ã€ŠThe Homeseeker: Elemental Adventurer LitRPG [Isekai] (Books 1-4 Complete!)ã€‹


 Chapter 01 - A Rejection of Reality

    Zalan sat empty on the worn-out couch of his dimly lit apartment, his thoughts feeling so far away from him, yet consuming his every faculty. He stared at the ceiling fan lazily rotating above him with a dissociated focus. Tracking a single blade with his eyes, he found his mind stuck in rote loops, repeating questions that permeated through his numb thoughts. Why was he such a pathetic son? Every revolution of the fan made him think the same things, trapped in the endless loop.

    ¡°Zalan! Open up!¡±

    Slowly sinking back into reality, Zalan recognized the voice of his cousin, Asher. He barely registered the visitor, not knowing how long he had been there. The persistent knocking echoed through the apartment, and the distorted silhouette of his cousin pressed against the frosted glass window, with his features obscured by the fading light. The outline of Asher¡¯s hands could easily be seen as his face went as close as it could to the window. Zalan hoped the dark home was enough to hide him.

    ¡°I see you, Zalan! Open the door! Come on!¡± Asher rapped against the window.

    Mechanically, almost without thinking, Zalan rolled himself off the couch. His phone slid off his stomach, thudding against the floor. He had been scrolling for hours before it ran out of battery. Quickly, he stored it in his pocket.

    Finding his way to the front door, Zalan opened it a crack. The light of the outside world caused him to squint.

    ¡°Ash,¡± Zalan acknowledged monotonously, looking him up and down. Asher had a tupperware of food in one hand, a bottle of pills in the other, and a series of worry lines on his face. He quickly evaluated Zalan, his eyes zipping with increasing intensity.

    Zalan could only assume what his cousin was seeing. He had plenty to assess from the deep bags under Zalan¡¯s red eyes to his wrinkly, grease-stained clothes, and matted, dirty hair. Asher sighed, closing his eyes and reopening them quickly.

    ¡°Zalan. Are you okay? Calls aren''t going through, what''s going on?¡± Asher asked, throwing the door open and allowing himself inside. Zalan shrugged and closed the door behind him, dragging his feet to catch up. Asher looked him over for another few seconds before Zalan realized he¡¯d been asked a question.

    ¡°Not really in the mood to talk,¡± Zalan said, tapping his pants pocket that held his phone. He deliberately placed it on Do Not Disturb, but still kept it close, as the feeling of it in his pocket provided him some comfort.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean you can ignore everyone,¡± Asher said pointedly, looking around the apartment.

    The residence was shrouded in darkness, the setting sun cast long shadows in the rooms, none of which had any lights on. Asher kicked lightly at the small pile of pizza boxes at the foot of the kitchen counter and made a face before forcing a smile and looking up at Zalan. The floor was littered with crumbs from various chips and their bags haphazardly thrown around the home. Candy wrappers and popcorn kernels gave the white kitchen floor an extra splash of color. Asher began to pick up the smaller trash immediately as Zalan watched impassively.

    ¡°You drinking any water?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°I guess,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°That¡¯s not really an answer,¡± Asher replied, frowning.

    Zalan offered nothing more. Asher continued to pick up wrappers, biting his lip nervously.

    ¡°We¡¯re worried about you, man,¡± Asher finally said, dumping a small pile of trash in the overflowing trash can.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Zalan said, his eyes and mind beginning to drift away from the conversation.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious! We haven¡¯t seen you in days. Can¡¯t get you on the phone. Have you at least gone to visit her?¡± Asher asked.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes narrowed as he brought himself back, trying to piece together the puzzle of the question. Visit?

    ¡°You mean Mom?¡± Zalan asked, his stomach lurching.

    ¡°Yeah, who else?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°Why would I¡­¡± Zalan trailed, deciding not to complete the thought.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be good for you,¡± Asher assured him.

    Zalan¡¯s lip twitched and he turned away from Asher, lumbering back to sit on his indented spot on the couch. Asher pulled out the trash bag in the kitchen¡¯s bin and replaced it. He took the trash bag and leaned it against the front door before going to join Zalan in the living room in a seat across from his cousin. He flipped on the light, and Zalan turned away with his eyes closed, pained by the second uninvited guest in his home. He clicked his tongue in irritation.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re gonna go visit her?¡± Asher pressed.

    Zalan sighed and laid down across the couch, placing a hand over his eyes to block out the light.

    ¡°Zalan?¡±

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    ¡°What?¡± Zalan snapped, annoyed.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna visit her,¡± Asher said with finality. He was no longer asking.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll do it because I¡¯ll drag you there. We¡¯re gonna get you out of the apartment and help you. Not like you¡¯re even pretending you have anything better to do,¡± Asher said, looking around the mess of Zalan¡¯s home.

    Zalan laid silently as Asher leaned forward in his chair, awaiting a response. He then breathed slowly, giving no indication he was still a part of the conversation.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Asher ventured.

    ¡°Yes! Fine, I¡¯ll go! Just please stop talking, Ash. And turn off the light!¡±

    Asher opened his mouth to say something more, but decided to shrug and accept the small victory. He placed the tupperware on a coffee table next to Zalan, and the bottle of pills next to that.

    ¡°Eat something,¡± Ash said. ¡°It¡¯s barbeque chicken and carrots.¡±

    Zalan shifted the hand away from his eye, peeking at the container of food. His stomach groaned. He sighed and rolled himself up, pulling off the plastic cover and pointedly avoiding the gaze of Asher¡¯s satisfied smirk as Zalan took a big bite of chicken.

    ¡°And take one of these,¡± Asher knocked on the closed bottle of pills.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Zalan asked, his mouth full.

    ¡°Sleeping pill. You¡¯ll feel better,¡± Asher promised.

    Zalan grumbled in disappointment, snapping a carrot loudly and rolling his eyes. Asher watched intently, making sure Zalan took a decent fill of food before bringing him a cup of water and opening the bottle of pills. Asher spilled out a single purple and black pill and placed it next to the cup. Zalan studied the pill; its color was nothing like he¡¯d seen on any medicine before. Rather than a simple two-toned pill, the two colors morphed together like a watercolor streak, making it look somewhat ominous and alien.

    ¡°What is this again? This doesn¡¯t look normal,¡± Zalan attempted.

    ¡°Drink it,¡± Asher asserted.

    Zalan made a face and drank down the pill, waiting for something either magic or tragic to happen, but instead felt nothing at all. Which was about the feeling he¡¯d had for days now. He shrugged and finished the cup of water, hydrating his body for the first time in a day or two. He pushed the empty tupperware and cup forward, toward Asher.

    ¡°Happy now?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Very,¡± Asher said, finally turning the lights back off. ¡°I¡¯m going to take you to visit her first thing in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Zalan said, laying himself back down on the couch.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to at least go to sleep in your bed?¡± Asher asked.

    Zalan didn¡¯t reply. Asher went back to the kitchen and began the job of tossing the pizza boxes, trash, and cleaning the dishes for his cousin while Zalan stared at the slowly rotating ceiling fan. It spun endlessly, but wasn¡¯t moving fast enough to cool down the room. Although it was useless at this speed, Zalan felt comforted by it in a perverse way. Like it was a kindred spirit drifting, instead of moving with any deliberate direction. Something devoid of emotion, incapable of shedding tears.

    Zalan allowed his eyes to scan the walls to pass the time until his cousin would leave his home. He fixated on his college graduation picture. The image had been long neglected, a screen of dust settled upon it. There he stood with his mom, proudly holding his degree for the camera. Bachelor of Science in Physics with a Minor in Computer Sciences. The image looked nothing like him. Every time he had seen himself in the mirror, a smile was the furthest expression. His mom¡¯s smile was radiant, something he wished he could have seen any of the past few days. Graduating at 21, he felt his whole life was ahead of him. Less than a year later, his life felt like it was already over.

    Zalan was soon breathing steadily, sleep oozing itself over his mind to take its hold over him. He enjoyed sleep, as it was his only escape from the typical feelings of his life. Ironically, it sometimes made him feel more alive to be in a dream.

    Like the many fitful sleeps in prior days, Zalan lost consciousness with dry eyes and a frown on his face.

    Suddenly his body heaved, as if he was dropped into a void.

    At first, Zalan believed he was simply experiencing the falling sensation that sometimes occurs on the brink of sleep. But as he opened his eyes, he realized he was at least three feet above the ground. He screamed and covered his face as he crashed into the ground. His heart thumped recklessly as he slid a few feet across the dirt before coming to an abrupt halt. Coughing, he threw his head up, witnessing a hulking creature towering over him.

    The creature felt colossal over Zalan, at least two times his size. Its standing wolf-like form was composed of gray ash, forming ponderous legs and nimble arms. Flames licked up its limbs, climbing as far as its back and casting a bright glow, reminiscent of a signal fire. The brightness made it difficult for Zalan to look directly at it. The gray sand-like texture of its skin shimmered, forming pine-like leaves along its back¡ªa silver, glimmering shell that seemed poised to explode like gunpowder. Its arms and legs were accented with crimson-red claws, as though permanently stained in blood. Deep, red eyes fixated on Zalan, with tiny fire-like wisps flickering over the pupils, making them dance with bloodlust. Grinning widely, it revealed its jagged brown teeth. Zalan shuddered and slowly backed away as the nightmarish creature raised an arm toward him.

    A thin orange stream light emitted from the creature¡¯s claw, resembling a laser pointer, and snaked its way to Zalan. Startled, Zalan yelped and scrambled away on all fours, terrified by the demonic vision approaching him with its wide, soulless grin. The orange light halted once it reached the point where Zalan had been hunched over just moments before. Suddenly, the ground swelled and erupted in fire and dirt, temporarily blinding Zalan with its intense flame. Zalan screamed in fear and continued to scramble as fast as he could in his unseeing state, eventually regaining vision and discerning shapes once more.

    Zalan¡¯s vision was still madly disoriented. He noted the sun¡¯s height¡ªit was too high for this time of day. It should have gone down right as he was falling asleep. His eyebrows drew together as he suddenly realized he was nowhere near home, stranded in vast plains with sparse flora. In the distance, an old wooden town stood with an ocean beyond it. The climate was arid and warm, and the horizon appeared empty on all slides. He couldn¡¯t see his apartment complex anywhere. Everything seemed dreamlike, yet he felt entirely awake.

    Something shifted behind him. As his heart sank in his stomach he remembered a monstrous creature had been next to him just a moment ago. He twisted his neck around rapidly and gasped.

    The creature had raised its arm again, and the thin orange light traced across the ground, landing immediately in front of Zalan¡¯s feet. Zalan looked up at the creature and then back down in horror as the orange light burrowed into the earth. The ground shifted beneath him, and he could sense the impending blast, swelling in anticipation of obliteration.

 Chapter 02 - A Fiery Friend

    Zalan shut his eyes in fear, all but certain his life would end right now, not knowing anything about what was transpiring. Suddenly, he heard something thud in front of him. He opened his eyes and saw a young man with short black hair, dressed in a fading red tunic, his arms planted down on the swelling earth just as it erupted. Rather than exploding, the flame was directed out to the side, like a pot emitting steam from only one end. It arced sideways, blasting Zalan with the heat of the flames, enough to leave his face a hot pink and burn his eyebrows clean off. Zalan was fine with the slight damage he sustained as long as he could still breathe. With wide eyes, he watched the explosion dissipate, then looked toward his savior.

    ¡°You certainly should not be alone at a time like this,¡± the stranger said nervously. Without looking away from the creature, the stranger grasped Zalan and pulled him to his feet as he stood up.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Zalan asked, both ecstatic and stunned.

    ¡°That is a Flamestriker. I suspect you are not nearly at a high enough Level to take it on. Make sure you do not let its explosive light touch you,¡± the young man explained. He looked to be about Zalan¡¯s age, and he twitched and fidgeted as he watched the monster move.

    ¡°I asked who you were,¡± Zalan mumbled, looking past his new ally and keeping focused on the Flamestriker before it raised a claw again.

    ¡°Right, sorry, umm, my name is Rep,¡± the ally replied, with a cringe-induced grimace. ¡°We need to rush around the Flamestriker.¡±

    ¡°Rush around it?¡± Zalan asked, concerned. The beast slowly began raising its arm, its eyes locked on the two of them.

    ¡°Its pointing explosion is rather slow. If we wait for it to get close to us, we can split and run at it. I will unsheath my sword to draw its attention toward me and strike. That should give us time to get to Oriton,¡± Rep gestured to the town on the other side of the creature.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on! Are you sure¡ª¡±

    ¡°I am not! But we have to move!¡± Rep said as the orange light raced toward them, preparing to explode.

    Zalan waited for Rep¡¯s signal while sweat rolled down his neck.

    ¡°Now!¡±

    Rep pulled a sword from a sheath at his hip and dashed to one side, while Zalan stared, frozen in fear. The light continued to slide gradually toward him. Zalan grunted in frustration as he forced himself to rush the other way, making a wide berth around the Flamestriker. The area where Zalan and Rep had stood moments earlier shook violently as the explosion erupted raccously. Zalan looked away from the blinding light and glanced up at the Flamestriker, which was quickly advancing toward him, seemingly ignoring Rep on the other side. Rep¡¯s eyes went wide in trepidation, and he ran straight for the Flamestriker.

    ¡°You said it would follow you!!¡± Zalan screamed in fear as each of the Flamestriker¡¯s shuffling steps closed the gap between him and the creature.

    ¡°Keep running!¡± Rep shouted, straining to catch up.

    Zalan had no plans to do otherwise and carried himself as fast as his legs would allow. He was stunned to see how swiftly he could move, considering he had felt so awful only moments ago, but didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it. He chanced a glance backward and saw the Flamestriker¡¯s ghastly, wide smile growing even wider with each earth-shaking step, bringing it closer to Zalan.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Zalan shouted, keeping his eyes fixed on the town ahead. He wasn¡¯t sure how much of a difference it would make to hide in the town with a monster of this size behind him, but at this point he was willing to try anything to get away.

    ¡°Turn around! Get away from there!¡± Rep shouted in a panic.

    Zalan had no idea what he was referring to until he saw the orange light ahead of him, cutting off his path. He shouted in fear and frustration, then twisted himself midstep to run parallel to the city as the ground he was approaching shattered, flinging flames and dirt in all directions. The Flamestriker emitted a low growl of glee while it scraped the soil with its clawed feet, taking longer strides to catch up to Zalan. At this rate, it was only a few steps away from him, despite Zalan¡¯s frantic pace.

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    ¡°Do something!¡± Zalan begged.

    Rep yelled as he charged and sliced at the back of the creature''s foot, causing it to stumble and fall to one knee. Zalan tripped and collapsed, having exerted too much energy sprinting for so long. He glanced back at Rep, who circled around to the front of the Flamestriker. Putting his full body weight behind the swing of the sword, Rep aimed at the creature, but the Flamestriker groaned and threw a flaming arm up, smacking the sword clean out of Rep¡¯s hands. After staring at his empty hands, Rep looked up, finding the creature¡¯s face mere inches away. Shouting in a mix of fear and power, Rep struck the creature¡¯s face with his bare hands, knocking its chin straight upward. The Flamestriker recoiled, growling in pain.

    ¡°Run! Run! Run! Run! Run!¡± Rep screamed repeatedly in panic, waving for Zalan to get up to his feet and run back toward the city. Rep began running at full speed toward Oriton.

    The Flamestriker roared in anger as it brought itself back to its full, considerable height. Zalan was barely able to start running again when he heard the monumental movement of the Flamestriker. Its wolfish face howled in anticipation as it began bounding on all fours instead of walking. Zalan thought he had seconds, but he only had heartbeats. It ran toward Zalan, ignoring Rep.

    Rep shouted more instructions,

    ¡°Head down! Get down!¡±

    Zalan allowed his exhaustion to take over and collapsed on the ground, hardly able to keep his face from striking the ground. He felt both the searing heat and the wind of the claws swing above his head. Clenching his body tightly in fear, Zalan watched as the Flamestriker bounded forward its momentum carrying it farther than the two allies.

    ¡°Rep, what do I do?¡± Zalan picked up his head, watching the Flamesriker turn itself around and slowly grinning at him. ¡°Rep!?¡± Zalan looked back to see Rep running away without him, sprinting toward the town.

    Zalan picked himself back up just as the Flamestriker took passing notice of Rep and then focused on Zalan. Zalan squatted down and fumbled until he picked up a sizable rock and threw it with all his might at the monster. The Flamestriker didn¡¯t even react to the rock cracking against its leg and began to rush forward. Zalan ducked down at the last second, hardly having the chance to do anything else, but this time the Flamestriker didn¡¯t rush beyond him with unintended momentum. It stopped, remaining just above Zalan. It looked down upon him and grinned.

    Zalan yelped. Without thinking, he jumped up with his fist in the air and collided with the beast¡¯s face just as Rep did earlier. Except, instead of doing any damage and sending its face skyward, all Zalan heard was the crack of his own hand.

    ¡°Ahhhhh!¡± Zalan looked down to see his hand bleeding profusely from the knuckles. Pain shot up his arm and he trembled involuntarily.

    The Flamestriker found the display wildly amusing and laughed a low, fear-inducing chuckle, each chortle causing the flames of its arms and legs to increase ever so slightly in its mirth. Zalan¡¯s other hand began to search desperately for another rock on the ground, but instead found a handful of dirt that he threw straight into the monster¡¯s eyes.

    It roared in anger as Zalan scampered away, his chest heaving from the most exertion he¡¯d ever experienced in his life. He could only use one hand, while the other hung bleeding and useless at his side. Forcing himself upright proved to be too challenging without the use of both hands. He twisted his ankle, hurting himself in the process, and barely managed to move away from the monster.

    The Flamestriker wiped the mess of dirt from its face and fixed its red eyes on Zalan before pointing toward the slowly advancing explosive light. The deadly beam was catching up quickly to Zalan, who was barely able to keep himself upright, much less run at full speed. The town felt light-years away from him. Just as the orange light neared, a flame erupted beneath the Flamestriker, burning its face.

    Zalan had been so focused on fleeing that he didn¡¯t notice Rep¡¯s return. Suddenly reappearing under the monster¡¯s feet, fire streamed from Rep¡¯s fist. In his other hand, he tightly gripped his retrieved sword.

    ¡°Get out of here! Run!¡± Rep demanded. He dodged away from a claw coming down on him.

    Zalan nodded numbly and continued to stumble toward the short walls surrounding the town, each breath painful as his fist burned and his ankle throbbed. Keeping his eyes on Rep and the Flamestriker behind him, Zalan noticed a small trail of blood drops forming from the wound in his fist as he ran. Rep dodged another strike and swung his blade with full force at the creature, only for it to be seized, then cleaved in two by the Flamestriker¡¯s other arm. Rep stared in horror. The creature kicked him several feet away with full force before bounding toward Zalan. Snarling, the Flamestriker pursued its weakened, bleeding prey.

    ¡°Keep going!¡± Rep coughed.

    The Flamestriker¡¯s mouth went from a grin to a gaping maw as it decided to forego flame-based attacks and consume directly from Zalan¡¯s flesh.

    ¡°You are almost there!¡± Rep promised.

    Zalan realized he was nowhere near the city wall, let alone close enough to reach any of the gates before the creature could attack him. His fastest speed felt like no more than a casual walk, with the city still about a hundred feet away. The Flamestriker would be on top of him in seconds. Nonetheless, he continued shuffling, desperate to escape the grisly fate he felt chasing him. He disregarded all the pain he could, but his heart pounded as the Flamestriker¡¯s teeth reached out to take Zalan¡¯s neck.

 Chapter 03 - Oriton

    Zalan ducked, hoping to evade the Flamestriker¡¯s swinging, flaming claws, but it became evident he hadn¡¯t moved far enough. Zalan winced as the last thump of the creature''s legs struck the earth. With incredible speed and snarl, the Flamestriker lunged at him with full force.

    Zalan flinched at the sound of another thump. The beast¡¯s guttural growl faded into a gurgle. Zalan cracked open an eye and screamed¡ªthe mouth of the Flamestriker hung less than an inch away from his face. As he scrambled away on all fours, he noticed the creature didn¡¯t pursue him, and its fading red eyes no longer stared into his soul with malevolent intent.

    ¡°Do not take on creatures you are not Leveled for,¡± a voice reprimanded from above.

    It took a full five seconds for Zalan to realize there was a spear lodged into the Flamestriker¡¯s body. He blinked, dumbfounded, and traced the spear¡¯s angle back to its origin at the top of the town wall a few dozen feet behind him. There stood a guard, identifiable by the light armor on his chest. The guard held another spear, prepared to throw it should the Flamestriker show any sign of surviving the initial blow.

    ¡°Did you do that?¡± Zalan asked dumbly, raising his mangled, bloodied hand to point at the Flamestriker who slumped further into the ground.

    ¡°Indeed.¡± The guard nodded, then continued his short lecture. ¡°Do not attack Flamestrikers if you do not have an Element to take them on or a good weapon to¡­¡± the guard¡¯s face went sour in bafflement. ¡°Are you unarmed!?¡±

    Zalan looked down at himself numbly, only then realizing he had somehow been wearing a long, brown tunic, with yellow accents at the sleeves of his wrists. He looked down at his pants and saw they, too, were nothing he recognized¡ªfaded, brown pantaloons. He patted at them absently, looking for his phone and noticing his pockets were empty.

    ¡°Uhhh,¡± Zalan replied, his brain not having caught up with the guard.

    ¡°Do you have a death wish? How foolish can you be?!¡± the guard shouted.

    ¡°You are okay!¡± Rep appeared limping with a beaming smile from behind the dead Flamestriker, with the broken hilt of his sword in one hand. He looked at the spear in the creature, then up to the wall with a thankful smile. ¡°I am grateful for your vigilant nature over the walls, Sir Kilile. He may have perished otherwise.¡±

    The guard¡¯s derision softened at the flattery and he simply nodded once to Rep.

    ¡°Is he with you, Rep? Why is he unarmed?¡± the guard asked.

    ¡°Uhhh,¡± Rep looked down at Zalan who shrugged in reply. ¡°That is¡­ Something I wish to ask him once we are inside Oriton,¡± Rep said, his slow speech betraying the fact he was making up an excuse. Sir Kilile regarded the two of them with narrow eyes and pursed lips.

    ¡°Very well. But do not go back outside if you are unprepared!¡± he snapped.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Rep rushed to Zalan to help him stand.

    Zalan accepted Rep¡¯s hand and was pulled shakily to his feet. Then, he placed his weight on Rep¡¯s shoulder to take pressure off his bad ankle. A small door opened at the base of the wall and Rep led the two inside as he nodded and offered grateful platitudes in the direction of anyone that looked tangentially involved in guarding the walls. They waved the two off and Zalan finally felt his heart come down to a speed where he could breathe normally.

    ¡°Where am I?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Oriton,¡± Rep answered, readjusting himself under Zalan¡¯s weight.

    ¡°Where is that?¡± Zalan asked, confused. He studied the buildings, all of them wooden and very few with words written in English, instead opting to have symbols to represent what type of business was housed in the building.

    ¡°Well, Oriton is a port town, so it borders the sea on¡ª¡±

    ¡°No, where are we? Is Oriton far from Merced?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Merced?¡± Rep repeated hesitantly.

    ¡°California,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°California¡­¡± Rep trailed, quickly feeling out of his element.

    ¡°Where am I?¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°Oriton!¡± Rep insisted. ¡°We are in Oriton! Near the sea!¡±

    ¡°But where is that? What state?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not¡­ state? You must mean Greev. Well, we call it the land, but I think you understand it as¡­¡±

    ¡°What? That¡¯s not a state! Where am I? Where¡¯s Ash? Who are you?¡± Zalan suddenly withdrew his weight from Rep and began to limp on his own as though it was a form of punishing him.

    ¡°I am Rep. I am here to assist you. I was¡­ hmmm¡­ inspired to come to your aid when you arrived in this world. You might be confused, but do not be afraid. It is normal to¡­¡±

    ¡°This world?¡± Zalan cut in.

    ¡°Please allow me to¡ª¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®this world?¡¯¡±

    Rep cleared his throat self-consciously.

    ¡°You are not in the world you were born in,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Yeah right, this isn¡¯t a ¡®new world!¡¯¡± Zalan spat with confidence. ¡°Just tell me where I am and¡­¡±

    Rep¡¯s eyes widened in annoyance and he displayed his hand in front of him with such force that Zalan stopped mid-sentence. They stared at each other for an awkward moment, then out of the palm of Rep¡¯s hand sprouted a small flame, the size of a baseball. Zalan stared in astonishment as the flame danced in Rep¡¯s hand with no sign that Rep was in pain. Rep let the flame sit for a few seconds more as Zalan slowly twisted his neck in confusion before Rep closed his hand, snuffing out the flame.

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    Zalan swallowed in embarrassment, trying to think of something to say as he watched the small wisp of smoke dissipate above Rep¡¯s hand. He was too stubborn to admit he was seeing anything otherworldly.

    ¡°You are in a new world,¡± Rep offered. ¡°I am here to assist you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a magician,¡± Zalan said with a snide smile, pointing with his good hand as soon as he came to the conclusion.

    ¡°Dear Lord,¡± Rep whispered, closing his eyes to keep his composure. ¡°The Flamestriker was not enough of a shock in this new world?¡±

    ¡°Not if you¡¯re a magician,¡± Zalan replied confidently, though in his heart he knew that even that sounded outlandish.

    Rep grunted in exasperation, crossing his arms and looking to the ground in consternation. He snapped up when a new idea came to mind.

    ¡°Very well, try and recall what you were doing before you were here. What was your previous day like?¡±

    ¡°Well, I was hanging out at my place. Just¡­ you know, hanging out. And my cousin Asher came by and I was going to go visit my mom¡­¡± Zalan trailed at the mention of his mother, his thoughts immediately clouding. A hollow sensation ate his stomach and the memory twisted a knife in his mind. Rep waited for him to continue for a few moments, then continued when Zalan offered nothing more.

    ¡°I do not know what to tell you. Your mother is not around, Zalan,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that!¡± Zalan snapped angrily.

    Rep put up his hands in a gesture of peace.

    ¡°I apologize. I only want to be clear that you are in a new world. Do me a favor and continue to walk so we may reach the guild faster,¡± Rep said, taking a step forward, but Zalan remained immobile.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I should listen to you. You won¡¯t even tell me where I am,¡± Zalan said, his eyes revealing more confusion than defiance. Rep¡¯s face turned from urgent annoyance to soft and comforting.

    ¡°I see you are scared of your new surroundings. This may help you understand. Tap your fingers like this,¡± Rep said, tapping his index finger against his thumb three times.

    ¡°What is this, the next part in your magician act where you¡­ what the¡­¡±

    A black spot appeared on the lower end of his arm. He flipped his arm up and stared in shock at his wrist, which was now populating itself with text written in ink, as though an invisible calligrapher was writing onto the canvas of his upper arm.

    LEVEL: 01

    STRENGTH: 01

    WISDOM: 01

    EXPERIENCE: 09

    ELEMENT: NONE

    Zalan stared in disbelief at the text for a second, then spent the next moment trying to wipe it away with his free hand. After a few seconds, he was relieved to see it disappear on its own. He continued to look at his now-clear wrist, then looked back up to Rep.

    ¡°What just happened?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You checked your abilities,¡± Rep answered matter-of-factly.

    Zalan tapped his fingers together again and saw the information appear once more. He shook his head.

    ¡°What did you do to me?¡± Zalan asked, curious.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Rep paused, seeming to pivot his words mid-thought. ¡°I am only trying to get you to understand where you are. Oriton,¡± Rep explained calmly.

    ¡°That¡¯s it. I¡¯m not getting anywhere with you,¡± Zalan threw his hands up and looked around, Rep waiting with an increasing feeling of annoyance. ¡°I¡¯ll ask someone smarter than you.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep shrugged.

    Zalan scoffed and looked for someone, but was quickly distracted by the town that surrounded him.

    The town itself was of modest size, surrounded by walls on all sides except for the portion on the far end that neighbored the sea. Every building he could see looked to be made of wood, either set together or molded in strange shapes, as if a few beams grew spontaneously into buildings. The streets were made of stone laid together and everything seemed to be covered in dirt. He looked up and down different roads, teeming with the life of the city.

    Dozens of people traveled between shops, bargaining, and in general, brought life to the area. Zalan realized that they all wore odd clothes like they were in a medieval fair and had weapons to match. Most walked around with swords at their hips, no one taking note of Zalan analyzing each one of them as they passed. Some stray animals scrounged for scraps, scampering between stalls that would shoo them away. Zalan discovered that street signs were hand carved, most having images of things like meat and weapons, with the rare addition of something in English to supplement the symbol. He looked past Rep, who began folding his arms, and pointed to a passing old man with a bag of fruits slung over his back.

    ¡°Hey! You!¡± Zalan demanded. ¡°What city is this?¡±

    The man looked up, nonplussed.

    ¡°You do not know where you are?¡± the man asked.

    ¡°Just answer the question,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You are in Oriton,¡± the man replied.

    ¡°And where is that?¡±

    ¡°At the edge of the sea, a few hour¡¯s journey from the Cliffs of Shadow and¡ª¡±

    ¡°No, what state is this? What country?¡±

    ¡°Greev¡­¡± the man said, stunned at Zalan¡¯s words. He turned to Rep. ¡°Is he related to Captain McKittrick? Perhaps he has had a few too many visits with the Mind of Madness? Or is he with you?¡±

    ¡°He is with me.¡± Rep nodded apologetically.

    Zalan opened his mouth to say something more, but couldn¡¯t come up with anything. The confused man walked away, chuckling to himself.

    ¡°Zalan, please,¡± Rep pleaded.

    ¡°How do you know my name?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I understand you are confused right now. But please listen. You are in a new world. Currently, in the town of Oriton. This realm is nothing like your previous world. The reason I know your name is that I am to be your guide. Just try and humor the idea for a moment. You are in a new world,¡± Rep repeated.

    Zalan opened his mouth to counter but rolled his eyes and decided to at least try. The sun looked the same, as did the people, albeit in strange clothes. But only now did he realize that he felt very different. His eyes weren¡¯t dry. His stomach wasn¡¯t perpetually upset. The physical exertion of his run and the creature he witnessed certainly wouldn¡¯t have existed in his own world. Most importantly, the pain that was in his heart before he went to sleep was somewhere buried deep, not taking over his every thought and movement. Perhaps this new world was a dream of some sort?

    He pinched himself, but the attempt to wake himself felt so tiny compared to the pain flaring from his twisted ankle and bloody hand. The dream world was potent and he couldn¡¯t just will himself awake.

    ¡°Alright, say that I believe that I¡¯m in a new world. Hypothetically. How did I get here?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I cannot say,¡± Rep admitted, his voice low.

    ¡°Great, as soon as I start believing you, you run out of answers,¡± Zalan said, annoyed. ¡°Do you know how I can get back home?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Perhaps there is an Artifact that may send you back, but which Artifact, I would not know.¡± Then, Rep smiled. ¡°But I do know someone much more knowledgeable than myself who may be able to assist us.¡±

    He immediately led the way as Zalan followed. Zalan looked down at the wound on his knuckles, the open flesh stinging when in contact with the wind. It hurt in a way that felt like he wasn¡¯t in a dream world. But that was absurd. This would go away as soon as he woke up and was back home. He took a deep breath, ignoring the pain in his arm and leg, and decided to focus on moving forward instead. He would do whatever it took to wake up and get out.

    But, to try and distract himself from the injuries, he tapped his index finger to his thumb and brought up the abilities on his forearm once more.

 Chapter 04 - Get in Line

    ¡°So, why isn¡¯t there a stat like Health on my abilities list?¡± Zalan asked, raising his wrist to get a better look at the lost skin scabbing over on the knuckles of his right hand.

    ¡°An interesting question. Do you have a health stat in your world?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, we don¡¯t have any stats where I¡¯m from,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°So why are you expecting to see it here?¡± Rep asked, pointing to Zalan¡¯s wrist as the abilities faded away.

    ¡°I just guess I¡¯ve just seen a more robust system in games I¡¯ve played,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°Games?¡± Rep inquired.

    ¡°What about this ¡®Elemental¡¯ ability? What is that?¡±

    ¡°Ah, that I can answer for you,¡± Rep said, tapping his index finger to his thumb and revealing his own stats. He was Level 03 and his Elemental stat read as ¡°Fire.¡± He then snapped his fingers and sprouted a tiny flame on his thumb. ¡°You can approach an Elemental creature and accept their challenge in order to gain their power. Then you can emit whatever power it grants.¡±

    ¡°You mean I can have a fire power?¡± Zalan asked, interested.

    ¡°Not just fire. There are many elemental powers to be found in the world. Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, Plant, Shadow, and more that are either rare or we are yet to discover.¡±

    ¡°Can I get multiple powers?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Well¡­ you certainly can achieve multiple powers, but the challenges placed forth by the Elementals are normally fairly difficult and you might find yourself satisfied after having achieved just one.¡±

    ¡°And as you called yourself my guide, what does that mean in this world?¡±

    Rep took the next few steps in silence.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan prodded.

    ¡°It is not a title in this realm. It is what I have decided to call myself,¡± Rep answered quickly.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because I am willing to guide you back to your home.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ As my guide, will you take me to get one of these powers if I ask you to?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep smiled, happy to see Zalan taking the world more seriously.

    ¡°It is difficult to search for Elementals, but I will do my best to find one for you to have your own power,¡± Rep promised. Zalan smiled at the thought, then remembered this might all be some strange dream, as much as he felt he was awake. What would be the point of a power that would disappear when he woke up?

    If only he could figure out how to wake up. He thought back to his plans to visit his mom and a wave of cold guilt washed over his heart. He ran a hand lightly through his hair.

    ¡°I¡¯d actually rather just go home, to be honest,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°Very well, the first step requires you to go in there,¡± Rep nodded his head to a building standing before them. Zalan looked up at the sign hanging above the door and saw no words, only an intricate insignia of a tornado emitting flames, a pillar of light, and lightning.

    ¡°Just in there?¡± Zalan asked, looking back at Rep. ¡°You want me to go alone?¡±

    ¡°Oh. I suppose I could lead you in. I was going to follow after you, but leading is fine,¡± Rep walked in step with Zalan and opened the door for him. Zalan took a hesitant step forward and looked over the bunks set up around the large room, a table seated in the center, and another room leading into a hall on the other side of the room. The wooden walls were bare and the only light was that which bled in through windows and the open door. Zalan looked around for anyone inside the place, then back to Rep.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the person who¡¯s supposed to get me out of here?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Rep looked confused for a moment, then blinked in recognition. ¡°Oh, no, this is the guild. You need to sleep and rest to heal your arm and leg.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Rep looked down at Zalan¡¯s bleeding fist with concern then back up to him with a queasy grin.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°None of this will matter once I wake up back in my own world, right?¡±

    ¡°Neither of us know the answer to that,¡± Rep said, shifting uncomfortably as another drop of blood fled Zalan¡¯s fingers.

    ¡°Fine, how about we cover it up with some bandages real quick and then head back out?¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°No, absolutely not,¡± Rep said, disturbed. ¡°Just go lie down and rest.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not even tired!¡±

    ¡°This is not about being tired, it is about resting to heal yourself,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°That¡¯ll take way too long! This won¡¯t even matter when I¡¯m gone,¡± Zalan protested.

    ¡°Lie down or I will not tell you how to get to Madam¡­ to the person of interest!¡± Rep quickly corrected himself.

    Zalan rolled his eyes, frowning, but ultimately decided to listen to Rep and lie down on a cot. It was a thin bed and rather uncomfortable to lie down on. Despite this, Zalan found himself dozing in the moments after he was laid flat, as though the exhaustion of the earlier battle caught up to him all at once and swept him with their collective fatigue. Zalan started to wonder what the implications were of falling asleep if he was already slumbering in a dream world but quickly felt his mind drifting before he had the chance to think the idea to its completion. As was the case for many days now, he fell asleep with a frown on his face.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes shot open what felt like a moment later and he sat up in the bed, ducking under the bunk above him. Rep was sitting at the table in the center of the room, playing idly with a tiny flame he was struggling to maintain at the tip of what was left of the sword that had been broken by the Flamestriker. Zalan noticed that Rep looked fine, like he wasn¡¯t kicked by a giant flaming wolf less than an hour ago. Zalan looked down at his own fingers and saw they were completely healed, devoid of any wounds or scabs. He rolled his ankle slowly and determined it was also fully healed. He was fully refreshed.

    ¡°What the¡­¡± Zalan murmured.

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Rep asked, looking up from his sword and snuffing out the flame while sheathing the weapon. ¡°I told you that all you needed was to rest. I got myself some rest as well.¡±

    ¡°How long have I been asleep?¡± Zalan asked, standing up and appreciating how he could stretch without pain.

    ¡°Three minutes, perhaps four,¡± Rep shrugged, moving to the doorway.

    ¡°You¡¯re messing with me, right?¡± Zalan said, quickly catching up. ¡°Three minutes?¡±

    ¡°I see, you are disturbed. Is it faster in your world?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No! It would have taken me¡­ I dunno, like weeks or months before the scabs on my hand would have fully healed! I just sleep here and I¡¯m all healed up?¡± Zalan asked, pointing to the beds as Rep opened the door outside.

    ¡°Correct. You experienced something called the Healing Rest. A short slumber will be enough to heal all external wounds, so long as you rest in a safe place. It is different from regular sleep, dedicated only to healing oneself. You can treat this guild as your residence from now on. It is called the Journey House. Named as such because we are a nomadic guild; many in the guild are often out on a quest of some variety.¡±

    ¡°Cool,¡± Zalan said, looking over his hands in the sunlight that was miraculously still overhead after he had slept. ¡°What now? Take me to where I can go home?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, we are not far from finding someone with a solution,¡± Rep nodded his head forward, indicating to the small building with a line heading out the door, people patiently waiting on the far side of the road a few blocks away. A shadow passed over them as a man interrupted their line of sight,

    ¡°Rep! Is this someone looking to learn about Artifacts from you? Or is this a new member of the guild?¡± The man stopped the two as they were emerging from the guild.

    ¡°Perhaps not officially a member, but he is my guest in the guild. Zalan, this is Instructor Nold,¡± Rep motioned to the man.

    Instructor Nold was a tall man wearing billowing robes. His deep brown eyes scanned Zalan curiously. He wore gloves over his hands that made it look like his knuckles were all incredibly swollen. Zalan saw that while the man was a bit older, he held himself like he had the full energy of youth within him. He was scrutinizing Zalan like he was a prized cow. It seemed like Nold wanted to poke at his bones and get a good look at him. There was an odd hunger in his eyes and smile that put Zalan off and he almost wanted to take a step behind Rep to be out of his gaze.

    ¡°Pleasure to meet you, Zalan,¡± Nold held out his hand and grinned widely.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan accepted the handshake, wincing slightly as Nold¡¯s hand squeezed like a vice grip.

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Where do you come from?¡± Nold released his impressive grip and Zalan resisted the urge to massage his hand.

    ¡°Not from around here,¡± Rep answered politely on his behalf.

    ¡°Any good Elementals around you? Any we haven¡¯t heard of, perhaps?¡± Nold asked, the hunger in his eyes almost ravenous. ¡°Surely you have a power of your own if you¡¯ve made an acquaintance to a member of Journey House.¡±

    ¡°Uhhh,¡± Zalan didn¡¯t know which question to answer. ¡°I don¡¯t have any powers. And I don¡¯t know how to get any.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Nold said, his lips adjusting from a manic smile to a flat line. ¡°I see. Have a good day, Zorlawn.¡± Nold quickly left, disinterested in continuing the conversation.

    Zalan looked at Rep for an explanation and Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Nold is a renowned instructor. But he does not wish to affiliate himself with any guild or institution. He operates on his own terms. He only wishes to train those who are powerful and have Elemental powers of their own,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Really wants to make a name for himself?¡± Zalan asked, watching as Nold¡¯s robes danced in a wind that Zalan didn¡¯t feel as he walked away.

    ¡°I think he already has. Anyone he has instructed has gone on to travel the world, no longer needing to have a quiet life in their hometown. They go off and experience grand adventures, never to come back to our smaller town of slow life,¡± Rep said, as he began leading the way to the building he indicated earlier with the long line of people.

    ¡°How do you know they don¡¯t just die when they leave and that¡¯s why they¡¯re never heard of again?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Because they are far too powerful to disappear without a trace,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Seems a little eager to find people with Elemental power,¡± Zalan noted.

    ¡°It is unsurprising. I suspect he is looking for a prot¨¦g¨¦ to train for an upcoming tournament,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Sure, whatever,¡± Zalan said, ultimately deciding he didn¡¯t actually care that much about this man when he just wanted to get out of the dream world.

    Rep and Zalan made their way to the modest building, Zalan continuing to marvel at the fact he could put his full weight on both of his legs so soon. Rep and Zalan stood at the back of the line, Zalan craning his neck to count the dozens of people ahead of them.

    ¡°Is it always like this?¡± he asked, annoyed.

    ¡°No, actually,¡± Rep noted, taking in the scene himself. ¡°She does not usually have more than ten or so at a time.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s got a constant stream of people to see her? And all she does is give advice?¡± Zalan asked, surprised.

    ¡°You make it sound like such an insignificant thing. People have come from the edges of the land and beyond just to have an audience with her. Some people travel months only to confirm something they heard that she said second-hand,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Yeah, well, I¡¯m not some people,¡± Zalan murmured.

    ¡°Then be grateful that you are already in the same town.¡±

    Zalan was going to say that it wasn¡¯t like he had a choice in the matter, but decided to shrug it off and instead took further note of the types of people in line. Some were farmers, others new parents with infant children, and a few were armed warriors. And the group he saw exiting the building looked greatly satisfied, quickly discussing what advice they received and how to best utilize it.

    ¡°Is this all it takes to get a chance to speak with her? Just stand in line?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Certainly. There is an optional fee¡ªwhich we will be paying¡ªbut one only needs to wait patiently in order to see her,¡± Rep said, pulling out a bronze coin and flipping it in the air.

    A group of merchants stood in place behind Rep and Zalan, followed by a group of teens behind them, extending the line further.

    ¡°Have you any idea why the line to Madam Hikma is rather long today?¡± a merchant asked. His mouth was engulfed by his mustache.

    ¡°I do not,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°She will be off soon is why!¡± the skinny man in front of Rep and Zalan turned back when he heard the conversation begin. ¡°She is going to attend the Elemental Rage Tournament to judge and offer the prizes. Her travels are to begin in the coming week and we are not certain how long we will be missing our well of knowledge.¡±

    ¡°Ah, the tournament is that soon, is it?¡± Rep said eagerly, nodding his thanks to the man. ¡°If you had any Elemental Power, I would recommend you participate in it yourself,¡± Rep said confidently to Zalan. Zalan smiled weakly. His pleasant smile made it obvious to Zalan that Rep was the one that was enthused about the tournament more than he cared for Zalan to participate.

