The black mead… How did they get it…? After all, the only way to acquire it is… No, I could be mistaken. If they possess it in such large quantities, then they must have had consent. At least, I can only hope… But if Black Mead is the key to access The Network, then it would seem more opportunities have made themselves available to me.

“If not for this generous donation from our Chief Imperator, we would be left stranded here, unable to enter the sacred grounds of The Network. For we should soon not forget what it represents, an offering given in respect to the gatekeeper. With his blessing, the path forward shall open and we shall be granted access to The Network. Be grateful, for those of you in the forward advance are being given the privilege to delve into The Network before the others. You shall bear witness to the first of our trials, and with good faith, scout the path ahead for danger. It is your responsibility to inform us of any potential obstacles, so that we may proceed with caution. After all, your duties in this mission are highly valued.” The Magistrate smiled.

“Hail the Imperator, Praise the Fardaughter!” Barnabus cried out.

“Hah, if the corpses left behind by the losers that died are an indication of what's to come, I’m not liking our chances very much.” Jaro scoffed.

“Coming to pillage what does not belong to them, may the old gods have mercy on us.” Pyro lamented. “Let us hope we are not afflicted with this so-called ‘Gravedigger’s curse’.”

“We’ll come out of this alive, I’m sure of it.” I encouraged.

“I hope you are right, friend.”

“Now, to prepare yourselves for what comes next, I give the stage to our guest of honor and esteemed friend, Legate Verus of Legion IX Propolos.”

“I am honored, it is with great pleasure to take part in such an expedition. But it is never wise to mix pleasure and war, at least not at the same time.” He grinned, the nearby soldiers laughing seemingly urging the crowd to follow suit. “Now, before we proceed, I would have everyone spread out. Breathe in an ample dose of the Eitr around you, Oracle knows there won't be any down there. Even if there are eitr pockets, they'll likely be far and few in between. Negligence is one’s own sin, so you must prepare yourselves now rather than suffer in regret later.” The crowd eagerly awaited for further clarification. He had us disperse and breathe in our Eitr. “Now, on to some light exercises. Come now, hone your body so that you are not caught off guard!”

“First time we’re seeing him, who is this guy?”

“Dunno, why dont u ask inca? he always seems to have an answer, ain't that right?” Pyro taunted.

“Hah, though I don't consider myself a living encyclopedia on kindorian military elites, I do know of Legate Verus, yes.”

“Of course you do. What, no facts or nothing for you to ramble on about?”

“I'm afraid not. I know little of his life outside of the fact that he rose to the rank of centurion quite recently.”

“There it is. See, what’d i tell you?”

“Whoever he is, it must’ve been nice to have done nothing but idle about atop that big old machine.”

With Legate Verus given the chance to issue commands, we were tasked to perform light exercises and with the guards on the sidelines, we felt encouraged to follow through with it. Even I felt myself getting a little motivated, though that isn’t to say there weren’t those that stood around insisting that it was pointless or that they were above needing to exercise as they saw themselves as perfectly fit. However it seemed the magistrate was getting impatient and had Verus cut the exercises short and abruptly. It seemed that it was time for him to brief us on the current situation in regards to what came next.

=====================================================================

“Now, the staging ground surrounding the Dizwiz stone is large enough to hold the entirety of both The Forward Advance and The Standardized Group while still having enough room to hold my entire legion. However, I cannot so thoughtlessly send our forces blind into the unknown without so much as a thought as to what might await us below. As such, a portion of the forward advance will enter The Network. To begin, I ask that groups 1 through 30, please make way and gather around the staging ground in preparation to enter the twixt.” The Centurion announced. “Once you have assembled yourselves, we will commence with the Dizwiz operation procedures. I ask that groups 31 through 80 remain here, you are to wait for further instructions. So make haste, glory awaits!” He encouraged.

Seems we would have to wait our turn. Those of us not part of the first 30 groups were left to wait on the sidelines as we waited for the others to gather around the Dizwiz stone. Once everyone was gathered, the Patrician retired to his tent whilst the Magistrate gave orders to one of the two acolytes that accompanied him. They were seemingly performing a ritual as they began to pour the Black Mead from its decanter into a silver chalice they brought out. Seemingly uttering a prayer amongst themselves, the magistrate then ordered the acolyte to approach the staging ground where a pedestal stood. The pedestal was adorned with what looked like a stony sphere, it’s surface looked rough, cracked and worn from age. Perhaps it was an altar of sorts, I couldn’t be sure.

