14 Gem (1/2)
”Whoa, that's genius, and it just might work. Actually if I'm right, with the talent you showed during that sparring session, we can triple the range.” Said Hope with clear excitement.
”OK big sis, I'm going to start now. ”said Koren as he knelt down and put his left hand on the sand. Koren changed all of his elemental points to earth, and concentrated it on his left.
He then put his right hand, the one with the ultrasonic instrument, on the sand as well. ”Here goes nothing.” Said Koren as he closed his eyes and started to 'see' the earth. He activated the instrument, as it gave off a ping sound, followed by another after a second, representing the ultrasonic image completed rendering.
”Nice Koren the range was extended, but only by 5 km, you need to concentrate on the earth and leave the radar to me.” Said Hope as her form super imposed on Koren.
Koren concentrated only on the earth, and tried to use his earth elemental power to reduce the friction the sound will face when going down.
'…ping…ping…'
”Oh my, Koren we found the caverns. The range this time was 65 kilometers, you did it.” Said Hope as she started to jump up and down in glee.
”I can see it Big sis” said Koren as he started to inspect the 3d render of the underground caverns. The caverns were a web of underground tunnels, they seemed endless. Koren noticed a few red dots in some of the tunnels.
”Big sis, are those the locations of the Sand beasts, or the spiritual beasts.” Asked Koren looking concerned.
”Not sure, the radar can only differentiate if something is alive or not, we would need more power to activate more sophisticated instruments to detect the exact type of creature. For now we can only try this approach.” Replied Hope.
”OK big sis, I can use the earth elemental spiritual power to make myself sink underground, but what if they are stronger than me. I mean, I don't exactly have an advantage when fighting underground.” Said Koren
”Don't worry, the Armor will pick up their levels, as soon as we are within a kilometer of them.” Said Hope reassuringly.
”But what if they are a lot stronger than me, I won't be able to escape.” Asked Koren with obvious worry.
”Oh Koren, You are wearing the most advanced Guardian Armor ever made. Don't forget it kind of used to be my body, I know what its capable of even in its current state. I would never ask you to go down here if I thought you could get hurt.” Replied Hope, her voice full of confidence.
”Now Koren, its time.” said Hope as her turned to mist and she appeared on Koren's helmet display.
”OK then, here we go.” Said Koren as the sand started to pull him in.
************
In a dark room, slightly lit with glowing blue crystals embedded in the icy roof, stood eight statues carved out of ice.
”My Lady, the connection is ready, you can speak.” Said a woman as she and her helper's bowed.
Ukara stepped forth and gestured with her hand to be left alone. The woman looked up at the Lord of frost city, Ukara Halfrist, and nodded, she gestured her assistants to follow her and walked out of the room.
Ukara looked at the statues, which at this point had started to glow as bright as the crystals overhead. ”Why was I called.” Said Ukara in a nonchalant tone.
”Little Princess, you should have heeded the words of the council, I can't stand up for you now.” Said the 3rd statue.
”Thank you Uncle Rolf, but I don't need the councils permission to do what is right.” said Ukara, her voice calm, her demeanor fierce.
”Lord Ukara, we have convened this meeting to decide your punishment, for your reckless actions on the flat plains.” Said the 4th statue, in an assertive tone.
”Yes, yes. You reckless woman, you should have just let the crown prince make a fool of himself. The Draconian's would never dare to attack the 9 great cities when they have the Raavi to worry about. But, but you, YOU!!, you actually used the dragon essence crystal. You rogue!!” Said the 8th statue, in a scurried tone, with a distinct stutter.