Eventually, they'd finally be able to reach into the massive sun lines across the earth, still sizzling and hot to the touch after such a long time. The corpse of the Morningstar still looms over, a landmark that acts as a measurement for launch to the many rockets. Many steel structures were stationed over the markings, an artifact used to generate ice and cold temperatures across them to prevent the metal from heating up. It was arranged almost like a sextant, each bridge pointing at a specific area of the new center, acting as directions for one's base of operations. Six directions, five other competitors in this race. Adel was the first to catch the children's attention and let them notice what was going on, Galileo in full view. Fenrir tried to sniff around to see if there was anything distinct for them to be careful, but the smell of ozone and burnt grass flinches the wolf, backing away in order to get proper fresh air and keep a distance from such a stench.
Galileo came up onto the steel beams, letting them raise and bend to become a platform, as he announced himself, spectators flocking in by the dozen. Many are simply watching, while those participating are granted an emblem to symbolize who they represent: A Gun, a Cake, a Dove, a Sword, and a ball of Fire. "Welcome, one and all, to the International Space Race! A Push beyond our planet, taking hold of the Moon and Stars with it!" His voice boomed, despite such an elderly age, veins visible across his arms and legs, a toga that covered most of his body, adorned in the very solar system he studied. A cacophony of cheers and applause erupted, loud enough for Fenrir to try and cover his ears, sensitive to the loud noise, prompting Applin to come over and tend to him. "As you know... our project and purpose is simple, to prove to the whole world that our Universe spins WITH the Sun! That we are merely its byproduct of salvation! For this, Five teams have chose themselves to risk their lives for progress. For salvation! The rules are simple. Upon launch, we will reach through the Moon, then to Venus, then Mercury, then to the Sun and back! For each one we pass, we leave a mark on those celestial bodies by whatever means necessary. You wish to destroy the planet, go on ahead! Just make sure you leave behind something that resembles the symbols you possess! We hold a maximum of five team members, any more and you will be disqualified as a result. Outside help IS allowed for construction, but not for travel. Above all else..."
"We are not accountable for any deaths that may come during this Race. If you die in your ventures, we will not be there to mourn for you."
"Any questions?"
Immediately Stolas raised his hand up, climbing up Adel to wave his arms if need be to catch the scientist's attention. "Yeah, ah, is it too late to sign up for this 'race' or?" He'd yell, to which Galileo quickly snapped his fingers and dragged all five of them directly towards his presence. At first, the children were quickly defensive, raising their arms and quickly setting up their magic. Just as they thought his ominous stare was considered a threat, he'd give out a jolly laugh before petting the Avian's head.
"SIX! Six teams, now! Should've came a bit earlier, if you weren't going to leave yourself in the bitter dust! Sign-ups are at your camp over there, bottom left next to Team Sky! I assume you must've known the prize and the amount paid for registering in this race?" His cheery grin went to a pale gasp as soon as he saw the children look amongst one another in confusion and concern, before looking towards Adel and recognizing not even he knew about it. "YOU DON'T!? Oh, no, no! We can't leave you in the dark like that! Alright, registration fee would be around 500 Gold pieces altogether, that's the first. For your reward, it would not only be the recognition of being our next Astronauts when we wish to venture into the sea of stars, but a small prize money of..."
"100! BILLION! GOLD!!!!!!"
More cheers and screams were heard, as the group's jaws drop upon hearing such a reward. "Buh-Bah-b-b-b-b-b-"
"Buh buh buh buh, Yeah, I said it! BILLION!! 100 BILLION! I've made one HELL of a legacy here when it comes to discovering the world and its secrets, and it gives me one HELL of a bounty! Every single gold piece, all to the winner who makes it here first while marking each celestial body and back. No taxes, no fees, every single piece JUST FOR YOU! You in it now?" He'd ask, brushing his nose a bit as he watched the kids look at each other, their mind bombarded with so many things to do with the money. Solomon can invest and save himself multiple libraries to become a proper scholar, carrying his late family's wishes in such wisdom, sharing it with many abroad so they won't be left in the dark. Applin organized entire Gala's and funded some research to the strongest Casters alive to bring her Father back to his human self and regain their marriage, as well as having her own with Harvard, as agreed. Stolas could use it to rebuild and revive Salvandi in total, carrying on as the new sheriff to uphold his father's legacy, as well as fund for training grounds to teach others how to get to the same miraculous path he followed himself.
"WE'LL TAKE IT!!!" They shouted in unison, still leaving Adel and Fenrir stunned at the amount. Another jolly laugh can be heard from Galileo as he'd snap his fingers, pointing one of them at the bottom left and using his Gravity Magic, letting it be raised and house a large flag for them, blank at the current moment.
They are now officially in the race.