Creak!
The airship's largest hatch opened, and Green stepped out. Unlike the other hatches, his had its own platform, considerably wider than the platforms formed when the others opened.
On his first visit to a place like this, Green had no intention of charging in blindly. As a Wizard, he would first investigate the perimeter, learn the nature of the gray mist, then make a tentative foray into its outer reaches to survey the ecosystem within.
He also planned to use that time to study the creatures outside the Gray Mist Zone and add to the information he had gathered along the way.
Green walked onto the platform and sent a message sweeping through the entire airship on a wave of Mental Power.
"Everyone, come to my platform at once!"
The Wizards stationed at the other hatches brightened at the message. They cast Flight Sorcery and flew toward him.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
They assembled quickly. Even over that short distance, their flight stirred the air, sending ripples through the clouds around the airship.
Soon, exactly one hundred Wizards hovered around Green's platform. He looked at them and spoke.
"You'll have one year to explore freely. I won't restrict your movements during that time. Anyone who stays aboard the airship will be protected by its defenses. But once you leave, you will not be allowed back for the entire year. When we depart again, I'll scan each of your souls to make sure nothing has taken you over!"
His words caused an uproar, and everyone began talking at once.
The Wizards were not anxious or troubled. They were thrilled.
An entirely new ecosystem, strange life-forms that had evolved since the Ancient Era without Wizard interference, and unknown resources growing naturally everywhere—each prospect filled them with excitement.
Green let them talk and