《Stellar Soulsaber - A Modern Progression Fantasy》


 Chapter 1 - I Will

    The Second Halo of Ciazel,


    City of Wyn,


    Vexal Preparatory School


    In the boundless white of Vexal Prep¡¯s standard Experimental Combat room, Val witnessed the gleam in her opponent¡¯s gaze and turned tail.


    Strength bled from her calves as she vaulted over a rectangular blockade and hunched behind it. A firespade¡ªthe enhanced version of a fireball, stretched and sharpened at its front to cause nothing but trouble¡ªblew past her in a deafening roar. Lapis-blue runes flared across the EC-room¡¯s ivory reinforced glass where the wayward spell met its end.


    ¡°By the saints, Caro.¡± Val wiped off the veneer of sweat gathering on her brow at the heat, ignoring the metallic ring of the spell-cuffs on her wrists. Her eyes could hardly move from the magical protections inscribed onto the surrounding walls, the enchantments dimming as they returned to their dormant state. I¡¯m your best friend, not some random aether creature for heaven¡¯s sake.


    A heap of rapid breaths and twitching tendons, the obstructions littered throughout the sparring area gave Val little comfort.


    Fatigue dulled her focus at the single spell she had cast the entire battle¡ªthe meager aether strands residing in her Aetherial Vessel limiting her to one more. And Caro¡¯s got more manpower than a quarter of the class combined.


    Val shook her head. She couldn¡¯t focus on those facts. Tuning out her storm of thoughts, she zoned in on the battle at hand.


    Decisiveness put the dullest of weapons into battle, foolish or not, and she had little choice with victory hanging in the balance.


    Resolve formed and a decision made, Val dashed out of her place of cover and made a bee-line for the towering girl thirty paces away. She was able to ignore the sting of her toes squeezing together while wearing boots a size or two too small.


    It was immensely difficult to do the same, however, to the sharp pang echoing throughout her bones, as if a geo mage blasted her body with rocks.


    That feeling, that pain of which held no sane nor obvious origins meant only one thing to Val.


    The congregation of energy.


    Danger.


    ¡°Cast!¡± Caro shouted, the script lining her spell-cuffs glowing a deep crimson.


    ¡°Cast!¡± Val yelled almost simultaneously, hers taking on an azure hue.


    An umbrella of water materialized above Val just as tens of firespades zipped towards her, meeting the liquid barrier in the middle.


    A burst of steam exploded and Val lifted her arms to shield herself from the hot gas.


    ¡°Mock Elemental Exchange Emergency Termination.¡±


    Miss Pepper¡¯s activation of emergency protocols sent a notification to the two combatants within the EC-room. The radiance discharged by Val¡¯s spell-cuff vanished in a wink and the sweltering haze faded into inexistence.


    Val let out a relieved breath as her arms found their way to her sides, death by a painful, boiling mist avoided.


    As Caro walked over, Val craned her neck to make up for the five-inch difference in height. ¡°Was casting that many firespades necessary?¡±


    Caro grinned, broad and wide, eyes electric, the rush of an Elemental Exchange clearly still lingering in her system. ¡°Why call it an Experimental Combat room if you don¡¯t, y¡¯know, experiment?¡±


    Val could only shake her head, fighting off a smile at the ends of her lips. ¡°I feel bad for those who have to deal with you having the real thing.¡±


    ¡°Kindly return the spell-cuffs to their case safely, those things are worth more than your tuition.¡± Miss Peppers took to the PA systems, cutting across their budding conversation.


    At her words, a circle etched itself onto the wooden floor. A distinct click echoed as a pillar rose from the shape, stopping at waist level with two strips of empty space at its center. Unclipping her spell-cuffs, she fit them snugly into its repository.


    Caro followed Val¡¯s actions, the pillar snapping back into the ground, taking Val¡¯s last semblance of magic along with it.


    Spell-cuffs were auxiliary tools that gave growing students a feel for magic. It was a long way away from the real deal¡ªfalse elements, absence of incantation, fatigue in place of aether drainage.


    Rip-off or not though, she was at least somewhat glad she tasted a little of what her life could be, had Deduction Day turned out different.


    Shaking off the nausea that arose at the recent thought, Val muttered, ¡°I wonder how our debrief will go this time.¡±


    Caro rolled her eyes. ¡°Does it ever change?¡±


    ¡°Hardly.¡± Val stretched her stiff wrist and the two made their way towards one of the EC-room¡¯s glass walls. ¡°Better to deal with it sooner than later, though.¡±


    As if timed, one of the reflective panels glinting in the light transformed into transparent glass, revealing students lounging around behind its walls and Miss Peppers¡¯ permanent frown. She leaned closer to the mic sprouting out of the wooden lectern, her voice blaring through the various glowing crystals set up throughout the room.


    ¡°Any day, you two.¡±


    The clacking of their boots waned as they entered the carpeted room. Cheap deodorant perfumed the area, a hidden air enchantment at work in circulating the scent so well. Not to talk of the slight, barely felt chilled breeze sifting through Val¡¯s cedar hair. By the saints¡ªair conditioning? In the middle of winter?


    A shiver wracked Val¡¯s body despite herself, not an inch of discomfort visible on the other students slouching on bean bag chairs.


    Fifty pairs of eyes fled her stare, and most wore sneers instead of smiles if they bothered to look her way more than the generous second.


    Val, as she always did, ignored it at the turn of her head. What you don¡¯t give attention to, you don¡¯t give power. For the most part, anyway.


    ¡°So?¡± Caro prodded, sifting a hand amidst the fiery tangles of her braided hair, caramel skin afresh despite the recent scuffle. Attention filtered towards her, less so due to her question, alluding to the cause of the gifts mysteriously placed in the girl¡¯s locker.


    Ironically, most ended up in Val¡¯s lap. Especially the sweets.


    The teacher ceased her flipping, giving both girls a look. ¡°Heaven forbid there be a match between you two that doesn¡¯t end in termination. Each fight costs thousands of credits, and for you to just throw it all away without an ounce of respect¡ª¡± Miss Peppers took a deep breath, pausing her flood of complaints. ¡°And here I am wasting my time when you two wouldn¡¯t listen anyways.¡±


    Caro leaned into Val, whispering, ¡°Hey, she¡¯s finally getting it.¡±


    ¡°I can hear you.¡± Miss Peppers pushed back her glasses. ¡°Let¡¯s start with you then Miss Hayes, shall we? You were incredibly reckless in casting more than what¡¯s needed. It may be easy now with the spell-cuffs carrying most of the strain for you; however, if you manage to pass the Tripartite Trial, you¡¯ll find that each spell uses more than just aether strands.¡±


    Hmm? Val raised an eyebrow. That fact wasn¡¯t found in any of the available textbooks. Val would know, spending hours she seldom had on combing through what information was allowed to non-mages. Aether strands, mana points, qi, neutral essence¡ªno matter which name it bore throughout the world, it was the universal expense for any magical, mystical, or martial arts learned in Spiravale.


    Moreover, it was the crux of her mother¡¯s fatal condition.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The key to understanding why her mother remained asleep in her hospital cot was understanding aether¡ªat least, what she could as a borderline typic. ¡°Care to specify?¡±


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t.¡±


    Val sighed. ¡°Laws of Secrecy, again?¡±


    Miss Peppers merely nodded.


    ¡°Hell,¡± Caro cursed, ¡°at this rate you¡¯re gonna have to be a mage to search up how to tie up your own damn shoe. Absolutely useless.¡±


    Miss Peppers fixed her a mean glare, vestiges of years spent diving rifts breaching her irises as they glowed brown in the dimly lit room.


    ¡°She meant the internet,¡± Val placated. ¡°The internet¡¯s useless, not you.¡±


    Miss Peppers held eye contact for a second more, breaking away to glance at her trusty notebook. ¡°As for you, Miss Efron.¡±


    Val gulped.


    ¡°No complaints.¡±


    Sharing a look with her friend, Val found the disbelief in Caro¡¯s eyes similar to hers.


    It turned out, though, Miss Peppers wasn¡¯t finished with Val.


    ¡°I do have one question, however. Are you perhaps carrying some type of charm or enhancing equipment? It¡¯s almost as if¡­ you¡¯re predicting Caro¡¯s spell instead of reacting to it.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Val¡¯s gaze found the floor, as if the carpet could offer her an excuse. What was she to say? That aether¡ªthe most crucial thing to living beings¡ªwas the cause of the abject pain assailing her for years? That, by merely standing in a room full of people who emitted aura out of their Aetherial Vessels mindlessly, a throbbing headache made it a struggle to stand?


    The first person she told besides Caro barely took her seriously and she ended up in the guidance counsellor''s office the next day due to it, calling it a coping mechanism. She¡¯d like to believe she learned her lesson since then.


    So, Val shrugged. ¡°Luck?¡±


    Miss Peppers snapped her book shut. "Another case of wasting my time, it seems. Misters Harrington and Street¡ª¡± Miss Peppers gestured to a pair of talking guys ¡°¡ªyou''re next up."


    With the sign of dismissal ringing loud and clear, Val and Caro turned away and started the journey to the locker rooms.


    "And Miss Efron."


    Val glanced over her shoulder to survey an almost pensive melancholy taking form on Miss Peppers¡¯ frown.


    "It''s a shame you won''t be attending the trials tomorrow. Truly. Would''ve at least helped cool off your redheaded friend over there, if nothing else.


    ¡°It¡¯s dyed, Miss," Caro corrected, not bothering to look back. "None of the stereotypes, all of the benefits."


    ¡°Yeah right.¡±


    <hr>


    Few nations made their mark across the world, and fewer held a moniker.


    Ciazel, proud in its red, white, and black civil colours, was one of them.


    Many ran to hide within its forge-like walls when wars struck and more ventured past dangerous wildlands to study in the illustrious institutes stationed seemingly in every city, accepting of every culture. As such, styles of magic and ethnicities melded to form the strong mixture that made Ciazel what it was.


    Known as the Alloy Forge, Ciazel continued to stand tall whether she was fractured or full; victorious or vanquished; and whether in peril or peace.


    Very little of that mattered, however, when you were stuck in a bus more packed than a can of sardines. Worse off when there was not one, but two mages on said bus.


    Val stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Caro and a random commuter, holding on to the safety poles as she reigned in the expletives prancing on her tongue, directed to none other than the two Novices. That would earn her a fireball to the face, one which Miss Peppers held no control over.


    The first one sat by the window right in front of her. He was Kidraan, dark-skinned with sharp blue eyes, and wore nothing besides a scarf and a hat to battle winter¡¯s wrath. Hunched over in his seat, his shrunken stature betrayed the height natural to his kind.


    His outfit wasn¡¯t what gave him away, plenty of wealthy travellers were able to afford heating enchantments in their clothing. It was the aura hovering around him that let Val in on his rank, alluding to an aether strand count¡ªASC¡ªtwice that of Caro¡¯s, doubling the pulsing along her brow to that of a migraine.


    Besides her and maybe a few others that glanced the man¡¯s way a couple of times, he blended in perfectly.


    Then there was the Auricean lady in the back, brown curtain bangs failing to cover her closed eyes and rosy complexion evidently glowing.


    The lady was in a lotus position, doing something to coerce the permeating aether towards her.


    From what Val had sensed ever since Deduction Day, unprovoked aether was stagnant. It held no flow whatsoever, not even the whimsical motions of floating dust motes.


    Now though, aether streamed like a trickling creek towards the Novice and the action churned Val¡¯s stomach, sloshing as if it wanted to join the movement.


    Today¡¯s ride on the metro was one of the rare times where she wasn¡¯t the only one able to sense the absolute magnitude behind a person¡¯s presence. The entire back of the vehicle remained empty despite it resulting in an overcrowded front, nobody daring to distract the cultivating novice.


    Two mages of the same rank, two Novices that held completely different atmospheres.


    Two problems.


    The edges of her vision began to darken as the nausea reached a crescendo, the objects in her vision blurring as if they were out of focus. Concentrate, Val thought to herself, concentrate.


    Massive relief filled her as the bus unloaded, dropping the two elementalists into the heart of Wyn. Snatching one of the empty seats with vigour and picking up the stray newspaper left behind, Val skimmed through headlines to pass the time.


    Tripartite Trial Tomorrow!


    Institutes and guilds alike await with bated breath for upcoming talent.


    ~New IBR-Tech~


    Illusions simulating reality! Starting price is¡ª


    Val blinked at the number of zeros the lone number held, skipping right past it.


    Too busy winking the obscene price away, she failed to catch the way the letters rearranged themselves, a tint of fuschia-pink emanating out of the newspaper.


    When Val deemed herself ready to look down again, new words caught her gaze in such an unfailing way she paused everything¡ªbreathing, blinking, and thinking.


    AETHER FRUIT


    The words branded themselves in her mind, and Val found herself believing that this generically named plant of a thing just might be the answer to...


    To¡­


    ??n? ??¡Í


    A notion pierced through her stream of thoughts. Val scrutinized the eleven letters, determining the decidedly unknown object was a puzzle she couldn¡¯t leave unsolved. I need to know more.


    Val whipped the flimsy paper in Caro¡¯s face, stabbing a finger right where the words lay. ¡°Cee, could you search this up?¡±


    Caro¡¯s nose scrunched up, eyes right where Val wanted it. ¡°Search what up?¡±


    ¡°This.¡± Val flicked the words with her thumb. ¡°Right here.¡±


    ¡°Girl, the place you''re tapping is blank, but I couldn¡¯t do it for you anyway.¡± Caro raised her phone. ¡°Dead as a cooked Windsnapper.¡±


    Val cursed under her breath, a chime ringing throughout the vehicle as she requested the next stop. Gathering her things, she headed to the front. ¡°I¡¯ll meet up at your house!¡±


    ¡°What about the celebration?!¡±


    ¡°Tell your brother to pick me up at the library!¡±


    ¡°But this bus is going in the LoW¡¯s direction!¡±


    ¡°I gotta meet someone else first.¡±


    <hr>


    The heat of Restore Health washed over her as she stepped inside the high-end hospital. The foyer alone boasted of fine calibre, its checked marble floor so clean Val could use it as a mirror. With chandeliers of runic radiance for lighting and azure tempered glass guarding a carpeted staircase that lead to the lobby, Val questioned why a hospital needed to be so¡­ loud. It screamed money. Unfortunately, this was the only hospital in the vicinity able to handle the special case surrounding her mother¡¯s condition.


    After a check-in with the clerk upfront, an elevator ride, and a trip through corridors glistening blue with myriad enchantments, Val entered her mother''s viewing area.


    Light from Mom¡¯s quarantined chamber bled into the room Val currently occupied by way of panels of plexiglass, illuminating two office chairs, the glistening tiled flooring and an old foldable table.


    Val didn¡¯t know when she moved from the doorframe, nor when she walked over to the glass. All she knew was that she was now touching the pane with all five fingers, imagining Mom awake.


    Her green-viridian eyes alight with inborn warmth, her pale pecan complexion glowing thanks to the inherent exuberance healers carried. Her dark-brown hair thick and lucious, not thin and unkempt.


    Almost a direct mirror of Taylia Efron and most definitely a descendant, Val¡¯s life was forever changed when her mother¡¯s condition, Aether Incontinence Syndrome, took her away.


    She was willing to change everything and more to reverse it.


    The entrance flew open and Val jumped.


    ¡°To what honour do I owe the presence of the one and only Valory Efron?¡± Doc kicked the door shut behind him and sauntered inside the dim room as he flipped through a file fastened onto his blackboard. ¡°From what both you and I can see¡ª¡± he gestured towards the one-way glass¡°¡ªyour mother¡¯s condition remains the same, meaning my presence is not needed whatsoever.


    ¡°However.¡± He collapsed onto one of the office chairs and gave Val his best smile¡ªone that contrasted against his dark, Kidraan skin. ¡°If you want to talk, I¡¯m right here.¡±


    ¡°I do want to talk, actually.¡± Val took the seat opposite of him. ¡°I know it¡¯s said that all Aetherial Vessel Abnormalities are largely incurable by means both outside and within the Laws of Secrecy, though I have no way of verifying the latter.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    Val leaned in closer. ¡°What about¡ªand this might sound ridiculous, trust me¡ªan aether fruit?¡±


    His eyes, sea-blue in colour, enlarged to the sizes of plates.


    ¡°Doc?¡±


    Doc jerked, his head snapping away the next second. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Val surveyed the man before her. Arms crossed, fingers drumming the armrest, eyes flitting everywhere with no sense of direction. He¡¯s not telling the truth.


    ¡°Doc, you¡¯re a terrible liar.¡±


    He winced, face still averted. ¡°I can¡¯t say anything.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t or won¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t say anything, not with the measly piece of information you have.¡± He finally faced Val in full. ¡°It¡¯s a wild drake chase that¡¯ll have you journey across the whole continent to end up with what? With nothing.¡±


    Val inhaled a hot breath.


    It existed.


    A cure existed out there, and she was clueless enough to believe otherwise.


    ¡°It¡¯s still my right to decide whether or not I start looking," Val said, "and you robbed me of doing so by omitting the fact that I even had a choice. That has to be a violation of some law out there.¡±


    ¡°It was your parents who wanted to hide it from you¡ªand for a sound reason. With your father dead and your mother unconscious, I cannot in good faith share any details with you when I know the outcome. It compromises everything I stand for and the law.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Ignoring the avid sting that came with the mention of Dad, Val raised her hands in exasperation and got up. ¡°If I can¡¯t have your help, I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±


    ¡°Tell no one else of your quest, not even those closest to you,¡± Doc demanded as he, too, rose from his seat. ¡°You do remember what could happen to your mother if word of her disease leaks out to the streets.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be a target. Yes, I heard you the first time.¡±


    Doc sighed and he massaged his scalp through a layer of black, curly hair. ¡°I am not your enemy, Miss Efron. I sincerely hope that you prove me wrong.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I will,¡± Val promised. I will.

 Chapter 2 - To Start

    Val slipped through the loitering gaggle of students, easy to tell by the bulbous bags likely filled with texts regarding everything from spell tiers to mage ranks, and entered through a pair of automatic doors. Her walking pace slowed to a crawl as she soaked in the utter massiveness of the Library of Wyn.


    While the lower floors were parquet and carpet interwoven like grass and concrete outside, the upper three were made of some type of see-through material. Her gaze speared through five rooms in one attempt alone, showcasing rooms of bookcases and desktops and knowledge. She even spotted what looked to be an art class in one of them, something Caro would¡¯ve loved to join no doubt. There might even be a music lesson and an open seat for Val.


    Though the library was a short five minutes away from Restore Health, she was always too busy doing one thing or the other, be it juggling two jobs or taking care of her brothers. She would kill to shut herself in one of the rooms and flip through book aft¡ª


    Focus Val, focus.


    Pacing towards the attendant¡¯s counter, she rang the bell. ¡°Hi, I¡¯d like a guest code to access one of the computers please.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡±


    Val had to give it to her, the attendant was lightning-fast. In a minute she was well away towards one of the open areas, sitting down in front of a desktop computer. She woke it up with a click of her mouse, slipping in her code and getting right to work.


    Doc said she had a piece of information. It was time she gathered more.


    Opening a browser, she typed the words ¡®Aether Fruit¡¯ and searched for results. Black brick-like letters popped on the screen, and a loud chime blared out of the desktop¡¯s speaker, attracting ireful gazes from many.


    INFORMATION DENIED


    ¡°Of course,¡± she muttered, wincing and putting the device on mute. She was getting really tired of the Laws of Secrecy. The reigning government declared excess information the cause of the most recent war, censoring once-accessible information to everyone save for mages. It hadn¡¯t given her any problems until now.


    Backing up a step, she typed, ¡®Mundane information on Aether Fruit.¡¯


    INFORMATION DENIED


    She tried for synonyms. ¡®Qi Flower.¡¯


    INFORMATION DENIED


    ¡®Mana Seed.¡¯


    INFORMATION DENIED


    Val groaned. Searching the internet for anything magical had never been so maddening. She could understand the protests that ensued when the ban was first passed during the aftermath of the Third Great War. Perhaps she should join them too. She chuckled at the thought.


    Time went unnoticed by Val and amid of web searching, the desktop flashed a white screen. Bold red letters streamed across the page.


    Thirty minutes of free time are up! Sign up with the Library of Wyn for a library card or come back tomorrow. Thanks for hanging around with us.


    Great¡­


    She didn¡¯t have tomorrow. With shifts lined up in Sheryl¡¯s Corner and Blue Mine, alongside the fee of a card, the message was as good as a sendoff.


    Reclining in her chair, she spotted a man rise from his seat in the adjacent room. The man slipped a card into his pants back pocket. Val cracked a smile. Perfect.


    Val got up slowly, meandering out of the room. She gasped as she bumped into the man, dusting his jacket off frantically.


    "My goodness, dear me!" Val straightened the man''s leather jacket, swiping the card as she patted his face. "I hope you''re all alright!"


    "Yeah, yeah." The man plucked her hands off himself and tugged at his sleeves disdainfully. "A bit dramatic, don''t you think?"


    Val flashed a smile, arms behind her back as she hid the stolen card. "As long as you''re okay."


    He harrumphed, sauntering past without another word. The minute he was out of sight, Val''s smile slipped off her face as she sat down once more. Inputting the man''s library code, the desktop became accessible in a short moment.


    Val drummed her fingers on the desk. What to type, what to type.


    He had mentioned that an aether fruit was a measly piece of information, meaning it had to be a part of something. But what? A new drug in the hospital, perhaps? Or maybe the latest tech employed in surgical operations.


    No, she was thinking too linearly, always leaning towards the typical parts of life.


    Information on an aether fruit itself was banned, meaning it was magical in nature.


    ¡°What about it being a reagent¡­for an elixir¡­¡± she muttered to herself. The pieces came together, and Val found herself struggling to type as a rush of realization surged through her.


    Since the market of alchemical items was a gold mine the government couldn''t afford to shut down despite what happened during the Third Great War, they were accessible to the mass majority. The slim information available on the net was just barely enough to gather the details necessary to select which item a person ought to buy, keywords a prerequisite to come by anything useful.


    Val typed. ¡®Top elixirs and potions containing an aether fruit.¡¯


    In a matter of milliseconds, the answer eluding her for six years appeared on her screen. Val¡¯s eyes flickered back and forth, rereading the lines displayed on the desktop. How did I miss this?


    Search Results:


    Tranquillity: an alchemical substance that can be used to enhance cultivation experiences.


    Liquid Aether: an alchemical substance that can be used to refill one¡¯s Aetherial Vessel in dire situations. Only mages who¡¯ve reached or surpassed the rank of Magister can consume this potion.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Life¡¯s Hymn: an alchemical substance that can be used to not only heal Aether Vessel Abnormalities but also promises longevity.


    There it was.


    Typing less than ten words brought a direction Val sought out since her mother¡¯s condition took a turn for worse. She turned off the computer, not even bothering to check the hows, whats, and wheres concerning Life¡¯s Hymn. It wouldn¡¯t be there either way, especially since one of its ingredients aided in the ascension of a mage. Those aspects were tightly sealed, and probably the reason she had never heard of it.


    There was only one option to take if she indeed wanted more information: to become a mage.


    The idea both thrilled and chilled her.


    After all, being a mage came with a package of power and prestige¡ªboth of which she severely lacked as a lowly unbound living inside the Second Halo. But best of all, it came with the ability to cast spells and learn the elemental arts. In her eyes, this was not just a chance to reunite what was left of her family, it was a chance to become more. The goosebumps rising at the idea and the grin threatening to break out across her face spoke of what her truest desires were.


    The chilling part, however, dutifully cooled such a thought.


    Not only did she need to pass the Tripartite Trial to even begin her research on Aether Fruits, but should she fail she¡¯d have to let go of yet another 10, 000 rednotes¡ªthe price of participation for one year. That was 10, 000 credits she could use to help feed her brothers. 10, 000 she worked for at several different jobs.


    Let¡¯s say I do become a mage. What¡¯s next? Val wondered.


    The number of variables in her course of action from here on out was dizzying. Even if she gleaned the existence of an Aether Fruit from an abandoned newspaper of all things, for all she knew, the cure could be completely inaccessible,


    Better yet, she had to focus on being able to pay for the treatment currently keeping her mother alive, or else all will be for naught.


    Then there was her life after passing the trials. What then? She didn¡¯t even know if she could cast a spell with her measly aether strand count of eleven, nor if any type of institute would allow her inside its premises.


    They had tested the genius of Wyn¡¯s aether strand count all those years back, during Deduction Day, appalled to find she held no talent.


    ¡°And ASC of eleven! A borderline-typic!¡± they had cried. ¡°A true shame.¡±


    A shame she wore till this day, like a stubborn stain of a dish that didn¡¯t want to wash away¡ªthe fallen prodigy.


    ¡°What about my PAST?¡± she¡¯d beg her teachers, her instructors, to whoever wanted to listen. She knew it was hopeless¡ªASCs and PASTs, the two tests conducted, were practically intertwined. If you flunked one of them, chances were, you¡¯d flunk the other. ¡°What about my PAST?¡±


    ¡°Some things are better left alone,¡± was often the reply.


    ¡°Better we don¡¯t find out,¡± was the other.


    They could never finish the sentence.


    Better we don¡¯t find out you¡¯re more of a disappointment than we thought.


    Her speed of growing and enlarging her Aetherial Vessel relied mainly on her Position on the Aether Spectrum of Talent, an important aspect left undiscovered. The ensemble¡ªthe group seeing to the testing of magical aptitudes¡ªleft her shrouded in mystery, or on a real level, had simply forgotten about her.


    With all of that laid out though, Val found she didn¡¯t care.


    Drake chase or not, something primitive within her was eager for the challenge and thankful for the fuel to take the first, ever so small step she¡¯d been so afraid of.


    It scared her.


    It urged her.


    Val grasped unto such feeling, wrapping it within the folds of her soul. Her success meant the revival of her remaining parent, and that alone was enough to embark on what was very much conceivably a fruitless journey.


    If not to finish it, enough to start, at the very least.


    "It says that your card was most recently used here, sir."


    The attendant Val met out in the front and the man she pickpocketed ambled in as a pair, heads swivelling as they scanned the room. They went from computer to computer, and it didn''t look like they were going to stop.


    That was her cue to leave.


    <hr>


    Val hovered a jacketed sleeve about her nose, a heavy haze of stagnant smog filling out the courtyard. Veins of neon blue whisked about, hinting at smoke derived from Glint. With a quill from the spiny Mirn as its main ingredient, an aether creature renowned for its illusion magic, the product was well known and well used, especially, it seemed, by the crowd hanging around the Library of Wyn¡¯s vicinity.


    Attempting to round the sprawling library by outdoors means in hopes the fresh, crisp winter air would smooth out her jumbled thoughts, she clicked her tongue and hurried her pace.


    The exit led her to a crossway of alleys and she took the path leading to the parking lots. Long, stark shadows set in as the sun vanished beyond the Middle Wall, the protective barrier cutting an already short, winter day by an hour.


    Wading through ankle-high slush, Val¡¯s heart went out to all of the blanketed, shivering bodies huddling within the free-heating areas.


    Ciazen winters carried a deadly chill. As a charity effort, organizations worked to inscribe heat enchantments in areas all around the country¡ªexcept, unfortunately for some districts in the Third Halo¡ªwhere those in need can live and sleep.


    While blemished by things better left unsaid, the rubber platform was absent of the lightest layers of snowflakes, sticking out in the sleet-ridden concrete pathways.


    Out of all of those idle on the free-heating areas, most held next to no aura, ten or fewer ASCs.


    Typics.


    They begged for credit bills, but Val¡¯s pockets were not much fuller than theirs, and daggers of shame stabbed at her each time she kept walking.


    One looked her down near the alley¡¯s exit, struggling to her feet and putting what appeared to be a boxcutter between herself and Val.


    Val ceased her steps and searched her inner pouch for the pocket knife she owned, the weapon costing no more than twenty credits. It lacked the protective runes common in armoury nowadays, but she wasn¡¯t willing to spend a couple more rednotes for a mere chip-resistance enchantment. All I can afford, really.


    ¡°Drop all your valuables!¡± the homeless woman, evident by the holes in her pants and the stains on her coat, demanded with questionable authority.


    Taking one glance at her stance¡ªknees bent inwards, feet near-touching, free hand in her jacket¡ªVal stayed her ground and chuckled. ¡°You won¡¯t get much by robbing me, honestly.¡±


    ¡°Last c-chance!¡±


    Val took no heed to the warning, stilling her hand and backpedalling slowly. All the while, she zeroed in on the pain throughout her body that had quelled ever since she entered the alleys. Filled with typics, it could hardly even be called as such, a mere tingle at the tips of her fingers. Though each step she took backwards it faded twice as much, almost as if she was receding from something of a noticeable aether pool...


    A throb struck her temple, snapping Val from within to without. The robber¡¯s eyes glowed a pale grey in the shadow-covered alleys, hands outwards and lips moving.


    A spell.


    Heavens, what¡¯s a mage doing here?


    Val turned around and darted down the thin pathways, aiming to turn the next corner of the crossways. Air came in less and less the more she ran, her steady breathing turning into a pained wheeze.


    The ground grew in height, the last of her oxygen leaving her in a rush as she crashed against the ground. All she saw was the dull white of sleet. Val tried to turn, tried to defend her belongings as the air mage neared.


    What had been a skilled takedown maneuver came out as a flail of a kick, darkness creeping up at the edges.


    None on the platforms helped, some pointed and jeered with themselves.


    Unconsciousness soon claimed her as the mage crouched with a shit-eating grin, Val''s last vision of two blurry outlines growing behind the robber.

 Chapter 3 - Slow Growth

    ¡°¡ªwe arrived late and found an air mage of all things squeezing the breath out of her lungs¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªI texted you at four and you got there at six. You literally had one fu¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªall this noise isn¡¯t going to help¡ª


    ¡°¡ªyour sister will be fine, I checked her over¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªlet her get rest, saints knows she needs it¡ª"


    Val fell in and out of consciousness, feeling a palm on her forehead and the motion of someone carrying her. Whether she rode in a car was a mystery. At a point, voices came and went until a period of calmness thankfully rotated in. Ensconced in a number of blankets, as soon as she hit the snug embrace of a pillow, Val slipped into intense repose.


    ¡­


    The loud yawn of an old door opening fissured the numb state of her mind, the sound bringing forth several memories, both pleasant and glum. This is Caro¡¯s bedroom.


    ¡°Is she asleep?¡±


    Bradley¡¯s voice, deep in timbre, carried across from what Val assumed to be the doorways. It was always distinct, nearly monotone, never rising in pitch or tone no matter the topic¡ªthe exact opposite of his sister, Caro. Val did them the favour of pretending to sleep, deciding the hassle of conversation was too much right now.


    ¡°Yes, I believe so.¡±


    Val¡¯s eyebrows twitched up. While also moderately deep, the voice was clearly feminine, carrying a lilt of practiced intonation. Who¡¯s that?


    Creaks reached Val¡¯s ears as they walked forward, the bed bending forward as the pair leaned against the frame, taking a seat right in front of where Val lay.


    Val felt Bradley pull up the bedsheets to her shoulders. The action warmed her and she reeled in the smile threatening to break out on her lips, convincing herself to fall back asleep.


    ¡°I cannot stand some typics,¡± Bradley whispered, and Val could almost imagine behind her closed eyes the scar through his left eye warping as he talked. Though still monotone, Val¡¯s ears learned to pick up the slight tint of emotions that edged in now and then. "To stand there as a young, sixteen-year-old girl is harassed right in front of you, just how low would you have to be at that point? For a mage sleeping in FHAs, a mere shout would disrupt her incantation, and do more than any of them cared to do.¡±


    ¡°Not everyone¡¯s capable of looking out for more than themself, hon. Across all Identification Strains¡ªtypic, unbound, and mage,¡± the lady said, ¡°you and your family are largely the exceptions. You know that.¡±


    Hon? Val repeated internally. That seemed a little too close for friends, especially directed towards a person like Bradley. He''d be the first to shut down any means for assumptions. Are they¡­? Nah, Val thought, my sleep deprivation is finally catching up to me.


    ¡°Still very much irksome,¡± he muttered, unaware of Val''s inner turmoil. The conversation lulled into silence for some time, Val almost slipping back into sleep before the lady spoke again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about something else,¡± she murmured. ¡°Like the trials.¡±


    The sudden and unfounded change in topic managed to tug on Val¡¯s interest.


    ¡°How¡¯re the preparations for that going?¡± Bradley asked.


    ¡°Some final touches to be done here and there, but it¡¯s pretty much finished at this point,¡± she heard the lady respond.


    ¡°That¡¯s weird,¡± Brad answered. ¡°With how you¡¯ve been stressing over the past couple of days, I thought it might not happen.¡±


    Val¡¯s ears perked up, the sleep all but banished at his words.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the trial I¡¯m worried about.¡± Her sigh ran deep. ¡°I¡¯m wondering how I¡¯m going to hand out 2500 Aether Artifacts.¡±


    ¡°What, there¡¯s too many?¡± Brad asked.


    ¡°Too little,¡± she emphasized. ¡°Leave it to the Aether Artifact Allocation Committee to stress me out.¡±


    ¡°For you to spell out the full name¡­¡± Brad chuckled, which might have woken Val up even if the conversation was about clouds. He never chuckled. ¡°Must be hell.¡±


    ¡°Well yeah, anything I say gets lost in a sea of votes,¡± she muttered in return. ¡°It¡¯s huge. I¡¯m talking thousands.¡±


    ¡°Fiona, I know you hate to hear it,¡± Brad said, ¡°but your family name carries weight¡ªa truck ton of it. No need to add the fact that you¡¯re a dual-bound Magus or a military Captain.¡±


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Val might¡¯ve stopped breathing, the information becoming too heavy to bear. The Tripartite Trial was an event to detect those who have the potential to be a mage, that was how it had always been. Now, hearing there was a screening underneath yet another screening twisted Val¡¯s gut into an ugly ball of nerves. Not to mention breathing the same air as a dual-bound Magus of all things.


    ¡°Let¡¯s carry this conversation elsewhere and give Val some room,¡± Brad said as he made headway for the doors, evident by the noises following him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow you out, just checking something on my phone.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Brad called out.


    With the conversation gone and little to focus on, Val marvelled at the clarity in her mind. Instead of the muddled mess slowing the gears of her brain, it was an expanse of untouched water. Still and calm, with the littlest of things reaching the forefront of her mind.


    It made it all the easier to find quite the oddity.


    The lowest of mages, the likes who had to take the bus to commute, made the threat of a vertiginous fall a reality. Yet a Magus, two entire ranks above that of a Novice, left her feeling better than her time around the typics. Val figured she could chalk it up to some rare skill.


    More strange was the success at her pretense of sleep. Her lacking attempt might¡¯ve thrown Bradley off, his senses still very much in the bounds of normality, but definitely not a mage.


    Memories of Dad and Mom taking turns to catch her grinning under the blankets to sneak past their nightly checks¡ªwhat had been rebellious to her back then¡ªnever working out remained vivid, and their highest peaks as elementalists were Novice.


    There was no way a so-called Magus could not do the same. The mystery quickly devoured Val¡¯s restraint, and as the Fiona''s footfalls receded, she couldn¡¯t keep it in.


    ¡°You knew I was awake.¡± Val pushed up on an elbow and stared at the back of the lady, shrugging off a few of the blankets and ignoring the explosion of colour throughout Caro¡¯s room. ¡°Why lie? Why have such a specific conversation, one I don¡¯t think I was supposed to hear, unless you wanted me to have this information?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hardly anything special.¡±


    Val flinched back as the lady threw a glance over the shoulder, striking blue eyes encasing everything they gazed upon. She was Kidraan, tight curls puffed down to frame her face of mahogany complexion. Dark military fatigue bottoms and a white thermal shirt outlined her tall, athletic stature, and a metal plate with a name etched onto it dangled from her neck.


    Rhodes. F


    From the get-up alone, Val couldn''t obtain the exact jurisdiction she was in, but it was obvious she served in some sort of way. Bradley, a member of the Defender''s Army, the civil force responsible for rift ruptures and the like, exuded the same energy off of him.


    Cool, calm, and collected.


    ¡°Scions of the First Halo have this info before they can walk," Rhodes added.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t change the fact that you intended for me of all people to hear it.¡± Val¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What are you getting at here? What are you planning?¡±


    The woman flashed a smile that would¡¯ve made the average man blush. ¡°I''m merely¡­ evening out the playing field.¡±


    <hr>


    Val rubbed the sleep from her face and shook herself awake, putting the rather interesting talk with the lady¡ªFiona¡ªto rest. She had left for the living room without another word, not bothering to clear the accusation Val threw her way. Questions continued to rattle her mind in the mage''s absence, enough to spur her out of bed. Rounding the corner out of the hallway, she could hardly take two steps before a blur of umber-brown hair and bright, golden eyes slammed into her torso.


    ¡°Slow down there, little guy.¡± Val chuckled as she wrapped her littlest brother in a hug.


    Her worries vanished as Anderson broke out in a grin missing a couple of front teeth. ¡°C¡¯mon Vallie, we have a surprise set up!¡±


    ¡°Is it really a surprise if you tell her?¡±


    Val didn¡¯t have to look to know that it was her second brother¡¯s remark that echoed across the room. He was wearing an oversized t-shirt and shorts while messing up his spiky pile of blonde bed hair.


    ¡°He''s just excited,¡± Val said, eyes roaming the room as she was pulled in by Anderson. Banners hung from the ceilings, up around the couch, and even above the doorstep leading outside. A detail she missed while unconscious.


    ¡°He¡¯s always excited,¡± she heard Kenneth mutter back as she passed.


    The Hayes family decided to turn on more lights than usual, spheres full of radiant enchantments bathing the room in a cozy yellow. The long dinner table¡ªa combination of all the counters they could find, including Caro''s gaming desk¡ªwas covered in a checkered tablecloth, loads of dishes piled across.


    At the center was sliced brisket laid onto a layer of tall leeks, grass-like almost, with drizzled gravy to finish off the Kidraan dish. A wide array of fruit trays were organized in an artistic manner around it, spaces filled with jugs of juice.


    ¡°Well, what are we waiting for?¡± Caro stood akimbo at the head of the table. ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me.¡±


    ¡°Hell yeah!¡±


    ¡°Happy New Years!¡±


    Bradley raised a hand and paused the celebration, heads turning in his direction. "Tonight, we honour the prep graduates, Valory and Carielle, as well as," he gazed upon Caro, "a future, rising mage."


    ¡°Two mages.¡± Gazes darted from Bradley to Val at her statement, similar expressions of shock across their faces¡ªslack jaw, raised eyebrows, stilled hand. A hint of a smile graced Val¡¯s lips as she watched Caro¡¯s almond-brown eyes widen in giddy anticipation. ¡°Probably not rising for me though. I¡¯d prefer growing, and very slowly, at that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll toast to that,¡± Bradley offered a smile, his cup hefted above the center of the table. ¡°Both of whom I consider sisters, both of whom I consider talented¡ªwe wish all the best for tomorrow''s trials. While my parents aren¡¯t here, know that they think the same as well.¡±


    Val¡¯s words remained lodged in her throat. Settling for a heartfelt nod, she tapped his cup.


    ¡°Cheers!¡±


    ¡°Cheers!¡±


    As they dug in with vigour, as she ate and celebrated with loved ones, Val couldn¡¯t help but smile. This, she thought, this is what I have to protect.


    The Efron and Hayes families, too busy raising their glasses to a year of prosperity, failed to catch the unusual swaying of shadows behind the curtains. By the time Fiona¡¯s ice-blue eyes glanced its way in suspicion¡ªthe response under the span of a millisecond¡ªit was gone.

 Extra Tidbit I - Dim Alternatives

    The First Halo of Ciazel,


    The city of Reynor,


    The Abode of the Seer


    Today, Fiona was to dive into the knowledge of someone who knew what could have been, what was being, what had been, and what will be. Today, she was to unveil the uncertainties that often plagued those who walked on the physical side of Spiravale. Today, she was going to see through someone else¡¯s eyes. Today, she was to discover her future.


    Presumably, at least.


    As Fiona gave a small push to the misshapen door made out of cylindrical wooden logs, a whole essay of runes lit up across the timber walls of the cabin-style home. The lines of scripts glowed strongest from the doorframe and paled as it stretched, creating an ombre effect eager to enthrall the gaze of the enterer.


    Fiona, eying the shadows that engulfed the entirety of what was inside¡ªswaying and hissing at her entrance¡ªswallowed dryly. ¡°Seer?


    Enchanted light bulbs flickered on in accordance, lighting a path. ¡°Over here, dear. Come quickly, the tea is getting cold.¡±


    Fiona followed the illuminated hallway, muttering to herself, ¡°Definitely not creepy...¡±


    At the end of the corridor, past an arching entrance, was where the Seer called from. A roaring hearth rendered the visage of an older lady rocking in her chair, white strands highlighting the grey of her hair and crow feet framing calm eyes. With a steaming cup within her hands, the Seer gestured to the counter not too far away, where a kettle and a formation of different kinds of teabags lay.


    Not looking directly at her, the Seer smiled. ¡°Help yourself, dear, then come sit.¡±


    Fiona sat first, to the confusion of her company. She then honed in on the mug the Seer was sipping. Not so much the snowflake design plastered onto the surface, but more the space it was occupying¡ªthe reality it held in the now and then. And she grasped that concept, the stained rim, chipped handle, and swishing liquid with not her hands but instead, her mind.


    Then, she warped it.


    ¡°Spatial Shift.¡±


    Fiona cast the spell and in less than a blink, the cup of tea, warm and all, was now in her hands. She smiled at her success, a spell once difficult years ago.


    ¡°Colour me impressed,¡± the Seer deadpanned, her face the very image of stone.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡± Fiona grinned and handed the woman across from her the tea back, lest she left empty-handed. ¡°I think it¡¯s about time we get to business.¡±


    ¡°I concur.¡± The Seer placed her cup of tea on the table between them. ¡°What would you like to know, or in a better term, perhaps see?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, to be honest,¡± Fiona admitted. ¡°I¡¯m only here because my mother apparently booked this session be¡ª¡±


    ¡°Before you were even born, yes, I know,¡± The seer finished. ¡°And I know why, as well.¡±


    Ashley Lenson, better known as the Seer, hailed from a house exalted for their affinity with the Impartial Elemental Gates, including the Gates of Divination, Time, and Clairvoyance¡ªthe rarest affinities across the entire world.


    People from the four ends of Spiravale travelled in whatever form was available to sit at their spotless steps, most settling for a look alone.


    So for her mother to book a session with an unborn child was, to say the least, the greatest act of dominance to all other esteemed families eying the Rhodes¡¯ place in the country of Ciazel.


    In brief, Fiona was a line to cross within her mother¡¯s elaborate scheme.


    A number to crunch.


    The thought twisted at Fiona¡¯s heart in a way she could hardly express. It made her seethe, scrunching up her nose whenever the notion leaked onto her face unbidden.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother you that this is all a ploy for her to raise her status?¡± Fiona asked before she could stop herself. ¡°That you¡¯re being used?¡±


    Archon Lenson simply sipped at her tea. ¡°I could say the same for you, cadet. After all, you¡¯re a tool to the military, are you not?¡±


    Fiona scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s hardly the same.¡±


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°If you wish to believe so, be my guest. Now, unless you wish to tarry in the mundane and the typical, this is your last chance. What do you wish to see?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it up to you to decide. You tell me if there¡¯s anything interesting in the foreseeable future.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± the Seer took another sip of her tea. ¡°What most on your level consider a scar, he is what¡¯s making you happy so far. He already bears a strike on his eye because of you. Beware, else that¡¯ll most definitely multiply into two.¡±


    Fiona¡¯s growing grin ceased as the prophecy progressed. It was no mystery about who she was referring to, nor were the people on her level. ¡°How serious are we talking about here?¡±


    The Seer gave a small, wistful smile. ¡°Nothing too big, just his rather¡­ cheerful sister.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Fiona chuckled until the Seer¡¯s claims sunk fully. ¡°Wait, Carielle¡¯s the one who gave him that scar? His eight-year-old sister?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± Archon Lenson answered, ¡°and definitely not mine to tell.¡±


    ¡°And the rhymes?¡±


    ¡°Just for fun,¡± the Seer got out right as she winced and inhaled a sharp breath. She cradled her head in one palm, a dribble of blood dripping from her nose.


    Fiona shot up. ¡°Where do you keep your healing scrolls? I¡¯ll get one for you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, dear.¡± The Seer gave her a weak smile, exhaling slowly and wiping the line of blood with a sleeve. ¡°I¡¯ve been having these headaches and the like for quite some time now.¡±


    ¡°And you haven¡¯t thought of visiting the hospital once?¡± Fiona asked. The bodies of a mage progressed, becoming less injury-prone as one advanced, especially so for an Archon. Bullets able to tear up the scariest of aether creatures must feel like snowflakes to her, and here the Seer was having nosebleeds on the regular.


    The Seer reclined in her chair and shut her eyes. ¡°It comes with the job.¡±


    Fiona stared at her counterpart for some time as she sat back down. ¡°Alright¡­¡±


    Who was she to refute her claims?


    ¡°Tell me something else then,¡± Fiona said, now very interested in this conversation. ¡°Something of great import that you know I''d like to hear.¡±


    Woodfire cracked in the hearth, splashing yellows and oranges onto the two seated ladies. The flash of light harshed the wrinkles marking Archon Lenson¡¯s face as she massaged her temple with a finger.


    Just as Fiona was going to ask if she was alright, the Seer¡¯s grey, depthless eyes snapped open, glowing a deep purple. ¡°Even the playing field, or all of you shall and will be evened.¡±


    ¡°Playing field,¡± Fiona repeated, eyebrows pinched together. Sports was far from anything she kept track of, and here was a prophecy supposedly able to grab her attention.


    Diviners were said to speak in riddles, but the previous prediction given was as straightforward as can be. And now, she was handed a verdict that could be deciphered in as many ways as there were elements.


    Think, Fiona. Think.


    Her mother¡¯s dreaded mantra made its way into her head, for better or worse.


    With one last look towards the older woman who looked somewhat out of it, Fiona dived into her stream of thoughts.


    Playing field didn''t necessarily relate to sports, even if it was where the name was derived from. It could mean anything that carried players, which brought her to the next conundrum.


    Who were the players, and how many were there? What kind of players were they? Anywhere from video games to elemental archery qualified as having a player base to Fiona, not including if the term player was to be taken as a stand-in for yet another interpretation.


    Then there was the final, looming claim: all of you will and shall be evened.


    Evened could mean tied in a set score. Fiona hoped it would.


    In the way she decoded it, though, to be evened meant to be levelled, flattened, and destroyed.


    If the ambiguity stopped there, Fiona would¡¯ve gone home with fists clenched together in fear, unable to sleep without nightmares plaguing her rest.


    However, as her brain worked to crack the words, her stomach churned the more she ruminated on it. One single word made it so she would spend most nights staring at her spiked ceiling, unable to even close her eyes.


    You.


    You as in herself, Fiona? You as in her family, the Rhodes? You, as in her country, Ciazel? You, as in the Western Continent, Toreth? Should she go any further?


    Fiona paled at the spiral she swiftly fell into, seeing no end in her questions. So, she leaned forward, asking the possible sole person who she could glean an answer from. ¡°Where in the world is this playing field¡ªhell, how massive are we talking here? By even, should I make it fair across all players or should I remove the hills making the ground multi-levelled? How will I know?¡±


    Archon Lenson merely blinked and sighed. A sigh that spoke more than words. ¡°You¡¯ll know.¡±


    The number one rule when going to see a diviner of any sort was to never¡ªnot even once¡ªpush for more information. Such actions might be a mere drop to an ocean, an act of little disturbance to the delicate existence that was time.


    In other instances, those ripples caused by the lone droplet might converge to form a wave, creating a new set of occurrences never intended to happen by greater forces beyond understanding, thus changing¡ªand ruining¡ªthe prediction given.


    Fiona asked a question and she was declined for a reason.


    Who knew if the newfound knowledge changed the future actions she would take that could stop the incoming could-be-disaster?


    Rising from her seat and thanking the Seer for her time with a bow, Fiona left with millions of uncertainties, save for one thing: she hoped with all of her heart that she, being her usual self, was over-complicating things.


    She hoped that the most at risk were solely the points scored in the Major League Aether Zone Cup.


    Saints knew the alternatives were dim.

 Chapter 4 - Clicked Mute

    It wasn''t long before her destination came into view, an ebony dome swallowing a piece of the sky. The mammoth of a building was cleared out for the day, with hundreds of classrooms and its duelling arena of ten thousand seats free for use. Surrounding architecture rooted in an Auricean style, it bore a certain orderliness unseen elsewhere in the city. Perfectly-aligned stone buildings alongside grass hedges snipped by the leaf¡ªit all made Wyn''s Institutional Place of Magic what it was.


    "Destination reached. Exit here at Wyn''s Institutional Place of Magic," the bus notified.


    Val yanked her earbuds and vacated the vehicle, absorbed by the flux of participants. Sandwiched by people clad in elegant, thin coats, she snorted. Those rednotes spent on heating enchantments could be put to way better use.


    Either way, they all dressed the same underneath. A requirement of entrance into the Tripartite Trial was to wear their secondary school''s uniform, even if they hadn''t stepped inside institutional grounds in years. According to the administration behind the trials, it made them easier to identify.


    The stream split as the students circled past the water fountain statue of Celeste, a revered saint taking providence on the university¡¯s step.


    Pure water spilled out of the cupped stone hands of the Azure Saint, billowing out in mesmerizing waves only to crash against its ceramic restraints.


    Val watched as people dipped their hands into Celeste¡¯s crystalline waters, awestruck as the injuries lining their palms and fingers faded to reveal fresh, glowing skin. Healing the participants before they enter all hell, she mused.


    ¡°Hold on.¡±


    Eventually, the flow led her to the stadium doors, and the person one spot ahead halted. A woman clad in a snug, dark suit and coat narrowed her glowing eyes. Seconds passed, the light in her irises shimmering off as she scoffed. ¡°Really? You¡¯ve inscribed protective enchantments on your uniform?¡±


    ¡°I-I have n-no clue as to what you¡¯re talking about!¡± he stammered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t?¡± Her eyes took on a crimson hue as she gripped his arm. A burst of fire coated her hands, painfully colourful against the hue-drained wintery surroundings, spreading to the participant¡¯s light coat. He yelped and flapped his flaming limb around.


    The lady cut her arm in a sharp horizontal motion and the fire died as fast as it came, revealing an unblemished sleeve underneath a ruined jacket. No smoke, no ash. ¡°Tell me why there¡¯s not a single scorch mark on your shirt, then?¡±


    ¡°T-that¡¯s assault!¡±


    ¡°Read the guidelines come next year, okay? Next!¡±


    ¡°Hey, I haven¡¯t entered yet¡ª¡±


    ¡°I said next!¡±


    Val swallowed dryly and ambled forward. The fire mage gestured to the green band of fabric wrapped around her upper arm. "These bands indicate the wearer is a conductor. It is advised you listen to every word coming out of such a person, understood?"


    Val nodded, gaze travelling to the leaving participant.


    "I''ll need your I.D. and any devices or items on you except for your uniform. Jewelry included."


    "And my jacket?" Val asked with a shiver, detaching her cartilage piercings on her right ear and unclipping her wristwatch.


    "And your jacket."


    She was vetted by the conductor for a good five minutes, the lady asking questions ranging from her birthday to where she worked, checking off something on her tablet each with a digital pen. There was a quick glance at the bandages wrapped around her non-dominant hand, but it was deemed unimportant.


    Done with that, she walked into the crowded halls in a white blouse, grey slacks, and a red scarf¡ªthe uniform of Vexal Prep. She plaited her shoulder-length hair into two tight braids tied off at the ends, green eyes almost vibrant as they looked around. Got ten whole hours of sleep. Unheard of.


    A hand jerked her backwards by the cuff and an ¡°Urk!¡± sound escaped Val.


    ¡°Entrance period opened thirty minutes ago."


    ¡°And it doesn''t end for another ten minutes.¡± Massaging her throat, Val chuckled as she turned to face a steaming Caro. ¡°Strung up, much?¡±


    Caro rolled her eyes and playfully punched Val¡¯s shoulder, the two following the arrows placed throughout the halls. ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡±


    Slipping past a group of people, Val¡¯s pounding headache became secondary news as Caro moved on to a new topic, clearing her throat. ¡°So, it turns out that Aether Artifacts isn¡¯t the big secret we thought it was.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± Val¡¯s eyebrows pinched together unbidden. ¡°I¡¯d never heard of it before yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Though they didn¡¯t really advertise it, they sure didn¡¯t try to hide it either.¡± The two claimed a space in the halls, Caro whispering, ¡° It¡¯s pretty similar to the stuff scions buy from high-end Artificers, only better. Practically broken. First thing that pops up when I search the internet though are classes for how to wield these weapons. ¡±


    ¡°Must have a high learning curve if there are university classes about them,¡± Val muttered.


    ¡°Real question is¡­ where do they grab ¡®em? Not like I can just walk in a store and buy one.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you check out that group I talked about?¡± Val asked. ¡°Aether Artifact Allocation Committee, I think it¡¯s called.¡±


    ¡°See, while there¡¯s a bunch of info on the Aether Artifacts themselves¡­¡± Caro sighed. ¡°There¡¯s absolutely nothing on the committee. And trust me, I dug in deep. However, I did make use of the facts you gave me about them using the Tripartite Trial as a way to choose candidates and it all aligns almost perfectly. Most get them right after the trials, others before uni starts. It adds up. This committee¡­¡±


    ¡°...uses the trials to pick and choose who takes home these must-have weapons,¡± Val finished.


    ¡°Meaning we better go crazy out there today.¡±


    ¡°Well then,¡± Val glanced Caro¡¯s way as they neared a pair of charcoal-coloured doors, its height thrice their own. Only the Alphs of the distant mountains could pass through them and not feel akin to an ant. ¡°You ready?¡±


    ¡°As if that¡¯s a question.¡±


    <hr>


    Val didn¡¯t know what was worse, the clamorous din of thousands of conversations occurring or the wave of aura that nearly took her off her feet when she entered the arena. Her eyes slid down to the wood-plated floor as she used all the internal power within her not to melt into a pile of uncomfortable pain.


    In doing so, she failed to witness the way fervent discussions slowed at their entrance, eyes wide as they sensed Caro¡¯s attention-demanding aether pool in alarm.


    ¡°By the saints, who¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Carielle Hayes.¡±


    ¡°You know her?¡±


    ¡°Hard not to, she scored purple on Deduction Day.¡±


    There was a sharp inhale.


    ¡°Her ASC is one hundred?! You¡¯re lying.¡±


    ¡°Ask anyone else here!¡±


    ¡°Yep, he¡¯s telling the truth.¡±


    ¡°I know her, she goes to my school. She¡¯s an absolute pain in the ass, though.¡±


    Caro acted as if didn¡¯t hear anything, a hand on Val¡¯s arm as she led the way. ¡°Let¡¯s get you somewhere less noisy.¡±


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    The task proved to be difficult with thousands of teens and young adults in every corner. Aura radiated off participants, ASC on a whole different level compared to those walking on the streets, almost alarmingly so.


    They settled at the edges of the arena walls.


    ¡°You know,¡± Caro said, retying a bundle of curly hair that refused to cooperate. While Caro inherited some of her Auricean mother''s light pigment, she acquired her father''s luscious, coily locks indigenous to those from the country Kidra. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything yesterday ¡®cause I realized we were trying to play it cool, but how sick was it for Fiona freaking Rhodes to be in my house yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Yeah she was chill,¡± Val answered, taking a seat on the arena floors.


    ¡°Hold up¡­¡± Caro¡¯s eyes narrowed. She pressed a steady gaze from above for three seconds, shaking her head with a wry grin. ¡°You don¡¯t know who Fiona Rhodes is, do ya?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Val replied in the affirmative once more. ¡°She¡¯s Bradley''s close friend.¡±


    ¡°I mean like, as a mage. Her lineage. Any of it,¡± Caro said. ¡°You don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Am I supposed to?¡±


    Caro groaned, her reply drowned by a voice that thundered across the arena.


    "Welcome all, young prospects of Ciazel. It is an honour to commence our annual Tripartite Trial!"


    All eyes found their way to the far end of the structure, up inside the stands. A man in ceremonial robes stood with his hands clasped behind his back. "Today marks an abundance of things; it marks the first of the new year, it marks the beginning of the 32nd Tripartite Trial as well as the 40th year since the end of the Third Great War¡ªthe very reason we have this event."


    He paused as he let the solemnity of his words settle. The Third Great War''s repercussions were still felt to this day. It was the reason the Laws of Secrecy were made. It was the reason the social distance between non-mages and elementalists drifted away to a point of no return. It was the reason a lot of people of the previous generation were orphaned, her parents included.


    ¡°The Tripartite Trial is an event to test the underlying aspects vital to potential prospects aside from magical aptitude¡ªto sift the genuine mages from the fake. Heavens knows it¡¯s far from perfect, but you all have ten tries to beat its imperfections. More than enough don''t you say?¡±


    The wave of muttering that went through the crowds gave a different impression.


    ¡°Now, now, settle down. I¡¯d like to move on to the first section of the Tripartite Trial. Please find a seat up in the stands. Do not, under any circumstances, touch the papers. There are no cameras, so I am trusting your integrity. You may now move, prospects.¡±


    Ignoring the eyebrow-raising set of instructions, Val and Caro set out for the staircases lining the arena walls.


    Their seating arrangements took some time to find, the sheer number of rows playing tricks on the mind. Seats were sectioned off by a clear, plastic divider. Affixed to the divider was a wooden attachment on its side one could easily pull out to write on. When Val did so, it came out with a stack of blank paper¡ªmost likely filled with words on the other side¡ªand a pen.


    The urge to flip it over was intense. Just a peek, a voice in the corner of her mind would say. To hell with that, Val would reply back. Not with her mother¡¯s cure on the line.


    Murmurs washed over the arena, like the soft pop of oil before it turned hot. From her vantage point, she witnessed participants of all kinds tussle with their exam sheets. They leaned over to those adjacent to them, saying one thing.


    The papers were blank.


    ¡°Idiots,¡± Caro said.


    A faint chuckle reached Val¡¯s ears, its source the man clad in ceremonial robes a good 200 meters away. How she¡¯d heard his quiet amusement, Val had no clue.


    While hard to tell from where she sat, it looked as if the man dusted off his clothes and stood. ¡°Five years ago, all those who flipped their papers would¡¯ve been well on their way out by now.¡±


    As he raised his hand, the sound of a snap boomed.


    Val was dunked underwater, like someone clicked mute on the world around her. The low hum of the heaters vibrating and the muttering of participants became an eerie mime, existing without sound.


    Despite that, her mind immediately went towards how such a spell worked.


    You could throw boulders at someone, sure. You could burn someone¡¯s jacket with fire, believable. You could pull the air out of someone¡¯s lungs, painful, but capable of happening.


    Yet how would one steal a person¡¯s hearing? Did they stop the sound waves from hitting a person¡¯s eardrum or did the spell directly nullify the eardrum¡¯s ability to vibrate? Or maybe, it affected the auditory nerves directly. If so, was it reversible?


    The man snapped again, answering her question. Val¡¯s hearing rushed back, her sigh of relief paired with the actual sound of releasing air.


    He walked forward, planting his hand on the guardrail meant to prevent spectators from plunging into the arena below. ¡°In this arena, one in twenty lacked the common sense necessary to listen to simple instructions. That¡¯s one too many.


    ¡°Soon, some of you will have the ability to call upon lightning with a wave of your hand, the ability to cause rain at your cry, the ability to heal the sick at your touch¡ªdo you know how dangerous it would be to let you run rampant if you cannot understand the rules of this land? I¡¯m sure some of you have already seen the repercussions of letting these fools go on to the next trial.¡±


    The memory of the air mage¡¯s attempt at mugging her came to the forefront of Val¡¯s, a shiver running down her spine at the thought of thousands of mages doing the same to defenceless people. He¡¯s right¡­


    ¡°We have this trial due to those who think they''re above the rules. They are, in fact, not. The awakening of one¡¯s element is a privilege in this country, not a right.¡± Everyone, including Val, wilted as his stare roamed the auditorium. ¡°Now wait until I say so this time. In silence. I like my mornings peaceful.¡±


    He swivelled on his feet, his robes twirling at the action, and took a seat on one of the nearby empty benches.


    As each minute passed and the wait stretched, the knots tangled in Val¡¯s stomach doubled, her thoughts spiralling without control. The Laws seemed a living, breathing thing, choosing who would be more impervious to its rules compared to the other. Rich, powerful, talented¡ªthose of certain categories poked holes against its supposed impenetrable bar of information, Captain Rhodes might as have well confirmed it yesterday.


    Would the trial admin care? What if they asked questions she had no answer to? Like the rumoured Paths of a mage, or the speculated disciplines of magic? What of the differences between the Central Essences?


    The silence in the arena spurred her thoughts, all contemplating one thing or the other.


    Val gasped as unknown, glowing letters bloomed on the page in vertical lines of script. By the saints, enchantments? On paper? The mysterious sentences settled a moment later. When it disappeared, words she understood appeared on the paper. The exam, it seemed, was always in front of them. Just hidden.


    She couldn¡¯t say it was inexpensive, but it sure was clever.


    The man in ceremonial robes stood once more, attracting eyes with his movement alone. ¡°Your window closes at noon, giving you all three hours to complete the exam. Raise a hand when you are finished and I''ll inform you of your next set of instructions. You may begin.¡±


    Before Val could catch a glimpse of her exam, a knock on her divider had her turning right. Caro made a zipping motion over her mouth. She then grinned and raised a thumbs up for good luck. Val smiled in response, the knots lodged within her stomach detangling themselves at her friend''s silly antics. Her smile broadened as she glanced at the first page. This is the bare minimum to know.


    Glancing back at Caro to see how she was taking it, she met face to face with an opaque divider, unable to catch even a silhouette. She did manage to catch the last of enchantments disappearing at the corner.


    Shaking her head, Val focused on her exams.


    Name the ranks defining a mage and state how they are classified.


    Val allowed herself a smile as she wrote.


    Novice


    Adept


    Magus


    Magister


    Archon


    A common mistake people make is attributing the rank of a mage to the amount of aether residing within their aetherial vessel because of how we classify the 15 tiers of all aether creatures. In reality, the ranks are attributed to certain steps a person has made on their journey as a mage.


    Val questioned how the system had worked¡ªwell what little of the system she knew with the Laws of Secrecy around. What exactly did those steps signify? How did it widen the gap between those who took it and those who failed to follow through? At the end of the day, she wasn¡¯t here to change the rules, she was here to pass the exam.


    She continued the test without any hiccups. The exam was the barebones of what any prep graduate should know, ranging from the difficulties of Oz¡¯s Aether Creature Tiering System to the definition of Artificers and their five classes. The last question put Val¡¯s rapid-fire pace on still ice, however.


    Define an artifact.


    It was an odd inquiry, with nothing to do with the elemental arts. Knowing the existence of the Aether Artifact Allocation Committee, though, unveiled a little of what the question was getting at.


    There was only one line of info allowed to the word artifact, the rest hidden behind the Laws of Secrecy, and Val wrote it down word for word.


    A channel, be it a weapon or jewellery, manmade or a nature-born treasure, of immense abilities.


    Glancing at her wrist to check the time, she forgot they confiscated her belongings. The sparse amount of people still left within the arena told her she was one of the last few to finish. She reviewed her paper thrice and raised her hand once satisfied. By the time she blinked, the man donned in ceremonial robes appeared right in front of her, his clothes billowing as if a natural breeze flowed.


    ¡°Heavens!¡± Val flinched back. Now up close, she could tell he was of Auricean descent, his loose brown hair and peach skin tone giving it away. He held out a hand. ¡°Exam?¡±


    Still in shock, Val could only hand over the papers in silence. He looked over her sheets, nodding here and there before making a satisfied sound. ¡°Looks good to me. Wait in room 215, we¡¯ll tell you what to do from there.¡±


    He vanished once more, Val not able to get a reply out.


    How nice.

 Chapter 5 - Painters Analogy

    ¡°Val, over here!¡±


    A stage whisper cut across the heavy-set anxiety of the gymnasium-sized room, its volume cringeworthy in the silence amidst the two hundred participants inside.


    Caro beamed at Val¡¯s entrance, a stark difference from the darkening faces of those filling out the numerous pull-out chairs. Who are they waiting for? Val wondered, setting herself to a brisk pace to the very back, where her friend waved her over.


    ¡°Cutting it close there.¡± Caro jabbed a thumb at an enchanted clock, runic light hardening into rock-solid digits. ¡°It¡¯s 11:56.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t realize finding this place would be such a chore,¡± Val sighed.


    Caro smirked. ¡°You just gotta cut it close for everything, don¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°At least the food I make is edible,¡± Val replied, memories of one too many parties gone wrong. Someway, somehow, Caro always managed to sneak in her handmade treats. Empty seats filled the classes the next day, the majority calling in absent in wake of stomach trouble.


    ¡°Low blow, Lore," Caro said, a forlorn palm on her chest. "Low blow.¡±


    She patted her friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ll survive.¡±


    The terse ching of a door closing wrenched the necks of the participants in a sharp direction. Val shifted in her seat, green eyes following a woman dressed in black military fatigues, a megaphone near her lips.


    ¡°New additions, very nice.¡± Her gaze roamed the vicinity as she addressed the waiting youths. ¡°I¡¯m Corporal Wren of the armed forces and it¡¯d be in your best interest to listen to my next instructions.¡±


    She unfurled a lengthy sheet of paper and cleared her throat. ¡°Would the following people accompany me? Grid Forn. Jaiden Jessabel. Elena¡ª¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Val asked, watching as people in various areas rose and lined up behind the corporal.


    Caro fiddled with her blouse¡¯s collar. ¡°No one knows. I¡¯ve tried asking around, but¡­¡±


    ¡°No luck?¡± Val inferred.


    Caro shook her head. ¡°Nothing. I mean shit, it¡¯s gotta be the second test, right? Where else could they be taking us?¡±


    Val let the question hang in the air. Corporal Wren nodded at the twenty-something participants gathered at her feet and, like a centipede, the group curved towards the exit without another word.


    ¡°The sequence is random,¡± Val noticed. ¡°Seating order doesn¡¯t seem to be a determining factor of who¡¯s grouped with who.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope we stick together either way,¡± Caro said,


    The question was¡­ did they want to be called? Was that a way of assuring one¡¯s passage to the next trial or was it a sign of failure instead? Val remained undecided but awaited the announcement of her name nonetheless.


    Her performance today decided her mother¡¯s well-being. She couldn¡¯t stop here. I won¡¯t.


    The return of the megaphone was announced by a screech like the sound of nails on a blackboard. ¡°Alright people, you know the drill. Kane Fazron. Kelly Brook. Carielle Hayes¡­¡±


    All faded into the background at the calling of her friend. Val reached out and clenched Caro¡¯s trembling fingers. ¡°Remember what you always tell me about gaming?¡±


    ¡°What, that you suck at it?¡±


    Val¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°Caro.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I remember,¡± Caro grinned. ¡°It¡¯s all about the mental game. Once you lose your cool, you¡¯re done for.¡±


    Val nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t let anything get to you. You go in there, you keep your calm, you assess the situation, and you work at it.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Caro breathed out. Together they listened to the names called, none of them being Val¡¯s by the end.


    Smiling, Val gestured towards the waiting corporal. ¡°Off you go now. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s keen on tardiness.¡±


    ¡°Boy am I glad I¡¯m not you,¡± Caro quipped. Squeezing her hand one last time, Caro rose and stalked away, her ponytail of crimson hair bobbing along with each rigid step.


    It was weird.


    Caro was the more confident of their little group of two, taking everything in stride. From always being the aggressor within spars to being there for Val when she was going through the worst of it.


    Yet now, one would have a hard time distinguishing her from a stiff piece of cardboard. The look didn¡¯t fit with the Caro she knew, someone who thrived under pressure. As Caro turned the corner near the head of the line, though, she glanced at Val with a smile full of trepidation, anxiety¡ªand if she saw correctly¡ªexcitement?


    Val cracked a smile. I should¡¯ve known.


    Corporal Wren continued to reappear, call twenty names, and pop right back out in fifteen-minute intervals. Val kept an eye on the people biting their nails, tapping their feet, or constantly fidgeting in some shape or form. She couldn¡¯t blame their incessant squirming.


    It was nerve-wracking.


    To sit and wait for something you¡¯re not quite positive you want to happen was no different than someone revealing the podium winners from the third place up. On a level, it seemed as if they purposely moulded this segment of the trial in such a way, like the blank papers of the preceding exam. Sneaky.


    The door clicked shut, and the familiar sound of a lone pair of footsteps marching to the front of their room raised the fifty heads of the youths remaining.


    The corporal plucked the brimmed hat crowning her head and tucked it beneath an elbow, stature rigid. ¡°For those whose names aren¡¯t called, your journey doesn¡¯t end here. As long as you¡¯re under twenty-five, I¡¯m letting you know that you do have another chance to try again next year.¡±


    Val¡¯s back felt lighter for a moment, relief coursing through her veins. Her words meant Caro was well on her way to the second trial and the knowledge sliced the invisible pressure weighing on her shoulders by half.


    Now, it was time to hear her own verdict.


    The corporal continued. ¡°Can the following people line up behind me? Valory Efron. Mack River. Steph¡ª¡±


    By the saints. Val let go of a deep sigh. She did it.


    She passed.


    Straightening her blouse, she moved to fill in her spot behind Corporal Wren as one of the ten called. The corporal didn''t adress the eliminated youths once as their group left the waiting room.


    She led them through the maze-like hallways, the length of the stroll bordering on five minutes. Heavens, this place is huge.


    Arriving in front of a fiberglass door, the corporal faced the lost ducklings ambling after her. ¡°Here you are. One of you enters at a time¡ªand this shouldn¡¯t take more than ten minutes for this group. I trust you¡¯ll follow instructions instead of risking disqualification, so don¡¯t do anything stupid while I run a few errands.¡± Corporal Wren¡¯s eyes latched onto Val¡¯s frame. ¡°You¡¯re up.¡±


    Val went ahead and rotated the metal handle, the door creaking open a crack. A bespectacled woman clad in a lab coat spun her office chair around. ¡°Efron?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± The woman gestured to a plush, bear-shaped chair beside her. ¡°Sit, I need you to confirm a few things for me.¡±


    She sunk into the soft fabric, closing her eyes and appreciating the comfort. Kenny would love this, even if he would never admit it. The keyboard linked to the black desktop clacked in protest as the woman¡¯s finger walked all over it. ¡°Take a look.¡±


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Not willing to arise from the snug seat just yet, Val stretched her neck to see.


    Valory Efron


    Aether Strand Count: 11


    Aetherial Vessel: Raw


    Identification Strain: Unbound


    Element(s): N/A


    Rank: N/A


    Position on the Aether Spectrum of Talent (PAST): TBD


    Age: 16


    Height: 5¡¯6


    Past/Current Institutes: Vexal Preparatory School, Vexal Elementary School


    Guild Affiliation: None


    Crafting Hall Affiliation: None


    Status: Citizen


    ¡°Anything out of place?¡±


    Taking one last look, Val began to shake her slowly for an answer. While her ASC was no less pathetic, the rest looked accurate. ¡°The status of my PAST as well as the raw besides Aetherial Vessel has me curious.¡±


    The woman pushed her circular glasses back up the bridge of her nose with a finger. ¡°We¡¯re testing your PAST shortly, so that¡¯ll solve itself. And don¡¯t worry about the ¡®raw¡¯ aspect, you¡¯ll know what that means if you pass.¡±


    If I pass. Val pursed her lips at the implicit jab, swallowing down her reply. Anxiety sat in her gut, deep and heavy, at the announcement regarding her PAST. The aptitude results might thwart her near-unsalvageable career.


    Or it might save it.


    The woman busied herself by roaming the room for various objects, settling down with a metal square frame in hand, the center hollow. ¡°First, we need to make sure you truly are Valory Efron.¡±


    Val raised an eyebrow. ¡°I thought you guys already identified me back when I first entered.¡±


    ¡°For the most part,¡± she concurred, prying her desk drawer open. ¡°Any experienced illusion or mind mage could do the same, however.¡±


    She grabbed a metallic pad and slid it over to Val, the sheen blinding her as it passed under the light sphere above. ¡°They cannot fake the distinct nature of the aether within you, thankfully. Touch the device, please.¡±


    Val did as told. ¡°Isn¡¯t all aether the same?¡±


    ¡°Look at it this way. If letters came across as identical, the stamp in the corners tells the receiver where it¡¯s from. We imprint all the aether that lives and passes through us by virtue of our soul signature. That stamp is what I¡¯m looking for and¡­ great! Glad to be talking to the real Efron.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you are. Any indication otherwise and you incur the wrath of some of the most powerful mages.¡±


    Val gulped. That was a fate she wanted to stay far away from.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move on.¡± The woman held the square frame she seized earlier up to the left of her face. ¡°Once I activate it, tell me exactly what you see¡ªor in a more accurate term¡ªsense.¡±


    At Val¡¯s go-ahead, a pale blue filled the square¡¯s hollow core, tinting the woman¡¯s face a sickly colour. The gel-like material fluctuated and bubbled.


    A cityscape came into view. Wheeless cars zoomed about in the still depiction of a metropolis. Quite peculiarly, the city had no occupants besides one lone lady holding an umbrella. Why the random umbrella?


    Val squinted and the little speckles decorating the piece sharpened, as if clearer. Was that rain?


    ¡°Where are you?¡± The woman asked.


    She tried to pinpoint an object able to distinguish the surroundings¡ªbanners, signs, anything. Plenty hung over various shops and centers, but she found it difficult to discern. ¡°In a city of sorts. Probably in the First Halo.¡±


    ¡°Could you specify? A name of the city, for example?¡±


    Val shook her head. Though visible, the text appeared faint and blurry, like it was covered by a hazy pane.


    Retrieving a notepad out of her white coat, she scribbled down on it. ¡°Why in the First Halo?¡±


    ¡°The cars,¡± Val said. ¡°Practically everyone is using anti-gravity enchantments, more than midborn like us can afford. Those living within the city must be well-off and, as they say, the First Halo is the richest of the three.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± She jotted her findings, whatever they were. ¡°And the weather? Is it nice out?¡±


    ¡°I thought it was at first¡­¡± Val bit the bottom of her lip. Should she continue? Maybe the rain was her imagination. It could be her eyes too. Caro always complained she needed glasses whenever she squinted at her homework. The lady did say sense though.


    ¡°And?¡± the woman prodded.


    ¡°But it¡¯s raining out. Even weirder, there¡¯s only one person in the whole city.¡±


    The woman whistled and continued to write on her notepad. ¡°Last question. Is it night or day?¡±


    Night or day? Val hadn¡¯t thought of that. Looking at the blue, wavy picture, she couldn¡¯t tell. There wasn¡¯t a sun in the sky, nor a moon or any stars. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Honesty is a good trait to have, young lady.¡± The woman typed on the keyboard. ¡°It was a trick question. It makes your other answers have more weight, even if lying rarely goes in the favour of those tested.¡±


    Typing one last word, she whirled around. ¡°Want to see?¡±


    At Val¡¯s nod, the lady rotated the screen of the desktop her way.


    Valory Efron


    Aether Strand Count: 11


    Aetherial Vessel: Raw


    Identification Strain: Unbound


    Element(s): N/A


    Rank: N/A


    Position on the Aether Spectrum of Talent: Silver (High)


    Age: 16


    Height: 5¡¯6


    Past/Current Institutes: Vexal Preparatory School, Vexal Elementary School


    Guild Affiliation: None


    Crafting Hall Affiliation: None


    Status: Citizen


    ¡°Silver¡­¡± Val muttered, breath hitching.


    The assessment knocked around Val¡¯s head a few times, each instance making it harder to assimilate. Silver.


    Her eyes alive with enthusiasm, the woman adjusted her glasses once more. ¡°Silver is spectacular! And you¡¯re on the higher end, almost a gold!¡±


    The woman¡¯s energy was infectious, and Val found herself chuckling. ¡°Almost gold!¡±


    ¡°Hold your spell, though.¡± The lady crouched low. ¡°While this is good news, I need to inform you of the rest. Your ASC of eleven barely marks you as unbound and most in the elemental world will still see you as a typic regardless. Many view even thirty aether strands to be peasant-like. ¡±


    Of course they would. The edges of Val¡¯s lips curled downwards. ¡°That seems unfair.¡±


    ¡°Life hardly ever is.¡± The woman pointed to the unopened, red tabs staining her screen. ¡°Forty participants were sent home today, who¡¯s to say it was their fault?¡±


    Val winced at the retort.


    ¡°Fate has its reasons and mine, currently, is to explain your situation, as per my job,¡± the woman said. ¡°There¡¯s a reason both ASCs and PASTs are held on equal levels and the best way to explain without breaking the Laws is through a painting analogy.¡±


    Val leaned forward in her plush chair. ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°We treat aether strand counts as the amount of paint an artist has and the depiction they desire to draw, cultivation,¡± the woman explained. ¡°As such, the more paint you have, the easier it is to create and build, which is why high ASCs are desirable.


    ¡°On the other hand, PASTs determine how well a painter can wield a paintbrush, and therefore the paint they possess.¡± She tapped the mug parked beside her keyboard, focusing on its curve and volume. ¡°Painting speed, elegance, and the ability to add depth are all determined by this aptitude.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, if you only have a droplet of paint like me, you can¡¯t build much,¡± Val muttered.


    ¡°That¡¯s where being a silver comes in.¡± The woman cracked a slight smile. ¡°Cultivation is a marathon, not a sprint and you won endurance instead of speed. It¡¯ll be slow and definitely tedious, but if you keep at it, eventually, you¡¯ll reach a point where a higher PAST is more favourable than a high ASC. ¡±


    The door swung open, revealing a frowning corporal. ¡°I said it¡¯d take ten minutes for group eight and Efron used half of that time alone. Miss Rox, mind explaining yourself?¡±


    ¡°Her PAST was left blank. It¡¯s a quick and easy fix, though it takes some time,¡± Miss Rox replied.


    ¡°Odd,¡± Corporal Wren murmured. ¡°That should¡¯ve been done four years ago.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. This is as weird as that other case. What was her name again?¡±


    The Corporal leaned against the wall, her arms folded. ¡°Hayes, I believe.¡±


    Val sprung from her seat. ¡°Caro¡ªI mean¡ªCarielle Hayes?¡±


    Corporal Wren nodded apprehensively. ¡°You can ask her for the details yourself." She glanced at Miss Rox. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    After a few more clicks of the mouse, Miss Rox shook her head. ¡°She¡¯s good to go.¡±


    Corporal Wren slinked out the door. ¡°With me, Efron.¡±


    Val lingered in the room, the news about her friend delaying her actions, before following the corporal¡¯s heels. The next youth slipped past her, glaring daggers at her. Used to the rumours whispered about her father alongside the onslaught of unkind name-callings over the years, the hostile behaviour was almost unnoticeable.


    Almost.


    She couldn¡¯t control the way her head ducked and the fact turned her stomach.


    Val spotted the corporal¡¯s turning figure down the hall and chased after it. Corporal Wren seemed like the kind of lady to leave her behind, not caring whatsoever if it resulted in her disqualification. They twisted and turned for the umpteenth time, soon standing in front of a familiar pair of oversized, grand doors. Back to the stadium?


    The Corporal tapped her I.D. on a black box affixed to the side and the doors slid open, an abyss-like tunnel on the other end. ¡°We¡¯re running a bit late on time and group seventeen hasn¡¯t started their second test. Since your case took as long as it did, you can join them.¡±

 Chapter 6 - Solidified Drive

    Val wasn¡¯t any happier to return to the stadium.


    The many-hued sea of participants added to the migraine building along her temple, aura and colour alike overwhelming her senses. There was a splotch all-black to the left. Crow¡¯s High. A splash of yellow to the right. Suncrest Prep. With the thousands here, it seemed the first test of the trials wasn¡¯t as daunting as proclaimed to be.


    Corporal Wren dropped her off here in a hurry, leaving Val with these exact words: ¡°Wait here for further instructions. Or don¡¯t. I don¡¯t care.¡±


    So Val waited, stretching her neck as she tried to spot Caro throughout the crowd, looking for crimson hair to no avail. Rows and rows of participants blocked the view, Val barely able to catch the sight of yet another person dressed in fatigues standing in front of the arena guardrails. He raised a megaphone to his lips to speak, unlike the first announcer.


    ¡°We will now begin the second part of the Tripartite Trial.¡±


    His words brought a sudden hush to the many conversations, the transition unsettling.


    ¡°The first exam was a test of knowledge, added at the behest of many universities and institutes who wanted to move at a faster pace. For those of you who do pass, you will soon find out that a mage doesn¡¯t need to be the most intelligent to excel in the elemental arts. What you do require, and what we¡¯ll be testing, is your will," he supplied. "Anyone care to define will?"


    Silence answered him, the earlier interaction inside this very same arena scarring many standing before another conductor.


    He gave the barest of shrugs and continued. ¡°In the sense of typical and unbound people will, or better yet, will power is spiritual strength. Drive. Tenacity. A desire to never stop. Such thinking transfers over to the elemental arts.¡± The conductor''s eyes wandered the arena floor. ¡°If you call on the Elemental Gates without the slightest whiff of willpower or intent, you will be ignored despite there being danger. You won¡¯t be able to cast. You will perish.¡±


    Well, this definitely took a turn.


    Muttering started to grow into full-blown discussions, the conductor raising a hand to silence it. ¡°Magic is the practice of rewriting the balance, tugging it until it bends to your desires. To tug something, you need strength. To tug on the balance of reality, you need a massive amount of willpower. Now, as you can probably figure out, the essence of willpower is hard to quantify.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t quite see it, but she could almost hear the wide grin in the next statement. ¡°Thankfully, we¡¯ve created a little something to help eliminate those who don¡¯t meet a certain threshold. I¡¯ll need everyone to back up behind the line with the exceptions of Valory Efron and Mikhail Williams. You two to meet me here. We¡¯ll begin shortly.¡±


    Val blinked. Me? Her last name was far from common, derived from the Glass Dunes, and therefore creating marginal room for error.


    Suspicious as she was, she headed up, blocking out the stares glued onto her back. On the distant opposite side, she spotted a teen boy climbing the other set of stairs alongside her, meeting the announcer around the same time.


    ¡°I go by Collins and I¡¯ll keep my military rank out of the topic. Instead, you may address me as an overseer, as well as any other sporting a red armband.¡± The Auricean man pointed to the crimson fabric wrapped around his left arm. Underneath ginger bangs, hazel eyes traced her and the boy called Williams. ¡°Do either of you know why you¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps because we may have both excelled on the previous trial?¡±


    Val raised a hopeful eyebrow.


    ¡°Not quite.¡± Collins stood at ease, feet apart, shoulders squared and hands clasped behind his back. ¡°In actuality, you two are the only ones within this entire set of participants who are deemed to have a silver PAST. That means aether comes naturally to you, which gives you an unfair advantage in the following two tests.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± Lines marked Val¡¯s brow. ¡°We¡¯re not bound to any element nor do we have spells to spend aether strands on.¡±


    ¡°Aether is more than just fuel for a spell.¡± It was the boy who answered. ¡°It can be used for other things as well, like strengthening one¡¯s body, as ruled by the Aetherial Art of Reinforcements.¡±


    The conductor nodded. ¡°Correct.¡±


    There was a proud upward tilt of the boy¡¯s head, striking cookie points with the man.


    ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t know how to do that,¡± Val clarified. ¡°Laws of Secrecy and all that.¡±


    ¡°Recall when I said that magic relies on one¡¯s willpower. If you have enough willpower to tug, it will bend, albeit minutely. And when put under certain stressors, people tend to have more of a knack for casting. It¡¯s the Tripartite Trial.¡± The man grinned. ¡°When are you not stressed?¡±


    Val nodded slowly. Heavens, something is terribly wrong with this guy.


    The overseer raised a digit, his other hand tapping his ear. ¡°One second, if you will,¡± he said and walked out of earshot.


    Val¡¯s focus veered to Williams¡¯ vicinity, honing in on his aura. She would¡¯ve cursed under her breath if she were without company, aura revolving around him like steam rising off a hot dish. She guessed his ASC to be nearly seven times her own, and he noticed it too.


    ¡°When Leyblooms wilt,¡± he muttered in awe. Val turned to catch the sight of two grey eyes staring at her in undisguised confusion. ¡°Are you even allowed to be in here? You¡¯re a typic.¡±


    ¡°Sorry about that.¡± The overseer strutted into the conversation and cut off Val''s response. He reached for his pockets. ¡°Wrists out please.¡±


    Eye contact lingering for a second more, the two obliged, hiking up their sleeves to the shoulder. Val¡¯s gaze never left the overseer as he pulled out two obsidian bracelets, decorated in blue runes. Her arms broke out in goosebumps as the man attached it, the material still cold despite it dwelling inside Collin¡¯s coat.


    ¡°There, all fixed.¡± Collins smiled.


    Val waved her arm around. ¡°I don¡¯t feel any different.¡± The slight tingle in her fingers due to aether emanation was still there. Damn.


    ¡°It¡¯s meant to restrain you without feeling restrained. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to cripple you because you were bestowed some luck, now would it?¡±


    Williams scoffed. ¡°Forget about luck, she doesn¡¯t seem to have more than five aether strands in her. She¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the second and third trials are more strenuous physically-wise.¡± Val stretched her shirt at the shoulders. ¡°About these uniforms, are we supposed to fight in them?¡±


    Collins nodded. ¡°All certified preparatory uniforms are made for combat.¡±


    Val stared at him.


    The man rubbed his brow. ¡°We¡¯re in a time of peace, so it may be foolish to do so now. However, when we had to worry about spies, limiting unsupervised time participants had was of utmost importance. It¡¯s a thing that stuck.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough¡­¡± Val shrugged. So long as they were all subjected to the same conditions, she was fine with whatever.


    ¡°Any questions?¡± The overseer asked.


    Williams pointedly glared at Val for a minute, eyes shifting back to Collins. ¡°None.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re dismissed then. The both of you.¡±


    She moved for the staircases at the discharge, eager to leave behind the questions Williams¡¯ gaze nailed to her back. Footfalls echoing after hers, Val¡¯s eyebrow twitched. ¡°Why are you following me?¡±


    ¡°Oh please.¡± Williams snorted from behind. ¡°You¡¯re not worth the trouble. Maybe you do have some luck, seeing as it¡¯s less dense on your side of the stadium.¡±


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Val sighed, stifling the urge to roll her eyes as she merged within the crowd of participants. To Williams¡¯ credit, it was more sparse here.


    ¡°You have been given one objective!¡± The overseer¡¯s voice boomed across the stadium. ¡°Touch the other side of the stadium. Do not concern yourselves with others and note that every action you take will be documented for future institutes, law enforcement, academies, and governmental positions you sign up for. When you cannot go any longer, say the words ¡®I have no will left to continue.¡¯ You will be excused from the Tripartite Trial from then on. Begin!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Is he for real?¡±


    ¡°Ha! This is free!¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be that simple, can it?¡±


    An array of emotions filled the arena floor, a majority believing they heard incorrectly. Only one question played through Val¡¯s mind. What¡¯s the catch?


    She hung back and watched as almost half of the participants rushed for the other side, creating a stampede of the likes she''d never seen. Val rushed to pick up those in danger of being stomped on, surveying her surroundings all the while. About a quarter either jogged lightly or walked after the leading crowd, the last quarter not even taking one step, herself included.


    And in a mere second, it proved wise to do so.


    The participants up ahead ceased their steps, tumbling to the ground like toys whose batteries had died. The hell?


    Val froze, stuck between checking what was happening up ahead or staying where she stood.


    It didn¡¯t matter.


    The shadows of the participants elongated and burst out from the ground, wrapping her in a boundless, pitch-black bubble without notice.


    She spun on the spot, taking in her surroundings. Pervading darkness, no directions present.


    ¡°Breathe,¡± she told herself, voice loud in the deafening quiet. ¡°Breathe.¡±


    To solve a problem and arrive at a question, there must be something asked of you. So, what was the main purpose of the second trial?


    Drive. Willpower. To never stop. Collins'' words popped up in her mind. Right, Val thought. The test required them to prove they could press onwards, whether or not the participants could glimpse a finish. A tall task.


    The darkness seemed oddly specific, a demon of days long past. This is catered to me, she realized.


    A fear that stole hours of sleep from young Val, a nightmare that followed at her heels.


    It was why she could tell a fake at a glance.


    There was no depth, no hunger in the darkness that wanted to swallow her whole.


    Never stop. Val took a step forward, steadying her unstabilized breathing, a part of her believing she¡¯d fall into an abyss and never come out.


    Another step. I won¡¯t fear mage-muggers.


    She fell into a slow walk. I will be strong enough to protect those close to me.


    She ran and sprinted. Unable to guess at the dimensions, she tripped on her own legs three steps in, tumbling in omnipresent murk. Hoisting herself up¡ªwas it even in that direction?¡ªshe was met with a sky identical to the solid shade she resided on, like taking a stroll in the deep of her mind at night.


    And yet, Val¡¯s breathing stayed even, skin free of sweat and heart full of vigour.


    On two feet, she began a gentle pace, faster than a walk and slower than a jog.


    Seconds blended into minutes, and minutes may have very well been hours. Val kept up her speed, unknowing if she was running in circles or, in a worse case, backwards.


    One aspect stayed the same. In the depths of her soul, a wish¡ªa dream that will be made a fact¡ªsettled in the framework of her being. My mother¡¯s eyes will open.


    In the same manner the darkness came, reality returned as twirling strands of light.


    Val took a deep inhale, sucking in stale, but real, air. Resolve hardened beneath her heart, a solid source of strength she¡¯d be able to scoop out in times she faltered. Done fighting battles within, she took the time to reevaluate the horizon.


    To her shock, half of the ocean of participants vanished, defeated by their inner troubles. The rest lay motionless like puppets cut from their strings¡ªsprawling limbs, slouched backs, limp muscle. Resonant silence buffeted her line of thinking, leaving her massaging her throbbing head in an eerily still stadium.


    Jogging onwards and making her way past the human obstacles, Val noticed a flailing leg amidst a pile of immobile participants and paused.


    It jerked again and Val glanced around, hoping there was at least another awake to consult with. I guess I¡¯ll help.


    With a grunt, she hauled the bodies away, one by one, and dug up the trapped person, surprised at the recognizable face beneath.


    Williams wheezed, hands clutched against his chest and legs trembling. His skin was alarmingly pallid, like he¡¯d never spent a day outside.


    ¡°Saints.¡± Val knelt beside him, scared he¡¯d suffocate himself before being able to ask for retreat. Not that he seemed like the type to do so. ¡°Williams!¡± She patted his shoulders. ¡°Williams, wake up!¡±


    He shivered, eyelids shut and forehead wrinkled. ¡°...disgrace to the Belov fam¡­ family¡­¡±


    ¡°C¡¯mon, we haven¡¯t got the time,¡± Val continued, ¡°the clock is running!¡±


    ¡°...needs help¡­ needs¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to pass?!¡± she shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to¡ª¡± Val sighed, biting her lower lip. This wasn¡¯t going to work.


    He kept muttering about the decrepit shape of his family, yet for some odd reason, the last names Belov and Williams didn¡¯t match. Would his first name work better?


    ¡°What was it, though,¡± she wondered under her breath. Under normal circumstances, she¡¯d memorize it the second it was announced, but the attention spurred from the overseer¡¯s mouth took precedence.


    ¡°It was ¡®Mi¡¯ then something¡­ Michael?¡± Val tried. No response. ¡°Mitchel? Mikhail?¡±


    The creases on his forehead eased.


    ¡°Mikhail!¡± Val yelled. ¡°You can do it! Mikhail, you have to wake up now, or else you might never again. Mikhail Belov, wake. Up.¡±


    Williams came to in a snap, bleary eyes jerking in Val¡¯s direction.


    She waved. ¡°Hey there.¡±


    ¡°What are¡­¡± he rubbed at his eyelids, ¡°what are you doing here?¡± He recoiled, sprouting to his feet and wiping off his brow. His grey-eyed gaze found its way to Val¡¯s bored expression, slithered down to the pushed-off bodies in proximity, and returned to her.


    A gleam of understanding lit his irises, retracing his steps and determining how he ended up here, piled beneath bodies. ¡°Thank you,¡± he choked out, like the words strained his throat.


    ¡°You''re welcome,¡± she replied, dusting herself off and happy to be on her way.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    Val turned to meet a lifted hand. ¡°Look, I don''t like you, and think you¡¯d be a waste of space as a mage¡ª¡±


    ¡°Gee, thanks,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°¡ªbut a two-headed dragon is better than a single-headed one, as they say here in Ciazel. Plus, we¡¯ve no clue on what¡¯s to come. Partners?¡±


    She mulled over it, searching the boy¡¯s face for any trace of insincerity. He¡¯s Erydian, Val noticed. A foreigner.


    Though colour returned to him, he was still pale like the snow from his northern country, a stark difference from the rosy complexion of Auriceans.


    Val took his hand. ¡°Deal.¡±


    ¡°Crisp.¡± He turned towards the opposite side of the stadium. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    Wishing all the best to wherever Caro was, Val started the run towards the ebony, markless arena barrier on the other end.


    There seemed to be another type of illusion at play, taunting them by lengthening what should¡¯ve been a two-minute jog into a two-hour marathon.


    The same bodies Val laboured to remove off of Williams passed them by for the tenth time, other landmarks supporting the notion.


    Crow High, a group of ebony-clad students that rushed ahead, marked the end of the cycle and a Kidraan girl, one she helped at the beginning of the stampede, started it anew.


    ¡°There she is again,¡± Williams muttered, little more than a growl. Sprawled across the floor, Val was surprised the meek participant continued to duke it out within her personal illusion. It spoke of a great drive.


    Once Crow High reared its head again, the two slowed their pace, waiting to witness the exact moment they were transferred to the beginning.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think this is working, Efron.¡±


    Val despised the way her throat constricted, scared to rebuff his doubt at her action. She held up a finger instead, eyes fixed on the impatient students previously at the forefront of the stampede.


    Pickpocketing was all about drawing the mark¡¯s attention away from where you wanted it. If illusions worked in any way close to that, then all she had to do was hone in on a peculiarity¡ªensure her brain knew where she was.


    She took a step, then two, gaze never breaking away from the very same people she fought against in combat tournaments¡ªpeople she trumped. Wouldn¡¯t matter when magic¡¯s involved.


    Once they were all the way around, she turned back to the wall.


    Val had to blink several times. The alternate stadium doors appeared to be bigger, closer.


    ¡°You know Efron,¡± Williams began, ¡°I think we make a decent team.¡±


    ¡°Decent, not great?¡±


    ¡°Take what you get.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± Val would¡¯ve rolled her eyes if she were Caro. ¡°We did it.¡±

 Chapter 7 - Warm Welcome

    Val awoke to the buzzing of heaters working overtime against the fervent winter. She jolted in a chair¡ªnow apparently sitting. Flesh writhed beneath her skin, leaving her helpless as intrusive bouts of twitching wracked her limbs.


    ¡°Easy, easy,¡± a faint voice cooed. Through tightly-knit eyelids, she caught sight of Collins¡¯ warped expression, grimacing as if he shared her agony. ¡°Phantom pains. Happens when one transitions back to reality. Centuries of magic, and we still can''t avoid them."


    "No remedies?" Val got out past gritted teeth.


    "Time and time alone,¡± he answered, glancing behind at the rune-clock up against the wall. This is room 215, Val recognized. ¡°It was said to be a major pain in the ass during the Third Great War. You save a person from their plight, but they remain out-of-order due to the backlash of the spell."


    Val, fascinated by this new avenue of information, would''ve replied if not for the fuschia-pink spilling out of Williams'' open eyes. His unblinking gaze had a far-off look in it, accompanied by faint signs of breathing. He appeared like he¡¯d break if she poked him too hard.


    "What''s wrong with Williams?" she asked, exhaling as the last of the phantom pains faded away. "His eyes are literally bleeding pink."


    Collins blinked. "Wait¡ªyou can see it? The colour?"


    Val raised an eyebrow. "Can''t you?"


    "Yes, but..." Collins placed a hand on his chin. "Only those in the Heavenly Hue can perceive others of the same kind."


    ¡°So these colours¡ª¡± she gestured poorly at the bright hue invading the grey of Williams¡¯ irises ¡°¡ªaren¡¯t just byproducts of spellcraft?


    "I¡­¡± An evident struggle crossed his face. ¡° I shouldn''t answer that. Let''s wrap this up."


    The overseer raised a hand, fingers forming a symbol in the air. Williams gasped like he was starved of oxygen, drowning and finally able to come up for air.


    "Be calm, now. Calm. Ride it out. Breathe." Collins gave him the same greeting he offered her, helping him digest his new surroundings.


    "With the both of you awake, you can now hear your verdict," the man announced. "Williams, you are deemed as a pass with a time of thirty-four minutes and eighteen seconds."


    Williams shook his head, fists clenched. "Our time in that nightmare of an illusion was half an hour?"


    ¡°Mind trap,¡± Collins corrected. ¡°You were in a mind trap, not an illusion.¡±


    Val sat up. ¡°The difference being?¡±


    "The difference doesn¡¯t matter." The overseer glanced at her, intent on finishing his job as quickly as he could. "Efron, you are deemed as a pass, with a time of thirty-four minutes, and three seconds. Corporal Wren will lead you out as soon as she arrives. For now, sit still and, congratulations."


    <hr>


    ¡°This is where we part.¡±


    The corporal¡¯s sentiment was muted by a current of bone-biting cold, burning Val¡¯s ears red. Led to WIPM¡¯s snow-covered parking lot, they loitered outside one of the several coach buses filling the space. The corporal gestured to the two silvers inside, giving them a firm bob of the head. ¡°We forge.¡±


    ¡°We fight,¡± Val answered, the national call passing for good luck among locals. Williams settled for a nod and the pair entered, a wave of warmth washing over her. It was a full house inside, a buzz of excited chatter making it quite the task to distinguish a certain voice.


    ¡°Val, is that you?¡±


    Far down, near the end of the bus, she spotted the familiar ponytail of crimson, tiny braids. ¡°Caro?¡±


    Caro''s head popped out within the aisle, an unmistakable grin spread across her face. ¡°Who else?¡±


    Val huffed a silent laugh and gave her friend a brief hug when she reached. ¡°I knew you¡¯d pass.¡±


    ¡°Right back at you.¡± Caro¡¯s attention slid past Val to the standing figure behind. ¡°And you are?¡±


    ¡°Williams, an acquaintance of Efron¡¯s,¡± he answered.


    ¡°If we¡¯re sticking to last names, then I¡¯m Hayes.¡± Caro held a fist for him to bump. ¡°I¡¯m calling you Will because really, it¡¯s a lost opportunity not to.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t appreci¡ª¡±


    ¡°What? You like the nickname?¡± Caro grinned at his darkening face. ¡°Perfect! Will it is.¡±


    His quiet sigh was lost under the hum reverberating throughout the vehicle, leaving to join a chain of buses en route to the third trial¡¯s destination. Val''s gaze slid to Caro, the corporal''s earlier statement about her still somewhat worrying. I mean she looks perfectly fine. Gotta remember to ask her about it later.


    ¡°Any clue as to where we¡¯re going?¡± Williams'' stared at the window panes, scenery flying by in an ever-changing blur.


    ¡°Well we¡¯re probably gonna see some combat this time around, right?¡± Caro crossed her arms in thought. ¡°Plus, it¡¯s no secret that the last part of the trials is a combination of all the Tripartite Trial testing sites within the halo. That many people require a huge amount of space.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see soon enough,¡± Val muttered, her voice mixing with the soft pitter-patter of winter¡¯s snowfall. The talk of halos refreshed the early-grade classes in history on the rich¡ªor devastatingly boring, as Caro would prefer to say¡ªbackground of the country.


    While the latest warfare lingered on as bedtime stories told to children, horrifying ones of mind and blood magic, the Second Great War brought about the largest physical change. Adopting the name of the Tidal Wave of Beasts, the war was one fought against the multitudes of aether creatures from the Divide below. In order to protect herself, Ciazel erected her three famous walls, cleaving the country into three regions.


    Three halos.


    Each possessed a myriad of cities, sectors and districts, almost like its own nation within a nation. In short, it was safe to say that any event that was halo-wide was bound to be on an immeasurable scale.


    ¡°Holy crap,¡± Caro muttered. On the lane beside their bus, a sleek vehicle zipped past them absent of sound, a sliver of space visible between it and the road. ¡°Tell me I¡¯m not the only one who saw that hovercar.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a sweet ride,¡± Val agreed.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna get one of those for the both of us one day,¡± Caro nudged her shoulder. ¡°Just you wait.¡±


    Williams'' disbelieving scoff rang out throughout the bus. ¡°Sure and I¡¯m going to buy a storage ring tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t nobody talking to you Will.¡±


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Pardon you, my name isn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°Will? It is now.¡±


    ¡°You¡ª!¡±


    Bickering back and forth, the immiscible pair missed a batch of streamlined cars that hovered on by. A new norm settled as they progressed into the downtown sector of Nocelle city, the most luxurious of its kind within the halo. Vehicles zoomed about in the air with uncanny uniformity at the crowns of high-rises, likely invisible lanes at play she couldn¡¯t grasp. From down below, it was akin to metal bees buzzing by their glass beehives. On its route, the bus skirted an Auricean-style, austere stone facility and an unpleasant emotion ate at Val¡¯s consciousness. Dad¡¯s old guild.


    Val instead focused on the narrow streets that wound through the city, shivering at the congested sidewalks. Saints, that would be a nightmare to get through.


    A mage took advantage, using his magic for tricks on the walkway. Cute, little water dogs rubbed on the legs of passersby, a few stopping to drop crumpled red bills into a bucket. The hustle and bustle faded as the line of buses drove into an abandoned area. The place looked like it was evacuated last minute¡ªbikes still locked to fences, empty lemonade stands, and backyards full of seasonal toys.


    The suburbs soon gave way to bare trees and rocky hills, an intangible tenseness wafting about in the air. A wall of energy glowed from a distance and its ambiance edged into the atmosphere as they neared.


    One by one, buses peeled away, parking where they saw fit. Eventually, theirs did the same as well and the driver ushered them out in haste, not even a goodbye as he drove off. Thirty participants were now left in the middle of nowhere, shivering in their socks. ¡°If I ever get my hands on that driver¡­¡± Caro muttered, leaving the rest unsaid.


    ¡°Participants of Wyn?¡±


    The group swivelled on their heels at the sudden voice.


    A trio of conductors exited the dying forest by way of a path, the green band across their left arms making them easy to identify. They started calling names, splitting the group into three bands of ten participants and went on their way separately. Thankfully, she and Caro were paired together. And for what it was worth, so was Williams.


    Snow crunched beneath Val¡¯s boots as she followed the single file line through a well-kept trail, polar to the eerily silent steps of the conductor up front. Heads careened skywards at the sound of creaking planks, a sign made out of wooden plates dangling off a skeletal tree branch.


    Thunderstone: Copper-Rung Rift, it read.


    Rifts were sectioned off into rungs¡ªlevels according to the hazard within the area. Copper-rung was the lowest out of the five, yet still dangerous to typics and unbound. While the details were much needed, most were occupied, staring at the wobbling wall of energy before them. A blend of fluctuating blues and greys lined the beginnings of the grounds for the third trial, ethereal in its law-breaking nature.


    When someone from their group asked about it, the conductor laughed. ¡°It¡¯s a weather ward. If we had you fight against frostbite, the third trial would be over before I could blink.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s reassuring,¡± Val said, wisps of fog coming out.


    The conductor tapped his ear, a device likely hiding behind his mane of hair. ¡°All participants ready to go? Mine are too. Alright.¡± He turned towards the group. ¡°So, before we¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tch.¡±


    A participant parading near-lambent green hair clicked her tongue and waded through the ward. Sudden disbelief took hold of the crowd, cracked by the conductor¡¯s dry chuckle as he followed her lead, the line collapsing as everyone rushed to the other side.


    Val prodded at the shifting energy with a hesitant finger, surprised at the density. Filtering strength into the palm, she forced her hand through and her body trailed in rapid motion.


    Fir trees full of needle-like foliage and sparse shrubby painted the rocky land. Pinecones hung from branches and a green blanket of moss blanketed a stone mound to their distant left. It was a calming scene, Val spotting a thin, trickling stream disappear into the dark soil.


    That transition, she glanced behind her at the barrier. Woah.


    A clap gained everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Alrighty.¡± The conductor¡¯s lips tilted upwards. ¡°From this point onwards, your third trial begins. I will explain the rules only once and yes, while I am explaining it, your trial is still ongoing.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have done it outside?¡± The green-haired girl kicked a stone into the surrounding forest and scrunched up her nose. ¡°Would¡¯ve spared us the trouble of wasting time.¡±


    ¡°Ah, but it wasn¡¯t me who entered Thunderstone first, was it?¡±


    The girl flinched, averting her eyes elsewhere.


    The man¡¯s smile broadened. ¡°As you can all see, we are now inside a rift¡ªa place full of danger and treasure alike. As a mage, you¡¯re bound to step inside these boundaries once or twice to reap energy cores from the crawling beasts or to harvest a rift core. You are to do neither since you know how to do neither. Ignoring these words will result in disqualification.


    ¡°Onto the instructions,¡± he said, holding up a finger. ¡°Rule number 1: I will not, cannot, and should not help you.¡±


    He held up another finger. ¡°Rule number 2: You are encouraged to work together, not forced. Solo work is allowed. Overseers are watching us as we speak, able to teleport you away in cases of extreme danger.¡±


    Another finger. ¡°Rule number 3: Should you wish to pull out, you are allowed to do so at any point in time at the risk of disqualification.¡±


    ¡°Get to the important parts!¡± the green-haired girl ordered.


    His pinkie went up, smooth and unaffected. ¡°Rule number 4: You have ten days to reach your objective or else you suffer disqualification. Also note that you cannot exit until those ten days are up, regardless of whether you¡¯ve met the objective.¡±


    Ten days? How long did they expect them to take to complete the goal?


    At last, his thumb joined his other fingers, his palm now in the air. ¡°Your objective is to collect fifteen points, according to our reward system. All aether creatures within the boundaries of your trial are Tier One, meaning magic isn¡¯t necessarily required to fight them.


    ¡°To cash in your points by the time the horn sounds, you need to have on your person a part of the slain aether creatures. Measures have been put in place to ensure one cannot chop up the same aether creature and claim it as fifteen points. That¡¯s it.¡±


    ¡°For saints¡¯ sake, that''s it? Really?¡± a participant voiced. A dark goatee sprung from his clenched jaw, blue eyes squinted in frustration. His body language seemed tense, like a coil ready to straighten. Judging by the lines creasing his face, age crept in and proportionally so did his deadline. ¡°You¡¯re telling me you guys are too blind to see you made the rules skewed towards those who¡¯d rather steal than play by the rules?¡±


    The conductor smiled. ¡°Oh, we know. Getting points won¡¯t be the problem, it¡¯s keeping them.¡±


    ¡°What are we gonna use to even fight?¡± Caro asked, gaining the approval of the group expressed through verdant nods.


    ¡°Good question.¡± The conductor snapped. Val balked as an array of weaponry materialized before them. Swords, shields, throwing knives¡ªname it and it¡¯d be there. ¡°Pick and choose your weapon. Be mindful, this is your one and only chance.¡± He pointed to a nearby bush, an obscured object bulging from within. ¡°And there¡¯s a bag over there full of medical supplies and rations.¡±


    The green-haired participant moved first, collecting a classic wooden bow and quiver full of arrows. Pausing and glancing back at the group, she snatched up the bags full of rations on her way and dashed deep into the softwood forest. Heavens.


    The gazes of the participants slid to the conductor, who shrugged.


    ¡°After her!¡± the bearded participant yelled, breaking the daze that held them captive. The group forged forwards as one, but a sudden rush of vertigo tided over Val.


    She blinked rapidly, stunned where she stood. ¡°Stop!¡±


    The group sputtered to a halt, the bearded man¡¯s blue eyes affixed on the shrinking figure of the girl.


    ¡°But our food! That thieving kid!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to go in there. Trust me. What I sensed¡ª¡±


    A girl''s yelp drew the gaze of every participant.


    With wide eyes, they watched as the inconspicuous branches elongated and latched onto the green-haired girl, its jagged edges drawing blood from wherever it touched. The trees straightened, pulling her up into the thick canopy, her form, green hair and all, gone from their sight.


    The plump bag of goods cracked hard against the ground and her shriek echoed throughout the forest, birds flapping away at the sudden noise. What kind of aether creature was that?


    A deep sigh resounded. ¡°She sure walked that walk, didn¡¯t she.¡±


    The conductor sauntered into the forest as if on a morning stroll. A shout was on the edge of Val¡¯s tongue as the very same branches as the ones prior lashed out at him. He waved a hand nonchalantly, not breaking his stride. The boughs sagged at first as if sad they couldn¡¯t have an extra meal. A groan-like sound then echoed and branches fell from the canopy, the girl¡¯s captive body as well. I didn¡¯t even see what element he used.


    The conductor caught her with a stifled grunt and carried her their way, the sack of goods trailing him on top of a pool of ice. He set down the unconscious girl¡ªher hair more red than green¡ªand looked at them, scratching his head.


    ¡°Well." The conductor spread his arms wide. "Welcome to Thunderstone.¡±

 Chapter 8 - Whole Horde

    The Second Halo of Ciazel,


    City of Nocelle,


    Copper-Rung Rift: Thunderstone


    The soft murmur of the nearby stream and a harmony of chirps played a duet for the uncanny woodland, ruined by Val¡¯s burning question.


    ¡°Conductor, as glad as I am about your ethics, did you not just help her?¡± she jerked her head at the injured girl, clothes bloodied. ¡°Which breaks the very first rule?¡±


    The conductor pulled out a scroll from practically nowhere, unfurling the gyre of paper. A ray of sunlight caught on a ring during the motion, reflecting a gleam from the canopy above.


    ¡°Ah yes.¡± Carefully applying tea-stained scrolls to the girl¡¯s injuries, his eyes began to burn a light blue. Runes materialized across the page, first glowing lapis-blue. The hue wavered to gold once a few seconds passed, the visible cuts on the unconscious girl¡¯s shins and arms patching themselves up in real time. Healing scrolls are no joke, and neither is that storage ring.


    The conductor nodded at his work, dusting his hands clean of imaginary dirt and grunting to a stand. ¡°In cases where one requires my immediate aid, I step in with no questions asked. Do note that¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªwe¡¯re disqualified henceforth?¡± Val finished, involuntarily leaning forward.


    A smirk found its way onto the conductor¡¯s face. ¡°You sound relieved.¡±


    ¡°We all are relieved,¡± Williams glared at the girl. ¡°Good riddance.¡±


    ¡°Hear hear,¡± Caro muttered.


    The conductor shook his head, stifling an emotion just short of amusement. ¡°Anyway,¡± he said, ¡°the refusal of help is always allowed, should the participant be able to communicate such opinions. In the end, it¡¯s always our prerogative, as, to be honest, our judgment of danger is on another level to you all.¡±


    Val nodded, a hand on her throbbing head. ¡°Seems fair.¡±


    Her eyes found their way to the inconspicuous trees, swaying in the wind as if normal, prosaic plants. And that¡¯s only Tier One. Only the heavens above knew what Tier Fifteen was like. She wasn¡¯t inclined to find out any time soon.


    To think her parents used to fight such creatures on a day-to-day basis. A gaping hole filled her stomach at the thought, loaded with nostalgia, hurt, and pain. Some days it wore on her in the night, catching her in a brief moment where she fought to breathe. Other times, like the current moment, it was a sudden rush like the whimsical tsunamis of Portside.


    The ground seemed closer, her depth of perception crashed in on her, a ring blared in her ears¡ªVal shut her eyes. I don¡¯t need this right now. I really don¡¯t.


    ¡°Magic is quite the peculiarity indeed,¡± Williams appraised, heedless of Val¡¯s internal fight. His eyes lingered on the trees as he walked on ahead towards their bustling group, his boots plodding through the low shrubs. "As bizarre as such an occurrence was, we should probably hurry up. Lest we receive no weapons."


    ¡°We¡¯re right behind you,¡± Caro called after him.


    Taking in a great deal of air, Val tried to walk forward, but an iron grip held her back. ¡°What?¡± Val glanced back at her friend. ¡°He¡¯s not wrong, we¡¯ve got to get moving.¡±


    She tilted her head heavenward as Caro leaned forward, a tier higher than her in height. ¡°In all seriousness¡ªyou okay?¡±


    Val¡¯s lips quivered, cracks spreading on a wall of impassiveness. ¡°I will be.¡±


    Caro took an arm in hers, the two of them following after Williams. ¡°Little steps, V. Little steps.¡±


    By the time they arrived, most of the group had already armed themselves. Vacant spaces ruined the perfect line of weapons arranged across the earthen floor. In the absence of modern magitech and firearms, Williams claimed two short swords and Caro grabbed a greataxe, always one to utilize her wingspan.


    Val picked a one-handed sword and a shield to pair with it. While her choice didn¡¯t carry the pronounced reach of polearms or the versatility of daggers, it possessed balance, an aspect she prized among other things. The group adopted camouflage cloaks suited for the forest, different shades of greens decorating every thread.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the porter?¡± a participant asked. She was about as tall as Val, her brown hair in a pristine bun that somehow lasted the day, almond eyes void of emotions.


    ¡°Let¡¯s say the one with the least amount of aether strands does it,¡± one of the timid teens voiced out.


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Works for me.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± Williams glanced at Val, a grimace spreading across his face.


    ¡°Cut the bullshit.¡± Caro pointed at Bun-girl. ¡°You asked it, you take it.¡±


    ¡°That makes zero sense.¡±


    "And you think that twerp''s suggestion doesn''t?"


    "I asked a question."


    "Well, I gave you my answer."


    ¡°Calm down.¡± The bearded man took a step in between the two. ¡°It¡¯s a perfectly valid method since it¡¯s based purely on luck. We all know being the porter sucks, but the bag¡¯s got an anti-gravity enchantment going on. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s as light as a feather.¡±


    ¡°Give it here then.¡± Val stepped forward. ¡°No need to check our ASCs when I know I¡¯ve got the lowest one here. Pass it.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Cee, it¡¯s fine.¡± Val unbuckled her shield, replacing it with the loot bag. To her surprise, the cotton sack full of rations and medical supplies was as light as a jacket. She jumped a few times to show them how effortlessly she could carry it. ¡°All good.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± The bearded man gave her a nod of appreciation, eyes roaming the group. ¡°The name¡¯s Jerel,¡± he addressed everyone. ¡°I¡¯ve been in these trials longer than you¡¯ve been in high school, so trust me when I say I¡¯ve got the experience to lead.¡±


    Williams scoffed. ¡°How much is the experience worth if you managed to fail five times out of five?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s six,¡± Jerel corrected. ¡°Five more attempts to your one. I could go solo also, no problem with me there.¡±


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s not that deep.¡± Caro rolled her eyes. ¡°Jerel can lead us and when we disagree we can just vote. Simple, right everyone?¡±


    A stream of affirmations surged through the group in favour of Caro, a skim amount of gazes able to meet her own. Whether it was her high ASC that exuded the aura of someone who required to be listened to or the confidence that she wore as easily as a scarf, Val would never know.


    Jerel smiled and whisked his hood on. "Then let''s get to it, shall we?¡±


    Their footfalls remained muted against the damp terrain, the pace slowing down as the sparsity of the fir trees swelled up to crowd the path ahead. The snap of a fallen tree branch somewhere to the side halted the group completely and Jerel threw up a fist. Val translated the sign. Be at the ready.


    Unfastening the loot bag and putting it to the side, Val unsheathed her sword and took up her shield behind Jerel. The peals of arrows being notched and blades being uncovered rang out around her.


    The first to break the treeline was a deer-like aether creature, about half Caro¡¯s size. It possessed a dark coat of fur and bright, teal eyes. The rarest of positive-concrete elements, lightning, fizzled in and out around its antlers and mouth. It kicked its heels up as if challenging them and darted straight out of the wall of trees.


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    Jerel dropped his shield in front of him and took its antlers head-on, thin fibres of lightning bolts streaking across his shield. Caro jumped in next, lashing out with a wide swing of her greataxe. She caught the aether creature on its side, a large gash eminent through its dark fur coat. Val went in, her shield up high to block the next attack. A metal wall occupying the majority of her vision, she bided her time.


    Nothing came.


    Shedding the cover, she witnessed an arrow lodging itself with the eye of the beast, its limp frame tumbling to the forest floor. Nice shot Bun-girl.


    ¡°Alright let''s take this slow so we don¡¯t accidentally trip off the safety measures,¡± Jerel announced, returning his shield to his back. ¡°Will, right? You mind scouting out the area?¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Williams sauntered past them, disappearing into the forest after saying, ¡°And it¡¯s Williams!¡±


    Caro¡¯s snickers accompanied the gathering of the group as they surrounded the carcass. Golden patches coating it from its hooves to its antlers, it lay sprawled on a pool of deep crimson liquid. An ugly sense of remorse enveloped Val. She knew this was technically the right thing¡ªthat these beasts born out of rifts would¡¯ve killed her first if they had the chance.


    It didn¡¯t make her wrung stomach feel any better.


    ¡°Premature Thundertail, a one-starred aether creature,¡± Jerel muttered, slowly bringing his lance next to the beast¡¯s ear. Once Jerel sliced off the pointed ear, the light vanished from the carcass, existing only on the piece he cut off, now encased in some form of crystal. So that¡¯s the safety measure.


    ¡°One point down.¡± Jerel¡¯s eyes streamed through the group and sighed. ¡°134 more points to go.¡±


    Caro chuckled, eyes on the idle conductor who stood at a distance. ¡°Thank your bosses again for me. Those ten days are looking a whole lot shorter.¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Remember, one-starred aether creatures are worth one point. Two-starred aether creatures are worth two points. Three-starred aether creatures are worth four points.¡±


    There it was again, Oz¡¯s Aether Creature Tiering System.


    The process mages used to categorize aether creatures wasn¡¯t hard to understand¡ªthe number of stars meant the difficulty the average elementalist would have while the tiers related to its ASC.


    The two factors were as intertwined as coffee and businessmen; the more aether you possess, the more you can spell into existence. However, stars could relate to how well an aether creature allocated its energy reserves despite not having much, which brought the trouble of estimating a creature¡¯s danger level.


    Williams stumbled into their little clearing moments later, his demeanour shaken and breathing uneven. ¡°There¡¯s a whole horde of Thundertails coming this way.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jerel leapt to his feet, stashing the Thudertail¡¯s ear within his cloak. ¡°How far?¡±


    ¡°Thirty seconds out,¡± Williams replied, sheathing his bloody swords. ¡°I counted twenty-five, though who knows how accurate that is.¡±


    Jerel¡¯s blue eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s not enough time to escape.¡±


    Caro unfastened her greataxe from its clasps. ¡°So we fight.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­ right.¡± Jerel unbuckled his shield and gestured to half of them, Val and Caro included. ¡°You four stick with me, we¡¯ll form the frontline. Williams, I need you to take the loot bag away from here. Even if we win this fight, we¡¯ll be doomed the next day without it.¡±


    Williams balked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡±


    ¡°Go!¡± Val shouted, spotting multiple pairs of bright teal eyes through the spiky branches. She raised her shield high, just enough for her own pair of viridian-green eyes to peek through. ¡°We got this.¡±


    ¡°Are you positive?¡± he asked.


    Caro twirled her greataxe and fell into a stance of her own. ¡°Hell yeah, a chance for some action. Finally.¡±


    Hesitating for a moment, Williams cursed and ran on ahead, disappearing through the treeline behind them.


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± It was Bun-girl who spoke, positioned a good 20 meters away with two other archers. ¡°Hate to say it, but the Erydian wasn¡¯t wrong.¡±


    Jerel jogged right up the treeline, gesturing for Val and Caro to do the same. The three archers stood back. ¡°With the trees acting as a barrier, we can minimize their movement and guard the advantageous open clearing on our side. I need you three archers to pick off the strays that seep through the frontline."


    Val tilted her head. ¡°You say that as if they won¡¯t just go around us.¡±


    ¡°I have the scent of their young one on me.¡± Jerel gestured to the ear he collected, slipping into a hidden pocket within his cloak shortly after. ¡°They¡¯ll head towards me¡ª¡± he pointed to the carcass left right behind their heels ¡°¡ªand that corpse. We take our stance here.¡±


    ¡°Incoming!¡±


    The beat of numerous Thundertails¡¯ hooves wrenched their heads forward. Val steeled herself as the first beast neared her vicinity. A gust of air left her lungs in a rush as the beast collided antler-first into her shield. High function in her arm abandoned her without a goodbye. Gritting through the pain, she slashed out with her sword, taking the Thundertail in one of its thin legs. The beast crumpled to the ground, another Thundertail assuming its place in a flash.


    Val ducked as the Thundertail whipped its lightning-filled head in a wide arc. Shield-bashing it back into the forest, she rose and ended it with a strike to its head. Another appeared from a bush and she side-stepped to the right in haste, breaking proper footwork. Stumbling back into position, a scream she¡¯d recognize any day¡ªanywhere¡ªtravelled the battlefield.


    Val froze, mind blank.


    Caro.


    A jagged antler sliced into her forearm. Val¡¯s fingers spazzed out, her grip on her sword loosening as a numbness subsumed the entirety of her arm. Her weapon clattered against the forest floor and the Thundertail forged forwards, leaving her to huddle behind her shield.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡± Caro announced, allowing Val only a moment¡¯s reprieve as she shouted, ¡°Breach!¡±


    ¡°I got it!¡±


    Val couldn¡¯t see it, refocused on keeping her head intact¡ªbut the distinct twang of a recurve bow and the gurgle-like cry of the Thundertail followed by a loud thud said it all.


    Problem solved.


    She hopped back, sweeping her shield to counter an antler attack. She used the moment to twirl, picking up her blade and slitting the throat of the beast in a solid motion.


    ¡°Support!¡± Jerel¡¯s cry pierced through the battle.


    Pausing for a moment, she dashed to the middle of their formation where Jerel¡¯s voice sounded. ¡°On my way! Archers, cover the left!¡±


    She brushed aside the piney branches, finding her way to the desperate cry for help. She stumbled into a levelled gap in the forest and gasped at Jerel¡¯s condition. He laboured to hold his shield, struggling to block attacks from two Thundertails near Val¡¯s height. Red stained the scraps of his uniform dangling off his limp, dominant arm.


    ¡°Heavens.¡± Val rushed to block the next attack of one of the creatures, tasting iron as the shield recoiled into her face. Lightning lashed at her protection, the buzz clashing at her eardrums. ¡°Jerel, why on Spiravale are you knee-deep into the forest?!¡±


    He grunted to a stand, begrudgingly raising his shield to block an attack from the other aether creature. ¡°Got too ambitious.¡±


    Val slid back as the Thundertail battered against her shield, her feet making lines on the forest floor. She peeled off, using the Thundertail¡¯s power against it. Caught off guard, the Thundertail was left surging forward and she used the opportunity to gut it, her blade slicing through its side. One dealt with.


    She turned in time to catch another Thundertail bulldozing her way.


    Jerel leapt at it from behind, the two tumbling to the root-covered ground. Taking a second to aim well at the moving pile of bodies, she pierced her sword at the Thundertail¡¯s head, its form going limp within the Kidraan¡¯s arms. For a time, all that filled their part of the forest was the sound of panting.


    Val offered a hand. ¡°We should head back.¡±


    Jerel grabbed it. ¡°I agree.¡±


    The two sprinted, pausing at the sheer carnage spread across the clearing. Corpses ornamented the battlefield, a tang of blood scenting the air. A few side scuffles remained to the side, but the battle in a matter of minutes due to extra aid from those free.


    ¡°Roll call!¡± Jerel ordered, wiping the blood that spattered across his face.


    ¡°One,¡± Val started the count, sheathing her sword.


    Caro winced as she leaned against her greataxe for support. ¡°Two.¡±


    ¡°Three,¡± the female archer continued, counting the arrows left in her quiver. She clicked her tongue and looked toward Williams. ¡°I might need your shortsword real soon.¡±


    ¡°Four.¡± Williams whisked his sheathed sword from his cloak and tossed it to the female archer. ¡°Take it now, just in case.¡±


    ¡°Five.¡± Jerel¡¯s attention streamed toward the two remaining participants. One of which was shivering as if they were stuck in the midst of a blizzard and the other completely in another place, eyes dull.


    ¡°I¡­¡± It was the timid teen archer who spoke. He gripped his leg for it to stop shaking. ¡°I¡¯m out. Sorry. I-I can¡¯t do this for a living.¡±


    ¡°M-me too¡­¡± the other said.


    ¡°We already lost two due to injuries, we can¡¯t afford to lose any more!¡± Caro yelled.


    Val sighed. ¡°Leave them be.¡±


    ¡°May I ask for confirmation,¡± a conductor emerged from the depths of a tree¡¯s silhouette, voice distorted as he left the plane of¡­ darkness? Shadows? He materialized into a normal, Kidraan man, ambling forward to meet their group at the center of the clearing.


    ¡°Saints!¡± Caro whispered, leaping off her weapon and wincing. ¡°Give a girl a warning next time.¡±


    ¡°Confirmation?¡± the new conductor pressed.


    ¡°I¡¯m out.¡±


    ¡°Me as well.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± The mage tapped the side of his head. Squinting, Val caught the glow of a rune near his ear. ¡°Two have asked to drop out within my team. Send an overseer to my position. Also, tell Magister Leon to recall his scry-cube in Sector Three,¡± he ordered, glancing back at the five remaining participants and snorting.


    ¡°If the embarrassing thing I just witnessed tells me anything, it¡¯s that no one here is going to pass.¡±

 Chapter 9 - Cave In

    For the last hour and a half, Val hid behind a boulder, watching its shadow stretch as the sun journeyed across the sky. It was safe to say that aether creatures didn¡¯t come running to you as they had yesterday.


    The pursuit of points was one they spent the last couple of days trying to fine-tune. After roughly twenty hours spent, the band of participants finally found the right roles to play to efficiently hunt the aether creatures of Thunderstone in a team of five.


    Unfortunately, she scored the boring job: the net.


    ¡°Efron, it¡¯s coming your way!¡±


    About time. Unsheathing her sword, Val peeked out of her cover. Little footfalls echoed, the repetitive sound beating in fast succession. She could make out a grey-coated rabbit, its fur a natural camouflage along the rocky expanse. Her eyes narrowed. A bit closer¡­


    It darted past her and she lashed out a hand. The rabbit jolted in her grasp, snapping its neck towards her and opening its maw wide. Val ducked and the whoosh of a wind blade tore through the air above. The next second her sword pierced the rabbit''s head, a wet, slink sound filling her ears. The beast ceased to move. Not long after, golden patches decorated its exterior.


    Val let out a breath, slumping back to lean against the boulder. She fingered the few strands that escaped her braid, the long hairs cut short, and gritted her teeth. Still too close.


    The last time she tried to go straight for the attack, she earned a deep gash across her forearms. The stained bandages wrapped around her arms were souvenirs of the event. The instance before that, she nearly lost her head. A one-starred Windsnap¡¯s defence mechanism was one to be wary of, so much so that she remembered it being noted in the CAU¡¯s guidebook. More offensive than anything, to be honest.


    "To think it took five of us for the stubborn little thing to finally meet its end." Val looked up to find the rest of the group behind her, Williams¡¯ grey eyes transfixed on the carcass. She squinted at them, a halo of light rounding her team as the sun settled behind the horizon. "I blame Hayes."


    Caro made a face. "If you don''t stop talking right now, I''ll make you. Teammates or not."


    The soft rumble of Williams¡¯ laugh tickled Val¡¯s ear as she cut off an ear from the slain Windsnapper. ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try. Worse comes to worst, the conductor will kick you out which, thinking about it now, is the better option.¡±


    ¡°Son of a¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Val got up, slipping her sixth point inside her pocket. ¡°It¡¯s too late for you guys to be bickering.¡±


    ¡°Or flirting,¡± Jerel chirped with a sly smile.


    The two gagged simultaneously.


    A groan resounded. ¡°We¡¯ve been at it the whole day, just as planned. We¡¯re all at six points now, just as planned. So can we please, for Saint''s sake, head back now, just as planned?¡± It was the female archer, who they now knew as Laura, that asked, a hand on her lined brow.


    Val glanced above, the dark blanket of night racing towards the western sky. ¡°It¡¯s now or never. We don¡¯t wanna be cornered by aether creatures, or worse, picked off by one of those hunter teams.¡±


    As predicted at the start by Jerel, teams have already been on the lookout for others. Luckily, most hunter teams were loud and obnoxious, alerting the competitors of their positions minutes before nearing them. It was how Val and her team have been avoiding them for the past day.


    ¡°Then,¡± Jerel snapped his shield back into its buckles, ¡°let¡¯s move.¡±


    Cutting a path through a series of caves scouted out and marked, they arrived at their home base: Blue Cave. When they first came across the opening of Blue Cave, Williams lit a mechanical torch found in their supply bag and led the way in.


    Glowing veins thrummed inside the cracks of the stone walls, casting a teal glow throughout the underground chamber. Val had honed in on the mysterious, luminous rends, stumped at the fact no energy had been emanating from them.


    "What the hell are these?" Caro squinted as she poked and prodded at the teal lines.


    "I don''t know and frankly, I don''t care," Laura said. "Saves us the trouble of walking through the caves in the dark."


    Today, Val hung by the entrance and watched the rest head in. It was her turn to guard their little cave entrance while they relaxed and patched up, Laura being the one who held the helm the night before.


    She slid down the outer stone walls, exhaling as the adrenaline cooled off. She¡¯d been on edge ever since the crack of dawn and to be fair, she still was. But the sight of stars glistening as the last brightness of day waned slowed her heartbeat to a soft lullaby. The silence was an unfamiliar but welcome presence and she soaked in what little starlight breached the weather ward, gaze lost to the vast night sky above.


    A pebble landed near her and cracked the image.


    Val jumped to her feet and turned towards the entrance, a hand on her hilt. She was met with a blinking Caro. She flinched, hands up. ¡°Woah there. Just me.¡±


    Val sighed, sheathing her weapon and rubbing her neck. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°No, that was all me.¡± Caro plopped to the ground and patted the space beside her with an expectant look on her face. ¡°Wanted to give you company.¡±


    Val sat and leaned her sword against the wall. ¡°You chose me over sleep? I¡¯m truly touched.¡±


    ¡°You should be.¡± Caro grinned, her expression straightening as the second stretched. ¡°You alright? I noticed you¡¯ve been a bit¡­ off.¡±


    ¡°Off how?¡± Val asked, gaze veering upwards at the astral cover above.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Caro''s nose scrunched up. ¡°Six years. I spent six years convincing you, telling you stories of us dominating the University Games and diving into rifts, yet you said no every time. Then, randomly, you pick up some newspaper and run off, deciding to brave the trials the next day. But all that¡¯s fine with me. I¡¯ve got my buddy with me and you¡¯ve finally made a step.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Val''s eyebrows pinched together. ¡°I don¡¯t see what¡¯s wrong with that.¡±


    ¡°Know that I¡¯m glad you seem to be putting your all into it. Really glad, seriously. I just can¡¯t shake the feeling that this newfound drive has got nothing to do with becoming a mage and everything to do with your parents. Your mother, especially.¡± Caro paused, her older brother¡¯s iron edge tinting her voice. ¡°What happened yesterday?¡±


    Val¡¯s eyes narrowed to slits and her friend returned the gesture, a steady battle of will. Caro relented with a sigh, pushing herself up. ¡°Look, between you and I, you¡¯ve got me beat on stubbornness. So if you don¡¯t want to open up, I can¡¯t make you. Just letting you know I¡¯m always here to lend an ear.¡±


    Doc¡¯s warning rang in Val¡¯s mind. Tell no one else of her quest, right? The repercussion of her mother¡¯s condition getting out wasn¡¯t the solely worst¡ªit could possibly be the end. She¡¯d narrowly survived the death of one of her parents. To be quite frank, she wasn¡¯t sure she came out in one piece.


    If she lost her mother too¡­


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    But could I do this by myself?


    It was a question she frequently asked herself, an inquiry she often answered with a lie. All that said, as Caro gave her one last look and began the walk inside Blue Cave, she realized it was time to admit the truth. Clenching her fists together, Val sighed and caved in. ¡°Wait.¡±


    Her friend turned around, arms crossed and eyebrow raised, the unsaid question obvious. What is it this time?


    ¡°First tell me what happened during the checkup. The one right after the exam. Everything went okay?¡±


    Caro tilted her head. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°You sure? I heard two people say otherwise.¡±


    Caro hummed in consideration, reclaiming her seat next to Val. ¡°Oh!¡± She snapped her fingers in the air.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Val echoed.


    A wry smile bloomed on Caro¡¯s face and she whispered, ¡°You know how they recorded my ASC as a hundred, right? The guy I met thought there was a mistake since it was ¡®too much for someone with three typics as immediate relatives.¡± She rolled her eyes and added air quotes. ¡°He brought this new tester, even better than the Identifier we used when we were twelve and guess what? I don¡¯t have a hundred aether strands.


    ¡°The tech they used back then had a cap at a hundred since, really, no one ever breaches the nineties,¡± Caro smirked, straightening her white collar. ¡°My ASC is 171.¡±


    Val¡¯s lips curled upwards in a smile. ¡°Saints, Caro. That''s¡ªthat¡¯s amazing!¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Caro squealed, doing a little jiggy where she sat.


    Val laughed, punching her arm. ¡°Make sure you remember me when you become an Archon, okay?¡±


    ¡°Could say the same to you, Miss Silver.¡± Caro winked. ¡°Alright, enough talk about me. Your turn.¡±


    Val cleared her throat and scanned the area. ¡°I never told you what disease my mom suffers from exactly, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been pestering you since before we were friends and you never said anything. So no, you haven¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not exactly info I can hand out,¡± Val said, eyes on the Blue Cave¡¯s opening. ¡°She has what most would call an Aetherial Vessel abnormality.¡±


    She could visibly see Caro¡¯s heart sink, her almond-brown eyes widening and a hand covering her mouth. ¡°Which of the five? Leaky Syndrome? Split Syndrome?¡±


    ¡°Aether Incontinence Syndrome.¡±


    ¡°Wait wait wait,¡± Caro muttered. ¡°I heard that one¡¯s one of the better ones to have. I don¡¯t really know what any of them do because of the¡ª¡±


    ¡°Laws of Secrecy. Yeah, I know. It is one of the easier ones and if you keep on top of it, your lifestyle largely remains unhindered.¡±


    Caro¡¯s eyebrows pinched together, obviously understanding the underlying fact. How unhindering could it be if her mom was lying unconscious in the hospital?


    ¡°Let me explain.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Aether Incontinence Syndrome represses the Aetherial Vessel¡¯s natural ability to block out excess aether once full. When left unchecked, it takes the better of its victim, completely shutting down their body with the overflow of energy alone. But Aether Incontinence Syndrome is relatively slow to act. Cast a couple of spells per day and you¡¯d have nothing to worry about. ¡±


    ¡°So what happened on the day Anderson was born?¡± Caro asked. She knew the day when Val¡¯s mother¡¯s condition deteriorated, like everyone else right down to her parent''s old guild, Horizon''s Silence.


    ¡°The birth was long, complicated and completely fumbled. The doctors prioritized the baby and by the time they woke up my mom, it was too late.¡±


    Val rubbed at her face. ¡°The only choice was to put her in a room where they could siphon the permeating aether out, and a room like that was only available in Wyn. The trip from our hometown to Wyn didn¡¯t help either, making her situation unsalvageable. She''s been in a vegetative state ever since.¡±


    ¡°Oh my¡­¡± Caro trailed off as her long arms stretched across, smothering Val in a deep hug. ¡°If I find those doctors, I¡¯ll give them hell and more, just you wait.¡± Caro pulled back from the embrace. ¡°What changed from now and then, though? Why participate in the trials of all things?¡±


    ¡°Found evidence of a cure.¡±


    ¡°A cure?¡± Caro was the one doing the echoing this time. ¡°I thought¡­ I thought there wasn¡¯t any.¡±


    ¡°You have to trust me on this,¡± Val said. ¡°You think I would chase anything less than a solid lead?¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯d chase down the faintest of clues if it could lead to the possibility of your mom waking up.¡± She gave her a sad smile. ¡°That being said, you¡¯re one of the sharpest people I know. If you think this is it, it¡¯s probably it.¡±


    Val¡¯s lip quivered. ¡°It has to be.¡±


    ¡°It will be,¡± Caro assured, planting a hand on Val''s shoulder. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t I have known about this like, years ago? Could''ve helped you out or at least been there for support.¡±


    ¡°Aether Incontinence Syndrome unintentionally makes her¡­ let¡¯s say people would think she¡¯s more valuable because of her condition.¡±


    ¡°Hold on, she¡¯s a healer. She¡¯s literally begged to be everywhere by everyone,¡± Caro said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a whole other round of explanations I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to give.¡± Val glanced around. ¡°Not here at least.¡±


    Caro stifled a yawn and stretched. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t push.¡± She tapped Val¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Want me to stay?¡±


    Val shook her head silently. ¡°We can¡¯t forget that it¡¯s the Tripartite Trial. You need your rest.¡±


    ¡°You need yours too,¡± she said. ¡°From all of it.¡±


    Val sighed. ¡°Little steps, right?¡±


    She gave her a hug and headed in, footfalls softening as she meandered deeper into the caves. Left alone in her own presence, Val was on the verge of closing her eyes before something glowing caught her gaze¡ªand it wasn¡¯t the shining cracks of the cave. It looked like teardrops of translucent, pink water. It was shimmering stars on the stone ground, twinkling in the dark.


    It dimmed.


    Crap. Val got onto her feet to watch the last of it fade away¡­ only for it to reappear in a different spot. As she neared the glowing tear drops¡¯ new location, the same thing happened. It was as if it was leading her somewhere.


    Her eyes slid back to their cave entrance. If she tried to warn them of her leaving, the trail might be gone by the time she came back. Val hated surprises for this very reason. No chance to think about what to do. For once, she followed her gut and went along with the disappearing teardrops.


    She marked the path she took with her sword as best as she could, rounding stone pillar after pillar. As the trek neared ten minutes, her confidence dwindled. Val held tight to her hilt.


    She knew she arrived when she spotted a near oasis-like pond, the liquid the same colour as the teardrops sprinkled throughout the stone forest. It was situated beside an opening within a large stone hill. Another cave. She squinted, catching sight of a supply bag inside of it. Who knew if there were extra rations, medical supplies, or even points?


    That¡¯s stupid thinking, Val''s voice of reason blared in her mind. Yet, it didn¡¯t matter. It felt as if she needed to check this bag, that she had to.


    Y???????????o?????????????u???????????????? ????????????m????????u??????????????s????????????t????????


    I shouldn¡¯t¡­ she thought faintly, fighting against something but not sure what exactly.


    Y????????????o??????????????u?????????????? ??????s????????h??????????????????o?????????????u?????????????l???????d?????????????


    A crazed look twinkled in her eyes. Tripping over imaginary stones, Val stumbled into the dark cave.


    Well, she tried to, at least.


    Something slithered out of the depths of the cave and a weight pressed on her shoulders, an anvil of visceral fear. A snake the size of an age-old tree hissed, its golden eyes glimmering at this new meal.


    ¡°A two-starred Lushgreen?¡± Val muttered, her shock yielding lucidity. Right as she thought she was food, a bird¡¯s cry echoed throughout the stone forest, raising goosebumps. A gust of mighty air whirled as the bird flapped its wings. She raised her arms, wincing as a thousand little knives cut into her. Engaged in a fight with no regard for her, the aether creatures tumbled into the glowing pond. A wave of rose-coloured water rose at the action, froth materializing near the edge.


    That was when Val realized it.


    She was no more than an ant to these beasts¡ªa mere speck. They couldn''t care less if she died or lived during their scuffle. She needed to find a place to hide and she needed it quickly. Her gaze slid towards the cave, where the bag of supplies laid. Two birds, one spell.


    Val sprinted across the stone area, taking a large circle around the pond and sliding to a stop when she reached the pack. Mere moments before she could lift it and run deeper into the cave, a loud boom rocked her world. She fell forward, a rain of pebbles pelting her. Her arms formed a huddle around her head as she turned to see what exactly was going on.


    Eyes widening, her breath hitched.


    The ceiling collapsed, locking her in and the rest of the world out.

 Chapter 10 - Lights Out

    Val clambered to unsteady feet, blood rushing to her head and setting her senses in disarray. Stumbling through inky, near-viscous darkness, she headed over to the closed-off entrance and pounded on it with clenched fists. ¡°I can¡¯t be stuck, not now of all times.¡±


    A low rumble crashed against the barrier of boulders and she jumped backwards, away from the ongoing scuffle outside. A damp object stabbed her back. Val whirled around, heart rate at unhealthy heights as she stretched a probing hand, hitting nothing except the stone walls of the cave. Crouching and sinking her head into her arms, she took a lungful of air. Get a grip, she told herself. You¡¯re fine, just breathe.


    In. Hold. Out.


    Her jitters slowed to nerves and her nerves to desperate questions. Were all rift dives a long string of uncomfortable endeavours and hours of worry, needing to glance backwards for aether creatures and humans alike? And Dad did this for months on end.


    Just how?


    He had always grinned like a fool before he went off to meet up with teammates, as if the occurrence was a rare treat. Mom had¡ªno. Thinking about her mother in the past tense tied a bow on a closed chapter, a chapter not finished on Val''s terms by any means.


    The tightly closed bottle of Dad seemed to push mercilessly, however, harder than the first day of the third trial, splurging longing, hurt, and reminders of what could never be in the mix of her trepidation. One memory rushed to the forefront of her mind, back when real darkness was the equivalent of the scariest of aether creatures.


    A bright bulb had to be brightening every lick of her bedroom, eradicating all the shadows that often formed into monsters in her imagination. She remembered Dad leaning on the doorframe, sighing as he looked at her. He would glance around, almost wistfully, the glowing tattoo of a phoenix contorting as his neck twisted. His eyes would trace the room, taking in the dark lavender paint and the stick-on animals.


    Then, he''d flicked the lights off.


    "Dad!" Eleven-year-old Val tugged her bedsheets above her and curled into a ball, where the shadow monsters couldn¡¯t get her. The bed leaned towards one end as her father sat, the creak sending a shiver of fright down her spine. As he attempted to pull the covers down, she tightened her grip, her knuckles white.


    "Valpal, let me in," Dad begged. "I''m right here."


    Val hesitated, a sliver of her head peeking out. She stared, doe-eyed, at Dad and he smiled, prying her clamp-like fingers one by one. . Relenting and letting go, the blankets went down the next second, warmth and protection stripped at once.


    A car passed their house outside, headlights affecting the curtain¡¯s shadows, stretching it into limbs lurking for prey. Val scooched backwards and pointed. "Dad, the shadows, the dark it¡ª"


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he cooed gently, his head leaning against an open palm as his golden eyes focused on her. ¡°The dark¡¯s not so scary. In fact, in a way, it protects you. Keeps you from seeing the monsters beneath your nose." He tickled her with a finger, and she gave into giggles. "However, sometimes, you need to see the problems lying before you. Like all those times you''ve been stumbling through the dark to grab the last cookies in the fridge."


    "Er..." Val got out. She¡¯d been super sneaky!


    "Oh yeah." Dad grinned. "Caught red-handed."


    While Val was stuttering an excuse out about her cookie dilemma, he ruffled her hair, resting his head on the pillow next to hers. "Occasionally we find ourselves stuck where there are no outs. A dark place. For me, that place is a rift teeming with aether creatures. For you,¡± he planted a finger on her guitar-patterned bedsheets. ¡°It¡¯s this room. For now, you can flip a light and bam! Problem solved. But it won¡¯t always be that way.¡±


    Val sulked, a small frown forming on her lips. ¡°How do you fix that?¡±


    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t try to fix it, you try to adapt¡ªaccustom.¡±


    ¡°Ah-cos-tum?¡± she tried to echo.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dad smiled, ¡°and while it might be hard now, you¡¯ll find it easier if you think of what¡¯s twinkling above you.¡±


    Her eyes slid to her lightbulb and he chuckled. ¡°Not literally, Val.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± she turned to face the other side. ¡°I knew that.¡±


    With a strained grunt, Dad got up and moved to the nearby outlet, flicking a nightlight on. It was tiny. Small. Insignificant. Yet it made all the difference.


    "Remember," he murmured, leaning in to give a forehead kiss."When it¡¯s dark out, look for stars.¡±


    "Look for stars," Val muttered, now tethered in the present.


    She inhaled sharply and raised her head, giving her arm a pinch. Snap out of it, she berated herself. She was fine. Alone in the dark, yes, but for now she was out of harm''s way. It wouldn''t stay that way, though. There was no telling how deep the cave ran.


    On the flip side, it also meant that there had to be a way out somewhere.


    Val patted her left where the pack should have been, her fingers grabbing air. She reached further, yet something within her told her she wouldn''t find it. The voices guiding her actions, the trail of water, a pack left in the perfect place¡ªit was all connected.


    When a sensation not unlike wearing a pair of wrongly prescribed glasses overcame her eyes, it all became clear. She experienced an identical feeling after the second trial, albeit in a different location. Still, phantom pains originated from the same thing.


    A mind trap.


    Val cursed under her breath. I was an idiot following that trail of water. All for nothing too.


    Pushing herself upright, Val''s brain clocked into overtime. She had no food, no water, and for the better part of the day, no help. Either she was rescued by Tripartite Trial admin¡ªwhich would kick her out¡ªor she escaped.


    "Stars," Val muttered again, the memory flashing by. That was right, she needed light of some kind if she planned on doing anything. Think, Val thought, anything. Something.


    The pond outside held a hallucinatory effect on those near and far, but the wall of rocks seemed to be doing an excellent job of shutting it out. Which was great, honestly. Having her thoughts controlled... a shiver ran through her body at the idea.


    Then there was the Lushgreen. If she assumed this section of the cave belonged to the green aether creature, she could use it as a beacon. Val focused, going through what knowledge she recalled from the CAU''s guidebook.


    They kept the tier, stars, and habits of aether creatures within the Novice Edition¡ªthe only edition allowed outside the Laws of Secrecy. Lushgreen snakes routinely picked habitats where it was dim, nearby water, and some form of sparklet bushes to leave their eggs in.


    With the former two checked off the list, chances were, sparklet bushes were near. Sparklet leaves, true to their name, emit a short burst of light when torn. Val cracked a smile. That''s it!


    Picking up her sword in a rush, Val started feeling for low shrubs. She worked her way around the cavern boundaries, using her sword and the walls to keep her steady in the darkness.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Val swore when something jabbed her finger. Attempting to rub the wounded spot, she came in contact with something else. It was jagged¡ªsharp even¡ªand there were multiple. Could it be?


    She picked up one of them, hoping with all her strength she was right, and tore it. If she didn¡¯t know better, she would¡¯ve thought a radiance spell was cast as the leaf blazed a pale yellow.


    ¡°Heavens!¡± As if it were a lump of hot coal, she dropped the sparklet leaf and massaged her eyes with the heels of her hands. Her lips, torn between a smile and a wince, formed a wobble of a line. Found you.


    Snatching the branch full of sparklet leaves, she paced across the grotto. Marking her path with a scratch of her sword and focusing on the faint breeze that flowed in every other minute, Val journeyed through the caves.


    Riddled with knee-deep holes, she wouldn¡¯t have made it three steps without snapping her ankle in some kind of way. In a short matter of fifteen minutes, Val seemed to have turned the right corner.


    A stream of light poured in, and she couldn''t help the grin that spread wide across her face. I''m out.


    The exit led her right back to the stone forest, and it was thankfully a part they¡¯d already marked. Following the directions made, it wasn¡¯t long until she reached Blue Cave, teal veins thrumming rhythmically, casting a blue sheen throughout the underground chamber.


    ¡°Oh hey.¡± Caro yawned, sitting in her previous spot outside the cave entrance. ¡°Came out fifteen minutes ago hoping to give you some company, where¡¯d you go?¡±


    Val could only sigh. ¡°On a long stroll.¡±


    <hr>


    Magic and all it pertained to, Val found in the past couple of days, was pretty abnormal.


    Eyes unblinking, Val¡¯s gaze fastened onto an evanescent brook burbling over a bed of rock and algae, travelling upstream as if gravity didn¡¯t exist.


    It swirled by protruding roots and snuck under the tightest of places, determined in its climb up the forested mountain. Once finished with that, it crawled to the ridge Val sat at, legs dangling without care, and leapt off into the pond below.


    The weirdness didn''t stop there.


    The crystalline body of water rose in tandem, swallowing the trickle of water before it even had a chance to fall into its grasp naturally. She''d watch the process relentlessly and could only guess an obscured aether creature to be the cause, the amount of energy in the air making it hard to discern which was what.


    After all, she''d seen birds of stone and swatted one too many bugs that carried a nasty zap in its stinger. What''s one more bizarre creature to add to the list?


    "That''s absurd!"


    A shout of frustration dragged Val out of her thoughts. Retracting her idle hands now clean thanks to the water, she lent an ear.


    "We''re trading you ten days'' worth of rations for three people in exchange for a quiver half full with arrows and you''re calling that absurd? I''ll show you absurd you mother¡ª"


    "As Carielle has reiterated," Jerel smoothly interrupted, "the deal is vastly in your favour. So, our offer stands. No change."


    "You can always hunt for more food.¡± Isik¡¯s voice was little more than a growl, his tone drowned in impatience. The Kidraan had gathered thirty people to follow his lead, some forced with threats, others coerced with promises, requiring more food than what could be found in the supply bag. ¡°The same can''t be said for arrows."


    "No change," Jerel repeated.


    "You know," Isik drawled. "With how many supplies you''ve been giving away, I''m starting to believe that there might not be much of a group besides the five I¡¯ve seen."


    Jerel sighed. "I don''t have time for this."


    "No, I''m certain," Isik pushed, "and if that''s so, why bargain when I could just take it from you."


    Through the fir trees scantily seen, Val slid onto an upland, grateful for the flat field of greens after descending through a mountainous forest in deteriorating boots. The ends of her grey slacks were shredded after days of scuffing sharp shrubs and her sleeves were non-existent.


    ¡°You don¡¯t wanna do that,¡± Jerel suggested, arm up on his lance as the eleven on the field brandished varying weapons. Resting a hand on her weapon, she passed by the extensive gathering of participants behind Isik, her group appearing fun-sized in comparison.


    Isik laughed, head tilted upwards, eyes boring down on those in front. ¡°And why wouldn¡¯t I? Without that scout of yours, it¡¯s our seven to your four.¡±


    ¡°Captain!¡±


    As Val greeted her teammates, an Auricean participant scuttled across the field, loose brown curls plastered onto his brow and eyes bulging out of his sockets. ¡°Captain,¡± he panted. ¡°We¡¯ve found a gold mine!¡±


    ¡°Then keep it down, you idiot!¡± Isik berated, continuing the conversation in a hushed tone. Val took the time to sheath her shortsword.


    ¡°Any idea what they¡¯re talking about? Edible food? Lost weapons from eliminated participants?¡± Jerel mused.


    ¡°Look at their eyes,¡± Laura said. ¡°Only thing it could be is a massive amount of points.¡±


    ¡°Worth more than ten days'' worth of rations for three people?¡± Caro repeated.


    ¡°We¡¯re moving out!¡±


    Almost like an answer to Caro¡¯s question, Isik announced the departure of their group. The clink and clank of metal went unnatural to the chirps and crickets of the surrounding animals. And just like that, their source of arrows filed out the plateau, heading down in a direction Val didn¡¯t recognize.


    ¡°A rift core, possibly?¡± Jerel continued to ponder. ¡°Or even an aether creature horde? Only something as big as those two things can rile them up to that extent.¡±


    Moments later, branches rustled and Williams slid through the tree line. He looked around, head swivelling in every possible direction on the plateau, and shook his head. ¡°That other guy got here first, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Caro took a step forward. ¡°I¡¯m assuming you found something.¡±


    ¡°Points ripe for the picking,¡± he answered, sifting a hand through his black hair. ¡°Simple ones.¡±


    Caro gave her axe harness a little tug, ensuring it was tightly fixed onto her back, likely¡ªby the excited grin on her face¡ªfor the sprint after Isik¡¯s crew. ¡°What are we standing around here for, then?¡±


    ¡­


    Taking cover in an undergrowth of obscuring tall greens, Val and her group waited for Isik. Beneath them, an enrapturing cove-esque abode was tucked into the feet of the mountain they¡¯d climb up to have the deal, holding nearly a hundred colourless rocks in its waters.


    Upon looking closer, a slit ran straight through the rocks'' lower middle. A mouth. Not rocks, stone slimes.


    Caro grunted as she rose from her crouched position. ¡°We rushed here like a fire was lit under our asses and now we¡¯re gonna let them take the first go?¡±


    Val latched onto her shoulder, tugging her back down in the shrubbery. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it seem too easy for you?¡±


    ¡°Well duh.¡± Caro jerked a thumb towards Williams. ¡°He did say ripe for the picking.¡±


    ¡°Nothing is as it seems here,¡± Val answered, her long stroll coming to mind. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Now¡¯s the time to be quiet, you two,¡± Jerel whispered. ¡°They¡¯re here.¡±


    Around thirty sauntered in, marvelling at the number of stone slimes there were. They racked up twenty points in a matter of seconds, killing and reaping a part of the dim-witted aether creatures.


    One person paused, however, slowing down his eager hunt to survey his slain enemy. Ears blind to the faint rustle of moving shrubbery, Val recognized him as the messenger, his eyes widening. Hers did the same as she noticed that, unlike normal slimes, it didn¡¯t scatter into smaller pieces of itself.


    Instead, it bled, crimson staining the clear waters.


    ¡°Check this slime out,¡± another commented. ¡°It¡¯s got horns! Sick!¡±


    Horns? Her mortal eyes couldn''t detect any from way up in their cover, but if she trusted the words... Horns, rock-like bodies, near water, motionless, Val listed. Heavens. These weren¡¯t slimes. ¡°Guys,¡± she said, ¡°I don¡¯t think we should stay here any longer.¡±


    ¡°I concur,¡± Williams whispered. ¡°I didn¡¯t notice before. Those are Stormcrawler¡¯s infants down there, not stone slimes."


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that aether creature three-starred? ¡± Laura asked.


    ¡°And they just spent the last minute killing its children.¡± Jerel gave a gleeful chuckle. ¡°Serves them right.¡±


    ¡°We should move,¡± Williams ordered.


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Val hesitated, dread sinking in her gut. ¡°Where¡¯s Caro?¡±


    The satisfied expressions every one of them wore dimmed as they glanced around and Williams let loose a sigh. ¡°She didn¡¯t.¡±


    Val rose to her feet and peeked over the ridge, cursing as she spotted Caro¡¯s signature red hair. Hiding behind a set of dwarf-sized boulders, she was busy gauging which Stormcrawler infant to steal.


    A surge of water splattered against the busy participants as a lizard the size of Val¡¯s apartment lumbered out of its cavern, its vertical pupils swishing side to side as it took in its uninvited guests. A dark horn protruded out of its head, body coated in blue and purple scales. With a stomp of its trunk-like legs, a wave of arcing teal lightning raced through the waters, many dropping into the waters below, lights out.


    The Stormcrawler¡¯s hiss sent ripples across the waters and those in the vicinity stumbled backwards at the challenge.


    Val was wrong. Magic wasn¡¯t abnormal.


    It was awe-inspiringly frightening.

 Chapter 11 - Twenty-Seven Points

    It was chaos.


    Val trudged through the marshy ends of the cove, pushing aside reeds to behold what would stick with her for some time.


    Overseers, distinguished by the fervid red of their armband, winked into existence beside knocked-out participants, putting a hand on their shoulders and disappearing the next second. It was as if they glitched out of existence, one second there and the following moment they weren¡¯t.


    They gave no help to those they left behind, many near the edges of the battlefield splashing past Val as they rushed out as quickly as their legs could carry them. Nevertheless, fifteen remained at the center, with little hope of escaping from the angry Stormcrawler.


    A spray of water coated the surviving adolescent Stormcrawlers as a burly Auricean charged through the waist-high waters, his battle cry pulling the three-starred lizard¡¯s attention. A sphere of teal light coalesced at the end of its horn, the surroundings darkening as a whip of blinding lighting streaked over the vicinity.


    Colour vanished from his face and he screamed, cradling his scorched arm, no different than overcooked firewood.


    ¡°Stay put!¡±


    Val didn¡¯t register the shout until after it left her lips. Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach when Caro jumped the first layer of her cover, planning to use the fallen participant as a distraction.


    Blind behind the rows of stones shielding her, surveying the manner the reptile''s pupils swiftly swished over to her redhead was impossible. Instead, it narrowed in on Val for a mere second¡ªviridian-green circles to yellow slits¡ªdetermining her as the last of its priorities.


    On six stocky limbs, it sped towards the closest of its prey, thrusting a horn through a girl¡¯s brittle shoulder. Blood painted the lizard¡¯s dark horn red as it shook her off, body submerging underneath it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see how we¡¯re going to win this.¡± Jerel¡¯s knee jittered and his eyes flitted about, trying to apply his vast knowledge to the situation. ¡°This area¡¯s practically perfect for the Stormcrawler¡ªeasy for it to move around while hard for its prey to escape. And if they do¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s got its Lightning Whip and Stormstomp,¡± Williams finished. ¡°It¡¯s bound to run out of aether, however; look at the numbers it has to dispatch.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t wait that long, though,¡± Val said, her attention fixed onto Caro squeezing her long-limbed frame behind stones rivaling a dwarf in height. ¡°If we want to beat that thing we gotta take it out of its playground, like we did with that Windsnapper earlier.¡±


    ¡°How, exactly?¡± Laura questioned. ¡°It¡¯s bigger than all of us combined and twice as fast.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, you¡¯re right,¡± Val muttered, brain moving as quickly as a train, unburdened by the plight of leadership. These were all suggestions, right? Her gaze hitched on one of the little Stormcrawlers. ¡°Maybe lure is the better word, then.¡±


    The gears began to churn, the skeleton of a plan hatching in her mind. ¡°We have one of us coax it out first, using the trees as a buffer. Caro will be free to escape afterwards.¡±


    ¡°Now we¡¯re talking,¡± Jerel nodded. ¡°We have the bait¡ª¡± he jabbed a finger towards the proximate baby Stormcrawlers ¡°¡ªwhere are we going to lead it to for a fight?¡±


    ¡°The forest? No,¡± Val corrected. As much as it would hinder the three-starred aether creature, it would hamper their own attempts as well. They needed a spacious battlefield, possessing obstacles to duck under and out interchangeably. A place that was similar to Vexal Prep¡¯s EC-room, where less power didn¡¯t automatically equal a loss. ¡°Williams, how far did you scout?¡±


    ¡°Spent the past seven days scanning this entire stone mountain.¡± His chest puffed out, a sorry show of pride clad in a grey school uniform stained brown. ¡°Describe a place and I¡¯ll name it.¡±


    ¡°Perfect.¡± Val rubbed her hands together. ¡°So we need a spot that is¡­¡±


    ¡­


    Calm down, she told herself, picking at one of the scabs on her thumb. Every one of their five members carried a key duty doled out by none other than Val herself. It was time to carry out hers, alongside Jerel and Laura, as the net.


    She winced as ice-cold water dripped off the cavern ceilings, slipping past her dual braids and infiltrating the depths of her scalp. Can¡¯t wait for a hot shower.


    Stalactites hung off the cavern roof like chandeliers, a direct mirror to the boulder-like stalagmites on the floor. The entire stone floor was riddled with them, simple for lithe, athletic participants to weave through, yet the same could hardly be said for the lumbering Stormcrawler.


    Similar to Blue Cave, veins of teal light spun their way around the area, keeping the darkness at bay and allowing room for visibility. Lines of silhouetted insects crawled against the uneven walls, unknowing of the incoming fight.


    The thud of boots and the sharp scrap of nails spilled into the small cave. Val readied her weapons¡ªchecking the clasps of her shield and firming her grip on her sword¡¯s hilt. Laura notched the last of her arrows and Jerel brandished his shield, the defensive piece of metal hiding the entirety of his body,


    Williams came sprinting in with three Stormcrawler infants in hand and took immediate cover. Val¡¯s bones rattled as the Stormcrawler stomped in after him, looking around for its prey. Caro scuttled in at its tail twenty paces behind.


    Laura released an arrow and it struck its array of blue scales, missing the Stormcrawler¡¯s eyes by a hair¡¯s breadth. It ricocheted harmlessly as if the arrow was a plastic toy.


    Jerel rushed at the lizard, lance jutting out on top of his shield like a scorpion primed for an attack. The Stormcrawler skittered over to meet the challenge, crashing into one boulder after the next.


    Val weaved between the stones, eyes widening as the aether creature managed to get the better of him. Possessing the ample reach of a seven-foot-long horn, it sliced through rock and clashed at Jerel¡¯s side at an angle unaccounted for.


    Bearing the strike in a disadvantageous position spurred an uncomfortable maneuver to his left. In the end, his shield skidded away on the ground slick with moisture. Shadows disappeared as a teal glow gathered at the end of the lizard¡¯s protrusion.


    ¡°Switch!¡± Val stepped in front of her teammate and held fast to her defensive weapon. A clap of lightning struck her shield at its center, a disorientating ring slicing through her cold concentration. Her sight swam, double-vision debilitating her ability to parry the lizard¡¯s next strike. It swivelled surprisingly well on six feet inside an enclosed space, a scaled tail lashing her.


    She failed to bear the force of the strike, shield snapping back as her arms collapsed like a dry branch. Val paid no mind to the yellow-and-purple bruise blooming across her forearms, shuffling behind cover as Jerel regained his footing.