    ¡°No, thanks. I can¡¯t say I care too much about the ongoings of this place,¡± Zalan admitted as politely as he could. Rep closed his eyes in acceptance, trying to keep himself patient.

    ¡°I was only trying to give you the context of the conversation. What would you rather we speak about while waiting in this line?¡± Rep asked as they took a step forward.

    ¡°Uhhh¡­¡± Zalan suddenly felt ashamed but quickly recovered. ¡°What was with the Firestriker thing? And how were you able to stop the explosion from exploding under me?¡±

    ¡°The Flamestriker,¡± Rep corrected, ¡°was probably prowling the outskirts of Oriton, looking for something to hunt as a plaything. They are often found closer to volcanoes but occasionally will come out this far when not stimulated enough in their own homes. The explosion redirection was a work of my Elemental ability. I have been working on changing the direction of the flame for a while, but I am only Level Three, so I was mostly unsuccessful.¡±

    ¡°Seemed pretty successful to me, seeing as you saved my life,¡± Zalan said sheepishly.

    ¡°Except that you lost your eyebrows,¡± Rep smiled.

    Zalan immediately went to feel above his eyes and was pleased to feel they were still there, just like he left them. Then they drew together in confusion.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t?¡± Zalan asked, puzzled.

    ¡°You did. They grew back when you rested in the guild,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan raised his eyebrows in surprise, which amused Rep. They stood for a few seconds of silence, taking in the musings and gossip of those in line around them. But before Zalan could catch a thread of conversation enough to follow it, Rep cleared his throat and tilted his head at Zalan.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°What else do you wish to talk about while in line?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Uhhh¡­ how do you know my name?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Miraculous means.¡±

    ¡°Do you wanna elaborate on that?¡±

    ¡°Not particularly,¡± Rep¡¯s eyes turned away from Zalan.

    ¡°Okay, then I guess I don¡¯t really have anything I want to talk about,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Not an option,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Yeah, why not?¡± Zalan challenged.

    ¡°I do not react well when left to dwell with nothing but my thoughts,¡± Rep answered simply.

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrows furled. Rep looked perfectly normal to him, standing tall and able to speak to those around him without much anxiety. He wondered whether there was actually any truth to what he was saying. He had an inkling of a feeling that Rep was actually describing Zalan being in a state where being left alone with his thoughts was dangerous. Maybe Rep wanted to be polite and pretend that the issue was his alone. Zalan had no idea why Rep would know something of that nature and decided to drop the thought, knowing it was way too much of a leap in logic. He decided instead to just ask a question so that Rep wouldn¡¯t try and keep getting a conversation out of him.

    ¡°All right, fine. So, what¡¯s this lady¡¯s name?¡± Zalan asked, putting his hands in his pockets. He was uncomfortable with the fact they were empty. Missing his phone. He then remembered and was made even more unpleasant by the idea that he didn¡¯t know how he got into the clothes he was wearing.

    ¡°Her name is Madam Hikma, and we should address her as such,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Because she requires us to?¡±

    ¡°No, she was never one for honorifics. But the people refer to her as such as a token of respect. It is not a particularly lofty name, so I hope you will not oppose referring to her as such.¡±

    ¡°Sure, I was just curious. What kind of problems do people normally go to see her with?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°All manner of things,¡± Rep displayed his palms as if to present the world.

    ¡°But what kind of things specifically?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep hesitated, his open palms slowly clenching in embarrassment.

    ¡°Ummm, you could ask several people yourself,¡± Rep suggested after being unable to think of any examples off-hand. He tilted his head to the men behind them in line.

    Zalan raised an eyebrow, aware that Rep was too nervous to ask the question himself.

    ¡°Hey, you,¡± Zalan nodded to the man with the mustache, whose hair bristled by the curtness with which Zalan got his attention. ¡°What are you going to ask her?¡±

    ¡°I have come to ask what kind of wares to sell in the next town over,¡± he answered.

    ¡°Wares? You¡¯re gonna ask her about economics? She doesn¡¯t just stick to general life advice?¡± Zalan asked him.

    ¡°I think it is very imperative life advice,¡± the merchant shrugged.

    ¡°Is she a merchant, herself?¡± Zalan asked, taking a step forward in line.

    ¡°No, what makes you say that?¡± the merchant asked, curious.

    ¡°Then how would she even know about wares to sell? What idea does she have on economics?¡± Zalan challenged.

    ¡°See for yourself,¡± the merchant¡¯s mustache shook with the force at which he said the phrase. Zalan turned to look at the length of the line as he continued. ¡°She deals with many different people across the land every day. She listens, and she makes deductions. Without telling me what the problems the people have, she will tell me about what wares would be best to better their lives. And that which will better their lives will be something they will be willing to pay good money. She is a very knowledgeable woman, in many fields.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it. How does listening to people¡¯s problems make her a good person to ask about sales?¡± Zalan further inquired.

    ¡°Say the days are getting longer and people come to ask how they can increase their strength throughout the day. She might tell them that because the days are longer, they should be consuming more water to remain strong. She would tell me that there might be more demand for waterskins in my area,¡± the merchant explained.

    ¡°So, it¡¯s like a grift? This is how she makes money, by selling information like that to others?¡± Zalan asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow to Rep.

    ¡°If you knew just how foolish that statement was, you never would have dared to say it. Madam Hikma does everything for free. But she keeps her eye on the best way to keep her people healthy. Do you see how my asking for advice is possible now?¡± the merchant asked.

    Zalan continued to look at the line as the group at the front entered, gaining a new appreciation for the power that this line had. He found it incredible. A community that this one woman had built around her, and seemingly as a free excursion for those just looking for answers. It reminded him of the generosity of his mother. She worked in medicine. She would often work to heal those that couldn¡¯t afford normal doctors. The thought put a pang through his heart and caused a frown to form where he was amazed only a moment before.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep said, bringing him back with a nudge of his shoulder. ¡°He asked you a question.¡±

    Zalan pushed his thoughts away and looked back to the merchant.

    ¡°Uhh, right, yeah, thank you,¡± Zalan said, hoping it was an appropriate answer to the question he¡¯d already forgotten.

    ¡°What are you going to ask her?¡± the merchant asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna ask her¡ª¡±

    ¡°How¡ªhow to¡­ get to a faraway land,¡± Rep cut in stammering. Zalan realized that it would be strange to say he did not know how to get home, but didn¡¯t think that would be an important point when this was all a dreamland anyway. He shrugged it off.

    ¡°Ah, she¡¯s familiar with all corners of the world, I am certain she will help,¡± the merchant nodded, unconcerned by Rep answering on Zalan¡¯s behalf.

    They took another step forward in line, drawing closer to the answers Zalan anxiously sought to get home. Rep kept him at ease by keeping him and those around them entertained as he tried to keep a flame lit on the tip of his sword. At some point, Zalan grew bored of simply watching the flame Rep struggled to maintain and began fanning at it to put it out. Rep welcomed the additional challenge, and Zalan and others in line enjoyed the game for a few minutes.

    Rep wasn¡¯t very good at keeping the flame lit, but the ones around them in line were much more interested in why Rep¡¯s sword was broken. Subsequently, Zalan had to replay every detail of the Flamestriker battle and how he and Rep made it out alive, even though they were both severely under-Leveled.

    Soon, they found themselves at the front of the line. Zalan looked back and noticed the line behind them was just as long as it had been when they entered it, constantly maintaining its length. Then, the door opened.

    ¡°Madam Hikma will see you now,¡± a small girl said, smiling at the two of them.

    Rep led the way and Zalan took a deep breath and followed closely behind into the small building.

 Chapter 05 - A Woman of Wisdom

    The modest room they were led inside of had a long wooden table covered on all sides by varying stacks of books. Bookshelves covered the back wall, books scattered in all directions, presumably because they were often rearranged or grabbed for snippets of information. There was a set of seats on one end of the table to hold about ten guests at a time and on the other side sat an old woman, sitting with her back straight and a bowl of soup in front of her. Her eyes were two different colors, one green and the other a light blue. They somehow both looked natural on her face, but seemed to glitter with extraordinary intelligence. She dipped a spoon in and brought the broth to her lips, sipping silently and seeming to enjoy every drop. She looked as though she hadn¡¯t even noticed Rep and Zalan enter the room.

    Zalan looked over to Rep who was gazing politely at the woman with an aura of respect. Zalan cleared his throat and decided to be the first to speak.

    ¡°Madam Hikma?¡± Zalan asked, both as a way of announcing himself and to confirm they were in the right place.

    Madam Hikma looked up from her soup and nodded. She daintily placed the spoon back into the bowl and gently pushed the soup away from her. Zalan noticed it was half full and had a sinking feeling in his stomach that she had been trying to eat this same meal all day. The broth lacked any steam coming off the top and looked like it could be cold. She looked totally at ease, despite his suspicions, and glanced attentively between Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°I have brought something as a token of gratitude for you seeing us,¡± Rep took a step forward and placed it atop a small pile of growing coins on one end. Zalan blinked as he noticed it. When he walked in, everything just looked like books, including the pile of money. He wondered how much money had accrued in this one day between the gold, silver, and bronze coins in the pile. Zalan imagined it must have been a small fortune. She didn¡¯t even look at it.

    ¡°I am honored.¡± Madam Hikma smiled at Rep with such sincerity that Zalan secretly wished he had received the kind word instead. ¡°Please, sit. Excuse me one moment as there is a matter I must attend to momentarily,¡± she said to the two young men, sounding genuinely apologetic.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Zalan said immediately, feeling embarrassed to have to impose on this woman.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Madam Hikma looked past them and called out for someone, ¡°Sholou! Would you be a dear and come here?¡±

    The little girl that led the two associates inside rushed to Madam Hikma¡¯s side as Rep and Zalan sat down across from her.

    ¡°Take these funds and purchase a few day¡¯s worth of meals for the Taldena Family. Little Radad was just born and they will be happy not to be inundated with menial things like preparing a meal when the little one will want to take so much of their time. And give them the rest of the money as a gift. From the people of Oriton. Try not to tell them it is from me,¡± Madam Hikma instructed the girl.

    ¡°Of course, Madam,¡± Sholou nodded, immediately going to dump the pile of coins in a bag she slung over her shoulder.

    ¡°And keep a gold coin for yourself,¡± Madam Hikma decided.

    ¡°Thank you, Madam,¡± Sholou said, smiling as she pocketed one coin and moved to the doorway. She stopped just shy of heading out. ¡°Is there anything else I can do for you before I leave?¡±

    ¡°No, thank you, dear, you have been wonderful,¡± Madam Hikma smiled.

    Sholou smiled wider than she did when she received payment, then ran out the door.

    ¡°Thank you for your patience,¡± Madam Hikma looked at Zalan and he instinctively looked away from her maternal affection.

    ¡°Thank you for seeing us,¡± Rep said. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°Much older than I should be,¡± Madam Hikma tilted her head to one side playfully. ¡°Did you ever discover the nature of the Artifact you asked me about, Rep?¡±

    Rep¡¯s body went tight, his eyes immediately targeting the legs of his chair. He bit the inside of his lip lightly. Zalan looked at Rep with interest, wondering what she was asking about that made him so nervous.

    ¡°Very well, no need to dwell on the topic. What have you come for?¡± Madam Hikma said sweetly. Rep sighed in relief and Zalan¡¯s lip twitched in disappointment.

    ¡°We are hoping you can aid us with some of your wisdom.¡±

    ¡°I will assist if I am able,¡± she said modestly.

    Rep looked bashful, suddenly too embarrassed to ask any further questions and instead looked to Zalan. Zalan shook his head slightly and mouthed at Rep to continue. Rep¡¯s eyes widened as he shook his head. They both felt like they were wasting Madam Hikma¡¯s time despite her graciousness.

    ¡°Rep, if I may ask your friend¡¯s name, perhaps?¡± Madam Hikma said with patience, breaking the tension and easing the conversation forward.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Rep coughed, his voice caught in his throat.

    ¡°I¡¯m Zalan,¡± Zalan followed.

    ¡°Zalan¡­ You are not from around here,¡± Madam Hikma was looking deep into his eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Zalan agreed, shrinking into his seat. ¡°That¡¯s actually why I¡¯m here. I¡¯m trying to find a way home.¡±

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    ¡°Your home is not of this world,¡± Madam Hikma nodded to herself, turning to pull a seemingly random book from a shelf behind her. She flipped it open and read quickly, then looked back up at Zalan who sat stunned.

    ¡°You can tell?¡± Zalan said, wondering what made it so obvious.

    Madam Hikma simply shrugged, as if to suggest that she had stumbled on the answer as a guess more than anything. Zalan felt more encouraged by Madam Hikma and scooted further ahead in his seat.

    ¡°Do you know how I got here?¡± Zalan asked.

    Madam Hikma scrutinized his face to the point that Zalan felt she was reading something in his soul. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply.

    ¡°You seem to be in a very difficult situation,¡± she said.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m trying to find a way home,¡± Zalan said, then gestured to Rep. ¡°We have no idea where to begin.¡±

    ¡°Hmmm¡­ I see,¡± Madam Hikma found herself reading the book in front of her for answers. She flipped through five pages, quickly absorbing information on the page before each turn. Then she snapped the book shut and added it to a stack ahead of her. ¡°Your solution is clear. You must accept.¡±

    Zalan looked to Rep who looked back and shrugged with a confused frown.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I told you this would be very difficult,¡± Madam Hikma said sagely.

    ¡°What are you saying? Like I should accept this new world? I¡¯m not going to live here. I¡¯m not even sure this world is real. I have something I need to do back home,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That is the solution,¡± Madam Hikma assured him.

    ¡°Well¡­ it doesn¡¯t mean anything! It¡¯s not a good solution! Give me another one!¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep warned.

    ¡°There is another way. You may decide to overcome the Five Monsters of the Mindscape,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    ¡°That sounds rather difficult,¡± Rep said, unsure.

    ¡°Who are they?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The five are not for me to say. It is best for you to discover yourself, and overcome them in your own way,¡± Madam Hikma replied.

    Zalan¡¯s earlier abashedness had fled, rushed away by his mounting frustration. He groaned, rocking his chair back and forth. How could she have the answers but not want to give them to him?

    ¡°People line up to get non-answers from you?¡± Zalan cracked flippantly.

    ¡°Do not speak to her like that!¡± Rep said, standing from his chair suddenly.

    ¡°I apologize I could not be of more assistance,¡± Madam Hikma said sorrowfully, lowering her head.

    Zalan¡¯s frustration was overwhelmed by his shame, he slouched back in his chair, the fire having left his speech. Madam Hikma looked genuinely upset that she couldn¡¯t be of service.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean that,¡± Zalan sighed.

    Rep watched him and sat back down, then turned to Madam Hikma.

    ¡°Is there anything that we can search for, perhaps? Maybe we are asking the wrong questions. Is there an Artifact that would assist in getting someone home?¡± Rep ventured.

    Madam Hikma looked back up.

    ¡°An Artifact to get you home?¡± she asked, a wonder creeping into her voice. ¡°Yes, indeed, I know of such an Artifact. The Homeseeker! A golden cube Artifact with black corners. All who touch it while it is active are sent to their homes. Though, the one that activated the Homeseeker will be the one to retain it after use.¡±

    ¡°Okay, perfect, something practical. Where is the Homeseeker?¡± Zalan asked, sitting straight with excitement.

    ¡°It lies at the top of the Castle of Docrun that was once brimming with life. It is now prowling with creatures of all forms, some monsters, some mind-manipulators, and there are rumors of a full grown dragon having taken residence within,¡± Madam Hikma said with caution.

    ¡°Great!¡± Zalan said excitedly.

    ¡°Errr,¡± Rep raised a hand to try and pull back Zalan''s enthusiasm. ¡°Perhaps there is something easier for us to pursue? Zalan is only at Level One. And I am not much higher, myself.¡±

    Zalan scoffed, not thinking much of the Levels of this world, especially if it was all some dream-like state. He considered that with enough willpower, he might be able to overcome anything here. Maybe activate some lucid dreaming and just get past whatever blocked their way until he made his way out.

    ¡°I¡¯m satisfied with the Homeseeker thing. I don¡¯t need other ideas if that¡¯s my way out,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Be forewarned that dragons cannot be easily defeated by any physical means unless also attacked by Elemental powers. If you want the Homeseeker, then you must gain an Elemental Power,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    ¡°Or I could just have Rep do all the fighting for me,¡± Zalan said wryly.

    ¡°I am not fighting a dragon alone,¡± Rep answered immediately.

    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll go get me an Elemental Power. How do I do that?¡± Zalan said, turning back to Madam Hikma.

    ¡°You must find an Elemental and accept its challenge. Succeed, and it will grant you its power,¡± Madam Hikma explained.

    ¡°Can we just go to the one you got your power from?¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°It was only a six-month journey each way.¡±

    Zalan stared at him for a few silent seconds, then shifted back to Madam Hikma.

    ¡°What about you? Are you familiar with any closer Elementals I can challenge?¡± Zalan asked desperately.

    ¡°I do not know.¡± Madam Hikma shook her head. ¡°But you are welcome to read the Elemental portions of my library to find anything of interest.¡± She pointed across the room to a bookshelf filled to the brim with books of all sizes and quality. There were dozens. Maybe a hundred.

    Zalan looked at the bookshelf and sighed. He figured even if he had to read every single book it would be faster than a year-long journey if he could find a much closer Elemental creature.

    ¡°Do we have to stay here to finish reading?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You are welcome to borrow them all, I just ask that you bring them back,¡± Madam Hikma said. Zalan nodded in appreciation.

    ¡°We thank you for your generosity, Madam Hikma, but I do not think these will be of any assistance,¡± Rep answered sadly.

    ¡°What? Why not?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I had a whole month to learn reading, but I have not gotten past simple memorization of the letters and a handful of words. I may be able to sound things out, but it will be much faster to go to the Fire Elemental atop the volcano than to read so much. And, I doubt Zalan had the privilege to learn how to read,¡± Rep said, directing the answer to Madam Hikma rather than Zalan.

    ¡°What? Rep, I can read fine,¡± Zalan answered.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rep looked at the bookshelf, then to Zalan, back to the bookshelf, then at the floor in embarrassment. ¡°We thank you for your generosity, Madam Hikma.¡±

    ¡°And your time,¡± Zalan added.

    ¡°Thank you for the kind words, Zalan and Rep,¡± Madam Hikma said, nodding to them both. ¡°Do let me know if you find anything of interest. Those books are years old, and I wonder if they contain anything worthwhile in them anymore.¡±

 Chapter 06 - Elementals

    Rep and Zalan splayed out the books on the table in the center of Journey House, having been asked to leave Madam Hikma¡¯s place as most people asking for advice went looking for privacy. It took a few trips, but Zalan and Rep were able to gather all the books on the table in the guild and sat across from one another looking down at the books with mild disdain. Neither made the first move to crack one open.

    ¡°We could always simply go to the volcano,¡± Rep murmured.

    ¡°I¡¯m not running around for six months if there¡¯s anything that can get me out of here in weeks. Plus, what if it isn¡¯t even there? Do Elementals never move?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°They move occasionally, and always cause a large disaster when they do. The volcano would have certainly erupted had the Elemental migrated elsewhere,¡± Rep explained, then continued to try and convince Zalan. ¡°The challenge is simple! You need only climb the volcano, and I have already done it once before. And fire is an excellent Element. Absolutely essential if you want to start a fire while on a journey.¡±

    ¡°Look, we can knock all these books out in two weeks if we spend all our time reading them. If we don¡¯t get anything out of them, then we go to the volcano¡­ a six month journey¡­¡± Zalan shuddered.

    Rep looked back down at all the books and bit the inside of his lip.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep sighed and slouched in his seat.

    Zalan leaned forward and grabbed the first book, Rep reluctantly grabbing the thinnest book in the pile. As Zalan skimmed over the information, he was quickly interrupted by Rep who loudly had to sound out words in order to define them. Zalan looked up at Rep and saw the concentration he put into the page, his face straining as he pieced together words and said full sentences once he was able to put it together. Zalan was originally going to say something about how Rep was distracting, but realized just how grateful he should be to Rep for assisting him when it was clearly so difficult. Rep was guiding him for what seemed like absolutely no reason, and was putting so much effort in helping him get home. Zalan did his best to ignore Rep and traced a finger over the page to help himself better concentrate on the words in his own book.

    Elementals were apparently ghost-like creatures. In the few illustrations available, they were always floating above humans, wearing robes of fire, sand, or clouds, depending on their elemental nature. They were very mysterious and rarely, if ever, lived in places easy for humans to reach. Most of them would simply issue a challenge and then leave the challenger to try to achieve it. Challenges could be something like swimming across a raging river or withstanding a tornado. Other challenges required months or years of waiting for the right opportunity, like starting a fire during a total eclipse. Rep informed Zalan that the Elemental he received his power from appeared at the foot of the volcano, issued the challenge, then disappeared until he reached the top.

    Elementals were also stingy when it came to granting any powers to anyone that already had a power within them. The determination of someone¡¯s worthiness was not the same between someone with no powers and someone with one power. The challenge they would offer became exponentially more difficult for every Elemental Power the individual had already earned. The example given in the text Zalan was reading said that a man with three Elemental Powers was once asked by a Water Elemental to empty out an entire lake of water using nothing but a bucket. When Zalan asked Rep for any further examples, Rep said that he heard of the Fire Elemental he earned his power from changed the circumstances of the challenge when someone with an Earth Power accepted its challenge. They still had to climb the volcano, but it erupted on their way up.

    Elemental Powers were poorly documented. Rep explained that it wasn¡¯t uncommon to find people in the world with Elemental Powers, but it was so rare for any of them to sit down and document their specific abilities. Literacy was not a priority for most in the world, so most information was passed orally.

    There were easy ones like Fire Elementals, which could manipulate fire, and Water Elementals, which could manipulate water of many sizes depending on their Level, but then there were mentions of ¡®Bright Elementals¡¯ with no indication of the kind of power they imbued others with. Fire was the most common by far, all books mentioning the Elemental that Rep said resided at the volcano. It seemed to have not moved from its place for years, and anyone in search of their first Elemental Power often went to get fire for the simplicity of its whereabouts and challenge.

    Zalan began organizing the books depending on whether they mentioned anything to do with the Elementals¡¯ location, but every time he asked Rep about a certain place he would find the journey would take months at the least.

    Rep sighed loudly as he set down the first book. It was only about fifty pages long, but it had taken him hours. Zalan had spent so much time skimming and organizing the books, that he barely finished three books in that time. He felt woefully unsuccessful and could see Rep share his thoughts.

    ¡°You already read all of that?¡± Rep balked at the three books next to Zalan.

    ¡°Yeah, they weren¡¯t very long,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°What have you found?¡± Rep tapped his fingers on the table, dreading the idea of opening another book to read at his slow pace.

    ¡°Not much,¡± Zalan admitted, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Fire Elementals are the most common out there, but there are some that have been seen that have yet to give powers like the ¡®Bright Elemental.¡¯ That one sounds amazing, it¡¯s lodged in my brain as something I really want to see. Air Elementals also sound pretty cool, do you think they would give me the ability to fly?¡±

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    ¡°I think we have an Air Elemental-powered individual in this very guild. But he is a lower Level, so I do not think his Elemental Power would be too strong. Last I saw him, he was nowhere near the ability of flight,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°I also read something about becoming an ¡®ascended being?¡¯ If you get five different Elemental Powers, you become ascended and can ¡®interact with Elementals.¡¯ Any idea what that¡¯s about?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Likely something of legends. Anyone can interact with Elementals and receive challenges. And I think it is impossible to have five different powers. The challenges become more difficult with every one acquired. I do not think even the most powerful individuals have more than three at once.¡±

    ¡°What did you find?¡± Zalan asked, nodding to the small book.

    ¡°This is just the tale of an Elemental bringing a storm to the once-large city of Xagon. The storm it brought was so intense that it drove out all of the residents, and those that remained were never heard from again. The story is quite sickening. The Elemental came from the sky suddenly and said it thirsted for blood, then immediately set the storm upon them. Wind, rain, and lightning of never-before-seen extremes terrified the people and killed many. Quite the harrowing tale, but otherwise provided nothing of interest,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t realize they could single handedly clear out a city. Can people not fight Elementals?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not believe so. I have never heard of someone dealing damage to an Elemental,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°What a legend, how long ago was this?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not too much of a legend, this was thirty years ago according to the manuscript,¡± Rep tapped the book.

    ¡°That¡¯s all? And where¡¯s the city?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°About a two day¡¯s journey in the desert. It would be much faster if we could afford a horse. It is in the middle of nowhere. There are no paths leading to or away from the city, as they were left to fade away after the Elemental incident. Travelers know well to avoid Xagon, venturing around it rather than through it,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Oh! Awesome! Can you take me there?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep sat up sharply, confusion on his face.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t the Elemental still be there?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The bloodthirsty one? The one that destroyed an entire civilization on a whim?¡± Rep reminded.

    ¡°Yeah, it drove people away. But you said it yourself that Elementals don¡¯t tend to drift from place to place. It probably settled into its new home by driving out the old residents,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°Not just driving out!¡± Rep said urgently. ¡°It killed many! The storm was deadly!¡±

    ¡°Is there always a storm going on in Xagon? What if the storm settled down and it¡¯s safe now?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°That does not matter when you are trying to confront the one that can conjure another storm!¡± Rep countered.

    ¡°You said it¡¯s a two day trip! What if we just go check out the outskirts for a storm? If it¡¯s bad, then we¡¯ll come right back? Otherwise we can go inside the city and investigate and maybe take on a challenge,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep regarded Zalan, biting the inside of his lip nervously.

    ¡°What if the challenge is too difficult? You are only at the first Level,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then we come back home! You said yourself that the Elementals normally don¡¯t have a time limit to their challenges,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I suppose you are confident you can withstand whatever cruel challenge the Elemental can come up with? What if it is beyond your abilities?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll be able to work it out. Besides, do you want to just go check out the city to investigate or would you rather spend the next week reading more things about Elementals?¡± Zalan said with a coy smile.

    Rep looked at the pile of books in disgust and sighed. He continued to nibble on his lip then breathed loudly and stood up.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Rep intoned. ¡°But you must listen to me closely once we are outside of the walls.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Zalan said, beaming as he stood.

    ¡°There can be any manner of monster out there and I do not wish to repeat the disastrous fight that we had with the Flamestriker,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, I already agreed with you, Rep,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°And we must be smart about how we travel,¡± Rep added.

    ¡°Yeah, okay, I got it!¡± Zalan snapped. ¡°Can we get out there already?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Rep asked, walking to the door and opening it wide. Zalan blinked as he noticed for the first time that it was night. They had been reading for a while, but he didn¡¯t notice the passage of time with the lanterns glowing consistently within the guild. He also wasn¡¯t sure if the days acted the same in the dream world as they did in reality. He looked out at the city walls and saw the guards patrolling from the top with added numbers.

    ¡°Are we not allowed to be outside the walls at night?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not unless we are prepared,¡± Rep nodded, taking a step outside the guild.

    ¡°Right, then where are we going?¡± Zalan asked, following Rep outside.

    ¡°Look at you! You want to go outside the walls like that?¡± Rep indicated to Zalan¡¯s outfit.

    ¡°What? Is it not the right fighting tunic or something?¡± Zalan asked, looking down at himself.

    ¡°Ha!¡± Rep laughed. ¡°Fighting tunic! No, not that. You still do not realize what you are missing? I need one, myself,¡± Rep was greatly amused by this line of questioning.

    Zalan was trying to get to the bottom of the puzzle, knowing he was missing something or Rep wouldn¡¯t have mentioned it. Zalan felt his pockets and again felt like he was missing his phone. That definitely wasn¡¯t the answer. He looked up and shrugged.

    ¡°We are going to get you a sword,¡± Rep grinned, pulling his broken blade from his sheath.

 Chapter 07 - A Tireless Swordsmith

    Zalan absorbed the town as they walked by, surprised by the amount of people on the streets at sundown. There were lanterns and torches on every corner, keeping the city alight and bustling as people grabbed last minute items or meals for home. People seemed to be in good spirits, which made Zalan wonder whether that was an intended look of the dream world or if there were autonomous parts to it like the townspeople. They passed many butchers and equipment shops and stopped in front of a building with a sword etched above the door. Inside there was a continuous song of metal against metal.

    ¡°Be sure to take your time and find a sword that feels right. The balance should make it feel like an extension of you more than just a simple weapon,¡± Rep said before they entered.

    ¡°Take my time? Isn¡¯t it a little late?¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°Yes, but not when someone does not get tired,¡± Rep said, stepping forward and opening the door for them.

    Zalan immediately felt the brisk air of the evening escape as he was enveloped by the warmth of the forge. A tall, large person sat in front of a pool of water they shielded their face from as they dipped a blazing hot sword within to cool off. Rep waited patiently while the swordsmith raised the sword and examined its continuity before looking up.

    ¡°Welcome! Do you have something on order?¡± The voice was a woman¡¯s and she approached the stone counter as she pulled the covering off her face.

    She waved her hand behind her, and all the flames in the shop went dead to Zalan¡¯s surprise. She stood tall, almost two heads taller than Zalan and Rep and bore a bright smile and dark red cheeks accustomed to the heat of the forge. She looked like she could handle a sword, or perhaps single handedly take on a Flamestriker. She wore a necklace of a rock that glowed bright red.

    ¡°Nothing ordered, Junill. But we are looking for two swords,¡± Rep said, placing what remained of his weapon on the counter sheepishly.

    ¡°I remember this blade. I made this special for you, Rep. What did you do, let a wagon ride over it?¡± Junill asked. Her face was scrunched, disappointed as she picked up the sword by the blade and inspected it.

    ¡°No¡­¡± Rep answered, embarrassed. ¡°We got in a fight with a Flamestriker.¡±

    ¡°You and him?¡± Junill asked, regarding Zalan with a nod.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Did you win?¡± Junill continued.

    Rep shrugged, not certain how to answer that.

    ¡°It¡¯s dead,¡± Zalan thought would be a good answer.

    ¡°Well done!¡± she said, her face exchanging the accusatory wrinkles for a smile. ¡°Glad to see my equipment helping. What are you, Level Six?¡± she asked Zalan.

    Zalan shook his head and tapped his fingers to reveal his stats.

    ¡°Not even Level Two! Defeating a Flamestriker is certainly something to be proud of in that case. Though, by the looks of your Experience, I can see you did not do much in the battle.¡± she said. ¡°Are you the one in need of the second sword?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡ª¡±

    ¡°Try this one,¡± Junill thrust a hilt in his direction with such force that Zalan gasped and stepped back. He picked it up with care and she frowned at him. ¡°Have you never held a sword before?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Hmmm.¡± She snatched the sword from him by the blade to Zalan¡¯s surprise. Before he could say anything, she had another pointed at his chest, hilt-first. ¡°How is this?¡±

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Zalan lifted it in the air to get a feel for the weight. In the meantime, Junill practically threw a sword at Rep who yelped as he caught it.

    ¡°Do you have anything a mite heavier?¡± Rep asked, holding his sword out to be pulled away as Junill ran to the back of the building and plucked two off the wall. Zalan tested the swing of the sword and had no idea if he was handling anything properly.

    ¡°Try these two,¡± Junill said, passing the two to Rep then running back to the wall again and grabbing a few more.

    Zalan shrugged to himself regarding his own sword and Rep swung each sword with care and a trained stance. Zalan blinked as his sword was pulled away from him and exchanged with another in a moment. Zalan was amazed how Junill kept herself running around the room. She wasn¡¯t even panting despite the unbearable warmth of the building.

    ¡°Hold that one straight up,¡± Junill said, taking a step back to watch Zalan.

    Zalan was having a hard time keeping up with how many swords she had passed through his hands. He began extending his arm, but wasn¡¯t even halfway when Junill traded his sword for another. He stared at the new sword, keeping it held at the same height, and Junill pulled his arm up for him by the blade of the sword to fully extend his arm. Zalan stood tensely frozen, uncertain if any sudden move would cut this reckless swordmaster.

    ¡°How do you like this one? Good price. Fireproof too,¡± Junill blasted a stream of Elemental flame at the sword, causing Zalan to startle and drop it. She caught it before it hit the floor and passed it back to him with a wink. ¡°You like it?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± Zalan said, stunned.

    ¡°Sounds a lot better than a ¡®No.¡¯ What say you, Rep?¡± she looked over to him.

    ¡°I will have this one,¡± Rep said, holding up a sword and allowing Junill to take the others and run around her shop to hang them on various walls. Again, Zalan couldn¡¯t help but notice how much energy she had to rush around like this, not showing any signs of slowing down.

    ¡°Are you happy with yours?¡± Rep asked him, pulling out coins from his pocket.

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Zalan weighed it in hand, feeling very unqualified.

    ¡°I told you to take your time. Do not mind the speed at which she works, she will work with you until you are satisfied with the blade,¡± Rep assured him.

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    ¡°I don¡¯t know what a good sword feels like,¡± Zalan reminded him.

    ¡°Right¡­¡± Rep considered, then shrugged and placed all the coins on the table. Junill ran over and scooped the bronze and silver coins into a box under the counter and smiled at them. She ran to another corner and tossed a sheath to Zalan. He fumbled, but caught it before it hit the floor.

    ¡°Come again if you need anything, but do not break my weapons so flagrantly next time!¡±

    ¡°We will try,¡± Rep said with uncertainty as he sheathed his blade. He waved goodbye and walked out.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Zalan said, struggling to sheath his weapon and follow.

    ¡°Come back soon!¡± she said, immediately rushing to begin on her next weapon.

    As soon as the door closed behind them, Zalan turned to Rep.

    ¡°What time does she begin her work? Did she just start?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, she has been here all day,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Are you sure? How does she have so much energy?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The Indefatigable Iron,¡± Rep replied immediately. Zalan waited for him to continue, but evidently it was a complete thought.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Zalan prodded.

    ¡°It is an Artifact that she wears upon her neck. It allows her to feel as though she has full energy no matter how long she has been awake,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing! Can I get one of those?¡± Zalan asked, enthused. The image of him laying down and staring at a ceiling fan flashed through his mind. If he wasn¡¯t so tired, he could avoid such a sight ever again, even in this dream world.

    ¡°It is very dangerous,¡± Rep shook his head. ¡°The benefit of being awake is overshadowed by the sleep that you must take. As soon as you take the Artifact off, you will be overtaken by all the fatigue of the day and have an uninterruptible sleep. Nothing will rouse you until you are back to full strength.¡±

    ¡°How long does that normally take?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°At least eight or nine hours. Sometimes more.¡±

    ¡°That just sounds like a good amount of sleep,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°No. Think about what it means to have a sleep that cannot be interrupted. If there is a fire, you would sleep through it. If there is a thief, they will take the clothes off your back as you sleep in them. If there is any danger, you allow it to take you without a fight,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zalan started to see the issues with the artifact. ¡°You said it only happens when you take it off. What if you just leave it on?¡±

    ¡°The human body cannot sustain being at full energy for very long. Wear it too long and you will simply collapse dead,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Zalan said again. ¡°Then why does she use it?¡±

    ¡°Junill claims she enjoys being able to work at full capacity, but my suspicion is that she feels the need to overcompensate to compete with her father. Another swordsmith who gets most patrons in this city,¡± Rep guessed.

    ¡°Seems to have worked if she was the first smith you took me to see.¡±

    Rep smiled to himself, then turned away from Zalan quickly. He turned back to him, any hint of a smile wiped away.

    ¡°Perhaps. I believe she is a master at her craft, but I fear she overworks herself and may injure herself in the long term.¡± An odd tone in his voice indicated to Zalan that Rep had more thoughts he didn¡¯t want to share.

    As Zalan considered this, they turned sharply toward a shop. Rep rushed in, collecting foods that he wanted and making his way to the counter. Zalan caught up as Rep swiftly placed a small pile of meat and fruits in front of the owner.

    ¡°Going outside the walls?¡± the shop owner asked.

    ¡°First thing in the morning. Need enough for four days,¡± Rep nodded, placing coins on the counter.

    ¡°Hmmm¡­ you got enough coin for half of the items,¡± the shop owner said.

    ¡°That is all I have,¡± Rep answered, embarrassed.

    ¡°Then this is all you get,¡± the owner said, placing his arm in the middle of the items and dragging about half of them away.

    Rep sighed and looked at Zalan with a wincing shrug.

    ¡°This is all the money you have?¡± Zalan asked, and it suddenly occurred to him that Rep might not have something like a bank to store more money.

    ¡°I can get easy jobs when we get back and gather more funds,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Sure but¡­ you¡¯re okay spending all the money you have on me?¡± Zalan asked, feeling very self-conscious.

    ¡°It is hardly enough,¡± Rep indicated to the food they¡¯d get. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if he was deliberately ignoring the main point of the question. ¡°Will you be fine rationing food in a desert?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah, whatever gets me the Elemental,¡± Zalan said, deciding that taking money from Rep wouldn¡¯t matter in the long run. It was just a dream world.

    ¡°You know of an Elemental whose challenge involves food? Where is it, I can offer plenty of food,¡± the shop owner leaned over the counter excitedly.

    Zalan and Rep replied with blank stares.

    ¡°No Elemental is requesting food?¡± the shop owner asked, somehow full of hope.

    ¡°No,¡± Zalan replied, uncomfortably.

    ¡°Challenges change all the time,¡± the owner said. ¡°Perhaps one in the future would like a supply of rations.¡±

    Again, the man was met with blank stares.

    ¡°Thank you for the food,¡± Rep said awkwardly, gathering it all and leaving, Zalan close behind.

    ¡°Let me know if you find a hungry Elemental! I want a power of my own!¡± the shop owner called a little too desperately as the door closed behind the two companions.

    ¡°All right,¡± Rep passed a piece of dry meat to Zalan. ¡°All that remains is to sleep and we can go beyond the walls at the crack of dawn.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s this for?¡± Zalan asked, looking down at the food, wondering how it involved Elemental powers.

    ¡°Are you not hungry?¡± Rep asked, taking a bite of another piece of dry meat. ¡°We have not eaten all day.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Zalan said, his stomach painfully making its emptiness known. Zalan tore off a huge bite. Somehow, he was disappointed that he still got hungry in his dream world.

    They returned back to Journey House and placed all the gear on the table in the center of the room to leave as soon as they awoke. Zalan made his way into bed, and despite its lack of comfort, felt sleepy immediately. He tried to retrace the day he had just blurred through. It all somehow started with a Flamestriker. No, even before then, it started with Ash visiting his apartment. It felt so long ago. So far away. Like Mom. He wished he could see her smile once more. She used to hug him tightly whenever he went to visit. But now he was so far away from visiting.

    Before he could dwell on that fact for too long, he quickly found himself overwhelmed by sleep, a frown on his face.

    Zalan woke up from a dreamless night. He wondered if he only slept for a few minutes like the first time he slept in the guild. The light that was bleeding through a crack in the front door to the guild made it clear that the sun was just rising and he had taken a full night¡¯s sleep. So there was a definite difference between sleep and what Rep called a ¡°Healing Rest.¡± Rep was up seconds later and nodded to Zalan in acknowledgement, ready to leave.

    ¡°How come our sleep was so short the first time but now I slept all night?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You need your sleep,¡± Rep said, first confused. ¡°Oh, you mean the healing rest. When you need to heal wounds, you sleep for a short period of time. But you will still grow tired. You need to sleep in order to feel awake and replenished for the day.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan accepted.

    As planned, they immediately made their way to the gates of the town to be let out by an overnight guard.

    ¡°You understand that once you are outside, there is no longer a guarantee of protection from the guards on the wall?¡± the guard yawned.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Rep said, then nudged Zalan to agree as well. Zalan nodded.

    The gate opened, and they left the safety of the city to find the Elemental, days away in the desert.

 Chapter 08 - Roaches

    Zalan looked in wonder at the world beyond the walls, now that he had a time to appreciate it. The immediate area was sparsely populated by trees and bushes, mounds of sand in the distance, and perhaps even an oasis if he peered far enough. He couldn¡¯t see any animals in the immediate area, but there was plenty of evidence of things living just beyond the walls. Tiny prints and trails in all directions on the well-worn path they followed. Zalan suddenly looked back and realized that the Flamestriker¡¯s body had been cleared overnight. He began looking around at the mounds to see if there were any more Flamestrikers ready to begin hunting them.

    ¡°Hey, Rep,¡± Zalan asked, wary of his surroundings as they made their way across the hot plains, ¡°is Level Three a high Level?¡±

    ¡°Not at all, it is a rather low Level.¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°Then was it easy to get an Elemental? You said it was a six month journey. You were able to survive outside the walls for a while,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°Well, I did it much like you are,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I went with someone more experienced. Sir Kilile, back when he was still a part of the guild. He guided me and another and taught me much of what I know today. I learned much of what I do about Artifacts by asking him many questions about them. But, I certainly would have died if I was alone during my journey to see the Elemental. I was only Level Two at the time,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh, that makes a lot of sense,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Rep said, curious by Zalan¡¯s tone.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Zalan tried to measure his words. ¡°I don¡¯t exactly remember you having an easy time with the Flamestiker.¡±

    ¡°That is hardly fair!¡± Rep said a little too quickly. ¡°As if you had a much easier time!¡±

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve never been in a fight before!¡± Zalan noted, gesturing to himself innocently. ¡°I¡¯m just saying you haven¡¯t exactly made the strongest impression.¡±

    ¡°Yes, indeed, well, Flamestrikers are not exactly simple creatures to face. We were both out of our element.¡±

    ¡°Sure, this definitely wasn¡¯t a case of you being weak,¡± Zalan said sarcastically.

    ¡°I am serious,¡± Rep insisted.

    ¡°I totally understa-AHHHH!¡± Zalan jumped backward. He frantically slapped his arm at his side to pull out his sword erratically.

    ¡°What? What?¡± Rep pulled his own sword out and ignited a flame in his other hand. ¡°What is it, Zalan?¡±

    ¡°Those! Those things!¡± Zalan pointed further with his sword, taking a step back.

    Rep turned and took a closer look. Not far from them, less than fifty feet away, a small swarm of large insectoid creatures were gathered above a small hole in the ground. They looked like giant cockroaches, the size of large dogs. Zalan shuddered at them as they crawled over one another, their tall antennae twitching wildly. They had small hairy legs and a lightly armored hide, as well as orange eyes and mandibles that were snapping frantically. The sickly, orange eyes seemed mindless, searching in all directions. To Zalan¡¯s relief, none of them seemed to take notice of Rep or Zalan.

    ¡°Excellent catch!¡± Rep said excitedly. ¡°Those are Roaches!¡±

    ¡°Oh God,¡± Zalan swallowed nauseously. ¡°I hate cockroaches so much. These are so big! Burn them all!!¡±

    ¡°Not cockroaches. Roaches. And I will not burn them. This is an excellent opportunity to fight your first creature with your sword!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not touching those things!¡± Zalan said firmly.

