Rynax stood at the edge of the coliseum, his eyes scanning the vast arena that stretched out before him. He could feel the energy of the place, a mix of excitement and tension, as more survivors began to emerge from the jelly-like portal that shimmered nearby.
"Where are they?" he murmured to himself, a hint of worry creeping into his thoughts.
"Hey, Rynax!" a familiar voice called out, breaking him from his reverie. Thalor Sylvannis approached, his vibrant green cloak billowing behind him as he walked. The confidence radiating from him was palpable, and Rynax couldn't help but feel a flicker of relief at the sight of his companion.
"Thalor," Rynax replied, forcing a smile. "I'm glad to see you made it through."
"Of course! Did you really think I'd let a few thorns stop me?" Thalor boasted, a grin spreading across his face. "I faced an Abyssal Wisp in the labyrinth. It was a tricky little thing, but I showed it who's boss! It didn't stand a chance!"
Rynax raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "An Abyssal Wisp? Never heard of it. And thorns? I am inside a cave."
"Cave? I think we have different experiences." Thalor replied, waving a dismissive hand. "Anyways, have you seen the others?"
Rynax chuckled softly, appreciating Thalor's exuberance. "I'm glad you're okay. I faced a beast in the cave, too. It was a massive serpent-like creature. I thought I was going to be overwhelmed, but I managed to take it down with my Shadowblade Dagger."
"See? That's the spirit!" Thalor exclaimed, clapping Rynax on the back. "You're becoming quite the warrior, my Mellon. I knew you had it in you!"
Before Rynax could respond, a gruff voice interrupted them. "What's all this chatter about?" Garrick Stonefist approached, his broad shoulders and muscular frame casting a formidable shadow. His expression was serious, but there was a twinkle of humor in his eyes. "You two are getting all cozy while the real action is happening. I just had a run-in with a rust wyrm, and let me tell you, they were no match for me!"
"Rust wyrm" Thalor laughed, crossing his arms.
Rynax smiled at the wit between his companions, feeling a sense of camaraderie that eased his worries. "It sounds like you all had your share of excitement. But we still haven't seen Nerissa. I hope she's okay."
Thalor's expression shifted, his confidence faltering slightly. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. She's strong, but the labyrinth can be treacherous. I just hope she makes it through."
Garrick nodded, his demeanor turning serious. "We'll wait for her. She's tough, and if anyone can handle themselves, it's her. Besides, we're not leaving anyone behind."
As they stood together, watching the portal, more survivors began to emerge, each one filled with stories of their own encounters. The coliseum buzzed with energy, but the absence of Nerissa lingered in the air like a dark cloud.
"Look at them all," Rynax said, gesturing toward the newcomers. "It's like a gathering of heroes."
"Don't worry, Rynax," Thalor said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "She'll come through. We just have to be patient."
Garrick crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "Patience is key, but we should also be ready for anything."
Rynax nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of what could be happening to Nerissa. "I just hope she's safe. She's always been the one to keep us grounded, to remind us of what we're fighting for."
"Exactly," Thalor agreed, his voice firm. "We're fighting for our world, for each other. We can't lose sight of that."
As they continued to wait, the atmosphere in the coliseum shifted. The excitement of the newcomers mingled with the tension of uncertainty. Rynax felt a knot tighten in his stomach, the worry for Nerissa growing stronger with each passing moment.
"Do you think she's okay?" Rynax asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"She's a Tidecaller," Garrick replied, his tone reassuring. "a princess of her world."
Just then, the portal shimmered again, and Rynax's heart raced as he turned to see who would emerge next. But as the seconds ticked by, the anticipation turned to anxiety. The three fellows exchanged glances, each one silently hoping for the sight of their missing companion.
"Come on, Nerissa," Thalor murmured, his voice filled with concern. "We're waiting for you."
"CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 125 OF YOU, IT MEANS…" The little boy's voice rang out, echoing through the coliseum, his translucent white coat fluttering slightly as he gestured dramatically. Rynax, Thalor, and Garrick stood together, their expressions a mix of confusion and apprehension. The boy pointed his hand above him, and the survivors collectively gasped as twelve planets materialized in the sky, each one glowing with a distinct hue.
"12 OF THESE PLANETS WILL NOW PERISH!" the boy declared, his tone nonchalant and calm, as if he were announcing the weather rather than the destruction of entire worlds.
Rynax's heart sank as he focused on one planet in particular—a rich blue sphere that shimmered like the surface of the ocean. Nerissa, he thought, dread pooling in his stomach. Memories of her laughter and kindness flooded his mind, and he felt a wave of panic wash over him.
"Wait, does this mean? Nerissa, shit!" Thalor exclaimed, his voice rising in alarm. His usual bravado faltered, replaced by genuine fear. "No, no, no! She can't be gone!"
"NOW REST, AND AS SOON AS YOU ARE BACK IN YOUR ROOMS, YOU SHALL RECEIVE YOUR REWARDS," the boy stated, his voice echoing through the coliseum like a distant chime. The air shimmered with an otherworldly energy, and the vibrant colors of the planets above began to fade, replaced by a soft, calming glow. A sense of weariness washed over the gathered adventurers, their bodies aching from the trials they had faced. The boy's translucent coat fluttered gently, and his calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the tension that had filled the arena moments before. "YOU'VE EARNED THIS RESPITE," he added, his tone almost soothing.