“Now then, let us commence.” The magistrate announced.

The acolyte, with chalice in hand, then began to pour a portion of its contents onto the stony sphere. What was once a dull stone began to transform into a glossy and reflective ball that gave off a peculiar blue glow. As the globe began to hum to life, runes resembling those etched on the obelisk began to manifest themselves above the globe. The acolyte then began to tinker with the device, rotating it and touching it until the runes above began to correspond with the runes etched onto the obelisk.

“They have successfully entered the twixt, though the first of our trials have yet to pass.” The Magistrate related. “Now, we shall await the return of the acolyte, their word will enlighten us as to whether or not the path ahead is secure.”

The first half of the forward advance seemingly vanished into thin air, along with the acolyte. The globe which seemed to control the functions of the obelisk began to dim, and the Black Mead seemingly dissipated as well, having likely vanished along with the others. Everyone unaccustomed to seeing a Dizwiz stone in action were left in awe, my reaction was no different.

“So this is what a Dizwiz stone is capable of, how alarming.” I commented.

“Indeed, it certainly is quite the spectacle, is it not?” Inca concurred.

“I guess… But this twixt, is it really the only path forward? Do these pits not lead to where we need to go?” I pointed at some holes dug into the ground surrounding the ruins.

“There are no other paths except this one, we cannot just tunnel into The Network. It is the domain of the ancient Vykin. It’s outer walls are nigh impenetrable, far too strong for any mortal to dig through.”

“Understandable, so we have no choice but to use the Dizwiz, I suppose. If it was that easy to enter the Network, there’d probably be far too many holes scattered across the lands.”

“Yes, to twixt, is the only way in.”

“I might be asking too many questions… but I just can’t help but feel a little anxious. This twixt, I’ve not experienced it before, is it a safe path?”

“It is not so much a path, but more of a winding funnel in which you fall through.”

“Fall…? Is there a lake or something to catch us?”

“No, there is no lake at the bottom. However, it is indeed a long fall.”

“Then how are we to survive? Will we not die from such a height?”

“Not quite, for you see the twist exists in a place between the realms, where there is no solid flooring to stand upon. It is hard to describe in words, for its appearance is incomprehensible once your inside. But all you need to know is that it is the only way inside The Network.”

“So what I’m understanding about this twixt is that it seems to be some form of vertical maze, is that right? Seems like it’ll be easy to get lost, I think I’ll just follow you so I don’t lose my way.”

“No, It’s much more than just a maze, it’s but a foothold into the realms in which the oracle and the gods traverse. But for us, it only sends us one way, yet for the divine it is a means in which they travel across the realm without restriction. Regardless, there is no possible way for you to follow me through, or any of us for that matter.”

“Really? What’s stopping me from doing just that?”

“As I’ve said before, the twixt is in a place between realms, you will not be able to differentiate where you are, or anyone else for that matter. But there is no need to worry about getting lost, seeing as this obelisk in particular has a set destination. Though I do warn that you feel somewhat unwell afterwards, the twixt certainly takes a toll on the body and mind.”

“Right… I’ll try to brace myself for it then.”

“Hmm, it shall be a learning experience indeed.” Inca smiled.

=====================================================================

Whilst waiting for further instruction, I stood idly by as I played and toyed with Edith. Throwing locusts far into the air and having her catch them, it was the only way to pass the time. Whilst I was busy occupying myself, I overheard Barnabus and Inca who were caught up in conversation.

“I fear what awaits us below, though I’m certain our fates are secure, I cannot say the same for the others. Perhaps I shall go around and share a prayer, it might bring comfort to those who do not adhere to the Fardaughter’s will.” Barnabus relented.

“That would be a kind gesture, would you like me to accompany you?”

“It is quite alright, I have the Fardaughter to accompany me wherever I go. I shall return after a brief prayer with the non-believers.”

“Off so soon?” I caught up.

“Indeed, but fret not, for I shall return and usher a prayer with you all before our delve into the Network. I do hope you’ve been practicing.”

