While it was clear the room was flooded, he had no issues breathing, even as he felt his lungs with fill water.The room itself was tastefully decorated, with scenic paintings of various ocean themed subjects adorning the walls.The table he sat at was made of what appeared to be refined coral, and the stone chair he sat on went well with the color scheme, despite how uncomfortable it was.


    It looked remarkably similar to a normal day in Zyphtal, with people of all ages and races occupying the busy sidewalks.The main difference was that people outside were wearing what appeared to be glass bowls on their heads.


    The water breathing spell is rechargeable, and the disposable scrolls are like 8 gold each now.” Bryn heard someone say as he snapped his head away from the window.Before him sat a small figure, wearing a tattered tunic and a leather vest.The black hood over his head looked old and worn, and the blank white mask he wore covered his entire face.“But buying the rechargeable one in the first place is 80 gold and who has that just sitting around when they desperately need to save more money?” The figure said raising his hands.His voice sounded intentionally playful to Bryn, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that the man in front of him was a talented and experienced liar.


    The figure seemed to notice his face contort and spoke up.


    “My names Raphael, and no matter what, the spell I cast means I’m in charge of your dreams for the next 5 minutes.So I have a deal: you’re going to answer some questions for me, and in exchange I’ll give you some advice from a seasoned adventurer.Or we can just chill for 5 minutes, it’s up to you” he said, sitting back in his chair.


    He was trapped and conceding to the demands of his captor left a bad taste in his mouth, but his curiosity got the best of him.


    As he stretched out his legs under the table, Raphael continued to speak.


    “Mom and dad were fine.They didn’t really like each other by the time I was a teenager and it was pretty clear they were holding off on separating until I left the house.I haven’t talked to them since I came to Zyphtal but I assume it’s 2 different addresses at this point.They tried their best to be good to me, and I never was homeless or went hungry.I received a good amount of education and was adequately prepared for the world.” Bryn said, surprised at the sudden tightness he felt in his chest as he thought of his parents.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    “So what did they do wrong?” He asked.


    The sound caused Bryn to jolt up with a look of panic on his face.Raphael stared directly at Bryn, and without speaking, began to take off his mask.The face beneath was not one that Bryn recognized,as Raphael revealed himself to be a Kobalt in his mid 20’s, his dark grey skin nearly blending in with the stone of the chair he sat in.His large eyes stared unblinking at Bryn, his mouth twisted in an angry frown.


    “I guess they were never… extra happy.Everything was fine, good enough, passable.But they never made me feel like I was capable of anything special.” He said, the truth sounding strange coming out of his mouth as opposed to being locked in his mind.


    You should be honest with me, I’ve got a lot riding on you so it only benefits me to help you.” Raphael said, his sharp teething forming an intimidating grin.“Now next question, what are you proud of?” He asked, Bryn’s eyebrows raising in a now familiar fashion.


    Every attempt to make a sound was met with silence, and Raphael shook his head slowly.


    Even if you don’t trust me, you should be wary of the warning I gave you about the control I have in here.Don’t be sloppy Bryn, you know outside of combat you have to be the brains.” He said.Bryn glared at him, but sat back down and crossed his arms.Raphael smiled, snapping his fingers and restoring Bryn’s ability to talk.“What are you proud of Bryn?” He asked calmly.


    “I’m proud of us.I’m proud of Jordan and what he’s been able to accomplish.By the time we left Zyphtal he was one of the higher ranking first year rangers, and that’s with having a party member with no adventurers boon.”He said, the image of Jordan seeing this causing him to be immediately nauseous.


    Bryn sighed deeply, but begrudgingly continued.“I’m also proud of… myself.I never thought I’d be an adventurer that not only survived, but is making a good living without the boon.But I thought outside the box, worked everyday, and tried really hard which resulted in me being useful.Hell, I saved Jordan’s life once.” Bryn said, surprising even himself with his suddenly boisterous attitude.


    Bryn could immediately feel embarrassment wash over him, and he sunk into his chair as Raphael finished his applause.


    “I think I made a good choice picking you.The folks in the elemental rift have been getting a very clear look at what’s happening on the Fentorph plane, and the unique way that you two handle your quests is must see viewing.This is only my first help, so I still feel pretty good that I’ll come out ahead” Raphael said, his sudden rambling confusing Bryn enough to rise in his seat.


    Raphael smiled and sighed slightly as he stood from his chair.Bryn once again noticed the massive eyes of his Kobalt companion, and felt almost entranced, as if he was being hypnotized.


    As he sat motionless, Raphael slowly walked around the table until he was next to Bryn, his blue hand laying gently on his shoulder.