    He shield-bashed the creature¡¯s head and its neck whipped backwards. It hissed and shook itself, disoriented. Williams appeared from behind a stalagmite, slashing his shortswords across its legs in an arc parallel to the ground. While it hardly pierced the stone-like layer of scales, it paused to inspect the ant at its feet.


    It didn¡¯t so much as catch his shadow. Impressive, she had the time to think.


    Laura loosed another arrow that bounced off its brow, turning the lizard¡¯s attention to a separate corner of the cavern. Caro snuck past a boulder and twirled her greataxe at an angle straight for its feet.


    She dislodged an entire set of toes on one of its limbs, though the injury seemed more an annoyance than a hindrance to the aether creature. A sharp pang rolled through Val where she hid, biding her time for an opportunity to strike. ¡°Get back!¡±


    The lizard stomped its injured foot, lightning running along the stone floor, carried by the few puddles on the ground. Spazzing out in seconds, what remained of the bolts rode up the boulders, dissipating before it ever touched Val.


    Hissing, purple tongue out and about, the Stormcrawler stamped its feet continuously. Not even a buzz of lightning came out. It¡¯s out of aether.


    Val rushed to carry her shield, blanching as her bruised arm screamed at the additional weight. Abandoning her sword and taking up her shield using both arms, she darted straight for the Stormcrawler, alone in an area of razed boulders.


    In the presence of no cover, it noticed her attack midway and faced her direction, horn and all. She braced herself and pressed onwards, shield up and legs moving. Mouth agape, she watched as the horn pierced the wooden structure, nicking her abdomen. Grimacing at the pressure mounting on her injured arm, she yelled, ¡°Now, Jerel! It¡¯s eyes!¡±


    A shout escaping his lips, Jerel levelled his lance and blazed forward. The lizard spotted him, backpedalling in an attempt to retract its horn from her shield.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t.¡± Val stepped up, pushing her shield up its horn and trapping it within the broken weapon. It waved its head and the bottom of her boots dragged along the floor, the lizard trying to shake her off. She stayed her ground, ensuring she bogged down the Stormcrawler¡¯s notorious speed.


    Jerel sunk his lance straight through one of its slit-like pupils. Upright for a few seconds, the Stormcrawler slumped to the ground in a heap. Val was carried along by its sheer mass and Jerel scrambled to unhook her from her shield, the two scurrying away from the body.


    Seconds of silence stretched.


    Relieved sighs and one whoop¡ªbelonging to Caro, of course¡ªrang out as the golden patches emerged on the lizard¡¯s scales. The Stormcrawler, three-starred and likely one of the most difficult aether creatures in their corner of Thunderstone, had been defeated.


    By her plan, no less.


    Unnoticed by Val, a piece of the confidence stripped away at Deduction Day pieced itself together in the recesses of her mind.


    Caro let go of a dry chuckle, flopping to the ground, her greataxe clattering to the floor beside her. ¡°I am never going to anger a mother of any species again.¡±


    ¡°Or run off without letting the rest of us know,¡± Williams chimed in.


    ¡°Hey, you were the one who said it was ripe for the picking,¡± Caro countered. ¡°Not me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but that doesn¡¯t mean you waltz in and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Guys. People. Friends. Please.¡± Val raised a hand. ¡°Some quiet would be highly appreciated.¡±


    Val didn¡¯t expect the request to go heard, a hush settling over the crew. An intangible sense of¡­ something stretched outwards between the five participants. The fight could¡¯ve gone the other way at a moment¡¯s notice¡ªthey all knew it, too.


    And here they were.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Caro met every one of their gazes. ¡°Seriously. You ever need anything, just hit me up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡± Laura set down her bow against a stalagmite, a ghost of a smile crossing her face.


    ¡°We all will,¡± Jerel said, ¡°and in reverse as well.¡±


    ¡°Not gonna lie though.¡± Fresh bruises ordaining her limbs, streaks of mud across her mess of a bun, uniform in shreds¡ªCaro, seated cross-legged in a dank cave, grinned. ¡°That fight was loads of fun.¡±


    Williams shook his head and sheathed his swords. ¡°She never runs out of energy, does she?¡±


    Val grinned. ¡°You learn to love it.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Damn those midborns! Every last one of them!¡±


    Isik kicked a random stone far into the forest, too angry to care who or what it could provoke. Only seven remained of his group, the rest either eliminated by the Stormcrawler or forfeited due to fright. Cowards.


    The whispers gathered at the gates of his home last year edged into the curve of his ears.


    Have you heard? The Tamaan¡¯s heir is unbound at the age of nineteen.


    Talent has ended in this generation.


    Disgrace.


    ¡°Nonsense!¡± He plucked another pebble, chucking it skyward.


    Tamaan blood ran in his veins, typics were his stepping stone, he was the heir of one of the Ten Major Families¡ªand here he was, struggling in the midst of the Second Halo!


    Isik¡¯s eyes burned a livid blue, veins popping across his forehead. If he trumped the sum of the Second Halo¡¯s best talent, despite not being to pass in his home-halo, who dared to say he wasn¡¯t a prodigy?


    No one!


    And yet, here these midborn were, refusing to cow before their betters.


    Nothing¡ªabsolutely nothing¡ªcould come close to the vexation he felt towards the red-haired one. She and her teammate may have taken the threat with them in their retreat, but the lizard made sure to attack everything it saw on its way out, including him.


    Apart from making each transaction a headache with that, that unclean mouth of hers, she never stopped talking. Never. What was her name again? Carielle?


    Then there was her friend, green-eyed and a head shorter. While quieter, she held more sway over both teams, making it a mission to convince his group to simply attack and be rid of the pest.


    ¡°If any of those midborns ever make their way into the First Halo, I¡¯ll make their lives a living hell!¡±


    ¡°Uh, Captain¡­¡± his scout scratched at his head, gesturing to the remainder of the group. ¡°Everyone here except for you is, uh, midborn.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡±


    <hr>


    Val''s stomach was flat against the forest floor, the undergrowth in front of her a mere inch above her head. The drone of the insects was thick and heavy, yet the sound barely registered to the girl, mind focused on the small expanse of grass seen through the bush''s holes. She fiddled with the shortsword Williams lent her and kept her ears sharp for any sound.


    "Last fight Valory." Jerel''s remark came from a nearby tree, a sliver of his outline visible. "Let''s make it a good one."


    "Agreed."


    A whistle speared through the forest''s white noise. Though any other person would easily mistake it for a bird''s mating call, she heard otherwise. The next second, he whistled back. Val discerned it in a moment.


    Aether creature en route. - Williams


    Understood. - Jerel.


    Only three people could whistle out of the five of them. With two of the three being Jerel and Val, it wasn''t hard to guess who initiated the conversation. The thought brought the resurgence of the argument Caro and Williams had at the fact that he could whistle and she couldn''t. Children those two.


    The rustle of fallen leaves reached her ears as Jerel shifted his weight in preparation to strike. ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°As I¡¯ll ever be.¡± And she meant it. Ten days spent doing the same thing made a person, if not an expert, more than the beginner they had been at the start. As the visage of a Thundertail broke out into the clearing¡ªhorns, lightning and all¡ªVal narrowed her eyes. Still too far.


    ¡°I¡¯ll lead it to you,¡± was all Jerel said before he disappeared into the forest behind her. Val continued to fiddle with the weapon barely longer than her forearm, her thoughts and attention never leaving the mature Thundertail.


    A sound similar to metal hitting wood resounded near the jumpy aether creature. The beast flinched a mile high and ran in the opposite direction. A direction that led straight to Val. She smiled, gripping the leather hilt. Nice work, Jerel.


    Once it drew within a five-metre radius, Val emerged from behind the bush and lashed out, cutting it in its throat. Hopping back to dodge its sweep of lightning-charged antlers, she switched to a reverse grip and darted past, slicing the throat in full. The Thundertail kept running for some time, its gurgles becoming louder. It took five steps before it went down, never to rise again.


    A whistle caught her attention, but it lacked the patterns woven into their limited set of codes. ¡°Trying to give Williams a run for his money?¡± Jerel teased.


    ¡°Not at all.¡± She knelt beside the corpse and sliced off an ear. ¡°Far as I¡¯m concerned, picking up a shield was the best choice I made in the last ten days.¡±


    ¡°Ten days,¡± a familiar voice added.


    Val and Jerel turned to find the rest of their team ambling in, hacking away at the branches in their path. Williams straightened the shredded ends of his sleeves. ¡°Flew by in a blink.¡±


    ¡°For you maybe.¡± Laura heaved a sigh. ¡°Those first few days were a slog to get through.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t change the fact that it''s over.¡± Caro grinned. ¡°And that we¡¯re well above the requirement.¡±


    As if on cue, a horn blared, inexplicably bringing such a heavy bout of relief, Val¡¯s form sagged as a large exhale left her. Caro¡¯s grin broadened and she swept Val into a hug. ¡°Hell yeah, V! Told you we could do it.¡±


    ¡°I¡ªcough¡ªI need air, Cee.¡± Val tapped for mercy on her best friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Air.¡±


    ¡°Oops.¡± She let her go, but the grin of delight was far too stubborn to leave her face. ¡°We did it,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Not yet, you did.¡±


    Clad in an ebony attire, their conductor strolled into the clearing, face nearly unrecognizable. Without the need for protection for the past few days, he¡¯d blended in amidst the shadows, pretty much absent. Thank the saints it¡¯s not that shadow mage one.


    Caro scratched at her head. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve yet to appraise and account for the points collected.¡± A smooth, circular device appeared in his palm as spoke, a smile spreading on his lips. ¡°Who¡¯s up first?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Jerel stepped forward, plucking his crystalized collection of slain aether creature remains from within his cloak. ¡°Uh¡­ what do I do with these?¡±


    ¡°Merely place it on the device.¡± The conductor wiggled the object he balanced on one hand. ¡°It¡¯ll do the rest for you.¡±


    Jerel dropped one glowing Thundertail ear on the pad. The number ¡®1¡¯ levitated above the device, blazing and humming at its use.


    ¡°All them at once, please,¡± the conductor requested.


    Jerel placed the rest of his spoils, the number one ticking upwards and stopping at thirty-one.


    The conductor nodded, impressed. ¡°Jerel¡­¡±


    ¡°Imra,¡± he finished.


    ¡°Jerel Imra.¡± The conductor pressed onto the hidden rune etched onto his skin. ¡°Thirty-one points. Considered a pass.¡±


    Jerel¡¯s eyes glistened. Val could only imagine the amount of effort, money and time spent on his previous failed attempts. It¡¯s worth it now.


    ¡°Next,¡± the conductor called out.


    ¡°Twenty-nine points. Mikhail Williams. Considered a pass.¡±


    ¡°Thirty-six points. Carielle Hayes.¡± Both of the conductor''s eyebrows rose as he looked over Caro. ¡°Considered a pass.¡±


    Caro winked at Williams. ¡°Easy peasy.¡±


    ¡°Thirty points. Laura Stone. Considered a pass.¡±


    Val placed her total winnings on the device, a slight sense she¡¯d wake up from a dream in a cold sweat as the numbers ticked past fifteen. Her eyes found their way upwards, towards the tinted clouds, a sense of her parents smiling down on her.


    Mom. Dad. I did it.


    ¡°Twenty-seven points. Valory Efron. Considered a pass.¡±

 Chapter 12 - Questionable Choice

    The First Halo of Ciazel,


    The city of Reynor,


    Committee¡¯s Say: CLASSIFIED


    Once again, Rhodes found herself irked by the stale must of air uncirculated since yesteryear. She squirmed on the rock-like seats, ignoring the whispers edging into the shut-eye she fought for, her brimmed hat perched on the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°Is it me, or is the hair on Archon Quiet''s head a making of forgery?¡±


    ¡°Melaine,¡± Olive hissed. ¡°He can hear you.¡±


    ¡°All the better.¡±


    ¡°To gossip in the presence of this kind of audience¡­ Only you, Mel. You, as well as¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lump me with her.¡± Fiona offered a lazy smile and jabbed her hat up, relenting and joining in on the conversation. ¡°She¡¯s on an entire level of her own.¡±


    Melaine grinned, an emerald-green gaze so bright it cut through the dusky ambience of Committee¡¯s Say. Luscious dark hair cropped right past her ears, energy brimmed against her adventurer leathers¡ª run-of-the-mill of a mage daring to brave the wildlands outside the Outer Wall.


    ¡°I was going to say Alan, actually.¡± Olive adjusted thin-framed eyewear, legs crossed and voice no louder than the hush of conversation across the room. She¡¯d strike anyone as composed¡ªclad in a cloth skirt and a blouse¡ªbut Rhodes could never fully alleviate the formidable sight of the woman in battle.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a scary gathering of ladies.¡±


    Captain Rhodes¡¯ eyebrow twitched up at the interjection, lips arching upwards as she recognized the sharp, yet at the same time, the dull metallic aura of the man joining their group.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned.¡± She grinned. ¡°Kaleb Kane¡ªor should I say¡ªMetal Incarnate.¡±


    ¡°Whichever suits you.¡± He mirrored her expression.


    She pointed to Olive. ¡°Here to see your guildmate?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to pick your brain on a subject, Rhodes. I¡ª.¡±


    ¡°The intermission has officially ended. Number twenty-three of the fifth assembly, would you please stand,¡± a member announced, voice strengthened by an arcane art.


    Captain Rhodes rose to her feet, nodding to the Kidraan man. We¡¯ll talk later. Magus Kane returned the gesture, disappearing into the proximate aisles and melting into the surrounding darkness.


    ¡°Is there a particular reason you¡¯re in the Assembly of Mercenaries, Captain Rhodes?¡± the announcer went on, letting loose a snide remark behind the protection of obscurity.


    Heads turned, a myriad of expressions visible as circular rows of members faced her. A dais as its center, lighting dimmed as one¡¯s distance from the podium grew. Stationed at the darkened edges of Committee¡¯s Say, the announcer was one of the rare few of his kind able to engage in an action besides voting, deprived of the right to choose.


    ¡°I believe an intermission had just been resolved,¡± she answered.


    ¡°It¡¯s illegal to mingle with other Assemblies as it can be a cause for bias.¡±


    ¡°Four people before me followed the very same actions as my own.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t change the¡ª¡±


    ¡°It does.¡± Captain Rhodes made a point to head into the aisles, strolling in the opposite direction of him, towards the blinding center. ¡°You¡¯re wasting more time than needed. I say we carry on.¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡±


    A hush settled onto the room as one of the Chairs spoke. Several broad beams spilled from the ceiling, unveiling the presence of five Archons resting upon thrones of rose-coloured stone. Opposite of the abounding rumours, these mages seemed no different than the people she¡¯d bump into outside, besides the extravagant robes they were clad in.


    And that was the scary part.


    To keep such a tight leash on aether emanation to a point where she perceived them no differently as the chairs they sat on was hair-rising.


    Archon Quiet propped his chin using a closed fist. ¡°As much as I would love to hear more about the falsities upon my scalp¡ª¡±


    Rhodes stifled a snort. I¡¯m never going to hear the end of it from Mel, aren¡¯t I?


    ¡°¡ªplease, state your name for the records.¡± Archon Quiet was Kidraan, sea-blue eyes simmering with power and dark skin smooth, betraying his known ancient age.


    ¡°Fiona Rhodes, Captain of the armed forces, the twenty-fifth of the Military Assembly.¡±


    To the distant side of the Chairs, a scribe scribbled down the notes on his stool, looking no different than a Thundertail caught in the sight of a spell. Better than those dreaded automatic transcriptions mother employs.


    ¡°Your primary choice, dear,¡± Archon Lenson asked, grey eyes twinkling like she knew her choice already.


    ¡°Carielle Hayes.¡±


    ¡°Saintsdammit.¡±


    An adventurer cursed where they sat and scraped their pen across their notepad. Waves coursed throughout certain assemblies at the announcement and Rhodes noted exactly who she was to cater to. Seems like you pulled an abundance of eyes, Carielle.


    Rhodes pushed aether into the channels within the soles of her feet and tapped her boot on the glass dais. Blue runes branched out all around the levitated circle, returning to dormancy as she pulled a device fresh out of her spatial pocket at a thought.


    Swiping up on the IBR tablet, hovering screens of illusion-based videos appeared. She let the varied footage of Carielle play and it was as if she casted a mind spell.


    Officers, Defenders, mercenaries, adventurers¡ªthe majority of combat-focused assemblies leaned forward in their seats, entranced by the surprising technical skill the lumbering teen displayed in weaponry.


    A video played Carielle shimming up her greataxe¡¯s shaft to give a false sense of her range during a scuffle between an enemy team. In a vital moment, she extended like a tripped trap, cornering the participant in a precise manner.


    Naturally, there was room for improvement, but for a sixteen-year-old to own that much finesse? The reaction of the weathered elementalists said it all.


    Captain Rhodes could admit she was a little sad to tap her foot again, killing the energy to the holographic-like screens.


    ¡°As much as I know we could watch her all day, I want you to take a look at Miss Hayes¡¯ stats,¡± Rhodes said. ¡°I sent it to you all.¡±


    Rhodes watched as eyes traced the lines of Carielle¡¯s record¡ª92% in the first exam, 98% in the second, and double the required points in the third. When they reached the script she hoped they would, their eyes bulged out of their sockets. ¡°No, what you are seeing is not an error. Indeed, Miss Hayes¡¯ initial ASC is 171.¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t be.¡± A Kidraan man stood and the ceiling shed a beam to make him visible. Rhodes recognized the doubter and hid a sneer as the repulsive memories of his son¡¯s trial attempt popped up in her mind. He sifted a hand through a thick beard. ¡°We should¡¯ve known as soon as she turned twelve, during Deduction Day.¡±


    ¡°The key words there are ¡®should have¡¯,¡± Rhodes said. ¡°After all, there is a reason we conduct tests prior to the second exam, Mister Tamaan.¡±


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°My goodness,¡± someone else muttered. ¡°She has more aether strands than half the scions of the First Halo.¡±


    A vein popped across the man¡¯s brow and he sat down with a huff, knowing his son was part of that half.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Rhodes pointed at the woman who spoke. ¡°Not only has she excelled in the past within school both academically-wise and combat-wise, she never faltered despite the slights hurled at her. This young lady has fought to make her presence known and now it¡¯s hard not to take notice of her. An Aether Artifact would flourish under her hands. However, we need to be the ones to give her it. So, shall we?¡±


    The Seer smiled at those words while the Kidraan Archon cast a glance at Rhodes, his eyes asking if she was finished. At her nod, he rose. ¡°All those in favour, raise your dominant hand.¡±


    The chorus of clothes moving drew Rhodes¡¯ gaze to the crowd, though a part of her already knew the outcome. All fifteen assemblies¡ªthe Artificers, those in the Twenty, SI Agents, highly-ranked mages¡ªall rose their hands up in support of her choice.


    ¡°It is settled. Carielle Hayes has been chosen to receive an Aether Artifact. Captain Rhodes, your secondary choice, if you will.¡±


    Rhodes¡¯ lips formed a hard line. Here comes the hard part. She rehearsed how she would continue internally, opening up her next candidate¡¯s stats. ¡°My second choice is Valory Efron.¡±


    There was a shift in the atmosphere, a shift of silence.


    Hundreds of thousands participated in the trials and the committee, responsible to find 2500 worthy wielders of the Aether Artifacts, picked candidates of talent never seen before. It was safe to say that prodigies in the top percentile were hardly missed, meaning the names called were those of some notability.


    The fact of the matter was, though, that Valory was an unseen talent in the literal sense.


    Rhodes figured it was high time the fact changed.


    She strayed away from honing in on Valory¡¯s kinesthetic prowess, not after the show Carielle unknowingly put on. Consequently, her weapon-handling wouldn¡¯t draw the right eyes needed to produce the required votes in the face of the odds stacked against her.


    Her perception would.


    Runes bloomed across the dais and the Captain waved a hand, bringing forth screens of statistics.


    ¡°I¡¯ll brush past the stats, even though Valory scored an average of 100% across each segment of the Tripartite Trial.¡± Rhodes tapped on her device to shrink the floating images, bringing up Valory¡¯s personal set of videos. ¡°Miss Efron¡¯s specialty requires a keen eye to notice.¡±


    Blurred footage of Valory pausing among occupied participants alongside a teammate rolled, showing the exact moment she sensed the start of the mind loop. She pointed, chatted, and was transferred to the beginning once more. The next time she made it to the end, she pulled out the cog, free of the mind trip.


    Ordinarily, a mage on Collins'' level wouldn¡¯t dare leave so much as a feather out of place; however it was set there on purpose to answer a sole question.


    Who could notice the cog and who could break out?


    ¡°Miss Efron is one of the few thousands able to pick up the cog Major Collins left in the mind trap,¡± Rhodes said, ¡°and one of the hundred able to shatter her mind¡¯s ensnares.¡±


    Rhodes displayed other cases of Valory¡¯s heightened senses in hopes it would speak for itself, including various cases of her alerting her team of incoming spells.


    ¡°I fail to recognize what you¡¯re getting at here, Captain,¡± an Archon muttered, gaze wandering past the screens of Valory¡¯s time in the trials. ¡°I admit, her awareness will suit her well in future endeavours as a mage. Unfortunately, it¡¯s not enough to commit an Aether Artifact into her hands.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re focusing on the fact she seems deft at detecting falsehoods, it¡¯s redundant and predictable,¡± one of the Special Intelligence agents mentioned. ¡°It says right on her record that she¡¯s a pickpocket. Takes a trickster to know a trickster.¡±


    ¡°Not to mention,¡± Mister Tamaan drawled, a sly smile playing on his lips, ¡°she has a paltry ASC of eleven aether strands.¡±


    No whispers rose at the claim, not even a shift in movement. Many settled for raising an eyebrow, checking their devices for the fact. Damn, Rhodes thought. ¡°I was getting to that.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s barely an unbound,¡± someone muttered. ¡°If I can even call her that.¡±


    ¡°A true shame. I was starting to like her.¡±


    ¡°Guess that ends it.¡±


    ¡°She was a pickpocket and that¡¯s not the reason Miss Efron has a knack for seeing the things hidden,¡± Rhodes said, slashing through the murmurs. ¡°Miss Efron¡¯s a high silver.¡±


    The brute force of her statement was enough to shock the committee into a din of silence.


    ¡°A tactic based on desperation,¡± a Zingese Archon interjected, a Chair with a distaste for all things worth less than gold. Dangerously quiet on trials that had no association with highborn, it seemed she could no longer keep silent.


    ¡°The testing for one¡¯s PAST is relatively subjective to the tester. Even if we gave Miss Rox the benefit of the doubt and believed she was a low silver at most, her ASC gives her little margin to catch the competition. Carielle Hayes, for example, would leave her in the dust.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit of a stretch.¡± Archon Jin¡¯s eyes narrowed at the Captain¡¯s disagreement. Rhodes found she hardly cared. ¡°All PAST testers are trained to ensure that the result which arises, if not correct, comes within a reasonable range.¡±


    ¡°Then how come¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then how come it wasn¡¯t revealed before?¡± Rhodes interrupted and the Archon¡¯s expression darkened, her lips sharper than a blade.


    Tension thickened to the viscosity of tar and the Assembly of the Military held their breath in distress at their brash soldier. That was an Archon she was speaking to.


    ¡°I bet that as soon as they saw she had eleven aether strands, they didn¡¯t bother with testing her PAST. It does not change the fact that we now know she is a silver, a high one at that,¡± Rhodes said.


    ¡°If I may speak," someone croaked. Rhodes could practically hear the bones creaking as an Artificer took his time to stand, bone-white hair tied into a polite tail behind. ¡°I concur with Archon Jin. She¡¯s likely not a high silver.¡±


    Lines marred Rhodes¡¯ brow.


    ¡°In fact, Miss Efron may very well be a low gold,¡± he finished.


    Gazes that were glued onto the event happening between Rhodes and Archon Jin streamed toward the old man, bold words earning undivided attention.


    ¡°Explain yourself, Winsford,¡± Archon Jin commanded a second sooner than Rhodes would''ve.


    ¡°If we recall, Miss Efron was lured away by a pond.¡± He tapped at a device in his hands and a notification appeared on Rhodes¡¯ tablet, asking for access permission. She allowed it and the floating windows switched to the third day of the trials, following Valory as she stumbled through a stone forest, led by mind magic.


    ¡°That pond wasn''t your regular body of water,¡± Winsford went on to say. ¡°In actuality, it was a spirit. Partially water-based, partially mind-based¡ªand no, I wouldn''t suggest you turn it into a familiar."


    His ending sentence nabbed the greed gleaming in the eyes of the audience. Spirits were items of desire, able to be bound as a mage as mobile partners, boosting one¡¯s strength.


    Her own familiar nestled at its boundaries, its wispy form solidifying as it awoke. Rest Dynami, she told it, asking, "Partially illusion-based?"


    "Yes. That was what drew Miss Efron and those two aether creatures to its grasp¡ªits illusion. For her to be able to be held by it requires good senses."


    "I thought that the lower one''s senses are, the more privy they are to illusions and mind traps," Rhodes asked, holding an inkling she¡¯d like where it was going.


    Winsford''s brown eyes sparkled at her question, linked by unsaid understanding. "That is undoubtedly true solely in higher ranks. Lower tiers of aether creatures cast a rough caricature of an illusion that it could hardly be called one. For one to perceive such a spell, they''d have to have a high level of sensitivity, flipping the usual rule on its head."


    "And there you have it.¡± The Captain gestured to the finely dressed audience of Committee¡¯s Say. ¡°With her PAST being as high as it is, Miss Efron will have no trouble at all catching up.¡±


    "I believe Winsford''s statements to be clouded, no doubt coming from an enchanter looking for someone to apprentice." Mr. Tamaan looked at the older man.


    Winsford chuckled. "In all honesty, you''re not wrong. All the Artificers here are rooting for her, no matter the order."


    A hint of mirth flowed through the Assembly of Artificers. "Winsford you better not snatch her up before us metalsmiths!"


    "She''d make a better alchemist!"


    Winsford shrugged. "No promises."


    "If we may, let''s get back on topic," Archon Lenson requested through smiling lips.


    "Yes, I suggest our assembly of adventurers speak up on the topic," Mr. Tamaan said. "Perhaps you have a different take on her third trial."


    ¡°We share the same views on Miss Efron¡¯s trial as Captain Rhodes.¡± Magister Leon, better known as the Lion of Reynor Royals, spoke out. His mane of hair rivaled the flares of the sun, hazel eyes a window to his confidence in his magic. No one dared to revoke his statement. He gave a slight bob of the head to the Metal Incarnate, who nodded back.


    Rhodes hid a grin.


    ¡°But you said¡ª!¡± Mr. Tamaan tried to speak.


    ¡°Stop it.¡± Archon Quiet rose to his feet. ¡°Arguing like children is beneath us. Let our votes talk, not our mouths. All those in favour, raise your dominant hand.¡±


    Rhodes exhaled through her nose. This is it.


    It was far from the decisive decision made at Carielle¡¯s hearing, those in the aristocratic assemblies glancing at Archon Jin, a steady leader of one of the Pivotal Clans.


    So much for no bias.


    All that mattered, though, was that it was the same result. A wave that started in the Artificer assembly, flowing through the adventurers and her fellow military officers.


    ¡°It is settled.¡± The central Archon gestured at the scribe to transcript his next words. ¡°Although questionable, Valory Efron has been chosen to receive an Aether Artifact.¡±

 Chapter 13 - Closing Ceremony

    The Second Halo of Ciazel,


    The City of Nocelle,


    Rubble Arena


    Fastening the last of the crimson buttons sewed onto her shirt¡¯s cuffs, Val slipped on a midnight poncho and smiled at herself in the washroom mirrors. ¡°All done.¡±


    Designated by the Ciazen Magocracy, all mages were gifted white button-ups and black bottoms, paired with a resistant cloak and weather-worn combat boots. Used in official gatherings like the closing ceremony of the Tripartite Trial, the uniforms were in the middle of formals and regimentals.


    Hopefully, it would stay closer to the former.


    Val¡¯s gaze traced the green sashed looped under her left arm and around her neck, the colour supposedly representing new beginnings, a resonance of sorts to the blooming Novices. The sentiment brought back the dilemma eating at the rear end of her mind.


    Colours, it appeared, conveyed more than the human-proposed meanings. Ever since Collins¡¯ slip of the tongue, she¡¯d paid closer attention to it, combing through her brain to see what she could find.


    Be it past occurrences, like the umber-brown of Miss Peppers¡¯ gaze whenever she held back some form of anger, or the more recent ones, like the bright teal of the lightning in Thundertails, the hue was linked to the element exhibited. Brown for geo and teal for lightning. Neon blue for illusions and fuschia-pink for mind traps. Heavenly Hue, was it?


    It didn¡¯t make sense since, as Collins had said, she needed to be a part of it to perceive it. Wouldn¡¯t that make her a¡­ mage? That doesn¡¯t add up though. She wouldn¡¯t have spent ten grand and given herself a stressful week if she had been one prior, which left her with an unsolvable puzzle.


    And if there was one thing she hated, it was a problem she couldn¡¯t solve.


    ¡°As much as I take appearances seriously,¡± Caro''s boots squelched on the sticky tiles as she moved for the door, tucking a tiny braid into the side of her fiery ponytail. ¡°Our elemental awakening is waiting for us.¡±


    ¡­


    Val¡¯s head swung akin to a pendulum as she absorbed the stunning view spanning from the middle of Rubble Arena. A stadium made for tens of thousands circled all around her, tiered seats rising from the ground, up to the landing where she stood, and beyond. Lapis-blue enchantments twinkled on the amphitheatres as sunlight splashed on the seats through the arena¡¯s translucent cover.


    Joining the steady stream of ebony-clad people, she travelled down the stone steps and through the rustic-wood archways, finding Williams sitting by his lonesome in one of the first rows.


    ¡°Where are the rest?¡± She took a seat beside him, rising right back up to marvel at the surprisingly warm seats. Curious.


    ¡°Went to go find their own group of friends,¡± he answered, shifting down one seat so Caro could sit.


    Her lips curled downwards. ¡°Didn¡¯t even get to say goodbye.¡±


    "Don''t worry." Caro jiggled a sheet of paper and smiled. "I got their socials written down right here. We¡¯ll be able to stay in contact no problem."


    ¡°Write mine down as well,¡± Williams said. ¡°It¡¯s¡ª.¡±


    ¡°Ew,¡± Caro interrupted. ¡°I don¡¯t want it.¡±


    His expression froze. She burst into laughter and stretched a hand around Val to slap his shoulder. ¡°Just kidding, what was it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you.¡±


    ¡°C¡¯mooon,¡± she drawled. ¡°Like I said, I was only¡ª¡±


    An all-encompassing drone overtook the stadium. Transparent screens popped into existence above the stadium, hovering over the holes widening inside the sandy arena floor. Onyx pillars rose from the cavities, stopping to reveal slate spheres recognizable by any kid, any student, and any aspiring mage.


    Val gaped, entranced by the swirls of millions of colours periodically churning in each sphere. ¡°Aren¡¯t those¡­¡±


    ¡°Manifestation orbs?¡± Caro squeaked, excitement raising her pitch. ¡°It is taking literally everything in me not to jump this fence and touch one of those things.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve waited years, I¡¯m sure you can wait a couple of more minutes, Hayes.¡±


    Val¡¯s attention rose to the arena¡¯s roof, a floating object drawing nearer by the second. As it closed in, its appearance sharpened into a form she could make out. Wait, that¡¯s not an object, it¡¯s a¡ª


    ¡°By the saints, that¡¯s Fiona Rhodes!¡±


    ¡°You mean the Spatial Soldier?¡±


    ¡°The one and only, look, there she is!¡±


    The ring of overhead IBR screens displayed Fiona clearly for each section of the crowd, clad in her military fatigues. She chuckled and adjusted her cap, her ice-blue eyes scanning the crowd. ¡°Glad to see my time in the University Games is remembered.¡±


    Her words provoked a standing ovation and Val¡¯s head swerved to take in the sea of dark clothes cheering, bewildered.


    ¡°See,¡± Caro gestured to the crowd. ¡°Everyone knows who she is.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, it wasn¡¯t like I could see that.¡±


    Caro grinned.


    ¡°I want you to focus on the amphitheatre you all are currently sitting on.¡± Fiona swept a hand around the arena. ¡°The stone seats, the sandy arena floor. Something this grand¡ªsomething that took months to build¡ªis an object of the past. No one comes to this place in droves anymore to watch mages battle tamed aether creatures.


    ¡°At the time, they couldn¡¯t have believed streaming would become a thing or have guessed the subsequent fall to insignificance that would follow. The same could be said for magic, the elemental arts, and you¡ª" she gestured to the crowd "¡ªwho will soon dabble in the things unseen."


    Rhodes twirled in the air to face the other side, the screen displaying her every action. "We only discovered elements to exist a mere two millennia ago and each year we find more. Fifty years before this very moment the Tripartite Trial you all just bested did not exist and none can say with confidence it will still be here in the five decades to come.


    "As you can see,¡± she said, ¡°change is as ever-present as time and only one thing remains the same within it all." She laid a palm on her chest. "The rise and fall of your drive¡ªyour willpower. Will you be the one adapting to the constant shifts of life or will you bring about that change?


    ¡°Every spell cast, every incantation uttered alters reality a tad bit. Meaning as mages, we hold a power that makes a tiny increment of difference within our reality. That power is what we call magic and that is what you all will train to exhibit."


    A smirk tugged at the corner of Fiona¡¯s lips. "Excited yet?"


    Excited? Val was thrilled. The hairs spanning across her arms stood on end. An electric feeling she couldn¡¯t name filled her being. She wasn¡¯t far from jumping the fence herself.


    ¡°With all that said, I want you to look at those dressed the same way you are, green sash and all.¡±


    Participants surveyed their friends, their recently made teammates and their recently made enemies.


    ¡°Those are your future comrades as well as your future competition. Memorize their faces, as this is the generation of mages you walk along, the generation you cultivate with and the generation you protect Ciazel with arms linked.


    ¡°No one else besides you, conductors and overseers are allowed inside these premises because this moment is about you. As much as the clans, houses, and esteemed families would love to see what this country has to offer, you witness it first. The first privilege you¡¯re privy to, with more to come as you climb.¡±


    ¡°Now.¡± Fiona gestured to digital screens hovering all around her. ¡°District, sector, region and names will be displayed above. Your first duty is to pay attention and look for when you are called. If there are any causes for confusion, turn to the conductors stationed throughout the aisles.¡±


    Northern District


    City of Nocelle


    Stall Region


    Unbound prepped for manifestation are as follows:


    Tyson Gerald


    Allison Red


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Pattison Jones


    ¡­


    Minerva Louise


    A line of names streamed down the screens, tugging the gazes of the eager youths in the brimming crowd. Various people sprouted to their feet, a couple of hoots sounding from the distant corners, and rushed down the aisles.


    Upon reaching the lower floor, they scattered about, stationed in front of each manifestation orb. Overseers strolled up and down, surveying the entrants like aether creatures ready to pounce, like threats. And until the awakenings settled, technically, they were right for acting like so.


    The process of tethering to such an unknown, powerful source brought about the same magnitude of reaction. Though manifestation orbs were a practical way to bring awakenings forth, it could happen when any form of shock took hold of a person¡ªmentally, emotionally, or physically¡ªand it was far from silent.


    ¡°On my say.¡±


    Fiona¡¯s voice boomed through multiple sounding crystals, pulling Val¡¯s attention onto the arena floor.


    ¡°Stretch your arms.¡±


    Fingers remained an inch away from the sphere.


    ¡°You may now touch the orbs.¡±


    Some prodded at it with the faintest touch of their fingers while others spread their palms wide across the sphere. Val honed in on an Auricean man in his early twenties, sweaty palms shaking. A faint, ghost-white glow enveloped the orb, transitioning to a luminous azure.


    His almond eyes dulled, as if he wasn¡¯t all there, before taking up an azure colour of its own. Viscous water swirled all around in a gyre of blue liquid, turning the sand into dark mud.


    A water mage.


    ¡°While common, the Elemental Gate of Water is not the worst to tether to.¡± Williams seemed to be watching the same mage as her, a hand on his chin. ¡°If his PAST and elemental affinity are high enough, he¡¯ll excel anywhere he decides to go.¡±


    ¡°Woah¡­ check out the one over there.¡± Caro pointed to the far left.


    A Kidraan girl around Val¡¯s age held a manifestation orb exhibiting a deep crimson colour. Pillars of flames budded all around her, licking the ground and spreading to her clothes. Fiona teleported to the girl in a frame of a second, conjuring a folded towel out of nowhere.


    The light show lasted a moment longer, the flames disappearing all at once. The new mage wobbled where she stood and Fiona wrapped the long towel around her.


    ¡°To have her flames man, to have her flames.¡± Caro sighed.


    ¡°Fire¡¯s one of the most common elements to be had,¡± Williams said, ¡°not all that special.¡±


    Caro rolled her eyes. ¡°No duh, the Elemental Gate of Fire is positive-concrete for a reason.¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± Williams glanced her way. ¡°I find myself surprised.¡±


    ¡°Of what, that I know my property groups?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°Precisely.¡±


    Caro scoffed. ¡°Look, I know the primary elements like the back of my hand. Right Val?¡±


    ¡°Because of Miss Peppers,¡± she replied. ¡°Better go apologize to her for all the trouble you gave her.¡±


    ¡°Nah.¡± Caro waved the notion away. ¡°She loved me.¡±


    ¡°She hated you.¡±


    ¡°Same difference.¡±


    Val huffed a small laugh. Jokes aside, the knowledge of the primary elements was as commonplace as the letters in the Standard alphabet and at that, she recalled one of the questions in the exams.


    Define the property groups given to each element.


    She thought she went crazy at the sight of such a kindergarten question. It was free marks, however, so she wrote.


    Positive¡ú Related to the Biotic Essence


    Negative¡ú Related to the Necrotic Essence


    Concrete¡úTangible


    Abstract¡úIntangible


    From there, plugging an element into their preferred attributes wasn''t difficult to achieve.


    ¡°No way!¡±


    ¡°Ah, I wish that was me!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me¡­¡±


    The arena fell into disarray, dragging her out of her memories. Surveying the thousands of manifestations taking place, she found it hard to pinpoint the center of the commotion.


    Thankfully, the ring of screens displayed it for her. A Kidraan girl held a pitch-dark orb, limbs of darkness swishing about in a chilling manner. Her eyes were black, swallowing her pupils and sapphire irises whole.


    Williams whistled. ¡°Now that is an element to have.¡±


    If negative elements were rarer than positive ones and abstract scarcer than concrete, the element of darkness, carrying both negative and abstract properties, went unseen in the Second Halo.


    Val glanced behind her and gritted her teeth. Not even halfway done. Sighing, she allowed herself to be absorbed in the event.


    ¡°Unfair, he tethered to the Elemental Gate of Ice!¡±


    ¡°Wow, I can feel the cold from here!¡±


    ¡°The Elemental Gate of Ice doesn¡¯t exist, dummy.¡±


    Ice¡¯s one of the best to have. Rarer than some abstract elements, compound elements occur when two Elemental Gates overlap. As one participant said, there wasn¡¯t an elemental Gate to connect to, instead, one tethered at the point of contact between said gates, an ensign. For ice, it would be the watergate and the airgate.


    ¡°By the clouds, he¡¯s got two! Both fire and air!¡±


    ¡°What in the hell?¡±


    ¡°Lucky lucky him.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand all the commotion.¡± Williams sneered. ¡°Is it not common knowledge in Ciazel that a mage can have two elements?"


    ¡°Still.¡± Caro leaned forward. ¡°The chances are kinda low. Though I bet dual-bound mages like him are popping up like crazy over in the First Halo. Scions of high-ranking mages and all that.¡±


    Hours passed, ambient light disappearing as the afternoon came and went. The floodlights poured radiance onto the stone seats and sand floor. At last, the screens displayed the information she¡¯d been waiting for.


    Northern District


    City of Wyn


    Belt Region


    Unbound prepped for manifestation are as follows:


    Kindo Grey


    Walter Kent


    Ian Freight


    Ayenga Forte


    ¡­


    Mikhail Williams


    Val scanned the names, twice, thrice, and four times for good measure. I don¡¯t see mine?


    ¡°The hell¡¯s going on,¡± Caro asked, searching the wall of text.


    ¡°Seems like I¡¯m the first.¡± Williams rose from his seat, dusted off his clothes, and made the journey down the steps. He took two steps before being absorbed into the enthusiastic surge of participants, people gushing out the aisles and scurrying to the nearest available orb.


    ¡°Ready yourselves.¡±


    Fiona¡¯s voice echoed, signalling the start of another round of manifestations.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Caro said.


    ¡°What?¡± Val wrenched her sights from the arena floor, brows arched at seeing her friend shuffle down the aisle. ¡°Where you going?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about you, but I live in Wyn.¡± Planting her feet on the staircase, she made a bee-line for a conductor. Val hurried to catch up, barely arriving on time to the beginnings of a sure-fire way to be shut down. ¡°I didn¡¯t see my name on the list.¡±


    ¡°Did you pass?¡± the conductor asked.


    ¡°Am I standing here in front of you?¡±


    ¡°Cee,¡± Val hissed.


    ¡°And you live in Belt region?¡± he went on to ask. The two settled for a nod. ¡°Uh¡­¡± His gaze wandered off to another of his kind, a few strides away. ¡°Sir, how do I respond?¡±


    ¡°Tell them to sit back down,¡± the other replied. ¡°Sit down,¡± he ordered directly to the pair.


    ¡°But¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Sit. Now.¡±


    "It was worth a try," Val whispered. "Let''s do what the powerful man with magic says, alright?" With a firm grip on her back, she chauffeured her indignant friend¡ªstill throwing glares sharper than daggers behind the shoulder¡ªback to their seats right as the umpteenth round of manifestations started.


    Williams¡¯ orb shone a bright teal colour, threads of lightning surfing on his clothed forearms. His raven-black hair pointed in all sorts of directions, defying gravity in every way.


    ¡°That damn lucky guy.¡± Val cracked a smile, shrugging off the ominous feeling that arose from being held back. ¡°Can¡¯t believe he got lightning.¡±


    Caro clicked her tongue. ¡°An element known to be proud and loud. Suits him.¡±


    A grin was plastered on Williams¡¯ face the whole way through the process of his awakening, his climb back up the stairs, and his sitting down beside the pair.


    Val raised an eyebrow. ¡°How different do you feel?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ It¡¯s hard to put in words.¡± Williams clenched and loosened his fists. ¡°I feel¡­ connected somehow.¡±


    ¡°Connected?¡± Caro leaned across Val to give him an incredulous stare. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    He patted down his hair and turned to face the arena floor. ¡°You¡¯ll see for yourself, won¡¯t you? Stop asking me questions and watch the event.¡±


    Caro raised a finger in protest. ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°Truce, please?¡± Val asked.


    Caro muttered something under her breath but kept quiet nonetheless. Another hour passed, and Val watched as all districts¡ªevery single one of them¡ªwere called and dealt with.


    Fiona¡¯s eyes glowed and she teleported upwards, standing on thin air. ¡°I congratulate you all and welcome you into the ranks of mages, Novices. You all possess newfound powers. Experiment. Learn. Create. However, do so under supervision, as a single mistake now may halt your advancement forever.¡±


    ¡°This is sounding an awful lot like a concluding speech,¡± Caro mused.


    Val frowned. ¡°I think that¡¯s because it is.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit. We still haven¡¯t gone.¡±


    ¡°Exactly¡­¡±


    ¡°Bus rides back to your original testing sites have been provided, where you will receive all belongings originally confiscated at the beginning of the trials.¡± Fiona smiled. ¡°We forge, we fight.¡±


    ¡°We live with might,¡± the crowd answered, a surge of conversations filling the arena at the dismissal. Newly-ascended Novices chatted excitedly as they streamed into the aisles, gaining contacts, saying farewells and talking to the idle conductors for advice.


    Something she should¡¯ve been doing as well, had she been called upon. Val¡¯s gaze crossed Caro¡¯s, her almond-brown eyes filled with horror.


    Were they the only unbound people left in the gathering of Novices?

 Chapter 14 - Rude Awakening

    Puddles began to freeze over near the curbside, refracting the dim moonlight able to seam through the trellis woven above Rubble Arena¡¯s entrance. Ensnared by ivy vines, the blossoms wrapped around the wooden beams bloomed and stretched out as they awoke in the evening breeze.


    The arcane petals bathed Val in soft light, sitting on one of the benches lining the lane to the entrance. Caro sat on the bench opposite her, gaze on the line of colour following the last coach buses emptying the stadium¡¯s forecourt, the red of the backlights dimming as they disappeared down the next curve.


    She crossed her arms as a sharp exhale left her in a rush, a mist of frozen moisture fogging her face. ¡°Are you absolutely sure a conductor said to wait for Corporal Wren?¡±


    Here we go again. Val refrained from smiling. ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°To remain outside as a corporal three hours away by the fastest train is to commute to where we are, to finish our awakening.¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°Despite how ridiculous this all sounds.¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    ¡°Even when any other person could just lead us to one of those manifestation orbs.¡±


    ¡°For the last time Caro, yes,¡± Val answered, though it was too late for that to happen anyways. While light spilled out of the arena¡¯s closed doors, everyone inside already vacated the premises. Overseers, conductors, participants¡ªthey all readied themself as soon as the closing ceremony ended, more interested in going out after ten days spent within the trials, than in.


    Caro sucked her teeth. ¡°I¡¯d rather listen to Miss Peppers rant on end than wait with literally nothing to do.¡±


    ¡°Well then¡­¡± Val squinted at two streamlined anti-grav cars hovering into the arena¡¯s pavement square, parking right in front of the entrance both she and Caro huddled in. ¡°You¡¯re in luck.¡±


    The sleek doors swirled open and Corporal Wren stepped out, grinning.


    It had been a long week, but Val was certain the lady wasn¡¯t the type to smile, not to talk of showcasing her bright teeth. She flourished a hand towards both dark-coloured vehicles, gesturing for them to enter each on their lonesome. ¡°After you, ladies.¡±


    Caro stifled a squeal and power-walked over, the joy of riding the modern creation practically exuding from her.


    Following her lead, Val crouched into the back of the car. She couldn¡¯t help the whistle of awe that escaped her. Silky seats, air conditioning, generous amounts of space¡ªthese were regular aspects of a car, even if it was a tad bit luxurious.


    Nothing compared to the view.


    When she glanced out the window, she was met with an idyllic landscape, like something out of a movie. From the image alone, it seemed like they were cruising on the Alfine mountains, clouds sweeping by them as lands of greens extended beyond the horizon.


    ¡°¡ªto go Miss Efron? Miss Efron, are we good to go?¡±


    ¡°Oh, y-yeah.¡± Val gave an awkward thumbs-up. ¡°All good.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Corporal Wren ignited the car with a touch in the middle of the dashboard and Val¡¯s stomach lurched as the car rose. A holographic image of a 3D map spun around and gave the panes a cyan tilt, stilling at the corporal¡¯s touch.


    As cool as the windows were, the sensation of being airborne combined with the illusion of flying across the sky was too much for Val. I think I¡¯m gonna throw up.


    Rushing to roll it down, Val discovered she couldn¡¯t. It was locked.


    ¡°Corporal,¡± she barely got out. ¡°Corporal Wren, could you roll down the windows, please.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ¡®fraid I can¡¯t.¡±


    What? Val wanted to say, but her throat didn¡¯t cooperate. Her body slouched to the left, towards the ever-shifting windows as sudden tiredness overwhelmed her. Eyelids falling against her will, the last thing she witnessed was Corporal Wren¡¯s face melting off to reveal another.


    She smiled as she caught Val¡¯s gaze through the front mirrors. Her distorted voice reached Val just before she fell into the abyss that was unconsciousness.


    ¡°Sleep tight.¡±


    <hr>


    Disinfectant.


    The antiseptic smell was a friend of Val¡¯s, something she could pick up in milliseconds. Not due to her visits to Mom¡ªno, Restore Health spent far too much to ensure no such inconvenience befell its patrons. It was more so because of the trips to the school nurse for the unkind gestures classmates gave her throughout the years, for one reason or the other.


    Perhaps that was why the sharp scent was the first thing she could perceive as she came to, the sterile, windowless room second as the bleary haze encasing her gaze wore off.


    Groaning as every muscle within her awoke, she pushed off the third thing she became aware of¡ªa dentist-like chair in the rare colour of grey.


    Then, it hit her. I need to escape. Sitting up straight, she found her time was already up, the din footfalls seeping through the room¡¯s boundaries.


    With a whoosh one of the glossy walls slid open and a pair walked in. The first rolled in a cart with a metallic briefcase on top and the other was a person she recognized.


    Fiona Rhodes ambled in, a tablet in hand, dressed in her formal uniform. Stars and medals hung on her dark coat, accented by red at the shoulders and a line of white on her trousers. She smiled. ¡°Been a while since the New Year''s dinner, but I don¡¯t believe I introduced myself officially. I¡¯m Captain Rhodes, but you can call me Fiona.


    ¡°This is Master Winsford, a deft hand in enchanting,¡± she introduced the aged man standing beside her. He was an Auricean, his tidied hair bone-white as time took its toll. While he held a feeble frame¡ªbones sticking out through his collared shirt, sweater, and slacks combo¡ªhis stature was ramrod-straight in strength.


    Val blinked at the oddness that was this meeting. ¡°And I¡¯m Valory?¡±


    His brow furrowed, worried at her tone. ¡°Do you still feel delirious?¡±


    ¡°No, just very, very confused right now.¡±


    ¡°Understandable.¡± Captain Rhodes cleared her throat. ¡°What needs to be cleared before we can proceed?¡±


    ¡°I honestly couldn¡¯t tell you,¡± Val admitted. ¡°The mind trap of the second trial, the pond in Thunderstone, the way I arrived here¡ªmy mind and body have been tweaked so many times I find it hard to believe this right now isn¡¯t some elaborate, fake fever dream of my own making.¡±


    Almost surprised at her answer, Fiona gave her an appraising look. ¡°Sorry about this in advance.¡±


    The world around mattered little as the Captain glanced at her, the purity in her eyes encasing Val.


    It felt like the Captain saw through her, each plane of her body as visible as a clear sky, and within seconds, Val believed she was back inside Caro¡¯s room, surveyed by the unknown woman who slipped past important information.


    Captain Rhodes snapped and Val flinched. ¡°Still think this is a hoax?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± She gave her shoulders a jolt. ¡°No, you¡¯re definitely her. Captain Rhodes, I mean.¡±


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Fiona. You can call me Fiona,¡± she replied and Val smiled. "As invasive as those measures were, it was done with the right intentions. You didn''t see anything you weren''t supposed to on the ride here. It assures us that if there''s been a breach on our data or a leak of any kind¡ª¡±


    "Then I''m not the tap," Val inferred. " I get it. Kind of."


    ¡°Your case is exceedingly rare, Miss Efron.¡± Master Winsford spoke, looking as if he was holding back a sigh or two. ¡°Exceedingly. I know that does little to calm you and little to assure you, rightfully so.¡±


    Fiona patted her shoulder. ¡±Just realize that your ability to recognize that anything¡ªincluding your perceptions of reality¡ªcan be altered is why you¡¯re here right now. At the end of the day, that is the vast majority of magic.¡±


    Master Winsford tapped the briefcase. ¡°This right here is your means of awakening and your Aether Artifact, should you accept our terms.¡±


    Val¡¯s eyes flickered to Fiona¡¯s, who gave her a reassuring smile. ¡°If you decline, you still become a mage, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± she clenched her fists. She knew what they were offering was, evidently by Caro¡¯s research, an extraordinary boon. A device that could quite possibly mitigate the disparity between her ASC and her PAST.


    Yet there were hundreds of thousands of better candidates. She could name thirty she met in the past ten days alone, twice her amount in talent.


    With that realization, she shook her head and rose. ¡°Give it to someone else, someone who deserves it.¡±


    Fiona¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You aren¡¯t a charity case. Those who allowed you this opportunity are not people who¡¯d entertain such a notion.¡±


    ¡°I¡ª.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you went through being a borderline-typic, unaccepted by all sides,¡± she said. ¡°All I know is that doubt you hold will swallow you whole if you don¡¯t keep it in check.¡±


    ¡°Doubt is the opposite of conviction,¡± Winsford added, ¡°and conviction conceives willpower. We aren¡¯t coercing you, we merely want you to rethink and ensure your choice isn¡¯t one followed by regret.¡±


    Val didn¡¯t want to make the decision¡ªcouldn¡¯t make the decision.


    It was always a problem of hers. When even an inch of doubt poisoned the apple of hope, profit, or prosperity, she could never take a bite of it.


    If she didn¡¯t, the shadow of failure couldn¡¯t follow her. After all, if you dodge all the things you might fail to keep your success rate at one hundred, who could say you weren¡¯t triumphant?


    You won¡¯t progress that way, Valpal.


    Her father¡¯s words came to the forefront of her mind.


    You can¡¯t only practice the songs you learned and hope to improve. Growth lies in overcoming both the known and the unknown.


    He would always utter those words during their guitar sessions, his daughter busy chasing the feeling of plucking the strings and hearing them resound just as she intended. The sound was distinct, one she cherished instead of improving, growing.


    Val was at a junction in her life where her cause for decision would change where she would tread from now on, a choice that might distinguish a life of an outstanding mage and one to be forgotten in a year.


    She thought about how Caro would grab the opportunity in a second, always starving for chances to leap ahead. She ruminated about how Dad would work endlessly to advance his adventurer rank in hopes a higher standing would earn more for Mom. She reflected on how Kenneth never hesitated at a chance to learn more.


    I¡¯m weak, Val realized, and I can¡¯t be weak if I want to save Mom.


    She needed to become better, refine what she lacked in and upgrade where she was strong.


    Obtaining an Aether Artifact, she figured, would be her first step. I mean, it seems solid enough to me.


    Val sat back down. ¡°I want it.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Fiona bobbed her head. ¡°I take it you know what an artifact is?¡±


    Val simply nodded.


    ¡°Well an Aether Artifact is no different, except for a few qualities,¡± Master Winsford led. ¡°The first is that it takes form in a manner most aligned with you, as a person and a mage. We seldom have any idea what shape it will be when bound to you, though cases of it being unusable have been lowered greatly.¡±


    ¡°The next thing you need to know is that it takes time to tame and that it grows in tandem with you as a wielder, which brings me to one of your responsibilities,¡± Fiona cut in. ¡°You are implored to enroll in a government-sanctioned institute that will help you learn the ins and outs of the device.¡±


    There it was, Caro¡¯s earlier estimate was right on the money.


    ¡°All functions, save for the auxiliary ones, will be banned until then, unless a certified instructor decides to take you on earlier,¡± Master Winsford supplied. ¡°The deadline for submission is the end of Tricember and the refusal of doing so is the immediate confiscation of your device."


    ¡°So if you didn¡¯t plan on post-secondary,¡± Fiona leaned forward, ¡°plan for it now.¡±


    ¡°Is that it?¡±


    ¡°Almost.¡± Fiona handed her the tablet, line after line of dryly worded text filling the screen. Val scrolled through the rules and restrictions slowly, making sure she grasped all of them.


    The major rule to understand was that she, among the others, was called upon if war broke out, requiring their immediate conscription. It was a little dubious, even if the event of war in massive proportions was on the rare side.


    At the bottom was a blank where she signed the form. What could go wrong?


    ¡°As of Janos 10th, 2001, 11:49 p.m.,¡± Fiona announced, ¡°you are now a Crown."


    Val let the name settle, a slight smile splitting her lips. ¡°I like the sound of that.¡±


    ¡°As do I,¡± said Master Winsford, asking her to lift her sleeve as he unfastened the briefcase. Inside the protective foam laid the perfect orb, untouched and unblemished. He whisked a tong-like tool out of his pockets and picked it up gingerly, pausing as he cast a look at her. ¡°Just to be safe, you know what to do when awakening?¡±


    ¡°Stay still, let your soul stake do the job, etcetera etcetera.¡± Val waved a hand. ¡°It¡¯s been drilled in.¡±


    ¡°Great.¡± Winsford smiled, glancing at Fiona before recreating eye contact with her. ¡°On three. One, two¡ª!¡±


    He jabbed the piece of metal into her wrist and it absorbed into her skin.


    That old heaven-forsaken man¡ª


    Without delay, she was thrust into the immaterial world.


    Val floated downwards as the boundaries of physicality faded, omnipresent darkness pervading as far as she could see.


    Arms flailing helplessly, she froze and took in her new constitution. Cream-white specks floated out of her translucent form, filling the light-sucking void.


    Urging her soul stake to twirl around on the spot, Val found it hard not to feel insignificant in the vast space she descended into. Stay still, she reminded herself, keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings.


    A low rumbling reached her ears, or rather the alternative hearing faculty within her soul stake. She swirled, gaze turning to each direction¡ªup, left, right.


    When she bowed her head to survey what was below, visceral fear permeated her gut.


    Ardent radiance rose in an ascent so fast, it seemed as if it was devouring the surrounding void in earnest. Before long she beheld a gate of immeasurable proportions hovering on the same horizontal plane as her.


    Val was no artist, yet the polarity between the surrounding white backdrop compared to the obsidian rectangular-like frame of the arcane structure was entrancing, captivating.


    A tiny crack split the metallic sheen covering the gate¡¯s opening and a lapis-blue string stretched out of her sternum, latching onto the gate. Val grinned internally. It¡¯s happening.


    It yawned wide and she intrinsically knew exactly which Elemental Gate she was bound to.


    The Elemental Gate of Metal.


    A multitude of metals¡ªliquid, solid, or in forms she just could not recognize¡ªswirled inside the shining gate, in golden-yellows and vivid-greens. Who knew ores could be so fascinating?


    ¡°I¡¯m a metal mage,¡± Val murmured, a little hard to swallow. Any other element would¡¯ve made it easier to appraise her next directions, but life liked to give her lemons instead of straight-up lemonade. Nothing I can¡¯t handle¡­ I think.


    Ready for her awakening to end there and eager to get straight to spellcasting, she pondered curiously why she wasn¡¯t coming to.


    Floating towards the gate and swaying her head to the side, she caught the sight of a flood? It seemed like a wave of an abounding vacuum swallowing the surrounding light in its approach, feeding off it while remaining starkly dark. The hell?


    It stirred into an egg-shaped portal, ill-defined outlines of primordial beings frozen within their boundaries. Though there seemed to be no space for eye sockets in bodies composed of glowing lines, she sensed their appraising gaze on her. Okay, this is getting weird.


    As if trying to spur her train of thought, fingerstyle music flowed from the south, turning Val¡¯s soul stake around in full.


    An austere staircase led upwards, ivory steps infinitely treading to the boundlessness above. Her attention wavered between the mysterious, warbling gate, the simple flight towards unknown things and the rigid and varied Metal Gate.


    Boom!


    Walls of glowing script crashed into the space, slamming against the consuming portal and stone staircase. Val felt her connection¡­ dim? That¡¯s funny. She had no guess what they were, and yet they appeared in her realm, where things remained harmonious to her soul.


    These blue, runic words were the opposite, a glaring piece unwanted, discordant. At its core, the growing boundaries of inscriptions felt more like an invasion.


    She hissed as the cable between the Metal Gate and her soul stake tightened, creaking as if someone was tugging on it. The shaking glow of the luminescent string was the last sight she saw in the immaterial realm.


    And like that, Val woke up in cold sweat, back inside the dentist chair as an ordinary and humble metal elementalist.

 Chapter 15 - True Beginnings

    Val gulped handfuls of air, struggling to calm her breathing as she returned to the physical plane.


    There wasn¡¯t any course in high school named ¡®Guide to Strange Arcane Phenomena¡¯ to help her out. Was that supposed to happen? By the saints, what of that liquidy portal, or the random flight of stairs?


    Stairs!


    Things occurred so quickly she didn¡¯t have a chance to decipher which was what. Grilled on awakening since the day she stepped foot inside Vexal Prep, it was obvious the happenings of the moments weren¡¯t normal. It felt like Deduction Day all over again and it took everything within Val not to shout in frustration.


    ¡°Congratulations!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a metal mage!¡±


    Master Winsford and Fiona casted a type of sense-related spell, gaze sheathed in a faint blue glow.


    ¡°She looks okay to me,¡± she appraised. ¡°I think your awakening went well.¡±


    ¡°I believe the same.¡±


    Val stifled a scoff, covering it up with a muffled, ¡°Thanks.¡±


    In a motion to get up, something on her lap shifted. Glancing downwards, the past disappointing minutes mattered little.


    She beheld a saber placed horizontally on her thighs, the object like hardened ink carved into an infinitely sharp weapon. A solid hold on the hilt¡ªdark particles shifting to account for her grip¡ªshe inspected the inscriptions carved on the blade, the cursive print shimmering a purple-blue.


    Holding the slightly over arm''s length weapon, she numbly rose to her feet and fell into a state of focus. Oblivious to the people around her, she lashed out with a horizontal strike, twirled, and finished with a vertical swipe.


    In that undefinable moment, something clicked within her. This weapon was hers and it would follow her wherever she walked. A little weird to pair a one-handed sword with nothing, but I¡¯ll make it work.


    Her lips curled up as she found herself once again examining her Aether Artifact, lost in the mysterious print.


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    Val broke out of her trance, chuckling and turning towards the two. Hesitant for a moment, she placed her artifact on the chair and stepped back. ¡°I¡¯m banned until the first day of university, right?¡±


    Fiona¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°It¡¯s not the end of the world, you know.¡± She tapped a gloved finger on Val¡¯s forehead. ¡°Pocket.¡±


    Val¡¯s Aether Artifact disappeared without fanfare and a dark ring covered in foreign characters wrapped around her index finger. ¡°Woah¡­¡±


    ¡°This belongs to you.¡± Winsford dangled a pamphlet. ¡°Instructions on how to use the auxiliary functions allowed to a zero-class Crown.¡±


    She stretched a hand to receive it and winced, a sharp pang striking her head. ¡°Ow!¡±


    ¡°Just as we thought,¡± Winsford muttered.


    Forcing her eyelids open through the pain, Val managed to glimpse a series of enchantments wrapping the sheet of paper in the Artificer''s hands. Aether.


    ¡°Let me guess,¡± Fiona began, ¡°you experience a series of headaches when surrounded by people, which differs depending on said people and the amount. Or, in other cases, sharp instances of pain when the presence of aether is detected, among other things.¡±


    Val¡¯s mouth opened and closed. She felt¡­ understood, for the first time in a long time. ¡°...how?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re led to believe you experience these bouts in the midst of energy,¡± he said, ¡°and we know why. The ability to sense aether coupled with the lack of the ability to protect oneself is a terrible combination. Rare, but terrible nevertheless.¡±


    Fiona sighed. ¡°It isn¡¯t a lie to say PASTs and ASCs are connected. High bronzes tend to have more aether strands than low bronzes¡ªit scales. The chances of results being on polar ends are negligible so, once again, your case is rare.¡±


    ¡°Even then, pain at the cause of aether hasn¡¯t been recorded in humans for decades...¡± He must¡¯ve seen the alarm in Val¡¯s expression, since he added, ¡°Don¡¯t fret, your condition solves itself once the disparity between magical aptitudes even out. The energy you cultivate will begin to grow a protective aura of its own as it gathers within you, enough to protect from the surrounding aether.¡±


    Val inhaled a handful at the statement. My problem is fixable. It hardly sounded real and it definitely wouldn¡¯t feel anything close to real until it happened.


    ¡°On a better note.¡± Winsford smiled. ¡°I¡¯m offering you a spot in Age of Atera to both you and Miss Hayes. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve heard of it since it¡¯s located in the First Halo.¡±


    ¡°Heard of it?¡± Val echoed. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve heard of it.¡±


    Age of Atera was among Ciazel¡¯s best guilds across any term, carrying all sorts of record-breaking feats from clearing the most rifts to possessing the lowest mortality rates.


    ¡°As long as you accept, your transfer to the halo is free of charge,¡± he said. ¡°To specify, I¡¯m recruiting you to apprentice under me as an enchanter.¡±


    Val blinked, never believing the words would be said to her, a pickpocket and someone born in Quintar. As tantalizing as the offer was¡ªlike, asking her to work under the Prime Minister tantalizing¡ªshe shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll only accept if Caro does.¡±


    ¡°Funny,¡± Fiona puffed air through her nose. ¡°She said the same thing.¡±


    A warm sense of pride bloomed inside Val¡¯s chest.


    Fiona smiled at her. ¡°While no longer under tight censorship, we ask that you be circumspect in telling others of your ownership. At least, not until you enter university. Doing so helps protect you before you¡¯re ready to protect yourself.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Val said.


    ¡°I suggest you get some rest, hmm? You can decide at a later time.¡± Fiona tapped her back. ¡°Once again, we¡¯re sorry about the mind traps and all. I¡¯ll make it up to you.¡±


    ¡°Then, maybe you can teleport me back ho¡ª?¡±


    ¡°That is a hard no.¡±


    ¡°Aww,¡± Val shrugged. ¡°Worth a try.¡±


    <hr>


    A few moments earlier¡­


    ¡°Great.¡± Winsford smiled, glancing the captain¡¯s way before recreating eye contact with Valory. ¡°On three. One, two¡ª¡±


    Captain Rhodes never liked this part.


    In the event that manifestations of a budding mage could harm themselves or others, she needed to be on guard and at the ready. Despite her greatest efforts, there was always one that went ballistic, ruining her day in seconds.


    Inconsequential feelings on the side, she may have added an additional percent of vigilance to the person dear to Brad.


    ¡°Usually I can guess what element one might have in the first few minutes of meeting them.¡± Winsford laid his tong inside the empty briefcase. ¡°In Valory¡¯s case, it¡¯s like her true nature is veiled, leaving me lost on what¡¯s to come.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s the same for her as well,¡± the captain answered, backpedalling a bit as she sensed a disturbance. ¡°I suggest you take a step back.¡±


    Master Winsford moved, a coldsteel spike spearing right where he was standing.


    ¡°She¡¯s got the Elemental Gate of Metal?¡± the captain muttered to herself, rods of all kinds of shining materials rising to form a cage around her. And she¡¯s bound to the gate itself instead of one of the secondary elements in the realm? That¡¯s¡­ odd.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    As the metal hutch winked out of existence and the magical phenomena faded, Captain Rhodes found herself thankful for the rather simple process. Out of all the Aether Artifact-induced manifestations, Carielle¡¯s proved to be the most difficult.


    At a moment¡¯s notice, sand particles scratched at unprotected eyeballs and magma enveloped the ground. Those unable to protect themselves from the awakening dual-bound mage fled the scene in haste. Fled a disaster, to be fair.


    Right as she was going to retake her position, a dark void permeated Val¡¯s far-off gaze as purple and blue light thrashed to expand into space. Hardened radiance took form in an array of connected lines, sketching creatures of untold power. Far from an expert stargazer, the captain still believed the event resembled constellations. Could it be?


    The last time she¡¯d seen such an element was during her first year in the University Games. That was nearly a decade ago!


    Captain Rhodes didn¡¯t have time to be surprised as an imperceptible intention nudged one of her States of Being, though she couldn¡¯t discern which one. It was quick even by her levels¡ªa fraction of a sliver of a second.


    Whether it was the State of the Emotional Body, Physical Body, Spiritual Body or any of the others, she might never know.


    What she did know was that if she remained idle, Valory might never walk out of the building alive should word of whatever else she was awakening reached the wrong ears.


    Possessing a feeble backing like hers, the wrong ears were all ears except for family and friends. The stubborn geezers stuck in their old ways and the stuck-up scions of the First Halo wouldn¡¯t think twice about snuffing out her light due to where she¡¯s from.


    Time was running out, and quickly.


    Fiona blinked, activating Spatial Awareness. The natural way in which she observed the world traded out for translucent lines. Now seemingly in a hollow cube, it would¡¯ve been as if she were floating black emptiness if not for the creases where the walls met.


    The chair Valory sat on was an amalgamation of hollowed shapes, Valory herself a complex maze. The light gathering behind her were specks, moving increasingly fast and wasting the little aether the girl possessed. In her mind, the captain outlined the small pieces she needed, initiating Spatial Shift and warping them in front of every hidden camera.


    Currently, from their point of view, it seemed as if Valory¡¯s manifestation had gotten out of hand.


    ¡°Winsford.¡±


    Weaving the parts of the aura-based art needed, the Captain projected her thoughts and intentions straight into the Master Enchanter¡¯s head.


    ¡°You¡¯re seeing this, correct?¡±


    Expecting a nod for an answer, she was partially surprised to detect a reply projected back.


    ¡°Indeed I am.¡±


    There was a pause before he added, ¡°Shocked I can use projection? It¡¯s a technique under aura manipulation and though any Artificer is more inclined to the Five Aether Arts, enchanters are¡ª¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have the time, Winsford.¡±


    ¡°Time for what?¡±


    ¡°To hide her.¡±


    ¡°For what reason?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a rare talent. Too rare of a talent.¡±


    ¡°All the more reason to let her shine¡ªI mean, can you imagine where she¡¯ll go?¡±


    Rhodes inhaled a deep, calming breath. Wrapped up in the comfort of luxury, some people didn¡¯t realize talent without the right things in order was a spell for death.


    It was a shame the one person she needed to get onboard for her plans was part of the few. ¡°You¡¯re part of a clan here in the Second Halo, no? What happens when someone shows promise surpassing that of the heir?¡±


    ¡°Well, they would be bound to the heir, ensuring they never sought to usurp his place. It¡¯s different in other clans, where power demanded rights¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± the captain interjected. ¡°What happens if the person is outside of the main family.¡±


    ¡°Damned to servitude, and if immensely talented, is made to be the right hand of the heir.¡±


    ¡°And the person is outside of the clan in general?¡±


    ¡°On our list to be recruited or, unfortunately, hindered so they become a minimal threat.¡±


    ¡°And if, say, the person held no lineage or status or background and is considered a threat to all families, houses, and clans. What happens then?¡±


    ¡°They¡­¡± A mental sigh reached the captain, realization dawning upon him. ¡°At best, the threat swears never to be a mage. At worst¡­ well they vanish.¡±


    ¡°Precisely,¡± was all Rhodes settled on to say.


    ¡°I see why we¡¯re conversing like so.¡± Another sigh from him. ¡°I let my excitement get the better of me. It¡¯s a feeling I rarely get these days and it seems like this old man''s forgotten how to deal with it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you understand,¡± Rhodes projected back. ¡°I need a favour from you.¡±


    ¡°It involves building a defense around her that stems from Valory herself, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes. She needs to climb without the help of her elements to allow growth in a safe environment. A daunting task made possible by a little outside help.¡±


    ¡°Without the help of her¡ªare you going to do what I think you¡¯re going to do? Without her permission?¡±


    ¡°I just have to hope she comes to appreciate the sentiment. I¡¯ve worked too many missing cases after the Tripartite Trial. It¡¯s high time I remove a file before it hits my desk.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± he projected. ¡°You know how to do it?¡±


    The captain nodded as she shifted in front of Val, erecting a thin barrier of solid aether. Surveying the gathering elements behind the girl knocked out on the medical chair, Rhodes couldn¡¯t hide the excited grin that landed on her lips. She¡¯s going to give Alize¨¦ a run for her money.


    Expending half of the energy residing in her Aetherial Vessel, amounting up to thousands of aether strands, the captain uttered an incantation under her breath and lifted a hand about Val¡¯s forehead.


    The pad of her finger grew luminous and she began to mark a line down her brow. Her spellcasting faltered as another rune appeared on her cheek, broken down and in decrepit shape. Was this done before?


    Looking at the condition, it was poorly made and likely by someone who lacked experience, a person who held no inkling of the art. The captain shook her head. Kids are so bored these days they play with runes? Times have changed.


    She finished her runic character with two following horizontal hashes. ¡°Banish.¡±


    The manifestation ceased at once, though Captain Rhodes kept her self-built cover on the cameras long enough for her to return to a normal stance.


    A sweet sword now relaxed on Valory¡¯s lap. The endurons settled into a dark sable hue, characters glimmering on the weapon¡¯s spotless surface as if under the starry skies.


    Winsford glanced at her nervously. ¡°Did it work?¡±


    Captain Rhodes honed in on the waking girl and focused on the magnitude of a presence currently hanging over her. She sensed only one gate behind her. It¡¯s appalling how easy that was.


    ¡°Believe so,¡± she sent, pulling up her tablet and connecting it to the newly made artifact. Plugging in a few commands, she brought up the artifact''s Quality.


    ''Atypical Quality: Temperament of Runes,'' it read, raising the captain¡¯s eyebrows.


    Atypical Qualities weren¡¯t by any definition rare, popping up every other awakening. On the other hand, the name suggested it held connections to Runic Abjuration. Though the subset of fortification was impeccable, it worked best for mages on the Path of a Bulwark.


    The shape the endurons settled into implied Valory walked on the Path of a Hunter or Striker, possessing specialties that highlighted speed or flexible offence.


    Neither catered to the defence inherent to Runic Abjuration, but time will tell why the xenosium developed in such a way.


    After all, the girl herself was a mystery.


    Although courageous like no other, her valour possessed a type of translucency. Stick the sixteen-year-old in front of an aether creature and she¡¯d face it head-on; however, prod at her insecurities and she¡¯d hunch over and ignore it¡ªworse when eyes are on her.


    Was it the attention itself or the subsequent expectation that came with it?


    ¡°Your handle of runes was great,¡± Winsford''s projection torpedoed her train of thought. ¡°Care to become an enchanter?¡±


    ¡°Recruit Valory instead. I¡¯m busy.¡±


    ¡°Already within my plan.¡±


    ¡°Remember,¡± she projected right as Valory startled awake. ¡°We keep this quiet, we keep this between us.¡±


    ¡°Again, already within my plan,¡± he projected back right before saying, ¡°Congratulations!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a metal mage!¡±


    <hr>


    In the comforts of the Lenson Estate, the Seer shot out of her queen-sized bed, opening a pair of blind eyes. At a first glance, the threads of fate appeared no different. It twirled around the ever-present darkness.  A double-helix of myriad colours, flowing as time did.


    The golden threads of the clan versed in commerce remained, an ominous shade of green at its center, promising unforeseen failure.


    Fuchsia-pink coated the red and black of government operatives, hidden secrets wrapped in glamour.


    Crimson dyed the ends of numerous golden strings, healers bloodied and dusted.


    Thankfully, the seed she planted in a vexed cadet had finally germinated. A viridian-green cable sprouted across the plane of destiny, attaching to bundles of yarns. From pink to crimson, straight to the baleful coalescence of deep emptiness, it did wonders.


    Some colours were eliminated, others added and a few entirely changed.


    ¡°It has begun.¡±

 Interlude 1 - A Deans Frustration

    Transcription of Professor Kaiser Von Gate¡¯s Lecture


    The dean sighed as she read the title alone, already bracing herself for the headache that was to come by the end of the paper.


    She had finally convinced the eccentric shut-in of an enchanter to teach after his three-year-long ¡°break.¡± Little more than ten minutes after his class, her phone trilled without end as furious students and parents alike called, demanding what nonsense was taking place in Thales Academy.


    Her academy.


    With a faint prayer to the saints above, she bowed her head at the paper on her desk, eyes flitting back and forth as she read the lines.


    ¡°Many inquire what the Laws of Secrecy are, why they exist, and why they seem to be doing a terrible job. How come millions know everything from spell tiers to types of magitech and more when the intense censorship of the arcane is in place?¡±


    ¡°While lines of scripts have been erased from books and geases engaged to lock lips, if you aren¡¯t an idiot¡ª¡± the dean winced ¡°¡ªyou¡¯ve come to realize that you are surprisingly well-informed. Before the life of an elementalist, you knew the essentials for a mage, you knew the stars of aether creatures, you knew the seven Paths.¡±


    ¡°The abundance of knowledge in the wrong hands begets chaos and was the catalyst for the Third Great War. Yet, all the same, the absence of knowledge stifles growth and we¡¯d stagnate as a country rather quickly. So, students, how exactly did we find a middle ground known as the Laws of Secrecy? What aspects are hidden to create a semblance of a knowledgeable nation?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy!¡±


    PROCESSING VOICE INFORMATION¡­


    PROCESSING¡­


    ANALYZED.


    WORDS WERE SAID BY¡­


    Lee Mark


    RANK: NOVICE


    PATH: BULWARK


    ELEMENT(S): FIRE, GEO


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Every piece of technology had its perks and downfalls, the device transcribing Grandmaster Gate¡¯s words no different. Each new aspect it sensed was recorded in full, including background information that usually aided the reader. Practically useless to her.


    ¡°The richness of knowledge is purposefully scaled to the halos, decreasing from the First Halo and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Wrong!¡± Grandmaster Gate yelled. ¡°That is highly biased and makes for an abhorrent environment, you fool. Anyone else?¡±


    ¡°They hide the very dangerous aspects and¡ª¡±


    PROCESSING VOICE INFORMATION¡­


    PROCESSING¡­


    ANALYZED.


    WORDS WERE SAID BY¡­


    Laten Pam


    RANK: NOVICE


    SPECIALTY: HUNTER


    ELEMENT(S): DARKNESS


    ¡°Wrong!¡± Grandmaster Gate yelled. ¡°We know of ice blasters, of scrolls, of knives. Are they not dangerous? Speak only if you have a smart answer, please.¡±


    INDISTINCT CHATTER GROWS.


    ¡°I see,¡± the dean muttered. This was where things went downhill. These were children he was instructing, supported by family members carrying enough artillery to tank the declining reputation of the academy further.


    He didn¡¯t seem to care.


    Her expression grew dark the more she read. By the end, an extra cup of tea would be needed in the near future to relax the tension forming in her gritted teeth.


    ¡°We allow unbound and typics knowledge of what a scroll does yet not how to make one. We allow them to know what familiars are but not where to find them. We tell the spell tiers while leaving out the reasoning behind the differences. The what isn¡¯t hidden¡ªthe why, where, and how are.¡±


    ¡°That seems unfair.¡±


    PROCESSING VOICE INFORMATION¡­


    PROCESSING¡­


    ANALYZED.


    WORDS WERE SAID BY¡­


    Riley Allen


    RANK: NOVICE


    SPECIALTY: STRIKER


    ELEMENT(S): DUST


    ¡°Anyone who lived through the terrifying times of the most recent war would wager the Laws the better alternative. Either shut up and accept it or think of a damn better way.¡±


    The transcript crumpled within the dean¡¯s hands, thrown inside her paper shredder.


    She hardly knew who gave her more of a headache: a defiant daughter who seemed to love playing soldier or a filterless professor who made it his life purpose to give everyone and anyone a hard time.


    Gazing at the churning shreds inside the active device, the dean shook her head and muttered, ¡°Why do I have a feeling this is a premonition for troubles to come?¡±

 Chapter 16 - Moving Out

    Val lugged the last of her stuff out of the rickety five-seater. Closing the trunk, she gave it a final healthy pat, a ritual they did in hopes it wouldn¡¯t pop back out while on the road. ¡°Thanks for the ride, Mister Hayes.¡±


    A bear of a man, Mister Hayes loomed over the entirety of Val¡¯s family, a smile surely hidden behind a salt-and-pepper beard. He rustled her hair. ¡°It was nothing.¡±


    I¡¯m gonna miss him, she realized. Him, the Hayes family, Williams, Miss Peppers¡ªit pained her that most of them, her rock and foundation, would remain in the Second Halo as she reached for greater heights.


    A price to pay, Val thought, taking a deep breath and hardening her resolve. Hoping her outward actions affected her inward feelings, she forcefully turned her sights away from her home-halo and fixed her gaze on the Inner Wall.


    According to the brisk research allowed outside the Laws, Life¡¯s Hymn might exist on the other side. Almost certainly. She¡¯d finally made it to the starting line¡ªshe could acquire it, as a mage. Though its whereabouts remained unknown, she wouldn¡¯t be denied of it any longer thanks to her newfound status. Only up from here on out, hopefully.


    A car parked behind, and the rest of Mister Hayes¡¯ family spilled out. Helping the youngest of the household unpack her life¡¯s worth of items out of the vehicle, the Hayes moved in silence. There was a solemnity about it¡ªuntil Caro cracked a joke. Laughter soon filled the idle transfer station.


    Val took the time to bring her siblings a small distance away from Caro¡¯s farewell, kneeling so she¡¯d be on equal eye level. She traced their wide golden gazes, Andy¡¯s a little drowsy at the six-hour drive and Kenneth pointed up at dawn breaking out across the sky, bored.


    After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the offer for the past week, the pair decided to accept it and use it to the fullest. Even with the grins that¡¯d break out at the slightest eye contact between the girls, the fate of her brothers weighed heavily on the latter side of the scale. What if they say no?


    She took a deep breath and began.


    ¡°Once we reach Atera, both me and Caro are going to be busy training to be the best mages we can possibly be. You two will always be my priority. Always. But, no matter how hard I may try, there¡¯ll be times I can¡¯t be with you. Caro¡¯s parents offered a place for each of you in their home and they¡¯d be there 24/7. I¡¯ll understand if you decide to stay. I¡¯ll be your older sister no matter what and I¡¯ll¡ª¡± Val stopped talking, realizing she was rambling.


    The next words sat in her throat for a decade-long minute. ¡°Do you still want to come?


    Andy blinked, barely comprehending the paragraph she barfed up. He waddled forward and locked her in a neck-squeezing hug. ¡°Where Vallie go, I go. Right?¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± she squished him between her arms and buried her chin in his shoulder. ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s the same for me.¡± Kenneth shrugged, gaze wandering as if he was reciting the anthem for the umpteenth time. ¡°Who¡¯s gonna take care of Andy when you can¡¯t? Plus, I¡¯d get a better education in the First Halo.¡±


    She ruffled the twelve-year-old¡¯s hair, unrelentingly messy. ¡°Look who¡¯s being a big bro.¡±


    Kenneth rolled his eyes¡ªthough the happy quirks of his ears gave insight into his true feelings¡ªand nodded his head behind her. ¡°Seems like they''re finished.¡±


    Caro beamed their way, rolling suitcases into the Wall Transfer Station. ¡°Boys, let¡¯s roll!¡±


    ¡°Coming,¡± Kenneth sauntered past Val, who released Andy out of her tight grasp to hobble after the two. Good luck, her friend mouthed to her, shooting a glance at her parents.


    A nervous smile split Val¡¯s lips. The group disappeared into the transfer station and she turned to the Hayes family. Dark-brown hair flowed past her shoulders as she lowered herself into a ninety-degree bow, remaining in her position until she felt at least half of her gratitude could be passed on.


    ¡°Oh cut that out, dear.¡± Mister Hayes pulled her shoulders up, blue eyes warm. ¡°I¡¯d rather have a hug if anything.¡±


    ¡°I know you would, but I wanted to express how thankful I am. Truly.¡±


    Caro¡¯s mom patted her back. ¡°Any child of Taylia¡¯s is a child of mine.¡±


    Val¡¯s gaze found the concrete driveway, overwhelmed. ¡°Mrs. Hayes, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Hayes?¡± The soft lines stretching from Mrs. Hayes¡¯ wide, kind smile grew deeper as reprimand edged into her expression. Each pat on Val¡¯s back soon turned into one twice the force of the preceding action. ¡°Caro¡¯s rubbing off on you too much! All this talk, but you don¡¯t listen! I¡¯ve been telling you to call me Aunt Hayes!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to, it¡¯s a force of habit.¡±


    ¡°Is it a habit to not eat too? Look at you¡ªso skinny! I¡¯ll make sure to send lots of food!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Mrs. Hayes, really.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I-I meant Aunt Hayes.¡±


    <hr>


    A soft hum turned Val away from the bright exit. A levitating board fluttered down the narrow halls, slowing to a stop before her. She pressed a palm beneath it, as instructed by the attendants, and it chimed. ¡°Soul signature confirmed. Retrieve luggage.¡±


    She hefted it off the device and it did a quirky loop, as if thankful to be free of the burden, and disappeared into the inner workings of the transfer station.


    ¡°Can¡¯t expect anything less of the First Halo,¡± she muttered, rolling her bags outside. The difference in smooth tiles to rough cobblestone made her suitcases screech in discomfort. Gaze absorbed in the sight that welcomed her, she took no notice of the noise and sucked in a sharp breath. ¡°By the saints¡­¡±


    Two pairs of steel hollow ovals hovered right outside the entrance. The plane in between the structures held rotating, translucent screens, busy replaying the highlight reels from Atera¡¯s famous duelist rings. Beyond that, a suburb of picturesque homes edged into the broad lane stretching out of the Wall Transfer Station, birds chirping in the trees planted in mowed lawns.


    Further behind, as if a backdrop of a delicate artist, a sprawling metropolis bore skyscrapers hundreds of floors high, rendered on a canvas of the early faint reds and pinks of sunrise. A suspended lattice of the all-too-known Grav-lines swirled amid the titan-like buildings, defying physics and using gravity magic she had no desire to decipher.


    ¡°Val.¡± Caro shepparded the boys over at her exit. ¡°We have a problem.¡±


    She raised a brow. Problem?


    ¡°There¡¯s a meeting for the new Age of Atera recruits,¡± Caro explained.


    ¡°What¡ªwhen?¡±


    ¡°Today.¡±


    Val glanced at their hands, each occupied by luggage, not too excited for the following trip. ¡°Where''s the nearest Grav-line station?¡±


    ¡­


    Tingles travelled up Val¡¯s spine as the ground beneath her rumbled, the Grav-line screeching as it navigated the miscellany of guide beams twisting this way or that. She glanced at the map above to confirm their route, the train¡¯s course aglow with Guildhall Station blinking, indicating the next stop.


    Val¡¯s idle hand drummed to an upbeat tune and her green eyes flitted about. People filled every crook of the cart and yet her mind remained free of the nauseating sensations dogging her every step.


    For a city jam-packed with people from various walks of life, she guessed there were means to minimize aether enmation for the sake of the typical passengers. Thank the saints for that.


    Gaze travelling towards her 5¡¯11 friend, her lips curled upwards and she stifled a laugh. ¡°You have that thing in a death grip.¡±


    Caro forwent the clutches hanging above and grasped onto the rail itself using both hands, knuckles bone-white. The Grav-line swerved in the air, curling around a building to switch directions, and she turned green. ¡°I never thought there¡¯d be a ride worse than a hovercar. At this rate, I think I might throw up.¡±


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t.¡± Kenneth inched backwards as far as he could within his seat, pulling up his jacket to cover his face. ¡°Hard to aim away from us within a moving train that¡¯s in the air for that matter.¡±


    ¡°Why don''t you let me sit then, you little rascal.¡±


    ¡°I''m tired.¡±


    "And I''m not?"


    "You''re young and able."


    "Again, and you''re not?"


    ¡°Ugh, I see why you¡¯re friends with Val now. You¡¯re both annoying.¡±


    ¡°Kenneth Raven Efron, if you don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°Next stop is Guildhall, Guildhall Station. Doors will open on the left.¡±


    The flying train¡¯s notification thankfully put the argument at rest. Buzzing blue force fields of energy summoned themself and wrapped the forty-cart vehicle, slowly sliding itself off the steel rods it rode on. Hovering in the air for a moment, the world outside blurred in its descent.


    She picked up Andy, who was fast asleep, and kept a hand on her luggage as the Grav-line reached the ground, commuters filing out in a rush. They were streamed along by the flux of people and it took a couple of seconds to reorient themselves to follow the directions on Caro¡¯s phone.


    Guildhall Avenue was a road for people only, adventurers and tourists taking up the lanes for themselves. Its namesake was as accurate as it got, bordered by adventurer guilds both monumental and small-time down its entire length. Ignoring the tantalizing scent of grilled meat calling to her stomach, Val willed herself to keep walking


    Kenneth yawned as the street branched out, the last of the guilds dwindling to reveal the end of the road. ¡°Sis, you sure you aren¡¯t lost?¡±


    ¡°It says we should be right here after we turn left.¡± Val looked up from the map displayed on Caro¡¯s phone, bewildered by the apparent lack of¡ªwell¡ªanything.


    Expecting something half as extravagant as the guildhalls behind, the sight of a two-story, brick-and-plaster building was the most lackluster, almost upsetting thing to witness. Looking for something to prove the online map was outdated, she was disappointed to discover the Hall of Eons sign hanging from the roof.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head in.¡± She cracked the door open and daylight snuck by in a slash against the dim insides. ¡°Okay¡­ I¡¯m having second thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Still scared of the dark?¡± Kenneth¡¯s remark irked her in a way only siblings could.


    The jab was all the motivation she needed to take a step indoors and when she turned around to smirk his way, she discovered he wasn¡¯t there anymore.


    Nothing was.


    Tightening her grip on her suitcase and glancing behind her shoulders, she was hit by a sight divergent from the previous dark surroundings.


    She blinked at the floor, a literal sky rolled out as a carpet. Clouds swished past, unbothered by the bizarre happenings. The scene had such a pull on her that she moved forward unbidden and on the next step, people of all kinds appeared. Hundreds of them waited in the lobby, chattering as they stood in line to be admitted inside the guild.


    A freaking sheen? Unable to hold back her curiosity, she shifted forward and backwards, awed each time. A layer-like facade played at her senses, obscuring the foyer until she stepped past a certain point.


    ¡°They glamoured the whole building.¡± Caro laughed as she stepped into line with Val alongside Kenneth, shaking her head. ¡°That¡¯s actually wicked.¡±


    ¡°Many prefer the word wise, instead of wicked, though I wouldn¡¯t say the adjective is completely inaccurate.¡±


    Val swiveled on her feet, surprised to recognize the man beside her, clad in a collared-shirt, sweater and slacks. ¡°Master Winsford. Great to see you.¡±


    ¡°Valory, Miss Hayes, boys¡ª¡± he cast a glance at Val¡¯s brothers ¡°¡ªI¡¯m glad you could make it, luggage and all. Follow me, I¡¯ll lead you inside.¡±


    Looks followed their every move on the trip to the clerical desks. Whether it was due to Caro¡¯s ASC or the status of a Master enchanter, she couldn¡¯t tell. Either way, she was happy to trail Master Winsford¡¯s back past the string of granite tables, crystalline gate in sight.


    Members vanished as they tread past the threshold, presumably entering another sheen. Master Winsford offered a comforting smile before he, too, disappeared.


    Val slid through after him, luggage and brothers in hand, eager to leave the livid stares burning her back. Caro, never one to miss an opportunity to one-up somebody, winked at the growing crowd and strolled behind.


    Trudging past the crystalline gates, she observed her surroundings open-mouthed, starstruck.


    Particles of warm light fluttered about in a lazy flurry, swirling around the gigantic tree stationed at the center. A deep maroon settled into the broad trunk, wide enough for a village to wrap their arms around, its upper crown settling inside the upper levels.


    Though it seemed out of place within the high-tech facility¡ªplated floors, glass walls, indoor balconies accompanying the countless floors¡ªironically, the mountain-sized plant fell into a symbiotic relationship with the inner workings of the building.


    ¡°The Bane of Withering created that before he left,¡± Winsford informed them. ¡°Definitely a sight to see.¡±


    Val nodded numbly. ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡±


    ¡°Be sure to meet me at the scribal branch. Tomorrow, that is,¡± he said. ¡°I know you¡¯re busy with the recruit seminar.¡±


    ¡°Saints,¡± Val whipped out her phone, wincing at the time displayed on the lock screen. ¡°Seems better we don¡¯t go.¡±


    ¡°Here.¡± Winsford scribbled on a notepad and tore a page out. ¡°He¡¯ll excuse you if you have this. I¡¯ll take your siblings and your luggage, you get to that meeting.¡±


    Caro slapped his shoulder and broke into a jog, throwing a ¡°Thanks, old man!¡± over her shoulder.


    Master Winsford¡¯s expression glitched, face muscles frozen until a soft chuckle left his lips. ¡°You¡¯d think the earth in magma would calm her fiery inclination.¡±


    Val gave an awkward laugh. ¡°Guess not.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°¡­we hold this orientation to assure you that provision for everything you need to know and have before stepping foot in a rift will be given. You will¡­¡±


    Val startled as the door slid open automatically, hundreds of focused recruits shifting their attention to the entrants.


    The amphitheatre went quiet and an adventurer behind a podium turned to face the two trainees walking in. Shaking his head, he didn¡¯t spare them a second glance. ¡°You¡¯re late.¡±


    ¡°We have a note from Master Winsford.¡± Val dangled the piece of paper. ¡°Apologies, Mister¡­¡±


    ¡°Magus Kane,¡± the Kidraan filled in. ¡°You both are midborn, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    He pointed a pen at the hill of horizontal seats. ¡°Head to the middle.¡±


    The pair climbed up the steps, wading through a wave of funk hoarding at the lower levels and sitting at the center, aristocratic perfume wafting over them from the top. He ordered them from lowborn to highborn, she realized. Living in the Second Halo, the disparity between halos never felt apparent until now.


    It felt wrong and she didn¡¯t know why. She shooed the thought, zeroing in on the speaker positioned up front.


    ¡°We ask one thing of you: to uphold the dignity of Age of Atera at every point in time. Doing so takes more than merely hunting.¡±


    Abandoning his podium, he stepped off the stage and paced across the floor. ¡°Learn the differences in rift rings. Know why rifts form. Most importantly, be intimately familiar with the rift rule.¡±


    ¡°Rift rule?¡± someone echoed, lowborn. The lack of a coat during winter always gave it away.


    ¡°Rule of Progression idiot,¡± a trainee answered up top. ¡°It¡¯s the reason why aether creatures are easier to kill the farther you are from the rift core. Aether density partiality and all that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need help in doing my job,¡± Magus Kane told the highborn recruit.


    ¡°But look at him,¡± the trainee continued. ¡°So quaint and so dumb. Bet he didn¡¯t understand a single word I said.¡±


    ¡°What a dickwad,¡± Caro muttered.


    The crowd in his vicinity laughed, slapping the tables and patting the guy in encouragement. Heads began to turn towards the commotion and they played it up at the attention, cracking jokes and mocking those in the front¡ª


    The weight of the world pressed onto Val¡¯s chest. She wheezed what little air her lungs could take, sporadic dark spots invading her vision.


    Magus Kane¡¯s iron gaze gored a hole through the trainee as he unleashed his aura. The mass of his strength settled upon the entire class, stilling movement.


    ¡°I said I don¡¯t need help in doing my job.¡± The Magus flicked a finger at the door. ¡°Exit. Now.¡±


    The boy didn¡¯t argue and scurried out of the room, avoiding eye contact the whole way through. He left an unpleasant silence in his wake.


    ¡°I separated you all not to aid anyone¡¯s ego. You all carry far too much of it and for little reason.¡± Magus Kane withheld his aura and Val inhaled sharply, able to suspire.


    ¡°We must accept our differences and work to enhance what we have. Lowborn myself, I know the knowledge deficit of the region firsthand and you lot will focus on that. You lot at the top you may hold more knowledge, but you haven¡¯t learned how to survive.¡± He pointed to the bottom rows. ¡°They have.¡±


    He paused and scanned the crowd as he waited for a recruit to refute him.


    No one dared.


    ¡°Now,¡± he continued, ¡°you all require a diving license before entering a rift. Luckily for you, we¡¯re one of the fifty guilds omitted from the exams. You solely have to wait in line for the documentation.¡±


    A girl meekly raised her hand.


    Kane nodded at her. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Can I ask why we¡¯re omitted?¡±


    ¡°Why of course.¡± He stood straighter, a hint of pride edging into his rigid countenance. ¡°We will train and test you ourselves¡ªand yes, it is obligatory.¡±


    He added the second part at the wave of hands that shot to the roof at his previous words, recruits groaning and slouching in their seats.


    ¡°Is it¡­¡± the girl went on. ¡°Hard?¡±


    ¡°That I don''t know yet,¡± Magus Kane answered, ¡°Depends on your instructor for tomorrow. Allow me to check.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Caro repeated. "That quick?"


    Rustling through his papers, he read through the lines and paused.


    ¡°Oh, saints.¡± Amusement danced in his eyes as he glanced back up at his trainees. ¡°You all are in for a month of hell.¡±

 Chapter 17 - Harsh Training

    On no occasion did Val believe there to exist a teacher more demanding than Miss Peppers. She sure found out today.


    Piercing shards grew with every breath as she pushed her pair of lungs past its former limits. Focus on the person in front of you, she told herself, gaze fixed on Caro¡¯s path ahead. Positioned halfway within the trail of midborn, she went along with the tempo and forged onwards.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go!¡± Instructor Hawke barked, her command falling on deaf ears. Val¡¯s heartbeat pulsed along the length of her skull, stretching her wits thin. Air leaving in uncontrolled huffs, she carried a pack twice her back¡¯s measurement around the EC-room.


    Shuddering threads of red rope fanned out on the tiles ahead, bringing a dreadful grimace to her face. The magical training tool doubled a mage¡¯s perceived gravity at a touch, scaling in effect at every scratch against it.


    She reined in her pace, taking the time to survey the motion of the ten wiry strings. Beads of sweat burned her blinking eyes, the safe lines of passage blurring the more speed the ropes gained.


    ¡°Is this how slow you¡¯re going to be when a beast is running after your ass?¡± Instructor Hawke took an interest in her struggles, strolling so close her inquiry splashed spittle across Val¡¯s face. ¡°Trust your strengthened instincts and move Novice Efron. Move!¡±


    A pathway opened up in the blur of obstacles and she took off. Her feet danced through the five meters of danger¡ªhopping above the lower lines, darting past the ones that tried to attack and bounding over the last few.


    The landing snapped knives of pain in her joints and she tumbled onto all fours. Saints.


    ¡°Pick it up, Novice. Up!¡±


    She grunted and shoved the pack, detaching the onerous weight and heaving herself to her feet. Val shot a glance to the side and caught a glimpse of the instructor clad in a guild-inspired tracksuit. Still there.


    Clicking her teeth at the lost opportunity to take a breather, she shouldered her load and, once again, set on her path. Caro jogged on the spot up ahead and shot a hand out begging to be high-fived. Holy shit, she mouthed as Val gave in and slapped her palm. You¡¯re crazy.


    Val¡¯s lips quirked up. She couldn¡¯t tell before, engrossed in moving across the country, but awakening as a mage boosted her entire body. Things moved slower, her body responded faster, and she could run for longer.


    In that slight moment, her brain had operated in ways impossible a few weeks prior. A distracting disparity between old and new limits held her growth hostage, only to be resolved the day she became one with her altered body.


    Heads turned as a cavity slid open in the EC-room¡¯s wall, presenting a bespectacled youth.


    ¡°Larry, you¡¯re five minutes late!¡± Instructor Hawke yelled.


    ¡°My replacement was running behind things,¡± he replied, dodging her glare by bowing to the active trainees. ¡°Greetings, everyone. I was asked to explain a few things so you all can plan accordingly.¡±


    ¡°Oh thank the saints,¡± Caro wheezed, screeching to a halt. ¡°A break!¡±


    ¡°When did I say that?¡± Instructor Hawke asked, her voice enough to spur the group of seventy into pristine movement. Her eyes took on a glow and hazy fog formed a canopy above. The substance fanned out, concentrating into white swallows that sped at the jogging recruits.


    Val¡¯s grip on her pack tightened. ¡°Oh no.¡±


    A trail of smog tailed each ivory bird, one swooping in for its first target. The trainee crouched low, dodging the attack yet dragged to the floor by his pack.


    ¡°The last thing you do when an avian creature attacks you is duck!¡±


    Puzzled at her lack of presence beside Larry, Val¡¯s head whipped in the direction of the instructor¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Alfred.¡± Instructor Hawke adjusted her sunglasses from the opposite side of the room, kicking the trainee¡¯s legs out from under him. ¡°Give me ten for your disgraceful form.¡±


    How did she get there so fast? Teleportation wasn¡¯t said to be common to those beneath a Magister¡¯s level, though Val was having a hard time believing the answer was anything else. An army of cloud-made birds remained stationed above, awaiting their summoner''s next order.


    ¡°Lateral dodges exist people!" Hands pocketed, the instructor nudged Novice Alfred using the tip of her slippers. "Try to focus on your targets, not on dodging them.¡±


    ¡°When it comes to flying things, the majority of newbies zero in a single target. That is dangerous. Small aerial creatures like these come in droves within copper rifts. I lose my students to them each year.¡±


    Val took another look at the summons flapping in a fixed position.


    ¡°Keep your head up, keep shuffling your feet,¡± the instructor said, dismissing the trainee once he finished his set of pushups. ¡°And when the time gets to it, trust the mages behind you.¡±


    ¡°But Miss,¡± an Auricean trainee frowned. The picture-perfect hair-do initially worn slumped to the side in a sad arc, ruined in the hours spent training. ¡°It''s a fair assumption that I''m going to be one of those mages in the backlines. Can¡¯t I just, I don¡¯t know, sit out?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know, do you want to die instead?¡±


    ¡°What? No, of course not.¡±


    ¡°Then Flamesworth, you''d better get running.¡± Instructor Hawke whistled and her summons broke out of their shared trance, racing for the wide-eyed recruits. ¡°Let¡¯s move Novices, and listen to Larry while you¡¯re at it!¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Caro cursed. ¡°That girl doesn¡¯t know when to shut it, does she?¡±


    Val exhaled the lingering anxiety residing in her gut, fumbling for the straps of her gear. Hawke didn¡¯t say surviving sans pack was out of the rules, did she? Embracing the fatigue, welcoming it even, Val let the bag free and hopped on her toes. ¡°Have my six?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m insulted you had to ask.¡±


    Feet wide and back against Caro, she fell into a combat stance as the first bird came near. In a near-vertical dive, it sped in, frame ill-defined at its momentum. Don¡¯t run. Val held back, sidestepping its attack in a smooth manner. It crashed against the shiny floor and dissipated in a tide of mist.


    ¡°As recruits.¡± Larry cleared his throat, continuing at the instructor''s go-ahead. ¡°You are adventurers of Age of Atera only in part. We haven¡¯t given you a badge carrying your adventurer rank. No badge means no DP, no registration and no rift diving.¡±


    ¡°And by DP, ¡± a trainee said in between desperate breaths, ¡°you mean?¡±


    ¡°Diving Points¡ªa system of metrics I just won¡¯t get into today. Once official, you become one of two things: assigned or sponsored.¡±


    A trio of birds circled, forming a floating halo up high. One broke formation and Val twisted to the side to dodge. Another summon edged closer and Caro veered towards it, fist raised, teeth bared.


    ¡°Assigned members are regular guildmates. They are simply registered. Contrarily, for sponsored adventurers, we act like patrons.¡±


    Tired of the standoff and worried about the possible incoming backup, the two glanced at each other. Something had to give.


    Ripping a flashlight off the pack¡¯s velcro pocket, Caro threw it at a bird, a scary amount of strength behind the action. The summon blew up into cloudy particles as the tool passed through it, no resistance visible. Wait¡­ could I do that using my body?


    Caro¡¯s grinned. ¡°Gotcha.¡±


    ¡°The sponsored claim training free of charge and in turn, we ask for assistance when clearing dangerous quests. We advertise them under our franchise and in turn, we ask them to advertise our colours. It¡¯s give and take.¡±


    A swallow took one girl each. Val¡¯s bird zigzagged, oscillating like a recently used swing. She swayed backwards at its horizontal approach, catching its torso with a tight-fisted punch.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Look, I understand. Being sponsored is amazing, but there are prereqs. You have to earn the position by becoming a pivotal member; or enroll in one of the top ten schools and join our sponsored-student teams.¡±


    Condensed droplets formed a slimy coat on her hand and she flicked it off. Turning to see how her friend fared, Caro shot her a swift thumbs-up, attention up ahead.


    Birds dealt with, Val braced for the next wave. Bring it on.


    ~


    ¡°Woah, slow down there, Efron.¡±


    ¡°Chug, chug, chug, chug!¡±


    ¡°What number is she on now?¡±


    ¡°Five, I think.¡±


    Val emptied her water bottle, showcasing the plastic hollow shell. ¡°All done.¡±


    The first to brave the insurmountable task of approaching Caro, Novice Alfred lounged on the floor and swiped back his chestnut hair. ¡°Didn¡¯t think she was being honest when she said she could down that many in a minute.¡±


    ¡°You think that¡¯s crazy?¡± Caro looked at him and his fellow companions, leaning in at her statement. ¡°One time back in prep, she¡­¡±


    Her words fizzled out as Val found a home in the ice-cold tiles. Collapsing onto the ground, her limbs sprawled out like a starfish washed onto the Portsidian beaches. So. Tired.


    The details provided by the attendant streamed through her empty head, the information a bit splotchy. Busy trying to maintain her pace during training, the attendant¡¯s words barely registered to her.


    Thankfully she managed to catch the important pieces, able to string one to the next and decipher the primary purpose of his speech.


    Becoming sponsored was a must.


    Holding no connections in a world where relations were a prerequisite to excel, she was doomed to fall behind. What little opportunities were offered she needed to snatch, pride be damned. Convictions straightened out, she placed her sights on the top three universities in Ciazel, the other schools left as a background plan.


    University of Reynor


    Thales Academy


    University of Atera


    Will any accept her?


    A finger tapped her forehead. Caro smiled down at her. "You okay?"


    ¡°Yeah,¡± she answered. "Just need some rest."


    Alfred sat straight. ¡°Practice was that bad for you?¡±


    ¡°Like you¡¯re one to talk.¡± Caro snorted. ¡°I passed you how many times in training today?


    His cheeks reddened. ¡°It¡¯s not my fault the instructor picks on me.¡±


    Spotting the last pair of sunglasses she wanted to see behind the blushing recruit, Val¡¯s smile froze in place . Again¡ªhow did she get here?


    Alfred glanced between their group of five, rivaling the stillness of a statue. ¡°Guys? What''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Good to know I was picking on you, Novice Alfred.¡±


    The colour in Alfred¡¯s face vanished and he whirled around. ¡°T-that was not what I meant, instructor.¡±


    ¡°No, I think I comprehended it perfectly. I¡¯ll be sure to pick on you more.¡± Alfred¡¯s face paled as Instructor Hawke patted his shoulder in faux care, a menacing smile on her face. ¡°In the coming weeks, we¡¯ll be learning cultivation and casting. Prepare yourselves. Dismissed.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± came the simultaneous answer. Scurrying out of the EC-room in a single-file line, the Val couldn''t help glance behind. Was she still there?


    Alfred appeared as if he was about to cry. ¡°A little warning next time, please?¡±


    ¡°That was all you.¡± Caro¡¯s laughter echoed down the vacant halls. ¡°I¡¯m gonna grab my diving license after I hit the showers. Anyone wanna come with?¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Val grimaced, remembering her promise to Master Winsford. ¡°I¡¯ve got somewhere else to be.¡±


    <hr>


    Val fiddled with the ends of her damp hair, freshly showered. She settled for a white sweatshirt and a pair of washed jeans, hoping nothing extravagant was required to meet a Master of enchantments.


    Riding the elevator past ringed floors, hovering motes of warm light swerved about. A couple settled into her skin, bursts of rejuvenation mending her weary body. She hardly noticed when the shaft doors opened, absorbed in the cocoon of refreshment.


    She stepped into a circular foyer lined by bookshelves overflowing with texts of all kinds. Eight broad pathways snuck in between the indigo cabinets. Membranes of fluctuating energy restricted the majority of them, leaving one open for passage. Walking through exposed her to clamour akin to the ground floor, the sudden change bringing about a disorientating whiplash. I need to get used to all this magitech hardware.


    Adventurers chatted among one another as they contemplated scrolls in hand. The rest joined the queue for a chance to talk to any blue-robed clerk manning one of the desks. One clerk''s eyes lit up in unfounded recognition and she rushed to Val¡¯s side, exiting her station through a swaying door. ¡°Miss Efron?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    The Kidraan clerk beamed, blue eyes disappearing at her smile. She waved over her shoulder and the ends of her robes billowed. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    Reentering the floor¡¯s entrance, Val¡¯s gaze wandered back to the shop, the clamour muted as she passed an invisible threshold. ¡°Charlee, what was that place back there?¡±


    ¡°How did you¡ªoh.¡± Charlee glanced at her nametag, a hand vanishing behind her pretty afro as she scratched her head in embarrassment. ¡°Silly me.¡±


    A card slipped out of her deceiving sleeves and she tapped it on a bookshelf. A string of words burned the thin film, whittling it away,


    ¡°Master Winsford would go on and on about the history, telling you the second the scribal branch began its construction.¡± Charlee shot her a wry smile, leading her down a hallway dyed in black, luminescent runes lighting the way. ¡°In short, it¡¯s an indoor hub to buy staple scrolls, talismans and anything enchantment-related. Every order has one inside the guildhall¡ªthe smithery and the alchemy branches are consistently full.¡±


    The hallway opened up and, in the span of a short second, Val felt at home. A commodious atelier greeted her, corner-shaped desks filled by young scholars bending over books in earnest.


    Centered at the core was a pair of long couches, split by a coffee table with a glass top and metal legs. A bar carrying everything from coffee to soft drinks sat at the head of the room. Enchanters hurled a slew of expressions, concentrating on the ongoing card game as if it were an auction.


    As they noticed the pair¡¯s entrance, fewer decks were dropped and more heads were raised. Val fidgeted from foot to foot. Irises blazed. Her feeble ASC was out of the bag. Here it comes.


    ¡°We got a newcomer!¡±


    ¡°Woo!¡±


    ¡°Welcome to the scribal common room.¡±


    ¡°Please come and put Charles in her place. That girl is a demon at Battle.¡±


    Val blinked, at a loss. Did they not see right?


    Charlee cackled. ¡°Maybe next time folks, this one''s got a meeting to head to.¡±


    Stumped at the warm reception, she barely remembered to follow after Charlee, chasing her heels.


    The corridor ahead carried a series of unnamed doors. Yet, in some way, her guide determined the one they stood outside the correct one. ¡°Here you are, Miss Efron.¡±


    ¡°Call me Val.¡± She gripped the handle. ¡°And wish me luck.¡±


    ¡°With your keen eyes, you won¡¯t need any,¡± Charlee said as a way of farewell, leaving her alone in the quiet corridor.


    ¡°Master Winsford, I¡¯m entering,¡± she announced, turning the knob. A floor-to-ceiling window bathed the office in light, rendering his quartz table a luminous lapis-blue. Everything from the carpet to the walls was a light beige, etchings marked across the entirety of the room.


    Master Winsford looked up from his desk and smiled. "How was training?"


    "I can''t feel my legs."


    "To be young." He chuckled, gesturing to the wooden bench opposite him. "I hope you''re still up for the lesson."


    ¡°Of course,¡± Val said, stiffly taking a seat against her muscles'' wishes.


    ¡°Great. We¡¯ll start small," he said. "Can you tell me what an enchantment is?¡±


    Val resisted the urge to shrug. ¡°The definitions outside the Laws are very¡­ abstract, to say the least.¡±


    ¡°Quite true.¡± He gestured to the marks across his walls. Were those runes? ¡°Enchantments can be said to be a more reliable medium of spellcraft. We dictate how it forms and can correct mistakes in the comfort of our desks,¡± he supplied. ¡°It requires a close connection to aether and it¡¯s because of this attribute that the ends of its capability have yet to be seen.¡±


    Soaking in the unexpectedly sophisticated answer, she nodded to signal that she understood.


    ¡°Before I go on another tangent, let me explain a key aspect.¡± He unfurled a sheet of paper and spread it across his desk. Refracted light bled through, turning the sheet translucent.


    ¡°All enchantments can be fitted into one of three categories and very rarely do they overlap.¡± He dipped a quill in his glass ink reservoir and, flamboyantly, he painted a lit candle. ¡°The first kindles¡ªit bring things forth. Generative enchantments, as they are normally called, spawn an element into existence at the expense of the user¡¯s aether.¡±


    He drew a large ¡®X¡¯ adjacent to the candle. ¡°Restrictive type enchantments are the antithesis to generative-type enchantments. They limit an element, instead of allowing it to flourish. Silenced rooms are the prime example of this type in action.¡±


    ¡°Lastly,¡± he added a bolded plus sign. ¡°Operative type enchantments utilize the five Aetherial Arts to create and change characteristics of the desired material. How to go about this¡­" he wondered aloud. "Aetherial Reinforcement, have you heard of it?


    ¡°Briefly,¡± she muttered. Collins and Williams hinted at it during the Tripartite Trial, mentioning that it was used to strengthen the body.


    ¡°We can emulate its effect on materials using operative characters. A great example of this is in chip-resistant enchantments.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°It is done merely by strengthening a specific attribute. There are no drawbacks. At all.¡±


    ¡°That sounds too good to be true,¡± she mused.


    ¡°It is, which is why being an enchanter is both ludicrous and difficult,¡± he stressed the last word. ¡°Our class carries the hardest cutoff line for those equipped to create and those who are not. Very soon, we will see where on the line you tread.¡±

 Chapter 18 - Starting Cultivation

    Through firsthand experience alone, Val learned that days for a trainee adventurer slipped by as unnoticeably as clouds on a rainy day. Finally, using the downtime between diving license registrations, she had a moment to herself to seek out clues for Life¡¯s Hymn.


    To her surprise, the Laws of Secrecy didn¡¯t suddenly vanish once she became a mage. Things were marked, dotted and written down in government files to prevent anything escalating to another war. Good for Ciazel, bad for me.


    Without credentials, power or money, she was hard-pressed to find anyone willing to bend. Doors shut in her face and computers restricted her¡ªyet again. "Membership required!" it would blare.


    Only when she dragged Caro to work her charms on the library''s helper, an adolescent boy doomed to fail against her wiles, did he sneak past the sole publications he found.


    A book, now in the hands of Val, a Novice he''d never met.


    Monochrome pictures of an aether fruit marked the open pages lying on her lap, captions underneath. So far, all she¡¯d been able to learn about aether fruits¡ªinformation about Life¡¯s Hymn itself, a presumably tightly kept corporate secret¡ªwas that it existed in places significantly packed with high amounts of aether.


    The news was more depressing than her aether strand count.


    It wasn¡¯t far stretched to assume that the power of fauna and flora scaled to the surrounding energy levels. It was a major piece in the creation of rift rungs. Adding the ones and twos quite quickly, a stress-related headache pressed at her skull. She held an inkling obtaining the main ingredient of Life¡¯s Hymn might be a mountain of trouble for her.


    At least, for the Novice she was currently.


    ¡°Calling for Efron, Valory Efron.¡±


    Inclining her head at the announcement, she closed her book and joined the small queue of people. About time.


    While not in one of the prominent CAU buildings, the Diving License Branch gave Val pause as she entered through its automatic doors. Lofty ceilings encaved the slow crawl of adventurer administration, its domed roof adding a distinct touch.


    Stanchions bordered the few people ahead, the CAU¡¯s iconic golden cloud emblazoned onto the red tapes between. Before long, she reached the front to meet a lady of the Eastern, Sarado Islands.


    Mom''s ethnicity.


    Of pecan complexion, she pulled her dark-brown hair into a business bun and her green eyes flitted everywhere. Rummaging through the multitudes of cabinets behind the counter squashed between two pillars, she hurried to fill her station.


    ¡°Miss Efron.¡± The lady bowed her head and handed over a document and metal pin. ¡°Here¡¯s your diving license and your adventurer¡¯s badge. Sixth-class adventures tend to rank up easily so I¡¯ll tell you in advance, here¡¯s the place to use your diving points to become fifth-class. If you wish to buy spells with them instead, there¡¯s a separate branch for that.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªI can buy spells with these diving points? What are they anyways?¡±


    The lady mirrored Val¡¯s shock. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Been a bit busy.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, I suppose,¡± she said. ¡°Diving points are given whenever a mage dives into a rift and hands in the account of their winnings to the CAU. They calculate the amount they¡¯ve done inside, as well as how much they¡¯ve benefited the country and award them with diving points.


    "And I can buy spells?"


    "Spells, skills, items," the lady listed. "You could post up a notice of your own if you wanted, using your currency as payment," the lady informed. "It gives adventurers incentive to dive a rift at their own risk."


    ¡°I see,¡± Val muttered.


    Risk and reward, the theme it seemed for many things of the arcane.


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    Hall of Eons


    -Five days later-


    Sweat stung Val''s eyes and she winced, gaze burning the steel rod within her tight grasp.


    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± she muttered, willing the energy in her Aetherial Vessel to flow into the unactivated Elemental shield. To her, it was like playing make-pretend, urging her brain to believe in something she couldn¡¯t quite see, grasp or perceive. All this time, she never felt aether itself, just the pain of its mere presence working against her.


    Regardless, lines of script washed over the shaft as it reached the magical tool. Water flowed out of its fringes like a furious tide and a liquid barrier formed, creating the perfect shield able to cover her body''s height and width. Val whistled at the reborn weapon in her hands. Now that¡¯s cool.


    They¡¯d been toying around with standard devices used in rifts, Instructor Hawke informing them which were faulty and how to tell. The tools stole massive chunks of her reserves. It hurt to swallow anything past her raw throat. Her windpipe suffered from dryness after vomiting her guts out.


    ¡°That¡¯s not even the worst of it,¡± Instructor Hawke had said. ¡°Once we get you casting,¡± she chuckled, ¡°those rebounds will eat you alive.¡±


    Her stomach twisted as the E-shield dried the remaining essence from her body, her AV sending a pulsing ache as it strained itself like a wrung towel. Yeah yeah, I hear the message loud and clear.


    Val let the E-shield clatter to the ground. The liquid swallowed itself up as she released it, not a drop of water visible on the unblemished white of the floor.


    Five seconds.


    That was how long she could use a defective weapon. A shameful time compared to the minute Caro and others achieved. It wouldn¡¯t matter much though. Today, she¡¯d take the first steps toward raising her ASC.


    ¡­


    ¡°As a mage,¡± the instructor lectured the sixty trainees seated in rows before her, ¡°we often talk about how to expend energy, but never how to regain it. It¡¯s a necessary action proceeding and preceding any form of an engagement, prepped for or not. The process in which we do so is arranged into what we simply call breathing techniques.¡±


    ¡°This is it!¡± Caro said in a harsh whisper. ¡°Cultivation. How long until we fly on those floating swords.¡±


    Val stifled a laugh. ¡°You watch too many movies.¡±


    ¡°We pass these along through manuals.¡± Golden gyroscope in hand, the instructor twiddled the ends of the spheric object. Rings whirred into motion and, once placed on the floor, purred feebly.


    A core of hardened light formed and a screen hovered above. Stretching out of the gyroscope, an image of a person in a lotus position was made clear for all to see. Arrows flowed in and out of his body, directing a current of something¡ªpresumably aether¡ªto the core of his form.


    ¡°I had you waste your aether on magitech for a reason,¡± the instructor informed them. ¡°The first part of any breathing technique is meditation, the act of refilling your Aetherial Vessel with the surrounding energy.¡±


    Instructor Hawke turned to stare at her students through a dark pair of sunglasses. ¡°Look at the manual¡ªbrand it into your brain¡ªand then close your eyes. You may proceed.¡±


    The sixty trainees blinked at the stark, bare description.


    ¡°Go on,¡± Instructor Hawke said, her crossed arms saying the rest. Or do you want to run laps?


    Once finished studying the Congruence of Prevalent Essence, Val welcomed the darkness and shut her eyelids. First, breathe in.


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    And she did so, allowing the air to replenish her tired lungs. Breath out.


    Through her mouth, a steady stream of air exited, ridding her of carbon dioxide. She fell into a monotonous cycle, void of any thoughts and wishes, gone from the frustrations plaguing her consciousness.


    Subsist and live, that was all she was to do.


    The EC-room¡¯s panels vanished from her mind. Her peers disappeared. A mage lingered by herself in the vast emptiness of untouched water, serenity encapsulating her entire being. Finally, she perceived it.


    Aether.


    Motes of twinkling energy remained frozen in time, unmoving and yet drawing her internal gaze in captivation. Tiny, barely larger than a pupil, and capable of giving mortals the power of the Elemental Saints.


    A visceral instinct filled her being, so powerful it felt more than desire.


    It was hunger.


    This time Val didn¡¯t just inhale, she breathed. In that instance, a soft will echoed out, like a faintly strummed guitar harmonic. It resonated at her call, energy gravitating to where she meditated.


    A wave of refreshment like she¡¯d never experienced before followed, like a drop of water after centuries of drought. It coursed through her throat and the arteries of her heart. She guided it¡ªshe didn¡¯t know how, really¡ªand it listened, spreading throughout her bloodstream and filling her with an indescribable sense of wholeness.


    As she breathed out, she reined it in and plugged it inside her AV. Aether particles seeped through, one at a time, and Val found herself grateful for the process. Each speck stripped away a sliver of her mortality. She grew ready to conquer the realities of the tomorrows to come. Nourished, her Aetherial Vessel unfurled, stretching back out into the size of a coin at her sternum and¡ª


    Val gasped, jolting back into the physical plane. Reality kicked in¡ªchilled air, drenched active wear, a stench of body odour. Saints. She could hardly breathe.


    ¡°A protective reflex for when you top out,¡± Instructor Hawke said as Val adjusted to the bright walls of the room, blinking rapidly. ¡°With your closed channels and unopened nodes, meditating any longer would cause harm worse than overextending your AV.¡±


    ¡°Closed channels?¡± Val parroted. ¡°Unopened nodes?¡±


    Instructor Hawke put a finger on her lips. ¡°Quiet now, others are still meditating.¡±


    Something to research on my own then, she thought, putting it to the back of her mind. Val frowned as she looked at her peers, for more than one reason. More than a few pinched their eyebrows in exertion and others drummed their fingers against their arms, indication enough that they hadn¡¯t fallen deep into meditation.


    She guessed the reason soon enough: a mage¡¯s PAST.


    It was frightening to glance at her enthusiastic friend and witness a statue. It was as if she was a corpse sitting up, waiting to be buried. Though as a high bronze, it was to be expected.


    The second reason for her upside-down smile was that, well, despite being of a higher PAST, she envied them. Their ASC allowed them to remain in meditation longer, to embrace the neutral essence for an extensive period.


    It wasn¡¯t about chasing the next high. It was the sense that she was more than enough, a place where expectations couldn¡¯t reach her. It was serenity.


    ¡­


    ¡°Heaven,¡± Caro muttered thirty minutes later. ¡°That was incredible.¡±


    ¡°More than incredible,¡± Val said. ¡°You alright, though? You were out of it for a while there, kinda scary seeing you... gone for moments on end.¡±


    ¡°You are the last one to talk, V.¡± Caro shook her head, reminiscent. ¡°You disappeared the moment Instructor Hawke allowed you to. One second you were here and the next? Absent. That¡¯s crazy.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. Can¡¯t believe you were the first one to meditate out of all of us.¡±


    A shadow loomed over Val. Her head careened upwards and she squinted at a girl standing above. She groaned internally at the sight of a certain trainee. What must be litres of hairspray glazed her detailed, scarlet coiffure, barely hanging on to pale face.


    It never took long for a class to establish levels and cliques, even with adults ranging in their mid-twenties. Two prodigies¡ªtwo queens, to be exact¡ªsettled on the very top: Novice Hayes and Novice Flamesworth.


    ¡°What¡¯s your PAST, Efron?¡± Flamesworth pushed. ¡°Enlighten us.¡±


    ¡°Have some tact, Novice Flamesworth.¡±


    Val¡¯s brow furrowed. Instructor Hawke, of all people, spoke in her place. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want me yelling the amount in your bank across the room, would you? Here you are, asking something even more sensitive to mages. I sense you like running drills?¡±


    Flamesworth tapped her boots together. ¡°No, ma¡¯am!¡±


    ¡°Good. I don¡¯t want to have to add etiquette to the lesson regimen,¡± the instructor muttered. ¡°Sit.¡±


    Flamesworth lingered for one second, hazel irises withholding ire, before speeding to her seat in the back rows. Just great.


    As soon as the class settled, a line of lapis-blue crystals appeared at the instructor''s feet, enough to beat the group of trainees in numbers. The instructor raised a hand in the air and the surrounding presence condensed. Mist materialized into a cover around her, concentrating further into an opaque fog and then clouds?


    Dusty smog moved past the line of transparent objects, encroaching on where Val sat and beyond. The throb across her temple was a telltale sign of it being a spell, yet Val held her breath despite all she learned about the act, scared to breathe.


    Like a caress, the smoke coaxed her clenched fists open, dropping a hard object into her grasp.


    Gasps cut across the obscure haze. Others likely received the same treatment. In an instant, the cloudy cover cleared up, disappearing as if it was never there. What type of element is she even bound to? Smoke? Dust? Clouds¡ªdoes that one even exist?


    ¡°Alright.¡± Instructor Hawke¡¯s voice pulled Val back from her bewildering experience, giving a pat to the gyroscope on the ground and rising to meet their gaze. ¡°What you¡¯re now holding are remnants, purified energy cores of the wild creatures within rifts.¡±


    Another diagram appeared, one of an AV, alongside a bullet list of instructions. Val gaped at the ever-going list of instructions.


    Caro sucked in a breath. ¡°That¡¯s a truckton to learn.¡±


    ¡°And it''s just the basics,¡± Val whispered back.


    ¡°To enlarge our AV,¡± the instructor continued, ¡°a dense amount of aether is required. You can¡¯t find a place naturally overflowing in aether on this half of the continent, at least not for free. To compensate we use remnants.¡±


    Summoning a remnant of her own, she spun the diamond-shaped item on a finger. ¡°Draw the contents out of the remnants and use the energy to coax size into your AV. If you feel resistance, do not proceed. If you sense a struggle in your actions, cease to continue. Failing in doing so at such a low yet important stage is foolish and you¡¯ll have only yourself to blame. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Instructor Hawke!¡±


    ¡°And before you begin, beware.¡± She raised a palm. ¡°This uses your original aether strands in the process. When dry, simply engage in meditation once more. Go ahead.¡±


    Go ahead? The guide, called Growth Assimilation apparently, had more steps than a trig equation. The fact was dumbfounding, so much so that Val pulled the tranquility she built in the previous hours to grow the nerve to attempt it.


    Okay so first, serene state.


    That was easy enough and before she knew it, Val had entered complete stillness. No movement, no sound, no unneeded thoughts or feelings.


    Next, she greeted the remnant in her hand with a little aether of her own. Val forced energy out of her vessel and pushed it into her blood flow, allowing it to reach the veins of her forearms and eventually, her palm.


    She winced as the energy inside repelled her will¡ªher identity. According to the breathing technique, that was normal, to be expected. It was part of her job to subsume the aether inside the remnant and stamp it with her soul signature.


    It appeared that refining was the following step¡ªif she remembered correctly, that is¡ªthough it had been highlighted by an asterisk. The aether inside the remnant had already been purified in some form, leaving her with little to do than sift instead of compress.


    Now of the same kind, the aether inside the remnant nudged against her palm. Val built a mental dam to break its strong flow, permitting only a trickle to pass through.


    A sense of euphoric happiness filled her at the slow flux, followed by a daunting dread of the end of a being¡¯s cycle, finished with a boundless feeling of rightness. Val didn¡¯t have time to decipher her feelings, conducting the energy flow straight to her AV.


    The final stage of the Growth Assimilation breathing technique was to piece together a larger version of your vessel, to intertwine both new and old aether strands and stitch together a vase capable of holding more than it could previously.


    To call it difficult was an understatement. Yesterday, she had hardly been able to sense energy and today, she had to control it with acute accuracy. Only one thing to do.


    Val dived head forward, using her will to spell volume into an enclosure, to build more from less. Her Aetherial Vessel expanded as she solved the puzzles of cultivation, asking the queries, and answering the questions. She discovered something about the prolonged, profound process.


    She loved it.


    It must¡¯ve been hours by now and she gauged she perhaps didn¡¯t even grow up to one aether strand in size. Yet, the contentment gained from diving into the metaphysical and witnessing how the material and immaterial parts of her interacted was a bottomless well, with no hope to glimpse the bottom.


    Then, without her say once more, her grip on her aether unraveled, like a loose ball of yarn. Val searched for the answer within, desperately so before the imminent eviction of her mind occurred.


    Zero aether strands remained in her AV. So quick?


    In a flash, she bounced back into her natural body, gaze fluttering to the rest. Everyone continued cultivating and here she was, drained of aether and in need of meditation. That¡¯s what Miss Rox was getting at. No matter how ¡®talented¡¯ she might be, all these pauses would delay her progress by an extreme amount, negating the effects of being a silver.


    Caro¡¯s favourite saying came to mind.


    Well, shit.

 Chapter 19 - Strenuous Spellcraft

    In the common room of the Scribal Branch, a pin could¡¯ve dropped and no one would have been the wiser. The enchanted heaters were on low, the overworked coffee machine finally remained idle and the scholars were absent. It was, by all means, the most silent it could be.


    Ears, eyes and everything in between, however, were trained on the ongoing cards game stationed at the coffee table. Both players revealed their hands, and the Auricean girl on the opposite side of Charlee winced. ¡°A loss. Again.¡±


    Hoots wracked the atelier, many taking the time to clap Charlee on the shoulders.


    Val shook her head. ¡°Can¡¯t be beaten.¡±


    ¡°Why try,¡± the Auricean girl wondered aloud, gathering the deck. ¡°Why even try.¡±


    ¡°You never know,¡± Charlee chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m going to the Initiation hoping for an easy day. We all know how likely that is.¡±


    ¡°Good luck with that,¡± the girl scoffed. ¡°Anyone else here joining Charles?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Same.¡±


    ¡°Easy hours.¡±


    ¡°You look confused and somehow frustrated over there, Val,¡± Charlee pointed out.


    Heads turned in her direction, yet she couldn¡¯t reign in the indignation tilting her eyebrows downwards and turning her lips into a frown. ¡°It¡¯s¡ªI don¡¯t know.¡±


    Val raised her hands in exasperation. ¡°I¡¯m just tired of not understanding anything. Almost every conversation I¡¯ve had so far involves me becoming lost and I¡¯m just not used to that, I guess.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s okay.¡± Charlee planted a supportive hand on her shoulder. ¡°Just continue to ask and eventually, one day, you¡¯ll be the one to answer.¡±


    Lips pursed, she gave a heavy nod. ¡°Well, I¡¯m pretty sure you can guess my question.¡±


    ¡°The Initiation isn¡¯t anything crazy,¡± one of them said. ¡°Merely a ceremony to welcome incoming Artificers across the city. It¡¯s a one-day thing.¡±


    ¡°People tend to invite a lot of others,¡± Charlee added. ¡°Therefore, a need for hands on deck.¡±


    ¡°The Initiation is a wonderful event. I truly hope you¡¯ll be a part of it once Monember rolls by,¡± another expressed, elderly and hoarse. Gazes veered over Val¡¯s head and the surrounding company froze, quick to bow their heads.


    She whirled around at the person in question, shooting to her feet. ¡°Master Winsford.¡±


    Fingers laced at the ridge of his spine, his perfectly-cut tweed suit adjusted crisply to his movement out of the room. ¡°With me, Valory.¡±


    ¡°Good luck,¡± Charlee whispered. Val tapped her shoulder in passing, rushing after the bony stature of the experienced enchanter.


    An explosion of sound rattled her eardrums as the pair entered the crowded hub, with scarcely any legroom available. Master Winsford didn¡¯t flinch, wasting not a second free to teach. ¡°Enchantments, like most things, are divided into levels¡ªgrades.¡±


    His words settled as a path split itself before him, adventurers taking the time to conduct a mage¡¯s bow. ¡°At ease,¡± he assured them, a soft smile expressing his goodwill. Eyes soon traveled from the prominent enchanter to the student deemed good enough to snag a spot beside him.


    Val decided to focus on the journey to one of the walls, ornamented by hanging talismans as if shoes at a department store. He summoned a pile of books at a moment¡¯s notice, dumping it onto his student¡¯s unprepared hands. ¡°I suggest you read these. Get a feel for the grades and enlighten yourself on how to climb the ranks as Artificer.¡±


    She nudged one open using the tip of her chin, labeled The Shallow Plane of Enchantments. According to the contents, there were nine grades of enchantments, split into three planes: the Shallow Plane, the Mid Plane and the Deep Plane.


    Master Winsford eyed the bottom rack and plucked a red-ribboned G1 scroll. ¡°Razor Edge: Sharpens the blade temporarily,¡± he said, reading the tag dangling off it. ¡°Based on the description, can you tell which type of enchantment is at work?"


    It¡¯s only strengthening what¡¯s present, Val observed. "Operative?"


    "Correct.¡± His lips curled up. ¡°And how useful would it be in battle?"


    She glanced at the texts in her hands. "According to the book¡ª"


    "I asked you."


    Val''s head snapped up. His brown eyes had a weight to them, and she couldn''t help but flee them. Adventurers in the vicinity lingered, taking more than what she''d call a polite glance. It felt like school all over again¡ªa teacher picks on a student and the class swerves their attention unto the unfortunate soul.


    It tickled at her the edges of her comfort zones, prompting her to ask one question. Why here? This test could''ve easily been done in his office, free of the buzz of chatter and the terribly hidden looks in their direction. He''s up to something.


    Either way, an answer was required, so she spoke. "My guess? Not that much.¡±


    "Precisely. Scrolls under G3 are lightweight. Helpful, yet not life-changing in most situations¡ªand profitable." He cut across the scribal center, towards the foyer. ¡°Many want to have a piece of the pie, but few can become Apprentices. The requirements dictate one be able to inscribe a G1 enchantment. Any type meets the conditions.¡±


    Juggling four tome-like books, she chased after his heels.


    ¡°Unfortunately, nothing exists for an enchanter more difficult than their first operational rune,¡± he lectured, rolling a hand at the elevator.


    Val accepted the invitation and stepped into its transparent confinements. ¡°How difficult are we talking here?¡±


    ¡°One in two so-called Apprentices, well, never enchant.¡± He unloaded the textbooks off her hands, the weights disappearing into a storage ring.


    ¡°Master?¡± she questioned, unsure she heard correctly. Fifty percent?


    ¡°These numbers are the least of your concerns and so are these books. They¡¯ll be waiting for you after class.¡± He smiled, pressed the ground floor button, and backed away. ¡°Have fun in there.¡±


    Val slowly nodded her gratitude as the doors closed. Save for the company of soft-yellow particles, she was alone with her spiraling thoughts. In the action of whisking a hand through her hair, her ink-formed ring caught her attention.


    Tapping the dormant artifact on her finger, a small screen the size of a palm extended out of the top, creating a holographic window. After leafing through the pamphlet she received long ago, she spotted a few handy features packaged in the auxiliary functions.


    Wielder Info


    Aether Strand Count: 11/11


    0/16 Nodes Open


    Aether Channel Density: N/A


    Soulstake and Channel Fusion [Error: Unable to occur]


    LOCKED


    LOCKED


    LOCKED


    Her ASC refused to budge despite her greatest efforts.


    Focus and determination may get her through the impossible, but little could be done to push through the inevitable. Every five seconds she had been shaken back to reality, unable to recede into the same level of concentration prior. Sure, she¡¯d made progress, if decimals counted.


    Reminders dogged her every step as her fellow recruits swiftly approached one hundred. Got a while to go.


    Ignoring the extra information displayed, Val tapped the crown of the ring and the monitor vanished. The elevator dinged, inviting her to the ground floor. Butterflies bloomed in her stomach as she thought about the lesson today. The main topic?


    Spells.


    <hr>


    Val ran.


    Casting a glance behind the shoulder, she gulped as voracious dogs made of clouds bounded at her heels, mist-like saliva dripping out of their gaping maws. Refocusing on the path ahead, she ignored her screaming muscles¡ªaching at the stress of lugging around an anvil-like pack¡ªand kept up her pace.


    They¡¯d changed rooms today and instead of the spotless, near-edgeless white of the EC-room, a narrow chamber of stone confined her choice of options. The other end of the room looked to be miles away, though she wasn¡¯t complaining.


    More time to escape.


    Adjacent to her, Alfred shouted a curse, collapsing to the ground and clutching his calves. The cloudhounds were merciless, barking as they leaped onto him in droves. He fell into a violent coughing fit as they surrounded him, yelling for help for as long as he could. A deafening silence overcame him ten seconds in, motionless and still.


    Val kept her pace, her combat boots tapping on the hard floor. A crack in the stone caught the tip of her toe and she tumbled to the ground. Her heart dropped so far into her stomach, it stayed in her gut. Heavens.


    The beasts¡¯ eyes seemed to gleam as their next meal drew nearer. She threw her arms up as a last line of defence, hoping that it¡¯d be enough with nothing else on her to help.


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    ¡°Time!¡± Instructor Hawke thundered. In an instant, her summons disappeared with a flash of light. Falling over onto her back, Val¡¯s listless gaze found the stone ceiling, ornamented by giant shards of luminous crystals. Too close for comfort.


    ¡°You all are weak," Instructor Hawke appraised. The brunette stripped her glasses and hollow irises stared back at the students, narrowed and fierce, but lifeless. Clambering her way to a stand, Val paused. Was she¡­?


    "Let this serve as a reminder of how easy you are to kill." Like her dogs, the instructor''s words were void of leniency. ¡°Rid yourself of any lingering arrogance at passing the Tripartite Trial. Realize you have a long way to go and use that anger like fuel as you embark on the struggles of casting.¡±


    During the lecture, the trainees picked themselves up, collected their luggage and circled her, a burning desire for payback evident on their faces.


    ¡°I like those eyes.¡± Instructor Hawke grinned. ¡°It¡¯ll carry you through the month.¡±


    Nebulous limbs of clouds wriggled about behind her, flimsy papers gripped at the ends. Moving about, a cloud extremity passed Val an object under her confused gaze, as well as the others.


    ¡°Sand Confluence,¡± Caro muttered beside her, eyes flickering back and forth as she read the paper in her hand.


    ¡°These are spellsheets,¡± she told the group. ¡°Since we haven¡¯t run the Discipline Corridor as of yet, the definite discipline you¡¯re tailored to is unknown. I¡¯m using my knowledge to estimate which discipline you might be inclined to. Be wary of mistakes.¡±


    Mistakes how? Val wondered. What would be the repercussions?


    ¡°To make my life easier, all those with the subtitles invocation or manipulation, step to the left of the room,¡± she instructed. ¡°Everyone else, get going. Now!¡±


    ¡°Last one to cast buys dinner?¡± Val raised an eyebrow at her friend.


    Caro grinned. ¡°Hell yeah, you¡¯re on.¡±


    The girls fist-bumped and split. It was hard to find a corner inside a room lacking ends, but Val made it her task to venture toward the distant walls. She wanted no distractions to trouble her first steps to becoming a full-fledged mage.


    So, putting the breathing techniques learned yesterday to use, she crouched down into a comfortable position and looked down at the spellsheet in her grasp.


    {Conjuration} [Metal] Tier 1 ¡ª Metal Orb


    Type: Utility


    ¡ú an orb made of the mage¡¯s bound metal.


    Core Hex Criterion


    Offence:


    ??????


    Defence:


    ??????


    Agility:


    ??????


    Malleability:


    ??????


    Health:


    ??????


    Special Effects:


    ??????


    Minor Hex Criterion


    Range: N/A


    Incantation Tempo: Untroubled


    Energy Required: 5 AS


    Val frowned. Zero points in all categories.


    Disappointing couldn¡¯t begin to describe her thoughts on the Tier 1 ability. Though let down by the sheet in her hand, she shrugged it off. A spell¡¯s a spell. At the end of the day, she couldn''t complain. Yet, every time she was on the verge of subsuming the spellsheet, Instructor Hawke¡¯s flashy tracksuit would ward her focus.


    On the left-hand side, she visited each trainee, summoning items like a terra cotta full of roses for Novice Greene to a Tupperware bowl packed with sand at Caro¡¯s feet. Val strained her ears, narrowly catching the instructor''s words through the blasts of spells starting to fill the room.


    ¡°Invocation and manipulation are directive,¡± she said. ¡°They are the sole parts of the Magic Disciplines that require the element to be present to cast a spell under its influence.¡±


    That¡¯s interesting. The fact alone made those disciplines deadly in areas burdened by a certain component, but also dependent on them.


    ¡°Get to work, Novices.¡± Instructor Hawke left them be and, to Val¡¯s shock, began walking in her direction. She scrambled to appear focused, attention returning to the paper in her hands.


    ¡°Save the act, I know you were listening in,¡± Instructor Hawke said, passing another tea-stained paper. ¡°Here¡¯s the spell you¡¯d want to have in your spell cache. I gave the first as a test run that, it seems, you didn¡¯t attempt.¡±


    ¡°Apologies, ma¡¯am.¡±


    She waved it away. ¡°Your tool¡¯s taken the shape of a blade,¡± she glanced at the dark ring, ¡°which leads me to believe you¡¯re inclined to the offensive disciplines in contrast to the others.¡±


    Val tensed.


    ¡°Relax. I¡¯m on the committee,¡± she said. ¡°Focus on casting for now.¡±


    Throwing the lady a long side glance, Val observed the spellsheet in her hands.


    {Conjuration} [Metal] Tier 1: Metal Spike


    Type: Combative ¡ª Offensively-skewed


    ¡ú an enhanced version of a metal orb, sharpened at its front to give it a boost in speed and piercing. Note: since conjured, it is harder to mould while the spell is live.


    Core Hex Criterion


    Offence:


    ??????


    Defence:


    ??????


    Agility:


    ??????


    Malleability:


    ??????


    Health:


    ??????


    Special Effects:


    ??????


    Minor Hex Criterion


    Range: Linear, Close-ranged


    Incantation Tempo: Standard


    Energy Required: 10 AS


    The difference in spells was glaring. Four points in offence and one in agility would serve her sufficiently next time cloudhounds ever wanted a bite out of her. She winced at the energy cost. That¡¯s practically all my reserves.


    ¡°Get to it, Novice Efron.¡±


    Val turned to respond to her instructor, only to find her across the stone chamber. ¡°Novice Flamesworth, control yourself!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am!¡±


    She was gone from her presence in a blink. Yeah, I¡¯ll never get used to that.


    Shaking off the bizarre use of magic, Val concentrated on the one thing she wanted to do since she could walk: cast a spell.


    ¡°Absorb,¡± she whispered. A flash of pink enveloped the sheet in her hands and information streamed into her brain. Foreign words pranced on her tongue as if spoken thousands of times. Parts of the incantations became as known as the notes in the songs she strummed on the guitar, aspects that took months in some cases to learn.


    Val winced at the oddity. The experience was somehow familiar yet she couldn¡¯t quite place her finger on where it could have occurred. Letting the matter drop, she honed in on the new words embedded in her brain, like a distant dream she had trouble remembering until someone unveiled it.


    Her lips quivered with anticipation as she muttered the incantation under her breath. ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    Head swerving for any indication of success, she frowned at the appearance¡ªor rather, the lack of appearance¡ªof the spell. Air full of nothing greeted her, furrowing her brow.


    An episode of convulsing discomfort racked her torso and she dry-heaved. Thankfully, nothing more came out than a monster-like gasp.


    Caro was by her side in a moment, rubbing circles on her back. ¡°Holy shit, Val you good?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ I¡¯ve been better.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± Caro cursed once more. ¡°Those rebounds are vicious.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it.¡± Val inhaled deeply, glad the pain seemed to be clearing out.


    Metal Spike seemed to be an ounce too high for her level. With a grateful nod toward her friend, she bled out the rest of the rebound with a jolt to the body. ¡°You didn¡¯t get one? A rebound?¡±


    ¡°Sorry to shit on your parade, but¡­¡± Caro grinned and opened a hand, grains of sand laying along the creases of her palm. ¡°Guess you¡¯re buying.¡±


    ¡°Dug that hole myself, didn''t I?¡± Val received a smirk as an answer and she shoved Caro away. ¡°Shoo!¡±


    ¡°I want roast pork!¡± Caro called over the shoulder, jogging to a space of her own.


    Val stifled a smile, focusing on within. An amateur new to expending energy, she found it hard to wager how much aether remained without the help of her artifact. Half, right?


    As someone who¡¯d always rather be safe than sorry, she took a seat in a lotus position and rested her laced fingers upon her lap. Glimmering particles of blue light gravitated toward her as she breathed. Before long she was filled to the brim, ready to give casting a second shot.


    A spell was a command¡ªa candid order to an element. Interwoven into it were little steps to complete what was desired, frames. Val broke them apart, memorizing the mystical syllables and comprehending what goes next and why.


    In her mind¡¯s eye, positioned far in the distance, a floating gate demanded presence, demanded to be known. Taking her time to weave her will into something it could grasp onto, she pulled out the desired shape. ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    As soon as Val finished the last syllable, a headache hammered at her skull like a smith striking an ore into shape. Hissing at the pain, she let the rebound take its course. Again.


    Deciding to cast the spell with the length of only one frame, Val said, ¡°Metal Orb!¡±


    Her head rested between her legs as she rode the next wave of the rebound. Again.


    ¡°Metal Orb!¡±


    Another headache. Val sipped at the bottle Caro handed her and dashed it aside. Again.


    ¡°Metal Orb!¡±


    Nothing.


    A spell she¡¯d held a cup¡¯s worth of disdain was kicking the absolute crap out of her, refusing to be cast. Anxiousness unraveled internally at the indication of struggling at the basics¡ªa step before the basics. Fireballs were being hurled above her, others strained to stretch their elemental shields, and she sat defeated by the Metal Orb.


    She thought herself ready, primed to deliver the four-framed Metal Spike on the first go. Failure there was acceptable, she ran before she walked. How about the one-framed spell? If that gave her the same difficulty, what of the later spells with ten frames? Twenty?


    Val curled up into a ball at the prospect.


    She was tired of knowing nothing, of lacking the tools to solve her problems.


    Despite it only being week one, she was tired of playing catch-up. As the prodigy of Vexal Prep, she¡¯d been the one to lead. To put in twice the effort as her peers and receive a quarter everyone else was reaping was absurd and she was tired of it.


    Tired of it all.


    Yet, Life¡¯s Hymn needed finding. The ingredients weren''t going to collect themselves. The more she searched, the more she understood that power brought status, and status earned luxury. She couldn''t care less about the money or comfort, but the luxury of connections was what would get her Mom¡¯s cure.


    And with that, Val rose. Again.

 Chapter 20 - Pseudo-Elemental Gates

    ¡°Vallie, are you feeling sick?¡±


    A faint voice slipped past the closed door to Val¡¯s room. With her thoughts muddled to the point beyond exhaustion, it took her a few seconds to decrypt the words struggling to reach the processing parts of her brain.


    Goo clamped her lashes shut and she almost gave up opening her eyes after the third attempt. Up she went¡ªwith a dozen silent groans at her stiff muscles¡ªrolling off her bed to a sitting position at its edge.


    ¡°No Andy,¡± she made sure to add an extra ounce of energy, hoping to drown the scratchy undertone tracing her words after days of visiting the bathroom. Kids, no matter how young, were sharp. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Breakfast¡¯s ready!¡± he announced with his characteristic chipper, faint scampering footfalls fading away as he ran away.


    Val slid off the safety of her comforts, taking refuge in the chilled wooden flooring. Arriving at the pre-furnished apartment, she had no say in the makings of her room. A duo of twin-sized handbuilt beds bordered her sides, opposite the door. A window hovered above, offering a display of the neighbouring building¡¯s brick wall.


    She lifted a hand to shield her burning eyes from the rays slipping through the chinks of the open blinds. The gleam of her artifact caught her gaze and she tapped its crown.


    Swiping past the Wielder Info page, a search fueled by desperation ensued, hoping whatever she found could cure her incapability to cast in the past couple of days. Only two pages caught her eyes, both a harbinger of the problems to come.


    Spell Mastery


    [Registered Spells]


    Metal Spike - 0%


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 300">[Initial Control: Requires physical and vocal signal]</li>


    </ul>


    Metal Orb - 0%


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 300">[Initial Control: Requires physical and vocal signal]</li>


    </ul>


    Spell Cache


    Inapplicable¡ªno spells cast.


    Thanks for the reminder. Val sighed through her nose.


    With the stress of the training class, taking care of her brothers and researching Life¡¯s Hymn, the idea of learning more about her artifact was pushed to the far ends of her mind. While there was no hope to be gained in its restricted abilities, she spotted the silver lining in the darkening clouds handing over her head.


    Artifact Codename: Aster


    It had a name.


    Well Aster. She looked up at the ink ring. I hope I don¡¯t prove myself unworthy.


    It was barely perceivable and for all Val knew it could¡¯ve been her mind on the verge of shattering at the constant stress of casting. But, if her sleep-deprived eyes saw correctly, the foreign characters engraved on the artifact raced with the fastest of glimmers, as if an assurance.


    <hr>


    Jitters harrowed Val¡¯s fingers, unable to sit still on her lap sheathed in specialized combat bottoms. Caro¡¯s hand rested on her shoulder, gaze speaking more than words ever could. You¡¯ve got this.


    I really don¡¯t. She managed to keep her true thoughts to herself. Offering a smile¡ªwhich Caro saw through, frowning¡ªshe wheeled her head, stiffly, to face happenings on the other side of the viewing panel.


    A student, clad in the same grey combat suit as Val, poignantly raised her arms. ¡°A Rose¡¯s Revenge!¡±


    At her words, she invoked the nearby plants into motion. A flower, bearing petals fervidly red, zipped through the air to strike a film of paper, its stem shining at the sharpness inherently woven inside the Tier 1 spell.


    Crrrk!


    Cracks spiderwebbed the target, and the plant mage smiled at her work.


    ¡°Excellent job, Novice Greene.¡± Instructor Hawke jotted something down on her pad, shooing the trainee away at her next words. ¡°Last test, Novice Efron.¡±


    ¡°You got this, ¡®Lore.¡±


    Nodding at Caro, Val inhaled a calming breath and exited the little box of a room. She had to admit, the absence of colour in the EC-room had a calming effect. As the instructor speedily set up the next target with the help of countless cloud phalanges, she retraced the frames to her spell. She stretched a connection to the Metal Gate, tiny-looking as far as it was within her mind''s eye.


    ¡°Novice Efron,¡± Instructor Hawke thumbed the objective. ¡°You may begin.¡±


    Val bobbed her head, prepped for and ready to cast. She extended her palms outwards.


    ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    Holding in a breath, she waited for the desired cutting sound of a spike, the boom of destruction¡ªanything. Her reward was silence and a throbbing headache. No way I¡¯m stopping here.


    ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    Bile raced up her throat and she urged her body to retain the breakfast her siblings made with care, doubling over on her knees. A spell costs more than aether, Miss Peppers had mentioned on the last day of school. It squeezed her mind''s capacity dry, to the point Val felt as if her thoughts struggled to flow.


    ¡°That is enough, Novice.¡± Instructor Hawke paced over with hastened steps. ¡°The rest of you¡ªdismissed. I¡¯ll post your results on the trainee board.¡±


    Recruits filed out of the waiting room and through the opening door of the EC-room, not forgetting to glance her way in pity.


    ¡°What a loser.¡±


    ¡°Better luck next time.¡±


    ¡°Fighting!¡±


    ¡°Gotta wonder what she¡¯s going to do down the line.¡±


    It was a mixed bag of cookies, but either way, Val waved her thanks, standing on two unsteady feet.


    ¡°Woah, easy.¡± Caro braced her shoulders. ¡°You don¡¯t look too good there, Val.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± she countered, aiming her burning gaze at the film. ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be.¡±


    ¡°I want progress, Efron, and I want results.¡± Instructor Hawke joined the pair. ¡°I¡¯m giving you the room. Understood?¡±


    Pinned by the anticipative gaze penetrating the dark cover of the instructor''s sunglasses, Val nodded her understanding. She wasn¡¯t leaving until she cast something.


    ¡°Good,¡± she called over her shoulder as she followed the last of her students. Instructor Hawke actually waved and the door rolled back down.


    Val refocused on the target. It was a mental block, the catalyst for all her problems. If she couldn¡¯t cast, then her high PAST would become useless and her search for Life¡¯s Hymn futile when she couldn¡¯t obtain it herself. That meant one thing.


    The target had to go.


    ¡°You¡¯re in that mood, again.¡± Caro seemed to notice the distinct change in her friend. ¡°Want me to stay?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t ask that of you, I¡ª.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a bother,¡± Caro cut her off, surveying her from above. ¡°You¡¯re not a bother. Do you want or need me to stay?¡±


    Val ruminated on it, weighing the pros and cons. ¡°I think I¡¯ve reached one of those cultivation bottlenecks and with that realization¡­ I want to try it by myself.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Caro slapped her back. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at home!¡±


    Val massaged her bruised tendons with a faint upwards curl at her lips. ¡°Why so cheery?¡±


    ¡°Because you finally got that look in your eyes,¡± Caro grinned. ¡°And when you have it, I know you¡¯ll succeed.¡±


    ~


    It turned out that it was, indeed, not a cultivation bottleneck.


    Val casted spells until she could no longer remember where she was. Dangerous and stupid¡ªshe knew¡ªbut frustration proved to be a fatal motivator and success an effective enough bait she¡¯d swim through muddy waters and back.


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    After hours of cyclical attempts of casting, rebounds and pain, she¡¯d finally figured out a piece of the puzzle. While no, like a sprawled fish laying on dry sand gazing up at the ivory ceilings, she had not yet cast either spell, she noticed that something wasn¡¯t aligning.


    Those connected to a primary element visibly witnessed the form of an Elemental Gate, and no matter how low you were in affinity¡ªtranslated into the distance between gate and mage¡ªyou¡¯d see it.


    On the other hand, mages bound to a sub-element didn¡¯t discern the linked gate alone. They also spotted the rune-form of their bound element orbiting around as an indication of being derived from the gate.


    Metal elementalists were known sub-element-users, as said in the many texts she cared to dive through. At the end of the day, all metals were under the Elemental Gate of Metal¡¯s realm. Yet, as Val focused within, she hadn''t perceived any elemental ensign¡ªnot even a scratch.


    Something was not aligning.


    The whoosh of one of the room¡¯s panels rolling up to the ceiling cracked her eyes open and, if she remembered right, Magus Kane stood at the door.


    Val wobbled to her feet. ¡°Is it time for me to go?¡±


    ¡°No, no. Sit.¡± Magus Kane glided across the floor, steps so precise it seemed as if he actively trained the action for years. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your little hiccup and reckon I can be of help.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ nice,¡± she settled to say in the limbo of shock. ¡°Can I ask why?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a recruit of this guild,¡± he answered. ¡°And any recruit is, in some form, my student. Particularly when they wield the same element as mine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a metal mage?¡± Val''s eyebrows raised to the roof of her forehead and she gave the Magus a subtle look over.


    He wore short dreadlocks swished to the side, golden metal cuffs woven on each strand. His midnight cloak swept the floor, hiding the sleek adventurer-wear beneath. A shine of steel would catch her eye each time it flapped open, knee guards and arm protectors at the ready.


    ¡°I believe I said so, didn¡¯t I?¡± He took a graceful seat on the EC-room¡¯s floor, patting the space beside him. ¡°How well of a grasp do you have on the elements, gates and realms?¡±


    ¡°Not well enough with all the restrictions out,¡± Val muttered.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go back and forth, then, and see how that goes,¡± he suggested. ¡°You start.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Val sat cross-legged in front, arms hugging herself. ¡°An element, though no one is quite sure, is an aspect within the world that can be used in a spell. Each one of them is procured, in some way, from an Elemental Gate.¡±


    Magus Kane nodded his agreement, continuing the chain. ¡°Elemental Gates are the doors through which mages access and call upon their elements. The actual substance of a gate is a mystery¡ªno one knows exactly what it is and few care¡±


    Surprisingly enough, Val was able to¡­ follow his line of thought. She went next in earnest, glad for a conversation in spellcraft she could engage in.


    ¡°Elemental Realms are domains correlating to the specific gate. Sub-elements exist in this space,¡± she said. ¡°Like, if we use the Elemental Gate of Fire, for example, its realm carries the sub-elements of ash and smoke.


    ¡°And when they overlap, the gates create compound elements. If we continue with fire as our topic, the overlapping of the Geo Realm and Fire Realm results in the element of magma.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Magus Kane agreed. ¡°This system, however, is created only for our understanding as a sapient. Nothing says it has to work this way¡ªand because it doesn¡¯t¡ªthere¡¯s holes.¡±


    ¡°How can they even exist?¡± Val asked. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be plugged by the World Magocracy?¡±


    ¡°If we did so,¡± he said, ¡°our theories would fall apart. For this reason, until proven otherwise, we have what we call Pseudo-Elemental Gates. As you said, realms correlate to a gate and for the most part, it makes sense. Smoke and ash are derived from fire and thus belong to that gate. Sand and minerals are of earthen material and thus are in the hands of the geo gate. However, therein lies a problem¡ªa profound one.


    ¡°What if we hadn¡¯t known of the existence of fire? What if we knew of just the sub-elements smoke and ash, while being able to determine they originate from the same source,¡± he said, ¡°how would you assign it to a gate then? What in the world would be the gate you perceive in your mind¡¯s eye?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± The more she ruminated on the inquiry, the more she found herself bewildered, a finger on her chin. ¡°That wouldn¡¯t happen.¡±


    ¡°It already has,¡± he informed her. ¡°These Pseudo-Elemental Gates exist for the sole purpose of justifying our theory of sub and compound elements. We witness mages controlling vines, flowers, and wood¡ªoh, there must be a Gate of Plants connecting all of these elemental ensigns! Yet, what would that gate be?


    ¡°If one is bound to the Elemental Gate of Fire, they quite simply wield the element of fire. If a mage is bound to the Elemental Gate of Plants itself, it doesn¡¯t translate as properly because by definition¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d wield all the aspects categorized as plants,¡± she finished. ¡°That¡¯s insane!¡±


    ¡°And impossible,¡± he countered. ¡°Mostly, that is. Anomalies exist in every rule and will continue to do so as we fumble into understanding. From what we¡¯ve discovered, the Elemental Gates of Metal, Plants, Poison, Forces and Astrum are all Pseudo-Elemental Gates.¡±


    ¡°Forces?¡±


    ¡°There have been enough gravity mages exclaiming for the change and it should happen in the next year,¡± he supplied. ¡°And to answer your unasked question, yes you can be bound to these gates directly and not one of its commonplace secondary elements. I, myself, am bound to the Elemental Gate of Metal, not any sub-element under its realm. I estimate that you, Miss Efron, are too.¡±


    Val leaned back and stared at the ceiling. ¡°I¡¯m bound¡­ to a Pseudo-Elemental Gate.¡±


    ¡°I believe so,¡± he agreed. ¡°So few of us exist, we''re as rare as golds and it¡¯s not to our complete advantage. It¡¯s the reason you¡¯re having trouble casting. You¡¯re suffering from the misalignment of your will. It makes for nasty rebounds, as you¡¯ve evidently been having.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t throw up this time round, though,¡± Val gestured around the room with a small smile. ¡°Squeaky clean.¡±


    ¡°You grew resistant, yes,¡± he said, skimming right over the joke. ¡°It does not change the fact that you¡¯re not calling to anything in particular, so all your rewards that should have been gained in the mastery of a spell are lost due to it. Let¡¯s absolve that, shall we?¡±


    Out of his storage ring, he summoned an array of metals. A few were easy to understand with her past part-time job in a mine. The unmistakable sheen of rich yellow belonged to gold and the common colour equipped in most utensils pointed out silver.


    Most were unknown to her, like the molten slab to the far end of the line, radiating heat off its surface. That''s metal? Another moved while stationary, a paradox to her eyes so dumbfounding she had to look away to save her common sense.


    ¡°Lined here are a vast variety of metals, from magical to typical for you.¡± He rolled a hand towards them. ¡°You¡¯ve been calling out to them for a while. Now, focus on the metal that calls out to you the most.¡±


    Val exhaled, falling into a state of tranquility and listening for indications. The metals didn¡¯t speak, they resonated with her personality, her being, with her.


    All of them.


    The thought was freaky, like a crowd of a hundred people all gesturing to her without notice of one another. Weird.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to pick out the alto to her tenor, a contrapuntal harmony so meant to be they became one. Her eyes flitted around, looking for the second half of her will. Val was surprised at what she found.


    A piece of what could only be called pure ice rested on the floor, glazing the ground in a veneer of white glass. She pointed in its direction. ¡°I think that¡¯s the one.¡±


    Magus Kane¡¯s eyebrows arched.


    ¡°That was rather quick,¡± he muttered and the entire string of metals vanished at his snap. His gaze found Val¡¯s. ¡°So you chose coldsteel¡ªor Glaze, depending on who you ask. A metal of magical origins.¡±


    Resummoning it in his palm, he wrapped the material in a cover of aether and handed it to her. ¡°From what I saw... you¡¯re more of a Striker¡­¡± he said more to himself than her, whisking out a spellsheet from his pockets. ¡°Now, let¡¯s try again.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Val glanced at the paper in her hand.


    {Invocation} [Metal] Tier 1: Metal Orb


    Type: Utility


    ¡ú  moulding the prevalent metal into a fist-sized orb. Note: due to its discipline, it''s capable of being made into a subsequent spell.


    Core Hex Criterion


    Offence:


    ??????


    Defence:


    ??????


    Agility:


    ??????


    Malleability:


    ??????


    Health:


    ??????


    Special Effects:


    ??????


    Minor Hex Criterion


    Radius: N/A


    Incantation Tempo: Untroubled


    Energy Required: 2 AS


    It¡¯s invocation now, Val noticed. ¡°I hope I gain some ice traits or something.¡±


    ¡°You will not,¡± Magus Kane shut down her idea immediately. ¡°In your hand lies a slab of metal, nothing more, nothing less. It does happen to have incredibly high thermal conductivity, paired with an uncanny ability to remain solid. Science can¡¯t begin to explain its properties. However, for now¡ª¡± he stared pointedly at the spellsheet in her palms ¡°¡ªcast.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Val chuckled dryly, whispering, ¡°Absorb.¡±


    Information flowed through her mind and a flash of pink cleared the words from the page. The frame of the spell originally when conjured was form, used to call it into existence at your words. In an invocation spell, it turned into configure, wielding what was in your grasp and shaping it at your will.


