Synexus grunted in pain as he waited in line to go through the portal. Their group had grown quite a bit since they started the labyrinth run.
Forty-eight class chosen, Gene, and several dozen pathfinders survived through the third floor and the fourth floor awaited them.
The portal shimmered as they moved through it four at a time. Synexus was near the back with the rest of the party taking advantage of the slow crawl to heal more from Shell’s song and his fruits. Kumo held him up and they were discussing the finer points of the game with their newest guest.
Twinkle loved the attention and the party happily talked with the fairy about the game she had designed. No one wanted to risk upsetting her. Truthfully, none of the party felt much like talking to her. A class chosen they had wanted to protect died during what ended up being a pointless game. Of course, it was a one-in-a-million death and the fairy even admitted that it wasn’t her intention. The class chosen was simply just caught off guard. Still, Vorin couldn’t help but feel like being amiable towards the game master was disrespectful to the class chosen’s death. Some of the Bubble prisoners shared the sentiment and kept their distance.
Antagonizing the level ninety-nine fairy that could alter the laws of a world just didn’t seem intelligent no matter how anyone looked at it.
When it was finally their turn to step through the portal they all squeezed through together, not entirely sure what to expect next from the incredibly random labyrinth.
The sensation going through the portal was the feeling of missing a step while going down a set of stairs. Each of the party members tumbled out and fell the two feet to the ground or they would have if it wasn’t for the pile of class chosen that had all stumbled and fell on one another.
Groans from the pile continued as everyone rolled off one another and clumsily sorted themselves out. Along with the groans was a roaring laughter just not from anyone in the pile.
Synexus looked out towards the sea of laughter to see rows of seats climbing up an incredibly large room. An audience looked back.
“Is this your planet? It’s kinda dark!”
“No, Twinkle. This isn’t our planet. I’m not sure where we are.” Kumo answered the fairy who had taken a spot on her shoulder once more.
The pathfinders had gracefully taken into the air instead of falling with the class chosen. When they saw the tall room they all shot to the ceiling and perched themselves onto the rafters. Somehow the people in the crowd didn’t panic. Instead, they applauded.
“I believe they’ve come to the conclusion that we are part of the show.”
“Agreed, Synexus. Just smile and wave. Start making our way off the stage before someone in charge notices.” Vorin had his hand blocking the intense light from above as he made his way for the edge of the stage.
“Too late.” Zuls nodded toward a group of angry-looking class chosen marching towards the stage.
“What is the meaning of this? We have a strict no portal law in the Grand Drama House.” A magenta skinned man with walrus-like tusks hanging down to his chest demanded.
“Apologies. That was not a skill of ours. We had no input on where it would shoot us out. We will be leaving to not waste any more of your time.” As always Vorin went first to attempt to come to a peaceful resolution.
“Our guards will escort you out. You will not be allowed back in.” The man crossed his arms and his jacket appeared too tight.
Stolen story; please report.
“Wait, you said this was the Grand Drama House? Like THE Grand Drama House?” Belle the kitsune scrambled through the crowd towards the front.
“My dear lady, there is but one Grand Drama House and this is it. We’ve been providing the most premiere entertainment to dozens of systems for nearly a century.”
“Do you know this place, Belle?”
“I do! My family came here once when I was a child. We booked an interplanetary ferry and saw Stars of Love. I fell in love with theater that day. My parents bought us all the snacks we could eat and…” She stopped and her eyes grew distant. Her hands balled into fists. Tears started to form. “My parents…I’m not sure if they are still alive.”
No one said anything for several seconds. The manager produced a cloth for Belle to wipe her tears with.
“It appears that you travelers have gone through a lot.” He turned to one of the security guards. “Direct them to the newest inn when you escort them out.”
The security guard—a golem made of greenish stone—nodded and started to lead them along the walkway towards the doors in the distant back. They didn’t get very far, however.
Main Objective: Watch the show.
Everyone in the procession stopped when the party did. Whispers from the Bubble prisoners and the crowd circled around them. The manager marched straight back towards Vorin.
“Keep following Mr. Lapis or you will find yourselves detained and waiting on the authorities.”
“Sorry, but we suddenly got an urge to attend the theater tonight. Where might we purchase tickets?”
The red eyes of the manager widened. “All of you?”
Vorin turned to see some nods and shrugs. “All of us.”
“We only have balcony seats available for this production. It starts in twenty minutes. Your seats won’t be together. You may purchase them at the front desk. But I warn you, if any of you or your bats cause anymore delays, you will be banned for life.”
“Thank you. What did you say your name was?”
“Velvet. I’m the director of shows.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Vorin. We will go buy tickets now. Sorry again for the inconvenience.”
They started to walk up the pathway again. The sheer size of the room was astonishing. With class chosen being able to have high perception, the farther back the seats could be without any detrimental issues with enjoying the show. It took seven minutes of briskly walking to find the front desk. To save time, Synexus stepped forward and bought all the tickets. The freed prisoners didn’t have any money except for the retroactive
Progress Credits. He also got people snacks.
Twinkle was fascinated by everything and nearly ran off three times. Kumo had to wrangle her in by promising that she could try all the snacks. Apparently, fairies didn’t need to eat, but they could. Gene said it was common for them to become obsessed with mortal food, especially sweets.
By the time tickets were purchased and snacks were obtained, they had to nearly run up the six flights of stairs to the balconies they were on. Half of them would be in the same one while the other half was divided between three different viewing balconies.
Synexus leaned over to Vorin and Prith—who he was sitting by—and whispered to them as the lights faded.
“I’ve never been to a play before. Someone in Gale talked about them to me though.”
“I haven’t had the experience of one either. Let’s hope for some action.” Prith was uncomfortable that he had to store his sword under the seat.
“I’ve attended one in Gale, but it was nothing like this scale. From the intelligence I gathered while you were buying tickets, it sounds like this place is known for exquisite plays. They have ten class masters in their employ.”
Kumo and Zuls were sitting behind them laughing at how the pathfinders above for lounging on the rafters. When the lights started to go down, they stared down at the stage as if they knew what was happening.
Bright colored lights shined down on the stage illuminating the otherwise dark room. An announcer came out and started to greet the crowd.
“Welcome all to the Grand Drama House! We have a special show for you all tonight. This is a play written by one of the most famous playwrights of all time. Her masterstroke on the pages of history have granted us some of the most beloved stories of all time. Reealda Rose Pen!”
Thunderous applause roared throughout the crowd.
“She wowed us with Travelers. She broke our hearts with Even the System Cries. And let’s not forget the gripping tale of The Prison That Eats Time. Of course, tonight we aren’t playing any of those. We are putting on a production of her most beloved play. Her last play before she disappeared. Drama lovers put your appendages together for The Class Labyrinth!”
