「The second day.」
The hull of the Skybound emitted a low hum as all its Protective Runes activated.
A faint blue membrane of light appeared on the ship's surface, like a layer of flowing Crystal.
Ahead, the entrance to the Chaotic Sky Rift Valley grew ever closer.
The Earth below vanished, replaced by a shattered Void filled with churning, grayish-black chaotic mist.
The light warped and vision distorted.
Ian stood before a porthole, his right hand resting on his Token.
The Anchor Crystal Stone at the center of the Token grew slightly warm, projecting a line of text.
[All Level Two Wizards, gather on the upper deck.]
[Repeat: All Level Two Wizards, gather on the upper deck.]
Ian opened his cabin door. Several figures were already hurrying down the corridor, their faces grim.
He threw on a dark gray Long Robe and pulled up the hood, concealing half his face.
Gaga shrank into the shadows on his shoulder, his heterochromatic eyes scanning their surroundings warily.