    Adjusting, she reached into her inner self. There, orbiting around the Elemental Gate of Metal, was the powder-blue ensign of coldsteel. It grew incandescent at her call and Val¡¯s confidence swelled in tandem as she muttered her incantation. ¡°Metal Orb!¡±


    Her breath hitched in anticipation.


    Magus Kane¡¯s protective barrier of protective aether fizzled away and frost bit into her fingers, the brick of coldsteel slimming into a perfect sphere.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Val pumped a fist into the air. ¡°Yes, yes, yes, finally.¡±


    She cracked a wide smile, letting go of the orb as the low temperature nicked the heat out of her.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to its characteristics soon enough,¡± he said, his eyes smiling. ¡°It did choose you for a reason, and you did the same.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Val was a summer girl through and through. Winter, in her utter and honest opinion, sucked. Delayed buses, being wrapped in layers, the raise in rent¡ªthe list went on. But who cared?


    The muddy waters were clearing up.

 Chapter 21 - Discipline = Fun?

    Val fumbled with her keys as excitement ate away at her coordination, struggling to fit the piece of metal inside its slot. Bursting past the doors of her home, she threw her lanyard on the nearby ledge, whisked off her sneakers, shed her coat and raced past the carpeted antechamber. Slippery socks like skates on the newly-renovated floor, she could hardly control herself as she skid across the living room.


    The grand, awe-inspiring entrance was met with the loudest of snores.


    Caro and Andy conked out on the couch, limbs awry on the L-shaped furniture. Kenneth blinked at his breathless sister in the sliver of space he carved out for himself, no longer paying mind to the muted movie displayed on the low-end television. ¡°Judging by all that, I¡¯d say you come bearing good news.¡±


    ¡°Seems like a tale for another day, though¡± she smiled at the napping duo, fatigue authorizing its toll regardless of the caffeine the pair consumed over the day.


    Wrapping the sleepyheads in the spare covers packed away in the boys¡¯ bedroom, she tapped on Kenneth¡¯s shoulder. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s get you to bed. You¡¯ve got school tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to go?¡± Kenneth groaned. ¡°All anyone ever talks about is the size of their coffers. Coffers. Sis¡ªwho says that? Or better yet, who cares?¡±


    ¡°Try to make friends or something.¡±


    ¡°Hard to when the first question anyone asks me is which halo I come from.¡± Kenneth clicked his tongue. ¡°They know the answer, too.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find a way.¡± Val looped an arm around Kenneth¡¯s neck. ¡°You always do.¡±


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    Hall of Eons


    -Three days later-


    ¡°Novice Greene, head to the last door. Quickly.¡± Instructor Hawke¡¯s voice carried across the tight brick-and-plaster hall with ease, directing the last of the recruits to join a sprawling line.


    Stifling a yawn, Val¡¯s green-eyed gaze roamed the surroundings, absorbing the look of yet another room. Gone were the enchanted glass, crystal lights and edgeless chamber. Instead, ten doors put an end to the patterned walls, a queue of midborn sprouting out of each.


    Lacking the doorframe and the door itself, it was akin to a perfectly-arched and flawlessly-shaped hole, its obscured passage leading to an unknown area.


    Caro nudged her from behind, turning Val around. ¡°Wanna place a bet on what¡¯s on the other side?¡±


    ¡°After I bought you roast pork with my hard-earned money?¡± Val snorted. ¡°Dream on.¡±


    ¡°Scared, aren¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°More like smart, maybe?¡±


    ¡°Some of you have noticed the subtitles on your spellsheets, pestering me endlessly,¡± Instructor Hawke spoke over the din of chatter and a hush settled across the room. ¡°The activities set up today will shed light on the Six Disciplines of Magic.¡±


    She gestured to the series of opaque tunnels. ¡°Your goal of the day is to reach the end of the Discipline Corridor. All I ask of you is to internalize each action. Observe your instincts and discern which discipline aligns with you and your style. It is integral down the line.¡±


    Grabbing her sunglasses by the bridge, she let her dulled irises convey the weight of her words. ¡°Those first in line, go ahead.¡±


    Val breathed out any lingering anxiety and advanced into the pitch-dark corridor. Passing by a sheen at the threshold, ambient lighting disappeared in a matter of milliseconds.


    ¡®Please wait as the Discipline Corridor for Novice Efron is made as desired by Magus Hawke, Third-Class Adventurer.¡±


    She nearly jumped out of her own skin at the female voice ringing out inside the car-wide hall, the underlying hint of automation relieving a degree of the fright. I swear each piece of magitech is a jumpscare.


    ¡®Rendering¡­ 0%¡¯


    The automated voice informed, vibrations racking the soles of her feet as the ground rumbled ever-so-slightly.


    ¡®Rendering¡­ 33%¡¯


    At the next update, the faint earthquake ceased to exist. Silence pooled in an enveloping, eerie ring around Val, leaving her in the dark, in her thoughts and in her fears.


    ¡®Rendering¡­ 67%¡¯


    ¡®Rendering¡­ 99%¡¯


    ¡®Successfully rendered!¡¯


    At the latest notification, radiance blinded her to the point of seeing red behind closed eyelids. Braving the sudden light change and opening her eyes, she surveyed the mundane-looking hallway. Panel walls of the most unsaturated version of red¡ªbordering on pink¡ªhemmed Val¡¯s space, and a dark carpet rolled out across the entire stretch of the confined area. Going Ciazen-themed I guess.


    Enchanted bulbs shaded the hall a slight yellow, following Val as she bounded to the other end. Clad in her grey activewear and hair plaited into a tail-like braid, her body was unrestricted by unwanted fabrics as she leaned into a sprint.


    Crossing meters by the minute, she arrived at the end of the corridor, welcomed into a stone box of a room, drab and undecorated. One blue chest, accented by ivory metal and emblazoned with the age-old tree insignia of Age of Atera, rested against the wall, waiting to be opened. Searching for the route into the next stage, Val easily spotted a pathway on the other end of the chamber.


    Problem was, a broad gap cut off what would¡¯ve been a simple stroll towards the second stage, stretching from wall to wall. Inching over the precipice to glance below, she raised an eyebrow at the visible bottom, a little more than one-story high. Survivable.


    Deciding to take a look at the insides of the wooden crate, Val discovered two pieces of paper lying within. One carried the distinct tea-stained hue of a spellsheet and the other of coloured, recycled paper.


    Val began skimming through the second sheet, slowing down her pace as she swiftly grew intrigued and captivated. It went into detail on the Disciplines of Magic, giving her a base knowledge of the axes on which spellcraft operated.


    By definition, it seemed disciplines were the avenues of magic; they evoked varying reactions at times and other instances, identical phenomena. Just like Metal Orb.


    Both invocation and conjuration brought about the form of a coldsteel orb, yet went in different ways about it. One called it into existence, and another shaped it out of present material.


    The coloured page¡¯s bottom paragraphs aroused Val¡¯s innermost curiosity.


    TRAVERSAL DISCIPLINE ACTIVE DISCIPLINE ¡ªused by Hunters


    The Transversal Discipline is a subset of magic that encapsulates movement. It aids a mage¡¯s travel time, suppresses others¡¯ traversal ability, and transforms motion as a whole, allowing movement outside terrestrial bounds.


    Using the given spell, cross the gap to clear stage one.


    Val found it limiting to confine an entire discipline to movement alone¡ªthere were just six of them. How would a Hunter attack, defend, or heal themselves when the need arose? Let¡¯s see this spell first.


    {Traversal} [Metal] Tier 1: Metal Skates


    Type: Utility


    ¡ú conjuring two metal plates, a mage may hover leisurely in any direction with them at their feet.


    Core Hex Criterion


    Offence:


    ??????


    Defence:


    ??????


    Agility:


    ??????


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Malleability:


    ??????


    Health:


    ??????


    Special Effects:


    ??????


    Minor Hex Criterion


    Range: N/A


    Incantation Tempo: Multiplex


    Energy Required: 10 AS


    Only one point in agility? The colour was diluted as well, meaning its potency wasn¡¯t up to that one full point.


    ¡°Absorb.¡± After the flash of pink, Val braced herself for the flow of information. Even after assimilating three spellsheets up to now, the odd sensation of foreign knowledge becoming something next to second-hand nature was icky. It felt akin to invisible puppet strings pulling at her neurons. Almost like my eye twitching after a long day of work, but instead¡­ it¡¯s my brain? My thoughts?


    Shaking off the ghost of the peculiar sensation, she internalized the frames of Metal Skates. It was dissimilar from the Metal Spike from before, with levitate being added alongside movement. It didn¡¯t flow as well as the other syllables she¡¯d used and she couldn¡¯t tell if it was because of lack of use or a style change.


    Elemental ensign burning within, Val casted her spell. ¡°Metal Skates!¡±


    Immediately, she grew half an inch in height as a freezing sheet of coldsteel manifested beneath her combat boots. Teeth chattering against her will, she ordered the pair of levitating plates to ascend a few inches off the ground.


    It obeyed and in thirty excruciating seconds, she gained flight. Unfortunately, the sudden stoppage of movement once she reached the desired height, even at the speed of an old snail, disoriented Val and she slipped off the skates. Though she landed safely, the spell vanished into particles the moment she stepped away, wasting exactly ten of her twelve aether strands.


    She sighed.


    There was a long, long way to go.


    A half hour of meditation and a full Aetherial Vessel later, Val gave it another try. Succeeding in vertically-inclined motion, she attempted the horizontal plane and decided it was a far easier task than the former. Not one to lose due to overconfidence, she trained for the few seconds she could cast it¡ªthe spell constantly requiring energy¡ªand made up her mind to cross the gap after refilling her AV.


    The third time around, taking to the air was as easy as plucking an open string on a guitar. Soon, she hovered over to the gap, traveling a grand meter per minute. However, the moment she glided over the crevice in full and gazed down, the height difference became disorienting¡ªshe felt higher up.


    Waving her arms in desperate circles to keep her balance for a few seconds, Val nosedived into the gaping hole below. Her descent halted inches from the lower floor, a deadly plunge slowing to a slow crawl before ceasing altogether.


    ¡°Ow!¡± she mumbled, left to freefall a few inches off the ground. A door rumbled open at the crevice¡¯s side, the words ¡®alternate exit¡¯ etched above.


    Sighing once more, she sifted a hand through her hair. Stage one: failed.


    ¡­


    If not for missing the gap barring Val¡¯s route to stage two, the next room would¡¯ve been identical to its predecessor. Instead, an apparatus fixed the door shut, consisting of a dial attached to a downwards thermometer-shaped hole. A Glazen square hung within.


    Naturally, Val cracked the chest open to survey what the spell at hand was, and how it could help open the sealed passageway to the next stage.


    DISCIPLINE OF INVOCATION ACTIVE DISCIPLINE ¡ªused by Strikers


    The Discipline of Invocation is the offensive handling of elements present. Inherent fluidity cocoons every spell, allowing for instinctual, constant control that is found to be lacking or completely unavailable in other disciplines.


    Using the given spell, unlock the door to clear stage two.


    Val¡¯s smile at the start of the discipline detail broadened to a grin as she read on. The discipline felt crafted personally for her, an avenue resonant with her philosophy. It lacks firepower, though. That had always been a weakness of hers and it¡¯d be a shame if the fact crossed over into her ability in spellcraft.


    Scratching her head at the complication, she glanced at the spellsheet in her grasp.


    {Invocation} [Metal] Tier 1: Metallic Reformation


    Type: Utility, Combative ¡ª Unskewed


    ¡ú change the shape of the desired metal to what is in mind. Note, due to using the Discipline of Invocation, energy expense to control thereafter of the same reformed metal is at the minimum and can be weaved into other spells.


    Core Hex Criterion


    Offence:


    ??????


    Defence:


    ??????


    Agility:


    ??????


    Malleability:


    ??????


    Health:


    ??????


    Special Effects:


    ??????


    Minor Hex Criterion


    Radius: Dependent on the mage


    Incantation Tempo: Dependent on the mage


    Energy Required: 5 AS


    Walking over to the door, Val surveyed the rig stopping her entry to the next stage. Shaped like a head-sized lock, digits lined the edge of the dial. One of the numbers was bolded, and a coldsteel cube dangled from the device beneath.


    Val tugged on the string using the metal block as a handle and the needle on the dial shifted. Trying to pull it further to round the hand over to the bolded number, the cube became stuck as its shape caught in the hollow tube, unable to progress with its sharp ridges. Oh, I get it.


    ¡°Absorb,¡± she whispered, surprised at the number of frames the spell possessed. Reciting it internally and deciding to wing it, she casted it the following second. ¡°Metallic Reformation.¡±


    The cube soaked up its edges in her grasp, curving out to become a sphere. With intuitive ease, Val tugged the string by moving the cube of metal downwards mentally. Once it aligned with the emboldened number, a distinct click echoed.


    Unlocked, the door shifted open and a small smile bloomed on Val¡¯s lips. In comparison to the Traversal Discipline, invocation had felt like an easy stroll despite the longer incantation time. Surprisingly easy.


    Though the hallway called out to her, she batted the temptation away and sat cross-legged in an attempt to absolve her half-full AV.


    ¡­


    Val¡¯s archenemy glared at her from across the room of the third stage.


    Three of them, actually.


    A trio of stands barricaded her from the next level, paper films sitting leisurely on the wooden structures¡¯ ledge. The very same unblemished targets she failed to hit a few days ago sat unbothered, the crux of the false belief that she could not cast.


    Time to leave that mentality behind.


    Unfurling the discipline detail page, Val¡¯s eyes flitted back and forth, eyebrows raising once she reached the end.


    DISCIPLINE OF CONJURATION ACTIVE DISCIPLINE ¡ªused by Supports


    The Discipline of Conjuration is the optimal usage of the offensive segment of the arcane. Stringing frame after frame, its pronounced spells wire power and competency within, able to cast spells of unseen levels of destruction. However, since most details need to be added while casting, it remains rigid and carries long incantation times.


    Using the given spell, strike all the targets to clear stage three.


    Rather than the tiny spells woven back-to-back common in invocation, conjuration was one sweeping spell to deal away with all opponents. One discipline sacrificed power for fluidity, and the other, fluidity for power. Couldn¡¯t I fix that by using both disciplines?


    Nodding her head at what could be the solution to the inherent problem of the disciplines, Val observed the familiar spell¡ªMetal Spike.


    She chuckled at the uncanniness and got straight to work. Weaving frame after frame, she expressed her will to the Elemental Gate of Metal and its orbiting ensign of Glaze. As its countenance brightened, she readied her aim and invoked the spell that once consumed her confidence. ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    A barb of hardened, ice-coloured metal popped into life, rushing over to her desired target. It¡¯s a bit off.


    Val tweaked it using the movement frame in the needed direction the same way she had for Metallic Reformation. Her will bounced off the spell and it continued to impale the film at its edge. Rigid indeed.


    The door to the next stage ticked, indicating that a pierced target wherever was as fine as one in the center.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± she muttered. Nothing better than something making her life easier.


    Taking a seat, Val conducted her meditative breathing techniques, clearing the mind and ruminating on the three disciplines learned so far.


    Each she¡¯d been able to cast, though to a varying degree of proficiency. Metal Skates worked yet, in the grand scheme of things, wouldn¡¯t be put to use in a method worthy of its utility by her.


    There was this junk accompanied by the discipline she couldn¡¯t shake, like the frustration of scratching against an unwanted guitar string midsong. Proper technique solved that problem, but it seemed it¡¯d be a permanent feeling for the Traversal Discipline.


    To her, it wasn¡¯t an ultimate loss. Metal wasn¡¯t the best for moving anyway.


    Invocation, if described in a word, was amazing. The philosophy of swift, liquidy movements paired beautifully with her style of quick strikes, quick feet and quick parries. Perhaps, once she got to the defensive disciplines, she might be able to create the handy shield from her time within the Tripartite Trial when need be. Won¡¯t have to carry it all day long, either.


    And at last, the Discipline of Conjuration looked to be a discipline for those far off, like the archers and blaster-users of today. The long incantation times probably made them a liability for a while, which seemed off-putting.


    She couldn¡¯t imagine being a sitting duck as a Stormcrawler lumbered in her direction. For better or for worse, the requirement for aim all but eliminated Val. Aim, thankfully, was something capable of being learned.


    All things considered, she was surprised that for the first time three weeks into her obligatory training, she was having¡­ fun. The vagueness created by the Laws was evaporating and her knowledge of spellcraft was ascending.


    Her chances for Life¡¯s Hymn morphed into something more than hope as she became a better mage.


    With a full Aetherial Vessel and a hungry desire for more, Val rose to steady feet, ravenous eyes on the remaining targets.


    Time to get to stage four.

 Chapter 22 - Drawbacks & Duties

    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    Hall of Eons


    -One week later-


    Element(s): Metal¡ªSub-Element: Coldsteel


    Discipline Corridor Performance


    Stage One [Traversal Discipline] - Failed


    Stage Two [Discipline of Invocation] - Cleared


    Stage Three [Discipline of Conjuration] - Cleared


    Stage Four [Discipline of Manipulation] - Failed


    Stage Five [Discipline of Fortification] - Failed


    Stage Six [Discipline of Alteration¡ªSubset Tested: Attenuation] - Failed


    Estimated Path of Novice Efron: Striker


    Same old, same old.


    The past tedious week had been spent within the Discipline Corridor, redoing the same exercises relentlessly. Results proved conclusive, as Instructor Hawke would answer, though Val believed damning to be the better word. It was gratifying that her brain seemed hardwired to invocation; the few spells memorized became more than techniques¡ªthey were additional limbs to aid her in times of need.


    That was where it ended, sadly.


    Besides conjuration, a lingering strain trailed each discipline, resulting in a failed spell or nothing at all. With a sigh, she chucked the crumpled DCP report into the nearby trash and popped a candy in her mouth.


    Clad in a dark long-sleeve that seamlessly fell over her black cargo pants, her pastel windbreaker and coffee-coloured winter boots gave her outfit a much-needed pop. On the upside, she entered the debrief room in clothes she picked¡ªcomfortable, fashionable, and winter-friendly.


    Attention glued to her phone, Caro carried on oblivious to the looks snuck her way. Her grey sweater-dress draped over denim pants and she styled her crimson curls half-up in a bun, the rest cascading down the length of her back to match her painted nails. Surprised no one¡¯s sent any anonymous gifts yet.


    Slipping through the rows of school desks, Val dragged a plastic chair out and sat. ¡°Thanks for dropping off my brothers. Got a few extra hours of sleep.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just shocked you asked for help before you became a sleep-deprived undead vying for coffee from the depths of the most unsaintly corners.¡± She threw a thumbs-up. ¡°Shows improvement!¡±


    ¡°Hilarious,¡± Val deadpanned, face blank. ¡°Andy wasn¡¯t too bad?¡±


    Caro avoided eye contact. ¡°No comment.¡±


    Val tapped her shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re the best.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know.¡± She arched her shoulder and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll be expecting a LIE gift card under my pillow tonight.¡±


    ¡°Is there still time to retract my compliment?¡±


    ¡°Never.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Instructor Hawke addressed the class, cutting across their conversation. ¡°How did you guys take the Discipline Corridor? Any last questions before the upcoming test?¡±


    A hand shot up in an instant.


    Instructor Hawke muttered under her breath at the person in question. ¡°Go ahead, Novice Alfred.¡±


    Alfred rose from his seat, placing an earnest palm on his chest. ¡°You see, I¡¯m a geo mage. With an element like that, aren¡¯t I supposed to be versed in the Discipline of Fortification?¡±


    He raised a sheet, cheeks flared. ¡°On the DCP, it says I failed that stage for the fifth time. I¡¯ve only passed manipulation and conjuration, but that won¡¯t help me when I plan on becoming a Bulwark. What are the chances of me specializing as a decent defensive mage?¡±


    Earning nods from a good slice of the room, a fire burned under his speech. ¡°Fifty percent of the class with elements similar to mine have the same problem¡ªhalf of us can¡¯t cast any fortifying spells! Only, it seems, invocation!¡±


    ¡°Stop yelling, it¡¯s unbecoming of a mage when uncalled for,¡± she berated.


    ¡°But¡ª!¡±


    ¡°I said stop.¡± Instructor Hawke lounged her forearms on the podium, not bothering to add an iota of aura behind her words. Stray conversations were extinguished and eyes previously on devices badly-hidden underneath desks were raised.


    ¡°That¡¯s what specialization is for. During the first week of school, you¡¯ll be passed through a process where you gain an understanding of the desired discipline at the price of limiting the rest. Does it help to be versed in the discipline beforehand? Of course,¡± she answered her own question. ¡°At the end of it all, yes, if you desire that Path it will become a reality. The World Magocracy ensures it.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± The wind in his sails vanished. ¡°Will I still be able to use manipulation?¡±


    ¡°Only if you¡¯re talented enough to push through the limitations,¡± she answered. ¡°That remains to be seen. Any other questions?¡±


    Val¡¯s head tilted slightly to the side at the implication of the instructor¡¯s words. Her common understanding was that it was required to be adept in each discipline in order to become an able mage. The instructor eradicated any notion of that kind, informing the class that a mage was forced onto a single discipline¡ªto tread down one path, no matter the drawbacks, unless talented enough to be in the minority.


    Yet, a deeper problem existed.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Val pushed her chair back as she stood. ¡°Invocation is directive¡ªI need my element present to cast.¡±


    ¡°Correct.¡±


    ¡°Metal isn¡¯t common when walking about though, especially when considering my sub-element. If one day, I specialize in invocation and become unable to use the Discipline of Conjuration, how would I cast? Wouldn¡¯t I be¡­ useless?¡±


    ¡°Who says you aren¡¯t right now?¡± Flamesworth jabbed in.


    Caro shot her a withering glare. ¡°And we asked for your opinion when?¡±


    ¡°Girls, quiet or outside. Choose one.¡±


    The pair¡¯s chin snapped up. The Magus continued at the lack of rebuttals. ¡°Habitually, metal mages become Bulwarks, focusing on fortification and omitting the requirement of needing proximate sources. You could always specialize in that Path when the time comes.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t,¡± Val confessed. In far recesses of her mind, she believed herself a wielder of an Aether Artifact. Invocation worked best with a close-range weapon and a single glance at Aster conveyed her intention to the mage.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± the instructor said. ¡°Cases like yours can be solved by two general methods. The first is to just bring the element along with you. However, the optimal way is, and forever will be, familiars. Fair warning. They are expensive. The lowest of their kind starts at 100K Qun.¡±


    ¡°100, 000 rednotes?¡± Caro exclaimed. ¡°That¡¯s unreal.¡±


    ¡°Which is why you¡¯ll see the first method around often,¡± the instructor said. ¡°It¡¯s cost-efficient.¡±


    Val frowned at the prospect. She understood why the World Magocracy likely began the entire system. It ensured mages didn¡¯t find themselves in Alfred¡¯s situation¡ªbound to an element yet paired with a clashing discipline. However, that forced those happy where they were to move into a slot, restraining their routes unless talented enough to be in the minority.


    ¡°Could I say no to this¡­ ¡®rite of specialization?¡¯¡± Val asked.


    ¡°On the condition that you want to become a rogue mage,¡± the Magus nodded. ¡°Be my guest.¡±


    At the counter, she had no choice except to return to her seat. This doesn¡¯t bode well.


    ¡°If that is all,¡± Instructor Hawke tapped her sheets on the lectern. ¡°Make sure you and your designated team are ready for the upcoming test this afternoon. Those who pass go on to become adventurers. Everyone else? You require an extra week of training. Dismissed.¡±


    <hr>


    Stretching the shorts that hiked up after sitting for minutes on end, Val jogged across the EC-room to join her team huddle.


    ¡°Okay, everyone. Let¡¯s not mess up like the other groups, yeah?¡± Novice Alfred traced the five gazes within the circle.


    Flamesworth scrunched up her nose, her pale face wrinkling as she squinted. ¡°If there''s anyone who has to watch out on this randomized team, it''d be you, a Bulwark who can¡¯t cast any fortification spells.¡± She flicked her head at Val. "And Miss non-existent ASC over here.¡±


    ¡°Hey I got that handled,¡± he countered. ¡°And so does Val.¡±


    The girl rolled her hazel eyes. ¡°If you say so.¡±


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    ¡°Alright enough, role call. Now.¡±


    ¡°Novice Yukio, Hunter.¡±


    ¡°Novice Efron, Striker.¡±


    ¡°Novice Flamesworth, Support.¡±


    ¡°Novice Greene, Anchor.¡±


    ¡°Novice Alfred, Bulwark. Alright team,¡± he called out, ¡°We forge, we fight!¡±


    ¡°We live with might!¡±


    Breaking out of the meeting, the set of teammates filled out the bench behind. Novice Yukio climbed onto the hoisted platform of an authentic Casting Circle a few meters in front, insides fogged by energy force shields.


    Val took a knee within a red circle, the chalk on the smooth floors nearly an eyesore. She leaned into the Congruence of Prevalent Essence in hopes the timed breaths would ease her fidgeting.


    ¡°Team Alfred.¡± Instructor Hawke strolled up to the Novices, giving a satisfied nod at their positions. ¡°If you pass the test, you are considered full-fledged adventurers of Age of Atera. I understand if you cannot cast the correct discipline to accomplish your task. However, I ask for the same result. Am I heard?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Instructor Hawke!¡±


    ¡°Good. As is required, I¡¯ll read out the responsibilities expected out of each and every one of you once you step foot in a rift. These are big tasks and this test doesn¡¯t begin to display a sliver of what to expect in the real deal,¡± she informed. ¡°That being said, trust your training. It will assist you more than it will ever hinder you.¡±


    It was the moment Instructor Hawke¡¯s pitch-black shades landed on Val did she notice her unmoving hand. Her heart remained steady and the grip on her sheathed weapon firm. I¡¯m ready.


    ¡°We go in order,¡± the instructor announced, sauntering away to the connected viewing room. ¡°Hunter, be at the ready.¡±


    Yukio Yamamato was East Continental, his name uncommon by Zingese standards of the southern sects. He stood no taller than Val at 5¡¯6, dark eyes peeking out beneath his raven bangs. Brandishing his kunai and spinning it in his grasp, he lowered himself into a wide stance as a cloudhound foamed into a full shape.


    ¡°Lightning Steps.¡±


    The pungent odour of ozone pervaded the air, sneaking past the protective measures to invade Val''s nostrils. Casting a traversal spell, teal bolts scattered at Yamamoto¡¯s feet.


    ¡°As a hunter, you are the dagger of the team,¡± Instructor Hawke¡¯s voice resounded through the many sound crystals in the room.


    Yamamoto paid no mind and rushed at the summon, a hundred meters away. Once he reached the hound¡¯s vicinity, it barked in bewilderment, confused as he disappeared from its vision with a simple sidestep.


    ¡°You reside in the planes of obscurity and speed, allowing you to get in, cut a fatal blow to the enemy, and get out.¡±


    From the rear, Novice Yamamto stabbed his weapon through the cloudhound¡¯s neck and a spray of mist-like liquid ejected outwards. Retrieving his kunai, he darted out of the ring using the last of the electrical energy filling his veins, finishing his turn in the span of ten seconds.


    Val didn¡¯t wait to hop into the field. Uncovering her arm-length weapon, she threw the sheath outside the force field. Gripping the hilt of her weapon in one hand, she stretched out the other and began to recite the incantation to one of her spells.


    ¡°Striker, you are the blade of any squad.¡±


    Instructor Hawke¡¯s summon raced across the Casting Circle. Remaining idle as it bounded forward, she dodged underneath the dog''s leaping attack, slicing its bottom with an arcing strike of her sword.


    ¡°You are entrusted to slay a singular enemy as swiftly as you blink, responsible for taking care of the major threats with ease.¡±


    It whimpered, licking its injured wounds. Val didn¡¯t waste the opportunity. ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    ¡°Your team relinquishes all close-range attacks to you. Ensure that you deliver.¡±


    The air temperature dropped.


    Conjuring a Glazen nail at its feet, she was appalled to find the summon swerve to the side in a quick roll. I¡¯m not letting you off that easy.


    Letting the spell settle, Val wove the invocation frame of configure into the misaimed spell. The spike elongated and curved unnaturally, warping its sharp end to the right and finding her target. While thrilled at her success¡ªevident by the small smile on her lips¡ªshe exited the ring seconds after the confirmed kill.


    ¡°Supports, you are the arrows. Contrary to your name, you become the catalyst of destruction.¡±


    Flamesworth ambled in at the instructor''s words, taking the time to crack each of her fingers. Hand outstretched, her lips moved swiftly as she uttered an incantation.


    Four cloudhounds appeared this time, barking as they ran toward the idle mage.


    ¡°Utilize the real estate of casting spells beyond your rank, leveling droves of enemies from afar.¡±


    She¡¯s still reciting? Val, alongside her teammates on the bench, winced as Flamesworth remained motionless, concentrating on a spell possessing an obscene incantation time. The hounds were nearly upon the Auricean¡ªcrossing the last twenty meters¡ªwhen the fire mage finally opened her eyes.


    ¡°You are in charge of all long-range attacks.¡±


    A frightening grin split her Flamesworth¡¯s lips, hazel irises taking on a crimson glow. ¡°Fire Barrage!¡±


    An array of four fireballs burned around her, erasing the lingering chill of Val¡¯s spell. Chasing after the hounds using some kind of homing system to make up for conjuration¡¯s lack of freedom, it did away with each hound in a matter of three seconds. Heavens.


    The light in an elementalist¡¯s eyes was a milestone any Novice would be happy to reach. The Mage¡¯s Mark, as it was often called, spoke of ample elemental affinity. Regular for the average mage, scary for a Novice four weeks into her career.


    A smirk dosed in a healthy amount of arrogance spread across her face. Novice Flamesworth flicked her red hair up as if to flaunt her status to the audience, meandering off as the next mage scampered in.


    ¡°Boy does she piss me off,¡± Alfred muttered.


    ¡°Anchors, you are the crux of survival within rifts.¡±


    Novice Greene readied herself, eyes narrowed in concentration. Three cloudhounds were summoned for her, more than Val¡¯s and yet less than the stuck-up fire mage.


    ¡°Your crowd control skills saves lives and enables defensive constructs with limitless range.¡±


    Howling at the ceilings as one, the summons ran in her direction.


    ¡°Field of Roses!¡±


    A layer of luxuriant roses bloomed across the entire battlefield ring, as if spring. Sharp thorns marked the green stems, slowing down the cloudhounds as they refrained from stepping inside the death trap.


    ¡°As per your name, you anchor your team in stability and render the enemy motionless with your spells.¡±


    ¡°A Rose¡¯s Grasp!¡±


    The transition was brutal¡ªfrom docile, nice-looking plants to vicious shrubbery hungry for prey. Stems snatched and ensnared the summons and it wasn¡¯t long before they disappeared with a poof, unable to recieve the sustained damage. Fortification and manipulation.


    Val was starting to realize she wasn¡¯t the only creative mage inside the room.


    Novice Greene high-fived Novice Alfred on the way out. ¡°You got this.¡±


    He dipped his chin in, exhaling. ¡°You know it.¡±


    ¡°Bulwarks, you are the bastion of defence, the shield to all, carrying a burden you alone share.¡±


    One cloudhound materialized, thrice the size of its siblings, reaching Val¡¯s height on all-fours.


    ¡°Earthen Block!¡±


    Novice Alfred conjured a slab of packed-dirt as tall as him, yet he didn¡¯t throw it as one would expect. Instead, while the jumbo-cloudhound leaped in his direction, he casted three more. Lining the corners of each brick, his hard work created a square-shaped barrier around himself. He¡¯s planning on waiting it out.


    ¡°As the first line you must paradoxically act as the last line. When you fall there remains a high chance that your teammates will follow after you.¡±


    Alfred grunted as he kept his wall afloat with his body alone. He leaned hard against the walls as the summon clawed, furiously wanting its victory. Val sucked in an anxious breath, spectating what could be the end of their month of hell amidst a line of nervous midborn¡ªher teammates.


    Root yourself,¡± Instructor Hawke commanded, ¡°and become immovable.¡±


    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Val muttered, attention on Alfred, ¡°just thirty seconds more.¡±


    The time limit stretched on for years and, as it ran out, the giant summon disappeared in a grand show of light. The walls of earth disassembled and he collapsed onto the ground, hands on his forehead as he heaved hefty ounces of air.


    Novice Greene bolted to the Casting Circle, her bob of blonde hair bouncing at the movement. ¡°You okay?¡±


    ¡°...yeah,¡± Alfred managed to get out. He gave her a thankful nod, turning to the one-way glass. ¡°She¡¯s not finished just yet.¡±


    ¡°Pillars,¡± Instructor Hawke went on inside the viewing room. ¡°Embody your namesake and become the columns that props the entirety of your group forward. Whether you supplement your allies or attenuate the enemy, your spells are the ones we ride or die on. You are the reason a team can continue to fight battle after battle.


    ¡°These are the duties sworn upon each Path and since this batch of trainees happens to have no Pillars¡­¡± Instructor Hawke paused, and Val could hear the slightest of smiles in her tone. ¡°You all pass.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Woohoo!¡±


    Novice Greene and Alfred fist-bumped.


    Flamesworth dusted a shoulder. ¡°You''re welcome.¡±


    The EC-room panels slid aside and Instructor Hawke entered through, tapping furiously on a tablet. ¡°I will register you all as tested today; however, it¡¯d be smart to remember that nothing is permanent until rite of specialization. You all have roughly seven months left of experimentation. Use it.


    Instructor Hawke passed them a folder. ¡°Being an official adventurer means more access, and more access means more floors to wander. Explore while you can and for the last time¡ªdismissed.¡±


    Val conducted a mage¡¯s bow, palm across the chest and the other idle against the thigh. ¡°Thank you, Instructor Hawke!¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± a few of her teammates echoed, ambling out of the room as the next group filed in. Val followed suit, cleaning off beads of her sweat and fighting off thoughts of hitting the showers. First, phone.


    Heading back inside the viewing room and picking up her device, it buzzed within her hand. Val opened the chat at once.


    CareBear: did ya pass?


    Val grinned, pads of her finger flying across the digital keyboard.


    Valory. E.: Alfred somehow came through


    CareBear: aye nicee, u know what this means?


    Valory. E.: ¡­no?


    CareBear: shopping time!


    <hr>


    Several hundred rednotes lighter, two Strikers loitered in the guildhall¡¯s ground floor. The pair beheld the bulletin board spanning across the mahogany walls. Brimming with quests, notices, exclamation marks and vivid colours vying for their attention, it wasn¡¯t hard for an unsuccessful fifteen minutes to fly by.


    Her attention couldn¡¯t help wander to her clothing and took an absurd amount of self restraint to withhold her grin. Decked out in full adventurer attire, she swept her cloak away to note the toolbelt attached to the soft pelt. Lucent capsules sparkled in the light. The liquids trapped inside rocked as her fingers slid by.


    Seven lapis-blue crystals sat in the repositories, each an aether potion used to regenerate energy on-the-go. The rest were varying elixirs, able to boost aspects from her cognitive ability to her elemental affinity. On the verge of cataloging the few scrolls she could afford to buy, Caro drew her attention.


    ¡°Oh, I found a good one!¡±


    Val followed her friend¡¯s gaze, scanning the sheets pinned onto the request board. ¡°In need of two bodyguards to watch my daughter train.¡±


    ¡°Nah, not that one.¡± She shook her head and jabbed a finger elsewhere. ¡°This one.¡±


    ¡°A squad looking for two temporary Strikers. Will be asked to come on later jobs if determined to be qualified,¡± Val enunciated. ¡°First Dive @Copper Rift: Ashless Forest. Temporary fills will receive all the energy cores harvested. Time required to meet up: Febus 17 at 8:00 am.¡±


    ¡°Sooo.¡± Caro pointed at the paper. ¡°We in?¡±


    Val plucked the pin off and snatched it, beginning the walk to the registration desk. ¡°Definitely.¡±

 Extra Tidbit II - Shopping Time!

    The aroma of scented soap perfumed the elevator, a soft whir in the background as it lingered on the ground-floor. Fluttering particles infiltrated her windbreaker, soothing the fatigue gained during the month of hell. It took a conscious effort to not slide away into a lulled nap.


    Caro rolled a hand across the button panel, as if she was showcasing it in an auction. ¡°Where we heading first?¡±


    Humming, Val¡¯s finger roamed the options, until a familiar button stole her attention. ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°Floor Forty-five¡­¡± She whisked out the folder given by Instructor Hawke, eyes flitting back and forth as she reread the script. ¡°The Scribal Branch.¡± Lines creased her brow. ¡°What on Spiravale is that?¡±


    ¡°Something important.¡± Pressing the number, Val felt her weight increase as the elevator ascended upwards. ¡°Plus, I know someone there, she could give us tips.¡±


    The shaft dinged as they reached the 45th floor, sliding open to display the circular foyer. ¡°Watch yourself,¡± Val warned as they exited the silenced area, a bombardment of clamour crashing their eardrums. She sifted through the crowd like an expert, taking the right turns, and heading down the correct detours.


    As the desks staffed by young clerks came into view, she sighted Charlee at the receptionist''s table. Perfect. Head cradled in a palm, Charlee¡¯s mind seemed far off. Idle gaze roaming the branch, her blank expression brightened once she spotted Val. ¡°Hey girl!¡±


    ¡°Charlee, hi,¡± Val leaned on the counter, gesturing to the mage by her side. ¡°I¡¯d like you to meet Caro, a friend from the Second Halo.¡±


    ¡°The prodigy of the midborn class,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s always great to encounter a growing legend.¡±


    ¡°The same,¡± Caro grinned. ¡°Heard you¡¯re undefeatable at a game of Battle. I¡¯d love to test that rumour some time.¡±


    ¡°Anyday, anytime,¡± the enchanter smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll be right here.¡±


    ¡°I have a feeling I¡¯ll regret introducing you two,¡± Val muttered. ¡°Won¡¯t get any sleep.¡±


    Caro laughed. ¡°That''s a you problem.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I don¡¯t agree,¡± Charlee added. ¡°Alright, I know you didn¡¯t come here just to talk. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°So, we finished our obligatory training a few hours ago,¡± Val supplied. ¡°We¡¯re wondering what to buy as Novice adventurers, or if there are items we should own as Strikers specifically.¡±


    ¡°I got you covered, just give me a sec.¡± Rising to her feet, Charlee left her station through the swaying doors. Her blue robes disappeared in the sea of adventurers, hidden by mages taller than even Caro. She came jogging back with scrolls stacked higher than her eyeline, a paper tower wobbling at each step.


    The girls gave her a hand in placing it on the desk, and Charlee nodded to them both.


    These¡ª¡± she gestured to the rolled-up papers, tied by ribbons varying in colour¡ª ¡°are all the types of enchantments I¡¯d advise you to get. Six healing scrolls each, three at G1, two at G2 and one at G3.¡±


    She pointed to the red-ribboned scroll first, the orange-ribboned next and the green-ribboned. Yet another colour-based system.


    ¡°The rest are manipulative spells. In the case your Anchor is compromised, these will slow the aether creatures enough to give you time to run and survive. A key aspect of diving,¡± Charlee motioned to the surroundings. ¡°Ask anyone else, they¡¯ll tell you the same.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Charlee.¡± Val plucked the scrolls, stuffing them into her bag. ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it now,¡± Charlee said, waving the fee away. ¡°As new adventurers, we¡¯re required to put your purchases under a tab. You can pay it off on your own time in a month¡¯s time with a 30% discount¡±


    Caro¡¯s face glowed. ¡°That means I can go on a shopping spree¡­ without limits.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go too hard, though. Your future self would hate you for that.¡± Charlee chuckled. ¡°I¡¯d recommend heading to the Adventurer¡¯s Market next to get a couple of magitech tools. The Artisan¡¯s branch is also there, so you can grab garments, charms and everything in between suited for diving.


    ¡°Noted,¡± Val said, mentally jotting the details in her brain.


    ¡°And I would hold off on entering the smithery until you have enough rednotes to get something actually worth buying. They don¡¯t tell you this, but your instructor is obligated to give you at least one weapon.¡±


    ¡°For real?¡± Caro asked.


    Charlee nodded. ¡°Instead, spend the rest on getting essential tonics like aether potions, elemental boost elixirs and the like. Those carry you a long way.¡±


    ¡°Appreciate it, Charles.¡±


    Charlee smiled so wide, her eyes vanished into two, happy lines. ¡°Anytime, Val.¡±


    ~


    As the lift doors yawned open, they arrived at another floor.


    A wave of pressure submerged Val, possessing elemental accents that shocked her synapses to oblivion. The weight of an ocean, the searing heat of the sun, the eroding edge of dust¡ªall of it mixed into an explosion overriding her senses.


    Someone looped a necklace around her neck and, in a blink, the overwhelming feeling vanished. She gasped, resurfacing into reality. Woah.


    ¡°You good?¡± Caro rubbed circles on her back. ¡°For a minute, you looked like how I did on the Grav-line.¡±


    Val swallowed as she nodded, getting out a ¡°Just fine.¡±


    ¡°My deepest apologies, adventurer.¡± An attendant to the side bowed, his face warped in a grimace. ¡°Adventurers on this floor aren¡¯t instructed to reign in their aura. I recommend keeping the protective ward on your person. Once again, I apologize.¡±


    ¡°No worries.¡± Val played with the glass sphere, refracting light in every direction ¡°I happen to be more sensitive, is all.¡±


    He bowed once more, gesuturing to the left. ¡°Beginners like yourselves should take this route. It contains goods applicable to you and carries adventurers of your level.¡±


    At his word, the pair walked into the far side of Adventurer¡¯s Market, void of distraction. If not for taking an elevator to arrive, she would¡¯ve mistaken herself outside in a flea market. I suppose it¡¯s close enough to one.


    The broad cobblestone leading from the arching entrance split into three paths, hemmed by timber-themed stores of all kinds. It ranged from advanced structures of clear-coated, glossy walls of lumber to the austere, cabin-style buildings with logs nailed together.


    Chatting adventurers strolled by, bags and snacks in hand as lamps lit the way, azure flames dancing within. The ceiling appeared to be another sheen, glamoured to portray the night sky. It¡¯s pretty accurate too, Val noticed as they walked among others. While rusty in stargazing, she still remembered a little of what her dad taught her.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Oh we are definitely going here,¡± Caro grinned up at a building named Affordable Jeweller¡¯s House. Upon entering, they took a shine to the store. An array of ornaments lined the wooden walls and shelves, allure hanging on every corner. Glittery necklaces hung on mannequins, bangles dangled on posts, and piercings of varying styles swayed on hooks¡ªall appealing to the girls.


    ¡°Look at these bracelets, Val!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be hard to wear while wielding a great axe.¡±


    ¡°I know but¡­ the rosegold goes so well with my aesthetic.¡±


    ¡°Think twice, Caro. Think twice.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she sighed, hanging back where it belonged. ¡°Another time.¡±


    ¡°Cee, I need you to see this necklace. It''s super¡­. hold on.¡± Val squinted at the tag. ¡°Three hundred bucks¡ªare they mad?¡±


    ¡°This one¡¯s worth two grand.¡±


    ¡°Who considers any of this affordable?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just keep looking.¡±


    As Val sifted through the never-ending options, she soon came to realize, to her dismay, that none of the items here would do her any good within a rift. Or were too costly to buy. At most, the jewellery displayed could be worn to fancy dinners with the benefit of a couple extra perks.


    ¡°The whole shop¡¯s meh. Like look at those hoops,¡± Caro hissed. ¡°Who wears hoops the size of onion rings to a fight?¡±


    Val sighed, on the verge of giving up, until she discovered a set of piercings not as flashy as the others. It was a dull grey, with three tooth-shaped ornaments connected by a sleek piece of metal. She plucked it off its shelf and read the tag.


    A Windblade¡¯s Wolf¡¯s Favour


    In honour of its past owner, the wearer gains the favour of the winds, lighting their feet and strengthening their aerodynamics.


    [G1 Charm] - 50 Credits/ 1 Small Remnant.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t bad for the price of fifty rednotes.¡± Val replaced her cartilage piercings with the charmed item. The teeth were no larger than her fingernail, it barely dangled, reducing the risk of someone ripping it out of her ear.


    Charms, she learned, were a bit different than your average enchantment. As its natural counterpart, the effects were natural blessings possessed by certain things, made into apparel by an Artificer of some kind.


    No energy or will was required of the wearer.


    ¡°At least one of us got something from this trip,¡± Caro mumbled as the two went over to the store clerk and cashed it out.


    Back on the cobblestone path, Val equipped her first piece of adventurer attire. She almost stumbled forward as the change occurred, adjusting to the ease of her movements. Her boots seemed more streamlined, cutting through the atmosphere and speeding her steps.


    Perhaps due to her feather-like feet, they reached their next destination in minutes. Spanning across the road for hundreds of meters, the department store was hard to miss. Inside, the cupboards were stocked with an assortment of magitech¡ªscrolls, blasters, portable screens.


    ¡°Split and meet up in fifteen?¡± Caro suggested.


    Val nodded. ¡°Sure, I like the sound of that.¡±


    Caro pretty much bolted the moment Val finished her first word, and she chuckled in amusement. Wandering the carpeted halls, she happened to stumble onto the E-shield section. At the center, a multitude of rods rested inside the repositories of a revolving apparatus. The object looked like an elaborate umbrella holder at the entrance of lavished homes.


    The shelves curved in on the construct, and the variety of E-shields outclassed Magus Hawke¡¯s collection by far.


    Sliding her fingers across the metal bars, she plucked an azure staff, sleek and stylized. Pushing aether strands out of her AV, she fed the tool energy and it sucked it up voraciously. Wings of teal lightning sprouted from its side, biting at everything in its vicinity. Different elements create shields similar to their innate aspects. Interesting.


    While the other rods called her too, she decided to pluck out a customary water E-shield and move on. She¡¯d be more open if she could actually test it, yet the one stab at the lightning device scorched the wood shelves black. In that case, what would fire do?


    Busy browsing the store, a vermillion knuckle brace caught her eye, its tag all but demanding experimentation.


    A drop of red


    Earns bloodshed


    ¡°Does it now?¡± she muttered. She wiggled the weapon on her dominant fist, wincing as she bit into her thumb. Smudging the viscous liquid onto the tool, a glove of red energy arose. Her hand warmed as the transparent substance submerged her hand. Something tugged at her primitive instincts to run. Fortunately, the occurrence vanished three seconds in, and she took it as a sign to move on.


    Strolling into the utility end of the store, Val ambled to every corner, eager to see what she could find. An epoxy orb drew her attention, its pulsing cerulean exterior unordinary within the still section.


    Shake and wait, the tag read, tugging at her curiosity. Giving in, she did as told, surprised at the trickle of water leaking through her fingers. Though she hadn¡¯t entered a rift officially, she figured the item would be handy on several occasions. After all, an endless, mobile fountain she could carry to the depths of any area seemed to be worth the 200 rednotes.


    Val¡¯s eyebrows knitted together as her socks stuck to her toes, growing damper by the second. She glanced down to find a torrent pouring out of the device, pooling at her feet. She scrambled for an off-button, panicking as she rolled over the orb to find none. Returning the item to its home, she hurried out of the aisles and straight to check-out.


    More than twenty minutes later, Caro came ambling in with more things than she could carry. Heaving the items on the table and abandoning them there, she came back with double the numbers of items she had before.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this, this one, that, this¡ªoh, can¡¯t forget the blasters!¡ªand the refractive E-shield.¡± Caro beamed at the cashier, who scratched his head at the pile of magitech stacked on his counter.


    ¡°You know, this probably costs way over a thousand bills,¡± he deadpanned and glanced at Val, his call for aid clear through his scrunched nose. She gave a helpless shrug, and the man had to face the daunting customer at his feet alone.


    ¡°Probably another hundred rednotes on top of that to actually be able to carry it out of here, if you want to buy a spatial bag,¡± he warned.


    ¡°Perfect! Just put it on my tab.¡±


    Val, resigned to her friend¡¯s antics, could only facepalm in hopes the impact would help her forget this ever occurred.


    Whatever happened to being affordable?


    ¡­


    Caro hummed a happy tune on the streets of Adventurer¡¯s Market. With a bag in either arm, she looked like a customer who¡¯d gone on a reasonable, healthy shopping splurge. That¡¯s simply the outside.


    The size deceived the eyes, hiding a shield large enough to cover Val¡¯s entire width.  If there was a place worth looking through, the girls headed there with no questions asked. They¡¯d stocked on various items, though Val guessed a majority was to be returned in the next few weeks.


    The trip to the alchemy lab proved to be the most fruitful. Under fifty rednotes or less, the tonics on her levels were both affordable and useful. Ranging from kinesthetic potions able to supplement her strength to auxiliary boosters, augmenting her cognition, she¡¯d yet to witness a futile alchemic creation. For rift diving, that is.


    You could not take a step inside the prosaic section and not spot a beauty product. Caro fell victim in a matter of seconds, whisking away the bottles by the tens. She hardly knew what else lived inside there and¡ªquite honestly¡ªshe¡¯d be better off not knowing. Throwing the notion to the rear of her thoughts, as they stepped foot inside an armour shop. Filled with various combat wear, the air carried the rusty tang of metal.


    ¡°Ah, Charlee told me you¡¯d be coming!¡± A stout man approached from behind a workshop, smearing his hands on his soiled apron. ¡°Come, come,¡± he opened a door to a side room. ¡°Your armour¡¯s in here.¡±


    Caro turned to Val. ¡°Already?¡±


    Val conveyed her confusion with an upward tilt of the shoulder, trailing the man¡¯s heels. It wasn¡¯t hard to spot Caro¡¯s armour set, painted a deep red that suited her. A pair of broad shoulder plates hung by the wall, the connected chest plate set on the table beneath.


    Her bottoms were an arrangement of shifting leg guards, tied together by latches at the right ends. An extensive sheet held clasps for her greataxe, promoting the ability to take it out in haste.


    Val¡¯s was a slim model, honing in on a minimalist style. She couldn¡¯t wait to spend the next few hours dissecting the nooks and crannies of the attire.


    ¡°Val, you have got to thank Charlee for me.¡±


    "That''s if I don''t thank her on my own behalf first."

 Chapter 23 - Ashless Forest

    Val didn¡¯t expect to return to an EC-room so soon.


    Unsheathing the blade gifted by Instructor Hawke as a farewell, a ring reverberated. The sharp weapon flourished into her one-handed grasp, the other limb idle in case the need for a spell arose.


    ¡°Everyone ready?¡± a deep voice asked. She glanced back at the Kidraan and nodded.


    Rick, to put it lightly, was an Alph among humans. A head-and-a-half taller than even Caro, his toned stature made him hard to miss no matter where he was. Prior to making it clear to the newcomers, Val didn''t work hard to discern who sat at the head of the table.


    ¡°Alright, last one! Horned-Lizard Position!¡± He readjusted the links to his intricate armour, a set of cinnamon-coloured metal plates fluidly combined by clasps, worn over dark combat wear.


    One of the other members must¡¯ve heard the Bulwark''s demand and with a flash of light, a trio of straw dummies popped up from the ivory floor. Sliding towards them on a moving axis, the training tools made for menacing enemies.


    The Strikers split on the either side of Rick. His charmed cuffs expanded, chittering as it revolved around the mage''s wrists. ¡°Mobile Rock Ramparts!¡±


    An earthy musk filled the air.


    Three crumbling packed-dirt walls summoned themselves, screeching as they moved in tandem with their counterparts. Val trailed the fortification spell along its path, using the real estate of its cover until, well enough, the scarecrow-like stump rounded the elemental obstruction.


    Flinging her forearm to parry the dummy¡¯s headbutt¡ªthe arm guard absorbing most of the hit¡ªshe cut a swing from below. From its tapered feet to its stringy crown, a canyon yawned. The floor swallowed the defeated training tool and she paid no more mind to it, flipping around to survey how her friend was faring.


    Caro cleaved the dummy in half with a mighty swing of her greataxe, its head flying across the room. Resting the polearm¡¯s shaft on her shoulder, she scanned the horizons for the remaining enemy.


    Like a sneaky mole, the last dummy rose from the ground at the rear. Val¡¯s eyebrow arched and the actions that followed were little more than instinct. The ensign within blazed and the frames woven into her spell manifested as intended, draining her reserves. ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    An ice-like talon emerged, spearing the dummy down its spine. Caro yelped at the wave of frozen moisture drifting in her direction, creeping past the armour-heavy suit she wore. ¡°Frick that¡¯s cold!¡±


    Val snorted. ¡°Is that a family-friendly cuss word?¡±


    As the coldsteel spell whittled away into motes, the floor swallowed the tool into its storage and Caro glared at her. ¡°Kind of in new company here, ¡®Lore,¡± she said between unmoving lips. ¡°As the wise Miss Peppers once so ever-wisely quoted, ¡®first impressions are lasting impressions.¡¯¡±


    ¡°You should be glad yours weren''t bad, then.¡±


    The glass barrier of the viewing room shifted away to allow the passage of the rest of the team, a lady of the Eastern Islands leading the pack. A midnight-brown braid tailed down to the ridge of her spine, emerald-green eyes narrowed as they passed over the girls.


    The shock in Caro¡¯s frozen stature was similar to Val¡¯s own. She heard us from that far?


    ¡°And I must say,'''' she continued, ¡°you lot are at least three tiers better than the previous batch. Say what you want about Magus Hawke, she gets the job done.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean we can finally do introductions?¡± an Auricean asked. Ginger strands spilled from his beanie and his hands were snugly pocketed in his zip-up sweater. Lugging around two long tubes containing saints-knew-what, a tired hazel gaze roamed to the Saradonian lady at the inquiry.


    ¡°Dax¡¯s beard,¡± Rick muttered, wide-eyed. A dark-skinned hand ruffled his curly hair, head shaved at the sides. ¡°You guys didn¡¯t introduce yourselves yet?¡±


    Val could hardly see any features of the last member, brown hair a curtain obscuring all but his rosy complexion. He pointed to the lady in question. ¡°Ask Silann, she held us off.¡±


    ¡°You little tattle tail,¡± Silann whispered in response, sighing at Rick''s stern gaze. ¡°Look, our previous temp fills didn¡¯t last a second. Why waste air on introductions before we decide if they¡¯re staying or not?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve ever heard of it,¡± the ginger began, ¡°but human decency exists.¡±


    ¡°Aeron, I will rip your sarcastic tongue right out of your¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡± Rick rubbed his brow, blue-eyed gaze flickering to his new members from above. ¡°We¡¯ve discussed this on the walk here. Any more of this and we¡¯re running IBR demos.¡±


    Silence reigned.


    Val thought the squabble over, yet as she looked in between Aeron and Silann, she spotted a bipolar whirlpool switching directions at the tick of the clock. Left, right, left, faster to the left¡ªjabbing swiftly to the right at Silann¡¯s eyebrow twitch. The pool ripped itself apart and a humid breeze flowed past their silent group.


    Silann grinned. ¡°I won, hand it over.¡±


    ¡°Human decency,¡± Aeron muttered, passing along a remnant.


    ¡°Guys, seriously?¡± Rick shook his head, murmuring nonsensical things to himself. ¡°Meet me at Guildhall street in ten. We leave in twenty.¡±


    ¡°You got it Cap.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Fighting off the smile threatening to break out, Val held a tiny inkling the next four months in this squad would fly by in a blink.


    <hr>


    Val couldn¡¯t fathom how the intricacies of her armour functioned.


    Ciazen winters bested indignant ghosts in stubbornness, its chill lingering until the end of the fourth month. None of it managed to penetrate the carbon fiber lining the exterior of the soft armour, the inner fur-coating leaving her wrapped in security. Steel covers protected her organs¡ªchest plates, arm and shin guards¡ªa light cloak completing the attire. Charlee¡¯s taste is, as Caro would say, immaculate.


    She snuck a yawn early in the morning, returning her attention from the fancy adventurer attire she¡¯d gotten herself yesterday to the tollgate. Similar to the weather ward in outward appearance, a cover of blue made clear the boundaries of the city of Atera and the Copper-Rung rift, Ashless Forest. It curved around until it disappeared behind itself, the material as smooth as silk.


    Beside the slit in the veil laid a brick booth¡ªin the CAU¡¯s colours of crimson accented by gold¡ªand Val honed in on the conversation Rick was having with the associate inside.


    ¡°¡ªyou''re a veteran adventurer, which makes my life a whole bunch easier. Just allow me to re-register your names alongside the noobs so I can document them. I¡¯ll adjust the rest.¡±


    The leader beckoned the group at his side at the wave of his hand, the command in the action alone almost inherent.


    ¡°Okay.¡± The associate raised a device resembling a tablet, lacking every feature save for the screen glass. He tapped on it and a crimson circle appeared. ¡°Go.¡±


    ¡°Errick Landry, Novice mono-bound mage, Fifth-class Geo Bulwark. Captain.¡±


    ¡°Silann Haldar, Novice mono-bound mage, Fifth-class Air Support. Vice-captain.¡±


    ¡°Aeron Cote, Novice mono-bound mage, Fifth-class Water Anchor. Member.¡±


    ¡°Bo of the Third Halo, Novice mono-bound mage, Fifth-class Illusion Hunter. Member.¡±


    The veteran teammates rattled off their ranks and titles as if a part of a song, leaving the remaining duo to stutter out something intelligible.


    ¡°Got it.¡± The guy swiped his finger to the side of the glass and the pulsing dot simmered into white. ¡°Give it a few minutes, then you¡¯re good to go from here on out.¡±


    Rick led them to a space beside the tollgate as the group waited for the go-ahead. Her curious gaze roamed towards the slit in the veil, then across the barrier¡¯s entire length. ¡°Is that another weather ward? Didn¡¯t know you needed to monitor it.¡±


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Silann scoffed, summoning a book and throwing it. ¡°That question is appalling.¡±


    Enhanced cognitive abilities at work, Val caught the item flung at her, eyebrows raised. ¡°You¡­ you have a storage ring? And why do you have a book of all things? A book you¡¯ve already read, too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m well off,¡± she replied, answering the former implied question and not the latter.


    Shrugging, Val cracked the book open, ready to scan through the text until a hand barred vision from the lines.


    ¡°Let me save you some time,¡± Aeron offered, grabbing the volume and gesturing for Caro to come nearer. ¡°What is the most valuable thing within most, if not all rifts?¡±


    ¡°A rift core.¡±


    ¡°Definitely the core of a rift.¡±


    The two answered back-to-back.


    ¡°Exactly, so why doesn¡¯t everyone harvest those instead?¡±


    ¡°Well, if they did, they¡¯d cause a rift rupture,¡± Caro said.


    Aeron nodded. ¡°No one wants all that bloodshed, so most simply shy away.¡±


    ¡°Most?¡± Val noticed the anomaly.


    ¡°Greed¡¯s a scary emotion,¡± he said. ¡°Once in a while, it does happen. When the occasion results in thousands of adventurer deaths¡ªand thousands more in civilians should the Defenders not arrive on time, there¡¯s a need to hold someone accountable.¡±


    He pointed towards the tollbooth. ¡°By registering your soul signature to your name, the veil surrounding the rift can tell who leaves and enters, as well as when. Usually, that¡¯s all you need to figure out those culpable. Trust me, they¡¯re always caught.¡±


    Rick, after making eye contact with the tollgate attendant, spoke. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Aeron pried Silann''s hands open and dropped the manual in her grasp as he passed by to enter. The Strikers shied away from the glare pinned at the Anchor¡¯s back, hurrying to follow after him.


    The lapis-blue curtain fell away and Val stepped into a new facet of the material plane as an adventurer for the first time. Inhaling a handful of oven-like air, fire wracked her lungs. Heat seared her gear, vying to bypass the protective armour.


    She wheezed, rushing to whisk out a charmed necklace and lacing it at the nape of her neck. Once the drop-shaped jewellery hung safely, Celeste¡¯s Tear activated, creating a skin-tight barrier against the rift¡¯s environment as its qualities fizzled into power.


    Coughing out the lingering discomfort, she ambled forward through trees carrying leaves of burning flames, exuding pure heat onto the gathering squad. If not for the charm, Val reckoned she¡¯d be no better than a cooked prawn, curled up on the ground.


    ¡°Okay so. Our first item on the list is located right about here.¡± Rick pointed to a red ¡®X¡¯ marked across the calligraphed map.


    ¡°That¡¯s deep in,¡± Silann commented, grimacing. ¡°Do we really want to go that far on our first dive?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t the original plan, but the alchemy branch informed me that the other places were snatched already.¡±


    ¡°What¡ªwhen did that happen?¡±


    ¡°This morning.¡± He sighed. ¡°Too late to change sites and too early to tell them it¡¯s not doable.¡±


    Silann cursed. ¡°And the rest on the list?¡±


    ¡°All around its general vicinity.¡± Rick clamped a marker¡¯s cap between his teeth and yanked it off, circling a vague circle around the dot. ¡°We get there, stay mobile, do our thing and head out the way we came.¡±


    Silann¡¯s gaze gravitated to the pair of wide-eyed Strikers, excitement brimming off their bright faces. ¡°Are we sure about this?¡±


    ¡°Hey, they proved to be reliable,¡± Aeron defended. ¡°We¡¯ll see how they fare in real action and decide from there.¡±


    Bo settled for silence, staying neutral grounds within the argument.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go with that, then.¡± Rick sharply exhaled, rolling up the map and taking position ahead. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±


    ¡­


    Val''s eyes started to protest within five minutes of traversing an exuberantly-lit forest, orange fire crowning the trees and creating a canopy of sheer light. Now and then, specks discharged from the burning trees. They would coalesce into tiny songbirds and flutter past, dissipating before long.


    ¡°Elemental wisps,¡± Aeron mentioned as Silann stretched out a finger to allow the flaming bird to perch. ¡°Little more than elemental energy, yet a testament to a gate¡¯s connection. I find it literary, like the Elemental Gates and its ensigns showing everyone exactly who the land belongs to, regardless of opinions.¡±


    ¡°Do they come in various forms?¡± Val asked. ¡°The luminous cracks of Thunderstone seemed too close to lightning in colour.¡±


    ¡°Sharp eye, you''re right on the dot.¡± He gave her an encouraging smile as he waved a hand, splitting a steaming river apart to aid them in crossing. Celeste¡¯s Tear blazed as it fought off the humid heat. ¡°An exquisite sight we have here.¡±


    ¡°Aeron¡¯s making this place seem like a paradise.¡± Rick joined the conversation up front, hacking a branch out of the way. ¡°Rifts, by definition, are a tear in what was prevalent beforehand. A scourge that spreads.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Silann said. ¡°When intense aether levels and high elemental affinities are combined in any aspect, the object in question is bound to be terrifying.¡± Val could hear a shiver in her words. ¡°It¡¯s no different if it¡¯s an area¡ªthe beasts change, elementals are released and a core forms, aiding the growth of an unnatural blotch.¡±


    ¡°Heavens, does this tie into the rift rule?¡± Caro looked back at her teammates for an answer. ¡°I always thought the ¡®Rule of Progression¡¯ was something we made up. It¡¯s eerily similar to the games I play.¡±


    Aeron shrugged. ¡°Just a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°The rift rule was a trend we noticed among rifts and the knowledge of it saves lives,¡± Rick said. ¡°Though aether creatures cultivate naturally, the higher the energy levels, the easier and swifter their growths.¡±


    ¡°Which is why tiers and strength of the aether creatures scale to the distance of the rift core,¡± Val muttered, reciting the information Instructor Hawke drilled into them. ¡°And why Core Guardians are intensely hard to beat.¡±


    ¡°The bosses,¡± Caro chipped in.


    ¡°Imagine if that rule disappears,¡± Aeron mused. ¡°The insanity that goes in is enough to kill those trapped inside, not knowing if the next creature is Tier One or Tier Three.¡±


    The team lapsed into silence on that note, the conversation spawning vigilance in the adventurers, greenhorns and experts alike. The swaying of trees and the caws of the air-bound fauna filled their hours as they passed by.


    Soon enough, the fire-heavy trees cleared out and the team hashed their way through charcoal-like undergrowth to behold a misplaced rock. Beneath the curved, stone-overhang laid a sparklet bush, surviving the heat with delicate ease.


    ¡°That¡¯s one down,¡± Rick muttered, crossing the yellow grass alongside Bo to collect the herb.


    ¡°Is that enough for the¡ª?¡± Silann¡¯s head snapped to the left, ears twitching as her hearing likely stretched beyond normal bounds. ¡°Leaves being trampled on our one. Three¡­ seven¡­ caps out at twelve, and the last one¡¯s huge.¡±


    The group fell into formation like an array of well-placed gears, the Strikers staggering to fill in their positions. It seemed they¡¯d automatically fallen into Pentagon Position, Rick out in front, the Strikers behind, and the backline lingering at the rear.


    Bo disappeared.


    A dozen wolves shot out from out of the rock, growling at the five human intruders. Possessing salmon-coloured coats, their canines poked menacingly out of their maws. They settled into a formation of their own, motherwolf at the rear of the pack. She growled, fire slithering out of laced teeth, exuding an aura of power. That has to be Tier Two, Val thought, heartbeat spiking.


    <blockquote>


    Wielder¡¯s cause of fear detected¡ªreal enemies in sight¡­


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Overriding Code 291¡­


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Higher auxiliary abilities may be needed to aid Wielder¡¯s survival¡­


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Searching¡­


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Integration of HUD denied¡­


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Activation of Quality denied¡­


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Full Encyclopedia denied¡­


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Wielder-Bound Encyclopedia allowed! Activating Wielder-Bound Encyclopedia!


    </blockquote>


    A wall of black text streamed past Val¡¯s vision and she flinched back at the hallucination. The words remained pinned to her head, stubbornly at the forefront of her attention.


    Caro stumbled forward. ¡°What the fu¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Focus!¡± Silann berated from behind, conjuring an air-formed arrow and notching it in her summoned crossbow.


    Focus? How in all of Spiravale was a person supposed to be able to focus with all this Glint-induced rubbish? Thankfully, the script fizzled out as she enforced her brain to hone in on a moving aether creature.


    <blockquote>


    Unable to assess aether creature¡¯s type or stars due to Wielder¡¯s limited knowledge.


    </blockquote>


    <blockquote>


    Get it together.


    </blockquote>


    Gaze flickering to the inconspicuous ring at the jab, she breathed out and zoned in on the battle at hand. Ignoring the text seemed to work as, once again, they vanished.


    Rick stretched his cuff-bound palms forward, erecting a cubical of dirt around the motherwolf. ¡°Earthen Trap!¡±


    Aeron twirled his crystal-adorned wand. Freshwater swirled out of his tubes and in front of the wolves. His manipulation spell manacled up to half of the aether creatures to the forest floor and Silann¡¯s well-timed Air Arrows pierced three of their skulls, dying the amber grass crimson.


    Two others lay sprawled on the ground. Throats slashed open, a stream of viscous blood trickled out open gouges, courtesy of their Hunter. In the meantime, Rick, too busy keeping his spell up against the Tier Two wolf, allowed a few to pass by him.


    ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    Simply put, Val¡¯s conjured spell missed by a mile.


    The adrenaline pumping through her veins, Aster¡¯s self-deprecating activation, the danger of real death¡ªa multitude of aspects not trained for in the safety of the guildhall affected her casting. A wolf vying to kill was a world away from a dummy vying to be killed.


    Caro finished the spell she''d been muttering all this while. ¡°Sand Haze!¡±


    A mist of sand beclouded the entirety of the battlefield, the addition too thin to cause lung problems yet too thick to observe anything. Celeste¡¯s tear cast a blue veneer across the white of her eyes, deeming the grains detrimental to her.


    ¡°Cancel the spell!¡± Rick ordered somewhere in front. ¡°You took away all of our eyes, but they can smell better!¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know how!¡± she shouted back, a foreign sense of anxiousness edging in. ¡°I cut the aether channel, it just ain¡¯t going!¡±


    Val scrambled to detect where the next strike would be from. Her grip crushed the leather hilt, vision met with a wall of dull brown everywhere and anywhere. The buzz of fast-moving particles filled her ears.


    A wolf snarled to the right and she hissed as it sunk its set of teeth into her arm.

 Chapter 24 - The Prophesied

    As the wolf worked against her armour, Val slid her sword out of its scabbard. Taking a blind swing, she bashed the pommel on the furry leech¡¯s dome. It growled as her attack struck true and its maws released her from its grip.


    She cradled her throbbing arm, brain hyper-focused on the next attack. The swish of liquid, the hum of sand, the banging against dirt, the baying beasts¡ªVal blinked at the sensory overload.


    ¡°Guys, it¡¯s not turning off!¡± Caro yelled.


    Silann¡¯s muttered curses floated across like a slight breeze to her ears. Air circulated, and the fringes of Val¡¯s coat began to flap. Integrating into the Striker¡¯s spell, a wind current hefted the brown grains up, revealing the battlefield.


    At the Support¡¯s flick of a hand, the sand carried on in its dance away. ¡°Cut the channel to the spell.¡±


    ¡°I already did, for fuck¡¯s sake!¡±


    ¡°Not just the aether¡ªyour thoughts, your attention, your will. Everything that manifested the spell needs to go for it to go,¡± Silann countered. ¡°Stop wasting your mental capacity.¡±


    Mouth opening and closing for some time, Caro settled at her reproach, lowering her head and focusing on within. Instructor Hawke would¡¯ve yelled at the negligent action, demanding laps for the display of carelessness during an ongoing battle.


    Good thing there wasn¡¯t one anymore.


    Eleven corpses stared at Val. She gaped, a slain wolf merely two meters away, throat slashed. All of the one-starred creatures were taken care of amid the chaos. When? She cast a glance at her teammates. How?


    ¡°A little help here!¡± Eyebrows pinched in concentration, sweat glistened Rick¡¯s dark brow. His palms wavered each time the motherwolf lashed at his earthen shield. Cracks riddled its entirety and the sight of a furious parent peaked through the hole-strewn walls.


    A pale grey took form in Silann¡¯s eyes. ¡°Can you hold it for half a minute more?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to have to rely on Ronny for the last five seconds,¡± he got out through gritted teeth.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Aeron said.


    As one, the three got to work. Aeron closed his eyes and his arms rose, straying wide. At the motion, water surfaced from the ground. The yellow grass wilted as its nutrient-full liquid left its grasp. He consolidated water the size of a small pool, forming a ring around the crumbling barrier.


    Meanwhile, Silann continued to mutter her spell. Weapons brandished, the two Strikers remained vigilant for any surprises. Earth Trap exploded at the motherwolf¡¯s vigorous body slam and she came charging through.


    ¡°Water Fetters!¡±


    Aeron¡¯s ring of muddied water split into four smaller versions of itself, latching onto the aether creature¡¯s ankles. The Anchor¡¯s face turned red as he exerted his maximum will, his mental strength against its physical prowess.


    A sensation of a thousand knives passed through and the three-starred creature ceased all protest.


    ¡°Wind Saw,¡± Silann muttered. True to her Path, a catalyst of destruction, a clear blade of sharp wind current spun past, sawing the Rick-sized wolf in half.


    Val didn¡¯t see the spell, she didn¡¯t hear it and she sure as heck didn¡¯t smell it.


    The only evidence of its existence was the fine line of red evident on the motherwolf¡¯s rich pelt. Gravity plied the two halves apart and a web of crimson strings stretched between the ends of the beast, permitting a slew of guts to spill out.


    Promptly swiveling around, Val ejected her entire breakfast wrap.


    ¡°Damn,¡± Caro gagged at the smell.


    Silann sighed, shaking her head. ¡°And that¡¯s why I prefer arrows.¡±


    ¡°Take what you can Si¡­¡± Aeron¡¯s jab trickled off as the Captain turned around, a prominent vein jutting out the side of his skull.


    ¡°Bo, please deal with the sparklet leaves. Strikers.¡± Rick¡¯s blue eyes contained fury. ¡°A word.¡±


    The pair glanced at each other, almond-brown to viridian green, before walking toward the Bulwark, steps dispirited.


    ¡°It was our first battle and I know it being a mob didn¡¯t help. However, what you displayed was shameful. More than shameful. Novice Hayes, what on Spiravale was that spell? It¡¯s the direct opposite of what a Striker would cast.¡±


    ¡°I thought it would help,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Strikers and Anchors utilize directive disciplines. Control is the literal essence of your Path.¡± He gestured to the battlefield behind. ¡°Did you see control? I definitely didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°At least her spell hit the target,¡± Silann joined in, her focus on Val. ¡°We¡¯ve been made aware of your minuscule ASC. It¡¯s all the more reason to ensure you can aim what little you can cast. A miss in your case often spells death and it would have, should we not have been here.¡±


    ¡°You guys weren¡¯t the same adventurers we tested back in A of A. Those girls had hunger in their eyes, the heat of magma in her swing and the cool collectiveness of Glaze in her stature.¡± He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m talking to recent high school graduates right now, graduates that aren¡¯t capable in the field.¡±


    ¡°Done,¡± Bo said, handing a wrapped container to Rick. He shouldered his way past Val and Caro and the leaders followed his lead, abandoning the girls in their disappointment.


    ¡°Well shit.¡± Caro kicked up dirt, head swerving as she watched Silann whisk away the corpses into her storage ring. ¡°Those rift-runners make it look so easy on their streams.¡±


    ¡°My parents made it look like a walk in a park.¡± Val¡¯s attention hitched on the pools of red staining the beautiful carpet of amber. ¡°This was anything but.¡±


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ll get used to that,¡± Caro inched closer, displaying the molten ring adorning her digit. ¡°Did your thing¡ª¡± her gaze flitted to Silann and she quickly changed course, compensating for the wind mage¡¯s otherworldly hearing ¡°¡ªI don¡¯t know, wire a game system in your head too?¡±


    ¡°You got it also?¡±


    Caro bobbed her head vigorously, like a baby duck. ¡°Did you catch any of it?¡±


    Val shook her head. ¡°Heavens, they sped past my vision.¡±


    ¡°I managed to read the important parts,¡± she said, ¡°I think I¡¯ll tell you later, though.¡±


    Nodding her approval at the deferred conversation, Val¡¯s mind wandered to the mysterious runes engraved on the band of ink. She never would¡¯ve thought it possible after the catastrophic fight she¡¯d just shown, but the ring refreshed a heap of old struggles.


    She¡¯d memorized dozens upon dozens of runes, yet none of them fit together to create a semblance of anything able to work. Books stretching from amateur to advanced helped a total of nil. It was great that she could survey an enchantment and discern the order behind the placement of the characters. But if she didn''t understand how it linked, then what was the point?


    Master Winsford made it clear: memorization wouldn¡¯t elevate her a level above the rest and plug the massive holes in her lacking knowledge¡ªcomprehension will. In the same way fortune favoured the brave, true knowledge belonged to those with insight.


    Unfortunately, as Winsford mentioned, she either had it or she didn¡¯t. There was no in-between, no halfway point. The more she struggled, the more she grew afraid that she might be of the group who couldn¡¯t enchant.


    And you couldn¡¯t blame those who ended up in the latter half of the pile.


    The same rune could act as a consonant, vowel and word in one go! With such a foundation, deciphering hidden nuances in a matter of weeks was near impossible¡ªand she needed to achieve just that if she wanted to catch up with the competition.


    ¡°Not the time to be spacing, V,¡± Caro said, gloved hands on her hip.


    ¡°Sorry, sorry,¡± Val rubbed her forehead. ¡°Enchanting¡¯s been giving me problems and this¡ª¡± she waved the ring ¡°¡ªbrought it all back.¡±


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s the least of your worries.¡± She jabbed a thumb at the gathering team. ¡°I think we should be prepared not to be called back.¡±


    Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°Huh, like one of your exes?¡±


    ¡°Girl, is there always the need to joke?¡±


    Val cracked a smile. Caro persisted a grand two seconds before one of her own split her lips.


    ¡°I was going to cheer you up,¡± Aeron strolled up to their party of two. ¡°Yet you two look as if we¡¯d suggested throwing you a party.¡±


    Caro grinned. ¡°I mean, you still can if you want.¡±


    Aeron¡¯s expression mirrored hers. ¡°I have something else in mind. C¡¯mon.¡±


    The Anchor walked them to one of the last corpses left unpicked by Silann and crouched, gesturing for them to do so as well. ¡°We talked about the most precious thing in rifts. A close second are the creatures themselves.¡±


    He sifted the ends of the coat with two fingers. ¡°The fur here could be used by artisans, crafted into clothes, accessories and furniture.¡± He prodded at the sharp canine teeth. ¡°These could be used to create alchemic tonics, among other things. The whole carcass is a mine of money, including its energy core which many, including myself, believe to be of good value.


    ¡°Unlike those video games Caro likes to play,¡± he paused, twisting to face her. ¡°Can I call you that? Caro?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, for sure.¡±


    He beamed. ¡°As I was saying, unlike in video games, they don¡¯t dissipate into light particles and give you the energy core as a whole. We have to harvest it ourselves and that takes work.¡±


    Val hummed. ¡°Do we need any tools?¡±


    ¡°Just our skills. The first task in harvesting is to detect the energy core. To do this, we need to use one of the Five Aetherial Arts.¡± He pointed to his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s called View of the Vague.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a skill in LIE,¡± Caro mused.


    Lines filled the Anchor¡¯s brow, confusion evident.


    ¡°Life in Erindale,¡± Val supplied. ¡°It¡¯s an RPG game that she¡ªyou know what, this isn¡¯t important. Please continue.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± He chuckled. ¡°Most just call it Vague View. Fewer words, easier to say. Its beginning is simple. Solely stream aether to your eye sockets.¡±


    Val coaxed out the remaining energy lingering in her sternum, filtering it into veins and following its pathways. ¡°What are the other levels?¡±


    ¡°The next is when you experience a jump in elemental affinity, then you''ll see elemental traces,¡± he said. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on this, for now alright?¡±


    ¡°It never ends with her questions,¡± Caro remarked.


    ¡°Shush.¡±


    ¡°You know I¡¯m right.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡±


    Aeron¡¯s laughter cut across their bickering. ¡°Focus Novices, focus.¡±


    And focus she did. Veins were hard to maneuver, thin and easy to break. It seemed to be a mess to sift through the retinal area.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think,¡± he said. ¡°The system¡¯s a little problematic. Command the aether to your eyes. It¡¯ll reach there by its lonesome.¡±


    Val exhaled, untensing her eyelids and simply falling into a relaxed state. Move, she thought and the energy obeyed her will. As the aether reached her retina, the reds and oranges of Ashless Forest traded out for blue.


    So much blue.


    It was as if an ocean swirled in, washing away the warmth of the rift and introducing her to myriad shades. She glimpsed at her forearm and witnessed rivers of energy circling her bone, free and yet restricted. These have to be my channels.


    ¡°Beautiful,¡± the artist in Caro spoke.


    ¡°Now I want you to take a look at the wolf¡¯s corpse,¡± Aeron asked.


    Val bowed her head to take a look. Signals fired across her neurons, working hard to convey the perceived information in varying tones of colour. A candescent orb resided in its underbelly. ¡°Is that¡­ its energy core?¡±


    Aeron nodded. ¡°The next step is to carve it out. This part is a lot trickier. First, layer your palm in energy like so.¡± Val deactivated Vague View, catching the pink in his open hand disappearing as a glove of aether wrapped around.


    ¡°My soul signature will repel the Wind-Pyro Wolf¡¯s soul signature and naturally¡­¡± He edged closer and the dead body began to crumble, withering exponentially as seconds ticked away. ¡°Its corpse will open up for you.¡±


    Trying to get her aether to breach her skin felt like an insurmountable task. In the end, both she and Caro failed after a few attempts¡ªand Val, long out of energy, could no longer try.


    ¡°It¡¯ll come to you,¡± Aeron said, the voice of compassion.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s about time we go.¡± Rick waited by the edge of the grass. ¡°Who knows what this fight has attracted.¡±


    With that, the team packed up, gathered the last of their things¡ªarrows, corpses, thoughts¡ªand filed out of the stone-overhang.


    ~


    Val lost track of the time, spending the day slaying the aether creatures crossing their path and gathering the inquired herbs. Setting up tents at midnight turned out simple, the canopy of flames giving ample lightning.


    Before long, two cloth homes stretched open, rain cover assembled above. As was apparently custom in dives, the newbies were in charge of nightwatch on the first day. Val, using her nightowl likeness due to numerous late shifts at work, convinced her friend she¡¯d be on the first rotation.


    Sitting on a felled log, she settled into a ruminative mood, the cracks of the flames above the perfect underline. The moving shadows, the golden forest floor, the fire-laden trees¡ªit was something she¡¯d want to spend with family.


    With mom.


    Life¡¯s Hymn. The words rattled in her brain, near in her thoughts, far from her hands. She didn¡¯t quite grasp the reason the world claimed Aether Abnormalities unhealable when a simple potion would do away with it in a second.


    Searching for it in the days past, she found that it wasn¡¯t the condition being unhealable at fault. Rather, it was the cure being unattainable. Struggling to obtain the whereabouts of the ingredients, she wondered why she couldn¡¯t save up and buy the potion itself. Made and whole


    A few seconds drained in the internet cafe and she learned that it wasn¡¯t even up for sale. Worse off, no alchemist on Spiravale would go through the grief of getting the ingredients themselves.


    That was her job.


    Val sighed at the endless pattern she was falling into.


    When would it end?


    <hr>


    A being lingered, roots spread underneath the rift.


    It had been waiting for the perfect specimen and the short human perched on one of its fallen brethren seemed to be a good pick. While the human¡¯s metallic scent was icky, something lay beneath. Something so inexplicable it rivaled the oracular hum resounding from the south.


    Something powerful.


    As the Prophesied dictated, it was to eat and it was to grow.


    The humanoid seemed the best choice.


    Silently¡ªnot sneakily, for this one did not sneak¡ªit curled its branch-like tendril around the humanoid¡¯s ankles. Quick to act, it clamped its prey¡¯s mouth. None shall defer its advancement.


    Wallowing in the Ashless forest heated its branches and certainly, as shown by the squirming thing in its grasp, its extremities seared the human¡¯s flesh where it touched.


    Embracing its source of growth, it started to blanket the human in its arms, for assimilation had begun.


    <hr>


    Val had been gazing at the sky, hoping to spot a star through the unreasonable amount of light pollution, when trouble sought her out.


    A branch of an elemental snatched her leg, another one clamping her mouth shut before she could scream. Fire raced up her legs as its grasp aimed to cook her ankle. It hurts, it hurts, it hurts¡ª


    Celeste¡¯s Tear flared, its fluctuating radiance replicating Val¡¯s panic. Heart hammering at her ribcage and arms shackled, she couldn¡¯t shield her body from the damage accrued as she was hauled over an uneven tangle of roots.


    It dragged her deeper inside the forest, further away from the squad¡¯s cleaned-out space, and slammed her against its sweltering trunk.


    A muffled scream joined along in the birds¡¯ trilling song.


    Val watched with wide eyes as branches grew from nowhere, wrapping around her limbs and holding her tight. A feeling soaked her bones, soaked her entire being.


    Tiredness.


    Her eyes closed, ready to embrace the darkness¡ª


    C¡¯mon Valpal. Dad¡¯s words sprung to the forefront of her mind, bringing her back to those desperate times within spars. Don¡¯t you dare stop now.


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± she whispered.


    Unsheathing the knife strapped to her thigh, she struggled against the creature¡¯s grasp with all her might. Aster echoed her fright and spurred its activation. One line of clear script raced across her blurry vision. Her head whipped down, as instructed. A core glowed within the wood-fire elemental, shedding light under her calves.


    She jabbed her dagger straight into it.


    Immediately, it let her go, and she collapsed into a heap of pain. Breathing in a heat-laden breath, she pushed herself to stand and limped on the balls of her feet. Fear burned away to reveal adrenaline, and adrenaline unveiled strength as she burst into the clearing. The team shuffled awake at the noise, crawling out of the tents¡¯ safety.


    Caro rubbed sleep away from her face. As the haze of slumber wore off, she took in Val¡¯s condition and gasped. ¡°Valory, what in the hell?¡±


    Val shivered against her will, with no cause for it within the hot atmosphere except fear. ¡°T-there¡¯s an¡­ An eleme¡ª¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Silann whisked away the tents into her storage ring. Her purple, high-end nightgown swapped into a ranger¡¯s attire mid-stride, a pack of scrolls in her hand. ¡°We need to move. Come.¡±


    Hobbling over at a snail¡¯s pace, the team raced to dress up. Rick hefted on his chest plate, snapping in the clasps to his minimalist armour. Fingers moving in a mysterious motion, Aeron drew water out of the ground.


    Bo was nowhere to be seen.


    Val winced as the wind mage applied the talisman to her burned skin. A soft golden light enveloping her ankle, she let out a relieved sigh as the pain abated.


    ¡°Sorry for the trouble,¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°Attacks like these happen every day in rifts,¡± Silann looped the Striker¡¯s arm around her neck, supporting her as they trailed after the rest of the team. ¡°It¡¯s exactly why the death ratio is terrible. You did well escaping, okay?¡±


    Val nodded, glancing over the shoulder towards the elemental.


    <hr>


    The humanoid struck its one weakness¡ªof all places! A failed endeavour, but one of minimal effect. There will always be others to follow suit.


    The Prophesied demanded so.

 Chapter 25 - Delayed Epiphany

    Why is it sweet?


    Val¡¯s nose crinkled as the scent of overburnt charcoal invaded her nostrils. Lifting an armoured arm to shield her face, she kept a vigilant watch on the dark bushes crowding the vibrant glade. A sharp hiss tickled at her eardrums and she snapped to the left.


    Slithering out into the open, a yellow-spotted snake set its slitted gaze on her. It stretched its ligaments far beyond what should be possible, opening a chasmal-like maw that spewed an abundance of orange venom.


    A modest smirk unbalanced Val¡¯s lips. Her vision sharpened, her figure loosened and her respiration tempo eased to a steady beat. Leaning into the balls of her feet, she pounced forward, weapon drawn and ready.


    ¡°Rock Rampart!¡±


    Val didn¡¯t waste energy dodging the creature¡¯s attack. Aware of the watchful Bulwark at her rear, she knew a fortification spell would repel its attack. Earth protruded just high to foil the creature¡¯s attempt, a squeal arising from the burning soil. She sidestepped the dirt curb to witness the reptile slink back into its cover. Oh no you don¡¯t.


    Orbiting the Metal Gate, her Glaze ensign burned within. ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    A skewer of coldsteel pierced through the aether creature, hoisting it up as the beast squirmed in the air. She slashed off its head with a swift strike of her blade, barely batting an eye at the spray of crimson.


    Perched near a snake of her own, Caro prodded at it using the hilt of her greataxe. ¡°Mine¡¯s dead.¡±


    Walking over, a cover of energy gloved Silann¡¯s hand and she harvested the beast¡¯s core. ¡°Not bad girls, not bad.¡±


    Biased or not, Val had to agree.


    The Strikers became additional cogs of the machine-like synergy at work in the squad. Before anyone directed her on where to be, she was there, fists out and spells at her lips. A chime would steal her attention on occasion, Aster¡¯s helpful notification informing her about the enemy at hand.


    ¡°I like what I saw, Strikers.¡± Rick¡¯s voice traveled the area. ¡°You two persisted, and most importantly, you two adapted. You¡¯ll do well in future dives if you continue like this. Great job.¡±


    Scratching at her cheeks, Val dipped her chin. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Appreciate it, Cap.¡± Caro gave him a thumbs up.


    He nodded, swirling a finger in a circular motion. ¡°Alright folks, let''s wrap it up and head home.¡±


    Val whisked out a cloth, cleaning her blade as her mind flowed through the whirlwind of the past three days. More than once she¡¯d knocked at death¡¯s door, yet she couldn¡¯t say with confidence that she was never going to enter another rift. Her advancements soared.


    The way in which the arcane cowed at her words was electrifying. There was a feeling of growth that accompanied being on the edge, some changes intangible and others quite visible. Her ASC breached fifteen.


    She never thought it possible.


    Her weapon almost left her grasp as Bo brushed by her, casting a glare hardly seen underneath his unruly bangs. Tugging his mask into place, he trailed after Rick. Val¡¯s gaze fixed onto his back, from his Hunter-inclined outfit¡ªpadded footwear, light gear, hooded cloak¡ªright down to his wrapped knuckles. A sigh escaped her. Never heard a word from the guy.


    A hand patted her shoulder, and she looked to catch Aeron at her side. ¡°He¡¯ll come around.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll believe it when I see it.¡±


    <hr>


    Ivory-tipped street lights blurred past as Silann navigated the winding roads of Atera. It seemed bizarre for winter to exist after days spent next to fire-laden trees, like a fever dream awfully in tandem with reality. Gaze focused on the happenings outside their seven-seater, Val became stumped as the Vice-Captain drove right past Guildhall road.


    ¡°Um.¡± Caro thumbed the nearest window. ¡°Are we not stopping at Age of Atera to hand in the herbs we collected?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re doing you two a little favour,¡± Aeron supplied, a mysterious tint tracing his smile.


    Steering into the corporate sector of the city, structures escalated from thirty-floor apartments to glass establishments spearing the heavens. The main CAU building resided at the center of it all, a crimson skyscraper so high she couldn¡¯t discern its top from within the car. Magic-induced plants flourished in squares sketched by civil mechanics, offering a pop of green where Silann parked.


    ¡°Here you are.¡± She gestured to the rear window, sight barred by the opening trunk. ¡°You can go ahead and grab your things. It¡¯s been, fun ladies. I will be looking forward to diving again.¡±


    Halfway around the car, Caro paused mid-stride. ¡°Wait, does that mean we¡¯re not temporary fills anymore?¡±


    Val leaned forward in her seat, eyes hopeful.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, is the sky blue if the sun¡¯s out?¡±


    ¡°Woah, is that a page out of my book?¡± Aeron grinned. ¡°My sense of humour is catching on, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Get out, Cote. Out.¡± Silann shoved the Anchor from the passenger seat, slamming the door shut behind him. Honking a fun tune as a farewell, she drove off into the steady stream of vehicles.


    ¡°You two fight a lot,¡± Val observed, the dark grey van vanishing behind a curve in seconds.


    ¡°It¡¯s not fighting,¡± Caro intoned, voice as wise as a sage. ¡°Don¡¯t you see the sparks flying?¡±


    ¡°The sparks?¡±


    Caro¡¯s eyebrows wiggled. ¡°The sparks.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a cute effort to find something where there¡¯s nothing.¡± Aeron chuckled and adjusted the duffle bag wrapped in his arms. ¡°Time to show you the best part of rift diving.¡±


    Red blinded Val as the refractive panels of the CAU building swerved open, allowing the three to pass through revolving doors. Sconces cast fancy shadows on the golden dividers, a gaudy shade of vermilion as the hardwood. Opposite the entrance, queues sprawled out of a multitude of stations. With the lines as blurred as it was, she¡¯d call it a crowd, if anything.


    ¡°Move, move! Outta the way!¡±


    The sea of adventurers split as if by the command of a mind mage. To the right, the wall spanning the room¡¯s entire length split by the tiniest of cracks, a truck-sized sigil visible. A young mage power-walked out of the now-closing screen. Clad in jeans and a graphic tee, the massive presence she possessed seemed uncanny. Adventurers made an effort not to bump into her. Bloodstained and restless adventurers, to clarify.


    She vanished on her next step, blue fluttering specks left in her absence. The roar of fast-moving air turned Val¡¯s attention to the entrance. An enormous pair of wings sprouted on the fire mage¡¯s back, made of the palest of flames.


    ¡°Holy shit, that¡¯s Renee Fore,¡± Caro hissed as the lady took to the air behind the tinted glass. ¡°How¡¯d she disappear like that?¡±


    ¡°Aether Shift. Quite impressive, actually.¡± Aeron''s eyebrows raised at the young Adept¡¯s show. ¡°Except for the top schools, only affiliations like the Twenty teach it. Doesn¡¯t help that the Aetherial Art is too difficult to learn to be self-taught.¡±


    The Anchor shoved his way past whispering adventurers and Val struggled to keep up. ¡°Can¡¯t believe she¡¯s cleared enough to use the Spatial Stations.¡±


    ¡°Emergencies dictate the rules,¡± he answered, ¡°and she¡¯s a fourth-class adventurer.¡±


    ¡°Lies.¡± Caro shook her head in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s a fourth-year in university you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Aeron shrugged as they reached the forefront. On the other side of the aureate counter, the Auricean associate plastered an amiable expression and double-tapped his desk. A white ring formed, levitating a hair¡¯s breadth. Unzipping the bag in his arms, Aeron spilled a mountain of energy cores on the floating disc.


    The attendant blinked. ¡°Quite the big haul, I see.¡±


    ¡°Hard work,¡± he responded. ¡°Can we see how much this will be?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s calculating¡­¡± His eyes lit up and his finger pranced on his blank desk like it was an invisible keyboard. A translucent number popped into existence above the pile, the number ticking into the thousands.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°So, as detected, you have fifty-two energy cores and 1150 AS altogether. Oh, a Base Essence has been found in the two-starred Pyro-Wind Wolf and five flamedfinches¡ªgood for you! Do you want to keep any of them?¡±


    ¡°Why would I? 0.001% of a boost in fire affinity pales in comparison to the cash we¡¯ll receive in relinquishing it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my duty to ask,¡± the attendant replied. ¡°Total would be 11 small remnants and 8 infinitesimal remnants, along with five rednotes of change. If you would prefer it in rednotes the total is 635.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it¡ªsix hundred bucks?¡± Caro grimaced. ¡°That covers like half of my equipment.¡±


    Aeron chuckled. ¡°Welcome to a day in the life of a sixth-class adventurer. Energy cores don¡¯t do much for mages on our levels. Quests are where it''s at, or the pieces on the corpses.¡±


    ¡°So... you scammed us?¡± Val concluded.


    ¡°No, we provided a learning experience. This way it¡¯ll stick in your head.¡± He nodded at the attendant. ¡°We¡¯ll take it in remnants, please. Also, how much DP do these two girls receive?¡±


    ¡°They both participated in every instance?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Else I wouldn¡¯t be asking.¡±


    ¡°Calculations says it''s under 1 DP,¡± he answered.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Caro slammed a palm on the scale. ¡°You tell me what we can do with a single Diving Point? I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    ¡°Cee,¡± Val whispered, tugging her friend back from the worker.


    ¡°If points were easy to achieve, adventurer classes would be redundant, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± the attendant countered.


    ¡°You¡ª!¡±


    Aeron placed a hand on one of her metal shoulder pads. ¡°What do you believe to be the smart way to attain points, Caro?¡±


    The magma mage¡¯s anger edged off at the inquiry. Focusing on his face, she gleaned the answer from his knowing placating smile. ¡°It¡¯s another quest, ain¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Remember,¡± the attendant began before the Anchor could speak, ¡°those DP can be used only to buy spells. It does not apply to your rank.¡±


    Caro raised a sassy eyebrow at the unwanted information. Hurtling the remnants back into the duffle bag, she stormed away. ¡°Thank you for your service!¡±


    Val¡¯s head whipped in her direction, too stunned to speak. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I need to spar with somebody! Anybody!¡± she yelled in return. ¡°We¡¯ll split the loot at home!¡±


    Emotions as bright as her hair, Caro made her way through the thick crowd. Like a spark, she was gone in a flash. Aeron covered his lips with a sleeve, failing to stifle his laughter. ¡°She sure is something else.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± Val muttered.


    ¡°Well¡­.¡± He made satisfied noises as he stretched the kinks in his neck, a prolonged yawn finishing the routine. ¡°I¡¯m going to call a cab and head on home. You want a ride?¡±


    ¡°I think¡­ I think I¡¯m going to take a walk.¡±


    ¡­


    Val roamed along the streets of Atera, content to be lost in the flux of rushing commuters. A tune hovered over the indistinct hum of chatter, faint and in the distance.


    The classic song was one she could just hum along with, missing the years when she had the time to lose herself in music. Magic studies, unprepped parenthood, processing the grittiness of diving, enchantments¡ªshe sighed as the last idea came to mind. Let¡¯s think about music, she told herself, straying away from a topic that was the core of her stress.


    Music was a language paradoxically bound by rules and unrestricted by freedom all the same. A grip on guidelines of the auditory art made learning easier¡ªindividual notes overlaid could create chords, and chords underneath a melody brought about songs.


    Yet, knowing how to break those rules was when musical artists transcended. Gone were the days when resonance between tunes was sought out for, safe in the major triads.


    Nothing was wrong with that.


    However, dissonance created jazzy, complex sounds begging to be unraveled. At a glance, these intricate chords seemed off, like a scratch you couldn¡¯t reach. That¡¯s where the fun begins.


    What was tricking her brain? Why invert this chord here? How come she didn¡¯t detect it at first? The route to untangling the supposed clashing of notes was always a delight and it never hurt to add skills to her personal repertoire.


    ¡°Wish enchantments worked that way,¡± she muttered, bumbling along on the street.


    Could it? A faint thought flashed through her mind and she froze. For once, she ignored the nasty looks thrown her way.


    ¡°By the saints,¡± she whispered. She¡¯d been tackling it at the wrong angle.


    It wasn¡¯t a problem that a rune acted as a consonant and vowel simultaneously¡ªin fact, that was the key. Similar to notes, the interactions with one another generated different moods, both desired and unintentional results. In music, once there was context, most things could be justified if worked through.


    The origin of an object was whole and at the same time, when rhythmically imputed amidst others of a similar kind, could become a piece in a bigger picture. All considered, runes shared more similarities with a note than a word.


    Val grinned as things fell into place. Cracked it.


    Pulling out her phone and dialing Master Winsford, she was surprised he picked up on the first beat. ¡°Winsford, speaking.¡±


    ¡°Master Winsford. I think¡ªno, I know I understand enchantments now. I can¡¯t really explain it, but it makes sense¡ªthe simple ones, at least.¡±


    ¡°How soon can you come to my office?¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s Val!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Hi Valory!¡±


    ¡°Welcome back.¡±


    ¡°You had better give me a hug.¡±


    Embracing Charlee as requested, Val¡¯s lips curled upward at the warm reception. Simple and ordinary to the vast majority, and still few and far in between for the metal mage.


    Charlee shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s been years since I last saw you.¡±


    ¡°Ages, more like.¡± She pointed towards the corridor. ¡°Master Winsford is in, right?¡±


    ¡°What for?¡± one asked.


    ¡°Good news. I¡¯ve finally breached a threshold.¡±


    In hopes her company could reinforce her doubts, she elaborated on the epiphany that visited her during a midafternoon stroll. It was less for reassurance and more to certify her breakthrough. How would she explain to a Master enchanter if it was a false alarm? Downright embarrassing. As the words trailed on, soberness crept into the expressions of those invested in the conversation.


    ¡°Scary,¡± someone whispered. ¡°Took me an entire three months and yet you did it in what, three weeks?¡±


    ¡°Told ya there¡¯s a reason she was picked,¡± another commented.


    ¡°A reason?¡± Val echoed, fighting off the unnerving sensation scraping at the nape of her neck.


    ¡°Ignore them.¡± Charlee gestured to the hallway. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t keep a Master waiting any longer.¡±


    ¡°Advice taken.¡± The Striker waved goodbye, heading down the corridor carrying a series of nameless doors.


    One, two, three, four, five. This should be it. Counting the doors by the order, there was no doubt the knob she rotated was correct.


    ¡°Sit, sit.¡± Winsford¡¯s lips tilted upwards at her arrival. Val took him up on his offer, lowering herself onto the bench lining his desk.


    ¡°You¡¯ve surpassed my greatest expectations.¡± He rummaged through his desk, taking out a folded uniform set and passing it to her. ¡°There¡¯s a rookie-level artificer competition coming around the corner, and I know you''d do well in it. I and the entire scribal branch here in Age of Atera would like you to be one of our representatives.¡±


    Val blinked, a faint wince warping her features. ¡°Master Winsford¡­ I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready for anything too big. I¡¯m always up to participate once submissions are in.¡±


    Deadlines were coming up in a couple of months. At the bare minimum, she needed her statistics to resemble something normal if she wanted a chance at admissions. Being a silver wouldn¡¯t do the trick.


    ¡°You''re anxious,¡± he appraised.


    I wonder what gave it away. Though she managed to keep the sarcasm to herself, her true feelings must¡¯ve leaked through on her face.


    ¡°Thoughts on entering schools are dreadful, but not everything is lost. Scholarship allotments exist outside of exceptional mages,¡± Winsford said, as if reading her mind. ¡°Upcoming, talented artificers are just as enticing to many institutes.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­ if I seem to be a good enough enchanter, I have a higher chance of getting in?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say higher in itself. While scholarships range in the tens for normal students, thousands strive for them. In your case, yes, there are fewer scholarships saved for artificers specifically¡ªbut how many artificers, in actuality, are out there?¡± He offered a smile. ¡°These few are covered in every course, regardless of which is taken, including¡­¡± He pointed to her ring. ¡°Artifact training.¡±


    ¡°Aether Artifacts specifically?¡±


    ¡°It can be arranged once you¡¯re accepted.¡±


    Once, not if? His faith in her felt a sliver daunting.


    Just a sliver.


    The encouragement was needed for the obstacles stacked against her. She¡¯d have to dig deep for resolve to fight her number one naysayer: herself.


    ¡°Competitions, similar to the ones I¡¯m suggesting, are the easiest route to stardom,¡± Winsford continued. ¡°It settles you on the rankings, which¡ªin official and unofficial cases¡ªyou share no part in. No one knows of your existence. If you manage to appear in a manner that implores for attention, you''ll be on the radar."


    ¡°In other words,¡± Winsford chipped in, ¡°this is your shot into a top university.¡±


    Could she add this to her mountain of troubles?


    The same opportunity rarely comes twice, her mom would often teach, watering the countless windowsill-bound plants she hoarded in one go.


    ¡°You have two months, approximately,¡± he supplied. ¡°It¡¯s doable, but an important question begs to be answered. Will you do it?¡±


    There¡¯s no harm in declining, she liked to add the moment she set her watering kettle down. Just remember to ask yourself this one question: can you afford to say no?


    Renee¡¯s nonchalant display of the hardest Aetherial Arts popped into her mind as the reply. Aeron said it himself¡ªchances to learn advanced techniques like Aether Shift remained behind the closed doors of the top universities. Accessibility was lying beyond those walls, which included possible routes to gain Life¡¯s Hymn as a prestigious student. Alongside the characteristic of being a sponsored adventurer, admission into the ten schools were the be-all and end-all.


    Then, the end-all and be-all it shall be.


    ¡°Sign me up.¡±

 Chapter 26 - Fine Dining

    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    East Lily Drive,


    -Two weeks later-


    Val had fallen down a rather steep rabbit hole.


    One thing led to the next, and currently she found herself a bit too familiar with terms that, for the most part, did not exist in her lexicon a year ago. Foreign nomenclature like managlyphs filled her head. If asked, she could rattle the definitions word for word.


    Would it turn out to serve her well in the competition?


    She may never know until Bicemeber 13th dawned upon Ciazel. Ever since Master Winsford gave the revelation on scholarships, her focus remained on runes, meditating, enchantments, eating, more runes, diving rifts and¡ªdid she forget to mention runes? Skidding feet shattered what little remained of her concentration, and she let out a faint gasp at what¡ªat who, rather¡ªarrived at the door frame.


    Caro wore a textured ebony jumpsuit, white blazer swaying on her bare shoulders and golden hoops dangling off her ears. Her mascara-laced lashes fluttered as her gaze panned the room. Books bestrewed the beds in well-placed lines, hinting at the work recently achieved.


    As it went for a practitioner of any art, discovering a streamlined road to tread helped simplify the route to advancement. General ideas cast a wide net and wouldn¡¯t aid her past the title of being knowledgeable.


    The types of enchantments she thought the best were operative, as they didn¡¯t rely on an enchanter¡¯s bound element. Generative runes were a close second, only since it just might solve her incoming ¡®rite of specialization¡¯ predicament. Fingers crossed.


    ¡°Val.¡± The half-Kidraan pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°Why are you just sitting there?¡±


    ¡°Caro,¡± she countered. ¡°As amazing as you look, how come you¡¯re all dressed up?¡±


    ¡°Cause we agreed you¡¯d actually leave the house today.¡±


    ¡°I did?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s right here.¡±


    Val squinted as her friend shoved a bright screen in her face.


    Tripartite Trial Buddies - Groupchat of (5)


    CareBear: guys


    CareBear: guys


    CareBear: guys


    Mike.W: @CareBear do you mind?


    CareBear: i really don¡¯t


    CareBear: i just miss everyonee and no one talks in this chat


    Jerel_74: been a bit busy


    Jerel_74: I wish we could meet up


    Stone. Lau: If anyone here wants to sponsor my transfer to the First Halo, I¡¯ll come


    Mike.W: Can¡¯t say I have the same problem


    Mike.W: I just transferred into Atera a few days back


    Valory. E: for real?


    Valory. E: we have to meet up for a reunion


    Mike.W: find a way to detach yourself from Hayes and we¡¯re good to go


    CareBear: Hold up


    CareBear: I leave for 2 secs and now I find out Will¡¯s in town


    Mike.W: Stop butchering my family name


    CareBear: No


    Stone. Lau: this is my cue to leave


    Val scrolled past pages of Williams and Caro arguing in the chat, screen bouncing up as it hit the bottom.


    Valory. E: so should I post my top five options here?


    Valory. E: also prepare to split the bill


    CareBear: sry y¡¯all my broke ass can¡¯t afford anything too up there


    Mike.W: Don¡¯t worry about it.


    Mike.W: My treat


    Mike.W: Just don¡¯t call me Will


    The conversation ended there, with each of the supposed Tripartite Trial Group Chat leaving him on read. In the ten days spent in the depths of Thunderstone, she reached a certain level of kinship with the four. As heart-wrenching as it had been on move-out day, she¡¯d accustomed to the online rapport. It seemed, though, that it was about to go through quite a change.


    ¡°I feel like I would¡¯ve recalled something this significant. But at this point, my brain¡¯s storage is topped with runes.¡± Val¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°It says here we had this conversation at four am. No wonder I don¡¯t remember it.¡±


    ¡°Too bad I do.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that really gonna¡ªhey! Caro, what in the¡ª!¡±


    A pair of arms snaked underneath her armpits and forced her off the night desk chair. Heavens. What does she eat?


    Caro dragged her across the bedroom, in a direction straight for the washroom. ¡°We are getting you dressed and outta here!¡±


    ¡­


    An hour later, each minute consumed by the desperate struggles that often accompanied deciding on an outfit, the pair exited the apartment. An ivory sweater draped off Val¡¯s shoulder, slightly hidden by the beige trench coat that brushed at her low heels.


    Traversing the puddle-ridden sidewalk, Caro hailed a cab. As safe as Atera was, public transit and fancy attire never mixed. Their home address didn¡¯t help matters, of course. East Lily Drive displayed the shadows of the modern city, one many cared not to see.


    Free-heating areas lined the sidewalks, becoming the lone structures remaining whole. The rest of the neighbourhood was in decrepit condition, with moss hoarding the walls and cracks spreading out into a spiderweb. The typical huddled wherever they could¡ªthe FHAs, the deserted houses, the alleys.


    A stark difference was made apparent in a snap when the driver turned out of Lily Drive. It was difficult to perceive, like a framed image wrongly angled by the slightest measure.


    As the minutes flew by, a dazzling avenue came into view. Massive IBR billboards spanned across the city structures and goods lined the streets. Supermalls filled the blocks, affluent customers making those in business immensely happy.


    ¡°Welcome to the Gold Road,¡± the driver said into the silence. ¡°Commerce Central.¡±


    Val didn¡¯t hear a thing.


    Even oxygen seemed second-rate in comparison to the surroundings. Vehicles in the lanes next door had an inch on them, hovering well above the sleet-covered concrete. High-end restaurants perched on top of high-rises, one of which was their destination.


    The glitter-and-glamour atmosphere seeped past the tinted windows of the cab. So much so, she suffered a small case of window-shopping withdrawal as they drove into a building¡¯s underground parking space. The pair thanked the driver, going on to find their way through the concrete maze.


    Following the holographic signs, the lift upwards proved easy to find. Caro¡¯s gaze flickered from her phone¡¯s screen to the vast number of buttons nailed to the elevator door. Deciding on the 114th floor, she tapped a circle and let it do its job.


    Her eye caught on the golden-crimson ring adorning her finger and she sighed. "I think our artifacts are broken," she prodded at the piece of metal. "They''ve been dead silent ever since Ashless Forest, no matter what''s going on.


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°We talked about this, Cee. It said ¡®fear detected,¡¯ which, in fairness, has been on the lower side,¡± Val said. ¡°The more we dive, the more we get accustomed.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t change the fact that it sucks.¡±


    Val had nothing to say to that. All they could do was wait until the first day of university. You think any school would accept you? A faint voice wriggled into her thoughts. The shaft doors split apart before she could head down that spiral for any longer.


    An ambience of peace hit her straight in the face. Translucent paper coverings split the space into hidden compartment, an aroma of fresh wood wafting about in the the timber-walled restaurant. Flickering candles sat on ledges, a cause for anxiety each time the flame crept too close to the flammable, shoji room dividers.


    Down the lengthy hall, a sleek Erydian smirked their way, the new-gained strength of a mage laying low beneath his pale grey eyes. Lean muscles flexed under his tailored pants and tucked polo, speaking to months spent under vigorous drills.


    ¡°I almost feel as if I¡¯m back in the trials," he said, meeting them in the middle


    ¡°Almost,¡± Caro grinned. ¡°It¡¯s good to get the group back together, even if it''s just us three.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± he replied, continuing the pace across the corridor. ¡°My winters." He glanced back at Val, irises aglow in a light blue. "Efron, your ASC is at nineteen. You feel... different.¡±


    ¡°Could say the same to you. Training''s definitely been treating you well.¡± By the demeanor in his walk alone, she could detect the assurance he held in himself. She saw it every day in Caro¡¯s steps. A certain confidence hung off their clothes. ¡°Also, enough of that last name thing. Call me Val.¡±


    ¡°To answer your first statement, yes it has. I¡¯ve joined a guild back in Nocelle and they¡¯ve been a great help.¡± He slid aside the paper dividers and a plush table awaited them. "As for the second," he took a seat opposite the girls, ¡°I¡¯m known as Mikhail to those I call friends.¡±


    His gaze met Caro''s and an intangible fight occurred as the they traded silent stares. To Val¡¯s shock, the Striker caved first. ¡°Does it actually bother you whenever I call you Will.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a further injustice to my line and believe me,¡± he said, ¡°we¡¯ve been through an ample amount of such.¡±


    Caro¡¯s expression faltered. ¡°Sorry for being an asshole, then. I meant it as all fun and games, but it didn¡¯t come across as intended.¡±


    ¡°Apology accepted.¡± He hoisted a hand that she shook. ¡°Does Carrie work as a name?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s baggage with that one,¡± she winced. ¡°Caro¡¯s fine.¡±


    His lips quirked up for a nanosecond. ¡°Mike.¡±


    The waiter rolled a trolley overflowing with palm-sized plates. One by one, dishes began to cover their table, displaying items like edamame and dragon rolls. While appetizers for the most part, the last item turned out to be a perfectly-baked goodness.


    Val knew her eyes shone at the dessert.


    ¡°So soon?¡± Caro asked the employee.


    He smiled. ¡°We believe in sweets after and before meals.¡±


    ¡°I like your thinking.¡± Val bit into the fluffy, velvet cupcake, content with the happiness overload that filled her mouth. The two snacked on the crab-themed courses they dropped occasionally, from crab melts to finger foods drizzled in seafood.


    "So." Caro threw a look at the lightning mage, toying with the odd, life-like figurine of¡ªyou guessed it¡ªa crab. "What discipline are you hoping to choose come September?"


    ¡°It¡¯s rude to ask for information you haven¡¯t yet given.¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°If you must absolutely know, I¡¯m leaning towards invocation.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re aiming to be a Striker?¡± Williams¡ªno, Mike¡ªhad trouble swallowing his drink. ¡°Magma and sand elements excel in evocative disciplines¡ªhard to find either laying around in the middle of the northern plains. It¡¯d be a different conversation were we in the Glass Dunes, yet even then, magma just clashes with every other discipline save conjuration and fortification.¡±


    Mike rambled a paragraph both girls had lingered on day and night about. Yet, treading such a Path would make their artifacts obsolete. Hard to use a greataxe stationed at the rear. On the plus side, five months of experimentation lied ahead of the two.


    Who said they had to pick a Path now?


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ complicated,¡± Caro informed him. ¡°Val¡¯s going the same route.¡±


    ¡°I sincerely hope you two end up being able to minor in conjuration.¡± Mike clicked his tongue. ¡°I¡¯ll continue to advise otherwise, no matter the circumstance.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± She waved it away. ¡°How about you? Traversal Discipline?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably conjuration.¡±


    ¡°No, conjuration.¡±


    He glanced at Val, eyebrows tilted downwards as if he was frustrated she¡¯d announced it a second before him. ¡°What gave it away?¡±


    ¡°Your mannerisms,¡± she supplied.


    ¡°I see.¡± He sifted a hand through his short hair. ¡°Either way, lightning Supports aren¡¯t in the ordinary, which is the reason I¡¯m attributing toward dust. Its erosion effects should sharpen the edge of my spell cache.¡±


    ¡°Attributing derails affinities, though,¡± she winced.


    ¡°The process is tried and tested in my family,¡± he replied. ¡°The actual downside is finding energy cores with dust essences. They cost an arm and a leg,¡± he said between frowning lips. ¡°Pales in comparison to one of my relatives, thankfully. No one points fingers my way.¡±


    Val hummed, nursing a cold cup of a tangy cocktail. ¡°How is your family, by the way. Last I remember, things weren¡¯t in the best of conditions.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the main reason why I¡¯m here in the First Halo,¡± he answered. ¡°It¡¯s a family gathering of the Williams blood, extended and immediate.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like fun,¡± Caro said.


    ¡°Hardly.¡± Mike ripped into his food, relaying his hidden feelings on the matter into the task at hand. ¡°It¡¯s merely a ploy to bloat the ego of our family¡¯s Master alchemist.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± She frowned, struggling to find words. ¡°Why waste a perfectly good party?¡±


    ¡°My cousin, the relative I mentioned. She has an Aetherial Vessel Abnormality.¡±


    Val stiffened, blowing unintentional bubbles into her cup. Caro stopped cutting into her meat.


    Mike, oblivious to the grip the three words had on the pair, took it as a sign of interest and continued. ¡°It would¡¯ve done little to hinder her quality of life should she have been anything other than the eldest scion of a recovering bloodline.¡±


    Caro popped a cube of rice into her mouth. ¡°Doesn¡¯t explain the alchemist business though.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s merely for the case that we somehow turn up the right ingredients,¡± he responded. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to have all the boxes checked just for him to say no, now would we?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Val bit into her lips. ¡°If artificers themselves are a dime a dozen, Masters are one in a thousand¡ªand they know it too. If you need an extra opinion, I¡¯d fish for an alchemist on a lower rung, like Meisters.¡±


    ¡°Others have stressed the same point and we¡¯ve all received the same answer: a Master is required to ensure the correct usage of the high-level materials. No more has been given due to ¡®privacy reasons.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Seems complicated,¡± Caro muttered. ¡°Gotta always remember to be grateful for what you have.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Mike sighed. ¡°Some of our other bullet points have been crossed off, at the very least¡±


    Val didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry.


    Although he did not know it, it might as well been as clear as day that he was referring to Life''s Hymn. The vast majority dreamed of having connections to a Meister. Now, one of the main requirements for the potion was a Master alchemist.


    Information was power and she was glad to gain clues since it had grown stagnant over time. It didn¡¯t affect the fact that the details heard were anything but good news. Nothing ever comes easy.


    Val rubbed at her cheek. ¡°Ingredients are still pending, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    Mike¡¯s hand stilled as his gaze carried a confused haze. ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡±


    ¡°Had a hunch.¡±


    <hr>


    Williams¡¯ distant relative¡¯s case of an Aether Abnormality resparked her fervent search. Though it manifested in the direct opposite of her mother¡¯s condition, she used it as an avenue as she scoured the internet. Maybe she could find a thread to pull?


    ¡°Aether Abnormalities: A Sign of the Heavens, Magic is Forbidden,¡± Val muttered the title of the link she¡¯d found, shaking her head at yet another article full of nothing.


    Soon frustrated at diving through limited articles and finding nil, she shut her laptop and settled into a lotus position on her bed. Alone by herself¡ªCaro having rushed to the duelist rings in search of a signup sheet¡ªshe quelled her temperament with well-timed breaths. Might as well channel my anger into something useful.


    Plucking the last remnants available in their bag hidden underneath their night table, Val screwed her eyelids shut. Time flowed and she resolved into a blank, dark realm in her mind. Ripples pulsed into the edgeless space out at each exhale. Motes of energy remained still, akin to frozen snow.


    Symmetrical wavelets throbbed in the immaterial plane and the aether particles bent to her will. A flux of blue streamed towards her, like an endless river.


    A little more knowledgeable in breathing techniques, she cut the connection to the prevalent energy right before hitting her max. Ready for the next step, she exerted force on the tiny remnant in her hand. Draining the piece¡¯s reserves, she seeped its energy into her AV, bit by bit.


    Her state of concentration cracked as she felt the trickle of aether deplete. Breaking out of Growth Assimilation, she beheld a dried-up crystal in her grasp. Its healthy, luminous colour traded out for a pallid grey, sign enough of its end. Val blinked slowly as she returned to the plane of existence, stretching an IBR window from her artifact.


    Wielder Info


    Aether Strand Count: 8/19


    0/16 Nodes Open


    Aether Channel Density: N/A


    Val could hardly believe it. She poked a finger through the illusion-based visuals as if they were a real number hidden beneath¡ªa lower number. ASC at 19, she was nearly double from where she sat two months ago. Though it paled in comparison to the monstrous Caro and others who clocked into triple-digits, it was still something to be proud of.


    It was only a matter of time before her silver PAST factored into her growth. She grinned at the thought.


    In the Second Halo, Master Winsford told her the pain caused by pure aether emanation would edge out and mitigate the higher her ASC ascended, producing a protective aura of its own. He¡¯d been right¡ªsurprisingly¡ªand she often failed to remember she once had a crippling condition some days.


    The pain up till now lingers and hedges her mental barriers any time a high-ranked mage decides to breeze by without their presence veiled. However, compared to the razor-like knife constantly stuck in her side all day during her years preceding the trials, her present condition was like a mild flick to the forehead. It''s practically gone.


    Light streaming from her window waned as night filtered in. She passed the time leafing through a tome worthy of being a weight plate on a barbell. Idly gnawing on the microwaved meat in her spare hand, her phone pinged. She tapped the device awake and checked it, grateful for the distraction. It was the new group chat Rick made. A slight smile spread on her lips the more she read.


    Another rift dive was in store.

 Chapter 27 - Chop Chop!

    Val¡¯s fourth elemental exploit took place in the Dark Mineshaft. Rumoured to be a labyrinth¡ªan area carrying multiple cores¡ªthe chance of a rift rupture escalated threefold. That was three times the chance to return as yet another collected body, like any random adventurer. Like¡­ Dad.


    According to the CAU associates in the tollgates way back, the abandoned diggings were aligned to netherite. The fact lured creatures bound to negative elements, the deadliest of their kind. She didn¡¯t think herself prepared for encounters with chimeras or spectrals, but what could she do? Her diminished remnant pile sat empty at home, and her ASC won¡¯t fix itself.


    Except for Bo, the squad¡¯s steps squelched uncontrollably. Mine tracks of rotting wood layered the packed-dirt floors, coated in a guck that didn¡¯t want to leave the bottom of their combat boots. The lights overhead flickered, failing their job to illuminate the path. If this was her old line of work, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to report the safety hazard right away for an extra buck.


    As a former miner, Val could admit she was somewhat in her element. Caro, on the other hand, shook at every noise¡ªthe creaking floor, the scrapes of moving metal, the stirring soil. Everything.


    ¡°Chop chop!¡± Rick hollered out front.


    At his call, the two stumbled away from the safety found in the middle and into their vanguard positions. Rick pointed to a maroon ribbon tied to a misplaced metal pole, charmed cuffs ringing out in the absence of sound. ¡°Soon we¡¯ll be officially entering inside the rift, be vigilant.¡±


    As the familiar glow of the separator veil tinted the dark surroundings blue, she took a brief moment to gather herself. There was no time for doubt once on the other side. In that tiny span of hesitance, things could flip for the worse and it''d be on her. She slipped past the curtain and a cool substance washed over her skin, like a cold shower after a hard-fought spar.


    Pitch-dark surroundings welcomed her on the latter end of the veil. No one bothered to assemble light fixtures when it''d shatter at any scuffle to occur. One step in, and a distinct shift set about in the atmosphere. Sounds began to carry hints of stories in them, whispers tickling at her ear lobes.


    ¡°For heaven¡¯s sake,¡± Caro flinched into Val¡¯s shoulder for the umpteenth time. ¡°This is why I hate horror movies.¡±


    ¡°Maybe try not watching them?¡± Val suggested, donning the pair of shadow-sight contacts bought at Silann¡¯s behest. Eyes watering, she blinked rapidly as the device filtered false colours into her vision.


    ¡°While having you as a roommate and a best friend?¡± Caro¡¯s scoff rivaled Mike¡¯s, dripped in faux-derision. ¡°We¡¯re in a rift, V. I¡¯d rather not attempt the impossible so soon.¡±


    A stream of amusement took a hold of the squad, startling the pair of Strikers upfront.


    Rick guffawed out loud, a low rumbling sound that¡¯d better suit a monster trying to breathe. Aeron snuck his chuckle behind a sleeve¡ªyet again¡ªand Silann wrestled with a grin, fighting what looked to be a losing battle. Val¡¯s gaze snapped to the lowborn beside the wind mage, managing to catch the briefest of skyward tints on his lips. So the Hunter smiles.


    Settling into a focus after the crackle of mirth, they heeded the Captain¡¯s directions as he decrypted signs rivaling managlyphs in complexity. Every instance they plodded through a different stench-filled tunnel, the claustrophobic walls widened a tad bit. An hour in, it broadened into a cavernous hall and Silann¡¯s prolonged sigh drew the attention of the squad. ¡°We have company.¡±


    ¡°Direction?¡± Rick asked in turn, his spellcuffs vibrating into life. She flicked a finger to the tapered columns stretching from the cavern ceiling. Skull-piercing screeches emerged out of the stalactites above, eliciting a yelp out of Val. There must have been hundreds of aether creatures lurking up there.


    ¡°Weapon-users, equip your talismans while you can.¡± The Bulwark widened his stance, charmed accessories revolving around his wrists. ¡°Ronny, it¡¯s me and you.¡±


    A haze of the purest kinds of darkness descended, formed by an endless army of bats. Each was a mass of wispy shadows, frame hardly discerned off their nebulous wings. Val hurried to search her coat, and the ever-growing shrieks spelled swiftness into her actions.


    ¡°Bo, I need a traversation sheen on the bats, stat!¡± Rick barked. ¡°Earthen Eminence!¡±


    ¡°Orb Cage!¡±


    The ground rose at Rick¡¯s call, forming into a mountain of dirt at his feet. His arms were outstretched, and like the moon¡¯s command was to a tide, so was his will to his spell. A wave of furious soil lurched forward and slammed against twenty chimeras. Making an angular U-turn, it returned to its owner and stood guard as a mound of defence. All in a span of a few seconds, mind you.


    Water enveloped a few others in bubbles of clean liquid, trapping them in an orb and debilitating their movement. From the back, tens were picked off by Silann¡¯s silent Air Arrows, yet it hardly put a dent. A gush of fluttering ebony swarmed at them in earnest. Where one Dark Blindbat fell, another rose, creating a horde parallel to the undead horror stories of the Second Great War.


    Val¡¯s fingers brushed at the smooth curves of the capsules in her coat and she cursed under her breath. She had rummaged the wrong side, reaching for her tonics instead of where her enchantry was stashed. Skipping her scrolls, she grabbed a bill-shaped talisman and slapped it onto her weapon. Words of golden light danced on her slate blade.


    As the black wave neared, she ignored the fear bubbling within and brandished her saber alongside her fellow Striker. Their spell caches remained useless on winged creatures¡ªMetal Spike was always dodged. Better to save energy than to waste it on a mere whim. Bereft of her elemental prowess, she was left to do just as Magus Hawke insisted.


    Trust her training.


    ¡°Sheen.¡±


    Bo¡¯s voice sounded like a late bloomer, high-pitched and a little squeaky. What he lost in the shaky presence of his spellcasting, though, he gained in results. The overwhelming wave of chimeras braked, their wings flapping at a turtle¡¯s pace. Val¡¯s brow furrowed despite the break in the battle.


    A cause for question required a call to answer, and she couldn¡¯t stop the inquiry from flashing through her stream of thoughts. Sheens obscured things; how did doing so affect speed? What about Rick¡¯s fortification spell¡ªit wasn¡¯t strictly defensive, as fortification was known to be. The fact disarrayed the knowledge gathered in days past.


    Can¡¯t be thinking about this right now, she berated herself, quelling her rambling thoughts.


    Capitalizing on the immobilization, the Strikers dashed forward. A bat flying as if the air was tar made a pretty easy target. Her weapon struck true and the talisman lit up. Inherently susceptible to the positive essence, the chimera stood no chance against the radiance coating her sword. The blade that seemed dull at first burned through the poor thing in a blink.


    ¡°It won¡¯t last much longer!¡± Bo warned. Sweat beaded his nose and his copper-brown hair stuck to his forehead in a matted mess.


    Aeron¡¯s gaze roamed over the hundreds of creatures left to dispatch. ¡°This doesn¡¯t bode well.¡±


    ¡°Should I cast a magma spell?¡± Caro looked between the group. ¡°It¡¯s great for this type of thing, but I can¡¯t control it.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t use it,¡± Rick fired back. ¡°Remember: control, control and more control.¡±


    Val leaned from foot to foot. This wasn¡¯t the time to be teaching.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Silann¡¯s hands flourished upwards like an orchestra conductor and the panicked air¡­ calmed. Aeron¡¯s elongated casks slumped to the edges of his shoulders as his body relaxed and a set of easy smiles appeared on the squad as if all was well.


    And it wasn¡¯t.


    It wouldn¡¯t ever be until the mob of chimeras out for their blood were dealt with. Her opinions nearly left her lips in a perplexed cry, but a screech whirled her around. It was like witnessing a slo-mo video return to real-time. The Dark Bats'' wings pushed against Bo¡¯s restraints with a vengeance, beating their paper-thin wings harder and harder.


    Val¡¯s eyes fled the horrid scene, taking refuge in Silann¡¯s reassuring presence. Or was there something else there? Once her attention reached the mage, she didn¡¯t want to leave. The presence of the Elemental Gate of Air was tangible. Solid. Not in the free-spirited nature as many depicted the Grey Saint, or in the curt and succinct nature found in wind prodigies.


    There was a palpable arrogance. A trait that, Val noticed, accompanied numerous Supports. Yet it also accompanied the verity that air was everywhere and anywhere. What, in all honesty, topped that?


    Silann''s hands shook like she carried a great amount of weight and some sort of tension released as she pulled her palms down. A gush of air blew cedar strands across Val¡¯s face and worked to lift her off the cavern floor. The Striker stabbed her weapon downwards for support, mouth agape at the lady¡¯s work.


    Shrieks were silenced the moment the creatures crashed into the ground, smooshed against the dirt like the palm of a saint forced them to prostrate. Flattened into unrecognizable piles of bones and leathery skin, the air eased off their miserable existence and vacated without a trace. The veneer of darkness casting their shadowy countenance left with their souls, apparently.


    That wasn¡¯t conjuration. Val locked quick stares with the Support before she went about collecting the energy cores of her scores.


    ¡°The hell? A Support using invocation?¡± Caro didn¡¯t care to uphold the same level of tact as Val, gaze trailing Silann¡¯s back unashamedly. One arm propped on her greataxe, the other reenacted the display of magical strength. Her eyebrows pinched together momentarily, and a second later, a light bulb seemed to go off in her head. ¡°Son of a bitch.¡±


    A grin flashed on her face and her back straightened, the vigour of her discovery supplying newfound energy. ¡°Val,¡± she half-squealed, half-whispered. ¡°She¡¯s the living definition of what we want to be. Well, the opposite, but you get my point.¡±


    ¡°That I do,¡± Val hid a smile of her own. For a long time coming, interdisciplinary mages seemed to exist in a faraway land. Never did she expect she''d discover one in her backyard.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to dally¡ªheavens knows how many more of these annoyances are hiding up there.¡± Rick detached his cuffs, equipping a new set. ¡°We need all hands on deck, so let¡¯s move it.¡±


    Aeron dangled a duffle bag, gesturing to the morbid pile of chimera flesh. ¡°C¡¯mon kiddos, we¡¯ve got work to do.¡±


    Val nodded in understanding, grabbing the sack and lingering at his heels. As he worked alone in harvesting the cores¡ªneither of the Strikers achieved the feat, as of yet¡ªCaro picked up the glowing pebbles he left behind, throwing them inside the sack. The labour was harmonious, each member of the group possessing a role that ebbed into another''s task. It didn¡¯t stop the Strikers¡¯ eager stares, however, from burning Aeron¡¯s back.


    He chuckled. ¡°What¡¯s it now, you two.¡±


    ¡°That spell Silann casted back there invoked the present air,¡± Caro stated. ¡°Ain¡¯t her Path that of a Support?¡±


    ¡°The job of a teacher never ends,¡± Aeron made a show of exhaling and dropping his head low. ¡°Short answer or the long answer?¡±


    ¡°Hella long.¡±


    ¡°As long as need be.¡±


    ¡°No cutting corners either.¡± He shook his head and relented with a sigh. ¡°The faculty of the mind is a mage¡¯s hand; spells take form in the palm, and are thrown by the arm¡ªwill and energy.


    ¡°The rite of specialization alters that hand, making it able to better form spells under a specific discipline.¡± The pink of his actual palm grew incandescent, and another Dark BlindBat¡¯s corpse withered away to reveal a blue orb. ¡°It takes a great deal of talent, effort and hard work to break through the limitations placed.¡±


    Lost in his explanation, he trudged onwards, leaving a vast number of glowing spheres in his wake. ¡°The whole process is akin to closing the disciplines behind metal doors. Only, the Path you choose has a wide enough space for you to walk through. The rest have something more like a keyhole, and you have to squish your will through it to cast.¡±


    ¡°And that lets those on privy to other disciplines, regardless of Paths?¡± Val worked to keep up with his pace, juggling the duffel bag that began to feel like it was packed with weights. ¡°Sorry to keep asking you all this. Information is hard to come by. It¡¯s there, just buried in too many arcane terms for a Novice to make sense of it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± he smiled, ¡°and to answer your question¡ªno, it does not. I put talent first for a reason.¡±


    Caro dropped the last of the core within Val¡¯s sack, ambling after Aeron. He leaned his tubs against the cavern wall, glancing at the Strikers on his trail. ¡°It dictates how large that keyhole may be and the capabilities to squeeze past it. For the majority, no gap exists and no amount of effort can surpass that.¡±


    ¡°Just great,¡± Val mumbled.


    ¡°Be wise about it, though,¡± he grunted, fingers askew as he extracted water from the packed dirt. ¡°Certain Paths are inclined to subdisciplines. According to the Circle of Magic Disciplines, your best chance is to hope to minor in traversation and conjuration.¡±


    ¡°Hell yes,¡± Caro pumped a fist. ¡°That¡¯s perfect for us.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up before you pass the rite.¡± Once his water¡ªif you could call the ominous, brown liquid that¡ªbubbled at the top of the cylindrical containers, Aeron capped them shut and lugged them over the shoulder. ¡°Looks easier on paper than it is in real life.¡±


    Picking up the crystal-adorned wand that often appeared and disappeared amid battle, he led the walk down the cavern. ¡°It¡¯s not the biggest deal for Silann as someone from the Haldar family, even if by the tiniest of bits. As one of the Twenty, it¡¯s quite expected of her.¡±


    ¡°Holy shit, I knew her last name was familiar,¡± Caro whipped around to the ginger, possessing two healthy inches on the guy. ¡°What¡¯s she doing as an adventurer at her age?¡±


    ¡°Focus, there¡¯s a spectral at your feet.¡±


    The girls jumped into action at the warning, weapons drawn and heads swerving. A soft sweep of dragged feet answered their prudence. Silann strolled past, a smirk on her lips as she patted each of their backs. ¡°Good reaction times; however, try not to gossip with the person in question in close proximity.¡±


    Val clutched onto her blade, as if the mere grasp of its hilt would summon forth the danger Silann had proposed. As scary as it would be, she¡¯d feel half the idiot. In the end, her lips curled upwards and her saber returned to its sheath. I¡¯ll get her back.


    Silann led the group forward from then on and Magus Hawke would demand laps for the audacious act. No matter how talented she was, Supports remained at the rear, and Val knew her company would agree. One more odd thing to add to her accrescent questions.


    A light edged into the cave from afar, glaring with the shadow-sight contacts equipped. Too scared to remove the items while danger abounded, she endured the burning discomfort till her eyesight adjusted. The cavernous chamber bloated twenty times in size in the meantime and a stone fortress was erected at its center. Smooth lines indicated a geo Adept at work, using the surroundings like a potter used clay to shape their envisioned fortress.


    ¡°Labyrinths like these are home to many adventurers. You remembered how little you all received at the CAU through energy cores alone,¡± Aeron said. ¡°These people camp here for months before heading back with enough to feed their families, and there''s only one word to describe them as: commendable.¡±


    During Aeron¡¯s speech, a stream of adventurers congregated out of thin air. Dark Mineshaft was as porous as cheese, with an endless amount of tunnels weaving about in its body. Mages bled into the Base Camp¡¯s yawning floor, likely addled with thoughts of safety, security, and a surety that the next breath won¡¯t be their last.


    A wide breadth of people led up to the Base Camp¡¯s walls, meandering to the earthen gates. Too high up to discern, she could hardly see the silhouettes of the army of geo mages at work, hauling the barricade open and scurrying to clamp them closed on repeat.


    ¡°Who might you be!¡±


    Sheltered behind the sturdy barriers, an aura-laden voice boomed across the underground enclosure. He dropped the question on a squad of three up ahead, a limp teammate in their grasp. Val winced at his arms, mangled beyond the point of recognition. Brutal.


    ¡°Dan lost his badge on the way here,¡± a girl answered, glancing at the injured ranger. ¡°I and Shuri have ours. You can trust that he¡¯s with us¡ª¡±


    ¡°Entrance cannot be given without a badge,¡± he cut across, not a hint of sympathy detectable. People surged forward, and the desperate group was shoved aside as another took their place. The movement was nonchalant. Normal. ¡°Who might you be!¡±


    ¡°Silann Haldar.¡± Pronunciation crisp, a draft carried her low-pitched words across the area, despite the request being directed at another. Val turned to catch the wind mage¡¯s green eyes narrow in constrained fury. ¡°And you will let my team and that man through.¡±


    ¡°Entrance cannot¡ª¡±


    ¡°If I hear that sentence of yours one more time I will painfully extract every ounce of oxygen in your lungs, put it back, and do it again.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Unfounded Strength

    Necks bending to glimpse the mage at the center of it all, Val fought the urge to shrivel in the face of the attention. Shouts of frustration were passed forward at the halted progression and she grew thankful the rift ranked no higher than copper.


    Pissing off a Novice might result in a charred hand, a blinded eye, a missing limb¡ªmaybe all of the above. But the wrath of an Adept endangered her life and there was nothing Silann could do to achieve a different outcome. The ruckus drew an adventurer from the depths of the walls, hair gelled and arms crossed.


    ¡°Entrance cannot be given. Without. A. Badge.¡±


    ¡°Silann¡¯s heart is in the right place, Lieberman.¡± Craning his head upwards, Rick took a step forward. "We both know we can play a hand in the survival of that man. Allow us to do so. We¡¯ll see to it that he¡¯s healed and sent out with his group.¡±


    The hum of conversation dispersed into an awkward lull at the proposition, eyes now directed at Lieberman.


    ¡°On the honour of our guild,¡± Rick added.


    Struggle hitched Lieberman¡¯s shoulders to his neck, but the moment disappeared as swiftly as it came. ¡°Should anything adverse happen, let it be known that Age of Atera permitted this man¡¯s entrance.¡± He raised a fist. ¡°Gap the gates!¡±


    A baritone groan shook the ground and the team of geo mages yanked the earthen barriers apart. Silann sifted through the crowd like a hot knife in butter, the feat made easier when adventurers gave her plenty of breathing room. Following at her back, they watched as she crouched next to the trio of adventurers.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± one said.


    ¡°Dan, was it?¡± Silann pointed to the wheezing ranger, half-conscious, half-a-foot in the ground. Receiving a nod for an answer, she swirled her wrists and the air came alive. His body floated on cushy drafts, dragged above the ground as the team marched past the so-called gapped gates.


    Cavities perforated the insides of the barriers, and if Val squinted hard enough, she caught the metallic sheen of a spear in each hole. At Lieberman¡¯s command, she suspected they could become human kabobs in seconds. A sigh of relief departed her as soon as she was free of the barriers¡¯ confinement. Welcomed into the settlement behind its protection, her relief quickly transitioned to wonder.


    Unwrinkled paths of pale soil formed a well-placed grid, and the rounded shapes of cob houses filled the empty spaces in the gaps. No structure surpassed five stories, despite the cavern ceiling allowing at least double the height.


    Dainty trees lit the way as fuzzy particles invaded their brown leaves, shedding a warm purple on the ambling denizens. The sight was unlike anything she¡¯d discerned. For heaven''s sake, caravans trotted on by with car-sized insects at the end of their leashes.


    ¡°You two look like kids who¡¯ve just gotten their first E-shield,¡± Silann chuckled, setting down the ranger on a nearby bench. A set of scrolls appeared in her hand as she knelt beside the injured man, passing a paper on to Rick.


    ¡°You can go ahead and explore,¡± she said over the shoulder. ¡°All I ask is that you remember to make it back to Habour¡¯s early enough to get a good sleep. We¡¯ll meet you there.¡±


    The gates reopened and a stream of adventurers passed them. Aeron plastered on a smile that screamed ¡®¡®nothing to see here,¡¯ exhaling once the batch turned down the nearest corner. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not too certain about that last one.¡±


    ¡°Hush,¡± Silann answered. ¡°Don¡¯t mind Aeron over here, girls. You¡¯re free to roam around.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± Caro asked. "This whole badge business seems kind of unsettled to me."


    ¡°Go before I change my mind.¡±


    ¡°On it!¡± In a blink, Caro¡¯s iron-vice grip clamped on Val''s forearm¡ªthe force strong enough to be felt through her soft armour¡ªand lugged her away into the roads. Setting out at a brisk pace, their strides slowed as the excitement ebbed away to reveal a solemn undercurrent.


    Don¡¯t get her wrong, the deep-rooted rowdiness of adventuring guilds was still noticeable in every corner of the Base Camp. Shops set up tour guides, tents stole the sidewalks to sell their goods, and the distant yodel of a bard from one pub or another livened the streets.


    Heck, the city square was a bowl-shaped divot in the ground, with a pair of mages engaging in an Elemental Exchange. Flashes of lights entranced the growing crowd, a few rednotes up for grabs if you gambled the odds right.


    Yet, there resided a serious outline over each smile, a shadow hidden behind a bout of laughter. It was a semblance of peace. A pretense of order. A place solely to destress and unwind, because the weight of the next day would be too heavy if the baggage of the past tagged along.


    Death and loss, it seemed, were familiar to many of those present.


    ¡°Smoked Scorp Leg?¡± an Auricean asked. He carried a manpurse, stuffed with charred appendages that were swaddled in flannel wrappings. Speaking of death.


    Caro gagged as she watched Val shrug and pluck one.


    ¡°You watch horror, you eat horror, what¡¯s next?¡± her friend muttered, returning her sights to the makeshift Casting Circle below.


    Val jiggled the crispy stick of meat. ¡°How much?¡±


    The man thumbed a stand to the side of the area. ¡°Payment¡¯s done over there.¡±


    Making her way over, she munched on the esoteric treat in her hands. It¡¯s halfway between fish and beef jerky. Not bad, to be honest.


    ¡°If my memory serves me right, you¡¯re a fresh face.¡± A Kidraan narrowed his blue eyes at her arrival, an assortment of gear on display behind him. E-Shields, G1 scrolls, trail meals¡ªthe commodities were a wide spectrum of what most adventurers would need. Do I need anything, though?


    ¡°I go by Val.¡± She dropped change in the bin labeled for smoked scorpion, devouring the last of it and trashing the wrap. ¡°You have anything worth buying?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Oldman Uche¡¯s got just the thing.¡± Wandering his shack, he dumped an age-old tome on the counter. ¡°Illnesses, aether creatures, rift structure¡ªthis book informs you about everything you need to know about Dark Mineshaft.¡±


    Val flipped through, easily gleaning info off the pages due to many nights up late reading enchantment-related texts. ¡°Maybe next time,¡± she winced, returning the item. ¡°Though the rift is new to me, it¡¯s not to my teammates.¡±


    ¡°Fair, fair.¡± Something seemed to weigh down the older man, heavier than the metal plates of armour donning his leathers. ¡°Forgive a man for trying, but I feel useless letting a greenhorn like you leave empty-handed.¡±


    Val hummed, a hand on her chin. ¡°I guess there is one thing you can help me with. I¡¯d love to know where Harbour¡¯s at.¡±


    <hr>


    Val¡¯s rest at Harbour''s was far too short. Those beds were heavenly.


    The next day slammed into her with the force of a bus. A stench of rot wafted about, immediately felt as they parted ways with the underground settlement. She couldn¡¯t place why, yet something unnerved her, causing her to twirl Aster as a calming effort.


    The tunneled path ahead forked into three ways and Rick chose the center without a moment''s hesitation. Anytime Silann voiced her suspicions, the group paused and let Rick use his affinity-based antenna to sense the minerals in the vicinity. His Vice-Captain would throw him a shovel and, in a matter of minutes, he¡¯d excavate the desired object.


    Opening the duffle bag in her arms, the Bulwark placed it inside with much care and marched onwards. Val shook her head, bumbling along at his heels. She knew her old job would¡¯ve been ten times easier if they had a geo mage, capable of ridding miners of the futile digs they sometimes engaged in.


    Grabbing a quest at the guildhall, they entered the maws of the Dark Mineshaft with more in mind than reaping energy cores. There was a quota to be met, promised goods offered by the artisan branch. The weeks past proved how futile lower levels of rifts were, and Val could hardly imagine how her parents kept them afloat with that income.


    They fell into a rhythm¡ªStrikers and Hunter kept watch in front, the leaders focused on mining minerals, and the Anchor watched their rear. Four hours passed like so, tedious and yet simple.


    Their work came to a screeching halt as the scuttling of a thousand feet echoed from afar. Val¡¯s face darkened at the indication and goosebumps popped on the few areas of skin visible through Caro¡¯s armour.


    ¡°Pentagon position: Turtle!¡± Rick ordered.


    Aeron looted the liquids from the surrounding dirt. A barrier of yellow-green liquid bubbled behind the backline, thickening as he strung rivers into the shield.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Rick¡¯s charms blazed. ¡°Geo Gates.¡±


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Three thick stone slabs manifested in rapid succession, shutting out the view of the manipulation spell. The spell blocked out the sound of encroaching footfalls and the swish of water entirely. In that instance, the description from the Discipline Corridor flowed into her mind.


    DISCIPLINE OF FORTIFICATION ¡ªused by Bulwarks


    The Discipline of Fortification is used for defense and defense alone. The suppression of the enemy¡¯s usage in the arcane is possible and intricate spells of defence can be cast, like interceptive shields or Runic Abjuration.


    Not the time Val, she told herself. She needed a solid grip on her thoughts from here on out.


    Nodding at his work, Rick surveyed his fellow adventurers. ¡°Run.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Silann hissed. ¡°We¡¯re digging ourselves into a hole if we go deeper inside.¡±


    ¡°The tunnel expands some distance back. It¡¯ll give us a better chance than here. Let¡¯s go. Now!¡±


    The force in his demand prompted the team forward, leaving nothing to do except trust his choice. Breaking out into a sprint, they dashed ahead as a unit¡ªas one. A mob in a tight space suggested little more than a grim death.


    She sent a prayer to the saints for Rick¡¯s choice to be one led by a straight compass. For once, they seemed to grant Val her wish. Thirty seconds in, or however long her mind chopped it up to be, the narrow tunnel bloated to an expanse similar to that of an EC-room in space.


    Seldom a moment to breathe, she found herself next to Caro, out of position by a mile. She scrambled to reach the other end of the Bulwark to balance the presence of a Striker on each side. A mind-numbing sensation occupied the air and her muscles malfunctioned, her arms falling limp at her hips.


    The six witnessed a skeletal worm scurry inside, a countless number of boney phalanges at its bottom. No reinforcements followed behind, its gait to blame for the simulation of an army. Cavities lounged in its face, staring at the humans as an endless standstill stretched.


    Out of fear, instinct, or the desire to break out the attenuation effects of its aura, Val initiated first. ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    A coldsteel thorn sailed towards the chimera. Squealing, it swerved to the side in one fluid motion and spat a torrent of gooey substance. Val lunged away, glancing to her right to find a floor-to-ceiling wall of slime.


    It encased the entire length of the subterranean space, separating the squad from its Strikers. Drawing the trusty dagger strapped to her thigh, she stabbed at the grey material.


    The blade eroded.


    ¡°Caro.¡± Val unsheathed her sword, stomach lodged within her throat. ¡°I think we¡¯re by ourselves here.¡±


    "You gotta be kidding me." Caro unfastened her greataxe, readying for a fight unaccompanied by the help of their teammates. Wish I was.


    Val searched for the calm she procured steps before the separator veil. Focusing on her inner self, she weaved the most frames she¡¯d done in live action. From form, to stretch, to multiply, she hoped the spell that came alive resembled the one practiced behind closed doors. ¡°Metal Spike Quartet!¡±


    Four coldsteel spikes poked out of the ground, slinking through the gaps of the chimera. In the face of insufficient energy, pangs of acute discomfort struck her core. Quick to snatch a tonic from her coat, she threw the aether potion to the back of her mouth. Clamped between her molars, the capsule crushed into bits and flavourless liquid raced down her tongue.


    ¡°Metallic Reformation!¡±


    Signature to the metal mage, she weaved invocation into the conjured spell. The prongs took on a curved end, hooking the being¡¯s bones in place and terminating its ability to move. For a worm twice the width of her bedroom, it travelled fast, as if its many feet surfed on the ground.


    Thin layers of frost raced up its skeleton and the chimera somehow squealed in pain. With the little amount of flesh hanging off its frame rotting beforehand, Val had not a clue if any of her attacks¡ªheat conductivity, included¡ªwould affect its capabilities.


    Caro swung at the incapacitated chimera, the edge of the curved weapon coated in inscribed light. It looked more like she smacked a rock. The weapon ricocheted off the chimera¡¯s boney exterior leaving a single scratch, its fleshless face chittering with ease.


    One of the metal spikes snapped and Caro hurried to retrace her steps. The next three of the quartet followed its sibling, and the magma mage let out a flood of expletives.


    Val threw another potion in her throat and forced down the liquid energy. Trading positions with her friend, her empty AV refilled itself in the meantime. The act felt artificial, like an IV drip.


    Grains on the floor converged into limbs at Caro¡¯s command, relocking the chimera to the ground. As Val rounded its body to strike at its sides, the being twisted out of its sand chains to take a bite out of her.


    ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    Val grunted and lodged a coldsteel rod in between its gaping jaws, a wave of decay washing over her. She couldn¡¯t stop her heart from hammering against her poor ribcage. Almost lost a limb there.


    | A foe capable of terminating Wielder detected.


    | Overriding Code 292¡­


    | Activating Wielder-Bound Encyclopedia and low-level advice to ensure survival.


    Lines of script bombarded Val, causing her to backpedal as she attempted to rid herself of the distraction. Low-level advice? What¡¯s this now?


    Refocusing on the enemy in sight brought a storm of notifications, as if she were a character inside one of Caro¡¯s games.


    | [ {Chimera} Lifemonger - Tier One]


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">| Susceptible to heat-focused positive elements.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">| No need for sustenance to survive; easy to scare into retreat</li>


    </ul>


    | You¡¯ve got it together¡ªgreat job Wielder!


    Val would¡¯ve snorted at the last message had the circumstances been vastly different. Ideas churning in her head, she retreated a few paces to put the pieces into place. ¡°Hey Caro, remember how you had our last guest running with their tails between their legs?¡±


    A short ¡°Ha!¡± burst from Caro¡¯s lips as her arms strained against the chimera, a physical interpretation of the mental battle at hand. ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ think my cooking¡­ will have the same effect.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Val dodged another one of its advances by casting a spike beneath its head, a scream shattering out of its hollow throat. ¡°But magma will.¡±


    She could hear the gears turning in Caro¡¯s head at her next question. ¡°How long¡­ do you think¡­ that E-shield of yours will last?¡±


    ¡°Fifteen seconds.¡±


    ¡°Get over here.¡±


    Backpedaling for a moment, she swiveled on her heels and darted to Caro¡¯s side.


    Planting the shaft of the E-shield as firmly as her strength allowed, she spilled her remaining energy into the device. It sparked alive and a rush of water tided to cover their front. She tweaked the knob visible on the shaft, and it diverged into omnipresent-mode. A liquid barrier surged around them in a dome, safeguarding every angle.


    Caro muttered her spell under her breath as the last of her sand restraints snapped. Through the translucent cover, she witnessed the horrific sight of a skeletal worm advancing for them and braced herself.


    The Lifemonger shrieked and rammed its boney head at the forefront of the E-shield. Val¡¯s arms trembled as she struggled to buffer the magitech, ensuring it was secured and rooted. Stance broadening, steady breaths continued leaving and going as timed. The chimera deviated, lashing its tail at the back.


    Val lurched forward, but she stood her ground. The creature tried a different tactic. It encircled the dome with its long body, skittering around, its face never departing its prey.


    Then, it squeezed. Hard.


    The shaft in her grasp short-circuited. The device''s simple enchanted wiring likely didn¡¯t have this tactic in its books. Val left her fate to the Elemental Saints, praying that it withstood it for a little more.


    White-hot sparks lashed her palms and she grunted, ignoring the bubblings in her hands. The shaft veered this way and that, absorbing the brunt of the attack.


    ¡°Magma Flood!¡±


    Caro casted a spell that put Val''s entire spell cache to shame. Using the near-unlimited aether within brought forth an immediate reaction. The ground, except for the circle saved by the E-shield, morphed into molten red magma.


    A shrill cry left the Lifemonger¡¯s hollow windpipes. Circling their safe bubble a couple of times, it slipped through the gooey barrier, shutting the door on the way out.


    ¡°Finally,¡± Caro got out, collapsing to the floor like a tipped-over statue.


    ¡°Woah, woah, woah!¡± Val¡¯s hands reacted a second late, and her friend crashed without a hint of support.


    ¡°Cee, wake up!¡± she yelled. ¡°This is not the time for a rebound!¡±


    Rising to her feet, Val hung by her side as fret mauled her insides. Despite the two throwing their all into the fight, they hardly dented the creature¡¯s facial hair. How would her team fare on the other side? It¡¯s up to our ace, Sila¡ª


    A javelin of unknown material wedged itself inside her torso, blowing her away in a blast. A soundless cry came out as she slammed against a wall. The javelin sank deeper inside, piercing her entire set of armour, and attaching her to the stone enclosure.


    Heavens. Through clenched eyelids, she watched as a scorpion the size of a wolf prowled in Caro¡¯s direction, mandibles clicking in delight.


    For the first time, she missed her aether emanation predicament of the early year. Had she possessed it, she¡¯d seen the attack coming from a mile away. Damn it.


    Fire coursed through her body as she moved for her pockets, detaching a healing scroll and withholding the tears viciously trying to break through. At once, she pulled at the rod.


    It didn¡¯t budge.


    She attempted again, a shallow groan leaving her. Nothing.


    The scorpion started on Caro¡¯s leg. Val¡¯s blood ran cold.


    ¡°Heavens above, Valory,¡± she muttered in a breathless wheeze. ¡°You¡¯re not losing Caro.¡±


    One.


    Val took a breath that wracked a fiery pain. It invaded her lungs, her insides, her mind. Her thoughts flowed about as well as molasses.


    Two.


    She exhaled in a shuddering manner. Here she went.


    Three.


    Val screamed and tugged at the rod, heedless of the lines of salty liquid streaking her cheeks. Surging forward, the rod clanked to the stone floor. Val didn¡¯t question the what or the how.


    She pressed the G3 healing scroll to her abdomen, flooding the required energy into its runes. The inscription lit up and her skin mended together, worth every rednote she spared.


    Shaking off a verdant itch, she raced towards her limp friend with vengeance in mind.

 Chapter 29 - Binding Words

    As urgent as Caro¡¯s predicament was, she was plenty of paces away, leaving Val a brief moment to evaluate her current physique. Her insides shrieked each time her foot planted on the ground, as if the scroll patched her up using plastic strings instead of arcane sutures.


    Thankfully, Magus Hawke¡¯s endurance training kicked in and she managed to sequester the throbbing sensation to the distant corners of her mind. What she couldn¡¯t ignore, however, was her low reserves. I¡¯m dry. Consuming the last energy potion available in her tool belt, a wide wince teetered her expression. It had the lowest value of her tonics¡ªworth just over half of her total ASC¡ªslashing her options in half.


    She should¡¯ve refilled her needs at Oldman Uche¡¯s store. She should¡¯ve taken heed to the strange solemnity settling on the Base Camp. She should¡¯ve realized that the Dark Mineshaft didn¡¯t prefer to leave its intruders whole, the injured ranger was a testament to that.


    No matter what she should have done, could have thought, or didn¡¯t believe, it mattered little. Caro¡¯s life was in her hands, and that was something no one could steal away¡ªnot while she breathed and lived on Spiravale.


    Sword abandoned to the far side due to being flung away, Val resolved to conjure a Metal Spike in her hand. Thicker than the type she routinely called upon, it was cold to the touch and odd to hold in place of her hilt. Worse, it bit at her skin.


    She didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Metallic Reformation.¡± Carving a Glazen blade out of the material, she trained on the creature at the forefront of her approach. Aster gifted her its name and stars, plugging in the gaps of knowledge and adding the frame to the picture.


    Mud dripped off the curvature of the Speartailed Scorpion¡¯s outer shell. Hunched in on itself, tail curled atop the back, she would¡¯ve mistaken it for a boulder if not for her shadow-sight contacts.


    Val ignored the warnings spilling across her vision, courtesy of her artifact. Spotting the scorpion¡¯s mandibles close in Caro¡¯s calf, she saw the world through a red-tinted glass. She took a compact swing for its head, technique and tactics be damned.


    Seconds away from intersecting its meal with a mean slash to the face, the scorpion curled up into itself like a pill ball. The sludge on its exterior solidified into rigid plates, clinking as they set into position around its carapace.


    Val poured fury into her form, the released tension in her muscles ensuring a¡ª


    It repelled her attack with vapid ease. Her newly-formed weapon flew behind the shoulder and the result stitched her eyebrows together. Something else¡¯s in play there.


    There was no time to double-check her thoughts. She saw a brown blur, followed by an intense surge of pain through her ribcage. Slammed away by the creature¡¯s flailing appendage, the blow carried her backward. She tumbled to the floor, rolling into a heap of limbs.


    She propped herself on an elbow, grunting as she watched the scorpion open its jaws. Frustration churned her stomach. To think a Tier One aether creature would deem her worth so low. It made a conscious decision to ignore Val, to let her fume where she sprawled, unable to buffer its desire to consume her friend¡¯s life.


    And she didn¡¯t even possess the might to insist otherwise.


    As much as the media denied it, aether creatures weren¡¯t witless, and the sneak attack proved as much. The scorpion lingered in the shadows until its prey was vulnerable, likely disguised as an ordinary rock.


    Time continued to tick, regardless of her feelings. The scorpion closed in on her friend by the inches, but she couldn¡¯t compute a course of action able to dispatch the creature. With an AV quarter-full and a body hanging on by the thread, desperation grasped at her emotions.


    Words have more power than you think, Valpal.


    A distinct memory flashed in her mind, with Dad seated at the far end of the dinner table. He¡¯d stride to where she bristled, a tender smile on his lips as he massaged the wrinkles at the midpoint of her brow. She¡¯d probably just finished a rant about one thing or the other¡ªan unjustified test mark, an underhanded move in a spar, an unnerving comment.


    He always nodded like his eleven-year-old daughter¡¯s problems intrigued him more than the latest news. Then, he would repeat the same answer rehashed, remixed, and readjusted. There was one version, though, that stuck with her.


    If you want something to happen, it doesn¡¯t hurt to express yourself.


    It was a piece of advice she could never quite follow, but if there was ever a chance to remedy the fact, it¡¯d be now. In a last-ditch attempt to get its attention, Val mustered every mote of authority she owned and thrust it into her voice. ¡°Stop!¡±


    Breathless and a tad bit out of it, she questioned the sight that occurred through her tear-blurred eyes. The incessant clicking of the beast¡¯s mandibles ceased. On pace to tear Caro¡¯s neck into shreds, it jerked in her direction in a broken manner, as if it lagged on low-end wifi. Liquid oozed out of the its orifices, dripping past its ear holes, eye sockets, and shell.


    The scorpion¡¯s body went rigid, and the light in its orbs vanished. Before long, it toppled to the ground like puppets whose strings have been long cut.


    Mystified at the sudden death of the Speartailed Scorpion, Val puzzled over her empty Aether Vessel as her world turned dark.


    ¡­


    An all-encompassing throb startled Val awake, the headaches of all headaches bringing her forth from blissful oblivion. Strained thoughts laced together into choppy recollections, as if sifted by her brain to shield her from the bombardment of imagery. Lifemonger. Magma. Javelin. Heavens. Caro¡ªis she okay?


    Val dragged her eyelids open, groaning at the blinding light burning her eyes.


    ¡°Lower the torch, Ron,¡± she heard Rick order. ¡°They¡¯re awake.¡±


    It was then she registered the rugged texture of fortified leather scraping at her neck. She twisted her head to find Silann¡¯s arm looped around her shoulder, muttering under uneven breaths. ¡°Not twice¡­.¡±


    A separate grunt battered her healing senses, trailed by whispered expletives. She peeked around Silann to find her fellow Striker under the same chokehold. A visceral sense of relief nearly eased back into unconsciousness.


    Caro was alive.


    ¡°You girls scared us there.¡± Rick reclasped the few hanging latches on his unique armour set, otherwise in pristine condition. ¡°We broke through the erosive barrier to witness a pair of lifeless bodies.¡±


    ¡°It was a mighty scare, but we¡¯re glad it was only that,¡± he chuckled, a trace of somberness in his lined smile. Bo gave an earnest nod, shooting them a thumbs up.


    Silann stifled a few sniffles, releasing them from the hug. ¡°Told you they¡¯d be fine.¡±


    ¡°Aww,¡± Caro cooed. ¡°Is that worry I sense?¡±


    Silann shot her a glare and the group broke into a hearty burst of laughter.


    ¡°Relief aside, we should get a move on,¡± Rick said. ¡°Though this place worked, we don¡¯t want to be trapped here for another second.¡±


    Helped up by Aeron, Val cursed at the stiffness in her body.  They must¡¯ve applied like five healing scrolls. Such an extreme level of growth was unnatural, altering her muscles to the point of unfamiliarity.


    Val¡¯s concentration went into putting one foot after the other, allowing the others to guide her out of the dreaded tunnels. A hand would jut out occasionally, catching her before a mere slip ended with her on the slick, subterranean floors. Her body slipped into auto-pilot, clocking out the ongoing conversion amid the team. As the minutes flowed, a couple of keywords unblurred her awareness.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°¡ªgathered enough minerals to hit the quota, which is enough to get you two one spell each,¡± Silann said. ¡°After a run-in with the Lifemonger, I suggest a trip back to HQ is in the works.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t,¡± Val blurted. ¡°Caro and I don¡¯t have more than two remnants at home. University application dates are fast approaching¡ªwe need those energy cores.¡±


    Silann shrugged. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll lend you some.¡±


    Aeron shot her a puzzled look, the offer unlike the aloof wind mage. On a different day, Val would¡¯ve accepted the act of kindness with open arms and a wide smile. Unfortunately, the manner of the Speartailed Scorpion¡¯s death scratched at her curiosity. She wasn¡¯t willing to leave while the feeling was fresh, lingering in her system.


    ¡°I can¡¯t ask that of you when you just saved our lives. When all of you did,¡± Val said


    ¡°Inconsequential,¡± she countered. ¡°I¡¯ve saved your head more times than either of us can count, and I will continue to do so. As long as you don¡¯t annoy me, that is.¡±


    Val winced, turning to the Captain for his answer¡ªa suitable response.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he nodded her way. ¡°I¡¯m never one to decline the desire to achieve things yourself.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    ¡°However,¡± he continued, an ultimatum on the horizon. ¡°Any signs of fatigue and we¡¯re out. Alright?¡±


    Val nodded, half-expecting a whoop from the battle junkie of the squad. Instead, she found Caro walking in a daze, on the same auto-pilot mode she was once in.


    She elbowed her friend. ¡°You good, Cee?¡±


    Bound in a tight ponytail, her braids fell loose as Caro slipped off the hair. ¡°Feel like someone¡¯s splitting my skull in half." She sifted a hand through her crimson curls, black roots growing in. "I don¡¯t know how you survived so many rebounds.¡±


    ¡°Me neither.¡± At a glance, the magma mage appeared off-kilter. Her skin was a shade paler, and her gait carried an unenergetic apathy divergent from her usual self. ¡°Wanna bother Aeron?¡±


    Caro cracked a slight smirk. ¡°I¡¯m always up for that.¡±


    Aeron raised a brow as the pair broke position. ¡°Never a break with you two,¡± he sighed. ¡°You¡¯re lucky you just survived a near-death situation. What¡¯s the question?¡±


    ¡°Who said it¡¯s a question?¡± Caro raised a brow.


