Counter Bait

At the sound of that low, monotone voice, all three of them turned to see Caelus walk into the hall, holding a strange, mechanical sphere.

"If this is a Great Void Sect ploy, they'll likely underestimate Ryker from his previous performance," he continued, "This may be our chance to glean information, if we can capture their agents."

"That is, of course, if you'd be willing to risk yourself, Hu Long."

Caelus nodded slightly in Hu Long's direction, holding out the strange sphere. It glowed with a blue light, whirring incessantly before gently floating into Hu Long's hands.

"This focus contains several contingency spells designed to keep you alive for as long as possible. We can arrange to test them beforehand, if that would help your decision."

"... No, I trust you. Though, if we can test them just so I can understand how they work…"