Chương 21: Introductory Gala Part 2

Time until next Elemental Storm: To be Announced"My name is O'megas Steelthread, Nova of the Starlaws, and I welcome those chosen from across the realms to Uninexus." Ethan couldn't make out the figure in front of the podium, but the screens helped fix that. On them, he could see that it was an alien man of some kind, extremely tall and with long golden hair that flowed in the wind. But what he felt above everything else was energy. The man radiated pure energy through his voice.

It covered the entire venue, and every single Trial Goer seated there could feel it within their bones. The air smelt slightly of ozone, like it could burst out into a thunderstorm at any minute, and every word out of the figure's mouth only heightened the sensation.

"For those of you on alert for trickery or a hidden challenge, I assure you, I will personally make sure that no harm comes to you on this night. For the challenges ahead, however, I wouldn't want to ruin that lovable fellowship blooming between you and your allies in the heat of danger," O'megas said in a deep, reassuring voice. Every word out of his mouth felt like he was telling the truth. Like he could keep millions of people safe all by himself. Were these the heights that a Designer could reach?

Ethan didn't believe for a second he'd be able to match it himself, but Alphome had thought otherwise. Xillian chose that moment to return to Ethan's side, holding two blue cocktails with alien fruits in it.

"Drink up." he said, keeping his eyes fixed on the podium and the man speaking there.

"I don't— what if I need to be sober later?" Ethan asked, his eyes still transfixed by the power in front of him.

"It's more suspicious to be the only person staying sober. If you don't want to drink, just put your mouth to it every once in a while," Xillian said matter-of-factly. There was no hint of the smooth-talking man Ethan had seen before, only someone awed and careful. The leader of the Starlaws, O'megas, was talking about the greatness of the trial and the GPA, and looking around, it seemed nearly everyone believed what he was saying.

"And with their blessings and Talents, we have made a utopia for the universe. No problem is too large for us to overcome, and with the oversight of the Gods, we can move stars under our whim!" O'megas finished his little speech, and the front row started clapping. The Trial Goers in the further sections picked up on it and clapped too, and Ethan joined in to keep up the act. O'megas raised a hand to quiet the applause, before speaking again.

"But the Gods demand Trials, so that people do not grow complacent. So that we can continue to prove there are higher positions for us to aspire to. And that is the reason for this Trial. Though some may unwisely call it cruel or unnecessary, it serves as a goal for people to achieve." Lights shined down on several spots around the venue, on Zachary Levine, a half-snake Quizril, a squid-haired Ralasankar, and four more Trial Goers of different races.

"Just like these paragons of each of your races serves as a goal post for you. They are the best of the best, and you too can earn their position with enough grit and Talent. And for those special few that finish the entire Realm Trial, the Gods themselves will grant any one wish that you seek," O'megas smiled, before turning the lights off. Ethan had never truly paid much attention to the previous Realm Trials, so to hear that the prize was a wish, came as a shock to him. Evidently, he was alone in that.

Most of the others didn't even blink at the reward, their wish most likely already being picked out.

"Of course, this wish cannot harm the GPA or the Gods themselves, but anything other than those minor stipulations is fair play." So, Alphome doesn't want to use the wish to kill the Gods, then. Does his one favor even involve the prize of the Realm Trial, or am I just conflating the two? Ethan thought as the leader of the Starlaws kept speaking.

"On the topic of Challenges, the countdown for the Elemental Storm of Lightning will begin from tomorrow. It will require completing the Earth shrine set up by our gracious hosts of the first realm, the Essentia Superma. Though you may find this Trial challenging, the Gods have complete faith in each and everyone of you to succeed." The words instantly shifted the mood of everyone in the Gala. People stood up from their tables and ran to other ones, bargaining and making moves.

Some shifted groups entirely, and the leader of the Starlaws watched them adjust to the news. Even Ethan felt the need to get moving, but Xillian stopped him. He went in Ethan's place, and returned only moments later with his hands crossed and without saying a word. Ethan would ask him about it later, as O'megas had started talking on the podium again. He spoke more on the Trial, going over the rules that they had known, and including a few more for Uninexus itself.

It was nothing that Ethan hadn't heard of, at least until it came to the topic of murder.