    ¡°You will not have to touch them. You only need to strike them with your sword. They are defeated quite easily.¡±

    Zalan just stared at the Roaches skitter over one another, inching away from them and trying to ignore all the little noises their hairy little feet made against the sand. Every little sound drove a shiver through his nerves.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep asked.

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    ¡°Just burn them. I hate them so much, just looking at them¡­¡± Zalan shuddered once more.

    ¡°Zalan, no, I think this is a good opportunity,¡± Rep began.

    ¡°Rep! Shoot fire at them!¡± Zalan demanded.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep said, smiling.

    Rep let out a tiny wisp of flame that licked the antennae of the Roach closest to them. It snapped in their direction and began skittering in short bursts toward them, taking breaks every few feet. Zalan jumped away.

    ¡°Rep! You didn¡¯t kill it! Rep!¡± Zalan said, flailing his sword in front of him as the Roach closed the gap in its quick runs.

    ¡°Take aim, Zalan!¡± Rep said, excited. ¡°Swing with full force and it will die as soon as you strike it!¡±

    ¡°Rep! Rep kill it!¡± Zalan shrieked.

    The Roach was right in front of Zalan, in perfect distance for him to strike with his sword. The Roach began to move and Zalan roared in disgust and frustration and swung his sword straight down. He missed the Roach¡¯s torso he was aiming for, but was able to strike at leg, tearing it clean off. The Roach let out a tiny, high-pitched squeal.

    ¡°Ah! Rep! I hate it! I hate the noise it makes and¡ªAH!¡±

    The Roach sprung forward in retaliation, only to be split in two by a decisive strike by Rep. Zalan was breathing hard, stepping away from the Roach.

    ¡°Rep!¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°This was good! Imagine if it had been a more dangerous beast! Now we know you are completely devoid of any talent with the sword,¡± Rep said energetically, an encouraging smile on his face.

    ¡°That was awful!¡± Zalan countered.

    ¡°Hardly.¡± Rep waved away Zalan¡¯s complaint. ¡°You must learn to concentrate even when you are in a panicked state.¡±

    Zalan understood the rationality, despite his heart running rampant against his chest. He breathed deeply and grit his teeth.

    ¡°Are there any other creatures we could practice on?¡± Zalan asked uneasily.

    ¡°None,¡± Rep assured him. ¡°These are the simplest. You must have full control when fighting others. Imagine we have to face down another wandering Flamestriker. We are too far from the walls to be able to get help this time.¡±

    Zalan looked back at the nest of Roaches. He shivered.

    ¡°I hate this. Fine. I hate it so much,¡± Zalan murmured quickly. ¡°Don¡¯t let them touch me, but send them over. I¡¯ll learn how to destroy these things. Obliterate them. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be able to keep my composure around these things.¡±

    ¡°That is fine by me,¡± Rep said, sending out another small stream of flame to attract two Roaches this time.

    ¡°That¡¯s too many!¡± Zalan said immediately. ¡°Rep!¡±

    ¡°Try and kill one on your own this time!¡± Rep coached.

    The two Roaches began to flank Zalan. He screamed and swung his sword wildly, splitting one of the creatures clean with a bilious crunch. Zalan recoiled at the sound, feeling sick.

    ¡°I got one¡ªAH, NO!¡± Zalan yelped as the other one bit into his leg. The mandibles burned against his body, the Roach aggressively gnawing at him. He screamed in disgust and kicked it away, then ran forward in anger and slashed shallowly at its torso. The cut wasn¡¯t deep enough to kill it and Rep finished it off with a flame while it squealed at Zalan in protest.

    ¡°It got me,¡± Zalan moaned, rolling up his pant leg. ¡°It¡¯s over, Rep. It got me good.¡±

    Rep looked over with amusement. There wasn¡¯t even blood drawn by the bite, hardly a mark was left by the Roach. Zalan rubbed sand on the wound as if to disinfect the bite, rubbing until his skin went pink.

    ¡°Zalan, you are fine,¡± Rep said, smiling.

    ¡°I hate them,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    ¡°But you can kill one now,¡± Rep encouraged.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ Yeah, I guess I can,¡± Zalan stood straight with a hint of pride. He looked up and flinched when he saw the remaining roaches all turned toward him. ¡°W-What are they doing?¡±

    ¡°You screamed considerably loudly when the Roach bit you. I believe they have taken notice of us, now,¡± Rep said. ¡°Roll your pants back down, they will draw blood if they are able to strike skin directly.¡±

    The remaining ten Roaches all began to move as one, each one skittering toward Rep and Zalan. Zalan quickly rolled his pants out and took a step away, fully disgusted.

    ¡°Can you burn them now? This is way too many!¡± Zalan pleaded, struggling not to look away from the scene of the skittering feet racing toward them.

    ¡°We will be fine. Kick them away if they get too close,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to touch them!¡±

    ¡°Then kill them with your sword first.¡±

    Zalan glared at Rep, but only for a moment before he brought his full attention back to the Roaches. They were upon the two of them now, and Rep kicked one toward Zalan, trying to get his companion to take on the entire nest of Roaches. Zalan stabbed downward and was able to kill one immediately. He swung again and was able to slice another clean through, slashing the creature in two. Breathing hard with raging glee as it became immobile, Zalan began moving faster. Every swing of his sword began to feel like an extension of his arm. He missed a few swings, but Rep continued to encourage him no matter how badly he missed.

    But just as he was feeling confident in his abilities, he was bitten on both shins and fell backward, his sword dropping away from his grasp.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep called, concerned.

    ¡°Rep! Burn them all! Burn me! Get them off!¡± Zalan was flailing, each swing of his arms or legs bashing another creature that brought him such visceral disgust.

    ¡°I cannot burn them! They are too close to you!¡± Rep said urgently.

    ¡°Then do something!¡± Zalan saw the hair of a Roach¡¯s leg stomp down right in front of his head. He turned with wide eyes to see mandibles snap once in anticipation. Then the Roach lurched forward.

    Zalan screamed as the creature bit into his forehead.

 Chapter 09 - Desert Travel

    Zalan flailed and managed to strike the Roach¡¯s leg as it came down, throwing it off balance. The creature still managed to make glancing contact, and Zalan felt the appendages drag away skin, burning his face with unbearable pain. His eyes could only see the sickly orange eyes of the Roach as well as the antennae twitching with glee. Zalan punched powerfully into the abdomen of the creature, and it took a step back as it bore the pain, then stepped forward in order to get another bite.

    Rep smashed down with a flaming fist, destroying the Roach with a frustrated grunt.

    ¡°Sorry, I did not mean for you to¡­¡± Rep started apologizing.

    ¡°Just help me up!¡± Zalan threw his hand up and was pulled to full height by Rep. Rep threw out a small wall of flame, sending the seven remaining Roaches skittering backward enough for Zalan to locate and retrieve his sword.

    Zalan looked at the small monsters with a vengeful bloodlust and ran toward them, sword held high. He stomped hard on the first one, a satisfying crunch under his feet as he swept the legs of the other two closest with his blade, removing their legs and watching them recoil in pain. Zalan continued his rampage until he had killed every remaining Roach without any additional assistance from Rep. He breathed hard, kneeling down and trying to regain some energy after the battle.

    ¡°Well done,¡± Rep said meekly.

    Zalan didn¡¯t reply, only glanced up to Rep with an inscrutable look on his face.

    ¡°I apologize, Zalan. They are normally not much of a threat. I did not believe they would do you any injury,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°How bad is it?¡± Zalan asked, gesturing to his forehead where the Roach gnawed on his face.

    ¡°It has drawn a small line of blood, but otherwise nothing that will be lasting,¡± Rep assured him.

    Zalan lightly touched his forehead in skepticism. It felt a lot worse than it was. It was a very thin line, something like a thick papercut.

    ¡°Like¡­ If I sleep, this¡¯ll go away?¡± Zalan asked, hopeful.

    ¡°When you sleep in the guild,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°In the guild? What about just sleeping out here?¡± Zalan looked around at the desert, the sun still high overhead.

    ¡°You cannot. Physically, I mean. Healing Rest does not work in wildlands. If the body is outside a safe area, you will not be able to restore yourself with the Healing Rest.¡±

    ¡°But it only takes three minutes!¡± Zalan protested.

    ¡°Only when you are in a place of safety can you fall asleep so quickly and remain asleep for such a short period of time. Try, if you must, but you will not be able to restore yourself with rest out here,¡± Rep said apologetically.

    Zalan scoffed and took a few steps away from the slain Roaches in order to lay down on soft, clean sand. As soon as he lay down, he knew Rep was right. He felt it inside him that the restful sleep he experienced yesterday was nowhere to be found out here. He sat up and looked at Rep who nodded solemnly.

    ¡°This might have been good to know before we came outside the walls,¡± Zalan groaned, standing and wiping his forehead. He looked at his arm and assessed the small red streak of blood as not a serious concern.

    ¡°I thought it would be obvious,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°What part of any of this would have been obvious?¡± Zalan balked.

    ¡°You forget, I do not know the inner workings of your world. Safe sleeping is taught to us as children, long before I studied Artifacts and combat in the guild. I thought everyone would know this,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°And how again did you learn that I was from another world?¡± Zalan followed up.

    ¡°I was inspired.¡±

    ¡°That really doesn¡¯t answer the question.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps not to you, but it is the truth.¡±

    Zalan sputtered, disappointed and gestured forward for Rep to continue to lead the way to the Lost City of Xagon. Rep instead began searching the dead Roaches for something, kicking over their bodies and peering into open wounds. Zalan felt nauseous at the sight, wanting to avert his eyes.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zalan questioned.

    ¡°I am searching for Artifacts,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°These things make Artifacts inside them?¡± Zalan asked, appalled. In that moment he decided he didn¡¯t want any Artifacts, even the Homeseeker.

    ¡°No,¡± Rep chuckled, amused. ¡°But it is common for Roaches to eat Artifacts they find, and I only wish to make sure we do not miss any within this nest.¡±

    ¡°When you say Artifacts, do you mean like the iron necklace that Junill wears?¡± Zalan asked, suddenly curious.

    ¡°Indeed, Artifacts like the Indefatigable Iron. Inside of creatures is one of the more rare places to locate an artifact, but it does occasionally happen,¡± Rep said confidently.

    ¡°How many kinds of Artifacts are there?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep looked up, not having found anything of interest and tilted his head for Zalan to follow as he led the way once more.

    ¡°Very many Artifacts. There are too many for me to have cataloged them all. But my time in Journey House was spent learning about many of the existing Artifacts of the world. Some can only be used once, but others have effects that can be used multiple times,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me if the Homeseeker can be used more than once,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But what if you have an Artifact that would take you across the desert, at a distance like to the Lost City of Xagon from Oriton? That would be nice to be able to use twice to go there and back,¡± Rep mused.

    ¡°Is there an Artifact like that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed. The Belt of Bolt. It can only be used by a single user, so the two of us would need to own one,¡± Rep said.

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    ¡°And you could just teleport around?¡±

    ¡°Essentially. It is not unlimited, but I believe it can be done twenty times before the Artifact wears off.¡±

    Zalan breathed out, amazed. He decided that even if this was a dream world, he would like to try out an Artifact before he went back to waking up in his own world.

    ¡°How much Experience did you gain?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan made a face.

    ¡°I mean, I guess I am more experienced with the sword now. I kinda get how to use it now, but I never want to see a Roach again,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°No, your Experience. Your stats and abilities on your forearm, how much did you gain?¡± Rep tapped his fingers together three times, signaling Zalan to do the same. Zalan had completely forgotten about his stats and tapped his fingers together to assess any changes. Looking at his forearm, he saw all his stats remained the same except that EXPERIENCE was now at 27.

    ¡°I gained¡­¡± Zalan took a second to do some math and recall, ¡°18 Experience. Where did the first nine Experience come from?¡±

    ¡°I imagine you gained the Experience after facing the Flamestriker. You attacked it, correct?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I guess you could call it that. The punch hurt me more than it hurt it. But this doesn¡¯t make sense. A punch that barely did anything was worth 9 Experience but killing a bunch of Roaches is worth 18?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Flamestikers are worth significantly more Experience than Roaches, especially to low-level fighters,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Okay, I guess. Is 27 a good amount of Experience?¡±

    ¡°Very good,¡± Rep smiled. ¡°You are well on your way to Level Two, which you will achieve once you gain 100 Experience. Then your Experience will reset to zero and your Strength will increase. But you will find that Experience becomes much more difficult to acquire when you are at higher Levels.¡±

    ¡°My Strength will increase in what way?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Remember when you struck the Roach with your fist earlier, you were unable to kill it with one blow. I am only Level Three, but with my fist and a little additional assistance from my Elemental Power, I could kill it in a single strike. I may even be able to do it without any Elemental assistance, but I did not want to risk it while it was attacking you.¡±

    Zalan raised a thoughtful eyebrow, somewhat excited at the prospect of growing tangibly stronger. He liked the idea of being so much stronger than Roaches that they wouldn¡¯t even be considered a threat to him when he was barehanded. Then he shuddered, preferring never to have to touch one again. Or see one.

    They continued their travels, partaking in a small meal while walking through the desert. Zalan found it amazing how much energy he had, even when crossing a desert, but Rep said it was normal for anyone in this world to withstand many kinds of climates without too many adverse effects if they had enough food and rest.

    They were able to remain in motion for the full day, Zalan¡¯s arms and legs aching by the exertion of a single day¡¯s travel. He began to wonder if he would have the strength for another three days of this, especially if the Elemental challenged him to something that would exhaust him. Rep seemed completely at ease out here, much unlike the way he acted when having to interact with people in town or when fighting the Flamestriker. Zalan imagined this was because Rep was much happier traveling rather than having to socialize or fight. He wondered if that was an odd personality or one common with a lot of people in this world.

    After hours of travel, they made camp, Rep able to immediately start a fire with dry desert plants they cut and dragged into a pile between them. As they ate their evening meal, Zalan began to mull over a question.

    ¡°Hey, Rep. Why did you come save me from the Flamestriker?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep frowned and clearly thought through the answer before speaking,

    ¡°I saw someone in danger and thought you needed help,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You saw me?¡± Zalan asked skeptically. ¡°I could barely see the town when I first got here. I thought you said that you were told to come help me as soon as I came into this world.¡±

    Rep sighed ambivalently.

    ¡°I was not told to help you. I was inspired to assist you,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrow lowered, making sure this wasn¡¯t a joke before continuing. Rep didn¡¯t look amused at all.

    ¡°Can you elaborate on what you mean?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I¡­ I was sitting in the guild, and I simply had an image in my head. Not an image¡­ An idea. An inspiration. That someone outside the walls needed my help. They were alone and in desperate need of someone else there with them,¡± Rep said in a small voice.

    ¡°It just popped into your head?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep began biting the inside of his lip and shrugged affirmatively.

    ¡°Why you? I mean, no offense, but you didn¡¯t exactly make the problem go away,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep continued to bite his lip, shrinking into himself.

    ¡°Well, thanks for saving my life. Don¡¯t know if I said that before. And thanks for helping me so much,¡± Zalan leaned back. He felt that Rep was still holding some information back, but didn¡¯t want to press him further when he had done so much to help him. Rep looked up and smiled, happy to be out of the crosshairs of interrogation.

    ¡°What will you do when you return to your home? You said you would go and see your mother?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Visit her,¡± Zalan corrected firmly.

    ¡°Are you excited to visit her?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t want to talk about it,¡± Zalan murmured. Rep looked concerned but simply nodded.

    ¡°I will take the first watch,¡± Rep said, stretching himself out.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to take turns sleeping so we can watch? For what?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Any manner of thing. Roaming monsters, roaming bandits, bad weather. Anything that I would need to wake you up for. And you will do the same for me,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan looked around nervously, but the firelight was the only thing illuminating the night, leaving him in the only light patch in the desert. A beacon for anyone lurking from a distance.

    ¡°Should we put that out?¡± Zalan gestured to the fire.

    ¡°Done,¡± Rep clapped his hands, killing the fire with his Elemental Power.

    Zalan laid back and closed his eyes, quickly falling asleep with a frown on his face.

    He was awoken by a light nudge from Rep what must have been hours later. The sleep on the outside of the city felt nothing like the rest he experienced within the guild. He longed for the uncomfortable cot. He poked at his forehead and felt the light bite from the Roach had scabbed over, but had not healed like his hand did after fighting the Flamestriker.

    ¡°Keep watch until the sun lights the way,¡± Rep suggested, stifling a yawn.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan stood up to try and shake the grogginess of sleep away.

    Once Rep was asleep, Zalan pulled out his sword and practiced swinging it, trying to judge exactly how far a cactus was and accurately cut it on the first swing. He kept a close eye on their surroundings, making sure no one would sneak up on them, and the swordplay was more to calm his nerves in case anyone actually showed up. He made very little progress in training his sword swing by the time the sun had peeked over the horizon, coating the desert in a lush orange hue. But if an enemy stood in place and waited for him to attack, he¡¯d be really good at killing it. Once the sun began to rise, he sheathed his sword and nudged Rep who roused himself immediately and led the way once more.

    The second day was less exciting than the first, and Zalan asked Rep about the new world to try and get a better idea of this dream-place. Apparently, the idea of a healing potion was ¡°absurdly silly,¡± but there were Artifacts that existed that could heal a wound. All the animals that Zalan could name that existed in the real world also existed here, like dogs, cats, or even elephants. Zalan tried to ask how the ecology would work being shared between animals and monsters, but Rep couldn¡¯t understand the question even when Zalan tried simplifying it. They continued chatting until a small dot appeared on the horizon. Zalan stepped ahead of Rep excitedly.

    ¡°Is that it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The Lost City of Xagon,¡± Rep affirmed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry!¡± Zalan began to run, but Rep pulled him by his collar.

    ¡°You do not want to be tired before you challenge an Elemental. You have read about them, you know they can ask you any manner of difficult challenges,¡± Rep reminded.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan said, deflating and keeping a brisk pace instead of running.

    They watched closely for any storm brewing from a distance, ensuring that the Elemental that brought the storm with it did not continue the deadly weather. Zalan kept his pace quick, and Rep was happy to match his walking speed, glad to almost be done with this half of the excursion beyond the walls. Within the hour, the sun still long from setting, Zalan and Rep stood at the entrance to the crumbling, abandoned city.

 Chapter 10 - The Lost City of Xagon

    Zalan took a bold step into the lost city, its crumbling exterior evidence of it having been eroded by winds for years before he and Rep took on the journey to lay eyes upon it. They surveyed the entrance and buildings at a safe distance, ensuring there were no miscreants that had made this place a home of their own that intended to ambush them at the first opportunity.

    The city was much larger than Oriton, but the stones of its buildings were crumbling and the entry gate had fallen over. The entrance had been eaten by the desert¡¯s all-encompassing sands. Stone paths were drowned in desert and old signs were faded or long broken away from buildings. The composition of this city was mostly earth and stone, much stronger than Oriton¡¯s wooden buildings, but very little of it survived intact. Rep no longer felt the need to lead the way and Zalan took it upon himself to walk to the center of the empty city, stepping over large pieces of buildings that had broken and become part of the sandy floor.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Zalan called loudly once he reached the center square. Rep waited tensely for a reply. None came, but that brought him little comfort.

    ¡°Well, here we are. The Lost City of Xagon, just as you asked,¡± Rep said, underwhelmed.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the Elemental?¡± Zalan asked both himself and Rep.

    Rep scoffed.

    ¡°We both knew it was only a slight possibility that one would be here. Your theory was far-fetched at best, based on a single book.¡±

    ¡°Okay, but let¡¯s say there was an Elemental here. Where would it be?¡± Zalan asked, looking around at the rooftops to see if an Elemental was floating atop one, matching the descriptions of the books he read.

    ¡°I could not tell you,¡± Rep answered sincerely. ¡°They appear when they please. If this is the Elemental¡¯s domain, then be sure that it is watching you. It simply chooses not to appear. Or, more likely, it is not here.¡±

    ¡°I read that Elementals wanted people to have their power in the world. That it honored them to have people showing off their granted abilities. Why would they hide away?¡± Zalan asked, growing impatient.

    ¡°Elementals only want worthy people to hold their powers. That is why they issue challenges,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You won¡¯t even let me take on your challenge? I can be worthy!¡± Zalan yelled loudly.

    ¡°It may have left,¡± Rep said, trying to tone down his expectations.

    ¡°But the devastation it caused coming in here was so severe! It doesn¡¯t make sense. Why would it just go away without notice?¡± Zalan was spinning, trying to see any indication of a creature out of place.

    ¡°Without notice?¡± Rep would have been amused if he wasn¡¯t already worn down by the hot day. ¡°Who would it need to inform?¡±

    ¡°You basically said a natural disaster takes place whenever an Elemental migrates from one place to the next. Wouldn¡¯t you have heard about it if it happened again?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Heard about it from whom? No one is vigilantly watching the city to monitor the Elemental¡¯s wearabouts. The Elemental may have left overnight. Or, I am now thinking, it is an Elemental that never existed. Perhaps the story I read was an embellishment to make sense of a travesty,¡± Rep replied. Zalan shook his head, unconvinced.

    Zalan continued to lead the way into where a town square once stood, now blanketed by sands and surrounded by rubble. Rep remained in the shade of a nearby building while Zalan squinted through the bright sun, trying to find something on any roof in any corner. He saw nothing but sand and abandoned buildings.

    Zalan groaned and squatted down, placing his hand to his head both to block out the sunlight and to try and spur thoughts. What did he know about Elementals? What could he use about the knowledge of this Elemental?

    ¡°In the book you read, did it mention that the Elemental issued a challenge before it started the storm?¡± Zalan asked without much hope.

    ¡°No, nothing of the sort. If I recall correctly, the only thing it was reported to have said is that it thirsted for blood. And then the storm began,¡± Rep replied.

    Zalan looked up around the massive empty city, a small piece of a building crumbling with the small gust of warm wind from the desert. Zalan slowly stood up as he began building the seed of a theory in his mind.

    ¡°Okay, what if¡­¡± Zalan trailed as he pulled out his sword.

    Rep watched him with interest. Zalan held up the blade to his left pinky, then ran the blade across the finger enough to allow a drop of blood to come out.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rep asked immediately, slightly concerned.

    Zalan gasped, elated.

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    ¡°It¡¯s working!¡± Zalan pointed to the earth beneath him. Rep looked down with eyebrows drawn close at the sand beneath Zalan¡¯s feet. Rep stared at the clean sand then looked back up to Zalan, shaking his head in confusion. Zalan continued to smile at the sandy floor.

    ¡°What is working?¡± Rep finally asked.

    ¡°Look,¡± Zalan squeezed his pinky until another drop of blood escaped and fell into the sand. Rep followed the drop, then noticed that the blood didn¡¯t stain the ground. It disappeared immediately, hungrily consumed by the sand which retained its original light brown color in contrast to the blood falling upon it.

    ¡°My God,¡± Rep whispered. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡­ There may be an Elemental here.¡±

    ¡°I told you!¡± Zalan said triumphantly, then quickly began to doubt himself. ¡°There isn¡¯t some other monster that can suck blood out of the floor, right?¡±

    ¡°None that I know of. But I do not know all manner of monsters,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Good enough for me,¡± Zalan said with renewed confidence. He continued to let the blood flow freely into the earth, each drop dissipating as soon as it touched the floor, not leaving so much as wet darkness in the sand.

    Rep and Zalan continued to stare into the point in the sand where the drops fell for a few minutes, then Rep looked up to Zalan who had to reopen his wound with a deep wince on his face.

    ¡°Should we stand in the shade, perhaps?¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if it still works,¡± Zalan said, taking slow steps to a place shaded by a home that was destroyed in the storm decades ago. The blood continued to be eaten away on contact and Zalan was glad to take respite from the sun. They waited for a few minutes longer. Rep was on his haunches and Zalan kept looking up at the sky, expecting an Elemental to descend upon them.

    ¡°How long do you suppose this will take?¡± Rep ventured.

    ¡°There was nothing describing this kind of process in any of the books I read. But the Elemental has to know we¡¯re here if it keeps taking the blood. It¡¯ll be here any second now,¡± Zalan replied confidently.

    That confidence was short-lived. They waited until the shade of Xagon began drifting away from them and they had to walk to keep up with it, following the movement of the giant sundial to remain shielded from the harsh rays of the sun. This process of waiting, bleeding, and walking continued for over an hour, during which time Zalan had to reopen the wound five times to ensure a continuous supply of blood would be absorbed by the sand. Rep and Zalan winced as Zalan squeezed at his little finger, his teeth grit together tightly.

    ¡°How much blood does this require?¡± Rep finally asked, any of his earlier enthusiasm having waned drastically.

    ¡°How should I know?¡± Zalan asked, then considered something else. ¡°Maybe it needs a lot more.¡±

    ¡°What do you¡ªwait!¡± Rep threw his hands up as Zalan ran his sword across his palm, and opened it to allow the blood to run freely. The earth continued to swallow the increased blood flow. Rep stared with wide eyes as Zalan looked up to the city. What was taking so long? Had he misunderstood something about the blood-thirst?

    ¡°Elemental! I am here for you!¡± Zalan called, feeling silly. He was trying to make it clear that this blood was not spilled by accident.

    ¡°We seek your magic!¡± Rep called, much louder. His voice was thrown back in an echo from the empty city, but the two were otherwise not met with any otherworldly response.

    The blood-letting continued into the sand until Zalan found himself blinking harder to keep himself focused and standing upright. The world began to feel cold, even though he struggled to keep up with the shade and was often in the warm sunlight. Zalan felt the slight pain in his forehead from his battle with the Roaches. Feeling the scab, he wished he had those extra drops of blood to give rather than having been wasted on putrid creatures. Rep looked at Zalan with deep concern.

    ¡°That is a lot of lost blood,¡± Rep pointed out. ¡°Perhaps you should stop to regain some strength.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to lose any progress made. What if I have to restart? I¡¯m sure we¡¯re close,¡± Zalan insisted, his vision going blurry at the edges.

    At last, after the whole of two hours, Zalan could no longer remain upright. He collapsed backward and breathed heavily, his lungs and hand stinging in pain.

    ¡°All right. I can¡¯t stand,¡± Zalan accepted, his eyes closed as he tried to power through the pain. ¡°I gotta stop for the day.¡±

    Rep didn¡¯t reply. Zalan opened his eyes and looked at him, witnessing that his face had gone totally pale as he stared upward. Zalan followed his gaze and gasped at the robed creature floating above the two of them, its face shrouded in a dark hood.

    An Elemental.

    It was suspended a few feet above them, human-esque, but was as large as a bear. Its robes floated nebulously around it and they looked as though they were made of dark storm clouds, with an occasional tiny bolt of lightning slithering its way up and down the clothing. Its face was hidden, but its eyes shone like bright yellow jewels watching them carefully. It looked humanoid in form, but there were no arms or legs coming out from the appropriate places in the cloudy robe.

    ¡°Elemental,¡± Zalan addressed it, his voice pained. The creature shifted toward him, answering the call.

    ¡°We should not ask it for the challenge,¡± Rep said, quickly searching for bandages to cover Zalan¡¯s open wound. ¡°You will perish!¡±

    ¡°I can always just complete it some other time,¡± Zalan said, struggling to sit up as he addressed the Elemental. Rep looked concerned, but nodded slightly.

    ¡°What is your challenge?¡± Zalan asked, feeling ready for anything despite the lack of energy. Rep held out the bandage in front of Zalan.

    Even without being able to see anything beyond the hood of the Elemental, Zalan felt it sneer. He shivered.

    ¡°If you do not accomplish my challenge at this moment, you will not be given a second chance. That is the way of the Elemental of Xagon. To win my magic, you must simply continue to supply me with this flow of blood for another ten minutes," it answered, its voice like an ice storm against a glass pane.

    ¡°You will die!¡± Rep protested as Zalan stared at the bandages that Rep was insisting he take. He blinked slowly and looked at the blood coming from his self-mutilated hand.

    ¡°There¡¯s no second chance. Ten minutes isn¡¯t that long,¡± Zalan said, his voice weak as he pushed away Rep¡¯s bandage with his good hand. Zalan considered in his hazy, lightheaded state that the worst that would happen if he died in the dream world was to wake up in the real world. Rep¡¯s mouth dropped in shock, but could see Zalan¡¯s mind was made up and closed it in disappointment.

    The Elemental breathed joyously, not having had someone accept its challenge in decades.

 Chapter 11 - Blood and Lightning

    Zalan swallowed painfully hard as Rep¡¯s eyes rapidly flit between Zalan and the Elemental watching Zalan closely from above. The three of them constantly looked at the flow of blood from Zalan¡¯s hand. Rep was biting the inside of his lip hard, his concern taking a physical toll on him. Rep was shifting in place madly, feeling like he should be doing something to help.

    ¡°Zalan, dress your wounds. Close them, please,¡± Rep pleaded, holding out the bandages.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes had gone docile, not quite following all the words of the request, but understanding the meaning nonetheless.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Zalan whispered.

    The Elemental watched keenly, its body unmoving as its robe flowed in place like a tumultuous storm cloud, the streaks of lightning in its clothing growing more energized as it watched Zalan. The light of the sun slowly dimmed as unnaturally fast clouds from the distance began rolling in, obscuring its rays. Zalan looked up to Rep, his face growing pale. He licked his lips before he spoke.

    ¡°Cold,¡± Zalan whispered.

    ¡°You have lost too much blood! We should put a stop to it!¡± Rep said firmly, but looked back up at the Elemental looming over them, as if asking permission to halt the challenge.

    The Elemental only watched.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop, I¡¯m just cold,¡± Zalan insisted weakly.

    ¡°The sun is blocked by the clouds! What am I to do?¡± Rep was panicking.

    ¡°Fire,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What? Oh, yes, right,¡± Rep brought his hands together and created a flame in his palm, about the size of a baseball. He held it as close to Zalan as he felt was safe and Zalan was able to reply with a grateful half-smile.

    ¡°How much time remains?¡± Zalan asked the Elemental. ¡°I have not been keeping track of time.¡±

    Both Rep and Zalan looked up at the Elemental expectantly.

    The Elemental only watched.

    ¡°Zalan, please,¡± Rep begged, the flame in his hand dancing with urgency. ¡°Think this through! Please do not die over an Elemental challenge. There are other Elementals. End this.¡±

    Zalan slightly shook his head, as much as he was able. Rep bit the inside of his lip harder and added more energy into his flame, uncertain how badly Zalan was in need of warmth.

    The seconds went by, the Elemental¡¯s interest never showing signs of dwindling. Zalan made a dozen different pained expressions as he struggled to remain conscious and Rep held the bandages in one hand and the flame in the other, desperate for the challenge to cease before Zalan had done irreparable damage. Or worse.

    The world grew dark to Zalan, his lack of warmth exacerbated by the clouds rolling in and blocking out the entire sky. The world was overcast now, the bright yellowish brown sand now a dull gray. Zalan tried to adjust himself in his sitting position, but collapsed on his back, groaning. Rep dove to cover the wound and stop the challenge, but Zalan had enough strength to lightly bat Rep¡¯s hand away. The intent was painfully clear to Rep. Zalan would rather die than end the challenge.

    ¡°Zalan, I cannot let you die,¡± Rep said urgently, the pain of biting his lip reaching a stinging peak.

    ¡°M¡¯fine,¡± Zalan slurred. He was delirious and Rep wasn¡¯t even certain that Zalan heard the words he spoke. Rep thought that there was no way Zalan could consciously call the challenge off anymore, he had lost too much blood. He was suffering without knowing why anymore.

    Rep could only look up at the Elemental in rage.

    ¡°End the challenge! He has done enough!¡± Rep commanded.

    The Elemental did not respond.

    ¡°I said end the challenge! It has to have been ten minutes! You are prolonging his suffering for your perverse enjoyment!¡±

    The Elemental kept his gaze fixed upon Zalan¡¯s bleeding hand, the blood flow having slowed significantly in the minutes that crawled by.

    ¡°Stop it!¡± Rep demanded, the ball of fire in his palm expanding. ¡°Stop the challenge!¡±

    Rep roared and blasted a flame at the Elemental. The ball of fire flew right through the Elemental, its robe shifting slightly like fog having been disturbed.

    The Elemental did not react.

    Rep stood staring and enraged, then remembered Zalan¡¯s state and knelt down to offer him more warmth from a newly created fire in his palm. Zalan was breathing and his eyes open, but he didn¡¯t even respond to Rep¡®s outburst. Rep was worried he was completely unresponsive at this point.

    ¡°The challenge is complete,¡± the Elemental breathed its icy cold speech. ¡°My power is yours. Use it across the world and show them the power of the Storm Elemental. Do not waste it. Do not lose the gift I grant.¡±

    The arm of the cloudy robe rose, though no hand emerged from within the dark garment. The Elemental¡¯s sleeve shined yellow, then a strike of lightning arced from the Elemental into Zalan¡¯s chest. Zalan winced in fear, but didn¡¯t experience any pain. In fact, he felt as though he was given a jolt of energy, wiping away the delusional drift that was creeping over his mind. He was still weak, but had retreated far from death¡¯s door.

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    The Elemental lowered its arm and continued to float silently for a few seconds as Zalan finally accepted the bandages from Rep, closing off the wound that drove him to near-death. Zalan flexed his good hand a few times, feeling a new power¡ªalmost a new sense¡ªflowing through him. It was odd, exhilarating, and inspiring, making him feel new.

    ¡°Cool,¡± he said, his voice hoarse.

    Rep helped him sit up and force-fed him some water, followed by what little food remained of their rations. Zalan took it all gratefully, suddenly having a thought wondering why he never donated blood in the past. He just dumped way more than was necessary for a blood donation for some random creature that told him to. The food and drink made him feel more alert, and the warm fire of Rep¡¯s palm was a welcome way to end the challenge.

    ¡°You¡¯re bleeding?¡± Zalan pointed to Rep¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°I bit my lip too hard. It is a habit of mine when I am nervous,¡± Rep smiled a small, red-stained grin.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Zalan said, uncertain how else to respond.

    ¡°Do not be. You have overcome the challenge of an Elemental I was almost certain did not exist,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What Elemental Power is it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You can check your stats,¡± Rep suggested, shrugging.

    Zalan tapped his index finger to his thumb three times and turned his wrist over to check. Rep leaned in close to read as well.

    ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

    ¡°Lightning? I don¡¯t remember reading about that one,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I have never heard of it before,¡± Rep said, stunned.

    ¡°How does it work?¡± Zalan asked eagerly.

    ¡°I know nothing of this power,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°What about Elemental Power in general? How do you use your fire?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It is like discovering a new muscle. We sometimes refer to it as a mind-muscle,¡± Rep explained. ¡°Once you know the right piece of your mind you need to access, you will use it easily.¡±

    Zalan frowned, then looked back up at the Elemental that continued to watch them silently, the dark clouds brooding over it. The creature judged him quietly. They watched one another closely, the streaks of lightning continuing to run through the Elemental¡¯s clothing.

    ¡°How do I use it?¡± Zalan tried asking the Elemental.

    The Elemental watched silently.

    Zalan sighed and reached out his hand toward the nearest abandoned building, trying to emulate the hand motions that Rep would use when emitting a flame. He attempted a few different variations and hand gestures before sputtering and lowering his hand.

    ¡°Maybe you just require more rest,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan agreed, his cut hand still stinging under the wrappings. ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try later.¡±

    ¡°Use the power,¡± the Elemental ordered. It sounded like a threat. The lightning in its robe grew more frantic.

    Zalan and Rep looked at one another, stunned. They hadn¡¯t expected for the Elemental to speak anymore. And the lack of its normally neutral tone made them uneasy.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how!¡± Zalan protested.

    ¡°Use the power,¡± it insisted, its voice a menacing, deep tone.

    Zalan looked at Rep whose face had gone white though his chin was marked with the red from his bleeding lips. Zalan pointed his arm toward a building again, trying to reach for something within himself that he didn¡¯t know existed. The lightning in the Elemental¡¯s cloak was now audible, rushing violently through the clothes with thunderous rage. Zalan strained his hand.

    ¡°I grant you a gift and you reject it?¡± the Elemental asked, its voice crescendoing in its offense.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± Zalan insisted, his hand cramping in effort.

    ¡°He just needs time!¡± Rep shouted at the Elemental as the wind began to pick up around them.

    Rolling thunder echoed from beyond the city, and although Zalan couldn¡¯t be sure it was caused by the Elemental, he felt it was a consequence of its growing anger. Zalan tried thinking as hard as he could to find the new muscle in himself to use. The wind grew painful, the sand stinging as it struck Zalan and Rep¡¯s skin like tiny fiery pellets. The only noise he could make out was sand and wind in his ears. Rep was still screaming at the Elemental, but Zalan could no longer make out the words even though he was right next to him.

    The Elemental grew larger, its entire being shifting with thousands of shocks of lightning racing around in unison. The Elemental growled in anger, raising both of its arms toward Zalan. Rep stood in the way with his arms open, continuing to shout in earnest. Zalan threw his arm out, trying to elicit some lightning-like reaction as he waved it around. The Elemental¡¯s arms became blinding as they were filled with power, both Rep and Zalan¡¯s hair standing on end as the Elemental prepared to strike. Zalan screamed, placing all of his focus into his fingers and hoping to send out a massive bolt of lightning, enough to scare away the Elemental. Rep continued shouting words that could not be heard. The Elemental breathed deeply, its anger about to manifest in attack.

    Then, a miniscule spark jumped from Zalan¡¯s finger, like the little blue jolt of a faulty outlet being plugged into.

    Immediately, the wind died, sand falling all around Zalan and Rep. Rep was breathing deeply, having shouted as loud as he could for longer than he expected. Zalan was looking at the finger that emitted the tiny spark with fascination, astounded that he was able to emit anything.

    Both Rep and Zalan looked up to the Elemental, which had resumed its passive watching. It had lowered its arms, and the lightning stopped racing through its robes. Although Zalan still could not see its face, Zalan could feel that the creature was smiling at him. He didn¡¯t like the feeling.

    ¡°Farewell,¡± the Elemental said, ascending slowly away from them.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Rep screamed immediately. ¡°No, don¡¯t leave!¡±

    Zalan looked up in confusion.

    ¡°You want that thing to stick around? It was just about to kill us!¡± Zalan asked, horrified.

    ¡°When Elementals grant power, they normally just disappear! They don¡¯t leave!¡± Rep said in earnest.

    ¡°What do you mean? What¡¯s the difference?¡± Zalan said, remembering having read about the phenomena of Elementals disappearing in thin air after granting powers.

    The storm clouds doubled in mass, lightning darting across their gray shadows multiple times in succession, followed closely by earth-rumbling thunder. Zalan¡¯s eyebrows drew close in fear as he stared in confusion as the Elemental drifted away, behind the clouds.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Zalan asked as rain began to fall upon them, the wind picking up speed.

    ¡°Whenever an Elemental moves to a new home, disaster follows both where it began and where it goes,¡± Rep said. Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide as he remembered the fact.

    Zalan stared up in dread as the Elemental storm that was able to destroy an entire populated city quickly festered around them.

 Chapter 12 - Storm

    In the seconds it took Zalan and Rep to get under the cover of a decrepit, crumbling building, the torrent of rain pounded atop them with flashes of lightning and roars of thunder filling the city. Rep peeked his head out and darted back inside when another strike of lightning illuminated the area. Zalan leaned himself upright against a wall, breathing heavily after moving only a few feet. He was utterly exhausted, his energy sapped from today¡¯s journey, his lack of blood, and the fear of having faced the threat of death by the hands of the Elemental moments ago.

    ¡°What do you think would happen if I let some lightning hit me now that I have lightning powers?¡± Zalan asked over a smash of thunder. ¡°Do you think I¡¯d get all my energy back?¡±

    Rep looked over to him like he was crazy.

    ¡°I think you would die,¡± Rep said, exasperated.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s fair,¡± Zalan sighed, deflating.

    Like a massive flash from a camera, the area outside their weak shelter went white then back to darkness in an instant, followed by the cacophonous cry of thunder. Zalan realized that he could hardly see anything in this dim light and Rep felt the same, quickly igniting a flame in his palm to see one another.

    ¡°This is bad,¡± Rep said, looking outside and back to Zalan rapidly. ¡°The storm has made the entire area too dark to navigate. I will not be able to keep a flame up for very long without a roof. And the storm is massive! Its reach extends much farther than the edges of the city.¡±

    ¡°We can wait it out, can¡¯t we?¡± Zalan asked. He felt somewhat nonchalant about the experience. Something about the dream world made him feel like nothing mattered. None of this was real. His death had to result in going back home, right? He refused any other explanation in his head, and the drowsiness of fatigue made him too lazy to want to pursue any other line of thought.

    ¡°Wait this out?¡± Rep asked, appalled as another crack of thunder shook the earth. ¡°Zalan, we need to get out of here! Even if I thought we could last under the immense rain and lightning, we do not have the food to wait around! We will starve!¡±

    ¡°Right, sure,¡± Zalan nodded to himself.

    He had gone back to staring at the finger that emitted a tiny shock of lightning, wondering if he could manifest a storm himself at some point. Would he be able to throw a storm this big at someone? Could he topple a civilization single handedly? What were the limits of these powers?

    ¡°Are you listening?¡± Rep asked loudly.

    ¡°I¡¯m listening, but what do you want me to do?¡± Zalan looked up. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted and I can¡¯t use any Elemental Power to change the course of the storm!¡±

    ¡°I want you to try and think of something!¡± Rep said, panicked.

    Lightning crashed into the building closest to them, causing the roof to explode and the rest of it to crumble into a pile of worn rocks. Zalan and Rep both stared in fear. The thunder echoed menacingly. Zalan suddenly didn¡¯t care if his death would lead him back home, he didn¡¯t want to die in an explosion caused by a direct strike from lightning.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Zalan shouted, urgency finally reaching his voice.

    ¡°I do not know!¡± Rep shouted back.

    Water began pooling at their feet, the dry sands unable to absorb such a constant deluge of water from the skies. Rep and Zalan looked up at one another as another bang of thunder sounded outside.

    ¡°We can¡¯t be in a puddle!¡± Zalan said, trying to lift himself.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Rep asked, confused.

    ¡°Water conducts lightning. I think we¡¯ll get fried!¡± Zalan said uncertainly.

    ¡°If the lightning hits the water, we will be shocked even if we are not hit?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Zalan said. ¡°I think it will, but I don¡¯t know how this works!¡±

    Rep splashed through the water to Zalan, pulling him to his feet and letting Zalan put his weight on Rep¡¯s shoulder. Together, Zalan and Rep tripped and kicked water as they made their way through the city with what little light Rep could provide them. Any fire he started in his palm was doused in seconds. Whenever they seemed to be lost, a jolt of lightning would give them enough view of their surroundings to allow them to continue toward the entrance of the City of Xagon.

