They hid in Rix's backup safehouse in the industrial district. Rix ran diagnostics on Kaelen.
"Your vitals are insane," Rix said, looking at her tablet. "Your heart rate is 20 beats per minute. Your body temperature is 10 degrees below normal. You're turning into a reptile."
"I feel fine," Kaelen lied. He felt hollow. He felt hungry.
"We have the Key to Ren's Tomb," Rix whispered. "But the Tomb isn't on the Surface. The map says the entrance is... inside the Church Cathedral?"
Kaelen looked at the scroll they stole from Umbra. It was true. The Entrance to the Deep Earth was physically located in the High Spire, inside the Sanctum of the Sun.
"Of course," Kaelen scoffed. "The Church built their headquarters right on top of the prison door."
"We can't break into the Sanctum," Rix said. "It's guarded by Level 60 Paladins. We need clearance."
Suddenly, every screen in the safehouse flickered. A holographic projection appeared in the air. A woman with golden skin and mechanical wings—the Oracle.
[Citizens of Aethelgard!][The decennial 'Ascension Tournament' is approaching!][Champions from all Sectors are invited to compete.][Grand Prize: 1 Million Credits, A Legendary Weapon, and... An Audience with the High Priest in the Sanctum.]
Kaelen and Rix looked at each other.
"An audience inside the Sanctum," Kaelen said.
"You're not thinking about it," Rix warned. "It's a trap. The Inquisitors use the Tournament to scout for talented players to recruit... or purge."
"It's the only way in without fighting an army," Kaelen stood up. "I'm entering."