Maethion was confused about how Clyde knew about that. About something that should only be known by parties within the Celestials' circle of followers.
He was one of the people who knew about it because he was in the Senior Council. His colleagues in the Senior Council are spies in the deepest circle of Celestials, some even occupy high hierarchies there. Of course, he would know about that.
However, for Clyde, someone who has only been in the Fortress for a few months already knows something like that... its very strange and could become something big in the future.
But for now, Maethion thinks that what Clyde said is true. He had to start ordering them to move out on expeditions when the situation was tense in The All Territory.
"But Clyde," Maethion said. "What happened over there seems to be something different than before. After a very long time, there is finally something that can make those powerful Celestials feel threatened."
Clyde was silent and pondering over the matter for a second. Indeed, originally they only had to worry about the Celestials and their powers; but now it looks like another force is coming.
"That doesn't matter for now, does it?" said Clyde after he finished thinking about that. "We need to go to the Nexus of Creation first, find out the secrets and weaknesses of those Celestials. After that, we can worry about the new threat."
"Yeah. I guess you're right." Maethion nodded and then stood up from the chair. "I will start the meeting again. You wait for the next news from me and tell the other members of your party."
Clyde stood up and gave a brief nod. "Yes."
Maethion left the place. Clyde came back to say that to the ten people who were now members of his party.
'Wait, didn't they say they were celebrating today?'
Clyde stopped in place. He thought for a few moments before finally shaking his head slowly. 'I don't think I need to bother them. Let them enjoy the night before going on an expedition which is likely to be quite dangerous.'
So Clyde decided to postpone the news until tomorrow. Maybe they still have to leave the next day after tomorrow because they have to get ready first.
Clyde now goes to Hammer's place. The Dwarf was working with his men in the open study. Swing after swing of the massive hammer hitting the reddish metal filled the smithy. The clanging sound of metal on metal is the background music that never seems to stop in this place.
One of his men told of Clyde's arrival at Hammer who was teaching a blacksmith who looked like a novice. When he saw Clyde coming, Hammer smiled broadly as usual.
"Clyde!" he said cheerfully. "How are you doing? Feels like a long time since your last visit."
"It's not that long," Clyde replied flatly. "Can we talk for a second?"
"Of course!" Hammer said, leading Clyde into his private study.
As soon as they entered, Hummer locked the door.
"What's the matter?" Hammer asked. When he was inside - out of sight of his men - Hammer's smile immediately disappeared to be replaced by a worried look. Clyde usually always came with something to make him nervous so it was natural for Hammer to feel that way.
"The device you invented." Clyde showed the bracelet in his hand. "It's working."
Hammer's face twisted into a troubled expression. On the one hand, he was happy because his creation, which was supposed to be impossible, had succeeded. But on the other hand, he was also worried because that meant he had succeeded in doing something that was prohibited by the Senior Council and would most likely get him into big trouble.
"Aren't you happy? You've just created something amazing," Clyde said, confused by the look on Hammer's face.
"That is a dangerous thing, Clyde. I don't even know how I survived until now without the Senior Council noticing it," Hammer said.
"I told you not to worry about that," Clyde said. "Now I have another request."
The hammer became even more pounding. But he was also still curious.
"I want you to make good armor and weapons for eleven people, including myself."
Hammer frowned. "Eleven? What are you going to do with it?"
"An expedition. A big one," Clyde replied in a serious tone.
Hammer didn't answer right away. He looked at Clyde with curious eyes but then he shook his head in curiosity. It was better for him not to know the details of what Clyde was going to do.
"I already have enough armor. All with good quality materials you brought. Don't worry about it. When exactly do you need it?" Hammer said.
"As soon as possible. Maybe the day after tomorrow. It's good if you already have it but I need armor that makes it easy to move fast, not just strong," Ckyde said.
Hammer nodded thoughtfully. "I think we can modify it a bit."
"Can you finish the day after tomorrow?"
"Of course," said Hammer. "But you brought another ten people? I've never known a party with that many members on an expedition."
"This time we're going to do something a little different," Clyde said. "I'll be going now. I'll be waiting for all the armor the day after tomorrow."
Clyde left the smithy. Hammer and his men set to work modifying the armor to Clyde's wishes.
~~~
The next day comes and Clyde no longer delays to say that the expedition they are about to undertake has sped up. Previously they had estimated it would take several weeks for them to go, but now suddenly they had to set off.
"How is that possible? We're not quite ready yet!" Wiley said with a worried face.
"This is the perfect time. Last night I spoke to Maethion the Senior Council, and he said now is the perfect time to go because something is going on in The All Territory keeping the Celestials busy," Clyde replied. He chose to use Maethion's name because he said that if he himself got the information it would raise a lot of questions.
"But... are we strong enough to go to the Celestial domain?" Kiara asked worriedly.
"We're going to do it as sneaky as possible. If something bad happens we just have to run," Clyde said. "I'm here anyway."
They all stared at Clyde. He said that confidently. He's not only sure, he knows, that he can protect them from harm.
And they admit that too. No one disputed Clyde's words because they had also seen how strong he was.
"Alright, then," said Samuel. "Let's get ready."
Even though they feel a little anxious and even afraid, in the end, they still have to carry it out. The sooner they left the better, although they still felt that they weren't strong enough to enter the domain of Celestials. However, the longer they delay, the greater the fear will be.
Moreover, Clyde had also convinced them with his confidence in his strength. So, there are more reasons for them to leave than not.
Preparations were made. They entered the Ruin to level up a little more then took the armor and weapons that Hammer had prepared.
Clyde caught up with Maethion again to hear what he had to say. And Maethion gave him a piece of great news.
"I've spoken to the other Senior Council and we decided that you should go to this Celestial domain first," said Maethion.
"Who is it?" Clyde asked.
"Goddess Pele. There is a path there according to the description in Olaflyn's book is the easiest path to find."
And then, Maethion said about how he could find the path.
~~~
Time passed until finally the day came. The eleven people stood in front of the portal like a small army about to leave for the battlefield.
Samuel stuck his amulet on the portal and a view of a vast green plain appeared in the portal.
"Where do we go for now?" Leyan asked.
"To the Goddess Pele," Samuel answered. As someone who wields an amulet that allows him to open a path to the domain of Celestials, Clyde told Samuel the location they should go sometimes ago.
"Pele the Fire Goddess?" Leyan said, licking his lips.
"Yes," Samuel replied flatly. "It's open. We can go now."
And so, their expedition begins.
They exited the portal and set foot on a wide plain at the edge of the forest. There was a large mountain that seemed majestic to fill the scene in front of them. The mountain is so huge as if it is the ruler of this place.
They're scanning around. This place is cool and calming with the breezy wind blowing along with the warm sunshine.
"Let's start searching," said Clyde, his tone rushed and not wanting to waste time. "Samuel, Leyan you guys come with me."
"Why?" Leyan asked, looking confused and troubled because it seemed as if he was being ordered.
"You guys gained power after killing Archangel Uriel's party members back then, right?" Clyde asked, glancing at the both of them.
"So what?" Leyan asked.
"Come with me. I have a way to strengthen the power you get."
~~~
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