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    The sand was in heavy clumps and clinging to their feet, causing Zalan to strain with every step to pull his feet out of what felt like a bog. He was freezing, the cold water feeling as though it was seeping into his bones. Rep¡¯s fire had to be reignited every few seconds, which took its toll on him. He was breathing hard, loud enough to be heard through the maelstrom around the two travelers. Zalan looked around the storm, trying to find a way out.

    ¡°Throw fire in the air!¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°What?¡± Rep asked, unable to hear clearly.

    ¡°Throw a bright flame in the air! As big as you can!¡± Zalan shouted.

    ¡°Why?¡± Rep said, open to any idea that sounded good enough.

    ¡°It will be a signal in the middle of the storm. Maybe someone can see us from a distance,¡± Zalan shouted.

    ¡°A signal? It will just look like a flame to them! What if they think we are a monster and decide not to come!¡± Rep questioned.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any other ideas!¡± Zalan admitted, his face awash with rain water.

    ¡°Me neither!¡± Rep agreed, immediately dropping his earlier point, throwing his fist in the air, and sending a small stream of bright fire that was snuffed out in seconds.

    ¡°Keep doing that every few minutes!¡± Zalan informed.

    Rep stumbled in reply, his energy quickly sapping from carrying Zalan and keeping his Elemental Power constantly flowing so they could see. Zalan tried to take some of the weight off, but found himself unable to walk if he did. Not only had he lost a lot of blood, but now he couldn¡¯t feel his fingers or toes. The rain was too cold, and he would have been dead had Rep left him behind. He quickly realized that Rep may be able to get away safely if he just left Zalan behind. Zalan could convince him to go find help to come back for him. Then he would know Rep wouldn¡¯t die at his expense. He breathed in deeply.

    ¡°Hey, Rep,¡± he yelled.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Thunder boomed deafeningly above them, rumbling the earth ominously over the sounds of the loud raindrops. Zalan¡¯s heart dropped at the noise. In that instant, he knew he couldn¡¯t stand to be abandoned out here alone. Even if Rep could get away, he wasn¡¯t going to be the one to suggest the option. He made the sickening decision to want to keep Rep at his side even if it meant their joint death.

    ¡°Thanks for helping me,¡± Zalan finally replied. It was manipulative gratitude, knowing that he was trying to get Rep to stick with him, without considering the option to save himself.

    ¡°Save your energy,¡± Rep said, not even acknowledging the thanks. He was in a survival mode that Zalan¡¯s words couldn¡¯t alter. He threw up another flare above them and stumbled to the ground, kneeling down for a second to catch his breath. Zalan helped him up and they kept moving, only just crossing the entrance of the city into the desert beyond. Zalan had no idea how far the storm could go, and was certain they wouldn¡¯t make it if they had to walk all the way back to Oriton in these conditions. He couldn¡¯t see anything beyond them but rain and flashes of lightning. The storm looked endless.

    ¡°Are we just going to keep walking?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Do you have any better ideas?¡± Rep countered.

    And so they continued into the abyss of desert darkness, Rep¡¯s flame hardly bright enough to illuminate the next step in front of them. They heard another building buckle and fall apart in the city they escaped. The sky¡¯s rain was so powerful, Zalan felt as though he could drown standing up in this weather. He was worried that if he lost his footing and found himself falling into the sand, he would simply sink down, suffocating in wet dirt. He shivered, both from the cold and the thought.

    Rep knelt down again, unable to go more than a few steps without needing to catch his breath. Lightning flashed around them and Zalan could see the strain in Rep¡¯s breathing, just barely keeping himself from collapsing in exhaustion. Zalan looked up at the horizon, trying desperately to see some sign of civilization or travelers they could ask for help. He knew that they were in the middle of nowhere, but hope was all he had at this point.

    Either that or he was in denial about everything.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep panted, ¡°I never should have brought you here. I am sorry.¡±

    ¡°What? You tried to stop me, remember? I asked you to bring me out here,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I do not believe you did,¡± Rep said, his voice odd.

    Another flash of lightning revealed that Rep was terrified, unable to think of a way to escape the raging storm. The dark lines on his face were clear, he was lost in trying to think of a way to salvage the trip. Rep ran a dozen different ideas in his head in a few seconds and shook them all away as futile, the storm drumming his head powerfully. Another flash of lightning made it clear Rep was in anguish, the rain likely masking tears running down his face. Zalan tried to come up with something before Rep gave up entirely.

    ¡°Maybe we should go back to shelter? Try and shield ourselves from this?¡± Zalan suggested.

    Rep looked up uncertainly, looking broken.

    ¡°Very well. We will try to wait for it to settle down. But we must think of something! We will perish!¡± Rep said, standing up.

    ¡°We¡¯ll make it out of this,¡± Zalan said with unfounded confidence. ¡°You got me here, you¡¯ll get me out of here.¡±

    ¡°Alive, I hope,¡± Rep said. The look on his face made it clear he wasn¡¯t joking. ¡°We should hurry. The lightning is growing more frequent.¡±

    Zalan couldn¡¯t hurry if he tried, going at the same limping pace as earlier while they trudged their way back through the city entrance. Zalan could hardly believe this was the same entrance that they witnessed in broad daylight only hours ago. Thunder rolled above them, sparks flying between clouds.

    ¡°That building looks good enough!¡± Rep said, holding up his hand and shooting another signal flame into the sky.

    This time, the sky responded by sending lightning down, directly into Rep¡¯s raised arm.

 Chapter 13 - Lightning Strikes

    Zalan felt the moment that Rep was struck by the lightning. Zalan was using Rep as a crutch and the electricity flowed through Rep like a missile tearing into Zalan¡¯s soul. The energy was overwhelming, a burning, straining sensation, easily enough to kill both Rep and Zalan.

    Except that Zalan felt the muscle of Elemental Power now.

    It was so clear in that tiny moment. Like putting one¡¯s hand on a hot stovetop and having to draw it away, Zalan felt the instinct of the power of lightning. And just like he would react without thinking to the hot stove, he acted without conscious thought. The fluke of him drawing sparks earlier with the Elemental was nothing compared to this real experience. He knew exactly what muscle this was.

    He drew all the immense energies of the lightning into himself, ensuring that it passed harmlessly through Rep. Then he thrust a hand into the air to throw all the lightning away at once. The lightning that had come down exploded from his fingertips, going back to the clouds that dealt it.

    The force of throwing lightning skyward was immense, driving Zalan down into the sand all the way up to his waist. The sky flashed a brilliant blue as the clouds were forced to accept the offering of lightning and throw it away elsewhere. Rep looked up at the sky, then felt himself up and down, amazed that he didn¡¯t feel any pain after being certain he had just been struck by lightning. Zalan had saved his life.

    ¡°That was incredible!¡± Rep laughed, looking down with an astounded smile before becoming horrified. ¡°Zalan!!¡±

    Zalan had lost consciousness, sinking slowly into the sand. Rep dove forward to keep Zalan¡¯s head above the sandy water pooling up in the desert floor and fired a dozen small flares into the sky, unable to carry Zalan into a shelter himself. Worse yet, it seemed every building around them was falling apart in the rain or being hit directly by lightning and exploding. There was nowhere to hide and he knew he was unable to run. He strained himself, trying with all his might to drag Zalan out of the sand, but his companion was too deep within. It was all Rep could do to keep Zalan¡¯s head above the elements trying to cut off his air flow.

    ¡°Help! Someone! Dear God, save us! Please!¡± Rep cried into the night. He was crying freely now, unable to mask his fear of Zalan perishing in his arms. He held a flame close to Zalan¡¯s face, trying what little he could to keep him warm and alive. Rep felt Zalan breathing, but it was frail and felt as though it could stop at any moment.

    Rep was out of ideas, slowly sinking into the sand, himself. He tried desperately to keep himself and Zalan above, but struggling only brought them both lower into the earth. Rep was almost glad that Zalan wasn¡¯t awake to witness his grisly fate. The sand consumed them, now up to Zalan¡¯s chest and Rep¡¯s stomach.

    ¡°I apologize, Zalan,¡± Rep said to him. ¡°I never should have brought you here.¡±

    Just then, faintly, he heard something that did not sound like the storm. A voice?

    ¡°Elemental?¡± Rep raised his head to look around. ¡°Have you returned? Stop the storm!¡±

    The voice called back and the way it didn¡¯t send a shiver down Rep¡¯s spine made him certain it wasn¡¯t the Elemental.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Rep screamed, squinting through the winds and rains, igniting a fire in his palm to try and see far enough.

    ¡°...coming to help! Keep your flame active!¡± the voice reached him. A man¡¯s voice, sounding impressively loud and cutting through the storm.

    ¡°We are here!¡± Rep yelled, elated to hear another person¡¯s voice. He pulled Zalan as hard as he could from the grip of the sand. ¡°This way!¡±

    ¡°I hear you! We will be there soon!¡±

    Rep couldn¡¯t tell from which direction the voice originated from. He looked all around, then gasped as he saw a figure. A human approaching with points jutting out of his shoulder like wings, a light behind him making it impossible to make out the features in the front.

    ¡°The Angel of Death?¡± Rep asked, his earlier elation dissipating. ¡°Not yet! This is all my fault! He does not deserve it!¡±

    ¡°Is that you, Rep?¡± the man spoke, the points on his shoulders revealing themselves to be two swords.

    ¡°Gorb?¡± Rep asked, dumbstruck. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Lightning flashed around them, revealing that behind Gorb were two young women. One was Gorb¡¯s sister, Fran, who was emitting the firelight for the three of them by way of her Elemental Power. The other companion, Rep didn¡¯t recognize.

    ¡°We should get out of here, first!¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Do you not want to experience the awesome power of this storm!¡± Fran exclaimed, looking up in awe.

    ¡°What if there is an Elemental here?¡± the other girl asked.

    ¡°These men are dying,¡± Gorb said, chastising them both.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Fran said in disappointment, granting a large firelight able to withstand the rain to Zalan and Rep.

    Rep noticed that the rainfall had decreased drastically immediately around them, making it significantly easier to hear one another. Gorb held a fist above his head, his Elemental Power creating an umbrella of air to push raindrops away from them. It also had an incredible drying effect. The only thing left wetting his face were his final tears.

    The other girl rushed to Zalan and looped a rope under both of his arms, then with Fran¡¯s help they gently pulled him from inside the sand. Gorb grasped Rep¡¯s hand and pulled him out of the sand with considerable strength. Gorb looked over Zalan, who was opening his eyes in half-consciousness, not truly acknowledging what was happening around him.

    ¡°Who is this?¡± Gorb asked Rep.

    ¡°My friend, Zalan. Who is she?¡± Rep replied, pointing to the girl he was unfamiliar with.

    ¡°That is our temporary companion, Yelsa,¡± Gorb hoisted Zalan over his shoulder. ¡°Can you walk on your own?¡±

    ¡°I think so. Just keep a fire going so I do not have to use any more energy,¡± Rep said, pulling himself upright and shaking his legs free of sand that tried to remain behind.

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    ¡°I can manage the fire,¡± Fran said. ¡°Yelsa can get you some food if you are hungry.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. You saved his life!¡± Rep said gratefully. ¡°Our lives!¡±

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Gorb said, as thunder rolled above them. ¡°Move quickly and we may earn your thanks.¡±

    The four of them walked as briskly as they could through the rains. Gorb¡¯s air power made it astoundingly easy to deflect rainfall and keep a fire going within the storm. They traveled in silence, moving as quickly as they could to escape the worst part of the storm. After about forty minutes of travel, they had put enough distance between them and the Lost City of Xagon to breathe easy, the lightning only striking the city and area immediately surrounding it. The rains were weaker at this distance and the sand no longer clung to the travelers, threatening to pull them below. Zalan lay limp over Gorb¡¯s shoulder, occasionally drifting out of sleep long enough to be surprised by his new surroundings, then falling back asleep.

    At an hour¡¯s distance, the rain had all but dissipated into a light mist and Rep requested that they stop so he could rest.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Gorb said, gently placing Zalan down on a piece of laid out fabric.

    Fran started a fire for them and looked out over to the area where they came from, inspired by the edge of the storm.

    ¡°Is there an Elemental in there?¡± Yelsa asked Rep once it seemed he had settled.

    ¡°There was. It left after granting its power to Zalan,¡± Rep answered, placing his hands up to the fire to warm himself.

    ¡°Gone? It migrated elsewhere?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep nodded.

    Yelsa groaned and began cracking the joints of each of her fingers in succession. She breathed out in frustration, then followed up,

    ¡°What manner of Elemental was it?¡± she asked.

    ¡°A Storm Elemental.¡±

    ¡°A what?¡± Yelsa turned to Gorb who sat across the fire. ¡°You never said anything about Storm Elementals!¡±

    ¡°I did not know they existed,¡± Gorb shrugged.

    ¡°Who¡­¡± Zalan had suddenly become lucid, but began coughing before he could form the complete question. He looked between the new travelers surrounding him, first with uneasiness, then with curiosity once he saw that Rep was comfortable among them.

    Gorb was massive, his shoulders broad and the swords on his back large. He was easily a head taller than Rep and Zalan and looked upon him phlegmatically. Fran, who looked related to the large man, watched Zalan with an interesting grin. The expression made it seem like she was always in the midst of plotting a joke she wanted to reveal that would be to the detriment of everyone but herself. The last girl, Yelsa, was covered in cuts and bruises, mostly over her face, like she recently got in a fight and lost. There was a bow and quiver of arrows settled at her feet.

    ¡°You need food,¡± Rep said, standing immediately and feeling his pockets. All he had within was mush, the storm having drowned their rations.

    ¡°Here,¡± Yelsa stepped forward and offered Zalan some dried meat.

    ¡°Thank¡­¡± Zalan began coughing once more and Rep offered him a waterskin to drink from. Zalan drank its entire contents, then grabbed the meat and ate it ravenously. Yelsa offered another piece and Zalan treated it the same, downing it in seconds. He pulled himself up slightly, leaning back on his arms to get a look at the newcomers. ¡°Who are these people?¡±

    ¡°This is Gorbonifus, his sister Fran, and their companion Yelsa,¡± Rep said, pointing to each of them. ¡°They saved your life.¡±

    ¡°Wow, thank¡­¡± Zalan trailed and looked up. ¡°Your name is Gorbonifus?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Gorb nodded, his arms crossed. ¡°The strong may call me Gorb.¡±

    ¡°Okay, cool,¡± Zalan nodded to himself. ¡°Gorb is easier.¡±

    ¡°Gorbonifus to you,¡± Gorb corrected immediately to Zalan¡¯s annoyance.

    ¡°Fine,¡± he said. ¡°Where did you come from?¡±

    ¡°I am much more interested to know what you two were doing in The Lost City,¡± Gorb looked to Rep.

    ¡°We were in search of an Elemental,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°In Xagon?¡± Yelsa asked, astounded. ¡°There was one there this whole time?! Aggh!¡± She began popping the joints in her wrists.

    ¡°It was Zalan¡¯s idea to search there. I did not believe we would find one,¡± Rep nodded to Zalan. Gorb and Yelsa looked to him, Fran¡¯s attention was still mostly on the distant storm.

    ¡°You knew of the Elemental?¡± Gorb asked, clearly impressed.

    ¡°Rep read about the Elemental that drove out the people that used to live there. I just thought it never left,¡± Zalan shrugged, wincing as he made the motion.

    ¡°Reading,¡± Gorb said with distaste. ¡°I have heard of men that had the same theory, but they could not find the Elemental. Where was it hidden?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Be honest, it was easy to find, yes?¡± Yelsa said with derision on her tongue.

    ¡°It wanted my blood, then it appeared,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°A simple pinprick of blood was all it took?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°I was bleeding for over an hour,¡± Zalan replied, raising the raw wound on his hand, the bandage having peeled off in the rain.

    Yelsa and Gorb shared a look of revulsion, then turned back to Zalan.

    ¡°But then you were granted its power? What manner of Element?¡± Yelsa asked eagerly.

    ¡°Lightning,¡± Zalan replied.

    Again, Yelsa and Gorb looked at one another. Though, to everyone¡¯s surprise, Fran was the first to speak.

    ¡°What an incredible power. Lightning. So unique and unpredictable. I think I could be overwhelmed from a blast of lightning and die happy. I should try and kill a Storm Elemental,¡± Fran said, sounding as though she was speaking to herself.

    The others stared at her for a moment, then Gorb shook his head at the others in the circle, indicating she was talking to herself. The conversation continued.

    ¡°Lightning?¡± Yelsa asked, somewhat annoyed. ¡°You never mentioned any Elementals that offered lightning.¡±

    ¡°I did not know they existed,¡± Gorb shrugged stoically.

    ¡°What use are the two of you?¡± Yelsa snapped, looking between Gorb and Fran. Neither Gorb nor Fran replied and Yelsa began popping her neck. Rep decided to redirect the conversation before it became too awkward to continue.

    ¡°How did you know to come and find us? The storm was immense,¡± he asked.

    ¡°We were passing around Xagon on our way back from Pludon. Truth be told, Fran was the first to notice the storm. She wanted to get closer to see it for herself. But we saw flames being emitted from within the storm. We presumed they were from a Flamestriker. But then we witnessed something absolutely incredible. A bolt of lightning flashed downward, then went back up! We were astounded! Fran insisted that we see the source, and I was reluctant to disagree. Of course, now it makes sense. Only an Elemental could do such a thing,¡± Gorb explained.

    Rep looked at Zalan and raised his eyebrows. Zalan began to explain,

    ¡°Actually Gorbo¡­ Gorbin¡­ Go¡­¡±

    ¡°Gorbonifus,¡± Gorb said patiently.

    ¡°Gorbonifus. I was the one that redirected the lightning,¡± Zalan said.

    Gorb¡¯s stoic face went wide-eyed and he looked up at Rep. Rep nodded in confirmation. Yelsa¡¯s face went from sour to astounded. Gorb sat up straighter and cleared his throat,

    ¡°I see,¡± he told Zalan. ¡°What Level have you reached?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just at Level One,¡± Zalan replied.

    Gorb¡¯s shoulders slumped.

    ¡°I see,¡± he grumbled, disappointed.

    ¡°Why does Zalan¡¯s manner of speech sound strange?¡± Fran said, turning herself around and finally breaking her attention from the distant storm. ¡°Where does he hail from?¡±

    ¡°He is¡­ not from around this land,¡± Rep answered nervously.

    ¡°I just implied that,¡± Fran said, annoyed. ¡°But where is he from?¡±

    Rep looked at Zalan who made a face, unsure how to proceed. Rep shrugged.

    ¡°I¡¯m from another world,¡± Zalan said.

    Fran blinked and looked back to Rep. Rep nodded. Fran smirked and turned to her brother.

    ¡°Good to know we are not the only ones traveling with someone insane,¡± she said, to which Yelsa protested loudly.

 Chapter 14 - Newcomers

    After a few barbs were thrown between Yelsa and Fran, Rep decided to simply ignore them and continue the conversation between Gorb and Zalan.

    ¡°What were you doing in Pludon?¡± Rep asked Gorb. ¡°That is many weeks¡¯ journey.¡±

    ¡°Yelsa is in search of an Elemental. We heard rumors of an Air Elemental living at the top of the mountain. The rumors were true, but¡­¡± Gorb shrugged his shoulders. Rep nodded, understanding the implication.

    ¡°But what?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°She failed the challenge!¡± Fran teased, pointing a finger.

    ¡°I paid you to assist me in getting the power! You left me on my own. If anything, it is the two of you that failed the challenge!¡± Yelsa protested.

    ¡°We have been over this,¡± Gorb sighed.

    ¡°No! Just because the two of you agree does not mean that these two men would agree! You were unreasonable!¡± Yelsa looked between Fran and Gorb with distaste, then turned her attention to Rep and Zalan to explain. ¡°I paid them to help me gain an Elemental Power, but upon reaching the Elemental, they stepped back and left me to fend for myself!¡±

    ¡°Which is how it must be!¡± Fran cut in.

    ¡°You do not know that! I paid for a service that you refused to provide!¡± Yelsa snapped.

    ¡°We did not agree to assist you in gaining the power, only in finding the Elemental,¡± Fran said confidently.

    ¡°You certainly made that up only after the Elemental appeared!¡± Yelsa said.

    Zalan stared in confusion, not really following who was in the right, but having a question nonetheless.

    ¡°Can¡¯t she just¡­ try the challenge again? Did yours have a time limit?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Elementals do not give time limits,¡± Gorb answered confidently.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Zalan began before Fran jumped in.

    ¡°When an Elemental¡¯s challenge is issued, you may only attempt it once. Only once. When you choose to attempt it is up to you, as Elementals always grant challenges that do not expire,¡± she said.

    ¡°But I¡­¡± Zalan tried again, but Fran cut him off.

    ¡°But if you fail the challenge, then the Elemental does not grant you their power under any circumstances. You were deemed unworthy of the power and must find another Elemental to woo by completing its challenge,¡± Fran concluded.

    Yelsa was frowning, her eyes fixed away from the people in the conversation in annoyance.

    ¡°You seem to have a lot of questions about Elementals for someone who just gained the power of one,¡± Fran pointed out.

    ¡°Rep didn¡¯t tell me. Failing their challenge didn¡¯t come up in any of the books I read about them, either. I just assumed,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°He can read?¡± Gorb looked at Rep.

    ¡°Fastest reader I have ever seen!¡± Rep nodded. ¡°He read three books in a single sitting!¡±

    The four looked at Zalan, clearly amazed at the feat. His eyebrows furled, not having considered his reading speed to be even above-average before. He felt warm under their attention and quickly tried to move on.

    ¡°Should we be heading back to Oriton?¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    ¡°Can you stand?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan looked down at himself and shook his head to his own chagrin.

    ¡°Then we will camp here tonight,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°We will join you,¡± Gorb said, already moving to unload supplies from his pack.

    ¡°We will?¡± Fran asked, surprised.

    ¡°Certainly. I believe Zalan has much to teach us,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°I do?¡± Zalan asked, equally surprised.

    ¡°Tell me about the guild of your homeland. Or homeworld, as you put it,¡± Gorb said, piling more firewood into the dying fire.

    ¡°I uhhh¡­ didn¡¯t have a guild,¡± Zalan answered.

    ¡°Then where did you learn to fight?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t?¡±

    Gorb looked confused and glanced at Rep who nodded in corroboration with what Zalan was saying. Gorb¡¯s face turned from confusion to curiosity.

    ¡°You traveled the desert without having undergone formal training?¡± Fran asked, relighting the fire once more with her Elemental Power.

    ¡°Well, yeah, I just got here a few days ago. I didn¡¯t really have time to train. It doesn¡¯t really make sense to train. I¡¯m trying to get home,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°How do you intend to do that if it is in another world?¡± Yelsa began offering food to everyone who had begun taking seats around the fire.

    ¡°An Artifact called the Homeseeker. Madam Hikma told me about it. Rep and I will go and get it after we heal up from this trip,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°How does the Homeseeker work?¡± Yelsa asked, burning with interest.

    ¡°Errr,¡± Zalan turned to Rep when he realized he¡¯d forgotten the specifics.

    ¡°Anyone touching the Artifact after it is activated is sent to their home,¡± Rep relayed.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Yelsa began smiling. ¡°An Artifact that takes you home? I have a new job for the two of you to make up for your failure! Let us go with them to get the Homeseeker!¡±

    ¡°I did not fail, but I recall the Elemental saying that you did,¡± Fran said, looking at her nails haughtily.

    ¡°I am not paying you for failing to hold your end of the agreement. However, I will double payment, only in the case we get the Homeseeker,¡± Yelsa said firmly.

    Gorb and Fran perked up at the offer, looking to one another with an eyebrow raised. Gorb nodded slowly and Fran smiled at him in return.

    ¡°Very well, double the payment,¡± Fran reached out a hand which Yelsa eagerly shook.

    ¡°Looks like we will be travel companions once more,¡± Rep said to Gorb and Fran, seemingly pleased.

    ¡°Do you know them from somewhere else?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Fran, Rep and I are in the same guild,¡± Gorb said, ¡°but even so we do not often cross paths.¡±

    ¡°Fran is in the same guild?¡± Zalan asked, mildly surprised.

    ¡°Yes, Journey House has no rules on siblings being in the same guild. In fact, it is encouraged. Part of why we joined,¡± Gorb answered.

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    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s cool,¡± Zalan said, more surprised that a woman was in the guild than any other explanation, but quickly decided not to follow the line of questioning.

    ¡°Can you show me your lightning?¡± Fran asked, looking as though she were waiting for the right moment to ask the entire time.

    ¡°He has not yet located the muscle-feel,¡± Rep tempered expectations. Fran crossed her arms in disappointment.

    ¡°Actually, I think I figured it out. When the lightning hit us, it kind of flared up in my head. I think I just¡­¡± Zalan directed his hand at the fire and the four others leaned in. After a few seconds¡¯ concentration a tiny blue spark jumped from Zalan¡¯s finger to the firewood.

    ¡°Very fun!¡± Fran said, delighted. ¡°That looks like it can be an immensely powerful tool at a higher level. Imagine that same attack at Level Five!¡± she nudged Gorb who looked much less excited about the show of power.

    ¡°I suppose,¡± Gorb said noncommittally, casting a tiny amount of air to keep the fire¡¯s smoke away from his face.

    Zalan stared in fascination at the use of power in such a simple way. The air power must have been like always having a fan with you wherever you went. He wondered what he could do to be useful like that with his own power. The way these Elemental Power users handled themselves seemed so impressive and compelling to him. It changed something in his outlook, like he finally gained some power over his life that he didn¡¯t know he was missing. And they each overcame what was likely a difficult challenge in order to gain access to this power. They were kindred spirits in that regard. They faced down an Elemental and came out stronger. It inspired a question in him he wasn¡¯t sure was appropriate to ask, but since the conversation seemed to have slowed, he offered it,

    ¡°We¡¯ve all taken on an Elemental challenge, right? Is it okay to ask what your challenge was like?¡± Zalan asked.

    Yelsa¡¯s injured face scrunched and she looked away, but the others seemed to sit up straighter, excited to share a story of their own accomplishment against an otherworldly creature.

    ¡°You first,¡± Fran nodded to Zalan eagerly. ¡°What was the Storm Elemental like?¡±

    ¡°It was cloudy. Like, it wore a robe made of storm clouds that had a bunch of electricity running through it¡­¡±

    ¡°Electricity?¡± Gorb cut him off.

    ¡°Oh, umm, lightning. Little bits of lightning ran through its clothes,¡± Zalan corrected himself.

    ¡°Your strange speech makes me believe that maybe you are of another world,¡± Fran smirked. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if she had made a compliment or insult. She nodded at him to continue his story.

    ¡°Well, its challenge was to let it have my blood. A lot of it. I mean, it didn¡¯t give me the challenge until I had given so much blood that I couldn¡¯t even stand. Then, it asked for even more,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Gorb said, confused. ¡°The Elemental watched you give blood for several minutes and did not give you its challenge? It just floated there and stared?¡±

    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t even visible. It just ate away the blood that touched the floor,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You had no evidence of it actually being an Elemental and you continued the blood-letting regardless?¡± Gorb asked, stunned.

    ¡°Did you believe you would die?¡± Fran asked excitedly.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t really think about it,¡± Zalan shrugged to which she smiled, impressed.

    ¡°I thought he would die,¡± Rep admitted in a small voice. ¡°He was so determined to gain the power, I thought he would lose himself for nothing.¡±

    ¡°A good challenge, then. And a successful outcome,¡± Gorb said to Zalan. ¡°You should be proud.¡±

    ¡°What about yours?¡± Zalan asked, appreciating the praise.

    ¡°I wanted to achieve the ability of flight,¡± Gorb began.

    ¡°As did I!¡± Yelsa interrupted.

    ¡°Yes, well, we can tell your story after mine,¡± Gorb continued unperturbed. ¡°I asked Madam Hikma for her advice. Madam Hikma tried to offer me a mountain of books on Elementals! It would have cost the rest of my life just to read those tomes, without even the guarantee that they would have information I needed,¡± Gorb said, chuckling to himself. Rep and Zalan threw each other a knowing glance as Gorb continued.

    ¡°Rather than waste my time reading, I went to ask the merchants in town if they knew of Air Elementals, no matter the distance. It took weeks of interrogation and traveling to invalidate rumors, but I finally was told some worthwhile information. I asked Sir Rolcoth of the Journey House to guide me¡ª¡±

    ¡°More like begged,¡± his sister smiled.

    ¡°I politely asked Sir Rolcoth to take me,¡± Gorb said firmly. ¡°It was a three month journey to windy plains. When we arrived, I called upon the Elemental, but it did not appear. Sir Rolcoth suggested that we wait, letting the Elemental know we were patient enough to gain its strength. Three days we were on those windy plains with only one another for company. It was too loud to sleep and too powerful a wind to keep a good shelter up. I learned to overcome my instinct to shiver while up there. And by day four, Sir Rolcoth decided that we should go home. I refused.

    ¡°So, Sir Rolcoth told me that he would be waiting in the nearby town where it was warm and lacked the constant wind. He also informed me that if I did not come down by the end of the week, he would presume I was dead. It was a decent assumption as I had forgotten the feeling of warmth and thought I would freeze in place in the cool winds. Only hours after Sir Rolcoth left the plains did the Elemental appear. It challenged me to a footrace across the massive plains. It told me it would go easy on me, but my limbs were tight. My arms were clasped so tightly that I believed they would never leave one another in fear of the cold winds finding new places to freeze my nerves.

    ¡°I simply decided not to race the Elemental at the time. I returned to the tavern, rested and warmed my bones, then returned at full strength.¡±

    ¡°And you beat an Elemental in a footrace?¡± Rep asked, amazed.

    ¡°Hardly!¡± Gorb cracked a smile. ¡°The creature outstripped me the moment the race began. The wind was against me, keeping me far behind it the entire time as it drifted toward the finish line without any adverse effects from the winds it very-likely brought on the plains. And the plains were so large! I had to run for hours to reach the large tree it set for us as a finish point. And what did I find when I finally reached the end? The Elemental was waiting for me inches away from having crossed the tree! It wanted to see if I would persevere in impossible-looking odds!¡±

    Zalan smiled at how Gorb beamed at the end of the story. He was clearly very proud of his challenge.

    ¡°Does it always give the same challenge?¡± Zalan asked, wondering whether he could get a second Elemental Power.

    ¡°No. I had heard of many challenges being given on those plains. It does not even appear to everyone to shows up! Some of the guildmates I told were left out on the plains for a week, deciding to give up after it did not appear. A very fickle Elemental, I believe,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°You said yours always gave the same challenge of climbing the volcano, right Rep?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep nodded in the firelight, reminiscing.

    ¡°We went to see the Elemental, together, actually,¡± Rep indicated to Fran.

    ¡°Sir Kilile took the two of us!¡± Fran nodded.

    ¡°You said that you could not receive assistance to get the power!¡± Yelsa said, upset.

    ¡°Sir Kilile did not assist us once the Elemental gave the challenge,¡± Rep corrected. ¡°It appeared at the base of the volcano and told us that the challenge was to see it at the top.¡±

    ¡°Nor did we help one another,¡± Fran said. ¡°We went up separate sides of the volcano.¡±

    ¡°Truth be told, my side seemed easier once I heard there were lava flows on her end,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°They exploded from nowhere! I could not tell if the Elemental was messing with me or the volcano was naturally cracking open on my end!¡± Fran exclaimed.

    ¡°I had to sit on a precarious edge, waiting for a Flamestiker to pass me without noticing,¡± Rep remembered. ¡°In fact, it looked my way, but a small cough of volcanic ash obscured its vision.¡±

    ¡°And I had to push a Flamestriker into the lava flow!¡± Fran said. ¡°It had almost killed me with its explosive pointing, but I was able to trick it into running toward the lava then cutting its leg and letting its momentum carry it to its demise.¡±

    ¡°You killed one of those things on your own?¡± Zalan asked, amazed.

    ¡°And she was only Level Two!¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°Level Three after that,¡± Fran smiled.

    ¡°We reached the top around the same time,¡± Rep recalled.

    ¡°And the Elemental granted us both its Element from its fiery robes. It even pointed us to an easy way back down,¡± Fran said.

    Rep and Fran smiled to themselves, remembering the time they gained their powers fondly.

    ¡°So, no one else¡¯s Elemental tried to kill them right after giving power,¡± Zalan determined. The others shrugged or smiled sympathetically in agreement.

    ¡°What about after it gave you power? I was a bit out of it, but I know my Elemental said not to lose the power it granted me. How do I make sure I don''t lose mine?¡± Zalan asked them.

    The Elemental-powered individuals looked between one another and shrugged.

    ¡°I believe they say that as a formality. Perhaps asking you not to waste your life? As far as I know, you cannot lose an Elemental Power after it has been granted,¡± Rep offered.

    ¡°Okay, just kind of weird it would bring it up like that, I guess,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    Then, they looked at Yelsa. She had her bruised eyes glued to the floor, actively ignoring the looks.

    ¡°Yelsa?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I will tell your tale if you do not,¡± Fran warned mischievously.

    ¡°No! You would just fill it with lies,¡± Yelsa said, sighing and looking up, the cuts on her face more prominent in the flamelight. ¡°We saw an Air Elemental atop the mountain behind Pludon. It told me to withstand the blizzard of air it would send my way. I looked to my hired help for assistance, especially the one that already had control of the wind, but they had stepped away from the area. In my confusion, I was distracted and thrown off-balance enough to be dragged on the floor by the wind, headfirst. The Elemental quickly returned and deemed me unworthy.¡±

    The story didn¡¯t sound like it was over, but Yelsa was definitely done with her quick tale, her face having returned to pouting toward the ground.

    ¡°I am sorry to hear that your challenge went poorly,¡± Rep said, sounding sincere.

    ¡°Amazing that this man I did not pay has already given me kinder words than either of you two,¡± Yelsa said.

    ¡°You did not pay me to be nice,¡± Fran replied.

    ¡°I did not pay you to abandon me!¡± Yelsa snapped.

    ¡°We should rest,¡± Gorb said firmly, shutting them both down. ¡°We will continue travel and learn more about the Homeseeker tomorrow. I will take first watch.¡±

    With a snap of her fingers, Fran put out the fire so they could rest.

 Chapter 15 - Training

    Zalan woke the next morning before the sun had even risen above the horizon. He felt alive, lucid, and powerful, especially compared to his state the afternoon before. He breathed in deeply, flexing his arms and reaching for his phone in his pocket, not quite having given up the habit yet. He patted his empty pocket and scoffed to himself before sitting up. The sight before him caused his mouth to drop wide open.

    A few hundred feet where they camped for the night, Fran was blasting giant balls of fire into the air trying to pull them back down after emitting them. She looked frustrated and constantly ran the exercise of throwing a flame and failing to pull its entirety back down, only grasping a tiny fraction of what was created by her power.

    Not far from her, but also away from the camp, was Gorb sitting cross-legged on the sand, watching Fran closely. Every few tries, Gorb would offer her a suggestion. She would take the advice seriously before her next attempt. In the meantime, Gorb was emitting a massive blast of air from below him, trying to levitate off the ground with little success beyond a second of suspension in the air. Zalan squinted, not quite understanding what his training was supposed to accomplish.

    ¡°He is trying to fly,¡± Yelsa said, appearing next to him and seemingly having read his mind.

    ¡°How long does it normally take to learn how to do that?¡± Zalan asked, lowering his voice midsentence when he realized that Rep was still fast asleep near the fire pit.

    ¡°We do not know if it is possible at all. Certainly not at his Level. He lacks the raw power to hold up hundreds of pounds of weight constantly, though he can make people jump considerably higher,¡± Yelsa explained. ¡°And some temporary flight is known, but he wishes to fly across the land without touching the ground to rest.¡±

    ¡°Looks like he can fly in the air for a moment,¡± Zalan pointed out, watching Gorb¡¯s face contort in concentration as he tried to ascend once more.

    ¡°That moment is like throwing something in the air and claiming you can make it levitate. It is not enough. Especially for him,¡± Yelsa intoned.

    ¡°Because he¡¯s so big,¡± Zalan agreed, noting Gorb¡¯s massive frame.

    ¡°I meant because he is not satisfied with his level of ability,¡± Yelsa said, amused.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan pulled at his collar, embarrassed, then quickly tried to recover. ¡°What Level are you?¡±

    ¡°Have you not been told it is rude to ask someone¡¯s Level?¡± Yelsa asked sharply.

    ¡°No. It¡¯s rude?¡± Zalan said, further embarrassed.

    ¡°It can be. Especially for those you do not know well,¡± Yelsa answered, a small, knowing smile growing on her face.

    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Fran is Level Six, and Gorbonifus Level Four,¡± she offered, making it clear she would not go on to reveal her own.

    ¡°Oh¡­ thanks,¡± Zalan said.

    The two of them watched Fran throw a fireball larger than a truck in front of her, the effort making her topple backward in exhaustion and roar loudly at the sky in frustration.

    ¡°I am awake, I am awake,¡± Rep murmured drowsily, clearly still asleep.

    ¡°Why did you want an Air Elemental power, specifically?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Or is that rude to ask, too?¡±

    She eyed him warily.

    ¡°Are you really not of this world?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to prove it to you, but I¡¯m not,¡± Zalan said, presenting himself with his hands.

    ¡°Then keep this between us. I am also from what they might consider another world. I am from¡­¡± she leaned in to whisper. ¡°Aetheria.¡±

    Zalan stared, not sure how he was supposed to react to the name.

    ¡°The City in the Sky,¡± Yelsa added.

    Zalan continued to stare, his eyebrow twitching as he tried to form the appropriate response. Yelsa was watching him expectantly.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing?¡± Zalan attempted.

    ¡°So you believe me!¡± she said, elated, her features going soft. ¡°I knew I could trust you! The siblings laughed at me, calling me absurd names for even believing in such tales, but I assure you I hail from there.¡±

    ¡°It must be really awesome¡­ in the sky,¡± Zalan nodded, immediately forgetting the name of the city.

    ¡°Similar to Gorbonifus, I wanted an Elemental Air Power to learn to fly. I wished to fly above the clouds in order to go back home,¡± Yelsa explained. Zalan had to suppress a smirk as he realized they were both required to call Gorb by his full name.

    ¡°Is there no other way back?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Well, it is complicated¡­¡±

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Fran snapped from beyond the campsite. ¡°Get over here. Train with us!¡±

    Zalan looked at Yelsa who shrugged and nodded for him to go. He stood to full height slowly, not wanting to push himself after being so exhausted the day before. He took slow steps, making sure he could stay upright, all the while Fran continued to shout at him, telling him to speed up. Zalan¡¯s newly bandaged left hand still had a painful throb run though it, but otherwise he felt significantly more rested than he did the day before. If they planned to return to Oriton, he would not be a hindrance to the group.

    He stood a few feet in front of Fran who eyed him with intensity. Was it scorn? Zalan couldn¡¯t tell by her expression.

    ¡°Are you not going to say good morning?¡± Fran asked.

    ¡°Oh, uh, good morning, Fran,¡± Zalan said, feeling silly, then turned around. ¡°Good morning, Gorbonifus.¡±

    Gorb nodded in response, his focus on his own training, sand whipping up as air blasted around him.

    ¡°All right, I want to see the extent of your ability after a good night¡¯s rest,¡± Fran said.

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    ¡°Are you not going to say good morning?¡± Zalan asked her, feeling brave.

    ¡°No,¡± Fran replied immediately, a small grin appearing. Zalan felt even more silly now. ¡°Now, hit me with some lightning.¡± Fran said as she stood in a defensive stance, at the ready. Zalan frowned with uncertainty, then turned to look at Gorb for support.

    ¡°Hey, no,¡± Fran snapped her fingers at him, regaining his attention. ¡°I am speaking to you, do not try to bring someone else into this. And do not distract Gorb when he trains. Simply hit me with lightning.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to attack you,¡± Zalan said nervously.

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ what? I don¡¯t want to hurt you!¡± Zalan said, as if it were obvious.

    ¡°Hurt me?¡± Fran laughed. ¡°No, that will not be possible. Go ahead and shock me, now.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Zalan said uncomfortably.

    ¡°No?¡± Fran almost looked impressed that Zalan stood up to her. Her eyes pointed skyward for a moment as she thought of a solution. ¡°Okay, look. If I can prove to you that you will not hurt me, will you strike me with lightning?¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t like the bargain, his face scrunching as he became further unsettled. Was she insane? Was it a good idea to travel with her? He instinctively turned to look at Rep for his advice, but Fran snapped again, this time emitting a small flame to get his attention. He whipped back to look at her, keeping a close eye on her movements to make sure she wouldn¡¯t throw a fireball at him. He couldn¡¯t read her at all.

    ¡°Here,¡± she was holding a parchment in one hand. ¡°Zap this piece of parchment.¡±

    She placed it down on the sand. Zalan leaned in to look at it, seeing there was information written on it.

    ¡°It¡¯s not important?¡±

    ¡°It is the map for us to go to Pludon. But we know the way home from here, so it is no longer necessary. Now, zap it,¡± Fran said.

    Zalan looked down at it and shrugged, deciding this was much better than hurting someone real. He raised his hand at the paper and pulled at the muscle in his mind, using some of his energy to emit power. A small arc of lightning, like a piece of silly string, quickly jumped from his finger to a spot in the sand next to the paper. He missed. Zalan looked up, embarrassed, but Fran simply nodded in encouragement for him to try again. He focused and sent out another spark, this time striking the paper.

    ¡°Great!¡± Fran knelt down and picked up the parchment. ¡°Look how much damage you did to something this frail.¡± She held it close in front of Zalan. He saw a tiny, black mark on the paper. It looked like it had been held too close to a candle, much less struck by anything powerful. He suddenly felt very underwhelmed by his Elemental Power. Wasn¡¯t the purpose of getting this power to go up against a dragon?

    ¡°All right, now that you see how harmless you are, strike me with the lightning,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Why are you so insistent on this?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I wish to know the damage that the lightning does to a living thing. We must know how well it will interact with an enemy for when we are in combat,¡± Fran answered.

    Zalan thought about it for a moment and then reluctantly sighed and held a hand up to Fran. She grinned. He concentrated for two seconds, then let out a shock. Fran dipped out of the way, her smile unwavering as the lightning passed her harmlessly. Zalan frowned, irritated.

    ¡°Why did you move¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hit me with lightning. You thought training would be on unmoving targets? There are no monsters that will wait for you to strike,¡± Fran said confidently.

    ¡°I¡¯m really slow at getting the lightning out, though,¡± Zalan complained.

    ¡°I know. That is why we are training,¡± Fran nodded.

    Zalan let out a dry sigh and held up his hand again. He was able to let out the lightning much faster this time, but Fran ducked under it and drove the hilt of her sword into Zalan¡¯s stomach. He coughed and doubled over in pain, clenching his stomach.

    ¡°Fran,¡± Gorb warned.

    ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Fran complained. ¡°I did not strike him hard! Or has he never seen battle before?¡±

    ¡°Fran,¡± Gorb repeated, his threat more serious in this intonation.

