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| Chapter 48 | Book 7 • Chapter 49 | Chapter 50 |
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48 hours later...
Styx Institute - Control Room
Navi |
Ortho configuration data has finished downloading from test communications satellite. |
Navi |
Merging program files. 48%... 85%.. Complete. |
| *Ortho appears* |
 |
Ahhh! Finally back! My data still feels like it's all over the place. |
|
Current time: 5:00 a.m. I wonder what's been happening on Sage's Island in the meantime. And how Idia's doing… |
 Styx Director |
Ah, you're back, Ortho. |
|
Whoa, Dad! You scared me! |
|
What were you doing under one of the technician's desks? |
Styx Director |
I've been working round-the-clock and sleeping here at HQ. I'm about to take a transport jet over to the special disaster response base they ve set up in the Land of Dawning. |
|
Have there been any changes in the last 48 hours? |
Styx Director |
Styx and the Arcane Response Unit have been busy. We also got assistance from Briar Valley's royal family. |
Styx Director |
We've been trying to breach Malleus Draconia's energy field. But our physical and magical attacks haven't even put a dent in it so far. |
Styx Director |
Whenever humans or fae approach, the briars comprising the outer surface entangle them... Then draw them inside the field. We've surrounded the area with a magical barrier that's slowed its encroachment… |
Styx Director |
But we can't stop it entirely. It's still expanding. Sage's Island is fairly far removed from other continents, so there's been no major damage yet, but...it's only a matter of time. |
|
And where's Mom? |
Styx Director |
She's been holed up in Lab One since your chat. |
|
You mean…? |
 Styx Chief Engineer |
THERE YOU ARE, OR! How many times have I told you to let me finish when I'm talking to you?! And what kind of child threatens his parents? I expect better of you, mister! |
|
Um... I'm sorry. |
Styx Chief Engineer |
If you weren't a hologram right now, I'd make you sweep this place until you learned your lesson! However, you did apologize. So we're all good! |
Styx Chief Engineer |
I'm glad you made it back. It's such a relief you're safe. Welcome home, Ortho. |
|
Thanks. Happy to be back. |
Styx Chief Engineer |
Now, with all that out of the way — we're all set. |
|
Wait, you are? |
Styx Chief Engineer |
Uh, yeah. I don't know about you, but I didn't want the Island of Woe to get flooded! Come to the mainframe in Lab One. |
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| Chapter 48 | Book 7 • Chapter 49 | Chapter 50 |
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