Chapter 15: Cards, cards, cards
Irwin stared at the chain and the massive gem that hung from it.
"So this isn't the Linchpin?" he said, pointing at the gem.
"Nope. It's the chain. Fools them every time," Ambraz said, sounding smug. "If you clear it, you'll be the first to do so since the start."
"And that was-"
"A little over eighty years ago, yes," Ambraz hummed. "Now, are you going to repeat everything I just told you or start cutting away the chain?"
Irwin blinked and looked at the chain again. It didn't look very special, just a leg-thick, rusty set of interlocking links. He slowly nodded, thinking about possibly getting a card, finishing this stupid test portal, and finally getting some food and rest, which all sounded perfect. A tiny voice warned him that Jonathan might not just let him stop after this.
"Good! Then get to it!"
"About that card?" Irwin said, looking at Ambraz.
"Yes, yes. You break the chain and pick me up before you get transported back out, and you will get a card!" Ambraz said.
"But, how can you even come with me?" Irwin muttered. "Doesn't everything, including my clothing, reset?"
"Ugh… yes! It does, but I'm special, alright?"
"And what do I do after I get you out? Do I keep you, or-"