Final Fantasy Online

Chapter 41: Preparation

-FFO-

Chapter 41: Preparation

-FFO-

3:00pm

Location: Barracuda Estate

{Final Fantasy XV: Labyrinthine}

The party reached the barracuda gates. The guard posted to wait for them glared at the 8 and opened the gate. The 8 walked in with the guard and received glares from other guild members. They ignored the stares seeing this coming.

As soon as they reached the door, Lumino knocked and entered once he heard Aria's voice. The other seven entered with him but Lumino was the only one to approach Aria's desk. It was time to negotiate. "I'm glad to see you made it. Please have a seat," Aria offered.

"That won't be necessary," Lumino turned down. "Let's begin the negotiation but before that, I'd like to thank you for meeting with us in person."

"It was the least I could do seeing as Nadia didn't extend an invitation. Circumstances have changed since it's you eight that have requested to take part in the rite and not the Slayers' reckless army. However before I discuss anything I have a few questions."

"First of all, why do you seek to awaken the Hydrean?"

"Three reasons," Lumino couldn't see his party's confusion when he stated three reasons. "Firstly, in our current state of clearing the game, we run the risk of taking too long to escape from the game before our bodies in the real world fail us. Having the Hydrean, and hopefully other future gods, on our side will help us progress through the game faster, just like what we witness at the battle earlier today."

Aria understood the reason. They had come unprepared to that battle chasing down the overconfident Slayers however Ramuh killed the magitek in one hit.

"Secondly, participating in this battle will stop anyone unprepared for the rite from taking it on. I understand that keeping the Alter under lockdown is effective but the best way is to eradicate the threat."

"Thirdly, Leviathan controls water and also enhances white magic. Am I wrong, Lily?" Lumino turned around asking. Lily was surprised he found that out and nodded.

"With enhanced white magic, there will be less casualties on the front lines and worst case scenario: if a disaster falls that has the potential to wipe out Aincrad, we can keep many people in the fight and save those dying."

This last reason surprised Aria. What has Lumino been thinking about? Why would he consider that a threat? Was it the kings that spoke to him?

"Understood, my next question: you eight know well what happened during the trials of Titan and Ramuh. May you please explain what happened?"

"During the Trial of Ramuh, Raiden had to touch three runestones and endure a lot of electrical damage to receive his blessing. During the Trial of Titan, Ronen had to battle Titan and keep him from killing me. The empire was involved in both trials."

"I see then. I can see more of the situation involving the deities. However, I'd like you to know that I don't care to host a battle on my soil. Gods and empire be damned."

"It would be a disaster to host a battle in the city," Lumino pointed out.

"Yes. For that reason, we need to evacuate the citizens of Altissia."

"Which is what you want to negotiate."

"Didn't take that long for you to catch on. Now with information out of the way, let's talk terms. The potential chaos does worry me. You may not know it but the teleport gate was destroyed before anyone could teleport out."