41- Entering The Wilds

After a long walk the trio made it to a tall building where the portal to the Wilds was located. Entering the building they found a woman sitting behind a counter "Hello Cadets how can I help you" she asked. The trio walked forward as Kaius answered "Hello ma'am we would like to enter the Wilds training area." The woman squinted her eyes, it was the first time Cadets had tried to enter the Wilds, but what the heck she'd humor these kids she thought to herself. After all you needed special permission to enter anyways maybe these kids just didn't know that.

"I can absolutely help, please scan your datapads here" she said pointing to a scanner next to the counter. "As long as you have the proper access you can enter." The boys immediately followed her directions and scanned their datapads.

Ding

[Access granted]

Ding

[Access granted]

Ding

[Access granted]

The woman eyes went wide as she heard the dings. She looked at a screen on her side of the counter where the trios information was displayed. Reading through the information she saw that these students each completed an Academy Wonder and one of them had even completed two. Her attitude completely changed as she realized she was looking at three prodigies.

"Very good Cadets, please follow me to the teleporter room" she led the boys into a huge room with a giant circular platform in the middle of it "There is a 200Gp fee to enter, you can pay your fee at the shop counter over there" she said pointing to a counter to the side of the teleporter where a man stood.

The boys thanked the woman then walked over to the man "Hello cadets" the man greeted them. "Hello sir, we would like to enter the Wilds we were told we can pay the entrance fee here" Kaius said.

"Yes that is correct, the fee is 200Gp per person I also have some equipment and supplies for sale if you'd like to take a look" the man said pointing to the counter where his wares were laid out. The trio looked over the items to see if there was anything interesting. The man had some basic weapons such as swords and daggers, there was also some Elemental guns and bangles. The trio weren't really interested in the equipment, they already had what they needed.

"I see you use a bow" the man said pointing to Zane who had a large black bow on his back. Zane nodded, "yes sir that's correct" he said. "If you don't mind me asking what type of Elementalist are you," the man asked. "I am a time Elementalist sir" Zane said as he lifted his cloak to reveal his green flame shaped Elemental badge.

"In that case, perhaps you would be interested in some Elemental Bolts, they can be used with your bow adding a physical effect to the Time arrows you shoot." The man went behind the counter and pulled out a small leather pouch which held 10 Elemental bolts, he handed a bolt to Zane to examine. The bolt looked like an arrow but was a little smaller then a dart.

Zane inspected the bolts and instantly fell in love, this would add a whole other dynamic of support he cold provide. "How much are they" Zane asked. "These bolts go for 1000Gp a pouch as they are made from special material" the man said. Zane shook his head "Thank you very much sir but I only have 600Gp's and I still have to pay the entrance fee" Zane said as he handed the bolt he'd been inspecting back to the man.

The man took the bolt and returned it to the pouch, "This is your first time entering the Wilds so I can give you a discount, 400Gp for the pouch, but i'm afraid this a one time bargain that I cannot offer you in the future" the man said. Zane was ecstatic and immediately paid the man his remaining 600Gp's and attached the pouch to his belt. "Thank you very much sir, we will be sure to come again and browse your wares."

The man smiled, this is exactly what he hoped for. He knew it would be good to make friends with this group of prodigies. Kaius and Skye paid their entrance fee and the man directed them to stand on the circular platform.

The trio stood on the platform as the man walked over to a key pad and tapped a few buttons, instantly the floor started to glow. "Be safe, I look forward to doing business with you again in the future so don't go getting yourself killed" he said. The floor continued to light up and the trio disappeared.

All the group saw was a blinding light and the next second they were standing on another circular pad in a building that looked identical to where they just came from. "Welcome to the Wilds" a woman said, "You can exit the safe zone through that door but please keep in mind that this is the only safe zone, the portal will be available for transport back one week from now."

The boys were floored, "One week" Skye repeated. "The woman looked confused " that is correct the portal can only transfer a group once every 7 days, this is an old teleporter and puts too much strain on the body so travel is limited to one direction every seven days. "Skye had an upset look on his face as he stared daggers at Zane and Kaius. "Well there's nothing we can do about it now let's just make the most of this trip, we have seven days at minimum so lets take it slow" Kaius said.

The boys exited the building and found that they were in the middle of a lush forest, There was nothing but trees and wilderness all around them as they began to enter the forest the woman who greeted them ran out and stopped them "I am so sorry but I almost forgot to give you these she said handing each of the boys a a bangle that looked very similar to the Luggage Bangle and a canteen.

"This is a special Luggage Bangle that will allow you to store the carcasses of any creatures you kill, and the canteen is a special canteen that will purify the water that's put into it making it drinkable, please be safe on your journey." The woman walked back into the building as the trio entered the forest.

There wasn't much of a trail but the trees were spread out creating clearings here and there. The whole area was full of green vegetation and they could see the trees and grass moving as wildlife scurried about everywhere. "Let's find a good place to set up camp" Kaius said, "tomorrow we can head out and start exploring."

The boys traveled quietly through the forest, Zane had his bow out and was holding one of his Elemental bolts ready to load and fire at a moments notice. Kaius was holding his Aura Blade but hadn't activated it yet and Skye was wearing his Elemental Gauntlets. The trio had there hoods up and their cloaks were doing a great job of camouflaging them. "These cloaks are too good" Zane said "it's like we're invisible I can't even see you guys. I knew they would be useful, but these Elemental Blacksmith versions are even better than i'd read about."

Kaius nodded his head as he stopped and lowered his hood, "your right these things are too good, it will be hard when fighting if we can't even see each other, I wish there was a way that we could sync them up to allow us to see each other."

"I can't imagine that this type of thing would be overlooked by the Elemental Blacksmiths, lets examine these things some more and see if we missed something" Zane said.

The boys found a fallen tree and sat down on it as they took off their cloaks and started examining them. The cloaks were very lightweight and the boys didn't notice much other then the Insignia on the inside where the tag would be. "There has to be something" Zane said as he turned his cloak inside out, "wait!!! there's some light writing in the hood" he said aloud. Skye and Kaius turned their cloaks inside out and were able to see the very light writing as well.

{Group Synchronization instructions}

{In order to remain visible to squad mates while wearing cloak each member of the squad must drip some blood onto the insignia in the other hoods. The blood will mesh with the hood allowing that hood to remain visible to the group. Note: This synchronization process cannot be undone.}

Kaius pulled out his throwing knife Carina had given him and pricked his finger, he placed one drop on the insignia of the other cloaks including his own. The blood flowed into the insignia and turned it a bright red, a few seconds later the insignia turned back to it's normal colorless state. "You guys put on your cloak and i'll tell you if it worked" he said. Zane and Skye donned their cloaks and put on the hoods. "It works" Kaius said "I can still see you two clearly."

SKye and Zane were excited and they quickly took off their cloaks to infuse their blood in them. Zane used one of his Elemental Bolts and pricked his finger placing a drop of blood on each cloaks insignia. Skye created a small earth spike and pricked his finger as well and did the same.

The trio were elated as they donned their cloaks and were now able to see each other. "that's a relief" Kaius said getting up from the log "let's continue looking for a place to set up camp."