    Val scratched her cheek. ¡°It, uh¡­ it kinda is.¡±


    Caro slapped her shoulder. ¡°Damn it, Val!¡±


    Silann snorted to the far left. ¡°Spit it out. Even I¡¯m curious.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± she gestured to the gash in her clothing, a pale stomach visible. ¡°After the Lifemonger fled to your side of things, a scorpion¡¯s javelin stabbed me right about here.¡±


    ¡°I noticed the carcass,¡± Aeron mentioned.


    Val nodded. ¡°It wedged me into the wall. Like, I couldn¡¯t move. By some means, though, I was able to pull it out. Now, I¡¯m left wondering what those means were.¡±


    ¡°Easy,¡± Silann said. ¡°Aetherial Reinforcement.¡±


    ¡°The only Aetherial Art I know of is Vague View.¡±


    ¡°Aetherial Reinforcement is a technique accomplished through instincts,¡± Aeron said. ¡°The capability to activate it is always there, we merely sharpen our ability to use it at will through training.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Val muttered. Way back during the second test of the Tripartite Trial, Collins clipped on the obsidian bracelets to block the mere chance of her activating the art. To her, the action was an overboard demand, and yet the exact thing he¡¯d mentioned became a possibility months later.


    ¡°I¡¯ll teach it to you guys if you¡¯re willing,¡± Aeron said.


    ¡°Of course we¡¯re willing,¡± Caro grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t block me when the texts start rolling in for help.¡±


    His smile waned. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to get more than I bargain for.¡±


    ¡°Too bad,¡± Caro punched his chest and he grimaced. ¡°A done deal¡¯s a done deal.¡±


    Val didn¡¯t bother to hide her smile.


    She¡¯s back.


    <hr>


    Returning to the relaxing depths of Harbour¡¯s, Val''s mind was moderately untroubled.


    She didn¡¯t know what to expect of a hotel in the middle of a labyrinth¡ªrock-solid mattresses and squeaky pipes were the first on her list. It had escaped her mind that their squad hosted a woman of high standards, and high standards tend to carry on to where one resided. Silann checked out three master-size bedrooms; one for the guys, one for the girls, and one for herself.


    You couldn¡¯t fault Val for taking advantage of the shower, rinsing off the grime of the dive.


    Caro¡¯s snores greeted her once she left the bathroom. Porcelain tiles sapped her feet¡¯s heat as she raced to the bed, mitigated by the fire stove that sat adjacent to the night desk. Wrapped in thick blankets, a sense of comfort gave her a snug goodnight kiss that would put anyone to bed.


    So why, might you ask, was she awake with a troubled mind? The Speartailed Scorpion run-in was to blame, plaguing her sleep even in death. The fight would have remained a losing battle if not for her scratchy shout. Yet, was it due to that?


    Val wasn¡¯t a fan of mistaking causation and correlation, but it seemed impossible to distinguish what was which in the present circumstance. What had happened? Why did it suddenly bleed out? Was it a coincidence or was it her?


    The answer seemed obvious, like something she should know, given it was words that she said¡ªor was it not? With a long-winded sigh escaping her, she shut her eyes and tossed herself to the other end of the bed. The list of mysteries extended longer and longer, adding the ones already lying in her bin.


    Nevertheless, nothing compared to the riddle of her odd awakening. The instance remained as blurry as a distant dream she might¡¯ve had years ago. Whenever she dwelled on it for a moment too long, the imagery eluded her, gone from her memory.


    Despite the fierce urge to type away in a computer¡¯s search bar, she settled to simmer beneath the covers. She wouldn''t encounter a working smart device in the Base Camp, anyways. Rumours suggested that the high energy level in rifts fried complicated technology, disabling one of humanity¡¯s vital sources of strength. Though an enrapturing setting, the sight of the primitive city confirmed it.


    All there was to depend on was yourself, your spells, your E-devices and the same length as others.


    Unless, of course, you possessed devices on par with storage rings.


    Val¡¯s eyelids finally flickered downwards as the persisting adrenaline faded. She made herself cozy, savouring her final night at the luxurious hotel.


    <hr>


    A chorus of high-pitched squeaks itched at Val¡¯s eardrums as they turned down the wrong corner. Within a roomy corner of the mineshaft, two dozen raccoon-sized rats stared at the six intruders invading their home. Technically the right corner.


    Rick directed them down a separate tunnel as they left the Base Camp today, one that possessed an aether creature-infested dead end. What bristled at her weren¡¯t just chimeras bound to the negative-concrete element of poison. They were walking remnants.


    Water flowed from Aeron¡¯s tubs¡ªrefilled at Base Camp¡ªand out of the ground simultaneously, fettering the critters in place. Air Arrows zipped across the rectangular space, drilling the domes of four rats. Rick fortified a set of earthen blocks to bar the chimeras from progressing further and the Strikers rushed in without fear. Caro took one side, Val the other.


    Limbs of sand hardened into sharp edges, maiming a trio in a matter of three seconds. She twirled her greataxe in a sweeping motion at two others, footwork elite as she stepped forward to jab the next. In one, succinct motion, she retrieved the weapon with a healthy and precise tug, leaving six aether creatures dead in her wake.


    Val offensively conjured Metal Spike Quartet the second time around, aiming to kill rather than to obstruct. It pierced through three as they attempted to leap past Rick¡¯s earthen barrier, the fourth lacerated after she tweaked a spike with Metallic Reformation.


    She plunged her blade into one of the remaining pair, honing in on the last rat. The beady eyes of the creature met the keen look of the metal mage.


    Summoning the same intent and force as the day prior, she whispered, ¡°Stop. Stop.¡±


    Chittering at her like they spoke the same language, it quirked its head and ejected a spray of green poison. Stifling her shock, she sidestepped the attack. Its head continued to reel back as its neck stretched open, slashed tendons unable to maintain the weight of its skull.


    Bo uncovered himself and his stained hands were evidence of his handiwork. His mannerism spoke of verdant confusion, gaze wavering between the living girl and the dead rat. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Val¡¯s debate on whether to keep quiet or not didn¡¯t last long. Discovered secrets didn¡¯t bode too well, especially if their relevance was insignificant. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know, trying to speak to it I guess?¡±


    Bo lifted his curtain bangs to make eye contact. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡ªit worked last time, I swear,¡± Val added in haste. As his eyes narrowed, regret struck as quickly as lightning. Yup, I¡¯ve officially lost it.


    ¡°I knew some mages were eccentric, but this¡­¡± Bo muttered. He sighed, attention returning to the rat, his teammates, and back to Val. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t weirded out?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± he confessed. ¡°I¡¯ve seen worse, though. Way worse.¡±


    ¡°Then, do you¡­ perhaps have an answer?¡±


    He threw her a shrug. ¡°Words contain power, especially when it punctures the material world as it does in spells. It reaches different types of ears, hearts¡ªand in some cases¡ªsouls.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not an answer though?¡±


    ¡°Answer enough to me.¡± He shot her the quickest of evil smiles and vanished behind a sheen.

 Chapter 30 - Dialed Up

    Boots clicking against the tiles of the common room, Val spared the barest second to greet the scholars that noticed her entrance. She plumped into her corner-shaped desk, a single goal positioned at the top of her priorities.


    To piece together the missing bits surrounding the Speartailed Scorpion encounter.


    She pressed a palm on each of the transparent dividers bordering her view, dimming the material. A sheen unfurled at the rear of her office chair, promising a high degree of privacy. Not able to risk the chance of Caro peeking over the shoulder during her online scouring, she held off the study for forty-eight hours. Cracking one finger after the next, her laptop flashed on, ready to solve the scorpion''s odd death.


    As a result, she connected the wire curling around the branch¡¯s desktop to her device, permitting her whatever details allowed outside the Laws of Secrecy. She went ahead and typed a description of the phenomenon of the early week and it sprung forth a flood of incoherent terms.


    Aura manipulation, mind geases, the element of command¡ªevery sort of topic streamed past her screen, yet none were accurate enough to be the answer. A slew concepts popped up, requiring the reader to be versed in the arcane. I¡¯m the last person to understand any of this. Either way, she forged on, eyes blurring as the definitions spiraled into sentences arduous to simply read.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± she cradled her head between her hands. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on what I do know.¡±


    Magic didn¡¯t come forth unsolicited, there needed to be a will in question and a target in sight. Teachers loved the ¡°asking for a cup of water¡± example to explain the separate, and yet connected parts of the idea.


    Whether or not she might be excruciatingly thirsty on the inside, strangers wouldn¡¯t willingly bring a glass in the absence of a request. That¡¯s the will.


    Then came the target; who did she ask? Should she have pleaded to the air, people would be hard pressed to act on her words, unsure if it was them she sent the inquiry to.


    Val had appealed to a force that day¡ªthat half made sense. The trouble came when it was time to clarify what exactly she called out to. The debacle refreshed her earlier days as a trainee, when Magus Kane took the time to explain the misalignment of her will.


    ¡°What you control is proportional to your knowledge,¡±he had elaborated. ¡°It¡¯s a general rule of thumb: you can¡¯t control what you don¡¯t know.¡±


    In her case, it rang resoundingly true.


    Regardless of her anguished demands to the Metal Gate, she didn¡¯t receive a response before the revelation of coldsteel¡¯s existence. As soon as she sent a mental probe to the specific sub-element, the difficulties of her faulty casting disappeared.


    So, Val ruminated on the inner workings behind the potent word that left her lips, centering in on the notion. More existed beyond the distressful intention of rescuing Caro. Ultimately, it was her father¡¯s vestiges that prompted the shout directed at the chimera. His principles intertwined with her day-to-day conduct, lingering onwards as an echo of his former self. Almost¡­ as if a faint trace of him, his entity.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t help my case,¡± she groaned, settling her forehead on the cool desk. Her attempt to loosen the ball of questions wound up with a growing headache. At this point, Bo¡¯s derisive comment seemed closer to the answer than the millions of answers generated on her laptop. He, too, is another jigsaw.


    Most would rule his position to be on the lower side of the guild, no higher than fifth-class. It was practically obligatory for a Hunter of his rank to put in hours of work in an EC-room, ensuring their invariable spell caches weren''t detrimental. Yet, the past five weeks implied the opposite, with even scratches impossible to sight on his armour set.


    On any of four, actually.


    The tussle with the Lifemonger left the Strikers the most drained they''d been in their entire career. By all means, the squad should¡¯ve come across an ounce of difficulty in the face of the three-starred creature. Passing through its highly erosive barricade, not a single hair strand of theirs seemed out of place.


    Soon, she found herself deleting the words on her search bar, and entering the names of her teammates. A little snooping won''t kill anyone. Plus, I need the distraction.


    Awards, notable acts, rift records¡ªnothing of the type came up. As far as she was concerned, rifts weren''t private. A squad as well-oiled and highly-trained as Rick''s team, in Val''s humble opinion, must''ve wracked up piles of fame. Or, at the bare minimum, heaps of notoriety after the badge stunt Silann pulled. Curious.


    A pulsing sound emanated from her desk''s sheen, indicating a desire for entrance. She swiped the rune etched to the counter and her soul signature cleared the request.


    The material dissipated into yellow-blue particles, revealing a young scholar. ¡°Master Winsford asks for your presence."


    <hr>


    Sunlight flooded Winsford''s office, eliciting a bright smile whenever it caught the corners of Val¡¯s olive face. The steep windows gave a wide display of Atera¡¯s magnificent skyline, an early spring fog obscuring the crowns of the multi-floored structures. She felt her jitters recede as she inhaled, an ever-present smell of a freshly-cracked book scenting.


    The metal door creaked open and Master Winsford strolled in, his steps strained and laborious. ¡°Apologies, my meeting ran late.¡±


    ¡°It''s no trouble at all, Master,¡± Val replied, quick to sit. Her green eyes fixed on the aged Auricean, groaning as he lowered himself into his chair. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind my asking, I¡¯m curious as to why I was called.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s far from anything awful,¡± he assured. ¡°I merely believe we are putting your high PAST to major waste.¡±


    He unclipped the blue robe cloaking his suit, whisking it on the seat¡¯s back. ¡°I¡¯m placing a limit on your meditation and diving. You¡¯re an initiate under my wing¡ªan enchanter. It¡¯s time we move away from theory and dial up your training.¡±


    Val failed to hide her grimace. ¡°Diving I can understand. Meditation, on the other hand, seems to me like a necessity, rather than a hindrance. I barely have twenty aether strands to my name.¡°


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid additional meditation is not the solution,¡± he said. ¡°Ever wonder why universities don¡¯t base your applications off the statistics made during the trial?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know they had access to those in the first place,¡± Val answered.


    ¡°They have everything right down to the footage,¡± he added.


    She leaned forward. ¡°Does that include audio?¡±


    At the gaping mouth of Blue Cave, Val recalled slipping her mother¡¯s condition to Caro. The details passed were nothing precarious, a simple explanation of Aether Incontinence Syndrome. Nothing they didn¡¯t have already. That didn¡¯t mean that it wouldn¡¯t chip away at her consciousness, at a loss on where else the videos landed.


    ¡°Heavens, no.¡± Winsford chuckled. ¡°Participants tend to find a diverse number of things in the trials. Friends, enemies¡­ partners. Audio is very least that¡¯s edited out prior to reaching institutions.¡±


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°What, a few love confessions scare the universities?¡±


    ¡°Less of a scare, more of an annoyance,¡± he muttered. ¡°Nevertheless, the stats jotted down amid the trials are momentary. They tell nothing besides a mage¡¯s potential and it¡¯s hard to sell yourself based on what you will be in lieu of what you presently are.


    He placed a writing utensil on either side of his desk, emphasizing the length across the pair of pens. ¡°There is a four-month gap for application deadlines to discern a mage¡¯s position in Janos, and where they may be in Tricemeber. In the stretch of this grace period, there must be evident growth¡ªthat is their determining factor.¡±


    ¡°I feel like that furthers my point, Master.¡± Val rubbed at her brow. ¡°My ASC has to be higher.¡±


    ¡°Can you legitimately tell me that you can acquire aether strands faster than a privileged Novice consuming one elixir after the next?¡±


    Val bit her lips, her gaze lowering.


    ¡°Everyone acclimates AS. Everyone learns spells. Everyone develops theoretical knowledge. Admission boards realize this, and if they¡¯re truly scouting for the best talent, these are the last metrics they¡¯re tracking.¡±


    ¡°These metrics, they make a person,¡± she countered. ¡°It¡¯s the entire reason I was hesitant to join the trials in the first place. Look. My ASC is glaring. It¡¯s literally the first thing a person uses to feel me out. You¡¯re telling me the Boards of Admission are any different?¡±


    ¡°Here is where many are led astray.¡± He whipped a pen in her face. ¡°They want to know how you, personally, as a person have grown.¡±


    ¡°Okay, now you¡¯re losing me.¡± Val¡¯s nose crinkled up. ¡°They want to see my inner growth?¡±


    ¡°Your inner growth and more. Let¡¯s use Miss Hayes, your friend, as a subject.¡± He raised an eyebrow, as if asking her for her permission to continue.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°In the Tripartite Trial, she pushes far too deep in battles. Does that detrimental habit remain by the end of Tricemeber? Has she learned to work as a team? Perhaps she¡¯s discovered how to better protect her left side?¡±


    Val blinked at the string of defective habits listed without delay.


    ¡°It¡¯s great that she has an astonishingly-high ASC. Absolutely amazing,¡± he repeated. ¡°However, all things considered, it¡¯s a drop in the pool of talent.¡±


    ¡°Which means my high PAST isn¡¯t going to cut it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not to be missed,¡± he said, ¡°Only, it needs to be served up with something else.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s supposed to be this dialed-up training?¡±


    ¡°More than that,¡± he replied. ¡°The lessons learned will aid you in aspects you require as a mage. Not to mention that an approvable performance in the competition would look stellar on your application.¡±


    Damn. The Auricean enchanter stacked a bundle of sound points, a few too many to ignore.


    ¡°Fine.¡± She crossed her arms, eyes on the lofty view of the city below. ¡°No meditation.¡±


    His lips hinted upwards. ¡°The goal of these exercises is to enhance your aether control, as that is one of the abilities tested at the competition.¡±


    He snapped and a guitar arrived in his grasp, fresh out of his storage ring. Strings of glassified aether were strung up on the clear fretboard, the textured body made out of cloudy wood. Val''s hands involuntarily grasped for the item and she forced her limbs to its side.


    He let out a breathy laugh. ¡°Miss Hayes warned me this would happen. Here.¡±


    She was swift to snatch the instrument, not caring to throw the leather strap over the shoulder. Trying for a simple strum, her heart broke as it let loose six muted clicks. It was no different than plucking a disconnected electric guitar; no power, no sound.


    ¡°Each of these things has tiny, minuscule enchantments.¡± Winsford squinted, like he was reading the inscriptions from across the desk. Val reexamined the vibrating strings, inspecting the blue matter. I don¡¯t see anything.


    He searched through his desk and retrieved a thin book, sliding it across the glowing counter. Lines and lines of numbers greeted her as she cracked it open, a couple of them carrying numerous decimals. ¡°That¡¯s the answer key.¡±


    Val glanced at the wisened enchanter. ¡°An answer key to play¡­ a guitar?¡±


    ¡°It tells you exactly how many aether strands¡ªor parts of it¡ªyou¡¯d need to power the sound inscription, enabling the string to emit a note,¡± he supplied. ¡°In the event you figure out how to play a simple bass line smoothly, you¡¯d be on your way to mastering emission.¡±


    ¡°Emission¡­¡± she echoed. ¡°I remember Charles mentioning it once. One of the three primary skills of enchanting, or something along those lines.¡±


    ¡°She''s correct, it''s the feat of outsourcing energy from within your channel,¡± he added, spindly fingers aglow. ¡°A vital technique to an enchanter just as it would be to an adventurer. Extremely transferable, might I add.¡±


    Transferable? She stared at the shifting balls of wispy energy dancing atop his fingertips, her thoughts returning to Aeron¡¯s first lesson. To this day, she couldn¡¯t harvest an energy core. There wasn¡¯t sufficient time to leave her room for trial and error because her ASC cut it short in a matter of minutes.


    Emission might very well be the key to the problem.


    ¡°The next tool I want you to have is a model of a Recognition Rectangle.¡± He spread his arms wide and a four-by-six metal plate popped into his grasp. It looked like a next-gen mirror, garnering the perfect reflection on its smooth surface. Like gazing at a different dimension.


    ¡°There are an untold number of enchantments aligned on its top. Each lights up once the right amount of aether is poured into it. The closer you are,¡± his hand hovered past the corner, and a geometric line marred the tool¡¯s markless face. ¡°The brighter it glimmers.¡±


    ¡°First, you need to find it.¡± He let the tool drop, and it hid the entirety of his quartz counter. ¡°This aids in the development of detection. Certain materials aren¡¯t as inclined to allow energy scraped onto them, and enchanters are urged to seek out the easiest entry point.¡±


    ¡°Nothing here tells me how to find it, though.¡± She dangled the book. ¡°For emission, I have clues, a set of directions. This looks much harder, and I have much less help.¡±


    ¡°I want you to concentrate. Go on, close your eyes.¡±


    Val¡¯s green irises remained on the enchanter, suspicious.


    ¡°Go on,¡± he pushed.


    Hesitant for a brief moment more, she shut her eyelids and welcomed the darkness that followed.


    ¡°Focus your senses on the Recognition Rectangle.¡±


    Val flipped her mind¡¯s eye inside out, exiting the Metal Gate¡¯s domain and perceiving the metaphysical plane of her environment. Motes of blue essence remained idle in every corner of the room, except for the Recognition Rectangle resided. It wafted out in tiny bouts of flares, scurrying away from the device and slowing to a stop as it edged elsewhere.


    ¡°By now, you¡¯ve noticed that there¡¯s aether emanating from it.¡±


    Val opened her eyes, deciding against activating Vague View. Not like she¡¯d be able to make sense of what she¡¯d perceived. A tactic for later, then.


    ¡°The lines inscribed on this device are currently releasing energy ever-so-slightly,¡± Master Winsford supplied. ¡°You need to detect it. Utilize the very same senses that allow you insight onto its aether levels.¡±


    Val blinked. ¡°You want me to trace obscured lines, and then emit a specific amount to keep it glowing on top of that?¡±


    ¡°I never took you for a complainer.¡±


    She winced at the stark slight. ¡°I¡¯m not. Not usually, anyways. I just have my doubts, and if this doesn¡¯t work¡ªif this fails, university is no longer an option.¡±


    ¡°You might not be accepted into any universities if it does work.¡± He huffed a tired sigh. ¡°What good does worrying do?


    Plenty of it. For the last four years, worrying kept Val on her feet. It made sure to verify what she could, and doubt the things that didn¡¯t hold up to her standards. As much as it held her back on numerous instances, it¡¯d saved her life a great deal of times.


    That said, was free tutelage a part of those topics to dwell on? Aside from the pause in meditation, the option entailed a string of positives, leaving little more to muse about.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Letting the guitar ly on the side of the seat, Val froze mid-action. ¡°Wait. Charlee mentioned three vital skills. What¡¯s the third one?¡±


    Master Winsford waved a hand. ¡°It¡¯s a Rookie-level competition¡ªthey won¡¯t test for intention. We¡¯ll dabble in that afterwards.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± she nodded. ¡°When do we start training?¡±


    A glimmer of excitement crossed his face. ¡°What better time, is there Valory, than now?¡±

 Chapter 31 - Wrong Day

    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    East Lily Drive


    -Two weeks later-


    Biting into a crisp apple, Caro peered at the odd, rectangular object hung adjacent to their closet. Like, really stared at it. It was a wonder how this one thin sheet of metal held such a grip on her steadfast roommate.


    Val had charged inside the apartment like her life depended on it, a long device under one arm and an even larger frame beneath the other. She placed the device inside the redwood fixture, in a hurry to just¡­ look at it.


    For hours, upon hours.


    It broke Caro¡¯s heart to think she couldn¡¯t make a gamer out of Val. That type of concentration was highly valuable in RPGs, farming for items on end. Oh well, you can¡¯t win them all.


    As each week passed, the air in the home grew heavier, dense with a prickling sort of vexation. Ask the wrong question and you gained Val¡¯s death glare¡ªrare treatment, Caro had to say. To no one¡¯s surprise, Kenneth frequently encroached on said boundaries under the guise of caring reminders, as if trying to kill a campfire by spilling oil on it.


    After a few rounds of knocks on their bedroom door, he would peek his head and gesture to the Recognition Rectangle. ¡°How¡¯s training going?¡±


    ¡°Take a look at it.¡± Curled up under her blankets, Val¡¯s attention was on the book in her grasp. ¡°Does it seem any different?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± His gaze meandered to the featureless device, a trio of geometric lines narrowly breaking the surface. The only form of progress in three hundred hours. A grimace pulled his cheeks to the side, and he¡¯d click his tongue. ¡°You¡¯ll get it soon.¡±


    ¡°Hope so.¡±


    There went the door, shut before the answer could travel across the cramped room. Caro couldn¡¯t begin to guess his motive. Did he want to piss her off? Or was there some sibling dynamic she missed?


    Letting the thought be, she wandered to their shared closest and sighted the enrapturing guitar. Working up a sweat in a duelist center, she couldn¡¯t believe her eyes when the old enchanter walked past the occupied rings. He was as out of place as she¡¯d ever seen a person, a snowflake compared to the ragged combatants during high-intensity exercise, prepping for battles against each other.


    His request made her day¡ªand it wasn¡¯t because she got to add a little spice to Val¡¯s training. Let¡¯s be honest, maybe it was a tiny bit. To her, though, the ability to ask what his student would prefer rather than themself, despite years of experience, was the mark of a reasonable master.


    She had hoped her idea would help her musically-inclined friend fall into a rhythm, one that expedited improvement rather than adding layers of strain. In the hours past, it appeared she¡¯d accomplished the opposite, stripping away the one thing Val loved to enjoy anytime, anywhere.


    Each night, she¡¯d hear Val play a splendid total of three notes before plucking a soundless string. A pause interrupted her session, and the croaks of the pigeons on the window ledge filled the sudden silence. Caro imagined her face growing a shade or two darker.


    Then, she¡¯d huff a great sigh, slip on the reading glasses she¡¯d finally gotten herself, and scrutinize the hiccup in her strumming. Seconds later, a flash of blue coloured the dark room and Caro grinned under her covers. Still stubborn to the T.


    Even years back, unaccompanied by the need to prove herself, she¡¯d never settle for a loss on her part. Without fail, she¡¯d take the time to consult with teachers on mistakes, ask her peers for advice and strive for the best version of herself.


    Born in a family where the sum of its household¡¯s ASC amounted to less than the random student, Caro struck a chord with the strange, hard-working girl. She¡¯d passed along her opinion to Val the next day during their spars, and they¡¯d been glued at the hip ever since.


    The fact sparked what must¡¯ve been millions of conversations in elementary school. People strolled up to Val in the middle of the halls¡ªinstructors, TAs, and peers. To clear up whatever misunderstanding that must have existed in the poor girl¡¯s head to link arms with Caro.


    She¡¯s not going to be much.


    Don¡¯t waste your time!


    There¡¯s an open seat at my table if you want.


    Those final two years at Vexal Elementary School couldn¡¯t go by any slower. She yearned for the dawn of Deduction Day, for her magical aptitude to simply shut up the persistent noise.


    Deduction Day came alright, and it hit the girls like a tsunami on Portside¡¯s shores. At the young age of twelve, Caro witnessed the fickleness of humanity. It wasn¡¯t the questions muttered in the halls that changed, it was the girl they pulled aside to whisper in her ear. Friends swapped to gossipers the following week, and gossipers into bystanders. Strangers. Passerbys.


    From that moment onwards, Val second-guessed the very Central Essences that encapsulated the world. The lock on that door, the answer to this question, herself. Whatever the case, Caro made damn sure she¡¯d have her to fall back on.


    Her eyes shifted to the stack of scattered textbooks, cataloged and organized in a manner no one could grasp except for its culprit. The mountain of tomes nearly swallowed the nightstand whole, seemingly empty without its typical bookworm neck-deep into a hardback volume. A resonant quiet spread to the corners of the apartment, none of its usual rowdy occupants at home.


    As if to remedy the peculiarity, knuckles rapped on the thin door. Ugh. She stormed out into the living room, whisking the chain lock off and ripping the door open. ¡°No means no, Earl. I swear, another knock on my door and I¡¯ll be shoving a ball of magma up your¡­ Oh.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Aeron let out a soft laugh. ¡°We¡¯re not Earl.¡±


    Silann lifted a manicured eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯ll be shoving what up where?¡±


    The door escaped Caro¡¯s frozen hand and groaned as it veered wide, permitting a clear sight of the crew. Clad in civvies¡ªsweater, jeans, and a summer dress¡ªshe nearly missed the bottle of delicious amber stone in Silann¡¯s hand. Almost. ¡°I didn¡¯t get a text you were coming over.¡±


    ¡°Wanted it to be a surprise.¡± The Captain¡¯s stature lumbered over the two in front. ¡°Mind if we come in?¡±


    Caro stepped aside, beckoning them inside with one hand. ¡°As long as I get a cup of whatever Sil¡¯s carrying, you¡¯re welcome in our home.¡±


    Aeron¡¯s head swerved about, laying hold of the empty living room. ¡°Where¡¯s Val? We need both stars of the show today to celebrate having a full team again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been two weeks,¡± Bo added, leaving Caro at a loss as to when he arrived.


    ¡°Sorry guys.¡± She sighed through her nose. ¡°Wrong day.¡±


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    <hr>


    ¡°How much longer?¡± Kenneth groaned, his shuffling steps an ever-present noise in the background.


    Val huffed a chuckle. ¡°We¡¯re almost there. Promise.¡±


    In response, a string of muttered complaints battered her ears, evoking a shake of the head. An astral cover of countless stars bestowed pale lighting to the Efron siblings, the lamp in Kenneth¡¯s hands working double-time to compensate for the rest. Sinusoidal hills rolled into one another, like an inanimate wave of grass put on hold. Piggybacking on Val¡¯s back, Andy¡¯s giggle warmed her chest during the downhills, arms high in the air.


    ¡°Sis, be honest with me,¡± Kenneth repositioned himself up front, his spiky bedhead a source of distraction. ¡°Do you like astronomy? Stars, to be specific.¡±


    ¡°Not at first,¡± Val admitted. ¡°Didn¡¯t have much interest in sparkling dots too far to be of importance.¡±


    Hands buried in his jacket¡¯s pockets, Kenneth scoffed. ¡°I hear you.¡±


    ¡°But Mom came in and¡­ things started to make sense,¡± she said, adjusting her grasp on Andy. ¡°She added details behind the stars¡ªsongs, stories, rhymes. I don¡¯t know, I guess it all lured me in. I¡¯m a sucker for a good tale and discovering the rich history of these celestial beings did it for me.¡±


    ¡°Huh,¡± Kenneth cast a glance her way. ¡°Figured it was the puzzles involved in stargazing that drew you in.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that definitely helped,¡± she nodded. ¡°Though it¡¯s less solving the problem of the hidden stars and detecting them through the ones quite visible.¡±


    ¡°All the same mumbo jumbo to me.¡±


    Val smirked. ¡°Someone¡¯s beginning to sound like Caro.¡±


    He shuddered. ¡°That¡¯s a highly disturbing thought.¡±


    ¡°Kenneth.¡±


    ¡°Alright, a mildly disturbing thought.¡±


    Lucky for him, they cleared the last hill and unveiled a breathtaking scene, stealing the reprimand right out of her mouth. A flat plateau the breadth of four EC-rooms stretched amid unleveled ground, formed as if it lay waiting for the Efron siblings.


    Several strides deep inside the field, Val let her littlest brother off her shoulders and patted the grassy floor. ¡°Follow my lead, okay?¡±


    Andy bobbed his head, bear-themed mittens struggling to nudge his winter hat above his eyes. So cute. Helping him, she tickled at his reddened nose and he shot her a toothy grin.


    ¡°We¡¯re seriously going to lie on the grass?¡±


    ¡°Kenneth.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine.¡±


    Her windbreaker soaked in the cool temperature of the grass blades and she shivered, a cloud of frozen vapour obstructing her view of the airspace above. Her littlest oohed and ahhed, gazing at the starry skies.


    Kenneth let out a winding breath. ¡°Woah.¡±


    Val had to agree with her siblings'' reaction as the fog cleared out. Behind a screen of absolute black, a sea of twinkling lights absorbed her in its magnificence, wrapping her in a hug as its boundlessness stretched for the darkened horizons. Her hand extended skywards, eager to understand the feeling of familiarity discernible in the panorama of the starry night.


    ¡°Tell us stories, Vallie!¡± Andy giggled. ¡°Stories!¡±


    ¡°Okay, little guy. Don¡¯t fall asleep on me, though.¡±


    Conjuring her mother¡¯s voice, she began to weave the myths and legends surrounding the celestial beings hovering at Spiravale¡¯s door. Words were passed under the prevalence of the glowing orbs, flowing where the conversation led.


    ¡°You seem to know a lot about them,¡± Kenneth muttered.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing compared to Dad.¡± A trace of a smile touched Val¡¯s lips. ¡°I barely remember half of the stuff he taught because there was so much. Last I did this was when he was¡­¡± Val drew in a quivering breath. ¡°He loved stargazing¡ªsaid it reminded him of home, of his small town in the Glass Dunes.¡±


    Kenneth shot up, his clenched jaw unlocking as he wiped at his eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s give him the send-off he deserves.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s.¡± Val hefted herself off the grass, gingerly removing a box from her bag. Unwrapping the cardboard, she plucked a lampflower out of its case. As if she were holding a newborn, she planted the stem inside the fresh soil and flicked on her lighter. The closed buds caught the fire¡¯s glow, exploding into a crown of radiant petals.


    A hole sank into her stomach. Today marked the anniversary of Raven Efron¡¯s passing, and the revelation unblurred the days that disappeared in his absence. He never saw his daughter graduate high school. He wasn¡¯t there to glimpse Andy on his own feet. He didn¡¯t have a chance to mentor his oldest son.


    The gape of grief widened for a split moment, and then a weight filled its site. A weight of acknowledgement that he was¡­ gone. There was a sense of finality to truth, a scary one. But she knew, with every fiber of her being, that though he might not be present phyiscally, he would be forever nearby in soul.


    With all that in mind, she squeezed her palms together and bowed her head. ¡°In honour of Dad.¡±


    ¡°In honour of Dad,¡± Kenneth echoed.


    The gold of Andy¡¯s irises caught a warm gleam and he stared at the lampflower. ¡°Was Dad¡­ a good dad?¡±


    Val¡¯s lips upturned despite her glistening eyes. ¡°The very best.¡±


    <hr>


    In the dead of night, the hum of Val¡¯s desk lamp filtered out the creaks from the flat overhead. The faint sounds of blankets ruffling would tamper with her attentiveness on the task at hand, accented by Andy''s snores in the room next door.


    The blank state of the rectangle teased her from the farthest wall, its throbbing light piercing through her attempts to sleep. Just five minutes. She jumped out of bed, hand on her chin. Before she could stop it, she submitted hours of focus to solving the bottleneck keeping her headway at bay.


    Her glare burned a hole through the metal plate. ¡°It¡¯s me and you.¡±


    Noticeable flares of energy burst out of its surface, the behaviour no different than the day she received the tool. Honing in on the unnatural movement of aether, she activated Vague View.


    Bombarded with a blast of blue tones, she grunted at the discomfort. Her senses settled into the new norm and she edged closer, concentrating on the three apparent cracks of emission. The simmering light reminded her of the night walk, and Kenneth¡¯s remark slinked into her thoughts.


    Figured it was the puzzles involved in stargazing that drew you in.


    ¡°Hold on¡­¡± she murmured, thumbnail clamped between her teeth. ¡°What did I say¡­¡±


    She frowned, rewinding the events of the day, sifting past the whirlwind of emotions to attain the answer.


    You detected the parts hidden through the pieces in view.


    That was it! In the instances prior, she¡¯d skipped over the entry points already found, thinking the place was done and dusted. This time, the beginning was the means to the end.


    Her vision returned to the fissures breaking the clean surface of the device. Junctions riddled the lines of aether, acting as crossways where other bands intersected. Some sections of the joints bore copious amounts of aether in contrast to the lines that streaked out of it, whereas others seemed starved.


    A calloused finger traced one of the several headache-inducing fractures marking the rectangle. Forcing herself to emit energy, the shakiest of unstable glows sat on her finger pad. The fissure was far from straight, swerving to the left and looping to the right.


    If not for detecting its start, she¡¯d never be able to trace the pale hints of aether that digressed onwards. Her hard work shaped into a fourth stroke across the glossy rectangle. Unbelievable.


    ¡°About damn time,¡± Caro said, a knowing smirk spread across her drowsy face. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a certain enchanter to tell?¡±


    <hr>


    Master Winsford¡¯s office during later hours possessed a distinct ambience to it. The walls appeared a tinge darker¡ªa coffee colour, instead of regular beige¡ªand his quartz table lacked the luminosity gifted by the sun¡¯s rays. The details were the last thing on her mind, a spring in her steps as she crossed the length of the room. ¡°I cracked it.¡±


    The wrinkles straying from Winsford¡¯s eyes lightened and he combed a hand through his short beard. ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°Detection at least. Emission needs a little work.¡±


    His lips curled past the angle of a polite smile, forming a grin. ¡°The Initiation is to start in three days. If any doubts remain and are a cause for the exit of scribal hood, now is the time to act on it.¡±


    Val translated the sophisticated speech in a heartbeat. If you want to pull out, do it today.


    The answer couldn¡¯t be more obvious.


    As much as difficulties arose in studying the written language of the arcane, there was a joy to be had in unraveling the precepts of enchantments. These inscriptions morphed into an integral sliver of her identity. This was her key to university, her link to the scribal community, her route to greater heights. To Mom¡¯s cure.


    ¡°No doubts on my part,¡± Val replied. ¡°I¡¯m here for the long haul.¡±

 Extra Tidbit III - Deduction Day

    The Second Halo of Ciazel,


    Wyn,


    Vexal Elementary School


    Waiting, Val learned at the ripe old age of twelve, was nothing if not boring.


    Gnawing the inner lining of her cheeks, her foot tapped a hole through the plywood floor as she willed the grand clock to do its rounds. No matter what she wished for, the clock affixed to Vexel Prep¡¯s slate brick wall ticked by the minute, dragging on the electric lull preceding the start of Deduction Day.


    Families trickled in, most composed of a child sandwiched by two parents possibly more nervous than the children being tested, stunned at the absence of seats.


    Spaces between cliques disappeared as the crowd grew in chattering spectators, scouts searching for promising prospects¡ªclipboard and notepads an easy telltale¡ªand her peers of unidentified children.


    Arms crossed over her torso in an action closer to a self-hug than a stance of impassiveness, Val lingered a few feet from the lower tiers of the full stands, far too hyper¡ªnot nervous¡ªto remain seated. Hard to when her life¡¯s entire trajectory would be decided by a duo of tests she had no say in. Not a test she could study for, a spar she could train for, nor an exam she could ripe up should the results come out horrid.


    Most eyes were trained on a vertical, thermometer-like instrument situated perpendicularly to the polished gym floor, taller than Val could ever be. Instead of numbers donning the edges of the device, glass orbs bisected it down the middle.


    The Identifier gleamed in the light as if it knew it held the fate of appraising a child¡¯s talent, Identification Strain, and pretty much one¡¯s entire future. The idea sat within Val as well as a steel bar in water. Could it not malfunction? Work improperly? Be inaccurate? Even if it only conducted one of the two tests taking place today, both were in no way unequal.


    Val clicked her tongue at the thought, dragging herself through the gathering crowd, up the aisles, shuffled down the benches with more than a few mentions of ¡®excuse me¡¯ and finally sat with a much-deserved sigh.


    One of the nearby students cocked her head, a wry smirk spreading across their face. ¡°And I thought I¡¯m the strung up one.¡±


    Val¡¯s gaze veered to the left, skipping the sleeping form of her two brothers and meeting the almond-brown eyes of a girl her age. ¡°I think today¡¯s anxiety is enough to make anyone strung up.¡±


    ¡°No lie there, and it doesn¡¯t help that we¡¯ve been waiting here for two whole hours.¡± Caro held up a couple of fingers for emphasis. ¡°Two. Like, it¡¯s only my career as a mage that¡¯s waiting, no biggie. I swear, if the Tripartite Trial is like this imma just take my cash back and¡ªVal?¡±


    Caro¡¯s rant cut off as her eyes¡ªrolled up towards Vexal Prep¡¯s concrete ceiling in exasperation¡ªdescended to behold her best friend¡¯s gaze goring a hole in the adjacent empty seat. A reserved seat that¡ªas of Monomber 29th¡ªwill never be filled by either of her parents, according to current knowledge.


    However, her mother was still savable, regardless of what the internet had to say about her condition. Afterall, in a world where humans could level mountains with their words alone, how bizarre would it be for Mom to awake from her neverending slumber?


    Once she found a hint of a direction¡ªand she will find it¡ªVal planned on staying on that path till she arrived at her goal no matter the hurdles.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Val blinked out of her reverie, tugging at the collar that seemed tighter all of a sudden.


    Caro caught her look, looping an arm around Val¡¯s neck. ¡°You have nothing to be sorry about, V. Nothing, you hear?¡±


    The light crystals hanging from the ceilings dimmed before Val had the chance to answer, the once clear visage of the vast gymnasium now a faint shadow Val needed to squint to perceive. An ensemble of nebulous, cloaked figures emerged from the depths of Vexal Prep¡¯s hallways and lined themselves in parallel formation, creating a barrier of bodies leading up to the Identifier. As they raised their bowed heads, the transparent glow emanating from their eyes lit the way.


    ¡®Let us commence.¡¯


    A hush chorus of whispered words slithered into Val¡¯s ears, coming from everywhere and nowhere. She straightened in her seat, a faint twinkle in her eyes.


    In the same ghost-like manner, the ensemble spoke in a unified voice. ¡®When called, step forth. We begin with Owen Wolfhart.¡¯


    Owen, a gaunt boy who struggled to fit his clothes, rose within a cluster of yellow and black. Val recognized the uniform in an instant. Suncrest High¡¯s up first, huh.


    Three stands away, Val could see his chest rise and fall with each heave, somewhere in the middle of hyperventilating and gulping air. With a nod probably directed towards none other than himself and a few claps on his back given by his fellow classmates, he trod with uneven steps down the stairs. Gazes marked his hunched back, the boy glancing both ways round as he walked the lane to the Identifier, looking as if lost in a store with bodies as walls and eyes for windows.


    "What do I do now?"


    His voice came out with more air than sound, yet it travelled across the silent gymnasium with no effort. All focus was given to the event occurring. A cloaked figure stepped out of line, pulling out a hidden lever from behind the Identifier. A knob covered in lines of glowing runes hovered in front of Owen, dying his sun-coloured dress shirt in lapis-blue.


    ¡®Touch the handle.¡¯


    Val winced as multiple voices penetrated her skull. Less so a voice and more of a feeling she interpreted, like when someone grimaces after biting down on a popsicle. You didn¡¯t need a spell to understand the sharp pain jutting through their sensitive teeth. You just knew. Downright freaky for sure.


    Owen, oblivious to Val''s dilemma, gripped the enchanted device. A harmonious pair of base-tone chimes resounded as the lowermost orb took on an ebony pitch. Another chime went off¡ªhigher pitched¡ªthe next orb lighting up with grey, followed by the third exuberating white. The progression ceased there, the remaining orbs still dull.


    ¡°Damn.¡± Caro shook her head. ¡°An aether strand count of thirty. Way below average.¡±


    ¡°Still something,¡± Val said. The orbs affixed to the Identifier measured one¡¯s ASC, each colour designating the aether strands present within a child¡¯s Aetherial Vessel. Ebony for ten, grey for twenty, and the order climbed by the tens like so, the next colours being ivory, red, orange¡ªthe average initial ASC across the world¡ªyellow, green, indigo, blue, and lastly, the cap of violet.


    Violet was one whole hundred, an ASC otherwise unseen. Rumour was, it existed to round up the real cap of the nineties to a sound, even number.


    ¡°If his PAST is somewhere in the high bronze, his career is still salvageable,¡± a teacher remarked three rows above. He sat in a group of fifteen casually dressed teachers¡ªdress shirts, blazers, slacks and the like¡ªwhispering to each other not unlike a group of teenage girls.


    ¡°Salvageable?¡± Another scoffed. ¡°More like impossible.¡±


    ¡°Not if he trains while sleeping.¡±


    Laughter rumbled out from the teachers, and anxiety in the form of butterflies dancing in her stomach set in for Val. One¡¯s Position on the Aether Spectrum of Talent was essential, along with it being the second aspect tested today. As the title suggested, it related a person¡¯s innate ability in various scopes of magic and unlike one¡¯s initial aether strand count, it did not change.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Owen traded places with a girl. She gripped the Identifier and in quick succession seven chimes went off, the orbs lighting up all the way to green.


    An excited buzz took over the crowd, scouts immediately whipping out their phones to type the name of the young talent.


    ¡°By the saints,¡± Val muttered in awe. ¡°She¡¯s got seventy aether strands. Seventy.¡±


    ¡°Twice that of Owen¡¯s,¡± Caro said, as if to clarify the anomaly. Her eyes trailed the girl as she strutted back into where Suncrest High sat. ¡°Someone to look for depending on which Elemental Gate she binds to if she manages to pass the Tripartite Trial.¡±


    ¡°No doubt,¡± Val answered, watching the next person go up after being announced by the ensemble.


    Be it the push of anticipation keeping her at the edge of her seat, the tendrils of excitement that tugged her eyelids awake, or the weight of nerves that somehow deadened all emotions, time seemed to flow at an oddly¡ªand annoyingly¡ªswift pace.


    Perhaps by some magic from an obscured magister in the crowd, the student beside Caro was set to go ahead in what seemed to be the very next moment after Owen¡¯s turn. He earned a dull yellow. Sixty aether strands, quite impressive for the twelve-year-old and he likely knew it, a grin reaching his ears as he waltzed back to his seat.


    A grin both Val and Caro did not share with their fellow student, as his sitting spelled Caro¡¯s turn.


    Caro looked at Val, painted nails centimetres deep within the plush armrest, her fingers hoping to pin down what could only be fear.


    ¡®Carielle Hayes.¡¯


    The pair of girls took a sharp inhale at the chorus of voices in their heads.


    Val gave Caro¡¯s thigh a pat of encouragement, tilting her head to the waiting crowd, students, friends, and the gleaming Identifier.


    Caro offered a shaky grin and leapt to her feet, starting her journey down the steps. She threw a glance back at Val, whose lips quirked upwards at the edges, and grabbed the lever.


    The Identifier tolled once and once only, the bass-tone peal sounding out fully before any other chime could join in.


    Ebony.


    ¡°No,¡± Val muttered, shaking her head unknowingly. ¡°No, no, no. This can¡¯t be happening.¡±


    A snicker broke out from one of the amphitheaters. ¡°A typic. Would hate to be her.¡±


    Typic, born from the word typical, meant no different than its progenitor. To be a typic was to be a tiny pebble living among rocks, boulders, hills and nature-made structures like the Alfine Summits. It was to be without the ability to ever engage in any sort of magic, regardless of race or background, social status or an absence of one, and family lineage or work position.


    In the same vein, regardless of any of those things, it was to be shamed. Ridiculed. Pitied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know?¡± A student whispered to another in Vexal¡¯s very own stand. ¡°It runs in her family. That Owen alone has more aether strands than the lot of them. Whole bunch of bottom feeders.¡±


    Val shot the gossipers a glare, gave her wide-awake brothers the instruction to not budge an inch with her eyes alone, and bolted down the stairs. Pushing her way against the current of whispering bodies, Val broke the crowd-line to spot Caro absolutely frozen in place.


    Colour drained from her light-brown face as she wobbled a few steps back. A cloaked figure stepped out of line behind her, barring her exit.


    ¡®It is not finished.¡¯


    Val blinked back surprise. Caro didn¡¯t have any of it. ¡°I ain¡¯t staying here a second more!¡±


    ¡®It is not finished.¡¯


    The ensemble repeated themselves, all pointing to the lever in an eerily unified motion.


    ¡®Touch the handle.¡¯


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Val muttered. Could there be more to the test?


    Caro, as fiery as she was, stilled her vexation at the directive commanded by the government-sanctioned group of testers. She huffed and stomped back to the device, hands grazing the knob¡ª


    Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!


    In what must¡¯ve been a second, six orbs lit up straight to yellow¡ªand it didn¡¯t stop there. In fact, it breached the fabled violet, all ten crystals bathing Caro and the ensemble in a rainbow-like radiance before Caro jumped back, tripping over her feet and landing on her bottom.


    As if in an enhanced gravity field array, Caro¡¯s head turned ever so slowly to Val¡¯s, the girls gaping unashamedly.


    Then, they broke out into silly grins.


    A tumultuous wave of uproar flowed throughout the spectators like a point had been scored in the sport of Aether Zone, most rising from their seats to catch a closer glimpse of the girl who¡¯d most definitely rise to fame and power. Val winced as she was bombarded with noise, silenced as the ensemble spoke once more.


    ¡®Valory Efron.¡¯


    Val¡¯s blood ran cold as her half-wince, half-smile hardened to a straight line. Caro skipped¡ªnot walking, but skipping as if she was on the wrong prescribed potion¡ªto Val, squeezing her in a hug and tugging her towards the Identifier by the hand.


    Val didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°V.¡± Caro chuckled. ¡°What¡¯s there to be nervous about? Both your parents were mages, good ones too. You¡¯ll do fine, alright?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Val tried to smile, hoping it would calm her down as she attempted it. ¡°Right, everything will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Caro laughed this time, giving her a gentle shove on the back as she was absorbed by the fawning crowd. ¡°Back up! I can hardly get to my seat with all this¡ªhey, you piece of shit, what part of back up do you not understand?¡±


    ¡°Language, Miss Hayes!¡±


    ¡°Sorry!¡± Caro exaggeratedly rolled her eyes at one of the teachers¡¯ shout, eliciting a smile out of Val.


    ¡®Silence.¡¯


    A call for quiet was inquired by the ensemble, giving Val little reprieve as she stood in front of the Identifier. She drowned out the presence of bodies twice her height and ignored the hum of stifled chatter persisting even after being hushed, focusing on her breathing. In. Hold. Out.


    Val prayed to whatever Elemental Saint that was listening from above right now for orange. She was far from religious, figuring the once-believed origins of elemental magic were made up for a good way to swear and nothing else. Nothing too crazy. Please, just not ebony.


    Prayers made and focus forged, Val went ahead and grabbed hold of the enchanted knob.


    Val gasped as needles and pins erupted throughout her body, like a thousand minuscule ants forming under her skin and taking a simultaneous vicious bite. A headache hammered her head, her olive-brown complexion blanching as collapsed onto one knee.


    A part of her being opened up at her sternum, unveiling the faculty of her brain aware of her Aetherial Vessel. She never heard of the process hurting so much. Was it supposed to hurt this much? She wanted it to stop. She yearned for it to stop.


    Doubling over on her knees, Val''s breaths came out ragged as she focused on anything other than the agony ripping through her.


    A hand found her shoulder. Though her vision swam and dark spots appeared in sporadic fashion, she was able to discern the gaze of a woman part of the ensemble as she looked up, her eyes not full of concern for Val, but instead swimming with an emotion Val was certain she had enough of.


    Pity.


    What happened? Val wanted to ask. No words left her constricting throat, which was fine. A scream probably would¡¯ve come out instead.


    Deciding to look for herself, the agony faded to the far background as she beheld the sight of nine dim orbs. Only one shone, if you could call it a light, spilling ebony onto Val¡¯s twisted face, distorting it further.


    ¡°What¡­¡± Val managed to get out, the rest of her mind blank. From the pain or the shock of being a typic, her mind wasn¡¯t able to tell.


    The world blurred as tears burned her eyes, her surroundings morphing into a collage of colours. The brown of the floor, the blue of the enchantments, and, what was probably a figment of her imagination, grey.


    ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± one of the ensemble began in a normal voice. ¡°We¡¯ll spare you from taking your next test right now and conduct it in a few hours. Someone will call for you when the time comes. Go on, gather yourself outside.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t be worse than being a typic,¡± Val mumbled, unable to hold in a whimper at the anguish wracking her body.


    ¡°Good thing you¡¯re not, then.¡±


    Val''s head snapped towards the Identifier at that, wiping her tears and enforcing her eyes to operate past the pain. She didn¡¯t imagine the grey¡ªit was there, on the bottom half, lighting up only a tenth of the orb.


    ¡°Not ten, eleven,¡± Val mumbled, letting it sink. ¡°Eleven¡­ ha.¡±


    She didn¡¯t know what was worse; being barred from the possibility of a life as a mage or having a magical aptitude so terrible it wasn¡¯t any different. She couldn¡¯t even bank on the second test redeeming her, the odds of it balancing the scale in her favour near-impossible.


    Maybe it¡¯d go better another day?


    As Val faced the leering crowd and the angry visage of Caro glaring at the Identifier as if it were to blame for Val¡¯s fate, she determined one thing.


    Her path as a mage ended before it ever had a chance to start.

 Chapter 32 - The Initiation

    Despite living as an inhabitant of Atera for three uninterrupted months, she could never have her fill of the city¡¯s brilliant localities. Runic Mead, the hosting site of the Initiation, was no stranger to the rule.


    Its walls were an assembly of reflecting shards, and stripes of greenery flourished along its sides. Alabaster statues lined the curved two-lane road, appearing vigilant of the hovercars floating past its gates. Perched on the edge of its curbside, Val soaked in the magnificent sight, examining the features of the multi-story sculptures.


    Shivering as a draft swept by, Caro¡¯s sneeze shooed the awe-inspiring imagery away. ¡°That¡¯s a sign to be inside, V. Not outside.¡±


    Val¡¯s scribal mantle draped off her shoulders, the elegant clothing complementing the navy hairpin slipped inside her messy bun. She straightened the apparel, and the extra length grazed her feet. ¡°Couldn¡¯t we stay for five more minutes?¡±


    ¡°Any more time over here and we¡¯ll miss the entire thing. I don¡¯t think you can blame it on the crowded entrance anymore.¡± She gestured to the entrance, the trickle of sharply-dressed guests negligible in contrast to the torrent of arrivals an hour beforehand. ¡°You gotta tell me what¡¯s wrong.¡±


    ¡°Nothing is wrong.¡±


    Caro snorted, stretching her arms to the sky and rising to her feet. Deciding to straighten her curls, a stream of crimson strands reached the small of her black. ¡°I think I¡¯ve heard that one before, Val.¡±


    The slit of her sleek, midnight dress peeled open on occasion as she began the walk to Runic Mead. ¡°Assuming that nothing¡¯s wrong, I suggest we¡ªmore specifically, you¡ªget going.¡±


    Following her friend¡¯s motion, Val stood. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡± she sighed, scratching her arm through the silken sleeves of her robe. ¡°People in there wasted their whole childhood away sitting behind a table, and I¡¯ve spent, what, a few months?¡±


    ¡°Look.¡± Caro swiveled on her high heels. ¡°I was there when you sat at your desk for hours, so I¡¯ll be the first one to let everyone know how great you are.¡± She jabbed a finger at her shoulder. ¡°To prove that, you have to be inside the room first, alright? We¡¯ll take it from there.¡±


    Val breathed through her nose. ¡°If you say so.¡±


    Filtering out her negative thoughts, she fell into an attitude befitting of her classy garments. Her frame straightened, her chin raised, and her jittering knee ceased its movement.


    ¡°There she is.¡± Caro¡¯s grin split her reddened lips. ¡°Miss Confidence makes her return.¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Val shoved her friend and the pair gave into tinkling laughter. Under the cover of the statues, they stalked into the spacious lobby. Out of the thirty attendants awaiting incoming visitors, one man broke their ranks and intercepted the girls.


    ¡°Miss Efron, I¡¯ll gladly guide you to the primary ceremony.¡± Showcasing a well-practiced smile, he handed her a pamphlet and turned to the magma mage. ¡°Miss Hayes, a reception for the invited guests is available. Jeffery here will take you.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Damn it.¡±


    ¡°It was my turn.¡±


    ¡°Could you be any more obvious, Jeffery.¡±


    Ignorant of the muttering in his wake, the attendant scurried out of his position and lingered by the distant doorway. As the girls were about to split, Caro latched onto Val''s forearm. ¡°You worked as hard as any other in there. Remember that.¡±


    She could only nod to the encouraging comment, her friend already en route to meet her attendant. ¡°So Jeff, does this reception have drinks?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re called Runic Mead for a reason.¡±


    ¡°True, true. Recommendations?¡±


    ¡°Amber stone never disappoints.¡±


    ¡°Your taste¡¯s not bad! The drink¡­¡±


    The conversation dwindled as the two walked out of earshot, and Val huffed a handful of amused air through her nose. One of a kind.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± the employee beside her asked.


    ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    The two¡¯s footfalls made a cacophony of offbeat applause within the vacant hallways. Hemmed by dark glass at either side, the bordering structures were a reflection that endlessly fed into yet another mirror. It played tricks with her mind, and she grew dizzy inside the twisting pathways.


    Boredom burrowed its way into her unsteady senses, and she leafed through the pamphlet to alleviate it. The pages took turns to report trivial information, from the colours assigned to every order, to the population chart of artificers. Flipping the brochure over to the backside, her body leaned forward at the last bullet point decorating the page.


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">apprenticeship begins in adulthood</li>


    </ul>


    ¡°Lies,¡± she whispered. The detail was as dumbfounding as it was relieving. No one needed to be told how important time was, and its significance scaled for cultivators of varying types. To think that people simply waited until sixteen to enchant seemed almost¡­ silly.


    Nevertheless, it signified an opportunity to close in on those ahead. Who would say no to that?


    The attendant looked at his guest. ¡°Did you say something?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m curious.¡± Val dangled the pamphlet. ¡°How factual are these?¡±


    ¡°I sense a reason behind that question,¡± he appraised. ¡°Go on, ask. Disclosing details is part of the job.¡±


    ¡°Well, it says here that enchanters don¡¯t create an inscription until adulthood,¡± she replied. ¡°I find that hard to believe.¡±


    ¡°Training starts as early as three, except it¡¯s all theoretical,¡± he supplied. ¡°The actual enchanting is illegal to learn before sixteen.¡±


    ¡°Still sounds a bit random.¡±


    ¡°Anything but, dear guest. It is anything but.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because¡­?¡±


    ¡°I would explain; however, we¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    The panels of the reflective corridor faded out of the physical plane, like a slide in a digital presentation. An array of colourful regalia twirled to the opening. Those inside came from all walks of life, and she even spotted what looked to be a mixed sapient¡ªhalf-human, half-dwarven.


    Soft glows raced across the crowd as they sought out her magical attributes, gauging the artificer late to the party. Sitting at an ASC of twenty-two, she¡¯d long since shaken off the aura of a borderline typic. She summoned her inner Caro and met the drawn-out gazes of the few forgetting to look away.


    People steered clear of her stare. Wow. Confidence worked. Besides the two or three tiny smirks, the rest acknowledged her with a polite dip of the head and returned to their business. Her first task was checked off¡ªshe¡¯d established her standing. Now I gotta find somebody to stick to.


    From the day Master Winsford prompted her about the Initiation, a whirlwind of studies ensued. Not an analysis of enchantments and their part in her future, but a review of individuals of interest, as he put it. Networking was as dicey as the gnarliest rifts when played wrong, and she barely understood how to throw the right cards.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be reassured with a tick above adequate,¡± he had mentioned. ¡°Memorize their names, statuses, significant events. Most importantly, be aware of the dynamics. Else this affair will leave you a social outcast in minutes.¡±


    ¡°Nothing new there,¡± she replied, handing the enchanter her set of completed homework. ¡°My old ASC left me shunned in seconds.¡±


    As her easy gait approached a pair of talking artificers, she screened her thoughts and tapered them down to a couple of names. Arm outstretched, she put on her best smile. ¡°Hillary of the Fore House and Primus of the Wray Family, right?¡±


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    The greys and purples of their robes flared as they spun her way. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about that custom E-shield you two worked on,¡± she said. ¡°Water for defence, lightning for an offensive edge, and a light crystal to finish it off.¡± Val blew her best whistle. ¡°Awesome work.¡±


    ¡°Appreciate it.¡± Primus tied his auburn hair into a taut tail at the base of his skull, his angular frame a wonder in his field as a mechanic. ¡°I don¡¯t believe we caught your name.¡±


    ¡°Valory,¡± she said. ¡°Valory Efron.¡±


    Hillary¡¯s razor-sharp nails rang the alarm bells loudly in Val¡¯s mind, and she watched the placement of her fingers during the handshake. ¡°It¡¯s always nice to encounter new competitors.¡±


    ¡°Competitors, you say,¡± Val let a nervous chuckle out, attention flitting to her precarious digits. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I follow.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s talking about the Rookie Competition,¡± he supplied. ¡°This ceremony is like a magnifying glass for who to keep an eye on. Though comps allow entrance to any rando, these events require a prominent backing behind you.¡±


    Val¡¯s sights panned the multitude of upcoming talent in the crafting world. It was like a small-scale version of the Tripartite Trial, an ocean of young adults clad in various shades. She wasn¡¯t alone in surveying the enclosure, several taking the time to measure their weight against the artificers close by. Factions hoarded separate corners of the space, and it split the room into different hues, like a mismatched quilt.


    The Jin Clan, a commerce giant with its tendrils spread throughout the continent, gave off an unapproachable air. The guys styled their raven-black hair in a short manner, an inch longer than the military buzz cut. Ladies possessed variety, designing their hair with elaborate gimmicks, or simply letting it flow as glossy waterfalls. No one dared to approach the Pivotal Clan, and Val wouldn¡¯t be the one to change the status quo.


    Another clique scratched at her curiosity, the uniformity spread between the cluster a tinge odd. In a place teeming with colour, the congregation of white in the center was downright conspicuous. Dark accessories decorated their extremities¡ªobsidian beads, black rings, and sable hoops. A head taller than everyone in the ceremony, their mahogany complexions shone against the headlights. They have to be the Nightingale House.


    Sipping at the wine offered by a waiter, she coughed and forced herself to swallow the putrid liquid. Hillary passed a napkin, mirth exuding off her lopsided grin. ¡°Not a drinker?¡±


    ¡°More of a¡ªcough¡ªcoffee kind of gal.¡±


    The artisan accosted the waiter to bring bottled water, and Val used it to drown out the lingering taste. Thanking the artificer, she continued scrutinizing the assembly of affluent Kidraans. Their shadows carried a profound depth to them, like she would tumble into a dimension of pure darkness if she were to tread on it.


    Primus trailed her line of sight. ¡°What¡¯s got you so interested?¡±


    ¡°Trying to wrap my head on why the Nightingales have so many alchemists.¡±


    ¡°I make an effort not to speak of them in their presence,¡± Hillary whispered. ¡°They¡¯ve sharp ears, the lot. All I¡¯m willing to say is that their fighting styles rely on outside help. Potions, talismans, equipment and the like. Darkness may be rare, but it¡¯s not the best in most situations.¡±


    A haze of small talk settled over the three, swiftly hitting the checkpoints Winsford anticipated. Order, rank, and affiliations were traded and dissected, upcoming plans snuck in here or there. Val knew she should be making the rounds, spreading her name to the wealthy company at hand.


    There would come a time to sell her enchanted goods, and it¡¯d be worth nil if her shop peaked at zero customers. Unfortunately, comfort was often a crippling crutch, and its grasp left her happy to observe the crowd from afar. The majority mirrored her thoughts, content to mingle among familiar faces.


    A trilling sound sliced through the low chatter¡ªsomeone was tapping their utensil on a cup. The artificers turned to the noise, toward a stage at the chamber¡¯s forefront. Val endeavoured to tiptoe over the numerous bodies obscuring the view, but the towering set of Kidrans sealed that possibility.


    IBR screens crackled into power above the crowd, and a middle-aged man filled the squares¡¯ space. Val found it difficult to discern his ethnicity¡ªhis sunburnt skin classified him as anything from a tanned Auricean to a regular denizen of the Glass Dunes.


    The dense red of his ceremonious attire marked him as a metalsmith, his broad shoulders alluding to the fact. A black stole rested on his torso, five unpigmented chevrons embroidered on the satin garment.


    A Grandmaster.


    ¡°It warms my heart each time I lay eyes on new faces during the Initiation.¡± He set aside his cup on a table nearby. ¡°First, give yourselves a round of applause.¡±


    Deafening clapping arose and seconds went on before it simmered down to a level of normalcy.


    ¡°You made it. A reputable artificer or crafting hall chose to stand behind you, to invest in your growth.¡± He paced down the length of the raised platform, body perpendicular to the audience. ¡°Atera¡¯s not one to brush it over. We won¡¯t just mail your hallmarks¡ªwe¡¯ll hand them to you personally, because there¡¯s a responsibility linked to the items received tonight.¡±


    His head jutted upwards and a wave of luminous air billowed overhead, a river of transparent energy. ¡°I like to imagine the elemental society as a stream. Many only see the colour alabaster. You may ask, what is the alabaster?


    A piece of the ivory substance split off, and an abstract picture took its place. Is that¡­ an athlete? The model of the perfect Aether Zone player formed, cleats at his feet and a headband surrounding his hairline. ¡°It could be the players in a sports leagues.¡±


    Another part fluttered away to create a guildhall with its members rallied outside its doors clothed in combat wear. ¡°Perhaps the adventurers that are praised in the media.¡±


    Waves of surprise passed through the sea of crafters as the third illustration glided into shape. Tight curls, hardened gaze, a name etched into a metal dog tag¡ªthere was no mistaking it. They were looking at Fiona, Captain of the armed forces, daughter of the Rhodes Family.


    ¡°Capable mages, executing the highest degree of talented magic use,¡± the Grandmaster added.


    High praise for the Spatial Soldier.


    ¡°No one witnesses the fine work behind it all, however.¡± A flux of grey mixed into the athlete¡¯s activewear. ¡°What about the magitech hardwiring at work in the stadiums?¡±


    Crimson seeped into the weaponry of the adventurers in the second portrayal. ¡°How about the metal tools forged?¡± Their armour transitioned to a lilac, a sign of an artisan¡¯s hand. ¡°Or the intricately-crafted leathers they wear?¡±


    The Spatial Soldier¡¯s countenance disassembled into myriad hues, and heads swerved to trail the mystifying substance¡¯s flow. ¡°We can¡¯t forget the healing scrolls used after a spar, nor the aether potions drunk in the meanwhile.¡±


    An otherworldly rainbow raced through the air, dispersing into sparkling motes of light. ¡°You are about to become a part of the backbone on which the elemental society depends.¡±


    Like a pack of migrating birds, the particle sailed to the Grandmaster''s palms and condensed into an orb. ¡°Take on the responsibility¡ª¡± he squeezed the energy and it submerged into his skin ¡°¡ªand make it yours.¡±


    Val¡¯s fingers began to feel a tad heavier. Her enchantments might do more than amplify her living conditions. It could save a person''s life in the months to come. She pinched her arm, a little surprised she didn¡¯t startle awake from a dream. I¡¯m here.


    ¡°Please allow me, Grandmaster Reign, to hand over your artificer¡¯s ring and sealed degree.¡± Attendants hastened to unlink the restraints guarding the stairs, forming a line that led up to the metalsmith. ¡°Organize yourselves in an orderly fashion, as directed by the staff.¡±


    The artificers streamlined into a narrow flood, the Jin Clan first and foremost. Grandmaster Reign announced their names as if he¡¯d known them for decades, and she guessed a device similar to Aster in action. Things fell into a rhythm¡ªyou gained your items, you thanked the guy, and you got out. And in what seemed like a few seconds, it was her turn.


    ¡°Valory Efron.¡±


    Val steeled her emotions as she climbed the steps, embodying the responsibility her title sustained. ¡°Greetings, Grandmaster Reign.¡± Conducting a mage¡¯s bow, she cupped her hands to receive a band of stainless steel and a laminated document. In silence, she slipped the ring on her pinky finger, and a blue sigil burned into the material.


    ¡°Thank you, Grandmaster Reign,¡± she enunciated, her speech clear and her words crisp. A breath of relief escaped her lips as she walked off. As drilled in by Master Winsford, she heeded the unspoken protocols of the ceremony. No mess-ups, no hiccups.


    The Grandmaster seemed to think differently. ¡°Miss Efron.¡±


    Heavens. Gulping, she flipped around and watched in fear as the man strolled to her position.


    ¡°Allow me to offer an invitation into Runic Mead.¡±


    Val¡¯s grimace froze half-formed. Huh? She glimpsed at Hillary to ensure her ears heard correctly. Eyebrows scrunched together, she grasped the artisan¡¯s message. What are you still doing there?


    She didn¡¯t hear a thing.


    ¡°Are you certain that you want me?¡± Val stabbed a finger to the chest. ¡°Runic Mead¡¯s not among the top¡ªit is the top Crafting Hall in the country.¡±


    ¡°Winsford isn¡¯t among the keen. He is the sharpest Master I¡¯ve met, and he¡¯s been whispering positive tidings about a student he picked up.¡± the Grandmaster answered. ¡°Although I¡¯m an advocate for sharing in the elemental society, I¡¯m all for hoarding talent. Hypocritical, I realize.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m honoured, Grandmaster.¡±


    ¡°Is that a yes?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll contact you after the upcoming competition.¡± His fingers made peculiar shapes, dismantling the glimmering film of light confining their discussion. ¡°It¡¯s not a good look to abandon a ship you represent.¡±


    ¡°Right, right.¡±


    Chuckling, he waved a hand as he moved for his spot by the stairs. ¡°Don¡¯t prove Winsford wrong, or my faith in him.¡±


    ~


    Stationed five meters off the stage, the chatter from the abundant crowd pierced the solemnity of the ongoing bestowment ceremony. Standing on elevated ground, the noise hardly obstructed Grandmaster Reign from draping a crafter¡¯s stole on the last artificer.


    To the distant side of the curtains, an announcer paused for dramatic effect, letting the boy file in. ¡°Ladies and gents!¡± he roared, spittle showering the unlucky guests in his vicinity. ¡°Runic Mead introduces you to Atera¡¯s newest artificers!¡±


    The statement solicited a standing ovation¡ªpeople veered their eyes upward to glance at them. Val rubbed her thumb on the smooth texture of her garment, absorbing the surreal occasion.


    Spotting her friends and family among the masses brightened her face, but her smile dimmed as she glimpsed the two empty seats amid her siblings. One of her parents wouldn¡¯t ever fill those chairs.


    I¡¯d better make sure that Mom will.

 Chapter 33 - Quarrelsome Tunnel

    Val liked to think that rifts had personalities.


    Ashless Forest had the passion customary to fire, ceaselessly burning twenty-five hours per day. On the subtler side, Dark Mineshaft held the eeriness of a stalker¡¯s shadow, like she couldn¡¯t let her guard down for a second.


    Currently settled in the Fleeting Woodlands, the rift gravitated to the unconventional traits of the airgate. For the most part, things bound to the element were like a harsh draft on a winter morning, cold and succinct. Rarely did Val witness the unrestrained freedom and frivolity of air.


    Caws accented the swishing foliage of the patchy canopy, sunrays prickling the grass with radiant splotches. Val groaned as one particular beam of sunlight blinded her eyes, leaning backward on a grand oak to dodge it. The sound of coins jingling offset nature''s pulsing heartbeat and her head slanted downward.


    There were three types of small change in her palm¡ªa dime, a quarter and a dollar. Each represented the fraction of one aether strand she was to emit. The act would¡¯ve been impossible a month ago, but she¡¯d grappled with the technique long enough to maneuver past the difficulties.


    Aether already sat at the tips of her fingers, vying to break her skin. Val shut her eyelids and extended her will to her calloused pads. Trapping the energy inside her soul signature, she linked her flesh to the essence.


    It was time to bridge the gap, to sew divergent sides of her existence together. Her mental grasp was like knitting prongs, used to produce the imbalance needed to draw energy out.


    Knitting takes two things, Mom would often remark on those early, weekend mornings. Patience and practice.


    Val always possessed the former, and the latter she obtained over weeks of struggle. Unifying the immaterial world and physical plane as one, a faint light breached her nail bed. Ever-shifting wisps of blue essence pranced on her index finger. Success.


    She set a dollar on the glowing digit and focused on the steady flux of aether exiting her AV. A pang struck her core and she acted on it, severing the connection on her Aetherial Vessel. I should be 1 AS down. The urge to tap at her ink-formed ring to review her guess was strong, but she managed to hold it in. If she wouldn¡¯t get the privilege in a battle, she wouldn¡¯t give it to herself now.


    The crimson coin¡¯s colour bled away to reveal a pearly white, and Val cracked a smile. There we go. While not as smooth as she¡¯d like, it served the same purpose all the same. One more completed task to submit to Master Winsford, and another step forward in securing her position in Runic Mead.


    Though she wanted to try her hand at the other coins, she was well aware of her circumstances. The Fleeting Woodlands¡¯ facade of calm didn¡¯t fool her¡ªa rift was a rift. An attack could occur at any point in time, and it¡¯d be beyond careless to misuse her reserves.


    An aether strand down, she shifted her limbs into the lotus position and fell into the Congruence of Prevalent Essence. The breathing technique did more than stimulate the abounding aether, it placed her scattered thoughts in order. Motes of energy fluttered to the Striker in periods, the tempo hastening during her inhales. In a matter of minutes, she was topped off. Twenty-five AS.


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡±


    Aeron¡¯s encouragement snapped Val¡¯s eyelids open, discovering him beside the magma Striker under his tutelage. Caro shed the heavy components of her armour, donned in thin activewear. Near the feet of the only tree spared By Silann¡¯s wrath inside the clearing, she resolved into a martial stance, feet wide apart and shoulders at an angle.


    She pulled back a clenched fist and held it there, like she was loading an attack. Having been in her position, Val could read the thoughts behind Caro¡¯s grimace. It¡¯s hard work.


    In the Dark Mineshaft, Aeron and Silann had mentioned Val using an Aether Art unconsciously. As great as that was, the skill would be miles better if she could use it on demand. Knowing they¡¯d receive no more than a scoff from Silann, they¡¯d pestered the water mage endlessly to teach them. It has been three weeks since then and his sessions proved fruitful.


    Aeron focused on the straightforward subset of Aether Reinforcement: energy enhancement. Similar to Vague View, she¡¯d flowed aether to the tendons and ligaments of her desire, strengthening the natural pulley system of the body. Her instincts took over once the energy arrived within the place in question. Though there existed methods to refine the process and cut the fat, none of it would be of any help to the learning mages.


    Caro blasted a punch, her fist sailing for the tree in front of her. ¡°Hup!¡±


    The trunk rocked back and forth, raining leaves on the grinning pair. Extracting her knuckles with evident effort, she left a crater deep inside the plant¡¯s wooden skin.


    ¡°Sure, go ahead and attract saints-knows-what to our direct location.¡± Silann jabbed a pair of chopsticks at them, a steaming bowl of East Continental ramen in her lap. The oil-infused liquid carried the slightest of ripples, a millimeter away from tipping over. ¡°Nothing worthy to note.¡±


    Caro sifted her fingers through her red curls, a hair tie clamped within her teeth. ¡°My bad.¡±


    ¡°I know it¡¯s your bad,¡± Silann muttered, mixing her noodles.


    Aeron shot her an apologetic smile, returning his sights to the Strikers. ¡°Do you two remember your B¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°Breathe,¡± Caro named, slicking back the strands escaping her ponytail. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re relaxed, it helps your instincts flow.¡±


    ¡°Become.¡± Val cracked her stiff fingers. ¡°It¡¯s important to settle into the mindset as much as you settle your body.¡±


    ¡°Bait,¡± Cari finished. ¡°It¡¯s pointless to heed the first few rules if you don¡¯t make use of the energy.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Lie low,¡± Val added. ¡°And, as you taught, make every planned strike lethal, not every attack.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± he nodded. ¡°You cannot afford to squander energy,¡± he said, his hazel irises void of any triviality. ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°We found something,¡± a foreign voice interjected.


    Silann jumped to the side, crossbow raised toward the bordering bushes. The air wobbled and Bo¡¯s slender frame arose. Crouching within the shrubbery, he whisked down his mask and threw a thumb over the shoulder. ¡°Rick said we¡¯re to convene at the discovery.¡±


    Caro huffed a laugh. ¡°Warn a girl before popping up out of nowhere.¡±


    The wind mage sighed, whisking away her spilled meal at the snap of her fingers. ¡°Agreed.¡±


    ¡°Apologies.¡±


    ¡°Lead us to this ¡®discovery¡¯ of yours,¡± Silann grunted to a stand, trudging past the thick shrubbery and glancing back. ¡°Are you waiting for a personal invitation? Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ~


    Pushing aside the final offshoot in her path, Val beheld Rick engrossed in the forest floor before him. He turned toward the rustling noise and nodded at his entering squad. ¡°Glad to see everyone¡¯s made the trip.¡±


    ¡°It was a two-minute walk,¡± Caro said. ¡°I think we¡¯ve survived worse.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d sure hope so,¡± he quipped, gesturing the group closer. ¡°Take a look at this tunnel.¡±


    Val inched closer to the Bulwark, examining a bottomless well, with no ending in sight. In the middle of a forest?


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°See if you can detect anything,¡± Rick asked. ¡°Get nearer to the edge if need be.¡±


    She obeyed his request, ambling nearer to perceive the innards of the curious structure. The hole was broader than her bedroom, indicating more pages to the story. Could it lead to another core, making the rift a labyrinth? We¡¯d have to report it to the CAU. She groaned, seeing a swift end to the day-long dive.


    A force struck the small of Val¡¯s back, shifting her feet from beneath. The heel of her boots sunk and the ground gave away, throwing her straight inside the mouth of the tunnel. Quick to react, she twisted as much as her body could allow, stretching an arm to the squad.


    Not a single hand branched out to catch her¡ªSilann went as far as to wave. Shock coursed through Val¡¯s veins. By the saints. Fear didn¡¯t register until the view of the forest blurred past her.


    ¡°Shit!¡±


    Caro¡¯s scream reverberated against the dirt walls, loud enough to be heard against the howling air rushing past Val. The yell chased her tumbling descent and the detail relayed one simple message.


    Both Strikers were pushed.


    She smothered the emotions threatening to consume her mind, prioritizing her physical well-being. She weaved the frames form, stretch, and sharpen in three seconds. ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    Her spell brought forth a rod, and she stabbed it into the tunnel walls. She gripped the coldsteel rod with both hands, mustering all the willpower she possessed. Her muscles burned at the stress exerted onto them, using sheer strength to combat the force of gravity. Cutting through the hard ground for a few seconds, the spike¡¯s descent ceased, and hers with it.


    She foraged her tool belt, finding two aether potions and gulping them down. Energy surged through her body and she summoned another pike, thrusting it into the packed dirt for good measure. Her abdominal muscles flexed and she hauled herself onto it, downing another tonic. She activated Vague View, spotting a haywire blue blob stuck in rolling decline.


    Caro.


    Balanced precariously on a pair of thin poles, she took out a scroll and poured energy into it. Metal Chains splurged out of the paper, chasing after the plummeting Novice. At her demand, the metal links sped past her friend, slicing into the packed dirt and forming a lace.


    Caro crashed into the safety net and Val winced. It wasn¡¯t a pretty job, but she¡¯d live with a couple of healing scrolls. ¡°Caro, are you¡ªargh!¡±


    Blinding light stole her vision. She pushed through the discomfort, laying sight on luminous scripts inscribed over the entirety of the tunnel. Enchantments.


    The tunnel walls liquified, turning into sloshy mud. Her spikes¡¯ hold loosened, slinking out of the divot of earth she¡¯d worked hard to create. No, no, no¡ª


    Thus, her descent began anew. A duet of screams saturated the air of the broad well, cutting through her blank mind. What was there to think about as imminent doom approached? By the hands of people she¡¯d call friends, no less. Time flowed with a sense of levity¡ªor did it speed up?


    She couldn¡¯t tell.


    ¡°Saintsdammit!¡± Caro yelled. What¡¯s there to yell about now?


    As if a yawn of the Air Saint, a powerful gust of wind ruffled her adventurer¡¯s attire. Her dive slowed and light spilled into the pitch-dark insides of the tunnel. An end?


    Nevertheless, she tousled with herself in the air, keen on landing feet first rather than the opposite option. Her efforts were successful, and as the heavensent wind lightly set her feet on a stone floor. The glimmering enchantments carved onto the stone floor dimmed, their job in preventing them from falling to their death completed.


    Caro breathed in uncontrollable huffs, kicking aside the metal chains that landed nearby. ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill them.¡±


    ¡°You can talk to them later, we gotta get out of here first.¡± Val cataloged the belongings in her tool belt, only to realize she burned through a third of her tonics and an additional scroll. Already?


    Applying a healing scroll to the purple-yellow blooming on her arm, Caro glanced around. ¡°What the hell is this place?¡±


    A kitchen-sized burrow led far into the distance. Misplaced lighting shed visibility onto the maroon clay walls, mould forming along its creases. There was no discernable source of the radiance, and the fact scared her. If she couldn¡¯t find the torches responsible for illumination, what else in her vicinity remained obscured from her senses?


    She craned her head and squinted upwards. The entrance was a ways above and the runes on the well¡¯s sides sparkled, far from deactivating. Even if I try to head up, my spikes will slip out anyway.


    A low rumbling rattled their very bones and the Strikers whirled around. The clay barrier at their backs crept forward, maroon dirt surging out of the wall. That left one route to tread.


    Forward.


    The earthen barrier lurched leisurely, on its separate pace to consume the remaining room in the underground passageway. Val tugged her friend from the sight, eager to put space between them and the deluge of dirt. As the mage bearing defence-related armour, she took the lead on the jog. The ground tremors waned as they continued to run, yet the tunnel seemed to have other plans¡ªharmful plans.


    ¡°At your feet!¡± Val warned as a line wriggled its way across the ground. Caro hopped just as a gap yawned open, its aim to swallow the Striker whole. Pouring strength into her legs, Val grunted as she bounded over the meter-wide crevice. Her knees bore the brunt of the landing with practiced ease, a pleasant surprise in the grief-stricken circumstances. I¡¯ll have to thank Magus Hawke if I survive.


    Back on her feet, she squinted at a protrusion bulging out of the tunnel¡¯s side. She didn¡¯t think twice about the grove, these were far from smooth walls. But as they progressed through the area, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that it trailed them like a living¡­ writhing thing.


    The world turned blue as she triggered Vague View and she sucked a frightful breath. ¡°Watch your nine!¡±


    Caro stepped right as a carnivorous mole peeked through the earthen sides, chomping down on thin air. Unsheathing her sword, Val stormed the beast and decapitated it in a compact, vertical slash.


    Throwing her a glance of appreciation, Caro didn¡¯t break her strides and continued to lunge forward. Val wiped the viscous splatter on her sleeve, shaking her head. She¡¯d have to clean and repair her armour yet again.


    ¡°Above,¡± Caro warned. Sharpened cones hung from the ceiling a few feet overhead. Steady for as long as it took for the pair to approach the area, the batch of weapons plunged to the ground.


    ¡°Magma Pane!¡±


    An offensive barrier of molten earth appeared overhead, and the air began to boil. The Striker directed the spell at the shower of stalactites, melting the narrow bottoms of the material. The residues clattered to the floor as smouldering chunks, smoke filling the gap.


    ¡°One sec.¡±Caro shut her eyes, and the embers in the burning pieces softened. The smoke followed, and eventually the traces of her spell diminished altogether. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want a fire on our hands on top of everything, now would we?¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be that bad¡­¡± Val¡¯s words trickled into silence.


    ¡°V?¡±


    Val placed a finger on her lips, ears pronounced outwards. The hum of the dirt tide doubled as the minutes went by, shaking her feet through her boots. ¡°It¡¯s catching up, we¡¯ve got to go.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Val. There might not be anything to find at the end of all this,¡± Caro sighed. ¡°Hell, we could run into a dead end. Then we¡¯d have nowhere to run to.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± she answered. ¡°We die if we stay here, either way.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± the magma mage popped an aether potion. ¡°Just know that I''ll be haunting you in the afterlife.¡± She showed the briefest of grins and sprinted down the tunnel, Val on her heels.


    Despite the significance of the situation, Val was¡­ detached from her own body. She watched someone else tread the cramped tunnel in third-person view, someone else placed one foot after the other.


    The path forward was anything but a stroll in a park¡ªaether creatures popped up at uncanny moments and the clay walls transformed into dangerous ordeals at the tick of the clock. It didn¡¯t help to hear constant rumbling, a perpetual reminder of their time limit.


    Running for what seemed like hours to Val, the tunnel broadened to a space large enough to fit fifty coach buses. Slowing their breakneck pace, the two heaved handfuls of air and settled into a cautious prowl inside. The girls were back-to-back, Caro¡¯s front directed toward the new surroundings and Val¡¯s oriented on the entrance.


    Val¡¯s breath hitched as red clay spilled out of the doorway. There wasn¡¯t any noise, though. Death by asphyxiation wasn¡¯t the way Val planned on going, and when the surge of mud came to a complete halt, a sigh of relief escaped her. That, however, was where the positives stopped.


    ¡°Bad news,¡± Val said. ¡°We¡¯re locked in.¡±


    ¡°Worse news.¡± The sound of Caro unclasping her greataxe turned the enchanter around. ¡°We¡¯re not alone.¡±


    Val clocked the entire underground space¡ªleft, right, down, even the walls. On the verge of questioning the mage, she decided to place her bets in the last direction.


    Up.


    An arachnid horror sidled down a string as thick as her neck. Larger than a truck, it was a wonder how the sprawling web spread across the cavern ceiling held its weight. Numerous limbs hung tight to the white lattice, twelve red dots trained on the girls'' heads.


    Returning the favour, Val stared at the upside-down creature and gulped. Oh boy.

 Glossary [V1]

    You know them, you love them and unfortunately I, as an amateur writer, have put far too many. Here¡¯s a list of all the ranks discussed so far in the story, with further clarifications for the differences, as well as definitions.


    <h2>Mage Ranks</h2>


    Novice: A mage has been bound to an Elemental Gate, an element in a gate¡¯s realm, or the point in between either. Officially, they are now connected to unnatural forces and, with practice, can engage in the arcane.


    Adept:


    If a mage has created a channel circuit throughout their entire body and has awakened all sixteen nodes, they are an Adept. Disciplines locked to Novices still possessing mundane bodies are allowed to Adepts and their lifespan expands to 120 years.


    Magus: N/A


    Magister: N/A


    Archon: N/A


    <h2>Artificer Ranks</h2>


    The requirements to become an artificer of a higher level differs in each order, so here¡¯s the ranks across all artificers.


    Apprentice


    Journeyman


    Meister


    Master


    Grandmaster


    The progression as an enchanter is as linear as they come:


    Apprentices are able to create a G1 enchantment of any type.


    Journeymen are able to create a G3 enchantment of any type, as well as a G1 in the remaining categories.


    Meisters are able to create a G5 enchantment of any type, as well as a G3 in the remaining categories.


    Masters are able to create a G7 enchantment of any type, as well as a G5 in the remaining categories.


    Grandmasters are able to create a G9 enchantment of any type, as well as a G7 in the remaining categories.


    This advancement promotes specialization while understanding general concepts on par to their rank.


    If you recall, in Chapter 19, Val receives a text book containing the planes and grades of enchantments. The following is a brief version of what she saw.


    Generative: Generative-type enchantments generate an element/force into existence with the expense of the user¡¯s aether. These runes and aethglyphs create a strong connection to an Elemental Gate, technically filling in the ¡°will'''' aspect a mage typically needs to cast a spell. All that is left is for a person to plug in the required aether, and the spell/command inscribed will come to pass.


    Note: Enchanters can only create generative enchantments that relate to their bound element. While any person can fill in the necessary aether to use the tool, only a fire mage can create a generator-type enchantment relating to said element.


    Restrictive: Restrictive-type enchantments are the opposite of generative-type enchantments. They restrict an element, instead of allowing it to flourish.


    Operative: Operative-type enchantments use the five Aether Techniques to create and change different statuses, characteristics, and effects. An example of an operative-type array are summoning arrays, which shift aether creatures from rifts to wherever the array sets them to arrive.


    <h2>Rift Rungs</h2>


    If a rift is anywhere with a rift core and strong adherence to an Elemental Gate (or any element in its realm), a rift can take any shape or form. It can range from a forest all the way to a cave, making the tiers allocated to them all the more necessary.


    Rifts are split into rungs, sectioned levels depending on the difficulty inside and the power of the flora and fauna. There are exactly five to match the five mage ranks, as well as compensating for the Rift Rule¡ªprogression.


    Copper Rung


    Iron Rung


    Platinum Rung


    Minacious Rung


    Mythic Rung


    There are different determinants to a rifts rank, from the average power level of the aether creatures within to the terrain.


    <h2>Adventurer Ranks</h2>


    Adventurers are the brave, the power-hungry, the protectors, the desperate, the foolish, and the last line all at once. They acknowledge that diving rifts spell a quick death, yet they never hesitate to go in just one more time. Consisting of mages across all ranks, the word adventurer was the only name they received for their labour until one person asked one question.


    Does being a better mage equal a better adventurer, or did experience?


    When people believed the latter, adventurer ranks and DPs¡ªdiving points¡ªwere introduced by the CAU. The time spent inside a rift began to play a role in one¡¯s placement as an adventurer, and dynamics were changed forever. How awkward would it be for a C-ranked Magus to meet a B-ranked Adept?


    Entry level adventurers are simply known as trainees. Adventurer ranks are as followed:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Sixth-class: 10 DP is required to reach this rank.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Fifth-class: Yet to be revealed. </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Fourth-class: Yet to be revealed. </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Third-class: Yet to be revealed. </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Second-class:Yet to be revealed. </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">First-class: Yet to be revealed. </li>


    </ul>


    Diving points are given whenever a mage dives into a rift and records their winnings to the CAU. They calculate the amount they¡¯ve done inside, as well as how much they¡¯ve benefited the country, and award them with diving points.


    Diving points can be used and obtained in a number of ways. The first is to mark down your work inside a rift, and additional can be received by relinquishing essences found in energy cores to the CAU. As displayed by Aeron, clearing requests put up can also reward an adventurer with DP, only that kind is not admissible in rank ascension. Another method is to join government-sanctioned dives and/or expeditions.


    <h2>Aether Creatures & Oz¡¯s Aether Creature Tiering System</h2>


    Aether creatures are beings of battle, survival, and hierarchy. They battle for better survival and cultivation, which inadvertently always creates a thin balance. Humans are also a part of this balance, and are technically in a losing war with them. The terror of the Second Great War, though gone past, are fresh lines in the pages of history. Many fear that the Fourth Great War is on the cusp of the horizon.


    Aether Creatures, as dangerous as they are, are quite simple beings. Their natural instinct is to find places of high aether density to cultivate in peace, all while battling for their life. For this reason, they often convene around places where aether condenses and forms cores, creating rifts and rift cores. When the area proves inadequate for them due to surpassing their old limits, they leave in search for a better place. Usually this happens in droves, to which this process is called a rift rupture. Rift ruptures are dangerous because they either give rise to an army of aether creatures to storm settlements or cause them to actually find a rift of higher level, amplifying its strength. Either scenario is bad, which is why guilds are so important.


    There are four main types of aether creatures based on their characteristics, elements, and relation to the Central Essences.


    Beast - Animals that wield and/or are integrated with any of the positive elements, either concrete or abstract.


    Elemental - Creatures that are made out of the element itself, taking a physical form of a positive element with a semblance of sapience.


    Chimera - The negative counterpart to beasts.


    Spectral - The negative counterpart to elementals.


    Spirits are omitted for now.


    There is also a system that mages use to categorize the strength of an aether creature and the amount of Aether Strands it carries. It¡¯s called Oz¡¯s Aether Creature Tiering System. Simply put, its:


    Stars = Strength


    Tiers = Aether Strands


    The basis of magic and its boundaries is the greatest mystery known not only to man, but to all sapient beings breathing on Spiravale. Fledgling mages only dabble in shallow waters while masters delve into the deep of it, only to discover more. There are main concepts, however, that seem to prove hypothetically correct in how humans, sapients, wildlife, and various forces interlace with one another.


    <h2>Disciplines of Magic</h2>


    The active disciplines.


    TRAVERSAL


    The Transversal Discipline is a subset of magic that encapsulates movement. It aids a mage¡¯s travel time, sometimes suppresses others¡¯ traversal ability, and transforms it, allowing movement outside normal bounds (Flying, Elemental Walk, Enhancements.) Many believe the discipline to be of the least, but innovators have proved otherwise since the word movement cannot be bound to merely getting from one place to the other. It includes finger movement¡ªdexterity¡ªquickens your ability to spar, and more. This discipline is for those who are swift, Hunters being the main users of this discipline.


    INVOCATION (CONFIGURATION)


    The Discipline of Invocation is a weird one, allowing merely the offensive handling of elements present. However, paired with a Striker¡¯s cognitive ability the discipline, once in the right hands, is absolutely deadly. Since the Discipline of Conjuration is nearby in the Circle of Disciplines, Strikers are able to form any of the elements they may be bound to, and do more with it once dragged from their Elemental Gate or Realm and into the material world. While in close range combat, malleability is necessary to keep up with fast pace combat, and catch opponents off guard. This discipline is for those who are quick thinking, Strikers being the main users of this discipline.


    CONJURATION


    The Discipline of Conjuration is beloved by high society. It is the definition of efficient yet flashy, high skill level yet simple, and is able to be used from a long distance. From the get go, users of this discipline are immensely powerful, able to conjure up spells able to stun the most weathered of mages in awe. It''s not all rainbows and sunshine, however. Though Supports have high mental capacity, the spells they cast are usually incredibly complex, limiting their power in some cases. In addition, it lacks the freedom of invocation, and the spells are known to be rigid, disallowing creativity unless the mage goes out of their way to dabble in the Discipline of Invocation. Since both the Traversal Discipline and Discipline of Complex Fortification are rather far, these mages are both slow and glass-like. Either way, Supports are long range offensive specialists, catered to casting AoE spells.


    MANIPULATION


    This discipline allows for the manipulation of elements at hand for defensive measures, similar to invocation in that aspect, and calls for the mage to dabble in other Disciplines. Specializing in crowd control and defence, Anchors are the one of the most necessary mages needed in rift dives and are absolutely crucial in fights, known as the Elemental Bulwark. Spells that are in the Discipline of Manipulation are quick and minute, requiring high intellect to know where and when to use it to create a difference on the battlefield. This discipline is for those who possess a wide outlook, Anchors being the main users of this discipline.


    FORTIFICATION


    The Discipline of Fortification,is used for defense and defense alone. It takes mere manipulation to an entire different level, and can be said to be the direct opposite of Conjuration. The suppression of enemy¡¯s usage in the arcane is possible and intricate spells of defence are able to be cast, like interceptive shields for small projectiles or Runic Abjuration. This discipline is for those with high vitality, Bulwarks being the main users of this discipline.


    The passive disciplines.


    SUPPLEMENTATION, ATTENUATION AND RESTORATION (BUFF, DEBUFFS, AND HEALS)


    Simply known as the Discipline of Alteration, by definition the disciple changes a mage¡¯s composition or character in small but massively significant ways, switching the tides in an instance. While other disciplines are narrow, this one is rather broad in abilities, capabilities, and even limits. This discipline is for those who possess wisdom, Pillars being the main users of this discipline.


    <h2>Paths</h2>


    Paths are the callings mages select, catering their spell cache to the specific vocation allocated to them. They come with many meanings and changes, making the decision life-altering. It is rare to witness a mage make a mistake with their specialty, as the amount of research of each given element is immense, as well as the nine-month-experimental time they all get to play with each discipline. Most elements inherently narrow down the amount of options, leaving few to pick from and many hold an idea of which speciality caters to them.


    Credit for the most of the virtues goes to this website and the people behind it.</a>


    Frontline


    Bulwark - Virtue of Courage


    Gains the blessing of stronger constitution, vitality and enhanced comprehension of the Discipline of Complex Fortification.


    Usual Traits: Bravery, Persistence, Integrity.


    Striker - Virtue of Justice


    Gains the blessing of higher cognitive abilities, strength and enhanced comprehension of the Discipline of Invocation.


    Usual Traits: Fairness, Leadership, Teamwork


    Hunter - Virtue of Adroitness


    Gains the blessing of agility, dexterity, and the enhanced comprehension of the Traversal Discipline.


    Usual Traits: Clever, Cunning, Competent


    Midline


    Sentry - Virtue of Temperance


    Gains the milder blessing of every other speciality.


    Usual Traits: Modesty, Prudence, Self-Control


    Backline


    Anchor - Virtue of Intellect and Knowledge


    Gains the blessing of a wider outlook, intelligence and the enhanced comprehension of the Discipline of Simple Fortification (Manipulation.)


    Usual Traits: Perspective, Curiosity, Judgment


    Support - Virtue of Vigilance


    Gains the blessing of greater mental capacity, alertness and the enhanced comprehension of the Discipline of Conjuration.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Usual Traits: Decisive, Aware, Attentive


    Pillar - Virtue of Humanity (Called Virtue of Healing for other sapients.)


    Gains the blessing of wisdom and the enhanced comprehension of all facets of the Discipline of Alteration.


    Usual Traits: Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence(The Biggest One)


    <h2>The Central Essences</h2>


    Aether


    Aether permeates all things, and is all things. As a neutral force, its existence does little to change the balance of the world. If manipulated correctly, however, its power knows no bounds. Since aether is a neutral energy, its pull on life and the Elemental Gates slumbering beneath is unchallenged within the small group of Prime Forces. Coupled with its omnipresent presence, aether is an energy all mages are privy to. It''s the source to almost every spell and magical technique carried out, as well as the core to elemental cultivation, and the path to ascension.


    Vitae


    Vitae is the positive component of the Central Forces. Vitae is the breath of life that, very gently, urges life to blossom, grow, and thrive. If aether is the force that permeates every object in the continent of Toreth, vitae is the force that drives it. Without vitae, life would be filled with inanimate stones, regardless of what quiescent science says. Only a handful of people are innately aligned with such force, which fundamentally makes them highly sought out for.


    Netherite


    The third and most recently discovered essence brought both answers and distraught. It is not necessarily negative, it exists as a counter force to vitae. However, many parties seek to manipulate this fact, and it''s through this mentality that brought upon the Third Great War. A war some Archons still remember.


    Positive¡ú Related to the Biotic Essence


    Negative¡ú Related to the Necrotic Essence


    Concrete¡úTangible


    Abstract¡úIntangible


    <h2>Elemental Gates</h2>


    Another mystery still unsolved in present times is the actual substance of an Elemental Gate. No one knows what an Elemental Gate is, and few care. Some believe it to be a different form of aether while others believe it to be a complete other realm mages can access, but the answer remains elusive nevertheless. What is known, though, is that an Elemental Gate is the door through which mage access and call upon their elements. Mages can feel and visualize their Elemental Gates in their mind''s eye, and will it to open. What exists within these Elemental Gates is a puzzle none has solved just yet. Yet as always, time will tell.


    Positive-Concrete Elemental Gates


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Fire</h4>


    The Elemental Gate of Fire is the most common gate mages are tethered to. Fire mage¡¯s capabilities are explosively offensive on field, and are never denied entrance into a team. The range of fire, while not as versatile as some other elements, remains a staple within delves, competitions, duelist rings, and zone fields as a banner to rally under and protect. Fire mages can be anything from as overly passionate as the burning sun, to as warmly comforting as a fire hearth.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Water</h4>


    Water mages are as versatile as versatile gets. While those tethered to the Elemental Gate of Water are many, none are foes to be underestimated. Water mages excel in crowd control, attacking, defending, and if aligned with vitae, healing as well. Most are gladly accepted in teams, but the lacking ones find it hard to gather squadmates willing to group with them. Water is an element that requires talent, as the lack of it creates useless constructs. Nevertheless, water, no matter how mundane, is to be feared. Water mages are commonly known to be calm, but there are those who are as untamed as the wild waves in the sea.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Geo</h4>


    Those tethered to the Elemental Gate of Geo are sought out for as they are all Bulwark-material. Geo, for the most part, hardly requires any talent, and is the simplest element of all. For that reason, it is both sneered at and highly desired by people of different mindsets. Geo mages are an assurance on the field as they almost never miss-cast, and are the last to empty their Aetherial Vessels. Geo mages are usually the rock of any relationship, and are very grounded to reality. There are a few who are as proud as the Alfine Mountains, however.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Lightning</h4>


    The Elemental Gate of Lightning is the rarest positive-concrete gate to be tethered to, and many consider the fact a blessing. The element of lightning is an untamable, obstinate horse which requires the highest level of will to squeeze out the weakest levels of spells. It is not cost efficient whatsoever, and ironically, takes a long time to cast. Despite being one of the most notorious elements in the magical community, droves of bright-eyed mages seek after the element of lightning due to the fact that it is the flashiest on t.v. Lightning mages are either very flighty and fizzy or loud and proud.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Plants</h4>


    The Elemental Gate of Plants is common enough through its plethora of sub-elements which includes wood, vines, and carnivorous flowers. To be tethered to the gate itself is rare as the element of plants is one of the 5 Pseudo-Elemental Gates. Plants are a relatively delicate element scarcely used within combat save for a few trident true sub-elements, like the ones mentioned before. Plant mages are welcome within squads nevertheless due to their capability of filling in the often absent spot of Pillars, usually reserved for a healer. Plant mages are often shy, and take time to get out of their shells, others are as coy as vines. Some, usually the elderly, are as weathered as an ancient tree.


    Negative-Concrete Elemental Gates


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Air</h4>


    Air mages are requested for their potent ability to be a Support, as air¡¯s long distance offensive abilities are quite unmatched within the abundance of elements. Skilled mages are even able to provide buffs such as Haste, speeding their voyage many times over. Air also works well with plenty of elements, including fire, ice, and dust, making most air mages blend in effortlessly in any team. Air can be free and spirited, but its common form¡ªwind¡ªis curt and sharp, and the same can be said about its wielders.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Dust</h4>


    Dust¡¯s existence is heavily interlaced with netherite, just as Plants are tied to vitae. Due to this fact, dust¡¯s eroding capabilities are both feared and revered as the ultimate killing machine from afar. Dust mages tend to be Support, but a few bloodthirsty ones want to be upclose when seeing their enemy writhe under their thumb, making them devastating Strikers on the field. Unfortunately, dust seldom works with any other element, save for wind. In accordance with their element, dust wielders are introverted beings, only taking refuge usually in fellow dust mages or air mages.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Metal</h4>


    The most balanced and stable element of all, metal is often regarded as an element that leaves more to be desired. Few in between the tens of thousands of mages are tethered to the Elemental Gate of Metal as it is a Pseudo-Elemental Gate, but far too many are tethered to its sub-elements. Lead, tin, and copper being the main culprits. Metal is an element that only goes as far as its wielder, requiring hard work and creativity to make something out of it, similar to how a blacksmith forges weapons out of ores. Metal mages are confined to the Paths of Bulwark and Striker, as any other position is highly ill-advised. Even though metal mages have the most balanced personalities, they can be malleable, changing according to their circumstances and surroundings.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Blood</h4>


    Blood is an element many dread to be tethered to, as the element was one of the main menaces during the Third Great War. To be tethered to the Elemental Gate of Blood remains rarer than even dust, making most of its capabilities unknown, and new waters to tread. From what''s been seen, the element of blood works best with directive disciplines, meaning the Path of Anchor or Striker suits it best. While the personality of a Blood mage is a mystery, it is known that wielders have seen copious amounts of their element before their manifestation.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Poison</h4>


    The element of poison is the definition of rare. In fact, many argue it doesn''t exist! Its presence is detected through the many corrosive compound elements observed, such as venomous vines or acidic water. Denying the Elemental Gate of Poison brings various holes in the Magic System, meaning it''s here to stay until proved otherwise. Mages with traces of poison in their elements are known to be backhanded, and wielders who people need to be on guard around.


    Positive-Abstract Elemental Gates


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Amplification</h4>


    The element of amplification remains the most ambiguous of its kind, along with its dissimilar twin nullification. Its presence means little without there being something to attach to, making its existence odd. Either way, it does make for optimal efficiency, which no sane mage can deny. Amplification mages work seamlessly with almost anyone as it does not disturb status quo but insteads, amplifies it. As such, amplification mages are wanted by everyone no matter the reason. Amplification mages are known to be extremely easygoing and a bit too friendly.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Light</h4>


    Light remains the most frequent of the positive-abstract elements to wield, though that doesn¡¯t make it any more common. Light isn¡¯t known for its offensive capabilities, but for its large array of helpful buffs and its power against spectrals and chimeras, creatures that seem to resist every element save for light. Light mages are free to choose whichever Path they wish, except for Anchor. Those tethered to the Elemental Gate of Light are known to be boisterous, kind, and never unseen.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Sound</h4>


    Sound isn¡¯t an element most are keen to possess due to its unusual nature. There¡¯s little to do with it offensively, and even less to make of it on defence. Many like to have another element to their name when tethered to the Element Gate of Sound because the element exists mainly to assist. In theory, that is. Sound mages either love the sound of their own voice or enjoy listening to the sound of others words, making them either extremely talkative or great listeners.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Astrum</h4>


    Astrum, better known as astral energy, is an element not seen, well, at all. Like poison, its existence is allowed due to its hypothesized sub-elements plasma and astral projections. Not much else is known about this element or its gate, and even its studied sub-elements are extremely rare. Those who wield astral energy of any kind usually have a drive to do something, or a special connection to the stars and its meaning.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Illusion</h4>


    Illusion mages wield an element that knows no bounds. Illusion mages hold the ability to mess with the perception of their foes by tweaking their five senses. As the saying goes, the best illusions aren¡¯t really illusions at all, but a separate reality. The Elemental Gate of Illusions is a gate mages scarcely find themselves tethered to. They usually make for great Anchors, as any other speciality doesn¡¯t suit them. Known to keep knowledge about themselves closely, it is common to never truly understand an illusion mage.


    Negative-Abstract Elemental Gates


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Nullification</h4>


    The element of nullification puts a damper on anything it comes across. It confines, constricts, and curbs all other elements that meet it, at the cost of aether. To nullify anything comes with a steep cost of aether, making the element only suitable at higher ranks. Nullification mages somehow always tend to be impossibly annoying to everyone. They are a chore to get along with.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Space</h4>


    Arguably the most predominant element, space desired by everyone. Not much can be said about space as only a wielder of such power can comprehend the thought. Unfortunately, space, like water, requires an immense amount of talent to even begin to learn as the concept is hard to grasp. Either way, they are highly requested by Artificers due to the fact that they can create the expensive storage rings, and the all-important Spatial Stations located within Association buildings. The Elemental Gate of Space is the second rarest negative-abstract gate to be tethered to, making them extremely scarce. There isn¡¯t a certain personality trait linked to space mages except for the fact that they hate being confined.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Gravity</h4>


    Gravity mages make the perfect Anchor, as they embody the term crowd control. They find no problem with being accepted into universities, guilds, or crafting halls due to the fact that gravity is relatively simple. This area is undergoing heavy review by the World Magocracy, due to the fact that gravity is now considered a sub-element under the Elemental Gate of Forces. Gravity mages are practical in most circumstances, and are known to make light of grave situations.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of Darkness</h4>


    Darkness is an element that goes beyond its name. The same way light mages are inclined to learn various buffs, dark mages possess the ability to cast debuffs that demotivate teams, and cast shadows on the mind. They bring out a person¡¯s worst fear to face all while fighting with lances of dusk. To be tethered to the Elemental Gate of Darkness is rare, as most are tethered to its sub-element, shadows. Both dark and shadow mages fill in the position of Hunter, Support, or even Anchor if one¡¯s gifted enough. Dark mages usually carry a lot of emotional baggage of some kind, which makes them hard to work with.


    <h4>The Elemental Gate of the Mind</h4>


    To find an element more feared than dust, space, and blood is a hard challenge, but certainly isn¡¯t impossible. A small, well trained army of mind mages can topple an empire overnight without breaking a sweat. In fact, it almost did happen during the Third Great War. Mind mages don¡¯t bend how one perceives something like illusion mages, instead they change how one thinks. If a mind mage wants to, they have the ability to break a mind beyond repair. For this reason, mind mages, as rare as they are, remain under a tight watch. There is no personality trait linked with a mind mage, except that changing how they see the world is practically impossible.


    <h2>Elemental Realms</h2>


    The elements discussed above were all primary elements, aspects that cannot be further divided. They aren¡¯t the only elements in existence, however. There are sub-elements that, while connected to a gate, are their own separate elements. Examples include wood, sand, shadow, smoke, minerals, and plasma. These elements are under the Elemental Realm of a gate. For example, sand is under the Elemental Realm of Earth, as is minerals. Wood is under the Elemental Realm of Plants, shadow is under the Elemental Realm of Darkness, smoke is under the Elemental Realm of Fire, and plasma is under the Elemental Realm of Astrume. While closely related to their gates, they aren¡¯t the element at hand.


    Some sub-elements include:


    Sub-Elements


    Fire¡ª: Smoke, Ash


    Plants¡ª: Wood, Vines, Carnivorous Herbs


    Earth¡ª: Sand, Minerals


    Metal¡ª: Gold, Silver, Iron¡­


    Blood¡ª: Bone, Rot, Tissue


    Amplification¡ª: Augmentation


    Sound¡ª: Silence


    Astrum¡ª: Plasma, Astral Projections, Meteoric Callings (Extremely Rare)


    Nullification¡ª: Abrogation(To reflect)


    Darkness¡ª: Shadow, Fear


    Compound Elements


    Compound elements are elements that happen when two Elemental Gates overlap. The presence of compound elements expands the list three-fold. Examples are below.


    Compound Elements


    Fire ? Air = Explosion


    Fire ? Earth = Magma/Lava


    Fire ? Water = Steam


    Water ? Air = Ice


    Water ? Poison = Acid


    Lightning ? Air = Storm


    Nullification ? Earth = Barrier


    Darkness ? Water = Ink


    <h2>Impartial Elements</h2>


    The elements mentioned above either veer towards the force of vitae, or the force of nether. Impartial elements are elements which oscillate towards neither. These Elemental Gates are obscenely rare, and being tethered to any of the known few flings an abundance of doors wide open.


    Impartial Elements


    Elemental Gate of Divination - The act of divining what may come in the future


    Elemental Gate of Clairvoyance - The act of opening eyes away from one¡¯s body


    Elemental Gate of Time - To voyage into the passage of time


    Elemental Gate of the Soul - To possess access of the Soulbound Body


    Elemental Gate of Fate - To lay eyes on the fabrics of fate


    <h2>Variant and Inverse Elements</h2>


    An element is classified by their relation to both vitae and nether, as well as its level of tangibility. A variant element almost always tampers with the element¡¯s original tangibility, while inverse elements refers to the switch of the Central Essences.


    Variant Elements


    A variant element appears usually when a mage''s pull to a certain Elemental Gate is strong, yet yields no element. Consequently, the mage¡¯s manifested element gains some attributes of the unanswered gate. This usually causes both physical and magical changes. For example, a studied variant element is called Invisible Fire. Invisible Fire is made up of flames that don''t burn a person¡¯s body, but their consciousness and mind. It is theorized that such a mage is closely but not quite tethered to the mindate, making such attributes present in their apparent element. Silann, a character in the story, possesses Dark Lightning, a quiet version of the element that comes with bouts of fear.


    Inverse Elements


    When a mage is aligned to either of vitae or nether, they are often tethered to an Elemental Gate under the influence of the same Central Force. A healer normally would have water, wood, or even fire. As always, there are exceptions to every rule. These exceptions give rise to unnatural elements that shouldn¡¯t belong. An example could be the famous Specter of Dusk, Kaiser Von Gate, who wields the inverse of fire, a murky grey colour flame that erodes far too much.


    <h2>Ethnicity Index</h2>


    Common Features of an Auricean Includes:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Brown, loose curls(wavy.) Rosy, but pale complexion. Almond-brown eyes (or just brown).</li>


    </ul>


    Common Features of a Kidraan Includes:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Tight coils of black hair. Dark complexion. Sea-blue eyes (or just blue). </li>


    </ul>


    Common Features of an Erydian Includes:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Pin-straight black hair. Pale complexion. Gunmetal eyes (or just grey).</li>


    </ul>


    Common Features of a Desni (Someone from the Glass Dunes) Includes:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Luscious blond hair. Bronze complexion. Golden eyes.</li>


    </ul>


    Common Features of an Saradonian (Someone from the East Islands) Includes:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Various colours of brown wavy hair. Olive, or light tan complexion. Green eyes.</li>


    </ul>


    <h2>Items of Interest</h2>


    Glint - Ciazel¡¯s most popular substance, used to drain the pain away. It¡¯s legal at the age of eighteen, and is a problem among the typical and unbound.


    All tools besides artifacts grow useless as a mage advances. However, a majority are reliant on them, making them reliant on the Artificers who make these items. The fact creates an entire field for the art of crafting, and many want a hand in the pie. Tons and tons of inventions are made, some well used others better off not being invented. Here are some staples.


    Scrolls - Scrolls are tools with one embedded spell in them. They are expensive, yet necessary because in an emergency, this tool may save a mage¡¯s life.


    Storage Rings - A tool with a compartment of space within it, able to store all kinds of things.


    Blasters - As the name suggests, these are tools that blast out elemental projectiles. They require constant repair but are more useful than rolling out a scroll. The only problem is that unlike a scroll, it costs the same amount of aether it would to just cast the spell. Either way, it gives a mage bound the watergate the possibility to eject fireballs from their palms. In certain times, though, flexibility can be vital. It¡¯s for this reason blasters are seen throughout Copper and Iron Rung rifts.


    Note: ¡®Blasters¡¯ take various forms¡ªwands, gauntlets, staffs, guns¡ªand are handy to have on the field.


    Foldable E-Shields - E-Shields are tools that are light to carry and, when necessary, expand into an elemental shield of some sort. Water and geo are the main types of E-shields, as with a click of a button a wall or either water or rock appears, taking the place of a Bulwark. Offensive E-shields are also common, usually fire or lightning, usually used to cordon off aether creatures. Though costly, the tool is staple within rifts for a reason.


    <h2>Explanations</h2>


    Ciazel is divided into three halos and where a citizen is born affects what they are called.


    First Halo ¡úHighborn


    Second Halo ¡úMidborn


    Third Halo ¡úLowborn


    Strains are also an important distinction, and there are three of them.


    Typics are people who possess an ASC of 10 or less. Note: Anything under 11 (even 10.9) is rounded down in this case.


    Unbound are those who surpass 10 ASC, but are not bound to an Elemental Gate.


    Mages have both over 10 ASC and are bound to an Elemental Gate.

 Chapter 34 - Arachnophobia Ascertained

    Unbeknownst to Val, the jingle of Rick¡¯s spellcuffs became a signal that a battle was on the horizon. It seemed peculiar to brandish a weapon without a team at her rear, or a Hunter lurking in the shadows.


    ¡°We¡¯re going into this alone, Cee. No backup.¡±


    ¡°I know that,¡± Caro replied. ¡°I mean, they¡¯re the ones that got us into the mess in the damn first¡ª¡±


    An intense bout of dread punched Val in the gut, and she wheezed in a breath. Knees buckling, she crashed against the clay floor. Crippling fear took hold of her, like she regressed into the inexperienced adventurer she once was, face-to-face with the motherwolf in the confines of the Ashless Forest. As someone nearing the double-digits in rift dives completed, the sentiment was vastly misplaced.


    She¡¯d witnessed one too many hair-raising creatures for the spider¡¯s mere movement to weave visceral terror into her bloodstream. An unknown variable tinkered with the playing fields, undetectable and somehow surfacing as a crippling consequence. Lines of scripts ran across her vision, her artifact hard at work in compensating for the event.


    Through squinted eyelids, she witnessed the creature fall to level ground on nimble feet. Val demanded her calves to tense, ordered them to fortify and lift the rest of her body upwards. A faintly-discerned barrier intercepted her thoughts, terminating her intentions before they had a chance to manifest a reaction. Heavens.


    The infiltrative feeling demobilized not her muscles, but her capability to deploy them in the battle. It burrowed into her mind, akin to the urge to shut your eyes in the face of danger, despite knowing its futility in the circumstances.


    Except, Val knew her actions would very much save her life. Yet the knowledge remained trivial to the issue at hand. By default, it meant her incapacitated state was through no fault of her own. Val grimaced as her mind swiftly fell into the sole answer left.


    The spider could use attenuation.


    A subset to the Discipline of Alteration, attenuation spells retracted from their targets, sidelining their objective¡¯s abilities. In Val¡¯s case, it happened to be her physical prowess. But this is stronger than anything I¡¯ve faced.


    Alteration flourished in the little things¡ªa small boost here, a tiny debuff there. The creature¡¯s spell seemed to cross into the threshold of Tier 2, intensifying the passive discipline¡¯s clutch. Though the effects were evident, the presumed Tier 2 spell took its toll on the creature.


    The spider¡¯s strides were laced with tangible strain, as if someone tied dumbbells onto its phalanges. That said, Val couldn¡¯t so much as twitch a finger under its control.


    Caro forged past the spell, taking a haggard step forward. Val detected the surge of energy into her channels as she raised a quivering palm at the spider. ¡°Sand Limb!¡±


    The dry grains along the bottom shook awake, forming an extremity that lunged for the chimera. Veering to the side on countless legs, the spider escaped the spell unscathed, but the distraction alone was priceless.


    The superficial shackles on her consciousness receded, and Val exhaled a stream of stress-laden air. Prickles and needles were shards in her joints, functionality returning under her reigns in dribbles. Not in the business of allowing its captives free, the spider spewed a gush of webbed strands.


    ¡°Oof!¡± Val was sent flying off her feet, rammed by the silk-like substance. She collided back-first with the cavern floor, strapped to the earth in a sticky mess. Feeling for her trusty dagger on her thigh, she unsheathed it and began nicking the stretchy material. ¡°Cee, I¡¯ll be out in three minutes, buy me time!¡±


    ¡°What did I tell you about unreasonable requests, V?¡± Caro yelled, ducking under a swish of the spider¡¯s appendages. Its pincers snapped forward and she retreated a step, aiming her weapon for its feet. The strike connected, drenching the Striker in a spray of blue blood. Retrieving her stained greataxe from the awkward angle, she backpedaled furiously, an angry spider on her trail.


    ¡°Sand confluence!¡±


    The soft murmur of swishing grains paused Val¡¯s endeavour to break free, pulling her gaze to the particles vibrating to life. The might of a sand-based technique always started as a menacing rattle of congregating motes. Then, it multiplied manifold, upgrading from a whisper to a sustained, strident hum.


    Streams of light-brown converged before their controller. ¡°Sand Limbs!¡±


    She split the warbling ball of sand into twelve limbs, one for each leg of the spider¡¯s. The chimera hissed, wrestling its appendages back from the invocation spell. Skittering to the three-side, it aimed to use its speed to shred the sand-formed arms to pieces. Its efforts were vain as troops of particles rallied to the worn locations, swirling atop the spell to reinforce it.


    C¡¯mon. Val hacked away at the cobweb on her legs, half-surprised Caro¡¯s technique¡­ held. From the Lifemonger they encountered in Dark Mineshaft, to the varying creatures they¡¯d come across in rift dives, Sand Limbs couldn¡¯t do more than hinder. As a whole, sand wasn¡¯t built to restrict, and yet here the enormous chimera stood¡ªor crawled, rather¡ªfighting to escape the spell¡¯s hold.


    In its struggle to shake off the sand, she perceived a well-known plight in its ambiguous features.


    The trouble of being weak.


    Val didn¡¯t hide her smirk. Welcome to my world. Untangling the last of the webs, she jumped to her feet. ¡°Caro, can you stall for two more minutes?¡±


    ¡°Make it one!¡± Her shaft parried a horizontal slash, a sand limb grabbing the spider¡¯s stray leg en route for her head and tugging it elsewhere. ¡°Scratch that, thirty seconds!¡±


    Snatching all the items stored on her toolbelt, Val cut a circle around the battle. She counted five G1 scrolls in her grasp, a premeditated Metal Spike inscribed onto their surfaces. Not a whole lot, but it¡¯ll have to do.


    The sheets wrinkled in on themselves as she placed them on the damp floor, but she went and flooded the required aether strands anyway. She reenacted the movement on a tight circumference around the ongoing tousle, the resources in her Aetherial Vessel waning each time.


    On the fifth placement of the scroll, she hurried to down a tonic. Her brain seemed to groan, a throb pulsing along her forehead. Seven potions in, she hit her alchemical limit, no longer capable of consuming the supplemental elixirs. Good thing my plan''s in place. ¡°Evac, Caro! Get out of there!¡±


    The Striker conjured a minuscule Magma Pane over her gloved palm, shoving it flat on the chimera¡¯s face. Smoke rolled off its burning flesh and it released an ear-shattering hiss. Caro turned tail, putting twenty paces between the spider. It¡¯s on you, Caro mouthed amid desperate breaths.


    Val gave a nod, tripping the five scrolls at once. A crown of Glazen spires surfaced in a ring around the creature. Two Metal Spikes gorged the chimera¡¯s rounded abdomen, the rest missing its target, as intended.


    ¡°Metallic Reformation!¡±


    The other rods twisted unnaturally, angling for the spider¡¯s spindly limbs. Coiling onto its frame, the spell latched its hooks and fettered its feet. Persisting against its ensnares, a sense of hopelessness laced its actions.


    If it could barely hold its own against sand, how would it fare against metal?


    Slamming a light-based talisman on her blade, Caro let loose a battle cry and charged in. Val withheld her hand, narrowed eyes on the advancing striker. Just one pace closer¡­


    Caro reached close-range territory, sliding under the creature.


    Now.


    Val tugged the metal prongs downward, and the act brought the creature to its knees. Caro swung upward for its rangy nack, a streak of yellow tailing the greataxe. The attack burned through the creature¡¯s fibrous exterior, and the life in its eyes, all twelve of them, dulled.


    Caro dove as the body fell forward, caught in its tangle of limbs. ¡°Ew, ew, ew!¡± She scrambled, slicing its limbs apart and emerging drenched in blue. ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    A dry chuckle left Val, shoulders sagging in relief. She assessed the dimming of the creature¡¯s energy channels through Vague View, an indication of its passing. Keeping an eye on the walls for the slight chance of a sneaky aether creature, she crossed the chamber.


    ¡°Damn.¡± Caro salvaged a fist-sized energy core from the corpse. ¡°Definitely three-starred alright.¡±


    Massaging her drooping eyelids, Val plopped next to her and examined the arachnid horror. It appeared so frail when it was motionless, like a prodding finger would be enough to crack its leg in half.


    In the end, the girls accomplished a feat impossible a year ago¡ªthey defeated a three-starred aether creature. A being capable of decimating over thirty participants in Thunderstone. Albeit a significant milestone¡­ Val had to wonder. ¡°What now?¡±


    A familiar rumbling silenced Caro¡¯s answer and she whipped her head to the blocked doorway.


    Or better put, they appraised a formerly blocked doorway. During the time they reacted, the clay had withdrawn as silently as an assassin.The two looked at one another, suspicions visible in their eyes. Gaze returning to the entrance, Val bristled at the sight she observed.


    ¡°You.¡± Caro pushed off her hands to stand, a livid gaze on the entering adventurers. Setting foot inside the underground space, a lighthearted ambience surrounded the four.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve,¡± Caro began, likely irked by their nonchalance. ¡°I assumed a highly-acclaimed guild like Age of Atera would be the last people to¡­ to,¡± emotions overflowing, she inhaled to put a stop to the stuttering. ¡°To actually haze newcomers. My report¡¯s going straight to the CAU, unless you¡¯d like to throw me into a different tunnel.¡±


    The statement earned grins in response, and Aeron turned to his teammates. ¡°We trained them well.¡±


    ¡°Trained us well my ass,¡± Caro scoffed. ¡°Shoved us off a cliff, more like.¡±


    ¡°Hold on.¡± Val raised a hand, her gritted teeth loosening as she picked up on something. ¡°What aren¡¯t you saying here?¡±


    ¡°Look around,¡± Rick said. ¡°Did this seem like a regular tunnel?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she admitted. ¡°Doesn¡¯t change the fact that you threw us into danger.¡±


    ¡°No one was in danger,¡± another voice added, turning Val¡¯s attention behind the squad. Footfalls resounded from within the burrowed corridor, the measured gait recognizable anywhere. Magus Kane strolled into the discussion, a textbook-sized tablet in his grasp. ¡°You¡¯re the sixth assessment we¡¯ve had today.¡±


    Nowhere to place her frustrations, Caro decided to sit on the ground. ¡°My head hurts.¡±


    Val¡¯s lips bent downwards. Who else lingered behind the scenes, reviewing their performance with a clipboard on the side? ¡°I get hidden tests, but this one pushes the limit by far.¡±


    ¡°We evaluate more about a person when they believe their life is at risk¡ªit¡¯s the best method to detect how one might act when everything is on the line,¡± the metal mage replied. ¡°You two have undergone growth in this instance alone¡ªyou¡¯ve changed.¡±


    ¡°And that change is vital to detect before you head inside a rift,¡± Rick added. ¡°Not after.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised how many abandon their teammates once death stares them in the eyes.¡± Silann clicked her tongue. ¡°It¡¯s a leading cause of death in rifts for a reason.¡±


    ¡°In your case, you two rose to the occasion,¡± Aeron exhaled. ¡°The same can¡¯t be said for your mates.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been in rifts already,¡± Caro said. ¡°We¡¯re legit in one as we speak.¡±


    ¡°Not in truth,¡± Magus Kane fired back, jotting on his device. ¡°You were embedded inside a team to practice rift diving in safe conditions.¡±


    ¡°We chose this team straight off the request board.¡±


    ¡°There was more in place than we could explain,¡± Aeron supplied. ¡°I mean, a team in need of two Strikers right as you wrapped up your training¡­ a little convenient, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Val couldn¡¯t help but shake her head at how early the test appeared to have started. ¡°You made us pick you by ensuring you were the best deal available.¡±


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Silann said.


    ¡°We¡¯re glad you passed your test,¡± Aeron chuckled. ¡°The rocky start had us all biting our nails.¡±


    His mirth was lost on the Striker.


    Down the line, Val had a feeling she¡¯d be grateful for the test. It sieved the true adventurers from the worst kinds of cowards, ensuring she¡¯d be able to trust her guildmates to have her six. Still¡­ the experience didn¡¯t leave the best taste in her mouth.


    ¡°So,¡± Caro tilted her head. ¡°Are you guys faking anything else or¡­?¡±


    ¡°Cee,¡± Val hissed. ¡°Come now.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s a valid question.¡±


    Silann crossed her arms, head swivelling to her teammates. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°Way ahead of you.¡± Aeron¡¯s robes billowed and the air humidified, nebulous puffs of steam leaking out of his cylindrical water tubs.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t believe this,¡± Caro sputtered, staring at the dual-bound mage. Rick continued the show, pressing his knuckles together. A cinnamon-coloured veneer encased the groves of his fists. Grazing the material on his armour, the distinct ring of metal-against-metal raised Val¡¯s eyebrows.


    Silann cupped her hands, a storm of lightning crackling within. The element was divergent from its usual self, unaccompanied by the boom of thunder. Instead, a quiet coop of writhing, black snakes peaked through the gaps of her fingers.


    Val turned to Bo, and he gave a soft snort. ¡°Not happening.¡±


    Caro rolled her eyes, sprawling her limbs outward on the ground. ¡°Wow.¡±


    The one word summarized Val¡¯s feelings quite aptly. She¡¯d known there was a puzzle piece missing the day she scoured the internet, snooping for details on the crew. Although she wouldn¡¯t call herself tech savvy, even she estimated a sort of censorship when it came to the four.


    All for a secret test.


    ¡°It¡¯s finished,¡± Magus Kane¡¯s tablet disappeared from his hands. ¡°Your run inside this tunnel was well done, you two¡ªI don¡¯t say that lightly. I believe it¡¯s safe enough to give my congratulations.


    He offered a rare smile. ¡°Welcome to Age of Atera, adventurers.¡±


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    Hall of Eons


    -One week later-


    Val scanned the room, browsing the items in the administrative service tucked away on the guildhall¡¯s 57th floor. To the left, a rune-clock shuffled the numbers as the minutes flowed, the act comforting, in a sense. Rain pelted at the window pane, regardless of being quite a distance from today¡¯s weather. Another sheen.


    For the past few moments, she¡¯d twiddled her thumbs and counted the number of books on the shelves. The office worker''s incessant typing put Val on edge, and the mindless gesture helped calm her nerves.


    ¡°Miss Efron.¡±


    Val''s posture straightened, gaze flickering to the worker behind a waist-high counter.


    ¡°Here you are.¡± He slipped a card under the bordering glass. ¡°I¡¯d advise you to head over to the Association to make sure it¡¯s in the system.¡±


    Val nodded her thanks and left the nerve-wracking space, taking a seat on the benches lining the hallways. It¡¯s official. She grinned, inspecting the guild-issued I.D. in her hands. Outlined by an emboldened black line, a photo of her carefree smile filled one end of the card. Scripts decorated the other side, possessing her age, rank, affiliation¡ªthe whole works.


    Beside [Status], the word trainee faded away to reveal member. All there was left was to add sponsored to the card, elevating her level as assigned and checking another goal off the list. A door cracked open, raising her head. Caro exited the adjacent compartment, face stricken.


    Val shot up. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Oh. Well I¡¯m¡­¡± She ambled forward, whisking out the white card. ¡°I¡¯m enlisted!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare me like that,¡± Val muttered, hand on her chest.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t help it.¡± Caro grinned. ¡°We¡¯re adventurers, V. Finally.¡±


    That we are.


    ~


    Claiming she needed to drain her excess excitement, Caro ran off to one of her duelist centers. In her absence, Val didn¡¯t know what to do with herself until a vibration shook her leg. Opening her phone, she discovered Master Winsford wanted her up in his office.


    Making her way through the guildhall proved to be an easy task after three months on the job. Before long, she was knocking on his door and entering his place of study.


    ¡°Hello there, Valory.¡± Winsford dropped a bundle of papers to the corners of his desk. ¡°Or should I say, newly recruited adventurer?¡±


    Val sunk into the bench opposite him. ¡°It¡¯s been a week and a half, Master Winsford.¡±


    ¡°What can I say,¡± he smiled. ¡°It never gets old.¡±


    Perhaps out of habit from her time on the 57th floor, her attention wandered throughout the room. The foreign text etched onto his walls seemed a bit more recognizable to her. She could determine a few of the runes at play, as well as the managlyphs stringing parts of the picture together. Squinting, she found herself leaning forward. Something¡¯s there.


    Engaging in Vague View, her irises glowed and the tea-stained colour faded away to reveal cluttered lines. An acquaintance of the chaos, she was able to briskly connect the dots and spot the entry points of the enchantments. ¡°You installed Recognition Rectangles in your office?¡±


    ¡°I had hoped you would notice it today,¡± Master Winsford said, sipping from a steaming mug. ¡°It means you''re ready.¡±


    ¡°Ready to throw out my Recog Rectangle?¡± Val asked. ¡°For sure.¡±


    He stifled a laugh. ¡°I see you¡¯ve made an enemy of it.¡±


    ¡°It made an enemy out of me.¡±


    ¡°Enemies or not,¡± he said, ¡°I don¡¯t doubt for a second that you¡¯re ready for tomorrow¡¯s Rookie Competition.¡±

 Chapter 35 - Rookie Competition

    The dawn of the annual artificer tourney had undertones reminiscent of Tripartite Trial¡¯s first exam, and Val didn¡¯t like it one bit.


    For one, the collage of flashy regalia made every viewpoint an eyesore to look at, little more than an explosion of tones. She couldn¡¯t count herself out either, donned in Age of Atera¡¯s hues¡ªa pair of midnight blue slacks tied together by a sweeping cloak. The guild¡¯s trademark tree crawled up the ridge of her back and snaked between her shoulder blades, the timeless icon a beacon of the guild¡¯s prestige and repute.


    Although the outfit¡¯s significance was something she held dear, it set her off kilter. Val moved in obscurity, not the shadows, and not the limelight either. It was the place amid the pair, a person to be dismissed in seconds, and she¡¯d utilize the feature repeatedly as a pickpocket. To exist among the highly-acclaimed adventurers of Age of Atera stripped her of that layer of defence, and it would remain forever lost.


    Secondly, it was crowded. Nearly three thousand people occupied the city¡¯s event hall, and that alone brought its respective troubles. The constant chatter drilled Val¡¯s skull, like the noise originated from within her brain and spilled outwards into the room. It was weird to perceive the swamp of aura wading around the vicinity, subconsciously on the lookout for an incoming headache.


    Perhaps due to the numerous rift dives carried out to the fullest, she was accustomed to being immersed in energy levels several times her own. Sitting on an ASC of twenty-seven¡ªeach aether strand hard-fought¡ªshe might as well shrug off the ailment altogether. Unbelievable, even now.


    Then, there came the waiting, gnawing at her patience endlessly. During the trials, she walked in alongside Caro, a person who livened every minute. The same couldn¡¯t be said for the four representatives of her guild, faces she¡¯d never glimpsed until today.


    Not the types to waste air on appearances, the small talk hovering amid the bundle of blue-clothed artificers was sparse. While she could appreciate the transparency, it formed a deep longing for the usual inhabitants of the scribal branch. She¡¯d bet five rednotes a game was ongoing, Charlee taking the helm and steering the cards in her favour. Either way, Val found comfort in doing the one thing she did best.


    Observe.


    Guilds and crafting halls rooted in early Ciazen culture entailed Auricean tints in their style. Elegant morning coats fell to the knees of the guys, and blazers overlaid pencil skirts for most girls. Outliers stood out in the gathering, including the ladies rocking a tailcoat, or those in shorts despite the lingering sting in the air. Val couldn¡¯t fathom how they were going to craft anything in such clothes, but who was she to judge?


    Cutting out a separate piece of the room for themselves, the Jin Clan was a splotch of red, with golden dragons embroidered on their flowing robes. Rumours implied they migrated from the south, leaving behind the Seven Sects of Zing to become a pillar of strength for Ciazel in the heat of the wars.


    The Kidraan families and houses set themselves apart with distinct designs, wearing pieces displaying a mixture of solid colours and patterned shapes. Elaborate headwraps adorned the women''s crowns, braids of different sizes spilling out. The minority who chopped their locks settled for a sort of fade, leaving more than a few scalps vulnerable.


    Kaleidoscopic sights like these made Val cherish what Ciazel built over the years. The Twenty¡¯s divergent ethnicities amplified the effect, embodying the moniker of the Alloy Forge.


    At last, the doors ceased to open, and the indistinct drone of conservation settled to a polite calm. The colours of the crowd shifted, as if they were attempting to make room.


    ¡°Metalsmiths, take your leave!¡± someone shouted, his thunderous voice waning as it struggled to reach the corners of the gymnasium-sized chamber. ¡°There is an aide to guide you to the first round!¡±


    A huge chunk of the many-hued sea diverged, heading out the way they came. The veneer of delicate clothing did nothing to hide the muscled strength the metalsmiths held beneath, the mighty swing of their hammer necessary to shape the ores into their desired form.


    ¡°Surrounded by thousands of artificers, and likely hundreds more waiting outside for the awards ceremony,¡± someone muttered, ¡°and they couldn¡¯t bring this man a mic?¡±


    ¡°I heard they banned everyone from owning anything craft-related,¡± another answered. ¡°Too many cases of cheaters gaining access to items from the staff. Crazy, that.¡±


    Not really. To be honest, the fact they acknowledged the breach in fair play, and subsequently acted on it was the improbable part. Highborn tended to weigh respect above ethicality¡ªheck, Elemental Exchanges have been fought to the death merely to save face.


    ¡°Obscured crafters, you¡¯re next!¡± the announcer continued. ¡°Tailors, carpenters, apothecaries¡ªif you go by these titles or any others separate from the main orders, we implore you to exit right now!¡±


    Although orders consisted of the five main classes, creativity wouldn¡¯t be bound by such linear thinking. Crafters unaligned with the prominent archetypes fell in between the cracks, usually self-identifying as artisans. As a class that handled varied mediums like bone, crystal, and hides, it worked well for the stray artificers.


    ¡°Alchemists, you are excused!¡±


    In a glimpse, Val detected two clear-cut kinds of personas.


    The prim and proper headed the group, their chins elevated by the smallest bit. Not a strand on their heads was out of place, nor a wrinkle on their clothing.


    Shuffling behind were the enthusiasts, the sort to lose sleep on their alchemical pursuits, rather than their outward guises.


    Outstanding categories proceeded to be called and cleared, chipping away at the artificer count until 150 youths remained. Void of the multitude of obstructive heads blocking her view, she discerned an aged Kidraan by the revolving doors, patches of silver marring his impressive beard. ¡°Enchanters, follow me!¡±


    There was a slight pause at the directive, an unspoken test of bravery.


    Who would move first?


    Unsurprisingly, the illustrious red-gold of the Jin Clan took a spot adjacent to the Kidraan, shooting her equivalents an ice-laced smile. We¡¯ve got another Flamesworth on our hands. In the end, her actions damped the invisible tension, allowing a flux of enchanters to surge past the swirling glass.


    The city hall¡¯s joyless corridors received the well-dressed throng, their footfalls akin to a stampede in the vacant facility. As a public building, the site was far from exclusive, acting as a space an ordinary citizen could rent for the day. Framed still-life art decorated the brick-and-plaster walls, disappearing as the competition transitioned to another space.


    A rush of warm air dipped Val¡¯s chin, a blue haze sheening her eyes as she used her technique. Corded strings of runes writhed across the clay tiles, like intrusive vines on an abandoned home. Probably heating enchantments. The fire-inclined inscriptions chased away mid-Bicember¡¯s chill, allowing the scholars to absorb the simplistic beauty of the patio.


    She approached the rearward row of tables, appreciating the hand-carved portrayals of the Elemental Saints on the stone-formed furniture. Edged by a writing utensil, a broad scroll canvased the desk¡¯s top, faint etchings visible on its skin.


    The announcer disrupted their silent study, a stomp echoing throughout the room. A column or moist earth lifted the Kidraan meters closer to the dome-like ceiling above, garnering the room¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Whenever I introduce myself, I start with my name,¡± he began. ¡°It¡¯s called Lesedi, and where I come from, it means light. I try to live up to its prophetic meaning, to be a rock to those on shaky ground. It''s no wonder I struck a chord with the geogate.¡±


    Tapping the tip of his boot on the pillar of dirt, the ground swallowed the height and returned him to the floor. ¡°Whether conscious of the decision or not, you carry the same burden. Your work can save lives, and will become a means of stability for people during their worst days. We implore you to remember that duty.¡±


    Grandmaster Reign¡¯s words echoed in Val¡¯s head.


    Take on the responsibility and make it yours.


    ¡°We begin your rookie-level competition with emission,¡± his eyes roamed the area. ¡°Emission is one of the most core skills of any type of artificer, more so for enchanters. Therefore your test should come as no surprise. It¡¯s the same every year, and it¡¯s not a hidden fact.¡±


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Great¡­ Emission was her weakest aspect, a technique that took conscious effort.


    ¡°On your scroll lies concealed ink. It only reveals itself once you apply the right amount of aether strands to the inscription,¡± he walked to the forefront of the tables and picked up the said item, showcasing it to the enchanters. ¡°We did most of the job for you by providing you both the location and the aether required to power the enchantment.¡±


    Seemed easy enough.


    ¡°We¡¯re coming around to pass a paper containing the numbers needed, and three energy vials.¡±


    Val pumped a fist under the table. Emission drained her AV like nothing else, leaving her dry before a clock could tick past half a number. Though she could¡¯ve siphoned the particles from the air, she was under a time constraint. Can¡¯t afford any delays. The vials saved her the minutes she would¡¯ve wasted on meditation.


    ¡°Questions?¡± Lesedi asked.


    ¡°Can we use our own scribal pens?¡±


    ¡°No. Anything else?¡±


    Shuffling garments were Lesedi¡¯s response, the scholars too occupied with reaching for their writing utensils. A hush lulled the enchanters into focus as they observed the scroll¡¯s texture, the act hivemind-like.


    Artificers harboured one trait consistent across classes: discipline.


    Crafting required going the extra mile, to fill in the gaps left behind at every corner. Individuals in the room accomplished their fair share of hard work, irrespective of backgrounds or connections.


    Lesedi¡¯s lips upturned at the lack of answers. ¡°You have an hour. Begin.¡±


    Inhaling a gentle breath, Val picked up a scribal pen for¡ªwell¡ªthe first time in her life. If a person in a tender relationship saw the world through rose-tinted glasses, a student who trusted their teacher discerned their surroundings with IBR arrows pointing them toward the right street.


    Master Winsford earned the leeway in her life¡ªshe was sitting on a ticket straight to Runic Mead because of the guy, for saint¡¯s sake. So, when he¡¯d encouraged her to emit aether through her fingertips, she¡¯d kept a tight restrain on her skepticism. He claimed that scribal pens elicited energy, coercing the ethereal substance out of the enchanter. As quickly as it was an aid, it became a clutch, stifling growth.


    Her scrappy web-searching sessions told her it was a valid method of training, if a little unorthodox. By forcing her to lunge up a flight of stairs to begin, the switch to an easier method ensured it¡¯d be a stroll in the park. Well, in theory. Lesedi breezed past and placed her designated items on her desk¡¯s corner, ending the period of deliberation. Sink or swim, right?


    ¡°If this doesn¡¯t work old man¡­¡± Val muttered, putting pen to paper. She shot a glance at the answer key, coordinating it with her task. It asked for four AS on the dot, a clear-cut quantity. Cutting straight to the case, she flipped her sights inward.


    The first step of emission was to draw aether out of your AV, to find a viewpoint to enact your willpower. She liked to imagine her Aetherial Vessel as a vase, flush with energy. Tipping it over a tad forward, she reeled it back as four strands departed her sternum. Her will escorted the aether up to the shoulder, through the forearm, and into her palm. The next step¡¯s the hardest.


    Two weeks ago, knitting the two disparate halves of herself would¡¯ve been an accomplishment worthy of praise. Today, the entire procedure was omitted as the energy lept from her skin, into the device. Rather conveniently, too. She shrugged her shoulders and traced the ghost of a line from top to bottom, with luminescent energy as the ink.


    Even though the pen rectified the complex step of intertwining the layers of her existence, she¡¯d never practiced sustained emission. Winsford¡¯s exercises prioritized short bursts of force, be it the coin devices or the devilish guitar.


    Worried she¡¯d exhaust her resources in seconds, she found herself relieved as the four AS survived the motion. Could it be¡­ She squinted at the pen in her grasp, as if the action could offer her an answer. It seemed the scribal tool did more than cut the complexity of emission¡ªit kept the nebulous form of aether from simply dissipating.


    Val barely managed to hide her grin. One less thing to worry about.


    As time trickled by, she acquired the ins and outs of emission alongside a scribal pen. It was an uncomplicated rhythm¡ªshe inputted an exact number, and the pen carried out the rest of the duty.


    However, as Magus Kane once aptly said, anomalies existed in every rule.


    The outlines of the soft sketch had variety¡ªlots of it. There were straightforward dashes reminiscent of crossing out a name, blobs asking her to circle over the same position many times, and extensive strokes that carried her arm from west to east.


    The last type had the highest skill cap, the duration of the task nullifying the tool¡¯s capabilities to sustain her bouts of energy. As requested in the answer key, she urged a constant stream of aether strands, and her consistency suffered for it. The aether strands dipped into different amounts as she struggled to keep up the continuous effort strain. After all, she tipped her vase, she didn¡¯t leave it there to leak.


    A wince streaked her lips during the movement, and it deepened once she finished. The ink presented as a curved horizon on the bare bones of the assignment. But it left her aether tank half empty, requiring her to down an aether potion.


    Learning her lesson, she went for the effortless sections, especially the ones with lower AS requirements. Of course, the narrower it was, the harder it was to extract precisely. Thankfully, her enchantment exercises worked with decimals more often than not.


    Whole numbers couldn¡¯t begin to compare.


    Monotonous activities, though mind-numbing, were easy to lose oneself in. Settling into a tempo, she familiarized herself with the scribal tool, refining the rough process. Soon, it was as simple as a word puzzle, and her utensil marked the paper in fluid movements.


    ¡°Time!¡±


    Val jerked as Leside¡¯s voice travelled through the quiet room. Delayed sounds of pens hitting the stone desks cut the veil of silence, whispered conversations sparking in the row next door. Following suit, she stretched the kinks out of her shoulder and maneuvered her way out of the rigid seats.


    The added height gifted her a bird¡¯s eye view of the piece.


    Atera¡¯s skyline sprawled out to the edges of the sheet, multi-story structures spearing the air above. The serene depiction was unmistakable at a glance, despite being a skeletal frame of the halo¡¯s capital city.


    ¡°Your scrolls are to be left behind,¡± Lesedi announced, strolling for the exit. ¡°There will be an aide to collect it. Come, it¡¯s time for the second test.¡±


    Val trailed the river of enchanters into the halls, ambling past a couple of teens lingering by their tables, scrolls practically empty. A two-minute walk led them into an auditorium, hundreds of vacancies within on the hill of seats. She grabbed a spot in the front as the participants poured into the aisles, using the downtime to register her newly-gained items.


    In sharp contrast to the trials, the questions of the exam were on full display. Multiple choice questions scored the first page, dipping into several topics right away.


    1) Which of the following lists titles of specialized enchanters?


    a) Apprentice, Journeymen, Meister


    b) Novice, Adept, Magus


    c) Scroll writer, Tinkerer, Generator


    Even if you didn¡¯t have a clue about specialization, the answer gave itself through omission. The first was a string of artificer ranks, and the following line spoke on the mage ranks. Specialization went further than determining the category of enchantments to narrow in on, it tapered the routes to an activity often done by the enchanter.


    It was half-surprising to read two of the specialization she¡¯d been researching, the tabs on the subjects likely still on her laptop. Tinkerer tugged on her heartstrings with a force incomparable to Scroll-writer, the name branded into her brain the moment she''d read past two lines of its summary. Through operative runes, Tinkerers fiddled with the materials given to them through commissions, adding protective coatings to materials and improving their performance. That was a money-maker she couldn¡¯t miss.


    Plus, the inexplicable desire to enchant her armour wasn¡¯t one to quench.


    She held off on circling c) as Lesedi took a position at the feet of the angled chairs. ¡°As you¡¯ve probably figured out, the second test is one centered on nomenclature. You¡¯ve been given another hour.¡± He glanced at the rune-clock affixed to a wall. ¡°You may begin.¡±


    Val snatched the pencil perched on the rim of the curved desk and set about at a brisk pace, ripping through the pages with relative ease. As it spiraled from memory-oriented questions to short-answer prompts on theory, her momentum slowed to a halt.


    Lesedi¡¯s distracting movements didn¡¯t help matters. He strode to different tables one by one, whisking enchanters to the hallways. Invariably, regardless of the person, he returned alone. Her gaze trailed his back as he shepherded his next victim. She didn¡¯t do so hot on the last test. Val noticed a trend among those he picked, a frightening one.


    If deemed unsatisfactory for emission, you were eliminated as you wrote the exam.


    She quieted her nerves with an exhale, refocusing on the vague principles of enchantments. As perplexing as the concepts became, all things considered, the test was a freebie. For dedicated enchanters, or artificers in general, a test of knowledge was something to embrace, to receive with open arms.


    It was smooth sailing from page to page, and she held an inkling it was the same for her competition. She didn¡¯t hear any questions throughout the timeframe, and before long, participants were shuffling their sheets to the borders of the desks.


    ¡°Pencils down.¡±


    Val thanked the saints.


    She survived the cut.


    Combing his fingers through his beard, he came around and plucked the piles of papers. ¡°We need to score these, which, as you may guess, takes time. If you will, enter the room three doors to the left. Updates of the competition will be provided as need be.¡±


    The cohort of scholars was astir as they vacated the auditorium, despite missing one-quarter of their numbers. She couldn¡¯t blame them, free of the constant stress of elimination.


    Streamed along into a place lavished with extensive tables bearing finger foods, a slight smile dawned on Val¡¯s face. Lunch while their tests were being graded?


    Sign me up.

 Chapter 36 - Kyanite Squares

    Vinyl banners were suspended on the ceiling far back, lit by buzzing bars of radiance. The words imprinted on the pointed flags recited a story of their own, noting key incidents in the city¡¯s past. As the varied orders seeped through the room¡¯s swiveling entrance, new lines of history were in the works.


    All of that, in the face of grub, of course, was second news.


    Punctured by a skewer, strings of assorted food sat in digestible cubes. Calling her name with such power, it might as have well been a mind spell. The batch closest to the banners carried a meat mixture, chicken and beef mixed on the wooden stick, the midpoint a blend of seafood, and the nearest a set for vegetable lovers.


    To Val¡¯s dismay, where food was shared, conversations followed.


    Gnawing on the perfectly-cooked broccoli, a group of three encroached on her peaceful boundaries. Much like any in the room was capable of, Val identified her strange company in a brisk second. Morning''s Honour was a guild to notice, said to exist among the elite. Designated colours anywhere along the pastel hues of the early sunrise, the enchanters decided to overlay a muted pink top on white bottoms.


    ¡°Can I¡ª¡± Val forced the chunk of greens down her throat, largely unprepared for the encounter ¡°¡ªhelp you?¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t seen your kind grace our presence in quite some time,¡± a Kidraan remarked, blue tinges of dye accenting her black coils. ¡°After failing to breach the top positions for a while, everyone thought you guys washed out.¡±


    ¡°We walked past your table though,¡± one of them added, blonde curls an unusual sight for the Auricean. ¡°It was loaded, man.¡±


    Val froze at the barrage of sentiments, her kabob stick uplifted at her forefront. ¡°Um,¡± she swiftly dropped her hand out of the awkward position, blinking. ¡°Thank¡ª¡±


    ¡°And decided you must¡¯ve possessed a substantial ASC.¡± The Saradonian boy¡¯s emerald-green gaze locked on Val. ¡°Discover our surprise that an Age of Atera member hadn¡¯t hit even the thirties.¡±


    Val traced his face, searching for signs of genuine curiosity. While being a question mark to straighten was the last objective she hoped to fulfill, it was three times better than discerning the contempt she¡¯d likely find in its absence. As she suspected, on the lift of his lips, she spotted a sneer.


    Seriously?


    Dismissals seemed to trail her every win, accompanied by a sickening fatigue that dragged her shoulders to the ground. As a mage growing into her own pair of shoes, the logical and sensible reaction would be to refute it, to dig deep into her growing self-assurance and become a wall impermeable to insults.


    Instead, she jabbed her skewer toward the water pitchers meters away. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to grab a drink. I¡¯ll be back in a second, is that okay?¡±


    Val didn¡¯t stay for the response, feet striding for the supposed entrance.


    What you don¡¯t give attention to, you don¡¯t give power. The words rang in her head, crystal clear from the moments the tilted pitchers poured limpid water into her cup, all the way up to Lesedi¡¯s arrival.


    The Rookie Competition, it seemed, waited for no one, unsteady or steadfast, primed or indisposed.


    ~


    Yeah, this is most definitely not a part of the event hall.


    The notion cut through her conscious mind unbidden, the newly-introduced facility eliciting amazed whistles throughout the entering cohort. A pristine sheet of metal skated to the ends of the roomy area, the plating as clean as an untouched car. Hardened light formed solid characters, bouncing off the refractive walls¡ªmade of material much like the floor¡ªand leaving pools of darkness outside of their orbits.


    A little over one hundred enchanters ambled into the room, regarding the columns of curtains spilling from the metallic top of the room. Stalking ahead of the inflowing stream, the preemptive ones moved to peek inside the translucent veils.


    ¡°Enchanters!¡± Engaging in the arcane arts, a latent aura drenched Lesedi¡¯s commonplace words in authority. ¡°Curb your craft!¡±


    Three-quarters of the participants whirled to his body, backs straight, legs shoulder-width apart, and arms up in an enchanter¡¯s salute. The remaining¡ªunaware of certain formalities due to a lack of affiliations¡ªgawked at the adolescent scholars rivaling the building¡¯s still-art in immobility.


    ¡°Are you not enchanters?¡± Lesedi thrust a hand. ¡°You don¡¯t get any special treatment. Fall in line.¡±


    As the bewildering moment dissolved in an awkward lull, they resolved to imitate the majority. Dominant forearm affixed to the chest, an index finger sprouted out a sky-bound, closed fist, resemblant of a certain pen they used to fabricate.


    ¡°Face the leftmost wall,¡± the chaperon ordered, and the crowd moved as one.


    Stripes of reflecting light diminished as one of the walls were traded out for a see-through barrier. Lines of seated guests swallowed the uncovered viewing room¡¯s space, many inside thrice their age.


    Val¡¯s eyes sifted the assemblage of spectators, spotting up to five chevrons stitched into their shoulders, collars, or neckties. She wasn¡¯t alone in sucking a breath, crushed by the near-palpable air of her superiors.


    Placed in the foremost row with the best of them, Winsford offered a dazzling smile that put his white hair to shame. An instinctive impulse passed through the young scholars, and their limbs swiveled into alike positions as they snapped a mage¡¯s bow to the onlookers.


    ¡°Welcome, High Mages and Crafters.¡± Lesedi joined his escortees in bowing to the distinguished audience ¡°The faces you lay your sights on are the artificers to survive the first two rounds. Artificers that, if not for the laws in place, could have been climbing for Journeymen. Or, dare I say, Meister. Now, these rules¡ªthey seem obstructive, correct?¡±


    Val had to stifle the urge to give a fervent nod, the mystery taking turns in her mind to swirl around, and scramble her sureties.


    ¡°The answer lies in the history books several of us dread to open,¡± he said. ¡°There you¡¯d find the incredible numbers of lives saved, of days preserved through the might of enchantments.


    ¡°However many days we salvaged and lives we rescued, though, were lost in morality. Thousands of kids younger than you were conscripted to produce goods during these hard years, hundreds losing the flame of creativity, and others the joy of youth.


    ¡°No longer will Ciazel nip budding artificers for accelerated resources. It¡¯s wrong, and it didn¡¯t help in centuries past,¡± he said as almost a¡­ warning to the audience. Were there people operating in dark alleys, conducting authentic apprenticeships for underaged teenagers?


    Val couldn¡¯t contemplate the controversial suggestion, rigid as Lesedi turned to stare the participants down. ¡°Oftentimes, grievances are held by younguns, and we are implored to relay this message: the laws inputted to illegalize training before the age of sixteen was to protect you, should such times befall the country.


    ¡°So, apprentices,¡± he said, ¡°let the last of this competition be one to remember.¡±


    The veils disintegrated into snow-like particles, melting into nothingness and leaving cerulean squares behind. They cut a crisp checkered pattern across the once-smooth flooring, with exactly 103 available for the participants.


    ¡°Enchanters,¡± Lesedi began, ¡°proceed to enter the kyanite squares.¡±


    Similar to the hours earlier in the day, there was an extended second of hesitation. This time around, not a soul left it to the Jin Clan to assume the lead, the expectation oozing out of the spectators an ample source of compulsion. Walking inside a square within reach, Val confided in Winsford¡¯s even-tempered countenance from where he rested in the viewing room, drawing a sense of foundation in the familiarity.


    ¡°The gemstone you stand on splits into four smaller versions of themselves,¡± Lesedi paced in the aisles available within sectioned areas. ¡°Each round, you are to detect which of them either possesses the greatest aether, or the least. You¡¯ll receive guidance as we set you off. We will withdraw as you advance into the levels.¡±


    Chills took a hold of her, zipping to her toes and back to her brow. Her performance in the competition, and possibly her future, banked on this final and ultimate round. Here goes.


    ¡°Activate.¡±


    Lesedi¡¯s voice sounded far away, like a movie played in the background during menial chores.


    As the padding of Val¡¯s boot worked to nullify the thrumming material, an incandescent line bisected the kyanite into quadrants. The ivory particles of the veils reappeared in the meantime, condensing into solid letters above her eyeline.


    ¡®Round 1¡¯


    Val¡¯s neck tilted upwards to comprehend the words, taken aback as it returned to oblivion in a matter of two blinks. It was like Elemental Saints of Air and Light worked together hand in hand, the former blowing the letters goodbye, and the latter receiving her offspring before the world could tarnish it.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    A surge of aether restored interest in her feet, invisible to the naked eye. It permeated the entire kyanite ground, the essence concrete-like in the lower-right miniature square. Such solid energy.


    ¡°Position yourselves on the quadrant carrying the most aether.¡±


    Lesedi¡¯s voice yanked Val out of her wonder, and she found an ¡®up arrow¡¯ hovering in a fixed place for declarations. She scooched a step down, the scholars beside her embarking on the same journey.


    As activity settled and people grew confident in their choices, Lesedi gestured to the clear glass, setting their decision in stone. The evanescent particles united to form a bright, vibrant checkmark over Val¡¯s kyanite square, showering her with a relieving green light. Taking on a viridescent hue, the metallic ground caught identical glares from pads across the facility.


    This is looking like another long test. Val exhaled as she observed no failures, buckling in for the long haul.


    She couldn¡¯t have been more wrong. Round 2 came with the viciousness of a cranky teacher, weaving a back-handed trick into an otherwise effortless prompt.


    One quadrant vibrated with such a zeal, it screamed to the enchanters like no tomorrow. At the first check-over, its prominence would be above board, indistinguishable from the round prior.


    That was where things grew ominous.


    The competition dished out its quota of freebies in the previous tests¡ªthe fact that no one departed due to the exams said as much. Glancing at the Kidraan¡¯s walking stature, she bided her time for verbal confirmation.


    Sniggering scraped her focus, originating from the surrounding pods. It wasn¡¯t a lie to say it irked her, but she¡¯d dealt with this repeatedly in the comforting lobbies of Hall of Eons. Winsford liked to conduct his pop quizzes in public, gifting her the tools to shut out the excess noise.


    That old man thinks too far ahead, she thought, refocusing on the tight-lipped chaperon. A realization struck her, like a sudden burst of musical inspiration. Technically, Round 2 existed as an ¡°advancement¡± of Round 1, meaning Lesedi¡¯s choice to abstain from guidance wasn¡¯t an additional flare for the audience.


    No, it signified that he already withdrew. That¡¯s crafty.


    Thrown into the deep of things, details required an extra level of vigilance. Activating Vague View, the quadrant in the top-left corner blinded her, and her head recoiled backwards at the brightness. Pushing through the slight pain, she attempted to appraise the workings that lay beneath.


    The top-left piece accommodated a bulging vein, aflow with energy. Its lower counterpart, though containing subservient prominence, shined in the sheer amount of pathways streaking its blue face. Junctions abounded with aether, stopping just above the total ASC of the top-left. Or was it lower?


    She cordoned the doubting voice with the decisiveness of a blade and took an assertive step backwards. Committed to her answer, she nodded at Lesedi, and he bobbed his head to the viewing room. No going back now.


    ¡°I knew it,¡± one of Morning¡¯s Honour commented, the Saradonian. ¡°Her first exam was a flu¡ª¡±


    He failed to continue his words, bathed in red as a huge ¡®X¡¯ crowned his head. He wasn¡¯t alone, a replica shining over seventy others.


    ¡°Our first eliminations,¡± Lesedi announced. ¡°Miserable times, and yet a great opportunity to instruct. Those who are no longer in the running, please take a seat.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª!¡± someone tried to protest.


    ¡°You lost the right to ask questions a few minutes ago,¡± Lesedi said. ¡°Meditate, and wait until the third test wraps up for any concerns.¡±


    Reluctance hung in the air, indignant frustrations marking various faces in the room. A knockout in the second round dissipated the opportunity to take a stab at the top ten standings. It was two decisions too late to change the outcome, though, leaving them to resolve into the lotus position on the gemstone¡¯s face.


    ¡®Round 3¡¯


    On the brink of searching for the square¡¯s dominant quadrant, a downward arrow shifted into position, halting her actions. The prompt switched from the rounds prior, requesting her to identify the least abundant of the four sections.


    Val wanted to proceed with extreme caution, to decipher the ploy within the device.


    Unfortunately, life liked to have its own plans.


    ¡®Tick, tick, tick, tick¡­¡¯


    An incessant click pulled her eyes to the center of the room to discover a holographic clock. Its hands spun onwards, a flood of black in its wake as it aimed to swallow the remaining chunk of white light.


    Of time.


    Undecided between the upper half of the square, Val strained her arcane gaze until it existed as a fine tip. A maze of subtle touches and schemes aimed to confuse her, but she managed to decrypt the mess and stride to her spot.


    ¡®Trrrrrng!¡¯


    The timer ran its course, killing the hopes of seventeen enchanters in a flash. Green light identified the fifteen participants holding on for dear life, and red those who received the axe. Amid her observation, Val met the bewitching eyes of the Jin Clan¡¯s affiliate, her lips stretching to the far ends of her cheeks.


    Val couldn¡¯t help but shoot an excited smile in return.


    <hr>


    Winsford couldn¡¯t deny it any longer. He was grinning like a fool, heedless of the numerous rules he broke by the display of glee, and he could not bother to care.


    Valory had done it.


    Born in the trenches of the Second Halo, hauled to a high-end city to keep her mother alive, and intent on hunting the cure in the First Halo, the girl didn¡¯t come to solely participate¡ªshe came to perform. Witnessing his student awe the old-timers in his company, her perception took a shine to the detection appraisals set inside the gemstone. She won¡¯t be my student for long, that much is apparent.


    Freed of her ailment, she had imparted her worries to him, ones about losing her sharp edge. Confronting death in the many loose tunnels of the Dark Mineshaft, and previously Ashless Forest, she¡¯d grown wary of her situational judgement.


    Indeed, her sole method of perceiving the world as an unbound disappeared once her ASC climbed, the occurrence mitigating the disparity waging within. However, it opened opportunities to let her silver PAST shine in the diverse ways remaining.


    And heavens, did she shine.


    Once Round 5 reared its head around, the competition began to slim by the twos. A glaring red would drown them in defeat, bereft of any choice except to accept their circumstances. Ten rounds later, the nest¡¯s been shaken well enough to allow only the best of the best to remain.


    Three participants seemed to be particularly versed in detecting aether lines, and the difference among the trio was almost uncanny. To the far left, a lowborn rising star dissected the ever-changing puzzle, attracting the eyes of Winsford¡¯s peers. Like Valory, he was of Desni descent, glistening sweat beaded his bronze skin, his burnt-brown hair tied into a loose mane above.


    In comparison, Valory was the picture of an unmovable mountain. Although confined by identical alarm clocks, it seemed like she possessed more time. Her actions flowed with a sense of ease, and Winsford shook his head. There¡¯s no doubt she¡¯s second-guessing her every move.


    Then, there stood the prodigy from the Jin Clan, claimed by the faction at birth due to an unknown variable¡ªa mystery. The girl herself looked to be Zingese-Auricean, light-brown hair cascading over her midnight-black irises, a chilling grin spread wide across her face.


    Winsford could appreciate the diversity, as it displaced the highborn-superiority assumption.


    Or, at least, it did.


    Struggling as he might, the lowborn succumbed to Round 17, a cunning level that wove overfilled junctions into every quadrant. Only the keen could detect the single section that was off-target by the smallest margin. Thereupon, the actual show began, the pair dancing across the kyanite squares as they moved based on split-second judgement.


    ¡®Tick, tick, tick, trrrrng!¡¯


    Four seconds¡ªrounds in the twenties permitted four seconds to the enchanters, raising the bar by miles. Bodies in the audience surged forward, one adventurous idea slashing through their minds as their sights affixed to Valory¡¯s calm stature.


