Chapter 281 - Rynold's Mission Briefing

"Fine."

That one word was all the Mech God said when they reached their destination. He hasn't said a word all the way there, to which Rynold thought that his previous response had something to do with it. Even so, Rynold didn't regret it or wanted to take it back. He spoke the truth, nothing more than that.

"Fine, what?" Rynold asked, prompting the Mech God to explain.

"Now's a good time as any to tell you what the mission entails."

"And, you didn't bother telling me this earlier; why?" Rynold pursued, wondering what logic the Mech God used to hold off the explanation until now. Even though Rynold had been asking about it hours before now, the Mech God chose only now to say something.

"Does it matter?" the Mech God responded, thinking that the question was pointless.

"Humor me," Rynold answered, signs of seriousness flickering in his eyes.

"There isn't a point in telling you why... But, I suppose that you deserve to know."

The Mech God sighed after seeing Rynold's determined look. He snapped his fingers, and, just like that, a sizable portal appeared on the side of the building. Rynold couldn't really figure out what the point of that portal was. That said, Rynold felt a sense of omen coming from it. Wherever this portal led to, Rynold didn't think it would be pleasant.

"I wish to tell you about this now because I wanted to give you time to contemplate. I wanted you to be sure. There is no going back once you go through this portal. There is no way to save you once you are in there. We gods have limitations on what we are able to do. Going through this portal and entering that dimension is one of them."

"And you're telling me this now? You hoped that I would change my mind without bothering with telling me what the hell I'm going into?"

Rynold found his confidence shaken by what he heard, but not enough to change his mind. For the most part, he was still pretty angry at the Mech God for only mentioning it now.

"In hindsight, it was a poorly laid out plan," the Mech God admitted, his tone unapologetic, "Regardless, allow me to warn you of what is out there."

With an exasperated sigh, Rynold couldn't believe the guy. Rynold would at least expect some half-assed apology, but there really was nothing to say about it. The Mech God just went on, which, to Rynold, didn't at all come as a surprise. Even with some human-like expectations, the Mech God wouldn't up and change all of a sudden.

"This portal leads to a dimension of which I could best describe as the human's definition of a haunted forest. While there, you will meet strange creatures that would be hostile at every turn. There is no telling what will happen that even I cannot perceive what goes on in there."

"By haunted, you mean ghosts? Spirits?" Rynold asked, curious and intrigued, "I'm not going to be able to kill those things, especially the ones that I can't touch."

"Mana is a natural solution to that problem," the Mech God answered, an arrogant smile on his face, "Although, I highly doubt you will have to fight against those creatures. No, no. This dimension has the other creatures that folklore and myths describe."

"Heh. I am so not looking forward to this."

Rynold interlocked his fingers and pushed his hands out. He stretched, preparing for what would be a difficult mission, one that he would have to accomplish alone. Then again, Rynold being alone was considerably better than having to babysit someone else. At the very least, he only had to worry about himself. Although no one would help him, he didn't have to help anyone either.

"Are you-"

"Let me stop you right there," Rynold interrupted, knowing what the Mech God would say, "I'm sure. I want to do this, alright? It's not like you to worry about me. So, let's skip the whole concerned and convincing thing and get to what I would need to do, right?"

"Ehem," the Mech God cleared his throat as he moved on to the objective of the mission, "There is a castle somewhere in the dimension, housing its ruler. A tyrant. Your goal is to head there and find a ring. It looks a lot like this."

Handing Rynold a piece of paper that the Mech God pulled out of his pocket, Rynold opened it. From there, he saw a ring with a weird-looking engraving on it. As far as Rynold could tell, the engravings had two long snakes meandering with each other. It was a bit tacky for Rynold's taste. But, judging from the texture and color of the paper, the Mech God must've pulled it out of some old book.

"So, I go in there, break into a castle, find a ring, and go? Sounds easy enough."

"Arrogance is something you cannot afford," the Mech God warned, "While it sounds easy, it is far easier said than done. There is no telling what will happen, nor the threats that will come after fresh meat. I suggest you exercise caution. There will be no lifeline. Or anything to save you from the troubles to come."

"I know," Rynold nodded, serious and determined, "Although. Even after saying all of that, how the hell will I be able to leave? You can't really pull me out of there, correct? Not exactly a vote of confidence when I have no exit plan."

"Ah, but you do," the Mech God pulled a small crystal from thin air and handed it to Rynold, "A High-Grade Teleportation Crystal. Just think of where you want to go and crush it. Do take in mind that you must be at a high vantage point with nothing in the way to make it work. Otherwise, something unpleasant will happen."

"Okay, got it," Rynold grabbed the crystal and placed it in his Inventory. "One last thing," Rynold then turned to Crimson, who had been silent all this time. Crimson was staring at the portal, mind wandering. To which, Rynold called out and snapped him out of his dazed stare, "Hey, man. You okay? As much as I appreciate the whole silent, stoic thing going on, mind telling me what's on your mind?"

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Crimson turned to Rynold, eyes filled with nothing but concern for Rynold. "Sounds extremely dangerous. Even if you're-"

Rynold suddenly raised a hand, stopping Crimson from saying anything else.

"You know the answer to that already," Rynold patted Crimson on the back as he faced the portal, "I can take care of myself, man. I appreciate the concern. But I need to do this. One way or another, it's something that I gotta do. Heh. Anyway."

Turning to the Mech God once more, Rynold walked up to him and mentioned something he had to do before he left. Rynold then proceeded to leave Crimson and the Mech God, instructing them to wait for him to come back in a half-hour from now.

And then there were two.

"I don't think he should go," Crimson suddenly spoke out of fear, his voice weak. He let out his thoughts at a moment of weakness, not realizing that the ominous aura coming from the portal was throwing him off. He could sense the evil coming from the other side, terrifying and sickening him.

"That's not for you to say," the Mech God responded even though Crimson probably didn't want an answer, "He's much more capable than you think. Not far from the best, mind you, but not the worst either."

"But-"

"Don't," the Mech God interrupted, without so much looking at Crimson's way, "Whatever reason, comment, or objection you might have, that idiot wouldn't listen. He's sensible but sometimes stubborn beyond reason. And, don't even think about going after him. While there's a small chance he'll survive, yours are much, much worse."

As soon as the Mech God said that, silence ensued. Crimson knew better than to question the Mech God. There was no reason to go against his word because, as far as Crimson knew, it was true.

That said, it was still hard to accept.

"What's your damage?" the Mech God asked, wondering why Crimson had suddenly become so caught up in Rynold's concern. It wasn't at all sudden, but the Mech God felt curious enough to question it. It was strange for two people, who barely knew each other, to become that concerned.

"Hm?" Crimson, caught off-guard, looked over to the Mech God and didn't acknowledge the question right away. But, eventually, Crimson replied, "It's nothing."

Crimson knew he couldn't mention his supposed destiny. Whether or not it becomes true, Crimson didn't know how the Mech God would react. Although, Crimson had a feeling that the Mech God's reaction wouldn't be anything good.

Following their brief conversation, the two quietly waited for Rynold to return.