Racknar felt anxious having to sit for several days, but the wait was worth it as Lisa produced not only replacement weapons but upgraded armor for Davy. With gear and potions replenished the party was ready to head back out again. Racknar did some stretches as the cart was loaded up. “Are you sure you want to travel with us Eli? It can get quite dangerous and you are the crown princess.” Elizabeth smiled and nodded with a confident pose. “I'm a mage on relatively equal standing as Davy, only I'm more of a support like Ariagoria. I can handle myself.”

  Ariagoria climbed into the cart. “You know I really wish there was a way to see our stats like Racknar said. Things would be easier if we knew for sure when we were ready to take on Lolith. Using the highest level spell Davy can cast as our measuring point is not at all accurate.” Davy chuckled. “You know, in Isekai anime shows whenever the main character in a series wanted to see his stats all he had to do was say it like he was issuing a command.” Davy cleared his throat and took on a more commanding tone with his eyes shut. “Display Stats!”

  Davy jumped suddenly and opened his eyes. “You have to be joking.” Racknar looked over to him while making sure everyone and everything was ready to go. “Wait, are you saying that it worked?” Davy nodded. “A screen like the one that pops up when I cast identify showed up. It's got all kinds of details on it. Including my current level. Apparently we hit level sixteen.” Racknar cleared his throat. “Display Stats!” A sound went off as a holographic screen appeared in front of him with what looked like a stat sheet on it. It contained a lot of data on it.

  [Name: Racknar Aradae Race: Beast-kin (black iron spider)/Angel-blood (Nephilim) Class: Barbarian (Path: Nine Hells)/Martial Artist (Fist: Weapon Master) Level: 16 Prestige: Battle Master/Celestial Level: 6] Racknar put his hand on his chin as he looked at all the different numbers, stats, and modifiers listed as the sheet included and accounted for equipment. “Really wish we figured this out sooner, but at least we know now. We definitely aren't ready to take on Lolith yet so I guess let's head into Londinium and hit up the guild. Hopefully there's something worth our time.”

  Elizabeth decided to ask what everyone else was thinking. “When will you be ready to take on Lolith?” Racknar grumbled as he hopped into the cart and started driving. “Although she stole her powers, Lolith is still essentially a goddess. Even if a minor one. Even at level twenty and with the help of several legendary and mythical items it'll be a tough fight considering unlike our last mission we probably won't have the chance to down recovery potions right before the boss room and she'll definitely have minions on hand in the room with her. I also doubt we'll be able to fight her anywhere but in her territory and on her terms, giving us a massive disadvantage.”

  Davy nodded. “We could have Lisa, Ivory, Elizabeth, a bunch of the monsters and whatnot that live in Camelot, and even the dragons we befriended helping us and there would still be a chance we could lose. She can block the badge of Arachne from working and potentially command any spider we bring to her as a free action without using concentration. There's even a chance she could simply mind control Racknar despite his high resistance to mental manipulation while raging. Her command of spiders is simply that absolute when she's on her own holy ground.”

  Elizabeth puts her hand on her chin. “So it's not only unlikely we'll be able to draw her out of her domain but as long as she's in it she's stronger. The possibility that she could force Racknar to attack his allies is definitely a concern considering he's your main damage dealer. Sure we have some blast casting available but that would run out eventually. Although… There are a number of capable citizens in Camelot including the Nightingales. Have you considered getting them to level grind as well? You could have a small army of mid to high level people fairly easily.”

  Racknar sighed. “I'm sure if I asked, many in the city would gladly volunteer to risk their lives for us. But I don't want that responsibility. I may not be a paragon of virtue considering I've killed a considerable number of bandits who were far from irredeemable. I still feel bad whenever someone dies for me. Even if we gain access to true resurrection it's not an easy spell because it costs the use of a diamond worth at least a thousand silver each time.” Elizabeth hummed. “Right, so it would potentially be a permanent death.”

  The party moved in silence as they used the gate and rode to the guildhall in Londinium. Marionette lent her ring of minor illusion to Elizabeth to avoid making a scene. Then the party made their way in and looked over the quests. “I don't see anything worth taking. It's almost as if someone already grabbed all the highest level quests. Down to some middle stuff. Though it was probably not just one person.” Ariagoria noted as she looked over the board. Racknar grumbled. “Alright Charity, looks like we might have to check in with nations outside the Empire. Because they don't always post quests from other nations on the board. They only really do that for potentially major threats.”

  There was a collective groan from the party as international travel was a massive pain even with the gates. Racknar looked at the counter. “They should have a sending stone like we do. Maybe if we ask they'll call other HQs to check their boards.” Racknar made his way to the counter and started talking to the lady behind it. A light elf that was more than happy to help. She told Racknar to give her a minute to call the main HQ who would likely respond with a full list within the hour of every major question posted across all locations.