"Trial Goer on Trial Goer violence is strictly prohibited in Uninexus, unless done in defence. And outright murder will bear a heavy consequence for those even outside of Uninexus. It is not our aim to have you mercilessly slaughter each other, but to push each other to greater heights. In the same vein, abandoning your party is frowned upon, and a first offence will lead to the Trial Goers forfeiting their rewards if they are caught doing so within a dungeon."

Ethan heard Xillian scoff, and looked down to see the Heelx frowning.

"Did he say something wrong?"

"A misrepresentation, Mr. Collins. The Starlaws and the GPA claim that there are heavy consequences, but really, it's just a massive fee. And even that can be avoided if you get a good lawyer."

"So, killing Trial Goers is alright?"

"The higher you go, the more sense it makes. If you kill a Trial Goer on the fourth or fifth realm, the penalty fees for murdering them is paltry compared to what you could earn from their corpse. The only real ban is in Uninexus, and Trial Goers aren't allowed to stick around there forever," Xillian explained. Ethan listened to it quietly, a pit forming in his throat. Maybe he shouldn't have gone around trying to trade his belongings. If people thought of him as weak, they could easily gang up on him.

But not if I get a party myself, he thought.

"Did you find any parties looking for an extra member?" Ethan asked Xillian.

"Better. I've found someone willing to sell a map of the earth shrine."

"How does that help us?" Ethan asked.

"The earth shrine is said to require a party. Most people agree on that fact. If you possess the map yourself, Mr. Collins, then you can have your pick of teammates, whichever ones you choose," Xillian answered. It was a smarter tactic than Ethan would've gone for.

"Anybody?"

"Mostly anybody. Powerhouses like Zachary Levine or Zeeero will most likely be taking on the shrine alone," Xillian admitted. Ethan wanted to counter that he'd done the same in the wood shrine, but it wasn't the time. Instead, he followed Xillian's lead towards the man selling the map. The only problem was that a crowd had also found their way to him, and were bidding over how much it was worth.

"TEN THOUSAND CREDITS!"

"TWENTY THOUSAND!"

"TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND!" Their voices mixed in with each other, but they had already gone beyond what Ethan could offer himself. Starlaws had started moving around the premises of the impromptu auction, making sure no one trampled over each other. The rabbit-eared Worin holding the map didn't seem impressed with any of the offers being made. He sat there cradling one arm with a scowl, wincing every now and then when he moved it. Wait a minute….

Ethan moved in closer, pushing against other Trial Goers while Xillian followed, confused.

"Mr. Collins, what are you planning on offering?" He asked, his voice being drowned out by the rest. Ethan didn't reply, he just kept moving until he was at the head of the procession, where the Worin's life force was in full view. His arm's hurt, and it's not fully healed either, Ethan realized. And the rest of his body had its own set of unhealed wounds. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Before he could make his play, though, Ethan ducked down and opened up Unimart.

There, listed for an absurd number of credits, was the best healing potion that the first realm could buy.

"First Realm High Healing Potion!" Ethan shouted above the rest with his hands up, and the Worin's eyes widened. He looked past the other offers and walked to Ethan.

"Human, are you lying to me?" he asked.

"No, I can offer you that potion right now, in exchange for that map."

"How can I ensure this is the truth?"

"I'll let you drink it in front of me. If you don't feel the effects, don't give me the map," Ethan told him. For a few seconds, the Worin contemplated Ethan's words. He scratched his long rabbit ears, and his eyes twitched in subtle pain.

"Okay. But we make this deal tonight, after the Gala," The Worin told him.

"Deal!" Ethan said, and shook the Worin's hand. Xillian looked on confused, frowning once the crowd dispersed around the Worin.

"Mr. Collins. If you'd had such an expensive item with you, why didn't you tell me?" he asked once they finally escaped from the middle.

"Well…. How could I be sure someone wouldn't steal it out from under me?" Ethan lied. Xillian didn't give it too much thought thankfully, or maybe he knew prying into the business wouldn't end well for him. Whatever it was, Ethan secured himself the map, and all he had to do for it was play a little trick at the end of the night. Now, there was just the matter of a party for him to settle.

"I'm Terry, that's Jerry, over there's Harry, and of course our funnyman Larry, and finally, Barry," the asian-american man said.

"You all… you all have names that end like that?" Ethan asked, a little shocked. The entire party was men, and they looked like they all went to the same gym. Terry scratched his head.

"We can make an exception for you?" Ethan shook his head.