“Aha, I’m afraid I haven't had a chance to do so.”

“That is no excuse, there was plenty of time to do so whilst we were traveling through the desert. Though I shall forgive your incompetence.”

“Right… well, I’ll be sure to follow through this time.”

“Very good. I shall help you practice once I return, until then try to remember my teachings.” Barnabus wandered off, preaching to the other groups, interrupting their conversations.

“He is certainly devoted to his faith. But I doubt prayer will help in preventing the danger that we might face down in The Network.” I commented.

“Indeed, there is no telling what awaits us below. Of course, we can complain all we like, but in the end this is what we signed up for. The Network is full of unexplored labyrinths and valuable treasures that an adventurous soul wishes to seek, unsolved mysteries that scholars wish to solve, and artifacts of power that tyrants wish to possess. The danger that comes with it is all but to be expected.” Inca related.

“And which of those do you fall under, I wonder?” Nicolas chimed in.

“Oh? I did not think you would be the one to strike up conversation, glad to see you’re opening up to us.”

“And you’ve gone and evaded the question.”

“Aha, I see you’ve yet to have a proper conversation among friends. But if I were to conform to any of the aforementioned tropes, I do believe I’m more inclined to be interested in the history and mystery of The Network. I’m no different from anyone else, and even I have other reasons and interests for participating.”

“And just what reason would your ilk have for being here?”

“Looking after my associate, of course.” Inca smiled.

“That right? Then you better make sure he stays in line, wouldn’t want any more incidents to occur.”

“Indeed.” Inca replied. “I still hold hope that he learns to cooperate with others, otherwise it would waste the efforts I’ve made thus far. It would ruin the whole point in having him join the mission.” Inca continued.

“Hmph, you lot are all the same. Jaro is a hopeless case, but for his sake, I do hope he makes the effort for cooperation. Because after this mission is finished, the best outcome would be that you both return home.”

“I concur, the path ahead is uncertain. Regardless, I’m sure we’ll return from our delve safe and alive.” Inca smiled once more.

“Hah, alright, I’m done here.”

“And here I thought we were becoming steady friends.”

“Doubtful. Not with you, or your ilk. Besides shouldn’t you be keeping watch over your ‘associate’?”

“Ah, a pity. But you make a valid point, however I can watch over him from a distance perfectly fine from here. I would never ignore my duties in overseeing his progress. But perhaps I should retain a closer distance and end the conversation here, I wouldn’t want our relationship to sour. We can converse later once your mood improves.”

“Whatever.” Nicolas cut the conversation short.

“Hmm, well then, I shall meet with you two later. And Grit, you’ll be just fine once the mission proceeds.” He smiled before migrating into the crowds.

“You know, Inca’s not a bad guy. He’s only trying to help you fit in, like he’s done with me.” I related.

“It’s a careless mistake to associate with him, more so than his associate.” Nicolas replied, ignoring my statement.

“Hah, alright. Well, I can understand not getting too friendly with Jaro, but Inca? If anything, he’s been helping to keep this group together, I can’t say the same about you.”

“Think what you will of me, but I have my own reasons for being here.”

“No doubt, seeking out treasure I presume.”

“Not in the slightest.”

“Perhaps learning a little more about ancient history?”

“Hmph.” Nicolas shook his head.

“Alright, then what?”

“You really want to know, huh?”

“That’s why I’m asking.”

“To look after an associate.” Nicolas eyed me.

“An associate…? Hold on, just who-”

It was then that the globe set on the pedestal began to glow once more, accompanied by the same blinding light. Once the light had dissipated, we could see that the acolyte had returned, he then hurried over to the Magistrate who was situated near the Patricians tent. I couldn’t hear their conversation, but a smile widened on the Magistrate’s face. To my surprise, the Patrician then came out of his tent and appeared to inquire the acolyte, only for a smile to appear on the Patrician’s face as well. The Magistrate then called over to a guard and gave orders, whilst the Patrician came to present himself to the masses.

“Rejoice! Splendid news has been received from the other side, it would seem no danger is present and yet there is much to be discovered. But preparations are to be made for our arrival on the other side, so we shall now move forward with other plans and have the second half of the forward advance join the others. Once you are on the other side, I urge that you not proceed until further notice, we shall then join you shortly thereafter. So let us not waste time, glory is to be had!” The Patrician gushed.

