Mara: grinning This card. It’s trouble.
Trouble and chaos are my calling cards. But this...this is different. You know what it means, don't you?
narrows her eyes, leaning in closer Oh, it means trouble alright. But it's not just any trouble. This is the kind of trouble that could change everything.
Wait wait wait wait wait I’m gonna stop you right there, because I’ve been here before, and it’s always ended badly for me.
leans back, smirking Ah, but this time it's different. This time, we're playing on a grander scale.
I look at the card again it’s an oil company.
leans in even closer, voice low and urgent Look past the oil company, Funhorn. It's a key to something much bigger. Something powerful.
Please don’t tell me it’s a magical oil company.
smirks Oh, it's more than that. This oil company is just the beginning. It's a doorway to a world where magic and power intertwine.
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth We need to prepare, Funhorn. We need to gather allies, resources, and information. Time is of the essence.
What do you mean by allies?
pauses, strokes her chin thoughtfully Allies...we need individuals with unique abilities, individuals who can help us navigate this new world.
grabs a piece of parchment and starts scribbling down names I've got a few contacts who might be useful.
Alright. Let’s start reaching out to them.
As Funhorn and Mara begin to reach out to their contacts, they realize that the allies they seek are not easily accessible. Many are hidden away, guarded by powerful spells or dangerous creatures. Funhorn and Mara must use all their wits and skills to find these allies and unlock their potential.
One of the people on your list is a woman named Margret Johansson. She lives in a kingdom that’s really far from here. I’m sad to say that I don’t think she’ll be of much help to us.
frowns Margret Johansson... I remember her. She's an expert in ancient runes, isn't she?
Yes, she is. But her kingdom is closed off to outsiders, and her fee for consulting is outrageous.
paces back and forth, thinking Outsiders, huh? That means she's kept herself hidden from the prying eyes of those who would misuse her knowledge.
Yeah, I guess so. Otherwise, how would she make a living?
stops pacing and smirks Well, Funhorn, if we can't go to her, maybe we can bring her to us.
How? She doesn’t have a phone.
laughs Who needs a phone when we have magic? We'll find a way to summon her here, whether she likes it or not.
grabs a vial of rare herbs I have just the thing. These herbs have the power to open portals between dimensions.
Very interested Really? Where did you get that?
waves the vial in the air Let's just say I have a knack for finding rare and powerful items. Now, we just need to find a suitable location for the portal.
I look around It’s probably gonna need to be somewhere with a bit of space. Do you know of any places like that?
narrows her eyes, scanning the room There must be a place around here that can serve as a portal hub.
Suddenly, I hear something outside What’s that sound?
tilts her head, listening intently That sounds like...a secret underground chamber!
grabs Funhorn's hand and pulls him towards the door Come on, let's see what secrets lie within.
We walk through the door Do you think this will work?
starts mixing the herbs into a large bowl of water It should. The essence of these herbs has the power to create temporary portals.
Temporarily? How long exactly?
stirs the water clockwise with a wooden spoon The length of time will depend on the strength of the portal.
Strength? What makes one stronger than the other?
As Mara continues to mix the herbs, a sudden burst of energy surges through the water, creating a swirling vortex. The portal begins to form, but it is unstable and crackling with wild energy.
excitedly Yes, it's forming! But we need to stabilize it before it collapses. Funhorn, I need you to channel your energy into the portal.
hands Funhorn a small crystal Hold this crystal in your hand and focus your energy into it.