    ¡°Fine, I will only slap him with the parchment. Happy?¡± Fran held up the map while rolling her eyes.

    ¡°Not happy,¡± Zalan answered, still clutching his stomach.

    ¡°That strike was nothing,¡± Fran said surely. ¡°This is good training. Be nimble, prepared to dodge any oncoming attack while you deal your own.¡±

    ¡°This might go a lot better if you told me what I¡¯m supposed to learn before we train!¡± Zalan said, warily standing up and watching her closely.

    ¡°I am making this up as I go along,¡± Fran freely admitted. It brought him some comfort for her to be so forthcoming.

    ¡°Fine, so if I hit you with lightning, then I win?¡± Zalan said, raising his hand.

    ¡°Success in training only comes when you see your results in combat,¡± Fran said, then grinned wryly. ¡°But yes. You will win.¡±

    That was all Zalan needed to hear.

    Zalan let out a streak of lightning, only for Fran to spin out of the way and slap Zalan in the face with the parchment. It didn¡¯t hurt, but was humiliating, especially knowing that Gorb was watching. It was almost worse than the hilt to the stomach. Almost.

    ¡°Even at Level One, you can master the ability to emit your Elemental Power immediately. Get to know the feeling,¡± she said, snapping a finger to let out a tiny flame for effect. She made a bit of distance for him to try again.

    Zalan nodded and raised his hand again, trying to read where Fran was going to be while letting out lightning. She remained in place for a moment long enough that Zalan thought he would get her for sure this time, but then she threw her foot upward, kicking sand in the air and making Zalan recoil. She took two steps forward and tapped him on the head with the map. Zalan breathed in frustration and thrust his hand out at her, an arc of lightning coming out immediately, but she was able to just bend out of the way. Her smile grew even wider, pride in her eyes.

    ¡°Well done! That was much faster!¡± Fran said to inspire him.

    Zalan didn¡¯t take any time to reply, shooting out his next small blast of lightning, then another after a second. Fran easily maneuvered out of the way and rolled back, a small distance from him. He pointed with both hands, trying to send out two streams at once. Fran spun one way, ready to be out of the way of both lightning strikes, but Zalan tried to anticipate this by kicking sand in the air, then letting out a shock from one hand. The strike barely missed, the sand falling away and Fran coming in for a hit with the parchment.

    Zalan let her come, finally able to successfully zap her with a tiny arc of lightning just as she slapped his face once more with the parchment. The slap of parchment didn¡¯t go all the way across his face, instead she dropped the paper midway through and gasped. Zalan beamed at his success, despite technically getting killed by the map at the same time. He felt like it was probably a tie, but they agreed it was a win if he hit her with lightning. He felt great.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± she laughed, feeling her abdomen where the little lightning hit her.

    ¡°Sorry, did I hurt you?¡± he asked, his satisfaction spilling out of him in the thought he injured her.

    ¡°Hurt me? I told you that was not possible,¡± Fran said, as if it were obvious. ¡°But it made me twitch! It is an interesting power. It could cause enemies enough pause to hit them with your sword.¡±

    ¡°Well done!¡± Rep called from camp, clapping excitedly and running over. Knowing Rep was awake to witness him being slapped by the map made Zalan even more self-conscious about it. When Rep approached, he had one hand on his lip, likely nursing the wound of having bit it open the day before ¡°That little bout at the end with two bolts of lightning was incredible!¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Zalan said, excited about his power despite its lack of strength. He felt a little better about its uses now, and he hoped he could continue to train to get it stronger.

    ¡°I appreciate you not having hurt him in your training,¡± Rep said, clearly asleep when Fran first made him double over in pain.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Fran said, giving Zalan a look as he opened his mouth to answer. He thought better of it.

    ¡°Can we train some more? I feel like I¡¯m getting the hang of this,¡± Zalan said to Rep, hoping to train with a less unpredictable teacher.

    ¡°If you would rather train than head back, certainly. But you can also train once we are home,¡± Rep answered for her.

    The word ¡°home¡± hit Zalan like a ton of bricks, remembering that this was some strange dream-world. None of this was real, and none of it would matter by the time he was back home. Any experience he gained or any power he achieved wouldn¡¯t matter after the Homeseeker. He just wanted to go home and visit Mom.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Zalan said firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡±

 Chapter 16 - Back To Oriton

    ¡°How much time do you think has passed in my homeworld?¡± Zalan asked Rep once they were underway. Zalan didn¡¯t like the idea of being in a coma so long as he was in this world. He wondered what Asher was thinking, seeing him sleep for so long after he visited.

    ¡°Not much time at all, I would venture. Seconds, maybe,¡± Rep said, juggling the idea in his mind.

    ¡°You sound pretty sure,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I was inspired with the information,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°The same inspiration that brought you to help me?¡± Zalan asked, slightly skeptical.

    Rep¡¯s eyes got a faraway look as he turned away from Zalan abruptly.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°How much do you know about this source of ¡®inspiration?¡¯ What did you see?¡±

    ¡°I would rather not say,¡± he said, wincing as he bit the inside of his lip lightly.

    ¡°I really wish you would,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Perhaps later. Let us focus on the journey ahead,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan sighed through his nose, incredibly frustrated that Rep seemed to not want to answer one of his most pertinent inquiries. He tried to get the question out of his mind with another question.

    ¡°What¡¯s the plan from here? How long will it take for us to get to the castle from Oriton?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The Castle of Docrun is a few days¡¯ journey from Oriton. We will rest at the guild to heal ourselves, then I will need to make some money for us to purchase supplies needed for the way. Food, mostly, as there are five of us now. In the meantime, I hope you will take the time to train,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan threw a nervous look at Fran who was walking ahead of them, occasionally throwing a small fireball from her palm and manipulating its trajectory midair before it dissipated into nothing.

    ¡°I guess I could do with some more training,¡± Zalan admitted anxiously.

    ¡°Splendid. Then, that is our plan,¡± Rep said, not having read Zalan¡¯s hesitations.

    Later on the journey back to Oriton as the travelers shifted in their order, Rep and Zalan found themselves next to Gorb and behind Fran and Yelsa, who were arguing about something inconsequential. Zalan tried to listen in, and it sounded something like they were talking about Yelsa¡¯s home and whether it existed. Rep leaned toward Gorb with a hint of apprehension to ask a question,

    ¡°Gorb, why is it that you are working for this Yelsa?¡±

    Zalan still hadn¡¯t figured out why Rep had earned the right to call Gorbonifus by his nickname. Level Three couldn¡¯t have been that strong.

    ¡°She pays,¡± Gorb replied, his face inscrutable to Zalan.

    ¡°But I feel this work is strange for you to take part in. Why are hired guild members under Level Ten guiding her to Elementals? This sounds like something for her own guild to take part in,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°She has no guild,¡± Gorb replied.

    ¡°But is she paying you enough to do this job? It is normally a high price to take someone to an Elemental,¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°She pays very well,¡± Gorb nodded.

    ¡°Then¡ªand I do not mean any offense¡ªbut why did she hire the two of you rather than someone more experienced?¡± Rep continued.

    ¡°No one believed her when she discussed the reason as to why she had to find an Air Elemental, specifically,¡± Gorb said, then lowered his voice. ¡°She claims to be from Aetheria. She wishes to fly back home in the clouds.¡±

    ¡°Is she insane?¡± Rep asked, sounding genuinely curious, not an ounce of malice in the question.

    ¡°Not that I can tell. Except that she pays us much better than she ought to. Ten gold coins for the first trip, now twenty for the Homeseeker. But I take it that she is simply well-off and eccentric rather than insane,¡± Gorb said.

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    ¡°What do you intend to do with all that coin?¡± Rep asked. Judging by the size his eyes went, Zalan determined they were talking about a small fortune.

    ¡°We must pay the dues on Mother and Father¡¯s home. The rates went up this year and Mother refuses to pay. We need to put a stop to that,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Good on you to keep your parents in their home,¡± Rep said.

    Gorb scoffed loudly, a smile almost breaking on his face. He shook his head.

    ¡°That was not our concern. We want to prevent a massacre,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Your parents would be killed for not paying?¡± Zalan asked, stunned.

    ¡°No, nothing like that,¡± Gorb waved a hand dismissively. ¡°However, they would try to evict my parents for not paying. Mother would not go out without a fight. And Father, in his love for Mother, would die rather than see her be disappointed. So, the two of them would kill dozens before they would be removed from their home. Though, at that point, they might be considered for execution. We wish to prevent that.¡±

    Zalan tried to assess whether Gorb was making a joke or whether he really believed that his parents would have the strength and ability to kill dozens of people. Zalan didn¡¯t see any indication that Gorb was messing around, but he also had a hard time reading Gorb¡¯s facial expressions.

    ¡°We are close!¡± Rep said excited as he pointed at the city of Oriton in the distance.

    ¡°How are you going to make money once we¡¯re home?¡± Zalan asked him.

    ¡°I shall do small jobs that earn me about a bronze coin each. I will go home to home, asking whether they would like to save time in starting their fires tonight, and use my Elemental Power to start it for them,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing,¡± Zalan said, again being impressed by the small feats that these powers were able to achieve. When he first thought of these powers, he thought they were exclusively weapons, but he saw so much more use in them. Air to keep smoke out of your face, or to make an umbrella, or start fires for others. He wanted his own power to have additional utility like that.

    ¡°Perhaps when you are stronger, you will be able to start fires with your power as well,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I might even be able to help now if the firewood is dry enough,¡± Zalan considered.

    ¡°No, you should focus on training,¡± Rep said with certainty. ¡°You should not take on a dragon at such a low Level. And Fran and Gorb have already agreed to instruct.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Zalan said slowly, Gorb¡¯s inscrutable gaze not reacting to his sarcasm.

    The sun slid low in the sky, ready to hide itself behind the horizon. At that time, they were back at the gates of Oriton, the guards atop the walls greeting Rep, Gorb, and Fran as familiar faces. Once inside, they went straight to Journey House and each slept until their wounds were fully healed. Zalan discovered that the room leading away was specifically for the women of the guild, separating the men and women into two large suites. Zalan was asleep the longest, having much of his body to restore. When he woke up and stretched his newly rejuvenated body, he noticed there was a scar left on his hand from where he cut it open to spill blood for the Elemental.

    ¡°Hey, my hand isn¡¯t healed all the way,¡± Zalan said to Rep.

    ¡°Not all wounds are healed by rest. Some leave marks, especially the wounds we inflict on ourselves,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So, I¡¯m stuck with this?¡± Zalan asked, looking over the light red line across his palm. He wondered if his real body was affected by this. Was all of this being treated as a nightmare in his brain? Stuck in a dream?

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said, gathering a few things and heading for the door.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Zalan asked, following.

    ¡°Not ¡®we.¡¯ I am going to get us some money for the journey to the castle. You can train in the courtyard behind the guild,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Right now? We just got back,¡± Zalan complained.

    ¡°It is not as though you require any more rest,¡± Gorb said from behind him.

    Zalan spun to meet his unemotional gaze. Then, Zalan sighed and waved off to Rep who headed outside.

    ¡°Who is ready for training?¡± Fran popped in from her quarters. Yelsa remained inside.

    ¡°Yeah, I suppose,¡± Zalan shrugged and grabbed his sword to go to the training area.

    ¡°Where are you headed?¡± Fran asked, tilting her head.

    ¡°Rep said the courtyard was this way,¡± Zalan pointed.

    ¡°We are not training in the courtyard,¡± Fran laughed. ¡°How are you supposed to get experience that way? We are going outside the walls.¡±

    ¡°But Rep said we would train in the courtyard?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Oh, but Rep said I could not play today,¡± Fran said in a mocking tone, pantomiming wiping tears from her eyes, then snapping up. ¡°What is he, your father? More importantly, is he your instructor right now?¡±

    ¡°Well, I mean¡­¡± Zalan stopped when Gorb stood to his full height and flicked his chin upward, a silent order for Zalan to go out the front door. ¡°All right, fine.¡±

    Zalan opened the door and saw how the town was shrouded in a red hue, the sun right at the brink of taking its rays to the other side of the world. He turned back to Gorb and Fran who were right behind him, no room for him to head back inside.

    ¡°Won¡¯t it be dark soon?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°All the better for your training! You cannot always expect to be fighting things in daylight,¡± Fran smiled.

    ¡°But Rep said¡­¡± Zalan trailed when Fran raised an eyebrow, a disparaging remark just behind her lips. ¡°Yeah, okay, let¡¯s go.¡± Zalan muttered.

    ¡°Excellent. I know the perfect place to fight some creatures that will be at your skill level. You will be able to use your power in combat as well as get some training in with your sword,¡± Fran said, excited.

    ¡°They had better not be Roaches,¡± Zalan grumbled as they approached the nearest exit to Oriton.

    ¡°Oh, God, no!¡± Fran¡¯s face scrunched in distaste. ¡°I hate Roaches. No, these creatures are nothing like Roaches. They are far more dangerous.¡±

 Chapter 17 - Its Not Just A Boulderâ€¦

    Fran led the way outside the gate, waving off the warnings received by the guards on the walls. She walked with a skip in her step, so much energy that Zalan wondered if she had one of those Indefatigable Iron Artifacts on her person, but quickly dismissed the idea as being very foolish for an adventurer, especially one outside the safety of their city.

    Gorb walked at the same pace as Zalan, keeping himself close once they exited the city, ensuring that any sneak attacks would not hit Zalan alone. Zalan looked up to the tall man, wondering what kind of thoughts he had behind his placid face.

    ¡°Hey, Gorbonifus, how come Rep can call you Gorb?¡± Zalan asked, curious.

    ¡°Because he has proven himself to be strong,¡± Gorb replied simply, as though it were obvious.

    ¡°He¡¯s not even that high of a Level,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°One¡¯s Level is a small part of what makes them strong,¡± Gorb said sagely.

    ¡°Okay, then what makes Rep powerful?¡± Zalan asked.

    Gorb looked down at him, considering whether he felt like answering the question. Zalan stared back, determined not to look away until Gorb chuckled dryly and decided to respond.

    ¡°Rep has the strength of selflessness. A seemingly endless amount. I have never seen someone more willing to help another than Rep. I do not believe he pursues his own passions, except that he believes it will be useful in assisting someone later. I have never seen him ask for something in return. He told me that his reward is between him and God,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan blinked, stunned at the idea. He had heard his Mom say that sentiment once before. Rep had been so willing to help him from the beginning. He couldn¡¯t remember a single time that Rep denied him something that he wanted to pursue here. Was the mention of ¡°being inspired¡± all a lie to make Zalan feel better about Rep helping him? Or was there actually something he saw? There had to be something more to Rep than just helping people.

    ¡°What does Rep like? What does he do?¡± Zalan asked, continuing down his thread of curiosity.

    ¡°He likes to help others,¡± Gorb replied.

    ¡°But I mean, what does he do outside of helping others? If I weren¡¯t here right now, what kind of things would he be up to?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Very likely asking someone else if they needed assistance,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan scoffed to himself, the idea was absurd. Gorb read Zalan¡¯s expression and continued,

    ¡°If Rep spent some of his time training, he would certainly be at my Level, perhaps even Fran¡¯s Level. Or higher. But he does not seem interested in pursuing strength despite being in a guild. He spends his time at the service of others. Without complaint. That makes him one of the strongest people I know,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan was amazed and suddenly felt slightly off about Rep. He thought they were becoming friends, led together by this idea of ¡°inspiration¡± that came to Rep. But Rep clearly never wanted to talk about it. He was dodging the idea to not make it awkward that he just wanted to help. So, perhaps they weren¡¯t really becoming friends. Rep was just working on his next project. Zalan sighed to himself at the idea, reminding himself this world wasn¡¯t consequential to his reality. He looked back up to Gorb.

    ¡°So, if I become a better person, then you¡¯ll let me call you Gorb?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, Rep is at least competent at fighting. I saw you try to shock my sister. It was pathetic,¡± Gorb said matter-of-factly.

    ¡°Ah, okay, sure,¡± Zalan said, feeling warm under his collar.

    ¡°We have arrived!¡± Fran said in a sing-song voice, presenting a massive pile of stones each about the size of a beach ball ahead of them. Each of the stones were resting on or around a giant boulder.

    ¡°Where are we?¡± Zalan asked, squinting in the darkness of early evening.

    ¡°This is where you will train,¡± Fran said, Gorb stepping off respectfully to the side.

    Zalan looked at the stack of rocks, then away to the large, empty earth that they had spanned between Oriton and their current location. Zalan didn¡¯t understand why this was any better than training in the Journey Home courtyard at night. Big rocks seemed pretty underwhelming.

    ¡°There aren¡¯t any monsters. Are you still making up training as you go along?¡± Zalan asked Fran.

    ¡°Not this time! Pull out your sword and zap that small rock. The one closest to us,¡± Fran indicated to one of the jagged stones on the ground a few feet away.

    ¡°With my sword out?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°It¡¯d be easier to concentrate without it.¡±

    ¡°But then you would not be training for a real battle. In a fight, you should use your sword and your Elemental Power simultaneously. Otherwise you will always be at a disadvantage against those that can control both their power and weapon,¡± Fran said, smiling and pulling out her own sword. She swung her sword with one hand and let out a tiny pebble-sized fireball from the other. Zalan took her point and drew his sword.

    He raised his hand, flexing the muscle in his mind to access his Elemental Power. It still came sluggishly, but eventually a tiny spark leapt from his hand onto the rock, illuminating the space slightly. The rock shifted.

    ¡°Whoa, did my lightning just move a rock?¡± Zalan looked up at Gorb, excited. Gorb didn¡¯t react. Fran snapped to get his attention.

    ¡°Hit the rock again. Faster this time. You need to be able to emit power in an instant, understood?¡± Fran ordered.

    ¡°All right,¡± Zalan breathed and pointed his hand, another jolt hopping out of his hand a second later. It struck the rock again, and before Zalan could be proud of his improved aim, the rock rolled in a circle. Zalan peered at it, concerned. The rock was spinning in place, then a head sprouted from the top, followed by a hand.

    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°Whoa, whoa! What is that?¡± Zalan said in shock, pointing his sword at the creature as it created limbs for itself.

    ¡°That is a Sickly Gargoyle,¡± Fran said.

    The Sickly Gargoyle was small, similar in size to a Roach, but had arms and legs like a small human. Its skin was rigid and gray, with a series of spiky zits popping out of its face. Its eyes were a ghostly green, and there was a slight bright green spittle oozing out of its sharp-toothed mouth. It did a somersault on the floor and then looked up at Zalan angrily.

    ¡°Here it comes, do not let it bite you,¡± Fran said smiling.

    ¡°Hey, no, no!¡± Zalan took a step back.

    The Sickly Gargoyle got down on all fours and began scampering toward him, a small growl emitted every few steps. Zalan swung his sword wildly at it, but it shifted out of the way and bared its green-slicked teeth to bite him. He screamed in disgust and kicked it. The small creature flew a few feet away and Zalan pointed and quickly zapped it with a spark. The Sickly Gargoyle twitched uncomfortably, letting out some sound of discomfort. Zalan took advantage of this and took a step forward, zapping it with another bolt of lightning. The Sickly Gargoyle remained in place long enough for Zalan to stab and kill it. He breathed hard, then looked up angrily at Fran.

    ¡°Can you please tell me about things before they try to hurt me!¡± he said, frustrated.

    ¡°You do yourself a disservice! You were wonderful at thinking on your feet!¡± Fran said, clapping her hands together. ¡°Good job using your Elemental Power to make it drop its guard before striking.¡±

    ¡°Your swordplay needs work,¡± Gorb offered.

    ¡°Is this how all of you train? Put yourselves in danger and hope you learn enough while panicking to kill the thing?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Is there any other way?¡± Fran asked, smirking. ¡°Now go ahead and hit that one with some lightning.¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t want to,¡± Zalan said, his heart pumping powerfully.

    ¡°Not a problem!¡± Fran said spritely, picking up two rocks and tossing them at Zalan¡¯s feet.

    ¡°No! I didn¡¯t mean like that!¡± Zalan ran a few steps from the rocks that began spinning in place. He quickly assessed the fact that they would be vulnerable while they were still spinning and shifted strategies. He stepped forward and swung his sword hard at one of them before it could come out of its rock-ball, only to have his sword be deflected harmlessly.

    ¡°Their outer shells are too strong to only be hit with a weapon! You must use an Elemental Power to create an opening! Or put your lightning into the blade!¡± Fran said as both Sickly Gargoyles sprung open and targeted Zalan as their enemy. Zalan raised his hand to zap them, but one of the creatures jumped and chomped at his hand, making him flinch back.

    ¡°Do not let them bite you!¡± Fran said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to be reminded,¡± Zalan saw the second Sickly Gargoyle jump toward his leg and he swiped it away with the flat of his sword. He didn¡¯t do any damage to it, but he put some distance between them. He ran a few steps away as the two creatures chased after him and after thirty seconds of running in circles and concentrating, he was finally able to hit one with lightning and get it to stop running. He rushed in, missed with his first sword swing then killed it on the second. The second Sickly Gargoyle was much easier to dispose of alone. Zalan leaned over, breathing hard after the exertion.

    ¡°Try to imbue your blade with your power,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°What? What is that? What does that mean?¡±  Zalan asked rapidly, afraid that Fran would throw more rocks at him to fight before he had the chance to get an answer.

    ¡°It is putting your power into your weapon. Observe,¡± Gorb pulled out both of his swords from the sheaths on his back and swung them so fast they looked no more than a blur to Zalan. ¡°I add air power behind them to increase speed and air power ahead to cut down on any air resistance.¡±

    ¡°And I can do this!¡± Fran said, raising her sword and setting the entire thing on fire. It shined hot, looking like it could cut through anything at that heat.

    ¡°So, mixing weapons and my power will make things a lot stronger?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Of course! Watch this!¡± Fran said.

    To his relief, she threw a fireball at a rock, calling the Sickly Gargoyle¡¯s attention to herself. The Sickly Gargoyle ran toward her and her flaming sword sliced right through it like butter, brightening the boulder that rested behind them. She looked up at Zalan, her beaming smile shining in the firelight of her sword.

    ¡°You try!¡± Fran suggested.

    ¡°Okay, just don¡¯t throw any monsters at me while I try,¡± Zalan warned.

    ¡°No promises,¡± Fran smiled sweetly.

    Zalan was almost amused at her response, but quickly focused on pointing his hand at his sword to get lightning flowing through it. He shot lightning at it, then grunted in pain when he felt the lightning run through the blade to his hand and make him drop his weapon.

    ¡°No. Imbue the weapon. You cannot simply attack the sword,¡± Gorb said as he picked it back up.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what the difference is,¡± Zalan replied, feeling very out of his element.

    ¡°The same way that you would emit the power from your hand, you must send it into the blade from the hilt. Do not intend to shoot anything out. You are simply going to manipulate the power as an enhancement to your abilities,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan frowned to himself, feeling patronized by Gorb¡¯s use of the word ¡°simply¡± when he was still figuring out how to get the lightning out of him. He gripped the hilt of the sword with two hands and focused. Lightning danced at his fingers occasionally, but nothing went the whole way of the blade like Fran¡¯s fire did.

    ¡°Keep concentrating,¡± Gorb encouraged.

    ¡°This is taking too long,¡± Fran complained.

    Zalan began to strain himself, putting all of his energy into getting his sword to light up with electricity. More bolts sparked at his fingers and he tried to will them onto the blade. After a few seconds of putting out as much energy as he could, he lowered the blade in defeat, breathing laboriously.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do it,¡± Zalan sighed.

    ¡°The speed at which you quit is very inspiring,¡± Gorb said sarcastically.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get back to some real training,¡± Fran said, sending out a whip of flames to burn a row of rocks. Zalan steeled himself for the encounter, knowing that complaining wouldn¡¯t change much. The dozen rocks all began spinning in place.

    Followed by the massive boulder.

    ¡°Zalan, run,¡± Fran said, all amusement flushed out of her voice.

    ¡°What, what is that?¡± Zalan said, immediately taking a few steps backward.

    The boulder sprouted two massive claws, rumbling the earth enough to make Zalan stumble backward and fall on his hands. Sickly Gargoyles came out of the rock shells and looked hungrily at the three adventurers. The boulder¡¯s claws flexed as its head slowly emerged.

    ¡°A Giant Gargoyle,¡± Gorb said. ¡°Run.¡±

    The Giant Gargoyle¡¯s legs emerged, and it quickly stood at full height, like a living hill, pebbles spilling off of it. It stood straighter than the Sickly Gargoyle counterparts and had a back like a mountain range. Its maw had odd, pointed teeth, with bits of lightning jumping in between its tongue and teeth. It had four tiny eyes and two dull thorns on its head. Its hands were like small boulders on the ends of large earthen arms, each studded with sharp claw-shaped rocks. It roared, but the sound that came out sounded like an ongoing avalanche.

    The Giant Gargoyle threw its arm up in the air, shedding several tons of rocks from its body. The rocks soared in the air above the three companions and piled up high to block the path back to Oriton. Every direction had some amount of rocks. Just as Zalan was finally coming to his senses to run, every possible exit was already obstructed. He would have had to climb over, while there were no handholds and there was no time with the Sickly Gargoyles eyeing them all. He looked back at Fran and Gorb for advice. They each had a weapon in hand imbued with their Elemental Power.

    ¡°We will have to fight it,¡± Gorb said, stone-faced. ¡°Do not get bitten.¡±

 Chapter 18 - Getting Bitten

    Zalan gripped his sword tightly, his arms shaking as the Giant Gargoyle sized up the three fighters. Fran¡¯s sword was bright with flames and attracted the most attention. Zalan had given up trying to imbue his sword with electricity and instead tried to look at both the Giant Gargoyle and the dozen Sickly Gargoyles at its feet, panicking as he lost track of the smaller things preparing for an assault.

    ¡°Zalan, we will need you to take on the Sickly Gargoyles,¡± Gorb announced.

    ¡°Why me? I barely managed two!¡± Zalan screamed.

    ¡°The two of us will attempt to handle the Giant Gargoyle,¡± Gorb added.

    ¡°Attempt to!?¡± Zalan shouted in fear.

    ¡°We have not faced one before,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°This will be an incredible fight!¡± Fran said, excited. ¡°Stay sharp Zalan, we do not want you to get hurt.¡±

    ¡°What if you use¡ª¡±

    The Giant Gargoyle roared, bringing down a giant fist to smash Fran. Gorb threw himself forward, a powerful blast of air emitting from his arms and nudging the Giant Gargoyles arm to one side enough for Fran to dive out of the way, millimeters from being crushed.. She ran up and hopped between Sickly Gargoyles and delivered a flaming slice to the Giant Gargoyle¡¯s leg. It barely registered a scratch in its earthen hide.

    ¡°It is tough!¡± Fran laughed.

    The Sickly Gargoyles split up and ran at each of the three travelers in groups of four. Anytime one reached Fran, she kicked it in Zalan¡¯s direction haphazardly, keeping her focus on avoiding the Giant Gargoyle¡¯s ponderous steps as it attempted to flatten her. Gorb threw a burst of air at the Sickly Gargoyles running toward him, bowling them all toward Zalan. Zalan was surrounded.

    ¡°Help!¡± Zalan screamed instinctively, but his rational mind knew he would receive none.

    He put up a hand and released a burst of lightning, striking the Sickly Gargoyle nearest to him. It still held close to the pack. Zalan was afraid that if he tried to strike the creature while it was vulnerable, then another would have an opportunity to bite him. The other Sickly Gargoyles approached cautiously, none wanting to be on the receiving end of his lightning. He pointed his sword at them with his other hand, trying to send lightning out of it.

    He couldn¡¯t do it, and only continued to throw shocks of lightning at them from his free hand. The Sickly Gargoyles soon caught on that he couldn¡¯t attack all of them at once. They began to circle in on him until Zalan¡¯s back was up against the large rocks that the Giant Gargoyle threw at the beginning of the encounter. The earth rumbled menacingly as the Giant Gargoyle stomped around Fran. She continued to cut away at the Giant Gargoyle¡¯s feet as Gorb redirected its blows. The Sickly Gargoyles were too close now, their mouths frothing with green ick.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Zalan said, frustrated.

    Zalan screamed loudly to psyche himself up and threw a bolt of lightning while running forward. The creatures looked baffled at Zalan¡¯s abrupt charge toward them. He got close enough and swung his sword with focus, cutting a Sickly Gargoyle¡¯s head clean off. The other creatures were still distracted and disturbed by Zalan¡¯s prolonged screaming, and he was able to zap and cut down another creature. He gained confidence in himself and burst another shock out of his palm, delighted at his strength in battle. He wondered if Gorb would see him differently now.

    Then he was bitten on the leg.

    Zalan screeched in pain and fell away from the Sickly Gargoyles. He kicked the Sickly Gargoyle that was on his leg away into the others and was able to struggle to a kneeling stance. He put all his weight on the uninjured leg, knowing that falling would mean death by a dozen excruciating bites. He instinctively let out a stream of lightning, like a firehose of power at his fingertips, striking all the Sickly Gargoyles and stunning them in place. The act was sapping massive amounts of energy, all so he might stumble away from the Sickly Gargoyles. His leg felt as though it was on fire, the burning sensation searing painfully into his flesh and showing no signs of letting up. He took a glance at his foot when he had a few feet of distance between him and the Sickly Gargoyles and saw green pus surrounding the wound. Their bite was charged with acid or poison. He gagged.

    ¡°I got bit!¡± Zalan screamed in panic, already exhausted. The lightning he¡¯d emitted was more than he¡¯d ever done at once, and the pain sapped quickly at his strength. He felt like he was ready to pass out.

    Gorb was using air to jump monumentally out of the way as the Giant Gargoyle tried to bite him with a thunder-cracked chomp. Fran was busy hacking away at anything not trying to stomp on her. Neither of them heard him. He howled in agony as the pain seemed to crescendo at an impossible scale. The Sickly Gargoyles watched him intently, the noise he made regaining their attention.

    Zalan hobbled his way toward Gorb, Fran and the Giant Gargoyle. The Sickly Gargoyles were still out of sorts after the earlier blast of lightning shook them to their core and Zalan was able to kill another two on his way to his companions. Lightning was coming significantly faster to his fingertips now, taking less than half a second to come out. He had a good idea of how to use it in combat, but he didn¡¯t even care enough to be proud. His leg tormented his every thought. It was unbearable. He considered cutting it off.

    ¡°Gorb! Gorb, I got bit!¡± Zalan was sweating profusely when he was in closer distance to Gorb.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°Gorbonifus!¡± Gorb corrected, his voice strained as he sent a small tornado to the Giant Gargoyles eyes.

    ¡°Gorb, please! I¡¯m dying!¡± Zalan screamed, the fire of his leg running up to his thigh. He was afraid the pain would spread further.

    ¡°Call me by my name and maybe I can help,¡± Gorb snapped.

    ¡°Gorbonifus! I got bit!!¡± Zalan shouted angrily, sweat rolling freely off his face.

    Gorb gave him a short glance and winced when he saw the damage to the leg. He turned away, and Zalan couldn¡¯t tell whether it was because of the sight of the bite or because he wanted to focus on combat.

    ¡°I am¡­ sorry Zalan. There is not much we can do. Right now, keep the monsters off of me so that I may concentrate and we can escape,¡± Gorb said remorsefully, watching Fran closely as she danced in front of the Giant Gargoyle to enhance the tornado with flames.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know if I can,¡± Zalan gasped. He stumbled, fell, and screamed in agony. His leg was done, and he knew he could never stand up again in his current state. The small crew of Sickly Gargoyles were once again back in one bunch and beginning to approach Zalan to swarm him. He was kneeling, certain he would never be able to stand again.

    ¡°You must! Or we all die!¡± Gorb commanded.

    Fran laughed with glee as she saw the Giant Gargoyle try and swipe at her blindly, missing by many feet.

    Zalan used both hands to hold his sword as the small throng of Sickly Gargoyles bared their poisoned teeth and raced toward him, tripping over one another in their eagerness to overwhelm him. Zalan screamed fearfully, holding up his hand and emitting unbalanced zaps of lightning, causing two Sickly Gargoyles to stumble and land at his feet. He brought his sword down on one of them, killing it.

    Then the sword stuck before he could bring it back for another swing. To his surprise, the other Sickly Gargoyle was gripping the blade. Zalan tried to pull it back, but he was in too much pain and far too fatigued. His blade was forcefully stolen away by several of the Sickly Gargoyles, but he was able to thrust it forward one last time and kill a final creature.

    Zalan threw more lightning in rapid panic, but he could not kill any more creatures. His hands glowed a soft white, he presumed because he was letting out too much lightning at once. He was unarmed and had nothing powerful enough to kill another monster. In the heat, sweat, and searing pain, Zalan believed he would die. He found no comfort in the possibility of this being a dream-world when he was in so much pain.

    The Sickly Gargoyles took another two bites from his legs, Zalan losing his mind in the suffering that followed. He held his hand up to shield his face from any further agony and saw that it was glowing a slightly brighter white. He thought this was his soul leaving his body for a moment, then the soft glow brightened immensely until it was blinding, emitting an explosion around him.

    ¡°Now!¡± Fran cried to Gorb. ¡°The chest!¡±

    Zalan was breathing in disbelief, not understanding what was happening in the moment. He could feel his leg. The pain was mostly gone. It had almost disappeared in the burst of light. Even more shocking, the Sickly Gargoyles were all splayed out in front of him, not moving. He thought it was a trick and zapped one with lightning. Then another, just to be safe. He found that they were all definitely dead.

    He turned to ask Gorb what he did, but could only watch as Gorb ran toward the Giant Gargoyle with his swords in hand. Fran bellowed with delight as Gorb sent her flying up in the air with a torrent of Elemental Wind so that she could strike the Giant Gargoyle¡¯s heart with the flaming sword. It went deep within the chest cavity and Fran used her weight to drag the sword downward, cleaving a hole in the giant beast. It roared its avalanche cry in defeat and collapsed backward. Gorb ran up on the supine beast¡¯s body and stabbed the open chest with both of his swords, ensuring it was dead before turning his attention away to check on Zalan from a distance.

    Fran was cheering, hysterically happy for herself and Gorb as the Giant Gargoyle showed no signs of getting back up. Zalan looked back at the Sickly Gargoyles dead at his feet and gained Fran¡¯s manic emotions, laughing to himself for having survived. He had been certain that he was about to die. Even more certain that his leg needed to be cut off. He struggled a bit, but was able to get upright on his own. Fran finally gave him some attention, turning to beam at him. Gorb watched him closely, but it was clear both siblings were happy to have beaten the Giant Gargoyle. Zalan made his way to the monster¡¯s corpse.

    ¡°What happened? What was that light? Did you do that?¡± Zalan asked Gorb in amazement.

    ¡°No. Fran, check his legs. He was bitten,¡± Gorb said with a watchful eye on Zalan as he pulled his swords from the Giant Gargoyle.

    ¡°You did that!¡± Fran laughed, skipping over to him. Kneeling, she took a look at the mostly-healed bites from the Sickly Gargoyles. She raised her sword which she was using as a torch in the darkness of the night.

    ¡°Me? That was lightning? I didn¡¯t mean to do that,¡± Zalan revealed.

    ¡°No, you gained a Level!¡± Fran said, then turned towards Gorb and addressed him. ¡°Zalan will be fine. No lasting effects from the bites, but we should take him home to rest immediately.¡±

    Gorb nodded, a deep consternation on his face turning to relief.

    ¡°That was a Level up?¡± Zalan asked, tapping his index finger to his thumb three times to corroborate with his stats.

    ¡°That is correct!¡± Fran said. ¡°A powerful explosion and some healing every time you gain a Level. Wonderful is it not? And that fight was phenomenal! Oh, what a battle! You were splendid, Gorb!¡±

    ¡°You were rash,¡± Gorb lectured. ¡°We should have examined the large boulder in the firelight before you decided to throw a flame at it and wake the Giant Gargoyle. We already knew it was dangerous to train in the evening, you should have been more careful.¡±

    ¡°It is no fun to fight monsters that you can easily dispatch! How am I supposed to gain more Experience?¡± Fran brushed his criticisms aside.

    ¡°If Zalan had not gained himself a Level when he did, we may have died,¡± Gorb said gravely.

    ¡°Really?¡± Zalan asked, swallowing hard.

    ¡°Yes, really. A Level increase lets out an incredible blast, killing smaller creatures and doing significant damage to larger creatures. And the closer you are, the more damage you do. If you were hugging the Giant Gargoyle as you gained the Level, that may have been enough to kill the creature, all on your own,¡± Gorb explained.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Zalan said, finally giving attention to the stats on his forearm before making their way back to Oriton.

    LEVEL: 02

    STRENGTH: 02

    WISDOM: 02

    EXPERIENCE: 05

    ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

 Chapter 19 - Levels

    ¡°I¡¯m stronger now,¡± Zalan determined as the stats faded from his forearm. ¡°And wiser?¡±

    ¡°Wisdom has nothing to do with your wisdom,¡± Gorb replied.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan said, confused.

    ¡°Correct, you are still a fool!¡± Fran said, smiling as she looked over the dead Giant Gargoyle with mirth.

    ¡°What is it, then?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We will explain on the way home,¡± Gorb said, approaching to the wall of rocks to climb over.

    Gorb jumped impossibly high, assisted greatly by a burst of wind he let out as he leapt up. He stumbled on loose stones as climbed the rest of the way up the pile of rocks. He looked back down to Zalan.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Gorb called to Zalan and Fran, his arm reaching out.

    Zalan walked up to the pile and placed his hands to start climbing, but Gorb shook his head.

    ¡°Jump up, I will assist you,¡± Gorb promised.

    Zalan looked at Gorb nervously, afraid he would be insulted once they realized how little he could jump, especially with the slight injury to his feet. He hopped a tiny bit, but ascended multiple feet to his surprise. The momentum stopped just shy of Gorb¡¯s hand and Zalan had to climb up a few stones to be helped to the top.

    ¡°You can make anyone jump as high as you want?¡± Zalan asked once he was situated at the top of the pile. The idea sounded about as cool to him as flight.

    ¡°Excuse me a moment,¡± Gorb said apologetically to Zalan, then turned to his sister. ¡°Fran! We are leaving!¡±

    ¡°Was it not a glorious battle?¡± Fran called up. She was glowing with pride.

    ¡°Yes, very good, now let us go,¡± Gorb said, waving his hand patiently.

    Fran turned away from her brother and looked upon the Giant Gargoyle once more, breathing in the air deeply. Zalan gave Gorb a look of concern. Gorb wiped a hand over his face, looking utterly embarrassed.

    ¡°Fran,¡± Gorb pleaded.

    ¡°Just a moment!¡± Fran said and hopped up on the dead Giant Gargoyle.

    Zalan looked on, disturbed, until he realized that Fran was looking for something. He suddenly remembered that Rep had mentioned that monsters occasionally have Artifacts with them and they should be searched when defeated. He assumed it was just Roaches, but realized it could probably be any monster. He didn¡¯t know what kinds of things they ate.

    ¡°It is too dark to scavenge. Let us go,¡± Gorb requested.

    ¡°Another moment!¡± Fran said, increasing the size of the flame imbued on her sword to get a better view. ¡°I knew there was something!¡± She knelt down and picked something up from the open wound of the giant, storing it in her pocket. Then, she continued to search through the chest cavity.

    ¡°Two Artifacts, Fran?¡± Gorb chided. ¡°You know there will not be more than one.¡±

    ¡°What about the little ones,¡± Fran hopped off the Giant Gargoyle and began to roll over Sickly Gargoyles with her foot.

    ¡°Fran, you yourself said we should move quickly to heal Zalan,¡± Gorb said, growing impatient.

    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± Fran turned away from the creature and rushed to the rock pile. With Gorb¡¯s assistance, she was at the top in seconds. She took one last look at the scene, raising her firelit sword to ensure she could take it all in while Gorb and Zalan assisted one another on their way down the other side of the rock pile. Once they reached the ground, it became difficult to see in the night and they looked up at Fran who had yet to move.

    ¡°Fran!¡± Gorb said sharply.

    ¡°Yes, fine,¡± Fran grunted and jumped off the top. Zalan gasped, thinking she was insane until Gorb caught her with a pocket of air to cushion the fall. She put out her sword and held a flame in front of her and led the way.

    ¡°A good fight,¡± Fran said, the energy of the battle still within her, slow to dissipate. ¡°Zalan even gained a Level!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, what does that mean for me?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°See for yourself,¡± Fran pointed to a rock on the side of the road. Zalan quickly interpreted that to mean she wanted him to summon another Sickly Gargoyle from its rock shell.

    ¡°I am not fighting anything right now,¡± Zalan immediately refused.

    ¡°No, this is just a rock, I assure you. Release your Elemental Power and see the difference of one Level,¡± Fran pointed.

    Zalan looked at her skeptically until Gorb nodded in corroboration. Zalan raised a hand and quickly let out a burst of lightning and struck the rock. Zalan gasped in fascination, the lightning was twice the size it was before. Where it seemed like a silly string before it now seemed like a rope. It even left a dark mark at the edge of the rock, indicating it wasn¡¯t just bigger, but more powerful as well.

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    ¡°Very nice!¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Whoa, is every Level increase like this?¡± Zalan asked, looking at his hand in disbelief.

    ¡°They say that the change from Level One to Level Two is the one that you feel the most. I agree from my own experience. The other increases are still worthwhile, but it may seem underwhelming in comparison,¡± Gorb said as they once again made their way to Oriton.

    ¡°And what about my Wisdom? What is that, exactly?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It is the amount of control you have over your Elemental Power. It does not necessarily mean power. For example, when you have three Wisdom, then you will have the ability to manipulate your power after letting it out, twisting it in the air rather than always firing straight,¡± Fran said, raising and lowering her flame for effect.

    Zalan didn¡¯t even realize he had always been shooting straight forward until then. Dream world or not, the idea of twisting lightning at his enemies was immediately very cool to him.

    ¡°And my aim will get better with that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Ha!¡± Fran chuckled in amusement. ¡°No, you cannot rely solely on gaining Levels in order to have better abilities. Some things still require skill, like imbuing a weapon or aiming. It may assist you to be able to change the direction of an attack, but your Elemental Power is emitted much faster than I have seen any other power emitted before. Fire has time to be turned. Lightning is almost immediate. You may not have much time to twist the lightning in midair.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I get it,¡± Zalan nodded to himself, then twisted his head in thought. ¡°So, how come we don¡¯t just fight Roaches all day until we gain a Level? Or a lot of Levels. I mean, I hate seeing them, but they were way easier to kill. I was getting around three Experience per kill.¡±

    ¡°That rate of Experience gain drops rapidly as soon as you gain a level,¡± Gorb said. ¡°What gave you three experience per kill before might only give you one experience per three killed at Level 2. At my level, I think it would take about a thousand Roaches to gain a single point of Experience.¡±

    ¡°A thousand just for one point at Level Four?¡± Zalan balked.

