Working With Phantoms

Through the Unknown Terrors

August 22nd

Madran's POV

Madran arrived in the Velvet Room, with Elia and Chicory following.

"Well, mom, since your boss was kind enough to give you a two-week break, here's how the main schedule goes."

"So, we just check in on the Velvet Room for the day?"

"Yep. Oh, hey there, Philemon."

"Welcome back. Elia, are you getting accustomed with this routine?"

"Eh, yeah, it's cool."

"Very well. You have a break, yes?"

"Yep, two weeks."

"Very well. This is very convenient for what a situation this has turned into..."

Philemon sighed.

"What happened?"

"I'm waiting for everyone else to arrive, and then I'll tell."

Madran, Elia, and Chicory then all sat down, with Madran awaiting the arrival of her teammates. Then, after a few minutes, everyone slowly filed into the Velvet Room, with Philemon nodding.

"Welcome back, everyone. I understand that we've only had a few days since Elia's palace, but we are now faced with another task."

"What happened?"

"Stephen, if you will."

Madran then looked to see that Stephen had entered the Velvet Room.

"Wait, did another Tensei timeline...?"

"Yes. It pains me to announce that another one of the timelines are merging with this one."

"Ah. Madran, was this what you were talking about?"

"Yep, it seems so."

"This new timeline involves a vortex that had overtaken Antarctica and threatens to envelop the entire world. However, there are humans from various world militaries who are on a large team to destroy this vortex, the Schwarzwelt, so that humanity doesn't fade out. Keep in mind, the Schwarzwelt takes the form of multiple layers of metaphysical space, so be careful when traversing it."

"Um... ok. Everyone, are we ready?"

Madran stood up.

"This is going to be an... ordeal, so, does anyone want to back out?"

"This is nowhere as simple as the timeline involving Flynn and Isabeau. Take utmost care, because your defeat will send you back here."

"...and, we'll lose our progress, huh? Well, are we all ready?"

Madran looked around to see everyone standing up.

"Ok. Margaret, Elizabeth, do you guys wanna come?"

"Sure thing. We are both invested in this world's safety as much as you are."

Madran nodded, with everyone heading to the training hall as Stephen spoke up again.

"I wish you luck. This world is unforgiving, and you will need all of the luck that you can get in it."

Madran then went to the Universe door and opened it, with her taking a breath in before walking through it with everyone.

"Well, we're here. I- ugh, what's that smell?!"

Madran pinched her nose as the rather unfamiliar smell of both blood and burnt metal wafted around her. Madran then looked around at the area to see that they were in a large, open area that was mostly orange and yellow, with square patterns on the floor, yellowish walls that all held a diamond pattern, and odd human-like models scattered in groups of four across everything.