"Thanks for the offer but I'll pass. You guys, uh, good luck to you guys." He moved away from them. Not bad people, per say, but Ethan wished he wouldn't have to interact with them again. The other parties were much the same. The seven races selected for this Realm Trial mostly stuck to their own people when forming parties, which left Ethan to find other humans to ally with.

The system made translating easy, so there were no language barriers at the very least, but Ethan was finding it hard to find a party he fit into.

"No worries, Mr. Collins, there are many more parties I can show you," Xillian said, though Ethan could tell he was reaching his wit's end. I can't tell him what I'm really looking for. People I can trust, or people that won't look too deep into my skills. He had to verify both himself, leaving poor Xillian struggling to find his employer's type.

"And your Talent is…"

"Regenerating Berserker. The more I fight, the stronger I get, and the more I heal," Ethan said.

"Hmmm, frontline fighter, then, and we wouldn't have to waste potion money on you either," the blonde woman interviewing him said.

"Essences?"

"Uh, I need blood and bone…" Ethan said. His interviewer gave him a deep look, before shrugging.

"We already have too many frontliners as it is, sorry." Ethan sighed and stood up, bidding the team farewell. It was a shame, he thought he just might be able to get along with them and keep his secret at the same time. He turned to leave, but as soon as he did, he saw another woman standing there. He'd been looking ahead, and almost didn't notice her under his chin. Ethan backed off suddenly, and the woman screamed an apology.

"Sorry, babe! Didn't mean to scare you!" she said, both hands splayed. She had straight red hair tied back in a ponytail, and wore a long dress that went down to her legs. What skin it showed had a few cuts and bruises across it, but she smiled like they didn't exist.

"No, no, it's my fault for—" If he really thought about it, it was her fault, but his mind refused to put the blame on her.

"—Anyways, seat's free! Here, you can have it!" He pointed to the seat in front of the blonde awkwardly, and she looked more than annoyed.

"Nah, I'm here for you, mate. Name's Penny. Penny Lovelace," she said as she took Ethan's hand to shake, and only then did he notice her thick australian accent.

"Heard you've got a map for the next shrine. Was wondering if you'd like to team up with us," she asked, putting one hand to her side.

"Me? You want me on your team?"

"Me and a mate have utility covered, but we've only got the one frontliner. Reckon you could fill that spot, Mister…."

"Oh! Uh, Ethan Collins."

"Good to meet ya, Ethan. Come on, let me show you the rest of the squad!" Again, she took his hand, and started leading him away. Xillian gave him a shrug and let her take him, while he went off to set up some more meetings. Penny took a winding path around the Gala, nearly five minutes of just walking. During that, she twisted and turned and said sorry to every startled waiter they crossed. Once, one of the staff even tripped in front of him, sending a dish of cutlery towards Ethan.

Thankfully, it only left a small cut on Ethan's hand, which he covertly healed while Penny profusely apologized to the Heelx in question. After the waiter finally peeled away from Penny, she took a look at Ethan again.

"Not a scratch on you, thank Kyrosh," she said, before dragging him away again. But Ethan didn't mind. He kept glancing down at her hand more than he should've, and they arrived at her team's location in what felt like much less than five minutes. Sitting around the table were four more people. Two men and women. None of them stood out much except for the leader, who had white hair and a bulky frame that stretched against his formals.

"This is the map-holder?" the white-haired man asked.

"Yes, Jeffrey. This is our man," Penny said.

"Hi, I'm Ethan Collins. Nice to meet you all." The white-haired man, Jeffrey, eyed him top to bottom. If he was using a Skill, Ethan didn't feel it. After a while, he finally dropped his crossed arms and sighed.

"Alright, he's in." He didn't look too pleased about that fact, but Ethan was glad for it. The other man besides Jeffrey stood up, and walked over to pat him on the back.

"It'll be good to have someone balancin' the scales. Too many wee girls around here," he said, chuckling.

"Oi, don't turn Ethan into another you, Bradley. One's already pushing it."

"Knowin' you, you didn't even see if the man wasn't already like me, did ya? You agree, right, Ethan? Too many birds chirping in your face gets tiring after a while!" he laughed again, before a small rock hit him in the back of the head.