    ¡°It could be that he has to kill even more than a thousand. Or perhaps, it would be a worthless endeavor for him to continue killing them,¡± Fran said. ¡°If you continue to kill the same creature too long, you do not gain Experience.¡±

    ¡°None at all?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°None. But you have to kill an absurd amount. Think about it. When you are a child, a first step is important in learning how to take your next step. You need to take a lot of steps and gain the experience of what it means to walk normally. But once you are an adult, there is no experience to be gained. You simply know how to walk,¡± Fran explained.

    ¡°I guess that makes sense. Will they always be able to do damage to you, even if you are a higher Level?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Always. Just like no matter how good you are at walking, you are still prone to tripping,¡± Fran said, continuing the analogy.

    ¡°And how come my Experience is just at Five right now? Shouldn¡¯t it have gone higher after killing something like a Giant Gargoyle?¡± Zalan asked as the question came to mind.

    ¡°Normally, yes. But when you gain a Level, the Experience you gain from those you kill in the blast are reduced drastically. If you had killed the Giant Gargoyle without assistance, you could have easily gained another Level.¡±

    ¡°Hang on¡­¡± Gorb said suddenly. ¡°Who told you I am Level Four, Zalan?¡±

    Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide, retracing the conversation he just had with them and realizing his mistake.

    ¡°I almost did not notice!¡± Fran smirked. ¡°Who was it, Zalan?¡±

    Zalan wished he could disappear, constantly finding himself in an embarrassing corner whenever talking to the siblings.

    ¡°It certainly was not Rep,¡± Gorb shook his head to himself. ¡°He would never.¡±

    ¡°I did not take Yelsa for the sharing type,¡± Fran giggled to herself. ¡°What a gossip! Did she tell you my level as well, Zalan?¡±

    ¡°Uhh¡­¡±

    ¡°She did!¡± Fran pointed instantly. ¡°It is written all over your face!¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Zalan said. ¡°I asked her for her Level without knowing it was rude to ask.¡±

    Fran and Gorb exchanged a glance. They both seemed bemused.

    ¡°You asked what Level Yelsa was?¡± Gorb asked, interested.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan nodded shamefully.

    ¡°And she told you it was rude?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan said, slowly realizing that they weren¡¯t shaming him.

    ¡°It is not rude to ask someone¡¯s current Level,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not?¡± Zalan felt like he would never keep up with the etiquette of this dream world.

    ¡°Not at all. It is important information to know about someone, especially when you are traveling together. Can you trust them in a fight? Will their Elemental Power be able to sustain you if you are low on supplies? Questions like that are answered very efficiently by knowing someone¡¯s Level. It is not rude to ask to be prepared,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°What is rude is to tell someone else¡¯s Level without their consent,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Oh, I get it,¡± Zalan nodded to himself. ¡°Oh!¡± he said louder.

    He came to the quick conclusion that Yelsa shared Gorb and Fran¡¯s Level without their consent. Gorb looked mildly annoyed, but Fran was fuming with a sinister smile on her face.

    ¡°We have much to discuss when we get home,¡± Fran said severely. Zalan almost recoiled at the look on her face.

    ¡°What about that thing you found on the Giant Gargoyle? What was it? An Artifact?¡± Zalan asked quickly, trying to prevent her from riling herself up further and extending her ire to him.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± she lost her train of thought and reached into her pocket. ¡°Oh, this? It certainly looks like an Artifact.¡±

    She tossed it in the air and caught it causing Gorb to flinch enough to make Zalan nervous. It was a small Artifact and looked like a golden onion that could be opened from the top with enough force.

    ¡°What does it do?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not a clue. That is more Rep¡¯s expertise,¡± she smiled.

    ¡°Which is why we should be careful with it,¡± Gorb said pointedly.

    ¡°I am!¡± Fran said in annoyance, tossing it in the air again as if to prove her point. Both Zalan and Gorb flinched this time as she caught it.

    ¡°Maybe I can hold onto it?¡± Zalan asked innocently.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Fran shrugged, tossing it ahead of him.

    Zalan yelped and dove forward to catch it. His finger grazed it, still too far, and Gorb made a sound as he summoned wind to direct it into Zalan¡¯s open hand before he fell to the floor. The young men looked at one another, a relieved smile on each of their faces. Fran laughed at the display and continued leading the way with her flamelight.

 Chapter 20 - Satiated

    The next few minutes of travel went by in silence, Zalan spending much of his time trying to understand the Artifact simply by staring at it. Fran occasionally sighed in reminiscence, remembering particular attacks during the recent battle and how close to death they all came. She was perfectly happy carrying the conversation with herself. But the way she talked about their near-death experience set something off within Zalan. He was annoyed by their lackadaisical attitude toward the amount of pain they can endure when outside a town.

    ¡°Do you just not care about the pain because you know you can go home and sleep it off?¡± Zalan asked Gorb.

    Gorb raised an eyebrow, catching up quickly to what Zalan meant. They went to train, but never once shied away from getting hurt. He looked over Zalan a second too long and Zalan threw a raised eyebrow of his own into the staredown.

    ¡°What is it you want?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan asked, confused.

    ¡°You sound as though you are complaining. What would you prefer to have done?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I mean¡­ I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m trying to go back home to my world,¡± Zalan was too thrown off to put any conviction in his words.

    ¡°You seem lackluster in your pursuit. You offer no ideas and are happy to follow anyone¡¯s path they set out for you,¡± Gorb said in a straightforward manner.

    Zalan was at a loss for words.

    ¡°What am I supposed to do in a different world? None of this is real!¡± he challenged.

    ¡°Stop your delusions in pretending none of this is real. You treat it like it is real. You have made efforts to avoid death when attacked and you listen to others who are more knowledgeable. Those actions do not sound like someone who believes this world holds no consequence,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how else to act,¡± Zalan threw an arm up in exasperation, making sure not to move the onion-like Artifact too much.

    ¡°Exactly my point. Those who do not know what they want will be carried along by others that have conviction. You will continue to be in the company of those that do not care about the pain until you discover that you either want to train as hard as we do, or find your own path,¡± Gorb replied.

    The most aggravating part to Zalan was that Gorb sounded reasonable, not a hint of ill-will in his lesson. Gorb was trying to help, in his blunt way. Zalan sighed loudly.

    ¡°Yeah, fine, I get it,¡± Zalan acquiesced.

    He didn¡¯t actually believe much of what Gorb was saying. The last thing he did in the real world was go to sleep after all, how could this not be a dream world? But he appreciated the tone Gorb took with him and could see a kernel of truth in his words. He said he wanted to go home. But then what? Was that world much better than the dream? Maybe he could do the opposite of what Gorb was suggesting and embrace the delusion of this world. It was a thought that didn¡¯t hold much weight in his head. His mind wasn¡¯t clear here. He felt off, like he was missing something crucial and it hurt his heart to think about it. He felt that he definitely should be trying to get home.

    They crossed the walls into Oriton and headed straight back to Journey House, where Fran bid the two farewells and headed to the woman¡¯s quarters. Rep was not yet home. By the time Zalan had settled into his bed cot, a loud, full-on argument was being shared between Fran and Yelsa, bleeding into the men¡¯s quarters. It sounded fierce and Zalan raised his head, wondering if he should go inside and say something, then saw Gorb shaking his head, encouraging him not to join the verbal war before bed. Zalan shrugged and lay back into bed. It didn¡¯t take long for Zalan to fall asleep with a frown on his face.

    Zalan awoke the next day with renewed energy and his legs fully healed. He never got tired of stretching the parts of his body that were newly healed, feeling like he got over a debilitating sickness over the course of a nap. He sat up and saw Gorb discreetly covering a wet spot on his pillow, and Zalan found it amusing that Gorb drooled in his sleep. Rep was sound asleep on another cot.

    ¡°What¡¯s the plan today?¡± Zalan asked.

    Gorb looked up in amusement, and the implication was clear: You still rely on others to make your plans.

    ¡°Unless Rep made substantial money overnight, I suspect we will have more time to train today,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Hmm, huh?¡± Rep rolled over in bed, his bleary eyes taking a minute to focus on the other two. ¡°How was training?¡± he asked as he rubbed an eye.

    ¡°It went well. Zalan gained a Level,¡± Gorb informed.

    ¡°Fantastic!¡± Rep rolled his legs out of bed and looked over Zalan. ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    ¡°A lot stronger! My lightning does some real damage now!¡± Zalan said, excitedly.

    ¡°What else happened during training?¡± Rep asked him.

    ¡°We obtained an Artifact,¡± Gorb nodded to the golden onion-like Artifact that Zalan left at the foot of his bed. Rep¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked it over. He picked it up and placed it at the table in the center of their room.

    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± he asked Gorb. Gorb looked away silently. Rep turned to Zalan with more urgency in his eyes. ¡°Zalan, where did you get this?¡±

    ¡°We got it out of a Giant Gargoyle last night. Why, do you recognize it? Is it powerful?¡± Zalan asked. The change in Rep¡¯s widening eyes made it clear to Zalan that Rep wasn¡¯t concerned about the Artifact as much as the means of getting it.

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    ¡°You took a Level One novice to fight a Giant Gargoyle!?¡± Rep snapped at Gorb.

    Gorb lowered his head in shame.

    ¡°And were you able to find this creature in isolation, or was it surrounded by Sickly Gargoyles as well?¡± Rep demanded.

    ¡°Surrounded by the smaller ones,¡± Gorb affirmed in a small voice.

    ¡°What!?¡± Rep shouted.

    ¡°What is all the screaming in here?¡± Fran asked as she poked her head in the room.

    ¡°Are you insane?¡± Rep wheeled toward her.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Fran rubbed the back of her neck and lowered her gaze. ¡°Someone told him about our little training adventure.¡±

    ¡°Adventure? You sent him to his death! What if he got bit by any of those monsters! He wouldn¡¯t survive! He would¡­¡± Rep looked between the shared expression between Zalan, Gorb, and Fran. ¡°Oh, no. I cannot believe this. Did you get bitten, Zalan?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, a few times on my leg before I Leveled¡ª¡±

    ¡°A few times!?¡± Rep repeated, almost laughing in a frenzy. ¡°Unbelievable! You could not have survived the poison in your veins. If you did not gain a Level when you did, you certainly would have died!¡± He turned back to Gorb and Fran with rage. ¡°You two, without exaggeration, led Zalan to his death!¡±

    Yelsa slunk into the room behind Fran, but made sure not to include herself in the conversation by keeping to the walls of the room. She nervously popped her knuckles in the corner.

    ¡°I trusted you!¡± Rep continued, his head turning between Fran and Gorb. ¡°I thought you would train in the courtyard. I thought it was odd when some of the guards told me you went out of the city. I did not mind hearing that you had gone beyond the gates, but I thought you would take him to Roaches or Fogfangs! Gargoyles! How heedless can you be, Fran?¡±

    ¡°Watch it,¡± Gorb warned, his once ashamed expression now filled with scorn.

    ¡°No, her quest for glorious combat drives her to put others around her in danger! I know her lust for battle will drive her to a premature death, but there is no need to bring down your friends and family as well! Zalan needs people around him he can trust, now more than ever in his life, and you put his life in peril? I bet you never once asked Zalan how he fared once the battle was over! You were never even aware that a man in your company was moments from death! You just basked in your own glory, you heartless¡­¡± Rep caught himself, the rage in his eyes ebbing away as he blinked to himself and got about his wits. He immediately looked remorseful and cleared his throat. ¡°I apologize¡­ I did not mean that.¡±

    ¡°You did,¡± Fran corrected him. ¡°But you were also correct. I did not ask him how he fared. I put him in a situation that I, myself, was largely unprepared for. I do not believe I ever apologized to you, Zalan.¡±

    Zalan made an uncertain face, not knowing how he should react.

    ¡°I sincerely apologize for recklessly putting you in harm¡¯s way,¡± Fran said, looking him in the eyes. She looked more sincere than he¡¯d ever seen her before, like she was just realizing something about herself.

    ¡°Uh, yeah, it¡¯s okay,¡± Zalan said, feeling warmth on his cheeks and quickly breaking eye-contact.

    ¡°And you, Rep. I apologize for not giving Zalan my utmost priority, even after assuring you I would keep him safe,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°We were reckless,¡± Gorb agreed. ¡°I greatly apologize for our actions. I hope you can forgive us.¡±

    Rep sat down at the table in the center of the room, breathing loudly, dissipating the angry frustration within him. He looked over the Artifact once more, this time raising his eyebrows in surprise.

    ¡°This is a Satiator. Not what I would expect from a Giant Gargoyle,¡± he said, puzzled.

    The tension in the room hadn¡¯t yet escaped and Zalan didn¡¯t feel brave enough to ask what the Artifact did. The room was quiet. Gorb decided to put the silence to rest by asking,

    ¡°What does the Satiator do?¡±

    ¡°Well, when used on a single individual, a Satiator sustains them for a month without food. But you can split its use among many people,¡± Rep said.

    The room stood quiet for a few more seconds. Zalan decided to break the silence next.

    ¡°Like, if I were to use it, I wouldn¡¯t get hungry for a month?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep nodded, picking the Artifact up and looking it over. He smiled to himself, shaking his head. The tension eased at Rep¡¯s softening expression.

    ¡°I worked late into the night to get a few bronze coins, but in one training bout you have gathered the Artifact necessary for us to make the trip to the Castle of Docrun,¡± Rep chuckled.

    ¡°Just this?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said.

    He twisted the top of the Artifact and the onion peeled open, ejecting gold energy. Rep stood and pointed the Satiator at his chest, a beam of gold firing and causing his torso to glow. Then he turned his arm around and poured the gold essence into Zalan and the rest. Zalan was amazed. He just woke up, but he already felt like he had breakfast. He wouldn¡¯t have to eat anything for a while. When Rep concluded his distribution of the gold power, the Satiator cracked in half, then crumbled to dust in his hand. Rep clapped his hands together and wiped dust off of his clothing.

    ¡°Is that what happens to Artifacts when they are used?¡± Zalan asked, watching the dust fall to the ground.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°If the Artifact has more uses, it may degrade a bit, but remains whole. Once it becomes nothing more than dust, then you can be certain there are no more uses to be had.¡±

    The five of the adventurers stared awkwardly at the pile of dust on the guild floor, the energy of the room all over the place between being offended and well fed. No one was making eye contact. Everyone turned to Yelsa as she popped her neck.

    ¡°Shall we go?¡± Yelsa finally asked to everyone¡¯s relief.

    Rep gathered the books they borrowed from Madam Hikma, preparing to return them before leaving. The group stood and made their way out of the guild, only to find someone entering as soon as they were trying to leave.

    ¡°Rep,¡± the young woman nodded to him, then looked within the guild to see the others. ¡°And so many guests.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Liv. We are just about to leave,¡± Rep said politely, trying to slide past her.

    ¡°Have any of you seen Heron? He was supposed to take Epan and I to challenge an Elemental today,¡± Liv said.

    ¡°I have not seen him,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°Who is that? He does not look to be from around here,¡± Liv pointed at Zalan.

    ¡°Oh yes!¡± Fran said. ¡°He comes from an entirely different realm from ours.¡±

    ¡°Very funny, Fran,¡± Liv said sarcastically. ¡°This is why I did not want to go with you to get an Elemental Power. I can never tell if you take things seriously.¡±

    ¡°I am being serious,¡± Fran said, a playful smile on her face.

    ¡°I hope I get a better power than you.¡± Liv shook her head to herself.

    Rep shot glanced between Liv and Fran, blinking slowly in annoyance.

    ¡°Well, we really should be going,¡± Rep said politely.

    ¡°Very well. If you see Heron, let him know I await him in the guild. Next I see you, I should have an Elemental Power,¡± Liv said confidently.

 Chapter 21 - Off to See the Dragon

    The light packs felt strange to the weathered travelers. When the food was low, it usually meant they were nearing the end of the journey they had packed for, but now they were just exiting Oriton. They felt a mix of unease and liberation, except for Zalan who was blissfully unaware of the absence of weight in his pack. The guards questioned them about their lack of supplies when they reached the gates of Oriton, but Rep assured them they would be fine for the journey ahead of them.

    The fresh air felt good to Zalan after the argument that was had inside the guild. It felt like he could breathe again after being cooped up with the others fighting for too long. He wanted to talk to Rep about it, but he didn¡¯t know what to say. He wasn¡¯t sure whether to be grateful for Rep¡¯s care or to try and get Rep to scale back his instinct to want to keep Zalan safe. Zalan decided that nothing was the best option, only because he didn¡¯t want to bring up an awkward conversation again. He found himself stumbling into them too often lately.

    Eventually, Yelsa drifted away from Fran and Gorb and walked over to Zalan. For a few seconds, she simply followed his gait and Zalan wasn¡¯t sure if he was supposed to say something first or not. It looked like she had something to say, but was waiting to be told to say it. Zalan continued to walk, pretending not to notice Yelsa and trying to avoid saying something foolish.

    ¡°I am Level Three,¡± Yelsa declared to him suddenly.

    Zalan waited for her to continue, but evidently that was all she had to share.

    ¡°Oh¡­ um, okay. Thanks for sharing. Why did you feel the need to tell me now, but not before?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Fran said the best way to make up for my speaking of their Levels out of turn was to share my own. So, I have told you,¡± Yelsa said. Fran threw them a knowing glance before going back to a conversation she was having with Gorb.

    The way Yelsa concluded her last sentence made Zalan feel like there was nothing more that she wanted to say, but she still maintained speed with him. For a few seconds, he decided to remain silent, but he couldn¡¯t tell if the conversation had concluded or if he was stretching an awkward silence. He found the people of this dream world way too hard to read.

    ¡°So,¡± Zalan desperately grasped for a topic from his mind. ¡°How come all of you are at such a low Level? Seems to me that with enough work, you could be much higher by now.¡±

    ¡°You sound like a guild master,¡± Yelsa replied jokingly. The fact she wasn¡¯t scornful made Zalan relieved to know he didn¡¯t say something wrong this time. He continued with more confidence.

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying that if you started training when you were a kid or a teenager, couldn¡¯t you all be at least Level Five by now?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You really are committed to convince us you are not of this world?¡± Yelsa raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Only because I am from another world,¡± Zalan smiled.

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Yelsa looked amused. ¡°Those who are not yet of age cannot gain Levels. And once they do, it is rare for their guardians to want to take such young men and women out to bloodthirsty creatures until they¡¯ve had a few years of experience with a sword,¡± she explained.

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Zalan nodded.

    Yelsa laughed a small chuckle.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan asked, though he appreciated the levity.

    ¡°I find the information you ask for amusing,¡± Yelsa said. ¡°You ask things like ¡®why is it bright right now?¡¯ and I reply with ¡®the sun is out,¡¯ and suddenly you imply the world makes more sense to you. You are old enough to have simply observed these things for yourself. Were you taught nothing in your old land?¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t have Levels in my old land,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°How would one know to be ready to take on the monsters outside your cities, then?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Uhhhh¡­¡± Zalan ran through a number of explanations in his mind.

    He was originally going to say that there were no monsters, but felt that lacked nuance when it could be dangerous to go out in the wilderness alone. He could explain the technology he had back home, or maybe take the point of view of an old hunter-gatherer society replacing ¡®monsters¡¯ with animals that would need to be hunted for food. He decided the technology explanation would be easiest if he pulled out his phone, but as he felt his pocket, he realized there was nothing there but spare food in case of emergency. He finally decided that a non-answer might work best.

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    ¡°You know, we just kind of figure it out.¡±

    ¡°Fascinating,¡± Yelsa rolled her eyes, not appreciating him dodging the question.

    Zalan only then noticed that they were walking on grassy terrain, hills and flowers all over the surrounding area. The flora smelled fresh and he saw trees dotting the path ahead of them, waving to him invitingly as a light breeze passed through their leaves. Zalan was pleasantly surprised to see creatures he recognized, like a butterfly fluttering between flowers and a bee buzzing by his head. Zalan smiled a bit, then felt Rep¡¯s hand on his shoulder as he leaned in to speak with him.

    ¡°How are you feeling? Did you sleep all right? Have any nightmares?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrows furled together.

    ¡°No, why? Was I a restless sleeper or something?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Rep said, looking pleased. Zalan¡¯s inquisitive face made him feel like he needed to share more. ¡°I just wanted to check in and see that you were doing fine after the harrowing events of last night. You looked very eager to travel, so I did not want to slow you down if you felt fine.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it was pretty scary at the time, but¡ªAHHHHH!¡± Zalan shrieked and Rep immediately ignited a flame in his palm in reaction, prepared for battle.

    Fran, Gorb, and Yelsa turned to him, stunned, then Fran looked around them and put pieces together quickly.

    ¡°Does he always squeal among Roaches?¡± Fran asked.

    ¡°I thought they would only be in the deserts! I hate them so much,¡± Zalan hissed, pointing his hand towards the nest at the base of a tree a few feet away from them.

    ¡°Another way of saying ¡®yes,¡¯¡± Fran said, leaning over to Yelsa. Yelsa smiled, but their mockery rolled right off Zalan¡¯s back when the Roaches were so close by.

    The little hairs, the twitching antennae, and the gross, orange eyes all came together to make him feel sickened upon seeing them. They crawled over one another in an attempt to chew at the bark at the base of the tree.

    ¡°Can we just move on? I hate them,¡± Zalan repeated.

    ¡°Why not use your newfound power against them?¡± Rep suggested. ¡°Do some training in a much safer setting,¡± he said, directing his voice to Fran and Gorb who looked away, embarrassed and ashamed.

    ¡°Only if you promise not to let one touch me,¡± Zalan told Rep.

    ¡°Oh, absolutely,¡± Yelsa offered, drawing her bow and nocking an arrow. ¡°I hate the look of those things, I will personally destroy any that come too close.¡±

    ¡°But you may find that you will not need assistance this time,¡± Rep said with encouragement.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan said sarcastically, already shuddering at the view of the Roaches.

    He raised one hand and held his sword in the other, preparing for any that would rush at him. He counted about eight of them and steeled himself in concentration. A jolt of lightning jumped from his hand and shocked the tree, missing all of the Roaches. Zalan tried again and was able to strike a Roach, causing it to collapse, its antennae twitching wildly.

    ¡°No way,¡± Zalan said, excited. He proceeded to fire a blast of lightning at it a second time. Rolling over, the creature died on contact. ¡°No way!¡± he said, more excited.

    The other Roaches were searching around the nest now, looking for the cause of their dead brethren. By the time they assessed Zalan and his group as a threat, Zalan was able to kill another Roach from a comfortable distance. Even when they started charging at him, they didn¡¯t feel nearly as threatening as they did the first time around. Zalan felt like a pest exterminator, killing the Roaches one by one as they approached and became easier targets. The six remaining Roaches quickly dwindled down to one and in his excitement. Zalan ran to close the gap between them and crushed it with his foot while zapping it with electricity. It died immediately.

    ¡°Yes!!¡± Zalan raised his fists to the air in celebration. ¡°I am the Roach Killer! Look upon me and weep, Roaches!¡±

    His fellow travelers smiled in amusement, except for Rep who applauded him on his victory.

    ¡°Well done Zalan!¡± Rep cheered.

    ¡°Level Two is insane! How much Experience did I gain from that?¡± Zalan asked, tapping his fingers to check his stats. He only gained a single point, leaving him at 6 Experience. It dampened his mood slightly. ¡°Oh, just one point.¡±

    ¡°Well, they are Roaches. They are quite easy to defeat despite the disgust they put through me,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Me too, they are too putrid to look at,¡± Yelsa agreed, nodding to Fran. They seemed to enjoy having the attribute in common.

    Zalan bobbed his head in agreement, taking one last look at the Roach massacre. Zalan was about to leave, then remembered to search for Artifacts, kicking the dead Roaches over to look over them for anything out of the ordinary. The victory put him in a great mood and he looked forward on the path to see if he could spot the castle from here. He felt ready to fight anything right now. He peered at the horizon, but couldn¡¯t see any castles from where he stood.

    ¡°Shall we go slay a dragon, then?¡± Zalan asked valiantly.

    ¡°Gladly,¡± Fran smirked as they continued their way to the castle.

 Chapter 22 - The Mind of Madness

    The travelers continued their way on the path, the lush grass opening to some sparse trees in a lightly wooded forest. At first, Zalan found this shaded area a welcome improvement until he noticed the way that his companions began watching the trees for ambushes, drawing their weapons even though there was no immediate threat. Zalan drew his own sword, just to be safe. When a few minutes went by and a trap wasn¡¯t sprung, they mostly relaxed except for Gorb. Zalan kept his sword out and tried to imbue it with his Elemental Power again, focusing as hard as he could to keep lightning running up and down the blade while also making sure he didn¡¯t trip anywhere.

    ¡°Trying to imbue your weapon? Did the siblings teach you about imbuing?¡± Rep asked him, curious.

    ¡°Yeah, this should be so much easier since metal conducts electricity,¡± Zalan complained, his face strained in concentration.

    ¡°Right,¡± Rep said slowly, not understanding the string of words Zalan said. ¡°Sir Kilile taught us to try and start with a single point on your weapon and to maintain it that way.¡±

    Rep demonstrated by creating a tiny candle-like flame at the tip of his sword and moving it around, trying to keep it lit. He swung it once and it went out, to his disappointment.

    ¡°Is that what you¡¯ve been doing?¡± Zalan said in surprise, lowering his sword to watch Rep try to light another flame at the tip.

    ¡°It is already difficult to manipulate your Elemental Power once it leaves your hand,¡± Rep explained as he slowly moved his sword. ¡°It is best to get an understanding of what it feels like to maintain a small level of your power before you go larger.¡±

    ¡°Like training a muscle,¡± Zalan said to himself. It should have been obvious, especially when they referred to this Elemental ability stuff as a ¡°mind-muscle¡± previously.

    Zalan pinched the tip of his sword with his free hand and cast out lightning. He removed his hand and focused, able to keep the spark erratically dancing on the tip for all of half a second. He beamed, not having been able to do anything close to that before.

    ¡°I think I get it!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Well done,¡± Rep nodded.

    The two continued to practice imbuing their swords as they continued on their way. Zalan tried different tricks like holding his sword at different angles or placing an even smaller piece of lightning on the end of the sword, but nothing helped more than simple, rote practice. Rep was making good headway, able to swing his sword once and still maintain the tiny flame at the end of his sword. Zalan admired the progress, until he bumped into Gorb who had stopped walking, his eyes focused on something in the distance beyond the edge of the forest.

    ¡°Do you see that?¡± he asked, speaking quietly.

    The other travelers peered out, squinting their eyes as they tried to make out the shape at the distance. It was floating high above the ground, looking like a blimp to Zalan. The circular shaped black object was growing steadily, making no rush to come to the forest, but certainly getting closer. It seemed foreboding, like it was coming with bad news, even when they could not make out any features. Zalan swallowed hard, not sure why he felt so nervous.

    ¡°Is it a dragon?¡± Yelsa whispered.

    ¡°We would have seen the wings,¡± Fran rejected.

    ¡°It does not feel like a dragon,¡± Gorb added.

    From the dark circle, two black, opaque spotlights scanned the floor for a moment, then stopped. The other four travelers tensed in fear as Zalan tried to make out exactly what he was seeing.

    ¡°Dear God. Here? So far from home?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Zalan asked, watching the circle emit another two black spotlights to the floor. The spotlights were so dark, it was like a flashlight of shadow, completely overpowering any light it touched.

    ¡°Hide. Do not let it see you,¡± Rep informed him, pulling at his shoulder to move deeper into the forest.

    ¡°But what is it?¡± Zalan asked, reluctantly following Rep. His eyes remained on the thing approaching. Even knowing nothing about it, he wanted it to go away.

    ¡°That is the Mind of Madness,¡± Fran said. The lack of amusement in her voice made Zalan realize how serious their situation was. He turned his eyes ahead and looked for a good hiding spot, joining the others in pushing brush aside in search.

    ¡°What is it? What do those beams of darkness do?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°They drive you mad,¡± Gorb replied stoically. ¡°Do not get caught by the beams. Even a small portion of the beam bouncing by you might be enough to affect you severely. Treat this like you are hiding from the sun. Let nothing remain uncovered.¡±

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    Yelsa found herself a nook at the base of a tree and dove in, not even worrying about anything that might already be living inside. Gorb decided to cut down branches of a leafy tree to pile up and crawl under. Fran was using her sword to cut into soft earth and bury herself except for her face which she placed a cloth aside to cover herself in. All three of them moved with such efficiency, it was like watching people prepare for a nuclear strike, each with their own shelter. Zalan looked back at the Mind of Madness, slowly growing larger as it floated in their direction, then back at the travelers.

    ¡°What do I do?¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    ¡°Here, this,¡± Rep rolled over an old log that had broken down into a semicircle. He could crawl under it, but it was decayed and had holes in the top. ¡°Cover the holes. Not a shred of darkness can seep in, do you understand?¡± Zalan nodded numbly, the severity in Rep¡¯s words were frightening.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I will find something, myself,¡± Rep assured him, taking a few steps and searching for something more.

    Zalan wasted no time, using his sword to cut down a branch and pull off leaves to stick on the holes and glue with mud created by a creek nearby. He kept throwing glances at the Mind of Madness¡¯s approach, it had come close enough to make out a few features. It was like a giant gray head with no mouth. Its eyes were a deep, soulless pit. There were ridges running along the top of the head like tiny rock formations, but it made the Mind of Madness look as though it were perpetually enraged, searching for something to destroy. Out of the dark abyss of its eyes emitted the black spotlights, sucking away all the light on whatever it gazed upon. Zalan redoubled his efforts, actually breaking a sweat in trying to cover his log.

    Finally, when he decided he had done the best he could, he looked to Fran to ask her to put a tiny flame above it to make sure no light got in, but she was gone, buried underground. In fact, everyone was already hidden away except for him. He quickly scrambled under his log and pressed himself close to the ground. It was dark inside, but he could see that there were still small holes perpendicular to the ground. The light filtered in like rungs of a ladder, ready to be climbed.

    There was very little time. It was almost here. He grabbed mud from his constricted position and stuck it into the holes from the inside as fast as possible. There were still threads of light shining across, but Zalan decided that it shouldn¡¯t cause any issue unless the Mind of Madness lowered itself all the way to the ground. From what he had seen, it didn¡¯t give any indication of doing anything but float and blast darkness from its eyes. There was no danger from any light creeping in from above, and no worry about it coming to target him from the side.

    The Mind of Madness was close now and they could do nothing but wait.

    Zalan couldn¡¯t hear the Mind of Madness approach, it was silent in its movement, but he felt it. He knew, without a doubt, that it was floating right above them. Its soulless eyes scanning the area for intelligent life. An ominous silence hung over the area. The Mind of Madness wasn¡¯t moving on. Zalan crushed the dirt under his palms tightly as he tried to escape its mere presence.

    Then, in an instant, the area felt darker than night. The jet-black spotlights from its eyes immediately snuffed out any light from all directions. Zalan couldn¡¯t see a thing. But he felt terrible suffering. He curled up into a ball and began hyperventilating, panicking. He had no idea where the feelings came from. He was in so much pain, it was excruciating. He was twitching on the earth, shivering madly from the sensation.

    What he did not know is that while he had sufficiently covered himself from being hit by the dark spotlights, the creek nearby reflected the darkness just as it would reflect the light. The reflected beam had struck him in the side through one of the tiny holes he hadn¡¯t covered properly. He only tasted a tiny modicum of the beam. It was a speck of the spotlight¡¯s power, but it was enough to affect him seriously.

    Then, mercifully, the Mind of Madness stopped its beam and moved on. Immediately, Zalan stopped his panicked breathing, but his heart did not slow at all. He continued to curl tighter into a ball under the log and thought of nothing except desperately wanting to be home. He thought of his mom. It made him feel worse.

    It was a few minutes before Gorb emerged from his hiding spot first, looking around to ensure they were safe. He saw the back of the Mind of Madness, slowly drifting away from them at a distance.

    ¡°It has moved on. Is everyone all right?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I seemed to have jumped in with some bitey ants,¡± Yelsa emerged from within the tree, presenting the series of small bites on her forearm.

    Fran emerged from the ground and Rep came out from under bushes and a blanket from his pack. Rep immediately looked around with urgency when Zalan wasn¡¯t standing among them.

    ¡°Zalan? Zalan!¡± Rep called.

    ¡°Not so loud, it is still close by,¡± Gorb warned, looking over his shoulder vigilantly for the Mind of Madness. It continued drifting away.

    Rep ran to the log, the surrounding area littered with dead bugs, wilting flowers, and immobile butterflies that had been gazed at. Rep tossed the log over, gasped, and held Zalan up as his friend experienced immense pains. Zalan groaned in agony.

    ¡°It hurts! I don¡¯t know where it got me, but it hurts!¡± Zalan yelled, his eyes redshot.

    ¡°It is a mental pain,¡± Rep said solemnly. ¡°It is not a wound on your body, but it hurts all the same.¡±

    ¡°It hurts!¡± Zalan repeated, clutching his chest like he was trying to remove his heart.

    The other travelers stared awkwardly, not knowing how to handle this. They kept shifting uncomfortably in place, uncertain if there was anything that they could do to help. They let Rep handle it just by being close to Zalan. Rep looked up at them compassionately.

    ¡°Imagine he was hit with the full blast of the Mind of Madness. From what little we know of the creature, we should consider him to be experiencing great grief. Perhaps, he is grieving the loss of someone close and we should treat him as such,¡± Rep suggested.

    That made it much easier. Zalan¡¯s companions no longer had to temper themselves by remaining a respectable distance away. They had not experienced the darkness of the Mind of Madness themselves, but they had heard tales of what was happening to Zalan. The attack had exacerbated whatever had been toiling away inside of him, creating a terrible ball of anguish to fester until the power passed. If it did not pass, he would certainly be driven mad.

    Fran lit a small flame in her palm to hold near Zalan, hoping to warm his body and his soul. Gorb kept a warm breeze going through him to soothe him. Yelsa knelt down and put a waterskin to his lips to help him drink something. Rep continued to embrace him as Zalan grit his teeth, experiencing the agony that the tiny shred of the Mind of Madness¡¯s darkness sent through him.

 Chapter 23 - Heart and Mind

    Zalan wasn¡¯t sure how long he had remained in the brooding, catatonic parts of his mind, but he knew for certain when he was lucid once more. Fran, Rep, Gorb, and Yelsa were looking him over with concern and compassion. He was sitting upright against a tree, cold sweat drying from the top of his head to the base of his neck. His eyes were dry. He took a waterskin offered to him by Yelsa and hydrated himself. He wasn¡¯t hungry, thanks to the Satiator, but he felt cold all the way down to his innermost core. The water was warm after being heated by Rep and it revitalized him to the point of being able to speak again.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, offering the water back, then looking at his companions. ¡°Thank you,¡± he repeated, this time intending to thank them all for their help. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened to me.¡±

    ¡°The amount of people that can withstand the Mind of Madness are few. Those who have survived a full-on blast are legendary. Even a tiny part of its power is unbearable. I am pleased you are beyond the worst of it,¡± Gorb said seriously.

    He held out an arm to see if Zalan wanted help standing. Zalan took it and stretched his legs, only then realizing how sore they had become holding themselves in a tight ball for so long. He looked around apprehensively in the direction the Mind of Madness was drifting. It was out of sight at this time.

    ¡°What is that thing? Are Mind of Madnesses all over the place?¡± Zalan asked, as he continued to look around in various directions. He was shivering slightly despite the temperate air of the forest.

    ¡°As far as we know, there is only one in the world,¡± Yelsa replied. ¡°It roams the land when it pleases, but always returns home to a lightless mine known as the Depths of Despair near the city of Nightfall.¡±

    ¡°It is one of the lesser Beasts of Slumber,¡± Rep added, a serious inflection in his voice.

    ¡°What¡¯s a Beast of Slumber?¡± Zalan asked, already disturbed by the name alone.

    ¡°The worst creatures in the realm. The most powerful, destructive monsters that we know of. Pray you do not find yourself ever facing one,¡± Rep said gravely. ¡°Fortunately, unlike the Mind of Madness, the Beasts of Slumber do not move unless provoked. They have not even been seen in the realm in years.¡±

    ¡°And the Mind of Madness just drifts around any time it isn¡¯t home? So, it could be anywhere?¡± Zalan asked.

    The four travelers nodded gravely.

    ¡°Very few have tried to attack it, as all it takes is a single gaze to render you unable to fight. Perhaps, unable to live,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Can you walk? I think some movement would help you feel better,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s make some more distance,¡± Zalan nodded, wanting to get as far away from this spot as possible.

    They continued their journey to the castle and only after a few steps did Zalan realize how slow they were moving. He was setting the pace, and it was a gradual one. His steps were more methodical, as if every movement counted. He felt more grateful to be alive than he could ever remember. But his heart throbbed as though it was bruised, still bearing the pains of the Mind of Madness. His thoughts kept trying to drift to his mother. A flash of her radiant smile. The revitalizing feeling of a warm hug. Eating a meal made with love. And he would cast the thought away before he became forlorn. It wasn¡¯t long after they reached a clearing not far from where they started and Rep suggested they make camp.

    ¡°Right now? But there¡¯s¡­¡± Zalan trailed when he saw the sun was no longer overhead, but much further along its trajectory in the sky, ready to sink into the horizon in an hour or so. He blinked, not understanding. ¡°How long was I out of it?¡± he asked, confused and concerned.

    ¡°A decent amount of time,¡± Fran offered. She didn¡¯t smirk or offer an additional point of mockery and it made Zalan consider that ¡°a decent amount of time¡± may have been hours.

    They began setting up camp, though it only took them mere minutes to be ready for rest.  There was no food that needed to be cooked. They sat around the large fire that Fran started, each person looking furtively at Zalan, then looking away. Eyes connected with him, but didn¡¯t linger for more than an instant. He felt like he was being watched, but no one wanted to converse with him.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°You all seem to be staring for some reason.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will just ask,¡± Fran began, inching herself forward on the log she sat on.

    ¡°Fran, allow him to recover first,¡± Rep attempted, but Fran waved her hand at him unenthusiastically.

    ¡°If he does not want to answer, that is fine, but I know we all have the same question!¡± Fran said. Fran waited for any more protests from her fellow travelers, then pursued her curiosity. ¡°What was it like to be struck by the floating creature?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? It was awful,¡± Zalan replied, shivering.

    ¡°Certainly, there is no question that it was awful, but what was it like? What did you experience? What did you see?¡± Fran asked.

    Zalan looked between the other travelers and saw the burning hunger in their eyes for answers. It wasn¡¯t just that surviving a direct beam from the Mind of Madness was legendary, but they had never even met someone that had survived being struck with a sliver of its power. They were eager to know a first-hand account, no matter how awful it looked.

    ¡°Have you ever had someone close to you pass away? Someone very close like a best friend, a parent, or maybe even a beloved pet?¡± Zalan asked. Each of the travelers nodded, so he continued. ¡°You know that first feeling you get? The little wretching inside your heart when you are first told that your best friend is dead? It¡¯s just like that, but worse. And it keeps going. Instead of a rational part of your brain that allows you to know that it¡¯s going to get better with time, it¡¯s just the pain of loss. Over and over, like waves of an ocean that want desperately to drown you. There was no part of my brain that got to acknowledge good times because the reaction wasn¡¯t as a result of someone¡¯s passing. It was just the dreaded sensation, and nothing to connect it to. The feeling of my worst fear being realized, over and over. It hurt. A lot.¡±

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    The travelers nodded gravely, having a better understanding and a higher respect for Zalan having been through that. They reflected on the description for a few moments, not wishing that feeling on their worst enemy.

    ¡°Does it still pain you?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Yeah. A little. It¡¯s almost gone now. Right now it¡¯s like a little bubble of anxiety in my heart, but I feel like it¡¯ll go away. I don¡¯t know how I know, but it¡¯s like it just keeps feeling better now that I¡¯m out of the worst part,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°That is good to hear,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Thank you for sharing,¡± Gorb nodded gratefully.

    ¡°I could withstand the creature,¡± Fran said abruptly.

    ¡°You absolutely could not,¡± Gorb turned to her in disbelief.

    ¡°I really think I could! It sounds as though you could surpass it if you had enough conviction!¡± Fran said bravely.

    ¡°That is so easy for you to pretend to know when you have not experienced it like Zalan,¡± Yelsa scoffed.

    ¡°Yes, but I know I could do it. I could withstand it all at full force,¡± Fran said.

    Zalan picked up that Fran was talking about taking on a direct beam from the Mind of Madness. He was going to protest, but realized that it made him feel better to belittle the Mind of Madness in some way. He never wanted to see it again, and would like his memory of it to be less harrowing. Plus, he was partly sure that Fran just wanted to take it on because it was so strong and she thought it would make a great battle.

    ¡°I think you would cry like a baby and ask for Nibbles to forgive you,¡± Gorb smiled fiendishly as he teased her.

    ¡°I was five years old!¡± Fran shot back.

    ¡°She grew so attached to a goat she called Nibbles that she believed that it would not be eaten,¡± Gorb began explaining to the rest. ¡°Keep in mind that from the beginning, Father told her we would eat that goat in a few weeks¡¯ time. He never implied it would be spared. Still, Fran believed Nibbles was too precious to consume. Then, one day, we had goat for dinner. When she discovered that our most recent meal was her favorite goat, she kept calling to her stomach, pleading for Nibbles to forgive her.¡±

    Gorb laughed loudly and the others were greatly amused by the story, save for Fran who was growing more embarrassed the more that was shared.

    ¡°You were screaming at your stomach?¡± Rep chuckled, amused at the image.

    ¡°Excuse me for being an empathetic child!¡± Fran snapped.

    ¡°Empathetic? What changed that made you become what you are today?¡± Yelsa asked, causing the group to laugh, Fran included. Zalan felt the remaining blemishes on his heart ebb away. He felt a lot better now in the company of these people. His friends? It was hard to categorize them. He used to mark his friends as Favorite Contact on his phone. He wasn¡¯t sure what he was supposed to do with dream companions.

    Not long after, they settled down to go to sleep and Rep took the first watch. Zalan asked nervously whether they would have to look out for the Mind of Madness overnight, but Rep assured him that it normally went back home overnight. ¡°Normally¡± didn¡¯t make Zalan feel much safer when he didn¡¯t know what was ¡°normal¡± in this world. But after a few minutes, he was able to find sleep and woke up what felt like moments later in the early hours of the morning.

    Zalan sat up and looked around. The lack of his phone made him feel much more inclined to get up as soon as he woke up. Gorb was the only one awake, the last one on watch for the evening. He was observing Zalan curiously.

    ¡°Are you sleeping okay? Are you having nightmares?¡± Gorb asked.

    Zalan made a face, feeling a strong sense of deja vu to a conversation he had with Rep the day before. In a mortified moment, he wondered if he soiled himself in his sleep, riddled by nightmares of the Mind of Madness. He breathed easy when he confirmed his fear wasn¡¯t true. He looked back up to Gorb.