“Groups 31-80, please approach the staging ground and follow proper procedures so that you may enter the twixt!” A guard called out.

“That’s our queue.” Nicolas stated.

We crowded the staging ground with the others, everyone on edge, feelings of anxiety and excitement could be seen on the faces of everybody here, they were all eager to enter The Network. Even Edith’s mood seemed affected by the mood in the air as she perched herself atop my head. Whilst everyone was chatting amongst themselves, we once again observed in anticipation as the second acolyte approached with a filled chalice, pouring its contents onto the dull globe. The globe once again hummed with life, the light within it beginning to pulse and runes being projected from its now reflective surface. With no one else to urge me on, I looked to Edith for encouragement. It was then Edith went flying off far above me, circling around the staging ground from up above until eventually perching herself atop the obelisk.

“Ah, Edith! Come back- agh… Whatever, do what you like.”

“Seems that bird of yours might just leave you the first chance she gets.”

“She knows better than to run off… I think.”

“Hmph, right. See you on the other side.” Nicolas directed towards me.

“Yeah… see you soon.” I replied.

Once again a blinding light enveloped the surrounding area, and in that instance I felt the ground beneath begin to give way, and I began to fall. I closed my eyes and braced myself for impact, I felt myself being pulled downwards, yet I felt no wind rushing by. How long was this fall exactly? If I opened my eyes now, would I find myself immediately crashing down into the depths below? I braced myself, feeling brave enough to glance at my new surroundings. Opening my eyes, I found myself in a place unlike any other, I was seemingly enveloped in a bright white, my body seemingly floating in a space of emptiness. In this place, I was also alone, separated from the others. Beside me, I found myself surrounded by a myriad of different colors that came rushing by, some I couldn’t even come to recognize or comprehend. Everywhere I looked, there was no sense of direction, it all looked the same. In an attempt to move about in the open space, I flailed helplessly in the air, with no way of telling if I had made any progress in any given direction. There was no telling top from bottom, left or right, forward or backwards, all that before me was just a vast expanse of nothingness. How long would I be here? Did the obelisk take me somewhere I wasn’t supposed to be, a place of no return? I brushed the thought out of my head, after all Inca had done his best to inform me of what to expect. Yet no matter how much I tried to stay calm, there was a lingering sense of anxiety rising within me. After all, both the twixt and The Network were similar in the sense that they are both experiences that I’m unaccustomed to. Lost in my thoughts, I sensed something awry, the colors around me beginning to blend into miraculous mixtures of vibrant reflections. And with it, a familiar ringing in my head...

Such misery… It did not deserve to live such a cruel life… I wish I could have done more…

A voice echoed, this voice, the same one I heard earlier… “Is somebody there?!” I called out to the mysterious woman, yet there was no response. “I can hear you, if you can hear me, please answer!”

For one who shares our lineage, for you who can hear me… I beg of you… return this child to a peaceful slumber… you must…

“A child… could it be…?” It was there through the blended myriad of colors did I see a blurry outline of a feminine figure, was it her that called out to me? “I see you, just beyond the light, but I cannot reach you! Stay there, I will come find you, so please, wait for me!”

They must not have him… please… hurry…

I tried to call out to the woman once more, but I could no longer hear the sound of my own voice as the colours around me began to blend into a mute white which began to grow brighter until I was once again enveloped in the light.

“Can you still hear me, wait for me!” I shouted, clawing on the ground around me.

“Hey, hey, it’s alright now! Are you alright?” A stranger’s voice spoke to me.

“Who… tch!” I felt something pinching and poking my cheek, only to find Edith staring at me. “Edith… you’re here…”

“Guessing that was your first time experiencing the twist, it must’ve come as a shock to find that you were all alone in there.”

“This is… the other side…?”

“That’s right. Alongside with all the rest of us bottom feeders, all in service to the magistrate, am I right?”

“You are…”

“The name’s Harlow, a member of group 4. You along with groups 31-80 managed to make it to the other side, though I’m guessing you’re still suffering from the side effects of the twixt. But it’s alright now, just take it easy.”

“The other side… where is this again…?”

“Where else? You’re in The Network.”