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2 years later…

The grandeur in higher ranked Adventurer Halls was never short of breathtaking for their intricate and unique artistry, utilizing the natural resources of their designated locations. There wasn't a single spot through any room that lacked care from the skilled hands that crafted their finery.

Arusifa was already a world of its own since the day it was connected to the vast network. There was never any other world that could compare to the strong and overwhelming magic that flowed through everything, producing an array of beauty that could never be replicated.

Ethan could not stop staring at everything all around, water fountains that defied gravity, plants that sing with color, traces of light rippling through paints and finish. He was still staring at everything he could lay his eyes on even in the office space; from stories carved into the wood to the life that sprung from the gold fastenings.

His attention was brought back to the dispatcher who sat at such a refined desk when they slapped down a manila folder, thick with information.

“Soaring Horizon, have you read over the details that were sent to your party?” The dispatcher asked while assessing their team.

They looked young for an Elite party, a group of young prodigies as what the paperwork told, but the agent wasn't as confident.

The way Ethan stared at the files on the desk, as if they were a foreign adversary he could never defeat, Alexander assumed that Ethan had not gone over the details of the mission as much as he should have, if at all. But out of all days and of all missions to gloss over the details, this was neither the day nor the mission for skimming.

“We have." Alexander answered. "Although I think it would be best if you can summarize which details we will be focusing on in this briefing.”

The dispatcher nodded, opening the file to pull out maps, known locations, topography, illustrations and the case information of everything currently known inside the basin of Verathyn.

Ethan was grateful for the ease on how Alexander instantly defused a problem before it even began. He was sure Alexander already knew and realized that he had forgotten to go over the mission details completely.

As the team leader, Ethan knew that in these small ways, he should not be making these kinds of mistakes still, but he will always have his friends and teammates that he could rely on.

“To go over the details briefly.

This map is the topography of the basin you're being sent to. Don’t rely on this map or travel by flight because of the poison spires after 5 minutes.

Most of the known safe chambers will be on the outer wall. With everything being pushed out from the center, The Architect won't change those.

This pamphlet goes over the fauna. What is safe to eat, what isn’t safe to eat and how to identify a genuine from an architect copy.

This covers the differences in structures, style, and what to avoid. Remember that you can always trust the black marble floors with gold etching. Gold is the native stone, not white.”

While they dug out the maps and info pamphlets, covering the details very briefly, the Soaring Horizon followed along with their full attention, acknowledging each point and detail.

“And lastly, trust any wildlife you come across, even the hostile ones. Do you have any questions before we continue?” they asked. With some faith restored in their little team it was only shattered instantly as one hand rose.

It was Ethan's.

Ethan raised his hand tentatively with a question in mind.

“Yes?” the dispatcher asked, only looking up with his eyes from the paperwork.

“We don’t have any maps that lead deeper into the basin, right?” Ethan asked.

“No.” was answered flatly.

“So why don’t we just ask the architect that built the place?” Ethan asked.

With a question so stupid, Feathers stumbled over their own feet from standing and Alexander calculated the chances of getting away with punching an adventurer in a dispatch office.

With an eye twitch, the agency worker sat down so he could massage the headache that accompanied the words that just disgraced his ears.

“We don’t ask The Architect about the geography because no one has survived getting close enough to ask. As a world beast, it tends to consume any living being that wanders into the city around the basin. Nor do we have any records or statements indicating that the creature is capable of speech.” He answered slowly.

Ethan shrunk back, realizing the error in his ways. Staying up all night racing through the Arusifian courses, then scrolling the internet till he saw his alarm was set to go off in an hour, was now paying the price.

“This brings me to my next point. We already sent a team to map out the update on the inner basin and acquire additional information about The Architect if possible. But after being attacked by some pack beasts, The Architect did appear causing the team to be separated. Each party member has slowly returned to us in varying conditions but the only person missing is their scribe. While the party has provided vital information, which is shared in the files for your briefing, they each swore that the scribe has more vital information on the area and Architect.

This part will be your job. Find the scribe or his belongings and report back to me.”

“Any new questions?” He asked, while entwining his fingers together to rest on the desk, waiting for more disappointment, hoping that there wouldn't be trivial questions, and at least one of them read the assignment.

Feathers shook their head ‘no’ while Alexander grabbed the folder off the table, organizing the important and relevant paperwork on top.

“Can we get a profile of this person or their belongings, so we know what we’re looking for?” he asked.

The dispatcher nodded, pleased with the professionalism.

“You’ll be looking for a Mr. Froyd. Valkyrie stands at about 5’5”, auburn rounded wings. Notable features are glasses, reddish-blonde hair, and pale green eyes.”

Feathers took the smaller file that the dispatcher handed over and began studying the individual they would be looking for with small nods, taking mental notes.

In the long silence, nothing was said when Ethan piped up from behind his teammates. “Uuhhhmm I have another question-...”