    ¡°I slept fine, why do you ask?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Then why do you sleep like that?¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡± Zalan asked, immediately feeling self-conscious first thing in the morning.

    ¡°You frown in your sleep. I noticed it back in the guild,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrows twitched in a mix of offense and apprehension.

    ¡°How am I supposed to know what I do while I sleep?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I thought you would know. I have yet to see you sleep with anything but a frown,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know why it happens,¡± Zalan said, grumpy.

    ¡°When was the last time you cried?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan balked, already hating the direction the conversation was taking.

    ¡°When did tears last leave your eyes? For any reason. Fear, grief, doubt, uncertainty. When did you last cry?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°What kind of question is that? I don¡¯t know, when did you last cry?¡± Zalan countered.

    ¡°Two nights ago,¡± Gorb answered immediately.

    ¡°I¡­ huh? Why?¡± Zalan was entirely off balance now.

    ¡°I began recounting events of the day. I counted the amount of things I was grateful to God for. I felt very grateful for my sister. And the fact Fran lived through a Giant Gargoyle unscathed. I was grateful to be able to come home with you largely unharmed. Grateful for my parents. For my eyes. My senses. And much more. I was overwhelmed. It brought me to tears,¡± Gorb said, in a heartfelt tone.

    Zalan remained quiet for a moment, examining Gorb. Zalan never thought about his lack of tears before. Gorb was a grand man, eclipsing Zalan in both height and strength, but he was talking about tears he shed. It seemed oxymoronic when Gorb insisted on being called ¡°Gorbonifus¡± since Zalan wasn¡¯t a strong man. But he wasn¡¯t even shy about crying. Perhaps Gorb¡¯s definition of a strong man was a lot different than Zalan¡¯s.

    ¡°What does this have to do with my sleeping?¡± Zalan asked, trying to bring the conversation back around.

    ¡°I fear that the reason you cannot recall the most recent time you cried is because you cannot recall any time you cried as an adult. The lack of tears will make your heart dry. A dry heart makes for a more difficult life and more tumultuous sleep,¡± Gorb explained.

    ¡°Or maybe the Mind of Madness will do that to a person,¡± Zalan said, trying to sidestep the conversation. He suddenly felt incomplete. He didn¡¯t know how to cry.

    ¡°There is something more happening within you, Zalan. We can all see it, the missing piece of you. Your emotions leave you easily embarrassed or often not ready for simple questions. You are unstable. Not in a way that lends any danger to us, but perhaps danger to your future self,¡± Gorb said sincerely.

    ¡°You ever think I¡¯m telling the truth about being from a different world? That would explain a lot of the differences between the way we think,¡± Zalan deflected, but he knew Gorb was right in some way. He had felt off since before he came to this world.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Gorb allowed. ¡°But even so, I would try to find tears of comfort in your life before you are buried in tears of pain, like from a dragon. Try to recount the things you are grateful for in the dead of night. It will benefit you, I assure you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Zalan accepted, desperate to escape the therapy session with Gorb.

    ¡°Excellent,¡± Gorb smiled. Then he cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted with intensity powered by his Elemental Air power. ¡°Wake up!¡± he boomed, causing all the sleeping travelers to jump from bed with swords in their groggy hands.They looked around confused until Gorb clarified. ¡°There is no danger. We are leaving!¡±

 Chapter 24 - Boznoks

    The travelers emerged from the forest quickly, the lack of need for breakfast had them on their way immediately after waking up. Zalan was only now coming to terms with just how incredible an Artifact the Satiator was. There was so much time normally put into cooking and eating that they could now skip. He took a moment to consider himself grateful for it. Very grateful. He waited, but not even a hint of tears came to his eyes. Perhaps there was a trick to this crying thing that he wasn¡¯t aware of?

    Gorb made certain to scan the horizon for any evidence of the Mind of Madness before continuing their way to the Castle of Docrun. When he indicated to everyone that the skies were clear, the rest of the travelers breathed in relief, the slight anxiety of the possibility of meeting the creature once more was reduced for now.

    The forest cleared to a meadow of flowers with the path cutting through the center. The smells were fragrant and light, like a mix of honey and perfume. The meadows were almost a spectrum of colors and light as far as their eyes could see. That was, except for a small circle patch that had met the gaze of the Mind of Madness the day before.

    ¡°Why does it do that?¡± Zalan asked. He didn¡¯t have to indicate to the dead zone in the flower beds, everyone immediately knew what he was referring to.

    ¡°When we saw the creature pass by on our journey, I was told by Sir Rolcoth that the Mind of Madness desires madness. In its perverse way, it enjoys it. The monster wishes to see madness wherever it flies,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°You saw it when you were on your way to get the Elemental Power?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°On the way back home,¡± Gorb nodded.

    ¡°What was that like? Did it get Rolcoth?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Sir Rolcoth,¡± Gorb corrected immediately. ¡°It was a similarly distressing experience for me. Sir Rolcoth told us to hide without a second thought. He was Level Twelve! He could topple a tree or two with enough power of his wind. But even he did not want to be caught on the same path as the Mind of Madness. It changed how I saw strength.¡±

    ¡°Is that it?¡± Yelsa pointed forward and the rest of the travelers tensed in terror, wondering how they were supposed to find a place to hide from the Mind of Madness in such an open space. But when they looked forward to see what Yelsa extended her arm at, they only saw the shape of a building on the horizon. They all turned to glare at her.

    ¡°What?¡± she shrunk a bit, then realized what was happening. ¡°Oh, no, not the¡­ I meant is that the castle?¡±

    ¡°Next time, clarify sooner,¡± Fran warned, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice.

    ¡°The castle is past a town and across a river,¡± Rep said, trying to make out the building. ¡°We should see the river at the same time we see Docrun.¡±

    ¡°On second thought, it looks to be a Boznok den,¡± Yelsa drew her bow.

    The others drew their weapons as well, Zalan fumbling for his sword.

    ¡°Boznoks?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Are they dangerous?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°They can be,¡± Fran shrugged.

    ¡°Would the Mind of Madness have even left them alone?¡± Yelsa asked.

    The group considered this carefully. The Mind of Madness had certainly come through this area, and if it had affected the Boznoks, then there was no concern of a battle.

    ¡°Can we go around them?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°There is no need,¡± Fran said confidently. ¡°With five travelers, we will handily be able to ward off any number of Boznoks. They are strong, but not at a distance. So long as they do not ambush us, we will have the advantage.¡±

    ¡°We could be cautious and go around anyway,¡± Rep offered, glancing at Zalan.

    ¡°Let us first see whether they survived the Mind of Madness before altering our route,¡± Yelsa said. ¡°I do not wish to lose all of the Satiator¡¯s blessing before we arrive at the town between us and the castle.¡±

    Zalan shrugged as Rep nervously followed the other travelers stalking forward. Yelsa pulled out an arrow and nocked it on her bow. Gorb and Fran led the way, Fran preparing to imbue her sword at the first sign of danger, but not sooner in order to prevent being seen at a distance. Zalan felt exposed, the meadowy, grassy fields felt far too open and empty. Where the meadow was so inviting a moment ago, it felt like a disadvantage now. If the Boznoks could spew a large wad of acid at a distance, they would all be burned before they even got a good view of them. It was maddening not knowing about the creature they were being hunted by.

    After a few minutes, Zalan was able to make out the shape and size of the Boznok den. It was a large treehouse built from the base and extending much higher up in the tree, large enough to hold at least a score of people comfortably, if not more. There were pointed sticks accenting the ends of all the rooftops, some of them stained with red, but whether it was red ink or blood, Zalan couldn¡¯t tell. The den was held in the only tree in the meadow, and Zalan soon realized that it was surrounded by other tree stumps, likely the source for the wood used to build the rest of the den. Zalan couldn¡¯t see anything inside the windows of the den, nor could he hear anything but the flowers and grass waving in the faint, fragrant breeze. Even the base of the den was covered in flowers, and it seemed to Zalan that it was intentionally maintained to keep it decorative. The closer they all got, the more Zalan wondered if there was any threat in the den. They were a stone¡¯s throw away when they stopped moving, keeping themselves at the ready.

    ¡°Is it safe?¡± Zalan whispered.

    ¡°It looks to be empty. I think the Mind of Madness got them,¡± Yelsa whispered back.

    ¡°No,¡± Gorb said immediately. ¡°The flowers at the base of the den still live.¡±

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    ¡°They are covered by the rest of the den, they may have been shielded from the blast,¡± Yelsa answered.

    ¡°But I would suspect something around here to be out of place after being visited by the Mind of Madness,¡± Gorb said, using his sword to present the larger area of thriving flora.

    ¡°Then where are the Boznoks?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Perhaps they went out to hunt?¡± Rep said hopefully.

    Fran shook her head.

    ¡°They are not careful creatures. They certainly would have trampled the grass or flowers if they had just left. We would see some signs if they left anytime today,¡± Fran answered.

    ¡°What if they left a long time ago?¡± Rep asked.

    Fran measured the question in her mind and shrugged ambivalently.

    They continued to stare at all the windows of the den, tracing the edges of the ground floor with their eyes to make sure they were not hiding away from them, preparing for an ambush. Finally, Gorb made a motion that he would go forward alone to draw out any attacks and for the others to keep back and cover him.

    He rushed forward, leaving the others behind, except for Fran who decided not to listen to her brother¡¯s orders. The two ran across the path forward, stopping when they were standing just below the treehouse at the highest point in the tree. They looked at one another and shrugged silently, waving for the rest of the travelers to come forward.

    Rep, Zalan, and Yelsa joined them cautiously, but soon saw that there was nothing creeping around to spring on them. Rep breathed more easily and Zalan began to admire the mishmashed architecture of the treehouse-like den. The logs were cut at the edges and set into one another like fastens instead of just tied together. The den looked sound, and could probably withstand a bad storm without falling apart.

    ¡°What are Boznoks? They made this by themselves?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Fascinating creatures, really,¡± Fran said. ¡°Do you want to see the inside of their home?¡±

    ¡°We really should be leaving before they get back,¡± Rep said with some urgency.

    ¡°It will only take a minute and Gorb will watch the horizon for us,¡± Fran promised.

    Gorb rolled his eyes and reluctantly nodded as Fran ran to the front door of the lowest part of the den, which was more a wood slab placed on the entryway than it was a door with hinges.

    ¡°Now, pay attention to the carvings they make into the lower part of the walls,¡± Fran said theatrically to Zalan just before she pulled off the slab. Zalan smiled with anticipation, really curious how this otherworldly creature depicted culture in its home. Fran placed her arm on the slab and threw it open. ¡°Here we¡­ Oh¡­¡±

    ¡°Dear God!¡± Yelsa screamed, immediately taking a few paces away and raising her bow.

    The floor of the den was filled with fifteen napping Boznoks, all sleeping next to their various clubs and weapons. The Boznoks were about human-sized, but their heads were horned and shaped like that of a bull, like a partial minotaur. Their muscular arms and bodies looked almost exactly like humans, except that their legs ended in hooves instead of feet. As soon as Fran threw the door open, sunlight streamed in enough to wake two on the far end of the room. One spun itself upright and armed itself immediately as the other rolled lazily to check on the door.

    ¡°Mrrf?¡± the second Boznok asked, then widened its bulbous eyes.

    It began braying madly, immediately awakening the rest of the Boznoks. They screamed and yelled, all immediately arming themselves and pointing at their intruders before rushing at them in a stream to the door. Fran threw Zalan backward who would have fallen all the way over if he was not caught by a burst of wind from Gorb. Fran threw a giant flame at the front door, blocking the exit with a large column of fire, but the Boznoks immediately changed course and jumped out windows as the flame spread to their den.

    One began charging at Zalan with horns bared and Zalan could barely hold his sword up in time before it collapsed dead, an arrow sprouted from its head. He turned and saw Yelsa firing more arrows as the Boznoks continued to pour out of their den.

    ¡°Someone cover Zalan!¡± Yelsa said as two Boznoks flanked her forcing her to retreat.

    Zalan turned back around in time to brace himself before another Boznok tried to bore him with its horns, driving him a foot back as he held his sword up sturdily while panicking. He let out a zap of lightning, blinding the Boznok momentarily while it swung a mace at him, barely missing and destroying the grass where the weapon landed.

    ¡°I will be there soon!¡± Rep cried, throwing a small fireball at the back of the Boznok¡¯s head.

    The Boznok grunted in dissatisfaction, then wheeled its horns out of the lock it was in with Zalan¡¯s sword and turned toward Rep. Rep swallowed hard as he threw another fireball that was mostly disregarded by the Boznok that charged at him, horns pointed at his gut. Rep hesitated a moment too long and dove out of the way just as the Boznok sped by, but was hit by the Boznok¡¯s shoulder, sending him tumbling to the ground. Rep groaned in pain, not immediately jumping to his feet.

    ¡°Help!¡± Zalan called to the others, but upon chancing a glance at them he saw that each other fighter had their hands full.

    Yelsa was gracefully keeping her distance from the Boznoks trying to rush her, but she had no moment to aid Zalan and Rep. Gorb and Fran were taking ten Boznoks, holding them at bay to make sure Zalan and Rep weren¡¯t overwhelmed. Zalan gripped his sword tightly and ran at the Boznok that was trading parries with Rep who was despairingly trying to stand up between defending himself from the mace. Zalan stabbed forward, only for the Boznok to spot him in his peripheral and bob backward, easily avoiding the sword. Zalan threw out his other hand and blasted the Boznok with lightning in its face. It receded a few steps and shook its head, growling in pain as Zalan helped Rep to his feet.

    ¡°It knows how to handle that mace,¡± Rep said, breathing heavily.

    ¡°I think I know how to handle it too,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Distract it for me and give me some time to aim my lightning.¡±

    Rep bit his lip reluctantly before nodding and rushing forward with his sword pointed straight at his adversary. The Boznok snorted in amusement and swung its mace confidently, throwing Rep¡¯s sword way off trajectory and lodging it into the ground. Zalan didn¡¯t mean to notice it as he aimed, but it seemed to him that Rep wasn¡¯t a very good fighter. Between this fight and the one with the Flamestriker, he didn¡¯t seem nearly as adept as Gorb or Fran. Or even Yelsa now that he¡¯d seen her in action. In fact, Rep fought a lot like Zalan did, haphazardly swinging and hoping to connect his attacks.

    Zalan brushed aside the momentary thought and blasted the Boznok¡¯s mace with full lightning power for three seconds. The Boznok¡¯s grip shuddered madly for those seconds before finally letting go of his weapon, the pain coming through the metal weapon into its hand was too much to bear. Rep tried desperately to pull his sword from the ground as Zalan rushed forward. Rather than try and retrieve its weapon, the Boznok headbutted Rep, sending him flying back into the grass just as Zalan closed the gap and swung his sword. The Boznok twisted its head quickly and caught the sword with his horns, but Zalan was getting used to using his lightning when his sword failed, and struck it in the eyes with another jolt of power. The Boznok roared in pain long enough for Zalan to free his blade from the Boznok¡¯s horn and cut off the Boznok¡¯s right arm at the shoulder.

    The Boznok looked down at its detached arm in shock and then fell to its knees, holding the other arm up in surrender as it looked pleadingly at Zalan.

    ¡°Nice try,¡± Zalan said confidently, then kicked the Boznok over and stabbed it multiple times in the chest to ensure it was dead. He beamed at his first success and then turned around to see if he could be of any assistance to the others. Rather than the pandemonium that was going on moments before, he saw that the battle was over. Fran and Gorb had cut off the heads of all the Boznoks they faced and Yelsa had managed to get an arrow in both of the Boznok¡¯s heads even at such close quarters. Zalan smiled at his companions, raising his arms.

    ¡°We did it!¡± he shouted proudly.

    Only for them to reply by staring at him in abject horror.

 Chapter 25 - Outburst

    Zalan looked between his four companions in confusion, as they continued to watch him carefully, like something dangerous was creeping from within him. Rep looked like he was trying to calm the others down with his eyes alone. Zalan turned around to make sure that the Boznok was dead, then looked to Fran, desperate to break the strange silence.

    ¡°Good fight, right?¡± Zalan asked her. She looked away from him, discomfort written starkly on her face. She turned her whole body around, focusing on putting out the fire she started in the den before any serious structural damage took place. ¡°What¡¯s going on, what happened?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Were you blinded in battle? Are your eyes harmed?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Is that all? No, I¡¯m fine, we won without any big injuries!¡± Zalan smiled, only for it not to be reciprocated. Another moment of silence passed between them.

    ¡°Did you see the Boznok before you killed it?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Yeah, how else would I hit it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You saw the motion it made?¡± Gorb pressed.

    ¡°Like, saw it raise a hand at me? Sure. Right before I killed it,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°It is fine,¡± Rep said immediately, addressing the others, but was bulldozed by their visceral responses.

    ¡°What is wrong with you?¡± Yelsa snapped.

    ¡°Such evil,¡± Gorb breathed.

    Fran shook her head solemnly.

    ¡°What? What are you talking about?¡± Zalan asked, growing angry over the lack of answers.

    ¡°The Boznok was surrendering. It held its hand up and asked for mercy and you killed it,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°So what? I wasn¡¯t going to suddenly drop my weapon against it. It had just tried to stab me with a horn!¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°But it surrendered!¡± Yelsa protested.

    ¡°So what?¡± Zalan repeated louder, throwing his arms open. ¡°The thing was trying to kill me and Rep, but as soon as I have the opportunity to stop it, you want me to go easy? Look at all the ones you killed!¡±

    ¡°We killed them because we had no choice. None of ours surrendered,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°And we did not shove our blade into their chests repeatedly! We delivered quick and painless deaths after our intrusion!¡± Yelsa added.

    ¡°Intrusion? They came outside to attack us! I would have been perfectly happy not fighting them at all if they stayed in their home,¡± Zalan said scornfully.

    ¡°Yes, that is true,¡± Rep said, still trying to get a hold of the situation, but was again ignored.

    ¡°So, what, I was supposed to let it gore me with a horn or something?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It surrendered! If you were scared of it attacking you, a swift cut of the head would end the confrontation. You killed it with such brutality. You tortured it when it asked for leniency,¡± Yelsa said.

    ¡°He did not know,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°How can he not know what a surrendering Boznok looks like?¡± Gorb challenged.

    Rep opened his mouth to answer, but Zalan exploded,

    ¡°Because you never told me! You didn¡¯t tell me anything about these creatures or how they acted or if they were intelligent! You don¡¯t tell me anything until it¡¯s too late and then you blame me for not knowing! You were all so proud of me when I killed a bunch of Roaches, but apparently there¡¯s no equivalence to all monsters? You put these accusations on me when I¡¯m pretty sure you¡¯re the ones at fault for leaving me in the dark and expecting me to pick up all these things!¡±

    The others, Rep included, stared at him with wide eyes, the outburst stunning them all. Gorb cleared his throat and spoke gravely.

    ¡°Rep, you told us he could be trusted,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°And he can!¡± Rep insisted.

    ¡°His mind is at odds with itself. He purports to know nothing of the land, changes his emotions on a whim, and even releases vehement emotion to his allies,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°I¡¯m right here!¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°Are you?¡± Gorb opposed immediately. ¡°Your mind has not yet drifted back to its ¡®old world¡¯ and left us to pick up your ignorances?¡±

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    ¡°Gorb¡­¡± Rep said, at a loss for words.

    ¡°Oh, so first you think I flow too well with your plans, but as soon as I give you a real opinion, then there¡¯s something wrong with me?¡± Zalan said, stomping his way to close the gap between himself and Gorb.

    ¡°There has always been something wrong with you if you were capable of this act,¡± Gorb replied boldly.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Fran shouted violently, slashing the frenzy of anger away and giving the group a chance to look at her before continuing. ¡°The Boznoks were not at fault. They were awoken to see foreign invaders with weapons at their door,¡± Fran said loudly.

    ¡°You did that!¡± Zalan screamed, feeling like he was the only sane one around. ¡°You were the one that literally intruded on their home!¡±

    ¡°Exactly. And I take the blame in all this,¡± Fran said, another look of shame cast over her.

    Zalan realized for the first time that she had shown no excitement in the battle. None of them did. He was the only one happy to see his improvements in battle. The others were reeling from what was taken to be a massacre from their perspective. Self defense, sure, but an unnecessary fight. After the fight, he was trying to celebrate an act that none of them were glad to have committed. When he thought about it like that, there was no wonder they looked at him with so much mortification.

    ¡°We should try to get him to understand¡­¡± Gorb began, then blinked in shock as Fran slapped his chest with the flat of her sword to silence him.

    ¡°I take the blame. Anything you wish to reprimand Zalan on should instead be directed to me,¡± Fran ordered.

    ¡°You did not kill a surrendering¡­¡± Yelsa tried to get a word in but was cut off by a glare from Fran.

    ¡°I take all the blame. We have been treating Zalan like a loveable fool, but I believe he sincerely is lost to the knowledge of this world. He has told us several times that he is ignorant, and I still placed him in this situation,¡± Fran said, looking at Zalan. Zalan just nodded in reply, feeling like he was understood for the first time in this discussion.

    ¡°I am certain he did not mean any real harm,¡± Rep said on Zalan¡¯s behalf.

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t,¡± Zalan agreed.

    In reality, he didn¡¯t think it mattered. It was a dream world monster. And it was trying to kill him and his friend. There wasn¡¯t a real consequence to taking out the monster whether it was by the head or the chest.

    ¡°Oh, come now. Zalan was able to attain an Elemental Power while knowing nothing of the world?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°He had help,¡± Fran lowered her sword from Gorb¡¯s chest and put it back in her sheath.

    ¡°You do not find it suspect that he has had a surprisingly small amount of questions regarding what a dragon is?¡± Gorb asked skeptically.

    ¡°I kinda know about those already,¡± Zalan admitted abashedly.

    ¡°Your answers never make sense,¡± Yelsa sighed.

    ¡°Because we have not made the effort to understand,¡± Fran said. ¡°Look at him. He looked like how I remember myself when I was first learning to wield a sword. He does not know the etiquette of battle. He barely knows how to hold his weapon or carry himself.¡±

    The four others looked down at the sword in Zalan¡¯s hand. Zalan realized with some embarrassment that he was the only one with his weapon still out, the others having sheathed it soon after the battle. He clumsily placed it away, needing two tries to get it to slide in the sheath.

    ¡°I see your point,¡± Gorb finally said to Fran.

    ¡°So are we to treat him like a toddling child until we teach him everything he should already know?¡± Yelsa asked Fran, cracking her knuckles nervously.

    ¡°I would rather not be treated like a kid,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Fran said, her wry smile finally making an appearance. ¡°A child is far too advanced. Treat him like an infant who has not yet learned that fire is hot.¡±

    Zalan would have normally felt embarrassed, but he was so relieved that someone was smiling at him that he smiled back. He couldn¡¯t help but reciprocate her energy.

    ¡°You doing okay? You sound way smarter than usual,¡± Zalan smirked, trying to keep up the levity. In the back of his mind, he remembered Gorb¡¯s accusation that his emotions were out of balance and his movement from rage to jokes felt in line. He quickly ignored that sinking feeling in his stomach.

    Fran raised an eyebrow and continued her smile.

    ¡°Oh, so at first you thought I was reckless, but now that I have taken responsibility for my actions something is wrong with me?¡± Fran teased, matching the cadence in which Zalan asked his similar question earlier.

    Gorb scoffed, amused by the exchange, then nodded to himself and began making his way to the path. Fran skipped along behind him. Yelsa shrugged and followed as Zalan turned to Rep.

    ¡°Is it bad to ask if we should search for an Artifact in their den?¡± Zalan whispered.

    ¡°Bad idea. We had to kill them, but we do not have to steal from them,¡± Rep advised, patting Zalan¡¯s back and lightly guiding him back to the path with the rest of the group. Zalan suppressed a smile, happy to have Rep on his side during the whole confrontation.

    ¡°You okay? The Boznok got you pretty good,¡± Zalan asked him.

    ¡°I am fine. I just wish I could be of real use in battle,¡± Rep sighed, not wanting to further discuss his failure. ¡°How did you do that trick with the lightning and the mace?¡±

    ¡°What trick?¡± Zalan thought back to it, not thinking anything special about it.

    ¡°You blasted the mace with lightning at its tip, but the Boznok decided to let go of the mace. Was it a trick of the eye? Were you actually able to hit his hands, forcing him to release his weapon?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°What? No, I just hit the mace and the metal conducted the electricity enough to hit his hands,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°I do not understand,¡± Rep shook his head, the sentence meaning nothing to him.

    ¡°I uhhh¡­¡± Zalan thought of a quick explanation. ¡°Metal makes lightning go through the whole thing. So, even if I hit one point, it will feel like I zapped all of it, given that it¡¯s made of metal.¡±

    Rep widened his eyes, his eyebrow twitching in wonder as he tried to put the idea together.

    ¡°Where did you learn that?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Back in my world. I studied physics at a university,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Rep considered. ¡°You have had this knowledge for that long yet you still cannot imbue the metal of your blade with lightning?¡± Rep was being facetious, but it actually elicited a strong reaction from Zalan.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been saying! It should be way easier!¡± Zalan agreed.

    Rep chuckled as the group saw the river and town becoming clear on the horizon, the journey to the castle growing closer to completion.

 Chapter 26 - Poppyville

    Rep explained to Zalan that the town they were approaching was called Poppyville, named after the flowers that were surrounding it. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell any one flower from another. He accepted that there were probably a lot of poppy flowers amongst the differently colored flowers surrounding the city.

    It was a beautiful entrance, lined with multicolored, complimentary gardens that invited travelers within. Though there was a small wall surrounding the outside of the city, similar to Oriton, there were vines spotted with flowers all across it, like the wall was partly alive. The city had a small moat running around it, not large enough to stop any serious invaders, but Zalan quickly deduced it was used as irrigation for the flowers in and around the city. As they approached the gates of Poppyville, Zalan noticed that the guards had roses emblazoned on their tunics. Two men leaned over to look down at them.

    ¡°Business?¡± one of them asked cordially.

    ¡°Passing through,¡± Gorb replied, equally relaxed.

    ¡°Where to?¡± the guard continued.

    ¡°The Castle of Docrun,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Artifact hunting?¡± the guard asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    The other guard looked over the group skeptically.

    ¡°Are you aware there is a dragon up there? Flies over us occasionally. It is rather large,¡± the guard asked.

    ¡°We are indeed aware,¡± Gorb nodded. ¡°Four of us are Elementally Powered.¡±

    ¡°And all of you are above Level Five, I hope, to take on your average dragon,¡± the guard said.

    The comment gave Gorb pause. Fran was the only one in their party over Level Five.

    ¡°Why does that matter?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°A dragon is far too powerful for any group weaker. Even a few Level Seven travelers we spoke to struggled to flee with their lives and limbs. And they did not even make it to the dragon,¡± the guard replied.

    ¡°Come off it, Aldric,¡± the first guard scoffed. ¡°We do not need to interrogate their abilities or plans after the city, only their intent.¡±

    ¡°Bah, fine. You¡¯re too serious, Egbert,¡± Aldric crossed his arms. ¡°What is the word out there? Any trouble? We saw smoke some time ago.¡±

    ¡°We had a run in with Boznoks,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°The den?¡±

    ¡°The den,¡± Fran nodded.

    ¡°And you fought or fled?¡±

    ¡°Fought,¡± Fran said, though there wasn¡¯t any pleasure in her response.

    Aldric looked them over once more, a new appreciation in their observations.

    ¡°Not so much as a scratch after a fight with a Boznok Den? Maybe your group can take on a dragon,¡± Aldric mused.

    ¡°What did I just say about evaluating their abilities?¡± Egbert asked.

    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± Aldric waved him off, rolling his eyes. ¡°Anything else worth reporting? Nearby dangers we should be on the lookout for?¡±

    ¡°The Mind of Madness passed through the forest beyond the meadow when we were on our way through,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°What way was it headed?¡± Aldric asked seriously, his companion immediately tensing up.

    ¡°To the East. Away from the city,¡± Gorb replied. The two guards relaxed greatly.

    ¡°Did it hit any of you?¡± Egbert asked, curious.

    The four looked to Zalan and waited for him to answer. Zalan didn¡¯t want to share, but the looks from his companions were very clear to the guards.

    ¡°I am sorry you had to see it,¡± Aldric said sincerely. Then he snapped his fingers loudly. ¡°This group is fine, open the gate!¡±

    The gate pulled open for the five of them and Zalan marveled at the energy of the city. The excitement was almost tangible as he observed the residents rushing between marketplaces. There was an air of enthusiasm that met the travelers as soon as they entered inside, like they had joined in some party.

    ¡°Is it always like this?¡± Zalan asked, watching children run by with treats in hand.

    ¡°I have never been here before,¡± Rep shrugged, equally enamored with the buzz of the people.

    The others had not visited before either, and Yelsa decided to get some answers from the nearest woman selling bouquets of radiant flowers.

    ¡°Is there a festival happening?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Indeed!¡± she said. ¡°We are sending off some of our fighters to the Elemental Rage Tournament and trying to rouse them before they leave us! Our annual Festival of the Tournament!¡±

    ¡°You do this every year?¡± Yelsa asked, impressed.

    ¡°Indeed! If one of our fighters wins, we want them to come back to us with their title and talents rather than running off to some new town that will want to woo them as a new champion,¡± the shopkeeper explained.

    ¡°I appreciate your candid explanation,¡± Yelsa smiled, then slid her a gold coin. The woman¡¯s eyes darted between the coin and Yelsa a few times, her eyes wide. ¡°I¡¯ll take five bouquets,¡± Yelsa smiled.

    ¡°This can get you much more than that!¡± the shopkeeper replied as she took the coin gladly.

    ¡°Just five is fine. Consider it for both the flowers and your succinct answers,¡± Yelsa said.

    Her companions watched with interest as she distributed a bouquet to each of them. Zalan normally didn¡¯t care for flowers, but these bouquets were wonderfully aromatic and brought him a sense of calm. Especially when they were offered by Yelsa, who was yelling at him only hours ago.

    ¡°What am I to do with these?¡± Gorb asked, twisting his bouquet as though looking for a hilt to grip.

    ¡°Take them as a token of peace,¡± Yelsa suggested. ¡°We have been at one another¡¯s throats for much of our time together, but I certainly want us to work together when we reach the Castle of Docrun. Retrieving the Homeseeker is very important to me. I really do wish to go home.¡±

    ¡°Back to the clouds?¡± Fran smiled, then Gorb nudged her in the ribs. ¡°Right, peace, yes,¡± she corrected herself.

    ¡°I welcome the gesture,¡± Rep said encouragingly, a pleasant smile on his face as he held up his bouquet like he was making a toast. ¡°To a better team!¡±

    Zalan tapped his flowers against Rep and the others laughed in amusement. The residual animosity between the group had been largely removed, and he once again felt glad to be in their company. It felt like they had all apologized to one another, though no one explicitly asked for forgiveness.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Fran looked at Gorb.

    ¡°The original intent was to spend a night here to heal our wounds and replenish our food¡­ but it seems we are in need of neither? I feel no hunger and the Boznoks did me no damage. We could simply continue?¡± Gorb suggested.

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    ¡°Or we could spend a day at a festival!¡± Yelsa said as though it were obvious.

    ¡°But we would waste a day that the Satiator would keep us fed,¡± Gorb replied.

    ¡°It is not a waste! We could spend the day explaining everything we know to the infant here,¡± Yelsa indicated to Zalan.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind staying to check out the festival,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°You would not mind?¡± Gorb repeated the phrase in a way that made Zalan want to reword his sentence.

    ¡°I want to stay at the festival. I want a break after the Mind of Madness and the Boznoks,¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Gorb nodded immediately to Zalan¡¯s surprise.

    ¡°You¡¯re okay with staying now?¡± Zalan probed.

    ¡°Your reasoning is sound. It has been an eventful day. Let us celebrate our lack of wounds with some light merrymaking,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Fun!¡± Fran said, lighting her bouquet on fire and incinerating it. Yelsa didn¡¯t seem to mind, laughing at the display. Fran looked around. ¡°I wonder if there are any games based on Elemental redirection.¡±

    As the group made their way into the festival, Zalan was amazed to see that there were a lot of games based on Elemental skills of some kind. Rep suggested that if this festival was themed after the tournament, then it would make sense that they placed a lot more focus on Elemental power. Most games were played by what looked to be the guards, based on the rose insignia on their clothes, but even with their much better handle on their Elemental Power, they couldn¡¯t win the games very easily. It felt a lot like scam carnival games to Zalan. Fran pointed to each game, staring at it from a distance to evaluate whether she would be able to succeed at the challenge. The group stopped at one game when Fran showed intense interest.

    The game was to get a boy in white clothes wet with water dyed in blue ink. The boy stood about thirty feet from a barrel filled with the blue water. The only rule was that you could not step beyond the barrel, but you could use any Elemental power or non-Artifact at your disposal to get the boy wet.

    The first two contestants they watched had Elemental Power over water. They tried to set out a stream of water from the barrel, targeting the boy in a torrent of firehose-like strength, but the water was redirected midair and splashed in their faces. Clearly, one of the organizers of this game was an Elemental Water user hidden away from the game area. The crowd seemed to find it all in good fun and considered it a part of the challenge. They would laugh and cheer at each contestant and cheer even louder when the water ended up soaking the player. The boy would look around in incredulous innocence and ask what happened and how he was still not covered in an ounce of blue.

    Fran looked very enthused to try the game and was digging in her pockets for enough bronze coins to cover the cost to play the game. The old, thin woman running the game had no sympathy for Fran¡¯s lack of funds. After a few minutes, she groaned in annoyance, unable to locate enough money on her person. Yelsa then slipped her a gold coin. Fran looked at it with wide eyes.

    ¡°The game only costs one silver. I appreciate the generosity, but I do not need nearly this much,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°I do not have any silver coins,¡± Yelsa shrugged.

    Fran looked down at the gold coin, then back up to Yelsa.

    ¡°Just how wealthy are you?¡± Fran asked suspiciously.

    ¡°Stop asking questions and go win the game. If you succeed, I will allow you to keep the change,¡± Yelsa said excitedly.

    ¡°Deal!¡± Fran said, sounding like she wanted to accept the terms before Yelsa changed her mind.

    When it was Fran¡¯s turn, she stepped forward with determination, looking at the boy with enough intensity that the boy had to break eye contact. Fran began by throwing pillars of fire in the surrounding area to try and throw off any of the Elemental Water users around. Then, placing the water into a cup, she threw it powerfully at the boy. It would have reached him, but was caught in midair by the invisible Elemental Water user. Zalan checked to see the thin woman running the game and could tell she wasn¡¯t using any power.

    ¡°Is it the boy? He has Elemental Power and is redirecting the water?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep shook his head, though he was smiling through Fran¡¯s newest frantic attempt. She threw another flask while firing fire in the general direction of the crowd. They gasped, ducked, then cheered at the idea until the flask stopped again and the boy shrugged his shoulders innocently.

    ¡°The boy is too young. He could attain the power, but he cannot go beyond Level One. There is too much water being controlled for him to be able to redirect it all. If he had Elemental Power, which I doubt, his Wisdom would be too low for these feats,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Then who do you think it is?¡± Zalan asked, scanning the cheering and jeering crowd for anyone standing out of place.

    ¡°I suspect they are hidden away, far from the play area,¡± Rep ventured, looking out across the city.

    ¡°Can people even use their Elemental Power that far?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°How far can you use yours?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I have no idea!¡± Zalan didn¡¯t know why the thought never occurred to him. He would have to try it out sometime. ¡°So if you¡¯re a high enough Level, you could do it from across town?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not that far,¡± Rep assured him. ¡°But if one had the Artifact called the Ring of Range, then they may be able to do it from one of the food stands behind the crowd, even if they were something like a Level Eight.¡±

    Zalan immediately checked the food stands to see if someone was hiding behind them, redirecting water in this game. He couldn¡¯t see very well beyond the lines of people getting food.

    Fran finally gave up when the flask she threw was redirected to dump right on top of her head, much to the crowd¡¯s roaring amusement. Fran herself seemed more light-hearted than disappointed at the outcome. She was going to try yet again, but was told she had already run out of attempts. She had only paid for ten. Fran sighed in defeat, and allowed the next person in line to give it a try.

    A massive Elemental Earth user stepped forward, putting the full length of his arm in the water. Then, in the same motion he used to take out his arm, he threw a wave of water in the air and used the distraction to trap the boy by wrapping his feet in rocks. He then hoisted the barrel of water overhead and chucked it at the boy. The boy screamed in real fear for the first time, but the barrel slowed gradually to a stop a good few feet away from him. The Elemental Water user stopped the barrel by controlling the water within it. But the Elemental Earth user didn¡¯t lament, instead he ran forward at full speed to the shock of the crowd and the terror of the boy. The man stopped himself before reaching the floating barrel and flicked his wet arm forward at the boy. Then he roared a loud cheer in the air to the confusion of everyone. He removed the earthly shackles from the boy¡¯s feet, freeing him to move once again.

    ¡°I won!¡± he boomed, turning to look at the crowd who weren¡¯t sure whether to cheer or boo, yet.

    The boy looked down at himself and saw that tiny specks of blue were strewn across his clothing from when the man tossed the few residual drops of water on his wet arm. He blinked in shock, then looked up at the thin woman running the booth for what to do next. An onlooker from the crowd called out to contestant,

    ¡°But you went beyond the starting point! You were supposed to get him from here!¡± the onlooker cried.

    ¡°No, the rule was that I was supposed to get him from behind the barrel!¡± the Elemental Earth user said proudly, patting the barrel that was still floating next to him. He was, indeed, still standing behind it.

    The entirety of the crowd turned to look at the woman running the game. She was shifting her lips from side to side in thought.

    ¡°Your name?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I am Dimak,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Dimak is right. He got the boy and did not break the rules,¡± she decided.

    The crowd exploded in cheers and rushed forward to carry the man on their shoulders. They cheered his name as they carried him from the game to nearby stores.

    ¡°What was the prize for this game?¡± Zalan asked, watching with a wide smile as they threw the large man in the air and struggled to catch him as he came back down.

    ¡°A bow and quiver,¡± Fran pouted.

    ¡°You do not know how to use a bow,¡± Gorb pointed out.

    ¡°Yes, well, I still wanted to win!¡± she snapped.

    Gorb laughed and patted his sister on the back, thanking Yelsa for giving her an opportunity to partake in the challenge.

    The rest of the afternoon was much of the same, with Fran wanting to participate in all the Elemental Power games she could and disappointing herself when she could not succeed. Fran never asked, but Yelsa continued to fund each of her games, clapping along with the crowd as her friend failed over and over again.

    Zalan found studying the way others used their power to be fascinating. In the first game, Elemental Water users could carry a barrel of water with their power alone so long as they turned the barrel upside down. In another game, you were supposed to move either fire or water that was placed behind a brick wall, depending on your Elemental ability. Zalan found it interesting that while Fran could create a typhoon of flames from her hands, she couldn¡¯t affect a candle placed out of her line of sight. Fran got especially mad at that game because Gorb was able to affect the candlelight by sending a gust of wind from above the wall, easily winning the prize of a few bronze coins. He tried to pay Yelsa to reimburse her, but Yelsa refused to take any of it, simply happy to see someone in their party succeed.

    By the end of the day, Zalan had not participated in any games of his own, but tried a lot of the different desserts despite his lack of appetite. He found that while the Satiator¡¯s power caused him not to get hungry, he would still get full after eating a few candied fruits and flower-laden tarts. They all collapsed on their beds in a nearby inn that night, ready to fall asleep almost immediately on contact with their furnishing.

    ¡°Hey, Rep,¡± Zalan yawned from his bed next to Rep¡¯s in the room they shared. ¡°This Elemental Rage Tournament sounds like kind of a big deal.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I tried telling you about this before, but you said you would be gone by then,¡± Rep said, fighting sleep.

    ¡°Yeah, I know. I¡¯m still gonna be gone. But I think you should attend. I think you¡¯d be a really good fighter in a tournament,¡± Zalan said, his eyes growing heavy.

    ¡°You think so? I am not much of a fighter,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°You saved my life a bunch of times,¡± Zalan murmured, his eyes closed. ¡°I think you¡¯re a great fighter.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡± Rep asked hopefully.

    But Zalan was already asleep. Rep studied the frown on Zalan¡¯s face for a moment before closing his own eyes.

    ¡°One thing at a time,¡± Rep told himself.

 Chapter 27 - Morloch the Manipulator

    The five travelers left Poppyville in high spirits, carrying an air of excitement from the previous day¡¯s festivities as well as having rested in comfortable beds behind protected walls rather than camping outside. They traveled close to the river, knowing that it would eventually lead to the Castle of Docrun that they could now see at a distance ahead of them.

    Fran, Gorb, and Rep were discussing the games they participated in the day before. Zalan was feeling inspired after having watched so many Elemental professionals the previous day and was spending all his focus trying to imbue his blade with lightning. Yelsa watched him work intently, but quietly, kept a modest distance away to not be affected by errant sparks and shocks. He could get the lightning to stick to the tip for a good two seconds, but nothing as robust as the fully imbued blade Fran could summon at a whim. It was nice to see some progress, as tiny as it was. A few seconds of the tip of a sword was better than not being able to do it at all. Even in his small acknowledgement of success, he felt Yelsa watching from over his shoulder. It felt weird for her to watch him without offering advice like the others in his group normally did.

    ¡°So, what are you gonna do once you get home?¡± Zalan asked, becoming shy with her silence.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°I mean what¡¯s the goal once you¡¯re home with the Homeseeker? What next?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The goal is to go home. That is everything,¡± Yelsa replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re not planning on visiting people or anything like that? Just home?¡± Zalan asked, clicking his tongue as he was unable to keep the lightning any further than just the end of the blade.

    ¡°Once I am home, visiting all of my friends and family will be trivial, given that they are also at my home,¡± Yelsa said. ¡°What about you, what are your plans for when you return?¡±

    ¡°I uhhh¡­ I was gonna visit my mom,¡± Zalan said, his voice low.

    ¡°An admirable goal,¡± Yelsa said. ¡°What is your mother like?¡±

    A frown on Zalan¡¯s face was the instinctual response to her question. Then, he took a few moments to reflect. Slowly, a faint smile crawled its way to his face.

    ¡°Loving. Super generous. A doctor too. She taught me everything she could about healing others. And her smile¡­ just the best. I felt like I could do no wrong in her company. I was supposed to visit her a lot sooner, but¡­¡± Zalan trailed, a lump of guilt appearing in his chest. Yelsa looked pleased, seeming satisfied by his reply.

    ¡°Visiting must be nice. Where I am from, everyone is always nearby, right at home.¡±

    Zalan lowered his sword to look at her.

    ¡°Everyone is at home? Don¡¯t people ever leave?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Yelsa replied with certainty.

    Zalan gave her a funny look, confused by her response.