"Keep that up and I'm giving your next boxes to Mia and Emma, idiot," Jeffrey chimed in. Penny poked him in the stomach and Bradley recoiled. Jeffrey sat back in his seat, talking with the other two women in a quiet, somber tone. In the middle of it all, Ethan almost forgot that he hadn't even given his agreement. But he didn't speak up about it after the fact either. Just being in the middle of the banter was enough for him.

When Penny and Bradley sat back down, Ethan found himself a chair and placed it a little away from them. Penny caught onto it though, and she and Bradley moved their chairs closer to him.

"Not escaping the interrogation that easy. If you got a Talent, I wanna know all about it," Bradley said.

"It's nothing special, honest," Ethan lied again.

"You can drill him on it later, let's eat first! What'll you be having, Ethan?" Penny asked, raising a hand to call over a server.

"Oh, I'm fine, really. I don't need much." Roasted alien bird in a tomato sauce, some kind of pasta, and a dozen different kinds of bread appeared on their table quickly after. They started eating, all except Ethan, who'd filled up on calorie bars in case he needed to make a run for it. While they dined, each of the party members fired off questions for him. Most of them Ethan had to lie about.

He couldn't really tell them he was a bedbound patient for the past few years, or they'd start getting suspicious on how he even entered the Trial, much less survived so far. Keeping up the lies was hard, though, so Ethan was glad when they gave questions he could actually answer.

"And it lets you heal from inflicting wounds?" Bradley asked, amazed.

"Pretty much. As long as I have a supply of bodies, I can heal from a lot." They weren't the exact mechanics, but less to lie about meant less to keep track of.

"Ripped clothing is the worst. Three times Jeffrey over 'ere had to fight stark naked, and that memory'll haunt us for the rest of our lives," Bradley joked.

"You're alive, so you're welcome," Jeffrey replied, chewing down on a massive leg, bigger than a turkey's.

"You're not eating enough, Emma. Here," Penny said, waving over a server and dropping another serving into Emma's plate, much to her quiet squealing. The night went on like that, and Ethan learned roughly what their Talents were. Jeffrey had a magnetism Talent. He could lift metal with his mind, put extra force behind his swings, and even float a little. Bradley had a weird Utility Talent that let him plant and grow trees that offered a variety of effects.

Emma could manifest armour and weaponry, and Mia could create magical drones for offense. But he never learned what Penny's Talent was, and she kept up the conversation so well he never found the time to ask. She kept it up so well, in fact, that he didn't even notice when the Gala had come to an end. Ethan stood up from his seat, and followed the rest of Penny's party out of the venue before they split for the night.

"We'll meet here tomorrow morning, in ten hours. If someone doesn't make it, we'll send one single message, and if you miss that, you're out," Jeffrey told the rest of the group. He then pointed specifically at Ethan.

"And you. Bring the map or you're off the team, wholesale."

"That's a bit rude to him, isn't it?" Penny asked.

"I'll have it, I promise," Ethan said with an awkward smile. That seemed to be enough for Jeffrey, and he stalked off with the rest of his party. All except Penny, who still stuck around for a while.

"Sorry if I didn't get a chirp in, Ethan," Penny admitted.

"Though you weren't being pinched by anyone else, were ya?" Ethan let out a little laugh.

"Not at all. Thanks for having me."

"Thanks for being had. Goodnight, Ethan!"

"See you tomorrow!" Ethan replied, waving She gave him a smile, and waved back as she joined the rest of her group. Ethan thought he could get used to them. And more than used to them, he thought they might even make a decent enough team. The others all had their Talents unlocked too, and they didn't seem like bad people to him. That's because you're such a good judge of character, aren't you, Ethan? Ethan shook away the voice. He didn't need to be. He just had to see how this shrine run panned out.

And if it didn't end well… he supposed he'd just have to find another group. Weirdly, he disliked the idea, though he couldn't point out exactly why. Xillian came back just in time to put Ethan's mind off of it, thankfully.

"Mr. Collins. I think I've done my part of helping you out tonight," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.

"You did, Xillian. I owe you one," Ethan replied. They'd agreed on seventy credits, but Ethan gave the man a full hundred instead. It was the least he could do.

"And what about your deal with the Worin?" Xillian asked.

"I'll handle that one myself," Ethan replied. Xillian accepted it, dipped his head in appreciation, and also took off from the scene. Now, there was just one last con Ethan had to pull before he turned in for the night. It was time to fake a potion.