Elio surveyed his friends gathered in the strategy room. Kriz, Brok, Micah, and Ren sat on one side of the table, while Lila, Aria, Mei, and Valeria occupied the other. Lucien and Selene chose to remain standing.
"Thank you all for coming," Elio began. "We have much to discuss and plan."
Kriz, unable to contain his curiosity, interrupted. "Before you start with the dramatic speech, what in the world is that blue, chubby thing you've been carrying on your head?"
Elio smiled. "Ah, this," he said, lifting his new familiar. "It's a penguin. The new level 6 summon."
"A pen-what?" Kriz asked, leaning in for a better look. "It looks like a swift that swallowed a pillow."
The penguin, seemingly offended, let out an indignant squawk and shook itself, spraying Kriz with a fine layer of snow.
"Hey!" Kriz exclaimed, wiping his face between laughs. "I don't think your new beaky friend likes me."
Elio chuckled, stroking the penguin. "His name is Ice Ball, and he's more powerful than he appears."
Lucien cleared his throat, bringing attention back to important matters. "Elio, you mentioned you had a plan... The wall is difficult to manage these days."
Elio nodded, his expression turning serious. "You're right, I'm sorry... During my time in the monster sea, I realized we need more help to build the carbon tunnel. I can't take you safely as I planned, but we can always do what I did: plunge into the monster sea."
A murmur of concern swept through the room.
"Plunge, as in actually jump?" Micah asked. "By 'large team,' do you mean all of us?"
"Exactly," Elio confirmed. "But it's not enough. We need to train more people. We need more individuals to reach levels 5 and 6."
Elio proceeded to explain his plan. He told them how they should jump from the same point he did, how to activate the book's absorption to descend through the cores, and how to reach the tunnel.
"If you're unlucky and don't fall directly into the tunnel, just follow the wall. The tunnel is attached to it," he explained. "Also, I plan to expand the upper mouth of the tunnel, like a funnel, to increase the chances of landing directly."
Zara, who had been listening attentively, intervened. "It sounds complicated. Are you sure it's the only way?"
Elio looked at her, appreciating her concern. "I can't think of any other yet. It's difficult and risky, yes. But it's our best option to expand the city, avoid sacrifices, and secure our future... I want to at least try it with you, a small group can be the first phase, discovering problems I couldn't find alone."
Lucien stepped forward. "Elio, I understand your plan, but there's an issue. We can't send all our high-level soldiers. All loyal men are busy managing the wall and the city. We need more people like Tarec and Ivan to lead here still, let alone taking them out of the city."
Zara straightened up, excitement sparking in her eyes. "I'm ready."
"Kriz, Brok, Micah, Aria, Lila, Valeria and Mei," Elio looked at his friends, "I'll prepare you for level 5."
Kriz grinned widely. "Did you hear that, Brok? We're going to have super-powerful black armor."
Brok only grunted in response, but there was a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
Elio turned to Ren, noting his doubtful expression. "Ren, what do you say?"
Ren shook his head. "I'm sorry. I think I need more time... I'd prefer to stay and help with city management for now."
"I understand," Elio said, respecting his decision. "Your help here will be equally valuable."
Finally, Elio addressed Selene. "Do you think you can train a group of about 10-20 people to reach level 5?"
Selene nodded confidently. "Consider it done. I'll choose the most promising and loyal."
"Excellent," Elio said, feeling the plan taking shape. "Meanwhile, I'll prepare to face level 7. We need every advantage we can get."
"Level 7?" Lucien asked, his voice heavy with concern. "Elio, that's extremely dangerous. You haven't mastered the new element yet."
"I know," Elio replied, determination evident in his voice. "But it's necessary. We need to keep moving forward. I don't know what awaits us in the mana deposit... The city doesn't have much time either."
♢♢♢♢
As the meeting concluded, the room buzzed with a combination of excitement and apprehension. Elio's penguin, Ice Ball, waddled around the table, curiously inspecting each person. The other summons - rabbits, frogs, and salamanders - watched the newcomer with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
Kriz couldn't resist trying to pet Ice Ball, only to receive another spray of snow for his efforts. "I think your penguin has it out for me, Elio," he laughed, shaking off the frost.
Zara approached Elio. "Are you sure about this?" she asked quietly. "If you do it, I'll do it too... I'll take the same risk."
Elio looked at her, seeing the concern in her eyes. "I am," he admitted. "It's our best chance. And I guess this time, I won't be alone. I'll have all of you with me."
Zara nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "Together, then."
"Together," Elio confirmed.