Arvium

30: Grotto

Month 1, Day 2, 8:40: 17; Arvium, High Council Green

Aella shuffled closer to Sigmund's side as several players bumped into her from behind. She frowned at the contact and focused on her surroundings. The air was sticky and hot from the gathered people, and the noise was almost deafening.

The green led from the back of the High Council and down the hill where it joined the sea. It was separated into four steps, with a road cutting across and joining the neighborhoods on each side. The edges held trees, and the center held a sluiceway where Arvium River turned into a waterfall before it met several smaller sluiceways and mills at the bottom. Players were gathered on the inclines and the roads, jostling each other as they tried to find an empty space.

She and the others were gathered along the second step from the top, near the waterfall. The spray drifted their way with every breeze, keeping them cool despite the blaring sunlight overhead.

"Are you ok?" Sigmund half-shouted, leaning closer to her.

She nodded, and stepped nearer to the grass. She glanced up at the top of the green as the noise quieted, except for a low, thunderous shuffle of shoes as the players turned to face the top of the hill. In the distance, she could see a small group gathered on the back patio of the main High Council Building.

"Welcome, Players," a voice said, echoing over the arena.

Prince.

"Today marks the beginning of a weekly event held in Arvium City. It will be held i the sewers and tunnels beneath the city. The goal is simple: find the flag at the end of the maze and defend yourself from the NPCs and sentries."

She frowned at the mention of the word sentries.

"It will be okay," Prince said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"To participate, you must claim the token that has been sent to your inboxes. You can access them from your player menu," Prince said. "The first three players to reach the end of the maze will be receive a weapons upgrade and 100 credits, and all who finish will receive fifty credits added to their bank. Good luck, Betas. The High Council will be waiting for you at the finish line. May luck and wisdom be on your side."

Aella swiped up, then navigated to her mailbox. She tapped the new message and the menu disappeared, a small gold coin floating in the air before her. She tapped it and a small message popped up with "event claimed" in gold lettering.

She gasped as the ground started to rumble beneath her feet. She glanced up and she stepped back as the sluiceway suddenly started to shift and rise higher into the air. The crowds began to grow louder, and she stood on her toes to get a better look. The sluiceway rose for another ten feet, supported by marble pillars. At each road, a doorway was visible, leading into the hillside. The one nearest her was closed, two guards standing in front of it with spears, blocking the way.

"Please prepare for transportation inside," Prince said.

Aella coughed as her stomach flipped, feeling acid rise into her throat. She bent over and gagged, placing her hand on the cold, wet wall, taking deep breaths. Her hearing was tingy, and felt as if she was underwater.

She jerked as cold liquid fell onto her hand, and she stepped away from the wall, looking up at the moss-covered ceiling. She turned her attention to the dimly lit hallway she was in, seeing an intersection ten feet ahead. Bioluminescent plankton covered the walls, giving the hallway an ethereal air.

A roar from waves echoed through the air. There must be some kind of system keeping the sea from entering these tunnels. Her hand brushed over the hilt of her sword, and she stepped forward slowly, her boots sloshing through the thin layer of water on the cobblestones.