Broken Earth: Unveiling the Secrets of the Worlds

Confirmation

After a few minutes of argument because of the opposition of idea of venturing further into the portal in hopes to find the place that records everything when the world fell into ruin. Both Elves and native humans state they opposition but Xerxes made it clear that it is the only payment that he will accept from the humans. Flugar and the other elves find it pointless to argue and leave it to the humans. In the end, the humans concede defeat in Xerxes persistence.

Both Flugar and Xerxes’ groups decided to go back to their homes to prepare everything they need. Xerxes left every weapon they had to the native humans so that they can have something to defend themselves in their absence. On their way back, Xerxes, Rupert, and Ramirez were able to find some safe places where other hunter are able to hunt but because of the new threat, the decided not to record everything for the meantime.

“Something is coming!” someone on the other side of the portal screams after seeing a dark silhouette in the portal. Then the three appeared rolling on the ground and panting. “That was ridiculously close. I thought I’m going to die there.” Ramirez says to himself. “Yeah, and that’s only because you step on that creature’s tail. Even I would get angry and chase someone who stepped on my foot. Especially when that person did not even apologize.” Ramirez turns to Rupert with widened eyes.

“They can understand our language?” both Xerxes and Rupert shake their heads in disappointment. Its was already too late when the three realize that they are back to their world and they are surrounded by people. “Mr. Xerxes, perfect timing. Your group had been there for almost a month. Are there any improvements in the situation on the other side? Here’s some chair. You must be exhausted.” The marquis greets them right after their arrival. An attendant of his even brought them something to drink to quench their thirst.

“Rupert, Ramirez. You two go back first.” Rupert already has the book and record for the things that they need to being as soon as possible and gave them a signal to start preparing the weapons. Rupert looks at Xerxes with a concerned expression. “As you wish master, you should return after you finish speaking with them. You need to rest after all.” Rupert grab Ramirez and ran back to the shop.

Some of the people who were waiting near the portal were wondering why the two seem like they were in a hurry but then quickly ignores them, they all want to hear what Xerxes is going to report. The marquis brought Xerxes inside the building beside the portal so that he can give the report without anyone interrupting. The building is swarming with people trying to listen to what they are going to talk about.

“The situation inside the portal, I think its even more dangerous than it has ever been. Its not just those monstrous beetles that appeared inside, there are even more dangerous and larger monsters that popped out. The reason why we were rolling on the ground when we got back is because there is a creature that chased us, it has a long tail and a bony head. One head-butt by that thing and you are done for. It even wrecked a tree when we managed to evade it’s attacks. Just thinking about it makes me nervous. Gosh I don’t want to see that creature ever again.” The marquis swallows his spit after seeing that Xerxes himself is afraid to meet the monster that he just described.

“You mean there are even more new monsters now? How is that possible? Were you able keep a record of those creatures?” the marquis ask but to his disappointment, Xerxes and his group were not able to document a single new creature due to them being more aggressive than the original monsters that they have encountered. “I’m sorry Marquis. We did not have the chance to record anything. I don’t want to risk the life of my men to do something like that while surrounded by numerous monsters. We know close to nothing about them and it looks like its just a start. I think I have a hunch why those monsters suddenly appeared.” The marquis felt sad about the report but then Xerxes piques his interest.

“What? What do you think is happening.” The marquis asked. “Season, it think the world inside the portal is undergoing a change in season. I don’t know if its winter or autumn but I think that is the reason. The beetle we brought last time? We encountered some of them, and we found out that there were some monsters crazy enough go hunt them as well. There are scratch marks and other injuries from the bodies of the beetles that we killed. Its like the whole ecosystem of the world inside the portal decided to show up. I don’t think it is safe to enter the portal anymore. We need to wait for the right time after the season change again. Otherwise, people will just start dying for no reason.”

The marquis finds his report hard to believe since they were able to stay inside the portal for almost a month. “If those monsters are crawling inside the portal then how will you explain your safe return?” Xerxes have already seen this question coming and have prepared an answer for it. “When things were calm. We built a shelter, me and my group were able to find some things to make a safe place to stay whenever we are inside the portal. It was during our first commission when we were commissioned to find a missing person. You can ask him directly if you don’t believe my words.” Xerxes says with a stern expression.

The marquis understand and ponders for a minute before deciding what to do. “Okay, we are going to follow what you suggest. But, let us confirm it ourselves. Its not that we don’t trust you but most of the people here do not even considered your words to be worthy of trust. We will bring one of the hunters from each groups so that they can’t complain.”

Xerxes understand what the marquis wants to accomplish and let him do what he wants. “But please be careful. The portal is not a safe place to stay in for now. You need to have them back right after the one hour mark is finished.” Xerxes excused himself so that he can return to his shop.

“Mr. Xerxes thank you very much for the information.” The marquis bows his head and he immediately got out of the building and went straight for their shop. The marquis ask his men to tell the hunters to bring in a leader of each group for a meeting. And after a few hours, they decided for each group leader to go inside the portal to confirm Xerxes’ information. Out of all the leaders of each group, Benedict and two other group leaders were contented of the information and wish not to enter the portal if it really is as dangerous as Xerxes reported.

“I trust Mr. Xerxes’ words. If he says its dangerous then its dangerous. You can just grind your teeth all you want but I am going to trust that man. He is even more reliable than most of the people here inside this building. Excluding you and the authorities marquis.” The other two said the same thing and went out of the building together.

“Looks like we are down to 9 leaders, of course I will also send some of my men inside. So rest assured. We will proceed with the plan tomorrow morning. Make sure you prepare your equipment tonight. We start at dawn. “ the marquis ended the meeting with a doubtful feeling but to make it fair to everyone he has to do it.