Future Preparations

The Adventures Guild is a 24/7 establishment so Kyren and Krista didn't get kicked out because it was close to midnight.

Krista made sure to use utility and chore magic to wipe the room of any trace of them and her embarrassment. When they both came out, she struggled to keep her composure after such an intense session. Onlookers didn't notice anything abnormal about her despite her slightly red cheeks and faint twitch on her lower half.

"Where are we going? Why are we in such a hurry?"

"Tomorrow is going to be one of the most chaotic days in the history of this world... besides the war 150 years ago. We also have somethings to do tonight before this event occurs."

"What do you mean? What's happening?"

"You'll find out tomorrow."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

While Kyren and Krista ran errands, preparing for the players arrival, Maya was about to commence the task her boss gave her.

She stood in a large valley with tall and bleak mountains surrounding it, wearing her Cerulean Dragon disguise. After a couple minutes, a couple hundred caravans with large cages on top of them started trickling in through one of the small openings of the mountains.

After about two hour, the entire valley was filled to the brim with caravans and cages. Inside were muzzled and shackled slaves looking terrified and grim. Quill walked up with the two B~grade door guards and they chatted for a bit.

Maya inspected each cage and made sure that all of the slaves were there before continuing the conversation with Quill. Maya transferred the money over to him and he passed her a small chest filled with paperwork.

"Are you sure you don't need some manpower to transport all of these animals?"

"Thank you for your concern, but Master has everything under control."

After Quill was gone with the rest of his staff and guards, she summoned many water elementals using many tier II spells. She made them break the locks on the cages and carry out the slaves out to the clearing in front of her.

The water elementals floated in the air with the body shape of a yoga ball sized bubble. Water twisted and turned inside them like the walls of a whirlpool, making it hard to see through their bodies but not impossible. They used tentacle like limbs that transported the writhing slaves to where she designated.

Maya is an exceptionally skilled mage so she could handle many weaker summons at once without breaking a sweat.

The caravans were moved to the side and the slaves sat in the middle of the valley before Maya, unable to look away or get up.

"Listen to what I have to say..." Her voice was amplified using a little null magic and every slave easily heard it.

"You're probably wondering what my superior has planned for you. Why would he buy thousands of slaves for hundreds of platinum if he didn't have something big planned..."

Horror grew on their faces as they listened to her words and some even cried. Maya snapped her fingers and the water elementals that were floating nearby jerked over to the slaves and dozens of razor sharp water tentacles burst out of each of their bodies.

The tentacles struck and sliced at the slaves, making quick work of the shackles, collars and masks. When the slaves realized there wasn't a single scratch or wound on their bodies, they became confused.

"You're all free now. If you come up to me one-by-one then I'll dispel the servitude magic on you."

A large and burly beast-man raised his hand and asked the question on everyone's minds, "What do you mean?"

"I don't care to repeat myself..."

A crack in space appeared behind Maya and many crates of clothes in all sorts of sizes overflowed out.

All of the slaves were wearing rags that were far too revealing. It was also a cold night so decent cloths were a necessity for the weaker races.

The ex-slaves hesitantly made a single file line and as she promised, their servitude magic was dispelled. She also handed each individual two gold coins, saying it was for future living expenses until they could get back on to their feet. They also grabbed some clothes that fit their size but they didn't leave the valley as per Maya's request.

Once everyone was tended to, Maya continued talking, "Now, all of you have two options.

Option one is that you are escorted back to Kassio city where you may then go where ever you wish. You can return to your families, find old friends and become a member of society again. Any of those who are sick or injured will be given some extra money to be treated.

Option two is for you to work under me and help my Master's organization grow. If you have nowhere to go then this is the option for you. Each of you will be generously paid depending on your contributions and profession. Even if you believe yourself to be useless, we'll accept you no matter what, so long as you can promise your undivided loyalty.

All who choose option one, please stand to my left. All those who choose option two, stand to my right. I will definitely not force any of you to choose either choice."

Everyone was bewildered as they glanced at each other.

"We're Free?!"

"This isn't a joke right?"

"I can see my parents again!?!"

These types of disbelieving comments and conversations erupted throughout the entire crowd. Cheers and cries of joy resounded throughout the valley. They made sure not to be too loud though in case a creature discovered them.

"What's the name of your superior who saved us?" A small and slightly skinny blonde boy voiced his question with great enthusiasm.

"I am not allowed to divulge that. You may refer to me as Cerulean Dragon or Lady Aqua."

Although everyone was slightly disappointed that she didn't give his name, they all committed her to memory while making a vow to pay him back through her someday.

After about half an hour, the people already separated to the left or right. A majority of course chose option one but there was still a sizable number who chose option two.

'1,527 D~grades and below, 367 C~grades, and 53 B~grades..... A large variety of professions too. This was a lot more than I estimated would choose to join us. I hope Kyren praises me...' Maya effortlessly made difficult and complex calculations in her head as she started planing the future expenditures of hiring around two thousand individuals, leaving her in a trance.

While she was thinking, two gorgeous elf twins came up to her and got her attention.

"Do you think we could meet that man with the hood again?"

"Hmmm, perhaps if you prove yourselves enough. He's quite the busy individual after all..."

"We would like to discuss something in private with him. We assume it's worth his time..."

".... I'll think about it."

.....

After Maya sent all of those who chose option one on their way, she arranged temporary lodging for those who selected option two.

She then started carrying out her next set of orders and went hard to work to impress her boss.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

On a hill somewhere within the Keslar forest, Kyren and Krista arrived not too long ago after completing his last-minute errands.

Kyren was staring off to the horizon towards the sunrise, waiting for something.

"So are you going to tell me what's happening?" She was a little grumpy after being kept in the dark for so long.

"Wait for it. It's nearly here....."

Although he was watching the sunset in search for signs of their arrival, he was also monitoring a countdown clock that Leo displayed for him.

53 seconds...

27 seconds...

9 seconds...

3... 2... 1...

*Ting*

•>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>•

The private beta is now over... Unlocking player system notifications...

<System Announcement>

... The open beta has now been opened... Commencing [Planetary-class] event [Immortal Invasion]... Unlocking new features...

{New Features}

- Forums

- Player Market

- Guild Creation

- Recording Options

<Extend list>

•<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<•

"It's here..."