"Thish ish blashphemy!" Bob tried to speak despite the jawbreaker in his mouth, that’s how upset he was. Unfortunately for him, he was the only one who seemed to have an issue with the situation.

"It cannot be helped," explained a Prism Whale, the one incharge of registering foreigners for the trial in the Challenge realm. "All trials are conducted individually. Even if you all enter the Challenge realm at the same time, you will all be teleported to your own, independent trials. The most I can accommodate you is to register you all to land in the same zone if you all successfully pass your trials."

The nature of the Artica realm was such that beings from higher levels had a modicum of control over lower levels. Of course, that level of control was very limited, and for greater control, one would need to become the ruler of that particular level. With all levels being controlled firmly by the Artica race, they could use their influence to affect certain things.

Manipulating where new entrants enter into the new level was something they could easily control.

"It’s okay. I’m certain we all will easily pass through the trials," said Jack. "My main concern is for my ship. I can’t fit it into a spatial tool of any kind, so how will I transport it between levels? It absolutely can’t be left behind."

The Prism Whale turned and looked out the window at the massive wooden ship. As if its design was not impressive enough, the size and sheer presence were breathtaking as well. The Jolly Rancher had accrued some fame across this level of the Artica realm in the past few days, so it was quite well known. Its magnificent size was matched by its durability, for not a single dent nor scratch marred the pristine body of the vessel despite taking countless beatings.

"Yes, I must admit, your ship is quite magnificent. It is rare to see such fine craftsmanship in the lower levels of Artica. It would indeed be a shame to leave it behind. I can offer you two solutions. You can either park it here, and for a nominal fee, it will be teleported over to the next level once you complete the trial. If, for whatever reason, you cannot complete the trial, then you can designate the next person to inherit the ship on your behalf.

"The second option is more costly. We can provide a temporary transport seal which will seal your ship in a small, transportable vessel that you can take along with you to the Challenge realm. Once you complete your trial, you can take it out of the seal in the next level. However, this way, if something should happen to you within the trial, the ship will be lost to the Challenge trial, and no one will be able to claim it."

The Prism Whale seemed genuinely concerned about the ship, and didn’t want it to be lost. Jack, however, did not want to leave it behind. Besides, even though the Artica race had a decent reputation about following laws, he didn’t want to trust others with his things.

"I’ll have the ship sealed," Jack said, putting down a single gold coin on the table in front of him. The coin was a random one he carved out of wood, then gave to Goldilocks. Goldilocks turned anything it touched into Nether Lily Gold, which was the most conductive metal for spiritual energy that one could basically find - at least at a mortal level.

Treasures on an Immortal level might have a higher conductivity, but that hardly mattered in this context. The gold coin Jack paid was far beyond the price for the seal, but as a nouveau riche fairy, he couldn’t be bothered. He had too much gold, anyway.

"This should also cover our fees to enter the Challenge realm. By the way, those three aren’t with us," Jack said, pointing to the three mysterious Boblings.

When he looked at them, all he saw were generic bodies surrounded by mist, making it hard to pick out details. They had literally just shown up one day and claimed to be members of Bob’s fan club - something Jack had never heard of before. Somehow, none of the other crew members found anything odd about them, and Bob easily accepted that there was a fan club focused on him, because of course he had a fan club. He probably had many, all filled with enthusiastic little Boblings. Although Jack sensed no danger from them, he also knew how to identify a massive red flag.

In this context, identifying a red flag was not the same as raising a flag. Neither Jack nor Lex believed in flags.

"Oh come on captain, don’t be stingy," said Bobling 3. Bobling 1 and 2 were, once again, practicing their monologuing skills so naturally they had no idea about what was happening around them.

Jack simply looked away. Although he was certain that he wouldn’t lose the three Boblings so easily, at least he didn’t want to pay for them to continue stalking Bob.

"Keep the change by the way," said Jack.

"Oh no, that’s not possible. Tipping is highly frowned upon in Artica," said the Prism Whale. "All workers get paid more than enough for their work. We don’t encourage tipping culture here."

Jack shrugged. That was completely random, and seemed like it was a jab at someone or something, but since he wasn’t a resident of the Artica realm, he wouldn’t know.

"Please, all of you fill out your forms and sign the liability waivers. Once everything is done, you’ll be ready to head onto the Challenge realm.

The Prism Whale handed out forms, and while Jack filled his own, the rest of the crew had Tiny-Sparkles fill out theirs. Pebbles, who still had a bucket for a head, and could not hear or speak, had little to no idea what was going on. He was shaking his body around as if to emphasise a point, but no one had any idea what he was saying. Well, Jack could guess what he was saying. Pebbles was trying to take over the position of captain again.

It was lucky there was no cannon around, or Jack wouldn’t mind tapping him inside again.