  The party sat at a table and waited for the information to come in, it was boring but a lot less trouble than gate hopping everywhere and potentially coming up empty handed. Racknar groaned before deciding to pass the time with small talk. “So Davy, you figure out the romance situation?” Davy lets out an exasperated sigh. “Nope. I had a long talk with both my potential partners and I'm still looking at a catch twenty two. Krys'tal would give me emotional fulfillment but not sexual. Whereas the relationship with Ivory would give me sexual gratification but not emotional. Since for here it would just be a practical and carnal arrangement. Krys'tal insists on exclusivity but Ivory doesn't care.”

  Racknar gestured at Davy. “So pick Ivory and find a side person who isn't Krys'tal for the emotional stuff. Why is this so hard?” Davy glared at Racknar. “Yeah, like you're one to talk. I mean if your current predicament doesn't work out either way you can always seduce a dark elf. It's a lot harder for me to find someone that's down to clown with the real me.” Racknar shrugged. “You’d be surprised. I find in most cases women are just as willing if not more willing than men to dive into crazy hear-me-outs. I myself wasn't that picky. Took “feminine enough” to a different level. Robots, Eldritch abominations, what have you. Not only did something not actually have to be female, it didn't have to be human or even organic.”

  Davy whistled. “And here I thought I had low standards.” Racknar grumbled. “not low standards, more like I was more open minded I guess.” The guild worker finally returned with a paper that listed all the quests not on the local board. Racknar looked it over and grumbled. “Must be a slow day or something. Because there's simply not that many higher level quests. There's some bandit camps, because there's always bandit camps. So I guess we'll take a few local bandit camps out.” Racknar grabbed three quests and logged them with the person at the counter before leading the group back to his cart.

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  The party plus Elizabeth were once again on the road. Elizabeth spoke up after a bit of silence. “Wait, does that mean Krys’tal would be in your wheelhouse despite being my ade if crystal and non-binary?” Racknar shrugged. “I guess. Not that I'm currently interested but them being a Shatterkin wouldn't bother me. Though, like Davy, I might have some issues getting around asexuality. Like Davy, I very much have needs.” Elizabeth nodded. “I myself have been working on letting go of appearance as a major factor. I've made a lot of progress seeing as your's no longer bothers me that much. You're still the same person I liked when we knew one another, mostly.”

  Racknar nodded. “I have definitely changed but I feel for the better. I'm more in touch with my emotions and am not trapped by self-loathing.” Davy leaned over a bit. “So when are you going to choose who you try to date?” Racknar growled. “When I'm good and ready. Right now I'm focusing on the mission. I know, I'm always focused on the mission. But we're on a time table now.” Ariagoria tilted her head. “What do you mean?” Racknar sighed. “King William has cancer or something, and even the magic of this world can only prolong the issue. He's got a year, tops.”

  Ariagoria gasped and covered her mouth before looking at Elizabeth. “I'm so sorry.” The cart ride was once again silent for a while when Racknar suddenly stopped and looked around. Everyone was suddenly on high alert and looking around. There was a bright light in the distance that rushed at the group. “Jump!” Racknar shouted. Everyone leaped off the cart before the light went through it turning it to splinters and the spider pulling it to paste. “Franklin!” Racknar shouted as the light stopped and unfurled wings, showing itself to be a humanoid with bird-like wings on its back and marble white skin. Its eyes were like sapphires, solid blue shoes in its face breaking up the solid white.

  Racknar looked at the figure as small blood red flames started coming off his fists. “You killed Franklin, you heartless angel bastard! I don't care if you're a messenger from Celestia, I'll make you pay for that!” The angel looked at them but didn't speak. It was almost like it was on autopilot. Racknar stared at the angel before pointing at it angrily. “I'm talking to you, feather brain! Where's the grandiose speech and the pompous crap? You're not even going to annoy me with some spiel about the glorious light of Celestia or whatever?”

  The thing then suddenly sped at the crowd who tried to scatter but it managed to get Marionette by the throat. “Target acquired, returning to base.” It said in a robotic tone before it vanished in a flash of light. “Fuck!” Racknar shouted. He then called someone on his sending stone telling them to prepare a list of items. “We're going back to Camelot so I can either summon an angel or send us to Celestia. We're going on a rescue mission.

  Racknar had decorated the room with various objects and strange symbols written in white chalk before drawing one last symbol in diamond dust. “Okay Elizabeth, I've set up the ritual. You'll have to follow the instructions that I gave you to the letter.” Elizabeth nodded. “I understand. But are you sure it's wise to summon an archangel after an angel just kidnapped your teammate?” Racknar nodded. “That thing wasn't acting normal, I'm guessing it was acting under a spell. There are strong summoning spells that conjure angels and like most summoning spells, it forces the summon to obey the summoner. Meaning this one wasn't acting on behalf of Celestia.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “So this isn't some divine misunderstanding?” Racknar shrugged. “I don't even know why you are asking. Let's just do this so we can save Mari.” Davy shifted around. “It took time to get everything. You know what that means right?” Racknar snapped on Davy. “I don't want to hear about the odds.” Ariagoria put her hand over her mouth. “It took a day and a half to set this up. The actual summoning could take as long as twelve hours. That's two full years.”

