Dungeon Games 2

Vell sat at his desk, turning the golden invitation over in his hands. After yesterday's victory over the Dragon Section, his people were in high spirits.

"You're brooding again," Ada said, walking in with a stack of papers. "The defense reports you asked for."

"I don't brood," he replied, still staring at the invitation. "I think deeply. There's a difference."

"Sure there is." She set the papers down and peered at him. "You're worried about the competition."

"Not worried. Just..." He leaned back in his chair. "Something feels off. Regina's not stupid. She wouldn't invite us unless she had a plan."

"When do we leave?" Mia materialized from a shadow in the corner, making Ada jump.

"You really need to stop doing that," Ada muttered.

"Two weeks," he answered, ignoring their usual bickering. "That gives us time to set things up here. Chen in charge while we're gone."

"And the thing we discussed?" Ada asked quietly.