[center][color=yellow][h3]Mad World[/h3][/color]
[@liferusher][@zarkun][@lazo][@kapuchu][/center]

Several hours slipped by.  Barebones as the Citadel was, many things still existed that needed to be put in order.  The rooms claimed by the various agents of the Council needed at least some furnishing and renovation.  Some spent more time in specific chambers that interested them more.  Souta, for instance, spent some time in the forge in an arduous attempt to get things organized in a satisfactory manner and capable of functioning.  Heat he had aplenty, but creating weapons and gear with a hammer and anvil alone was a thing of fantasy.  The modern smith needed a lathe, a hydraulic press, and a host of other devices.  Plus, no weapon could take on the mantle of a Devil or Angel Arm without a phylactery containing the being's soul.  Following a weapon's completion, the insertion of a soul-filled phylactery would fuse the two together to make the finished product.  Souta couldn't find a smidgen of modern technology, nor the raw materials from which to make phylacteries, so it was with no small amount of frustration that he arranged what little he did have to the best of his ability.

Still, to him, time flew by, and he had no idea how long he spent in the forge before a familiar, despicable shape rose from the floor nearby, startling him.  At the same time, other Watchers were appearing for Midori, Wrath, Fenn, and Lily, sharing the same message this slave brought to Souta: “Had a good rest?  Well, it's time for a new mission.  Our big brother waits for you at the World Tree.”  Hearing this, Souta could only curb his distaste for the Watcher, let his tools fall, and make his way through the Citadel to the room in question.

Upon arrival, the young man spotted a Watcher larger than the rest, one with nine emerald eyes—Panoptos.  Those leering lights slid around on his face like fireflies fluttering at dusk, and like them they blinked out from time to time.  Nevertheless, Souta felt sure that this most esteemed of Council servants was always watching.  After a moment, Souta's attention wandered, and he discovered to his surprise a second figure.  This one he didn't recognize at all.  At a glance, it appeared to be a person in a robotic exosuit, but when the smith examined it further he grew doubtful.  Elements of its physiology, particularly around the arms and head, made it seem impossible that a human could be housed within.  Souta's logical conclusion that it might be a robot, however, could not be reached because this thing did look to be breathing.  It also look around, focusing the light within its eyes on him, in an extremely aware fashion.  All in all, Souta didn't know what to make of [url=http://pre06.deviantart.net/024b/th/pre/i/2016/148/8/f/axora_the_blue_lighting_by_darkraimaster99-da43xqa.png]it.[/url]

The others arrived shortly and Panoptos wasted no time in doling out the task.  [color=50C878]”Because of the information planted in the toymaker's head, we've found our next Seal. And wouldn't know know!  It's in a Forbidden Realm called the Undersky.  The World Tree there was tampered with to prevent entry or exit.  Luckily, we've got a guide.  Say hello, Uhelei!”[/color]

Though the unknown being's features were difficult to discern, the dimming of its glowing eyes around the edges suggested glowering.  Panoptos tittered softly.  [color=50C878]”Poor guy's got a shy streak.  Evidently all living things in the Undersky are techno-organic, just like him.  And there aren't just tribesmen, either.  I think you're all going to have a lot of fun finding the Seal.  Once you find it, it's your job to protect me while I whip up a Greater Dimensional Rift to save it.  Capiche?”[/color]  He folded his fingers together, waiting for the inevitable questions.