Into the collapsing dimension
After a few minutes a hush fell across the gathered crowd. A white figure had arrived on the stage. Ares couldn't see them clearly as there was a white haze which obscured everything other then a silhouette of the person. Despite a lack of any definable feature there was a sense of intense strength emitting from this person. Ares had never felt anything of this level and it appeared the figure was restraining their aura.
"Greetings" the figure said. From the voice alone Ares could not tell if it was a man or woman speaking.
"I am the Arch-Magician of the light guild Shiva, I have summoned all the guilds here for the exploration of a collapsing dimension." Ares was stunned. This was one of the most powerful magicians in the world.
"I am sure you are all wondering why we needed you at all for this task." Shiva said seemingly reading the thoughts of the many present. If one of the primary guilds didn't have confidence how could they help.
"The dimension is collapsing; any person who is Adept or above will immediately be rejected and likely torn to shreds by the dimensional tears. From our initial discovery three separate expeditions of over have been sent into the portal; of those only one person has returned. This person managed to inform us about the dimension and provided us several materials. He has since succumbed to his injuries."
A deathly silence had fallen across the entire area by now; with even one of the primary guilds losing three expeditions this was a fatal mission.
"The dimension contains an old abandoned research centre. The facility is one of the largest we have ever found being over a mile with numerous experiments within. From what was recovered we have ascertained that the research included new spells and ancient data on magic." This was enough for a lot of the present guilds to gulp. New spells could likely raise their whole guild to a new level.
Shiva continued.
"The prior losses were due to not only the rejection of higher power but also some of the defence mechanisms. They are still in place and are lethal. The research area is huge however due to the instability it is regardless of how many people enter the dimension it will collapse 24hours after the next entrant. Even my magic is insufficient to stop it degrading. I have therefore asked that all guilds provide applicants so that we can not only spread the risk but also the reward." A few of the more seasoned protectors who were present rolled their eyes. If the Light guild could have taken all the benefits they would have; it was only after they had failed three times did they inform the others of this opportunity.
"I will open the dimensional portal in one hour; all present applicants will enter at that time. Due to the instability of the portal the location you will appear within the facility will be random; I would suggest that you find a group and explore together; this will increase your survival rate. You will each be provided with a tracking bracelet, after 24hours I will teleport, anyone wearing theirs out. If you lose your bracelet, you will be lost with the dimension; I suggest you take good care of it." After finishing the comments Shiva disappeared from the stage.
The group were now increasingly scared. It was clear this was an incredibly dangerous mission and that they were almost being used as cannon fodder. Had the light guild provided all their information or was there more information hidden. Ares thought it likely that there was a lot unsaid intelligence that the light guild had kept to themselves.
"Kids gather around." Nova said. Despite her tough exterior she was their protector. The five gathered around in a small semi-circle.
"firstly, take these bracelets." Nova said providing the promised bracelets to each of the group. They were silver bands with a purple rock like gem imbedded in them.
"Firstly everyone needs to stay safe; try to gain experience however do not risk your life for anything. If you have to wait somewhere to run out the 24hours that is preferable to death." Nova said.
"Also be wary of the groups; whilst they may be pure and righteous on the surface do not mistake that for true comradery. If you are to find anything of consequence hide it and come to me when you return. This exploration is likely to have more to it than meets the eye." She advised casting a wary glance in the direction of the white robed light guild.
Ares and the other nodded as they absorbed the information. Ares too cast a glance at the gathering for the dark guild; he knew that he needed to avoid more then just a few people.
The hour soon elapsed and after a large bang Shiva appeared floating in the air above the stage. He bowed his head as he placed his hands together and soon a huge tear appeared on the stage.
The tear was black in colour with an angry red rim.
"EVERYONE ENTER NOW." Shiva said glancing at the gathering.
Hordes of young magic users rushed into the crack seemingly eager to face the unknown. Ares and the others from the space guild were one of the last to enter. Despite this less than a minute they too stepped into the inviting pitch black.
Ares took a breath as the world disappeared from his sight and he tumbled through the darkness.