    Would Valory bring about an upheaval¡ªcould she decrown the Jin Clan?


    As if the saints had enough of Valory¡¯s good fortune, they pulled the plug on her graceful display. The lapis-blue glow in her green irises vanished, and her eyes widened long before defeat laughed in her face in full.


    There was a resounding groan in the spectators. ¡°Aw crap,¡± a Meister muttered, voicing the thoughts of many.


    Her AV was as dry as the Glass Dunes.


    Without the aid of the sensory Aetherial Art, Valory could only guess Round 25¡¯s solution. Her estimate sprung forth a quick resolution, startling the assembly of enchanters¡ªthose watching and the participants¡ªout of their shared daze.


    One girl lingered in the green luster, alive and zestful, and the other in a damning maroon, stunned and let down. Winsford filed out alongside his colleagues, offhandedly accepting the congratulations thrown at his face. With the gentleness of a warm spring breeze, he planted a palm on his student¡¯s shoulder. Jolting at his touch, she found his softening expression as he spoke words no truer than minutes before. ¡°Valory. You did it.¡±


    <hr>


    The disappointment of losing the detection test didn¡¯t harbour in Val''s gut for long. Anxiety was a bully of an emotion, shoving the mixture of excitement and anticipation to the distant corners of her thoughts.


    Val didn¡¯t care to check her surroundings, nor to ignore the ostentatious attempts to become chums. Tunnel vision pinned on the stage, a host sauntered to the stage¡¯s center and cleared his throat. The halo-shaped microphone screeched at his tap, and he grimaced as he opened the letter tucked safely away inside his suit¡¯s pocket.


    His eyes enlarged to the size of plates, and a stress-induced cramp took a hold of Val as he cracked his lips open.


    ¡°Visitors, teachers, masters of the crafting arts, and poachers of talent¡ªyes, you aren¡¯t as sneaky as you think. We know you¡¯re in the crowd this afternoon.¡±


    He drew laughs from the invited audience, and threefold the number of muttered complaints in the participant¡¯s section.


    ¡°I''m of the opinion that there truly is never a dull moment as an enchanter, and this¡ª¡± he waved the piece of paper ¡°¡ªproves it. As I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all dying to know, the awarding ceremony commences with this Rookie Competition¡¯s top ten runescribes, an announcement that will leave you surprised!¡±


    ¡°Oh saints,¡± an enchanter muttered up ahead. ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna hurl.¡±


    You and me both, buddy, Val thought. You and me both.

 Chapter 37 - Unopened Letters

    The thump of her heartbeat was all-pervading, felt in the tips of her fingers, heard in the cavity of her eardrums. It was an ordeal to comprehend the host''s dutiful explanation through the jitters, the poor man exhausting lungfuls of oxygen to spell out the makings of the end result. The afternoon forecasted as many shoo-ins as there were dark horses, and a justification worked to impede the complaints well on the horizon.


    According to him, two aspects were required to pull ahead of the crowd: a substantial placement, and¡ªmore importantly¡ªan outstanding score. When it came down to the judges, it wasn¡¯t the titles of ¡®first¡¯ or ¡®second¡¯ that mattered, it was the difference that set the two competitors apart. If the gap was one percent, the two stood no differently against their appraising gaze¡ªif it was many times over?


    Then it would play a part.


    It¡¯d be a great shame if her emission and knowledge tests blocked her chances at top ten, despite exceeding in detection. I guess we¡¯ll just have to see.


    The host went on regardless of her mullings, his words wrenching her back into the present. ¡°At sixth place, we have John O¡¯Conner!¡±


    A wave of velvety colours arose, reflecting the crack of dawn. ¡°Yeah, John!¡±


    With a face as pale as his ivory pants, the Auricean from Morning¡¯s Honour¡ªJohn, apparently¡ªmarched to the front to claim his ribbon, nerves dripping off his stiff movements.


    ¡°Fifth place belongs to Noah Fore!¡±


    Dissimilar to their equivalents, the Fore House existed as four distinct families, set apart in areas of focus. Noah Fore possessed features strikingly akin to Hillary¡ªgolden brown eyes, chestnut-coloured hair¡ªindicating he was of the artificer bloodline.


    ¡°Just short of the podium, Jin Tianyu takes fourth place!¡±


    A tide of suppressed surprise rolled through the crowd, whispers trailing the broad-shouldered enchanter, his head hung low. If a scion of the most highly-regarded clans placed fourth, Val didn¡¯t have a hope in hell she¡¯d clear the top three.


    ¡°Now, for the bronze.¡± The host looked down, as if double-checking the script written on his notes. Val¡¯s thoughts slowed to the stillness of a tundra, sliced by a deafening ring as she strained her hearing to catch every syllable.


    ¡°From what I hear, this enchanter was a blast to watch in the last round.¡±


    Val clutched onto her ink-formed artifact.


    ¡°Give it up for¡­ Age of Atera¡¯s very own Vaaalory Efron!¡±


    In what felt like slow-motion, the audience shifted to her location¡ªarms yawning apart in preparation for applause, knees jerking upwards to stand, lips agape in shock. Okay, perhaps it was just her jaw hanging, but that didn¡¯t lessen the absurdity to any extent. I couldn¡¯t have heard that right.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡±


    A question cut through the picture with such force, her head snapped backwards. She found Hillary, knitted eyebrows at war with her lopsided grin. Val had forgotten all about the company she met on her way in. An unhealthy obsession loomed over her senses the millisecond she¡¯d step foot inside the gymnasium.


    ¡°To translate my friend¡¯s terse words,¡± Primus began, his expression mirroring the artisan¡¯s. ¡°That bronze medal isn¡¯t going to wait for long.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going, I¡¯m going,¡± Val chuckled, giving herself a much-needed jolt and shuffling her way into the aisles. Stares burned a hole through the tree stitched onto her back, hastening her pace. The high pedestal she¡¯d set the host on took a shocking three strides to breach, and in what must¡¯ve been a blink, she was a step away from the man.


    After casting a mage¡¯s bow in her direction, the item she¡¯d trained so, so hard for appeared in his grasp. He draped the medal¡ªcompact brass wires woven into an art piece¡ªover her bowed head, and the cool material balanced inside the slit of her coat.


    ¡°And for the silverrrr!¡± the host continued. ¡°All the way from the corners of the country, tucked away in a village within the Third Halo, is Simon Hoffman!¡±


    Her attempt to survey the enchanter able to steal away second place was thwarted by a group of staff. Chaperoned to the corner of the stage¡ªthat, till this minute, she had no dimensions for¡ªshe startled at the onslaught of rapid-firing cameras.


    ¡°Smile!¡±


    ¡°Over here, Miss Efron!¡±


    ¡°Give the Pondering Page your best look!¡±


    By the saints. She tried to hide more than one wince. I swear might leave this place blind, she thought, taking her position among the top of lined runescribes. She acknowledged the lowborn prodigy with a bob of the head as his golden irises, alongside the gazes of the entire crowd this chilly afternoon, made their way to the host for the final report.


    ¡°Onto the announcement we¡¯ve been waiting for,¡± the host said, bringing about a hush of silence, and a thankful reprieve from the flashing cameras. ¡°This victory comes with no questions, resounding performances in every round. First place is taken by someone¡¯s who¡¯s talent outshines them all, by a dragon among men¡ªfolks, please join me in congratulating the Jin Clan as they bring home gold, won by none other than Xiandra Clementine!¡±


    ¡°Clementine, not Jin?¡± John¡¯s murmur was faintly heard against the deafening cheers. As curious as her family name appeared, her existence alone warranted attention. Unbridled arrogance oozed out of her relaxed gait, her ceremonial robes obscuring the slender frame beneath.


    The gold medalist paid no mind to the tumultuous ovation, grabbing her award by the hand and strolling past the row of winners. Her almond-brown eyes latched onto Val¡¯s figure, pupils stretching to goading slits. What seemed to be a living, breathing serpentine beast curled under the girl¡¯s armpits, vertical slashes eerily in sync with the scion. Soon though, the aura-induced image faded away, and she fell into position beside Simon, leaving Val to interpret the message.


    I¡¯ve got my sights on you.


    ¡°City of Atera!¡± the host roared, snapping Val back into reality. ¡°These are your top enchanters of the Rookie Competition!¡±


    Medal gripped inside her clenched fist, she sequestered the subtle threat to the rear corner of her mind and inhaled a sweet, earned breath.


    <hr>


    To have one¡¯s name on the Pondering Page¡¯s foremost article garnered the country¡¯s intrigue. By no stroke of fortune except diligence, Valory wound up on the banner extending to the boundaries of the screen, alongside the finalists of every order.


    Taking a trip down the website, the first portrait and bio belonged to the bronze enchanter. Winsford''s student nearly spat out her coffee in shock, to Miss Hayes¡¯ eternal amusement. A sight to behold indeed.


    ¡°Hell yeah!¡± Miss Hayes leaned back into her seat¡ªan office chair stolen from the common room. ¡°No more clips, no more online interviews, no more essays.¡± Groaning, she stretched her long limbs to the sky. ¡°Which means no more university applications. Life is great, wouldn¡¯t you say, Val?¡±


    Exiting the distracting tab, Winsford refocused on the university files open on his device. With a crafter¡¯s competition victory under Valory¡¯s belt, and a mountain of clips to assuage Miss Hayes'' often-horrendous battle charges, he felt safe to send their files to the necessary schools.


    ¡°Val?¡± She repeated into the silence, whirling onto her friend. ¡°What¡¯s going on in that head of yours?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Valory fidgeted with her earrings. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing some research on my own, and it¡¯s just been going nowhere.¡±


    ¡°Is this about your moth¡ª¡± the magma mage cast him a glance¡°¡ªI mean your older relative?¡±


    ¡°Not quite,¡± she sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been confused on a lot of things, like a lot. But with my awakening, I can¡¯t shake off the feeling that it¡¯s¡­ abnormal. And yes, I have no way of verifying what actually is normal, but¡­¡± Valory heaved a great deal of air, massaging the wrinkles on her forehead. ¡°I¡¯ve just got to ask. Is there a way to clear up any kind of confusion surrounding an awakening¡ªto make sure what happened, happened for a good reason?¡±


    The insides of one¡¯s awakening spoke to the truest version of self. It cut deeper than telling a therapist your innermost fears, revealing facets of a person most would rather not put into words. Winsford and Rhodes relied on that aspect, hoping the girl sitting at his table would forgo the answers and let the mystery rest.


    Curiosity had a way of ruining things.


    ¡°The beginning of magic is frequently vague, which in turn, is quite frustrating. More so for Novices, who are unaware of the magical arts. For this reason, universities have end-of-year checks to verify a number of things¡ªaptitudes, artistry, affinities,¡± he answered, lacing his fingers.


    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised to hear that currently, out of the newly-awakened mage identifying as mono-bound, one in every twenty is dual-bound. I know telling you doesn¡¯t work, but I¡¯ll inform you once more,¡± he let his student¡¯s doubting gaze rest on his face. ¡°Do not worry. December brings answers, more than you know."


    Far more, he added internally. While eight months might seem like forever for a youngster, Winsford knew just how fleeting the days often were. In eight months, the girl before him needed the backing of two major players in the country, to be a familiar presence to the right people, all to soften the reveal of one¡ªor, even two¡ªextraordinary elements.


    There was a deadline incoming for the girl, one with consequences she couldn¡¯t dare to afford.


    <hr>


    The First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    East Lily Drive


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    -One week later-


    Val¡¯s stilted progress on Life¡¯s Hymn irked her to the bone, and even a hot shower couldn¡¯t scrub it off.


    The leaps she¡¯d traversed to arrive at the information strained Val on her best days¡ªit simply was never good news. Restlessness bubbled in her chest, at odds with the pen in her hands. As a long-winded sigh left her in a hurry, she slumped on the chair and shook her head. These thoughts aren¡¯t fair to Mom.


    Unable to think of any excuse to refute her internal claim, she printed her final words on the unfurled paper and folded it threefold. Penning the recipient''s name on the outermost flap, she slipped it inside an envelope. A swish stretched across the room as she pried open the furniture¡¯s attached cupboard, a stockpile of unopened letters shifting at the sudden movement.


    Addressed to a single person, the letters spoke of events on a wide-ranging spectrum, from memorable treks through Thunderstone, to celebrating Andy losing his first tooth. Indeed, one person in the world deemed the varied creatures of a rift as important as preschool milestones, one incredible, ever-positive person.


    Mom.


    And she will read these letters, using her own fully-functioning hands, and feel as though she was there every step of the way. That¡¯s the goal.


    Val dumped her work-in-progress to the pool and whisked on a set of active-wear. If a shower wouldn¡¯t do it, perhaps a nightly jog would have a better chance. It was counterintuitive in a sense, to work up a sweat after washing up, but an easy pace would feel no different than a walk for an experienced adventurer.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit late for a run, don¡¯t you think?¡± Caro called from the couch, the T.V. remote pointed to the near-black sky visible through the curtains.


    ¡°It¡¯s more sightseeing, technically.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s late for that too,¡± she countered. ¡°Just text me your location so I know what to tell the police if you get kidnapped.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be kidnapped, Caro.¡±


    She snorted. ¡°Girl, we both know you have a better chance finding a date than avoiding trouble. Which, to be honest, would be great odds for most people¡ªbut you, Valory Efron, are not most people.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy,¡± Val threw over the shoulder, lacing the strings of her sneakers. ¡°Too busy to care about that stuff.¡±


    ¡°I call bull,¡± Caro said. ¡°I know for a fact you¡¯ve left one or two not-so-discreet people on read.¡±


    Val shrugged on her pastel windbreaker, zipping it up just to allow the grey hoodie to peek through. Opening the door, she raised an eyebrow at her friend. Is there anyone this girl doesn¡¯t know?


    ¡°See,¡± Caro spoke into the prolonged quiet. ¡°A truth by omission is still a truth.¡±


    ¡°I think you got that one backwards,¡± Val chuckled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you try to change the topic.¡±


    ¡°Just hold down the fort for me, will you?¡±


    The metal mage parried her friend¡¯s glare with a grateful wave and disappeared down the hallways. Technicalities aside, Val truly was en route to a tourist attraction. Spare time was as rare as diamonds to a crafter, evoking a desire to make the most of the free time, vexed or otherwise. Dozens upon dozens of sites littered the country, all dedicated to the Elemental Saints.


    The scope spanned anything between a center and a fountain, or a statue and themed amusement arcade. While such an abundant array of choices were sometimes hurtful, the Elemental Saint of Astrum¡¯s park reported as the prettiest overnight, making the nocturnal enchanter¡¯s choice quite obvious.


    An hour-long jog later, grass edged into the concrete jungle, rivers of starbugs streaking the murky air in glowing purple-blue. A squirrel skittered next to her even pace, and Val could¡¯ve sworn she saw the creature wink before depixelating into an incandescent mist.


    Unlike her initial thoughts, the pixels didn¡¯t simply fade out of existence. Swirling about her head, her run came to a halt as the particles raced to position themselves ahead. A buzz filled her ears as they flitted into formation, arranging into legible script.


    Welcome to Astero¡¯s Abode!


    No, the Astral Saint herself did not deign Val a warm welcome. Akin to the coding embedded into animation, the lightshow was the elaborate work of a team of talented artificers¡ªmechanics and enchanters, specifically. The awed tourists nearby gasped, probing fingers poking at nothing. Chuckling, she set about through one of the well-trodden trails and encountered the ideal spot to let her stowed frustration simply¡­ ebb away.


    Candle-like butterflies camped inside the canopy of a grand lamptree, splashing rings of radiance onto the midnight bark. A grey carpet of grass rolled beneath the plant, and the neutral colour absorbed the array of hues shining from above. Val¡¯s breathing came unhindered, and she moved to sit cross-legged under the lamptree¡¯s watch.


    As the soothing ambience of her surroundings softened her bitterness, it left behind a clear mind. Breathing in the chilly, mid-spring air, she reoriented herself away from Life¡¯s Hymn-focused troubles and hunkered down on a topic long overdue.


    Spellcraft.


    As the months stretched on, Caro¡¯s spur-of-the-moment decision to blow off steam within a duelist center paid off in more ways than one. Each fight in the ring sharpened her battle instincts, smoothening her ability to weave magma and sand as a single force. To top that off, her franchise offered spells like they were free candy, giving their up-and-comer an extensive amount of resources.


    Not one to fall behind, Val journeyed downtown and visited the Commodity Branch. As much as it physically hurt, Val refrained from exploring the ageless building and instead parked inside the Novice segments, searching for any useful¡ªor usable¡ªmetal spells.


    Techniques for a metal Striker were scarcely seen, as most among her kind tread the Bulwark¡¯s Path. Luckily enough, Shard Bomb and Metal Puppeteer caught her eye and, with a subtle command to Aster, she snapped a quick shot of their spellsheets.


    {Invocation} [Metal] Tier 2 ?RUDIMENTARY?: Metal Puppeteer


    Type: Combative ¡ª Offensively-skewed, Utility


    ¡ú Enact your needs through marked metal (material that is, in some way, bound to the user). Metal Puppeteer differs from Metallic Reformation¡ªextreme change in form is not possible, solely movement.


    Core Hex Criterion


    Offence:


    ??????


    Defence:


    ??????


    Agility:


    ??????


    Malleability:


    ??????


    Health:


    ??????


    Special Effects:


    ??????


    Minor Hex Criterion


    Radius: Dependant on the mage


    Incantation Tempo: Dependant on the mage


    Energy Required: 30 AS


    That is one steep price to pay. In fact, the cost topped her current ASC entirely. The jump to Tier 2 brought about several changes, including greater aether expenses, as well as additional mechanics.


    Evidently, higher tiers allowed a broader range of dynamics, which in turn called for tighter identification. As such, tiers were forced into two discernable levels: rudimentary and advanced. The distinguishing traits were straightforward¡ªspells containing four or more notches in any metric were classified as advanced, and techniques failing to hit the quota, were rudimentary.


    Metal Puppeteer had its restraints¡ªfor one, the metal utilized must be marked by her soul signature, limiting it against conjured materials preemptively summoned. Furthermore, its sole job was to move metal, leaving much of the responsibility to the mage. As a Striker reliant on spells like Metal Spike, it erred on the side of too much agency.


    In the short term, a world of strained casting lay ahead, but in the long term? This could be the most important step in her elemental career. As the rite of specialization drew closer, she wanted to actively shy away from conjuration, or at the very least, limit it. The act might save her from the grief of losing a significant part of her arsenal.


    Besides, as her spell cache grew, the list of possible combinations multiplied. The blend of Metallic Reformation and Metal Puppeteer expanded her options far beyond her wildest dreams, and she couldn¡¯t wait to execute it to its fullest. Val¡¯s growing smile at her future as a Striker froze as a shout echoed in the silence of the park.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you for your own good, Pete. If you don¡¯t leave me alone right at this moment, you¡¯ll regret it nine times over!¡±


    ¡°Dude¡­ just take a second to look around. It¡¯s six to one and¡ªnews flash¡ªyou aren¡¯t a part of the six.¡±


    Butterflies flapped away as Val slipped through the dark trees, beholding a group of kids parked inside a major intersection. Bystanders lingered on the edges, phones out in various ways. A few held the device at a distance to record, and others squashed them between ear and shoulder in what had to be a call to the authorities.


    A copper-haired girl seemed tired of the standstill and edged in, breaking loose from the wobbly encirclement surrounding the young victim. ¡°Teachers go on and on about your oh-so-awesome technique,¡± she drawled, teeth bared. ¡°Let¡¯s see how it fares in the real world.¡±


    Val slinked past the growing mass of bodies with a couple of deft maneuvers. ¡°Hey!¡±


    The kids¡ªno older than thirteen¡ªseized up, flipping toward the crowd in search of the intruding voice. Their fright visibly lessened as their sights panned Val¡¯s frame, her outfit painting an outwards picture of a passing jogger.


    ¡°Leave him be,¡± Val added.


    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± another said, giving her a blatant lookover. ¡°I don¡¯t think two against six is any better.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you didn¡¯t hear me correctly.¡± She unveiled her Aetherial Vessel, submerging the vicinity in the unconstrained aura of a Novice. Billows of vaporous clouds snuck out of the ends of her closed lips as she hissed her final demand. ¡°Leave. Him. Be.¡±


    The nearby watchers retreated several paces, and the bullies traded fleeting glances.


    ¡°This ain¡¯t worth the hassle,¡± the leader said and spat on the grass. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here guys.¡±


    The flock of onlookers split, relinquishing the grumbling pack from the questioning stares. Val¡¯s narrowed eyes trailed their backs, and she released a handful of relieved air at their quiet departure. Cutting ties to the beckoning ensign within, she deactivated the art in full and concealed her AV under its natural cover.


    Aura manipulation thrived in niche moments, usually to drive a point home. She¡¯d never heard about it until she let her awakening slip to Master Winsford a week ago. It opened the opportunity to grill the wise enchanter on the topics she¡¯d come across amid her searches; he volunteered to teach her the beginnings of aura manipulation afterwards. Sure came in handy.


    ¡°You doing okay?¡± Val asked.


    ¡°Thanks to you.¡± He dusted off his crimson flannel, and tied his midnight strands into a tail behind his shoulder. ¡°Pete and his friends over here invited me ¡®cause they wanted my help on sparring. Didn¡¯t know it was a trap ¡®til Bea showed up¡ªand Bea hates my guts,¡± he shook his head. ¡°I knew it was a little weird to train at eleven o¡¯clock, though, so I chose this place. It¡¯s never empty.¡±


    ¡°Good thinking.¡± Val eyed the surroundings, frowning toward branching roads. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t feel safe letting you walk out here on your own. My guts saying your little friends are camping out somewhere.¡±


    She rummaged through her pocket and retrieved a laminated card. ¡°Take a photo of my I.D. That way, if I do anything to you, then you¡¯ve got some sort of protection.¡±


    His grin shoved his cheeks to the corner of his face, accented by dimples. Although a smile never graced Kenneth¡¯s face, Val detected an uncanny resemblance in the Zingese boy in front of her. Probably why I jumped in so fast.


    ¡°Thanks again, miss!¡±


    Without a moment¡¯s notice, Val¡¯s thoughts were washed away by a grimace. What was she¡ªan old lady? ¡°Val works just fine.¡±


    ¡°Rowan for me,¡± he supplied.


    ¡°Alright Rowan,¡± she flashed him the smallest of smiles. ¡°Lead the way.¡±

 Chapter 38 - Infuriating Jingle

    Intimidating.


    That seemed to be the word playing about in Val¡¯s mind as the pair ventured into the noble region, the rustle of manicured hedges substituting the common honks of the nightless city. Living in Atera came with a fair share of towering skyrises, but lofty homes were another thing entirely. Extending her offer the full stretch, she decided to escort the thirteen-year-old home as the hours edged into midnight.


    Never did she expect to end up before a grand, modern-looking pagoda. Sure, the structure maintained the tiered crowns that were representative of the namesake, yet glass and steel replaced the characteristic wooden planks. The roof acted as a fountain, crystalline rivers overflowing past the dips and dissipating into narrow pools.


    The water cast a cyan glow on the two as they strolled into the estate, and Val couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that hundreds of gazes marked her every move. There has to be a scry of some sort in place.


    Once they reached the laned entrance''s end, Rowan grabbed a dragon-shaped door knocker and slammed the metal in a precise tune. Enchantments awoke, briefly displaying a pattern reminiscent of the beasts woven into the Jin Clan''s clothing. The doorway slid apart, uncovering an antique antechamber as well as the home''s resident.


    The young man seemed a year or two older than Val, raven bangs parted to reveal almond-shaped eyelids. One hand loitered in his robe¡¯s pocket, and the other rubbed at his forehead. ¡°Rowan. You can¡¯t keep ditching your bodyguards. They would¡¯ve killed me if you hadn¡¯t shown¡ªhell, they might do it anyway.¡±


    ¡°No need to be scared, Lowe. This lady¡ª¡± a stern glance from the metal mage steered his words ¡°¡ªI mean, Val helped me.¡±


    Dodging the youth¡¯s tired glare, Rowan shot Val a two-fingered salute and scampered off into the unlighted depths of the building. A loud huff of air returned her sights to the guardian, the frustration on his knitted brows transforming into an appreciating smile.


    ¡°Thanks for walking my brother home¡­¡± His speech crept into a whisper as an expression once amiable reversed into a scrutinizing frown. ¡°Hey, I know you.¡±


    Val narrowed her eyes, discerning genuine recognition in his face.


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re the talk of the town!¡±


    ¡°Talk of what now?¡±


    ¡°Gimme a sec,¡± he muttered, slipping out a phone. Each tap on its screen doubled her wary interest, and she leaned forward involuntarily once he whirled the screen. ¡°See?¡±


    A soft gasp left her parted lips, eyes dancing between the lines of an article and the captioned picture, titled ¡®The Enchanter Rising to Stardom.¡¯ ¡°I came in third in one competition, didn¡¯t expect it to be such a big deal outside the enchanting circle of things.¡±


    ¡°Of course it is!¡± Something in the middle of a scoff and laugh shook his shoulders. ¡°Need I remind you that most artificers start their training as soon as their strain is revealed?¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Val said in turn, an obvious exception to the rule.


    ¡°The artificing sphere is like a small town,¡± he continued. ¡°We know who everyone is, and the prospects of them excelling. Then you come along, displacing the class known to possess stagnant competition. Believe me when I say the sole ranking made quite the splash.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡° she mumbled, absorbing the weight of his words. To be fair, this was exactly what she was gunning for¡ªshe entered the Rookie Competition as another head to count and exited as a person to look out for. Though the implication hinted at the possibility of her university supplementals supporting her application effectively, it pinned a bright, red target onto her back. As worrying as the realization was, something else caught her attention. ¡°Wait, you said we?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m a Metalsmith,¡± he answered, placing a palm on his chest. ¡°Lowell.¡±


    ¡°Valory,¡± she said in turn, ¡°though I go by Val to most.¡±


    ¡°Pleased to make your acquaintance,¡± he grinned, and something about the nonchalant way he held himself put her mind at ease. ¡°Want to come in?¡±


    ¡°I think I''ve had enough adventure for today,¡± Val chuckled. ¡°Do you mind if I grab your number though?¡±


    Leaning back on the pagoda¡¯s metal walls, his smile broadened. ¡°For what reason?¡±


    ¡°I need a solid source of materials that¡¯s not from my dives. It¡¯d take too much time,¡± Val said. ¡°A couple of coldsteel chains wouldn¡¯t hurt either.¡±


    ¡°Done deal.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Val blurted, suspecting some form of payment for the request.


    ¡°If my instincts prove me correct, I get to make a connection with an enchanter destined for the top,¡± he shrugged. ¡° I believe I can afford to spare some metals.¡±


    By the saints. It was a lie to say she wasn''t feeling some sort of pressure. But then again, it was worlds better from the dismissive consideration she¡¯d come so accustomed to. ¡°Alright, sure. If you say so. Where do you craft?¡±


    He flourished an arm at the question, visibly eager to answer, and yet pausing like it would add a dramatic effect. ¡°Runic Mead.¡±


    ¡°Nice, me too!¡±


    He blinked¡ªonce, twice¡ªand she could nearly perceive the buffering halo above his head. The image was shattered as he burst into boisterous laughter. ¡°I should¡¯ve known."


    ¡°You really couldn¡¯t have,¡± Val answered, shivering as a crisp breeze skimmed her exposed ankles. ¡°Haven¡¯t stepped foot in the crafting hall since the Initiation.¡±


    ¡°That adds up,¡± he nodded. ¡°In that case, need a hand settling in?¡±


    ¡°You know what?¡± A tiny smile blossomed on her face. ¡°A guide would be nice.¡±


    <hr>


    ¡°Keep that I.D tag visible at all times, else any security guard has grounds to escort you out of these premises. Remember, if you heed the rules of Runic Mead¨C¡±


    ¡°¨Cyour services will be sweet, and your time a breeze. I got it. No worries.¡± Val plucked the thin card out of the clerk¡¯s rigid grasp, offered a stiff smile, and cleared out as swiftly as she could without appearing to be rude.


    Runic Mead hosted several facilities, including buildings varying from the commerce center frequently visited by customers, to the museum stacked with creations put on display. Unlike the overly advanced layout of the function hall, the primary building carried a rustic ambience of ancient times.


    Scented candles ornamented the glazed timber, and coats of legendary crafters embellished the stone pillars. Grass pooled at the columns¡¯ feet, bordered by the cobblestone pathways wounding through the indoor lobby.


    ¡°Get it? Get it?¡± Lowell fell into step beside her. ¡°Because mead is¨C¡±


    ¡°¨Cboth a drink and a meadow. Yes, I understand Standard quite well, Lowell. Thanks.¡±


    Though Val¡¯s sneakers made light work of the twisting lanes, Lowell¡¯s pout put an end to her trailblazing tempo. ¡°Look, that¡¯s like the 5th time I¡¯ve heard the jingle.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re just happy to see a new face here. After all, there are barely 500 artificers in the whole crafting hall.¡±


    Val exhaled and rubbed at her eyes. ¡°My prickly energy must be a blast to be around. Sorry. Tired.¡±


    Lowell nudged her shoulder. ¡°That 400-paged book kicked your ass last night, eh?¡±


    A hint of a smile appeared on her lips. ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re all artificers first, metalsmiths or whatever second. If one thing¡¯s the same between all classes, it¡¯s that we all could do with more sleep.¡±


    ¡°You can say that again.¡±


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Lowell shot her a grin identical to his little brother¡¯s, his pace quickening twofold. ¡°This place isn¡¯t going to explore itself, you know!¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± Val yelled after him. ¡°Slow down, will you?¡±


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    Thales Academy


    Likely on her merry way to a class of hers, an Auricean girl frantically slapped her friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Laten, Laten! Are you seeing what I¡¯m seeing?¡±


    ¡°What is it, Riley?¡± There was a pause as he trailed his friend¡¯s finger. ¡°Holy shit, she¡¯s¡ª!¡±


    On the next step, Rhodes relocated to the halls above, a faint chuckle the sole trace left behind. She perceived the duo through the floorings, lost in a daze as they stared at each another, unsure if they saw correctly.


    Regularly, Rhodes wouldn¡¯t mind nodding to the mages-in-training, but the receptionist warned her to keep disturbances to a minimum. After the kind hearted lady managed to sneak her into the dean¡¯s extensive waiting list, it was the least Rhodes could do. As planned, her destination remained a few paces away, and she closed the distance to ring the doorbell.


    ¡°My assistant informed me of a guest.¡± A low-pitched voice seeped past the frosted glass, practiced calm evident in the tone. ¡°You may come in.¡±


    Rhodes disguised the discomfort churning her stomach and shoved open the frosted-glass door. A dark-skinned woman nearing her fifties sipped at a steaming cup, clicking away on the desktop. Wrapped into a hefty bun above her head, the dean''s coily hair complimented her ebony blazer, a stylistic choice the captain could appreciate. Almost reluctantly, she tore her gaze from her device to survey the visitor, and her striking, blue eyes lit up in surprise.


    Rhodes forced herself to stand straighter, ironing her image into one befitting of a dual-bound Magus. ¡°Old hag.¡±


    ¡°Insolent brat.¡±


    They studied themselves in silence, accented by the dull clicks of the grandfather clock. Everything from the top of her perfect hair-do to the high flat-heeled sandals allowed Rhodes a tiny sense of relief. I see she¡¯s doing well.


    Reclining in her desk chair, the dean cracked first with a sigh. ¡°Care to tell me why I¡¯ve been given the privilege of welcoming you into my humble abode?¡±


    Rhodes tried and failed to conceal a snort. Humble? The marble tiles must¡¯ve been mopped three times a day, clean enough to part-time as a mirror. The dean¡¯s granite desk was home to a high-quality monitor and a cupboard of theory-based textbooks underneath. IBR slides faded in and out on the latest-edition television, finishing the modern look. At least Rhodes spotted a few wooden cabinets in the room to back up the dean¡¯s claim.


    Rhodes dropped off the bundled files she retrieved out of her spatial pocket. ¡°I¡¯m here to do you a favour.¡± She thumbed the stack of papers. ¡°Think twice about declining her when that board of yours meets up.¡±


    Humming a bored tune, the woman picked up the documents and flipped through at pace far underneath the brain capacity of a Magister. Suppose that¡¯s as close as a yes I¡¯m going to get.


    Well-acquainted with the dean, Rhodes understood the burdens she often faced, threats, complaints, and double-edged offers lingering behind every corner. With her job complete, Rhodes started for the entrance, the footfalls of her military boots accompanying the grandfather clock


    ¡°First Azion, and now my estranged daughter. What¡¯s so special about you, Efron¡­ what¡¯s so special?¡±


    Rhodes stopped dead in her tracks and swiveled on her heels. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    The dean¡ªher mother¡ªfrowned, her glossy lips glowing as the lights above hit them at a different angle. ¡°I suppose your rank is a lie if you couldn¡¯t hear me from that measly distance.¡±


    The captain pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°Humour me, for once.¡±


    ¡°Which section wasn¡¯t clear, the estranged part?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she near-growled, not bothering to hide behind a polite tone. ¡°I¡¯m wondering why Azion ¡®Azurefanged¡¯ Thorne mentioned Valory to you.¡±


    ¡°That is far from a mystery. She¡¯s a member of his guild, not to mention an old friend of mine.¡± Her mother folded a hand over the other. ¡°Rather, you are the conundrum. I haven¡¯t seen you for the better part of a decade, yet here you are. For one, lone girl. How come?¡±


    She waved a hand. ¡°I don¡¯t have to explain myself to you.¡±


    ¡°Then consider this conversation finished. Go bother another dean for this ¡®Valory Efron.¡¯¡±


    Heedless of Rhodes¡¯ livid stare, the dean took a long, provoking swig from her mug and returned her thoughts to her desktop. The dismissal rang clear, and if it had been any other subject, Rhodes would¡¯ve vacated the office at once.


    Yet, soldiers carried out their duties, no matter how annoying or difficult the order might become. Rhodes intended on seeing her self-assigned mission through. In the end, a talented mage¡¯s life¡ªa young girl¡¯s life¡ªwas at risk. Swallowing her pride, she marched forward and grabbed a seat.


    ¡°Mom¡ª¡± the woman stiffened ¡°¡ªforget about the past eight years. Valory is a smart, talented, hardworking lady. Plus, she wields elements otherwise unseen, and it¡¯d be a tragedy for you not to give her a chance.¡±


    Her mother arched an eyebrow. ¡°Elements¡ªplural? It states she wields metal and metal alone.¡±


    Rhodes mentally cursed her loose tongue. ¡°She¡¯s bound to a Pseudo-Elemental Gate. Down the line, she¡¯ll likely be able to dabble in lead, gold, and more metals than anyone can count on both their hands and toes. That¡¯s beside the point.¡±


    ¡°No, that is the point. In the elemental world, we still qualify her as mono-bound, for a lack of better terms. I know that you enrolled in that second-rate military school, however, I¡¯m sure they taught you the correct titles,¡± she countered, void of any doubts. ¡°Stop playing with me, girl. Either you tell me the truth or leave.¡±


    Though Rhodes kept her face expressionless, panic troubled her insides. What¡¯s wrong with me? Four months ago, she stood up to the highest parts of Ciazel¡ªArchons, the heads of factions, Special Intelligence. Yet, the mere presence of her mother cut through her nerves of steel like a fireball through snow.


    Worse, she revealed too many pieces in this brief conversation alone. Although holes punctured the narrative, it was far from a puzzle the dean couldn¡¯t solve. Only one card could fix the circumstance, to push the derailing discussion back on track.


    The truth.


    ¡°I banished her elements right as she manifested. I feared she¡¯d draw attention too quickly.¡±


    ¡°According to what?¡± The dean patted Valory¡¯s files. ¡°This? From what I can tell, she needs those elements, should she hope to be chosen for prestigious enrollment of any kind.¡±


    ¡°Valory is a borderline gold,¡± Rhodes announced, and she relished the look of absolute surprise on her mother¡¯s face. She¡¯ll faint once she discovers her actual PAST.


    The woman¡¯s bun shifted ever-so-slightly as she shook her head. ¡°Impossible. I would¡¯ve known the moment her strain was determined.¡±


    ¡°As you¡¯ll soon learn, Valory¡¯s not a normal case,¡± she said. ¡°Apparently it was left blank on her file until the Tripartite Trials.¡±


    Flying furiously through the papers, lines marred the dean¡¯s brow as she paused at the final sheet. ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± she admitted. ¡°Saints, what a disgusting case of irresponsibility.¡±


    ¡°Finally, something we agree on.¡± Rhodes¡¯ blank expression fell into a smirk. ¡°Is this reason enough to be reviewed by Thales?¡±


    The woman shot her an exasperated glare. ¡°I reckon this will get her past the first screening, in the least.¡±


    ¡°Thanks," Rhodes bobbed her head, leaning into the office chair''s cushions.


    "This isn''t a daycare," her mother remarked.


    The captain paid no mind to the comment, taken ahold by awe-filled memories of the past. Valory¡¯s awakening sent chills down her spine, the shimmering lights of celestial-like beings a window to future things. Then, there was the slightest touch on Rhodes'' State of Beings¡ªotherwise known as the layers of existence, often separated by mind, body, spirit and soul. Two separate elements, the first alluding to a terrifying offensive power, and the second an auxiliary force able to penetrate the deepest levels of a person.


    With the occurrence currently at the forefront of her thoughts, Rhodes tilted her head as she remembered the separate banish rune on Valory¡¯s cheek. The sight picked at her brain till this day, as there was no logical reason for its appearance. Why banish someone''s element prior to manifestation?


    Failing to discover the answer regardless of how many times she wracked her brain, she decided to put words to her introspection. ¡°Is it possible to banish what isn¡¯t there?¡±


    Her mother¡¯s icy irises flitted in her direction. ¡°Did the spell fail?¡±


    ¡°It worked alright, I¡¯m merely curious.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The clacking of a keyboard in use resumed. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing to bind, the aether loses form.¡±


    Rhodes¡¯ eyebrows stitched together in confusion.


    ¡°Something the matter?¡±


    ¡°Well it¡¯s¡­¡± Rhodes paused, teetering on the line between tempting answers and shrinking mistrust. The dean didn¡¯t seem bothered in the slightest, the rapid ticks of her mouse brewing up a storm. ¡°Well, there was another banish rune on Valory, though it looked to be in a terrible state. I figured it was a bunch of kids playing around, or an unfortunate experiment¡ª¡±


    The grandfather clock¡¯s pendulum ceased to swing, and the dean¡¯s working fingers halted. The disappearance of white noise unsettled Rhodes, and she picked up a pen from her mother¡¯s desk to counter it. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°It appears to me that someone¡¯s hiding Valory, prior to your knowledge of her powers.¡±


    Rhodes sat straight. ¡°I¡¯m not following.¡±


    ¡°Think, Fiona, think.¡±


    Wincing at the dreaded, overused statement, she dissected the facts obtained recently and beforehand. Provided banish runes dissipate without a target to shackle, the decrepit spell she witnessed must have locked up, at the minimum, one of Valory¡¯s elements. That doesn¡¯t make sense. Rhodes and Master Winsford witnessed Valory manifesting her elements on Janos 10th. As far as she was concerned, that occurrence marked the first awakening of the young Striker, unless¡­


    A sharp exhale escaped Rhodes. ¡°Valory induced her own manifestation long before the Tripartite Trial.¡±


    ¡°Precisely.¡± The dean¡¯s lips formed a straight line. ¡°I¡¯m led to believe it¡¯s connected to her mishandled PAST.¡±


    ¡°Who, though?¡±


    ¡°We have an obvious first suspect, now don¡¯t we?¡±


    Rhodes replayed the conversation, skipping the information passed and analyzing the name to start it all. ¡°It seems Guildmaster Thorne knows something about Valory that we do not.¡±

 Chapter 39 - Stay Strong

    Alliances were commonly confused with one another, particularly so when it came to guild and crafting halls. Though separated by their prefixes alone, the art practiced inside could be described as stark opposites.


    One existed as a place to sharpen a blade to fight off the dangers varying from rift to rift. The other honed the creative mind, enabling the flame of creativity¡ªas Lesedi once put it during the Rookie Competition¡ªand translating concepts into existence with a deft hand.


    That distinction was the sole reason Val could align with Age of Atera and Runic Mead, despite the whispers demanding absolute loyalty. Naturally, that ensured her time inside the scribal branch never infringed on activities besides card games and routine reading, as her crafting skills are wholly and entirely now dedicated to another affiliation.


    Lingering on the idea for too long brought a pang of guilt, even if Master Winsford assured her no feelings were hurt. According to him, the leaders of the scribal branch hoped she continued her upwards ascent in bronze and green as much as she did in blue.


    No such thing as a free spell, though. The white-bearded Master heavily implied the move came with the unspoken agreement that Val, should she be willing, would in due time become the liaison amid the factions.


    Of course, the details still needed a little straightening, as her status lingered between the cracks till she accepted an institute to enroll in. Far off concepts to her, even as university deadlines were hot on Novices¡¯ trails.


    ¡°Welcome to the Pen.¡±


    Lost in her ocean of thoughts, it took Lowell''s voice to discern the change in scenery. Countless hallways sprawled from the administrative headquarters, connecting several facilities in a style more elegant than effective. Cut from Runic Mead¡¯s atypical love for refractive dark glass, the entire corridor acted like an underground tunnel, hemmed by the light flooding in at its openings.


    The sleek interior design paled in comparison to the pixelated aquatic life that swam by, stealing the ephemeral light offered with them. Captivated by the fleet racing down the dark stretch, she couldn¡¯t react in time as one rammed its dome straight into the zipper line of her hoodie. She let loose a short yelp as the IBR creature exploded into a spray of radiating light.


    Lowell¡¯s poorly-stifled snickers came shortly after, to Val¡¯s dismay. ¡°Looks like they chose Sea of Pixels this time,¡± he noticed amid ebbing chuckles. ¡°Shame. The Cat Cuddle setting is a serious hit.¡±


    She gestured to the glowing goldfish taking laps around her midriff. ¡°Is there any setting without these things?¡±


    ¡°Weird,¡± he shot her a wry grin. ¡°I didn¡¯t take you for an animal hater.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think pixels count,¡± Val huffed.


    ¡°They sure scare you the same way.¡±


    Resigning to a tired smile for an answer, she trailed his figure¡ªan easy task, given he possessed three healthy inches on her. This just has bored artificers written all over it, she grumbled internally, and she¡¯d never been so thankful to keep her thoughts private when a pair of footfalls signaled company.


    Of all 500 members within the high-end crafting hall, it was Grandmaster Reign who strolled down ¡°The Pen,¡± flanked by sea-life acting as stand-ins for lamps. Similar to Lowell, he tucked loose-fitting pants into protective boots, and a worn metalsmithing apron hung off his tanned neck. ¡°Good morning, crafters.¡±


    She failed to answer as her attention gravitated to the guest beside the Grandmaster. The presence she met seemed¡­ expective. Anticipation lingered in the man¡¯s hazel eyes, and as the seconds stretched on, the feeling shied away from the pressure of a hopeful teacher to one of a waiting wolf.


    A weight seeped off his easy breathing, and the world itself bent under the gravity of his presence. Meeting his firm gaze set off alarms and Val¡¯s aura flared to life at once, the thin layer of protection as futile as a cheap umbrella in a thunderstorm.


    At last, Grandmaster Reign¡¯s dry cough gave Val a reprieve from the mounting pressure. ¡°I¡¯m sure you already know the man, seeing that he¡¯s your guildmaster.¡±


    No wonder he looked so familiar, she thought, slowing her breathing to a normal tempo, hastened under the force of the guildmaster. As a trainee entering the Hall of Eons daily, Val breezed past his plaque on numerous occasions. Even so, the picture in mind depicted a youthful mage, lacking the silver streaks in his comb-over haircut and the wrinkles stretching from his nose.


    Promptly, she struck a mage¡¯s bow and reigned in her aura. ¡°Good afternoon, Magister Thorne.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s morning,¡± Lowell whispered, and she hid a wince. Thankfully, Magister Thorne saved her the trouble and cut the awkward moment short.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± His lips quirked upwards, and he shot her a horribly-hidden wink. ¡°I¡¯ll let Magus Hawke and Kane know that you¡¯re adventurer material.¡±


    ¡°T-thank you, guildmaster!¡± she managed to squeak out, despite the cold dribble of sweat making its way down her hoodie.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for all that,¡± he disregarded the formality with a casual wave, carrying on down the tunnel. ¡°No need. As you were, young mage.¡±


    ¡°Sir!¡±


    She did as told, letting the Magister and High Crafter walk for the admin building without further delay. Rigid as she was, the strangest urge to glimpse behind overcame her, if only so she could witness the sheer ease with which a mage of his calibre could affect the surroundings once more. Not a word came out of his mouth, and yet he conveyed his drift loud and clear.


    I¡¯m watching you.


    There it was again, not the threat Xiandra Clementine sent her way on the podium, but the gaze of a guild master wishing the best for those under his care.


    While inspiration struck at the oddest hour, the best teachers nudged the students under their wing toward it purposefully. The ¡®test¡¯ Magister Thorne implemented seemed no different, prodding at dormant desires and dead dreams.


    And¡ªby the saints¡ªit worked. She found the smallest hints of envy taking over the guilt sitting in her stomach.


    The rush associated with learning new spells, the joy gained after ascending a rank, the status earned as accolades were achieved¡ªthe climb, as many aptly summarized. It never meant a whole lot to her, not after the treatment she experienced for her magical aptitudes.


    Crippled by the devastation of Deduction Day, she¡¯d long since ceased striving for higher heights. Nevertheless, beholding the possibilities that lay ahead in the ranks above toyed with her thoughts, planting the idea that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªshe, a metal Striker, could want strength simply for strength itself.


    It was small, the notion still buried by the verdant pursuit of Life¡¯s Hymn, but the seed existed, and it could definitely grow. Things were changing, beyond what she thought possible. Can¡¯t believe I¡¯ve caught the bug.


    Lowell hurried out of the Pen, Val hot on his heels as the apprentices fled the scene. Runic Mead¡¯s elegance continued outside its navigation routes, cushioned benches lining the linked chamber, the tiled flooring akin to stained glass. The sharp ticks of Lowell¡¯s protective boots ceased as he inhaled a lungful of air. ¡°That was¡­ a little awkward.¡±


    ¡°Just a little?¡±


    A buzz distracted her from his response, and she retrieved her phone to survey the screen. Central Court Middle Tech, the caller I.D. read. Kenneth¡¯s school.


    Did she miss a memo? Can¡¯t be, she shot the idea down as swiftly as it came. Why would a school holding two thousand kids worry about the thought of one kid¡¯s caretaker? Truth be told, they handled business themselves, unless a reason dictated a relative¡¯s presence.


    Usually not the positive kind of reason.


    ¡°You coming?¡± Lowell asked up ahead.


    ¡°Sorry to bail midway,¡± Val pocketed her device and whirled for the exit. ¡°Family emergency.¡±


    <hr>


    The cultural depths of Atera knew no bounds, and often on the few breaks allowed to the Efron siblings, they scoured the city for unique sights and scenes. Through sheer luck, they happened upon a gemstone of a noodle shop, low prices for savoury goodness any day, anytime. Fortunately, that included the dead hours of midday, void of the city¡¯s perpetual traffic.


    It let Val easily drag her younger brother to his favourite restaurant, empty as the periods transitioned from early morning to late afternoon. Torches lined the wall-to-wall bar, casting a soft glow throughout the corner shop. Val repeatedly dipped two fingers into a tub of fluffy balm open on her lap, turning on her stool to take in Kenneth.


    Unlike most his age, the twelve-year-old could not care less about his image, frequently sporting messy hair, unlaced shoes, and rolled-up sleeves. Still, a piece of her broke as she flew into the public school to behold his face looking worse than the rotten side of a plum. The memory inflamed a sudden burst of rage she¡¯d barely managed to suppress at the time, leaking into her actions as she applied the salve on his cheeks.


    ¡°Ouch,¡± a grimace flashed on his face. Even with the harsh appliance of the ointment, the item¡¯s potency came through as the yellow branching from the nasty bruise on his cheekbone receded to reveal deep purple, and then fresh red. She carried on, massaging in the luxurious item customarily used on adventurers, not a boy merely attending class, eager to learn. Damn it.


    ¡°Ow, ow, ow!¡± Kenneth backed away in his seat, wary eyes on her oily fingers as if they were needles full of venom. ¡°Okay, now you¡¯re just doing it on purpose.¡±


    Val raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you finally going to tell me why you got into a fight with your classmates?¡±


    Finished sipping his drink, Kenneth squeezed the plastic cup. ¡°It was over nothing.¡±


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Val couldn¡¯t help the frown on her face, best suited to understand that nothing existed as a code word for something. Familiar with the tactic, she knew better than to goad an answer. If words couldn¡¯t loosen his tongue, perhaps a rich bowl of Zingese noodles would do the trick.


    So, as the pot-bellied shop owner placed two bulbous plates of steaming food before them, the pair of siblings¡ªalmost like an unspoken agreement¡ªdug in with no further remarks. She scarfed down the flavourful, strings of doughy goodness, keeping a keen eye on her sibling.


    Half a bowl in, as predicted, Kenneth set aside his chopsticks. He chewed his noodles idly as the restaurant owner retreated into the backroom, waiting until the atmosphere promised a degree of privacy. ¡°Insults don¡¯t get to me,¡± he managed past his clenched jaw. ¡°They never will.¡±


    Val twisted in her seat to listen in to her brother¡ªreally listen.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m a little lanky for my size and yeah, I¡¯m midborn,¡± he stated. ¡°Honestly though, they¡¯re all numskulls thinking they could get a rise out of me. I can live with myself, rather easily actually.


    ¡°But I should give them some credit where it¡¯s due because they seemed to have finally switched tactics,¡± he released the poor cup out of his, now crumpled and shriveled. ¡°They talked about you guys. Pretty standard stuff when it came to Caro and Dad¡ªbut when they got to you¡­¡±


    Anger flashed in his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t even want to repeat the stupid things they said¡­ I just wanted them to stop.¡± He raised his bruised knuckles to showcase the fact. ¡°So, I made them.¡±


    ¡°Ken¡ª¡±


    ¡°I was waiting for Deduction Day,¡± he cut her off in a rush. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you inherited our supposed latent genes and struck diamond. If you¡¯re high silver, though, how far off would I be?¡± he asked, more himself than her. ¡°It would¡¯ve gotten them off my back for sure¡ªit¡¯s just the delays made it real hard. Too hard.¡±


    Normally, the event existed parallel to New Year¡¯s, conducted on the first of Janos alongside the Tripartite Trial. Deferred to the summer due to rift-related troubles, the postponement offset the twelve-year-old¡¯s plans entirely.


    A pit grew in Val¡¯s stomach, and she wondered how much he endured for him to rely on such a wildcard to save him. How did I not see this?


    In hindsight, the signs appeared obvious¡ªglaring even. Complaints about his classmates, constant grumpiness that never abated, and no outings to anywhere with peers.


    It was all there.


    Saints, she cursed internally. Self-absorbed in her problems, she failed to see that her brother was drowning in troubles of his own. Hell, she was doing it right now, ruminating on the discovery and letting the twelve-year-old stand by for her response.


    ¡°I won¡¯t say I condone the violence, because I don¡¯t,¡± she said in a matter-of-fact tone. ¡°With the rumours surrounding our family name¡ªeven as unknown as it is in this halo¡ªwe have to hold ourselves to a better standard. You know this.¡±


    She gave him one of her signature, sisterly stares, and he crumpled under the force. ¡°Val, I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    ¡°I only have one question, however.¡±


    There was an audible gulp. ¡°And that is?¡±


    ¡°Do they look worse?¡±


    Lines marked Kenneth¡¯s brow. ¡°Come again?¡±


    Val pointed to his bruised forearms. ¡°Those bullies of yours. Do they look worse than you right now?¡±


    A lot to process for the twelve-year-old, his face remained blank until it clicked, and a wicked grin spread wide across his lips. ¡°I gave them the Efron special.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Val ruffled his hair. A long talk waited at home, one that dove into the topics undealt with. For now, though, she figured the kid needed some form of encouragement. ¡°Stay strong.¡±


    A jingle cut across Kenneth¡¯s growing complaints, followed by a ¡°Hey Miss¡ªI mean¡ªVal!¡±


    She turned to the entrance, smiling as she recognized the little fellow walking inside the store. ¡°Close call there, bud,¡± she muttered. ¡°How¡¯d you find me anyways.¡±


    "Oh, I was passing by. My family¡¯s arranging an auction and it is so much work,¡± Rowan groaned, plopping on the adjacent seat. He arched forward to survey the unfamiliar face, sucking in a breath. ¡°Duuuude. You don¡¯t look so good.¡±


    Kenneth snorted. ¡°No shit?¡±


    ¡°Language,¡± Val cut in automatically. ¡°Don¡¯t let his injuries fool you, he¡¯s an upcoming prodigy in his own right.¡±


    ¡°Is he now,¡± Rowan smirked, taking the opportunity to steer the conversation away from the sensitive topic. ¡°Now I¡¯ve got to know your sparring record.¡±


    ¡°34-6,¡± he replied, a tinge of energy returning to his voice.


    ¡°Hand-to-hand?¡± Rowan sat straighter in his chair. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    ¡°Then don¡¯t,¡± Kenneth said in turn, and the genial attitude vanished quicker than a skilled Hunter could ever hope to achieve.


    Rowan, for his part, pivoted completely. ¡°Fine by me, it¡¯s gonna be old news anyways after the trials. On that note¡ªdo you have a gate or element in mind?¡±


    ¡°Anything not metal, sand, or magma.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s oddly specific.¡±


    ¡°For good reason,¡± Kenneth promised, and Val smiled at that. Bratty till the end.


    She watched as the pair bounced off each other, though Rowan carried the conversation like a trooper, rolling off her brother¡¯s three-worded replies. Sentence by sentence, coaxed out of his shell, Kenneth deemed Rowan differently than the stuck-up classmates he¡¯d grown to ignore.


    Val knew his hackles had been up the moment the Zingese boy walked in, littered with more charms than she had in jewelry. He proved Kenneth wrong, dissociating himself from the standard conversation starters¡ªstatus, plans, talent¡ªand playing on the common ground he found, namely magic lingo and comics.


    He¡¯s going to be fine. The notion came unbidden, calming the brewing maelstrom of worries taking over Val¡¯s insides. If her guess proved correct, Rowan could become what Caro was to her in the darkest times of her childhood.


    A friend.


    ¡°No way,¡± Kenneth shook his head. ¡°A ¡®for-sure¡¯ takedown move doesn¡¯t exist.¡±


    ¡°Yes way,¡± Rowan chuckled, jumping right out of his stool. ¡°I¡¯ll show it to you right now.


    Yup, she thought as the boys fell into a good-humoured argument. He¡¯ll be okay.


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    Hall of Eons,


    -One month later-


    Val¡¯s expression dropped into a sullen frown as she took in the scribal branch. Grandmaster Reign allowed her four weeks to say her farewells and spread the word of her departure. She had only begun planting roots, the hardly-furnished desk an obvious sign of the fact. Yet, clearing the few belongings scattered around her space panned out a harder task than she originally assumed.


    She purposely snuck into the common rooms late on a Monday, a period when the long desk sat empty, and the sprawling cubicles unoccupied. The silence should¡¯ve eased her into a groove as she packed her things. Instead, it served as a glaring distraction, sharpening the noise that came with packing up.


    Lowell spared the time to tour her new office in the past weeks¡ªyes, even an apprentice like her earned a room in Runic Mead. Though the room seemed just perfect¡ªan ergonomic chair, adjustable lighting, ample breathing room¡ªit lacked a vital essence she couldn¡¯t pinpoint until now.


    In the privacy of her room, enchanters wouldn¡¯t be there to notice Val gnawing on a pen and drag her into a card game, nor would the older scholars be present enough to drop insightful advice. Runic Mead felt less a place of learning, and more a space to sharpen one¡¯s craft¡ªa business, rather than a school.


    You can¡¯t have it all, she thought with a prolonged sigh, shoving the last of her framed pictures into her box when a familiar gait drew her attention. It was double-pace, rapid enough to imply either excitement or urgency, and it didn¡¯t take long for a 5 ''11 Striker to pace into the darkened atelier.


    ¡°Caro,¡± Val hissed under her breath, dropping her things. ¡°You can¡¯t be here unsupervised¡ªand before you say it, no. I don¡¯t count as supervision,¡± she said as the magma mage raised an indignant finger. ¡°How¡¯d you even get in?¡±


    ¡°A friend,¡± she replied, deflecting Val¡¯s ireful gaze to the bundle of linen envelopes in her grasp. ¡°I have something way more interesting,¡± she half-squealed, half-whispered, making a bee-line for the unnamed hallways. ¡°I¡¯m sure Winsford wants in on this.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have an appointment,¡± Val countered. ¡°Plus it¡¯s late, can¡¯t it wait till tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Nope!¡±


    Caro led the way down to Master Winsford¡¯s study, apparently memorizing the odd sequences of doors in the single visit she made months ago. Turning the knob in full, Val¡¯s gaze caught on the emblem emblazoned on one of the packages, an intricate set of interlocking A¡¯s.


    Aether Academy, she recognized. A university? Val¡¯s heart skipped a beat. That only meant one thing.


    Master Winsford came to the same conclusion in the mere moment the two barged into his room. Raising his head from the massive book laid flat against his quartz table, his gaze flickered to Caro. ¡°Acceptance letters are out?¡±


    ¡°You betcha.¡± She strode for his desk, and placed two piles on either side. ¡°The left one¡¯s mine and the other is Val¡¯s.¡±


    Caro¡¯s confirmation nearly knocked the air out of Val, and her hands grew clammier by the second.


    What looked to be a combination of fifteen colourful envelopes ensnared their full attention, roughly seven for each Striker. As far as applications go, they applied to an obscene number of schools, but the acceptance rates of their desired programs dictated they cast their nets wide for safety¡¯s sake. So much so, Winsford repeated the doubting voice whispering in their heads.


    ¡°You both applied for Advanced Combat programs,¡± he said. ¡°I trust I don¡¯t need to clarify how difficult it is to claim one of the two hundred seats available in those institutes. However, I believe in you more than you know,¡± he inhaled a long breath, holding it for a moment, and releasing it at once. ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡±


    Top three unis, c¡¯mon she thought as the enchanter flipped through letter after letter. The mantra replayed constantly in the back of her thoughts, and she considered it useless once they passed halfway, the brass-rimmed burgundy of Reynor University and the shaded silver of U of A nowhere to be found.


    Absence, in this case, meant declines, and the implication doubled the stakes. C¡¯mon. Her inward wishes bore fruit in the end, the very last envelope adorned by a lopsided ¡®T¡¯ on its side, replicating a mountain. Winsford, not one to celebrate early, opened the letters without hesitation, scrutinizing the offer for any hidden hitches the Strikers would miss in their anxious frame of mind.


    His eyes flickered back and forth as he skimmed through the lines¡ªand after what felt like an eternity¡ªhe sifted a hand through his beard, split by a broad smile. ¡°It seems like a certain pair of Strikers are going to be wearing grey and purple come September. Full-ride.¡±


    ¡°Saints,¡± Val breathed. ¡°Cee this is¡ªurk!¡±


    The millisecond of manic laughter gave her little time to dodge the tackle-like hug, Caro¡¯s larger frame all but smothering Val in an excited brace. ¡°Hell yeah!¡± She jumped up and down, giggling. ¡°We¡¯re heading to Thales Academy!¡±


    Val gave a little shake of the head, throwing a hand to the fourteen other envelopes. ¡°Nothing¡¯s certain yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh hush you.¡± Caro didn¡¯t have any of the negativity, pulling back to wag a finger. ¡°This is the start, V,¡± she whispered and the earnestness in her tone hammered it home. ¡°The start to higher things.¡±


    Hairs stood on end across Val¡¯s forearms. Indeed, a field of opportunities awaited them on Mt. Azura, the highly-regarded institute crowded with first-class teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and elite company to boot. Heavens, she swore internally, summer couldn¡¯t be longer.


    Putting the jittery anticipation to rest¡ªa difficult feat, once she held the letter in her own two hands¡ªshe elbowed her best friend. ¡°University Games, here we come?¡±


    Caro¡¯s face lit up at the question, realizing her friend¡¯s competitive streak¡ªnot solely against her, but against everything Ciazel had to offer¡ªshowed signs of being on the upswing. ¡°You¡¯re damn right.¡±

 Interlude 2 - A Brothers Suspicions

    If you¡¯re high silver, though, how far off would I be?


    Kenneth scoffed under his breath as the thought took hold of his attention, distracting him from the theory-based books on his desk. Pretty damn far, he answered internally and his mind whirled back to the craziness he met some two weeks ago. Turned out, he placed nowhere close to his sister¡¯s magical aptitudes and definitely not in the manner anyone expected.


    On Deduction Day, his palm hovered above the Identifier¡¯s lever, the glow growing a deeper shade of frightening blue by the second. Hundreds of gazes stabbed his lanky back, many times over the number in his sister¡¯s event. With the importance of catching early prodigies dialed to the nth within the First Halo, it made sense.


    Still¡­


    Four years ago, his eight-year-old self watched Val¡¯s life shatter into pieces so quickly¡ªso undoubtedly¡ªit could¡¯ve been audible. Unknown to him, his repressed feelings toward the memory jumbled up into an unidentifiable mess, and he simply settled on attributing it to the ever-conventional empathy.


    Staring down the Identifier¡¯s looming figure, though, he finally pinned down the exact connotation behind it all. The leering crowd, the utter shock etched Val''s pain-stricken face, the entire event¡­ haunted him. It scared him in the middle of the day, at night laying on his pillow, and right now even with a set of the creepy ensemble on either side of him.


    Valory weathered blow after blow like a rock, holding it together when Mom fell sick and sticking through the aftermath of Dad¡¯s seemingly controversial passing. Off all things, landing an ASC of eleven did the trick, hammering in the final nail in the coffin.


    Deep down, in the depths of his subconscious he often failed to acknowledge, Kenneth realized he lacked the bearings to cope with the same devastation. If he didn¡¯t know it before, his explosion in Central Tech blew it up for everyone to see.


    I need this, alright you stupid old thing? His gaze on the instrumental device sharpened to a mean glare. Motivation cemented and fear somewhat abated, he went ahead and grasped¡ªor, more accurately, clenched¡ªthe shining knob. The rapid-fire dings sliced through his crumbling focus, as dizzying as Andy tapping a glass cup non-stop.


    Wincing, he stepped back to behold the orbs lit up all the way to green. He didn¡¯t realize his jaw dropped until he snapped it up to inhale a sharp breath.


    Eighty aether strands.


    ¡°Hot damn¡­¡± he heard Caro curse, Miss Pepper not present to berate her former student this time. The roar of the crowd drowned out any other words that might¡¯ve followed, charging the air with electric excitement. An excitement that, strangely enough, failed to reach him.


    Instead of the sheer thrill he expected to overcome him in waves, a deadening guilt tangled a knot inside his stomach. He turned around, glancing over the scouts¡ªphone to the ear, pens on notepads¡ªand zeroing in on Val¡¯s face. After unraveling the emotional turmoil within, her feelings toward his magical aptitudes inadvertently became his utmost interest.


    He sensed a twinge of mutual guilt in her viridian-green eyes, sitting as tense as a coiled spring on the lower levels of the stands. Kenneth dared to give a nod, a branch to absolve for many what could develop into an unbridgeable gap between family. And that tiny guilt, one he felt for his ASC and one she probably felt for desiring it, disappeared the second she returned the gesture.


    Val tilted her head to the side, dark-brown hair falling over the shoulder, and attempted a sentence in the clamourous gymnasium. Your plan worked, he read her lips, and the two shared a secret grin. Of course, they both knew that, ultimately, his PAST would determine whether the day ended as one to remember or one to forget. Yet, the same rule that led no one to believe Val¡¯s PAST could overturn her ASC foretold good news: aptitudes remained tied intricately.


    Later on, a tester classified him a low gold, sealing his fate as a national prospect. Caro vibrated with anticipation, and his back ached as he remembered the number of times she clapped him on the shoulders. Val grinned the widest he¡¯d seen in years, a sight hard to witness through all the times she tousled his hair. Andy¡­ well, he was just Andy, giggling and begging for a snack the moment they left the event hall. No matter the circumstance, little Andy never changed.


    The same couldn¡¯t be said for others.


    The classroom¡¯s door snapped open and snatched him from his thoughts, returning him to the present. One of his new classmates entered, red in the face once his gaze crossed hers. Ollie¡ªor was it Ozzie?¡ªscurried to one of the fifteen seats in the small classroom, making it a point to actively look away from him. Not another one.


    His head turned 360, receiving a scattered round of delayed hand waves or eerily bright expressions. None of which he earned before Deduction Day. He shuddered to picture how Val¡¯s life flipped, or even Caro¡¯s sharp rise in popularity. The shift in status set his¡ªand likely theirs¡ªentire world off-kilter.


    ¡°Alright, students.¡±


    A teacher kicked the door stopper inside, letting the metal frame slam against the threshold. It killed the idle chatter, compelling the young teens to face the entering middle-aged Auricean. Kenneth struggled to remember the man¡¯s name, unhelped by the odd nickname whispered around in the halls. T-Bone, they called him, because the white hair in his brown beard aligned perfectly to form the letter. Too bad it¡¯s accurate, Kenneth mused.


    T-Bone dropped his disorganized notes on his desk and picked up a stray piece of chalk, scraping it against the blackboard. ¡°You¡¯ve undergone one of the major milestones for prospective mages,¡± he said, with the back of his white-collared shirt facing his class. ¡°Can someone name all three?¡±


    ¡°Deduction Day,¡± a Kidraan boy added without missing a beat. He shaved his curly black hair to a mohawk to stave off the growing heat of the season, revealing the faintest bruise underneath his left eye previously covered by his bangs. It was, without a doubt, Kenneth¡¯s handiwork and he made it a point to sit right beside the former annoyance, daring him to say anything. ¡°The Tripartite Trial and the Rite of Specialization,¡± the boy said.


    ¡°Correct,¡± T-Bone put the finishing touches on a brainstorm bubble, with one word at the center.


    Awakening.


    ¡°For young students like yourselves, the next big step is passing the Tripartite Trial. Awakening, naturally, is the end goal of the event, making it quite appropriate to begin our first class on the matter.¡± He dropped the chalk, his steady gaze roaming the compact room. ¡°We¡¯ve picked fifteen out of the hundreds in your grade, fifteen that we believe will go on to the best Prep schools after this summer class. I intend to get you ready.¡±


    Dusting off his hands, he grabbed a meter stick and gestured to his work. ¡°Now, there are two main types of awakening¡ªmechanically-induced and self-induced. From the names alone, I¡¯m sure many of you can figure out what they mean, but for clarification¡¯s sake,¡± he pointed to Ozzie. ¡°Define them, please.¡±


    Ozzie stifled a groan, slouching onto her desk to rest her chin in an open palm. ¡°Mechanically-induced awakenings happen through an outside source. The manifestation orbs used in the trials are the perfect example.¡±


    T-Bone raised an eyebrow, urging her to continue. She sighed, relenting once the uncomfortable silence became too much to bear. ¡°Self-induced awakenings occur randomly within a person, happening during events ranging from a fire to a funeral.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s where we will begin,¡± T-Bone picked up for her, pushing off the blackboard¡¯s slight edge to join the class in looking at his work. ¡°You see, those awakenings aren¡¯t as random as you think, because there¡¯s a science supporting each case.¡±


    Kenneth surveyed the thought circles spanning from the bolded awakening at the center, all coming together to create a Venn diagram. It listed words he understood for the most part¡ªmind, body, and soul in the main parts. Other terms that Kenneth deemed unclear settled in the overlaps: spirit, heart, and metaphysics.


    ¡°I present to you the States of Being,¡± T-Bone said. ¡°The layered existence of any sapient being.¡±


    His trusty meter stick cracked against the word spirit. ¡°Sometimes, these layers and states are called bodies. The spirit, for example, is of the Spiritual Body, and this¡ª¡± he patted his forearm ¡°¡ªis obviously the Physical Body. We have six states, half that is primary and half that stem from the previous.¡±


    This is super under-explained. Kenneth¡¯s gaze traced the drawing, unable to come to terms with the lesson of the day. For one, how exactly did the secondary states come from the others? He could play along with a few, like the Metaphysical Body as a combination of the body and soul. Unless interested in the details, all mages needed to understand was the unity found between the physical and immaterial planes. As noted by T-Bone, aether channels and the Aetherial Vessel resided within this state, and it lined up cleanly when broken down.


    Then, he saw spirit on the overlaps of the soul and mind. What did that mean? To him, the difference between the terms ¡°soul¡± and ¡°spirit¡± was as similar as happiness and joy. Here, they were two separate entities entirely, each contributing to the essence of living in diverse ways.


    Last came the Emotional Body, otherwise noted as the heart, the mixture of mind and body. It was treated as the counterpart to the logical thinking of the mind, the part to feel, sense, and grow.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Safe to say it was all¡ªat the very, very least¡ªfar-stretched.


    ¡°As living beings, we need homeostasis. Equilibrium.¡± T-Bone walked to and fro, from wall to wall, and Kenneth took it as a sign to refocus himself. Teachers were restless when they approached certain ideas, bogged down with topics they couldn¡¯t wait to share, and knowledge they couldn¡¯t spare to withhold.


    ¡°Your body sweats when you¡¯re hot and shivers when you¡¯re cold to retain normal temperature. Sometimes, these reactions get in the way, but at its core, it''s meant to maintain balance." He held the wooden stick in an outstretched hand and tapped at it side, tilting it one way like a lever.


    ¡°This is no different for the States of Being. For most of our lives, we reside in resonance with ourselves, we seek resonance. When there¡¯s a discrepancy, we scramble to fix it whether we¡¯re conscious of it or not.


    ¡°As you can probably guess, when something stretches the delicate line connecting the six states, we get a reaction. This dissonance needs to be offset to remain in the green zone, and sometimes, awakening is the answer.¡±


    Green zone? Kenneth''s brow furrowed. Does he mean alive, or conscious?


    So,¡± he looked at his class, arms crossed. ¡°If someone awakens in a house fire, which State of Being is out of harmony? Which state is being harmed so badly, it affects the others?¡±


    ¡°The body,¡± a student answered. ¡°The Physical Body.¡±


    T-Bone gave a satisfied nod. ¡°What if someone manifests as a lightning mage during a funeral of their close friend?¡±


    ¡°The Emotional Body,¡± Ozzie muttered with a thoughtful expression. ¡°The heart.¡±


    ¡°Has this been proven yet?¡± Kenneth didn¡¯t mean to sound like a smart-ass, and he knew his disbelieving tone didn¡¯t help his case. Seriously though, the heart as a layer of existence? Yeah right.


    ¡°Like most magical conclusions,¡± T-Bone said, ¡°it¡¯s a theory, one still waiting to be disproven.¡±


    ¡°Okay, let me poke a few holes then.¡± Kenneth threw a hand in his neighbour¡¯s direction. ¡°Let¡¯s say his family¡¯s gotten into an accident. Just terrible really, and his whole family has been left in critical condition,¡± Kenneth¡¯s neighbour didn¡¯t take kindly to the example any more than the bruise on his face, a strained grimace wide across his face. ¡°Will he awaken on the spot due to ¡®emotional stress¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Let me answer your question with another,¡± T-Bone countered. ¡°If I were to give you a good blow to the chin, how would you react?¡±


    Kenneth narrowed his golden eyes. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t blink.¡±


    That got a chuckle out of him. ¡°I doubt that, but sure. You would do that while another one of your classmates would break out in tears. A few may even blackout. What I¡¯m saying is¡­¡±


    He swirled his meter stick in a circle. ¡°Everyone¡¯s threshold is different. What topples one person may feel like nothing to the next. A reason self-induced awakenings are obsolete is its variety, without a concrete trigger mechanism in sight.¡±


    Kenneth rubbed his cheek. ¡°So if I hit this threshold¡ªif anyone hits their threshold, would we awaken?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± T-Bone replied. ¡°Ignoring the countless variables we¡¯ve yet to discover, self-induced awakening, above all, requires a high affinity for an element. Else, every victim of any sort of suffering would awaken, and that just doesn¡¯t happen.¡±


    Kenneth¡¯s nose wrinkled as if the stench of a rotten egg wafted about. Truly though, the theory reeked of so many holes and inconsistencies, it left him wondering how it retained its status as a theory in the first place.


    After all, he grew up in the presence of survivors.


    Bradley, a typical Defender working in a field filled with magical dangers, donned his fatigues every morning.


    Caro, a young student able to endure the mentally-detrimental and discouraging side comments, remained annoyingly cheerful.


    With Val, where would he start, where would he end? Losing both parents without warning or moving to a foreign place? Classified as a borderline-typic, or discovering your true talent years of vain hardship later? He considered his sister the strongest survivor he knew¡ªthough he wouldn''t ever say it to her face¡ªand even she didn¡¯t escape unscathed. Hardly.


    Despite all that, from what T-Bone implied, Val had yet to hit her threshold during those six difficult years? No way in hell. Either she lacked the affinity to induce her awakening, or¡­


    Or what? What remained as the alternative?


    Kenneth could visibly tell she had a way with her element, an enthusiasm for it. Not so much like Caro, who utilized its strength for the sole purpose of trouncing her opponents, but for the little discoverable intricacies littered across every vein of magic. Similar to music, enchanting, and perhaps stargazing, magic entailed puzzle pieces left for the mage to connect, and that was a joy unlike any other to his sister.


    Bringing home one of her recent spells¡ªMetal Puppeteer, he believed¡ªshe worked to use metal links for mundane activities, from grabbing her a cup to pulling open a door. None of it appeared like a severe lack of affinity to him, not in the slightest.


    ¡°The theory¡¯s a hoax,¡± he muttered for an answer. ¡°It has to be.¡±


    ¡°I know self-induced awakenings are interesting,¡± his teacher went on, oblivious to his musings. ¡°However, the real lesson of the day is manifestation orbs and their parts in mechanically-induced awakenings¡­¡±


    Kenneth slipped out his phone, and T-Bone¡¯s words faded away without delay, allowing him to scroll through his contacts unbothered.


    Rowan


    RavenKenny: yo


    Row. J: "yo"


    Row. J: I see ur rly embracing that hotshot energy


    Kenneth¡¯s lip twitched, and he clicked his device off and slumped in his seat. Two pings cut across the classroom¡¯s silence, earning him a warning by way of T-Bone¡¯s disapproved frown. Mumbling an apology, Kenneth tapped the screen awake, interested in the notifications that nearly sent him out of class.


    Row. J: alright, ik you¡¯ve been getting that from everyone. Mb


    Row. J: did u have smth to say or did u just wanna talk


    Gaze flickering upwards, Kenneth ensured T-Bone¡¯s attention was on his broad blackboard before typing away.


    RavenKenny: do you know anyone that had a self-induced awakening?


    Row. J: lmao


    Kenneth¡¯s eyebrows pinched together.


    Row. J: ur talking to him rn


    RavenKenny: I¡¯m being serious


    Row. J: so am I


    RavenKenny: my sister would¡¯ve known


    Row. J: u think all my fancy jewelry is just for protection?


    Row. J: I mean, why hire bodyguards then


    RavenKenny:...typing


    His fingers froze on his phone¡¯s cracked glass. How would a person reply? I think you¡¯re lying. Too accusatory. What experience pushed you to the brink? Too personal. Why are you telling me this if it¡¯s a secret? Too risky, Rowan could backpedal.


    RavenKenny: I need proof


    Row. J: yeah, nope. not happening


    Row. J: and don¡¯t take it the wrong way, like I know u already are


    Got him there.


    RavenKenny: I won¡¯t


    RavenKenny: can you explain though?


    Row. J: you¡¯re my first friend outside all the high society stuff


    Row. J: which makes you one of my few real friends full stop


    Row. J: I won¡¯t risk that on smth that you don''t really need to know. Not for no reason


    RavenKenny: why tell me any of this then


    Row. J: come on dude


    Row. J: because I trust you


    Kenneth wrestled a proud smile off his lips, confusion be damned.


    RavenKenny: but you still won¡¯t tell me your combat record


    Row. J: oh for heaven¡¯s sake, here we go again


    ¡°Mister Efron.¡±


    Phone clattering inside the metal belly of his desk, Kenneth¡¯s head snapped up to meet the full force of T-Bone¡¯s ireful stare. ¡°Mind sharing with the rest of the class what¡¯s so interesting.¡±


    Shit. ¡°I¡¯d rather not, sir.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± T-Bone¡¯s ire traded for curiosity. ¡°Would you rather I read it aloud, then?¡±


    For heaven¡¯s sake, he found himself stealing his friend¡¯s line. Glancing down at his device to gather what paraphrase would cover his tracks, he discovered an empty chat. He swiped upwards, finding only his replies and none of the texts Rowan sent. The reality settled in his gut like a pair of weights¡ªheavy, hard, and difficult to ignore.


    Rowan dealt with the information too swiftly for his liking. All it did was dump fuel on his already outlandish suspicions. Were self-induced awakenings an event to hide¡ªsomething to clamp down on the moment it arises? If so, would that fact vary from person to person, as an occasion to celebrate for one person and dread for another?


    To be fair, the event spoke of a high affinity for an element, something many dreamed of having. Saints, self-induced mages won the lottery! At the price of a traumatic experience, he berated himself, and the reminder spilled cold water down his spine. It served to clear his head and, rather suddenly, the demographic for self-induced mages slimmed to a type familiar to him. A type vulnerable enough to experience such acute pain, their bodies fell out of harmony, while possessing the required talent.


    Talented and vulnerable.


    Boiled down to the core like that, could she¡­


    ¡°Gah!¡± Kenneth shot up from his desk and stuffed his hands into his pant¡¯s back pockets. ¡°It¡¯s too early for this crap.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for anything hard,¡± T-Bone said. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°Bathroom break.¡± Deleting his remaining part of the conversation, Kenneth dumped the device in his teacher¡¯s hands and turned for the door. ¡°Read it for all I care. You¡¯ll find nothing.¡±


    Kenneth left his thoughts inside the classroom, closing that particular chapter in hopes it fizzled out on his return. Distracted by his goal, he missed the comment that sparked future troubles, the harbinger of things bigger than himself.


    ¡°The hell,¡± T-Bone muttered, squinting at the profile picture and doubting his eyes as they took in the Zingese boy in the small, circular display. ¡°Why¡¯s a kid like him texting one of the Pivotal Clan¡¯s heirs¡­?¡±

 Chapter 40 - First Impressions

    Ciazel¡¯s summer sun gave no mercy.


    The heat decommissioned the FHAs, instead leaving many seeking refuge from the blistering air. Outdoor activities regained their appeal and street-bound stores returned to full business, deepening the stress lines on the dark gravel as the number of feet on the ground doubled.


    Food stalls busied Guildhall Avenue, causing Val to maneuver past the sprawling lines of hungry adventurers. Greasy fried snacks to the left, freshly-dipped caramel apples to the right¡ªa bunch of scents taunted her stomach, and she forged past the crowd to negate it.


    ¡°If I tell one of those owners I¡¯m a rising duelist,¡± Caro began beside her, glancing longingly at a burger stall. She let her curls free, a wave of red reaching past her denim biker shorts. Shades fit snuggly on her tank top¡¯s C-line, covered every once in a while when her cardigan fluttered against a rare breeze. ¡°You think they¡¯ll let me have a free bite?¡±


    ¡°Slow down your roll, D-list celebrity,¡± Val reined in a smirk, tugging down on her white visor. She settled for a light long-sleeve over a fresh pair of dark jeans, with prints of her favourite songs embroidered onto the seams. ¡°You¡¯re not that up there. Not yet anyway.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I figured I¡¯m more C-list, y¡¯know?¡± She pointed to a five-story training center, a vast array of sophisticated exercise equipment discernible through the third floor¡¯s clear-paneled walls. The franchise unfurled a gigantic poster across its front, covering the bottom half of the gym and the entire rest of the lower building.


    ¡®We can make you ready for the duelist ring,¡¯ the emboldened, bright-yellow words spread across the banner, hard to miss. ¡®Become the next big thing now!¡¯


    The advertisement bordered on a mural, with hand-painted potraits added to the background in detail. Spotting Caro¡¯s signature red hair and grin, Val smirked in full. ¡°I stand corrected.¡±


    In a country known for diversity, few things existed as common national points of interest. The duelist rings were one of them. Duelists competed on one of five identical leaderboards across the country, split according to their rank. Newcomers waded the 100,000s, eyes ever-set on the veterans permanently fixed at the peak.


    Viewers tuned into matches as they wished, though only the top hundred got televised. Any in the triple-digits luckily had their matches taped and put online for those who cared to watch, and the rest pray they reached the weekly highlight reels.


    Climbers, though, were the sole exception, and that was exactly what Caro unwittingly became. Before long, fans began to take notice of the dual-bound mage¡¯s rampage, throwing monikers around until one stuck¡ªRaging Sandstorm, Crazy Caro, Molten Mauler. She earned them, on a bloodthirsty hot streak of fifteen out of fifteen, winning over the crowd in what felt like a blink of an eye. Looking at it now, it was kinda inevitable.


    Caro loved to fight, and it always showed. You fall into her thrilled grin at each slash, entranced by her intuitive movement and awed by her devastating swing. What¡¯s more, she was great fun, charismatic to her fans and unhesitant to curse at a snarky opponent.


    People rallied behind her ascent, and the DRA took notice, arranging her matches as headers. Her first titled match drew in watchers on both ends, making it among the most-watched fight for Novices outside the highest thousand and, quite regrettably, her first loss.


    Caro¡¯s pace slowed, buying herself time to take in her face among the rest of the upcoming mages. Then, noticing the bulging vein lining her clenched jaw, Val caught her friend¡¯s eyes on someone else.


    Next to her enlarged portrait was another girl, carrying features Val found familiar¡ªblack coils that fell to the shoulder, pale-blue eyes in sharp contrast with her deep brown skin, and an expression that spoke of unbreakable composure. Ah, Val understood, wincing. They just had to put her right beside Caro, didn¡¯t they.


    Alize¨¦ Rhodes, the younger sister of Fiona, put an end to Caro¡¯s run in a brutal fashion. Though not as decisive as many elitists believed the highborn prodigy would achieve, the match was skewed in the Bulwark¡¯s favour permanently, making it the first one-sided fight anyone¡¯s seen of Caro¡¯s, including Val.


    In fact, as the girls turned the corner towards the Hall of Eons, a vague restlessness lingered in Caro¡¯s system at the reminder, evident by the wrinkles between her eyebrows. From that loss onwards, Caro remained keen on pitting herself against challenges equal to the tri-bound monster she faced within the ring, almost overly so. Today of all days, the request stood a good chance of being answered. After all, Equadister 10th presented not only the hottest afternoon of the year, but the start of the sponsored-student team''s orientation.


    Blinding rays arrested them moments after leaving the shade Guildhall Avenue had to offer. While Caro let lose a stream of muttered expletives and snapped on her sunglasses, Val simply smiled. Words couldn¡¯t express how much she adored summer. Fewer bus delays. Seasonal jobs. Nature walks. Mom loved those.


    A dull ache struck her core at the thought, shooed away once the two entered their guildhall and headed to the ground-level auditorium. The walk through the metal-plated halls was a brisk one, the girls wasted no time whatsoever in exploring the well-trodden floor.


    Val tapped her white I.D. card on a blank pad next to a set of broad doors. A pulse of energy traveled the walls, transporting the access request and accepting it with a two-second delay. The doors retracted into their threshold, showcasing plush chairs and wooden desks assembled in ascending rows of semicircles.


    Recognizable printouts of post-secondary emblems were taped to the cushions, a clear indication of the seating order for the orientation. Even though the auditorium seemed at half-capacity, the aether presence felt palpable, oozing out of the several Novices seated in their various positions.


    Caro nudged Val and she blinked out of her reverie, suppressing the exciting smile tugging at her lips. I¡¯m in great company, alright. The pair stepped foot inside, treated to a long, clothed table to the side of the entrance. On it sat nearly one hundred bronze badges, organized and separated by Path allocations. Conveniently, the nearest belonged to Strikers¡ªimmediately identifiable by the crossed swords insignia¡ªtucked beneath one another like the scales of a long snake.


    ¡°Pick and choose any. It doesn¡¯t matter as long as it matches your current¡ªand for some, temporary¡ªPath.¡±


    Val raised an eyebrow at the familiar voice, turning her attention behind her and sucking in a sharp breath. Saints, she cursed internally, taking in the line of highly-ranked mages leaning against a blue-rimmed stage. Among them, Magus Hawke pressed a heavy gaze through her tinted glasses, while Magus Kane settled for the simple bob of the head. Val snapped a mage¡¯s bow at once, sensing Caro doing the same in the corner of her eye, and then concentrated her gaze on the objects nearby.


    She decided on the easiest one to wrestle out of the neatly-arranged line. Her thumb roamed the surface and the uneven metal scraped at her callous, though it was much smoother where she touched the blades.


    Val¡¯s grip around the metal item tightened, pinching into the skin of her palm. From here on out, she¡¯d carry this badge into every rift so long as she remained a sixth-class adventurer. As practical as the item was, the symbolism wasn¡¯t lost on her¡ªVal''s name was among the best Strikers of the best guild for being in the best school. It didn¡¯t get better than that.


    ¡°Thanks for the help, Magus Kane,¡± she dipped her head.


    ¡°Your seat is over there,¡± he supplied, gesturing to the other end of the room. Val gave an appreciative nod and headed for the area.


    Caro plopped into a seat, spreading her long limbs without care. ¡°First ones here.¡±


    Indeed, the first row of the east section was vacant, left available for the Thales Academy undergraduates. The idea that no one gave her grief for sitting in such a highly-coveted spot seemed hard to grasp. She half-expected someone to call her out at any moment now. Though to be fair, she did feel the prickling sidelong glances cast her way. Definitely because of my ASC, no doubt.


    Thales upheld a certain standard, verified by a multitude of factors. The quality of graduating students, the methods of utilizing and keying into potential, and even University Games victories counted toward some kind of statistic.


    For the last decade, Thales severely underperformed in the Games, causing a considerable amount of the country to question if the university still deserved its silver position behind Reynor University. Politics, Val dismissed, remembering her bright grin in the washroom mirrors while brushing her teeth this morning. I¡¯m a freaking Thales undergraduate.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    As all early attendees did, the girls took in the sponsored adventurers streaming in, lending an ear to whatever conversions gained their attention. Rows of separate teams began to fill up, and the auditorium seemed to shrink. If the young mages¡¯ clothing didn¡¯t speak of status¡ªdesigner outfits, priceless jewelry, kempt demeanour¡ªtheir presence alone sent the message from miles away.


    One person executed this exact concept in such an unbothered way Val knew precisely who entered the room before the chatter had a chance to cease altogether. Caro¡¯s failed attempt at a whistle painted the rest of the picture. ¡°Now who¡¯s that?¡±


    Val pushed off the armrests of her chairs and stretched her neck above the turning heads, freezing as she caught sight of the mage¡¯s serpentine irises. An ornate sundress trailed the young lady¡¯s steps, sweeping the carpeted staircase as she took her place on top among the Reynor University students. A broad sunhat hid the majority of her face and she tilted it in greeting with an upward curl on her lips.


    ¡°Xiandra Clementine,¡± Val sighed, answering her friend and ignoring the obvious taunt by lowering the bill of her visor. Just great, she thought, not even HQ is a comfort zone anymore.


    ¡°Her ASC¡¯s not that much lower than mine,¡± Caro said, almond-brown eyes ablaze, Vague View in action. ¡°Scary.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Val muttered. The show she put on during the Initiation guaranteed a high-ranking PAST too. Couple her magical aptitudes with unlimited techniques and arts customary to those part of the Twenty¡­


    Val¡¯s gaze found its way back to the formidable mage. She¡¯s on track to be on Alizee¡¯s level, Val thought, scanning the over five Reynor students. Maybe they all are.


    ¡°Oh, oh!¡± Caro patted her friend¡¯s shoulder relentlessly. ¡°Val look, he¡¯s coming this way!¡±


    It took a conscious amount of effort to rip away from Xiandra, but it ended up a far easier endeavour to locate the magma mage¡¯s interest. People broke out of their cliques to allow the towering Desni through, so tall even a Kidraan¡¯s neck bent upwards to look him dead in the eye.


    Consistent for his kind, he embraced the heat in full, clad in khaki shorts, a plain T-shirt, and a pair of open-toed sandals. Golden hair spilled out of his straw hat, swaying at each meter-long stride he took. He grabbed a spot along the relatively empty row and the chair noticeably sank, earning a dry chuckle from Caro. ¡°Please tell me you¡¯re not our Hunter.¡±


    He stifled a laugh and opened his clenched hand, revealing the shield-shaped insignia on his bronze badge.


    ¡°Ah, the Bulwark. Great!¡± she grinned, though her enthusiasm ebbed as she gave him a look over. ¡°Man, your fashion is more questionable than this one over here.¡±


    ¡°Not everyone cares about style, Caro,¡± Val shook her head. ¡°Plus, you just insulted him. I¡¯m sorry on my friend¡¯s behalf, um¡­¡±


    ¡°Azotus,¡± he filled in, ¡°though it always gets shortened to Otis one way or the other. Still waiting on a nickname for my nickname,¡± He shifted his sights onto Caro. ¡°Just checking. Questionable doesn¡¯t mean bad, right?¡±


    Val knew right there and then, made obvious by the smile of her own, Caro took a liking to their new teammate. ¡°Right on, Oats!¡±


    ¡°Oats?¡± another voice questioned, confusion detectable. Val blinked at a guy barely taller than her at 5¡¯7, dressed in a semi-formal suit that carried accents of tribal colours. His size hinted at a speed-based Path, and she could guess just which he was, knowing full well the team didn¡¯t need a third Striker.


    Sure enough, the dagger emblem on his badge¡ªscarcely visible through his grasp¡ªgave the Hunter away. Didn¡¯t even notice him till he spoke, Val realized, seeing the Kidraan in a new light.


    ¡°Oats, short for Otis,¡± Caro smirked. ¡°Nickname for a nickname. Mission accomplished.¡±


    Otis mirrored her expression. ¡°Oats. Not bad.¡±


    ¡°No need to lie,¡± Val gave a soft snort, turning back the conversation. ¡°It has nothing to do with your name, whatsoever.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an entire syllable shorter,¡± Caro tried to argue. ¡°Starts with O, too.¡±


    ¡°And ends with an S,¡± Otis added, his smile widening.


    ¡°None of you are highborn,¡± the Hunter interjected, lips stretched thin.


    The group fell into a four-way staring contest, silent as they absorbed the underlying meaning of his words.


    ¡°My, what a keen observer you are.¡± Caro dwarfed the teen¡¯s presence the instant she stood, her stare pressing down on him from five inches above. ¡°I assume that doesn¡¯t change anything?¡±


    To Val¡¯s surprise, he didn¡¯t back down. ¡°Your assumption is wrong.¡±


    Caro gritted her teeth. ¡°Care to elaborate?¡±


    ¡°What more needs to be said,¡± he spat. ¡°You lack proper¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me I missed introductions.¡±


    Yet another Thales undergraduate cut in, his voice amiable despite the tangible tension hanging over their small gathering. Val turned to take in their second-tallest member¡ªbeating out Caro¡¯s height by a palm¡¯s width. He was of the East Islands, given away by his dark-green eyes and olive skin tone.


    His appearance seemed to do the trick, and the Hunter left the previous matter to rest, picking on another subject. ¡°You¡¯re late, Haldar.¡±


    Val¡¯s eyes widened at the name. She tried to piece together the resemblance between the newcomer and her former Support, only to discover she couldn¡¯t. In addition to the circular glasses he wore, he dyed his hair a deep purple and had more piercings than Val had fingers¡ªhis ears, nose, and even eyebrows weren¡¯t spared.


    ¡°No I¡¯m not,¡± he replied with no qualms, slipping his hands into his grey slacks.


    ¡°It¡¯s basic etiquette to arrive ten minutes before,¡± the Kidraan answered. ¡°As a Haldar, you should know this.¡±


    ¡°Ekon, my name¡¯s Jesal,¡± he dropped into the seat adjacent to Otis, and Caro followed his lead under the pointed stares gravitating their way. ¡°I don¡¯t call you Nightingale, do I? Chill out, for once.¡±


    ¡°Look at our team,¡± he hissed, still standing. ¡°Aren¡¯t you at least worried?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Jesal smoothed out the collar on his black polo. ¡°Age of Atera doesn¡¯t recruit just anyone, man. Neither does Thales. Take a seat, look around, and see for yourself.¡±


    Val resisted the strong urge to tip off her visor to his response. On some level, she could understand holding reservations about new surroundings, especially as a recent traveller. However, that did little to explain making¡ªand voicing¡ªpremature notions on the matter, with no thoughts of being wrong. It went completely against Val¡¯s order of things.


    Take it in. Observe. Gauge. Act. React. Repeat. The Hunter¡ªEkon Nightingale, she now knew¡ªskipped steps two and three after seeing his teammates, which didn¡¯t necessarily align with his Path.


    Ekon''s frown deepened, but he resigned to sit at the far end of the row. As a result, an awkward quiet overcame them¡ªto the point where it felt like the whole room stopped talking.


    And it was true.


    During their argument, another hush settled over the room, outright deafening among the near-hundred adventurers gathered.


    ¡°Look,¡± Jesal jerked his head to the closing doors, alluding to the reason behind the sudden silence. ¡°Our next member¡¯s here.¡±


    A petite figure ambled in, her face so expressionless Val couldn¡¯t tell whether or not she registered the people in her vicinity. She tucked her dress shirt into black pants, a grey, textured overcoat draped on top. She kept her ice-blonde hair a little over chin-length, one side longer than the other.


    Jesal waved. ¡°Kyles, it¡¯s been a minute.¡±


    She flicked her fingers in passing, conjuring forth a gust of frozen vapour.


    ¡°How warm of you,¡± he muttered. Careful of his piercings, he took off his gold-rimmed glasses and wiped away the tiny ice shards on his eyebrows using his shirt, leaving the rest of the auditorium to stare, starstruck.


    ¡°She did not just cast a speechless spell,¡± Caro wondered aloud, voicing the question of many. Speechless spellcasting took the ¡°asking for a cup of water¡± analogy to the extreme, a mere gesture enough to elicit a reaction from an Elemental Gate. Either she weaved the spell in the span of a second, or she cast it off pure, unadulterated instincts.


    Not to talk of the insanely-high required level of spell mastery, to fight a mage this early on without the vocal incantations as a giveaway was a nightmare.


    ¡°That¡¯s a Lenson for you,¡± someone muttered.


    ¡°I heard she¡¯s a gold.¡±


    ¡°Yup, and she hit purple on Deduction Day.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± another said. ¡°On top of having three elements?¡±


    The ice mage, true to her element, looked unperturbed, resting a slim chin in her hand.


    Three? Val repeated listlessly, shocked into a daze. Tri-bound mages are unheard of. I get Alizee, but now this? Val held in a shiver. She noticed how the Twenty existed on a plane incomparable to normal society, with decades of history and generational prowess able to sustain their status. Yet knowing it and facing it head-on were two different things. That tingle she felt in the guild master¡¯s presence zipped up her spine, and she fought off the oddest impulse to run to the nearest EC-room.


    She needed to up her game.


    Caro¡¯s wonder soon morphed into glee under the constant rain of whispers. ¡°Aren''t they jealous," she cackled. "Boy am I glad she¡¯s on our team.¡±


    ¡°Likewise,¡± Jesal added, slipping his eyewear back on. ¡°She should be the last one we''re waiting for, which means it''s probably about to start.¡±


    ¡°Settle down, Novices,¡± Magus Kane said, as if on cue. ¡°I believe everyone¡¯s arrived.¡± His head did a sweep of the room, and he nodded, satisfied. ¡°Good. It seems we can get this show on the road.¡±

 Chapter 41 - Team Synergy

    Val set her visor on her lap and folded one hand over the other, intent on listening to what the metal Magus had to say. Ten rows of adventurers did the same¡ªsettling down and focusing on the instructor, that was¡ªclicking off their phones, taking off their shades, or even waking up from their naps.


    Magus Kane looked as he always did, fitted in adventurer¡¯s armour, ready to dive into a rift at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°You are all the elementalists of tomorrow. We are glad you chose Age of Atera to be your prelude for bigger things, whatever they may be.¡±


    He broke away from the stage and walked to the right end of the room. ¡°Out-of-city students, I hope you enjoy your stay. We train all of our sponsored teams in HQ, no matter the branch they belong to. Bear with us¡ªeven if you¡¯re from the town next door or a different halo entirely¡ªand surprise your adventurers on your return.¡±


    Similar to the majority of the room, Val¡¯s head moved to track his movements, and it led to spotting a pattern in the seating arrangements. They split the auditorium in two, one half for Atera-based schools, and the other for the remainder. Thales undergraduates sat up front, and Val had to strain her neck to survey the competition in Atera city. She counted four altogether, a few recognizable¡ªlike University of Atera¡ªand others, less so.


    Magus Kane jabbed a finger toward the walls, decorated by the guild¡¯s trademark tree and multiple shades of blue. ¡°Bearing the name of sponsored-student teams, you must wear our colours in every rift entered under our name.¡±


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Caro whispered. ¡°Blue is so not my colour.¡±


    Val hid a small smile behind her hand.


    ¡°In addition to all that,¡± Magus Kane continued, ¡°you¡¯re assigned a social media worker, for advertisement purposes on both the guild¡¯s and your end.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s new,¡± she heard Jesal comment to her left, and the room reflected his surprise. Muttered conversations sparked in most rows, dying down under Magus Kane¡¯s patient gaze.


    ¡°Sponsored means you represent our guild,¡± he went on. ¡°Representation in this day and age goes beyond the rift. In doing so, we gain sponsors that fund the guild¡ªbesides the member taxes¡ªwhich, in turn, will fund you.¡±


    The idea reminded Val about franchises¡ªmini-organizations under the DRA that signed duelists. If duelists performed well and raked in views and fans, they offered their support in the form of resources, spells, and special instructors. Seems about the same here.


    ¡°On to the fun stuff.¡± Magus Kane retrieved a tablet from his storage ring. ¡°Teams. Where you find yourselves is where you will stay unless you switch schools. Each team will have a separate instructor. Discuss with them which schedules work.¡±


    Magus Kane took a step back, giving the floor up to his colleagues.


    ¡°Reynor University students, let¡¯s see if I can whip you guys into something decent.¡± Magus Hawke was the first to begin, whisking away the metal Magus¡¯ device. ¡°Your glass egos may or may not end up as collateral damage,¡± she said, tapping at her recently-acquired tablet. ¡°You have been warned.¡±


    Caro leaned back in her cushioned seat, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto hold back a smirk. ¡°Saints, I miss her.¡±


    ¡°Not her laps, though,¡± Val said.


    ¡°Not her laps,¡± she agreed.


    Otis¡¯ ears quirked up, and he bent forward to show his interest down the row. ¡°Laps?¡±


    Caro shuddered. ¡°You don¡¯t wanna know.¡±


    ¡°Artillery Squad,¡± Magus Hawke called, and eyes followed the back of her blue tracksuit as she made her way to the door. ¡°Bulwark, Nora Locke. Bulwark, Verity Quinn. Striker, Haydn Swiftborn. Support, Leila Blase. Support, Autumn Rayne. Support, Bryan Gladwell. Anchor, Xiandra Clementine. With me!¡±


    All the last names, Val realized, were of the Twenty. She could almost imagine Caro calling the squad stacked in her head, as she always did against high-level characters in her game.


    To an ordinary person, it might¡¯ve looked like the team of eight simply rose from their seat, glanced around at the room, tread down the steps and out the sliding doors. However, to those who awakened¡ª


    ¡°Oh it is on,¡± Caro said for them to hear. The Reynor University line-up engaged in their aura¡ªevery individual with a characterized presence far more refined than Val¡¯s¡ªand outright taunted the room, unveiling their ASCs and staring down at the competition from their vantage point. A response, Val realized, to Magus Hawke¡¯s comment.


    ¡°Listen up, Thales undergraduates,¡± Magus Kane said, snapping Val back into the presentation. ¡°I¡¯m the instructor for Hammer Squad, which includes the following. Bulwark, Alessio Azotus. Striker, Carielle Hayes. Striker, Valory Efron. Hunter, Ekon Nightingale. Anchor, Jesal Haldar. Support, Kylee Lenson. That is all of you. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Though it took a few seconds for the team to stretch out of their seats¡ªCaro and Jesal groaned at the task¡ªKylee was years ahead, halfway to the door and practically a single step behind Magus Kane.


    ¡°How on Spiravale?¡± Caro muttered, bewildered as the five of them set off after the pair. ¡°She was called last out of us.¡±


    Jesal gave a helpless shrug. ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it after a month or two. Being around a Diviner, I mean.¡±


    ¡­


    Once again, Val found herself inside the unblemished white of an EC-room, sprawled low against the ground, hands on her soles, to stretch out her quads. Caro decided to work on her arms instead, bothering Jesal about his hair dye brand all the while. Everyone else stood idle, waiting for Magus Kane to finish an important call within the viewing room.


    He asked Hammer Squad if they¡¯d be interested in starting from the get-go to which, quite awesomely, they all said yes. With a quick pitstop to their lockers, they grabbed their activewear and booked an EC-room for themselves. It spoke of drive and determination to begin at a hundred percent on a hot summer day, with every human urge imploring you to relax, kick up your feet, and maybe take a siesta while you¡¯re at it.


    The swoosh of an opening door regained everyone¡¯s attention¡ªputting an end to Caro¡¯s debate on hair products, and Kylee¡¯s alone time in the far end of the training space¡ªas it indicated that Magus Kane wrapped up his phone call.


    Caro wiggled her eyebrows at his approach. ¡°A significant other?¡±


    ¡°Not any more significant to me than to you,¡± he replied without pause and snapped three times in quick succession. ¡°Up we go Novices. Stand in rank.¡±


    The six scrambled into a fine line before him, ordered from Bulwark to Support. ¡°We¡¯re a little short on Thales recruits, for varying reasons. A team usually has seven to eight, so it''s also your responsibility to scout your classmates for another adventurer. Preferably, a Pillar.¡±


    Val wasn¡¯t the only one who grimaced. Pillars were rare for a reason. Even with the difficulty of the alterative discipline aside, mages aligned to the biotic and necrotic essences were far and few in between. And we¡¯re supposed to find one?


    ¡°On a different note.¡± Magus Kane¡¯s gaze latched onto Otis¡¯ frame, head slanted upwards to meet his eyes. ¡°Novice Azotus.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s customary to appoint the Bulwarks as leaders of the team. They take the brunt of attacks and are often the most reliable. This squad will be no different.¡±


    Five seconds passed, giving rise to an awkward lull in the conversation, before a forced ¡°Understood, sir!¡± sounded. Val glanced at the mountain-like Bulwark on her side, her eyes narrowing at the slight frown on his face.


    ¡°Good. Now, moving on.¡± Kane clasped his hand behind his back, strolling down their line. ¡°A synergetic squad. Hayes, care to inform me what that means to you?¡±


    Caro straightened. ¡°A group that works well.¡±


    ¡°Valid.¡± Kane nodded. ¡°Haldar, specify, will you?¡±


    ¡°A team that amplifies each other''s strengths and fills in the spaces that their individual weaknesses create.¡±


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Kane said. ¡°Team synergy is the multifaceted measurement of how well each teammate in a group can pick up on where a fellow teammate fails. In doing so, the might of two becomes ten, and the faults of one can be overlooked. This is a lesson you have to learn yourselves¡ªI can¡¯t teach synergy.


    ¡°What I can do is nudge you in the right direction,¡± he paused his pacing to survey the team of six in front of him. ¡°That begins with understanding your weaponry. Since you¡¯ve all been bound to an Aether Artifact, I¡¯d presume that you are more comfortable fighting alongside a weapon, be it a bow or a sword.¡± He garnered nods all around, and a curious eyebrow raise from Val. Another committee member? ¡°I¡¯m also safe to assume that the weapons you¡¯ve chosen are identical to your dormant Aether Artifact?¡±


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Not mine, sir,¡± Jesal called out. ¡°A mimic of my artifact would be pretty useless if I¡¯m being honest.¡±


    ¡°What form does your artifact take?¡±


    ¡°A rod,¡± Jesal answered. ¡°A giant rod, tapering off into sharp ends. About the size of Azotus.¡±


    ¡°They reject all impractical formations.¡± Magus Kane¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°How¡¯d the committee allow you to keep yours?¡±


    ¡°They told me that artifact¡¯s quality combined with my elements make it a viable option,¡± he answered. ¡°I have no clue what that may mean. Will that be a problem, sir?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± the Magus answered, summoning his trusty tablet. ¡°The call Hayes was so interested in was straight to the committee. To lessen your workload in the future, I requested access to cut back on some of your restrictions.¡±


    Caro pumped a fist.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t include summoning your weapon, I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    The utter devastation in her eyes must¡¯ve been laughable because Magus Kane, as serious as he often was, snorted. ¡°To clarify, I asked. However, they made a well-founded argument. Anyone at a glance would realize your weapons are expensive. You¡¯ll attract the wrong kind of attention, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t protect ourselves,¡± Caro cut in, exhaling through her nose. ¡°We¡¯ve had the whole talk.¡±


    ¡°Glad you remember,¡± he said, inputting two to three commands in between each word. ¡°I will be disabling a part of Codes 291 and 292, allowing the Wielder HUD to come online. It may not be a massive change, but it is one I want you all to recognize during our drill.¡±


    At the tail end of his words, the EC-room fell away to reveal a translucent lattice on a pitch-dark backdrop. Blue lines ran along the walls, seemingly three-dimensional as they outlined the bodies present. Val took timed breaths in an attempt to relax as the HUD integrated with her vision, and her normal vision returned to her soon enough. Just like those shadow-sight contacts Sil recommended.


    ¡°This is taken straight out of an RPG,¡± Caro remarked, and Val understood exactly what she meant after a moment of searching. Two bars hung in the bottom-left of her eyes, pinned to the particular spot, even as she whirled her head to survey it. On top laid a healthy-green stripe, and underneath a lapis-blue bar displayed her aether strand count. Not bad.


    ¡°Very minimalistic,¡± Jesal added.


    ¡°The artificers didn¡¯t want to overwhelm you,¡± Magus Kane said. ¡°Haldar, just to clarify the previous issue, you¡¯ll get a staff for now. From the looks of it, your artifact is skewed toward offence. I believe, though, this team has all the offensive long-range support it needs from Novice Lenson.¡±


    Jesal winced. ¡°I¡¯ll be pretty limited.¡±


    ¡°So be it.¡± Magus Kane turned his attention to the end of their line. ¡°Lenson, fair warning. The amount of pressure doubles with his removal. Does that work?¡±


    A confident nod was his reply. He clapped twice. ¡°Perfect. Please, correct me if I¡¯m wrong.¡±


    He paced down the line, stopping before each Novice and summoning a weapon without fanfare. Otis received a broad rectangular shield, a line of interlaced links splitting the weapon down the middle. Val accepted the tried and trusted saber, and it lay balanced on her open palm as her gaze scanned the blade. She stepped away from the others, gave the iron saber a compact swing, and bobbed her head in approval.


    Magus Kane provided everyone a weapon as he walked along their rank¡ªa two-handed axe for Caro, twin daggers for Ekon¡ªand addressed them again once finished. ¡°Thankfully, your artifacts line up well with your Paths, soon to be finalized come the first weeks of September.


    ¡°Now, although we have several Paths, most of them can be divided into two categories. Before we add elements and strategies to the mix, I want to be certain the frontline and backline work seamlessly separately in the physical aspects alone. Haldar, Lenson, sit tight. Everyone else, step forward.¡±


    Four Novices trailed the Magus into the center of the room. He lifted an eyebrow, sending a silent question. Ready to go? He earned a scattered round of nods and comments that, at the end of the day, affirmed they were primed to start.


    At his snap, he brought about a summon, one very different from the Magus Hawke¡¯s cloudhounds and the EC-room¡¯s default dummies.


    Over one-hundred paces away, a metal bear assembled before their very eyes. Steel shards, rods, and sheets came together to form a mighty-looking creature. It possessed jagged, sheen-encased plates for fur, empty sockets for eyes, and retractable nails. On all fours, it surpassed Caro¡¯s height completely. I do not want to see it standing.


    ¡°Get in formation!¡± Magus Kane barked.


    In one fluid motion, Otis took to the front and, like clockwork, the Strikers fell into step behind him on either side. Ekon¡¯s presence somehow dimmed and he melted into the background. Given his position, the three advanced as one unit, Otis at the forefront of their triangle all the way there.


    Sirens blared in Val¡¯s head as it raised its arms high, and it didn¡¯t go unnoticed by the Bulwark. Its nails lengthened to the sizes of daggers and he raised his shield in reply. Sparks flew as metal screeched against metal. Caro took the opportunity, angling her axe for its ankle.


    Even with the summon pummeling Otis¡¯ shield¡ªthrowing fist after fist¡ªit managed to sidestep Caro¡¯s attack and change course. Its head raced forward, maws wide for the magma mage. Val didn¡¯t stand idle¡ªher sword lashed out, severing a tendon in the summon¡¯s heel. The metal link parted, and it left the summon bereft of one of its hind legs, hindering its attack. Otis'' shield bashed it without any hesitation, and Ekon materialized timely, his dagger plunged deep into the summon¡¯s eye.


    Cachink!


    With how utterly realistic the bear appeared, it seemed bizarre to recognize that the beast did not possess a brain of any sort. Ekon must¡¯ve severed an equivalent, though, since the summon slumped to the ground nevertheless.


    ¡°More incoming!¡± Magus Kane shouted, and Val¡¯s attention left the slain bear to take in three smaller copies.


    ¡°Split up,¡± Nightingale ordered, landing into a crouch as he let go of the bear¡¯s metal fur. Val could perceive the energy bundling and building in the aether channels of his calves. Before she could activate Vague View in an attempt to make sense of it, he uncoiled and sprung away to the farthest summon in a speedy blur. Was that energy enhancement? Val nearly wanted to stop the entire scrimmage to ask him how he applied the subset and altered it for speed rather than strength. Gotta stay focused.


    ¡°Who died and made him leader,¡± Caro grumbled.


    ¡°The middle¡¯s mine,¡± Otis said and charged forward. ¡°I¡¯ll need help after you two deal with your own.¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Val threw behind the shoulder, receiving Bulwark''s indirect message to follow Nightingale''s lead anyway, and sprinted to their secondary target. She reached first out of the two Strikers¡ªnot only attributed to her superior speed, but because she spent no time complaining¡ª and she resisted the urge to engage. Interested in how the tinier creature would attack first, Val dialed down her pace and focused on creating a precise counterblow.


    Its head snapped toward her shin, bent on trying to take a bite out of her leg. She deemed it something simple enough to dodge, with plans of running her blade through the top of its skull and out its chin.


    Pale, orange halos pulsed from its maws though, and it gave Val pause. What the heck is that? It came in radiating waves, as if to ward off an incoming attack.


    So... why did it remind her of a flare instead, one designed to catch her attention?


    She carried out her actions anyway, even if a tad slower than she liked. In the middle of turning around in Otis¡¯ direction, Magus Kane¡¯s voice put the drill on hold.


    ¡°Stop, stop, stop,¡± he waved his hand and the summons promptly disassembled into pieces, clinking against the ground. ¡°Gather round, Novices. We need to talk.¡±


    The abrupt break-off left the Novices a little breathless, but they collected the wits to shake off the adrenaline and joined him where he stood near the edge.


    ¡°I approve of everyone¡¯s adjustment. You flowed together, and read each other impressively. I have some particulars to add, nonetheless.¡± He pointed to Caro. ¡°Efron is the quicker Striker. Whenever you three¡ªAzotus, Hayes, and Efron¡ªare grouped, she attacks first. She has a higher likelihood to land an attack and come out unscathed. This leads to my next point.¡±


    Yup, Val sighed internally, watching him whirl onto her. ¡°You paused there, during your last fight, Efron. Pauses kill in rifts, so please explain why you¡¯d be so keen to do so notwithstanding.¡±


    ¡°There was this, I don¡¯t know¡ªenergy, I guess¡ªon its mouth. I thought it was dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I had those circles too. Mine were red though,¡± Caro added, rubbing her eyes. ¡°Pretty glaring if you ask me.¡±


    Otis nodded. ¡°I saw yellow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s part of your HUD,¡± Magus Kane answered. ¡°It warns you of dangerous attacks, colour-coded based on severity. You can see why I want you to practice it here before anywhere else.¡±


    ¡°Nice!" Caro grinned. "Will take some getting used to, but still. It''s a win."


    ¡°Lots of getting used to,¡± Val muttered, even though she found herself inclined to agree.


    ¡°Can anyone tell me what hindered your efforts the most?¡± Magus Kane asked, puzzling the four in their post-scrimmage debrief. There''s more? He waited, observing one Novice after the next, and finally pointed behind the group. ¡°Tunnel-vision. You left your backline open.¡±


    As one, Hammer Squad turned to behold yet another summon in the back, undoubtedly where Jesal or Lenson would¡¯ve been positioned. Different levels of mortification crossed their faces¡ªVal frowned with a tilted head, Otis outright groaned in disbelief, and Caro settled for a facepalm. Nightingale, however, rose to the challenge.


    ¡°Why are we scrimmaging like we¡¯ve no elements? It''s pointless, is it not?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Three years down the line, maybe so,¡± Kane agreed. ¡°However, as of right now, except for Hayes and Lenson, you have less than 100 aether strands within your Aetherial Vessel. You¡¯ve only just begun to engage in Breathing Techniques, so not one of you can meditate in the middle of battle. That means¡ªat most¡ªyou have ten spells. For the better part of the dive, your fights will be without the help of your elements.¡±


    ¡°We have scrolls, elixirs, potions¡ª¡±


    ¡°You need aether to power any scroll,¡± he countered Nightingale¡¯s protest, ¡°and at a point, you¡¯ll reach the end of your bundle of potions, no? That is if you haven¡¯t reached your body¡¯s alchemic limits.¡±


    The Hunter¡¯s silence spoke for the majority of the team. With the gross oversight hanging over their heads, they made a sorry sight¡ªLenson excluded, of course, who looked like she¡¯d be more interested in watching clouds go by.


    The Magus sighed in response. "You will get to a point where the bottom of your Aetherial Vessel isn¡¯t so glaringly obvious, to a point where your time in rifts does feel like a job you excel at. You have to realize, though, that it takes time and effort. So I ask of you all, kindly, for those two things: time and effort. Deal?¡±


    ¡°Deal,¡± came the response from most of the team, some grumbled, two crisp and articulated, and one nodded.


    It was far from unified, yet Kane took it for what it was. ¡°Shall we continue, then?¡±

 Chapter 42 - Tactics Territory

    ¡°Now that you¡¯re technically adventurers,¡± Kane¡¯s deep voice rumbled throughout the broad elevator chamber where Val and her new squad stood. Calling it cramped was a severe understatement. The seven stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the tight space, heedless of the floors blurring past the see-through panels in favour of keeping to themselves. ¡°Premises that you were once barred from are now open. That includes IBR rooms, a popular facility that is incredibly hard to sign out if one lacks prestige, authority, reputation, and just about everything you all seem not to have.¡±


    ¡°Ouch,¡± Jesal laughed, and Caro¡¯s grin widened, despite fully knowing the remark included her as well. I mean, the blow does hit harder for others in the group. The tall Striker piled out the shaft first, and the group pooled together afterwards in the carpeted space right outside the threshold.


    Magus Kane assumed the lead, and they turned to follow him down the barren hallway. ¡°However, IBR rooms are not the purpose of today¡¯s trip.¡±


    The rug beneath dampened their footfalls, intensifying the serenity of the empty hall. A crafter¡ªmost likely an artisan, judging by the nuance and depth¡ªcarved bolded letters into the painted room, drawing the Hammer Squad¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Tactics Territory,¡± Caro read as the sign passed them by.


    ¡°Correct.¡± Magus Kane opened one of the several doors in the corridor, gesturing them inside with a jerk of his head. Caro took the invitation quite literally, and the rest of the team streamed in behind her guide. Val squinted at the sunlight flooding what looked to be a conference room, dying the neutral tones throughout the area with bright yellows. Pushing through the discomfort, she laid sight of the tactics territory¡¯s view¡ªand with it residing on HQ¡¯s highest floors¡ªit effortlessly stole her breath away.


    Rows and rows of congested streets tangled together in a disorderly manner that, once gazing upon it for a minute, carried a sense of sequence. The afternoon¡¯s humidity blurred the distance beyond, leaving the faint shadow of the Inner Wall scarcely visible. Only once she had her fill of Atera¡¯s impressive skyline did she pull her attention inwards. A long, metallic table stretched out in the rectangular space, home to a dozen of office chairs. She spotted a few vases carrying conventional plants, if only to balance the sterileness that stubbornly hugged the air.


    ¡°From now until the end of summer break,¡± Magus Kane began, remaining standing as his students grabbed a seat of their own, ¡°all things strategies, we¡¯ll talk about here in our shared study.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean¡­¡± Val¡¯s head swept the area. ¡°This room¡¯s ours?¡±


    ¡°Yes and no.¡± Kane double-tapped the metal desk, eliciting gasps from the group¡ªCaro, Otis, and Val specifically. The grey surface warmed to a blue colour, emitting particles that resembled starbugs lost on their way home. Eventually, though, they found themselves, and the bits of light congregated together, thickening¡ªsolidifying, more like¡ªthemselves into legible text.


    IBR connection establishing¡­


    It hovered in the air much like the scripts of the Rookie Competition¡¯s final exam, so faint it felt like it could fizzle out any second, and yet able to demand their undivided attention. The white script brightened, causing Val to flinch in confusion. That¡¯s not right. Her gaze flitted about, and she discovered Magus Kane by the floor-to-ceiling windows, swiping down two fingers along its clear pane. The room¡¯s lighting followed its motion, dimming to his will and his timing.


    His tablet appeared in his hand while he turned to face his squad, and he wrestled off a smile at their impressed expressions. The glow of the IBR-connected table caught on hair rings in his dreadlocks which, Val noticed, grew to reach past his ears.


    ¡°Every team, either assigned and sponsored, or even temporary and impermanent, is allowed a place in these halls. By the time orientation ends, it is under your captain¡¯s control. Now.¡± He lifted his device. ¡°Allow me some time to prepare the next item on our itinerary.¡±


    And with that, the Magus completed his introductory speech, leaving the six teenagers to stare at each other in the high-tech room. Caro coughed into her hand, unable to bear the silence. ¡°So, the competition this year isn¡¯t looking weak.¡±


    ¡°That was always obvious.¡± Opposite the table, Nightingale¡¯s bored blue eyes roamed the study, as if in hopes of finding some form of entertainment on the walls. ¡°The Twenty¡¯s never had this many young mages in one cohort in generations.¡±


    ¡°Well, the wars are gone now,¡± Jesal offered.


    ¡°War seems to be a constant in every country,¡± Otis said, on the cusp of a sigh.


    Nightingale turned to the boy to his left, utterly eclipsed in height. ¡°You¡¯re not from here?¡±


    ¡°Does that mean I look the part?¡± Otis tugged at his straw hat with a small smile. Earlier on, Magus Kane permitted them their civvies at the end of the two-hour drill once content with their level of weaponry. After a heaven-sent shower, they were off and away to what Val now understood as their personal study. She would¡¯ve taken it as a sign to ease off the gas, to prepare for a laidback affair. Unfortunately, her time around the metal mage had never been short of training, and she suspected their visit in the tactics territory would be no different.


    ¡°Looks can lie,¡± Caro quipped, and she chewed on her lips, like she was hesitant on speaking any further. Don¡¯t say it, Val pleaded, registering the four Novices'' curious looks as she closed and opened the ends of her sunglasses. Clicking them back onto the neckline of her shirt, her resolve firmed enough to spit out the words she tried to retain. ¡°So can status.¡±


    Nightingale¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°Clarify, if you will.¡±


    ¡°Oh I¡¯ll clarify,¡± Caro said. ¡° You all talk like the Twenty is where it''s at.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s simply because it is,¡± Nightingale fired back. ¡°You¡¯ll see soon, once we start using spells.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to disappoint, but you¡¯re looking at a duelist, bud,¡± Caro smirked. ¡°If I ever start shaking in my boots because of you¡ªwhich I won¡¯t, by the way¡ªthe last thing causing it will be your spellcasting. Second last is your height.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard a more absurd claim all year,¡± Nightingale got out through gritted teeth.


    ¡°It seems that maybe,¡± Kane cut in, ¡°our first strategic topic will be a team bonding experience.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Nightingale grumbled.


    ¡°If I am to send this team into a rift in a fortnight, yes it is. The last reason Hammer Squad should fall is because of strife.¡± The finality in Magus Kane¡¯s silenced the pair¡¯s bickering.


    For two seconds, that was.


    ¡°Anything but ice-breakers,¡± Caro added. ¡°Please, I¡¯d rather not learn what fun-sized over here does in his day-to-day life.¡±


    ¡°What did you just call¡ª¡±


    ¡°No one should stress,¡± Magus Kane interjected. ¡°I¡¯m not that evil.¡±


    A faint smile flickered on Val¡¯s face, washed away as the table grew a mind of its own. A holographic advertisement streamed above, showcasing different shops, of few of which Val recognized from Adventurer¡¯s Market downstairs.


    ¡°It¡¯s customary,¡± Magus explained the sudden transition to commercial with an exhale, resigned. ¡°In the meantime, gather on one side, Novices. Push away the chairs, too. You¡¯ll need the space to stand.¡± Hammer Squad huddled along the edge of the metal desk¡ªthe object long enough to leave ample space for all six¡ªwith their backs to the windows. Magus Kane sunk into the chair at the head of the table, sliding across a digital pen. Its white colour struck a sharp contrast to the metal, allowing Nightingale to snatch it in a blink. The ad then disintegrated into particles of light, distracting anyone from questioning the Hunter.


    ¡°Three minutes, Novices.¡± Magus Kane tapped his wrist. ¡°Get to it.¡±


    Pixels congregated to form hollow letters under the time limit, and those letters weaved themselves into a question. A blinking underscore levitated beneath, begging for an answer each instance it winked in and out.


    All aether creatures are fitted within the four main categories, namely: beast, elemental, chimera, or spectral. How come spirits aren¡¯t found under any of the four and why are they different?


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    (1) word left


    _____


    ¡°One word left?¡± Caro cursed under her breath, shooting cursory glances in the Magus¡¯ direction. ¡°Be actually for real.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a puzzle,¡± Jesal scratched his forehead. ¡°One we should probably solve before our clock runs out.¡±


    Val gnawed on the inner linings of her cheek. ¡°I can¡¯t help on this one. My knowledge on familiars is very, very limited.¡±


    ¡°That is no trouble.¡± Nightingale twirled the writing utensil in between his fingers and leaned in, about to press it onto the underscore¡ª


    Caro grabbed his wrist, and Val winced as her iron grip squeezed the guy¡¯s forearm. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell us what you¡¯re writing first? Team synergy and all that jazz?¡±


    Again, energy funneled into his arm¡¯s aether channels, permitting him to yank his hand away without difficulty. ¡°The answer¡¯s clearly compatibility. The main difference between aether creatures and spirits is their abilities to become familiars.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because of their form,¡± Jesal emphasized. ¡°Aether creatures are connected, but spirits are a different form of the gates itself.¡±


    ¡°People say the same about elementals and spectrals,¡± he countered. ¡°Not spirits.¡±


    Otis stepped in between. ¡°Lads, this is a topic studied in university. Neither of you is going to figure out the complexity behind spirits in the next three minutes.


    Nightingale bristled. ¡°So what do you propose, then?¡±


    ¡°Allow me,¡± Otis stuck his hand out. ¡°I know a lot about this stuff, more than you think.¡±


    ¡°What makes you any more¡ª!¡±


    Lenson plucked the pen out of the Hunter¡¯s grasp mid-sentence and placed it gently in Otis'' open palm. The striking height difference demanded the Bulwark dip his head to the person no taller than his chest, eyes wide as the little Support gave him a sharp nod and crossed her arms. This decision¡¯s final, her body language relayed, further supported as Jesal spoke.


    ¡°Alright, Kylee. We got the message crystal clear,¡± he huffed a handful of amused air. ¡°Before anyone argues, I need a firm reason why we should dismiss a diviner¡¯s choice in the matter.¡±


    In the ringing silence hovering over the group, Jesal gave the Bulwark the all-clear. ¡°Otis, you¡¯re up. Quickly. We¡¯re down two minutes already.¡±


    Otis hurried on over, drawing out the word in a scribbled mess. ¡°You two were on the right track. In the end, though¡ª¡± he gave them space to see his answer ¡°¡ªunity is the deciding factor.¡±


    At once, the question turned green in approval. "Unity, huh," Val mumbled.


    A slow clap drew their attention, and they swiveled around in the dim room to find Magus Kane lightly smiling. ¡°I didn¡¯t choose the order of this questionnaire. Even this activity is telling you guys to organize yourselves, and so am I." His smile vanished. "I do not care if the height difference in this room is noticeable. I do not care if you are highborn, midborn, or an international student. You¡¯ll remember I said as much back in Janos.¡±


    Nostalgia overwhelmed Val as his words, said all but six months ago, came to mind. We must accept our differences and work to enhance what we have.


    ¡°Unity isn¡¯t found in sameness. A spirit is, after all, as far from human-like as you can get.¡± He brought his hands together, fingers interlocked. ¡°It¡¯s a mesh that, even while being different, fits like a charm. It¡¯ll happen to this team in time, I trust. However, until it does,¡± his eyes blazed, emitting a force that pressed down on Val¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Act like the mages you are.¡±


    ¡°Understood, sir!¡± came the raspy response of the team, and he relaxed his aura in response.


    ¡°Good,¡± he pointed to the center of the table. ¡°Your next question is up.¡±


    As Val guessed, their time in the study was one spent on rift-related scenarios, magic-based trivia, and just the tiniest bits of ice-breakers, drilled into them like their livelihoods depended on it.


    <hr>


    Val idly tapped her feet to the background music of the Kidraan restaurant, the funky percussion able to pierce the girl''s intense concentration on her phone. Hammer Squad''s lively Striker¡ªCaro, of course¡ªcordial Bulwark, Otis, and friendly Anchor, Jesal, managed to convince the remainder of the group to a late lunch out. Traditional Kidraan cuisine routinely held a high preparation time, and the wait for this particular afternoon rounded up to over an hour. So, she busied herself with reports of cured Aetherial Vessel Abnormalities.


    She knew, for the most part, these articles bordered on fiction rather than fact. However, living a life as roundabout as hers, she struggled not to look everywhere she could, even if ¡°everywhere¡± was a place deemed nonexistent.


    Jesal hummed, sipping at the chilled glass in his hand. ¡°I was thinking about getting some catering for our next training session. Does pizza work? I know a place, and their pineapple pizza is simply amazing.¡±


    Val half-scoffed, half-sighed, and jabbed a finger at the magma mage on her right. ¡°She couldn¡¯t stand a smoked scorp¡¯s leg from Darkshaft, and you expect her to eat pineapple pizza?¡±


    ¡°Girl,¡± Caro hissed and whipped around. ¡°Pineapple on cheese and sauce does not compare to freaking scorpion straight out of that dank place!¡±


    ¡°Darkshaft,¡± Nightingale repeated, uncrossing his arms and sitting up straight. ¡°You don¡¯t mean the Dark Mineshaft, do you? Our first dive location?¡±


    Caro blinked. ¡°Is this the part where I say yes, or can you put two and two together?¡±


    Val nudged the girl¡¯s shoulder in warning as she watched the Hunter¡¯s already scowling face darken further. ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯ll be there in two weeks from now.¡±


    ¡°Only those who¡¯ve been inside call it Darkshaft, though.¡± Smiling, Jesal set aside his finished drink. ¡°I knew Magus Kane wouldn¡¯t send us there for ourselves without some kind of catch.¡±


    ¡°A terrible catch, in my opinion,¡± Nightingale said, flopping back into his seat. ¡°Their experience is not as beneficial as carrying our storage rings would¡¯ve been. I cannot fathom what evil spirit possessed him to deny us such basic needs.¡±


    Leaning over, Caro stage-whispered Val¡¯s ear. ¡°Did he just call storage rings basic?¡±


    Obviously hearing the badly-hidden questtion, Nightingale stiffened where he sat¡ªJesal as well, to an extent¡ªsuddenly looking away. Val could make out Otis choking down a chuckle with his iced soda, and she too worked to wipe off the smile creeping onto her face.


    ¡°They are basic enough in Atera.¡±


    It would so happen that none of Hammer Squad would be free of discomfort, as it was the Strikers¡¯ turn to go rigid. The familiar voice sent the cogs in Val¡¯s brain spinning as it fought hard to remember the way the newcomer¡¯s words were often just short of a growl and never far from a threat. It couldn¡¯t be, Val thought, realizing that her mind wasn¡¯t fighting off the haze of a fuzzy memory.


    It was fighting off disbelief.


    ¡°If it isn¡¯t Isik!¡± Nightingale leapt out of his chair, a bright grin on his face, to greet the broad-shouldered Kidraan hovering near their table. The all-too-happy Hunter guided him down the aisle of the restaurant, one hand patting his back, the other in front to emphasize whatever it was the Hunter wanted to convey. Isik, on the other hand, glanced behind the shoulder, and Val could see the solid ire in his blue-eyed gaze right as they turned the corner.


    One thing was certain¡ªhe remembered them, and he remembered them well.


    ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± Caro asked, downing the bottled water nearby.


    ¡°Atera is the Tamaan¡¯s family home base,¡± Jesal answered.


    She nearly spat out her drink. ¡°He¡¯s part of the Twenty? That guy?¡±


    Jesal simply nodded.


    Caro clicked her tongue. ¡°Tamaan, Nightingale, Rhodes¡ª¡± Val could¡¯ve sworn she saw Lenson¡¯s head snap toward the magma mage at the third name ¡°¡ªI feel like all the Kidraan families are gonna end up hating me.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t look bothered in the slightest,¡± he pointed out.


    Caro¡¯s forlorn expression settled in a frightening grin, one that spoke of verdant hunger to fight, and one that seemed, if only by the smallest margins, shaky. ¡°More people to fight.¡±


    Val¡¯s gaze bounced back and forth between Support and Striker, the former due to curiosity and the latter a growing cause for concern. Before she could get a grip on her still-spinning gears, though, Nightingale returned in a manner far-off from his Path. It was loud, unhurried, and obviously an attempt to gain the table¡¯s attention.


    Retaking his spot beside Jesal, he glowered at their end of the compartment. What was new, at this point? Something must¡¯ve set off Caro¡¯s defensive measures, though, since she took it upon herself to address and smoothen out the unspoken wrinkles amongst the team.


    ¡°Whatever he told you, Ekon, it¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nightingale,¡± he interrupted.


    ¡°Gale,¡± she amended without missing a beat, waving a hand at his silent protests. ¡°I think I have an idea of what Isik said and they¡¯re probably all wrong. Anything he could¡¯ve told you definitely has another side to it, so don¡¯t go basing your thoughts on us using him.¡±


    He twirled a cup around, watching the clear liquid spin. ¡°Why should I trust you instead?¡±


    ¡°Maybe because I¡¯m not the massive di¡ª¡± Val kicked Caro¡¯s leg under the table ¡°¡ªdude, pardon me, that had thirty-something participants forced to be at his beck and call. You said it yourself. We¡¯re midborn. We were there, in his trial. You weren¡¯t.¡±


    Nightingale tightened his hold on his glass, waiting for the drink inside to settle. ¡°I think I¡¯ll take Haldar¡¯s advice. I¡¯ll observe, and we¡¯ll see just who is right in the Dark Mineshaft.¡±


    Dark Mineshaft. The trip back to the rot-filled labyrinth came with both dread and anticipation in equal parts. Ever since the secret evaluation Rick and company pulled over her head, Val felt landlocked, unable to dive into a rift no matter how many times she passed the request board.


    Yet then again, the Dark Mineshaft was no happy place and she couldn¡¯t shake off the downright icky feeling that came with its memory. If she¡¯d barely survived the Lifemonger and the Speartailed Scorpion with the help of experienced companions and unknown forces, what might happen to six, fledgling Novices?

 Chapter 43 - Day One

    This is going to be a disaster.


    Val couldn''t do anything but hope her thoughts wouldn¡¯t come back to bite her as a premonition, even as she fiddled with the sturdy coldsteel chain affixed onto her non-dominant arm, the latest addition¡ªamong others¡ªto her armour.


    According to the tollgate fifteen minutes out, the separator veil existed further down the tunnel, a brisk trek away. The shared knowledge of it led to Caro asking an ordinary question, one Val thought certainly necessary in hindsight of a prior dive in Darkshaft.


    ¡°Oats, what¡¯s the plan once we spot the red ribbon?¡± The pair let them in on the object¡¯s significance days before this morning, leaving no one in the dark or out of the loop. ¡°If the CAU guy¡¯s scoop is right, we¡¯re going to be facing something right out of the gate.¡±


    Val wished she could¡¯ve blamed the flickering lights¡ªstill half-broken, three months later¡ªfor the way his eyelids fluttered open and shut rapidly, or could¡¯ve attributed his ashen skin tone to the stenchful rot gripping onto the wooden tracks below.


    Then, he opened his mouth, and his one unsteady word had all of them sucking in their breath in a sharp hiss.


    ¡°Plan?¡±


    ¡°For the love of¡­¡± Nightingale muttered up ahead, his gloved hand going up to comb a head of curly black hair. As most Hunters did, he decided on a cloth-based attire, wearing a dark grey, fibrous material accented by ebony metal pieces on his vitals. His clan¡¯s symbol¡ªa silhouette of their namesake¡ªflew gracefully in place on his arms, back, and the sheaths of his two daggers.


    ¡°I-It¡¯s fine,¡± Otis said. ¡°We¡¯ll observe the task and handle it as need be.¡±


    ¡°Otis¡­¡± Jesal left his spot beside Lenson and passed the pair of Strikers, his evergreen poncho billowing at the motion. The piece of clothing obscured all except his black shin guards, his gleaming piercings, and the two rods fastened tight on his back. The wooden staff and metal shaft¡ªthe former used for spells and the latter, a mobile area silencer¡ªceased their shifting as he planted a patient palm on the towing Novice.


    A Novice that seemed more like a teenager than anything else inside that moment. ¡°That¡¯s not a plan. We confront anything as you¡¯ve described regardless of the time and place. Darkshaft has tens of entrances and the one we chose, we chose because of what we¡¯ll encounter. You gotta give us something, Cap.¡±


    Magus Kane, the hardcore teacher that he was, ordered a complete run, and they could be described as¡­ Well, Caro called them crazy, but Val would settle for painfully efficient. Age of Atera sent them on the behalf of every major faculty in the guild, instructing them to bring home certain parts of aether creatures, metals, materials, and energy cores for all parties involved. Val¡¯s eyes glazed over at the sheer number of tasks on the lengthy list two weeks ago, wondering just how they were to succeed.


    Thankfully, the answer ended up being incredibly simple: start at one hundred percent. Now that¡¯s the problem. From behind, Val could spot how tight of a hold Otis had on his shield, knuckles white. Sweat beaded on his nose, and for the weirdest reason, she didn¡¯t accredit it to anything other than the panic of being in charge¡ªof making the wrong choice. As an impromptu caregiver of her siblings, she could smell that particular worry miles away.


    ¡°Otis,¡± Nightingale¡¯s tone for the Bulwark was¡ªsurprisingly¡ªgentle, forgoing his habit of utilizing people¡¯s family names. ¡°Do you want to lead?¡±


    His shoulders raised half an inch, only to drop a second later. ¡°I¡¯m a liege to the crown princess, Lady Nitza.¡± That had Val¡¯s eyebrows shooting upwards. ¡°I carry out tasks. I follow orders. I don¡¯t lead.¡±


    He swiveled on his heels, snapping his shield back in the space between his back and pack before taking in the five in front of him. Frustration swam in his golden eyes, reminding Val of the tiny frown that sprouted on his lips when Magus Kane gave him the helm a fortnight ago. He couldn¡¯t really say no, could he?


    ¡°I¡¯ll lead in your stead, then,¡± Nightingale candidly said, more than offered. Otis gave a disgruntled nod along the lines of ¡®fine by me.¡¯ The Kidraan¡¯s sea-blue eyes travelled from member to member, meeting the impartial green of Jesal, the unbothered brown of Lenson, and the neutral viridian of Val.


    No one appeared surprised when his gaze hitched on Caro¡¯s displeased face, nose wrinkled. ¡°Saints. Fine, we¡¯ll go with you, then,¡± she grounded out. ¡°Remember. Otis is captain, you''re filling in.¡±


    For a response, Nightingale restarted their march forward, and shortly after, a crimson ribbon¡ªtied onto a dangling part of the overhead lights¡ªwarned the six that very soon, they¡¯d be in the hands of the Dark Mineshaft. Caro inhaled, shaking off the lingering sentiments on her exhale.


    ¡°Wait a sec, everyone.¡± Jesal¡¯s statement brought Val up short three meters away from the wall of solid aether. ¡°Kylee says¡­ what? What¡¯s that supposed to¡ªow! I¡¯m trying, but I can¡¯t read your hand gestures!¡±


    The Support pinched Jesal¡¯s arm through his robes, a small frown the sole sign of irritation on her face. Reaching a communication barrier between her mediator, she decided to dig deep through her adventuring cloak for saints-knew-what. At the very least, the moment gave Val another opportunity to appreciate the Support¡¯s armour.


    It was a beautiful configuration of crisp white on midnight blue, a modern wonder of steel braces and reinforced fibres that protected her in a near-skin-tight combat suit. A great bow as large as her frame hung snugly on her thin cloak, a translucent, taut string tied from one wooden end to the other that Val grew to fear over the past weeks in scrimmages. Her arrows never miss.


    She finally whisked a piece of paper out, writing on it with a fountain pen. The action pulled the frontline¡ªHunter, Bulwark, and two Strikers in tow¡ªtowards her, as they squinted at the note.


    20 chimeras ahead. Lizards. Tier One. Ranged from one-starred to two-starred.


    ¡°We should take another entrance,¡± Caro said. ¡°Darkshaft has like a billion of them, we don¡¯t need to use this one.¡±


    ¡°And waste two hours and a chance to obtain twenty energy cores?¡± Nightingale snapped.


    Caro slapped her forehead in utter disbelief. ¡°Better than blindly walking into a suicide!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s achievable if she knows where they¡¯re positioned,¡± Nightingale hooked a thumb in Lenson¡¯s direction, and how he addressed the Support failed to sit right with Val.


    ¡°She is right here,¡± Val spoke up, taking note of the way the support¡¯s eyes flickered her way in surprise. Could she not predict that? Val wondered with an itching curiosity about how divination worked. Did she utilize her powers willingly, or did the impartial element differ from the normal order of magic? ¡°You know where they are?¡± she decided to ask the Support instead.


    Nodding her answer, Val thought she imagined the appreciative smile that flashed on her face and disappeared just as quickly.


    ¡°Okay, this is doable then,¡± Val agreed, turning to the only other person on the team with a similar build to hers. ¡°Tell us what to do.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Stop bickering you two,¡± Jesal said with the first hint of vexation Val ever heard in his voice. Frankly, huddled tight with Caro and Nightingale on either side of her, she found herself thinking the exact thing.


    Knowing her best friend all too well, she doubted she needed to look Caro¡¯s way to see her flipping off Nightingale instead. After all, the Hunter handed them each an invisibility tonic to drink, and the priceless item from the alchemy-heavy family worked seamlessly, their shuffling feet the only sign Val had to tell she wasn¡¯t staring at twenty chimeras by her lonesome.


    Jesal set his silencer rod into the cavern floor the second they crossed over into the labyrinth, nullifying a sense chimeras relied on the most: sound. Even still, talking amid the roaming chimeras bordered on negligence and it was only a matter of time before someone pointed it out.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°The potion will disappear as soon as you use your energy,¡± Nightingale reminded them in a whisper, a duet of soft rings indicating he unsheathed his dual shortswords. ¡°Do we remember our jobs?¡±


    He earned nods and a sarcastic ¡°no¡± from one but ignored it with a twitch of his cheeks. ¡°Okay. Azot¡ªOtis,¡± he corrected himself, ¡°you¡¯re up. Jesal, be quick about it after, else Lenson¡¯s spell may miss, and that would ruin the entire idea.¡±


    ¡°She won¡¯t miss,¡± Caro said. ¡°And before you say it, yes. Me and Val will play our parts.¡±


    Otis stepped forward at the tail end of her words, his armour registered painfully bright white by Aster¡¯s HUD. Visibility, Otis clearly demonstrated for the Novices, meant only one thing.


    A spell.


    ¡°Barricade.¡±


    <blockquote>


    |Alessio Azotus - Novice


    <ul>


    <li>Observed Elements: [Mineral¡ªSubset: Gemstone {White Jade}], [Light]</li>


    </ul>


    </blockquote>


    Aster typed the Bulwark¡¯s title and distinctions in a typewriter-esque font right as a thick wall of off-white gemstone popped into existence. The packed dirt walls¡ªunsettled by the tapered end of jade wedged deep into it¡ªdusted the moist floor with soil, resulting in over a dozen skeletal lizards whipping to the phenomenon in an extremely similar fashion.


    If Val were to overlook the purple-red of their rotting scales, along with the sneak-peaks it gave of their bones inside, they¡¯d appear as normal, lion-sized, lizards. However, as one of their eyeballs slid out of its socket to smack the ground with a loud plop, Val rectified her belief in preparation for their crazed charge.


    ¡°Saints,¡± Caro swore seconds before Jesal followed up with a spell of his own.


    ¡°Enhanced Field!¡±


    There was an audible creak as their sense of weight dialed up to a multiplier only known to the gravity mage himself. It must¡¯ve not been satisfactory, though, since he redoubled it with an element Val considered as foreign as divination.


    ¡°Amplify!¡±


    At once, the weaker, one-starred chimeras slowed against gravity and amplification magic working in tandem, their bone-formed feet leaving imprints on the soil beneath them. Fortunately, that was all the time Lenson needed to prepare.


    ¡°Sword Graveyard.¡±


    Val exhaled unbidden at those two words, odd as they sounded in the girl¡¯s whispery voice, and blinked at the fog escaping her nose. An overwhelming, bone-chilling cold overcame the little pocket of space. Fifteen longswords¡ªwielding blades the length of Val¡¯s upper half¡ªhovered over their soon-to-be victims, formed of clear and concrete ice. They twirled in position, energetic, frantic, and in desperate need to impale something.


    Thankfully for all, they were granted their wish the next moment.


    The ice lanced forward, diving so fast they left a line of frozen mist in their wake. Otis recalled his gemstone barrier, and Val didn¡¯t hesitate to hurtle out the safeguard, Caro in step right behind. Like clockwork, the pair split four seconds in their rush, each narrowing in on three targets located on separate sides. Val ignored the twelve chimeras that lay prone on the ground, indisposed by ice that rained down from the air.


    Instead, she unsheathed her custom-made saber, courtesy of her metalsmith friend, Lowell. Gotta remember to treat him out for sure, she thought, detaching one of the oblong pieces of coldsteel hanging off her tool belt. She figured since she loved everything about Shard Bomb except its discipline, she¡¯d asked for it made and ready, energy-free, saving only the best part for her.


    Detonation. ¡°Shard Bomb!¡±


    In an explosion of shrapnel, she crippled two one-starred skeletons by sticking a shard of metal between the joints of their limbs. The remaining chimera took one in its rotting eyes, squealing. The rest spiked the ground, and any that shot her direction ceased their motion in the presence of her next spell.


    ¡°Metal Puppeteer!¡± Yes, she had the foresight to prep her metal grenades with her soul signature not just to defend her, but for precisely what came next.


    To me, she willed the nearby multitude of fragments and¡ªsave for the ones embedded in an aether creature or stuck inside the packed dirt¡ªthey flew towards her like a magic trick, swirling in a lazy circle about her torso. She ignored the pounding throb stretching her wits thin at the use of the spell¡ªshe found it familiar to drumming, where four limbs each operated on a different metronome¡ªand sidestepped one lizard¡¯s claw and hopped over another¡¯s tail sweep.


    She answered the first with a thrust of her blade, and the other by sending her army of shrapnel at its face. While she thankfully pierced the chimera¡¯s heart with the help of Vague View, the recycled Shard Bomb enacted superficial damage only. The good news was, it distracted it long enough for her to force down an aether potion, allowing her to dispatch the metal chain wrapped around her left arm at the two-starred lizard making its way over.


    Flooding energy into her legs, she pivoted to meet the recovering creature, its tapered face now a pincushion of metal shards. Using the sustained aether left in her bloodstream, she treated the lizard with a roundhouse kick¡ªher combat-issue boot cracking against its slimy face¡ªand a subsequent upward sweep of her blade that bisected its reeling form.


    ¡°Metal Spike!¡±


    Val didn¡¯t even have to look.


    Thanks to the ten-foot-long chain binding the two-starred skeleton¡¯s legs together in a crushing grip, she clocked the third and final target¡¯s location using her soul signature. Still, she swiveled to the struggling creature and finished it off by decapitating it in one go.


    Val sighed, forcing out the adrenaline pumping high in her blood, and tapped the ink-formed ring in thanks. If not for the gradients of colours signalling the incoming attacks, she¡¯d never pull off fighting three creatures, even with her new-and-improved spell cache and ASC of 48.


    ¡°Remind me to never,¡± Jesal began, shaking his head at the sheer carnage across the field¡ªburnt soil and sand on Caro¡¯s end, skewered corpses rammed to the ground by ice, and the severely maimed creatures in Val¡¯s proximity, ¡°ever cross any of you ladies.¡±


    Otis chuckled in agreement, bending low to claim pieces and parts to store in the packs left behind the separator veil. Nightingale, the forever-scowling Hunter himself, begrudgingly said, ¡°I guess we all deserve the Thales crest in our separate ways.¡±


    When they turned, as one, to focus on his lean frame in different measures of shock, he took it as a sign to continue. ¡°Though it''s all thanks to my plan¡ª¡±


    Four tired groans¡ªand a single hearty laugh from the Bulwark¡ªrang out in that tiny corner of the eerie, and yet survivable, Dark Mineshaft.


    <hr>


    Val felt no shame in the exhale of relief that left her.


    Nightingale eventually caved to Caro¡¯s request to head to rest for the day and join the march into Basecamp. Lieberman¡¯s slicked-back hair returned a handful of fear, and judged by the snooty tone he dealt Hammer Squad, he had definitely not forgotten Silann¡¯s members. Val half-thought he¡¯d let leave them out to dry in front of the hundreds entering and leaving his earthen walls, until his voice thundered across the cavernous expanse.


    ¡°Gap the gates!


    The trek through the walls never failed to give her an ominous feeling, even during her first visit. Only until the gap closed shut at her back¡ªand Lieberman took it upon himself to screen the next squad¡ªdid she feel safe enough to have that sigh.


    Day one of the week-long mission flew by her in a blur of perilous close calls and bountiful harvests. Finally, ten hours later, they remained safe inside the defensive barriers of the settlement. At least, that was what she believed.


    ¡°Hayes, Efron,¡± Nightingale said for a greeting as the two arrived at his room, as asked beforehand. Val could spot the other three behind him in the slit of space he left, heads turning in their direction in interest. She¡¯d wanted to head over to oldman Uche¡¯s shop¡ªthe owner that carried various items¡ªto specifically take the Darkshaft-related encyclopedia off his hands.


    Ever since the HUD came online, Val¡¯s been utilizing CAU¡¯s guidebooks and informative entries more than ever. Stuck with the Wielder-bound encyclopedia, Aster could show only what she saw or learned while owning it.


    Caro¡¯s molars ground together as the pause lingered a second too long. ¡°Can we come in?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± came his answer. ¡°You two are on watch duty.¡±


    ¡°Watch duty?¡± Caro repeated, like she couldn¡¯t believe her ears. ¡°Here in the bright-ass, heavily guarded city? Did you smoke a pack of Glint or¡­¡± Her words trailed off as she took in his sea-blue eyes, devoid of influence or trickery or amusement. ¡°What are we even gonna do on our shift?¡±


    ¡°Watch the streets, collect info, learn the threats,¡± he listed. ¡°No place in a rift is entirely safe. Even here.¡±


    True, Val conceded, putting a calming palm on Caro¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll do it. Just have someone relieve us in time so we can get some sleep.¡±


    He nodded sharply, slamming the door without a hint of gratitude.


    ¡°I might just do it, Val,¡± she declared, stepping back from the doorframe. ¡°I know where he sleeps. Who would notice him missing?¡±


    ¡°Caro,¡± Val huffed, linking arms and striding down the hall. ¡°It¡¯s not the hardest thing to do.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s the stupid thing to do. What the hell are we gonna watch outside the hotel?¡± she asked no one in particular, breezing down the stone staircase of Habour. ¡°People walking in and out?¡±


    ¡°Again,¡± Val kicked a pebble across the courtyard. ¡°Not too hard.¡±


    Her response was met with an illustration of how colourful Caro¡¯s language could be. ¡°Well,¡± she said on an exhale, dismissing her vexed feelings and shifting her rather piercing gaze to Val. A stone¡ªhard and cold¡ªrolled into Val¡¯s stomach long before the magma mage ever got her words out. ¡°I think it¡¯s high time we talked about your mom anyway.¡±

 Chapter 44 - Lay Low

    Val had a feeling this conversation would come around before the year could end. Reminiscing on where they left off in the trials, she did leave Caro hanging in suspense. So what startled her wasn¡¯t so much the question, but rather the place and, more specifically, the time it cropped up. Didn¡¯t think she¡¯d last a week, and here we are. Six months later.


    In silence, they strolled through the lovely-looking cobblestone yard outside Harbour¡¯s, aided by the purple glow of the several oil lamps hanging on the hotel¡¯s walls. The girls made themselves comfortable on one of the smoothened boulders in the stone garden and dropped their heavy luggage at their feet.


    Leaning backwards to stretch out the tight muscles in her lower back, Val¡¯s gaze swept the brown-leafed hedges surrounding the square-shaped space. ¡°Here¡¯s no better than Thunderstone in terms of privacy.¡±


    ¡°See, I knew you¡¯d say that,¡± Caro unclipped the area-silencer Jesal previously left in her hands from its clasps along the backpack¡¯s side.


    Val¡¯s gaze gored the back of her red head. ¡°You said you wanted to check it out because¡ªin your words¡ªit was cool.¡±


    Caro tsked like a disappointed parent, thereafter stabbing the area silencer into the ground with a grunt. ¡°Never let them know your next move, ¡®Lore. I thought I taught you better than that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not funny,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I choose to ignore that lie,¡± she quipped and pressed a thumb on the tool¡¯s side. Val perked up, the sight rekindling the waning adrenaline well near its final legs. As much as Caro retrieved the tech for ulterior motives, it was, in a sense, among the coolest tech she¡¯d seen at work.


    Despite witnessing the phenomenon twice in less than twenty-four hours, Val marvelled at how its metal skin branched out, the enchantments inside crackling to life. A thrum shook the ground, the vibration perceptible through the bench beneath, and a wave washed the vicinity in grey, marking the area officially silenced.


    Just like that, audio couldn¡¯t dream of escaping the tool¡¯s domain. The price must be off the charts.


    ¡°Alrighty,¡± Caro exhaled. ¡°We¡¯ve got no aether creatures breathing down our necks and no overseers to tape this conversation. Even on the offhand chance we have an eavesdropper, the area silencer deals with that.¡±


    She brought her knee up on the stone, twisting around to face Val in full. ¡°Spill. I kinda know you¡¯ve been researching for the past few months. I¡¯ve got the vibe that you want to keep that to yourself, though, and honestly? Fine with me. Wouldn¡¯t be much help, not gonna lie. What I want to understand is why¡ªand how, really¡ªAIS degrades her healer status to the point of sworn secrecy.¡±


    Val couldn¡¯t believe she rolled her eyes. ¡°No one¡¯s sworn secrecy.¡±


    Caro¡¯s snort thought otherwise.


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡± Her fingers went up to her ear, messing with the tooth-based charm she bought all those months ago in Adventurer¡¯s Market.


    AIS. Aether Incontinence Syndrome. The words in themselves grated at her consciousness, the very same Aetherial Vessel Abnormality that sent their home into different states of worry, dread and at times even fear. ¡°We have protection. She lost it.¡±


    Caro¡¯s eyebrows knitted together. ¡°What doesn¡¯t she have protection from?¡±


    ¡°Greed. Evil. Power,¡± she sighed, catching herself rambling. ¡°I know I make no sense. Don¡¯t say it.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to. You¡¯ve said more that meant less before, y¡¯know.¡±


    Val''s lips briefly tilted upwards at that, evening out as she revisited the days spent in the hospital. They had reached this juncture countless times in the six years of knowing one another and¡ªlike every heart-to-heart before¡ªDoc¡¯s warning blared in her eardrums. Loud. Resounding. Unignorable. Yet, seated at the mouth of Blue Cave, dead-tired in the final stretch of the trials, she understood the fact that she couldn¡¯t do it alone even if she wanted to¡­


    With a sharp inhale, she threw the cautionary advice to the back of her mind and pressed onwards.


    ¡°I can¡¯t explain it too well, because I don¡¯t have it down to the specifics,¡± Val clarified, and her friend nodded in understanding. ¡°Okay, so. We know that our channel and vessel inherently store energy. Even if we use arts that, say, help us put it in our bloodstream or muscles, it doesn¡¯t stay there for long thanks to our metaphysical makeup.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Caro agreed, rubbing a hand across her brow furrowed. ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Val echoed. ¡°This feature protects our refined aether. If my arm ends up being cut off, I would retain all unused energy. In fact, even if I was using energy enhancement, my dead arm wouldn¡¯t sustain anything as soon as it was disconnected.¡±


    ¡°I remember reading about that somewhere. Aether in our bloodstream can only be there so long as it''s in harmony with the energy channels. It¡¯s still not adding up for me though,¡± she admitted.


    ¡°AIS removes that. Completely,¡± Val said, looking over the yard, and yet not seeing purple lights, the brown leaves, or the cobblestone. ¡°At her worst moments, her arm is no different than her AV. Attached or detached.¡±


    ¡°It has energy?¡± Caro asked, earning an affirmative grimace. ¡°Like, the energy you¡¯d find in a remnant?


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Val said, not at all surprised at the hiss that escaped Caro¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Could I¡­ would people¡­¡± she struggled to find words, the implication enough to render her speechless.


    ¡°You can say it. She¡¯s a living, breathing aether battery that can be recharged, cut up, diced, and used whenever they¡ª¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, okay,¡± Caro shut her up, a tiny bit green in the face. ¡°Heavens. I get it. I really do. I simply¡­ don¡¯t think people would take it that far? Would they actually?¡±


    Val raised her eyebrow for an answer, and Caro¡¯s jaw snapped up in a quiet click. Ciazel was fond of shielding mages from the cutthroat world thriving in the shadows of the brightest cities. The elemental world, in the end, was a race to the top, a climb toward cultivation-based enlightenment. As a result, the vast majority craved easy methods, never mind the ethics and morality behind it.


    Ding, ding!


    The girls jumped a mile high at the notification chiming from the area silencer. They turned their sights to find the disturbance, blinking at the six-foot-tall Anchor waving at them from outside the sequestered space.


    The pair traded sidelong glances, and a mutual understanding hung heavy over them as they silently agreed to end their conversation there and then. Caro let him in three heartbeats later and, noticing the delay in their response, he scratched at his cheek, attention flitting between either Striker. ¡°Hope this wasn¡¯t a bad time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always a good time to trash talk Gale.¡± Caro switched topics so effortlessly, it left Val at a loss on what to do with the sense of helplessness eating away at her gut. ¡°Someone has got to call him out on his bullshit soon, or I¡¯ll do it myself and it won¡¯t be pretty.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think I¡¯m out here?¡± he chuckled, pivoting one of their luggage¡ªthe monstrous thing, large enough to cover the entirety of their backs¡ªtowards him and reinventing it as a seat. ¡°I thought it¡¯d be better to split the team evenly, so we all share watch duty.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll all be tired,¡± Val pointed out.


    ¡°After just this?¡± Jesal shook his head in mild disbelief. ¡°You should see my LIE marathons.¡±


    Caro gasped, her almond eyes wide in giddy surprise. ¡°You play?¡±


    He bobbed his head. ¡°Support.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Val nodded along, Lenson¡¯s devastating power automatically coming to mind. ¡°You do most of the damage, then.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s DPS,¡± he corrected and a smile crept onto his face that, weirdly enough, both gamers shared.


    Val cocked her head. ¡°Diving points?¡±


    He squeezed his eyes shut and glanced away, reminding her a lot of someone trying their best to hold in a laugh. ¡°What?¡±


    Caro, of course, went right ahead and guffawed. ¡°Never change, Valory Efron.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she insisted and their amusement renewed with a vigour that made her eye twitch. ¡°Someone please explain.¡±


    Val endured two exceptionally long minutes of their snickers until Jesal, the nicer of the pair, graciously clarified the true meaning of the acronym. Understanding the context behind the phrase damage per second, unfortunately, mattered incredibly little as the two veered into a back-and-forth dense with indecipherable terms that seemed like an entirely new language.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Even still, she was content to simply listen to the fiery discussion, each variation of ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡± chipping away at the dispirited feelings within.


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    City of Atera,


    The Dark Mineshaft (Copper-Rung Labyrinth)


    -Fourteen hours later-


    It was safe to say that Nightingale completely jinxed Hammer Squad¡¯s second day.


    Slipping through the sparse morning crowd outside Basecamp¡¯s earthen walls, they made their way to a route located opposite the entry gates. With tunnels comparable to Atera¡¯s roads in numbers and yet no street signs to tell apart one from the other, the Noivces could not thank their artifacts enough.


    They uploaded a shared copy of the labyrinth¡¯s layout, marking the journeys they aimed to take in the coming days. Putting hours of their time into the activity, they planned out each step over the IBR-connected table in their shared study. It showed as much in the colourful minimap obscuring the top-right corner of her vision.


    On account of day one kicking off to¡ªadmittedly¡ªnear-perfection, Hammer Squad had a headstart in terms of energy cores. That meant today should¡¯ve begun with ore hunting and should¡¯ve gone by without so much as a single blade drawn from their sheath. Life always had different plans, didn¡¯t it?


    Fifteen minutes into Path Ore¡ªas titled, according to the translucent map in her HUD¡ªLenson¡¯s high-pitched whistle paused their motion at once. She caught their attention in such a manner up to ten times just yesterday, and the action conveyed the same meaning as it did the instances prior.


    They had company, and not the good kind.


    Val frowned, registering footsteps behind them a brief moment later. Where they stopped, Path Ore ballooned into a gymnasium-sized space, four pathways digressing into what remained as an unmarked territory on her map. The details weren¡¯t lost on her, even as she observed ten adventurers¡ªwith decidedly lacking equipment¡ªsauntering into the open area, weapons brandished.


    Time was as precious as remnants among mages, which signified that a small number of people acted without reason. So, Val searched, scanning for their motive and paying special attention to the eyes roaming over Hammer Squad.


    Following their line of vision led her to Lenson''s moving figure¡ªwho was busy repositioning to the new backline¡ªand the detail deepened Val¡¯s frown. One piece of her armour was valued high above three of their company¡¯s outfits and, judging by the greedy gleam in their irises, they knew it as well.


    Nightingale stepped forward. ¡°Don¡¯t you see our colours?¡±


    ¡°Idiot,¡± Caro muttered under her breath.


    Val grimaced at the reminder that Hammer Squad stood in the cavernous space decked out in Age of Atera¡¯s colours, stamping on their prestige¡ªand price tag, of course¡ªfor all to see. Otis, occupied with keeping his head on his shoulders yesterday as he dealt with leadership obligations, forewent the cloaks folded away in their packs and dived immediately into Darkshaft. Whereas Nightingale, on the other hand, remembered the formality during their night at Habour, demanding the blue cloaks be worn on their next outing. Yep, definitely jinxed us into this ambush.


    A man matched his motion, wrinkles weaved their way around his dark skin, and his curly hair was a mixture of grey, white and white. ¡°Oh we see alright,¡± he grinned, his blue eyes travelling from mage to mage in glee. ¡°Bunch of spoiled kids playing around in a place a little too dangerous for them.¡±


    Nightingale''s scoff carried across to the other side easily. ¡°Spoiled kids who are dressed far better than you are.¡±


    ¡°I said spoiled, didn¡¯t I?¡± His smile widened. ¡°On that note, drop your stuff while you still have it.¡±


    The ultimatum gave rise to a quiet stalemate and gazes flitted about in an attempt to get a read on the opposition.


    ¡°What¡¯s our move?¡± Jesal whispered from behind.


    To Val¡¯s surprise, he peered at her for an answer, genuinely ready for a suggestion. She threw a subtle shrug in his direction, unwilling to dip into someone else¡¯s territory.


    Something like disappointment flickered in his eyes. ¡°Alright, then. Ekon, lay low while we stall. We¡¯ll wait for you to come back after you verify that none of them are hanging out anywhere else.¡±


    Nightingale ripped his sights from the gloating adventurer to face Jesal. ¡°I¡¯m the captain.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and a Hunter, genius. Do your job,¡± Caro replied through gritted teeth.


    ¡°What she said,¡± Jesal added.


    Nightingale¡¯s fist clenched and loosened at his sides. ¡°This will not be taken li¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of all y¡¯all¡¯s yapping!¡± The chieftain of the thieves flamboyantly drew his sword from its bone-studded scabbard and held it over his head. ¡°Boys! Let¡¯s get us some loot!¡±


    ¡°Ekon,¡± the request in Otis¡¯ voice was drowned by the excited hoots and stomping boots storming over to meet them.


