wrock's eyes began to glow, "An event meant only for Second Stages? That sounds really promising."

"It starts within two days. I figured we would wait for Akiol and Jarvis to return before we go check it out."

"What are those two doing?"

"Jarvis is doing what he usually does. And Akiol is already on his way back."

"Good, I'll go track Jarvis down if the need arises. This event, I sure hope it brings me the opportunity I'm looking for!"

Kan'na shook her head, "Best of luck, I have a few scrolls to make so I'll head off."

"Good luck!"

"I might ask you for assistance!"

"No thank you!"

~ ~ ~

. . .

Hundreds of thousands of players gathered in a specific area. A large majority of them being Second Stage!

Akiol inhaled sharply, "To think whilst I was training Givale and Mira the Players got this strong."

Kan'na inspected the players with a prying gaze, "It seems kind of lackluster though?"

"There might be different qualities of breakthroughs. Or maybe this is what happens when you don't have a path.", Wrock added his opinion.

"Still a fearsome level, I'm sure this is enough to get any City on edge.", joked Akiol.

Currently all these Players were gathered around an extremely large building. Like a faintly purple crystal temple. This location was originally barren, but once the event started the crystal temple suddenly appeared!

Players chatted and even sparred as they waited for the event to start. No one was entirely sure what it was going to be about. Knowledge was sparse in the event announcement!

As the Party walked through they gathered gazes from all directions. Many Players even going out of their way to move from their path. Murmurs spread around them causing Akiol to shake his head, "I kind of miss us being nobodies."

Yielya laughed, "It's kind of nostalgic isn't it?"

"Whether that is good or bad, yes it is."

A Player approached them, "You're-You're Six Lights right?"

Akiol contemplated lying, but that might be more troublesome, "Yes, that would be us."

"I am a huge fan! Ever since your fight in the Professional Competition!"

"I thought we would've gained more haters than fans with that little stunt."

Tilia corrected, "We did! Our name was being dragged through the mud after that!"

The Player laughed nervously, "But you did gain many fans! I am one of them."

Akiol lifted a fist, "I appreciate that, but we might go and do more foolish things!"

Smiling the Player fist-bumped Akiol, "I am counting on it!"

That one action was like opening the floodgates. Hundreds of Players began to swarm the party, pelting them with questions and handshakes. Many even wanting autographs. This kind of action wasn't foreign to the party, back in their previous world they had faced situations like this on a greater scale.

With plenty of experience the party rapidly handled the situation. Expertly diverting their attention equally, and leaving most of the Players satisfied with the interaction. Just as they were about to be finished another wave of Players came to join in the action. It seemed like word spread quickly.

Then a powerful wave of pressure was released upon everyone. It forcefully stopped their tracks and made them look towards the source. A player dressed in white and black stepped forward, a cloak swinging from their back. Two swords placed on the back of their waist, and a white mask with a singular black dot in the middle.

This sole figure caused the Players to move, clearing the crowd around the Party. Akiol raised his eyebrows, "Dot? You've underwent some mighty changes since we last met."

Compared to the almost pure black outfit, it seemed like Dot underwent a style change. His armor now held white lining and detailing. As if further matching with the white and black scheme he seemed to hold. Moreover a new sense of strength lingered around him. It seemed like Dot increased his strength both in power and in skill.

Dot responded with, "And you haven't changed much at all."

"My priorities were with something else."

"A shame."

Dot walked past without any additional words. As he walked a set of Players jumped forward from the crowd, "Dot! We've grown far stronger since then! Prepare to die!"

They then fell to the ground, their breathing heavy. Struggling to push themselves up Dot crouched down near them, "As have I. This will be your only warning, I am not here to cause trouble."

Watching Dot leave the area Akiol laughed faintly, "That guy probably came to check on our progress."

Wrock shrugged, "I bet he was disappointed."

"Well it wasn't like I was spending the whole time improving myself."

"We are aware, you could even say you rusted a bit."

". . ."

Their attention turned towards the crystal temple. It began to glow slightly and a magic projection appeared above it, "Welcome one and all! It pleases me for so many of you to be present for our grand opening. I am sure you're all impatient enough to begin, but I have many things to explain!"

The projection spread out their hands, "This building shall be known as the Crystal Gate! Here you will be granted the opportunity to take part of a Trial. Those who pass the Trial will be granted access to The Gated Arena! A place I assure that you will certainly want access to.

"Additionally we have rewards for those who clear the Trials on their first attempt! You will be considered the talented few among you all. So I ask you give it your best shot!"

The projection flickered as the individual changed their stance, "Please keep in mind that you can only attempt this Trial once a month! Normally we don't offer retries, but you lot are special. The Trial is different each time you attempt it, and changes based on your Class. For those wondering what the special reward is, I'm afraid you'll have to see!

"For those who wish to undertake the Trial, please line up in an orderly fashion at the doors. We have skilled workers who will quickly sort through you and guide you to your locations. Please be patient! Please note that only Second Stages can partake in this, so if you are higher or lower we will have to ask you to leave!"

With the announcement over the Players did as they were told and began lining up. There was a few disobedient ones, but the Crystal Gate seemed to handle them with ease. The party was no exception, so they too lined up in one of the lines.

The speed of the lines was impressive, hardly anyone stopped. It was almost a constant flow. Akiol wondered how the building could handle so many Players, but he deduced it was something else entirely.

After just half an hour of walking in line, it was finally the Party's turn!