Arvium [I.L.S. Beta Game #1]

24: Tribute

Aella stood in front of her door, taking a deep breath. Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword and she rubbed a thumb over it, feeling the cool metal beneath her fingers. The uniform fit perfectly, and was comfortable as well as functional. I wonder if I'll have to change into the pod suit. She squared her shoulder and tapped the pad on the wall, watching as the door slid open.

Seashell was exiting her door as well, dressed in a simpler outfit of tight navy pants, a white shirt like her own, silver sandals, and a lighter blue tunic that was tied at her waist with a silver utility belt. The girl's eyes widened as she saw Aella. "Aella," she squealed, rushing forward and pulling Aella's arms out to the side.

What? She stiffened, resisting the urge to retreat back into her room.

"You're an Elite," she said, giggling as she glanced over the uniform.

Aella nodded. "Seems so."

"I hate to interrupt," Derrick said, moving closer to them. "But we need to make our way to the pod rooms so your assistants can get you logged-in in time for the tribute."

Aella smiled, and stepped out of the doorway, raising an eyebrow as Seashell slid her arm around Aella's.

The younger woman almost bounced with each step she took. "I'm so excited." She waved her hand in nervous gestures as she talked, and her voice reached a higher pitch. "This is so exciting. I can't believe we're finally here--those tests were just awful, weren't they?"

Aella chuckled. She is so much like Chloe when we were younger. She frowned as she thought back to the Graduation test. Why wouldn't they want me to remember? She took a deep breath as her vision blurred for a moment, and she felt dizzy.

"Aella?" Seashell said softly, looking up at her.

Aella paused, glad that they had reached the elevator. She smiled, the nauseousness gone. "I'm fine. Just felt queezy for a minute. I guess Luke was right--it takes some getting used to the pods."

Seashell nodded. "If you had been in the Complex a few days earlier, you would have had some time to practice the pod system. The Founder has several in the Castle--they're mostly used for training the guards."

Aella stepped into the elevator after Derrick, turning around and watching as Seashell's guard brought up the rear and pressed the icon for the ground level.

"So what did you think of Atlantea?"

Aella turned to look at her. "What?"

"Atlantea--the first world of the Beta Game. It looks like it is water-themed, which means we'll probably have a lot of boat rides and maybe some snow missions in later cities. We might even get to fight sea monsters!"

Aella chuckled. "Would that make you happy?"

Seashell shrugged, leaning against the wall of the elevator with a pout on her face. "I'm just an Ocean Rank. I'll mostly be catching food and setting traps and using water magic. It's not very glamorous."

Aella's eyes widened as the elevator doors slid open to the lobby of the Game Center, where dozens of players in assorted uniforms talked in groups.

"If you will follow me," Derrick said, smiling. "We can't have you late for your meeting."

"Meeting?"

***