Banning together, the group managed to get the entire ship treated and dried. Synexus’ special sap left a bit of a shine on the hull and enhanced the signature night sky look that he had applied to the trees before cutting the roots off. With the effort of everyone, the ship was now anchored in the water off the island a ways. Pride had washed through the group as they looked out at the massive ship they all had been working towards for the past month.

  Now that they ensured it could float, more people could help Mipp and Crix with the bamboo spinning and weaving to get the sails done. Synexus realized they would also need to weave ropes as well which added another couple of weeks to their preparations. Luckily, he and Kumo still had their trials which would match up pretty well with the timing.

  Prith, Vorin, and Zuls were able to move the map table onto the ship and Synexus was able to secure it to the floor in the captain’s quarters. Along with the map table, some people brought up needing to make some basic furniture such as beds for the trip home. Gene suggested they just move all the beds from the mansion onto the ship since they were going to destroy the dungeon anyways. Once that was suggested, the group started to strip the mansion clean of anything non-essential. Synexus’ ship was furnished with bookcases, shelves, chairs, and some kitchenware.

  ***

  Four days after Shell had entered, another shockwave came, and another two peaks fell off crashing to the ground along with several more fissures ripping through the mountains. Vorin also noticed the mountain range itself, losing some of its vibrancy which he found interesting.

  Collecting in front of the mansion door like usual, the count began only to be interrupted by beautiful music coming from inside. The group stopped and turned to find the source of the sweet sound.

  Shell walked out with her ocarina in her hands playing one of her favorite songs from the trial. As she finished and opened her eyes, she realized the group was staring at her in disbelief and silence. Zuls broke the silence.

  “Incredible! Shell that was beautiful. I had no idea you could play!”

  Everyone else nodded in agreement and applause rippled through the group in acknowledgement for their minds being blown by the nice surprise.

  “Thank you! I couldn’t play before the trial. Mine was quite different from others. I was able to pick up some new hobbies. Music is one of them and it’s my favorite.”

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  “That sounds like an amazing learning opportunity. What other things did you learn?” Of course, Synexus was interested in the knowledge she was able to obtain.

  “A lot of different things! I learned more survival skills. Horseback riding, which was difficult for me, but so fun. In one city I learned from a water painting master and fell in love with the medium. There was this person who taught me how to shape glass like it was a liquid too.”

  Everyone looked at her in amazement and then simply listened to hear about Shell’s adventure. When she was done the group split off to get back to the many things that needed to be done. Synexus, Gene, and Kumo were the only ones that stayed behind.

  Shell turned to Gene and asked, “is it possible that the echoes we encounter in the dungeon are actual people out here somewhere?”

  Her directness had taken Synexus and Kumo by surprise, but both wanted to hear the answer.

  “Hmm, anything is possible. Normally those echoes the dungeon uses are in fact dead and have become a part of the System itself, but all class chosen feed the System parts of themselves. It’s part of how it operates, so technically there is a chance just a low one unless they are directly related to you. Why?”

  “I met someone inside that I hope to see again someday. Even if there is a low chance, I want to try.”

  “Any goal is a goal worth having. Just know that if this person is out here, they are probably older than their echo. It takes time for the System to make one with the bits and pieces living class chosen provide it.”

  “Thank you, Gene. I’ll keep that in mind. I’d also love to talk to you about my class when I get a chance.”

  Gene nodded. “Yes, it seems you have created something new. I won’t have much to share, but I will do my best to answer any questions.”

  With that he flew off to let her get some rest. Synexus took the moment before she turned away to say something.

  “I’m glad you’re back, Shell. We all missed your presence while you were in there. It’s been great having you around and with you being gone a few days we felt the difference. I know you have to get back to your family but know that you always have a place with us.”

  With his words taking her off guard, she reacted without thinking and embraced him in a hug. “Thank you for saying that. I thought about all of you as well.”

  She released him and walked back inside to get some rest. That left Kumo and Synexus in front of the mansion.

  “Well, Kumo, it looks like it’s finally your turn. I know you’ve been waiting for this.”

  “I have and I hope that I get to fight some monsters. Honing my skills is my highest priority. It’ll be funny when I come out and I’m so far above you in level.” She said it in a teasing tone.

  “I’m fine with that because then I’ll know what level I have to beat once I’m inside.”

  She gave him a hug, and he wished her luck before she walked through the mansion and down into the cellar.

  “Alright lock, my biggest problem has always been feeling trapped. Feeling like I don’t have the freedom to grow the way I want to. That has followed me from my childhood into being a class chosen and I fear it won’t go away until I confront it head on. Let me earn my freedom.”

  The door immediately swung open and pulled Kumo inside.