    ¡°I¡¯m going.¡±


    |Ekon Nightingale - Novice


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Observed Elements: [Darkness], [Sound]</li>


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Evidence of Subelement [Shadow] has also been shown</li>


    </ul>


    </ul>


    Aster¡¯s title for the Hunter disappeared shortly after his shadow extended from beneath to swallow his frame whole.


    ¡°We¡¯re going with cannon and moat,¡± Jesal ordered in haste, the urgency of the situation¡ªquite literally, due to the thieves crossing into the 100-meter range¡ªleaving no room for rebuttals. ¡°Strikers.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be on it,¡± Val confirmed, decoding the premade strategy and unclasping her luggage¡¯s several links on the double. ¡°Otis, we need a shield, and we need it soon!¡±


    ¡°Barricade!¡±


    He must have been thinking along the same lines from the very beginning for the white jade to extend beautifully from wall to wall so promptly, erecting twenty-some feet of white jade high into the air. In the face of the formidable defensive force, the thieves resorted to concentrating heaps of Tier 1 spells¡ªfireballs, water bullets, and lightning bolts¡ªat a single point.


    Otis fell to a knee in a fight against the elemental beating and lost out as a final Wind Burst blasted open the fortification spell, sending shards of cream-coloured gemstone far and wide.


    ¡°Sword Graveyard.¡±


    ¡°Amplify!¡±


    His efforts bought twenty resourceful seconds for the cannon part of the plan to come online. The aether strands Jesal poured into his amplification spell heightened Lenson''s highly-offensive conjuration spell to new levels. Fifteen ice swords exploded laterally, the thieves in the center of their crosshairs.


    The chieftain paled. ¡°Shields up, all together! Now!¡±


    At once, they dislodged and activated three water E-shields. As water often liked to do, the configurations reached out for their counterparts and merged into a broader, thickened version able to surround the band of ten. Smart, Val acknowledged, smiling in awed disbelief as a few managed to pierce through nonetheless, striking three.


    ¡°Magma Flood!¡±


    Much stronger this time around, Caro¡¯s Tier 2 spell manifested as a river of bubbling, molten material, completing the latter half of the haphazard tactic. Leaning into the balls of her feet, Val dashed in ahead of her fellow Striker as the secondary offence, and the thieves threw a couple of spells in response.


    ¡°Reactive Guard!¡±


    Crystals whizzed past her head, taking hard lefts and rights as they homed in on the trajectories of the incoming attacks without fault. Seconds before a head-on collision, the gemstones unravelled into octagonal shields. The spells crashed in them and they shattered like plates, in a burst of sound and shrapnel.


    Almost there, she told herself, drawing nearer and nearer to the opposition. Caro, using the endless energy she possessed, flooded her legs with aether and conducted a super jump across the ten-foot-long magma moat. She came down heavy¡ªslipping into old habits of frowned-upon charges¡ªbut continued on forwards anyway.


    Val leaped as well, finishing off the long string of frames she spun together mid-air. ¡°Metal Skates!¡±


    A pair of coldsteel sheets of metal manifested under her boots, and she bounced off them at first contact, clearing the magma river with ease. Taking advantage of her adjustment period, a thief sprinted at her¡ªan axe clenched in a two-handed grip, high above her head¡ªonly to fall a couple of steps short.


    ¡°Saints!¡± The thief swore, taking a blow to the lower leg dealt from a silent, scentless, invisible arrow shot across the entire expanse. Lenson¡¯s aim is seriously scary.


    The temperature in the area surged. Red blurred Val¡¯s vision.


    She lunged to the side, narrowly escaping a firespade to the head.


    ¡°Gravity¡¯s Grasp!¡± she heard Jesal¡¯s distant shout.


    A stifled curse whipped Val¡¯s head around to the fire mage crumpled to the ground under the gravity mage¡¯s spell. In spite of the weight pressing on his shoulders, he wrestled out a grin, unabashed by the attempt to harm her beyond a G3 scroll¡¯s repair.


    That heaven-forsaken¡ª


    ¡°Stop this fight or your leader is dead.¡±


    Val had never been happier to hear Nightingale¡¯s voice, smug and all. Using the very two elements which aided him in scouting the surrounding pathways, he hid behind the disarray of a full-on elemental clash and exploited the thieves¡¯ weak spot. His dagger rested on the chieftain''s throat, and his other hand remained idle at his side, primed for a spell if need be. He hitched his blade higher, and a dribble of blood trickled down the his captive''s neck. ¡°Do I need to repeat myself?¡±


    One by one, the ragtag group disengaged in whichever scuffle they landed in, sheathing their swords and laying down their weapons. The nearby fire mage let out a breath of relief as Jesal cut his spell, scurrying over to pick up the crippled axe-wielder.


    The Thales undergraduate, as if in an unspoken agreement, fought to injure, not kill. You couldn¡¯t outright ask anyone of the same standard in a rift, especially when the opposite held themselves to no such rules.


    The thieves hightailed out of Path Ore, heads hung low, their brown leathers and worn-out plates no nicer than they had been previously. A long-winding sigh escaped Val at the sight, and she plopped down on the stone floor, too bewildered to account for the wet surface. That firespade was way too close for my liking. Aster denoted the fire mage¡¯s attack as red¡ªfatal damage if she remembered the grading system correctly.


    ¡°Demise at every corner,¡± she mumbled listlessly, failing to register just whose words she quoted. She started, but the awareness came too late, unable to stop the flooding memories of the damned CAU associate visit half a decade ago from emerging.


    ¡°A captain protects their squad. They don¡¯t lead them to an untimely death on purpose.¡±


    The parallels in the statement¡ªone that felt harsher than a whip, in the distinct moment¡ªreturned as a chilling sign surrounding the importance of sound captaincy. Rifts rivalled the most active volcanoes in instability, and the faults of a dive, no matter the circumstance, fell on the leader.


    Today, at least, passed without any major losses. It can honestly only go up from here, Val thought, shaking off the final vestiges of the once-buried sentiment.

 Chapter 45 - Bad Guy

    The purple glow of Harbour¡¯s lanterns bled through the windows, onto the pages Val scanned with so much scrutiny, she hardly noticed the tint. In the hotel¡¯s higher-floored suite, she rested her upper back evenly against the headboard of Otis¡¯ massive bed, squinting past the gleam of Aster¡¯s pending notifications.


    In lieu of joining the others in their meditation session, she thought it wise to review all there was about the ores they had originally intended to harvest. Pictures occupied the majority of the pages, with informative tidbits underneath in a digestible, bullet-point style.


    Her attention lingered on a cream-coloured rock¡ªRadiate Ore. In an almost ironic nature, the light-based material used in light fixtures across the country existed in places infested in the necrotic essence just as much as it did in positive areas. However, what made her spine freeze in place was not the paradox of such reality, but instead the italicized words beneath.


    They were present on every page, more a fun fact about things ranging from the legends behind their existence to the surprising uses they found in prosaic life. Yet, in a manner contrary to its equivalents, a chilling message resided on the tea-stained pages.


    According to the book, spectrals haunted the Radiate Ores of the Dark Mineshaft. No one knew which type to accredit the myth to simply because adventurers hardly lived to identify them. Spectrals were incorporeal bodies of intelligence that often rendered blades harmless and were considered the hardest subcategories of aether creatures to beat by far. Should we tempt fate?


    Seven months ago, she would¡¯ve snorted at the sidenote and moved on. Here she was, though, a mage solely due to pursuing a cure that many considered non-existent¡ªa fable, rather than a facet of truthful information. Why treat this differently?


    ¡°I¡¯m too tired for this.¡±


    Caro¡¯s remark cracked the heavy concentration amidst the stilled mages on the bare floor. Thankfully, the sentiment was largely shared by the four, and they went on to stretch out their breathing techniques. They found a comfort zone in the areas around the flat, be it the sofa, the rocking chair on the carpeted space near the window panes, and the kitchen¡¯s countertop.


    Val scooted over, giving ample room for Caro to crash onto the mattress, and it sank against her weight. The Striker rolled herself into a blanket burrito, cloaked, snug, and warm.


    ¡°Say,¡± Val began, curiously watching Jesal rub the bridge of his nose as he set his eyewear and a half-drained remnant on the marble counter. ¡°What¡¯s up with your glasses? You didn¡¯t have a healer fix your eyes before it was too late?¡±


    As casual as her tone was, the procedure¡¯s cost existed out of the price range for everyone except the Twenty.


    He paused, bleary-eyed, pointing to himself in surprise.


    ¡°Yes, you,¡± Caro snorted, shaking her head on the patterned pillow. ¡°Duh.¡±


    ¡°That would make the most sense, wouldn¡¯t it,¡± he scratched the back of his head. ¡°It¡¯s to restrain my element.¡±


    ¡°Your gravity looks plenty fine to me,¡± Otis mentioned from the fridge, throwing his haphazard sandwich of cheese, olives, tomatoes, and spice into his mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s Amplification that¡¯s giving me problems,¡± he corrected. ¡°Accidently amplified my cab straight into a store once. Then, as if that wasn¡¯t enough for one week, I amplified the television while trying out a spell, waking up my baby niece.¡± A shiver ran through his body. ¡°My sister wanted to shred me alive.¡±


    ¡°Your glasses?¡± Lenson asked quietly, tying her light hair into a comfortable bun and holding her knees close in the rocking chair. Silence answered her, the slack jaws around the room, the surprised squawk of the half-asleep duellist rising from under the blankets, and one very much choking Otis far too occupied computing the event.


    Lenson joined a conversation¡ªwillingly, at that.


    While she might not have said anything more, the baby smirk growing on her lips and the mischievous sparkle in her eyes showed just how great of a kick she got out of their reactions.


    Jesal cleared his throat. ¡°It nullifies my magic, the Amplification aspect part anyways. No clue how it works, though.¡±


    ¡°O-oh,¡± Val got out, the tail ends of her shock finally dwindling. She knew her eyes shone when she glanced at him. ¡°Could I grab a look at them?¡±


    He tilted his head. ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°To study it,¡± Caro interjected, adjusting the broad bonnet protecting her crimson curls. ¡°She¡¯s a geek for any and all enchantment-related things. Like, to the max.¡±


    Val gave her friend a playful shove in retaliation, and Caro slipped a lazy smile her way, the blankets rising as she shrugged her shoulders.


    ¡°It is time for a debrief.¡±


    Nightingale, the owner of the new voice, shrugged off his coat, oblivious to how swiftly the friendly atmosphere died. In the presence of Hammer Squad, he managed to open¡ªand close, might she add¡ªthe door in utter silence, sneaking up on the group for a reason only he could explain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start first,¡± he volunteered, lowering himself to the hardwood floor to sit cross-legged at the feet of Jesal¡¯s bedframe. ¡°What we did during the encounter with the thieves was¡ª¡±


    ¡°Necessary,¡± Jesal cut in, resting either elbow on his knees. ¡°You understand that, don¡¯t you, Ekon?¡±


    Nightingale cocked his head upward, the vein running underneath his jaw visible. ¡°If we question leadership at every point in time, we cannot continue forward.¡±


    ¡°The same is true of the opposite,¡± Jesal challenged. ¡°Ill-received commands aren¡¯t going to be taken with smiles. We¡¯ll add in our suggestions, and decide as one.¡±


    Nightingale let the idea stew, granting the squad a begrudging nod a heartbeat later. ¡°Do we agree to move the plans for metals to the last day? Path Ore, thanks to our little encounter, will be seeing traffic that I¡¯d like to avoid, if possible.¡±


    He earned several snorts and nods in agreement. The mere mention of traffic glazed over the eyes of everyone present. You would think in the constraints of one of the grimmest rifts on the Copper rung, people wouldn¡¯t have the time of day to care about the latest. You would think, who would notice¡ªor be interested in¡ªwhether or not six teens survived an encounter with notorious loot chasers?


    Wrong and wrong.


    Word of mouth had spread the deed before Hammer Squad finished their rerouted plans for the day. On their return, whispers had trailed their steps past the crowd of hundreds outside Basecamp, and wide berths were given even inside the walls, resulting in an isolation that somehow felt good-natured. We probably weren¡¯t their first pick.


    ¡°Speaking of ores,¡± Val chipped in, ¡°I don¡¯t think we should harvest Radiate Ores, not with the risk it poses.¡±


    ¡°What risks?¡± Nightingale asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s a chance that spectrals may, or may not attack us if we try to. A higher chance.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that par the course for most aspects of a dive?¡± he countered.


    ¡°Yes, well¡­¡± Val cast a glance at the thick book on the nearby nightstand, cringing at the thought of proceeding along with the information. Could it even be called that? She said it herself¡ªthe notes beneath existed separately from the need-to-know sections. ¡°Nevermind.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t hurt to speak your mind,¡± Caro mumbled, well on her way to falling asleep.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be fine,¡± Val added.


    ¡°Ores will be a mission for the seventh day then,¡± he stated, giving her a noticeable gap for a rebuttal. In fact, a look around the suite informed her they all waited for an elaboration, keen on hearing the second half of her explanation. She nodded for Nightingale to continue, keeping the myths and legends wholly¡ªand rightfully¡ªto herself.


    ¡°Moving on, we need to talk about our position¡­¡±


    Val zoned out his usual complaints about their rigid movement, a small frown taking form on her face. Why couldn¡¯t she shake off the icky feeling in her gut?


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    City of Atera,


    The Dark Mineshaft (Copper-Rung Labyrinth)


    -Five days later-


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    It happened faster than any of them could register.


    Caro could practically see the Diving Points in her account as Nightingale stuffed the last and final Radiate Ore inside Jesal¡¯s bulging luggage. All there was left to do was to vacate the dreadful-smelling depths of Darkshaft and report their harvests at HQ.


    Yet, as she was reminded over and over again in the ring¡¯s confines, victory¡¯s satisfaction¡ªmore than not, in recent days¡ªdidn¡¯t last. One second she was involved in a pleasant discussion on the best methods to stack a character in LIE and the next, Lenson¡¯s ¡°Incoming!¡± sent chills down her spine.


    Light fizzled in her eyes as she activated Vague View and her mouth cracked open in fearful disbelief. What looked like elongated souls floated like sheets on a windy day, aimlessly swirling in the air. Orbs that rivalled abysses in profundity stared at them, mouths agape in a silent scream that widened by the second.


    And there were dozens, all reorientating their direction toward the six frozen Novices.


    ¡°Talismans,¡± Val reminded, and the directive snapped Caro out of her daze. Hammer Squad threw everything in their arsenals at the wave, utilizing Otis¡¯ positive element, burning through tens of elixirs, and scrolls. Not a dent in their numbers that did. Soon, priorities shifted from winning to tactfully retreating¡ªand when they discovered the spectrals¡¯ uncanny ability to find them wherever they travelled¡ªto survive.


    ¡°We have to drop the Radiate Ores,¡± Val demanded, scrambling through Jesal¡¯s luggage.


    ¡°It¡¯s not in order,¡± Jesal grimaced. ¡°It¡¯ll take a few minutes to sort through and dump the correct ones.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have that kind of time,¡± Caro added from her vigil point, in the epicentre of where the paths forked.


    ¡°Leave the entire bag,¡± Lenson¡¯s voice carried across the narrow tunnel.


    Nightingale frowned. ¡°It¡¯s been a week. We don¡¯t have another day to harvest a different batch. We drop them, we might as well drop the mission!¡±


    ¡°Then so be it,¡± Jesal said, raising his eyebrows in silent warning. Little more could be said, not after the discussion diving into who and how the decisions were settled.


    And that, quite simply, was that.


    Caro shoved the memory to the far ends of her mind. Instead, she observed her best friend, how she hugged the side of the cavern walls while they waited for their little ass-hat to scout the tunnels, and frowned. I¡¯m gonna have to be the bad guy, aren¡¯t I?


    She had the privilege to know Val both before and after the life-exploding event that had been Deduction Day. Simply put, there was a war raging within the metal mage, perhaps unbeknownst to herself.


    Val¡¯s ability to stand up to challenges, blank face and all, never ceased to amaze her. Snarky side comments, dismissive gestures, working to the bone to provide for her siblings¡ªit didn¡¯t matter. An excited glint sparked in her eyes and she¡¯d get right to cracking the puzzle or defeating the chimera in her way.


    The one thing she struggled to come to terms with, though, was that doubting voice every human learned to ignore. Caro thought it a phase, or even a place of strength to always fact-check your every idea.


    Not anymore.


    It was one thing to duck out of a verbal confrontation in fear of someone poking at your insecurity. Everyone did that. It was another thing entirely to outright omit knowledge vital not only to the success of a mission, but to leaving Dark Mineshaft alive.


    Thirty minutes after practically forfeting the mission, Val manhandled her into a corner and cracked open a book the size of a small cushion. Seconds away from questioning the sanity of her friend, she had pointed to the cursive print on the page, the words denoting the precise circumstance Hammer Squad scarcely escaped from.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention this?¡± Caro had asked under her breath.


    ¡°I tried to, but¡­¡± Val sighed. ¡°It¡¯s supposed to be a legend, no?¡±


    ¡°A legend that made you more prepared,¡± she replied. ¡°There¡¯s a reason you saw this. It wouldn¡¯t kill you to say it out loud.¡±


    Val¡¯s lips dipped downwards, and she shut the encyclopedia, stalking on ahead to assume a position adjacent to Otis. The memory of the swift exchange once again solidified her previous assumptions. The bad guy it is.


    Her distrust in herself bordered on crippling heights, and didn¡¯t appear to be levelling out anytime soon. Once the first day of university hits, bringing its stress and fresh troubles and foreign bars to reach, it might spike upwards.


    Bradley let Val in on the matter, Caro¡¯s been doing her damn best to tell her, and even Winsford¡¯s joined along for the ride. Maybe the time for nudges was long since gone.


    Maybe it was time for a shove.


    <hr>


    Val sifted her calloused fingers through her hair, sighing as she caught sight of their luggage. The beast parts hung on Otis'' luggage, the energy cores overfilled their packs, and the metals¡­


    Well, there were none of them so to speak. Not a single one, and the fact spelled defeat as their first mission. Dwelling on the dim matter blinded Val to her surroundings, and only until Caro¡¯s toned physique blocked her vision did she note any movement.


    Her almond-brown eyes carried a seriousness to them, and it put Val on far more alert than she¡¯d been the entire trip. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look like someone broke your favourite gaming headphones.¡±


    Caro moved her limbs to a comfortable position and Val winced at the loud cracks and clicks of her adjusting armour, ever thankful for Jesal¡¯s auxiliary tech. ¡°I¡¯m going to say this with all the love and respect a best friend can have, aight?¡±


    Val¡¯s eyebrows pinched together. ¡°You¡¯re scaring me.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Caro¡¯s tone sharpened with the word alone. ¡°You¡¯re scaring me. We¡¯ve given you the space, we¡¯ve given you the years. I know healing doesn¡¯t have a timeline. Truth is, I don¡¯t think you believe there¡¯s anything wrong to fix. That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s damaging.¡±


    ¡°What exactly is damaging?¡± Caro wanted to beat around the bush, whereas Val didn¡¯t have the grace to play that game, not after seven days of high-alert rift diving. ¡°And who¡¯s we?¡±


    ¡°Me, Bradley, my parents¡ªyour parents. This started long before their absence, and it doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s going anywhere. You¡¯re hesitating, Val. Always. That¡¯s all well and fine when you know it, and I¡¯m sure you do. Only this is becoming an unconscious thing¡ªa habit. That¡¯s not okay, not when your teammates¡¯ fate¡ªand yours!¡ªrely on it.¡±


    ¡°You say this as if you¡¯re coasting.¡± The words spilled out of Val¡¯s mouth before her brain could stop them. Awkward glances bounced off the Strikers¡ªmainly from Otis and Jesal. Yet, that did little to slow down the need to defend herself and, more importantly, to poke at a pattern that had been harrying Val¡¯s conscious.


    ¡°Well, are you?¡± she prodded, and Caro''s stony expression cracked a bit at the shift in attention. ¡°You¡¯re going to the duelist centers a lot lately. I mean yeah, you¡¯re winning and that¡¯s what most see. But, there¡¯s always that need to do more, to prove yourself. To who, though, Caro? You¡¯re not the girl people gossip about anymore. No one¡¯s saying ¡®Carrie needs a carry¡¯ in the halls.¡±


    Her friend¡¯s nose flared at that.


    ¡°Chill out,¡± Val said, taking a line from her friend¡¯s book. ¡°Ease off the gas. Your winning streak isn¡¯t all that matters. Your loss against Rhodes isn¡¯t all that matters. You know this, so what¡¯s got you so desperate?¡±


    ¡°So she can talk back,¡± Caro muttered almost to herself, tilting her head backwards. ¡°That was a 180 I did not see coming. Still avoiding answering my question, though.¡±


    ¡°What are you¡ª¡± Val outright flinched when Caro¡¯s attention returned to her. Gone was the gentleness in her countenance, leaving behind a person who wanted to get hammer their point straight across as acutely as possible.


    She didn¡¯t fail to deliver.


    ¡°You¡¯re a coward, Valory Efron.¡±


    Val blinked at the sudden change in direction, her eyes narrowing into slits. ¡°The last thing I am is a coward.¡±


    ¡°Right, and that¡¯s the frustrating part. You¡¯re one of the bravest people I know. You¡¯re brave for your brothers, brave for your friends and incredibly brave for your mother, Val. But you¡¯re never brave enough for the one person you need to be the most.¡±


    Caro jabbed a finger on Val¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You. It happened before the Initiation, it happened for years before the trials, and I¡¯m positive it¡¯s happened at least once more I¡¯m not aware of.¡±


    The depths of which her friend understood her were nearly alarming, because it had occurred. Moments before she claimed Aster, she¡¯d wanted to pass on the million-dollar-worth piece of machinery to someone else, crazy as it appeared currently.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t affect you much when you have people to talk it out with, people to convince you that your doubt is very much baseless. The thing is, Val, we won¡¯t always be there when you need us. Especially when you keep it locked up like you did just now¡ªand look, this time it did cost you.¡±


    In hindsight, the decision would¡¯ve counted as her worst and still, it was Fiona and Winsford who snapped her out of it.


    ¡°So grow a damn spine already,¡± Caro pushed off the ground to stand. ¡°There are only so many punches you can take without a backbone, and you¡¯re running out of lives.¡±


    Val winced. ¡°Wait, Ca¡ª¡±


    ¡°Lenson, I¡¯m standing guard!¡± she yelled midstride, and the support vacated the position without a complaint, giving the magma mage a pat of understanding on her back in passing. She made it a point to post herself outside the area silencer¡¯s domain, ending the conversation on her part.


    Val didn¡¯t have a chance to calibrate the weight behind the sentiments traded, frowning at Jesal¡¯s unprompted approach. ¡°I have a good feeling what I witnessed was a super rare thing, right?¡± he grinned, and her frown leveled up into a glare. ¡°Good, good. No tears mean no harm, and no harm means¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even finish that statement,¡± she cut in.


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± he chuckled, groaning as he moved to take a seat beside her. ¡°I realize I know Caro for all of three weeks, but I think it¡¯s safe to assume that she went easy on you, there.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Val spoke, unsure of what else to say in the moment.


    ¡°While she could¡¯ve certainly framed it nicer¡­ she¡¯s right, honestly,¡± he went on, and Val turned in his direction to display the surprise on her face. ¡°You''re an inquisitive soul, Valory, and people like you have ideas. Good ideas. It¡¯s criminal to keep that to yourself, whatever they may be.¡±


    ¡°Thanks?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a compliment, Val. It¡¯s the truth,¡± he smiled. ¡° Now, Caro¡ªshe means well, alright? And to be fair, a little backbone won¡¯t harm things.¡±


    ¡°Not you too,¡± she muttered, earning a dry laugh in response. ¡°Thanks,¡± she said more assuredly, appreciating his attempt to cheer her up when, in some part, her inaction caused their disaster. His smile only grew, and Val gleaned a trace of familiarity in his features. ¡°Are all Anchors so¡­ stabilizing?¡±


    He rubbed his chin. ¡°It¡¯s kinda in the job description.¡±


    ¡°Really, Jesal?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t resist.¡±

 Chapter 46 - Hidden Things

    Courtesy of the sky-high Inner Wall, the sun took its leave for the day ahead of the clock. As a result, dusk set early for residents in the First Halo, coating everything from the grayish-tone walls to the leather conference chairs in the tactic-focused study with a beautiful varnish of solid reds, pinks, and oranges. Ordinarily, under the circumstances of post-fight discussions, the view would¡¯ve completely entranced Val.


    Magus Kane drumming his fingers along his crossed arms with a perplexed frown, unfortunately, was not what she would deem an everyday occasion. For the first time in, well, ever, he appeared somewhat uneased where he stood at the end of the metal desk, evidently irresolute on which topic to rip into. A vengeful ray of sunlight crossed his blue eyes as the daylight said its final farewells, startling him out of his reverie and, in an odd turn of events, into a sudden stroke of inspiration. ¡°I will begin with the good.¡±


    At his swift double tap, the table hummed to life, springing forth a digital checklist high above its surface. In order to fit the multiple tasks etched into it, the translucent sheet occupied an ample amount of airspace. Even still, a line struck through almost every topic on the to-do list, completed and done. Everything, that was, except for one annoyingly long point, tagged by up to twenty subsections concentrated on ores, their descriptions and quantities.


    Val¡¯s gaze ended up crossing Caro¡¯s at the reminder, and she stiffened in the face of the sheer indifference marking every muscle in her blank face.


    ¡°On your first dive as a team, Hammer Squad just about concluded a complete run. That is nothing short of impressive,¡± Kane spoke, but the rigid line on his lips told Val that more was yet to come.


    ¡°Thanks to the one-on-one debriefs I had with you all, however, I understand we¡¯ve yet to achieve even a semblance of authentic team synergy. You can attribute this¡ª¡± he pointed towards the only unchecked task on the list ¡°¡ªto the miscommunication and dispute amongst you. And yet, the problem doesn¡¯t end there. Remind me who I made captain, Hammer Squad?¡±


    Sandwiched between Caro and Nightingale on the opposite side of the desk, Otis raised his hand, his lips twitching against a grimace Val knew was crawling its way onto his face.


    ¡°Correct. So how come I heard that Nightingale led the majority of the time?¡±


    ¡°Magus Kane,¡± the Bulwark said, his hands folded atop the metal countertop. ¡°I¡¯m not suited for being the captain.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡± he asked, and the sincerity behind the question stunned the entirety of Hammer Squad, no different from a child asking their parents why a bird could fly.


    ¡°Contrary to popular belief, you do not need outlandish strategies or a charming personality,¡± the Magus continued, regardless of Otis¡¯ lack of response. ¡°Your job is to assess the problem at hand, devise possible solutions using the sources available to you, and articulate any issues you come across. The six of you should be able to do so regardless of whether you hold a title or not.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the best pick,¡± Otis said instead, the grimace taking form in full as he¡ªand every seated Novice¡ªcould tell his fight was far from won.


    ¡°Ask your teammates for aid,¡± was the Magus¡¯ answer. ¡°That is, after all, why they are there.¡±


    And now, all but lost. This is either an incredibly smart ploy or a recipe for a catastrophe. Val held a good feeling she wouldn¡¯t know the true answer for a very long while. Sure, the directive more or less echoed the ¡®decide as one¡¯ belief the group had decided on in the Darkshaft, but it also left a considerable amount of room for the team to fall apart at the seams.


    ¡°I realize that I asked you to climb a mountain,¡± he voiced, transitioning back to his previous topic. ¡°What I didn¡¯t expect was for you to nearly reach the top. Once again, I cannot emphasize how remarkable the feat is. Nevertheless, I sent you to the Dark Mineshaft to survey how you worked together.¡±


    Val¡¯s lips tilted downwards, vividly imagining yet another point adding to the stark checklist still hovering amidst Hammer Squad, now an ugly reminder of not one, but two failures.


    Kane leaned into that with fervour.


    ¡°Did you utilize your Strikers¡¯ prior knowledge on the Dark Mineshaft? How about Otis¡¯ light-based element, a force able to counter every aether creature in the rift? Where did the advanced equipment of your other teammates come into use? Were there discussions on these fronts?¡±


    ¡°Not a lot,¡± Jesal admitted.


    ¡°Precisely,¡± he nodded. ¡°In failing to meet my expectations, you are prohibited from entering another rift until further notice.¡±


    ¡°That is so unfair and you know it,¡± Caro hissed, slamming a fist on the metal in front of her. ¡°You gave us a mission that we failed to complete. We get that. We braced for that. It¡¯d make so much more sense to penalize us for dropping the ores and what do you do instead? Dock us for a task we weren¡¯t even aware of. Plus, what about our Diving Points? We¡¯ll fall behind in DP compared to other teams!¡±


    ¡°Keep that in mind when next you forget to follow instructions. Dismissed.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t give any in the damn first place,¡± she fired back, forgoing even a fake effort in following decorum. ¡°We got a list!¡±


    ¡°I said dismissed.¡± His steely irises took on a dull, metallic glow, and the finality in his words stopped the Striker from pressing onwards. She leapt from her seat in a huff, sending her chair flying back into the tall windows as she turned for the exit.


    ¡°That means all of you.¡±


    Magus Kane¡¯s attention snapped to the dazed five with the force of a thunderstorm behind it, jolting the Novices still tucked under the IBR-connected table into action. The rest of Hammer Squad were fast on her heels within a fraction of a second, eager to vacate the seats seemingly crumpling under the strength of his stare.


    ¡­


    ¡°That went about as well as I expected,¡± Jesal spoke into the quiet of the descending elevator, eliciting a snort from Caro.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get this guild and their secret tests.¡± She exhaled through her nose, and it felt like the floor had been prematurely plated and reinforced just to withstand the fire in her glare. ¡°I just don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t last a day in high society,¡± Nightingale said from the other end of the shaft, eyeing the bundle of particles hovering near him warily. ¡°Clever and cunning take you farther than you can imagine.¡±


    ¡°Well good thing I ain¡¯t a part of any of that,¡± she spat, starting a beat later. Her head lifted to regard the three highborns in their company. ¡°No offence.¡±


    ¡°Offence is most certainly taken,¡± he scoffed, ¡°and whether or not you believe what you said, it does not diminish my point in the slightest.¡±


    ¡°Like I said,¡± her sneer returned. ¡°I¡¯m good being where I¡¯m at.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to say this, Caro,¡± Jesal began, his tone as far from apologetic as one could get, ¡°but you¡¯re in the advanced stream of Thales¡¯ combat program, Aether Artifacts and all. Second best¡ªand very close to being the finest¡ªin the country. You¡¯ll be seeing a lot of us.¡±


    Caro thumbed the Hunter swatting at the yellow motes of light. ¡°I survived him, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Leaning against the elevator¡¯s central wall, Val permitted herself a soft chuckle as she watched Nightingale whirl onto the Striker, mouth most open, ready to fire a harsh reply.


    ¡°Team synergy,¡± Otis chided the two, moving across Val to tap Nightingale on his shoulder. ¡°She¡¯s only joking, man.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no¡ª¡±


    ¡°Would you look at that, the ground floor!¡± Jesal shouted, grinning up at the green light on the elevator¡¯s digital display of L¡ªfor the lobby, obviously¡ªand smartly cutting off Caro¡¯s retort. With her emotions running high at the firm reprimand, Val knew no one present would take her remarks too seriously.


    Truth be told, people were invariably either going to be pleasant or distasteful no matter where one found themself¡ªbe it the Third, Second, or First Halo. Take Fiona Rhodes, for example. The dual-bound Magus had been a thorough delight to chat with both during their New Year¡¯s dinner and her artifact endowment, and she was virtually held as the poster kid for all things mage-related.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    ¡°Saintsdammit,¡± Caro cursed violently under her breath, bumping into Jesal as his steps came to a pause at the elevator¡¯s threshold. She rubbed her smarting nose, taking the time to scowl at the statue of an Anchor suddenly barring the exit. ¡°What¡¯s got you so spooked?¡±


    Jesal settled to numbly gesture at the sight in front of him, leaving no choice for them to sidestep his towering figure¡ªor peak over his shoulder, if you were Otis¡ªand gape right alongside him.


    Save for busy days like orientations, Age of Eon¡¯s entrance hall usually glimpsed a few crowds at a given point in time. Never did she expect to bump into a sudden influx of mages¡ªgifted mages, judging by the auras thrumming off their civvies and rolling over Hammer Squad in near-suffocating waves¡ªmilling about on the sky-patterned flooring and clogging the roots of HQ¡¯s multistorey tree.


    ¡°This is why Age of Atera is the guild it is,¡± Otis spoke with no small amount of awe, bug-eyed as he turned to take in a small group of adventures¡ªrelatively young, Val noticed, ranging from their early twenties to late thirties¡ªhuddled around Magister Thorne. ¡°Heavens. That¡¯s the guildmaster and his banes!¡±


    ¡°Banes?¡± Val parotted, squinting at the small assembly of five around the esteemed mage. ¡°They look pretty normal to me.¡±


    ¡°Always asking questions, aren¡¯t you, Valory?¡± a familiar voice called out. As one, six heads snapped to the slender woman striding out of a booth of her own.


    Outside of the typical battle braid that usually rested along the span of her back, her dark hair fell in waves of brown atop her sleeveless blouse, settling onto her cloth-based calf-length bottoms. Acclimated to the sharp frown practically permanent on the Support¡¯s face, Val blinked more than once to ensure the razor-sharp, candidly-spoken mage she remembered was one and the same as the elegant lady making her way over.


    ¡°Sil, hey!¡± Caro grinned, nearly capsizing the poor woman in an aggressive one-armed hug. Val moved to do the same, if only a tiny bit reluctantly, to allow for some space between her and her fellow Striker.


    ¡°Ladies,¡± she greeted with a smile in the corner of her mouth and turned to ruffle Jesal¡¯s meticulously-styled hair. ¡°And if it isn¡¯t my favourite cousin.¡±


    ¡°Silann, come on,¡± he groaned, attempting to fix it using the glossy coating along HQ''s mahogany inner layer as a makeshift mirror.


    She tugged on his pierced earlobe, the slight frown Val knew all too well back in place. ¡°Even now, I¡¯m lost on how you gained Aunt Helina¡¯s permission for these.¡±


    ¡°The trick is to ask for forgiveness,¡± he chuckled, weaseling out of her grip.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ You¡¯re Midnight Breeze,¡± Otis stated almost gingerly.


    ¡°Goodness,¡± said on an inhale, shaking her head. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard that moniker in some time. A long time, perhaps. You¡¯re clearly in the know about the Gathering, then.¡±


    ¡°The Gathering of Guilds?¡± Caro echoed for clarification, her eyes widening when the Support nodded her confirmation. The reaction was well-founded considering that the vast majority declared the event on par with the University Games. A few hardcore fans went as far as to name it the better tournament, considering it was held once every three years.


    In the place of budding students, the nation watched the best guild¡¯s adventurers compete in various formats. It carried a tang of ruggedness one couldn¡¯t witness in the practiced delicacy of school-learnt combat, and several enthusiasts adored it for that very reason. ¡°It¡¯s this summer?¡± Caro went on to ask.


    ¡°Prelims has been running all spring,¡± Otis answered for the Support, throwing her his own question. ¡°I suppose there¡¯s a meeting for qualifiers?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Silann nodded, jutting her head at the guildmaster. ¡°With the banes here, it¡¯s going to be an annihilation in the middle brackets.¡±


    Val raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s because¡­¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re the students of a Magister, that¡¯s why,¡± Jesal interjected and, as he often did, shed more light on the situation. ¡°A Magister, mind you, with a wicked eye for talent. He¡¯s picked five disciples so far in the last three decades and every one of them, without failure, are monsters in their own right.¡±


    ¡°Hence their names,¡± Otis added helpfully, and the side comment jostled Val¡¯s memories. She ever-so-faintly recalled Winsford mentioning a ¡°Bane of Withering¡± when it came to the giant tree dead center in the lobby, marking one of the five as the creator and cause for the ever-prevalent healing wellspring. Would that make him a healer, or a plant mage? she wondered privately, though she wasn¡¯t alone in ruminating on the topic.


    ¡°Melaine¡¯s pretty tight with one of them,¡± Jesal hummed. ¡°My sister, I mean. I think her name was Olive, and her moniker was... Bane of Chaos, was it?¡±


    The only bespectacled mage among the hailed banes swiveled around sharply almost like she made out his murmured comment across the noisy lobby. For better or for worse, her casual wave sealed the deal that she undoubtedly heard¡ªand, in a way, verified¡ªtheir thoughts.


    ¡°That is my cue to leave you gossipers be,¡± Silann muttered, escaping through the many doors leading to the blistering heat outside. Hammer Squad left in the opposite direction, keen on observing the Diving Points leaderboard Magus Hawke¡ªthe competitive spirit she was¡ªhung up for the ten established sponsored-student teams.


    The complete run they ran shot them up the rankings to bump Reynor University off the top. Scary enough, though, the five runner-up teams behind them weren¡¯t far off their score, and neither were the squads at the bottom. It spoke of high aptitude on both the students'' part, and the fact included the members of her team.


    More often than not, when the descriptor aptitude came to mind, the tiny Support walking ahead of her would come up first, Caro¡¯s intuitive battle sense next, and even Nightingale¡¯s uncanny ability to weave the Transversal Discipline and the Discipline of Alteration together a close third. Having said that, her mind narrowed in on the shield that protected Hammer Squad¡¯s offence-inclined team by his lonesome¡­


    Trailing at the end of the group, Val kept pace with the still-dazed Bulwark at her side. ¡°Otis,¡± she called, and he dipped his chin to survey her in confusion. ¡°Back in Darkshaft, against those thieves. Your spell, Reactive Guard. Those were interceptive shields, right?¡±


    He gave her a shallow bob of the head, causing her to suck in an impressed breath. ¡°That has to be Tier 2 at least, maybe even advanced.¡±


    ¡°Not in the slightest,¡± he laughed, and before Val had a chance to drill him any further, he raised his tone to address the remainder of the team. ¡°Anyone want to eat in the dining hall?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t,¡± Val declined first, even as she stifled the curiosity rising within her at his not-so-subtle deflection. Her gaze darted away as their collective eyes¡ªone set of almond-brown in particular¡ªfixed onto her face in suspicion. ¡°I have to pick up my brother. He should be finishing up his summer classes right about now.¡±


    ¡°Go, go,¡± Jesal shooed her away. ¡°Been on the other end as the youngest, and it is not fun to wait around.¡±


    ¡°Noted,¡± Val chuckled, lingering for the briefest moments in hopes Caro would voice some interest in following her. Instead, she was among the first to continue the journey down the hall, and Val couldn¡¯t help deflate at the sight.


    <hr>


    Easy does it. Val stole a moment to steady her hand, scooping up the brunch wraps off the skillet they¡¯d been toasting on for a short thirty seconds. It left the tortilla outside blazed a golden brown and the mixture of eggs, veggies, and bacon sizzling on the bed of melting, cheesy goodness. She pressed a palm on the side of the grey appliance¡¯s see-through stomach, and it obeyed her touch¡ªthe dimming circles atop its surface said as much¡ªbeginning its cooldown procedures at once. Free of that trouble, Val whisked out three plates from the cupboards overhead.


    The costly piece of domestic machinery was one of the first non-magic items she invested in for herself since her salary upgrade, and it paid to have it in the presence of an incredibly curious six-year-old. She¡¯d been treated to a chorus of cheers when she entered the living room, food in hand, only for Kenneth¡¯s bright expression¡ªa difficult thing to come by, nowadays¡ªto dim as his scrying gaze counted three plated dishes.


    ¡°What happened to Caro?¡±


    Val hid the true hurt causing her grimace behind the inconvenience of setting three loaded plates for her siblings. ¡°Got into a fight.¡±


    ¡°Figured as much,¡± he scoffed, pulling the plate across the laminated table. ¡°Haven¡¯t had this much quiet in half a year.¡±


    Her wince deepened, slightly relieved as she turned to Anderson, the boy positively vibrating at the scent of brunch. She tapped his hand gently away, fearing the still-steaming meal might sear his tongue.


    ¡°If it helps, you¡¯re not alone on that front.¡± Kenneth sighed into his burrito. ¡°Rowan and I are at a crossroads right now.¡±


    At crossroads, she repeated internally, forcing herself to wrangle the rather inappropriately-timed smile off her face. The lengths at which her brother went to sound like anything but the twelve-year-old he was always¡ªno matter the circumstance¡ªamused her, and she bit her hour¡¯s work of food to hide it. ¡°Oh yeah? What¡¯s up with that?¡±


    ¡°No time to hang out,¡± he said, frowning. ¡°He¡¯s claiming that the auction¡¯s taking up his time, which is fair.¡±


    ¡°Rowan¡¯s mentioned it before,¡± Val wondered aloud, more for herself than anything. The possibility of it being the truth wasn¡¯t implausible. The last time she dropped the kid off, she¡¯d met Lowell at the doorstep of his enormous household. It wasn¡¯t far-fetched to believe the auction his family wanted to set in motion existed on the same scale. That in itself meant the event was, by nature, wide-scale. Perhaps even huge enough to have Life¡¯s Hymn?


    Nah, that¡¯s wishful thinking right there, Val berated herself. Wouldn¡¯t even have the money to buy it anyways.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just think that he is purposely keeping him busy to avoid me ever since that lesson with T-Bone,¡± Kenneth scowled, not bothering to elaborate on whoever ''T-Bone'' was. ¡°Something about his status or whatever. Wouldn¡¯t be a surprise.¡± He twirled a finger in the air as if to suggest the whole halo.


    ¡°He seemed chill,¡± Val muttered in thought, registering the buzz in her pockets. She shot up, scanning the latest notification on her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll ask his brother later for you, but you have to watch Andy to make it even. My phone¡¯s on, so don¡¯t hesitate to call me if this one¡¯s misbehaving,¡± she threw Anderson a silly grin, giving him a boop on the nose and indicating he can dig in.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Kenneth asked, his brow furrowed.


    It said something not so typical of Val for her brother to notice the excitement roaring in her ears. To be fair, the broadening grin did give it away. She¡¯d been waiting all month for the green light on a very particular facility, the same ones Magus Kane boasted about in the elevator ride on Hammer Squad¡¯s orientation.


    It was an opportunity that many, save for members of cultivation-orientated sects and established families, hardly witnessed in their elemental journey. Magus Hawke herself voiced how rare places abundant with energy existed in natural life. She didn¡¯t, however, retain the same opinion for a simulated amenity.


    ¡°Aether Chambers.¡±

 Chapter 47 - Binding Aether (Part I)

    The draft escaping the low-grade chamber almost swept Val clear off her feet.


    Much like opening the curtains to a long-running, steaming shower, a billow of diffusing aether swept past her in a tangible wave. The rush of infinite energy swallowed her frame whole and she sucked in an involuntary breath at the sharp incline in aether.


    She hadn¡¯t even taken a single step past the threshold of the glass screen.


    ¡°First-timers like you make my job what it is,¡± the cheeky attendant smirked, jerking his head at the stone-hewn inner walls full of glimmering runes, the arcane symbols at work in producing the filtered energy. ¡°Regrettably, they tend to pass out, too, hence why I¡¯m here. You¡¯re cleared for twenty-four hours biannually, so use the time wisely and use it well.¡±


    Val snapped a mage¡¯s bow to the attendant, quick to step into the calling energy pool and¡ªas she¡¯d just been told¡ªmake use of every second she could grasp. The descriptor pool turned out as an apt one, because if outside had been the vapour¡ªmere traces of the source, and not the wellspring itself¡ªinside resulted in a dense, sea-like presence of the neutral essence.


    The AV abiding in her core appreciated its abundant company like a prune in water, and a strong pulse of desire urged her to collapse into Growth Assimilation straight away, without a second to spare. Barely keeping her wits about her, she managed to set her phone on ¡°Do Not Disturb,¡± tagging the only exceptions as the house phone and¡ªwith heavy delay¡ªCaro as well.


    The chamber¡¯s door clicked shut with a hiss and the attendant threw her an ¡°okay¡± sign to mark the start of her time, parking himself outside the facility''s entrance. Tingles zipped up her spine as her bare feet took to the center of the ten-by-ten space. She embraced the cooling sensation in totality, hardly taking the cold feel of stone against her back into account as she dropped to the ground and laced her fingers.


    Topped off at forty-eight aether strands, Val dove right into the cultivation aspects of her breathing techniques. Slipping into Growth Assimilation came as readily as expelling her lingering feelings with an exhale.


    The density of the twinkling motes frozen in the tight compartment well near broke her out of concentrative state then and there. She counted tens of thousands in her presence¡ªstatic, unmoving, and refined.


    Val grasped onto them, absorbing the pure energy through her palm¡ªshe didn¡¯t want to risk trying it another way¡ªand guiding it through her bloodstream. The dam she built for the funnel of energy grew bolder by the second, the steady stream of incoming particles vastly more in amount compared to the average remnant. Once she got the hang of it, though, the issue proved negligible in the face of boundless aether.


    It was a tedious process to weave in a stronger base for her Aether Vessel, ensuring it¡¯d be capable of withholding more energy than it could before. Too fast, and she might put a strain on it. Too slow, and there was no growth to show for one¡¯s hard work.


    Well read into the process by now, she cut her breathing technique halfway in, switching to Congruence of Prevalent Essence to refill the Aetherial Vessel that depleted so often. Expecting the process to startle her out of state, Val had to stifle a grin, delighted to realize that all the energy she required for meditation was right there.


    It didn¡¯t even take up to five minutes to replenish her Vessel, immediately falling into Growth Assimilation once more. In that manner, she cycled through the techniques, bolstering her ASC at a rate unknown to her.


    This was different from the dark realm she edged into once a day. The persistent urge to catch up to her peers withdrew. Her habit of counting each individual strand¡ªand every decimal, too¡ªdisappeared. The sense that she was the lone pillar of the Efron family, the enchanter of Runic Mead, a future Thales undergraduate, all of it, so insignificant.


    As of right now, she zeroed in on simply being Valory Efron¡ªon merely improving herself. Bit by bit, piece by piece, no matter the pace, no matter the reason. She thrived in the methodical process, one she¡¯d never held onto for long due to her crippling ASC. Though, for her to sit through the limited hours of the Aether Chambers, she must¡¯ve left even that reality behind, right?


    ¡°This is your four-hour warning.¡±


    Val startled at the grainy voice, and the message was enough to disrupt her unconscious pattern of bodily growing an arcane piece of herself. Her eyelids fluttered open, blinking some-twenty times in an effort to recall just where on Spiravale she was. Noting the dimming runes and the set of flashing speakers in the corner, she belatedly turned fogged glass leading outside.


    ¡°While you do have the choice to continue, it is recommended to end the session here and use your time in four-hour periods once a month,¡± he advised helpfully, and the monotone pitch of his spiel¡ªlike he articulated the very same speech thousands of times before¡ªgrounded Val. ¡°I¡¯m also told to inform you that you have a guest waiting.¡±


    A guest? The puzzle in itself sobered her swiftly, and¡ªwith a couple of suppressed grunts at the pins and needles infiltrating her calves¡ªshe clambered her way to a stand. The doors slid away at her approach, and Val discovered yet another frame seated on the proximate bench. Adjacent to the sleepy-looking Kidraan sat a gorgeous lady, her golden-brown hair a silky smooth curtain that came to a straight end just as it reached in between her shoulder blades.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Clad in a crisp, navy blue blazer and dress pants to match, the Auricean cut the perfect picture of, oddly enough, a lawyer working her way up in a big-name firm. She looked to have a pleased expression on her face, the smile in the corner of her mouth extremely telling. The faint glow in her eyes cut off as she glanced at the tablet in her hand, and then back at Val. ¡°It seems my information is outdated. You¡¯re at fifty-nine aether strands currently, correct?¡±


    ¡°Um,¡± Val sent a quick optical command to Aster, and the artifact obliged in turn, expanding the numbers in the bottom of her vision ever-so-kindly. ¡°Seems so?¡±


    ¡°Eleven AS in one sitting,¡± the attendant hissed in half-astonishment, half-skepticism, and she could''ve sworn she spotted the mysterious lady¡¯s smile broaden. He must¡¯ve counted the growing number of confused lines on Val¡¯s forehead, since he promptly added, ¡°I checked your ASC beforehand. Not a rule of the guild, mind you. Just a habit of mine.¡±


    The man hopped to his feet and slanted his chin downwards, regarding the Striker half a foot shorter than him a tad bit differently. Val couldn¡¯t decide if she discerned amazement in his blue eyes or alarm, and she didn¡¯t like it one bit. ¡°Sir?¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he chuckled, scratching the back of his head. ¡°It¡¯s been a long shift and my mind tends to go elsewhere in those last hours. That reminds me¡ªshould you decide to end your session, my time here is finished.¡±


    ¡°Where are my manners,¡± the lady chose that time to extend an arm, her hand measuredly wide. ¡°I¡¯m Sura Brooks, here to transform your social media platforms. Magus Kane let me know you were in the building.¡±


    The reasoning behind her presence clicked in at the tidbit of information. Age of Atera doesn¡¯t waste time. Val gestured her thanks to the attendant with a snappy mage¡¯s bow, thereafter throwing a shrug in Brooks¡¯ direction. ¡°I don¡¯t have many.¡±


    The well-put-together social media specialist, which Val suspected possessed extensive facial control training to mask her inner opinions from patrons and paparazzi alike, unreservedly grimaced. ¡°That¡¯ll be something to fix. You may not know it, but plenty out there are already following your story.¡±


    ¡°Flattery¡¯s a dangerous thing,¡± Val''s eyes narrowed. ¡°Especially if it¡¯s a lie.¡±


    ¡°Which is why I entertain the truth, particularly so in this line of work.¡± Her confident smile made its way up her lips in full. ¡°I¡¯m proud to say that I am good at my job. Great, in fact. Want to know what got me there?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Val smoothened her hair down into a low ponytail and hid a grimace of her own as her fingers came down slick with sweat. Making a mental note to definitely hit the showers, she nodded at Brooks. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡±


    ¡°I followed the signs. And if there was ever a sign of how fast you¡¯ll climb¡­¡± Brooks untucked the tablet out under her arm, propping up the screen in between two hands to display the assortment of statistics it harboured on a spreadsheet¡ªVal¡¯s statistics. Only one line sat at the top on the white screen, emboldened, highlighted, and written in red font in case her gaze might¡¯ve slipped past it.


    Aether Strand Count: 48


    An ASC she left in the dust in a matter of an afternoon. While it might¡¯ve been extraordinarily impressive in regular circumstances, the lady missed a major point and Val let her know, gesturing to the hallway riddled with aether chambers. ¡°Brooks, these are meant to boost cultivation experiences.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me you don¡¯t have a high PAST?¡± she threw out, and when Val couldn¡¯t stop herself from stiffening, she smiled like a cat who caught its prey. ¡°You¡¯re telling me your ability to snatch bronze at a crafter¡¯s competition in a matter of months is a lie? You¡¯re telling me your motivation to outrun, or perhaps correct, your father¡¯s ill-cast shadow on you isn¡¯t why you¡¯re working alongside the best adventurers?¡±


    That last statement, there, wiped Val¡¯s expression clean off her face. ¡°You researched me.¡±


    ¡°I research my clients, and that¡¯s exactly what you are. Hopefully, that is,¡± she sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t overstep any boundaries, Miss Efron. These are things¡ªexcept for your PAST, of course¡ªthat show up at the search of your name. This may be just a job for some and this may be just a phase for you, but for me, it¡¯s a vocation. I¡¯d like to represent you properly¡ªto tell your story, properly.¡±


    Val glanced away, her lips a firm line of weary resignation. It had been five years¡ªhalf an entire decade¡ªsince a rift took Dad, and people still believed in the utterly ridiculous things various channels spouted about him. Worse yet, her work in the First Halo seemed to be stirring up the pot all over again as her last name made the rounds, resurfacing the once-forgotten rumour for the umpteenth time.


    ¡°For what it''s worth,¡± Brooks continued, speaking into the silence that fell over the pair, ¡°I do not believe what the country claimed of your father, and so would anyone who gave it a fair second thought.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Val gave a weak smile, a little queasy in her stomach. All the surety she garnered in her time within the Aether Chambers, all the strength gained in advancing herself by eleven aether strands¡ªthe same amount she began with¡ªpaled in comparison to the mounting gut feeling burning a hole through her insides.


    This wouldn¡¯t be the last time she¡¯d hear his name in a negative light. Far from it. And yet the woman quietly studying her, waiting for her to elaborate, remained willing to take on her story in spite of it. ¡°You¡¯ve got more guts than I do,¡± Val muttered.


    The specialist frowned. ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re betting on me Brooks,¡± she spoke up, her viridian-green gaze meeting Brooks¡¯ light brown. ¡°I¡¯ve basically got sixty aether stands now and I know that is nothing to scoff at. Trust me. But, several Novices in my year have crossed into triple digits in spring. It¡¯s been a game of catch-up since Janos.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t realize it, do you?¡± Brooks'' cat-like smile deepened into a full-on grin and she stepped back, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before they start trying to catch up to you.¡±

 Chapter 47 - Binding Aether (Part II)

    First Halo,


    City of Atera,


    Runic Mead


    Val found herself on the cusp of formidable change, albeit majorly for the better. The idea of needing a social media specialist for an online presence that, in the words of Sura Brooks, was bound to happen in the coming years, scared her a little whenever the thought crossed her mind. Not to talk of soon training amongst the best Novices in the country, she officially ditched her low ASC in all respects. Safe to say it was a big summer, and that didn¡¯t appear to stop it from becoming even bigger for her, because in front of her stood yet a different change.


    She¡¯d already scanned the I.D. hanging off her lanyard in Runic Mead¡¯s lobby, had already crossed the Pen¡ªbriefly petting the playful dogs she discovered roaming the hall, naturally¡ªand had already walked past the stained-glass tiles of the inner corridors. With the unprecedented meeting with Brooks fast becoming a thing of the past, the distant fear she¡¯d put to bay clawed its way to the foreground.


    Grandmaster sent word to the Scribal Hall, implying she should visit his office as fast as possible. She¡¯d been somewhat avoiding the incoming talk, blaming on her busy adventurer schedule. Since Magus Kane put that excuse on indefinite hiatus, though, she was left with no choice except to ¡°face the spell,¡± as her old teacher, Miss Peppers, would say. Sure, it might displace her right out of the comfort zone she¡¯d scarcely settled into. At the end of the day, she realized, it remained only beneficial, and it was with an unsettling force that Caro¡¯s words came to mind.


    Be brave for yourself.


    And if there had ever been a better time to cling onto them than standing in front of a receptionist desk who¡¯d ¡°buzzed the Grandmaster¡± and ¡°let him know the young guest he¡¯d been expecting has arrived,¡± Val wouldn¡¯t ever know.


    Not up to three beats later, the receptionist led her through the aesthetic makeup of the hall to an area hosting countless study rooms. The walls consisted of adjustable glass, discernible by the vast spectrum of settings the occupants applied. Some kept it wholly see-through and allowed passersby to take a peak into their study sessions, the ridges of their faces alight with the glow of their desktops visible for all.


    Most, however, set it on an opaque shade, leaving the faintest silhouettes perceptible past the dark glass. The receptionist stopped in front of a said shaded room and the two forms inside stilled at their outside presence. She took the receptionist''s cue to rap her knuckles on the hard material, and the screen promptly slid away.


    Contrary to the rest of the crafting hall, inside sat the most basic of designs, home to two foldable chairs and a single, solid-coloured desk. The occupants, though, quickly stole her attention. On the side nearest to her, Grandmaster Reign twisted in his seat to take her in, clad in his signature apron and casual clothes.


    The other end held his direct counter, a man Val thought she wouldn¡¯t see in this kind of setting for a long while. Master Winsford beamed at her, his bone-white hair tied to a sophisticated tail behind his back and his slate-grey suit considerably obscured by the desk in front of him.


    ¡°Valory, welcome.¡±


    With two higher-ranked crafters in her midst, she resorted to an enchanter¡¯s salute. ¡°Good after¡ªgood evening, Grandmaster Reign and Master Winsford!¡±


    ¡°Enough of that,¡± Winsford chuckled. ¡°We¡¯re all associates here.¡±


    ¡°I always appreciate the good practice of rank. You¡¯ll need it for the uptight professors you¡¯ll be learning under very soon,¡± Grandmaster said. ¡°For now, Valory, you¡¯ll be receiving instruction from Master Winsford every Friday here, in a signed-out space at the Runic Mead. He wasn¡¯t quite ready to give up his star pupil. That pushes the chance for you to acquaint yourself with the older enchanters for another time, however.¡±


    ¡°That part was supposed to remain between us,¡± Winsford remarked.


    ¡°Was it, now?¡± he grinned at his colleague, and it was met with a resigned sigh. ¡°Anyhow, it¡¯s convenient that today is a Friday. From what I hear, this lesson¡¯s inexpensive, so feel free to use the room in my absence.¡±


    Val needn¡¯t ask the esteemed metalsmith about his so-called absence. He simply rose to his feet, smiled warmly at the new addition to his crafting hall in passing, and led the receptionist out of the study room.


    If Kenneth caught wind of how frightened she¡¯d been to have such a simple conversation, he¡¯d outright laugh in her face and then some more for the following week. She was hardpressed to reel in the blush making its way to her ears in embarrassment. I made a big deal out of absolutely nothing. Caro would never let me live it down.


    The thought came with an ache, swiftly shoved to the side as Winsford pointed to the foldable chair on the opposite side of the bare, thinly-built table. ¡°I believe it¡¯s time I finally let you in on intention and rank you up from Initiate to Apprentice.¡±


    Val didn¡¯t dare delay¡ªnot after he continued to offer his tutelage outside of his jurisdiction¡ªand scooted her seat closer. It was hard to suppress the wince at him calling her out. Truly, the rank Apprentice was only bestowed to those who¡¯d, at the very least, inscribed a working, capable rune. As an enchanter who was yet to achieve even a semblance of such a feat, indeed the title Initiate suited her far better. There existed only one method in alleviating this problem¡­


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Oh, there¡¯s no way. Her frown flipped into the smallest smile, and she bit into her lips to block it from growing any larger. Am I finally gonna enchant?


    ¡°In all honesty, you assumably have an idea of what intention is,¡± Winsford said, confirming her suspicions. Val studied the language behind enchantry, she possessed a decent handle on emission, and¡ªpardon her excited language¡ªkicked ass at detection. That left one primary skill for her to learn¡ªthe last piece to solidify her standing as an enchanter, and hopefully in the near future, a Tinkerer.


    ¡°It is vastly similar to another word you are familiar with. Will.¡± The Master enchanter searched her gaze for confirmation, nodding at what he saw. ¡°Whenever this word is mentioned regarding spellcraft, we think of determination¡ªunseen tenacity and determination. However, there¡¯s another facet of the word, one that¡¯s used commonly. If I say that your sitting is against my will, it is not opposing my resolve but my¡­¡±


    ¡°Desire,¡± Val finished.


    ¡°Precisely.¡± Winsford''s lips curled upwards. ¡°It¡¯s against my wishes and against my intent. We use that facet of will when spellcasting, and the same can be said for enchanting. That is how we form things in the image catered to our disposition.¡±


    She rubbed the back of neck. ¡°How do you transfer that into words without, you know, saying the incantation out loud?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the hard part of any craftsmanship,¡± Winsford supplied. ¡°Getting the material you¡¯re working with to cooperate alongside your will and expressing that through our hands and intentions. It only becomes more difficult when we realize exactly what material we¡¯re working with.¡±


    ¡°The neutral essence,¡± Val said, thinking back on her time in the Aether Chambers.


    ¡°Which is precisely why an enchanter must have a high PAST,¡± Winsford said. ¡°Things are complex right from the start. To pile on the unsatisfying news¡­¡± In a smooth manner that¡¯d put the best magicians to shame, he summoned forth a blank parchment and rolled the material flat on the desk. ¡°I can¡¯t teach it to you. This part is all trial and error. No training tools from the outside can help you with your inward problems.¡±


    Val swallowed a lump of apprehension down her throat. ¡°How long are we looking at?¡±


    ¡°Could be a month, could be a year, and quite possibly could never be,¡± he listed. ¡°Finding it takes time. More importantly, it takes a little bit of destiny.¡±


    The lump morphed into a sinking feeling, the kind she wouldn¡¯t shake for days to come. ¡°And what am I going to do if I can¡¯t inscribe a G1 enchantment by the first day of university?¡±


    ¡°No need to think of that now,¡± he waved the notion away, pointing at the paper. ¡°Try it out first and foremost.¡±


    Try what out? She had the sense to ask, but she managed to nip it before the desire fully bloomed. ¡°Thanks,¡± she muttered, accepting the scribal pen the Master enchanter slid across and spinning it around in grasp as she struggled to come to grips with the task requested of her.


    In simple terms, he wanted her to wrap a speechless spell under the guise of a rune and¡­ inscribe it? Or would he rather she thought of the process as an isolated practice, and solely think of it as adding oomph to the characters she spent months studying? Maybe, in truth, it was¡ª


    Val¡¯s nose crinkled as she caught herself, glimpsing the accursed cycle most rookie enchanters like her fell into. Where to begin, and where to end?


    She opted to pursue it with an open mindset and tipped over her Aetherial Vessel, allowing five aether strands to depart from her sternum and make their way to the pads of her fingers. As it did in the Rookie Competition, the energy leaped into the tool, and she went ahead and placed it on the parchment. Her wrist moved with practiced ease, drawing a certain rune-based character she felt was a little underrated.


    Firm.


    In the single engraving, there was a feeling of unyielding resoluteness that she believed would lend itself nicely to cloth-based outfits, metal armours, and weapons all the same. It¡¯d be her first bid to embark on her path as a Tinkerer, an enchanter who focused on improving a vast spectrum of equipment. The three dashes came effortlessly, and she poured her entire thought process into the action in hopes it¡¯d come across as intent.


    She held her breath, watching the glowing rune pulse steadily.


    Winsford reclined into his chair, idly combing his beard. ¡°Try again.¡±


    His experience shone through in the half-second Val glanced towards him, visibly perplexed. When her gaze returned, she discovered the aether disassembling into formless particles, fizzling away altogether within moments.


    Val quelled the welling frustration rising in her core and, instead, steadied her mind using the timed breaths of her meditative technique. Once her muscles loosened by their lonesome and her focus sharpened to a point keener than the tip of a blade, she gave it another go.


    ¡°Again.¡±


    And another¡­


    ¡°Keep going, Valory.¡±


    The third attempt gave her cruel hope by sticking around for a beat longer, scattering into dimming motes like the dying embers of a campfire the instance she fell for its deception.


    ¡°It¡¯s trial and error,¡± Winsford reminded his student, giving the writing utensil in her hand a comforting pat. ¡°You have more than two months before September. It¡¯ll come to you by then.¡±


    ¡°I really hope you¡¯re right, Master Winsford.¡± The material showed signs of her repeated marks¡ªher repeated failures. Val wasn¡¯t one to chase perfection, no one needed to tell her how futile that pursuit became.


    Thing was, she earned a heavy scholarship based on her talents as an enchanter. To show up on Thales¡¯ sprawling campus as anything except what was expected of her was the best way to start on the wrong foot. She just escaped the mark of a borderline-typic. Here she was, on her way to walking into another position partial to contempt. Yeah, that is so not happening.


    And that belief appeared to be a splendid motivator, because before she even gave herself the chance to doubt herself, she bowed her head and put pen to paper.

 Chapter 48 - Grave Time

    First Halo of Ciazel,


    City of Atera,


    Hall of Eons


    -Four Days Later-


    Strolling into their designated study room an hour before noon, Val stopped a step after the doorframe. The volume inside the room hit her with the force of a train, uncharacteristically loud. Caro¡¯s booming voice competed against the boys¡¯ low-pitched cheers and¡ªget this¡ªVal sighted no signs of an argument? Moments before she believed she entered a sheen or a mind trap of some sort, she studied the screen hovering above the metal desk. Really now¡­


    Someone in Hammer Squad¡ªshe placed her bets on Caro¡ªmanaged to set up a racing game on the IBR interface, and the table now registered their rapid swipes, taps, and swirls on its surface as inputs inside the software.


    Otis clenched his straw hat in unabated fright on one side of the desk, and the other guys not only shared similar demeanours, but identical hats. Where he stored three of the same straw hat and why he dished it out to them might forever be a mystery to Val. However, it appeared to be the determining factor on who was on which team since Caro and Lenson, quite conveniently, sported matching dark-blue clothing¡ªthe latter in an oversized crew neck and the former in a breezy dress.


    Val huffed a silent laugh as she moved to grab a seat, content to simply watch Lenson thoroughly crush Nightingale, to both Jesal¡¯s and Otis¡¯ dismay. He might¡¯ve possessed the reflexes of an agile cat, but Lenson harboured the foresight of a skilled diviner. I¡¯ve got to remember to ask her how it works.


    Several fake fireworks went off as Lenson¡¯s character crossed the finish line in record time, to both Jesal¡¯s and Otis¡¯ dismay. They slumped into their clothing and gave Nightingale a few placating pats on the shoulder as his face darkened to a dangerous degree. Caro carried on heedlessly, shaking the Support¡¯s shoulders in glee. Her happiness, contagious as it always was, infected Lenson by way of a growing smirk, only broadening as her partner flipped around to the losing side and stretched out a hand.


    ¡°Pay up,¡± Caro demanded. ¡°Ten infinitesimal remnants, all of you. Or the bill equivalent. I¡¯m not picky.¡±


    Rummaging through the fanny pack strapped across his chest, Jesal shot the girls a good-natured glare. ¡°I thought this was Kyles¡¯ first time playing.¡±


    Lenson gave a small shrug as if to say she was just as lost as the rest of them.


    ¡°What do you know, she¡¯s a natural,¡± Caro laughed, skipping from teammate to teammate to collect her due.


    Magus Kane chose that instance to make his entrance, striding for his normal spot at the end of the metal desk. Jesal worked quickly to close the app while everyone else¡ªsave for Lenson, who always managed to stay ahead of the curve¡ªscurried to one seat or the other.


    The Magus panned his gaze around the room and his lips began twitching at the spectrum of expressions across the table. Val could only imagine his thoughts as he compared the beaming Strikers and Support to the latter half of the team. ¡°Though you are still on your suspension¡ª¡± six bodies deflated at the news ¡°¡ªI am going to continue your lessons.¡±


    ¡°Fine with us,¡± Otis answered for everyone. Not even Nightingale protested against his proactive response. I mean, who would say no to free training?


    Magus Kane nodded his approval. ¡°Today, you are going to start learning the intricacies of breathing techniques.¡±


    ¡°And are we ever going to use our artifacts?¡±


    ¡°Patience remains a virtue, Hayes,¡± Kane didn¡¯t hesitate to answer. ¡°As you may have noticed amongst yourself, your breathing techniques are oddly similar. There remain two things to achieve: gather aether, and weave said energy into your AV to strengthen it. Correct?¡±


    Half a dozen nods across the board affirmed his presumption.


    ¡°These are handed to Novices as a foundation in your understanding,¡± he said. ¡°Very soon, you¡¯ll be given manuals that¡¯ll put your elements and, for some, your fighting style at the crux of your breathing techniques. This way, not only do you enhance your ASC, you grow to understand the specificity of your elements while raising your affinity.¡±


    ¡°That is a lot of change,¡± Caro pointed out.


    ¡°It is,¡± he agreed. ¡°It¡¯ll be taken step by step, just as we will proceed this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Alrighty,¡± Jesal said from beside Caro. ¡°We¡¯re ready.¡±


    Kane took his comment in all seriousness. ¡°I want you to call your elements. Use the frame form if it¡¯s concrete, and express if it¡¯s abstract. If the resource is already here¨C¡± a pointed look at Lenson and Nightingale ¡°¡ªthen invoke it. Nothing more than a fistful, if you please.¡±


    ¡°If we have multiple elements, sir?¡± Lenson asked. Val tried her best to mask her frown as several gazes flickered to and fro between the two. Here sat the only person on the team who possessed a singular element, unluckily placed beside the sole mage in the area who awakened as a tri-bound.


    ¡°I said call your elements. Plural,¡± he replied. ¡°Do it simultaneously.¡±


    That¡¯s one less thing for me to worry about, Val mused, going right ahead. She recalled the first frame she learned under Magus Hawke during her trainee days. It came as easy to her as playing a triad chord on the guitar and in a heartbeat, the light-blue ensign beckoned. A smooth, unblemished coldsteel orb rested in her palm, its skin massively less frigid than it had been the first go-around. Curious.


    Beside her, Lenson urged the occasional soft breeze into existence to twirl an ice diamond above her open, her third element, divination, as invisible as it always seemed. Otis balanced a pentagon-shaped, jade plate on his lap while a ball of pulsing, yellow light took dilatory laps in a halo over his head. In different versions, the same picture was replicated opposite the IBR-connected desk, with Jesal seemingly the only Novice without a single apparent element to speak of.


    For Magus Kane to proceed with his lecture, though, it must¡¯ve been summoned in a sufficient manner. ¡°Despite what they try to sell to you on the internet,¡± he said, ¡°elements are not just a power to command. It¡¯s something that lives and breathes in a different form. It has qualities. If you look hard enough, you notice that the wielder holds the same ones. Ever notice that air mages are curt and straight to the point, or that fire mages are perhaps too passionate?


    ¡°There is a reason behind those connections. No two Elemental Gates are the same. Likewise, every mage is unique. So, Novices, study your element. Which parts of your being did your elemental force resonate with? Why? Ruminate on these questions exhaustively. When you meditate, do not solely focus on building as you keep feeding aether into your spell. Focus on connecting.¡±


    This meditative exercise was a long time coming.


    You see, Val liked to believe she understood herself better than most her age. She had an ear for the musical arts, appreciated the simple and grew fond of unweaving the complex. Give her a book, and she¡¯d be A-okay. Brew her a cup of coffee and you¡¯d befriend her for life. Comfortable was a home she took everywhere¡ªquite to her detriment, as she was realizing. I¡¯m working on it. Like it or not, though, that was her.


    Where the heck do you fit a metal like coldsteel in that description? A hard, heat-stealing, unbreakable element that carried the toughest parts of both ice and forged iron? To bind to such a polar force of nature¡­ It almost felt like a lie. And maybe it was, in some form, a lie. Before all else, she tethered to the Metal Gate itself and its many ensigns. Could that be where the disconnect lay, or¡ª


    Let¡¯s focus on the task at hand, Val told herself, cutting off her train of thought before she fell down a spiral she couldn¡¯t return from. Nevertheless, she was getting tired of these arcane tasks without a step, direction, or a finish line in sight. As most could probably guess, her road to true Apprenticeship had gone nowhere in the past couple days. She neither inscribed an able rune, sighted an avenue of possible growth or even had a clue if she was progressing in the right direction. Go figure.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Be that as it may, she¡ªliterally¡ªbeheld a hint this time around. In her palm rested a Glazen orb that she conjured. Her mind eased into the cycle of her timed breaths. In. Hold. Out. This time, though, she tagged on a fourth step to the process, one she never thought would come in handy.


    Observe.


    The flickering ensign within throbbed with her every exhale, and pulsed during her extended inhales. Circulating aether around her body, pinning her concentration on her element, she found it. The similarity.


    Within her pliable personality, within the doting-but-harsh sister and whatever else coexisted underneath her exterior form, she nestled a kernel. Small, tiny, practically invisible¡ªbut it was there.


    That stone-cold resolve she dug into whenever things became too unbearable for the coffee-loving Val to handle¡ªshe could visualize it as this core sitting in her gut. When she tumbled in the depthless darkness of the Tripartite Trial¡¯s second exam and that very first step she took after the revelation of Life¡¯s Hymn, it was there.


    She took another breath.


    It was there and, month by month, it invaded her reality in such a subtle way, she hardly noticed. Her rekindled desire to grab onto the branch to the next height, the simply joy she reaped in improving herself in the smallest degrees, and the peace she discovered in cultivation stemmed from that kernel. What ever happened for settling for what she received?


    The intense duality dwelling at her core felt so obvious, now that she perceived it. Comfort and growth, fear and advancement¡­ cowardliness and courage¡ªthese attributes fought to see daylight within. Not any longer.


    She needed to do away with the Valory that came out of those years after Deduction Day. To not forget the dread and change and hurt, but reforge it into metal she could carry to both her internal and external fights alike. As of right now, it dragged along at the heels of her feet, elongating her every pause and casting a shadow on every positive.


    Finally, the connection to a well of strength buried away inside¡ªa piece of her that pulled so much weight unknowingly¡ªclicked into place. Eyes closed and mind so deep into thought, Val couldn¡¯t see the confident smile tracing her lips, nor the faint vapour sneaking out from in between.


    ¡°Stop,¡± Kane called out from¡­ somewhere. Val¡¯s eyelids separated a second later, and the world she returned to traded out for a clearer version, almost like someone suddenly changed the graphics to the highest option. Severing the link between the coldsteel ensign¡ªand therefore her current spell¡ªshe noted the distance between the ever-daunting Metal Gate in her mind¡¯s eye appeared just the tiniest bit reduced.


    ¡°Shit, Oats!¡± Caro flung her arm outward, jerkingly pointing towards him. ¡°Your eyes are glowing, dude!¡±


    His mouth opened and closed as he brought a slow hand upwards. He looked at the girl opposite of him in shock, and then inhaled a sharp breath. ¡°Yours are too!¡±


    ¡°I believe a congratulation is in order,¡± Val barely heard Kane say, too occupied admiring the dullest ice-blue glare boomeranging right back into her frozen gaze off the metal desk. The Mage¡¯s Mark.


    ¡°You all moved up in affinity,¡± the Magus continued. ¡°I¡¯m impressed. I didn¡¯t think you would get it on your first try.¡±


    Though Val failed to remember the specifics behind elemental affinity, she could fully grasp the gravity behind attaining a major milestone in a mage¡¯s journey. Across Spiravale¡¯s continents, the coloured light officiated one as a practitioner of the arcane arts, a seeker of the unknown. There was no denying her status as a Novice anymore. Val didn¡¯t even register the broad grin that split her face.


    ¡°I¡¯d advise you to head to the conference room in an hour for the mandatory guild meeting,¡± he announced, taking a belated sit in the chair nearest to him. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you there.¡±


    Guild meeting? Val shared confused glances with the other five Novices in the room. First I¡¯ve heard of it.


    ¡°It¡¯s an emergency one concerning only lower-ranked adventurers,¡± Magus Kane said, reading the atmosphere like a book. ¡°You will be there on time. Is that understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    ~


    ¡°Forget being here on time,¡± Caro grumbled under her breath and flopped into a chair alongside the aisle, fanning out her dress¡¯ material as it crumpled underneath. ¡°We got here half an hour early, for heaven¡¯s sake!¡±


    Nightingale heaved a resigned sigh, screwing his head over the shoulder to glance at Val. ¡°Does she always make a big deal out of everything?¡±


    Caro''s scoff was loud enough to turn the necks of those trickling into the auditorium. ¡°You think you¡¯re one to talk?¡±


    Jesal tugged at one of the piercings dangling from his ear. ¡°Caro, you''re kind of blocking the way.¡±


    Her grumbled complaints returned double-time at the remark. With a huff, she turned to scoot down the row, allowing the others to shuffle into the narrow walkway and find a cushioned seat in the angled auditorium. Despite the space feeling unnecessarily large¡ªthe heightened stage to the far front appeared so minuscule in their spots in the middle, Val questioned whether she needed glasses¡ªit filled up in a matter of minutes.


    Val deflected the stares garnered by their peers, specifically their fellow sponsored-student squads entering with an uninterested air. Reynor University¡ªeasy to spot by their spotless clothes¡ªgave them respectful nods in passing, and U of A, another top university based in Atera, walked by with no small amount of friction.


    So much so, a low whistle sounded out from behind. Val deemed that worthy to ignore too, until the shuffling at their backs became too much to bear. She snuck a look behind, and her face lit up in surprise.


    ¡°Wow.¡± Her lips curled up as she took in the auburn water mage sinking into his seat, three more well-known faces trailing behind. ¡°Talk about a pleasant coincidence.¡±


    ¡°Our little Strikers have grown up,¡± Aeron quipped and his perpetual grin broadened, a blue glare coming over his hazel irises. ¡°Oh¡ªyour elemental affinity has improved!¡±


    Caro inclined her chin. ¡°Think I can beat Sil?¡±


    Jesal snorted. ¡°That¡¯s a sad joke if I¡¯ve heard one.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± she waved him off.


    ¡°You guys should try Vague View now,¡± Aeron suggested, tapping at his temple. ¡°Remember when I taught it to you in the Ashless Forest? Your elemental affinity is high enough for you to see¡ª¡±


    ¡°Elemental traces!¡± Val sat up, eyes sparkling. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of that?¡±


    ¡°Still asking questions,¡± Sil remarked, the last to sit out of the four. ¡°Just activate the art. It¡¯ll be there regardless.¡±


    Val kickstarted the visual Aetherial Arts in haste, a weird giddiness bubbling up in her chest, and panned her gaze around like a kid in an amusement park. Reds, pinks, beautiful shades of yellows and vivid greens swept the auditorium like an array of intersecting rivers of solid colours. Light blue drenched the ground and dripped off the walls, and Val recognized the hue, denoting the icy colour to the AC runes inscribed and at full power in the middle of summer.


    ¡°The Heavenly Hues¡­¡± Val muttered as she saw the world, for the second time today, in a new lens.


    For the lines of young mages in the sectional theatre seating, elemental traces oozed out of their clothing. It made a simple job of documenting their bound Elemental Gates and ensigns. Six¡ªwait, seven now¡ªmonths in, anyone would know that crimson denoted fire, azure denoted water, grey denoted air, and so forth.


    For the dozen of weathered maguses, magisters and high-class adventurers coming to a stop atop the elevated stage up front, though, she¡¯d barely picked up on a thing. Their elemental traces hung tight to their bodies and, in fact, she only glimpsed a colour on the youngest amid their ranks.


    A lady in her early twenties¡ªnot much older than Val¡ªstood brazenly beside her seniors. Though her wild mane of elaborate brown curls would¡¯ve usually caught Val¡¯s attention, the particular shade of fuchsia-pink lingering on her frame left Val stumped. I¡¯ve seen that before¡­ She wondered internally. Where have I seen it?


    ¡°The guildmaster looks a little down today,¡± Caro commented down the row.


    ¡°Probably went to a funeral,¡± Otis replied, shedding the straw hat that Val somewhat considered a fifth limb of his. Nine confused gazes pincered him from all sides where he sat in the middle of the conjoined group of friends and associates. ¡°What, you guys don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know what?¡± Caro demanded.


    ¡°Magister Thorne takes it upon himself to attend the funerals of those in the CAU,¡± Magus Kane answered for them, and the blue specks fleeing his body informed Val he used Aether Shift to teleport into the spot beside Caro without a single notice.


    Naturally, his sudden appearance gave the girl a heart attack¡ªevident by her jumping up to her feet, only to collapse downwards and mutter a couple curses under her breath¡ªyet, he continued onwards unfazed, his steely blue eyes tracing each of his students. ¡°It¡¯s his way of appreciating the work we and others do.¡±


    The group fell silent at that, shooting cursory glances upstage as the young mage stepped forward to whisper into guildmaster Thorne¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Oh, it''s one of the banes.¡± Otis piped up, leaning forward to get a better look. ¡°Bane of Humanity, to be specific.¡±


    ¡°That is one of the most¡ª¡± Val began to say.


    ¡°Sickass,¡± Caro added.


    ¡°Negative names I''ve heard,¡± she finished. Following the Bulwark¡¯s suit, she moved to the edge of her seat and squinted at the faint wisps escaping the sweats the bane chose to wear. Putting the adventurous in adventurer, she dared to use Vague View a little more. That pink is too familiar¡­


    ¡°Today,¡± a baritone voice reverberated across the room in a tangible wave, snapping Val toward the guildmaster¡¯s rigid frame unconsciously. ¡°Today, adventurers, is the day we rely on you during what most call a grave time.¡±

 Chapter 49 - Bright Side

    Even before the sobering news hit the auditorium, the adventurers stilled under his presence. Each breath he took, each instance his shoulders rose and fell, Val¡¯s gaze would snap back into focus¡ªsharpen, even. Something she couldn¡¯t pinpoint drew her to his frame, and it wasn¡¯t only her. The aether particles themselves, ever frozen and indifferent, drifted towards his direction like his body¡¯s mass inducted its gravity onto them. Regardless, his words didn¡¯t need much power to carry across the dead silent room, especially considering the content.


    ¡°Rifts that concern Novices like you¡ªCopper-rung rifts, specifically¡ªare and have been acting strangely. The Rule of Progression is completely defective as of late. To top it off, we are reaching record-high numbers in rift ruptures,¡± he said, stating three major implications.


    ¡°With these troubles plaguing every region, the government put out a call for aid. I am here to inform you that a decision has already been made by myself and other figures in the guild.¡± For a beat, he let his information sink, eyes narrowing a tad as the room¡¯s energy shifted.


    ¡°Age of Atera agreed to be a helping hand wherever requested. As one can guess, the majority of souls inside this room are affected. All I can do is ask for your cooperation. Nothing will be held against you if you decide to take a break from rift-diving. I just hope you can understand that the country, too, requires our support.¡±


    Val hummed in thought, taking in not the message, but the messenger. The relatively tall guildmaster looked to be clocking into his sixties, his time slowly but surely ticking away. According to Magus Kane, in front of her stood a man who paid respects to adventurers across the country. To her, though, this was a simple old man she stumbled across in Runic Mead, barely making a show of her mistake and going so far as to wink at her.


    He wasn¡¯t sugarcoating the heightened perils one would find in a rift. For a time, diving harboured its dangerous half far more than its lucrative half. Yet, Val still believed he¡¯d remain true to his words even if the entire rank of sixth-class and fifth-class adventurers retired their badges for a season.


    With these facts laid bare for all to see, she gathered this was precisely why it would be so well received in the next few seconds. Not due to the fact he said and gave what many may call the standard treatment, but because he was the one standing at the front, relaying his choices.


    The seasoned adventurers of the likes of Rick and Bo offered guildmaster Thorne a mage¡¯s bow in their seats and the remainder of the congregation followed their example so swiftly, it might¡¯ve appeared practiced to the average eye. Magister Thorne¡¯s smile reached his ears, gratitude woven along the groves of his expression.


    ¡°Your service will be remembered,¡± he said, returning the favour to his guild members. Attention ever on their guildmaster, the colleagues at his back snapped a mage¡¯s bow in accordance, hands across the torso. The weight of the agreement hung heavy on the assembly, knowing at least one of them might not be sitting here by the end of the summer. They signed up for this, essentially¡ªdoubly so in Val¡¯s case, an Aether Artifact wielder.


    Magister Thorne continued to explain the logistics behind his decision in its entirety, spelling out the types of requests inbound for the hundreds in their seats. Heavy-hitting artillery squads were likely waiting on damage control assignments¡ªwhich were attempts to curb a rift in advance of it''s rupture¡ªwhile swifter squads composed of more Hunters were designated rescue missions for trapped teams. Val shivered at the thought, confined to the wilds with no means of escaping, no help in sight.


    With the lengths to which the guildmaster went to describe the sudden crisis, Val could only imagine the country¡¯s distress rising once word hit the news. That¡¯s if it isn¡¯t already out.


    ¡°I will now consider this meeting concluded,¡± he announced twenty minutes into his speech. ¡°If there are answers to be had, please look to one of us¡ª¡± he swept a hand to the lined mages at his back ¡°¡ªor the higher-ranked adventurers next to you. Thank you. That will be all.¡±


    Adventurers erupted into discussions as soon as possible, and Val caught hints of ideas in the works, from schemes to take advantage of the times to vacation locations and dates. People spilled into the aisles, only pausing to greet the esteemed mages atop the stage. Hammer Squad, on the other hand, turned to Magus Kane with the same strained question in their narrowed gazes. Was their ban lifted under these circumstances?


    Magus Kane seemed hesitant, frowning in thought for well into a minute. Then, he gave the smallest shake of his head, his near-shoulder-length dreads shaking the slightest bit. ¡°Sit tight. These situations call for far more nuance and skill than prior.¡±


    No one could argue with his reasoning. That didn¡¯t mean, however, they were any less disappointed. Otis¡¯ slipped back on his hat, wisely covering his face in the action, and the quieter ones¡ªLenson and Nightingale¡ªsettled to press their eyes shut and let out a soft sigh.


    ¡°Riiiiiick,¡± Caro whipped around to her former team, long limbs splayed over into the row behind. ¡°Take me with you!¡±


    ¡°Seconded,¡± Jesal said, turning to his older cousin. ¡°Sil, you know you owe me.¡±


    ¡°Not a chance in hell I¡¯m taking you,¡± she replied in a heartbeat.


    Rick wrestled a smile off his lips, failing to suppress a chuckle. ¡°You know I would if I could. For the most part, in Carielle¡¯s case,¡± he added a second later and shot Magus Kane with a look of poor understanding.


    ¡°I know right,¡± the Magus muttered, and Caro whipped onto him so quickly, Val could practically hear every word and insult in her mind. Realizing a Magus was the one sitting next to her, she froze midway, mouth cracked open. Everyone broke out in laughter at her antics¡ªespecially the sore losers from earlier in the day¡ªand, in a blink, Hammer squad put the letdown behind them. Well, most of Hammer Squad, that was.


    Once again, Val couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something¡ªor rather, someone¡ªwas watching her. It felt entirely different from Clemintine¡¯s cold, taunting look and far off from guildmaster Thorne¡¯s force-filled, dream-invoking aura. Instead, it scratched at the base of her skull, tickled at the forefront of her consciousness, and played a weird game with her arcane senses. Out of impulse, she searched for the source, and her instincts brought her to where she last saw the wild-haired mage adjacent to Magister Thorne, the Bane of Humanity.


    In a play of fate that Val was pretty sure she¡¯d been a part of before, she was already gone¡­


    <hr>


    The ball fell. Over and over¡ªand not for the last time¡ªover again, it fell. Rhodes made it so. Once a young mage with too much time on her hand, she¡¯d long ago perfected the art of throwing the object high into the air, barreling at the ceiling above where she lay fully prone, and then swallowed by a space portal she conjured.


    As intended, a slight wind would rustle her afro a tiny bit as the ball reappeared beside her, shooting upwards from the connective portal hovering about her head. She¡¯d then manipulate its gravity, knowing that even after it readjusted and its original velocity staved off, it would still break a hole into the room above.


    The fact was evident even without her Aether Artifact conveniently displaying the ever-changing numbers of its variables for her, and she¡¯d wish the problem on her mind would be even half as visible. On the contrary, it was all too similar to the complex route the ball travelled¡ªup, then suddenly down, caught in her hands, and dashed into the same never-ending cycle once more.


    How was it that Magister Thorne discovered Valory before she¡¯d been declared what Rhodes assumed to be a tri-bound mage with a low gold PAST¡ªand that was the minimum guess, she kept reminding herself¡ªyears ahead of everyone. How was it that he¡¯d wrapped the entire thing so flawlessly, his only mistake was not accounting for familial relations. How was it that Valory decided to become a mage during which not one, but two Age of Atera members had been present to support her claim?


    Why go so far as to hide it in the first place and¡ªthe winning question, really¡ªwas it even him? The man, for all his credit, achievements and standing, was the most straightforward person there lived. She could attest to that fact easily by him simply being a friend of her mother¡¯s. Quite atypical for a dean of her class, she detested convoluted things and people.


    ¡°Roundabout¡± wasn¡¯t in Thorne¡¯s dictionary. He built his guild off of merit alone, disregarding the Halos mages were born in and giving his adventurers the tools to build themself up for a feeble fee of 1% percent tax. And of course, the gentleman he was, Thorne excused the first three dives of adventures fourth-class and below.


    No one could deem him a hypocrite either, since the Magister started with himself. Each of his banes, from the dear friend she found in Olive to the oldest of the five, had been strays¡ªrandom people he met on his random trips.


    Information never failed a soldier, but damn did these facts leave her more confused than her regular cases. After all, more than half a year passed since the gathering at Commitee''s Say following the trials, and Captain Rhodes merely found herself inches closer than before.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    And then the ball, twirling in the hands of a dual-bound Magus and Spiravale¡¯s gravitational force, was caught. Rhodes¡¯ visibility cleared, snapping into focus on the broad hand hovering inches above her face. She moved it aside slowly, registering the lived-in house surrounding her, the aged scent of the decade-old couch she held hostage, and the fingers closing around her palm.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± she grinned, gently reminding herself that no, she was not Captain Rhodes outside of work, inside the Hayes household, staring into the amused eyes above her. ¡°Even a Novice would be hard-pressed to catch it at that speed.¡±


    ¡°Good thing I¡¯m not your average typic,¡± came Brad¡¯s answer as he rounded the couch. He grabbed her military-assigned hat by the brim, setting it aside onto the nearby table. Taking a seat on the armrest, he loosened his hold on her hand to plant the bottle cap-sized ball into her palm. ¡°Here you go.¡±


    Fiona¡¯s grin dialed back into an appreciative smile, swapping the ball over into her other hand in favour of holding onto his. That didn¡¯t stop her from fiddling with it, rolling it over in her palm, inspecting it between a thumb and index finger.


    ¡°Alright, what is it,¡± Brad¡ªCarielle''s older brother¡ªasked in his monotone voice. While any other person would take it to heart, she came to accept it as a trait of his, one of many she learned to look for, to memorize. ¡°You¡¯ve obviously got something on your mind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about... let''s just say I''m thinking about talent,¡± she said, her smile now peeled back into a hard line. ¡°You know Second Lieutenant Edmund, the Lieutenant-Colonel''s daughter? She¡¯s about to rank up to Adept. Took her a short five years to accomplish it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard,¡± he said, taking it upon himself to gently comb through her hair¡ªjust what she wanted subsequent to a long day inside a Platnium-rung rift in search of criminal runaways. Nothing like the wilds to hideaway, no cameras or laws in sight. Unfortunately, she''d been trained and primed for the exact job of capturing their kind. ¡°It¡¯s phenomenal if you hit it in seven,¡± Brad added.


    ¡°Right? And while five years is nothing to scoff at¡­¡± her mind couldn¡¯t help wandering to the list of outright monsters months away from entering post-secondary institutes. ¡°Some prodigies accomplish it in three. Surprisingly, many in this year''s cohort may do it in less. I¡¯m talking up to fifty Adepts prior to the end of year two, perhaps including both Carielle and Valory.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The fingers running through her curls froze. ¡°Caro and Val? Valory Efron?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not kidding. Caro¡¯s ASC is terribly high, paired with an above-average PAST. What¡¯s more, the girl lives for the next fight. So she¡¯s definitely on track for that. Val, on the other hand, has your¡ª¡± she poked his chin from beneath ¡°¡ªwork ethic and, on the opposite end, a terribly high PAST. Just a matter of time.¡±


    Fiona¡¯s hardly treated to the comedic sight of Brad¡¯s stoic expression warped in any direction. The laughter that bubbled out of her chest surprised her just as much as it did Brad, but that did nothing to dim the intensity of the arrant delight in his eyes, lips curled upward and gaze far off as he reminisced about one thing or the other.


    ¡°Excited for your sister?¡±


    ¡°For both of them.¡± He turned his head back to the picture wall behind the couch, freezing on Valory¡¯s picture from her elementary days. Fiona found it a bit strange for the rather equal consideration between the two sixteen-year-old girls she discerned in his demeanour. Now that I think about it¡­ He¡¯d always show off Val¡¯s pictures alongside his family during the rare moments he felt like sharing. The detail really never fell into place until now. He¡¯s closer to Valory than I realized, she mused, and a wave of clarity brought a sudden idea.


    ¡°Hey, this might come off as a bit weird,¡± she began, ¡°but has Valory ever been through something traumatic?¡±


    Brad startled out of his reverie and gave her a weird look even as he sighed. ¡°Plenty of stuff. I wouldn¡¯t know where to start.¡±


    ¡°Start at the beginning.¡±


    He tilted his head, his confusion deepening. ¡°Are you going to tell me why?¡±


    "Not yet."


    Brad stared at her from above, studying the strain in her taut expression. Fiona sincerely wished she could fill him in¡ªand she would very soon¡ªshe simply required more of the story, to have an idea where it began and ended prior to letting it out.


    As people in their line of work¡ªa Defender on one end, and a soldier on the other¡ªthey understood the weight behind certain experiences. The story remained the person¡¯s, and theirs alone to share. In the same vein, though, they were prepped to read study cases that delved deep into a subject¡¯s life, personal connections, even their psyche¡ªand she¡¯d very much jump straight into that information well had there been any.


    That was the crux of the issue. There was nothing to be found. According to the files, Valory was an ex-pickpocket, borderline orphaned due to unfortunate cirumstaces, and yet remained a top-achieving student, an abiding citizen, and an all-around great sister. It simply didn¡¯t scream hidden tri-bound gold to Fiona.


    ¡°You need this,¡± he stated, more than asked, and her nod said as much.


    ¡°If this is for her own good¡ªand knowing you, it most definitely is¡ªpromise me you¡¯ll tell her and ask her yourself later.¡± He lurched forward to ensure she caught the weight behind his statement. Moving in closer, he kneaded the wrinkles pinching between her eyebrows with two fingers, almost like soothing Fiona¡¯s discomfort might do away with his. ¡°Val¡­ doesn¡¯t like mysteries. Can¡¯t fault her when she¡¯s been surrounded by them her whole life.¡±


    Fiona clicked her tongue at the irony in his words. I¡¯m merely adding to the mess on that front. Sitting up straight, she moved to take his hands and clasped them between two of hers.


    ¡°Promise. I just¡­¡± and when other words failed her, she ended up falling back on the same five she¡¯d thought before. ¡°I need the whole story.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said, heaving a great sigh. ¡°Val didn¡¯t grow up having much. Most in Quintar don¡¯t. Her father was a third-rate adventurer and her mother was an average healer with a damning condition. They made ends meet, though, doing odd jobs here and there.¡±


    A smile came upon his face, reaching his light-brown irises. ¡°One of her mother¡¯s jobs had her visiting neighbouring cities. It''s how she and my mom became good friends.¡±


    His smile tapered off till it vanished. ¡°It all went downhill once Aunt Tay, Val¡¯s mother, was carrying Andy. Uncle Raven stuck it out in rifts longer and longer to provide for a new kid, and Aunt Tay¡¯s pregnancy kept becoming more complicated. When the time came, the doctors prioritized her child, believing they could siphon the extra aether at a later time.¡±


    A shake of the head. ¡°Didn¡¯t go as planned, and the room they used to keep her alive was nothing anyone in Quintar could afford to pay. So Uncle Raven continued to dive all the rifts he could, until one¡­ one finally did him in.¡±


    Fiona didn¡¯t interrupt his pause, letting him breathe. The story was as much his as it was Valory¡¯s. ¡°Val didn¡¯t lose her father that day¡ªshe lost her best friend. You could barely separate the two. Then¡­ then came that nasty rumour.¡±


    Shifting her hand, Fiona rested it on his arm and gave it a squeeze. Likely of its own accord, his features had warped into a deep scowl, and his next words made her join right along with him. ¡°The insurance for teamwipes was meant to be a blessing. His wife¡¯s medical bills had been paid for a decade, and his children¡¯s education was secured. Instead, people thought a man like him¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she cut him off, having found the information in her deep dive. ¡°I know. He didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I find it hard to believe the CAU invested time to look into it. That¡¯s how improbable it is. Nevertheless, it at least cleared his name.¡±


    ¡°Not to most. Not to his Horizon¡¯s Silence,¡± he spat, citing the guild of Valory¡¯s father. ¡°Not to his teammates¡¯ relatives, not to the general public. For the number of deaths in the teamwipe and the number of lives it affected, people wanted someone to blame, something to pin their grief and anger to. To this day, the rumour follows Val wherever she goes. She went from having loving parents and friends to having no one except her kid brothers in a matter of months.¡±


    And the story from there, Rhodes determined, continued in that downward spiral. Valory, fighting to gain a livelihood for the remainder of her family, was recruited by a shady pub owner. In such a place, exposed to heavens-knew-what, she had to grow up in weeks if she wanted to keep her wits about her¡ªand she did.


    She counted every cent that came and went, even when she later stuck it out in mines to add to her income. Pick-pocketing came from a sense of desperation, Brad told her, a means to help her father while he tried to provide for them in her earlier years.


    ¡°Landed her in a jail cell most times at the precinct for a day,¡± Brad went on to explain. ¡°Got her beaten to a pulp other times. It¡¯s why she¡¯s so hard to crack. Luckily she was a minor at the time, so it¡¯s not on her record unless you take a deep dive.¡±


    Fiona rubbed at her face. ¡°She did not have it easy.¡±


    ¡°Far from it,¡± Brad agreed grimly, and he stared straight into the eyes of a Magus, center-level with his girlfriend. ¡°Fio. Why do you want her background info?¡±


    Not solely her background info, she repeated internally, her sights turning elsewhere. The whole story. On the very, very bright side, Fiona at long last found something, discovered the pieces the culprit left behind in a manner they couldn¡¯t erase.


    People. The people surrounding the odd case that was Valory Efron entailed the details she required. It¡¯d been the case for the dean, and the same could be said for Brad. Who else unknowingly held the keys to the puzzle? One thing was certain¡ªshe needed her team on this.


    She¡¯d been delaying the move until now, hoping to keep the whole operation off the record. Fiona wasn¡¯t ignorant enough to believe she could assign her subordinates unnoticed. Nevertheless, she wouldn¡¯t always so graciously happen upon said clues. In her experience, she might never see a lucky break again when it comes to Valory.


    Inhaling sharply, she threw a faint prayer above that her decision to involve more people¡ªincluding the Defender biding his time next to her on the couch¡ªwould not come back to hurt her. ¡°I believe she manifested her elements herself and, as studied, a traumatic experience is a primary cause.¡±


    Brad, for his part, took the news in stride. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t we have seen it, then?¡±


    ¡°Someone banished it. Well, before I did, at least,¡± she muttered that last part, but Brad remained hooked on the beginning.


    He bent low, like his emotional investment weighed heavy on his shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re looking for who?¡±


    ¡°I have a ten-to-one guess on who, at the moment, even if that half of the problem fails to add up either. Currently, I¡¯m wondering what exactly this person is hiding her from and more importantly¡­¡±


    In the portal the ball flew once again, disappearing the moment she tried to make sense of the situation.


    ¡°More importantly,¡± she repeated, ¡°I¡¯m curious and worried about why.¡±

 Chapter 50 - Storms Keep (Part I)

    Val and her fellow squadmates sat in the conference chairs like the plush cushions were made up of stone¡ªuncomfortable in every way possible. Needless to say, the seats weren¡¯t hard rock, but that hardly gave anyone more comfort as they bode their time, looking onwards at the Magus placed on the farthest end.


    Kane, at last, looked away from the tablet in his hands and double-tapped the desk. ¡°I want you guys to watch this clip.¡±


    Awoken from its slumber, the high-tech apparatus chimed.


    File uploaded. Loading¡­


    Expecting a tutorial video about one rift-diving aspect or the other, Val¡¯s eyes widened as she recognized traits the squad in question posed¡ªice-blond hair, the long-shafted greataxe and a pale-blue chain wrapped along an arm. That¡¯s me.


    ¡°That¡¯s us,¡± Otis said aloud, looking toward the Magus with a face as confused as any other Novice in the room. He got a tiny head bob towards the two-way hologram that¡ªwhich, Val only just realized¡ªwas playing the recordings from their time in an IBR demo earlier today. Watch it, Kane was trying to say, and no one needed to be told to do as much.


    It started at the tail end of their session, showing the final moments against the three-starred Bristle Turtle. The lightning beast might have been Tier One, but it earned every single star the CAU allotted it, standing taller than Otis and wider than a king-sized bed. Dagger-like thorns lay flat on its hardened exterior, its black shell like a shield on its dark-navy skin.


    Val winced as, per its name, the turtle¡¯s skin bristled, its sharp ends rising off the beast''s shell. Looking at it retrospectively, the beast practically transformed into a large porcupine.


    Hold, she remembered Otis ordering, unable to hear it once more through the muted clip. Hold, he said once more, even as teal-coloured energy zipped from spike to spike, creating a vibrating lightning field on the creature¡¯s back. Hold, he let out for the last time as the spikes took the air, thrumming with energy, shaking with excitement.


    Otis¡¯ interceptive shields came about and an army of pentagonal plates stormed the beast. flying almost too perfectly toward the beast. Now!


    Val left her safety in the hands of his spell¡ªa spell she stubbornly called Tier Two¡ªand dipped into the chaos of it. The charged thorns attacked at once¡ªmoving so swiftly at the moment, they pretty much teleported into her personal space¡ªonly to crash against a palm-sized plate.


    With the creature¡¯s main offensive source thwarted thoroughly by Otis, the rest fell into place like a round of dealt cards. Jesal¡¯s gravitational grasp nailed the turtle to the ground, leaving it no time to escape from Nightingale¡¯s initial strike to the heel of its hindleg, nor Val¡¯s thrust for its eye.


    Caro came barreling in seconds after axe in hand, muscles tense as she readied an energy-empowered swing right for its head. By luck or a software glitch¡ªVal couldn¡¯t tell even as she watched it play out for the second time¡ªthe turtle receded fully into its shell not a moment too soon, dodging the hunk of metal by a hair.


    The clock ran out for the demo, either way, it seemed. Lenson¡¯s Sword Graveyard put the creature out of its misery, skewering it in seven different locations. The video faded to dark, and the borders of the hovering screen closed in on itself until it vanished into thin air.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°As you can see,¡± Magus Kane began, pushing out of his chair. He took three steady steps to reach the tall panes and swiped up on the clear material. The pale rays of the early afternoon seeped back into the room anew. ¡°Azotus¡¯ role remains minimal in terms of leadership. Let¡¯s not forget that this squad¡¯s reliance on its Support is still far too heavy. Strikers.¡±


    ¡°Here we go again,¡± Val could hear Caro muttering across the table, and the magma mage shot her a sympathetic glance. Val appreciated the slight moment of rapport seconds before the incoming reprimand, even as the two danced around why they no longer sat side-by-side.


    ¡°I realize you take a bit longer to catch up with the other Paths in the beginning. However, that fails to excuse the lackluster performance here.¡± Kane¡¯s attention flickered to both sides of the table, where either Striker was positioned. ¡°You deal damage, yes, but you also must do it swiftly. There are two of you. Big, slow, and singular targets exactly like that turtle you faced are your responsibilities. ¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Val said, and Caro settled to grunt her understanding.


    ¡°This is not the best of the best. I will agree to say, though, that it is enough to assure me that Hammer Squad can hold its own.¡±


    Six pairs of lowered eyes, pinned to the desk¡¯s glossy surface in anticipation of at least one thousand more sharp comments, raised to scrutinize Magus like he were a crazed man. ¡°That is all I need to feel content in letting you take part in the unfolding situation at hand.¡±


    Caro''s face lit up, brighter than it had been all week. ¡°Does this mean¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Hayes,¡± the man sighed, his eyebrows twitching. ¡°I didn¡¯t believe I needed to spell it out. Just to clarify, yes, your ban has been officially lifted.¡±


    Val managed to catch Lenson¡¯s attention, and the two shared a silent¡ªand yet, satisfied¡ªsmile, content to watch Jesal pump a fist, or even Nightingale nod to himself repeatedly as if he expected this news all along. He summoned a pack of chips to open, lounging back into his chair like his worst days were behind him.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t celebrate too early if I were you,¡± Magus Kane strode for his seat, conjuring forth a file out of his storage ring perfectly into his hands. ¡°You have an assigned dive from the guild.¡±


    Reaching over too fast for anyone to catch, Caro stole a piece from the open chip bag and threw it into her mouth. ¡°Where we headin¡¯ Magus Kane?¡±


    Nightingale swiveled in his chair, glowering at the girl.


    Magus Kane slid out a stack of paper and tapped it on the table, straightening it out. ¡°Ever heard of Storm¡¯s Keep?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± she answered, mouth full.


    ¡°It¡¯s a labyrinth out in the Second Halo, at risk of rupturing. The government sent out a country-wide request for damage control and we, Age of Atera, accepted. The senior staff assigned it to you so long as you were cleared by me. Hammer Squad isn¡¯t solely a top offensive team, you have mobility that most lack and possess experience in labyrinths. Your assignment is intentional.¡±


    Val rubbed at her chin. ¡°Any first impressions on Storm¡¯s Keep?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit¡­ tempestuous, to say the least,¡± he said.


    ¡°Tempestuous,¡± Caro hummed, reaching for another chip. Nightingale smacked her hand away and, in due course, received the brunt of a rude sidelong glance in reply. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± she asked Kane a heartbeat later. ¡°It''s a bit windy?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t underestimate a rift¡¯s inclination towards a Gate if I were you,¡± the Magus said.


    She shrugged. ¡°How windy could it¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t jinx us!¡± Jesal yelled.


    ¡°Too late,¡± Val sighed, shaking her head as she tried to imagine any reality that would remain unaffected by those dreaded words. When bereft of all answers except for throwing herself at an IBR Demo, she could only sigh once more. ¡°It¡¯s too late.¡±

 Chapter 50 - Storms Keep (Part II)

    Val couldn¡¯t see.


    Drenched from head to toe, she struggled to catch anything past the wet hair plastered onto her forehead. Violent showers pelted her face from above, and the guild-issued cloak failed to drown out the moisture, leaving her two battle braids more than frizzed.


    Her clothing stuck to her like a second skin, brutally peeled off every time a gust ripped through the dying forest of Storm¡¯s Keep. The trees stood on end better than scarecrows amid the strong drafts, though they didn¡¯t look much prettier. Eroded over time by the weather, all that remained were scored trunks and branchless boughs that seemed to have never bore a single leaf.


    An outburst of light blinded Val for a brief instant, and she blinked rapidly at the sudden discomfort. She heard a thump that  sounded a lot like someone losing their footing.


    ¡°Oh for fu¡ª!¡±


    An ear-shattering thunderclap rumbled, quite conveniently interrupting Caro¡¯s complaint. She flinched, sprawled on the water-laden ground, ignoring the rain droplets catching onto her curls and dripping onto her armour. Val outstretched a hand and helped her up, twisting behind to glance at Otis. ¡°Where¡¯s this waypoint already?¡±


    ¡°From what I¡¯m seeing, we¡¯re thirty minutes out,¡± Otis hollered over the storm, a couple of paces behind the vanguards. ¡°We¡¯re coming up on the bridge soon!¡±


    They came across a river sooner, and the fast-flowing water alone gave Val pause. The rapids crashed into rocks so harshly, a few of them chipped. Stranger, though, was the steel shafts jutting out of the cavity, odd in their placement, odder in their stillness amid such brute force.


    After what felt like an eternity, Val glimpsed a stone-hewn bridge through the rainfall. A few let loose relieved sighs and one in particular hooted, causing a crackle of amusement to underline the exhaustion soaking each and every one of their bones. Val¡¯s eyes flickered to the corner of her vision, making sure to note the place¡¯s key attributes and memorizing the landscape.


    Since the structure spanned the gap, bridging the border between the waypoint and the woods, she considered it as critical as the place they planned to settle in. More so, the water it hovered over were uncrossable by the greatest measures. The mini-map thankfully unveiled the mystery behind the metal rods¡ªlightning rods, according to what she saw.


    In a place as lightning-prone as Storm¡¯s Keep, guaranteeing security against the weather seemed almost obvious. That didn¡¯t make it solely critical¡ªit was paramount.


    <blockquote>


    Fun fact, Wielder!


    </blockquote>


    A notification slashed through her thoughts. Val pushed the message aside in favour of noting down the second bridge not too distant from her current location¡ªalthough, much narrower¡ªwhen Aster went and expanded on the fact anyways.


    <blockquote>


    Garrison''s Hold is a famous bridge! Aether creatures have tried to break it down, to no avail. Legends denote this fact to an unknown power supply.


    </blockquote>


    ¡°I thought you couldn¡¯t use any information I, myself, didn¡¯t know,¡± Val muttered.


    <blockquote>


    Correct. Wielder-bound Encyclopedia is in effect.


    </blockquote>


    Which means I¡¯m right, Val mused, trudging behind Caro¡¯s lead. She took the time to rest an arm on the guardrail, admiring the thrilling beauty found in such a difficult place. The pitter-patter of the rain, the permanent dark-grey sky, the white froth coating the turbulent river¡ªyou could only find sights like these in a rift. Which also means, Val continued on internally, I¡¯ve seen that fact before.


    As usual, Kane didn¡¯t dare let his squad leave without his notorious debrief. The inch-thick file he summoned seconds after he lifted their ban wasn¡¯t for him. No doubt she read it somewhere off his digital presentation, or the personal copies he dismissed them with.


    ¡°What¡¯s this power supply, Aster?¡± she asked the artifact, adding the tool¡¯s name in order to guarantee a response.


    <blockquote>


    Exact answer denied. Rumours imply an energy crystal at work. Location and/or confirmation cannot be given.


    </blockquote>


    A response might be promised, but making it satisfactory wasn¡¯t part of the deal. Good enough, I suppose. She deemed it better than the few answers she¡¯d gotten for the millions of questions swarming her head. Val learned, however, to take it one at a time. One step at a time. One hardship dealt with at a time. One aether strand at a time. A marathon, not a sprint.


    Past the bridge, a group of adventurers were kind enough to clear a trail ahead, guiding them toward a wall of warbling, never-ending blue. Is that a¡ª


    ¡°A weather ward?¡± Otis wondered, and Val exhaled out of both nostalgia and relief. Once used as a guard against the snow during the Tripartite Trial, she now saw it in Storm¡¯s Keep, blocking the winds and precipitation. A stone arch marked the trail¡¯s end, and also the waypoint¡¯s entrance, recognizable runes inscribed on every block. Notify. Close. Strengthen, three read.


    ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± Jesal confirmed from behind. ¡°Remember everyone. Keep your weapons down. The gatekeepers have it rough guarding a place with no defence measures. Let¡¯s not make their lives any harder.¡±


    Caro threw him a thumbs-up without turning around, as peeved with the weather as she often was with a chatty gamer online. Val followed after the Striker¡¯s long-limbed stature through the barrier, keeping a cautious hand on her hilt.


    Silence greeted her.


    In the absence of the roaring skies and bright flashes, a calm forest emerged. Sure, walkways have been cleared, pillared smoke rose from the various campfires set up and pop-up stores bordered the visible settlement. In between, though, towering oaks stretched for the dome above, branches lush and full. Hammer Squad shuffled out into a dry clearing, transforming the dust underneath into a muddy mixture.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°Badges,¡± a gruff voice demanded. Twisting her neck to the left, Val faced an ancient-looking Striker. A speckled beard framed his frowning lips, and a hooded poncho obscured all except the two sheathed swords peeking over his shoulders. They aren¡¯t the only ones peeking. She picked up on the subtle interest brewing amongst the adventurers nearby, lounging on whatever rocks they could find.


    Obliging to the request, Val used the time to scan the crowd. There were ways to tell mages apart. Anchors kept their heads on a swivel, while Supports kept their heads high, and so on and so forth. Nowadays, she settled to activate Vague View to make her life easier and use her time wiser.


    Elemental traces told more about someone through an aura¡¯s quirks rather than colour. Energy flared out of Supports like a torch, as if ready to be unleashed in a massive spell. For Bulwarks, the hues condensed into a firm outline, solid and heavy.


    She pinpointed a fire Support in the forefront, talking to a buddy, and outright winced at how pale the crimson flaring off his body appeared. He¡¯s got lots of work ahead of him. In past weeks, she figured out that the transparency of elemental trances denoted mages¡¯ elemental affinity, and the spectrum available to Novices were¡­ a little on the low side. Val witnessed only two types: near-invisible or translucent.


    Once the gatekeeper gave them the all-clear, they didn''t delay for one second.


    ¡°I need a shower, I need food, and I need¡­¡± Caro¡¯s lists of necessities trailed off as her gaze latched onto something¡ªVal couldn¡¯t tell¡ªinto the crowd. Interested in whatever actually shocked the loud Striker into silence, the rest of the squad followed her gaze. Val easily caught sight of a teal colour amid hundreds and, upon further inspection, let out a silent gasp.


    ¡°My word,¡± Caro muttered, and soon her silent huff morphed into a disbelieving chuckle. ¡°Val, are you seeing what I¡¯m seeing? That¡¯s Williams, no?¡±


    Staring into the sleek Erydian frozen in the hectic roads like her, dazed, she nodded. ¡°Mike, you mean.¡±


    ¡°Same difference.¡±


    ¡°So¡­¡± Jesal asked as the old friend¡ªor, what Val would¡¯ve called an apparition if not for having her teammates confirm his existence¡ªwaded through the crowd. ¡°Is he Mike or Williams?¡±


    Noting the identical surprise in the Erydian¡¯s expression¡ªhappy surprise¡ªVal let a small smile slip. ¡°He¡¯s a friend.¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t the question,¡± Nightingale pointed out, frowning. ¡°How do we address him?¡±


    ¡°Go with the flow,¡± Otis offered, making headway in the bustling pathways. More than a head over the sea of adventures, many gave him space without question, and he easily sifted through the traffic to find an outdoor food court. Several chatted over packaged meals in the rock-formed seats available, slipping by the aisles to get to one place or the other.


    ¡°What flow,¡± the Hunter spat. ¡°A conversation is a practiced exchange.¡±


    ¡°For heaven¡¯s sake,¡± Caro snapped. ¡°Leave your uppity self behind for once.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s here,¡± Lenson said, and the bickering vanished so quickly, Val might¡¯ve believed it a mistake.


    Dodging a large throng headed for an open grill, Mike stopped a meter away and dipped his chin, his cold grey irises scratching off her glazed green. ¡°Val. I thought it was you.¡±


    She deactivated Vague View, glad he returned her smile with one of his own. He sported a white cloak that seemed too short for an Anchor, yet too long for a Hunter, his dark hair swept to the side. ¡°I must admit, though. It was Caro¡¯s red hair that caught my attention.¡±


    ¡°Of course it was,¡± Caro grinned and flicked her curls out of her face. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta re-dye it soon.¡±


    ¡°Dyed or not, I am glad to see you two,¡± he said. ¡°Well¡ª¡± he shot a look at Caro ¡°¡ªpartially.¡±


    The magma mage rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Val gave him a soft punch on the shoulder. ¡°Glad to be near home, even if it''s for a little while.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± Caro¡¯s gaze flickered to her teammates. ¡°Do you want a quick introduction?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it someplace a bit quieter,¡± he replied, not waiting for confirmation before leading the way.


    By now, she realized the waypoint acted as a place to gather and disperse rather than a place to stay and sleep. A bus stop, if you will.


    Pathways were designed to work effectively exclusively, losing out on the charms Darkshaft¡¯s camp held in the glowing trees and the esoteric carriages. Even still, Val glimpsed an empty square through the gaps in the crowd, elevated by half a meter. No one dared step into it like the moment they touched the battleground, someone would step up immediately for a challenge.


    Second by second, Val bumped against fewer shoulders and shouldered past scarcely anyone. Her gaze roamed the area, and she failed to mask her frown. Whispers began first, then came the badly-hidden glances, and finally, the extra breathing room none of them asked for. She would¡¯ve squirmed in the midst of it all if not for being so used to the same kind of treatment. This time around, she didn¡¯t detect disgust, pity or disdain.


    Reverence. In the eyes glossing over the navy-blue cloak and the tree woven between her shoulder blades, she detected reverence.


    ¡°Mike! There you are,¡± a shrill voice cut through the sudden quiet against the whiplash of sighting yet another old face. Val physically recoiled, muscles straining in her neck as she whipped toward the sound. Hammer Squad stopped a few steps ahead, belatedly noticing that one of their members ceased any and all movement.


    ¡°Valory¡­?¡± Nightingale said her name¡ªher given name, Val would realize tomorrow¡ªas a question, the first to notice her hand tremor. ¡°Are you coming?¡±


    Damn it. Val knew her past would catch up to her. Here, in the Second Halo already marked by her parents, she knew it better than anyone. The more she heard about the old rumour, the more she felt it start to circle her every move, she understood it was just a matter of time before it resurfaced. I¡¯m the one that came back here. I told myself there was always a chance of this happening, but still¡­


    Something about rifts called to her¡ªabout adventuring, in general. She grew up, after all, with parents as adventurers. The best thing about it wasn¡¯t the thrilling bedtime stories or the extra help in sparring she frequently asked for. It was the iron-strong bond held within a squad, and it bled into Val¡¯s life, resulting in extra aunts, extra uncles, and extra friends.


    Those connections split in a matter of days when people remained dead set on blaming Dad for the misfortune that befell the six families that day.


    Val had spent months burying the reality and adjusting to a jarring life without her parents in the picture. Her efforts disintegrated in moments as Leah Versetti, daughter of Dad¡¯s second-in-command, pushed her way past the bodies.


    She didn¡¯t need up to three seconds to make Leah out in the crowd, not when there was a time the pair were inseparable. So much years passed in a blur, she often forgot that she once called Dad¡¯s entire squad family. In the end, most moved to Nocelle City after the event and never looked back. Hurting and grieving and young, Val decided it all worked in her favour. Until today.

 Chapter 51 - Freezing Rain

    Utterly oblivious to the horror-filled looks dawning on both Val and Caro¡¯s faces, Mike waved Leah¡ªhis teammate¡ªcloser. ¡°I told you I joined a guild here, correct? That there is Versetti, she¡¯s my captain from¡ª¡±


    ¡°Horizon¡¯s Silence,¡± Val said. Where else would a late adventurer¡¯s daughter go if not their guild? Seeing her mother¡¯s framed picture in the halls, wielding the worn-in training tool her father held once, listening to the adventures¡¯ fond stories of her parents¡ªit offered a reprieve from the deafening gap they must¡¯ve left in her life.


    She would know.


    A little over fifty meters away, she watched as Leah¡¯s mouth opened apart in pure stupefaction. She swiped the few stray strands escaping her low ponytail behind an ear, as if she needed the perfect view to confirm the sight before her.


    Val didn¡¯t blame her. Heck, she found herself doing the same thing, mesmerized by how well she remembered the girl, from her lanky frame down to her thin nose, hair a brown so light, she preferred to call it dirty-blonde.


    ¡°How do you always manage to finish my thoughts?¡± Mike muttered to himself, brow furrowed, and gave one last wave to the girl.


    Versetti barely reciprocated, bug-eyed as her attention wavered from Striker to Striker. Compared to half a decade ago, they must make a peculiar pair.


    Leah¡¯s scoff was sharp enough to make her wince, and it wasn¡¯t even directed at her. Tilting her head, her gaze roamed Caro¡¯s frame. ¡°Well if it isn¡¯t the big bit¡ª¡±


    ¡°Girl.¡± Caro raised a hand. ¡°It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve last seen you, and you haven¡¯t taken a sec in all that time to reevaluate yourself?¡±


    ¡°Oh right,¡± she paused, and Val would¡¯ve thought the girl remorseful had she stopped there. ¡°They call you Crazy Caro now.¡±


    ¡°Better than¡­ how did it go again? Oh right¡ªspaghetti-Versetti, isn¡¯t it?¡± she chuckled, likely surprised at how stupid the nickname sounded in adulthood. Even still, Leah leaked the smallest lip twitch past her indifferent mask and Caro clearly counted it as a win, her lips curling upwards. ¡°Come on, your skinny ass wants a go. Let¡¯s have it.¡±


    She shook her head, and Val¡¯s blood ran cold as her head slowly turned to her. ¡°My gripes with her.¡±


    ¡°She has a name,¡± Caro said. ¡°Either you use it, or you leave it be. Better yet, why don''t you take a hike right now?¡±


    Mike''s shoulder twisted from girl to girl, confused lines running along his face. ¡°What happened to introductions?¡±


    If given the time, Val would¡¯ve snorted at the silent death stares Lenson and Jesal sent his way, obviously frustrated at his lack of interpersonal awareness. To her dismay, Leah swooped in and snatched the opportunity hanging in the air without hesitation.


    ¡°You know what, you¡¯re right Mike. How about a friendly duel, Valory?¡± Leah asked, and the genial smile on her face likely made the past few moments pass as friendly banter to the unknowing. In fact, many turned Val¡¯s way, interested in the turn of events, and she cursed her tendency to end up in the middle of fights by merely existing.


    ¡°A little Elemental Exchange?¡± Leah pushed. ¡°Always helps things move along.¡±


    A muscle bulged beneath Caro¡¯s jaw. ¡°Don¡¯t you have better things to do?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking you,¡± she stressed, and those few words did the job of two¡ªacting as a direct counter to Caro¡¯s rebuttal and pinning the response on Val. Decline, and she¡¯d be the one at fault. Accept, and she¡¯d be the one dead center of an Exchange, the social importance of the phrase doing away with anything ¡°friendly.¡±


    Val let out a resigned huff even before the answer left her mouth.


    ¡°Sure. For old time¡¯s sake,¡± she said, reeling in a frown as she examined Leah¡¯s overeager smile.


    Something about it seemed off, and she was at a loss for what it could possibly be. Maybe Vague View might help. A blue glimmer bloomed in her eyes, and she pinned her gaze on her counterpart, scrutinizing the motion she took to leap onto the elevated fighting area. The frown she tucked away trickled back onto her face. Please no.


    Val rubbed at her eyelids, hoping with every blink, the vivid blue coiling around Leah¡¯s gear faded away. It didn¡¯t take long for her to categorize the fluid, azure elemental traces. It moved as if it were a live thing, spry and evocative, much like she¡¯d witnessed in other Strikers. A water mage capable of using the Discipline of Invocation in a place as rainy as Storm¡¯s Keep meant that¡ª


    ¡°Ready to lose?¡± Leah called out on the other end, beaming.


    Val couldn¡¯t even reply. She did, essentially, sign up for a definite loss. With a weary sigh, she hoisted herself onto the platform, hissing a silent breath each time her combat boots sunk into the ground. If the dense sea of azure swimming around her ankles didn¡¯t tell her anything, the marsh-like, fifty-by-seventy arena said it all.


    The duelling zone was soaked. No barricades to hide behind, no divots to disappear into¡ªjust wet, packed soil. In other words, she stood in a water Striker¡¯s perfect ideal. Oh saints, she grimaced internally, plastering on a small smile and throwing her opponent the go-ahead signal. This is gonna suck.


    <hr>


    It took Caro¡¯s complete self-constraint¡ªevery single speck within¡ªto not chase away the growing number of spectators. Mike, saints bless his frank soul, had reminded her more than once that her irises burned an eerie crimson-tawny colour, and it¡¯d only take a good magma spell to generate the right amount of havoc needed to stop this nonsense.


    But she knew her best friend would hate it.


    Besides, onlookers incurred no punishment for watching and she¡¯d end up as the odd one out if she took action. Adventurers were drama-lovers at heart, devotees to campfire stories, enthusiasts of honour, and likely a minimum of a hundred¡ªvarying in expertise¡ªhoarded behind their group of six.


    Caro would bet her entire savings that, at first, Age of Atera¡¯s shaded blue and Horizon¡¯s Silence¡¯s white and orange were behind the premature attention. The Second Halo¡¯s finest guild against the First Halo¡¯s top ten? Let¡¯s not lie now, even she herself would buy a VIP ticket.


    It only took a mere glimpse of Leah¡¯s pleased expression and Val¡¯s morbid demeanour to understand that this fight cut a bit deeper than rowdy fun. And I can¡¯t do a damn thing about it. Not as imperceptible enchantments came alive and activated twenty-foot-tall barriers. Not as the crowd around began to place bets, and definitely not as an thrilled adventurer took the lead.


    ¡°Three!¡± someone hollered.


    ¡°Ah shit,¡± Jesal cursed under his breath, startling the five around him. The positive-vibes, too-cool-to-care Anchor swore at nothing, not even in the worst situation mid-battle. ¡°She¡¯s bound to the watergate.¡±


    ¡°Not quite,¡± Mike said. ¡°Leah has a variant element. Her unanswered gate¡ªher unanswered ensign, to be specific¡ªis between the Elemental Gates of Water and Ice.¡±


    ¡°Two!¡± More joined in, and if she counted the other side, upwards of two hundred gathered.


    ¡°So what does that really mean,¡± Otis wondered. ¡°She can use ice and water?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Surprisingly, it was Lenson who answered, her usually-bored eyes full of an emotion she couldn¡¯t decipher at a glance. Is that sadness? Caro mused, shocked at the petite girl¡¯s slightly-crinkled nose, almost like she deemed the topic downright vile. No. No, it¡¯s disgust. ¡°She wields something in between. Not quite ice, not quite liquid.¡±


    ¡°One!¡± Half of the crowd chimed in, and the countdown, as loud as it was, thrummed in her bones.


    Mike seemed half impressed, half-frightened. ¡°Precisely. We refer to it as rime water.¡±


    When bewildered expressions befell Hammer Squad, Lenson took it upon herself to clarify. ¡°Think of freezing rain, except she decides when it remains water, or ice.¡±


    Jesal massaged the bridge of his nose. ¡°How do you duel safely with an element like that?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Lenson muttered. As Caro paired the girl¡¯s distasteful look with her divination-inclined prowess, she swore aloud, unbothered by the curious glances she earned. The Support gripped her forearm, her gaze trained on the metal mage trapped within a water-filled cage. ¡°My thoughts exactly.¡±


    ¡°Fight!¡±


    <hr>


    In the years to come, Val wouldn¡¯t see her short showing in Storm¡¯s Keep anyone barely called a fight as an embarrassing performance. Retrospectively, it¡¯d be the precise wake-up call she needed in the exact brutal manner Leah gave it to her.


    For the current metal mage, though, the next few seconds didn¡¯t just suck.


    It hurt. Like hell.


    She kept a solid grip on the sheathed saber clasped to her hip, whispering the frames to Metal Spike as someone graciously counted down the time. The altering colours tinting Leah¡¯s leather-based outfit perplexed her.


    It didn¡¯t seem like the particular tone for water, ice, lightning, or any element among the Heavenly Hues. Unable to extrapolate anything from Vague View other than Leah¡¯s high ASC, sitting at over 150, she disabled it at once.


    ¡°Fight!¡± the crowd roared, and Leah very well disappeared.


    The conjured spell that it was, Metal Spike remained on its course for her counterpart¡¯s previous location. She near-well did a double take when the sharp rod not only failed to break through what she belatedly realized was a wall of clear glass, but when it froze in time. Like an ice elemental, the wall absorbed the spell and somehow refroze, trapping the spell within itself.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Following the vestiges of Leah¡¯s elemental traces to the right, Val turned and took a step¡ª


    She stumbled forward, one leg caught in an elemental bear trap. Water had risen from the soft ground, layering on a blanket of liquid ice onto her other leg. It spread in waves, crawling up her shins and closing in on her knees. Val gasped¡ªwhether from frost freezing her toes off or from her immobile position, she didn¡¯t know¡ªand forced herself to find Leah.


    She did it in a short fashion. It really was hard to miss a 5''8 teenager skating toward you as if she were in an ice rink. A water variant of Metal Skates annealed to the bottom of her boots, leaving frozen streaks in her wake as she glided on ice.


    Does she use water, ice, or both? She wondered as she mumbled, ¡°Metal Puppeteer.¡±


    The chain around her arm hummed restlessly, ready to snap at something. Good, she thought, keeping a keen eye on the water mage. As she breached Val¡¯s close proximity, the chain widened into a large loop about her waist. The movement¡ªswift and concise¡ªwas an attack itself.


    It should''ve caught Leah no matter where she decided to dodge, but the girl¡ªas agile as a cat¡ªjumped and twirled in the air, her head directly above Val¡¯s.


    Fine by me. Once you maneuvered into the air, you found it difficult to maneuver out of it. Val¡¯s blade blurred as she lashed out, straight toward the Striker vulnerable in the air. She expected a desperate counterstrike, or an uncoordinated parry.


    Rather, Leah invoked the liquid dripping off her boots, freezing it into a stepping stone in midair. With gravity tugging her back to the ground, she kicked off it and propelled herself downward.


    Val swayed to the left, clicking her tongue as she made out the distinct sound of someone rolling to their feet. In haste, she collapsed on a knee and turned despite her pinned ankles, flourishing her blade in preparation.


    She gave her hand too quickly.


    Counting on a blind response, Leah held back and slipped a mean smile. Val¡¯s blade swiped the air harmlessly. Damn.


    Leah''s arm went up, and the ice surged upwards in obedience. Her armour, built to deflect sharp strikes and blunt attacks, held no means to thwart the burning freeze in her lower back muscles. Leah dashed forward, whipping her arms outwards. Two rivers snapped into her hand like snakes under her command, and the tips hardened into daggers.


    Val couldn¡¯t suppress her chattering teeth, nor her limbs spasming against her will. She got one attempt in, a thrust Leah easily sidestepped, before the ice reached her shoulders and her saber escaped her weak grip.


    Undeterred by her opponent¡¯s helpless position, Leah¡¯s weapons drove through layers of carbon fiber and struck flesh. ¡°This is half the pain your Dad caused my parents.¡±


    She forced it in further, and the spell endlessly fed into her tactic¡ªwater freezing into longer blades and the blades, upon meeting warm blood, melting into cold water. ¡°Only fair that you feel it too, as his daughter.¡±


    The pain was¡­ extraordinary. Val¡¯s legs would¡¯ve given out under her if they weren¡¯t frozen in place. Even as her scream came out as a muted wheeze, her breath choppy and her complexion pallid, she managed a humourless laugh. ¡°Get over yourself.¡±


    Anger flashed through the girl''s irises, and she almost regretted her word choice, wincing as Leah prepped to do worse.


    ¡°What in the hell is this?¡± A commanding voice breached the force field surrounding the arena, and the cheering ever-present in the background settled into a sweet, and yet deafening, silence. ¡°We are in a rift, people¡ªa rift! If you plan on fighting like animals, and that includes the whole gamut of you watching, do it outside the waypoint!¡±


    ¡°High Mage.¡± Though Val¡¯s eyelids felt heavier and heavier by the second, she made out Jesal''s concern-laced words. ¡°My friend needs medical aid.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t give animals medical aid,¡± came the retort. Nevertheless, the high-rising barrier flickered off, and the plop after plop told Val she was making her way over as she spoke. The rhythmic sound, akin to a lullaby, pulled her away from the bout¡¯s burn, the humiliating loss, and the searing pa¡ª


    Hold on a minute. She no longer felt¡­ well, anything. The cold stung, but never for long. She took comfort in that, the sole bliss of the afternoon. Then, like her brain always did, a random factoid rekindled her curious spark even as her mental faculty shut down. Her opponent never once recited a single incantation aloud. Speechless spells, as Caro once called it. I gotta admit, she mused, drifting off into oblivion. She¡¯s good. Really good.


    ¡­


    Val braced herself the instant she returned to her able-minded body. Sticking it out in the cold in years past taught her enough of what to expect. Mild shivering, bone-deep exhaustion, and the habit to wade right back into the comfort of unconsciousness was just the beginning. Yet having the wherewithal to tick off the symptom-related boxes implied otherwise. Huh¡­


    A tent¡¯s polyester interior surrounded her in a tight circle, tapering off into a peak where an overhead lamp dangled. Underneath, a mixture of a sleeping bag, blankets, heated blankets, and a pillow kept her five inches above the floor.


    She shot up, inspecting her legs, fisting her hands, and tapping at her injured abdomen. Or, correction, once-injured abdomen. Her muscles carried no signs of any lingering effects, and even the slight wrinkles plaguing her since enduring the water-inclined rift vanished. ¡°The wonders of modern magic...¡±


    Done making sure she was in one piece, she studied the homey resting site, giving an impressed nod to whoever thought it wise to reinvent footstools into comfortable chairs. Surprisingly, she found one of them occupied.


    ¡°She¡¯s alive!¡± Jesal cheered, snappily equipping the glasses he stole away into his hair.


    ¡°Somehow,¡± she mumbled.


    In response, he hefted his seat over to her makeshift bed¡¯s edge, interlacing his fingers on his lap. ¡°I realize that probably felt absolutely awful. Just know that she had everything going for her and more.¡±


    She gave a shrug, her eyes finding the floor. ¡°A loss is a loss.¡±


    ¡°Wrong.¡± He ducked his head low, determined on maintaining eye contact. ¡°There are bad losses and good losses. What you experienced belongs in the former category. There was nothing to be gained and no way for a beneficial outcome. That¡¯s just a downer.¡±


    Val huffed. ¡°You¡¯re telling me.¡±


    ¡°My bad,¡± he laughed. ¡°It¡¯s just that you look like me after an argument with my sister. Between you and me, as the youngest of seven, you never win.¡±


    ¡°Never would¡¯ve imagined that you¡¯d be the baby of the family.¡±


    ¡°Excuse you, I¡¯m a whole two years older than your little sixteen-year-old self.¡± Noticing her knitted eyebrows, he expanded. ¡°I¡¯m a winter baby, early birthday and all.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t explain the two-year gap,¡± she said.


    ¡°I took a year off to resolve some¡­ family issues,¡± he said. ¡°What about you? There¡¯s gotta be something between you and the Striker you fought. That wasn¡¯t a duel out there, Val. It felt more like a trap.¡±


    ¡°Well, I mean,¡± she glanced away. ¡°If you believed my dad killed your parents in cold blood for insurance money, you¡¯d probably do the same.¡±


    ¡°Woah,¡± he blinked. ¡°That is a lot to unpack.¡±


    Except there wasn¡¯t. As dangerous as rift diving was, teamwipes remained an extremely irregular occurrence. With the grading systems ensuring adventurers tread solely reasonable areas, the chance of falling in a single instance was in the lowest percentile. As promised by the CAU, families affected by any rift-correlated tragedies gained insurance money, and a known multiplier they employ was the situation''s rareness.


    Fortunately, the funds awarded were sufficient enough to pay up to ten years of Mom¡¯s treatment, while keeping Val and her brothers enrolled. Almost suspiciously so, it seemed, to the grieving families. When knowledge reached the ears of Horizon¡¯s Silence Raven¡¯s Guild, rumours were conceived¡ªhorrid ones. Everything unravelled from that point onwards.


    ¡°Do you mind sharing?¡± he asked, breaking the prolonged stillness.


    ¡°Not much to it,¡± she answered. ¡°All three were victims of a team wipe, one somehow got blamed for allegedly getting the most out of it. He also happened to be the captain, implying he called the shots. End of story.¡±


    An understanding smile graced his face. He didn''t press, poke, or prod at the topic, and he didn''t know how much she appreciated it. He sucked his teeth and gave her shoulder a soft pat. ¡°In any matter, your story¡¯s safe with me.¡±


    She planted a hand on top of his and gave it a quick squeeze in thanks.


    ¡°I got something just as confidential,¡± he added and his smile took on a conniving edge, green eyes narrowed behind his lenses. ¡°But I need a second mind to confirm it.¡±


    Reaching for the brimming clothesline at her back, she plucked her cloak and frowned. It needs repairs. Again. She rummaged through it, picking out a trail pack and tearing it open. ¡°Alright, shoot.¡±


    ¡°I think Otis is hiding something,¡± he said.


    ¡°I noticed that too,¡± she admitted, throwing an almond into her mouth. ¡°Nothing big. He simply avoided a question of mine.¡±


    ¡°It had to do with his element, right?¡±


    ¡°Not his element, his¡ª


    ¡°Interceptive shields?¡± he said, and Val started.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She gave him a slow nod. ¡°Yeah, exactly. How¡¯d you guess?¡±


    ¡°Because I pressured him on some stuff too, and he dodged it like crazy,¡± he said. ¡°That very first question we got in tactics territory. I asked around. As the Novices we are, it¡¯s meant to be unsolvable for the exact reason that Ekon and I got into it. There are dozens of factors that go into something as complex as familiars and he actually pinpointed the single most important one.¡±


    ¡°We are a smart bunch,¡± Val said, gnawing on a pretzel.


    ¡°You don¡¯t find it weird, then?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in a group with a tri-bound diviner, a high school graduate nearing 300 ASC before the start of school, a wraith of a Hunter, and an Anchor with both gravity and amplification for elements. Let¡¯s not talk about their Aether Artifacts,¡± she deadpanned. ¡°Define weird.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± he grumbled. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, though. I smell a secret.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find out soon enough, won¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°I suppose we will,¡± he said, grunting to a stand. ¡°My shift should be rounding up right about now.¡±


    ¡°Shifts?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re taking turns watching you,¡± he answered, raising the tent''s flap. ¡°See you in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Bye?¡± Val replied, stunned at his sudden departure, and even more so at his replacement. Her best friend slid into the medical ward moments after, hesitating at the threshold.


    In true Caro fashion, she didn¡¯t remain still for long, plopping onto the nearest stool. ¡°Hey. You¡¯re awake.¡±


    ¡°Alive and kicking,¡± she answered. ¡°Thanks, by the way. You know, for standing up for me out there.¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Caro replied, crossing her arms in a huff. ¡°Only I get to pick on Valory Efron. Now go on, get to sleep.¡±


    Val grinned at that, indulging the momentary cease-fire. The awkwardness edged in within seconds, the girls keeping to themselves in silence, save for the faint cracks of thunders muffled behind the wards. Nevertheless, she slept better that night than she had in any other rift, deciding¡ªat the cusp of sleep¡ªthat it was about time to remedy things between the two.


    It seemed like she merely blinked when someone¡ªquite dramatically, in her opinion¡ªripped the blankets off her. She knew, judging by the light piercing through the plastic-film windows, the next day barely began. Groaning, she hugged her pillow tighter and turned to the other side.


    ¡°You need to wake up,¡± Jesal demanded. ¡°Caro, you too. Get up.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Caro asked, and Val didn¡¯t have the energy to question her overstayed presence.


    ¡°Some idiot slew the Core Guardian and harvested the Rift Core,¡± he got out through gritted teeth.


    Wait¡ªwhat? Val¡¯s eyes flew open. ¡°Did the rift rupture?¡±


    ¡°About fifteen minutes ago,¡± he answered. ¡°We have fifteen more before we¡¯re overrun with saints know what.¡±

 Chapter 52 - Garrisons Hold (Part I)

    After hearing news of what likely constituted a recipe for a pretty bad day, Val half-expected the weather ward to crack open and the ground to split and swallow her whole. Stowed away inside the medical aid tent, however, the response to Jesal¡¯s announcement was a blank quietness, punctuated by moving feet outside. It served as a reminder for her feet to get moving as well, rift rupture and all.


    She hurried to throw on her coat and snapped her tool belt in place quickly after, sliding the coldsteel saber into its rightful place at her hip. Caro, massaging the kinks out of her neck thanks to resting on a stool, vacated the area, and Val hopped off her makeshift bed to follow.


    As the tent¡¯s flap fell away, a subtle panic trickled into her veins. Thirty-something tarps crowded the area in a series of disorganized rows, each one manned by fretting teammates. Two questions cropped up at a mere glance at the situation. How in the hell were they going to manage evacuation with the injured?


    Why in the hell was no one evacuating the injured?


    Finished zipping the door they made in their exit uncomplaining, Jesal froze as he witnessed her face going on livid. ¡°Some are staying behind as a buffer for them. Luckily, Storm¡¯s Keep was already on the Defender¡¯s Army and CAU¡¯s watch. Help is probably on the way as we speak.¡±


    ¡°We cannot bank on that.¡± Nightingale pushed off his feet to rise from the wooden lining the pathway. ¡°We¡¯re in the beginnings of a rift rupture¡ªthe most dangerous phase. If reinforcements do not arrive before the mass exodus of every living creature in the vicinity hits us, we are finished.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that we¡¯re staying behind,¡± Jesal huffed, sending a pitying glance to the squads nearby who, unfortunately, could not say the same.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go the way we came,¡± Val suggested. ¡°We don¡¯t have time to guess around and hope for the best in a rift as random as this one.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Jesal nodded. ¡°We took the easiest way here, and we hardly encountered much of anything.¡±


    ¡°I checked in with a scout yesterday evening,¡± Otis chimed in, seated a bench over from the Hunter¡¯s previous spot. ¡°He said the rift should be clear weather-wise.¡±


    Caro walked over and gave his shoulder a playful shove. ¡°Good thinking! Don¡¯t worry about Kane in our next debrief. I¡¯ll put in a good word for you.¡±


    Otis huffed in amusement. ¡°Much appreciated.¡±


    A pained smile split Jesal¡¯s lips. ¡°I guess that settles it.¡±


    On that note, Hammer Squad rallied from their seats without a word. Val clasped her teammates in a team huddle, dwarfed by standing between Caro and Otis, and held each other¡¯s gazes for a heartbeat. It was almost astonishing how normal seeing their eyes were now, and how easily she placed their feelings based on the lines in their expressions. Five weeks ago, these faces, aside from her childhood friend, meant next to nothing to her. If even one of them were not here tomorrow¡­


    Otis raised one boot until his leg created a ninety-degree angle, and then stomped on the ground with an absurd amount of force. He was met with five blank¡ªand somewhat worried¡ªstares.


    His neck flushed. ¡°I-It¡¯s something we do back home. It looks better when there¡¯s a lot more sand, but basically¡­ When one person stomps, everyone else follows. It¡¯s supposed to create a big sand cloud, implying that whatever stands before us is¡­¡± He covered his eyes with a broad hand, unable to continue.


    Caro¡¯s arm left Val¡¯s back and, instead, she gently pried a finger off his face, revealing the gold of his irises. ¡°We¡¯re listening.¡±


    He glanced around the team huddle and, likely taking in the prodding smiles and two raised eyebrows¡ªcourtesy of Nightingale and Lenson, of course¡ªfor what they were, welled up the courage to finish. ¡°Whatever stands before us is beneath the sole of our feet. That makes them¡­¡± he stopped, this time at a loss on how to construe the Desni meaning to his Ciazen teammates.


    ¡°Someone beatable,¡± Val inferred.


    Otis'' nose scrunched up. Translation: not quite.


    ¡°Someone about to get stomped on,¡± Caro grinned, the gaming terminology, for once, not lost on Val.


    The Bulwark shook his head so vehemently, laughter bubbled out of everyone¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Someone,¡± Lenson began, and the wicked manner her lips tilted ever-so-slightly up was terrifying. ¡°Who''s scared of us.¡±


    Otis settled for an ardent nod, beaming at the Support. Exactly that, he seemed to say. In the face of what they may or may not encounter outside the ward, a heavy silence hung in the group, broken by Jesal¡¯s sigh.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said, deflecting their looks with a wave of a hand. ¡°Just mentally jotting down my second reminder not to mess with you ladies.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of them,¡± Nightingale turned to Caro. ¡°What are you busy muttering over there?¡±


    She held up a hand, murmuring words too quickly or softly for anyone to pick up. ¡°Sand Creation.¡±


    A spell? Sand materialized out of nowhere, pooling at the bottom of their feet. Yes, they realized that this was quite possibly a waste of energy, and yup¡ªthey probably should be well on their way by now.


    Nevertheless, the urge and the need to do what came next felt second to none. Heads turned as six loud stomps thundered across the hushed vicinity. Their baffled gazes met an explosion of sand shooting upwards. When the dust fell away, six faces carved of hard determination remained.


    <hr>


    Outside the injured-inclined space was a flurry of movement, commands were barked to teammates over the commotion, and directions were shouted to the ignorant few. Expecting even a semblance of an orderly response from the waypoint full of adventurers Val was vastly astounded to find groups departing by their lonesomes, not taking a second glance at one another.


    Then, it hit her. This wasn¡¯t a base in Darkshaft, run by its own miniature government. As of right now, she resided in a waypoint, full stop. The general, unwritten rules amongst adventurers still held strong: one¡¯s concern remained with their safety, their squad¡¯s survival, and the party¡¯s loot. It ceased there. We¡¯re by ourselves here.


    In a way, the rift cores served as the glue and the engine simultaneously, and their disappearance ensured a swift migration of every beast, elemental, and creature in the vicinity. A wave was about to hit any moment, and they had to get ahead of it, or else they¡¯d find themself alone amid too many aether creatures to count.


    Thankfully, they already reached the east gate, and the ancient-looking Striker gave them the go-ahead. ¡°We forge,¡± he offered.


    ¡°We fight,¡± Val finished and nodded her last goodbyes as she left her final moments of peace. The instant she reentered Storm''s Keep, her cloak fought to free itself from her frame against the untempered winds. At least, as Otis had relayed earlier on, the dreadful rain stopped pouring from the sky.


    That didn¡¯t help much with the water already on the ground, making the trail hard to traverse through. The six broke out into a run regardless, with no time to consider the slickness of the ground. Val kept her eyes peeled and her Vague View activated at all times, nodding at Nightingale. The Hunter lifted a hand in farewell and took a hard left into the forest, disappearing altogether.


    The pace didn¡¯t slow down one bit. His job was to scout out the area, theirs was to make it at the meetup point¡ªGarrison¡¯s Hold. Time might have been of the essence, but knowledge and reconnaissance would allow them to use their minutes wisely. Besides, if anyone could catch up to them, it would be him, a prodigy at the Traversal Discipline and movement-based techniques.


    Trees whizzed by, dark-grey clouds hung high above, and an eerie calm ensconced the area, a harsh juxtaposition to her first day inside the tumultuous rift. Val¡¯s heartbeat, steady as ever despite the upbeat jog, spiked as two skeletal branches curved backwards. Sure enough, a cloaked figure warbled into existence.


    Nightingale assumed his prior position seamlessly and bobbed his head, tugging down his dark-grey scarf. ¡°There¡¯s a mob making their way over. Mainly beasts, several elementals, and a couple of chimeras.¡±


    ¡°Damn it all,¡± Caro cursed, putting a voice to the shared sentiment.


    ¡°Rough count?¡± Lenson asked.


    ¡°I would say forty-five.¡± Nightingale bounded over the puddles riddling the path, turning to glance at his backline. ¡°They¡¯re about five minutes out and gaining on us.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be close¡­¡± Jesal scrubbed at his forehead. ¡°Should we head back?¡±


    ¡°Once we make it past the bridge and keep a low profile, we¡¯ll be in the clear,¡± Nightingale said. ¡°Garrison¡¯s Hold is a minute away. We should see it to the end.¡±


    ¡°Never thought I¡¯d say this but,¡± Caro nodded. ¡°Seconded.¡±


    Val inspected the trail behind, calibrating the timeline for the return road trip. ¡°At this point, it''s more of a risk heading back.¡±


    ¡°Then we move forward,¡± Jesal said.


    With that sorted out, Val set her attention on the path ahead. The trees thinned out over a minute, and the path began to yawn wide. She steadied herself as she felt the ground decline, leaving behind lengthy footprints as her combat boots struggled to find purchase in the wet mud.


    Before long, the roar of turbulent waters outmatched the strong gusts in clamour, and Garrison¡¯s Hold¡ªin all its glory¡ªcame into view. So much blue, she noticed, squinting against the onslaught of colour obscuring her vision. She mistook it for water-inclined elemental traces until she noticed the gradient of pure aether. Thousands and thousands of aether strands concentrated somewhere in the middle of the stone bridge, funnelling out a single spot.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    She shook herself out of a daze, cutting off the energy flow to her eyes. Fortunately, the haze traded out for a clearer world, allowing her to make out a loitering squad. Unfortunately, the group that beat them to the bridge wasn¡¯t the friendly kind.


    ¡°Shield up!¡± Lenson called out and pointed a few feet ahead of Caro. By now, no one questioned the diviner. With little time to prepare a spell, Otis had no choice except to dawn the shield on his back. The frontline fell behind his large stature not a moment too late. A red bolt ripped through the air, striking him dead-center.


    His arms recoiled at the force and an ¡°Oof¡± left him in a wheeze. Val¡¯s nose stung at the pungent ozone masking the seemingly-permanent smell of earth after rain. Still, she stole a peek, and her eyebrows pinched together.


    ¡°What the actual fuck.¡± Caro clenched onto her greataxe¡¯s shaft, a vein pulsed along the side of her head. ¡°Did they not get the memo? The rift¡®s just ruptured and they¡¯re picking a fight?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they realize as such, seeing as they¡¯re the ones on the bridge, evacuating,¡± Nightingale said, the blue glare in his eyes evidence of a magical technique. ¡°What on Spiravale are they holding? It¡¯s generating an obscene amount of energy, and it seems to be coming from the bridge itself.¡±


    All of a sudden, Aster¡¯s fact from the day before didn¡¯t seem so fun.


    ¡°They¡¯re retrieving the power crystal,¡± Val murmured. Once the realization set in, she caught sight of a purple orb¡ªthe swirls inside were mesmerizing and undoubtedly a string of energy-based runes¡ªand her blood ran cold. One glance at the charged waters beneath, and she shivered. Garrison¡¯s Hold will fall without it¡­ but that¡¯s what they want. They¡¯re locking us on this side with the incoming beast wave.


    ¡°They¡¯re what?¡± Otis hollered, struggling to hear anything as boulders crashed against his barricade. He¡¯d erected his tried-and-true jade barrier seconds before an earth Support, of all things, showered them in enlarged rocks. He took a step back to steady himself for every two spells that hit him.


    ¡°They¡¯re destabilizing the bridge!¡± Val yelled.


    ¡°Go,¡± Caro insisted. ¡°You and Gale are the fastest. Go!¡±


    ¡°Noted,¡± Nightingale muttered indignantly, crouching low before he exploded outwards in a blur of movement. Aether filled her muscles, and her calves thrummed. Mud splashed as she kicked off to follow after him, not far off his trail.


    There wasn¡¯t much grassland to traverse; the river must¡¯ve eroded the undergrowth over time in the decades past, leaving a depressed center where the bridge connected either side. Regardless, Storm¡¯s Keep was primarily woodlands-esque, and that meant thick forestry bordered the lean flatlands.


    Three-quarters of the way to the Garrison¡¯s Hold, she noted the red glare in the lightning mage¡¯s eyes and stiffened. ¡°Nightingale!¡± Val hastily dislodged the E-shield at her back. ¡°To me!¡±


    In the time the steel pole began to crackle with her energy, he slinked into her space beside her. Water bled out the tool and formed a dome-like shield, scarcely in time for the red snap of energy crashing into it. Her ears stung at the crackling whip, but she held firm and gritted her teeth. ¡°We can¡¯t step an inch within that bridge when they have the power crystal.¡±


    If they braved the spells and attacked up close, who was to stop the hostile squad from abandoning the power crystal altogether and throwing it into the river? Then both parties fell to their highly-electrocuted ends, and none remained the winner. I¡¯m not about to watch them walk away with it though¡­ That was as much of an option as going for a swim inside the charged rapids.


    ¡°Dim Feet,¡± Nightingale muttered, and she didn''t need to guess it was a spell. Before her eyes, the shadows of the perpetrators gained a mind of their own, reaching out of its 2-dimensional world to hold their boots close in a cold embrace.


    The lightning mage stumbled to the ground in shock and the crouched forms of the teammates stowing away the power crystal fidgeted against their wispy restraints. That left the sole woman of the group, the brown-haired earth mage, to glare at them merely meters away. Even so, Val couldn¡¯t help wondering¡­


    ¡°Was that the Traversal Discipline or the Alteration ki¡ª¡°


    ¡°Efron,¡± the Hunter growled in half-annoyance, half-exasperation, and¡ªin another poorly-timed realization¡ªshe nearly found it¡­ endearing? The same amount endearing she found the mischievous, yet knowing sparkles in Jesal¡¯s gaze, or Otis¡¯ boisterous laugh and perpetual straw hat, Caro¡¯s wicked glee, and Lenson¡¯s quiet regard.


    She would leave here with all of them intact. She willed it so.


    Or, she had thought she did when she may have willed the opposite.


    Three recognizable shouts rang out from behind¡ªloud enough to carry amid the crashing waters¡ªand shattered Val¡¯s conviction on the task at hand. She risked a glance backward and gasped.


    Caro''s left leg remained mangled in an ice elemental¡¯s sneaky vice, and her upper body looked worse for wear. An arm sagged at her side, and enough blood oozed out of her wounds, it dyed the ice gathering beneath red. Val couldn¡¯t begin to understand how the elemental had arrived ahead of the wave and why it decided here of all places.


    She returned her attention to the purple orb, and an explicative left her unbidden. The highest priority for aether creatures remained energy, and in place of the stolen rift core, they must¡¯ve turned to track the power crystal. Regardless of whether its removal left them bereft of an escape route, or its presence continued to attract aether creatures, the power crystal spelled doom. Damned if we do, cursed if we don¡¯t.


    ¡°Let them have the crystal,¡± Val spoke.


    Nightingale seemed to come to the same conclusion on his own, seeing as his dark spell withered away only microseconds after. He wrenched her grip open and dropped an orange pair of¡­ sponge? Upon closer inspection, she deemed them earplugs, and that just made her far more confused than she was a mere moment ago.


    ¡±You okay?¡± she thought to ask, keeping an eye on the retracing backs of those cowards and snap the E-shield onto her back. As expected, the stone blocks shivered in place, persistent in trying to maintain shape and yet faltering against the intense wind. One piece went flying, and that was the first and only crack needed to break the dam. Watching what might¡¯ve been their last chance to escape crumble, she asked herself the same question. Are we okay?


    ¡°There is a wave of things coming our way. I intend to survive it. Wear these when I give you the signal.¡±


    And then he was gone, quicker than a disappearing shadow, presumably informing the others. She stowed the equipment away and raced across the muddy plains.


    Caro naturally had detached herself from Otis once they¡¯d split formation, him in preparation for an attack on both sides, her at the first opportunity to back up their engagement. Neither expected an elemental to emerge¡ªVal presumed in surprise, and perhaps even from the water-laden ground¡ªand for the bridge to collapse thereafter, leaving Otis distraughtly nailed to his post in case the fifty-something things, as Nightingale monikered the aether creatures, overwhelmed them.


    The backline, in the face of a fight far too tangled, couldn¡¯t hope of throwing a spell. Val was under the same conditions¡ªMetal Spike wouldn¡¯t do, especially as it stood an equal chance to skewer her friend. Instead, her eyes burned a heavy blue as she leaned into Vague View with fervour, eager to find the creature¡¯s fatal weakness.


    It¡¯s core.


    The elemental didn¡¯t appear higher than two-starred¡ªthank the saints¡ªas it did not possess a humanoid form. Consequently, Caro fought with an animated blob of ice, half of its body¡¯s manpower keeping her leg frozen tight, the other failing to dodge the Striker¡¯s attacks. Yet, even as she cut it in half and its body shattered, it coalesced back into its original form.


    A solid, glowing circle the size of a large gumball sat inside the elemental¡¯s body, shifting positions in response to Caro¡¯s retorts. There were reasons elementals and their counterparts¡ªspectrals¡ªwere feared amongst adventurers, and its lack of a vulnerable vitals save for one, moving spot was at the top of the list.


    Once within range, Val¡¯s blade struck the top of its nebulous body, digging through its solid structure to hit something¡­ delicate. The sound of shattering glass followed, and the elemental melted faster than an ice cube on a beach.


    In the absence of both something to defend herself from and keep her feet fixed to the ground, Caro collapsed. Val managed to snake a hand around her waist and threw the Striker¡¯s forearm over her shoulder. With a grunt, she kept her upright by her lonesome, careening to the side. ¡°Don¡¯t scare me like that, Cee.¡±


    Val could feel her friend rolling her eyes. ¡°Sorry, mom. I was busy, I don¡¯t know, not dying?¡±


    ¡°Can you stand?¡± she asked, having no time to revel in the momentary peace. She felt the girl put pressure on her legs, but before long, her body went slack.


    Caro shook her head. ¡°What¡¯s the strongest healing scroll you got on you?¡±


    ¡°G3.¡± Val¡¯s eyes darted to her mangled leg, limp arm, to the torso that bore more crimson than should be necessary on her armour. ¡°I only have one, though.¡±


    Not to talk of the fact that two of the three wounds were buried beneath her armour, requiring a slice of their limited time to peel it off before slapping on the scrolls. More aether creatures than they¡¯d ever face would be crashing through the forest any moment now, and they¡¯d have no way to put a stop to them inside their limited space. There¡¯s a way out of this.


    Val knew it in her bones. She pressed her eyes shut, flipping through every piece of information she devoured in the past, and the present. She memorized the makeup of the area yesterday for circumstances such as these¡ªso what was it that she failed to remember?


    Garrison¡¯s Hold. Lightning rods. Bridges¡ªplural.


    That¡¯s it, she thought, belatedly remembering she¡¯d distinctly spotted two bridges on the mini-map. Sure enough, the narrow counterpart was literally two minutes away, a perfect place to construct a Plan B.


    She gestured the team to her position, and they corralled the pair in a snappy manner. ¡°Check your HUDs. There¡¯s another bridge a couple minutes north. Once we get there and set up, we can fight the wave one creature at a time.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a small problem,¡± Jesal said through a grimace. ¡°We¡¯ve got maybe fifty seconds ahead of them, and the frontline needs to be in pristine condition to hold them off on the move. That¡ª¡± he gestured to Caro ¡°¡ªis obviously not the case.¡±


    ¡°I can secure fifteen more seconds,¡± Nightingale offered, not caring to explain. ¡°Nevertheless, the same problem remains.¡±


    Their attention converged on Caro. She looked down, clicked her tongue, shook her head in disbelief, and glanced up. Her mouth opened¡ª


    ¡°No,¡± Val answered before the choice could be voiced. ¡°We¡¯re not leaving you behind.¡±


    ¡°No, we are not,¡± Otis concurred, and the golden rings of his eyes flared. The pads of his thumb took on a cozy yellow hue, and he pressed them against a graze on his hands.


    It disappeared. Remedied, yet through no other external except through his own.


    ¡°You¡¯re a¡­¡± Val allowed herself a brief instance to blink. Once. Twice. Thrice. ¡°You¡¯re a healer.¡±


    ¡°No time to explain,¡± he lifted Caro off her shoulders like she were no lighter than a feather, and she shifted weight to lean on him, wincing. ¡°I still need a place to focus, and that place seems to be two minutes away.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going on ahead?¡± Jesal massaged the back of his neck. ¡°Who¡¯s going to defend us, then?¡±


    Otis moved to pat Val''s shoulder, and yet she didn¡¯t believe she quite felt it. ¡°He is.¡±


    He?


    Her neck snapped around, and she ceased breathing at what¡ªor who, for that matter¡ªshe perceived millimeters away from her nose. Eyes wide enough to rival a child in wondrous shock, she lifted a hand to stifle a squeal of delight.


    On the edge of anxiety and adrenaline and perhaps being right, Jesal threw his head back and laughed. ¡°We found out rather quickly, didn¡¯t we Val.¡±


    Thinking of their conversation yesterday, a soft chuckle escaped her. I suppose we did.

 Chapter 52 - Garrisons Hold (Part II)

    Otis had gone ahead, taking an easy route north and simply following the river as a guide. Caro would presumably be on her own two feet by the time they gathered at the second bridge. The plan was to roll out in groups of pairs, first Caro and Otis¡ªfor obvious reasons¡ªthen the backline shortly after they helped weaken the wave, and finally her and Nightingale.


    Well¡­ To be completely accurate, her, Nightingale and the luminescent familiar following its own tail round in circles in front of her. It¡ªhe, Val corrected privately, remembering Otis¡¯ words¡ªhad an ivory coat of trimmed fur and eyes that were a solid, full gold. Studded, off-white crystals adorned the curve of his brow, winding down along his spine. With his size, he looked to be either a weirdly matured cat or a sleek lion cub¡ªshe couldn¡¯t tell just yet.


    He was undeniably cute and more importantly crucial, primarily because he¡¯d be Otis¡¯ replacement. Five pentagonal barriers, each no bigger than a twin-sized bed, hovered several meters ahead of Val, ready to snap to attention the moment the familiar willed them to.


    His existence, quite unprecedentedly, solved one of the many questions swarming in her mind. Otis¡¯ shields whizzed around like they were an extension of himself, with a control that reminded her of a Striker more than a Bulwark. Jesal, on the other hand, pondered how the six-feet Desni held the wherewithal to understand the intricacies of familiars.


    The two mysteries¡ªunknowingly connected¡ªtraced back to the little guy inches away, too busy enjoying the fresh air to notice her reverie. Otis must¡¯ve sought internal help from his familiar, multiple times by her count. Once again, the details of how such a thing worked were beyond her knowledge, but she hadn¡¯t the time to dwell on it any longer.


    ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± Lenson announced from behind. Val turned to acknowledge her with a sharp nod, her gaze briefly flickering upwards. More than twenty ice longswords spun idly above the Support¡¯s head, vibrating, thrumming.


    Lenson¡¯s heels nearly grazed the remnants of Garrison¡¯s Hold; Val had implored earlier that her and Jesal should stay as far away from the trees as humanly possible. The terrain bore no hidden advantages¡ªthere was the forest with a narrow trail woven into it, a few hundred meters of muddy grass, and then the river at their backs.


    Even with a highly-intelligent familiar present, their defensive measures remained severely lacking in such an open field. Plus, none of them could carry another wounded person to their escape route while surviving the onslaught of several aether creatures.


    Speaking of them¡­ Val swallowed the last traces of apprehension and steeled herself, casting a glance to the side. An arm¡¯s length away, Nightingale dipped his head solemnly and pointed to his ear. Understanding, she searched her coat''s insides until she found the earplugs he¡¯d given her beforehand. She stuffed one in, and then the other. ¡°What do these¡ª¡±


    In the half the span of a second, all she could hear were her thoughts. The harsh winds, the fast-moving rapids, her cloak shifting about¡ªnone of it made it through. She whistled regardless of whether or not she¡¯d hear it¡ªshe didn¡¯t, by the way¡ªher lips fighting off a smile. Hardcore. Now, what were they for?


    Sighting the first of the beast wave scampering past the thick undergrowth, she figured she¡¯d be answered shortly. The fastest of them, wind-based bobcats from the looks of their blinding speed, raced across the flat stretch of land between the forest and river. There wasn¡¯t a whole lot of ground to cover, and at this rate, they¡¯d be within range before the entire horde could be accounted for.


