Coming into view of the unknown party; I noticed that the group consisted of five people creepily identical in looks, and built tall and lithe. Long rich-brown hair which framed their green toned skin. The armor they were wearing was also identical, which if i wasn’t mistaken it was made from some type of wood. As we drew closer, whatever they were doing or using to fight the scrapers. Was leaving giant clouds of green-mist floating through the air.

Turning and looking at us, their eyes glowing with an emerald fire. In perfect unison they said, “We are the Nein, who might you be.”

What's a Nein, peaking how they look and how they've acted so far. I'm going to go out on a limb and say not completely human, maybe not human at all.

As he continued to fling silver blades at incoming scrapers, Alfred said, “We are another group of participants, in Eden’s trials. I can only speak for my group, my name is Alfred Fowntain, these are my friends Madison Hayward, and Kyle Greenar.”

The Nein stared at Alfred, stone-faced they said, “Why is a silver tongue talking to the Nein?”

His face went all weird, like someone had spit on him. Obviously trying to compose himself, Alfred said, “You are mistaken i am not a silver tongue, but I can understand why you would think so.”

Turning their heads sideways in unison the Nein said, “But the Nein are never wrong.”

Smiling at the Nein, Alfred said, “Well your wrong about this, I have a talent that makes me seem similar to the silver tongues, but i'm not one.”

Shaking their heads in agreement the Nein said, “We understand, talents are an exception to our knowledge.”

While the Nein and Alfred were talking, leaning towards Samson and Clyde, Lukteia said, “So it's true, Eden has opened its doors to halflings, and their ilk.”

Walking to Alfred’s side, Lukteia said, “I am princess Lukteia of the winding tribe from the Wayland, and these are my guards Clyde, and Samson.”

Locking their glowing eyes on Lukteia the Nein said, “Hmm, the Wayland has no trees.”

Looking back at Alfred, they said, “We understand, you would like us to join you in taking care of these Long-tailed scrapers,Yes.”

What did I miss something, maybe they can read minds.

Smiling, Alfred said, “Yes we would like you to join us. I can take that as your answer than.”

The giant green orb circling them paused, and expanded out. Pushing the scapers around us, screeching, and chittering away. As their barrier slid over Luckteia’s summons formation. I saw the green mana mingle with the gold mana, giving off a feeling of friction to my senses. Now that i wasn’t so worried about Lukteia’s formation. I started paying more attention to the scrapers in general. Their numbers had dwindled from the hundreds down to a bare fifty.

Looking over the south crux, Nein said, “There are only a few left, and we should make quick work of them.”

Relief written on his face, Alfred said, “While there are not that many left we should still be careful.”

Shaking their heads in agreement, the Nein said, “Yes, that would be prudent.”

Spreading out at the opening of the street, facing the scrapers. Everyone began attacking, picking off the scrapers, one by one, and sometimes several at once. The black marsh orb vibrated in my hands, it's color fading even more as I used it to slow down the grey furred scrapers. Lukteia didn't go out and attack the scrapers this time, commanding her summons to attack in her place. Now that she didn't have to use them to protect us. Pillars of fire flared up, claiming the life of a large number of scrapers.

Putting his hand on Madison's shoulder, shooting her a worried smile. Alfred said, “You are you're spreading yourself to thin. I can tell your fire is getting weaker go ahead and take a break.”

Letting her hands fall to her sides, looking at him in confusion. Madison said, “Okay, that sounds good, I feel so tired.”

As she went and leaned against the brick wall letting her head fall on her knees. The Nein said, “The fire one burns to bright, but she has such, hmm… power.”

Spending the next thirty minutes sweeping through the last of the scrapers. Even though we were working together, adding another group made things tense. To many different personalities. The Nein flung a tandral of green mana, arcing through the air, slaying the last of the Scrapers. Everyone was tired, and dirty, covered in sweat and blood. With no more scrapers coming from the ground I let out a breathe in relief.

Without a warning, I felt my connection with the sparse ambient mana snap. Causing my perception to slam back into my body, with the force of a sledgehammer. Pain racked not just my mind, but also my body. As my vision blurred; the ground began to shake, and Huge cracks spread from the scraper mounds, with giant billows of dust shooting into the sky, a great howl came from below the south crux.