  Racknar looked at Elizabeth. “You've practiced the true name a few times while I was setting up right?” Elizabeth modded. “I'm ready.” She took a breath and started chanting. After a bit magic energies started surging through the room and items started to get thrown around as if a strong wind was being tossed around. “I call thee by thy true name. &#$@￥€￡§” The true name was garbled and the only ones that could hear it spoken were Elizabeth and Racknar. There was then a bright light that shined through the window to the summoning circle before a humanoid shape in golden armor with a blue sash by the neck unfurled blue angel wings. The figure had four heads, a knight, a lion, an eagle, and a bull. Each facing a different direction.

  It looked at Elizabeth and made a gesture but didn't speak. Elizabeth then spoke in length in Celestial, most likely explaining the situation. The figure looked at the party and moved to each one, lightly poking them. Starting with Ariagoria, then moving on to Racknar then Davy. It then moved back to Elizabeth before poking her. It put its hand on the chin of the knight's helmet that was facing forward. “There lay in front of you, in this moment, four paths. T-” Racknar interrupted. “Apologies if I'm inpatient but for every hour we spend here days pass in Celestia. So skip all the pomp and ceremony crap. I'll take whatever path leads to us saving our friend the fastest.”

  The figure shifted a bit. “Understandable. I'm assuming you would like to do the rescue yourselves instead of leaving it to me.” Racknar shifted before looking at his party. “It's not a question of capability, it's a question of trust. No offense.” The figure faces its lion head at Racknar. “We would be more offended if you did trust us. We are an entity from outside this realm. Trusting us right out of the gate would be foolish. Alright then, grab onto my sash and I'll take you to the lowest sphere of Celestia.”

  The party members each grab the sash with one hand. A strong beam of light hits them all, blinding them. When they open their eyes they find themselves in what looks like a garden or park. There were a number of those angles that look like carriage wheels with eyes on them floating about and humanoid figures in white robes and no wings. Racknar chuckled. “Welcome everyone, to the Lunara, the Sphere of Inconsistency. The home of lesser angels and lower ascended mortals who didn't fully keep their oaths but we're still worthy of Celestia.”

  Davy looked around. “Should Charity and I even be allowed here considering…” The angel spoke from its eagle head that was facing backwards. “Ariagoria has been purified, her demonic blood having come from a fallen has been sanctified. She is closer to an angel-blood now. As for you, you are spiritually a human and your patron is considered a neutral entity unlike his siblings.” Racknar rolled his upper right wrist. “Don't ask, I'll explain later.” He said addressing the party. The figure then waved his arm at the garden. “The one you seek is most likely somewhere in this sphere. Follow the ties that bind you and you will need no compass.”

  Racknar let out a sigh as the figure vanished in a flash of light. “Yeah, maybe I should have picked someone besides Micheal for this. Maybe Gabriel or Uriel would have been a better choice.” He looked around before closing his eyes and breathing while thinking about Marionette. He imagined a string or thread connecting them and when he opened his eyes he could swear he could see on leading off to the distance. “This way.” Racknar started walking with everyone following. Ariagoria had a minor objection. “So do you know where we're going?” Racknar shrugged. “Not exactly. I'm guessing you can't see a thread here.” He waved his hand through the thread. Ariagoria shook her head.

  Elizabeth squinted at Racknar. “He said to follow the ties that bind you and Mari. What exactly does that mean? I thought you said she had a crush on you. It sounded like it was one sided.” Racknar sighed. “I care about her, that much is clear. Whether or not there are romantic feelings there for me have yet to be explored. I haven't had the time since I managed to work through my main issues.” Elizabeth shifted a bit. “Isn't she like… thirteen?” Racknar sighed. “She spent two years in Tempest, two days by our time. Making her fifteen. It took us two or three days to get her so she'd be seventeen or eighteen now because Celestia works on the same level of time dilation.”

  Elizabeth presses her lips together. “But her body isn't organic, meaning it still looks like a fourteen year old.” Racknar nodded. “I am aware of the aesthetic challenges her body poses, just as much as I am aware of the aesthetic challenges mine does.” Elizabeth chuckled. “That's fair. You were never one to care about appearance that much.” The group moved in silence until the thread led Racknar to a spot in the large garden park area with a walking path and quilted couches for benches around a large pond that neared small lake territory.

  At the other end of the lake was what looked like a small white manor. Racknar pointed to it. “That's our destination. Most likely the home of the Lord of this sphere. I'm guessing Mari is being kept inside and we might have to either go in heist style or fight our way through. The first option might be tricky as the person we are trying to rescue is our stealth specialist. Let's take a moment to plan things out before going in. Because if we have to fight the Lord there's a definite chance we'll die.”