    Val snatched all ten oblong metal pieces off her person and tossed them two by two. She realized more and more aether creatures breached the vicinity each moment¡ªlightning elementals, other wind-based chimeras and, if you could believe, water squirrels¡ªbut her priority remained the same: make sure they weren¡¯t ripped to shreds by the initial surge. ¡°Shard Bomb.¡±


    As urged, the grenades exploded midair in a violent spray of shrapnel. The pieces penetrated the bobcats¡¯ silvery pelt, some caused deep gouges, most were superficial cuts. She hardly appreciated the damage the spell enacted because, truthfully, it did little to slow them down. However, it did serve her next purpose well.


    ¡°Metal Puppeteer.¡±


    The metal pieces bent to her desires and she willed them towards the forest, including the parts embedded within flesh. The bobcats hissed and barked their insistence, yet the shards only dug deeper into their skin, fighting against their movement. Val hoisted her arms as a show of her own resistance, teeth gritted as she felt the beasts tug ahead. They would break through her measures very soon, and she took a knee to convey as much.


    Nightingale planted a gloved hand on her shoulder and squeezed. Hold on a little longer, he tried to express, and she surveyed the battlefield to comprehend why. For an instant, her brain froze at the sheer quantity of things rushing toward them, none as fast as the bobcats, and yet certainly making their way over. The last of the wave''s numbers filtered in, and the Hunter¡¯s reassuring presence left her shoulder.


    He lips mouthed a spell she couldn¡¯t make out. The next words, though, she heard as clear as day.


    ¡°Be gone.¡±


    It might¡¯ve been stated with no more force than sidecomment, and yet inversely, the utter loudness behind the single word pierced through the high-end earplugs. Absent of even a semblance of protection, the creatures in the vicinity recoiled a few steps back, and for a fraction of them, a dribble of blood dripped out their ear cavities.


    Nightingale always worked to dampen sound, as it was valuable to a lurking Hunter. This time, though, he chose to increase it exponentially, and his actions debilitated the enemy for a long beat. Lenson snatched the opportunity with two metaphorical hands, sending forth her army of longswords that Jesal, undoubtedly, amplified.


    Just like that, half of the wave was disposed of, specifically the bobcat and elemental population. Loosening her hold on Metal Puppeteer, Val allowed a small smirk to grace her face. The Support single handedly took out the troublesome camps inside their opposition¡¯s ranks. She whole-heartedly thanked Lenson for it internally, even as she turned to depart alongside Jesal.


    Nightingale plunged into the twenty-something beasts and chimeras left without remorse. He came across as a wraith¡ªwhere he passed, death soon followed. Shadows materialized from the beneath, holding his targets still. Aether creatures crumpled to the ground, as his daggers rose and fell. If they closed in on him, he¡¯d bark a word, and they¡¯d falter against the sound, helpless as he began his carnage anew.


    Albeit impressive, Val wasn¡¯t idle in the meantime. As the mage with more range in her arsenal, she played the long game. She used Metal Spike to skewer a beast near to the forest''s edge and Metal Spike Quartet to do away with the pesky squirrels running along. Even still, two badgers managed to sneak through the chaos, skittering across the field in her direction.


    The creatures swiveled their bodies around in unison, and their flourished tails slammed down. The grey elemental traces gathering on badgers¡¯ body told Val a spell was coming, even if she couldn¡¯t see it physically. Otis¡¯ familiar bristled, and a pair of shields flew over to cover her forefront. The two elemental forces met, and the jade barriers snapped against the force of the two-starred badgers.


    While the wind attacks were dealt harmlessly, it was more than enough to ensure that it was indeed time to go. Nightingale appeared to sense it as well, seeing as he stopped wreaking havoc for the slightest bit to glance her way. Val signalled retreat¡ªa jerk of the head bearing north did the trick¡ªand he successfully disengaged himself by casting another round of Dim Feet.


    She scooped the young familiar into her arms, ignoring how dang soft it felt in her hands, and bolted for the rendezvous point. Before long, she caught sight of Nightingale''s grey, cloth-based armour in her peripheral view, and gestured to her ears. Can I take these off?


    When he bobbed his head, Val promptly yanked the earplugs out. She flinched at the sudden influx of noise, but managed to put it behind her in a swift manner. ¡°How¡¯d you manage that many spells without running out of energy?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a Nightingale,¡± he replied, as if his name provided the total and whole answer. ¡°Can you move at a faster speed? We need to put¡ª¡± he paused as another assault of wind blades, courtesy of the badgers, clashed against the jade shield now guarding their backs ¡°¡ªas much distance between them as we can before we reach the bridge. We may be able to avoid a second fight altogether.¡±


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    Val cranked her energy enhancement to the highest degree possible. ¡°I¡¯ll follow your pace.¡±


    Without wasting a second, his upper body banked forward and he leaned into a sprint. He cut a straight line parallel to the river on the right, his shape blurring. Val followed suit, engaging in the occasional look over the shoulder. Each instance, the beasts in pursuit appeared smaller, farther away. Good. They only had so many shields to spare.


    Less than a minute of speeding down the river¡¯s bank¡ªshe glanced at the clock in her HUD to make sure¡ªVal beheld four figures. Rather soon, she determined it safe enough to cut the aether stream to her lower legs and settled to jog up to her teammates.


    They each wore some variation of a smile at their arrival, which made sense in hindsight. She would too had the situations been flipped, waiting for what must¡¯ve seemed like forever to find out if her teammates survived the difficult endevour. Val mirrored their expression, especially when she noticed the full colour in Caro¡¯s face, and her healthy physique.


    The second bridge, monikered Woodman¡¯s Travesty¡ªwho named these things?¡ªaccording to the mini-map in the corner of her vision, was a peculiar structure. It held the bridge frame, in essence, yet it did so using an interlocking, triangular pattern containing logs. Only two people could cross shoulder-to shoulder at most, and as Val approached, she noted that it visibly shook.


    With a grateful smile on his lips, Otis stepped forward to take the familiar out of her overprotective grasp. She restrained her reluctance and handed him over, quickly reminding herself that she was in a rupturing rift. He blinked, and her furry companion vanished, a few wisps the sole sign of his time in the material world.


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Jesal titled his head to peer past her. ¡°I don¡¯t see any aether creatures behind you.¡±


    ¡°We outran them,¡± Nightingale answered, throwing three capsules into his mouth and forcing it down dry. ¡°And I plan to continue doing so. Can we get moving?¡±


    Caro crossed her arms. ¡°What about the wave?¡±


    ¡°Forget about it,¡± he snapped. ¡°At large, there is a rift rupture and we stand to suffer far worse than just a wave if we don¡¯t leave Storm¡¯s Keep post haste. Let¡¯s. Go.¡±


    As much as it evidently grated on Caro¡¯s nerves, she sighed and ceded the victory. ¡°After you, oh wise and venerable Gale.¡±


    Sarcasm or no, they trailed after his steps and paced across the bridge at a light jog. With the help of Nightingale¡¯s scouting skills and Lenson¡¯s periodic counseling, Hammer Squad veered clear of most confrontation from then onwards. Val deemed it a rather¡­ anticlimactic end to such a hectic morning. Even so, she exhaled the moment she crossed the separator veil some few hours into the afternoon. Death by the claws of several aether creatures, avoided.


    She let the day''s tenseness filter out with the expunged air and gathered her wits about her, perusing the new environment. In a matter of forty-eight hours, the CAU roved the trees down to make a broad, dusty road out the veil and toward, presumably, civilization. The area teemmed with CAU associates, apparent by the crimson-coloured suits and the golden cloud emblazoned on their cuffs. The sight reassured her as much as it scratched at her unconscious bias, but she stifled the thought before it dredged up unpleasant memories.


    Jesal mumbled something about contacting his driver to ¡°get them away from Storm¡¯s Keep pronto,¡± and steered them forward. Val let the rest of the group pull ahead, not surprised someone else retained a similar plan.


    She craned her head upwards to find Caro alreadying peering at her. Val silently felt her out, wondering how to broker an apology, or even a way to convey the shrinking panic borrowing its way around her stomach at the mere thought of losing her best friend.


    ¡°Oh to hell with it.¡± Caro crossed the space and enveloped her in a tight hug¡ªVal winced¡ªfor some time before pulling back to earnestly study her face. ¡°No more beef between us, got it?¡±


    ¡°Sounds more like you¡¯re threatening me¡ª¡± Caro¡¯s lips hinted at a growing scowl ¡°¡ªbut yeah,¡± Val chuckled softly. ¡°Agreed. No more tiptoeing around each other.¡±


    Caro''s mouth quirked up into a teasing grin and then, quite oddly, settled into its former scowl with a new intensity as her attention veered above her head. ¡°Ugh. I could go a day with seeing her again.¡±


    Val turned to discover that Hammer Squad barely took ten steps down the dirt road, barred by a wall of adventurers ranging from aging-out teens to new adults. Admittedly, they blocked very little of the broad pathway, and her teammates could¡¯ve easily sidestep the new squad if not for their telltale orange and white gear. Horizon¡¯s Silence.


    She and Caro shared equally intrigued and worried looks and drew closer to the brewing storm. Among the seven Horizon¡¯s Silence members, Mike stood to the side, a broad distance between him and Leah. He had a hard time looking at any members of Hammer Squad while Leah, conversely, glared unabashedly, arms crossed.


    By the looks of it¡ªstocky build, confident stance¡ªa Bulwark took the lead, scratching at his yellow-orange eyebrows. ¡°Well, this is a little awkward.¡±


    ¡°Get on with it, will you?¡± Caro said, tugging at her armour straps and making micro adjustments to her cloak. ¡°Some of us want to go home.¡±


    Leah¡¯s nose flared as her arms fell to the sides. She fisted her hands, her almond-brown eyes warming up to a radiant blue. Val¡¯s stomach clenched, the recent memory of the fight engraved into her body. The urge¡ªthe desire really¡ªto return even a fragment of the humiliation she¡¯d suffer was something she felt heavily in her gut. Val acknowledged¡ªand welcomed¡ªthe small change. A year ago, she would¡¯ve pacified her feelings and simply let matters be.


    In spite of that growth, an embedded fear roared in her ears and drowned what little defiance she carried. She was fine and dandy to fight Leah before knowing of her prowess, yet she stood unsure on whether she¡¯d do again fully understanding the girl¡¯s capabilities. Add in the emotional investment, and it wasn¡¯t even a debate. She wouldn¡¯t.


    Saints. Val grimaced, backing away in the physical sense as if the action could make the revelation less appalling. I am a coward.


    A supportive arm wrapped around her shoulders, shaking her out of thoughts. She gazed at Caro, belatedly taking in that she and everyone involved perceived her action as fright. In a way, they weren¡¯t that far off.


    What she did not expect, however, was her teammates to act on it. All five of them took a unified step forward, ringed irises ablaze on faces so stoney¡ªmurderous, even¡ªthat she felt the brief and strong urge to hold them back.


    Leah scoffed. ¡°You think I¡¯m scared of¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please, Leah.¡± The Bulwark sent her a sharp glance, buffering the rising tension. The water mage¡¯s shoulders dropped and she looked away. He let loose a relieved sigh before continuing on. ¡°Look. We¡¯re here because Mike wanted to check up on his friends.¡±


    Val¡¯s gaze found the Erydian¡¯s eyes, and she dipped her head in thanks. He offered a pained smile. ¡°Let me know when you two are safely at home.¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Caro returned his expression ruefully, and moved to walk past the Horizon¡¯s Silence crew without further ado, patting his shoulder in passing. No one had it in them to drag it out for longer than necessary, and that sentiment thankfully included both parties.


    Hammer Squad shuffled their feet down the road nonetheless, occupying themself with one thing or the other. Nightingale pulled random tonics out of his cloak, probably cataloging his alchemic arsenal, Jesal shoved his glasses into his tangled hair to massage his nose, and Otis mysteriously seemed to focus his concentration¡­ inwards, if that made any kind of sense.


    She cleared her throat, waiting until she held a modicum of their attention. ¡°Thanks, guys.¡±


    ¡°For?¡± Caro asked, retying her crimson curls into a messy bun above.


    ¡°Backing me up.¡±


    ¡°We should¡¯ve done it earlier,¡± Jesal kicked a random stone out of his way. ¡°Something smelt fishy from the start, and we decided to let it play out anyways.¡±


    Val shrugged. ¡°I appreciate it all the same.¡±


    ¡°And I have a question.¡±


    The five Novices hid none of their surprise as they whipped their heads to the petite Support who had, if she¡¯d heard right, a question.


    An almost-silent huff left Lenson in exasperation, no doubt due to their reaction. ¡°Was Versetti always so, for a lack of a better word, annoying?¡±


    The Strikers answered immediately.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°No¡ª¡± Caro raised an eyebrow as if to say, be honest now, and Val relented ¡°¡ªalright, maybe a little.¡±


    That elicited a chuckle from the entire squad, and it became a segue into a lighter conversation. While she tried to add her two cents from time to time, Val¡¯s main focus remained on putting one foot after the other.


    Regardless of everything, a brutal Elemental Exchange, a rift rupture, and uncovered secrets included, Val was grateful to be finally headed back to the First Halo. A sudden fierce need to hug her brothers aside, the day¡ªand yesterday, might she had¡ªtired her out to new levels, and she wanted nothing more than to sleep in her own bed.

 Extra Tidbit IV - Car Ride (1/2)

    Val prided herself on her unfailing ability to fall asleep. No matter the location, regardless of the time, it came easy without exception. In a vehicle so advanced it cruised on the mismanaged pavement, with fleece blankets softer than should be allowed snug on her shoulders, it should¡¯ve come the easiest.


    Except exceptions exist and this ride home was one of those cases. The cool feel of the glass window came and went as her forehead bounced gently on its surface. It was the only thing she managed to notice besides the absolute storm of thoughts ravaging any hope of catching some shut-eye. And you know what the funny thing was? She was here for it.


    She always would be when it came to magic, and that was really all she could think about right now. Magic and its multifaceted manners of manifestation, areas, practices¡ªand specifically, how mages choose which to excel in.


    The first and most obvious aspect was elemental affinity. After getting utterly thrashed by Versetti¡ªshe could no longer see the girl as Leah¡ªit became an absolute must for Val to foster in her own arsenal. Elemental affinity offered untold flexibility. In Lenson¡¯s case, it came in the form of advanced spells earlier on in her career. Spells like Sword Graveyard, among others, were rarely in the spellcache of Novices merely months old, and that reality gave prodigies like her an eternal edge.


    However, Versetti''s affinity gave her wings. Water bent to her will, caved to her thoughts, and that difference in spellcasting compared to Val¡¯s vocal incantation was rather egregious. Versetti fought in the arena with an extra limb while Val wore boots that didn¡¯t seem to fit.


    It wasn¡¯t lost on her that the terrain heavily favoured the water mage. That was the exact reason, however, mages with as high of an affinity as Versetti seek out familiars. She¡¯d be able to carry around an unlimited supply of water to use anywhere and everywhere. Just horrifying.


    On the other hand, there was the number of bound elements. The advantage was pretty self-explanatory. Spare elements pushed for variety in spells, which equaled more strength, and then in turn brought in the funding required to give you additional spells. The cycle fed into itself seamlessly, like a masterfully crafted art piece you could only appreciate once you stepped back. Caro was a living example as a rising star in the duelling scene. For magma alone, her list of spells doubled that of Val¡¯s¡ªand she barely even used the element at times!


    Then came the heaviest weighted factor: magical aptitudes. ASC¡ªaether strand count¡ªwas the common bottom line for mages of any rank. Sure, the end of a mage¡¯s energy pool became harder and harder to see as one advanced, but it never failed to set mages apart. After all, once you ran out of aether, your magical abilities remained vastly inhibited. There was no way around it. The farther that bottom line was, the more leeway mages gained in both magical techniques used and spells cast.


    Val couldn¡¯t afford to stop worrying about aether strand management. Each spell needed to be used effectively or else she¡¯d be put at a significant disadvantage to her peers. Mages like Caro and Lenson possessed the wherewithal to miss¡ªto experiment mid-battle while knowing they had so much left to use. It lifted tons of mental stress off their shoulders as they pelted their opponents with too many spells to count.


    Conversely, a mage¡¯s PAST was a little more troublesome for Val to analyze. It¡¯s difficult to see its direct impact when it¡¯s behind the scenes. Val stole Aeron from his outing with Silann¡ªCaro deemed it a date, but that might¡¯ve been a stretch¡ªfor a bit to get him to clarify the impact of someone''s Position on the Aether Spectrum of Talent.


    According to him, the elemental society referred to it as a passive attribute. It boosted one¡¯s ability to sense and perceive aether, aided the usage of the Five Aether Arts, and supposedly dictated the speed at which a mage cultivated. All of these were certainly important and powerful, but nonetheless appeared resoundingly difficult to detect in her early growth.


    For one, she only used a single visual technique. Rumours have been told that while the external art will forever remain a staple in her arcane archives¡ªand by external, she meant through the physical eyes¡ªshe¡¯d soon shy away from Vague View and focus on internal perception. She couldn¡¯t wait! Still, that wouldn¡¯t help for a while.


    Secondly, she barely used two of the Five Aether Arts, Vague View and a subset of Aether Reinforcement, energy enhancement. Again, her PAST would likely factor into her growth exponentially once the other three came into play in tangible ways. She couldn''t count her flimsy use of Aura Manipulation anything notable. Once more, that didn¡¯t seem to help her now.


    And lastly, thanks to her very small aether pool in the beginning, her PAST had already been working overtime to bolster her ASC. Unfortunately, it was still in the process of doing so.


    This begged the question¡­ what did she have other than a high PAST? What could she work towards, how could she improve? Why did several higher-powers place her in a car where every young mage possessed revenue in two or more of these capacities? When she glanced around the interior of the Jesal¡¯s private vehicle, she envisioned future Magisters and¡ªdare she predict¡ªArchons.


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    Each of them held the means to beat Versetti in her best element, maybe barring Jesal since his abilities leaned into support. She wasn¡¯t about to start doubting her own skill and assets, nor believe herself out of place. She¡¯d come too far and grown too much to recede to her former self. Nevertheless, she couldn¡¯t continue to deny a mystery ingredient that set her apart from her teammates. What gives?


    Her answer almost made her laugh.


    Be brave for yourself.


    Caro¡¯s words rang clear in her head. Again. Though this time, many other voices pierced through her thoughts, and the culmination of their advice uncannily connected together to form the perfect answer.


    Growth lies in overcoming both the known and the unknown. Dad, minutes before accepting an Aether Artifact.


    Just continue to ask and eventually, one day, you¡¯ll be the one to answer. Charlee after her enchanting-related frustrations boiled over.


    Will you be the one adapting to the constant shifts of life or will you bring about that change? Fiona during the closing ceremony of the Tripartite.


    Each meant separate things, and simultaneously, created a fresh idea when put together.


    Of all things, Val was a freaking Metal Striker.


    Unheard of.


    Uncharted territory.


    Unrespected.


    If she could get a rednote for every repulsed expression she had bore witness to or the endless questions directed at her, she¡¯d be a millionaire. Most tried to convince her to pick Bulwark when the time came to it. She might even end up better for it. However, if the sureness in the depths of her soul as she beheld a saber in her hand¡ªcalloused perfectly to maintain its grip¡ª said anything, it was that she yearned to be a Striker.


    It was time she embodied it¡ªthat she grew the courage to overcome the unknown by treading a path never walked before, to ask the questions no one else bothered to, and to change what people deemed ¡°ideal.¡±


    It took courage, the very same internalized courage Caro accused her of lacking. Perhaps returning Versetti¡¯s favour shouldn¡¯t have been among her main reasons for taking this step in her journey¡­ It seemed a little basic. Aren¡¯t we all though? Who cared anyway¡ªyou have to want change for it to happen.


    Currently, she relied too heavily on the Discipline of Conjuration, and it cost her the match from the get-go. When she first bought the spell Metal Puppeteer, she remembered the sheer thrill coursing through veins at all the possibilities it would allow her¡ªand had allowed her during her escape out of Storm¡¯s Keep against the bobcats.


    And instead, what did she do? Utilize it for just a chain and the occasional Shard Bomb when it felt necessary. If it seemed absurd to leave it at that, then why do it?


    Originally, she didn¡¯t want to stray too far from the norms. Her first plans were to, in Caro¡¯s words, add a little spice and pizzazz, while remaining as something people could recognize. Now that seemed merely¡­ Boring.


    There wasn¡¯t a guide in sight, so she bore no reason to hold back. She didn''t want to merely stray; she wanted to become. The revelation was freeing. Ideas began flowing and interesting prospects tickled her curiosity. Though she couldn¡¯t see it under her armour, the hair on her arms stood on end. The exhilaration of a breakthrough, of a window in the face of a wall, leaked onto her face without her notice.


    ¡°Why is she smiling like that?¡± Jesal whispered into Caro¡¯s ear across from Val. Her eyes cleared at the question, dragging her internal concentration outwards. The passenger¡¯s compartment carried eight spots in total, split equally by a narrow space in the middle for legroom.


    Jesal hinted at a hidden trunk beneath their boots full of drinks, paired with a state-of-the-art IBR interface. She hardly needed to see it to believe it, considering the fact the vehicle traded leather seat belts for magic. Enchantments marked each square inch of the places, and the gravity-inclined ones nailed Val to her seat quite convincingly when required.


    Caro and Jesal sat glued together, previously invested in some sort of LIE-based conversation, while Nightingale was far off to the side. Val mirrored the Hunter in terms of space, though it was Otis who sat in the opposing seat next to Lenson.


    Val blinked and straightened out her posture, her interest piqued. ¡°Who is?¡±


    Caro glanced at Jesal beside her, and then snorted. ¡°You, you big dumbo.¡±


    She touched her lips, surprised to find them upturned. ¡°I am smiling.¡±


    ¡°And here I thought Hayes was the dull one,¡± Nightingale sighed on the window, shaking his head like she was the sorriest case in the country.


    Otis stretched over the space to shove the Hunter square in the shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s mean.¡±


    ¡°It was a joke,¡± he said, scowling. ¡°Either way, I find a bad joke better than hiding a familiar. An obscenely rare one, at that.¡±


    The air stilled completely.

 Extra Tidbit IV - Car Ride (2/2)

    Nightingale, as Val was learning, had a knack for killing the mood. In short order, the jovial banter going on disappeared, and a devastating pause¡ªsimilar to one holding their breath in fright¡ªremained in its wake. Otis shrunk three times smaller at the barb, squirming in his seat as he was skewered with questioning gazes.


    Val cleared her throat. ¡°It¡¯s well within his right to do so.¡±


    He didn¡¯t let up. ¡°Hayes could have died if he decided act ¡®within his rights.¡¯¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you care.¡± Caro shot a sidelong glance his way, and the silence hung even heavier until she continued. ¡°Mages hide cards. It¡¯s part of the game and one you play pretty well Gale, judging by your use of supersonic yelling.¡±


    Val¡¯s eyebrows pinched together, confused on how she knew it in her absence. Ah. Her gaze flickered to the Anchor next to Caro. He filled her in on that too.


    ¡°If you really want to know, don¡¯t be nasty about it,¡± Caro added. ¡°We¡¯re friends here. Ask.¡±


    Gotta love her bluntness. Remarkably, Nightingale hung an unexpected note. He recoiled into his seat, and then moved to cross his legs. ¡°Friends?¡±


    Caro chuckled. ¡°Yeah dude, ever had one?¡±


    ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°You already said it,¡± Caro leaned forward to stare at him head-on. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be here, laughing at you, without you.¡± She looked around. ¡°Without any of you guys. So yeah, we¡¯re friends. I¡¯m officially making it official.¡±


    ¡°Quite the vocabulary,¡± Jesal quipped.


    Caro knocked his shoulder with her own. ¡°I¡¯m tired. Cut me a break.¡±


    He shot her a worried look, and she dismantled it with a small smirk. The quiet moment gave Val pause, and she quickly worked to hide a smirk as well.


    ¡°Azotus,¡± Nightingale called, bringing their attention back to the original conversation. ¡°I won¡¯t ask for the specifics. Simply answer me this: why hide your familiar and your healing capabilities?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit to keeping quiet about my familiar. Jesal and Val were picking up on it," he said, nodding at them two. "It was hard work, avoiding their questions. But the healing part simply never needed to come up. As Caro said, I wanted to keep the card close. Besides, light mages are commonly healers, so that half isn¡¯t too much of a stretch.¡±


    ¡°Can I see it?¡± Caro¡¯s brown eyes glowed. ¡°Your familiar.¡±


    A warm smile graced his face, dimming softly as he closed his eyes in concentration. A yellowish ball of fuzzy light developed before Val¡¯s very eyes, followed by another one. Two made four, four created eight, and then they proliferated into dozens before absorbing into each other.


    In their place, a young cub hid behind Otis¡¯ head, borrowing his furry head in the bend between his neck and shoulders. Caro squealed, hands out, ready to hold the familiar. With her hair out of a bun, framing in her face in a charming mess of curls, and a mega-wide grin across her face, she looked every bit the giddy kid in front of a puppy.


    Otis outright laughed, bending so the Striker can take it off his shoulders. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Harken, she doesn¡¯t bite.¡±


    Caro snatched the familiar with a renewed vigour, arms wrapped around his torso. Harken¡¯s eyes widened so much, fear radiated from him in spades.


    ¡°Harken¡¯s a hybrid between jade and light, and supposedly a young lion,¡± Otis explained, and Val noted a sense of underlying pride. ¡°He was a gift from Lady Nitza¡ªmostly, anyway. Usually, there¡¯s an entire process to bind a spirit. We kind of just connected coincidently and she allowed me to keep him.¡±


    ¡°Is Lady Nitza that one princess of the Glass Dunes?¡± Nightingale asked.


    ¡°Crown princess,¡± he corrected. ¡°And yes, that¡¯s her.¡±


    ¡°Shit, so you got a gift from a future queen?¡± Caro found a sweet spot underneath Harken¡¯s left ear and scratched at it, vanquishing the familiar¡¯s negative feelings within seconds. He lay almost limp in her arms, his head in the crook between her collarbone and chin. ¡°That¡¯s sick.¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± he winced. ¡°There¡¯s fifteen princes and princesses in total, and they''re all the crown heirs.¡±


    Nightingale twisted his lips. ¡°That¡¯s not humanly possible.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a rather simple explanation, though one for another day. To answer your question, I wanted to keep him a surprise until combat week.¡±


    ¡°Combat week,¡± Val hissed, the terminalogy not lost on her. ¡°That¡¯s months away!¡±


    It was odd how recognizable these university terms were becoming, yet that was simply life as an incoming undergraduate. Combat week referred to the preparation period for the first semester¡¯s final exams. Only over the years, the ¡°preparation¡± upscaled the exams in importance, seeing as it was the first opportunity to spar with students from other schools.


    The unofficial rankings¡ªcalled unofficial because the institutions could not care less about them¡ªdetermined a first-year¡¯s entrance into so many invite-only events coming up in spring. Clan-run, guild-funded, fan-fueled fixtures were prime ways to put your name on the map.


    ¡°I need my name out there,¡± he responded, taking the thoughts right out of her head. ¡°You can see it as a payment for Harken.¡±


    ¡°Something ain¡¯t making sense,¡± Caro said. ¡°How does you becoming popular help a princess of a world power?¡±


    ¡°It''s for the Contest of the Crown,¡± Lenson, for the first time, added her two cents.


    ¡°The hell is that?¡±


    Otis waved the question away. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t care, it¡¯s Desni politics.¡±


    ¡°Bro, is no one getting the message?¡± She tsked, and tapped at his leg with her foot. ¡°I care because you care. It doesn¡¯t have to be now. But you better explain it, else I¡¯m hounding your ass down. Queen or not, nobody¡¯s manipulating you on my watch.¡±


    Otis swallowed, genuinely touched. He reached out to rub Harken¡¯s scruff. ¡°As I was saying, my advanced shield-work is thanks to my little buddy. I worked my butt off to perfect my spellcraft, though I cannot deny his contribution, especially when it comes to reactive guarding.¡±


    Val nodded her understanding. ¡°I have a couple questions on that topic, though this time it''s for the backline. If you don¡¯t mind, that is.¡±


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    Lenson¡¯s intense stare pierced what little courage Val mustered, so she turned toward the friendly face. ¡°Jesal first. What even is amplification and what discipline do you use to make it work?¡±


    Jesal¡¯s shoulders straightened like he¡¯d been waiting for this question his whole life. ¡°I enhance the features of anything and everything, good or bad. I admit it¡¯s a broad element. If I amplify ice in the general sense, I slow down the molecules even further, lowering down the ice¡¯s melting point and temperature. If it is moving ice like Kylee¡¯s Sword Graveyard, the spell does whatever it can to increase in the way I imply.


    ¡°Maybe the spell sharpens the tip and makes it more aerodynamic and thus, amplifies its speed and piercing ability. Maybe it amplifies the force of impact once it strikes something. It¡¯s crazy unpredictable, and nothing like other elements.¡±


    ¡°No kidding,¡± Val mumbled. For her, precision is a prerequisite to call forth on the Metal Gate and its ensigns.


    ¡°Hence the glasses,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Mastering amplification doesn¡¯t come with learning complicated spells. Rather, the talented amplification mages work to modify a single attribute. Simplicity is what you want. Although to gain that simplicity, a lot of frames are needed.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get it,¡± she said.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± he smiled. ¡°To make things weirder, I use the Discipline of Alteration.¡±


    ¡°I guessed that¡­ How, though?¡± she asked aloud. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that go against the¡ªwhat was it called¡ªthe Circle of Magic Disciplines?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± his smile deepened into a grin. ¡°Basically¡­¡±


    He ended up reciting a dictionary of terms she, the exhausted adventurer that she was, did not compute. Instead, she packaged the information into a compact summary she would stand to remember the next day.


    In a nutshell, there existed a certain order that the Disciplines revolved around, irrespective of the rite of specialization. Wherever your main choice of magic lay dictated the chance of a mage successfully minoring in another avenue.


    The order sort of went like this: Traversal ¡úInvocation ¡úConjuration ¡úManipulation ¡úFortification ¡úAlteration ¡úand right back to the Traversal Discipline. A mage stood to have a 40% chance to learn the discipline a rotation forward, and a 25% chance for the one a step behind. It tapered into the low teens for the two after the adjacent disciplines, leaving only the polar opposites as a complete impossibility.


    Should Val stick with invocation, she kissed any hopes of ever using fortification¡ªof being the Bulwark many told her to be¡ªgoodbye. And good riddance.


    ¡°Alright Jesal, chill on the girl,¡± Caro let a soft laugh loose. ¡°She gets it, we get it. Question answered. I think V tuned out five minutes ago.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± He scratched the back of his head. ¡°Is that it?¡±


    ¡°Almost. I¡¯m curious about Lenson¡¯s visions,¡± Val turned to look at the diviner this time around. ¡°You tend to get them during important moments, yet a second before and only sometimes. Is that on purpose? What¡¯s the design?¡±


    ¡°The ¡®visions,¡¯ as you call them, aren¡¯t a spell. It¡¯s natural to those highly attuned,¡± she answered.


    ¡°Fire mages are less susceptible to heat, earth mages have a healthier constitution, dark mages are broodier than others¡ªno offence Ekon,¡± Jesal quickly chipped in. ¡°For diviners, they get glimpses.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t control them, nor do I lose energy due to them,¡± she added. ¡°Like other elements, there are disciplines suited for divination. Fortunately, divination favours conjuration, which is great news for a Support. Except, I don¡¯t know a single one bearing in mind that I¡­¡± Lenson¡ªapathetic, indifferent Lenson¡ªsighed and scrubbed at her face. The one action alone said so much. Frustration. Vexation. Confusion because she was lost on how to fix the problem. Then the cycle began anew.


    The Support seemed to realize she¡¯d let an unguarded expression sneak through, seeing as the impassive mask she wore so often fell back into place swiftly. ¡°Anyways, if I could foresee the disaster that nearly put us into the hospital, I would.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna cry,¡± Caro sniffled. ¡°Kylee! You just said, like, fifty words in a row!¡±


    The Support rolled her pale blue eyes, one side of her asymmetrical hair grazing her shoulder. ¡°Revolutionary.¡±


    That got a laugh out of everyone, except for one.


    ¡°We¡¯re on a first name basis now?¡± Nightingale grumbled.


    ¡°Why yes, Ekon,¡± Caro said, and Val could vividly imagine the smug grin on her face. ¡°Friends, remember?¡±


    His legendary response faded to the background when her phone buzzed in her pockets. Lowell sent her memes almost daily, and the captioned picture he decided on today threw a small smile on her face. His message stirred her memory, and she quickly opened the notification to text away at her phone.


    Lowell


    Val: Hey, I just remembered a promise I¡¯m two weeks behind on. I¡¯ve been meaning to ask about your brother.


    Lowell: brother?


    Val: yeah, Rowan


    Lowell: Ohhh


    Lowell: yeah what about him?


    Did he¡­ forget he has a brother? Weird.


    Val: honestly I thought you¡¯d know about it


    Val: apparently he¡¯s been real busy with the family business.


    Val: Kenneth¡¯s worried


    Lowell: Right. That. He¡¯ll be back in full form soon.


    Lowell: Also, ik this off topic


    Lowell: Here me out


    Val: Sure


    Val: what¡¯s up?


    Lowell: there¡¯s a party I¡¯m going to


    Lowell: I think you¡¯d fit right in


    Lowell: Wanna come


    Val: Yeah ofc


    Val: I¡¯ll lyk once its closer to the date


    With that out of the way, she swiped up and out the messaging app, peering through the window.


    ¡°Tell me it¡¯s a coincidence we¡¯re passing a hospital,¡± Val muttered, flabbergasted as the driver forwent the road ahead and took a sharp turn into the skyscraper''s driveway. She managed to make out two block letters¡ªRH¡ªright before the entirety of the building was cut off by the clear glass, and her heart stopped beating. RH. Restore Health¡ªthe same hospital Mom was rushed to years back and still remains. ¡°Is someone injured?¡±


    ¡°Caro let me know you have an important person here you might want to see,¡± Jesal began, his voice taking a softer edge. ¡°I asked the crew, and we¡¯re all fine with you visiting for however long you need before we transfer back to our halo. No one knows when you might get back. Might as well seize the opportunity.¡±


    Val¡¯s breath hitched, stuck in her throat. ¡°If this is a prank, I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    ¡°It would be a cruel prank to make such an offer, even by my broody standards,¡± Nightingale cut her off, glaring at her and Jesal equally. ¡°We¡¯re not kids. We can entertain ourselves for a few hours.¡±


    ¡°Plus, Harken is plenty of company,¡± Caro added, half her face buried in the familiar¡¯s snug embrace.


    Val didn¡¯t give them any more seconds to make their case. In the time it took to snap, she dumped the blankets and pushed the door open maybe a little too eagerly. Then suddenly, a thought took her mind hostage and she froze, one foot out the door.


    Returning to her seat a second after, she studied the teammates that risked death in favour of saving her best friend, the people who valued her feelings higher than she herself. Five weeks and, frighteningly, the bond they shared seemed so much deeper than the people she¡¯d known for months. Rifts did that to you¡ªlife-threatening experiences, as Magus Kane and Rick emphasized once longer ago, showed the worth of your connection.


    ¡°Kylee, Ekon,¡± Val said, and the pair stiffened. ¡°And the rest of you guys¡ª


    ¡°Wow, we don¡¯t even get a mention,¡± Caro muttered, albeit playfully.


    Jesal elbowed her in the ribs. ¡°Shhh.¡±


    ¡°¡ªthank you so, so much. I¡¯ll see you later.¡±


    Then she was out, on a hurried and clipped pace into the hospital¡¯s extravagant lobby. She would¡¯ve said ''be back soon'', but who was she kidding? She planned to stay as long as she possibly could, and then some.

 Chapter 53 - Firm No

    For the sixth time in the last six days, Val admired the Apprentice¡¯s Office allotted to new Runic Mead members.


    Requests and informational quizzes flowed in all summer. A few asked her the types of clients she wanted down the line, others were questionnaires to find the best mentor for her, and one wanted her preferred floor. She¡¯d been cheeky and picked the highest available to her, and the shot in the dark awarded her a spot on the tenth level.


    As a result, Atera¡¯s nightlife thrived past the window from high on up¡ªrivers of red rear lights glowing in the tangled streets, and the customary telling flare over a spot in the city that spoke of a bar fight gone wrong. Toeing her ergonomic chair around to the granite desk behind, her hand combed through greasy hair.


    A three-foot-long scroll sat blank across the textured-grey surface, scratched up from an untold number of attempts. Despite the evident tries and attempt basically carved into the material, nothing glowed, or sparkled or gleamed. In simpler terms, despite her continuous trials, no rune had formed whatsoever. Setting her scribal pen down next to it, she propped her elbows on the desk and sank her face into her palms.


    The visit to Restore Health before she departed the Second Halo healed her soul as much as it tired her heart. For Val¡ªand she hoped for the majority of the world¡ªa mother¡¯s face alone did wonders. In her case, it stabilized her fond memories as something other than a keepsake for later. Evenings spent watering plants, school mornings where Mom rushed to braid her hair, and afternoon nature walks¡ªthey brought about nostalgic, rather than knocking the air out chest to make room for the pain.


    Even so, Mom¡¯s health deteriorated in the hospital. She was no more than a sack of bone and wrinkled skin, with hair the texture of straw, and eyelids forever shut. Val stupidly activated Vague View to survey the metaphysical illness for herself and she wished she could destroy the sight now burned into her mind.


    Aether channels were the veins of the unseen¡ªenergy coursed through them, and they worked to alter the physical characteristics in higher ranks. Tiny, yet important and unfortunately as easy to injure as physical veins under the right conditions. However, ¡°injury¡± to veins in real life frequently meant internal bleeding. Things worked differently when magic was involved, and it showed.


    Instead of Mom¡¯s channel bursting at the sheer aether strand surplus, they widened and stretched and strained to contain it. And technically, it did¡­ Though it looked as precariously on the edge of exploding as a balloon full of far too much water. The channels, usually no thicker than a pencil, pushed up to the corners of her arms. Despite her prominent collar bones and ribs, despite her twig-like limbs, aether burst at the seams inside her.


    Val knew what it was like to overload her muscles. As the amateur she was, they screamed at her on routine. Sometimes, she believed she was just one step shy of them breaking.


    She could only imagine the sheer pain Mom¡¯s condition must¡¯ve caused, and could only hope she felt none of it in her deep sleep.


    Val needed Life¡¯s Hymn, and she needed it yesterday. Her efforts to truly become Apprentice title translated into over sixty hours¡ªplus well past ten ordered meals¡ªand her efforts translated into nothing. Nothing. Her fingers dragged down her cheeks, and she quickly inhaled. Self-pity wouldn¡¯t do her any good.


    It seemed the universe agreed, because the tranquillity of her room shattered as her door slid open. Lowell paced through, the red robes ascribed to metalsmiths billowing in his wake. She¡¯d sent him a text earlier on during the day and¡ªabsorbed in one thing or the other¡ªhe must¡¯ve finally seen it. With five long strides, he crossed the tiled flooring to reach the small carpet underneath her desk and chair.


    ¡°Val, dear,¡± he began his plea, shaking his head. ¡°You promised you¡¯d go.¡±


    That was before I saw the pamphlet. The font by itself screamed self-importance, not to talk of the expensive banquet hall and the mind-baffling itinerary. He¡¯d offered to take her to a party, but she forgot the word party meant different things to different people. To some teenagers, that meant a house stacked with influential substances; for people like Caro and Jesal, a get-together with drinks, snacks, and a multiplayer, couch-party game up and running would suffice.


    Based on what she witnessed, Lowell¡¯s social event involved a whole lot of small talk and very little of a good vibe. Which is a solid no from me.


    Val made sure her frown was perceptive. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to a party full of politicians¡ª¡±


    ¡°Artificers, you mean.¡±


    ¡°¡ªwho¡¯d throw me their fake smiles, shake my hand and look at me for what I¡¯m worth, not for who I am.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been turtled up in your office for ages, ¡®Lore!¡±


    ¡°And I still can¡¯t bind a lick of aether for heaven¡¯s sake!¡±


    ¡°You will soon!¡±


    ¡°Soon needs to be now.¡±


    Lowell sighed through his nose. ¡°The best things don¡¯t come easy. Be patient.¡±


    Val raised her hands in surrender. ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°And you will come to that party. Connections don¡¯t come easy either.¡± Lowell rounded the table, tapped her shoulder, and made his way out.


    She understood he was doing it for her own good. The red target pinned on her back since the Rookie Competition only became brighter thanks to her growing media presence, and introducing herself would be incredibly beneficial on multiple fronts. It just sounded like a chore she wasn¡¯t up for.


    Val pushed the trouble aside and tried to find the serenity present before he¡¯d entered, digging deep inside herself for internal peace. Once her hand stilled and her mind ceased throbbing at the headache that was the party, she gripped her pen and got to work.


    Energy flowed away from her Aetherial Vessel, winding down her channels, and zipped into the writing instrument. Similar to cultivation, enchanting contained two contrary halves¡ªthe energy, and the philosophy behind it. Checking off the fuel required, she imprinted everything she comprehended about the rune firm.


    Hardened to the point of resilience.


    Resilient enough to withstand change.


    Unchanging, persistent, steady.


    Strong.


    Firm.


    Her pen touched the paper and drew the dashes of the character easily. When it came away, luminescent lines pulsed on the beige scroll, fluctuating, fizzling. Seconds later, it winked out of existence. No luck.


    Val swallowed the expletives on her tongue and settled to clutch onto her pen and seethe under her breath. ¡°Are you kidding me!¡±


    Time waited for no one, and although she knew her mother had years¡ªdecades even¡ªleft in her strictly speaking, Val¡¯s true window of success shrunk with every minute. How long would be too long? How long would it take for Mom to become less of a person and more of a fleeting memory she desperately chased?


    Would their relationship remain unaffected when her mother came to, realizing the daughter at the side of her bed was vastly different from the one she remembered? Would she even want to wake up in a world that abandoned her in the past? Further down the line, these doubts would solidify into reality, and that scared her more than most things.


    So no, she didn¡¯t have time to bumble into a stroke of luck.


    Val clicked her tongue and pulled her legs up into her office chair, interlacing her fingers. She fell into the patterned breaths of her meditative technique, and her frustrated thoughts filtered away and left a clear mind. Attempting the same thing repeatedly would derive no success. She¡¯d never been bullheaded¡ªstubborn, though she was¡ªand she didn¡¯t want to start now.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Not when an alternate avenue of growth opened up for her. At the end of the day, she had to obtain those connections and, in due time, work her way up to find the right alchemists to produce Life¡¯s Hymn. Mom¡¯s clock ticked onwards without fail. Attending the party could be the first step of many to prevent it from ticking any further. Only time will tell.


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    Youth Health & Aid Hub


    -One day later-


    Laughter and muttered curses rose above the indistinct din of downtown clamour, scratching at Val¡¯s curiosity. She nudged her charcoal bucket hat upwards, blinked a couple of times to clear her bleary vision after an unplanned nap, and focused on the pair keeping her company at the roundtable.


    Two red braids draped over Caro¡¯s graphic tee to rest on camo shorts. One hand idly grasped Kenneth in an arm-wrestle and the other held her iced drink. She chuckled over the rim of the clear cup, eyes sparkling as Kenneth moved to bring his other arm to help in the fight. The soon-to-be thirteen-year-old, still clad in his school uniform, swore once more and kept trying.


    A blaring, digital bell sliced across their battle. With a grin and a groan respectively, the two agreed to find a middle ground by calling it a tie and turned to the source of the noise. The daycare center, situated at the heart of Atera, spanned the entire block. Dark fences wrapped around a brick building and a small field of grass stretched for meters beyond the enclosure. Combined with a picturesque playground and perfectly placed benches, the area inside seemed almost peaceful.


    Nevertheless, outside on the bordering street, the downtown life thrived, honks, traffic, racket and all. Val and her company picked a spot with random tables and seats to wait for Anderson¡¯s release. As such, the three were up and about, heading into the premises.


    ¡°Have you decided on what to wear to the party?¡± Caro asked, crouching low to tie her shoelaces.


    Val stopped beside her, slanting her chin downwards. ¡°I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m kinda on the fence about going.¡±


    ¡°It could be fun,¡± came the muffled response.


    ¡°And dreadful.¡±


    ¡°But still fun.¡±


    ¡°And boring.¡±


    ¡°You know what.¡± Caro glared at her from down low, and the angle made any exasperation comical. ¡°I give up.¡±


    ¡°I''m... sorry?¡±


    The magma mage sighed and pushed off her knees, settling into an upright position. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Can¡¯t be mad when it¡¯s time to pick up my favourite Efron.¡±


    Kenneth snorted and strode ahead, pushing the black gate and holding it open. ¡°Am I supposed to be hurt?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Val nodded her thanks, ignoring how her slitted jeans flapped against the wind. ¡°I am.¡±


    Caro grinned in acknowledgement and joined them as they made their way to the daycare. A pavement walkway wound its way through the field to the building¡¯s double doors. Parents streamed out of their cars in the attached parking lot, leaving few to walk behind them.


    Five teachers hid from the sun under an enveloping awning, each worrying over the line of children attached to their hips. Val found it easy to spot Anderson¡¯s warden for the day. He was, to her luck, the only male among the employees. As parents drew closer, kids would promptly tug on their teacher¡¯s pants, point in their guardian¡¯s direction, receive a grateful nod from the said teacher, and then bolt to the loving¡ªor tired¡ªarms of a mother, father, relative, or sibling.


    Anderson was no different. Well, no different as far as things concerning Anderson went. Upon seeing her, the bundle of energy bolted across the field and a beeline for them¡ªtaking no care to follow the paved path¡ªand barrelled into her.


    She huffed a laugh and returned the hug, waving over Anderson¡¯s shoulder to his teacher. The man had jogged after his little student in alarm, only to shake his head in exasperation and return the gesture.


    ¡°Andy¡­¡± Val pulled back and donned her sisterly voice. ¡°As much as I am very, very happy to see you too, you have to tell Mr. O¡¯hare first before leaving. Okay?¡±


    He canted his head to the side, his sad pout nearly winning out against her sternness. ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts.¡± She bent low, staring into his golden eyes, big from guilt and confusion in an equal measure. ¡°Okay?¡±


    He gave a tiny nod. ¡°Okie.¡±


    Caro took his affirmation as a sign to play the fun older sibling. She snuck around during the lecture and grabbed him from behind, ignoring his surprised gasp and putting him atop her shoulders. ¡°Who¡¯s ready to fly?¡±


    ¡°Me!¡± he giggled. ¡°Me!¡±


    Caro''s smile took on a wicked edge. ¡°As you wish, good sir. Buckle in¡ª¡±


    ¡°Cee, wait. I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯re off!¡± Caro started her adventure with a twirl, and then proceeded to run towards and out the gate, Anderson in tow. The boy lifted his arms in the air¡ªon the shoulders of the 5¡¯11 Striker, he truly must¡¯ve felt airborne¡ªand squealed.


    ¡°¡ªcheck if he had any homework.¡± Watching the pair disappear past the fences, Val sighed. ¡°I swear, one of these days I¡¯m going to report her for kidnapping.¡±


    ¡°Good luck convincing the authorities. That kid is more his sister than yours.¡± Kenneth exhaled like he lived twelve decades instead of twelve years. ¡°I¡¯ll follow them and make sure they don¡¯t get themselves killed. Better yet, I¡¯ll make sure they don¡¯t kill anyone else.¡±


    And then he was off, stalking after the energetic buddies in a cloud of doom and gloom. Val¡¯s gaze trailed his departure, and a second sigh escaped her. Losing his one friend to familial responsibilities hit him hard, and he had little available in the First Halo to help him cope. Val hoped that their presence¡ªhers, Caro¡¯s and Anderson¡¯s¡ªmitigated his distress somewhat. I wish I could do more¡­


    Her phone buzzed and she checked the notification, only to softly scowl at the screen. Her daily reminder to ¡°enchant¡± went off, immediately ruining her mood. She would try at inscribing a rune, fail at it miserably, and do it again in that order numerous times until Lowell ushered her off to bed. She would blissfully forget her struggles for a time before the reminder set it off anew.


    Lowell had been wrong about two things he said would come soon.


    Rowan had been and still was MIA.


    She had been and still was struggling with enchanting.


    He did, however, know the details surrounding the auction that reserved most of Rowan¡¯s time. If she understood the circumstances a little better, perhaps she could do more for Kenneth. Perhaps, if the small hopeful idea of hers came to pass, the information could do more for her. Plus, it was high time to find out about this auction and¡ªlet¡¯s face it¡ªshe had just about nothing to do.


    <hr>


    As the sole class allowed an entire building for themselves, finding the smithery required a trip down the stairs and outside through several stone archways. Vivid, crimson flowers rimmed the cobblestone pathway as it weaved around the courtyard, connecting the primary building to an ancient-looking fortress.


    A broad staircase¡ªcarved from the purest of marble¡ªstretched almost wall to wall, resulting in an elevated porch huddled beneath a smooth overhang. Young and weathered metalsmiths alike trickled past her in many degrees of disheveled, depending on how deep into a project they were.


    Unsurprisingly, she garnered a lot of glances on her way up. She looked nothing like the part of a new Novice or rising enchanter and entirely the picture of an exhausted teenager. To her defense, she at least tried to alleviate that picture.


    Her bucket hat hung low, obscuring the dark patches beneath her eyes. On top of that, she made the time today to wash and straighten her hair, allowing cedar-brown strands to cascade over her shoulders. Still, her posture slouched inside her denim jacket and her strides up the steps were stiff. Even the unobservant could tell a few hours of sleep would do her well.


    Val heard the smithery before she saw it¡ªmuffled banging and an undercurrent of laughter. She had an idea of what it''d look like once she slipped inside; smoky air, smudged aprons and multitudes of metals melting at white-hot temperatures were just the beginning. She¡¯d been somewhat correct, though she forgot the modern improvements the smithery installed.


    There was no lobby or receptionist desk of any sort¡ªthis establishment existed for crafting and crafting alone. As such, on the metallic swath spread inside, tens of metal pieces were underway inside the workstations. Clear dividers separated the Apprentices¡¯ forges, and overhead fans vacuumed the smoke coming from the hearths.


    Apparatuses she couldn¡¯t name¡ªsome larger than her, others as small as her palm¡ªruined the otherwise organized smithery, blocking the aisles, and cluttering a desk. In the far back, a spiral staircase alluded to other floors occupied by Journeymen, Meisters, and the rest of the ranks.


    Either way, creativity lingered in every corner.


    The nearest metalsmith, busy pouring molten iron into a sword-shaped cast, did a double take at her atypical presence. ¡°Can I help you?¡±


    A hint of a smile blossomed on her lips. ¡°Sorry to be a bother, but I was wondering if you point me in Lowell¡¯s direction?¡±


    ¡°Sure thing.¡± The metalsmith dropped his bucket and cupped gloved hands over his face. ¡°Lowe¡¯s got a visitor! Get him over here!¡±


    ¡°Lowe¡¯s got a visitor!¡±


    ¡°Lowe!¡±


    ¡°Visit for Lowey boy!¡±


    ¡°Lowe! Don¡¯t keep the visitor waiting!¡±


    ¡°Lowell, get moving!¡±


    The metalsmith¡¯s colleagues echoed his cry and, before Val knew it, the voice she could scarcely hear over the din transformed into a loudspeaker sounding from everywhere. I guess that¡¯s one way to do it.


    Lowell came storming through the aisles. ¡°Christopher, what are you trying to pull¡ªoh hey, Val!¡± A sunny mein came over him. ¡°Something about the party?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Val shed her hat, and her viridian-green eyes hardened. ¡°The auction.¡±


    Lowell¡¯s bright expression turned grim, his lips bending into a calculating frown. ¡°Come with me.¡±

 Chapter 54 - Gotta Bounce (Part I)

    An ironic case of d¨¦j¨¤ vu wracked Val¡¯s brain as she stepped into her office for the seventh time in a week. Lowell entered shortly after her and peeked past the room¡¯s threshold. His head swung both ways to clock the hallway and, once satisfied, he closed the door, promising a degree of privacy.


    Sensing their presence, the lights toggled on unasked. The brief moment when the modern lantern above banished the darkness, illuminating everything from the mahogany bookshelves to the framed pictures upon her desk, gave her pause each instance. This was all truly and wholly hers, the same girl pickpocketing and wiping bar tables not too long ago¡­


    Today, she worked to tuck away her wistfulness, focusing on the here and now. She studied her fellow artificer, the way he scanned the area for saints-knew-what and how he frantically placed a metal disk on the floor. Two seconds later, a familiar wave of energy swept over her, and a quick activation of Vague View solved its mysterious origins.


    Heavens¡ªhe silenced the area? She could hardly believe that he owned the expensive gadget, not to talk of using it even inside the closed doors of her office.


    ¡°Why so dramatic?¡± she asked, genuinely curious. Few things could provoke such precautions, which made it all the more weirder since it concerned a rather straightforward event. An auction.


    Ruffling his raven bangs, he moved to occupy the guest seat tucked beneath her desk. ¡°It¡¯s not dramatic if it calls for it.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± She followed his lead and sank into her chair. ¡°I¡¯ve been let in on some pretty crazy stuff. Lay it on me.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely nothing can leave this room, ¡®Lore. Nothing.¡±


    ¡°You have my word.¡±


    He rubbed at his cheek, took a sharp inhale and nodded to himself. ¡°Alright, but at least tell me why you want to know.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a valid ask,¡± she said, buying time to organize her thoughts. ¡°This auction must be something else if it needs the attention of Rowan¡ªa twelve-year-old for heaven¡¯s sake. I thought maybe if I understood the gist of it, I could help Kenneth ride the wave.¡±


    Val chewed the inside of her cheek, the underlying cause of her inquiry dancing on the tip of her mind. If he was willing to let her in on this supposed secret, she should return the favour in some manner.


    ¡°Real talk though?¡± She leaned forward in her seat. ¡°I¡¯m looking for either a rare ingredient, a highly-expensive tonic¡ªor both. It¡¯s nothing I¡¯ll discover laying around on the streets. Think I can find it at this auction?¡±


    Lowell bobbed his head. ¡°Oh totally. One hundred percent.¡±


    Val¡¯s heart clenched, hope sighted in his words. ¡°How can you be so sure?¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t find it at the biggest auction of the continent, where else would you be able to?¡± He expunged a handful of air. ¡°In a simple and honest term, it¡¯s grand. The Jin Clan takes ten years to prepare it, scouring our side of the continent and bottom side for priceless items. Everyone attends¡ªand I mean everyone. Desni royalty, the Twenty, the Eryidian bloodlines, notability in the Eastern Islands.¡±


    ¡°Saints¡­¡± Val breathed.


    ¡°Like I said,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Everyone. It¡¯s kept highly under wraps to avoid plundering. Let¡¯s not forget that the elite like being elite, so secrecy is a must. Now, since neither you nor I are a part of any of the groups I just mentioned, we obviously don¡¯t have a seat reserved. To get in, you need to request a meeting with the head of the family or receive an invite. I don¡¯t have that kind of access to make either happen.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Rowan''s brother,¡± Val countered, ¡°the boy that, if I remember correctly, needed bodyguards to walk him home? If that doesn¡¯t smell like access, I don¡¯t know what does.¡±


    ¡°Val,¡± Lowell sighed. ¡°Me and Rowan are brothers and at the same time, we¡¯re not.¡± He took out the lanyard tucked under his sweat-stained shirt. ¡°This is the key to the orphanage. My home.¡±


    Orphanage? Val¡¯s eyebrows pinched together, and sorrow weaved around her insides at the implication. ¡°Saints, I¡­ I¡¯m sorry for prodding.¡±


    He waved her concerns away. ¡°I didn¡¯t make the biggest effort to hide it, either.¡±


    ¡°But the manor.¡± Val¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°It¡¯s huge and largely empty?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your average orphanage,¡± he admitted. ¡°You see, it belongs to the Jin Clan. My parents were members of a branch family, and so they sent me there in their absence. It¡¯s the same story for the other children, who I basically consider siblings.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s that.¡± Val nodded. ¡°I respect it.¡±


    ¡°No no no, Rowan¡¯s not orphaned,¡± Lowell chuckled. ¡°I mean, the heir of the clan can¡¯t be shipped to an orphanage, can he?¡±


    The number of lines on Val¡¯s forehead increased. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ªdid you just imply that he¡¯s the heir of the Jin Clan?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not implying it, I¡¯m saying it. The role comes with its perks and misfortunes. Especially the misfortunes. It¡¯s incredibly brutal, growing up in hostile conditions.¡±


    Hostile? ¡°And by that you mean¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯d take a day and a half to explain the inner workings and drama of an age-old clan. Just take it from me,¡± he said. ¡°Rowan needed an out¡ªa place to be a kid. He found it at my orphanage. I¡¯m not about to seclude him from the family due to the crap surrounding his existence, that¡¯s not how I work.¡±


    Stolen novel; please report.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad he found a brother in you,¡± she smiled, and a friend in Ken.


    Lowell¡¯s face warped into a mean glare. ¡°Wasn¡¯t hard for him to do so when his real one is a complete ass.¡±


    ¡°Oof.¡± Val winced and allowed him the time to cool off. Never did she believe that Lowell belonged to the Jin Clan. Better yet, never did she expect Kenneth¡ªthe same person who despised his status-inclined peers¡ªto befriend the heir of a major clan. Did he know? Nah, I would¡¯ve heard about it by now.


    Her gaze returned to Lowell¡ªLowell Jin or, if following his culture, Jin Lowell. Wow, that would take some getting used to. In hindsight, she remembered thinking his house bore a resemblance to the clan¡¯s symbols and customs. Reflecting on the connection, a light bulb went off in her head. ¡°Since you¡¯re a part of the Jin Clan, I take it you know a thing or two about Clementine?¡±


    ¡°Xiandra Clementine¡ªZihao¡¯s pet?¡± Lowell scoffed, and dismissed the wariness in her tone. ¡°She¡¯s harmless, all bark and no bite.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the last impression she gave off, believe me,¡± Val retorted. From the unfortunate times they crossed paths at HQ right to the start of the Rookie Competition, the girl¡¯s talent and self-confidence appeared untouchable. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m lacking some context.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much, so I can¡¯t say much. Her talent was useful, and moldable¡ªso the clan took her in. Yeah sure, she¡¯s a national prodigy, but she won¡¯t do anything without Zihao¡¯s command.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s Zihao?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Lowell''s shoulders rose in a shrug. ¡°You don¡¯t know him, so he won¡¯t know you. She¡¯s probably here to scout the scene for the upcoming university activities.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question,¡± Val said.


    ¡°Well to answer your first one, about the auction,¡± he grinned at her annoyed frown, ¡°he¡¯s among the few people you need to impress to gain a seat at the auction. Half of the clan, at the end of the day, believe him to be the heir.¡±


    ¡°This reeks of family drama.¡±


    ¡°What can I say,¡± his grin tampered down into a resigned smile, ¡°it comes with being part of the Twenty.¡±


    ¡°Okay then, how do I ¡®impress¡¯? I don¡¯t think ten years is enough time to become something on par with longstanding clans and families.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s coming up in three to four years, actually,¡± he corrected.


    ¡°Even worse,¡± she said. ¡°At this rate, I won¡¯t be allowed in the parking lot.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to become that big,¡± Lowell said. ¡°You only need to show that you have the potential to become that big. It¡¯s far more desirable since potential can always grow, and potential is very much attainable. People can deign to link up with a rising mage. With someone from a distinguishable background, power dynamics have to be considered, and that can be troublesome.¡±


    Val shook her head, dejected. ¡°I barely made it into my university as it is. I¡¯d be hard pressed to convince the upper echelon of an age-old clan to save me a seat.¡±


    ¡°Valory, for someone so perceptive, you can be so blind when it comes to yourself. It¡¯s actually baffling sometimes. I have to literally drag you out of your office and beg you to take time for yourself.¡±


    She grimaced. True.


    ¡°You¡¯ve managed to catch the public and private eye of many, including Thales Academy, Runic Mead, and Clementine apparently. That list extends to the artificing sphere and your adventuring squad full of distinguishable characters.¡±


    Also true.


    ¡°Your hard-working character and personal charm is plenty of potential to me. Add your silver PAST on top of it?¡± He smirked. ¡°Think about it ¡®Lore, you¡¯ve got lots of potential and you have time. You just don¡¯t see it and it¡¯s going to be your downfall. Alongside falling into obscurity due to burnout, that is. Pace yourself. Take small steps like coming to the socialite party I was talking about. That¡¯s how you rise. That¡¯s how you excel.¡±


    Val blinked silently, overwhelmed by both the truth and how starkly he put it. I have time, huh¡­ The exact opposite of her thoughts yesterday, yet true all the same.


    ¡°Well then.¡± A wry smile graced her face. ¡°Let¡¯s head to this party.¡±


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    East Lily Drive


    -Six days later-


    ¡°Give it to me straight.¡± Val turned the corner into the small living room. ¡°How do I look?¡±


    Caro struggled to find words, a rare thing in her case. ¡°For a person who dreads parties, you sure know how to dress.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a good sign.¡±


    Val would¡¯ve said she went all out for the event, but she knew full well her appearance would appear a tad underwhelming in her future company. Brooks¡ªthe social media specialist she¡¯d met moments after her time inside an Aether Chamber¡ªpractically vibrated when she mentioned the invite to the yearly Summer Delight.


    The lady hardly let her finish the conversation before rushing to organize everything from the proper driving arrangements down to the dress itself. It was far from a smooth endeavour. Val had never said no so many times in a row. She simply deemed most garments as too much. Too gaudy, too loud, too revealing. Thankfully after some hours of trial and error, they picked the right outfit for her.


    The gown, made of some black matte material, draped over her torso to wrap round a shoulder, leaving one arm bare. A modest slit showcased an elegant pair of silver heels, and the added height nearly made her 5¡¯10. For the jewellery, an assortment of interlocking Glazen bangles adorned her unsleeved forearm, and a tight metal necklace¡ªbordering on a choker¡ªglistened above her collar bones.


    Val decided for a softly-messy bun held together by a long coldsteel pin, a few select strands escaping the updo to frame her face. The dark colours cut a dramatic contrast to her green eyes, and olive skin, ensuring she stood out pleasingly. She raised a hand to rub at her forehead, then forcefully restrained the nervous tick to avoid smudging her makeup. ¡°So did¡ª¡±


    Caro nodded. ¡°Yes, Jesal sent the driver. He¡¯s downstairs.¡±


    ¡°And my¡ª¡±


    ¡°Your brothers will be fed, taken care of and put to sleep.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Girl, go. Get going.¡± Caro pushed her out of the apartment, then leaned against the doorframe. ¡°Stop being such a worrywart and enjoy the night out. You need the break.¡±


    ¡°But I¡ª¡±


    She raised a commanding eyebrow. ¡°What did I just say?¡±


    Val groaned and spun on her heels. ¡°I¡¯m going.¡±

 Chapter 54 - Gotta Bounce (Part II)

    Val knew she wouldn¡¯t begin to fathom the grandiosity of the Summer Delight the second the driver pulled in. Heck, the fountain decorating the forecourt must¡¯ve had thousands of runes at work for it to merely function. Fishes born of the clearest water, hundreds of them, leapt from the top and crashed into the broad pool below, making crown-shaped splashes in their disappearing act.


    Enveloped in the night''s darkness, she expected lanterns or street lamps to illuminate the stone square. Nope, too plain. As opposed to traditional methods, sets of transfixing butterflies lit the way for the vehicles, flying about in curious and non-linear paths in the air. Bound by their wafer-thin wings, the bundles of purple light refracted in on themselves. Though she couldn¡¯t exactly explain why, she lost herself in their dance. Individually, they made but a dent into the overwhelming shadows. Together? Rivers of them floated ahead, ridding the darkness with effortless ease. It made for a powerful show.


    Commensurate with the fanciness of the event, there was no curb to separate the road from the walkway. Cars randomly decided to brake, and occupants left their rides behind to trod to the building still a decent walk away. As if sensing how averse she was to the idea, her driver pitched the car as close as one dared, paying mind to avoid the guests out and about.


    Once parked, he planted a hand on the passenger¡¯s seat and turned. ¡°Here you are, Miss Efron. The young master told me to convey this message: have fun and remember¡ªdeep breaths go a long way.¡±


    ¡°Is that last part your words, or Jesal¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°No comment.¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°Fair enough. Convey my thanks to him, and thank you.¡±


    Sliding out the car, handbag tightly in her grasp, Val physically willed herself not to look around in sheer wonder. Appearances mattered more than a bulk of things tonight, which meant every action had to be a calculated move.


    Therefore she didn¡¯t gape at the towering glass structure in front of her, she soaked in how the paned walls edged outwards at the base to make a geometric wonder. She didn¡¯t obsess over some of the dang coolest evening dresses and suits she¡¯d ever seen, she appreciated it from afar and offered a subdued nod. She didn¡¯t stop dead in her tracks after the doors slid away, she appraised her new environment with mild surprise.


    Safe to say she was already tired and, according to the timer in the corner of her HUD, not up to ten minutes had passed. Fantastic.


    A hallway extended bilaterally, alluding to different areas the invitees can explore and discover. The venue for the Summer Delight was big enough for multiple events to take place and not disturb one another. In fact, upon closer inspection, that was exactly today¡¯s case as well, only the ongoing activities were linked to the same party.


    However, a great deal of people crowded the doors and lobby-like space, some in large gatherings, many in small groups of three. Slowly, once their quotient of small talk was fulfilled, they streamed into the primary hall.


    A quick look around confirmed she entered as unobtrusively as she¡¯d wanted to, earning no more than a few glances. To her dismay, her relief lived a short life.


    ¡°The one and only Valory Efron! How kind of you to join us!¡± Lowell announced for everyone to hear, departing his previous conversation to walk over. His dark crimson suit fit snugly on his frame, the white dress shirt and cuffs a decidedly good choice on his part.


    Eyes flowed towards their direction, plenty lingering as conversations petered out, and Val considered it enough attention to spur her into action. ¡°Lowell,¡± she hissed through clenched teeth. ¡°I entered quietly for a reason.¡±


    ¡°Yeah I know, but you¡¯re here to announce your new presence, not to hide in a corner.¡± He must¡¯ve sensed her major discomfort, since he clasped her in a quick hug. ¡°You need to do this without me, or else we¡¯ll give the wrong impression.¡±


    ¡°Tell me you¡¯re lying.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡± Lowell gave her one last reassuring squeeze on the shoulders. ¡°Gotta bounce.¡±


    Val resisted the strong urge to hold onto her friend. When it came down to the facts, one primarily being the location of where they were, he was correct. As she already noted, appearances were of utmost importance, and rumours would fly should her first showing be at his side.


    She looked on as Lowell effortlessly re-entered into the conversation he left, patting a back on his way to the center and throwing his head back at a joke she couldn¡¯t make out. The attention¡ªacute and hidden¡ªgrew sharper in his absence and she stifled the frown crawling up her face.


    ¡°Do I have the honour of learning the pretty girl¡¯s name?¡±


    Oh saints, here we go¡­? Her train of thought screeched to a halt as her ears registered the tail end of the sentence spoken behind her. The idea that someone believed her pretty usually proved a little difficult. For better or for worse, years spent as a borderline-typic exposed the undeniable power a person¡¯s ranks held in various societies, both in olden and new times.


    In the face of her appalling ASC, several strangers and friends hardly saw anything else. On her way to capping 70 AS, the visage that so often received the brunt of contempt, and retrospectively a shield in unknown ways, faded away. Now gone, it revealed what people thought of her with societal norms reconciled.


    And what a fine time it chose, she grumbled privately. Caro¡¯s sarcasm was rubbing off on her, and yet Val was a bit too occupied to give it much care. Internally heaving a hefty sigh, she swivelled to face a young, Auricean man. He swept his brown hair to the sides, hazel irises attempting¡ªand failing¡ªto look down on her, as he was merely half an inch taller than her in heels.


    Val lifted a hand. ¡°Efron, Valory Efron.¡±


    He took it and gave it a firm shake. ¡°Jet. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.¡±


    Only¡­ it wasn¡¯t, and her brain churned to find a way to shift the conversation elsewhere. What was suitable for small talk in this company¡ªthe weather? Spellcraft? Or, as Kenneth once ridiculously put it long ago, the size of their coffers? The memory brought a minuscule smile to her face.


    ¡°Is something funny?¡± the guy asked, an unamused expression hardening his face.


    ¡°Oh, nothing at all.¡±


    ¡°Splendid. It''d make asking for a dance a little hard if that was the case.¡±


    There¡¯s a dance floor somewhere? That explained the soft music she heard coming from the main hall. ¡°Well, it¡¯s a bit early for that anyways.¡±


    ¡°True. You did just arrive,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Drinks, then?¡±


    Val masked a tiny wince. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°How about I introduce you to my mates. They¡¯re right behind me.¡±


    She peered over his shoulder to discover three dudes way too many winecups in. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°C¡¯mon now, don¡¯t be a downer.¡± The more he pushed, the more people took notice, and that reality bolstered his confidence. ¡°Relax, they¡¯re a delight to be around.¡±


    Val inwardly groaned. Were she anywhere else, she¡¯d politely withdraw and bide her time elsewhere. Problem solved. In this company, those actions gave the wrong impression. Should she back down in her first interaction, she¡¯d also allow rampant permission for anyone to walk over her. That would go and make the whole point of this party worthless, wouldn¡¯t it?


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    She drew on her knowledge about Aura Manipulation and unveiled her Aetherial Vessel. Her aura flared unbidden, and she silently marvelled at how refined it felt. Less like the ambiguous pressure that came from one¡¯s ASC, and more like the subelement she was bound to. Heavy, unshaken, cool to the touch, firm in its position.


    Her eyes took on a pale blue. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Scowling, Jet took heed and left her be. She was awarded a brief moment of peace inside a lobby only becoming busier¡ªtoo brief.


    ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t need my help after all,¡± a girl her age said to her by way of greeting. She was first in Val¡¯s peripheral vision to step up into Jet¡¯s outwardly premature exit. Gazes flickered between her and Jet in an obvious attempt to solve the mystery, stopping to observe the next guest broaching the uncertain air hanging around her.


    ¡°And you are?¡± Val grimaced milliseconds after the question left her lips in an admittedly callous package. She needed to get a grip, and fast. Taking a calming breath, she steadied her emotion and turned her attention outwards.


    Despite how stunning the girl was¡ªa bold, red-wine dress tastefully complimenting cinnamon-brown hair that fell down the length of her back in soft waves¡ªVal couldn¡¯t conjure up a name. Granted she withheld limited information on these matters, her preparation for The Initiation long ago should hold up.


    The girl gave her a sly smile. ¡°Rubin Barlowe. Lowell said you might be a fish out of water. Here you are though, looking to be more of a shark.¡±


    ¡°Am I¡­ supposed to be flattered?¡±


    ¡°Sassy too.¡±


    Val shook her head and moved to walk past her. She¡¯d participated in two conversations¡ªif she could call them that¡ªand it couldn¡¯t become her limit for the night, so she made due to leave this one promptly. ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    Rubin blocked her way. ¡°I¡¯ll be out of your hair soon, just allow me to show you around, kay?¡±


    For a second time, Val paused to observe the lobby, the external greetings and stiff banter floating around, as well as the machinations brewing underneath it all. Odd. The plots and schemes underway tonight felt subtle and not so subtle at the same time.


    They each understood that the individual reserved goals to achieve, just not what¡ªso they fenced and prodded and plucked what little they could in the small talk.


    This was so not her scene.


    Mentally making a note to thank Lowell for his foresight, she dipped her chin a smidge. ¡°That would be most welcome.¡±


    ¡°Awesome¡ªand don''t worry. You can drop the elegant talk with me.¡± Squaring her body to the left end of the hall, the girl looked over her shoulder. ¡°Only people super out of touch with reality use it, and you¡¯ll spot their kind from a ways away.¡±


    Val stepped up beside her, then continued to walk at her guide¡¯s prompting. ¡°Alright. Then I appreciate it, Miss Barlowe.¡±


    ¡°Please, we¡¯re barely adults. It''s Rubin.¡±


    The correction brought a small smile to her face. ¡°Val.¡±


    From that moment on, the minutes began to feel like actual minutes instead of dreadful hours and in the blur, a real hour had flown by. As soon as she escaped the rotten bits of the party, the good parts ironically gave heart to the name Summer Delight. There was much to see, much to do, and many to meet.


    In one corner, an elaborate rune trivia gathered every person interested in enchantments and a couple who merely wanted to enjoy the show. Excited folks crammed a podium-like device, heads craning above to squint at sparkles of light. Coalescing into solid form, a rune took shape bit by bit and everyone began to shout out their guesses.


    To the lucky soul able to name it before the rest of the crowd, the hovering display exploded in an iridescent shower and streamed in their direction. As the winner, they bathed in glowing particles and attention until the light converged once more, creating¡ªor adding¡ªto a tally over them. Val walked away with a count of five.


    Another room had blacksmithing challenges set up, the majority daring the blacksmiths in attendance. The quests struck a common chord¡ªwho could form the required shape using the unwieldy tool provided? Shape a rod with a rod, a breastplate with a brick, and so on. If the ongoing attempts said anything, several can. At least, several of those invited to the Summer Delight.


    It was clean fun, seeing as everyone in attendance wore outfits as expensive as a quarter-year¡¯s rent. No actual metal or scorching forges were on the tables, merely moldable materials and things to help mould them.


    Rubin continued to show her the ropes, introducing her to invitees not as a power move, companion, or show of resources, as most had done tonight. By ensuring Val represented herself, the connections she made¡ªsocial media links and, for a good-natured group of artisans, interpersonal relations¡ªcarried no strings or promises.


    Eventually and inevitably, finished exploring both sides of the hallways, the pair stepped into the main hall. The high-rise ceiling dangled a host of majestic chandeliers, the delicate light a perfect undertone to what Val could only recognize as a modern ball. Decorated tables, food served directly to you, musicians responsible for live music¡ªit checked every box. Or it had, she amended, watching as the staff packed away the instruments.


    They¡¯d gone and turned the dancing floor into an arena, quickly calling upon a Meister enchanter to whip up the correct protections and sound-muffling equipment. Energy barriers stood strong at the center of the room, setting the border between the spectators on carpeted ground and the participants on wooden tiles.


    Taking in the details, Val¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°A match?¡±


    Rubin bobbed her head. ¡°They set up a Casting Circle every year.¡±


    The wording sent Val¡¯s brain for a loop. She hardly heard the formal title used throughout her life, even for the most official of Elemental Exchanges. The sole reason she stood to understand the term was because teachers loved putting it inside the vocabulary tests, and she always considered it a free mark.


    Nevertheless, the name appeared to be most accurate in this case because, besides the fact that the arena was made into a literal circle, a match arbiter stood on the perimeter, keeping watch.


    The two Novices going at it served as the main source of entertainment for the seated audience, quickly capturing the attention of those walking inside. The sight resparked the recent loss at Versetti¡¯s hand, and the thought of a rematch sent a buzzing tingle down her spine.


    One look inside the fighting area, however, and the thrill sputtered and died.


    On the match arbiter¡¯s right, a lightning Support raised his arm and voiced a spell. A teal whip lashed out directly at the wind Striker, clear as day. To Val¡¯s bewilderment, the Striker chose not to push into the Support¡¯s momentary lull, and instead sidestepped it in favour of throwing a long-distance wind blade.


    In the time it took the wind mage to plant his feet and throw the strike, the lightning mage vaulted to the side, safe from harm. Of course, since neither gained an advantage as the fight fell into a cycle of cast and miss, she surveyed the beginnings of stalemate doomed to be unbroken.


    No finesse, a scant few feints, a glaring habit to telegraph attacks. In short, the fight seemed¡­ Pitiful to no end.


    ¡°You had better take that back.¡±


    Val jumped at the comment, surprised to come across Jet beside her. Even weirder, his narrowed gaze bore a hole through her forehead, almost as if he directed his sentiments at her. One second passed, then two, and she realized that¡ªsurprise, surprise¡ªit was aimed towards her. She tilted her head to the side, quickly facing her new friend. ¡°I said that out loud didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± Rubin whispered back.


    ¡°I won¡¯t stand for someone calling my mates such a thing,¡± he spat.


    Val turned back to the ring, recognizing the two faces flinging spells at one another as the ''mates'' he wanted to introduce. An apology made its way up her throat and¡­ stayed there. Even if she did so unwittingly, she spoke those words free of pressure. At the bare minimum, she should own them, more so when she believed them in every sense of the word.


    The fight was bad¡ªreally bad. Sure, the two craft-inclined individuals might be lacking on the combat side of things. It didn¡¯t change the fact that the underclassmen in Vexal High could trounce them. Maybe she could¡¯ve said it nicer, if there was a way to say such things nicely. In the end, she had no reason to apologize¡ªso why do it?


    Caro and Jesal¡¯s advice rang in her head, resounding. Backbone, right? Val cleared her throat, amazed at how steady her voice came out. ¡°I meant no disrespect to either of you. But you have to admit. That¡ª¡± she gestured to the Casting Circle ¡°¡ªisn¡¯t the best fighting.¡±


    Jet¡¯s face darkened and his sneer upturned into a conniving grin. ¡°If you¡¯re so sure of yourself, prove it.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Val returned her sights to the battle at hand. ¡°The wind Striker holds the most faults in this stalemate. At any point in the last decade, he could¡¯ve simply rushed¡ª¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to talk. I asked you to prove it.¡± Jet''s derisive tone brought a frown to her face, and it deepened as he rounded the ongoing match to murmur into the arbiter¡¯s ear. In seconds, the low hum of background chatter sparked to fervent levels and Val knew it had something to do with him.


    Searching the room for any insights, her gaze crossed Lowell seated ten meters away from the Casting Circle, his eyes widened in confused concern.


    What? She mouthed and, in response, he motioned above the ring. She followed his gesture, equally curious and¡ª


    Val froze, at a loss for what to think.


    Rubin scowled, her head craned upwards at the digital banner spread wide over her head. ¡°He can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    Next fight queued: Valory Efron vs. Jet Fischer.


    Val had every right to believe he was.

 Chapter 55 - Summer Delight

    Val wouldn¡¯t call the breath that left her a sigh¡ªmore like a forceful expulsion of air. Her eyelids lowered, the furious spark clear in her green irises. The nerve of some people.


    To finalize an Elemental Exchange without her permission, proceed to file it with an official arbiter without her say, and showcase it for the hundreds before she could do anything to refute him was a violation on so many accounts. It spoke volumes of Jet¡¯s unchecked ego and, perhaps, a bit of his privilege.


    She barely managed to stop herself from shaking her head. Regardless of the insanity of the situation, how she conducted herself mattered. People, especially those whispering terribly loud, were already waiting for her reaction¡ªfor any action.


    Inaction wouldn¡¯t be looked at as the better option either. So, with another huff, Val walked to the opposite edge of the Casting Circle.


    Or, at least, she tried to.


    ¡°Woah, woah, woah.¡± Rubin gripped her forearm. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    Val¡¯s gaze sliced to the arbiter and back to Rubin for an answer.


    ¡°What, you¡¯re going to confirm the challenge?¡± she tried to interpret.


    As if. Val scoffed lightly. ¡°To cancel it.¡±


    ¡°Not possible.¡±


    Val tilted her head. ¡°It¡¯s a ten-second trip. If he can bring it up, I can shut it down.¡±


    ¡°You can, Val. But you really can¡¯t.¡± Rubin dropped Val¡¯s wrist, and though she trained her attention on the ongoing fight, she leaned in to whisper. ¡°Listen to me.¡±


    The edge in her lowered voice had Val turning around.


    ¡°Listen, not look,¡± Rubin emphasized. ¡°We¡¯re being watched.¡±


    Val cursed internally and reeled in her neck, shifting her heels to a comfortable stance. She had a feeling she was in for a long haul, and her intuition rarely failed her.


    ¡°Only the most talented, influential and known young artificers are invited to the Summer Delight. People don¡¯t just become one of those overnight. Most invitees attend annually, many for at least half a decade, myself included.¡±


    Val gave Rubin a sidelong glance. She couldn¡¯t be more than eighteen. That doesn¡¯t add up though¡­ Laws prohibited artificing before sixteen since before her parents even met. Had she inherited her prestige from her family and attended¡ªas a preteen¡ªbefore she¡¯d yet to create a single thing?


    That seemed like a lot of pressure. No, not seem. It most definitely was. In spite of all that, Rubin survived and, in turn, thrived. Val couldn¡¯t begin to count the numerous people who¡¯d stop their own conversations to greet the girl in passing. The fact added another layer to the girl¡¯s persona, shading her actions in a different light. Val gathered Rubin understood the intrinsic complexities of high society better than a majority she¡¯d met, which made listening to her all the more important.


    ¡°Despite there being easily 1000 in attendance, new faces are noticed without difficulty,¡± Rubin continued, oblivious to Val¡¯s internal musings. ¡°I kid you not, you could¡¯ve stood in a corner the whole party, and ninety percent of us will have dredged up your name, background, magical aptitudes, and prospects. That¡¯s the minimum expected, by the way.¡±


    The thought of people simply drawing up her past, present, and potential future at the snap of a finger¡­


    A shiver ran down Val¡¯s spine. Nightingale¡ªor should she say Ekon¡ªmentioned how cunning took you far in high society. Now it appeared the baseline to survive a night out.


    ¡°Val, you are now the center of the party. No, I am not exaggerating. No, I am not trying to scare you. What you decide to do now will stick with you. It will follow you, and it will most definitely affect you in ways you can¡ªand cannot¡ªimagine.¡±


    ¡°If I forfeit right now,¡± Val muttered, wincing as a lightning spell skinned the wind mage''s shin, ¡°I¡¯d send the wrong message.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Rubin countered, her eyebrows lifting a bit. The fight wouldn''t come to an end, not if the wind Striker had a say. His determination showed through his nimble feet, and a surprisingly deep aether pool.


    As interesting as it was, it didn''t alleviate Val''s confusion. ¡°No?¡±


    She could barely make out Rubin clicking her tongue. ¡°You¡¯d roll a die and set an uncertain narrative into play. People will take your actions and spin in any direction possible to hinder you. Why, you might ask?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a new face.¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re a new face,¡± Rubin confirmed. ¡°So¡­ sorry to say this, but you¡¯re fighting tonight. If you think you may lose, lose with dignity. If you win, win with grace. If you fall, you¡¯d better get back up. First impressions are, in these conditions specifically, lasting impressions.¡±


    That tail-end sentence elicited a snort out of Val, shaking her from the numbing apprehension washing over her, a breath in the face of suffocating pressure. One of her most memorable teachers yet, Miss Peppers, repeated it to her with the enthusiasm of a drill sergeant. With it came a strange calm, an odd peace overshadowing her growing worry.


    Though the upcoming battle was deemed an Elemental Exchange, stripped down to the barebones it was something she¡¯d dealt with hundreds of times.


    A fight.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Val said on an exhale, throwing out the underlying nuance of the upcoming match. That was Rubin¡¯s expertise, and she¡¯d already shed light on so much. Now¡ªnow was the time to concentrate as a combat mage.


    Though Val was incredibly glad for the elemental deadlock between Jet¡¯s friends, it was only a matter of time before aether pools faltered and spells ran dry. One foot bore the weight of her body as she leaned back in thought, and the other bounced in tandem with her agitated mind. So many questions, so few answers.


    She turned to Rubin, hoping against hope she¡¯d lessen that truth in any manner. ¡°Tell me where I can get a change of clothes.¡±


    Rubin¡¯s lips pinched into a hard line. ¡°No can do. There¡¯s none to get.¡±


    Val thumbed the two mages in the ring, particularly the sweat-stained joggers and shirts plastered onto their skin. ¡°How¡¯d they find some then?¡±


    The girl gestured to Jet silently for an answer¡ªand for good reason. With a flourish of his hand, his tailored suit and dress shoes disappeared to make way for athletic shorts, a dark long sleeve and the soft foam of sports sneakers. Jet¡¯s clothes flared for the slightest moment¡ªlike someone threw the fabric on him and a live video editor cut to when he actually wore it¡ªbefore it settled on his frame. Narrowing in on his fingers, she found the telltale signs of a storage ring.


    ¡°Okay¡­ that¡¯s not so great for me,¡± Val said, holding her forehead. ¡°What can you tell me about him magic-wise? Is he no better than his friends? What¡¯s his Path or his go-to spell?¡±


    ¡°That, I can do,¡± Rubin said. ¡°Jet¡¯s a fire Support, and he''s a decent one, too. He¡¯s known for one spell. Planetary Fireball.¡±


    ¡°That sounds dangerous.¡±


    ¡°It is. It¡¯s an advanced Tier 2 spell, modified to perfection for guaranteed wins in Elemental Exchanges.¡±


    She heaved an internal sigh. Damn. Not the best information to have learned, but it was information nonetheless. Val¡¯s gaze pinned her soon-to-be opponent, making note of his light smile and the ease in his relaxed shoulders. He thought he had it in the bag before she¡¯d stepped foot inside the ring.


    Only time will tell if he truly did.


    ¡°Guaranteed? Why¡¯s that?¡± Val asked.


    ¡°In spars, you can¡¯t begin your incantation until after the fight begins.¡±


    Val nodded, memories of countless sparring matches¡ªeven her last one as a high school student against Caro in Janos¡ªflashing by. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°In official Elemental Exchanges, you can¡¯t let a spell fly until an arbiter starts it. Otherwise, you¡¯re allowed time to prep your first spell. Any spell.¡±


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    ¡°To alleviate the advantage Strikers and Hunters would hold if the normal rules held,¡± Val mumbled. As she¡¯d tried to explain to Jet a moment ago, the wind mage could¡¯ve rushed his counterpart and forced him into close-quarters combat, immediately turning the battle in his favour. If Supports and Bulwarks alike could do nothing except incant faster¡­ Chances were, they wouldn''t be fast enough.


    ¡°Except some people abuse this rule, most of all Supports. Jet¡¯s Planetary Fireball is an end all be all once it¡¯s cast and it will be cast the moment the fight begins.¡±


    Val rubbed her chin and winced prematurely. ¡°Is it an AoE skill?¡±


    ¡°Not to my knowledge, no.¡±


    ¡°Thank the saints,¡± Val breathed. As soon as she¡¯d heard a Tier 2 conjuration spell, Lenson¡¯s¡ªKylee¡¯s¡ªSword Graveyard came to mind, and there was no surviving that. ¡°Is the spell projectile or instantaneous?¡±


    Rubin¡¯s brow furrowed.


    Right. Val winced, belatedly remembering she was in an artificer¡¯s company. ¡°Sorry, what I mean to say is, does the spell carry a travel time?¡±


    ¡°Yes, as most fire spells do. I¡¯d say that¡¯s its major weakness.¡±


    ¡°Perfect.¡± Val bobbed her head. ¡°Last question, and the most important one. You might not know it, and it¡¯d be totally understandable if you didn¡¯t, but I still need to ask. Does he require a physical signal? Like, do you remember if he has to wave an arm or move a body part to help him cast?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ yes, I believe he does. I¡¯ve been to far too many of these events, and he loves performing in them. Each time, his arm has been raised to, what I presume, direct his spell.¡±


    Val¡¯s lips twitched upwards. ¡°Alright, good to know. Thank you.¡±


    As the beginnings of her plans solidified into a half-decent strategy in her head, she allowed her tiny smile to fully blossom. Val said she wanted to become an authentic Metal Striker. What better opportunity and chance than on the floor of an arena, with a live audience to boot?


    <hr>


    Oh. My. Goodness.


    Lowell ensured his breezy smile stayed straight on for the company around him, then let himself freak out inwardly on his friend¡¯s behalf. He had laughed at Val¡¯s stories, at how trouble somehow found her. It always made for an excellent time when they crossed paths and caught each other up on life. Still, it was something else to see it live¡ªand in spectacular fashion.


    Worse yet, this time around, he was the cause of it.


    Up until now, he wasn¡¯t surprised she had wanted in on the auction. Everyone wanted in. Before that revelation, however, he already fully intended to throw his friend to the wolves at the Summer Delight.


    He might crack one too many jokes, but he wasn¡¯t kidding about what he¡¯d said when they first met. Whether she knew it or not¡ªhell, whether she liked it or not¡ªshe was a rising star in more capacities than even he realized. She¡¯d end up in this company sooner or later, why not initiate it himself?


    It¡¯d permit for some cushions here or there, like Rubin¡¯s seemingly natural assistance. He wasn¡¯t one to brag, but evidence said he¡¯d carved somewhat of an influential image. If he dove into the specifics of it, his last name carried some of the heavy lifting. Where it mattered though, he worked it out with his own two hands.


    He honed his craft. He charmed the right people. He climbed his way up to manning a large building, orphanage or not. So he hardly found himself ashamed to use his influence, especially if doing so could shield his friend from the harsh and, quite frankly, cold world of high society.


    To his eternal dismay, if you stubbed the wrong toe or glared at the wrong person, no amount of shielding protected you from the rash of innumerable high-standing, brash youngsters. He made a private reminder to himself to ask Val¡ªthe very same conflict-averse, calm to a fault enchanter he¡¯d come to know¡ªhow she wound up in a match about nothing besides egos.


    ¡°Oh no, Jet¡¯s found another victim.¡± Ryan Kidd, a wonder kid of an artisan, sipped his drink through a metal straw, his head zoned in on the arena not too far away. In the sepia lighting cast by the numerous chandeliers overhead, his blond hair turned a bright orange, and his brown eyes a simmering maroon. ¡°It¡¯s the new enchanter too. Shame, she seemed nice.¡±


    Ophelia, an equally talented mechanic, shot Lowell a squirrely look. ¡°Isn¡¯t that your friend in there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes she is. She¡¯s also an adventurer and a good one at that. In other words, she¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lowell said, though he wasn¡¯t so sure how sure to be.


    There Val stood¡ªin a dress, mind you¡ªstaring down a most notorious dueller, raring to go in convenient activewear. Of course she wouldn¡¯t know the ins and outs of a full-bodied equip. Did she even have a storage ring to use it on? Probably not.


    He could practically picture Jet¡¯s trademark spell from memory¡ªa meter-wide fireball burning above his open palm, ten firespades swirling around the mass of flames like moons to a planet. Oh saints, he really wasn¡¯t sure.


    ¡°Efron versus Fischer. Match!¡± the arbiter shouted, pulling the crowd¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Set!¡±


    The Fire Support and Metal Striker widened their stances.


    ¡°Fight!¡±


    He barely made out Val¡¯s bracelet and hairpin coming alive. The tiny string of metal zipped across the field faster than he believed possible, snatching Jet¡¯s wrist within a second and wrenching it to the side. Knocked off course a split second after being conjured, his Planetary Fireball was flung into the force field and soon dissipated into embers.


    ¡°Finished!¡± the arbiter yelled.


    An uproar of confusion shook the hall, forcing Lowell and his colleagues to stand as several others jumped to their feet for a better look. He squinted, noting the dribble of blood marking the groove between Jet¡¯s shoulder and chin. His neck was pricked by a sharp¡­ needle?


    No¡ªit was the hairpin tying Val¡¯s hair together seconds ago. His eyes whipped to the girl in question to confirm. Indeed, her hair¡ªthe brown rivulets a little askew due to being let loose after sitting in an updo all night¡ªstreamed down her back. By the saints! When did it get there? How did it fly there?


    The energy barriers, akin to the rest of the crowd, took a while to register the win. It flickered off eventually, permitting an unadulterated view of the scene. With a near-lazy hand hovering at waist level, fingers clenched to reel in her assassin-like hairpin, Val stood tall. A calm, blank, and maybe even a little bit of a bored expression remained on her face as she stared down the fire dueller, stunned into the same shock coursing through the crowd¡¯s veins.


    The disparity¡ªthe contrast¡ªbetween Jet and Val, one known and the other unfamiliar, one a normal fire mage and the other an abnormal Metal Striker, one decked out in athletic clothing and the other in the middle of attending a ball. Oh boy, this sight was definitely ending up on his media page.


    With the tiniest hint of a smirk, she strode over right to Jet¡¯s face and plucked the pin out of the air while her bracelet floated away to adorn her wrist once again. Turning on her heels, she exited the stage unfazed, taking the time to deepen her smile in his direction. What¡ªwhy?


    The quick visit she¡¯d made to his office the night before came to mind, and it simply clicked. As he did to most of her coldsteel weapons, he¡¯d assisted her in adding her soul signature to the metal piece she wore tonight for, as she put it, an additional flair. That was some flair alright.


    Shaking his head, he laughed and turned to the speechless artificers at his table with a broad grin. ¡°Valory Efron, everybody.¡±


    <hr>


    Long before she heard her 2-inch heels clack against the hardwood floor, Val made up her mind that she¡¯d win this fight entirely stationary. Not a single step would be taken. She couldn¡¯t play the speedy Striker tonight¡ªnot in her current footwear. But she would play the Striker.


    To consolidate the private promise, she squashed every instinct to summon a Metal Spike and focused on how to better her chances. So, as drilled into her by Dad, she cataloged the details.


    Due to the setup of the formal Elemental Exchange, she knew precisely when Jet would attack. The advantage went both ways, only he had no idea what a Metal Striker¡¯s opening strike would be. No one did. The thought nearly brought a smile to her face. She couldn¡¯t afford to let anything slip, not yet.


    The diameter of the Casting Circle, fifty meters in totality, gave no room at all. Their first moves would determine everything, as there would be no falling back or recovering.


    To her luck, his spell was a mouthful. Even luckier, he¡¯d take his sweet time to utter the seven syllables in Planetary Fireball if his bright grin said anything. Granted Metal Puppeteer wasn¡¯t better off in that field, she¡¯d say it a whole lot faster¡ªshe¡¯d have to.


    ¡°Efron versus Fischer. Match!¡±


    Val exhaled a steady stream of air and strung together countless frames. Metal Pupeteer was no easy spell. Thankfully in tonight¡¯s fight, she had just two metal pieces to control. Compared to the tens she wielded in Storm¡¯s Keep, calling her bracelet and hairpin to arms remained relatively easy.


    She had asked Lowell to help instill her soul signature onto the jewellery. At Brooks¡¯ behest, she needed a way to individualize herself, a way to stand out. As it did on her sword, the enchantments sparkled under and without light, and the subtle touch was indeed a nod to her enchanting background. Came in handy for other reasons though.


    ¡°Set!¡± The arbiter¡¯s loud voice snapped her back into the battle at hand.


    Her eyes flickered ever-so-quickly to Jet¡¯s neck and she marked the artery underneath his skin with Aster¡¯s aid. Jet mistook her fluttering gaze for fright and shot her a thin smile. Her steely expression didn¡¯t so much as budge.


    ¡°Fight!¡±


    ¡°Metal Puppeteer.¡± The incantation came out in a whispered rush. Go, she commanded the jewellery, and the pair of metal pieces threw themselves off her, eating through the Casting Circle¡¯s space like a knife through butter. Swift. Fast. Precise.


    ¡°Planetary Fi¡ª¡±


    Enclose. The bracelet wrapped around his hand. Move. His arm whipped to the side like a roughly-handled marionette. The humongous ball of flames he summoned nanoseconds too late flew over her head. The orbiting firespades, defenceless to the spell¡¯s pull, followed suit. A surge of heat washed the vicinity, threatening to singe her now unbound hair.


    Through it all, she urged on her hairpin. Obeying her will, it made it to Jet¡¯s neck, millimeters away from his muscles.


    ¡°Finished!¡± the arbiter yelled. Val had to give it to the man, he possessed a sharp eye.


    She managed to rein the metal piece in at the last minute, her not-so-absolute control a beat late. The lapse in skill caused the pin to pierce Jet¡¯s skin and a thin line of blood coated his muscle as a consequence.


    Val hardly believed it.


    She won.

 Chapter 56 - Unwanted Attention

    It took a while for the reality to settle in for all parties involved¡ªVal, Jet, and even the blustering hall. There was no denying it. She wiped the floor with the schmuck.


    Jet¡¯s rosy complexion flushed red with consternation. It was hard work not to smirk at him across the Casting Circle. She bested him in every sense¡ªskill, aptitude, attitude. The best part was, he knew it. As he¡¯d asked, she proved that she grasped combat''s ebb and flow exceedingly better. She supposed all Elemental Exchanges set out to decide this exact idea. What a thrill. She could understand Caro¡¯s hype around duelling a tiny bit more now. Just kinda.


    Packaging the adrenaline away, Val fixed a pace towards the opposite end. If she could, she¡¯d recall her jewellery with a mental command and quickly leave. If she was being honest, she didn¡¯t trust herself to give the hairpin¡¯s retrieval the care it required, especially as the barriers dissipated to give way to the hall¡¯s ground-shaking clamour.


    Jet sputtered where he stood frozen, struggling to tie together a response to probably¡ªdefinitely¡ªsave face. Val didn¡¯t give him the chance to do so, vacating the fighting area in short order after successfully claiming her jewellery-turned-weapons. She swept the audience for a friendly face and, upon spotting raven hair and kind eyes, beamed at Lowell across the room.


    He returned her enthusiasm, muttered to the¡­ she counted eleven at his long table, and then threw his hand in the air, beckoning for her to join him.


    Seconds after she stepped out of the Casting Circle, an arm wrapped around her neck and a gleeful laugh assaulted her ears. ¡°That was¡ª¡± Rubin kissed the tips of her fingers ¡°¡ªsimply glorious. Magnificent. That¡¯ll teach the annoying prick.¡±


    ¡°Hope so.¡±


    ¡°No. I know so,¡± Rubin told Val, escorting her arm in arm through the animated mob of artificers. Experienced beyond her years, Rubin parried the mountain of congratulations thrown Val¡¯s way and the countless offers to join someone¡¯s table with fierce grace. Val was never happier to have a person speak on her behalf, somehow toeing the line between forceful courtesy and accidental disrespect.


    ¡°Val!¡± Lowell stepped around one of many chairs surrounding a long table and tackled her in a bear hug. ¡°What in the ever-loving hell was that? It was amazing!¡±


    Val huffed a laugh. ¡°Hundreds of logged hours in an EC-room.¡±


    ¡°Of that, I have no doubt.¡± Lowell took a step back and swept a hand. ¡°From left to right, we have Leilah, Ryan Kidd¡ªor Kidd for short¡ªJugo, Lakos, Ophelia and the rest would definitely rather introduce themselves. Big egos and all.¡±


    Seven artificers blustered in protest, and Lowell awarded them a grin for their efforts. ¡°Everyone, meet Valory Efron and, as you already know, Rubin Barlowe.¡±


    ¡°Heck of a way to let your presence be known.¡± Val believed it was Kidd who spoke, a lopsided smile spread wide across his face. Val struggled to decide if his hair was a blonde or a pale yellow, though the deep brown eyes gave him away as Auricean.


    Val''s lips quirked one way. ¡°I do try.¡±


    ¡°You killed it, more like.¡± Jugo, a Kidraan with a feet on her 5''7 height, dragged an empty chair between him and the orange-haired lad. ¡°I have to know. Did you come here today knowing you¡¯d need disguised weapons in hand?¡±


    ¡°Not one bit.¡± Val dipped her head in thanks and accepted the seat. ¡°They were meant to be jewellery. Perhaps soul-signature-infused ones, but jewellery nonetheless.¡±


    Jugo snatched a slender cup off a waiter¡¯s tray and passed it along to her. ¡°Your work?¡±


    ¡°That would be me,¡± Lowell answered, a proud palm on his chest.


    Val tilted the glass up in quiet assent. Oh? She pulled back, surprised at the explosion of taste alighting her tongue. She rolled it over a few times¡ªthe sweet and yet bitter, but somehow tangy flavour coming together extremely well¡ªbefore swallowing it. The slight burn travelling down to her core was weird, but welcome.


    Jugo gave a playful shudder. ¡°I will never look at that hairpin the same way.¡±


    ¡°Likewise.¡± Kidd turned to her, brown eyes twinkling. ¡°I find it fascinating.¡±


    Val¡¯s stare bore a hole through her drink as she tried her best not to squirm in her seat. Though she would never bask in the limelight as easily as Caro enjoyed doing, there was a substantial improvement on that front, especially when it came in two simple forms: hate or appreciation. Kidd¡¯s though? He gazed at her like she looked at enchantments¡ªsomething to dissect and understand. It alarmed her to no end.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a Bulwark, despite being a metal mage. You aren¡¯t even a Support,¡± he hummed in thought. ¡°The way your pin moved was strictly offence, meaning there¡¯s a slim chance you manipulated it as an Anchor. I saw no visual alteration, as metal spells in that discipline are almost always external. So being a Pillar is impossible. You moved not a step, meaning traversal spells are out the window and with them, the chance of being a Hunter. That leaves just one possibility.¡±


    ¡°One you know,¡± Val said. ¡°I¡¯m a Metal Striker.¡±


    ¡°Ha!¡± He reclined in his seat. ¡°Never thought I¡¯d hear that.¡±


    Val tossed him a nonchalant shrug, and her lips dipped downwards unbidden. ¡°You aren¡¯t the first to say it, and you definitely won¡¯t be the last.¡±


    ¡°My mistake¡ªI meant no offence.¡± He straightened out his posture and interlaced his fingers on the table. ¡°Mages like you are my life¡¯s work.¡±


    What the¡­ Stumped beyond words, Val settled on a tried and true response. Silence.


    ¡°Dude, lay some context,¡± Rubin admonished across the table, shaking her head before turning to Val. ¡°Kidd here specializes in what many call ¡®live equipment.¡¯ It¡¯s built knowing that the mage will alter its shape to better suit their needs.¡±


    Kidd bobbed his head a tiny bit sheepishly. ¡°The best ones require no energy to return to their original form should they be in one piece. It remains a new industry, one people avoid working in due to its novelty.¡±


    ¡°Because of its futility, more like. Live equipment is a poor man¡¯s familiar,¡± an Auricean girl said.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Kidd frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t go insulting your projects, Ophelia.


    ¡°Insult them all you want. It does not change the fact that it¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°It is not,¡± Lowell interjected. ¡°Though it does share various roles as familiars. The primary one is that they provide ample resources for mages specializing in directive disciplines to use. A common case for concrete element users is retractable claws.¡±


    Val¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That sounds awesome.¡±


    ¡°It is!¡± Kidd voiced it so excitedly, Val imagined he wasn¡¯t far from jumping on the table and announcing it for everyone to hear. ¡°I already have stuff drawn up for future projects.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Now Val¡¯s eyes were truly glowing. ¡°I¡¯ve got to see them.¡±


    Kidd slipped a hand inside his jacket coat, searching for his device. ¡°Not a problem.¡±


    ¡°Whatever for?¡± An unnamed crafter asked, tilting his head. ¡°You¡¯re enchanter. I¡¯m guessing scrolls and aether constructs are right up your alley.¡±


    ¡°I think being a Scroll Writer is plain boring, though I will touch up on aether constructs.¡± It wouldn¡¯t stray far from her focus on operative runes¡ªin fact, aether constructs would help focus it. They were the basis for a multitude of things, and the all-important energy barriers were a prime example.


    ¡°Ultimately,¡± Val continued, ¡°I want to be a Tinkerer, to upgrade and refine armour and weapons alike. That¡¯s where all the money¡¯s at for university. I did my research.¡±


    Rubin smirked. ¡°Relying on broke students, are you?¡±


    Val fought off a smirk of her own. ¡°Somewhat.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re kind of helping them out too by giving them cheaper options,¡± Lowell said. ¡°I will say, half of Thales¡¯ population is a goner with how up-there some students are.¡±


    Val¡¯s shoulders rose a touch. ¡°Well, they were never going to show up on my doorstep anyway.¡±


    ¡°Fair point,¡± Lowell conceded.


    Kidd slid a high-end phone across the table. ¡°Check it out.¡±


    Ophelia, if Val remembered correctly, snatched the device before she could even blink. ¡°Not here, not now Kidd. We¡¯re at a party. Let¡¯s eat. Talk. Laugh. Not work.¡±


    ¡°She wasn¡¯t opposed to it.¡±


    ¡°Well you didn¡¯t give her much of a choice, did you?¡±


    Val shared a glance with Rubin across the table, and her eyes mirrored the trepidation in Val¡¯s own.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Now, now Kidds,¡± Lowell began, failing to continue as more than ten groans rang out at his pun.


    ¡°These are the times I ask myself how we¡¯re friends,¡± Ophelia muttered under her breath.


    ¡°Well,¡± was all he said.


    ¡°Same,¡± Kidd added, forgetting the argument under a temporary truce. By that point, everyone wordlessly agreed to throw the tension behind them. Once the staff delivered the full course meal, rolling in carts full of mouth-watering aroma, the strain pretty much disintegrated. Val wondered why they worked by hand so stubbornly when magical tools could do the job much more efficiently.


    Another question for another day.


    Across the ballroom, folks picked up their utensils and dove into the food before them. Conversations died down by a fraction, becoming less of a delicate discussion and more light comments with laughter¡ªrestrained laughter, naturally¡ªall around.


    Val sliced into a cut of chicken placed on top of artistically drizzled sauce, figuring that, while she might never get used to these parties, she could learn to enjoy it.


    <hr>


    Paul seriously wondered what he was even doing here. Though the dark layers of his uniform wouldn¡¯t show it, the area under his arms became more damp as the hours wore him down. He worked prep hours before the guests came and¡ªbecause everyone seemingly had ¡°reasons¡± to take off¡ªfound himself on shift for the evening party.


    He held up racks of drinks, rolled in tens of carts, and already received five rude comments for his effort. While he could admit that the overtime pay would look more than nice in a week, he struggled to see how it¡¯d outbalance the pains he endured at the moment.


    The coordinators could¡¯ve easily assigned ergonomic devices to assist alongside workers. Trays that magically levitated at the heels of servers, automated carts programmed to arrive at tables once a waiter plugged in an order, cooling enchantments embedded in clothing¡ªthe list went on and on.


    He¡¯d ask the director himself why he¡¯d organize a catastrophe waiting to happen. A decade on the job made a lot of things clearer. The director¡¯s answer?


    Tradition.


    Tradition. Some traditions weren¡¯t worth keeping, especially if they served nothing else besides the self-importance of families cemented in Ciazen culture. Everywhere he looked, there were kids half his age with the ability to tank his livelihood with one wrong mistake. Everywhere, without fault. North, south, east¡ª


    Paul froze as his gaze crossed a set far out on the fringes of the ball. A pair sat in the tiny table. One appeared sharply poised, ready to attack any threats. The other remained eerily still. The second boy''s tangible calm and self-control drew Paul''s attention to hazel irises hidden behind lowered lids, no different than that of a bored dragon. Paul didn¡¯t have to think.


    His two feet rushed him to the table, water and alcohol in hand, to attend the major figure. He didn¡¯t know who the young adult was just yet, only that the boy wielded power. Lots of it.


    Paul bowed his head and stretched his tray over. ¡°Your drink, young master. I beg your greatest pardon for the delay.¡±


    The other gentleman¡ªthe one Paul figured needed the drink to loosen up a bit¡ªaccepted a glass on the hazel-eyed boy¡¯s behalf. He dipped his chin as a thanks and a dismal, and began scanning the stout glass from head to toe.


    Phew. The job¡¯s done. Paul had already swivelled on his heels when he¡¯d heard a deep-set voice. ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll send you back with my empty cup.¡±


    Without turning, Paul knew it was the hazel-eyed boy¡¯s request. He said it so simply, in such a matter-of-fact way, Paul felt he¡¯d be the odd one for leaving. Yet, that wasn¡¯t what rooted his feet to the floor, and it wasn¡¯t the cause of the beads rolling down his neck.


    This boy¡ªthis human-shaped dragon, rather¡ªwielded power beyond reckoning. Beyond the normal parameters of a Novice teen. He could, and would, do away with Paul if he decided to choose so, and no one would stop him.


    Saints, Paul cursed privately. He wasn¡¯t paid enough for this crap.


    ¡°Zihao.¡±


    And then, it all assembled together, fast, fast, fast. The draconic patterning on his Zingese tunic suit, the red hair parted and slicked back, his silent, royal indifference.


    This was Jin Zihao.


    Hearing his name, Zihao tilted his head toward his companion. ¡°Y¨²z¨¦.¡±


    If the clan heir was the blade of the sword, this Y¨²z¨¦ guy was the handle. From afar, Paul thought him uptight and stiff beyond use. Up close, he resembled the tranquillity of a blade of grass in a meadow. He tied his shoulder-length hair into a dark knot high up on his head, and retained a perpetual ghost of a smile on his lips. He wore all black, no different than Paul, as if to be a literal shadow to the heir.


    Y¨²z¨¦ passed the glass along. ¡°All finished.¡±


    Zihao took the glass without a pint of gratitude. ¡°Find what you can about Efron.¡±


    They threw the sentences around as if Paul wasn¡¯t there. Which he wasn¡¯t¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t be soon, if he kept quiet and minded his business. And he did.


    Y¨²z¨¦ summoned a tablet from his storage ring. ¡°It¡¯ll take some days to compose a satisfactory¡ªoh.¡± His eyebrows rose to the top of his brow, shifting the faint, three-lined scar on his left temple.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Zihao snapped.


    ¡°It seems a file has already been made. Xiandra¡¯s work.¡± From his peripheral view, Paul saw Y¨²z¨¦ study the device''s screen intently. ¡°Wow. She¡¯s not bad.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve yet to tell me information with any substance.¡±


    Y¨²z¨¦ winced. ¡°Apologies. According to this, she¡¯s an incoming Thales undergrad going in for Advanced Combat. Therefore, she has an Aether Artifact and, with the combative skill we witnessed on display a moment ago, is a registered Adventurer at Age of Atera. Rumours state she is a high silver. Xiandra confirms this assumption after a run-in at a crafter¡¯s competition.¡±


    ¡°What was her initial ASC?¡± Zihao asked. When all that answered him was a strange quietness, he turned to Y¨²z¨¦. ¡°You know I dislike repeating myself.¡±


    ¡°Yes. That, I do.¡± Y¨²z¨¦ rubbed at his old scar, his mouth pressed into a hard line. Then, he spoke in a voice hardly above a whisper. ¡°She had eleven aether strands at first.¡±


    Zihao¡¯s glass stopped halfway, left to hang in the air beneath his chin. ¡°It¡¯s too late in the night for jokes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking. She began her life as a mage one aether strand off from being a typic. To be honest, I¡¯m surprised she had the gall to enter the trials.¡±


    There was a pause, and Paul didn¡¯t doubt it was due to a desperate need to gather their wits. After all, he was doing the same thing.


    Paul was a professional waiter at high-end events with nothing to his name. Only, in his head, this wasn¡¯t an event¡ªit was a battlefield. He had to be in the know to avoid making mistakes, to understand how to placate to weave out of sticky situations and leave places alive. He deemed it an integral part of his expertise, and it was exactly why he understood how bizarre it seemed for Efron to awaken with eleven aether strands.


    As the children would say: the math ain¡¯t mathing.


    Eleven aether strands dictated that she wouldn¡¯t be able to cultivate, even as a high silver. Why else would typics be incapable of magic if nothing else besides the paltry magic they¡¯d been gifted? The difference between eleven and ten¡ªwhile infinitely better¡ªis one measured increment. Anything below eleven but above ten was rounded down, as eleven was a value accrued over decades of studies as the lowest possible ASC needed to cultivate.


    Even if you could cultivate, the rate would be slower than a swim in molasses, no different than being a typic incapable of growing. It should¡¯ve taken Efron a couple of years to reach her current ASC, high silver or not. Which meant, either she secretly held access to a truckload of elixirs, booked hundreds of hours in some kind of aether chamber or¡­


    No. She couldn¡¯t not be a silver. Could she?


    ¡°I do believe Thales will be a problem in our year,¡± Zihao mused, his voice dipping a pitch lower.


    ¡°Why? The strongest are Reynor University bound. We¡¯ve confirmed it.¡±


    ¡°Strength isn¡¯t everything.¡±


    Y¨²z¨¦ sighed like he heard this very same argument before. If his grumbled response said anything, it was that he also answered it time and time again. ¡°Variety is.¡±


    Zihao nodded. ¡°Thales carry double the amount we do on that front. A tri-bound Bulwark with the skills of three Paths¡ª¡±


    ¡°Rhodes,¡± Y¨²z¨¦ muttered.


    ¡°¡ªdiviner whose conjuration spells put virtually all Supports to shame¡ª¡±


    ¡°Lenson,¡± he listed another name under his breath.


    ¡°¡ªand a confirmed quad-bound mage.¡±


    ¡°Igor,¡± Y¨²z¨¦ sighed, the agreement in his voice evident.


    ¡°I have it on good word these mages will meet a changed program. Whether it comes out better or not, we will soon find out.¡±


    ¡°And when we do¡­¡± Y¨²z¨¦ massaged his jaw. ¡°Efron will be the living proof of the results, won¡¯t she?¡±


    "Keep tabs on her for me," Zihao said, almost amused, if Paul heard right. "I have an inkling we''ve yet to see what she''s got."


    Paul could think only one thing.


    Poor girl. Caught the wrong boy¡¯s attention.


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Atera,


    Runic Mead


    -One Week Later-


    With her back against the tiled walls and one earphone loosely in, Val managed to hear the sharp ding of the elevator¡¯s arrival. Fluorescent light spilled into the broad hallways, the faint bustle of human activity invaded the serene peace on the quiet floor and out came an old face.


    The perfectly styled afro, a black crown of tightly coiled hair. Typical Kidraan eyes, blue as the sky and clear as day. Most importantly, the mega-wide smile that never failed to reached her eyes. Charlee, a guide she met during her first week and then a friend she called at least bimonthly, rushed over and crushed her in an embrace.


    Smiling warmly, Val returned the hug and then hurried to step back, appreciating her friend¡¯s outfit. Since Val always visited Charlee at Age of Atera headquarters, she rarely saw her in anything other than a blue robe, and as such, never discovered Charlee¡¯s expensive style of choice. Spotless dress pants, elaborate blouse, casual heels. A maroon coat covered the length of her frame, flaring out at the bottom. ¡°You look great.¡±


    ¡°I feel great too. Summer does us Kidraans well.¡± Charlee shot her a grin before she took on an admonishing glare. ¡°Valory. It has been far, far too long.¡±


    Val winced. ¡°I missed you too Charlee.¡±


    ¡°Not good enough. You owe me multiple coffee dates.¡±


    ¡°Deal,¡± Val chuckled. ¡°But as much as we have to catch up, I need a bit of your help.¡±


    ¡°Figured. Never known you for taking a break.¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Val trailed off, beginning the walk down the hall. ¡°I¡¯m planning on a three-to-four-day trip to Reynor City. Family and team outing next week.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a catch somewhere there, Val. I know there is.¡±


    Val huffed a silent laugh, stopping at a familiar door. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say you¡¯re wrong exactly, but that¡¯s for another day.¡±


    Charlee¡¯s chiding look made a return as she raised a questioning eyebrow. ¡°One problem at a time, right?¡±


    The very idea seemed impossible. University was fast approaching, less than a month away! Few of Val¡¯s old goals have been crossed out of the list, and even fewer new ones have been made in preparation for the wickedly wild ride waiting for her on Mount Azura. The issue wasn¡¯t the number of problems, just how unsolvable each one ended up becoming.


    Tricky problems required tricky answers, and Val liked to believe she¡¯d find at least something¡ªanything¡ªin the coming few minutes she¡¯d planned for days.

 Chapter 57 - Of Hope

    ¡°Valory.¡±


    Charlee¡¯s words were little more than a whisper in the quiet halls. Her blue eyes were kind and yet no less unyielding as they bore into Val. ¡°It¡¯s like I can almost hear the gears turning in your head. It¡¯s been a long few seconds, and you still haven¡¯t answered my question. One problem at a time, right?¡±


    Val buried another wince. ¡°Right.¡±


    Half to get this show on the road, and half to shy away from Charlee¡¯s worry, Val pushed her way through to her office. She wasn¡¯t at all surprised to find it occupied. Four heads turned to the doorway, each retaining their own measure of reaction. They sat in six chairs that Val grabbed from where she could, purposefully arranged in a circle. She hoped it might encourage conversation. Something told Val it sort of worked.


    The least shocking reaction was that of her old-time acquaintance¡ªHillary, the competitive artisan she¡¯d met in the Initiation. As per the go-getter''s normal behaviour, she gazed upon the newest entry as though Charlee were a walking sheet of blank paper. That was to say, boring and useless, until Charlee proved otherwise. Dressed in a stylish, grey pantsuit bordering the line between office wear and everyday clothing, Hillary crossed her legs and simply blinked.


    Matching his companion¡¯s business-casual attire in a designer polo and dress pants was her partner in crime and craft. Primus, ever the polite mechanic, dipped his chin and gave Charlee a charming smile. He let his red hair fall on both sides in curly waves, showing off his many gadgets¡ªwatches, wristbands, rings¡ªunknowingly as he waved hello.


    Rubin, having been the first one here, long since made herself at home, with one ankle pulled over a knee. Unlike her peers, she forwent wearing clothing specifically enchanted against the heat, putting on a basic sleeveless top and ripped jeans. It left a tattooed sleeve on display, one Val sworn she hadn¡¯t seen during the Summer Delight. Must¡¯ve had some type of glamour going on.


    Rubin clasped her hands underneath her chin and pitched forward in her seat. ¡°I cannot express how much I adore your outfit.¡±


    Charlee awarded the compliment with one of her winning smiles, her eyes disappearing into happy lines. ¡°I believe you just did.¡±


    Without further prompting, she grabbed the empty seat beside Rubin, slotting herself adjacent to Lowell and noticeably the direct opposite of Hilliary. Val shrugged internally and withheld a sigh. Nothing I can do about that.


    Rather, she was hoping her cordial friend would take on the helm of dissolving the growing awkwardness between the two ladies. A glance at Lowell, and Val dashed the idea far away. In his typical stained t-shirt, cargo pants and smithing apron, the metalsmith sat frozen, as if trying¡ªand failing¡ªnot to stare at the latest entry. Welp. I brought them here, I¡¯d better start talking.


    Val cleared her throat as she slipped past the circle and sank into a chair between Primus and Lowell. ¡°Alright people, I do believe a short introduction is in order. Some of you guys know each other, heard of one another, or maybe not. Names, class of craft, and any interesting things you want¡ªor don¡¯t¡ªwant to add is all I ask.¡±


    ¡°Oh goody, icebreakers.¡± Rubin smacked her lips and reclined the back of her chair. ¡°I¡¯ll start just so we can get this train moving. Rubin. Alchemist. Love gossip. Seriously, if you need to talk, I¡¯ve got an ear to listen.¡±


    Lowell shook his head and snorted. ¡°I can confirm.¡±


    Rubin punched him in the shoulder.


    ¡°Oww.¡± Massaging his bruised muscle, Lowell¡¯s eyes traced everyone in the circle. ¡°Hi all, I¡¯m Lowell, a metalsmith of Runic Mead. Something interesting about me is¡­ that I find social media comforting.¡±


    Val¡¯s forehead furrowed unbidden.


    ¡°An idea to expand on another time,¡± he said, turning to Charlee. ¡°You?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m an enchanter, same as this girl over here.¡± She jabbed a thumb in Val¡¯s direction. ¡°People call me Charlee. Friends call me Charles for whatever reason. I play cards like you¡¯ve never seen.¡±


    This time, it was Val¡¯s turn to snort. ¡°Can confirm.¡±


    Charlee¡¯s perpetual smile only widened. ¡°As I say to those who dare to test it out: any time, anywhere.¡±


    Lowell tilted to the side. ¡°Mind if I take you up on that offer?¡±


    ¡°For you, it depends where.¡±


    The two shared a secret smile that wasn¡¯t all that secretive, and the pause that followed simply emphasized the point.


    Val coughed into a closed fist. ¡°Hillary, if you please.¡±


    ¡°Hillary Fore. Artisan.¡± Her lips pursed into a firm line. That, it seemed, was the end of her introduction.


    Thankfully Primus spoke up not a second too late, undercutting the artisan¡¯s brief introduction. ¡°I¡¯m Primus, a mechanic that may or may not spend a little too much time indoors. Fun fact: I cannot run for my life. It¡¯s bad. Like, wouldn¡¯t-survive-a-rift-rupture bad.¡±


    He got a chuckle out of everyone, and even Hilary cracked a small smirk. Val leaned into the pleasant atmosphere he created, intertwining her fingers on her lap. ¡°As you might¡¯ve noticed, you each belong to a different order. That was on purpose. I¡¯m struggling to cross a hurdle you all have jumped, in its many different forms. Some of you¡ª¡± her gaze flickered to Lowell ¡°¡ªdefinitely know what I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    ¡°Intent,¡± Lowell said. ¡°Or, depending on the person, intention. The third main skill of any artificer.¡±


    Primus grimaced. ¡°Yeah¡­ that skill trips the best of us.¡±


    Val¡¯s grip tightened, her knuckles going white. ¡°And it¡¯s been tripping me since day one.¡±


    Charlee reached out, wrapping a warm hand on her woven ones. ¡°Val¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you need from us?¡± Hillary cut in. ¡°This seems like an individual problem.¡±


    ¡°It is, Hillary. I know that.¡± Val dared to look straight into the girl¡¯s sharp, orange irises. ¡°I was hoping to get your perspectives¡ªboth in how you overcame the particular obstacle and how it manifests in your class. In even simpler terms, I was wondering if you could help out.¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Lowell said, his lips lifting upwards to reveal a small smile. ¡°Metalsmiths are second only to enchanters when it comes to intention. Enchanting is the sole craft whereby absolute intentionality is a prerequisite for creation. For most others, it¡¯s an additional segment.¡±


    ¡°Or hardly used at all,¡± Primus added. ¡°I barely need it as a mechanic.¡±


    Lowell nodded. ¡°In my order, intent is what we call ¡®heart.¡¯ As we fashion an ore into our envisioned image, we infuse heart into our hammers and therefore into our work, into the metal, and into creations we make. It''s less thinking and more intuitive. Less calculation, more of an art.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m following,¡± Val said, urging him to continue.


    ¡°I often compare it to an athlete¡¯s drive for their chosen sport. Except, instead of a sport, it''s a single project. That ambition, purpose and intent begin from scratch with every new piece. It fosters, grows and peaks at the end of the job. The result is what we call ¡®traits,¡¯ and you can¡¯t miss ¡®em.¡±


    ¡°Traits are unique attributes and characteristics bestowed by the metalsmith,¡± Rubin supplied. ¡°Many are common. Air metalsmiths tend to create aerodynamic things, dark mages create tools that affect the mind. Lowell here manages to make weapons that flare up in flames when provided enough energy.¡±


    ¡°But like with all metalsmiths, my success rate isn¡¯t one hundred. The best out there hope to achieve ninety,¡± he said. ¡°Besides, I can make traits pertaining solely to my bound element, which is fire. To summarize though, our intentions aren¡¯t as precise as enchanters. It¡¯s a feeling we have rather than a tool to use.¡±


    ¡°Artisans come next in terms of the importance intent carries in our craft,¡± Hillary began. ¡°We work with what we receive, from bone to wood, leaves to crystals and more. For us, we use the term coax, as each material requires a different tone, varying depending on what¡¯s being made. Instead of imprinting our will, we harvest it in the manner required. We¡¯re a companion, encouraging their friend to step out of their zone, or a farmer nourishing a field to grow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a wonderful approach,¡± Val said in a near-whisper. She didn''t expect such a sharp-spoken person to take a gentle attitude toward crafting.


    ¡°I agree,¡± Hillary nodded. A contemplative lull swept over them, each taking their private moments to absorb the essence of what it was to craft. Thousands of different ways existed to account for the thousands of separate personalities and peoples seeking to shape, mould, and alter the world one object at a time. The five before her had taken steps onto that path.


    Val had not.


    As if that truth dawned on them all once again simultaneously, they turned to the remaining two.


    ¡°Sorry to break it to you Val. Alchemy is not going to help one bit.¡± Rubin heaved a sigh. ¡°Just a bunch of memorization of ingredients and steps. Intention is merely one of the steps I¡¯ve been forced to learn.¡±


    ¡°Same here. Mechanics is all about sequence. No feeling, no intuition. We have it down to a practical science.¡±


    Val sifted a hand through her hair. ¡°Damn. I really was praying that it¡¯d click into place perfectly somewhere along this conversation. Now, all it did was make me appreciate the beauty in artificing, and despise myself for not being a part of it.¡±


    ¡°Val, you have got to stop,¡± Lowell said. ¡°This pity party of yours has been going on for too long now.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not anything like that, Lowe.¡± Val hoped the clarity in her gaze conveyed that she felt no remorse about herself. None. Just at the fact that she continued to be shut out from a magical avenue she¡¯d love to travel. To journey, to explore. ¡°I want to enchant.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a wonderful goal to have¡ªto fulfill.¡± Charlee grabbed Val by the shoulder, a steadying force in a storm of a million questioning thoughts. ¡°However, as the single person who has not spoken and the more experienced enchanter, here¡¯s my advice. I need you to see this issue in a different light. Treat it as a spellcraft problem instead. What would you do?¡±


    ¡°Cast until I can¡¯t any longer, or until I¡¯ve smoothened out the bump.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re on your way to becoming a seasoned mage. So you tell me. Has that always worked?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What did you do when it didn''t?¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°Sleep. Take a break. Try again.¡±


    ¡°Did that work?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Charlee was grinning now, and Val couldn¡¯t tell why for the life of her. ¡°So I ask again, Val. What did?¡±


    Val¡¯s eyes drifted upward in an effort to remember. ¡°Usually something of some sort gives me a hint, and soon the epiphany follows. I know¡ªit¡¯s not a whole lot. But that¡¯s seriously what happens.¡±


    ¡°Okay. So wait for that something and skip the repetitive training with no results. Go on your vacation. Observe the runes you may see, appreciate the enchantments at work and leave it at that. From now until you get to school, do not think of yourself as an enchanter except when you believe you found that something. Am I understood?¡±


    Lowell gave her a two-fingered salute. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Not you, metalsmith.¡±The steel in Charlee¡¯s voice didn¡¯t falter, yet she still fought a losing battle against the smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°Valory. Am I understood?¡±


    It began as a slow bob, and then Val jerked a solid nod. ¡°You are.¡±


    ¡°Fabulous.¡± And just like that, Charlee sprung to her feet and pushed past her chair. ¡°It¡¯s late in the afternoon and I can use a meal.¡±


    Following her lead, Hilary rose. ¡°Finally. Something I can agree on.¡±


    ¡°Seconded,¡± Rubin echoed the sentiment.


    Primus gestured to the three girls heading out. ¡°After you, Valory.¡±


    ¡°I think maybe, seeing as you¡¯re too slow to function, you should be on your way as well.¡± Lowell smirked at the mechanic. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll catch up.¡±


    Primus muttered a few words under his breath, but took Lowell up on his advice. Val huffed a silent laugh, fast on the mechanic¡¯s heels. She could use a meal, too. Worrying always had a way of eating at her energy. A step before she could leave, a hand grasped her elbow.


    ¡°Wait a sec.¡±


    Val slowly panned around to meet Lowell. Dipping her head to confirm the hand on her arm, she then levelled her attention at the metalsmith and raised an eyebrow.


    Receiving the message, he promptly let go, yet reached past her shoulder and shut the door to her office without warning.


    ¡°Lowe,¡± Val voiced. ¡°You¡¯re acting weird for the second time in like three days. Should I be scared? Concerned?¡±


    Val waited for the awkward chuckle, or the regular pained palm on his chest when his jokes went over someone¡¯s head. Instead, he struggled to speak, as if he wanted to deny her fears, and despised himself for being unable to do it.


    ¡°I¡¯m half-expecting you to pull out another silencer,¡± Val muttered, trying for humour.


    ¡°No need,¡± Lowell grumbled. ¡°Remember what I said about Zihao?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t say a whole lot.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t need to. The less you knew of him, the better.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Val tilted her head. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s changed?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He was there, at the party. I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d show. He never shows. It¡¯s usually beneath him. The craft competitions, working up the ranks¡ªnone of it applies to him.¡±


    Val pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°And I should be worried because¡­?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re unknown territory, and he¡¯s a relentless prick. He will get all kinds of information. He¡¯ll string up plans to help him and his goals to cinch his seat at the head of the clan without care of where you, or anybody for that matter, lands.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d gathered that from what you already told me,¡± Val murmured. ¡°Why tell me again? What changed, Lowell.¡±


    ¡°You are no longer shielded by obscurity. Worse yet, you¡¯re a curiosity.¡±


    She could admit she needed a few seconds to truly grasp what he was saying. The fact of the matter was¡ªshe was always one. Ever since her mother fell sick, she was the girl without two parents in the home. Odd, how it remained a norm even during modern times. Then she¡¯d evolved into the girl without two parents quickly after.


    Life laughed at her some more, and people thought her the daughter of one of the worst kinds of murderers¡ªthose who took up a sword against their friends. Sure, according to the masses, he led them to their demise for insurance money, but the way someone took your loved ones hardly mattered to those grieving.


    And there was a whole guild full of grieving people.


    Next, the ensemble revealed her as a borderline-typic, not truly belonging to any side. She possessed one aether strand too much to be mundane, and one aether strand too little to be worthy of becoming any sort of magic practitioner. Without the Hayes family, Val seldom knew where life would¡¯ve led her, or if it would even last long enough for her to find out.


    Being unknown territory was known territory to her; she never quite slotted in anywhere for a long while. So though she realized she walked an untreaded path yet again, she couldn¡¯t recognize what she aimed to do for what it was.


    A challenge.


    She was challenging everything the country understood about optimal magic in combat. Until the recent century, metal was seen as an element for craftwork. The war demanded soldiers, however, and there existed no shortage of metal mages. Those who defended hundreds as Bulwarks burned a way forward for the next generation.


    Gutsy mages who couldn¡¯t bear to stand behind walls dared to be more¡ªthey dared to be Supports, and it worked. Conjuration and fortification were both evocative disciplines; the two stemmed from identical roots. The transition made sense.


    Specializing for invocation didn¡¯t stop at being odd, or new. It spat in the face of what many claimed advisable¡ªpossible, even. Of all people to do this, it was a no-name, almost-mundane, sixteen-year-old girl to do it. I¡¯ll be seventeen this winter, she mused. That might change things.


    Who was she kidding.


    Massaging the back of her neck, Val sighed through her nose.


    ¡°He¡¯s got tons of data on you. You must collect the same amount on him,¡± Lowell advised. ¡°Once you¡¯ve got the attention of an heir, you have the attention of the clan. You¡¯re now in the orbit of both possible heirs. It¡¯s only a matter of time before the rest come tumbling in.¡±


    ¡°Really. I have arguably the strongest clan¡ªclan,¡± she repeated for emphasis, ¡°of the Twenty looking for me. Me.¡±


    If she were the type, Val would¡¯ve thrown her head back and laughed. Rather she shook her head in mild disbelief and total resignation. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll listen to your warning. I¡¯ll do my homework. I don¡¯t totally believe it, but I¡¯d be stupid to just continue on with my life when I know that you know better.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. That¡¯s all I ask.¡± Lowell looked visibly more relaxed. So relaxed, in fact, that a grin slashed across his face. ¡°So¡­ you think I have a chance with Charlee?¡±


    Val snorted, spinning to exit her office. ¡°You sure move from one drama to another real quick.¡±


    ¡°That isn¡¯t a no,¡± he said, in the process of stepping forward to open the door.


    It seemed the door had other plans, as it swung open itself¡ªnarrowly avoiding taking Val¡¯s nose clean off her face¡ªto reveal three frustrated young ladies, and Primus far, far down the hall.


    The two Runic Mead crafters didn¡¯t give the ladies a chance to chew them out, speed-walking out the room in a hurry.


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Reynor City,


    Colosseum of Elp¨ªdes


    -Ten days later-


    Val was in the Colosseum of Elp¨ªdes, where hopes were made, crushed, and reforged. In the midst of tested skills, and harrowing trials held here for more than a century, legends have been born¡ªboth of old and modern times. As she peered out onto the sandy floor of the cage-like battlefield, in the stone seats historians and fighters were reluctant to renovate, with thousands seated in an arena made for a city''s worth of people, Val thought she might be on the verge of witnessing a new legend.


    Perhaps only witnessing, however, as hearing anything over the constant roar of the crowd was an impossibility.


    ¡°Crush her Holsten!¡±


    ¡°You got it in the bag!¡±


    ¡°Knock her out cold, Red Rock!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a snake, take her out!¡±


    Val winced even before she witnessed Caro cupping her hands over her mouth and sucking in a long, long breath. ¡°TAKE HIM OUT SIL! TAKE HIM THE HELL OUT!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Anderson pumped two tiny fists in the air. ¡°To hell!¡±


    ¡°Andy,¡± Val admonished, shooting a glare at her friend. Caro stuck her tongue out for an answer, quickly returning her attention to the field. Val could only follow suit as she took in the slim figure, firm as she battled it out against her last opponent.


    The Gathering of the Guilds hosted too many events for one to count on their fingers: five-on-five tournament style, an ¡°eradicate the aether creature the fastest¡± competition, or¡ªas it currently stood¡ªa free-for-all. They threw in fifteen contestants, mostly from different guilds this far in the season, and let them have at it. The funny thing was¡­ If Val had entered three minutes after the round began, hoping to witness the good parts of the fight, she would¡¯ve thought she had come to the wrong event.


    Silann Haldar had wiped out ninety percent of the competition within the first two hundred seconds.


    In such an unpredictable set-up, fortune favoured the quick, adjustable types. Supports faltered in the early rounds despite their firepower. Slow on their feet, they made easy pickings for speedy Hunters and Strikers. Silann threw a giant-sized fireball in that stereotype with ease.


    Within three seconds of the match, she drew the bow on her back and fired non-magical arrows. In the craze of budding scuffles, three found their mark. Two contestants went down. Each in the Colosseum wore a protection brooch on their person. Carved of unknown metal, the two interlocking G¡¯s flared into power the moment a life was threatened. A sphere of blue light burst from nowhere, immobilizing the wearer in a bubble of safety.


    ¡°AND MIDNIGHT BREEZE ADDS TWO TO HER COUNT IN A BREATH!¡± the caster had roared.


    On the highest levels, perhaps two hundred rows above, watch boxes gazed from on high. They remained the few upgraded parts of the Coliseum, framed by dark glass. At stark noon, with the sun searing Reynor City from directly above, the boxes looked cut from the night itself. Val observed no reflection whatsoever. In one of those fifty boxes¡ªvery likely the middle one¡ªa man held a magnifying crystal close to his lips, pouring his excitement in loudly strung sentences.


    In the stadium, Sil played a cat-and-mouse game, buying herself time to build up a powerful spell. The move was signature to Supports, but she hadn¡¯t Rick, Bo, or Aeron to defend her during the meantime. These were talented mages she played with, used to weathering glass cannons and shattering them well before a shot went off.


    As the dual-bound mage she was, with both air and lightning in her pocket, she devised means to put her talents to use. In the same way Val requested armour suited to her skill kit and fighting style, Sil decided on elemental-aligned boots. She zipped around the field, her technique worthy of praise from Ekon himself. Val sat mesmerized, watching the Support weave her way in and out of battles. Mages gave chase, only to find themself in a fight orchestrated by the clever prey they sought to snuff out.


    Then came Wind Saw, Air Arrows, and other spells that cut down the competition like still wheat. The only one to survive her onslaught was a gemstone Bulwark, who resorted to shielding himself with ruby-red barriers. It bought him sixty extra seconds.


    Silann decided it was time to wrap it up in her usual fashion: a little said, a lot felt. She steepled her fingers, her lips moving to form two words.


    Silent Vipers.


    ¡°Haldar resorts to what I believe is an advanced Tier Two spell!¡± the caster announced. ¡°Is the Red Rock capable of bearing the onslaught from such a formidable force?¡±


    ¡°Red Rock,¡± Caro repeated, just one seat to the left of Val. She burst into a fit of laughter. ¡°Ain¡¯t that the saddest name I¡¯ve heard yet.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Crazy Caro reserves the right to speak,¡± Kenneth cut in from behind, one row above. Otis stifled his reaction beside the cheeky brat with a hand, sharing amused glances with Ekon nearby. Kylee''s lips twitched against a grin and Jesal ducked his head on Caro''s right.


    "Val." Caro faced her, her expression serious. "Hide your brother while you can."


    Val put a finger to her smiling lips. "After. Sil''s about to win."


    Black lightning lashed out in Sil¡¯s hands, desperate to escape her grasp. Sil set her spell free. Val had one second to behold the snakes born of quiet, lightning somehow darker than the watch boxes above. They slithered out of her palm, swaying their bodies side to side so quickly, that Val hardly registered the lateral movement as the pack of four snakes rushed for Holsten.


    The Bulwark paled, barking another spell. He weaved multiple shields into a geodesic dome, showcasing indisputable skill as a mage able to hold out against Novices of the highest caliber. It mattered little against the vipers. They focused on a singular point, coiled, and sprung forth. The shield collapsed like glass against a bullet, and the Red Rock¡¯s hopes shattered with it. Blue soon burst around him, signalling the activation of the brooch, as well as his defeat.


    ¡°THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS!¡± Val could almost see the spit flying as the caster addressed the crowd. ¡°Our first mage in the final round of eight presents herself! Please join me in congratulating SILAAAAN HALDARRR!¡±


    The tens of thousands in the stands roared. The fervour shook Val''s very bones, and chills rippled down her skin. Despite it being within the lowest possible bracket, despite there having been a good show in the previous match, and despite a very exciting one coming next, people cheered for the last-standing dual-bound Support.


    She didn''t simply win¡ªshe dominated, and the crowd let her know it. She offered the tiniest smirks, then plodded off into the underworkings of the stadium like it was just another Tuesday.


    Val didn¡¯t know what gave her such confidence, yet she held firm to the belief that she¡¯d experience something similar to the woman below. She just hoped it was half as exhilarating.

 Chapter 58 - Reynor City (Part I)

    Reynor City more than earned its right as the capital of Ciazel. History soaked the very cobblestone roads woven on the ground¡ªit seeped from the fire trees brightening the sidewalk with their hyper-red leaves, and settled within the looming stout buildings, all round edges and steep, gabled roofs. The past seemed a living, breathing thing here.


    Should Val pause to truly take in King¡¯s Street, she could visualize it for what it was centuries before. A town¡ªwithout the view of the skyscrapers as a backdrop, bereft of the constant hum from the air ferries whisking pedestrians downtown¡ªsoon to become a country.


    That said, what it stood as currently was nothing short of breathtaking. She brushed a hand across the corner store to her left, and the stone-hewn walls scraped against the pads of her fingers. Based on the exterior alone, the local business looked like something constructed many decades before Val¡¯s time. She peeked into the open window and shook her head, unsurprised to be proven wrong.


    Floating orbs of light abated the darkness, permitting flashes of people eating dainty meals in isolated booths. Val blinked at the fuzzy, ghost-like beings snuggled against the customers. Made of faint colours of all kinds, the feline creatures curled at the patrons¡¯ feet or balanced on their shoulders. A closer look as she walked by, and she discerned the faint aura of illusion magic wafting from the apparitions. IBR-based cats, designed akin to translucent spirits, served as a secondary source of light and comfort.


    That doesn¡¯t seem hardly enough though¡­ Val pondered, keeping one eye inside as she passed. Even with their lamp-like aura nothing else lit the restaurant save for the cats and the orbs. As if in agreement with her, someone swiped up on the glass table between him and his companion, and the nearby spheres brightened in tandem. Val reigned in an impressed whistle. Smart tech. Illusion-based reality. Enchanted light fixtures. This small shop alone hoarded advancements that put most operations in the Second Halo to shame.


    Val made note of the store¡¯s name¡ªSolace of the Spirit, apparently¡ªbefore it finally passed her in full, lost in her awe once more. Again and again, she experienced whiplash as she traveled to and fro places in the city. One second, Reynor catapulted her into the past, and the next, she boomeranged into the future. She found the contrast unlike nothing else, a somehow appealing mixture that made her happy to call the city Ciazel¡¯s capital.


    The distant clanging of an incoming train startled Val out of her reverie. Two days spent amidst these streets wisened her; things grew easier to read into. The repetitive strike on the bell was distinctive anywhere, but in Reynor, it meant one thing and everyone in the vicinity took notice.


    Up ahead fifty meters, a restless crowd spilled out of the glass shelter next to the crosswalk. The throng rushed to form a misshapen line beside a foam-looking landing pad that covered half the broad sidewalk. Vehicles honked as a couple of commuters crossed Courtney Road¡ªthe path intersecting King¡¯s Street¡ªwithout regard for approaching traffic. Val looked to Kenneth beside her, then turned to catch the attention of Hammer Squad. ¡°Guys, a ferry¡¯s stopping.¡±


    Kylee gave her an expression undecidedly between boredom and exasperation. She did come from here, Val mused even as she paused her journey, stepping away from the roads and hugging the walls of the nearby shops. Probably would see it as no different from a bus.


    Val could not say the same.


    For the last time¡ªthe actual last time, she promised herself¡ªshe activated Vague View, washing the world in blue. Not a second later than usual, a street car turned the corner from ten feet in the air. A map of enchantments coated its bottom, firing up as it processed the need to land. Blue lines of script sprawled out to the corners, no different than petals stretching in the sun.


    The inscriptions were a work of art, rudimentary enough for her to understand its general purpose, yet hiding any nuance within its complexity. It was an open book for all to read, leaving the messages woven within only available to the discerning. That wasn¡¯t a problem, even if it was a little frustrating to not be in the know. After all, she was to appreciate the enchantments and leave it at that, as Charlee so eloquently put it.


    The air ferry landed with a blast of much-needed wind, and it physically hurt Val to let it go without them. The plan for today was to explore, and squishing into public transportation during rush hours¡ªno matter how cool¡ªwas not in the works. But plans changed.


    ¡°Can we please take a break?¡± Kenneth wiped sweat off his forehead and he pushed off the walls to stand in front of Val. The group did the same until they formed a small circle off to the edge of King¡¯s Street. ¡°We¡¯ve been walking forever.¡±


    Caro was the first to get a retort out, pushing her shades up with a finger to reveal a set of narrowed eyes. ¡°It¡¯s been an hour.¡±


    ¡°It also feels like 100 degrees,¡± he added.


    ¡°Another lie.¡± She tsked. ¡°Come up with better excuses and I¡¯ll believe you. Say it with me. You want to check out CITM Arena.¡±


    Kenneth¡¯s face couldn¡¯t help but glow. Val gave a slow nod of realization, looking over his current clothing. Now it adds up. Dark gloves that left the ends of the fingers exposed, black tights underneath cream shorts, and a plain grey tank top that gave his arms free range and motion¡ªVal thought the kid had athleisure on for the style of it. It¡¯s just shy of combat wear.


    ¡°CITM, CITM¡­¡± Otis mumbled under his breath. ¡°Where have I heard that before?¡±


    ¡°Champions in the Making,¡± Caro spelled out for him.


    ¡°That one arena for children?¡± he asked.


    A slight smirk alighted Caro¡¯s lips. ¡°Score.¡±


    Champions in the Making¡ªcalled CITM Arena¡ªwas a multi-floored duelling center made for kids. There remained one of its kind across the country, which only served to fan the flame of its renown. While Val found it useless to transfer halos for a fight of all things, combat fiends like Kenneth and¡ªthough he¡¯d hate to admit it¡ªCaro would go in debt for a chance.


    His chance came free of money.


    Otis retrieved his hand from the pocket of his khaki pants and scratched the bottom of his jaw. ¡°I can take him.¡± He looked up at the six-year-old propped on his wide-set shoulders and smiled brightly. ¡°Him too.¡±


    Anderson grinned back before shifting his attention to Otis¡¯ straw hat. Val chewed on the bottom of her lips, her gaze flickering from brother to brother. Up and down it went, with nothing becoming anymore clearer.


    She knew she could trust him with both Anderson and Kenneth. As the sole Bulwark in the squad, he¡¯d protected them in vulnerable positions more times than she could bear to count, and that capability extended to her siblings. Besides, his sculpted form, clearly on display thanks to his sleeveless shirt, would ward off anyone with bad intentions.


    Even still, some sort of maternalistic fright forbade her from speaking up. Sensing she was wavering on either decision, Kenneth tugged at the sleeve of her jet-black sweater, his face drawn. ¡°Sis, come on.¡±


    Val loosed a breath. ¡°Fine.¡±


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    He pumped a fist. ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tag along if there¡¯s AC,¡± Ekon voiced, ¡°else I fear I¡¯ll wither away out here.¡±


    ¡°Poor, poor you,¡± Caro announced with a great sigh. ¡°A tragedy, really.¡±


    Ekon slowly turned to the Striker on his side, lifting his own pair of silver-rimmed sunglasses.


    ¡°Alright, alright. Stop pulling his leg.¡± Jesal wisely stepped in between the two. ¡°You guys better get going if you want to make a round.¡±


    The Hunter frowned, his eyes flickering between Caro and Jesal. ¡°You¡¯re not coming with?¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± Jesal gave him an easy smile, ¡°I¡¯m fine here.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Ekon gave an unbecoming shrug. ¡°Suit yourself, Haldar.¡±


    Ding, ding, ding! In came another air ferry right on schedule, setting the crazy flurry of commuters awry once more. With a brief thought, she activated Vague View¡ªyes, again¡ªand focused on something other than enchantments. Grey elemental traces snaked around the airborne vehicle in sleek rivers, outlining the clear input and output of the working systems. Unlike grav-lines, air ferries required active coordination in addition to the inlaid wiring. So it was no surprise to see an air mage¡¯s moving hands through the front windows.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go!¡± Kenneth rushed off with the rest of the pedestrians, and the majority of the boys followed his lead.


    ¡°Remember to meet us at the library at six!¡± Caro called after them. Before Val knew it, the two piles of blonde hair, one mass of black coils, and the little head high above the crowd vanished within another air ferry.


    ¡°And then there were four,¡± Caro murmured, knotting her summer blouse at the back. Her flowing skirt swept the pavement walkway as she pivoted to them, and glossed lips curled upwards despite the lack of company. ¡°I saw a nice jewellery stand a few blocks behind. Y¡¯all mind if we circle back?¡±


    Kylee offered a succinct nod, then returned her gaze to the phone in her hand.


    ¡°Not one bit,¡± Jesal said for all of them, sweeping a hand. ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    ¡­


    Val was sure of it.


    She sipped her lemonade, content to stand off to the side as Caro gushed at one of the many pop-up shops dotting King¡¯s Street further south. Gathering of the Guilds made for excellent business and plenty of people used the opportunity¡ªincluding, it seemed, the government. Stretches of roads near the Colosseum of Elp¨ªdes were closed down, permitting the stalls to line the sidewalk, and the customers to roam the area free of cars.


    Caro had a field day. No two earrings or necklaces stayed in her hands for too long. She kept picking up set after set, rambling on about their charm. The stand owner blushed with pride behind her cart, no less eager to inform the 5¡¯11 mage of her items¡¯ origins. Her friend had a way with people that Val could only admire, and she had the slight idea that Jesal, watching nearby with a beholden grin, was no different. That wasn¡¯t what drew her worry, though. After all, there was another person in Val¡¯s presence with a distinct personality of her own¡ªand she displayed none of it.


    From the millisecond Val met Kylee Lenson, she was nothing short of confident. She appeared comfortable in her skin to a considerable degree¡ªtoo comfortable, at times. The Support reserved her interest solely for things worthy of such, and disdained all else.


    That hardly felt like the same girl who looked behind the shoulder¡ªonce, twice¡ªthen adjusted the collar of her dress shirt, shifted the crewneck worn above, and jerked as someone brushed past her in the busy street. Out came her phone, on and off within a breath, and back in her grey slacks within the next. She¡¯s fidgeting, Val determined, horrified.


    Kylee didn¡¯t so much as blink out of pattern. Now she could barely sit still, as if something in the very air riled her up.


    ¡°V!¡± Caro called up ahead, and Val turned to catch her lifting a pair of bracelets. ¡°Let¡¯s get a matching set. Which ones do you think are better?¡± she asked, walking over with Jesal in tow. ¡°The yin-yang-based one, or the blue pearls?¡±


    Val waved her off. ¡°You pick. I¡¯m fine with any.¡±


    Caro huffed through her nose. ¡°You¡¯re no fun.¡±


    ¡°Who suggested this trip again?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Caro muttered, rolling her eyes. She was about to swivel back to the stand when her attention snagged on the nearby Support. ¡°Kyles.¡±


    Kylee¡¯s head snapped up from her phone. Only the saints knew when the Support had time to bring it out. She canted her head, confused.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this your hometown?¡± Caro wondered aloud.


    A bob of the head and a shift of stray ice-blonde hair was Caro¡¯s answer. Kylee¡¯s hair grew out to touch her shoulders now, so the ice mage pulled it into a tiny topknot.


    ¡°Wanna visit your family while you¡¯re here?¡±


    Kylee gave a soft scoff. ¡°Not in this lifetime.¡±


    Caro opened her mouth, thought better of it, and closed it briefly after. Instead, she held the Support¡¯s gaze in silence, letting Kylee take the lead in the conversation. No pressure or demands¡ªjust the assurance that they were all willing to listen, and listen only.


    Kylee turned her head away and spoke once more, so quietly, that Val leaned in to make out her words. ¡°I ran away.¡±


    She did what? Val reared backwards and stared at the girl, at a loss for words. Kylee ran from the house of the Lenson clan¡ªand they let her? The Lenson clan established themselves based on their talents for the impartial elements, divination in particular. Safe to say, one of them should¡¯ve been able to foresee the possible departure of a scion.


    ¡°My grandmother never demands anything of you. It¡¯s always a request to not test or meddle in the fate of others,¡± she spoke. ¡°Of course, the one person to ignore my grandma¡¯s pleading is my mother and, as warned, it cost her both of her children.¡±


    Kylee¡¯s nose quivered in restrained anger, a fire lit within her irises. Val¡¯s sights turned on Jesal, surprised to find his jaw set and his gaze heavy. Whatever ghosts haunted Kylee, it involved him too.


    ¡°Simply put,¡± she added with a sharp exhale. ¡°When a diviner¡ªan Archon Diviner¡ªtells you to do something, you do it.¡±


    She left it at that, plodding down the road to inspect the goods in the adjacent booth. The three let her be, though Val needed it more to digest what was laid out before her. The thought of disobeying an Archon seemed no more absurd than actually meeting one, but Kylee¡¯s mother managed to check both off the list.


    Honestly, Val could never wrap her head around why Kylee enrolled in Thales Academy when a competitive university sat in her backyard. Reynor University wasn''t far enough from home, she realized, puzzled at the lengths Kylee went to be rid of her family, comfort, and position. Being part of the Twenty seemed less of a boon the longer Val resided in their company. Just what did the parents do to these kids? First Rowan, now Kylee of all people.


    ¡°Jes,¡± Caro hissed.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°You knew about this?¡±


    ¡°I was there.¡±


    ¡°Then¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Not now, Care.¡± He pointed to his ears, then jerked his head towards the sensitive Support. ¡°Not now.¡±


    ¡°Got you,¡± she said, chewing on her thoughts before deciding on something to say. ¡°Can you tell me one thing?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s her grandmother?¡± she whispered, scratching at her head through her red hair. ¡°Very few Archons exist in Ciazel, but quite a couple are in the Lenson clan. I can¡¯t pin down her grandma though.¡±


    ¡°Archon Lenson.¡±


    Caro lifted her shades and shot him a blank stare that Val highly appreciated. ¡°It¡¯s the Lenson Clan, Jes. Hello?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one Archon Lenson that comes to mind when mentioned.¡±


    ¡°You mean the Seer?¡± She scoffed, slapping his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m not playing here. I need a name.¡±


    A few steps over, Kylee¡¯s shoulder hitched, the knuckles of her fisted hands bone-white.


    No. Val went rigid herself. It can¡¯t be. She whipped around to the Anchor and shook her head in disbelief at the absolute grief in his expression.


    ¡°This is the part where you chuckle, laugh, and tell me the truth,¡± Caro quipped under her breath, waiting for the answer. If only she knew that she already had it.


    Val gestured to Kylee, her green eyes wide. ¡°She¡¯s the clan¡¯s heir?¡±


    The Anchor gave a pained nod, his face warped by frustration. It was as if he confirmed the last thing he wished was true, and the reaction was a story in and of itself. There¡¯s more he¡¯s not saying.


    ¡°If you guys are done talking about me over there¡­¡±


    Val jumped at the wind caressing her ear, carrying Kylee¡¯s whispery voice over the bustle. The Support glared at them not even ten feet away, her eyes afire with the Mage¡¯s Mark. Val spotted blue, grey and purple¡ªice, wind, and what could only be divination respectively¡ªfighting for reign, as if an arcane display of the emotions wracking her body within. The pure agony so visible on the put-together girl made Val¡¯s throat close up. She saw it in the mirror too often.


    The pain of a loss.


    ¡°Then buy your bracelets, thank the owner, and let¡¯s go,¡± Kylee demanded, the Mage¡¯s Mark disappearing at the next blink¡ªa crack in the wall she valiantly put up, repaired no less swiftly.


    Caro didn¡¯t seem to appreciate being shut out, slowly turning to Jesal for support.


    He placed a hand on both Strikers'' backs and pushed them forward. ¡°What are you waiting for? Buy your bracelets, thank the owner, and let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter 58 - Reynor City (Part II)

    It was odd to feel¡­ small in a building no doubt made for humans. The archways in the entrances hung at least three stories high, and the banisters of the polished-stone staircases were measured in inches, rather than centimetres. Everything made sense in some way the moment she entered the Library of Reynor.


    The antechamber needed to match the grandiosity of the real thing¡ªit had to give its visitors a mere hint as to what awaited them inside. A brass and burgundy carpet rolled down the middle of the entire hall, marking the library¡¯s primary loitering area. From there, bookcases made of the deepest maroon wood filed out in endless, organized rows, sorted into categories by holographic signs above. Fiction, literature, non-magical¡ªgenres of every kind hovered throughout the first floor, the transparent blue almost painful in a room tinted red by the candle-lit chandeliers overhead.


    As their large group of eight wandered in, Val''s neck craned upwards to mark the upper¡­ floors? While the majority of books sat on the ground level, multiple stories of bookcases marked the walls overhead, with standing balconies protruding outwards. There remained at least five tiers of these standing areas, wrapping around the interior in a ring of architecture, as crimson pillars rose from the ground to steady them.


    ¡°Woah¡­¡± Anderson breathed, now permanently glued to Otis¡¯ shoulder, transfixed by the massive power orb thrumming in the center of the main lane. Rings of power expanded with each pulse, contracting with each breath, seemingly powering this monstrosity of a building. As if it were nothing to note, people flitted about and readers tucked into spaces carved out on the far edges. Even so, Val spotted no attendants.


    ¡°Look here,¡± a soft voice called out. Val heeded Kylee¡¯s words, moving her attention to one of the bookcases. On its side, an enchanter curved out the most weird-looking runes Val¡¯s seen to date, and an IBR-based sign flickered above it.


    Need Help? Press Here.


    With a shrug, Val placed a palm and bided her time. All the possibilities waiting for her in these pages astounded her. Not only were there the best catalogues of spells, there was also the wellspring of knowledge on everything about alchemy, reagents, and ingredients.


    She could make real headway on Life¡¯s Hymn, perhaps the greatest yet since she¡¯d come to know about its existence. Every fibre screamed at her to run off to the nearest alchemy-based section. Restraint cooled that urge with ease. She¡¯d managed without the information this far, not like it¡¯ll grow legs and fly away¡ª


    A yelp escaped Val as an eruption of red and blue feathers emerged out of the bookcase. Wind blasted her face and flapping wings bombarded her ears before a tropical bird landed on her shoulders and cocked its head. ¡°Well, whaddiya need?¡±


    Val blinked at the creature, locking gazes with dark orbs full of twinkling intelligence. ¡°...the hell?¡±


    It fluttered its wings. ¡°I know I¡¯m amazing, but I don¡¯t got all day.¡±


    Everyone burst out into laughter at her helpless expression. She inspected the now-dull rune, then glanced sidelong to find Kylee smirking. Sly, aren¡¯t you? ¡°I need help with finding¡ª¡± she paused, keeping the two words to herself. Close call. ¡°Finding any books that¡¯ll help me become a better Striker.¡±


    That wasn¡¯t a lie. Her ultimate request was one for private ears, however. The bird cocked its head in thought, taking flight a second later. ¡°General invocation spells are up this way. Offense-focused.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Val called after it, memorizing the bird¡¯s colours. Many of his kind fluttered about, taking their attendant-based duties to heart. She couldn¡¯t decide if they were summons or familiars of an enigmatic mastermind behind the scenes. That mattered little as they entered a sliver of an aisle; heavy textbooks were packed into the bookcases on either side.


    The feathered attendant latched onto one with its talons, and Val swore she could see the strain on its features as it flew over and dropped it into her open, cupped hands. Everyone leaned in to take a look at the words lining the pages. Yup, Val confirmed privately, skimming over the spell info. Keeping Life¡¯s Hymn a secret would be a nightmare with these guys around.


    ¡°Oh, that one¡¯s not bad,¡± Jesal said, pointing to a particular spell. Val put her thoughts on the back burner and honed onto the spellsheet-like data on Chained Lances.


    {Invocation} [General] Tier 1: Chained Lances


    Type: Combative ¡ª Offensively-skewed, Utility


    ¡ú Launch an elemental lance at a directed target. The attached chains can be used to further impair the target once struck. This spell works best with concrete elements. Material used must be marked (that is, in some way, bound to the user).


    Core Hex Criterion


    Offence:


    ??????


    Defence:


    ??????


    Agility:


    ??????


    Malleability:


    ??????


    Health:


    ??????


    Special Effects:


    ??????


    Minor Hex Criterion


    Radius: Dependant on the mage.


    Incantion Tempo: Dependant on the mage.


    Energy Required: 25 AS (per lance)


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°This spell sucks ass,¡± Caro said after a mere moment. ¡°It has way too many downsides. So much so that it trumps its offensive power completely. The fact that I have to carry these lances is definitely number one, not to talk about the energy required.¡±


    ¡°But the chains will¡ª¡± Jesal began.


    ¡°You have to think like a Striker when buying spells for a Striker,¡± she cut him off. ¡°We¡¯ll leave chaining things down for Anchors like you, yeah?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I kinda want to check out the conjuration version,¡± Val mumbled. ¡°Might come in handy.¡±


    ¡°I can lead you over, if necessary,¡± the attendant squawked, its high-pitched voice toeing the line between squeaky and grating. ¡°Should it be to your satisfaction, I can also process it for you to keep. On borrowed time, of course.¡±


    ¡°I would love that.¡± Val waved to her company. ¡°No need to tag along. I¡¯d be better off doing this myself.¡±


    Caro¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Wait a minute¡ª¡± Val gave her a slight shake of the head. ¡°¡ªor never mind. Holler if you need us.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± She hoped her eyes portrayed the gratitude she held for Caro to go along with it, no questions asked. Restraint be damned, she couldn¡¯t wait any longer when the information she sought could be within reach.


    Backing away, she could¡¯ve sworn Kenneth shot her the slightest of nods. Val never let on about what pushed her to take on the Tripartite Trial all the months ago, yet she held an inkling that he knew¡ªor understood, at the very least. Many tend to underestimate what kids notice, and she would think herself no different.


    Though what she might¡ªor might not¡ªfind in the walls could very well change the trajectory of the Efron family, she kept her hopes low. The depth of this library¡¯s catalogue should provide some information, but there was no telling how helpful it¡¯d be. It could be nothing.


    It could be everything.


    I need to find out, Val thought, so she could cross it out and move on to the next thing. Exiting out the hall, she peered at the red-blue creature trailing her in the air. ¡°So, friend.¡± A smile stretched wide across her face. ¡°How many books can I check out?¡±


    <hr>


    First Halo of Ciazel,


    Reynor City,


    Solace of the Soul


    -Two hours later-


    Ignoring the strain of the nine back-breaking books hanging off her shoulders in her bag, she pushed open the wooden door of the small cafe. A doorbell chimed overhead, and the nearby tables glanced at her in passing before returning to their business. That act alone meant the world to Val.


    No curious inspections at a low ASC, no sneers at the borderline-typic¡ªnothing at all. She was as extraordinarily ordinary as the person next over, and the fact hardly settled in back in Atera. People there witnessed her journey, from the beginning to now. These folks glimpsed solely the results and, safe to say, determined her normal.


    What she would give to tell her old self just a year ago¡­


    ¡°Be right with you!¡± a voice called from somewhere out in the dark. At best, the surrounding five meters were visible thanks to the ¡°spirits¡±. Everything else was simply the sounds of clinking dishes and the scent of cinnamon-spiced latte in complete, utter darkness. Val caught sight of a cluster of orbs here and there, and the scurrying of a purplish feline.


    It zipped over to her legs to plop right in front of her, and she crouched to give its head a little rub. ¡°Hey buddy,¡± she said under her breath. ¡°Glad you¡¯re here to give me company.¡±


    ¡°Hi! Sorry for the delay.¡± Val looked up to find a young Kidraan man towering over her. ¡°You need a table for¡­?¡±


    ¡°One,¡± she filled in, rising to her full height, cat in arms.


    ¡°Does two work? That¡¯s our smallest option.¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    ¡°Right this way.¡±


    Before she knew it¡ªand without any stumbles in the dark¡ªVal was seated at a spacious table, hidden away in the corner. Perfect. ¡°Could I get whatever drink is smelling so good?¡±


    ¡°I know just the thing,¡± the waiter responded, disappearing into the shadows. In the meantime, Val swiped up on the table for extra light, and proceeded to dump the nine tome-heavy books onto one side of the glass table. One half for complete, one half for unread. Once the IBR-based cat snuggled closer for a nap on her lap, and her drink arrived a few minutes after, Val dug in deep and got to work.


