Act 1: Blue Ocean Pavilion - Chapter 83: Assemble the Team

Act 1: Blue Ocean Pavilion - Chapter 83: Assemble the Team

Ivanka sat on the desk and stared blankly at the young boy with gleaming eyes that refused to give in. She chuckled softly.

"I'll leave it to you. If you need anything and it's within my power, then I can help. Please help Frederick." Ivanka bowed and placed her hopes on Oscar and Emily. If anyone can help Frederick, it would be them.

"Please don't bow. You're a Knight Exalt and a Judge." Oscar begged.

After the awkward moment passed, Oscar cleared his throat, "I do need your help on something."

"What is it?"

"Are you able to acquire Hytr Elixirs for me?"

"Hytr?" Ivanka blinked in confusion.

.......

Since Hytr Elixirs were non-graded and not useful for Exalts, there was no issue with Ivanka acquiring a certain amount for Oscar, at a given price, of course.

After being escorted out of the Record Hall, Oscar returned to the Outer Hall and met Elder Saul again.

"Thank you, Elder Saul, for taking me to the Record Hall. It was a fruitful meeting." Oscar bowed.

Elder Saul looked at Oscar. "You remember that I said you'd owe me a favor."

Oscar tensed up. Whatever this mysterious elder wanted would not be simple. But a deal was a deal, and he had to honor his part.

"What does Elder Saul want from me?"

"There's no need to put on such a serious face. I require a heart."

"A heart?!" Oscar quickly placed his hand over his heart. "Surely not my heart, what heart?"

"In the Brilliant Drake Empire, there are several different places, from the golden Hurin Plains to the coasts of the Starry Sea. But one has a notable characteristic. The Floating Islands of Edin."

"Edin? That's far off to the Northern regions of the Empire!"

"Bring back the heart of the Exalt Beast, the Thousand Serpent."

"Thousand Serpent? I've never heard of that Exalt Beast. There's no detail of it in the Creature Report I and II." Oscar was curious about the nature of his prey.

"It is an Exalt Beast at the Elite Exalt realm." Elder Saul explained. "I will allow you to bring four others to help you. Think of this as a secret mission. I'll even give you all some good rewards for your troubles."

Oscar's interest grew when he heard about the rewards of the mission. The part about the Elite Exalt Beast was troubling, but he thought it could be done with a good team. More importantly, he owed Elder Saul.

"I got the chance to look at that Frederick's history. Do you know where he is right now? He is at the Floating Islands of Edin."

These words rang like thunder through Oscar's skull. He looked at Elder Saul wide-eyed, asking if it was true.

"I am not lying. This is also a chance for you to find him and talk."

Oscar bowed and shouted, "I will go!"

Frederick was there. If there were a chance to meet his friend, he would do it.

"Should I go now?"

"No. Go and assemble your team, and I'll meet you at the port in private room 004 tomorrow morning. I will arrange for a special ship to take you there as fast as possible." Elder Saul retreated into his cabin. His day was over.

Without delay, Oscar hurried to the Commune and sent a message to Emily from the postal room. In a matter of moments, Emily came out to meet him.

"Is what you said true?" She grabbed Oscar's shoulders with a harsh grip. Oscar felt thankful for his trained body.

"It's the truth. Elder Saul told me that Frederick is in the Floating Islands of Edin. He's also offered a secret mission for us, and I need three others to come with me."

"Count me in." Emily stated without hesitation.

"Fine, fine."

Time passed by as the night grew darker. It was very late.

"I'll return to my dorm. We need to go out early tomorrow." Oscar packed up the books and returned them to the shelves.

"This is the first time we'll be on a mission together! I'm excited." Celestina was beaming with radiant light from her smile. Though it was a dangerous mission, it was still an outing with a friend.

"Goodnight." Oscar quickly departed before any evil thoughts crept into his heart. Celestina's smile was just too enchanting.

'What is this feeling??!'

.......

The next morning, Oscar got up earlier than his early wake-up time. He spent his time outside, waiting for Emily and the other recruit, in meditation. The Ein continuously flowed within.

Any bit more strength he could acquire was a boon for this upcoming journey.

"We're here."

Emily appeared with someone next to her. Oscar was pleasantly surprised when he saw the other member of their group.

"George!"

George Harper, Oscar's opponent in the second round of the Grand Gathering, was a tall, skinny man with black hair. He utilized his bow anima to make long-distance attacks.

At his side was his companion, the Sapphire Hedgehog.

"It's good to see you, Oscar. You've gotten stronger since we last met."

"Not as much as you. I can tell you're a Greater Apprentice Exalt now. How did you do it?" Oscar asked.

"As your senior, how can I fall behind?." George's nose pointed up with pride.

Emily cut in, "George knows everything about our mission. I am surprised he agreed."

"An Elite Exalt Beast is a terrifying foe, but with five of us, we can do it. More importantly, Frederick is there. I don't know what happened, but the three of you need to make up." George gave a thumbs up. "Wait, what happened to your ear?!"

"Then let's go to the port. Our other two members should be waiting for us." Oscar ignored the question.

"Who did you find, Oscar?" Emily asked.

"You'll see." Oscar kept his mouth shut.

The trio arrived at the port and made their way to private room 004, which Elder Saul mentioned. Opening the door, Oscar saw two people waiting inside in their seats.

George and Emily could not believe it. Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as they recognized that silver hair, emerald eyes, and a beautiful face that garnered respect and adoration.

"Princess??!!" They shouted.

On the other hand, Oscar was fixated on the other person. He had wavy rose hair and purple eyes. His face was sharp like a sword and very attractive.

"Phillip Raeven?!" It was his opponent that defeated him during the Grand Gathering.

"Oscar Terr? It's nice to see you again." Phillip was surprised but quickly smiled in greeting. Oscar Terr was one of the few opponents that he respected even though Oscar had a Grade Four Exolsia.

Celestina put on her regal presence and smile. She did not let down the Dragnar name with her royal bearings.

Before everyone else could calm down and normally greet each other, a flat and elderly voice cut into their heads.

"Everyone is here. I will explain the mission further." Elder Saul looked at the five children. His eyes paused for a moment on Celestina, but his focus shifted to Oscar.

"This can be a great opportunity for all of you."