For a few minutes, the ruins were quiet as the last of the trial takers left. Then a portal opened back to Bruse Temple, and one of the clerics came through to take the children of the Divine Beast Nation home.
She waved at Remi from across the ruins, then began the task of making sure nobody forgot anything, so they could be returned home in one trip.
Then a portal opened and Council Head Arnold, the Troll that led the Newbon Council, came through.
"Merchant Karl, I have come to collect the kids. Thank you for your efforts so far." He greeted them.
"Not a problem at all. I was asked to remain here for the time being, and I couldn't really refuse." "Is there anything entertaining coming up in the next few minutes? I could put off my return." Arnold suggested.
"It's hard to tell, really. We're mostly waiting on the next group to come challenge for the Relic, or more reinforcements to be sent to take over from us and have their turn. It doesn't show any signs of instability yet." Karl replied.
The Troll nodded. "You've likely got a full twenty-four hours worth of access. As powerful as that one is, I can't see it lasting longer than that. But until then, you're going to have an interesting day.
But before I go, tell me something. Did you get a new benefit from the Relic?"
Karl nodded. "I got a most curious new class. It only has three skills available right now, and they're all insanely expensive. I will have to work hard to see the true benefits."
The blue dragon turned to the Troll. "Do you know the Beast Master? How was his strength before? I don't have a frame of reference for what he was at before and after encountering the Relic."
Arnold just shrugged. "You would have to ask Overlord Leafa, but she's confined to the Fort on security detail for the time being. She was the one who saw him in combat. If you wish to visit, just send a message and we will welcome you."
Librarian Gareth nodded his massive head. "I believe that I will. This Relic is absolutely fascinating, and the potential growth of the ones who have benefitted from it is astounding.
I suspect that many of them are hiding the extent of the skills that they could use so that they can advance in private, but that is normal. Even the mighty predators return to their den when they want to advance."
Ophelia poked Karl in the back, and he made a face at her. "Come on, we know you're holding out. Just give the potion to Lotus if you don't want to give away Thor's advancement." She whispered.
"Alright, I know exactly how to do this." Karl whispered back.
"Hey Lotus! Sister Remi made you a new type of juice!" Karl shouted over to where the clerics were gathered.
That brought the Nature Cleric running, and Karl took the potion out of Remi's space.
"She says you're supposed to drink it in one shot." Karl explained.
"Thank you so much, Remi! I wonder what it tastes like? What kinds of juice do Naga even like?" Lotus wondered, while everyone else stared at the glowing neon green potion in her hand. Lotus sniffed it once, then tipped it to her lips and sipped a little. Her eyes widened in excitement, and she began to gulp down the potion like it actually was a glass of juice.
Then the Cleric began to glow the same green as the potion, then rise into the air, suspended by a pair of vines under her feet.
The vines wrapped around her, until Lotus was nearly engulfed in them.
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