    ¡­


    In a matter of hours that Val couldn¡¯t bother counting, a stack of eight books lay on the table. One remained cracked open at a page she¡¯d lingered on for breath after breath. She sat frozen, her eyes unable to leave the last few lines on the bottom of the paper. It had taken visiting the largest library in the country to find more information, and it was far from desirable. The other eight books retained bits and pieces she refused to believe. The ninth laid it out in plain, undeniable words.


    No place in the Upper Lip of Toreth had a high enough energy level for aether fruit to grow.


    Aether fruit required aether to thrive¡ªshe acquired that much in her first weeks in the First Halo, courtesy of Caro¡¯s shenanigans. The question remained: how much? Nowhere on her half of the continent met the standard necessary for aether fruit production. Meaning, the only place you could find it was in the Lower Lip.


    The continent was split into two halves¡ªtwo lips¡ªas it was bisected by the Divide, a place of myths and legends. According to history class, it was a strip of land filled with the gnarliest of aether creatures and environments. No one who went there came back, and those who did were far in between, tellers of morbid tales. You¡¯d have to be a minimum of a high-ranked Magus, and even that was risking it. If she wasn¡¯t suicidal, Magister was the rank to be if she thought of travelling there. As such, the continent diverged into two separate regions with different cultures and, clearly, different aether levels.


    Outside the walls.


    Val buried her head in her arms. Mom¡¯s cure is outside the walls. Outside the damn Upper Lip. Past the Divide. It couldn¡¯t get any worse than that. No wonder Doc hid this information. His words always reverberated in her mind, sometimes softly when she glimpsed hope, often loudly during times of doubt. At this specific moment, she could almost see him sitting on the other side, repeating his exact words.


    It¡¯s a wild drake chase that¡¯ll have you journey across the whole continent to end up with what? With nothing.


    ¡°The whole continent indeed, Doc,¡± she muttered. He had told her from the start.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you can¡¯t go in there. It¡¯s occupied.¡±


    Val started, blinking rapidly with her head down. Lost in her thoughts, she hadn¡¯t noticed the commotion outside until it was right at the border of what she could and couldn¡¯t see. The Kidraan waiter sounded distressed, his voice a harsh, cracking whisper.


    ¡°Do you see any other open seats?¡± a woman responded, her enunciation smooth.


    ¡°In fact, I do. There are plenty¡ª¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I phrased my question incorrectly. Do you see any seats at this table?¡±


    ¡°Yes, however, it¡¯s booked for one regardless."


    ¡°Too bad I hardly care.¡±


    Val wagered a peak through her elbows at the form striding into the booth and almost chuckled at the absurdity of it all. It was none other than an Archon sitting opposite her, giving her a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her dark eyes. Val managed one thought before the depth of the Archon''s power wiped away any sense of reality.


    Can''t believe you were right, Lowe.

 Chapter 59 - At Sea (Part I)

    Shards of a raft drifted on tumultuous waters, aimless and rudderless. The smallest of chunks, terribly at risk of submerging altogether with every growing wave¡ªthat piece was Val.


    She couldn¡¯t breathe, she couldn¡¯t move, she couldn¡¯t be. A weight pressed at the back of her skull, forcing her head down on the table. Or was it the floor? The cat must¡¯ve woken up and jumped off her lap, for no light or heat reached her.


    It was almost like she¡¯d stood up too quickly, and the blood drained from her brain. Her vision darkened. Ice filled the tips of her extremities. Her heartbeat¡ªonce quick enough to leap out her rib cage¡ªslowed to a point of acquiescence.


    ¡°You may rise.¡±


    A shaky inhale sliced through the quiet. It was her, gulping for air involuntarily. Free at last to merely exist, her body was the first to react, rushing to replenish the oxygen supply stolen for however long it might¡¯ve been. Val¡¯s mind caught up soon enough, and she looked around, not surprised to find themselves alone.


    No one would dare to interrupt the Archon. Hell, for all Val knew, people might¡¯ve cleared the vicinity in fear of overhearing her. She stared down the Archon through bleary eyes, forever grateful for Lowell¡¯s foresight. Thanks to his insistence, she carved out time to research the Jin clan and, as such, had no trouble identifying the highly-ranked mage before her.


    ¡°Archon¡ªcough¡ªJin,¡± she managed to get out. She sat up properly once her lungs finally ceased sabotaging itself, shutting the book nearest to her in the same motion. ¡°Or better yet, the Dynast Dowager of the Jin Clan.¡±


    The woman fought off the smallest of smirks and raised her chin, deigning her with a somewhat impressed glance. ¡°You¡¯re a sharp one.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve been told.¡± Val thought it safe to give the woman a lookover¡ªto see who was it that chose to dine with her this evening. The Dynast Dowager appeared not a year over fifty, her pale skin practically unblemished save for the faint stress lines framing her pink lips. She pulled her dark river of glossy hair into an intricate knot with an assortment of pins, settling for a classy maroon dress shirt and charcoal slacks.


    She must¡¯ve been past her 15th decade. One didn¡¯t just become an Archon; you built up to it well into your years. As the wife to the late leader of the Jin Clan¡ªwho most simply referred to as the dynast¡ªher influence over the clan knew no bounds.


    Instincts of every sort¡ªas a former pickpocket, a fighter, and a mage¡ªdemanded she make a run for it. The sad truth was, she wouldn¡¯t make it to the door. Scratch that. I¡¯d be surprised if I got to my feet. Just the Archon¡¯s mere presence incapacitated anything beyond breathing.


    Val knew that at such a high calibre, the Dynast Dowager would be able to control her aetherial prowess at a microscopic level. The decision to debilitate Val was most certainly on purpose; it served as a method to establish grounds for both involved in the conversation. An Archon came to talk and the Novice was to take heed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep this short.¡± The Archon crossed her legs and placed interwoven fingers on her lap. ¡°Rowan faces troubles as the heir and can entertain no distractions due to such. Not even talented ones that may, or may not, be of some use down the line.¡±


    ¡°My brother,¡± Val clarified.


    She garnered a real smile from Archon Jin. ¡°A sharp one indeed.¡±


    Val made sure she took the compliment and threw it out the window, forcing down any admiration for the woman opposite her. She couldn¡¯t lie¡ªwhat was ahead of her in magehood seemed striking, but that hardly mattered if it came from someone who thought of Kenneth as a useless distraction.


    ¡°I saw him fight today, at the arena,¡± the Archon added. ¡°He¡¯s far from talentless. Quite the opposite, if what I witnessed was to speak for him. That being said, he comes from no background and possesses little means enabling him to flourish alongside Rowan¡¯s peers. My grandchild cannot deal with the emotional burden of having an acquaintance unable to¡­ keep up.¡±


    Something cold grew in her gut, and it spread throughout her body the more she rolled the words over in her head. Val drew from that strength, from the very same bravery Caro claimed she held for those around her, and spoke. ¡°Cut the bull. Kenneth just doesn¡¯t look good for your optics.¡±


    ¡°If we must go there, then yes. He does not,¡± the Dowager agreed frankly. ¡°I would have told him this directly, but optics forbid me from talking to a twelve-year-old as well. People might assume wrong and that is a trouble I would rather avoid. Wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I would,¡± Val said.


    That received the tiniest nod of approval. ¡°In simple words, he isn¡¯t on Rowan¡¯s level. Very few are. Have him dissociate with my grandchild as cleanly as you can manage.¡±


    ¡°And if I don¡¯t do as you ask?¡±


    ¡°Ask?¡± she echoed, and the bit of laughter bubbling past her lips surprised them both. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you, dear. I¡¯m demanding it¡ªand I won¡¯t do so again. Rather unfortunate things happen to those who disobey me. So I suggest you, a fully realized adult in the eyes of the country, do as I¡¯ve said.¡±


    She rose to her feet, but Val stopped her short with one sentence. ¡°If you were truly close to Rowan, you would¡¯ve known the two are in a fight right now; perhaps the friendship you fear may end before it has a chance to begin.¡±


    ¡°Take it from me,¡± the woman said, with her back toward Val. ¡°This friendship, as you call it, is going to need a little effort from both you and me to nip it in the bud. The amount of struggle on your end, however, is determined by your willingness to listen. So do yourself a favour and listen.¡±


    The woman strode for the darkness surrounding their table. Orbs scattered from her presence, wavering and flitting about. Val had the strangest inkling that they were scared of the highly-ranked mage. Archon Jin peered over the shoulder, her one visible eye burning with crimson fire. The luminance from the fleeing light orbs limned her outline, giving shape to the form that stopped to stare without any of the grace shown throughout the conversation.


    Val felt cold, seen through, pierced. Lost to the vastness that was her, Val didn¡¯t register herself gaping. Archon Jin shot her a smile that was anything but pleasant. ¡°The two should be strangers by September.¡±


    <hr>


    Two possibilities, two dead ends.


    The thoughts, links and answers roamed around and around until it jumbled up into one roaring mess. The small chance of sending someone else to find an aether fruit shriveled to nothing now that it existed across the Divide. The other hope to gather enough renown and money to¡ªjust maybe¡ªbuy the item off the Jin Clan¡¯s hands shot to zero after Archon Jin¡¯s little visit. Where to go from here¡­?


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Her eyes wandered, searching the nooks and crannies of their hotel room. She found two queen-sized beds parallel to each other, dressed in white covers and bedsheets. A dark, wooden stand sat opposite the beds, and over it hung one of the largest screens Val¡¯s seen on to date, spanning half of the way to spanning from bed to bed.


    The wall on the far right was constructed out of full, floor-to-ceiling glass rumoured to come with an IBR system, which floored Val the second she learned of it. A large closet was tucked into the same side, with room enough for their luggage and more. She let Kylee handle the job of finding a place to sleep and, as a result, ended up staying in a 5-star hotel without retrieving a single note from her wallet.


    To make matters weirder, the manager had come out to greet them. A small courtesy to one of the Lenson, he¡¯d told her. Val withheld a stunned scoff. Knowing people sure came with its perks. And burdens, she added privately, remembering that Kylee was off talking to the manager as Val lay in her bed, maintaining the connection between clan and clientele. The three girls roomed here, though only Val and Caro shared one bed, offering the Support the other to herself.


    ¡°Val you cannot believe who we met today,¡± Caro announced, pushing the washroom door open. Sequestered to the leftmost area near the door, Val had to wonder if the steam billowing out at Caro¡¯s feet seeped past their room. A wave of soapy, brown sugar and vanilla scent followed, and Val simply basked in the cleanliness.


    After a day full of walking in the scorching sun and sweat-inducing, tense conversations, it was much needed. She dumped her sweater and pants in favour of a tank top and comfortable shorts, tying up her recently washed hair with a white towel. Caro threw on a shirt a size too big, and fluffy pajama pants. On her way over, she grabbed a comb with a long point at its other end and began to part her hair midstride. She plopped on the bed, throwing Val half a centimetre in the air.


    Val could hardly grab her bearings before Caro continued with her story. ¡°Once you left we kind of split off into our own groups to search for things. I ended up going with Jesal and Kylee to the upper balconies¡ª¡±


    Jesal and Caro, huh? The two have been growing closer as of late, though she hadn¡¯t a clue of how close. Still, it was a sight to see. Watching bonds grow in real-time tickled her heartstrings. It just felt right. The same could be said for Kenneth and¡ª


    Damn it.


    ¡°¡ªthat¡¯s right. Alizee Rhodes herself was at the library! Visiting cousins or whatever. Still, I¡¯ve never seen Kylee have such a visceral reaction. Something tells me they were close because¡ª¡±


    Could she ask that of Kenneth¡ªto give up a friend that might be the sole thing keeping him grounded after the move? He had a harder time opening up to someone than she did. Finding a person that clicked didn¡¯t come easy and that truth tended to be worse when it came to her little brother. Yet he found someone.


    ¡°¡ªAlizee didn¡¯t realize Kylee was coming to Thales. You know, with how the Twenty collects superhuman intel, that should¡¯ve been common knowledge. Yet, she chose to distance herself from¡ª¡±


    Rowan might be under the clan¡¯s thumb, but he risked to be Kenneth¡¯s friend. She¡¯d met him right when he found out his peers saw him more as an object of jealousy instead of a fellow companion. A classmate, at most. Evidence showed that he, too, found making friends¡ªreal friends¡ªa task in itself. She¡¯d be taking away one from both of them, and each separately needed a genuine buddy as much as the other.


    ¡°¡ªI smell a secret cooking because even Jesal refused to tell me anything. Oh, I forgot to let you know! He knew Alizee too, by the way. Gave her a hug and everything. Those three must''ve been tight before something changed everything for them. My guess is that it has to do with Kyles¡¯ mom and¡­ Wow, you¡¯re not listening to anything I¡¯m saying. Val. Valory.¡±


    Fingers snapped in the air above. ¡°Spiravale to Val.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here, I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Caro dropped her wet comb on her pillow and leaned over to stare Val down. ¡°You¡¯re doing the thing again.¡±


    Val tilted her head. ¡°The¡­ thing?¡±


    ¡°Where you daze off into dreamland because something is troubling you that, while unable to be resolved, will feel much better if you simply talk it out with someone.¡± Caro rolled her eyes as if what she said were no more obvious than the number of days in a week.


    ¡°Let¡¯s skip the part where you keep it a secret and do unreasonable things without my knowledge. Just tell me what¡¯s up.¡± She raised her palm right as Val tried to get an edge in. ¡°No no. Don¡¯t tell me everything. I know you won¡¯t anyway. Just tell me what you can. All of it. Go ahead. Start.¡±


    Silence stretched on for decade-long seconds until Val couldn¡¯t help but burst into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. It came so unexpectedly, she found herself coughing in the gaps, and hauling herself upright onto the headrest. It hardly helped settle her, however.


    ¡°W-what?¡± The white in Caro¡¯s widened eyes grew the longer Val¡¯s shoulder shook of their violation. She picked up her phone and swiped to the face cam, genuinely at a loss when her point of view revealed little answers. ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡±


    ¡°How easy I am to read, apparently,¡± Val managed between chuckles. ¡°You helped me decide one thing, though. Thanks.¡±


    She wouldn¡¯t strip Kenneth of his chance at a shoulder to lean on, and the same applied to Rowan. The pair deserved that much, regardless of what those meddling advised.


    Caro huffed a soft laugh. ¡°You¡¯re welcome?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°So is there nothing else?¡± She motioned to her half-braided hair, held off momentarily on account Val''s unsaid predicament.


    ¡°I wish,¡± Val whispered. ¡°I really wish it were that simple.¡±


    ¡°Then dumb it down. What¡¯s the core of the problem?¡±


    ¡°That in itself is an issue. There are too many hands directly, and more often indirectly, involved. It adds so many variables that I can¡¯t begin to understand where to start.¡±


    ¡°Okay then¡ª¡±


    The jingle of keys stopped Caro, and the doorknob clicked not a second later. Kylee scrubbed at her eyes something fierce before entering, kicking the wooden door close without pause. She marched past the two frozen Strikers, swinging open the closet to dig for her nightclothes. It was only when she made for the bathroom, ceasing her blistering pace midspin, that she took notice of the awful quiet in the room. ¡°I believe I may be interrupting something.¡±


    ¡°Something like that yeah.¡± Caro nodded, not hesitant to call it what it was.


    Kylee¡¯s eyelids flickered low, hiding any emotion one hoped to find in her face. ¡°I can come back if you¡¯d like.¡±


    Caro¡¯s gaze slid from the Support to Val at her side. ¡°Don¡¯t ask me.¡±


    The Support dragged her attention to the other Striker, and Val found herself hiding a gasp.


    Kylee looked so, so tired. Half of her dress shirt peeked from under her crewneck, untucked in the hassle of the day. Several strands spilled out of the once severe topknot as if pulled at for hours on end. The white nail polish on her fingers was chipped in various spots, and her usual faint use of makeup was simply nonexistent.


    Stress took its toll on the runaway, and it likely doubled on her quest to appease the manager. How¡¯d she even pull off acting as the heiress, and somehow ensuring the man made no move to contact the clan for follow-ups? Better yet, why do it at all? Why come to a trip Val asked them on a whim located in a place unpleasant enough¡ªin circumstance or in full¡ªto escape?


    ¡°I am a part of this team,¡± Kylee spoke. Val startled, struck that her inquiries seemed so written on her face. ¡°Am I not?¡±


    Caro shot her a sharp grin that soon softened into a beaming smile. ¡°You are.¡±


    She let a bit of her troubles on us, Val thought, mirroring her best friend¡¯s expression, although to a milder degree. It¡¯s time I do so as well. ¡°You girls can keep a secret, right?¡±


    ¡°Wow,¡± Caro scoffed even as she patted the edge of the bed, a small, welcoming gesture for Kylee. ¡°To insult us in so few words.¡±


    ¡°Such a drama queen,¡± Val muttered. Kylee accepted the invitation and sat on as little on the mattress as humanly possible. The act appeared almost shy, and the thought alone would¡¯ve made her laugh on any other day.


    Caro whipped around to Kylee in mock exasperation. ¡°And she does it in less!¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡± Val regarded the pair, leaning in closer all the while. ¡°Whatever you do, don¡¯t freak out.¡±

 Chapter 59 - At Sea (Part II)

    Val tried her best to let them in on the important details. Though Life¡¯s Hymn never made its way into the conversation, she revealed the central threadlines of the headache that merely kept snowballing. It started with Xiandra Clementine, then a chance encounter with Rowan and his bond-brother Lowell, and somehow cascaded into crossing paths with Archon Jin. Her explanation was interrupted by many exclamations¡ªmost of which were from Caro¡ªand a few stood out to Val half an hour later.


    ¡°The Jin Clan has two heirs?¡±


    ¡°You met one of them?¡±


    ¡°Kenneth has friends?!¡±


    ¡°A Jin themselves came to visit you? And it was an Archon? Girl your luck is something else, I gotta tell you.¡±


    ¡°She has a relation restriction, does she?¡± A shake of the head from the Support. ¡°Classic of her.¡±


    With all that said and done, Val scratched at her chin and heaved a sigh. ¡°There¡¯s more, but that covers most of what¡¯s bothering me.¡±


    ¡°You met, challenged, and was threatened by an Archon in one day¡­¡± Caro blew out a breath. ¡°Impressive work, V.¡±


    Another exhale left Val. ¡°How seriously should I treat her... suggestion?¡±


    ¡°As serious as you would if Magister Thorne himself said it,¡± Kylee supplied. ¡°Her word holds power in the aetherial and political spheres as an Archon and the Dynast Dowager. Two vastly heavy titles.¡±


    Caro¡¯s nose scrunched up. ¡°Okay but like, she¡¯s the wife of the previous leader who is now, for all intents and purposes, dead. How much pull does she actually carry in her clan?¡±


    ¡°About as much as the dynast himself.¡±


    The magma mage cursed under her breath. ¡°Saintsdamnit.¡±


    It hardly helped Val¡¯s case, yet witnessing someone express even a sliver of frustration at her troubles was refreshing in a way she couldn¡¯t describe.


    ¡°Allow me to pull up¡ªyes. Here it is.¡± Kylee propped her phone up on the mattress, and the screen displayed the core players of the Jin Clan.


    ¡°So, from what I can tell I¡¯m looking at a very beautiful family. My eyes thank you, but my brain is confused.¡±


    ¡°I¡ª¡± A short chuckle cut Kylee off at Caro¡¯s comment, and she let loose a wry smile before continuing. ¡°Right. This here is the simplest family tree, barring any elder, advisor, and branch family.¡±


    It made sense why Kylee turned her phone into landscape mode rather than portrait like Val envisioned her doing. Most family trees expanded downwards, from parents to children and so forth. For the immediate Jin members, the tree spread out horizontally as well to account for the second wives of Rowan¡¯s father and grandfather. Small, circular pictures portrayed each member in their youth, though the two first wives¡¯ pictures were sepia, along with the late and older Dynast.


    ¡°Like his father, the current dynast married twice,¡± Kylee went on to say. ¡°The first time to an Auricean woman who died giving birth¡ª¡±


    ¡°Zihao,¡± Val surmised, earning a nod.


    ¡°¡ªand the second to a lady approved by the clan¡¯s court.¡±


    Rowan.


    ¡°Sources say that the second wife is merely a puppet head for the Dynast Dowager. Others believe the two bonded over both being wedded after the death of a previous partner. Regardless, Archon Jin controls what many consider the more traditional side, the same side that claims Zihao unfit for his seat due to his heritage. Most call them purists for convenience¡¯s sake.¡±


    Val couldn''t hide a wince from her face.


    Ciazel earned the moniker Alloy Forge for good reason. Culture, magic, and architecture formed to make a medley of sorts, where diversity was both a strength and an attribute of the surroundings. That didn¡¯t translate, however, into perfect harmony across the board.


    As someone visibly of mixed backgrounds, half-Kidraan and half-Auricean, Caro was at the forefront of such dissonance. Val could only ever wonder what it was like, as while she might be equal parts Desni and from the Eastern Islands, she took after her mother. Brown hair, viridian-green eyes, tan skin¡ªno one would guess she shared another heritage.


    Caro, on the flipside, often drew glances from her eyes to her hair. It was no surprise she picked up on the underlying sentiment in half a second, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Is it what I think it is?¡±


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    Kylee¡¯s gaze cut away as she managed a small bob of the head. ¡°Just one of the many old traditions of the Twenty that needs to go. Either way, I can say without doubt that Zihao is a prodigy. I fought him once. My spells didn¡¯t so much as scratch him. I hardly doubt the same applies as of now, but the point still stands. He¡¯s clever and resourceful. It¡¯s due to this that he won over most of the elders and nearly all of the youths. At least, whoever isn¡¯t a purist.¡±


    This does not bode well for me¡­ In a nutshell, Val was stuck between the person who hoped to use her as a stepping stone toward his rightful place and another who decided her usefulness was to sweep ¡°dust¡± off the step toward her grandson¡¯s throne. Stuck between a rock and a spell, more like. To convince either for even the furthest seat away from the stage at the auction seemed not just a dream.


    It was an impossibility. And for the umpteenth time, Val found herself wondering¡­ Where to go from now? Lost in an ocean of decisions with no foreseeable outcome, she failed to glimpse a lighthouse to show her a path out. The steps she took today might irrevocably carve her fate in stone, and the thought chilled her to the bone.


    ¡°Val,¡± Kylee called, her hands clasped together on her lap. Sometime during the conversation, she fully pulled herself onto the bed to sit cross-legged half a meter away from the Strikers. ¡°In all seriousness, what are you going to do with her request?¡±


    ¡°Ignore it,¡± Val answered. ¡°I think the two balance each other out quite nicely. I¡¯d be a horrible sister if I didn¡¯t try to shield him for as long as I could from all of this. Not to mention a horrible friend to Rowan and Lowell as well.¡±


    Kylee tucked back a few stray strands behind her ear, even as a hint of a sad smile crossed her face. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be horrible. Just someone who acts under what they believe is in their means.¡±


    ¡°Seconded,¡± Caro added.


    ¡°As much as that is true¡­¡± The Support planted a hand on Val¡¯s knee and gave it a faint squeeze. ¡°Thank you. I can verify that very little in Rowan¡¯s life is what he decides. To have anyone protect his decisions for no other reason than because it¡¯s what he picked¡­ The young heir might not ever know it, but if he did he¡¯d tell you the same thing.¡±


    Val piled her hand on top and returned the gesture. Underneath the icy armour was a kind soul, hardened due to life¡¯s trials and challenges. In many ways, it was like looking in a mirror and gazing at someone who escaped the opposite brand of reality. She wondered which might be deemed worse, to be caged due to a lack of talent or trapped because of an abundance of gifts.


    Kylee cleared her throat, snapping Val out of her thoughts. ¡°That being said, you need to be prepared and ready for what she might throw at you, despite the fact that she will probably stay her hand."


    "Probably?" Val emphasized.


    "Hopefully," Kylee was quick to respond. "She¡¯ll remind you in ways that will leave you speechless and hurting. Nothing will trace back to her. In the twenty-first century, Archon Jin cannot outright kill. I must warn you though that anything else is fair game.¡±


    Of course it was... Val barely had time to process the gravity of Kylee''s words. For the second time in as many hours, the door rattled. The wood suffered three tentative knocks forewarning a muffled voice. ¡°Ladies, can I come in? It¡¯s urgent.¡±


    Caro gave them each a concerned glance, then leapt off the bed. ¡°One sec, Jes.¡±


    Jesal shuffled inside decked in flannel PJs, his hair finally free from the day¡¯s gel product. Absent the need to use his magic, his pair of glasses hung on the buttoned neckline of his top. As such, she wasn¡¯t used to having such green eyes take her in. ¡°I just got off a call with Magus Kane. He says if we can, we should head back to Atera. He has pressing news he wants to share. In-person, that is.¡±


    ¡°When?¡± Caro asked. ¡°We¡¯d have to pack up and travel home, and that might take the better part of the day.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯d better hurry.¡± A soft grimace warped his face and the two metal bulbs on his left eyebrows moved in tandem with his slight discomfort. ¡°We¡¯re expected at headquarters by tomorrow evening.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow,¡± Caro parroted. ¡°Are we also expected to fly?¡±


    ¡°Better get sleeping,¡± was his answer, though a laugh betrayed his serious expression as he stepped out.


    Caro shut the door after him and groaned at the ceiling. ¡°Maybe if I just close my eyes, I can pretend this didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    Val huffed through her nose. ¡°Go to bed, Cee.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wake up¡­¡± she continued under her breath, eyelids screwed shut. ¡°And get ready like my vacation didn¡¯t end on freakin¡¯ day one.¡±


    ¡°Shut off the lights while you¡¯re at it.¡± Val threw the blanket over herself, letting the weight settle on her tired muscles once the air seeped away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll eat ice cream, buy the cutest outfit for the cheapest price and¡ª¡± Caro gasped, pausing her mumbled ramblings when a pillow hit her square in the face. She watched in stunned silence as it dropped to the ground with a soft thud, then squinted at the two girls in the room.


    ¡°There.¡± Kylee sighed, rising from Val¡¯s bed with a cat-like stretch. ¡°Peace and quiet.¡±


    Val facepalmed well before a grin found its way on Caro¡¯s face. ¡°Oh, it is so on, Kylee.¡±


    The Support canted her head, at a loss on what could possibly be ongoing. Caro quickly solved that predicament, crouching low in a blur and hurling the torso-sized pillow at her feet. Kylee didn¡¯t have time to blink, let alone dodge the giant bullet to the head.


    ¡°You used Aether Reinforcement,¡± Kylee hissed, astounded.


    Caro threw her a shrug. ¡°You gotta do what you gotta do.¡±


    ¡°So you say¡­¡±


    With a sigh, Val flung a pillow atop her head and tugged the blanket to her chin. Chaos ensued soon after. It did little to stifle the giggles and yelps that followed, and even less against the occasional soft cushion that would smack her. Despite the odds, she succumbed to sleep in minutes.

 Chapter 60 - Blooms Essence (Part I)

    Val was back in headquarters the next evening.


    One would think after a vacation that got the axe due to guild work, she¡¯d be put off by seeing the sterile gray of the carpets and the metal desk in tactics territory. She¡¯d barely spent more than twenty-four hours in the old city of Reynor, only to be shuttled off to Atera. Now walking the streets of the metropolis, she found the air both cleaner and dirtier all at once. It lacked the faint, stubborn scent of a recently smoked stub that seemed prevalent in Reynor, yet carried far more exhaust and saints knew what else.


    If she were completely honest with herself, she couldn¡¯t be happier to be out of there. For one, she¡¯d accomplish what most¡ªif people knew, obviously¡ªwould consider her life goal. A meandering journey led her to the library, which aided in finalizing a few ideas towards retrieving an aether fruit and, therefore, Life''s Hymn. Whether any of them were actionable, was another discussion entirely.


    Besides, Val wanted to be as far from the Jin Clan as humanly possible. Reynor City was home to the majority of the Twenty, and that included the primary premises of the dragon-blessed mages. The idea of touring the streets and bumping into another Jin kept Val on edge. Granted, being in Atera didn¡¯t lessen that by a considerable degree seeing as she ran into the heir on a¡­ literal run. Feelings did not require logic to make sense, however.


    Especially when she considered her answer to Archon Jin¡¯s proposal. Ignoring issues never solved anything for anyone, but it did prolong the inevitable and provided her some time¡ªand that was more she could ask for.


    Time to see whether the bond between the two boys held out. Time to figure out a way to protect herself against such a massive power separate from weathering out whatever Kylee prophesied was coming her way. Time to grow.


    Even with these thoughts bogging her mind at least once during a slice of the day, her shoulders settled in place, no longer stitched to her neck. Breathing came easy, and she stopped suddenly ¡°dazing off into dreamland,¡± as Caro so accurately monikered it.


    Surrounded by sky-scraping buildings lessened the sense that life continued to become something uncontrollable. It fell back to the regular norm, which to her involved dropping Anderson off at summer school, bothering Charlee whenever she passed by the Scribal Branch, or calling Silann and accidentally getting the entire squad on the line.


    It was something she carved out¡ªsomething she made.


    And it sure felt a lot like home.


    ¡°I see that we have a theme going on here.¡±


    Decked out in a midnight-blue cloak that obscured very little of his adventurer wear, Magus Kane strode in with a tablet in hand¡ªas per usual. He looked to be actively fighting off a smile as his blue eyes travelled the room. They sat in an uneven arrangement today, with Caro and Jesal on the opposite side by their lonesome, heads practically glued together as they laughed at the clips on his phone.


    Val sat in between Kylee and Ekon, often forgetting they were there in the first place. Only when the Hunter turned a page in his dainty book or a notification chimed off Kylee¡¯s phone did she remember she had close company. So quiet, these two. Otis occupied the other seat next to Ekon, his straw hat slung over his face in an attempt to catch up on sleep. He flicked it up at Magus Kane¡¯s entrance at the same instance the gamer pair broke apart and Ekon shut his book.


    ¡°Oh right.¡± Caro all but grinned at the Magus, glancing down at her t-shirt. The adventurer badges, with their many disciplines, popped against the white fabric, a graphic-like design on the six pieces of gleaming metal. They each carried a shield, dagger, arrow, brace, anchor, bandage, and dual swords respectively. ¡°Pretty, ain¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I almost mistook this room for a band of tourists that managed to sneak in,¡± was his response.


    ¡°But we were tourists.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, Hayes. Fair enough.¡± Magus Kane claimed his seat at the top of the table, sliding the tablet on the smooth surface. ¡°I was pleased to hear you spent time together, and a bit less pleased to have to call you back. However, this quest couldn¡¯t have come at a better time, in my honest opinion.¡±


    Val rapped her knuckles on the IBR-connected furniture, and the ongoing Gathering of Guilds highlights, previously holding her attention for the past twenty minutes, winked out of existence. The floating screen snapped in of itself, leaving a hovering line for the quickest instance before it disappeared altogether.


    In the meanwhile, Caro crossed her arms as a growing frown made its way on her face. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me you forced us back here for a simple quest.¡±


    ¡°In theory, I suppose I did,¡± he said. ¡°Although most likely call it an expedition.¡±


    ¡°Hold up, hold up.¡± Caro sat straighter in her chair. ¡°A joint-operation dive¡ªis that what this is?¡±


    ¡°Precisely. The rift was discovered three days ago and was¡­¡± He flashed the faintest of smirks. ¡°Actually, can someone explain why the association might call for an expedition rather than simply raise the rank of the rift?¡±


    Caro practically rolled her eyes at him, his ploy at slipping in a teaching lesson seen through by everyone in the room. ¡°Rifts are resources. Adventures need these resources to provide for themselves, hence why adventurers are permitted to enter rifts only catered to their ranks.¡±


    ¡°Cherry-picking by higher ranks is illegal,¡± Jesal added.


    Nodding her agreement, the Striker continued. ¡°However, there are times when risks outweigh the benefits. These risks include a rift rupture that might cause irreversible damage. In these cases, the association himself will seek to clear the rift entirely.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re correct, save for one thing,¡± Magus Kane said. ¡°At that point, the risks outweigh the benefits. So why send an expedition when an elite team of Adepts might deal with the job faster, and with less losses?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s our territory,¡± Val spoke up. ¡°It may be a dangerous copper-rung rift, but it remains copper and that belongs to sixth-class and fifth-class adventurers. Besides, I think Adepts will be needed elsewhere.¡±


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    Magus Kane crossed his arms, shifting forward in his seat. ¡°Well said, Efron. In case it wasn¡¯t obvious, expeditions like these go to the best-suited teams the Ciazen Adventurer Union believes can handle the rift, regardless of halo and background. You all earned this opportunity. You¡ªand one other team you¡¯re familiar with¡ªwill represent Age of Atera at the rift.¡±


    Val rubbed at her chin, idly going through every familiar team in mind. Could it be Clementine¡¯s crew? She sure hoped not, but the list of lower-classed squads she had documented in her time were not many, and it seemed a justifiable choice of an impressive team.


    ¡°Orders will be given and required to be followed. This is not your regular affair¡ªthere will be a chain of command.¡± Kane whisked out a thin stack of paper and a handful of pens from his storage ring. ¡°Which also gives rise to the need to determine the captain and vice-captain of this team.¡±


    Not surprising. Rumours implied they were among the last remaining squads without appointed leaders. She wondered how exactly it was to be determined. If chosen by experience alone then technically, the title of Captain belonged to Otis. Should the Magus base it off of the qualities and actions instead, it should be without a doubt, Jesal. That much should be obvious from the many debriefs¡ªgroup-wise and individual¡ªMagus Kane conducted.


    The question was, what angle would Magus Kane spin it?


    ¡°It¡¯ll be put to vote the old-fashioned way¡ªpaper and pen.¡± He passed down a pile of paper on each side, then slid down writing utensils one by one, each traveling down through an assembly line of moving hands. ¡°Write the name of the person you think deserves the title captain. The one with the second-most votes will be deemed the vice-captain. I will observe your following results. Should I believe the newly-appointed captains insufficient, I will intervene.¡±


    In reality, it didn¡¯t take much time to write down who came to mind, and it appeared everyone already gravitated to certain leadership styles. The Magus collected the papers as quickly as he handed them out.


    ¡°So,¡± Magus Kane began, reading over the slips of paper for good measure before facing the six Novices. Amusement pulled a corner of lips upwards. ¡°We have a tie.¡±


    ¡°Between¡­?¡± Caro prodded, leaning over the table.


    ¡°Haldar and Efron, it seems.¡±


    Not Otis¡ªor even Ekon?


    ¡°Hell yeah!¡± was the Striker¡¯s response.


    The other Striker blinked, a statue in her seat. ¡°Come again?


    The Magus scratched at his jaw, dotted with the stubble of the day. ¡°We can put it to another vote on who should be vice and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Co-captains.¡±


    Six heads turned to Jesal, surprised to witness determination chiseled onto his grinning face. ¡°I think Val and I should be co-captains.¡±


    ¡°Come again?¡± Val squeaked.


    ¡°I approve,¡± the Magus said, rising from his seat. ¡°Although for the sake of there being a chain of command, I¡¯ll name you captain for now Haldar. Otherwise, you¡¯ll be conversing with one another to lead this team where it needs to go.¡±


    ¡°Copy that.¡±


    Come again? Val wondered for the third time, albeit privately.


    In a state of pure and stark disbelief, she hadn¡¯t registered Magus Kane walking over. It was only when he spun her chair around that she flinched, blinking down at Kane. He crouched low, looking at her¡ªtaking in the blatant fear in her green irises¡ªon a similar eye level. ¡°I trust you with this team. Your co-captain trusts you to guide everyone beside him. Your team believes in your capability to visualize what¡¯s best for Hammer Squad. The sole thing I need you to do, as of now, is to give yourself a chance.


    ¡°See how you do. Look at the evidence. If all points towards you being perhaps a decent leader then, at that point, learn to trust yourself. Think you can do that for me?¡±


    Val glanced around and was met with a varying spectrum of smiles. To her surprise, Otis awarded her the brightest one, shooting her a pair of thumbs-up to add. Refocusing on Magus Kane, she swallowed a dry lump past her throat. ¡°I can¡­ try.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I ask for.¡± He gave an uncharacteristically mild pat on her knee and rose to his feet. ¡°I sent the info packet to Jesal already, including the location of where you need to go. Be there by 10:30 p.m. Dismissed.¡±


    Congrats V! Caro mouthed in what looked like giddy excitement, soon after twisting in her seat to raise an eyebrow at Magus Kane. ¡°I think you left out where we¡¯re supposed to be at this time.¡±


    It was Val¡¯s co-captain who answered. She could hardly believe she could call Jesal that, even as she pitched forward to hear the response. ¡°Bloom¡¯s Essence.¡±


    <hr>


    If anyone had told Val she¡¯d be visiting three of the First Halo¡¯s cities in under twenty-four hours, she¡¯d call them a blatant liar and maybe a little bit more. Yet there was no mistaking the lack of towering buildings and the constant hum of public transportation. She¡¯d crossed the border half an hour ago, but it wasn¡¯t until the road dissipated into rocky terrain that Val let it sink in.


    I¡¯m on an expedition. I¡¯m co-captain of this alarmingly talented team. I¡¯m going to captain a team heading into an expedition. Around and around it went, in the very back of her mind. At the forefront, however, were her impending and current surroundings. Tarn City was known for little more than three things.


    The first fact that came to mind was the city¡¯s pride and joy¡ªCiazel¡¯s Upright Military College. While the terribly plain name implied otherwise, the city was home to a school pumping out some of the best combat mages the country¡¯s seen. That statistic very well shot upwards the moment Magus Rhodes¡ªthe Spatial Soldier, more accurately called Fiona by Val¡ªmade her mark.


    The city¡¯s aesthetic came second. Unblemished by the vast blanket of technology and arcane craft so integral to most of the First Halo¡¯s infrastructure, Tarn became a natural resort of sorts. People loved the simplicity often found in the places humans seldom meddled in, and the connection to Spiravale the city offered was like no other.


    Lastly, it had a reputation for never¡ªever¡ªhosting mild rifts. It either veered on the side of harmlessness to a point of omittance, or grew too deadly to ignore. Bloom¡¯s Essence, it seemed, was of the latter kind.


    Twinkling lights dotted the way up ahead, cutting through the heavy dark on either side of the hovering vehicle. The car pulled into the makeshift parking lot¡ªmarked by a hovering white line that wrapped around in a broad rectangle¡ªof a blustering campsite. The place was filled to the brim with an uncountable number of tents. Fifty, at the very least. They came in all sizes, some small enough for a squad of four, others holding ample room for one hundred. A knock came from the window, and Jesal rolled it down with a simple earthward motion on the glass.


    A CAU associate¡ªeasy to tell by the golden cloud emblazoned on the cuff teasing at the hand just used not a second ago¡ªoffered a nod of the head. His smile was in equal parts forced as it was polite, though his voice betrayed any kind of ease to be found on his calm face. ¡°Apologies for bothering you without giving you a chance to settle. I promise a couple of my colleagues will show you to your compartments. I have to borrow your captain and vice-captain right away, however.¡±


    Caro¡¯s gaze flickered to Val beside her, then opposite her where Jesal sat, before settling on the red-suited man. ¡°Like¡­ now?¡±


    The man, endeared by her honest and quite apt inquiry, winced to show that he, too, hadn¡¯t wanted to impose. ¡°Like yesterday.¡±

 Chapter 60 - Blooms Essence (Part II)

    As the ivory flap of the Command Center fell away and the CAU associate gestured Val forward, one thought came to mind. Forty was such a small number in my head.


    Though there was ample room for at least double the people in the tent, the adventurers took up space by merely existing. Inside was home to mages captaining the top teams in the Second and First Halos. Of course they¡¯d carry a presence¡ªa weight to them¡ªthat was physically tangible the instant she walked in. Val had never been more glad to have a mask she could don without difficulty, hiding the way their gazes pressed at her skin through her armour. She strode in after Jesal, a mere step behind as whispers washed over the pair in a quiet wave.


    ¡°I can recognize that blue anywhere. That¡¯s ¡®em, alright.¡±


    ¡°By them, you don¡¯t mean¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yup. Age of Atera recruits. ¡®Nun of their faces ring a bell. They must be fresh.¡±


    ¡°And they¡¯ve been chosen for an expedition?¡±


    ¡°Are ya surprised?¡±


    ¡°Even the Reynor Royals weren¡¯t called upon, man. Damn right, I¡¯d be surprised.¡±


    ¡°I have a feeling we¡¯ll find out what their deal is soon enough.¡±


    Val forced herself to ignore the idle talk and instead kept her head on a swivel, staking out the new environment. Somebody¡ªshe wagered a bunch of CAU associates¡ªrolled out a dark carpet on the clay-like rock underneath their boots and furnished the Command Center with a mahogany table grand enough to intimidate anyone.


    So large was the work surface that every captain had their own spot along the perimeter, choosing to push the long benches to the edge of the tent in favour of crowding close. Whether previously discussed or solely a stroke of luck, a gap remained in the group, allowing both Jesal and Val to join the rest without a fuss.


    Four sets of eyes caught her attention. The first of which held a green very similar to Jesal¡¯s. From further down the table at the top corner, Silann¡¯s eyebrows shot to the roof of her brow as her younger cousin and former teammate waved. Her lips curled up to resemble something of a grin, and she smacked the back of her hand against the adventurer beside her.


    A Kidraan at least a head taller than the small army of adventurers gathered turned around, bewildered for the briefest moment before his blue eyes settled on Val¡¯s form. Errick ¡°Rick¡± Landry, her captain for a time, shot her a wry smile and a nod, both of which Val gladly returned. A couple of months later, she now stood amongst them as peers, no longer tested or secretly scored. It was uncanny how quickly things happened to change, with or without her say. So that¡¯s the team we¡¯re familiar with.


    Unfortunately, there was another team Val knew all too well, one that she¡¯d be perfectly fine not seeing for the remainder of the year. An orange-haired Bulwark she distinctly remembered from her time in Storm''s Keep likely shared her sentiments, seeing as he grimaced harshly upon spotting her. If nothing else, he had a moment¡¯s reprieve to prepare for when his captain¡¯s gaze snatched onto Val.


    Leah Versetti''s face darkened three measurable degrees in the same number of seconds, the muscles beneath her jaw tight as she ground her teeth.


    ¡°Man she does not let go of a grudge,¡± Jesal whispered, noticing the pure venom radiating from the water¡ªand ice?¡ªmage.


    ¡°No,¡± Val sighed, tearing her eyes away. ¡°She does not.¡±


    ¡°Stabbing you practically through and through isn¡¯t enough?¡±


    ¡°You can ask her and tell me. I¡¯m wondering the same thing at this point.¡±


    ¡°You seem too calm with this.¡±


    ¡°Seem,¡± Val emphasized. ¡°But even my patience is coming to an end.¡±


    ¡°Then she¡¯s walking on thin ice without even knowing it.¡±


    Val glanced at him sidelong and he winced, scratching the side of his face. ¡°That bad?¡±


    ¡°That bad.¡±


    She hardly had a chance to imagine if Jesal would out-pun Lowell before a booming voice rattled Val¡¯s brain in her very skull.


    ¡°The final players have arrived!¡±


    Mentally, Val understood she was observing a Novice. Broad shoulders, an air about himself that made her inherently trust him, and a stature that certified she couldn¡¯t easily shove him off his feet¡ªthere was no mistaking the fact that he was a Bulwark. But his age¡­


    Physically, he resembled a middle-aged man, with silver dusting his short-trimmed hair and white speckles within his full beard. At a glance, she measured his aether pool, determining it near one thousand. Absurd when she thought about it in terms of raw numbers, less so when she factored in his evident age. Val found it odd that a man the CAU deemed worthy of leading was unable to ascend to the next rank. Then it hit Val.


    Ascension in and of itself was hard. It seemed being surrounded by prodigies day-in and day-out warped her impression of the aetherial sphere, where making the Adept prior by mid-twenties hardly deserved praise. His years on the job warranted experience; experience hand-in-hand with capable colleagues made for an easy time. Hopefully, anyways.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this party on the road, shall we?¡± He clapped his hands twice, his head swivelling around as he appraised every one of them. ¡°My name¡¯s Pierce Whitten, and I¡¯ll be your Expedition Lead for the next couple of days. Now¡ªthe rift we¡¯ve been called to deal with is not big by any means. While that is true, our government believed it best to nip it in the bud while it was still small, and I honestly agree.¡±


    He slid a hand underneath his set of armour, rummaging through a hidden pocket until he struck gold. Seconds later, a metal disc was thrown onto the table, glueing onto the wooden surface as soon as it landed. A hissing sound cut through the focused silence. Light speared out from its center like a pillar, and that single point broadened until it formed a rectangular shape. Is that an¡­ IBR-screen?


    A figure of a monotone map grew clearer, outlining an underground cavern system that looked similar to a spider web. ¡°As you can see,¡± Whitten began, ¡°the rift has spread its claws between the caves and crevices of the rocky terrain. Some weave underground, some remain mostly above the surface. There have been twenty identified openings. Hence¡ª¡± he swept a hand at them ¡°¡ªthe reason twenty teams have been called.¡±


    ¡°Are we attacking from all sides?¡± Val asked herself in a mumble, a hand on her chin as she observed the holographic flickering in front of her.


    ¡°Right on!¡±


    Val flinched, her wide eyes meeting his amused smirk. He shot her a wink that she couldn¡¯t begin to interpret, then continued like nothing was amiss about his enthusiastic agreement. ¡°They each intersect and converge at the center, where the core of the rift is located. Teams will be assigned to a certain entrance, assembling with other squads as the paths connect.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one issue here, Whitten,¡± Rick spoke up, and his low-timbre voice immediately stole the attention of the room. Shoulders shifted to grab the best view of the dark-skinned Bulwark, and heads tilted forward at a chance to hear his rebuttal. ¡°Coordination will probably be the key to success for this mission. We¡¯ll be dead in the water without some way or method to talk to the other nineteen groups traversing the rift.¡±


    ¡°Correct, correct. That¡¯s why the CAU so graciously lent us their trained messengers,¡± Whitten replied. ¡°Your written letters will be carried off the backs of Windsnappers. Should those be ineffective, the squads chosen for this expedition have Hunters or some equivalent. Send them instead. The expectation is to communicate with the teams in adjacent entrances nightly.¡±


    He bobbed his head. ¡°Understood.¡±


    A strong urge to shake her head wryly at the mention of the Windsnappers overcame Val. After all, it was the very same speedy bunny she''d spent an hour tracking down in the Tripartite Trial alongside her five-man squad, narrowly killing it despite laying a trap. The association couldn''t have chosen a better beast to train. Messages wouldn''t take long to go from track to track.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ¡°Okay! Moving onwards to the main reason I gathered you here today,¡± the Auricean Bulwark supplied. ¡°Some of you will have to be working together sooner rather than later, as these paths converge pretty often and pretty soon once we begin our way inside. It''s been decided to group you together to make life easier and our jobs a bit more efficient. Here are your pods, so listen up. Errick Landry, Leah Versetti, and Jesal Haldar. Your teams will be clearing Tracks A to C respectively. That good with you?¡±


    ¡°My squad has an idea on how both teams operate, so it¡¯s rather perfect actually,¡± Jesal voiced, while Silann simply nodded her assent. That left one team to clear the suggestion and move on to the rest of the tracks, and yet an eyebrow-raising quiet stretched on among the captains.


    Concern etched its way across Whitten¡¯s already furrowed forehead. ¡°And you, Versetti?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust Efron with my life,¡± she spat. ¡°Not with a father like Raven.¡±


    Hushed murmurs were set alight as recognition shone brightly in the eyes of the secondborns. Val stilled as twenty-something people turned to her¡ªa few frowning, others covering their mouths as a gasp escaped them unbidden, and most simply shaking their heads in wonder.


    She could only guess what went through their minds as they tried to reconcile the charming, chestnut-haired and golden-eyed captain many knew Raven Efron as with the calm mage weathering the distinct shift in mood in bleak fashion: her arms crossed and her expression bare.


    She couldn¡¯t hide everything, this time around though. Her gaze drifted to meet Versetti¡¯s opposite of her, and while not a single muscle in her face twitched, Val knew her irises blazed. Not alight due to the Mage¡¯s Mark, nor alit because of a poorly-timed casting of Vague View. No¡ªit was the kind that stemmed from ire barely leashed.


    ¡°Valory,¡± Sil said, a warning.


    Why was it her that had to be called in check? Why did she have to be the reasonable one of the two? Val was getting tired accommodating the needs of her peers for her awkward presence¡ªfor always having to explain one thing or the other for little reason. Can¡¯t even return an insult these days, can I?


    A long inhale chilled her stormful thoughts at once. Should she rise to the barb the minute Versetti brought up her Dad¡¯s case, she¡¯d play right into her hands. That was the last thing Val planned to do and so, with an equally lengthy breath out, she let her lips curl upwards in a placating smile and canted her head to the side.


    ¡°What does a parent''s past actions have to do with their child¡¯s present ones?¡± Whitten asked, not directly to Versetti, his eyes seeking the attention of every captain in the room. ¡°Oftentimes¡ªsomething, just not so in this case. If you believe for a second that the CAU hadn¡¯t picked the damn best and finest of the crop, then you best leave right now.¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°Right,¡± Whitten snorted. ¡°Now, should no one have an applicable reason to refuse, I ask again. Teams Landry, Versetti, and Haldar¡ªare you on board?¡±


    ¡°Always have been,¡± was Rick¡¯s response.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Jesal said.


    Versetti, clearly having more to say, grunted her approval and left it at that.


    ¡°Good enough for me.¡± The Expedition Lead shrugged, going on to list the remaining pods for Tracks D to T, sprinkling in additional information when he considered it necessary. Eventually, his debrief led him to his final piece of information for the night.


    ¡°Ever wonder how such a dreary place earned a colourful name like Bloom¡¯s Essence?¡± In the presence of no responses, Whitten detached a piece of equipment from his toolbelt and held it up for all to see, and it was then that Val could recognize it for what it was¡ªa mask. ¡°In the crevices and caves, the place is filled with an array of lustrous flowers throughout. Unfortunately, they excrete poisonous, invisible toxins.


    ¡°First it puts you to sleep, then it slowly inhibits your bodily functions until your heart stops beating and your lungs cease breathing. It¡¯s dangerous to even catch a whiff without these masks.¡± A sharp grin slashed across his face. ¡°Can anyone guess what these flowers are called?¡±


    ¡°Bloom¡¯s... Essence?¡± Sil¡¯s dry reply cracked a smile on the majority of captains, her indifference measured up against Whitten¡¯s firecracker energy creating an almost comedic affair.


    The Expedition Lead snapped his fingers with a flourish. ¡°Dead on! Hand these out to your teammates if you want to live and kindly explain the course of actions that are to come tomorrow. That¡¯s it for today, folks. See you bright and early.¡±


    ¡­


    Would it be considered weird to be thankful that an otherwise death-dealing rift existed for the sole reason of being a part of an expedition? Perhaps thankful wasn¡¯t the right term, yet some type of non-negative feelings welled up in Val¡¯s chest at the thought of just standing here.


    Under the constellations of stars so plentiful, it seemed like an explosion of astral energy spanned the midnight sky above, a fitting roof for the tens of adventurers and associates alike flitting from place to place. Val spotted three to four medic-for-hires as she wove through the tight walkways between the tents, making note of the golden bands stitched onto their upper arms.


    Soon the narrow alleys gave way to a broad path, widening further to accommodate what she could only deem an outdoor hub. The scent of freshly grilled meat teased at her stomach, the prospect confirmed as she spotted food tents lining the left-most area. A roaring flame reaching a dozen feet high every ten seconds like clockwork soon caught her attention. She would¡¯ve registered it as a spell if not for the chunks of logs assembled at the bottom and the wooden benches wrapped around its perimeter. The size of that campfire sure is something¡­


    ¡°Look,¡± Jesal pointed towards the food tents. Most of Hammer Squad waited in line at a smore¡¯s station, Bo and Aeron not too far behind as they struck up a conversation with Caro. One more completed their group of four, and it was upon squinting that she made out Mikhail¡ªformerly known as Williams¡ªa fellow participant of the Tripartite Trials.


    Val made it two steps before a high-pitched voice she could regrettably place anywhere stopped her right in her tracks. ¡°How about a round two?¡±


    Once again, Versetti worded it precisely so those who overheard¡ªspecifically adventurers¡ªcouldn''t help but pause and listen. She blazed a path toward Val, presumably hot on her trail since the captains left Central Command to deal with their personal affairs. ¡°It¡¯s never a bad day to teach Raven¡¯s daughter a lesson.¡±


    Val matched her pace, meeting right in the middle of the path just outside the outdoor hub. She was officially done; the last of her waning patience shrivelled and disappeared. ¡°One,¡± she hissed. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say my Dad¡¯s name again. Ever. And two¡ªreally? It¡¯s like twelve in the night, and we commuted for hours to get here. Hell, you came from the Second Halo. Aren¡¯t you tired?¡±


    Versetti threw a slight shrug her way. ¡°I say it¡¯ll boost morale, seeing as everyone will get to know what their captains are capable of. Right people?¡±


    Adventurers were gathering at the call out, whistling their agreements, a few even going so far as to shout.


    ¡°Unless,¡± Leah drawled, ¡°you want to duck out?¡± She neared Val¡¯s face and whispered, ¡°No different from your mother in that respect. I¡¯m glad she¡¯s gone.¡±


    <hr>


    As tame as Val usually was, the icy sheen that came over her imperturbable friend somewhat alarmed Caro. A small smile spread across her face as if she was contemplating between a velvet or a chocolate cake. Then she slid her hands into her pockets.


    Caro¡¯s internal siren began to blare.


    Perhaps unbeknownst to Val herself, she had certain gestures that told Caro a little of what was going on inside that mysterious head of hers. Fiddling with any of her earrings relayed that she was uncomfortable in some sort, a hand through her hair conveyed she was stressed, but the hands in pocket gesture? That indicated she was calm.


    Calm meant one of two things concerning Val. Either she had no qualms with what was occurring, or she was going to make sure she had no qualms within the next five minutes. Normally it was the former, just your everyday Valory making sure the strife in both her life and everyone around her was to a minimum. So why did Caro have a hunch that it was the latter, at the moment? Just what did Leah say?


    Before Caro could stop whichever internal factor of Val''s from resolving into irreversible action, she cracked her mouth open. ¡°Morale, you say?¡± Val reached over the shoulder to unsheathe her weapon and the sound cut through the everbuilding tension. Hammer Squad and Rick¡¯s crew froze in place. Most of the young Horizon''s Silence team, including Mike, wore a tired wince. To everyone¡¯s surprise¡ªand Caro¡¯s eternal relief¡ªVal walked away, blade in hand. Caro could¡¯ve sworn Sil exhaled from behind the pair of arguing Strikers, which was considerably odd for the typically apathetic Support.


    Then Val paused and dug her sword into the rocky ground as if it were a shovel, on a path toward the empty, courtyard-like space not up to fifty meters away from the massive fire. Her sword remained in the ground, carving a deep line in her wake. A circle, Caro amended privately as she watched the metal mage curve in once a stretch too far. ¡°A Duelist Ring,¡± someone whispered before Caro could put the thought together.


    A corner of Versetti¡¯s lips lifted in a sneer. ¡°What do we need a ring for? I mean, I guess you couldn¡¯t land a single blow on me last time. It makes sense if you need to make it small enough for your lousy aim.¡±


    ¡°Oh please. Don¡¯t flatter yourself.¡± Val glanced at Leah without so much as a lick of amusement. ¡°It¡¯s to ensure you don¡¯t run.¡±


    Oooh girl. This was definitely the latter. About half of the campsite was gathered now, a mere glance enough to tell. When Caro spotted the Expedition Lead, she believed the spectacle to be as good as over. Then a grin¡ªmuch identical to one she¡¯d wear if she wasn¡¯t so freaking worried¡ªdashed that hope far into the night sky. The ink had settled and there was no stopping it. So, Caro cupped her hands around her mouth and screamed the one thing on her mind since her go at Storm¡¯s Keep. ¡°You beat that bitch to hell and back Val!¡±

 Chapter 61 - Steel Arbiter (Part I)

    Classic Caro. Her cheer was just enough to stir a small smile on Val¡¯s face, and it did wonders for the tentative atmosphere. Almost at once, people took her encouragement as a sign to go ahead and let the fun happen, rowdiness and all.


    An older lady was quick to set up shop¡ªher shop being an extra-long log near the campfire¡ªwhere bets were placed and rednotes were gambled away. People flung insults both ways as they closed in. A wall of bodies formed about the hastily drawn boundaries, each adventurer rallying behind either Striker. Ironically, it made the whole affair actually morale-boosting.


    Versetti let loose a low snort some fifty feet away, drawing Val¡¯s gaze. She threw an easy smirk towards the colleagues at her back, sauntering further into the restricted space and Val¡¯s drawn Duelist Ring. The act marred Val¡¯s mirth swiftly, plunging her into the killing calm Caro temporarily snapped her out of.


    Repetition can make even the most extreme seem normal if done over and over¡­ and over again. It was why when she exited the warmth of Ash Forest earlier on in the year, the snow-crested buildings and the blanketed streets appeared out of place. After days inside the rift, literal trees on fire seemed more in tune with reality than snow in winter.


    It might¡¯ve been the cause of Val''s numbness surrounding the teamwipe that stole the whole of Raven Efron¡¯s squad. In these past nearly six years, she learnt to build a resistance to the entire situation. Sometimes, the tiniest sliver of her brain didn¡¯t blame them.


    Not for the surprise when someone mentioned his name.


    Not for the whispers begotten upon recognition.


    Not for the insults.


    If everyone save for Raven Efron¡¯s daughter claimed he killed up to seven people, the stigma that came with it was no cause for alarm. It could be categorized as normal, even. Naturally, that argument could be shot down with a little common sense. Brook¡ªher social media specialist¡ªsaid it best.


    Should people take the time to sit down and give it a good look, they¡¯d realize a lot of things simply didn¡¯t add up. Number one was the fact that the Ciazen Adventurer Union cleared his name of any implication and crime. But, as already realized, repetition is a powerful thing¡­ and the news had been blaring his misdeeds to the public the second he left this side of Spiravale.


    Today, however, was the first time someone ever brought her mother into this, as well as the first time she¡¯d heard grateful feelings toward Mom''s curse-like predicament. She wasn''t there because she couldn¡¯t be there. Her metaphysical body was ripping her to shreds from the inside out the moment she was born, only worsened not due to her mismanagement, but the poorly thought-out actions of doctors.


    And Versetti was glad?


    Val very much welcomed the eerie focus that fell over her senses, ridding her of any indecision. She snapped her sword into its sheath on her back and waited for her opponent to tread into the inscribed Duelist Ring.


    Versetti wore the colours of Dad¡¯s guild, a white athletic suit that mimicked something a Hunter would wear, alongside a light-orange poncho on top. A tube sat across her back, no different than a great sword in size and stature. It reminded Val of Aeron¡¯s struggle to constantly fill it up with water in the Dark Mineshaft¡ªno doubt that Versetti found the same struggles here. In the grand scheme of things, though, it hardly mattered. She lost once to this person.


    Never again.


    <hr>


    Leah made sure to smile. A laugh at a comment here, a chuckle at a cheer there. These were her people. They had also been her parent¡¯s people. Any other day, she¡¯d take the thought, put it into one of the many compartments in her mind, and close it before it could fester.


    Today, the face of her loss¡ªthe embodiment of what was saved when so much was given up¡ªstood on the other side. Ma and Pa as well as four other adventures ripped to shreds to give the Efron family a chance to survive. And there Valory was, clothed in full black combat-wear, with protective metal plates for her vitals, and her rather useless chain¡ªpale blue in colour¡ªwrapped around her left forearm.


    Her expression spoke of murder, and it only made Leah¡¯s lip twitch lose control. She¡¯d never met someone with so much self-righteousness¡ªthe urge to slap it off her face was hard to ignore. The stifled sighs, the placating smile, the piercing glare in Center of Command¡ªLeah was getting rather tired of Valory¡¯s holier-than-thou attitude.


    There was a reason why the name Efron evoked a cacophony from any educated adventurer living in the Second Halo. Charismatic as they were, they lie, cheat and kill their way to what they want. Raven did it, and it appeared that Valory already was on that same path, seeing as things seemingly lined up for her.


    Leah wasn¡¯t stupid. Valory¡¯s teammates were the real deal. Chances were, any of them could beat her in a fight within a minute. The quiet pair¡ªthe short, curly-haired Kidraan and the even shorter blue-eyed Auricean¡ªchilled her to the core. One glance told her she wouldn¡¯t last up to ten seconds. A quick search on the web to verify her hunch resulted in Leah¡¯s eyes bulging out of her head.


    Kylee Lenson, granddaughter of the Seer, tri-bound diviner, genius of a Support, heir apparent to the Lenson Clan¡ªthe list of titles went on forever.


    Jesal Haldar, previously the heir apparent to the Haldar Clan, though from what she gathered through her research, it appeared he spent the better half of his gap year to rectify that. The inheritance now lay in the hands of his eldest sister, thrown away for a reason Leah won¡¯t ever understand. Wielding gravity and amplification as elements marked him as one of the best possible mages one could have in the backline.


    Ekon Nightingale, a possible heir of his family. Ultra-talented in close combat, and decked out in enough alchemic goods to drown the regular person in their wealth.


    Carielle Hayes. Ugh¡ªfull stop.


    Alessio Azotus¡ªa variable. Nothing much was said about the timid Bulwark.


    Even still, half of Valory¡¯s team were guaranteed powerhouses in the combat week little over two months away, more so in the upcoming Spring Tourney. If she wanted to, Valory could very well travel to the sky off the back of her squadmates, and that was assuming she wasn¡¯t doing so already.


    Admission into Thales Academy, a seat in Age of Atera, a room in Runic Mead¡ªwhat the actual hell did Valory do to deserve any of it? It must be one of the Efron shenanigans at work once again.


    Leah would happily be the one to remind Valory that life didn¡¯t work that way. With actions came consequences; rewards were the result of hard work. Regardless of her guile and wit, in an Elemental Exchange, things were even and set straight.


    So, it was with a broad grin that she stepped past the thin line and was swallowed by the jittery crowd. Valory crouched low, plucking a rock from the deep-red terrain underneath. She tilted her head up and held a hand out. ¡°I¡¯ll throw this up. We start when it touches the ground on its way down. Do you mind if I use Aetherial Reinforcement to send this high enough to get a good counter?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Valory rose back to her full length, her view clear of any stray strands with her hair tightly plaited into dual-braids. ¡°Good.¡±


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Blue blossomed in the girls¡¯ eyes as they both resorted to an Aetherial Art¡ªthe thrower, energy enhancement, and the watcher, Vague View. Leah let herself marvel at her opponent¡¯s improved use of the art. Aether strands solely flowed to the muscles involved in the throw, isolating the action and minimizing energy waste.


    She clicked her tongue. This wasn¡¯t the same Striker she trounced in Storm¡¯s Keep. Leah could admit that much, her head tilting upwards to catalogue its peak. It reached some fifty meters in the air before its velocity began to peter out. She pulled her eyes away from the impressive throw and instead, glanced at the ground below.


    The Elemental Gate of Water barely scraped in being the top five elemental influence on the land. A quick look revealed umber-brown, verdant-green, grey, and the faintest hints of golden-yellow elemental traces permeating the area. Earth, plants, air, and light, Leah sighed privately to herself, minutely glad the time lessened light¡¯s influence.


    She breathed in; the meter-long tube shifted a little. Correction¡ªthe water inside the tube moved, swaying in time of her existence. She keyed to a portable water source, knowing she¡¯d be hard-pressed to find any in the semi-dry rift. That didn¡¯t mean she hadn¡¯t felt the slightest call in the ground beneath. A card to keep for hard times. If hard times ever came, that was.


    A whistling sound cut through her thoughts. The rock had begun its descent. Valory flourished her drawn sword. Leah widened her stance, her hands open at her hips.


    Crack! Splintered pieces of rocks shot in every direction once the timer smacked the ground, and the following four things happened so quickly, that Leah wouldn¡¯t be sure even after the fight which came when.


    Valory struck her blade into the ground at touchdown, grabbing for her toolbelt.


    Call of Water! A small river surged out of Leah¡¯s tube, looping around her waist. She had made sure to pull every drop of water in the ground as close to the surface as possible simultaneously, ensuring its handy distance with her advanced Tier 2 spell.


    Her opponent engaged in another round of energy enhancement and let loose fifteen oblong, metal objects. They mimicked the counter, rocketing in several different directions.


    Marking the attack, Leah changed gears at once. Water Limbs! The rudimentary Tier 2 spell flowed seamlessly, and she gained large octopus limbs, quadrupling her own forearms¡¯ diameter and width. Her arms made an ¡®X¡¯ across her front in preparation for¡ª


    ¡°Shard Bomb!¡±


    Well, not that. Regardless, the defensive move helped avoid what appeared as thousands of sharp, metal pieces zipping her way. Many were caught in the water, slowed and nullified. Several bit in her leather armour, and two received blood for their efforts.


    ¡°Metal Manipulation.¡±


    A strained gasp escaped Leah as the shards wiggled, vibrated, and ejected themself out of her vicinity¡ªincluding her flesh. In fact, all the shrapnel, many of which remained in mid-flight, ceased their movement and simply collapsed to the ground. What on Spiravale¡­?


    Leah had little time to question her opponent''s motives. Frames played out in her mind, and she expressed as such, lipping the incantation to her next attack.


    Water Ejection!


    Ice Formation!


    Twisting, she lashed out with Water Limbs. Two ice scythes, solid as concrete, flew out of the water, forming a deathly plus sign en route to cut down her opponent. Valory took a step to the left, narrowly missing one. In the same breath, she unearthed her blade and chopped the horizontal wave of mass in half. They split in the air, also missing her by a hair¡¯s breadth.


    Before Leah could blink, Valory raised a hand to the sky¡ªas if going for a high-five¡ªand brought it low. The metal shards, akin to liquid, pretty much melted until they became puddles in the ground. The deformed shards attached to one another, creating a solid layer of cold steel on the field.


    Leah could physically feel her access to the water dim. That sly bit¡ª


    A spray of stray dust shot up¡ªpresumably what was left on the Metal Striker¡¯s boot¡ªas she took off like a bullet. Still engaged in Vague View, Leah recognized the expert use of energy enhancement at work, though this time adjusted for agility instead of strength. She utilized the three seconds Valory required to cross the fifty-meter yard to gauge her options.


    First off: her conjuration skills sucked, so that was a hard no. Besides, three seconds¡ªlittle more than two seconds now¡ªleft hardly any time for lengthy incantation.


    Worse, she ejected what little water she possessed, not considering Val''s surprising speed. Small amounts of water meant a small amount of room to weave in her invocation-based maneuvers.


    That left one option¡ªturn her current arsenal into ice daggers and duke it out the old-fashioned way.


    And so, when Valory opened the close-combat parley with a diagonal slash, Leah brought up two ice daggers¡ªeach as long as her forearms¡ªto block. The pale blue saber caught in the jagged ice blades, leaving Valory right where Leah wanted her.


    She released her hold, uncrossing her weapons. Valory stumbled forward and ate a kick to the stomach. Leah hid a grimace as her combat boot struck a metal plate, whirling around to bring both blades at her opponent¡¯s head. Valory ducked and twisted, bringing her sword around in a compact sweep Leah barely avoided by melting a dagger. She refroze the liquid just as the blade took her in the chest, shattering one of two weapons, but keeping her standing.


    For two quiet minutes, a Striker wielding one dagger and another wielding one blade went at it with ruthless abandon. Their attacks went straight for the vitals, with no care of whether their opponent could generate a way to hinder a death-dealing blow. Leah made use of her water, and Valory relied on her quirky sense to see everything.


    The stalemate could run for only so long, and the turning point came without warning. Leah took a side step to dodge an eviscerating slash when something caught on her leg.


    Cold, bulbous at points, and long¡ªa chain captured her ankle, and a frantic attempt to reevaluate her surroundings highlighted the now-missing piece on Valory¡¯s left arm. Leah tripped out of her movement, managing to keep her feet beneath her.


    The heel of a boot cracked against her skull, and the whiplash knocked her back. As she belatedly realized a low roundhouse kick did her in, she hardly had time to block the hilt thrust that pushed her flat onto the ground.


    She managed to get her arms under her fall, but a coldsteel blade came flying in after her, just shy of her left eye. Leah¡¯s pupils shrunk to the point of a pencil, stuck on the sword a mere inch away from taking her through the face. It was that thought that brought on the realization. I¡­ lost.


    It didn¡¯t seem to register for both parties, though. If Valory lifted her head, she¡¯d spot the rainbow of Mage''s Marks rippling through the crowd the instant she raised her weapon¡ªshouts ripped out of tens of throats.


    Down came the saber. A line of red opened up on Leah¡¯s pale skin, the ring of a blade recently striking a hard ground sharp in her ears. Valory left her sword embedded in the earthen floor and drew close, nose to nose.


    Leah finally got it in her head to push off her hands¡ªa steel grip took hold of her neckline and shoved her back into the ground. ¡°Stop squirming and listen closely.¡±


    Pale white glimmered in the Metal Striker¡¯s irises, bright and all-consuming. It was the single thing she stared into as¡­ something wrapped around her thoughts¡ªno, thoughts wasn¡¯t it. She needed to think to feel, and she sure as hell felt something weave its way to the deepest parts of herself and force her to stop moving.


    Valory¡¯s word was law. She wouldn¡¯t¡ªcouldn¡¯t¡ªdare break it. The very proposition felt incapable of happening. So Leah did as was stated: she didn¡¯t squirm and took it upon herself to listen.


    ¡°Leave my family name out of your mouth. Don¡¯t so much as whisper it,¡± Valory seethed. ¡°I get it. What happened to your family was a tragedy, but it was a tragedy for mine too. You don¡¯t see me stabbing your little sister in the gut, do you?¡±


    Valory released her hold and grunted, pushing off her knees to her feet. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to move on¡ªI will never impose a timeline for what you went through, because there simply isn¡¯t one. I¡¯m asking you to grow the hell up. Cope without the anger. Or at least shove it down someone else¡¯s throat. I¡¯m done with it. I¡¯m done.¡±


    Upwards of thirty spikes rose from the metal-covered ground at Val¡¯s behest, rising, pivoting and rearing their sharp ends at Leah. It felt like she was in the mouth of a coldsteel wyvern, waiting to be devoured. Leah swallowed a dry lump past her throat. Message received. Her eyes traced back to the ice in Val¡¯s eyes, the odd light gone entirely from the world.


    The instant it disappeared, the metal mage brought a hand to her brow, her feet catching on thin air on her way out. The subtle stumble drew Leah¡¯s gaze. It was the kind you got from lightheadedness or a blaring headache, both of which were signs of a rebound. That meant whatever she experienced was a spell. The white eyes, the hand-like grasp on an incorporeal piece of Leah¡ªthat was a speechless spell, without a physical signal.


    She barely had time to go through the possibilities of which element it might¡¯ve been before the crowd exploded with excitement, leaving her staring after Valory, her mouth left open in unabated shock, confusion and¡ªsurprisingly¡ªawe¡­


    Saints. Valory might just be dual-bound, and she hadn''t needed both of her elements to beat Leah today.


    Whispers of a name, something along the lines of ¡°Steel Arbiter,¡± tickled at Leah¡¯s ears as one thought came to mind. Huh¡­ she¡¯s not that bad of a fighter.

 Chapter 61 - Steel Arbiter (Part II)

    Val sighed for the umpteenth time through her nose, detaching the buckles of her sheathed sword and sliding it off the left shoulder. It clunked onto the hardwood desk, as if it too wanted to get in on the buzz filling the expedition site.


    She didn¡¯t think the bout was that impressive, except everyone else seemed to believe otherwise. The Expedition Lead, the adventurers she¡¯d only just met, and her squadmates brimming with excitement behind her could do with a round three.


    ¡°Hell to the yes, Val!¡± Caro hollered, showcasing Val¡¯s exact thoughts. ¡°That was so satisfying to watch. Like you have no idea.¡±


    Sighing once again, Val turned to face her team and could only shake her head wryly. No one set up their sleeping bags, too busy smiling at her unpacking for the day. The CAU offered them a thirty-by-thirty tent, paired with a carpet soft enough that none of them wore their boots for a second longer than necessary.


    Deflated beds marked the left side of the room¡ªsave for Ekon''s, who mumbled things better left unsaid as he tussled with his own¡ªleaving the other end free for them to huddle in open space and grin. She raised an eyebrow. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Jesal echoed, scoffing at her question. ¡°Do we need to explain? I mean you just took down your rival.¡±


    It was Val¡¯s turn to scoff. ¡°We¡¯re not rivals.¡±


    ¡°Ex-best friends. Adventurer buddies. Dueling partners. Doesn¡¯t matter, Val.¡± Jesal thumbed the zipped-up line that counted as a door. ¡°If you checked the odds, almost no one had their cards on you winning, and less attempted to bet money. And you won.¡±


    Caro nodded with scary vigour. ¡°Effortlessly, might I add.¡±


    ¡°Now I don¡¯t know about effortlessly,¡± Val mumbled.


    Ekon groaned, dropping into his newly made bed. ¡°Just take the compliment, Efron. A good fight¡¯s a good fight.¡±


    A small smile finally made its way up Val¡¯s face. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Without a doubt,¡± Otis pitched in, further reinforced by Kylee¡¯s minute bob of the head. The support looked like she had a comment to add, but Val would have to hear it later as the door unzipped itself.


    In popped a head full of auburn hair, and calm, hazel eyes to match. ¡°Val! Didn¡¯t know you had it in ya!¡±


    ¡°Aeron, hey,¡± Val waved at the water Anchor, gesturing both him and Sil inside. ¡°What brings you two here?¡±


    ¡°That was a wicked showing out there. Had to give my congrats in person,¡± he said, his lips curling upwards. ¡°You stopped our hearts with that little sword thing you did at the end, there.¡±


    Val clicked her tongue. ¡°Yeah, well I was pissed off.¡±


    ¡°Valory Efron¡ªpissed off. Never thought I¡¯d see the day,¡± Aeron quipped, quickly greeting Caro with a side hug. ¡°It¡¯s as likely as getting Sil to admit she likes me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, shut it.¡±


    The water Anchor winced at the quiet tone and steel-laced voice, causing Val to snigger behind a hand. The wind-lightning mage strode in, and Val stood still, at a loss as to why Sil blazed a path towards her. That was until she opened her arms and pulled Val close for an embrace. ¡°Good job. If you hadn¡¯t punched her teeth in¡ª¡± she stepped back, her eyes ablaze ¡°¡ªI would¡¯ve.¡±


    ¡°I mean technically you still can¡­¡± Caro said with a shrug. ¡°I, for one, will be glad to see that tonight, if need be.¡±


    ¡°Stop instigating things,¡± Sil replied, not bothering to look back.


    Caro shot the woman a salute. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    That got a good laugh from everyone, and seamless banter like that passed for some time. The Anchor-Support pair took to the desk, while the rest of Hammer Squad got to setting up their beds. As nice as Val found it nice to cool down after the eventful night, her friends gathered in one tent chatting away, they were here on serious business.


    It was Sil to remind them. ¡°The real reason I¡¯m here is to make sure your captains, Jes and Val, give you a proper explanation of what to expect going in.¡±


    Silence fell at once, and she rewarded their attention with a brief nod. ¡°You guys are going into your first expedition. This will be planned. There will be backup. However, you must always keep in mind that you are here because the government deemed it too dangerous for your peers. That doesn''t make it any less dangerous for you, understand?¡±


    A chorus of ¡°yeah¡± and ¡°understood¡± answered her. ¡°Good,¡± she said. Her gaze cut to Val, then to her cousin. ¡°Captains?¡±


    ¡°We treat this like every other dungeon,¡± Jesal began, standing up from the floor-level sleeping bag to take a spot in front of everyone. ¡°We¡¯re heads-up and we stay focused.¡±


    Val joined him, her expression hard. ¡°Some things we¡¯ll be different though. For one, we kill every aether creature in sight. Every single one. And two, we don¡¯t harvest their cores, their pelts¡ªnothing.¡±


    ¡°We want to clear this dungeon as fast as possible, and we¡¯re on a timer. So, some steps have been removed, including looting. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Jesal added just as mouths started opening to object. ¡°Our routes have been marked. Associates will gather what¡¯s left behind for us.¡±


    ¡°In areas where we¡¯re in our pods with Rick¡¯s crew and Versetti¡¯s squad¡ª¡±


    ¡°Wait, we¡¯re in Leah¡¯s pod?¡± Caro hissed.


    ¡°¡ªit¡¯ll be split into three,¡± Val continued, turning a blind ear to the interjection. ¡°If there are multiple pods, then it¡¯ll be split by the present teams. A second force team of associates is always behind us, dealing with Bloom''s Essence. We won¡¯t have them with us to detoxify the air, so these masks will do it for us.¡±


    Jesal hoisted the very same mask Whitten showed around in the Command Center. It harboured these clunky boxes on either side, a clear section where the eyes were supposed to go and a white cloth to cover the nose. ¡°These remain on at all times except in cleared, stationed camps set up. There¡¯s been an earth mage assigned to every pod to help ensure we can build a safe spot to rest, recoup, and regather. That also means we¡¯re expected to carry our weight in terms of watch rotations.¡±


    Groans rang out at the mere mention of surveillance shifts. ¡°It¡¯s a necessary evil,¡± Val said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even evil,¡± Jesal murmured under his breath. ¡°Just plain necessary.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the area already be cleared?¡± Caro asked. ¡°We would¡¯ve killed everything in the vicinity and we still have to stay up. For what, ghosts?¡±


    Sil chuckled as she got up to her feet, patting both captains on her way to the exit. ¡°I leave this for you to deal with. Aeron, you coming?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right behind you.¡± He pushed off the desk he was leaning on, and ambled over to his teammate. The pair zipped the tent downwards and instead of stepping out, the pair took two steps backwards. Val turned their way, hoping to catch what made them do so.


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Versetti stepped in, her gaze flitting about until it landed on her target. ¡°Valory, could I talk to you outside?¡±


    Caro outright laughed. ¡°If I¡¯d known a good slap was what you needed for a civilized conversation, I woulda done it myself.¡±


    Versetti cut her a mean glare. ¡°Bitch.¡±


    ¡°Asshole.¡±


    ¡°Loser.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± Val spoke up, afraid the curse-off might snowball into something else altogether. ¡°We can speak.¡±


    ¡°Great, let¡¯s¡ª¡± Versetti began.


    ¡°Here,¡± Val said. ¡°We can speak here. Out with it.¡±


    She blinked, looking around at the company present. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°We can leave if needed,¡± Sil offered, and Aeron underpinned the suggestion with a sad smile.


    ¡°No. I trust those here, so anything she needs to say can be said. Here.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she said on an exhale, wringing her fingers. ¡°I just want to say that I get that it¡¯s a shitty situation for the both of us¡ªI get that. You have to admit, though, that it was a win-win situation for your dad. You could afford a top-notch school! Your mom could get her treatment! Vexal prep couldn¡¯t kick you out after Deduction Day because¡ª¡±


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Stop,¡± Val said, although to anybody else it sounded more like a whisper. She had her build-up. There was a spark, and it set it afire, leaving nothing except the hollow reminder that it wouldn¡¯t bring him back.


    Wouldn¡¯t bring back either of them. She accepted it¡ªdealt with it. Only she really could do without the constant reminders.


    ¡°Every one of his constant worries, gone in one expedition,¡± Versetti plowed on.


    ¡°Just stop. Please,¡± Val sighed. ¡°He left a wife behind with three kids. He left his kids behind with no parents. He left his legacy behind, marred. He will never get to see any of his children graduate. He will never get to see his partner healed, never get to grow old, never get to do anything he could¡¯ve done if he were here.


    ¡°My mom continues to get treatment¡ªfine, I''ll admit that¡¯s something positive. In four years the funding runs out, and I was aware of that six years ago. So yeah, my school was paid off, but I¡¯ve been working despite that, raising two brothers in spite of that because she¡¯s bedridden. Has been since before the tragedy, and still is now.


    ¡°So don¡¯t stand there and call my dad¡¯s death a win-win. It wasn¡¯t, and it won¡¯t ever be,¡± Val said, her breathing even, her arms crossed.


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t know. I thought she¡ª¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter what you thought. Didn¡¯t give you the right to spread false rumours, and it didn¡¯t give you the right to use me as your punching bag,¡± Val cut in. A weight she hadn¡¯t realized existed lifted off her chest. It was¡­ freeing. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    Versetti swallowed, rubbing at the back of her neck. ¡°While I won¡¯t apologize¡ª¡±


    ¡°Fine by me,¡± Val huffed.


    ¡°¡ªI do understand a bit better, though. I do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± Val said, and she meant it. Feelings aside, the root of this was the rift, not Dad. The more people grasped the concept, the more people rendered the true story. And that was everything she could ask for. ¡°Anything else?¡± she asked once more.


    Versetti looked to be fighting the urge to respond, her mouth opening and closing shut on repeat. A gut feeling, however, told her it was worth saying. ¡°What element was that back there? In the fight?¡±


    Val canted her head to the side. ¡°Uh¡­ metal?¡±


    ¡°No no, not that,¡± she replied. ¡°The thing you did at the end. Your eyes went white and it felt like¡­ I don¡¯t know, it felt like a command straight to the soul.¡±


    ¡°Leah, c¡¯mon,¡± Caro shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re drinking on the job?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s got you spouting all this nonsense?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you be quiet for once in your life?¡± Versetti hissed, her attention returning to Val. ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡±


    ¡°And I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Val answered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t?¡± she asked, combing a hand through her light-brown hair. Free from its tight ponytail, it fell a little past her shoulders, halfway to being disheveled. Her eyes roamed the muscles on Val¡¯s blank face and a calculating spark twinkled in her eyes before the brightest of smiles lit the room. ¡°By the saints¡­ You really don¡¯t know.¡±


    A command. Soul. Words. It slammed back to Val like a punch straight to the stomach. The Speartailed Scorpion¡¯s sudden death after strung together a semi-coherent sentence. The drained Aetherial Vessel. The blackout. ¡°Tell me what you saw.¡±


    ¡°Oh no. No no,¡± she chuckled, backing out of the tent. ¡°I don¡¯t get to be angry. At least let me have my fun.¡±


    ¡°Fun?¡± Sil asked.


    ¡°Valory knows just what I¡¯m talking about. Or does she?¡± Versetti gave a playful shrug. ¡°I guess she has to figure that out, and that is so not my problem. Toodles!¡±


    Val watched as one chapter of her life closed, and another old one reopened. Her lingering inkling was right. Something was off about her awakening. Something did happen during that disaster in the Darkshaft. And the key to solving the mind-numbing headache lay in the last set of hands Val would ever choose. Just great.


    <hr>


    ¡°Chained Lances!¡±


    Fifty of Val¡¯s aether strands departed her as two rods, a meter in length, popped into existence. Without delay, they rushed across the underground cavern to impale two earth elementals. One rod struck through and through, fixing it to the ground. The other embedded into what appeared as the torso of the earthen being¡ªit was hard to tell when it was a humanoid conglomerate of rocks¡ªand Val took advantage, reeling it in.


    It left haphazard lines in the dirt as it tried to jerk away. Val met it halfway, spearing her saber right past its core, highlighted in incandescent blue thanks to Vague View. At once, the rocks fell apart, no longer part of a higher being. Pushing the remainder of her aether pool into energy enhancement, she took off after the leftover elemental.


    It had just begun to realize that separating and reforming itself proved a suitable solution to its predicament when Val¡¯s weapon came down on its aether-based heart. It never got the chance to reassemble. Taking the liberty to look around, she chanced upon her frontline teammates finishing up on their end.


    Ekon went head to head with a plant-aligned snake that Val wanted no business with. Even sans magic, it rivaled¡ªand bested¡ªVal¡¯s speed. Add in the Sling Viper¡¯s ability to conjure two-inch-tall stalks to catapult itself around its victim and its fatal venom, and you have a match of the ages. The CAU regarded it as a Tier 2 two-starred creature solely because it could drop any Novice within a mile.


    The dark Hunter was a blur of movements, the snake a whirlwind of attacks. Ekon ducked, sidestepped, and leapt over attacks from the, at times, airborne viper. It¡¯d made a field of short stalks in no time¡ªutilizing the aether pool indicative of its Tier¡ªand caged Ekon in. His priority couldn¡¯t be on escaping, as the creature would pounce on the opening unapologetically.


    The end, as always, came abruptly. Ekon must¡¯ve memorized the snake¡¯s pattern in the two minutes the speedsters have been going at it. After all, he snatched it out of the air, the Sling Viper two centimeters away from sinking its fangs into his neck. Without hesitation, he smashed it into the ground and slashed his dagger beneath its head.


    ¡°Hot damn!¡± Caro spun, her greataxe lopping her final earth elemental in half. In the same second, she came around and punctured its core with the end of her weapon. The elemental crumbled, awarding her the perfect perspective of Ekon¡¯s maneuver. ¡°Smooth moves there, Gale!¡±


    ¡°Ekon or Nightingale.¡± The Hunter swiped his dagger on the ground to rid it of the bluish blood and rose to his feet. ¡°Choose one and stick with it.¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡± The striker cupped a hand over her ear. ¡°Couldn¡¯t quite hear your grumbles all the way over here.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t be more than fifty meters away, Val thought. ¡°We still have unresolved business guys. Focus.¡±


    Caro grinned unabashedly. ¡°My bad, cap!¡±


    ¡°Co-captain,¡± Ekon muttered.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Caro fired back. ¡°Same difference.¡±


    ¡°So you heard that, did you?¡±


    Val rubbed at her forehead. ¡°Guys!¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± the pair answered.


    Jogging past her teammates, she doled out one of her signature, sisterly stares for them each. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    An echo of ¡°Understood¡± and ¡°Gotcha¡± told her the rest of the vanguard followed her deeper into the underground pathway. Half a minute later, the cavern welcomed them into an area infested with a variety of amphibians out of a horror movie. The force of aether creatures seemed to focus their energy on something in the middle, and if their plan worked¡­ The rest of Hammer Squad was there.


    ¡°Um, they¡¯re okay, right?¡± Caro asked, her knuckles white as she clenched the long shaft of her weapon.


    ¡°They have Otis and his familiar,¡± Ekon said.


    ¡°Harken,¡± Caro filled in.


    ¡°Sure. In any case,¡± he said, rolling his blue eyes, ¡°they should be fine.¡± But he raked a hand through his tight curls, and Val had learned that this particular tick conveyed some type of stress.


    ¡°Only one way to find out.¡± Val detached a cylindrical flare off her belt, tilted it to the high ceiling of the underground cavern, and set it alight. She had to careen her head an extra degree backwards to see it fly through her mask. Accompanied by a loud blast, a red light shot out, a string of smoke following it.


    Fifty weird-shaped heads turned to them, and an odd amount of eyes honed in on the trio.


    Caro gave an awkward chuckle. ¡°Are we gonna be okay?¡±


    Ekon grunted for an answer, re-equipping his weapons and crouching low. Val raised a hand, a sign to stand down. ¡°Just wait.¡±


    ¡°Wait?¡± Caro hissed. ¡°I don¡¯t do waiting.¡±


    ¡°I know that¡ªvery well, in fact.¡± Val raised three fingers, putting one down every second. In three, two, one...


    ¡°Pulse.¡±


    A whisper passed them by, typical of the tri-bound Support. When the ring of air reached them, it was no more than a soft breeze to wave off any lingering smells from the previous fight. For the fifty aether creatures hounding Kylee, Otis and Jesal, however¡­ It appeared as if a sharp knife sliced through the mob simultaneously.


    They fell to the ground in halves, unmoving and certifiably deceased, leaving a clear view of the white jade shields Otis had up. They, too, disintegrated as the Bulwark recalled the spell, and the backline came into view, unscathed and unharmed.


    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Caro breathed. ¡°That girl is a cheat code.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a Support. It¡¯s what she¡¯s supposed to do,¡± Ekon said into the brief quiet. ¡°Plus, we lured away the aether creatures that wouldn¡¯t be susceptible to the attack, just as planned.¡±


    ¡°Can you just, I don¡¯t know, be quiet? Maybe melt into the background?¡± Caro shoved a hand into the Hunter¡¯s face as she moved towards the remainder of the squad. ¡°Sometimes I miss having Bo around. You never even know the guy¡¯s there.¡±


    The sound of shuffling pulled everyone to a stop. In an instant, holstered weapons were drawn and readied for an unidentified threat. Val¡¯s eyes flickered to an anomaly in the air, a spot where the proportions of everything seemed a tad off. The outline of a form grew clearer before the illusion spell fell away and revealed Bo?


    ¡°Well, what do you know!¡± Caro laughed. ¡°I guess he missed us too.¡±


    No¡­ Val shook her head. Caro was right¡ªyou didn¡¯t know when and where Bo could be. His expertise ensured that. Detecting him well before he wanted them to was very, very worrying. She glanced at his clothing, bloodied and stained with dried sweat. He felt off.


    Usually nothing so much as scratched him, and that fact included Sil, Aeron and Rick. Speaking of which¡ªwhere were they? Bo gave an answer the next second, though it wasn¡¯t one she ever wanted to hear.


    ¡°We need help.¡±

 Chapter 62 - Maddening Mud

    Val could always tell.


    Ashless Forest. The Dark Mineshaft. Storm¡¯s Keep. Every rift had a flavour¡ªa set of main elements¡ªthat summarized its entity so succinctly, that it was impressive.


    Fire.


    Darkness.


    Water, lightning and air.


    But as the winding cave passed by her in a blur, as the walls drew so close they pressed at her shoulders then widened so far she hardly noticed them, she couldn¡¯t put her finger on it. Was it earth? She faced more rock elementals than she could count on one hand. Poison? While the element was scarcely seen in general, many of the aether creatures she¡¯d encountered in the past hour were of the poison-gate one way or the other. The Elemental Gate of Plants? After all, the rift was named Bloom¡¯s Essence in honour of the many-coloured flowers ordaining the ceilings.


    She just couldn¡¯t tell¡ªand that in itself was frightening. The team raced ahead after Bo¡¯s lean figure, Caro and Otis on either side of her, with grim faces. They had no clue what they rushed to face, or who they had left to save.


    ¡°What¡¯s got the air queen herself stumped?¡± Caro threw out into the silence, the slight sound of their breathing a little too much to bear.


    Bo shot a disgruntled look over the shoulder, then returned his sights ahead. ¡°We don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Jesal echoed from fifteen steps behind. He was doing a lot of that lately¡ªechoing. I suppose it is in line with amplification.


    ¡°Undocumented,¡± was the Hunter¡¯s one-word response.


    ¡°Friiiick.¡± Caro stretched the curse out, grimacing at the end of it all. ¡°You got any info that¡¯d be helpful though? Type? Gate or ensign? Tier? Stars?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t tell what type it is. Not gonna lie, I would bet my money¡¯s worth that it¡¯s an anomaly. Leaning towards elemental, though.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± came the Striker¡¯s one-word answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s tri-bound. From what I¡¯ve seen, it possesses the mud ensign¡ªa mixture between water and earth, I presume¡ªas well as the poison and light gates.¡±


    ¡°Damn.¡±


    ¡°At least Tier 2, and it¡¯s two-starred, probably three.¡±


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I know.¡±


    ¡°Air¡¯s not doing anything to it, is it?¡± Val asked, putting together the integrated creature in her mind.


    ¡°Attack-wise?¡± The illusion Hunter shook his head. ¡°Nothing. Solid weapons are a no-go, too.¡±


    ¡°What are we going to do, then?¡± Ekon asked. ¡°We¡¯re a weapon-based team.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re weapon-based. We can¡¯t do much as Hunters. You¡¯re teammates, however? We need Val and that giant guy¡¯s extra shields. Caro¡¯s magma. Sil¡¯s cousin¡¯s buffs. The Lenson girl¡¯s ice. You sit tight and throw your drugs where needed.¡±


    It was both odd and absolutely hilarious to witness the sight of Ekon sputtering. ¡°Drugs?¡±


    ¡°Pills. Tonics. Potions. Whatever. We¡¯re here, anyway.¡±


    As if at Bo¡¯s will, the tunnel broadened to an average-sized cavern. Even through the filtered air that the mask provided, Val swore she caught the tiniest bit of a sweet, floral scent. It pulled her eyes up, and she was met with thousands of flowers¡ªthey seemed like tulips in all except their poisonous nature¡ªsomehow defying both gravity and common sense. That wasn¡¯t even the main concern.


    Below, to the far left edge, a deep pond remained by its lonesome, the top of its waters moving a little too much in an area where there was no breeze inside to blow at it. Then, as her gaze swept the cavern, she discovered that the pond wasn¡¯t alone. In fact, two still figures sat by its edge, their feet crossed beneath them in a lotus position. Upon closer look, she recognized the pair¡¯s short auburn hair and light-brown braid.


    ¡°Aeron? Leah?¡± Caro called out, as confused as the rest of Hammer Squad. She just was always the first out of the six to voice her thoughts. ¡°The hell are they doing here¡ªand where¡¯s this elemental beast we¡¯re supposed to fight?¡±


    ¡°She never shuts up, does she¡­¡± Versetti¡¯s mumble carried over from some fifty feet away.


    ¡°As someone once said¡ª¡± Val jumped at the familiar voice at her back ¡°¡ªyou learn to love it.¡±


    Hammer Squad whirled behind to the tunnel they exited a mere moment ago, their jaws ajar at the grey eyes scanning their group from end to end. ¡°Val, Caro. Good to see you.¡±


    ¡°You too¡­?¡± Val managed to get out to the Erydian Hunter, once at her back, now facing her. Her eyes flickered between Mike and Bo. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be clearing a different track?¡±


    ¡°We needed help,¡± Aeron answered absent-mindedly. ¡°Plus, nothing we could do to stop it from barging into their territory. We tried. Seriously.¡±


    Kylee canted her head to the side at the two water mages. ¡°What are you two doing?¡±


    ¡°Worry about that later.¡± Bo pointed at her, Jesal and then Ekon. ¡°You, you and you. Stay here with the lightning Hunter. Kill any aether creature on sight. When we come back around¡ªand you¡¯ll know when we¡¯re coming¡ªI need you, Lenson girl, to keep it away from our water mages and into the pond. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Copy that.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°Vanguard, on me.¡± That was all the warning Bo gave before shooting off into the opposite tunnel.


    Val, alongside Caro and Otis, sprinted on after him. She sent a probing hand over her shoulder. Good. Her E-shield remained holstered beside her saber, snug and ready to go. A glance behind told her Otis managed to keep up with the Strikers and Hunters, the growing sheen of sweat across his brow the sole indication of any exertion.


    ¡°Caro, I need you to flood the elemental back into this tunnel as soon as we get a grasp on the situation waiting for us,¡± Bo commanded. ¡°You¡¯ll likely be the bait after that, which is where your Bulwark comes in. Rumours say you have mobile shields?¡±


    ¡°Well those rumours sound about right,¡± Otis huffed between breaths. ¡°You¡¯ll have to tell me where you heard it from once this is over.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± The illusion Hunter fished out a ziplock full of aether tonics and threw it over to the only other guy in the group. ¡°You¡¯ll need those.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Val.¡±


    She nodded at her name. ¡°You said I¡¯ll be a second shield, right?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Val saw Bo¡¯s shoulder raise a touch up ahead of her. ¡°More of a relief, if anything.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound too good,¡± Caro muttered.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± was his response.


    And they did.


    As was common in this rift, the tunnel stretched into another decent-sized pocket of space, no bigger than the average EC-room. Out of the seven people they found, only two remained standing. Sil and the orangish-haired Bulwark on Versetti¡¯s team whose name, now that she realized, she couldn¡¯t recall off the top of her head.


    The rest, in different variations of incapacitation, were sprawled across the damp, earthen floor. A beast of a monster loomed over them, composed of dripping mud that slipped off its person every other second. It stood at least three feet taller than Otis in a nebulous human form¡ªtrunk-like limps, a meter-thick torso and giant head with a glowing circle in the center.


    ¡°Val,¡± Bo hissed in an urgent tone. Who could blame him? The monster was making its way over to finish the job. Val had to make sure she got there first.


    ¡°On it!¡± Her E-shield snapped out of its holster at once. She urged energy into her calves and took off in a blur, spurred on by the lifeless bodies scattered about. A glance told her even Rick, the six-foot tall earth Bulwark, took a knee next to Sil, and it only served to deepen the pang of fear pulsing at her chest. A burst of aether strands departed her Aetherial Vessel, and the E-shield came alive. Already preset to omnipresent-mode, the water surged out of the shaft and swirled around the compromised mages in a dome. Something bright grabbed her attention. It came from beyond the translucent water shield.


    ¡°Close your eyes!¡± Silann barked. Val snapped them closed at once. A second later, she saw red through her eyelids. Was that a flash bomb? No¡ªit must¡¯ve been the elemental¡¯s light affinity that Bo talked about. If not for him, she would¡¯ve never attributed the spell to the mud beast stomping its way over.


    Every instinct within screamed at Val to get a visual read on the situation. ¡°Are we good?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Silann bit out. Val was welcomed to a shadow of a towering figure through the water shield, its single eye ablaze from its previous work. It raised its two thick stumps-for-arms high in the air and brought them down like hammers. The E-shield sparked in resistance, and Val bit into her lips and grunted, holding her E-shield in place. ¡°We have a minute or two without the light show,¡± Silann continued. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can say the same for this shield. How long will it hold?¡±


    ¡°Ten to fifteen seconds,¡± Val muttered through the distant pain. Her entire focus remained on keeping the rod upright. If it fell, they all followed.


    ¡°Does the rest of your crew know that?¡± Silann asked right before the elemental swung at the shield once more. The loud booms rattled Val¡¯s bones. It was a good thing it abstained from surrounding the shield in a hug and crushing it through a squeezing force. The shield wouldn¡¯t have lasted a heartbeat.


    ¡°Caro should,¡± Val answered. And that¡¯s what counts the most.


    ¡°Magma Flood!¡±


    A couple of months ago, Caro used the very same spell to chase the Lifemonger away from them in the Darkshift. The lack of control resulted in the entire cavern floor covered in molten metal and mineral, and the energy cost gave the dual-bound mage a nasty rebound. Today¡­ the opposite happened.


    A three-meter wide moat materialized around the E-shield¡¯s boundary. The elemental twitched as if shocked by a few bolts of lightning. Smoke began to rise, and its feet¡ªif you could call the now-melting stumps that, anyway¡ªcaught fire, and liquefied even further. It lost half a foot in height before it finally thought of stepping away from them. The sloppy mud of its torso slid off in droves, forcibly it appeared. It landed perfectly at its feet, putting out the growing fire. The elemental rounded its head around, looking for the source of its problem. Caro, of course, made it easy.


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    ¡°Over here, you dipshit!¡±


    It whirled, and Val could¡¯ve sworn its giant eye warmed up in irritation.


    ¡°Yeah that¡¯s right.¡± Val vividly imagined her best friend¡¯s grin as the following taunt left her mouth. ¡°Catch me if you can!¡±


    Light scampering sounds remained the sole indication that Caro, indeed, took off into the tunnel they entered through. Louder thumps followed. Otis. Both of their footsteps combined were eclipsed by the elemental chasing them down, hurting, burnt and pissed. Val kept her ears apprised and waited till nothing save for the spare wind passing by could be heard.


    ¡°All clear,¡± came Bo¡¯s voice from somewhere outside the water shield. With a click of the tool¡¯s knob, the water collapsed into the ground. Bo stood, his weapons back inside their sheaths, by his lonesome. A welcome sight. He crouched beside Rick, and planted a hand on his shoulder. ¡°You good?¡±


    ¡°Never¡­ been better,¡± his captain voiced through painful chuckles. Blood dried across his face, and a red rash invaded the dark skin of his neck and exposed arm. ¡°You?¡±


    When no response sounded, Val turned to take a closer look at the illusion Hunter. Stress seemed ingrained in what little of his gaunt face she could see behind his brown bangs, his usual intellectual eyes dull from exhaustion. Then, a stray thought hit her. Had she ever witnessed Bo take the lead out of his four-man crew? Scratch that, had she ever heard him talk as much as he did today? No, she answered internally. She hadn¡¯t. It must¡¯ve been largely out of his comfort zone and Rick, the captain he was, noticed it in a blink. ¡°I am,¡± Bo finally breathed with a nod.


    ¡°Good.¡± Rick smiled. ¡°You have it?¡±


    ¡°Plenty.¡± Bo rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a dozen talismans. He dropped one in his captain¡¯s hands and passed half of the stack to the orange-haired Bulwark. ¡°You gonna stand here while you¡¯re squad¡¯s half-dead?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty unnecessary,¡± he grumbled under his breath, although he spared no speed when it came to treating his teammates.


    Val, on the other hand, glanced back at the tunnel her own squadmates ran off through. ¡°Can I¡ª?¡±


    ¡°Go.¡± Rick, after applying the talisman on the inner side of his forearm, gave her a warm smile and nodded his head toward the exit. ¡°I think we¡¯re good here. We¡¯ve managed to clear the area of all other aether creatures. It¡¯s only that one left. Besides, I think Aeron would appreciate it if both his little proteges were there.¡±


    ¡°Bo will be right behind you. I¡¯ll stay back in case, though,¡± Sil added. ¡°I¡¯m all the backup they need. Just¡­ not against that monstrosity. It molds itself right back together, and any part of its muddy self¡ªand I mean any¡ªis highly poisonous.¡± She thumbed the prone adventurers beside her. ¡°That¡¯s what took them out.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Val snapped her barely working E-shield into its place on her back. ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon?¡±


    A soft smile blossomed on Sil¡¯s face. ¡°Always.


    ¡­


    Val¡¯s combat boots screeched to a halt upon reaching the cavern where the water mages cooped up. She arrived in time to see it pummeling Otis¡¯ jade Barricade, both he and Caro huddled before a long sheet of off-white mineral stretched from end to end. With lightning trailing his steps, Mike materialized beside the gigantic elemental. Teal coated his long dagger, and his arm lashed out.


    The mud sizzled as he cut through, but not for long. The sludge hardened to clay, and the blade caught. The golem¡ªVal resorted to calling it, upon seeing its shape¡ªspared a glance at its leg. By the time it returned its sights to the shield, new sludge had appeared to patch up Mike¡¯s work, swallowing the dagger whole.


    Bo was right. Weapons don¡¯t work. Mike retreated a few steps ahead of Val, busy scrubbing the mud splatter off his neck. A nasty rash took residence on his pale skin, courtesy of the golem¡¯s poison.


    ¡°Get it in the damn pond already!¡± Versetti yelled through gritted teeth from the far right, strained concentration embedded in the furrowed line marking her forehead. Aeron gave a prompt nod in agreement. A glance told Val that Kylie was occupied preparing one spell or the other, her lips moving incessantly. It was time for her to do something.


    She picked up a random pebble beside her and engaged in energy enhancement. Aether spilled into her muscles as she whipped it at the golem. This time, it didn''t bother looking distressed. The rock disappeared into its body before she could blink twice. Works out for me.


    ¡°I''ve got it!¡± Val answered Versetti. Eight oblong pieces of metal came off her belt, four in each hand. She launched one, praying to the saints above it followed the results of her tests.


    Once again, under the power of the blunt force, the muddy material of the golem¡¯s body gave way, forming a cavity. New sludge spilled over, covering the metal piece. Yes! It worked. Val wasted no time in sending the rest, though she made sure to spread them out. By the seventh attack, it finally looked over, probably finding her pestering actions annoying.


    ¡°Magma Pellet!¡± Caro¡¯s voice carried over, and a small, condensed bullet of liquid metal hit the golem smack in the back of its head. Its large iris glowed, and it only continued to grow in luminance as it whipped its head around.


    Val¡¯s heart clenched. ¡°Otis, double down!¡±


    Harken¡ªthe Bulwark¡¯s familiar¡ªappeared on his shoulder without hesitation, and layers of jade shields formed in front of Otis¡¯ Barricade. Light filled the cavern. Val held her breath. Once the attack cleared, she strained her eyes to assess the damage. With a preliminary survey, it was obvious that none of the shields actually broke. However, cracks and fractures visibly filled the parts that took the brunt of the golem¡¯s ire.


    With one blunt strike, every one of them shattered save for the Barricade originally summoned. The golem reared back its arm to finish the job when Val decided seven was enough.


    ¡°Shard Bomb.¡± The metal pieces exploded into tens of pieces inside, some going so far as to peek out of its skin. It jerked, afflicted by the sudden attack for a total of three seconds. Thinking it over, it simply continued on. Unluckily for it, that wasn¡¯t the end of Val¡¯s plan.


    ¡°Metal Puppeteer.¡± The shrapnel inside the golem was an extension of her will, and she urged them rightward, toward the pond. At first, the golem carried about clueless. Then, its feet shifted a mere inch. Val gritted her teeth, pouring every bit of her willpower behind the spell. Move¡ªnow!


    It slid a meter more. Then, now apprised of what was occurring, it began to brace its feet. Val took a knee, engaged in a standoff of might with the damnable golem, and she wasn¡¯t winning.


    ¡°Sand Limbs!¡± Pieces of sedimentary dust congregated around the golem in thick ropes, tugging it with far more strength than Val could summon. Caro shot her a wink¡ªbecause, of course she did¡ªbefore they both tripled their efforts. It resisted all fifty meters to the pond. Perhaps sensing its impending demise, it changed tactics one step before the water.


    A stump grew out of its side, then extended farther to strike the clay ground beneath it. It hardened, forming a support against the Striker¡¯s attacks. Another stump formed, and Val¡¯s heart sank.


    ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t!¡± Mike charged at the elemental and tackled it with all the speed and strength he could conjure. The golem rocked back for a time, then softened its belly to reduce the blow. Bo appeared out of thin air, greataxe in hand. Wait a minute¡­ Val¡¯s head snapped to Caro, surprised to find her weapon nowhere to be seen. When did he have time to grab her axe?


    Val decided it was a question for another time. He brought it down with a vengeance, left the weapon embedded in the floor and delivered a straight-up kick to the golem. It splashed inside the pond, but not before he managed to catch Mike by the arm and bodily drag him out from its insides.


    ¡°Water Fetters!¡± The pond''s surface took shape, forming a brace for each of the golem''s limb. It held in place, disallowing a retreat onto to dry ground. In the next breath, Aeron fired off another spell. ¡°Orb Cage!¡±


    Half of the pond moved to envelop the golem in a bubble of water, debilitating its movement. In a way too smooth to be a part of either spell, the water seeped into the golem, from the looks of it, against its will. Ice shards formed atop its head, a harbinger of the things to come. Its panicky movements stilled as more ice shards formed across its body, as if it were being frozen inside out¡­


    Val didn¡¯t even have to think¡ªthis was none other than Versetti. She controlled the phases of water as easily as she breathed, and if the golem was soaked through, all she had to do was simply freeze it. Finally, the seemingly unassailable elemental was no different than a statue.


    ¡°Wind Blades: Convergence.¡± It was at that point when Kylie let her air spell go. As per its name, sharp scythes of fast-moving air converged at the golem, slicing it from all angles. Frozen as it was, it couldn¡¯t simply meld itself back together. Instead, it shattered into thousands of pieces, pieces which Versetti then moved out of the pond and onto the ground.


    With no resistance, and a lot more water than the golem¡¯s body, she could do what Val attempted at successfully.


    ¡°Magma Flood!¡± Caro voiced again, and the pieces of mud burned until nothing remained. Silence reigned in the golems'' absence. Seconds passed before the thought finally bloomed in the back of Val¡¯s mind. It¡¯s dead, right? Mike¡¯s strained groan broke the quiet. He collapsed a few feet from the pond, red rashes spread all over his visible skin.


    They rushed towards him, though only Bo had the necessary talismans on hand. He placed them where he could, and Mike¡¯s eyelashes fluttered close as relief coursed through his veins.


    ¡°You idiot,¡± Caro hissed under her breath, her gaze darting across his body.


    Mike cracked an eye open. ¡°Like you¡¯re one to talk.


    ¡°Hear, hear,¡± Versetti muttered.


    The magma Striker raised an indignant finger at the both of them. ¡°I¡¯ll let it slide, only because you guys killed it out there.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your sentiments,¡± Versetti fired back. ¡°Keep ¡®em.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you get to say something?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one that said we did well enough to do so?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªyou¡ªwhat I meant was¡ª¡±


    ¡°Now, now,¡± Aeron said, planting a hand on both Strikers¡¯ shoulders. ¡°This is no time to fight.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Val voiced, as she scanned the vicinity. ¡°Where the heck are Ekon and Jesal?¡±


    Caro stiffened. ¡°Shit. You¡¯re so right.¡± She bolted to a stand. ¡°They weren¡¯t here when I got back.¡±


    ¡°Relax. They had to deal with the other aether creatures,¡± Versetti answered. She pointed to three gorges in the cavern''s far walls. ¡°They came out from over there. A couple of annoying Tier One, two-starred creatures. We told them to meet us at the next rest stop. We¡¯ll see them there.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Val said on an exhale. She didn''t worry too much. After all, it''d take an aether creature on par of the mud elemental to take out the pair, and the likelihood of two of such beings roaming about should be at a minimum. ¡°Let¡¯s get a move on then." She looked askance at the smoldering spot near the feet of the pond ten feet away. "I don¡¯t want to stay near that golem¡¯s remains any longer than I have to.¡±


    ¡°Golem?¡± Bo parotted.


    ¡°I¡¯m too tired to even explain.¡±


    "Fair enough," he grunted, patting the paper rectangle he applied to Mike''s forearm. "The talisman should be working by now. You good to walk?"


    "With... some help," he got out. Aeron moved to crouch beside Val and burrowed an arm under Mike''s shoulders, hefting him to a sitting position. In due time, he was up on his feet, braced against the water mage. All eight of them pivoted for the tunnel that led to the rest of Versetti and Rick''s teams. Perhaps because they advanced at a slower pace, it seemed to take nearly forever to return to the place where the fight originally began. Soon enough, however, they stepped into the connected cavern and Caro''s voice called out. "Golem''s gone!"


    "Thank the saints," she heard Rick respond, helping up the now-awake adventurers. Val was somewhat surprised to see Versetti book it over, clasping the orange-haired Bulwark in a side-hug and before hurrying to fuss over her squad. Huh... Val failed to not shake her head. While rude to her, the water Striker did care for her teammates, and it showed in the white-knuckled grasp she had on their hands and her glistening, brown eyes. An elbow to the gut startled Val out of her reverie. She turned to give an exhausted glare at Caro.


    "Don''t look at me," the magma mage whispered behind a hand. "Look at them."


    Interested in seeing who them was, she traced Caro''s gaze and found Aeron at the other end. He stopped a mere step before Sil and slipped his arms around her waist. There was no lightning, there was no wind, and no sharp barb to come out of Sil''s mouth. Val rubbed at her eyes. She knew she was drained physically, but not to the point of hallucination, right? Right? she asked herself privately. Yet as Sil rested her chin within the groove of his neck and returned the hug, Val decided that she was not, in fact, seeing things.


    "I told you I saw sparks," Caro said, a grin tugging at her lips. Back when they completed their first-ever rift dive, the magma mage had teased Aeron with those very same words.


    Val cracked a small smile. "How''d you know?"


    Caro gave a mysterious shrug. "A girl has her ways."


    "Almost like divination at this point," Val wondered aloud.


    "A false comparison," Kylee said, "but not entirely inaccurate."


    Val couldn''t help but chuckle. "Good enough for me."


    "Alright!" Rick hollered above the gentle drone of conversations taking place. "I''m glad to say we are all in one piece and, saints-willing, that applies to Nightingale and Sil''s cousin. This should be the worst of it, but let''s not wait to find out. Otis, Grayson and Juniper please take point."


    The orange-haired Bulwark¡ªGrayson¡ªand a Kidraan woman, supposedly Juniper, walked beside Otis to start the journey to the next resting site.


    "Strikers, take rear. Hunters, decide amongst yourself who''s scouting and who''s staying. That doesn''t include you, Williams. You''re benched. The rest? Sit tight in the middle."


    And with that, the group of eighteen adventurers proceeded onwards, injured, a bit scarred, but nonetheless whole. Val thought that, while rough, it wasn''t a half-bad start to the expedition. She just hoped that it was only up from here.

 Chapter 63 - Deep Camaraderie (Part I)

    The three squads¡ªaltogether deemed a pod¡ªmade it to the Campsite I without harm, greeted by Ekon¡¯s scowling forehead and Jesal¡¯s grinning face. Both suffered the wrath of a worried Caro upon arrival, the former receiving a soft glare and the latter a punch to the shoulder. The next day came, enabling the three groups on converging paths to split off again to their respective tracks.


    Hammer Squad reached Campsite II, and the following campsite at the planned time. No earth golem or wild Lifemonger spawned to deprive the group of their lethal pace. The team tightened the loose bolts in their strategy and even went so far as to develop personal combat tactics. Metal Puppeteer, for example, may be even more useful than she gave it credit for.


    Shard Bomb allowed her access to tens of little, sharp pieces able to move other objects and, most importantly, aether creatures. In the same way that she tugged the mud golem towards the pond, she would influence other elementals too. The sole problem remained, however¡­


    Resistance.


    That was the core issue of any type of pull technique. If the target braced for it, the result was a game of ¡®tug of war¡¯ neither of her or the opposition could afford to play. It made the effort to attempt it useless, as it should stand as a quick way to immobilize¡ªor at the very least stun¡ªthem.


    But if she lifted the target in the air, it would lessen the problem altogether. The idea was simple to put into play against the scurrying-type creatures amongst Bloom¡¯s Essence. If she saw a group of amphibians that measured less than half a meter in either breadth or length, she blitzed them to oblivion and heaved any that lived in the air. Everyone had made quick work of them afterwards. But my bomb supply is running dreadfully close to zero.


    Perhaps it was time for a new spell. Would she find any below Rudimentary Tier 2¡ª?


    ¡°For someone who¡¯s supposed to be on duty, you seem very spaced out right now.¡±


    A whisper drew Val from her thoughts. She blinked, taking in the ten-foot tall, earthen wall a distance away. Light flared from behind the barrier, infrequent and varied. Right¡­ Her team and six others rested at the last campsite on their designated track. Afterwards lay ahead the primary rendezvous, where the entire Expedition gathered. The ground remained a good height below, reminding her that she had perched on a boulder, taking a quick rest from watch duty. Her wandering attention found pale-blue eyes, and she nearly flinched at the intensity behind Kylee¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Just thinking,¡± Val finally got out, tapping at her temple. ¡°I swear my mind runs at a hundred kilometers per hour. It¡¯s hard to catch up with it sometimes, you know?¡±


    The tri-bound Support¡¯s long lashes fluttered as she took a newfound interest in the floor. Guess she doesn¡¯t know. The pair fell into somewhat companionable silence atop the boulder, and while their eyes remained still, their senses were probing the distant and proximate vicinity. Surprisingly, it wasn¡¯t Vague View in use. After all, that skill did require looking about. No, it was an internal sense that seemed to grow ever since Val awakened under Fiona and Master Winsford¡¯s care.


    ¡°How¡¯d you two meet?¡± Kylee¡¯s soft voice, once again, fired off another question.


    What? Val worked hard to hide her bewilderment as she reared back to study Kylee¡¯s face. She traced her squadmate¡¯s line of sight to her arm, narrowing in on the bracelet Val just noticed she was twirling around. But who is she talking about¡ªoh! Caro had bought the piece of jewellery during their short visit to Reynor just last week, deciding on the yin-yang pair instead of the blue pearls. According to her best friend, the yin and yang idea complimented them ¡°just too fantastically to ignore.¡±


    ¡°Caro, right?¡± Val asked, gaining a confirming nod in answer. ¡°We didn¡¯t really meet. We fought a lot,¡± she chuckled, ¡°as opponents in the ring.¡±


    ¡°Still do, it seems,¡± Kylee said. At that, the outburst between them in the Dark Mineshaft returned unbidden, and the tips of Val¡¯s ear reddened against her will.


    ¡°It¡¯s rare,¡± Val coughed, though Kylee didn¡¯t look to believe her, raising an eyebrow in question. ¡°She¡¯d give me such a run for my money in the ring, I couldn¡¯t associate her with the girl in the rumours.¡±


    ¡°The one who needs carrying?¡±


    Heavens, Val thought, dipping her chin in acquiescence. Diviners remember everything. ¡°At one point, she talked to me, asking for pointers, and I returned the gesture. Pointers changed to suggestions, suggestions to questions, questions to conversations, and then¡­ conversations to hangouts I guess. Didn¡¯t take long to become inseparable, we were always in sync.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± A soft smile graced Kylee¡¯s face, almost like she was imagining little Val annoying young Caro in the past, and Caro doing the same in turn. Soon, though, a fondness Val couldn¡¯t place overlapped on her expression. It was understanding, or rather reminiscent. A familiar experience, then?


    ¡°What about you?¡± Val tilted her head in genuine interest. As out of it as she was after the Archon meeting, she remembered a little of Caro¡¯s rant at the hotel. It was, after all, an interesting conversation.


    Kylee¡¯s brow furrowed.


    ¡°You and Alize¨¦,¡± Val clarified, ¡°are you guys friends?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± she admitted after a heavy pause. ¡°I don¡¯t know if we¡¯re friends, sisters or whatever.¡± She sighed. ¡°Enemies¡¯ might be the best descriptor for now. Her past actions are not something easily forgotten, and I hope my face remains a reminder of that fact,¡± she muttered with such venom, Val had to restrain the instinct to wince despite being outside the crosshairs of such¡­ ire.


    Kylee curled up, hugging her knees to herself as she moved to rub at her forehead. Then she froze, snapping her head toward Val as she caught herself. Perhaps, a word too many was said. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear that last bit, correct?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say, Kylee. My ears are sharp,¡± Val quipped. ¡°Although I can pretend to be a certain support and, y¡¯know, pressure any snoopy people who might ask into silence. All that''s missing is blue eye contacts.¡±


    ¡°Goodness gracious¡­¡± Kylee¡¯s hand made a return to her face as she scrubbed at it, failing at suppressing a chuckle all the same.


    ¡°Hah,¡± a rare grin spread across Val¡¯s face. ¡°I''ve finally cracked your shell.¡±


    ¡°Oh shut up,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°What I mean to say is,¡± Val began, ¡°your secret¡¯s safe with me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no secret.¡±


    In another world, yes it wouldn¡¯t be. At the end of the day, missing a friend was not a crime. It wouldn¡¯t even be weird to call it normal, to be completely honest. It could, however, be exploited by an unkind company to no end. News had broken that the younger Rhodes would be amongst the Advanced Combat cohorts this fall at Thales Academy. Knowledge of the top Support and top Bulwark¡¯s strained relationship could cause problems on every scale possible¡ªpersonal, professional, and beyond. There was a reason behind the Twenty¡¯s decision to play nice with one another, and that included the scions of such backgrounds.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Val shrugged. ¡°Your not-secret¡¯s safe with me.¡±


    ¡°Heavens,¡± Kylee said on an exhale. ¡°You and Caro are so alike.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re best friends, remember?¡± Val got off the rock they sat on, and trudged along. ¡°Rest time¡¯s over, we got places to scout.¡±


    A surprising, albeit quiet, groan preceded a tired answer from the Support. ¡°As you wish.¡±


    No longer occupied by a conversation, Val¡¯s eyes came alive as she activated Vague View. Most things could hide from her internalized perception, but little could avoid detection when seeing the world in shades of blue. If it were alive, magical or any combination of the two, she¡¯d spot it¡ªbarring a cloaking technique, obviously. They were the last on duty, and they only needed to maintain vigilance for an hour more. It was time they took it more seriously.


    Six squads rested behind the earthen walls of the campsite, relying on their capabilities. Despite each team clearing the paths that led to the protected cavern, many threats lingered in the route ahead. Then there remained the walls full of hiding, slumbering and living creatures. Thanks to the mixture of soil, plant life and such, Vague View was extremely unreliable when it came to showing contrasting images of any critters stowed away. Rick told her it came with experience; only time will tell.


    ¡°Look,¡± Kylee said, blue irises ablaze. Six tunnels lead to the little space a quarter of the expedition claimed for Campsite V, and Kylee pointed the one cleared by Versetti¡¯s team, all the way to the left. A swarm of blue particles now emanated from the opening, wafting in like a cloud of billowing dust. ¡°We should¡ª¡±


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    ¡°Check that out,¡± Val finished. ¡°Let¡¯s get a look at what we¡¯re dealing with and then retreat before we get too far. That way we have something to relay back.¡±


    Kylee gestured toward it, as if saying after you. So Val went ahead at a jog, keeping a hand on her toolbelt. They¡¯d cleared all six entrances before even thinking of sitting down and taking a break. It couldn¡¯t have been more than ten minutes since the last check. Such a vast change in such a short time was alarming, to say the least. Val slowed to a cautious walk, checked behind her shoulder to ensure her partner was at her rear, and then peeked around the corner.


    She returned to normal sight and began gauging the pathway. Nothing visually stood out, it seemed the same as it was during her last walk-by. Bloom¡¯s Essence tulips dotted the moist ceilings, and a glitter-like substance coated the clay walls. A quick inquiry to Mike told her that it was there when they¡¯d first cleaned house. The tunnel couldn¡¯t be more than five meters in width or height. Light pooled at the edge where the walls met the ground, owing to the lanterns Veretti¡¯s squad swiftly put up.


    The minute Val retriggered Vague View, she forced herself to stifle a wince, though a hiss of pain still got through. She could hardly see shapes past the pure blue blinding her vision.


    Val took ten steps forward before she called it quits. She couldn¡¯t fight, she couldn¡¯t make observations, she couldn¡¯t be. ¡°Are you seeing this?¡±


    ¡°How could I not?¡± came the quiet response. Right.


    ¡°Evac?¡±


    ¡°Please.¡±


    That was all the convincing Val needed to pivot one foot and start running back with the other. Even with urgency bleeding through every stride she took, she didn¡¯t travel far. In fact, she didn¡¯t make it out of the tunnel. The ground gave way beneath her, and the familiar feeling of her gut dropping¡ªor rising, in this case¡ªto her throat wasn¡¯t missed. I swear I fall in every other rift dive, she grumbled privately even as her mind worked to take in every detail.


    Val hadn¡¯t detected any indication of the cavern floor having a hidden, underground compartment. As the clay broke away, there were no cracks to be heard, and no shift in the level ground to be felt. One moment there was solid clay to push off of, and the next there simply¡­ wasn¡¯t.


    With a blink, she shut off Vague View and welcomed the darkness and whistle of air passing her by. Thankfully the fall lasted a few seconds. Lacking the time to brace for impact, she tumbled into a not-so-smooth roll and popped back on her feet. Her ankles pulsed with sharp pain, and a line of fire snaked across her back thanks to jagged rock scratching her, but she couldn¡¯t pause to nurse her wounds. Something wasn¡¯t right. And I still don¡¯t know what it is nor why.


    A barely audible weight hit the ground behind her. ¡°Somehow I was caught in this mess.¡±


    Val let a sigh of relief leave her body before snorting. She could almost picture Kylee¡¯s ever-so-graceful landing. ¡°You too, huh? I was hoping you could message the crew, but oh well. Do you have a torch on you?¡±


    ¡°One moment.¡± A click later and cold, white light illuminated the nearby area. Val¡¯s first thought was to survey where they came through. Only¡­ it didn¡¯t exist anymore. Smooth clay sealed the top shut, like she and Kylee just happened to spawn here, a cavern not particularly tall but definitely broad. So broad, in fact, the torch failed to show the girls the cavern''s rough-hewn walls.


    Something just wasn¡¯t right. While she wanted to see past the paltry light allowed, she refrained from using Vague View. The risk of blindness was just a bit too much to dare try.


    ¡°You have another one t¡ª¡± Val tried to ask. It was Kylee¡¯s turn to cut her off.


    ¡°To throw? Yes, here you go.¡± The metal stick flew past Val, the glowing top twirling in the air as it sailed across the seemingly large pit. It hit a wall not too long after¡ªwhich was par for the course, as none of the girls¡¯ voices echoed¡ªand gave an idea of the space they were working with.


    That was what she thought, until the stick tumbled down to the feet of the clay wall, only to be flung across the floor back to them. Val stopped its path by setting a boot on the steel handle. Val didn¡¯t know what to think. She sent a probe for information, only for it to return and add to the confusion. Nothing explained the unnatural way the ground swallowed them whole. Nothing explained the cloud of aether that drew the pair¡¯s attention in the first place. Nothing demonstrated the existence of such an isolated ditch. Nothing explained the torch!


    Nothing. Nothing except¡­


    ¡°An elemental?¡± Kylee pondered quietly, likely more to herself. ¡°What we just saw was earth manipulation. Element manipulation. And the energy? The elemental probably just transformed into a later stage of its life. It¡¯s molting.¡±


    A molting elemental cleansed itself of its past form and energy, stepping into a new phase in every way and measure. As it remained a time of vulnerability, elementals hid away for days, weeks, months¡ªand even years in the upper tiers¡ªto undergo this change. The irregular series of events checked off every single box, as Kylee expressed. A slumbering elemental just kicked the torch back to the prey it subconsciously trapped¡ªa meal to be had.


    To restore energy. To replenish its aether reserves. The question was, though¡­


    ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be an elemental advanced enough to molt here,¡± Val hissed. ¡°It''s a copper rift.¡±


    ¡°Normally I would agree. However, we¡¯ve seen extremely odd things here already,¡± Kylee responded, and the nightmare that was the earth golem came to mind immediately. Then there were the poisonous tulips. No, very few things about this rift were normal.


    ¡°Okay, okay, okay.¡± Val unsheathed her sword at once and kicked the torch back where it came from. A touch less power, and it rolled to a stop right before an awakening elemental could return it. Thankfully what the torch hit before was indeed a wall. What she couldn¡¯t see in the short time the torch hit it, though, was the aether creature perched on the vertical surface.


    Although a stone shield might¡¯ve covered most of the elemental¡¯s appearance, the fin-like limbs tucked to the side and the orb-shaped head gave it the appearance of a¡­ turtle?


    ¡°Okay,¡± Val said once more, unbuckling the chain on her arm. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time till that thing becomes fully aware of its lunch. It has no energy. What we do is hit it hard and hit it fast.¡±


    ¡°Sound plan, except something tells me its shell might be a problem,¡± Kylee voiced. ¡°If we attack and don¡¯t finish it off at once, I wonder if we¡¯ll have the means to keep it at bay whilst pinned down here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle the shield. If you can, queue up that convergence spell of yours.¡±


    Kylee hummed. ¡°Overkill, no?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I care much in these circumstances,¡± Val replied.


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± was the Support¡¯s final words. The two mages got to work. Glancing at her weapons, Val couldn¡¯t fail to hide a grimace. They had served her well since her second dive in the Darkshaft, and they¡¯ll serve her even better in these next few moments. I should¡¯ve packed more bombs, but they¡¯ll do for now. From the beginning, both weapons carried inscriptions that linked them to her, enabling her to use them identically to her Shard Bombs if she so wished. So it was without doubt that she cast Metal Puppeteer, ready to put them to one final use.


    No way was she getting near that thing to sneak in a Shard Bomb or two¡ªbecause Vague View wasn¡¯t an option, she had no real way to gauge its Tier. It could be Tier 3 for all she knew, and if that was the case, one mere swipe might be the end. From afar it is.


    Val threw a glance behind the shoulder at her squadmate. ¡°Ready?¡±


    Kylee bobbed her head.


    A slow exhale left Val. Here goes nothing. Aether surged to all four limbs as she raised her sword. Taking three steps for momentum¡ªand not daring to take more¡ªshe retracted her arm as far it could go before ripping it forward. She loosened her grip right when necessary, and the sword zipped like an arrow. It felt wrong to let it go in that manner.


    Swords weren¡¯t meant to be thrown¡ªeveryone who owned one knew that. Slashing, thrusting, and hacking were fine. Throwing? You could put all the force in the world and only the tip would enter the surface of whatever you tried to pierce.


    It was no different in her case, and the sword stuck out like a tree¡¯s stray branch. That was all she needed, however. The sound of shifting rocks reached her ears. The elemental jerked, shocked out of its sleep. She needed to move quickly.


    Shatter! Val commanded the sword that accompanied her through thick and thin. While it didn¡¯t explode into fine dust as she''d imagined, the force of several separating pieces of metal¡ªembedded previously¡ªwas enough to leave a jagged hole where stone once was. Move!


    The chain ripped away from her grip and wasted no time in entering through the opening. And so, as soon as it was firmly behind the aether creature''s shell, Val gave the order once again. Shatter! She could feel each shard hitting the shell with a force to be reckoned with. Even so, the shell remained in place. Val didn¡¯t detect a chip or crack in the protective material. Molted elementals¡ªeven brand new¡ªwere something to be wary of.


    Wait a minute¡­ Underneath the shell, leftover pieces of the makeshift bomb remained, rooted to the shield. Couldn¡¯t she just use the technique she learned and¡ªPull! Val wagered every aether strand at the command, downing a couple of pills while at it. Unsuspecting, the turtle couldn¡¯t even protest as it was plucked off its wall and left to levitate in the air against its will.


    A vein bulged across Val¡¯s forehead as she kept its massive body afloat. The shards lodged in the right half of the shield were served with the call to pull while the remainder she told to push away. As a result, the turtle-like elemental twirled in the air, soon exposing its underbelly.


    ¡°Urk!¡± The elemental began spasming, gaining consciousness in a fit. Val couldn¡¯t hold for long. ¡°Hurry!¡±


    ¡°Wind Blades: Convergence.¡±


    And at once, it was over.


    Val would never get used to the way a living being could go from one, whole piece to shreds within a second. The blades lacked mercy for all, even rockfolk. Especially rockfolk. The wind shards were silent killers, slashing the elemental to bits. It really did end up as Kylee called it: an overkill. Val couldn¡¯t attribute the pile of rubble to the sleeping, earth turtle that trapped them down here. Damn, how are we going to¡ª?


    A loud boom rattled her bones. Her gaze whipped to the right, spotting a boulder crash into the ground. Another one joined it, falling from above only to break into hundreds of lesser parts. Val dodged the aftermath of the flying rock pieces, cursing all the while. The elemental¡¯s seal was coming apart, now no longer alive to keep its home as it was.


    ¡°Ice Pillars!¡± Thick columns of solid ice materialized, resting beneath the cracks as rows of lateral braces. Kylee cast Ice Pillars with scary precision, putting the structural elements in the all right places. The spell acted as a new foundation and the destruction of their safe place appeared to seize at once.


    Val saw the girl in a new light as she jogged over, sidestepping massive pieces of rock on her way. ¡°Saved us once again¡ªoof!¡±


    A gust of air shoved her straight off her feet, and she landed a few feet away. Val barely had the time to get an elbow underneath her in an attempt to get up before a boulder large enough to encapsulate her entire line of sight fell. Val witnessed the slightest bit of purple in Kylee¡¯s eyes¡ªdivination, she remembered offhandedly¡ªbefore it crashed atop the petite Support.

 Chapter 63 - Deep Camaraderie (Part II)

    Val scrambled to her feet. ¡°Kyl¡­¡± she breathed, ¡°Kylee!¡±


    She sprinted past the boulder three meters in diameter, stomach in her throat, ignoring what she might see once she made it around. Saints, stop thinking about the worst and focus! Swallowing down the rest of her perturbation, she made the journey in the near dark. One of the falling rocks must¡¯ve crushed a torch. Roughly around Kylee¡¯s last known area, she whipped out a G1 fire scroll, using what little light it made offhandedly to survey the situation. A long sigh full of relief escaped Val¡¯s pursed lips.


    Kylee managed to get most of herself out of the way.


    ¡°If you ever give me a heart attack again¡­¡± Val muttered, half-expecting an answer. When silence was all she received, she doubled down and got to work. One of Kylee¡¯s legs was caught underneath the boulder. Val scrambled inside her cloak and pulled out a rudimentary piece of first aid: a tourniquet. No point freeing the leg when she wouldn¡¯t have time to stop the bleeding and apply a healing scroll.


    ¡°Kylee,¡± Val said, giving her friend a good shake. No response. ¡°Well, at least you¡¯re not awake when I¡¯m putting this on.¡±


    Val wrapped it around just above Kylee¡¯s knee and tightened it as hard as she could. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be unconscious though,¡± Val kept muttering to herself. Unless¡­ Val¡¯s breath caught as she came closer, ignoring how her friend¡¯s mask scraped her cheek. She heard breathing sounds, which was good, but it sounded raw. Unfiltered.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Kylee¡¯s mask broke. Unfortunately, the extras were safely tucked away in the campsite unable to be of any use. Shoving away the frustration, she downed two aether tonics.


    ¡°Metal Spike.¡± A long rod materialized into Val¡¯s hand. She wasted no time in wedging it beneath the boulder and flooding her limbs with aether. Energy enhancement bolstered her strength and she tugged the spike downwards. It pushed the boulder just high enough to release its weight on Kylee¡¯s leg, and she kicked it out of there as quickly as possible. At that, her arms gave out, and the boulders slammed into the ground loud enough to wake the dead.


    Kylee, though, remained knocked out. Val tacked on two G3 healing scrolls on her friend¡ªone for the damage the boulder caused and the second because she felt bad kicking it¡ªand worked to get the tourniquet off.


    ¡°This won¡¯t do¡­¡± she mumbled, glancing at Kylee¡¯s lifeless body. In a blink, Val snapped off the Support¡¯s mask and replaced it with hers, eyeing the ceiling all the while. The elemental might¡¯ve sealed it, and Kylee might¡¯ve reinforced it in its death, but it still came crumbling down. The light from the lanterns above leaked through the open holes past the ice pillars, while unable to illuminate anything down here it was just enough to point out where the exits were.


    Val ignored how drawing breaths became almost laborious. She ignored the numbness in her fingers and the coldness in her feet. Bloom¡¯s Essence poison works fast, so she¡¯d just have to work faster. The four-week-long training¡ªalso monikered the ¡®Month of hell¡¯¡ªthat Age of Atera pushed her through returned in a blitz. Various bits of knowledge swarmed her recent memories, not just of using tourniquets, but also evacuating casualties. Limp bodies. Injured teammates.


    During that time, she discovered that she may be a little too weak for a ranger roll and she was currently far too near her alchemical limits to down an aether tonic to enhance her strength. Luckily, other techniques out there existed. In three swift steps, she lifted Kylee¡¯s legs so that her knees locked, held Kylee¡¯s feet down as she tugged one of the Support¡¯s arms, pulled her into a standing position using both hands and brought Kylee¡¯s body over the shoulder in one motion.


    Words left her mouth as she worked to cast her newest spell. ¡°Chained Lances.¡± It was the very same one Hammer Squad checked out at Reynor City¡¯s biggest library, except¡ªdespite Jesal¡¯s enthusiasm¡ªshe abandoned the invocation version for the conjuration. And, like with most conjuration spells, she held no control over it once two coldsteel lances popped into existence. It didn¡¯t waste time in shooting for the gap she fixed it for, so she rushed to snatch the long chains that quickly disappeared in front of her. Seconds later, she was in the air, using every ounce of strength to keep her and Kylee from falling back down.


    A blink later, they flew out of the underground cavern and into the light, crashing against the tunnel ceiling. They narrowly missed the lances embedded in the dirt, soon landing just beside the opening. Val struggled to catch her breath. Her time was waning.


    ¡°Come on Val,¡± she groaned, rolling onto her palms. She pushed herself to a stand, took a moment to acknowledge that she was halfway there, and then worked to lift Kylee onto her back once again. She set off at a light run out of the damned tunnel, holding tight to Kylee¡¯s armour as she put one foot after the next.


    Darkness crept into the edge of her vision. She wheezed to get what little oxygen she could. No feelings remained in her limbs. The poison was setting in. The distant earthen wall grew taller as they drew nearer. Almost there, Val.


    Come¡­


    On¡­


    She wasn¡¯t going to make it. Signal¡ªshe had to signal and let someone know they were here, that they needed help, that they survived. Using the very last bits of her aether pool, she conjured a Metal Spike and set it sailing over the campsite¡¯s earthen wall. Caro, Jesal, Rick or anyone would recognize the pale, icy metal that was indicative of coldsteel. That was indicative of Val.


    The ground rose up. Kylee tumbled past Val as they both hit the floor, rolling till her momentum carried her no further. The Support would hate to be seen like this. She would have to be alive to care¡­ Val thought, and moments before consciousness finally let her go, a whisper reached her ears.


    ¡°Kaedyn¡­¡±


    <hr>


    Breathing dug glass shards deep into her lungs. Val¡¯s muscles twitched with every waking movement. An agonizing throb halted her train of thoughts each time it struck, and Val now grew a sense of camaraderie with the metal pieces Lowell forged. As much as she wished the sensations to stop, she was glad it was there. She could feel it.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    She was alive.


    Something was missing, though. Something she was trying to protect¡­ or rather someone. Val cracked her eyes wide open and shot up. ¡°Kylee,¡± she croaked.


    ¡°Woah there.¡± A hand gently pushed her forehead back into the bed below. ¡°You just came back from the brink of no return, and look at you, so full of energy.¡±


    Val glared from her pillow at the Kidraan healer, but her anger was met with amused blue eyes and a wry smile on brown skin. ¡°I need to find¡ª¡±


    ¡°Kylee,¡± the healer finished, letting Val¡¯s forehead go. ¡°I heard you the first time.¡± With a grunt, the twenty-something-year-old woman took a stand and headed for the flap some few steps away. As she opened it, she cast a glance back. ¡°If you have the energy to talk like this, you¡¯re mostly in the green. However, just to avoid any reports, I¡¯ll have you know that I¡¯ve taken a look at your vitals, and a preliminary look at your organs. You¡¯ll need to see a doctor after clearing the rift to rid yourself of the remaining poison, but most of it is gone. So, in short, you¡¯ll be fine¡ªfor now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Val croaked, managing a tiny nod of appreciation.


    ¡°No need, it¡¯s my job.¡± She lifted a hand and stepped out. ¡°I¡¯ll find this ¡®Kylee¡¯ of yours, so sit tight. And for all that''s saint-like in the world, go easy on the potions, will ya?¡±


    ¡°Copy that,¡± Val got out. And like that, the healer was gone. Where are my manners, I totally forgot to get her name¡­ She berated herself, scooching up in her bed. Rare enough, it was a bed rather than a makeshift pile of blankets and sleeping bags. She must¡¯ve been in bad shape to be awarded this kind of treatment. Who knew how long she was out for? Thankfully¡ªor unfortunately¡ªthe rift hadn¡¯t been cleared, so it couldn¡¯t be long.


    That did not answer the question of why the healer wouldn¡¯t know Kylee. Besides her being a Lenson and all, she was also, in fact, injured. Thankfully, the question mark decided to walk in, not a scratch on her face, clad in carbon fibre bottoms, with a blue cloak draped over her frame.


    A sea of relief nearly put Val back to sleep. Her teammate was safe¡ªhealthy enough to be standing, too¡ªand Val didn¡¯t know where to begin asking her line of worries. Kylee beat her to it, staring a hole through Val¡¯s face. ¡°Why.¡±


    Val chuckled a bit awkwardly at the sudden interrogation. ¡°Why what.¡±


    The Support gestured to her bedridden state. ¡°Where would I start?¡±


    The why¡¯s hung in the air between the two girls.


    Why spend a bunch of expensive items to drag her out under the boulder?


    Why lug a body out of a hole?


    Why trade masks?


    Why save her?


    The thought of asking such an inquiry rang alarm bells in Val¡¯s brain, enough to shock her out of her dazed state. This was not a natural question to pose. Most would simply settle for a ¡°Thank you.¡± Either she did not believe herself worth the risk or¡­ Someone else paid the price for risking it once before. A certain name floated in Val¡¯s head. Kaedyn, she¡¯d said before they passed out. Both children lost, she¡¯d mentioned in Reynor before she and Jesal shut down the conversation.


    Val took a deep breath at what she surmised, hoping she hid the way her heart silently cracked as each clue fell into place. Her lips curled upwards encouragingly as she patted the space beside her. ¡°Help a girl out and sit, alright? I can barely speak.¡±


    Whether it was her smile or the scratchy voice, something convinced the Support. An uncharacteristic huff left Kylee as she trudged over, crawling over Val¡¯s leg and squeezing into the space left between Val and the tent wall. She folded herself into a cross-legged position, her fingers laced in her lap and her back ramrod straight¡ªthe stark opposite of relaxed.


    Val had to stifle her laughter. ¡°Might as well make yourself comfortable.¡±


    Kylee grumbled to herself as she, with no small amount of hesitation, lifted the blankets and stretched her legs underneath, resting her back on the headboard.


    ¡°Better,¡± Val said, leaning backwards and gazing at the tapered roof. ¡°Now, to answer your question. You¡¯ve heard about Raven Efron, I assume. The rumours, the news, everything.¡±


    ¡°Your feud with Versetti was most worrying, forgive me if I stuck my nose in the wrong place.¡±


    ¡°Forgiveness officially granted," Val huffed. "Dad¡¯s practically infamous. I can¡¯t stop anyone from digging it up, much else you.¡± She swallowed a lump past her throat. Here goes. ¡°For some reason, he always foresaw me as a squad leader. So he never hesitated to drill into me his three obligations as a squad leader himself.¡±


    She raised a finger. ¡°One: bring loot back home. People tend to revel in the action, but you¡¯re in rifts for one reason¡ªto provide for your own. So be sure to bring back something, anything, if possible."


    Up came another finger. ¡°Two: bring stories back home. Diving rifts is never a one-man-job. Figure out your team dynamics, make the strategies, and use the right tactics. No matter how you plan things, though, things will go awry in rifts. It¡¯s just the way they are. Embrace them, turn them into cautionary tales. Better yet, bring them home. Because, if you can, you¡¯ve successfully completed rule number three.¡±


    ¡°And rule three is, I assume, bring your squadmates home?¡± Kylee chipped in.


    Val nodded, forgoing counting and instead resting a hand atop Kylee¡¯s. ¡°At any cost. They say the first rule of saving a victim is to never make yourself one. But Dad threw that into the wind. He believed he had a duty¡ªa responsibility¡ªto bring the adventurers he took into a rift out of one. Now, I¡¯m not as confident to say that I put any of you in a particular rift. We were given assignments, we were given groups, and frankly, I was given this position. No.¡±


    Val raised a hand to stop Kylee from cutting in. ¡°I was. Still have to do a lot to earn it. The point is, however, I stand by the fact that I should get my teammates¡ªcaptain or not¡ªout with me. So¡­¡± Val gave Kylee¡¯s hand a quick squeeze. ¡°I¡¯d do it again in a heartbeat, okay?¡±


    ¡°It¡­¡± Val winced as Kylee¡¯s grip tightened. ¡°It doesn¡¯t change the fact that I hate what I forced you to do.¡±


    ¡°So become stronger.¡±


    Kylee reared back, puzzled at the statement.


    ¡°Be strong enough that you¡¯ll never be the one needing saving,¡± Val added. ¡°You don¡¯t realize it, but you save our asses more than once in rifts. Not too comfortable being on the other end, huh?¡±


    ¡°Ugh,¡± Kylee threw an arm over her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re so annoying.¡±


    Val couldn¡¯t hold back her laughter this time around. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a compliment.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Idiot.¡±


    The Striker huffed a chuckle, her throat stinging even as a smirk tugged at her lips. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m not the only one Caro¡¯s rubbing off on.¡±


    ¡°Just sleep.¡±


    ¡°I think,¡± Val got in between breaths, ¡°I think I¡¯ll do just that.¡± The shards, dulled at such a conversation, returned with a vengeance. The throbbing headache simply never left. It was indeed time to get some shut-eye. She scooched back down, placing her head on her pillow. ¡°Feel free to stay,¡± she yawned.


    ¡°...okay.¡±


    A faint smile spread across Val¡¯s face at that as she, willingly, let herself slip away to oblivion.

 Chapter 63 - Deep Camaraderie (Part III)

    Val awoke to the ruckus of a tent being dragged open. Silann stood by the entrance, lips pursed together in an attempt to hold back a smile. Amusement danced in the Support''s green eyes, imploring Val to search for the cause. One look around the room and Val was in the same boat.


    Kylee fell asleep on her left shoulder, Caro doing the same on the right of the pillow. Jesal leaned on the bed frame on the floor, his head resting on Caro¡¯s lap. Otis mirrored him, shoulder-to-shoulder, although his back was ramrod straight against the frame, his straw hat¡ªVal didn¡¯t have the energy to begin to compute how it was here in the rift¡ªcovering his face. Ekon was all the way at the feet of the bed, his feet just touching Otis¡¯ knees. This was what Val was trying to protect, a warm fuzziness she couldn¡¯t particularly name taking residence inside.


    Silann huffed a quiet laugh. ¡°I¡¯ll come by later,¡± was all she said before slipping out. Before long, Val dozed off without remembering when, woken up some time later by Caro¡¯s cackling.


    ¡°You snooze, you lose, Gale!¡±


    ¡°Luck,¡± Val heard the Hunter fire back as she groggily rubbed at her eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know man,¡± Jesal chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s her fourth straight win in a row.¡±


    ¡°It was close,¡± Otis offered, always the ever-placating force amongst them.


    Kylee snorted, as if denying his claim with no words. The entire squad sat in a circle on the floor not too far away, a hand of cards in their hands and a lot more on the floor in an organized mess. They seemed to have just wrapped up a round, Val guessed, as she swung her legs off the bed. ¡°Yeah I didn¡¯t even see it but, if I had to guess, Caro wiped the floor with you guys.¡±


    ¡°Val!¡± Caro didn¡¯t waste time in tackling her fellow Striker in a hug. ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡±


    ¡°Thanks to somebody,¡± Ekon grumbled.


    Caro simply stuck her tongue out in answer, saving her words for Val instead. ¡°That¡¯s it. You¡¯ve used your yearly quota of giving Carielle Hayes a heart attack.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s September though,¡± Val got out through the tight embrace, unable to stop her smile.


    ¡°Exactly my point.¡±


    ¡°You still have one more in my books,¡± Jesal added, also standing up to give her a one-armed hug. ¡°Please don¡¯t use it.¡±


    ¡°She won¡¯t be.¡± Kylee was the one to respond. ¡°Not on my watch.¡±


    The two shared a secret, small smile. Though no one besides them could understand the distinct meaning behind her statement, just the sight of either of them smiling¡ªand especially so in Kylee¡¯s case¡ªhad the squad breaking their own secret truce.


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Caro began, looking at Kylee with somewhat wide eyes. ¡°I know we agreed to wait until after Val rested up a bit more, but I need to know like now. What in the heck happened to you two? You guys were the last pairing I had in my mind ending up in trouble.¡±


    And so, with a quick glance at Kylee, Val dived into all of it. The mysterious cloud of blue, the molting elemental, the broken mask¡ªeverything. It was something to see a look of horror slowly dawn on each of their faces as the retelling continued. They too explained how they scurried about finding them after Ekon found her Metal Spike, as well as how Kylee came to with a modicum of help whereas Val needed the dedicated work of a healer due to the poison.


    Otis had carried her over to the primary rendezvous point, which was where she was for three days. As they all arrived toward the end of their stories, she had to drown the strong urge to ask both Jesal and Kylee about a certain name. Before her curiosity could win out, however, a familiar face popped into the tent¡¯s opening.


    Silann wasn¡¯t lying about returning, and she brought news with her. ¡°The Expedition Lead is calling for all squad leaders. Jes, Val, let¡¯s go.¡±


    <hr>


    The ¡®new¡¯ Command Centre wasn¡¯t as glamorous as the previous one, if she could even call the original one that. It wasn¡¯t large and there was no table nor carpet¡ªjust four long blocks of solid, raised earth someone deemed good enough to act as benches. So, the pair followed the lead of other captains rolling in and plopped at the second-most rear one. Val was happy to say she felt only a bit of the shards digging at her lungs, and none of the numbness in her limbs.


    Silann sat beside her cousin, and a broad shadow covered the trio before Rick took his seat beside his Vice-Captain. Versetti and her orange-coloured teammate, Grayson, walked in, one of the last few to join the gathering crew. They offered a nod, which was returned by not only Val and Jesal, but also Rick and Silann. They¡¯d been a pod, and they only survived their ordeal because of every one of them. The least they could all give was respect, especially after Versetti¡¯s half-apology. Half because she won¡¯t tell me what she saw, Val mused with some frustration.


    Two crisp claps settled the withdrawn talking amongst the captains, drawing their attention to the experienced Bulwark, Pierce Whitten. ¡°Welcome back, everyone! I am happy to say that we¡¯ve lost no captains or squadmates in our endeavour to clear Bloom¡¯s Essence. Please, if you will, give yourself a round of applause.¡±


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    And they all did just that, granting those in the vicinity easy smiles, some even going so far as to say ¡°congratulations¡± and ¡°glad you made it.¡± Val would¡¯ve thought it unnecessary fanfare if not for almost having missed this meeting herself.


    ¡°Okay!¡± The Expedition Lead said, standing akimbo. ¡°I¡¯ll keep this as brief as possible. The plan was well-made, but it wouldn¡¯t have worked without your pristine execution. Deliver my thanks to your squads. However, our work is not done yet.¡±


    He dropped a metal disk onto the floor in front of himself and the gathered adventurers, walking around to stand in front of the projected IBR-screen that sprouted from out of the device. The monotone map of the rift had twenty darkened paths, with the convergence¡ªwhere all paths met up¡ªthe only spot left in a lighter shade. ¡°We¡¯ve dealt with all the aether creatures on our way here, so ideally we should only have the Core Curator¡ªthe big bad, as I like to call them¡ªleft to fight.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s not quite the case¡­¡± Val muttered, a hand on her chin.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Whitten pretty much shouted in agreement, and Val started, raising an eyebrow in turn. That¡¯s twice now, she thought, and the spattering chuckles in the group told her she wasn¡¯t the only one who noted it.


    ¡°As you¡¯ve all noticed, Bloom¡¯s Essence is¡­ off.¡± His eyes once again met Val¡¯s ¡ªhe must¡¯ve heard about Hammer Squad''s predicaments¡ªbefore travelling to a few other particular adventurers, who likely also had their own share of run-ins. ¡°Certain creatures are not supposed to exist here. Creatures are lingering in the very walls. This presents us with a special problem, especially with the Core Curator.¡±


    ¡°Because of its Cry,¡± Val said, her voice carrying over the tent intentionally this time around. ¡°It¡¯ll rally the beasts in this rift at a major threat, which is why we cleared every aether creature in sight to avoid that. But if there are surprises in every corner¡­?¡±


    Val let her question hang, half because it answered itself, half as a challenge to Whitten. She was poked and prodded a bit too much in the past few days, it was time she did the same. The grin on his face told her that she failed at the latter, as he gladly took her up on it. ¡°Then we¡¯ll meet them at the convergence, and will likely not win. Yes. Which is why this final fight requires much planning. What would you propose?¡±


    Val didn¡¯t miss Silann¡¯s wicked smirk as the Expedition Lead threw her straight into the fire. Forty pairs of eyes turned to face her, curious. No one was a novice at their job here¡ªwell, not too much of one. If the CAU brought them here, there must¡¯ve been a correct answer here, even as the forty-plus brains here worked to come up with their individuals answers.


    A Cry was an aether creature¡¯s call for help, where the rift¡¯s residents for once ally themselves to protect the core¡ªtheir crown jewel. Adventures witnessed a Cry most particularly from a Core Curator, and there remained a fifty-fifty ratio for it to have one. It was a powerful, tide-changing move. Except, as she¡¯d previously voiced, they only used it when faced with a perceived powerful threat. If it wasn¡¯t threatened, it wouldn¡¯t use its Cry, and they wouldn¡¯t have the whole proceeding mess. So, they¡¯d just have to¡­


    ¡°Blitz it,¡± Val said after a beat. ¡°You haven¡¯t told us what the Core Curator is, but if we can dispose of it quick enough to not give it a chance to utilize its Cry, well¡­¡± she scratched at the back of her head, her sudden beat of confidence faltering. ¡°It would avoid the problem?¡±


    There was a brief pause before Pierce Whitten nodded with a¡ªif Val saw correctly¡ªproud smile? ¡°It would. The remaining, dormant aether creatures would die off soon after we remove the core, and first the Core Curator. Which is why we¡¯ll need to have another meeting with all the Supports and adventurers capable of conjuration. This will be done in two major groups. The first will be responsible for hitting the Core Curator with every offensive attack in the books, as well as having Anchors keeping it moving. The second group is responsible for watching the twenty entrances in case something appears.¡±


    Whitten went on to elaborate as far as he was willing to go, stating that he would request another meeting shortly for each of the two separate teams. ¡°Dismissed!¡± he called, and at that, the forty captains rose to their feet and began filing out. ¡°Except you, Efron. Hang back a bit.¡±


    Val blinked at her name, turning around to find the Expedition Lead scratching his cheek sheepishly. ¡°Yes, sir,¡± she answered, ignoring the piercing stares even as she turned to Jesal. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you in a sec.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing,¡± he said, joining Silann and Rick at the exit, where the pair waited for them. He must¡¯ve relayed her message as the three, with a few words from him, left the Command Centre not too long after.


    Only when silence remained did Whitten finally speak. ¡°I held you back because I would like to apologize.¡±


    ¡°Apologize?¡± Val parroted, unable to keep her shock inside. The Expedition Lead. Apologizing to her. She guessed that would be another thing crossed off her imaginary list of impossible things to accomplish, right next to meeting¡ªand refusing¡ªan Archon.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been pulling your leg in these meetings far too much and, I must admit, it was due to habit.¡±


    Habit? This time, Val managed to keep her rhetorical question to herself.


    ¡°I knew your father, worked alongside Raven actually,¡± he grinned warmly at the name, defusing the cold that grew in Val¡¯s chest. It had been a long, long time since she¡¯d heard anyone say his name with even a modicum of positivity.


    ¡°Howcome¡ª?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve never met me?¡± Whitten finished. ¡°This was before he met your mother. Before he formed his squad actually, saints rest their souls.¡± He allowed a moment of silence for the six departed adventurers. ¡°Guilds sometimes refer adventurers directly to an employer, and the employer makes the temporary teams. I used to drift around, he used to drift around, and we partnered up more times than not during those days.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t know,¡± Val whispered.


    ¡°Figured,¡± was his response. ¡°He was a Wind Striker, and I¡¯m also a wind mage, even if I¡¯m a Bulwark. We got along well, and I would¡¯ve attended his funeral if I wasn¡¯t stuck in a damn rift.¡± He planted a hand on her shoulder. ¡°I know this does nothing, but I¡¯m sorry. For everything.¡±


    Val took in a shaky breath. ¡°It does help. Thank you.¡±


    Then¡ªto her shock¡ªhe ruffled her hair. She stepped back with a small laugh, out of both warmth and surprise. ¡°Hey!¡±


    ¡°You may not have his eyes or hair, but you do have his spirit,¡± he said, a strong grin across his face. ¡°And the glare. Could¡¯ve cut the poor Versetti girl in two with how sharply you looked at her.¡±


    They both shared a laugh at that, soon settling into a reminiscent, if a touch sad, smile. He threw a thumb at the door. ¡°Now get. You¡¯ll have to be here soon enough and I think you¡¯ll shortly cherish the time you have left. It¡¯s about to get very, very busy.¡±

 Extra Tidbit V - Mage Profiles

    Magus Kaleb Kane rubbed his forehead as he dropped his phone from his ear. His daughter¡¯s teacher spared no detail in illuminating him on all the grievances she¡¯d given the class today¡ª "and yesterday, for that fact, too!¡± the teacher had screeched. A bundle of talent and trouble, that one¡­


    His eyes took in the bright skyline of Atera through tactics territory¡¯s floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the grey-shaded room in sunshine¡ªthe carpet, the few plants in the cupboard, the IBR table in the center. The view faded away, his mind roaming to this morning¡¯s unsuccessful lecture with his daughter. He could never muster a mote of the presence the title ¡®Magus¡¯ besotted him when speaking to her. Like her father, a soft bearing didn''t do the job. The question remained, then: who could?


    An idea struck him, bringing him back to the present. He strode for the IBR, metal desk, pushing away a few chairs and fiddling with the touch controls. A high-pitch chime went off¡ªonce, twice¡ªbefore the sound stopped altogether. ¡°Hawke speaking.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I have a little problem with you know who,¡± Kaleb sighed.


    There was a pause before the notorious Instructor¡¯s voice sounded throughout the room. ¡°Did Hayes cuss you out again?¡±


    Kaleb couldn¡¯t help but let another sigh go at the distant memory. ¡°No, the other one.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Rubina.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ruby,¡± Kaleb huffed.


    ¡°Trouble at school?¡±


    Kaleb shoved his hands into the pockets of his combat cloak. ¡°As always.¡±


    ¡°Mind if I take her out for a joyride?¡± the cloud mage asked. A faint beep caught Kaleb¡¯s ear, and he figured she exited one of the rooms in HQ unauthorized for regular guild members. ¡°She¡¯ll be back before dinner.¡±


    ¡°That would be perfect,¡± was Kaleb''s response. ¡°I¡¯ll just let her sitter know.¡±


    ¡°Heading there now,¡± Hawke said. Kaleb grabbed one of the chairs he moved and sat, ready to dive into some admin work when Hawke¡¯s sharp voice sounded once more. ¡°Oh, and Kane¡ªhow are Hayes, Efron and friends doing?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say,¡± Kaleb answered, muttering a curse as his worries strayed back over to the squad under his care. He¡¯d been trying to ignore it unsuccessfully the past few days and, ironically enough, the fun Ruby stirred did just that. Until now. ¡°They are currently on an expedition.¡±


    ¡°So soon?¡±


    If Kaleb hadn¡¯t known better, he¡¯d thought he detected worry and surprise in her voice. Experience warranted it being solely the latter. ¡°My thoughts exactly. Even still, I couldn''t exactly deny them that chance.¡±


    ¡°Well, if your pair of Strikers remember my training, they¡¯ll be fine. Scratched up, but fine.¡±


    Just surprised, Kaleb confirmed quietly to himself. ¡°I¡¯ll trust your word.¡±


    ¡°You should,¡± she said as if it was absurd to think of doing otherwise. ¡°See you at seven.¡±


    Kaleb didn¡¯t have a chance to reply, the table pulsing a light red. She hung up. Raking a hand through his dreads, he swiped the table to bring up an IBR keyboard. He could trust her word and trust the facts, right? So, without any hesitation, he pulled up a host of files.


    HAMMER SQUAD


    (i) Valory Efron - [Striker]


    Element(s): Metal ¡ª Subset: Coldsteel


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Instructor Notes: Close-range combatant using a saber and metal invocation to assist her in fights. Highly attentive and creative in her methods. Her abilities shine against people, rather than aether creatures, where her keen sense is showcased. Conflict-averse. Brave. Quick-witted.


    (ii) Carielle Hayes - [Striker]


    Element(s): Magma, Sand


    Instructor Notes: Close-range combatant wielding a greataxe with an uncanny amount of dexterity, experience and grace. A great improvement in magma invocation, needs work on her sand element equivalent. Perhaps a touch impatient, but a talent nonetheless.


    (iii) Alessio Azotus - [Bulwark]


    Element(s): Light, Mineral¡ª Subset: White Jade


    Instructor Notes: A shield able to block attacks up and personal, as well as at a distance. Azotus holds two qualities rarely seen in a bulwark: durability and fluidity. If able to grow out of his shell, he will flourish to unknown heights.


    (iv) Kylee Lenson - [Support]


    Element(s): Ice, Air, Divination


    Instructor Notes: A quiet and yet dominating presence in the backline. Makes little mistakes, and fills in where needed. Communication has improved, but still needs a little more work. Uses ice and air elements like a third and fourth arm. Divination could be an area to work on.


    (v) Ekon Nightingale - [Hunter]


    Element(s): Darkness, Illusion


    Instructor Notes: A combatant skilled in playing with the acuity of his opposition. Relies heavily on alchemic strength, to both his benefit and detriment. Nightingale should focus on overcoming this crutch, and his inability to communicate amicably.


    (vi) Jesal Haldar - [Anchor]


    Element(s): Gravity, Amplification


    Instructor Notes: Has the building pieces of everything you might need in an anchor. Gravity to immobilize the enemy, amplification to enhance his team¡¯s strength. A strong leader in every sense of the word. An area of focus is furthering his skills in manipulation.


    LANDRY SQUAD


    (i) Errick Landry - [Bulwark]


    Element(s): Earth


    Instructor Notes: A veteran in providing cover for any team. Strong leader, an even better mentor.


    (ii) Silann Haldar - [Support]


    Element(s): Air, Lightning¡ª variation: Dark lightning


    Instructor Notes: A nightmare to face, capable of lightning-quick, devastating artillery,


    (iii) Bo of the Third Halo - [Hunter]


    Element(s): Illusion


    Instructor Notes: A hunter that appears in the most unlikely places, covering your back unknowingly.


    (iv) Aeron Cote - [Anchor]


    Element(s): Water


    Instructor Notes: An anchor tried and true. Extremely grounding.


    VERSETTI SQUAD


    (i) Leah Versetti - [Striker]


    Element(s): Water-Ice Mixture


    Instructor Notes: A Striker with a special ability to control the phases of water to aid in her quick, sharp close-range battle style.


    (ii) Mikhail Williams - [Hunter / Support]


    Element(s): Lightning


    Instructor Notes: A mage who wields lightning like a second-hand. Plans to become a Support, acts as a Hunter as of now. Williams sustains the skills for both.


    Kaleb managed to grab the last few files from Horizon¡¯s Silence after Hammer Squad had a little run-in with them during one of their earlier rift dives, Storm¡¯s Keep. Their instructor was left blistering in the face of Kaleb¡¯s calm anger¡ªand he should¡¯ve been. Versetti¡¯s actions were uncalled for. Thankfully, they were all on the same team now. Reading over their files assured Kaleb that his students and the rest of the expedition would be just fine. They had the skill and grit. They understood that in rifts, it was kill or be killed.


    The next phone call he answered had better be news of their safe return.