    ¡°What about you? You wouldn¡¯t be here if you didn¡¯t leave, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    Yelsa¡¯s face didn¡¯t show any emotion, but she cracked a few knuckles in response. Zalan raised an eyebrow at her, urging the question.

    ¡°Yelsa, are you really from a city in the sky?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Yes! I knew Gorbonifus and Fran would try to convince you otherwise! Of course I am!¡± Yelsa snapped. ¡°Why would I want to get the Homeseeker if my end goal was not to return home?¡±

    ¡°How should I know? But alright, fine. I still believe you¡¯re from the cloud city. But then why are you here? On the ground and not in the sky?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I did something foolish,¡± Yelsa said in a low, shameful voice. She popped another few knuckles and Zalan could tell he was stressing her out. He brought his voice down to prevent eavesdropping and tried to be more calming.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked, burning with curiosity.

    ¡°Have you ever heard of a man named Morloch?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No, should I?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know. I hope not. He lived on Aetheria with us. An excellent archer and a master swordsman. He actually taught me how to fight, not that it was necessary to learn in Aetheria. But he taught me everything I know about the bow. He always talked about gaining power and how Aetheria limited his ability to grow. He was not much of an orator, but he was very good at convincing people in other ways. Small, slight nudges to make you change your mind on things that you would never have considered acting upon yourself. And he¡­¡± Yelsa turned away.

    It became immediately clear to Zalan that she was holding back tears, so Zalan turned forward to take in the sight of the castle that was now growing as they drew closer.

    The Castle of Docrun was more a citadel than a single building. It looked as though it had several rooms on many different floors, with points jutting out from different towers to express its grandness. It could easily house an entire town within its tall walls, though the castle was worn down from years of abandonment. Vines slid up and down rusted metal windows on many different floors and tiny pieces of the upper towers were chipping off, giving the feeling that some of them were ready to crumble and collapse. On the highest floor, in the center of the castle was a large circular dome that had a massive hole in it and clear evidence of something having burned the edges of the hole while flying in or out.

    The dragon¡¯s lair.

    Yelsa had gained her composure and rubbed her arm against her nose as she sniffed.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Just trying to take in the area,¡± Zalan said nonchalantly, pretending not to have noticed her tears.

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    ¡°He convinced me to jump off,¡± Yelsa said, so quietly that Zalan almost didn¡¯t hear. He immediately lowered his gaze from the castle and looked at her. He first wanted to express bafflement that she could survive jumping off a city floating in the sky, but the look of shame and remorse on her face made him hold his tongue. He tried a different approach, giving her the benefit of the doubt.

    ¡°You¡¯re pretty strong willed. How did Morloch force you to do that?¡± Zalan asked, phrasing his question in such a way that he hoped it was a compliment.

    ¡°I was not forced,¡± Yelsa corrected. ¡°I had to do it of my own free will. You see, he discovered an Air Elemental in our city. And its challenge was to convince someone to jump off the city of their own volition.¡±

    Zalan widened his eyes. The Elemental asked for its challenger to harm someone else. The challenge sounded like it would be impossible for Zalan to take on. How could he live with himself after sending someone plunging to their death? What kind of person was this Morloch that could both take the challenge and execute it? Unless Morloch wasn¡¯t a rare type of person. What if there were others who had discovered the Elemental and sent people off the city like Yelsa? Was there always a looming threat of being told to jump off the city so someone else could get power?

    ¡°Was he the only person to find the Elemental?¡± Zalan asked, hoping to get a few answers to his questions.

    ¡°You mean to ask if others have jumped off my city?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Kinda,¡± Zalan admitted abashedly.

    ¡°I am the only one I know of,¡± Yelsa said, with further humiliation injected into her words. She popped more knuckles. A thought popped into Zalan¡¯s head.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t that Elemental ask for someone to get help to achieve their goal? I thought you were supposed to take on the challenge alone,¡± Zalan mentioned.

    ¡°That is what I believed as well. But I thought about it further. He never told me about the challenge. Morloch convinced me without ever bringing up the Elemental. I suspect that one of the conditions of the challenge was that the nature of it was to remain secret to the victim,¡± Yelsa said thoughtfully.

    ¡°Is the city not that high off the ground?¡± Zalan asked, trying to give her even more benefit of the doubt.

    ¡°Thousands of feet in the air. It floats among the clouds,¡± Yelsa replied.

    Zalan lowered his sword, no longer interested in trying to imbue it. He couldn¡¯t think of a good way to phrase his next question.

    ¡°How did he convince you to throw your life away?¡± Zalan finally asked.

    ¡°Thankfully, my story is not filled with that much foolishness. He did not tell me to hurt myself. I knew I would survive the fall unscathed. That was partly why I made the jump.¡±

    ¡°What? How did you know you¡¯d survive?¡±

    ¡°He gave me an Artifact. The Drop Coin. You could fall from any height and not be in any pain. He gave it to me after a few months of training together. He made a show of how proud he was to have me as a pupil and then lamented that I would never be able to use my abilities in combat. There are errant monsters that fly around Aetheria, but he often would handle those creatures himself. In fact, killing one of those monsters was where he originally found the Drop Coin. He put the idea in my head that I wanted to experience a true adventure on the surface. Many of our training days were spent with him bemoaning how little use I could get out of my excellent form and abilities with the bow. Days later, I told him that I would use the Drop Coin to jump off of Aetheria in search of real adventure. As if it were my own idea! What a foolish girl I am,¡± Yelsa scoffed.

    Zalan didn¡¯t know how to reply to that. But to his relief, Yelsa had more to say,

    ¡°I still clearly remember standing on the edge of Aetheria and looking down at the world beneath the clouds with Morloch standing there beside me. Goading me. I wanted to turn around, but his words were so frantic then. ¡®Listen to me! If you do not then this will all have been for nothing!¡¯ I thought he was talking about me, but of course he meant the long-stoking plan of bending my mind to his will. He spent so long talking about my potential! I really thought it was such a serious thing to him! I thought that he¡­ cared about me. And then I jumped. And regretted it immediately. I screamed the whole way down. And when I landed softly thanks to the Artifact, I laid down and cried, knowing that there was no chance of my going back home.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zalan said, the story feeling so much more real now. The dream world wasn¡¯t just filled with random people. They had serious problems.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Yelsa repeated, a sour look on her face. ¡°Is that all you have to offer? No sympathies, not promises to avenge me. Just a dull, dimwitted, ¡®oh?¡¯ You really are an ignorant man.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not really good with emotions,¡± Zalan expressed.

    ¡°Not many are,¡± Yelsa sighed. ¡°But at least you listen to me like you believe me. That brings me some comfort.¡±

    ¡°I do believe you,¡± Zalan said sincerely.

    Yelsa smiled warmly. Zalan smiled back for a moment. Maybe he could make friends in this world. Then, another question came to mind.

    ¡°How did you know that Morloch was after an Elemental¡¯s challenge? Did the Elemental appear to you afterward or something?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°If only!¡± Yelsa scoffed. ¡°Morloch himself jumped off the city once he received the power. He was already at Level Eleven from his years of obsessive monster hunting in the skies around Atheria, so he had high Wisdom and could easily catch himself before he hit the ground, even without the Drop Coin. I do not think he originally intended to see me after I jumped off. But when he left Atheria with his new power, he happened to see me curled up as he spun down from the sky with glee. He came to me to gloat. He explained that he found an Elemental within the city, but would not tell me where. He could now achieve his goal to gather as many powers from all the Elementals of the world. Then he ran off at incredible speed, aided by the wind at his back. He left me the Drop Coin, which still had a few uses. I do not think he remembered that Artifact when he came to laugh in my face. It made me a small fortune when I sold it.¡±

    ¡°So Morloch is out of the sky, too?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°He is,¡± Yelsa nodded gravely. ¡°This was years ago, and I doubt he looks like he once did. He would likely disguise himself, but be wary of anyone you see that can use Air Elemental Power.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s eyes involuntarily shifted to Gorb and Yelsa laughed.

    ¡°Anyone that is a high Level and can use Air Elemental power,¡± she clarified.

    ¡°Right, I knew that,¡± Zalan said quickly, trying to save face.

    ¡°Glad we reached it,¡± Yelsa nodded.

    Zalan looked at her with a slight frown, trying to understand what she had just said.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked.

    ¡°The Castle of Docrun,¡± she indicated ahead to reveal the top of the gates on a hill on the horizon.

    Zalan looked ahead at the massive, bygone castle standing tall above the river. Then he turned back to Yelsa.

    ¡°I might be bad at expressing emotions, but you¡¯re terrible at specifying stuff you¡¯re pointing at,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°Noted,¡± Yelsa said, distracted by something else ahead of them.

    Zalan looked forward and saw the other three companions had stopped progressing and knelt down low. Zalan and Yelsa looked at one another and lowered themselves, inching forward until they could speak quietly to their friends.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°There is a Narg sleeping against the gate,¡± Fran whispered.

    ¡°Any way around it?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Not that we can tell,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°But there is a way though it,¡± Fran smiled.

    ¡°We should not rush into battle a Narg,¡± Gorb chastised.

    ¡°I am not talking about rushing in!¡± Fran countered. ¡°If we lay out a plan where each of us takes a part in the battle, I think we can take it on without it dealing us any harm.¡±

    Zalan took one look at the Narg and wasn¡¯t sure that he was as confident as Fran.

 Chapter 28 - Asleep at the Gate

    The Narg looked like a troll with an amphibious frog-face. It wore flattened metals as armor on its body and had spikes protruding from the back of its prodigious head. Its eyes were uncanny, small, round, and on opposite sides of its head like a mix between a spider and a toad. The Narg had too many fingers and toes with wretched long brown nails, giving Zalan an uneasy feeling about knowing what kind of movement the creature was capable of. Sharp teeth poked out both its top and bottom lips as it snored contentedly through large, flaring nostrils while it leaned against the castle gates. The gates weren¡¯t very wide, maybe large enough to let in two horse drawn carts next to one another, with walls extending past the gate on both sides. In one hand, laying flat on the Narg¡¯s open palm, was a spiked wooden club. The spikes were made from bones of various creatures. Zalan shuddered, thinking the bones might be a collection of previous victims.

    ¡°Anything I should know about this thing?¡± Zalan asked immediately. Gorb was quick to nod to give him some context.

    ¡°It is powerful. One bad strike and it will kill you instantly. And it can leap very long distances,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Maybe there¡¯s another gate we can go in through?¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°And risk giving the Narg time to wake up?¡± Fran asked.

    ¡°It won¡¯t matter if it wakes up when we find another way in,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°If we find another way in,¡± Rep corrected nervously.

    ¡°Look, we can overwhelm it and kill it before it even has time to stand up!¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Is that how you beat them before?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Oh, I have never seen a Narg before in person,¡± Fran replied casually.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan said, stunned. ¡°And now you just want to pretend you¡¯re confident?¡±

    ¡°I am confident,¡± Fran said sternly. ¡°Let me just think of a plan and you can tell me if you dislike the idea.¡±

    ¡°I dislike the idea,¡± Zalan replied immediately.

    ¡°Maybe after I spell out the plan,¡± Fran rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Just look at it! That thing is easily the size of the Giant Gargoyle. You told me to run immediately as soon as you saw that monster. Now, you don¡¯t even recognize this one and you want to try and take it on?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Yes! This time we will not be ambushed by a creature we do not know is there,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°The best way to learn about a creature that you have not yet fought is to fight it,¡± Gorb chimed in stoically.

    ¡°You two are impossible,¡± Zalan hissed.

    ¡°Look at the size of this castle!¡± Fran said. ¡°It could take the rest of the day to find another way in. A wasted day where the Satiator may run out on us and we could begin to go hungry. Or we could maintain our strength and go in immediately.¡±

    ¡°In addition, going off the paths between cities and castles is dangerous. More powerful monsters tend to live along the roads less traveled,¡± Gorb added.

    Zalan looked at the massive castle with its many towers and thought that taking a day to survey the walls was probably a conservative estimate. It could take two days to find another way in. He glanced at Rep. Rep was biting his lip, his eyes analyzing the scene. Zalan sighed, unable to think of another way out. He looked upon the menacing Narg in its temporary slumber and reminded himself that all of this was a dream. He¡¯d had plenty of nightmares before. He could take this thing on.

    ¡°All right,¡± Zalan said to Fran. ¡°But you better give us a good plan.¡±

    ¡°Excellent!¡± Fran rubbed her hands together in anticipation and narrowed her eyes in thought. She looked between her companions and the Narg a few times as she processed her ideas. At one point, the Narg shifted in its sleep and Yelsa, Rep, and Zalan flinched in fear, but it remained asleep.

    ¡°I have an idea,¡± Fran said. ¡°Yelsa takes on firing at one eye and Zalan goes for the other with some lightning. Gorb ensures that the creature cannot reach its club by blasting it away with air and redirecting its fists when it tries to strike empty-handed. Rep works on burning the club to a crisp so that Gorb can focus on leading a frontal assault with me. Then, he and I go for its head.¡±

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    ¡°So¡­ None of us are attacking head on? We get to keep a bit of distance?¡± Zalan asked, gesturing to himself, Yelsa and Rep.

    ¡°It was my first idea. I can come up with more if you need,¡± Fran offered.

    ¡°No, no, I like the plan, it¡¯s a good plan,¡± Zalan stammered.

    ¡°It sounds very achievable,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°What if the creature does not get hurt from our attacks?¡± Gorb asked.

    Zalan shuddered at the idea, not having considered it a possibility.

    ¡°Then we change tactics. Get out of range immediately. I throw fire in its eyes and you use your Air Power to help the others run as far away as possible. Then, you and I retreat with them,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°What will we do then?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°Let us decide on how to deal with scenarios that actually come to pass. As for now, do we all agree to the plan?¡±

    The travelers nodded or shrugged without any better ideas.

    ¡°Very well, we will all begin our assault after Zalan lets out his first lightning strike,¡± Fran said, smiling. She was shaking in anticipation.

    ¡°Why me?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Your power has a chance to stun the Narg, giving us an extra second before it can come to its senses and rise for a fight,¡± Fran replied.

    Zalan nodded fearfully. Four of them began creeping forward as Yelsa nocked an arrow and began to take aim, readying herself to draw the bowstring as soon as Zalan was in position. The Narg snorted on their approach and everyone froze. It didn¡¯t breathe for a moment more and Zalan felt like he should throw lightning before it had the chance to wake up. Maybe his lack of aim would be compensated by the possibility of it being stunned.. He clenched and unclenched his fist, not sure what to do.

    Until it began breathing calmly once more. Zalan got within about twenty feet of it before he was comfortable with knowing his attack would reach its target. Fran crawled squarely in front of the Narg to act as the first thing it would see when it woke and Gorb and Rep moved up next to the club. They all watched Zalan for a signal.

    Zalan raised his hand, focused his energy, and fired at the Narg¡¯s left eye with a bolt of lightning. The Narg immediately reacted, its right eye coming open and its hand going for the club. Gorb had already pushed it aside a few feet and Rep set the base of it on fire, sending more fires up the rest of the club. The Narg croaked in frustration and then shrieked when an arrow was fired into its left eye, blinding it. Fran ignited her sword in flames and waved it to distract from Yelsa.

    ¡°You were supposed to hit the other eye!¡± Zalan called back to her in panic.

    ¡°Your lightning came and went in a flash! I could not tell which eye you hit!¡± Yelsa snapped, putting on another arrow to her bowstring.

    Zalan turned around and threw another blast of lightning at the Narg¡¯s other eye, but it leapt up to its feet too quickly and Zalan missed. Fran was charging at it for a frontal assault, sword raised high. The Narg stomped powerfully with one foot, kicking up a bit of mud into Fran¡¯s face and rumbling the earth enough to make her lose balance. As she tried to regain her footing, the Narg¡¯s fist came down toward her and she was blasted away by Gorb¡¯s air, tumbling to the side as the Narg¡¯s fist destroyed the mound of dirt she was standing on the moment before. The Narg twisted its face in time to avoid another arrow from Yelsa. Its one eye scanned the five fighters around it, then focused on Rep burning its club. Rep made eye contact with it, then took a few steps back in fear.

    The Narg croaked angrily and then jumped five feet in the air, landing next to its burning club.

    ¡°It¡¯s beginning to jump!¡± Rep shrieked in fear.

    ¡°Gorbonifus, help him!¡± Zalan cried.

    Rep fell over from the rumble caused by the Narg landing. Gorb stumbled, but ran up with his two swords drawn and managed to stab the monster in its back leg with two deep slashes before he was swatted a dozen feet away by the annoyed creature. It looked back to Rep who decided that enough of the club was ablaze and began running away from the Narg. The Narg grabbed the blazing club, then released it when it realized it was too hot. It decided to use its hand as a weapon instead, raising it to smash Rep. Instead he was zapped in the hand by lightning and then struck by an arrow in the same area, giving Rep enough time to get out of the way of the downwards strike. The Narg turned around and croaked.

    ¡°Is it time to run?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No!¡± Fran said, having cleaned off the mud that was blinding her face. ¡°Gorb did well to cut its leg. It is no longer leaping. I think we can continue our assault until it is dead.¡±

    ¡°It only jumped the one time, how can you be sure it¡¯s immobilized?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°If it is not, then running away would be fruitless! It jumps much further than anticipated. It would be too fast!¡± Fran said, charging ahead with her newly flame-imbued blade.

    Zalan took a few steps forward to make sure he was close enough to continue firing, throwing as much lighting as he could to paralyze and distract the creature. He was in front of the castle gates now, close enough that he could run inside if he wanted to. It might even be safer within the gates than outside. He considered telling his companions to cut their losses and rush inside, but didn¡¯t want to confuse them in the heat of battle.

    Gorb assisted Fran as she jumped. She sailed in the air and landed on the Narg¡¯s back. It twisted itself to try to get her off as she climbed up the back to stab its throat. She appeared over the Narg¡¯s shoulder with a look of glee and her eyes flitting upward for an instant. Instead of immediately striking, her face went white and she screamed at Zalan.

    ¡°Another Narg!¡± she exploded, screaming as the Narg was able to throw her off its back.

    Zalan felt the new Narg before he saw it, the floor rumbling as it stood to full height. Zalan turned and stared as the Narg came around the wall on the other side of the castle¡¯s entry gate and brought down its bone-riddled club, crushing the gate in a single swipe then stepping over the bent metal to assist its fellow Narg.

 Chapter 29 - Team of Two

    ¡°What¡­ what do I do?¡± Zalan screamed, raising his sword at the creature.

    The new Narg was taking in the scene. The injured Narg with Fran, Gorb, and Rep on one end of the field outside the gate, and Zalan in front of it. The Narg grunted in a deep croak and began raising its club. It didn¡¯t raise the weapon to full height before an arrow sprouted from within its nose and it squealed in surprise, looking out to get a view of Yelsa. In the moment that the frog-like monster was still distracted, Zalan threw a blast of lightning into its left eye and began running.

    ¡°You are running toward me! It has not spotted me yet!¡± Yelsa screamed urgently.

    ¡°I¡¯m running away from the thing that¡¯s going to kill me! I don¡¯t care which direction!¡± Zalan replied equally urgently.

    He heard a rumble from the fight with the first Narg happening on his right, but he couldn¡¯t risk taking a look while making distance. Then, the second Narg seemingly teleported in front of him, landing from a giant leap in between himself and Yelsa. The landing was earth shaking and Zalan landed face first into the ground, sliding a foot and ending up between the Narg¡¯s feet. The Narg raised a foot to stomp, when suddenly an arrow appeared at the base of its heel and it reeled back in pain. Zalan took the moment to raise his head and roll toward the planted foot. The Narg stomped down, which lodged the arrow deeper into its foot, causing it to screech with more pain.

    Zalan was in front of the other foot, a grotesquely shaped piece of flesh, bumpy from various warts. Zalan¡¯s first instinct was to start running again, but he was terrified that the Narg would land on top of him the next time it jumped. He decided in that instant that perhaps Fran was right and injuring its feet would be enough to stop it from jumping. He got up to his knees, raised his sword and stabbed downward toward the center of the massive foot.

    Only for his blade to glance off, leaving only a tiny mark instead of breaching the rough flesh.

    Zalan stared in horror and realized that this was what Gorb had asked about earlier. What would happen if their attacks were useless? His Strength was too low and he couldn¡¯t do any damage with a simple sword stab. The plan was supposed to be to run, but they couldn¡¯t escape two Nargs at the same time, especially not if Gorb was too preoccupied to supply supporting speed.

    The Narg above him regained its senses, and turned itself around to take on the archer that was causing him the most pain. In its about-face, the Narg unintentionally kicked Zalan aside with great force. Zalan coughed as he was tossed a foot midair and landed painfully on his side. He felt a stinging in the left side of his abdomen and wondered if he landed on some sort of sharp object, but didn¡¯t have time to check before Yelsa began screaming in fear. The Narg had closed the gap between them. Zalan threw a jolt of lightning at its arm, stupefying it for a second. He had prevented it from raising its club which should have given Yelsa just enough time to nock another arrow.

    Instead, she continued screaming. She was frozen in fear.

    Zalan threw another bolt of lightning at the Narg raising its club as he stumbled to his feet with his sword drawn. He ran forward as the Narg raised its club to pancake Yelsa. He saw that his lightning power had an effect on the creature, but only a little bit. If only he could use the monster¡¯s weapon against it the same way he used the Boznok¡¯s mace to stop the Boznok from attacking Rep. But the club was made of wood! He couldn¡¯t do anything about it.

    His adrenaline-laden mind raced towards a solution. In his ensuing steps, he was suddenly struck with an idea. There was a chance to put his practice into action. He could do it!

    Zalan screamed as he charged forward. The Narg croaked as it prepared to lower its club. Yelsa screamed and covered her face tightly.

    Zalan couldn¡¯t sustain lightning running through the entire weapon, but he¡¯d perfected holding the lightning on the tip of the sword for a few seconds. The second before he stabbed toward the Narg¡¯s calf, he imbued the tip of his blade with all the power he could, then put all his weight behind it.

    The sword and all its lighting went deep into the tree trunk-like calf and the Narg grunted in pain and frustration.

    Zalan abandoned his sword in the creature, keeping his momentum going and continued running forward between the Narg¡¯s legs. The Narg hadn¡¯t let up its swing. Zalan grabbed Yelsa from the back of her tunic and dragged her forward a few feet as the earth shook violently from the club¡¯s impact. Yelsa screamed out in pain, and Zalan felt her body resist his pulling. She¡¯d been struck by the immense weapon. But at least she was alive.

    Zalan grit his teeth and looked backward to see what had happened. One of the bones protruding from the Narg¡¯s club had gone through the side of Yelsa¡¯s leg. Thankfully, her leg was largely okay, other than the gash. She wouldn¡¯t lose her foot. The Narg looked ferociously in pain and stumbled down to one knee, the sword in its leg too much for it to continue standing.

    ¡°Yelsa! Shoot its eyes! Its eyes!¡± Zalan screamed as he shot a bolt of lightning at the creature¡¯s face. It closed its eyes in rage and roared its deep croak in anger. Zalan pulled an arrow from her quiver and began slapping her hand with it for her to pick it up.¡°Yelsa!!!¡±

    ¡°Ahhh!¡± Yelsa screamed and fitted the arrow, then loosed it into the Narg¡¯s right eye, immediately blinding it. Zalan pulled another arrow for her, but Yelsa screamed in unimaginable pain as the Narg raised its club once more, pulling the sharp debris from Yelsa¡¯s leg.

    ¡°Quick! Before it attacks again!¡± Zalan screamed as the Narg stumbled as it tried to hold the club upward.

    ¡°I can¡¯t see!¡± Yelsa screamed.

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    Zalan looked down at her and noticed tears streaming over her eyes from the pain. She had been blinded by her agony. She was in no shape to take aim at another moving target. He grit his teeth and acted quickly.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said as he gripped the back of her tunic.

    Yelsa screamed as Zalan began pulling her further away and used his free hand to let loose a series of lightning bolts towards the Narg¡¯s good eye, keeping it too blind to see them. Nevertheless, it slammed its club down at them again uninhibitedly, only to miss by a few feet. Zalan stumbled by the force of the impact next to him. Yelsa was too loud. It would get them killed if the Narg listened closely enough.

    ¡°Bite onto this,¡± Zalan placed an arrow into her mouth to stop the screaming and more effectively hide them. He continued his onslaught of lightning in the eye and dragged Yelsa away as she continued a muffled groan in torment at her injury being pulled over the ground.

    The Narg was still moving too fast. Carrying Yelsa¡¯s weight was too much and Zalan couldn¡¯t outrun it. Breathing heavily, he scanned the monster in search of a weak point. The only thing that stood out to him was his own sword. He grit his teeth, deciding it was the best chance he had.

    Zalan stopped to take proper aim at their stumbling opponent. Taking inspiration from his encounter with the Boznoks, Zalan fired what felt like his remaining energy into the blade. As he¡¯d hoped, the blade hungrily absorbed the electricity and sent the shocking blast straight into the Narg¡¯s body from the inside. Involuntarily twisting its body, the monster halted its approach, temporarily immobilized.

    Finally, Zalan felt like they were far enough from the beast to stop pulling her. Yelsa spat out the arrow from her mouth and used her hands to block any sounds from escaping her mouth. Zalan let out one last bolt of lightning, then fell on his rear in exhaustion. Even with all the adrenaline, he couldn''t keep up the usage of so much lightning. Despite his inability to keep up the assault, the Narg kept its arrow-free eye shut for a few more seconds. Zalan wondered if it was trying to protect itself from more lightning. After another few seconds of its eye staying close, he realized that it couldn¡¯t open its eye. He had hit it so much that it was entirely blind. The Narg tried to stand at full height, then stumbled back down to its kneeling position. The arrow in one foot and the sword in the other calf were taking their toll.

    ¡°I think we¡¯re safe from it for now,¡± Zalan whispered to her.

    Yelsa didn¡¯t have anything to say from under her hands but she nodded vigorously, grateful to be done for the moment. She was blinking away the tears in her eyes to get a better view. The Narg they sat across swung its club ahead of it like a blind stick, trying to locate its enemies, but they were a good ways out of reach.

    Zalan finally looked over at Rep, Gorb, and Fran to see how they fared. The three of them were running over, the first Narg defeated and lying face-first in a pool of mud mixed with blood, a large cut on its throat and a fire on its back. Rep had a cut on his cheek, a line of blood washing over his jaw. Gorb had a fresh welt in his eye and Fran was hobbling over, her foot either injured or broken.

    ¡°We are coming!¡± Rep screamed, he threw a fireball which dwindled to the size of a quarter by the time it landed against the Narg¡¯s neck.

    Zalan waved for them to be quiet and tried his best to mime that the Narg ahead of them had been blinded.

    ¡°What?¡± Rep called.

    But Gorb and Fran understood the message and signaled for Rep to be silent. Fran imbued her sword with flames and jumped high in the air, assisted by wind from Gorb and landed with her feet on the Narg¡¯s shoulders. She buckled, hesitating because of her bad leg, but quickly regained her balance. Before the Narg could raise its hands to pull her off, Fran stabbed her flaming sword into its head, grinning from ear to ear as the Narg bellowed in pain for a moment before its soul escaped its body. Its large body began stumbling forward in dead silence.

    Fran, Rep, and Yelsa both began glowing a dim white color. Zalan stared in fascination, about to ask what was happening before the light grew to a hot white. They each exploded in a blinding burst of energy. Each one had Leveled Up as a result of their encounters.

    ¡°That might have been useful during the fight,¡± Yelsa said sullenly, wiping the tears from her face quickly.

    Zalan was shocked to hear her voice so clearly after the wound she took, then realized that it was mostly healed after gaining the Level. There was a dark red cut on her leg, but nothing as critical as the open hole in her leg moments ago. There was no longer anything to be seriously concerned over.

    ¡°Are you two okay?¡± Fran asked, looking them over.

    ¡°I am now that I have healed,¡± Yelsa said, slowly trying to stand.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, I think,¡± Zalan said. He lifted his tunic to see the damage done by being kicked aside by the Narg. It was a red bruise across his ribs. It stung to touch as well as to raise his hands too far above his head. He decided he would simply not raise his arms.

    ¡°What a fight!¡± Fran laughed as soon as it was confirmed her friends were safe. ¡°Two Nargs!? And we killed them both! I thought we were finished when the second one appeared! Imagine if there were more!¡±

    The question sent a pit of dread through the travelers and the five of them took a glance at the castle gates for another Narg. The gate remained squished and silent. The group breathed a joint sigh of relief. Gorb looked over the nearby Narg, then turned to Zalan and Yelsa curiously. He didn¡¯t seem to be bothered by the black bruise on his eye after having been swatted aside by the first Narg.

    ¡°How did you¡­¡± Gorb tried to ask the question appropriately, then decided that he had no better way to ask. ¡°How did you survive?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, how?¡± Rep said excitedly. ¡°I could not get my sword to sever its skin!¡±

    ¡°Yelsa helped out a lot by keeping it distracted. When it wanted to stomp on me, she shot an arrow in its foot,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°And then when the beast tried to separate my brain from my skull, Zalan imbued his sword and stabbed into its calf. Then pulled me away from it without a thought of his own safety. But I lost about half of my leg to one of the bones on its club,¡± Yelsa explained.

    ¡°And then we just kept shooting its eyes until it was blind,¡± Zalan said.

    Gorb looked back at the creature then to Zalan and Yelsa. He pointed to the sword sticking out of the dead creature¡¯s calf.

    ¡°You are still Level Two and you were able to imbue your blade?¡± Gorb asked. There was something interesting in his voice. Pride? Was Gorb impressed by something Zalan had done?

    ¡°Just the end of it, I still can¡¯t imbue the whole thing,¡± Zalan gave a measured response.

    ¡°And even with that, you were able to take advantage of the situation. And if I heard correctly, you were able to fire arrows even when you had lost your leg?¡± Gorb asked, a tiny smile threatening to break on his face.

    ¡°Only part of my leg,¡± Yelsa corrected. She and Zalan exchanged a glance as Gorb began to smile wide.

    ¡°My friends,¡± he said with a grand smile on his face, even the squinted black eye looked elated. ¡°Please, call me Gorb.¡±

 Chapter 30 - Within the Gates

    The group assessed themselves before continuing into the castle. Yelsa¡¯s foot was still slightly wounded which caused her to lean heavily on her good leg, but she insisted that she was fine to continue, eager to go home as soon as possible. Rep and Fran had no signs of injuries, leaving only Zalan and Gorb with bruises.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Zalan insisted as Rep was inspecting the wound on his ribs. ¡°Once I¡¯m home, I think it¡¯ll disappear.¡±

    ¡°We do not know what happens between our worlds,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ll just wake up. Gorb, are you fine with only one good eye?¡± Zalan asked. He knew Gorb would be fine, he was just really excited to use the name ¡®Gorb¡¯ to address him.

    ¡°I will not hinder our progress,¡± Gorb promised. ¡°And I am close to increasing my Level. I am confident I will heal within the castle once we finish off the dragon.¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t even realize it had been a while since he checked his own values. He tapped his fingers and inspected his Experience. It was at 96. He raised his eyebrows in surprise, then realized that he¡¯d fought a Boznok and two Nargs since he last Leveled Up, and they were probably worth a lot of experience at his low Level.

    Zalan made his way to the Narg he blinded with Yelsa, pulling at the sword stabbed into the calf. His weapon refused to budge as he pulled against it. He put both hands on it and pulled harder, only for it to remain in place. Fran watched him with amusement.

    ¡°Need assistance?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Let me just¡­¡± Zalan put one foot against the Narg and pulled with all his might. The sword didn¡¯t move.

    Fran smirked as she stepped forward and pulled the sword out with two fingers, placing it in Zalan¡¯s sheath for him then making her way to the gates. Zalan went flush with embarrassment and followed. The chasm between their respective Strength was very apparent.

    With that, the five friends made their way toward the crushed gates of the Castle of Docrun, ready to finally step inside.

    ¡°So how bad was it to take down your own Narg?¡± Zalan asked Rep as they walked.

    ¡°Awful. I feel so useless in battle, only serving to hold back the rest of you,¡± Rep replied immediately. ¡°I tried to strike it with my sword, only for it to bounce off harmlessly. From there, the Narg wished only to target myself. Fran tried her best to bring its ire upon her by waving her flaming sword and slashing at its feet, but it only had eyes to do damage to me. It threw all manner of debris, including its burning club. It dealt me quite the blow right here on my face.¡± Rep pointed to where the bleeding cut had been on his cheek before he gained a Level.

    ¡°How did you end up taking it down?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I used myself as bait to turn the Narg away from Gorb and Fran. They took the distraction to get above the Narg and slice its throat,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°They¡¯re a good team,¡± Zalan mused, looking at the siblings as they led the way to the castle.

    ¡°Indeed! They seem to instinctively know when to work together to send Fran skyward for her to deliver powerful attacks to weak points,¡± Rep nodded.

    The five had arrived at the gates now, staring as far as they could beyond the crushed entrance to see if there were any other monsters awaiting them. Fran and Gorb checked on either side of the walls behind the gates and nodded back to their friends to confirm it was safe. Beyond the gates was a large set of double doors to enter, at least the size of the Nargs. The doors were slightly ajar and decaying, looking as though the weakest ember of fire from even Rep could burn them down in moments.

    Before they stepped inside, Yelsa nocked her bow and fired an arrow into the opening of the door, listening to it clatter inside. They waited silently for any creatures to react to the projectile. There were no noises, but Zalan didn¡¯t know whether to be comforted by that or to think that there was something intelligent inside waiting to ambush them. As they began to move forward, Yelsa suggested a second method to ensure they would not be surprised. She turned to Gorb and whispered something in his ear. He stoically nodded and took one step in front of the group. Taking a deep breath, he blasted the doors open with a burst of wind.

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    The doors disintegrated into hundreds of pieces, and the natural sunlight did much better to calm the adventurers in that there was nothing waiting in the first chamber to attack them. Fran led the way, igniting a small flame to check nooks that were not as easily illuminated by the hole where the door used to stand.

    The entryway was massive, likely a greeting ground for those that used to come and go. There were frayed remnants of tapestries that used to hang from the ceilings and ruined cushions and broken chairs scattered around the room. The sunlight streaming in revealed how much dust permeated through the air, the ground inside not having been disturbed for what may have been years. Other than the ransacking of what used to be set up inside, it didn¡¯t look like there was any evidence of a fight having taken place. Zalan wondered what happened to the previous residents, this castle not looking not nearly as sinister as the remains of the Lost City of Xagon.

    When Zalan stepped inside, he heard a faint squeaking coming from somewhere in a corner. He looked over to it, which drew the attention of the other travelers. Fran lit up the wall with a larger flame and Yelsa gasped quietly, going tight. The wall was crawling with tiny spider-like creatures, some of which hopped away at the first sign of the bright light.

    ¡°Cave crickets,¡± Zalan said, relaxing.

    ¡°You know of these things?¡± Yelsa asked, still taut with disgust.

    ¡°Sure, my mom used to get them in her basement all the time,¡± Zalan said, turning his back to them to continue surveying the room. He began to notice just how many crickets were living in and on the walls. It was a colony.

    ¡°So these are simply non-monsters,¡± Rep assessed.

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You cannot gain Experience from killing non-monsters,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Oh. So, if I killed something like a horse, I couldn¡¯t even gain a single Experience point?¡± Zalan asked.

    They stared at him like he was an imbecile.

    ¡°Why would you kill a horse?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°I meant hypothetically,¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°Why would you ever want to kill a horse, Zalan?¡± Gorb asked, stunned.

    ¡°I just meant it to know if there was a way to gain Experience from non-monsters,¡± Zalan quickly replied.

    ¡°Do not kill horses,¡± Fran told him.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°A horse is a majestic creature, suited very well for assisting in travel. You would kill one if you got one?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°No! I just¡­ Nevermind, I don¡¯t want to kill a horse,¡± Zalan sighed.

    ¡°I am glad we could convince you otherwise,¡± Gorb said, nodding to himself.

    ¡°I¡­ yeah, fine,¡± Zalan resigned himself to the misunderstanding and went back to looking at cave crickets.

    ¡°I find it amusing that you can withstand the sight of these creatures, but not a single Roach,¡± Fran smiled. Rep made a face agreeing with her, equally amused.

    ¡°These are nothing like Roaches,¡± Zalan said immediately. ¡°If I learned that the dragon was weak to crickets, I would carry these in my hands to present to it. Roaches can all die in a fire.¡±

    ¡°Please do not bring any of these with you,¡± Yelsa pleaded, disgusted by the suggestion.

    ¡°I¡¯m just happy this is the only thing we found here,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Do not speak so soon,¡± Gorb said, pointing to the rest of the castle. ¡°There is much more to discover within.¡±

    Zalan looked ahead at the dark, ominous halls ahead of them. They seemed so empty, yet foreboding.

    ¡°Could anything really survive that deep in the castle? They¡¯d have to come out to the front to get food, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not all creatures have the same needs we do. They may be perfectly content feasting on the crickets they find on the walls,¡± Gorb pointed out.

    Zalan¡¯s mouth twitched in distaste at the thought, but it made him bring up his guard once more. He shouldn¡¯t expect to be safe in the Castle of Docrun. The wind blew, howling the open chambers within like a massive wolf that was one with the walls. When no one else stepped forward, Fran decided to lead the way with her flamelight, the others remaining close behind and Gorb watching the rear for any surprises.

    ¡°Do you think the dragon will be easier to take on than the Nargs?¡± Rep asked suddenly.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll be fine,¡± Zalan said immediately.

    He was only half certain, but he didn¡¯t want to delay going back home. The other travelers seemed not to dismiss his false confidence, Fran especially, who was excited to take on the new creature. Zalan didn¡¯t really believe much in the consequences of this world, the dragon included. He would simply grab the Homeseeker and go home. He didn¡¯t need to defeat a single dragon. He would defeat the entirety of this realm by leaving it behind.

    Surely, that would be an easy affair.

 Chapter 31 - Docrun

    The group prowled forward, remaining as quiet and cautious as they could whenever they crossed into a new room. They had traversed three chambers so far, each one growing darker as sunlight dim and sparse. They were searching for an area with stairs, as that would lead them to the peak of the castle where the dragon presumably resided. Rep had ignited a flame of his own, not satisfied with Fran being the single source of light in the darkened corridors.

    Yelsa had made her way to Fran and was clinging onto her tunic, wanting to remain close to the light that repelled the cave crickets that they still occasionally witnessed. They saw the insects less frequently the deeper they traveled, likely as the lack of food was causing it to be harder to proliferate as a species within the walls. Zalan continued analyzing what he could in the dancing shadows of the rooms they passed through, trying to put together the story of what happened to the people. There were chairs and small chambers where dozens of servants probably lived, but no sign of them. He even looked for skeletons to no avail.

    He suddenly realized that he might be the only one wondering. The others might have known the history of the castle and assumed he knew as well, despite their promises to treat him as a fool that knew nothing.

    ¡°What happened to the Castle of Docrun? It looks like there used to be so many people,¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Docrun himself is what happened,¡± Gorb said gravely.

    Zalan waited a few seconds before realizing that Gorb thought that was somehow an adequate response.

    ¡°What did Docrun do?¡± Zalan prompted.

    ¡°King Docrun was a decent ruler with a good kingdom. His people tolerated him in such a way that some might even say they enjoyed his rule. He was not known for saying unkind words or being unfair to others. But they were not steadfastly loyal. And he was incredibly vain. He saw others in his kingdom that had Elemental Powers and said that he wanted the power himself. He said, ¡®What kind of ruler is weaker than his people?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Plenty of them,¡± Fran answered cynically from the front of the group.

    ¡°Be that as it may,¡± Gorb continued. ¡°He sent his people out in search of an Elemental that would give him unrivaled strength. One finally returned with word of an Elemental that he may be interested in. A Dark Elemental. They and the Bright Elementals are notorious for immensely difficult challenges. His people begged him not to accept the challenge. But he was arrogant. He could not be powerless. The challenge was severe. The Elemental sent a dragon to this castle for him to defeat.¡±

    ¡°Alone?¡± Yelsa asked, stunned.

    ¡°Indeed. An Elemental¡¯s challenge must always be taken on alone. Worse yet, when Docrun failed, the dragon remained behind. It decided that the hoard room would be its home,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°So people lived in the same castle as a dragon?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Far from it. The people left after having attempted to gain access to the king¡¯s treasures. But no one could touch the treasures of Docrun, even after he died in combat with the monster. The wealth of the castle was locked up, protected by a monster that no one had access to. In addition, Docrun was very protective of his wealth, known for setting traps to stop intruders. Even his closest advisors had no advantages in obtaining his riches. As a result, no one knew exactly how much he had. There was much speculation that he wanted an Elemental Power because he was running out of wealth and needed another way to keep order. They said that perhaps he died poor, but never wanted his kingdom to be made aware. No one thought it was worth the trouble to defeat the dragon. Instead, the castle¡¯s people took what they could of the castle¡¯s furnishings and left,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan took another look at the threadbare surroundings and was finally able to understand the circumstances of this setting.

    ¡°How long ago was that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Gorb replied.

    ¡°How long do dragons live?¡± Zalan followed up.

    ¡°I do not know.¡±

    ¡°Is it possible this is the same dragon as in the story?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know.¡±

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    ¡°All right, good talk, thanks Gorb,¡± Zalan sighed, defeated.

    Zalan took another glance around the hall they were walking through and could see the evidence of the place being looted by people leaving. Things that were high on the walls were left behind, but things like cushions on the chairs had been removed, and even some chairs were broken apart to be taken in pieces and sold for scrap. It didn¡¯t look like there was a tragic event that emptied the castle because it was much simpler than a major tragedy. People just left their home when it was clear that it wasn¡¯t safe to stay any longer. The empty halls felt lifeless and lonely. Everything was shrouded in such prevalent darkness. He felt a sour pit in his stomach when he realized that was the same state he felt in his own apartment back in the real world.

    He threw the idea out of his mind. Things were fine back home. Especially with him so close to being able to get back, he wasn¡¯t going to waste his time building regrets toward something he knew he wanted. Home was great. He would visit Mom.

    A tiny frown formed on his face at the last thought.

    Fran stopped abruptly in front and the others looked ahead tensely to see what had halted their progress. Fran was looking up at the ceiling intently. The others followed her gaze, preparing themselves for a fight.

    There was nothing above them.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Gorb asked her.

    ¡°The ceiling is curving upward. I believe there are stairs there. We should go into the room on the left rather than the one at the end of the hall,¡± Fran replied.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Gorb replied as the others released the edginess in them, loosening their stances and breathing easier.

    They opened the doorway to the new room and were pleasantly surprised to see it lit modestly by windows at the top of the high ceilings. There were stairs carved along the round walls leading to the next floor. Zalan looked up to appreciate the size of the room, then stared in shock at something floating at the top of the stairs.

    ¡°What¡ª¡± Zalan¡¯s mouth was clamped over by Gorb¡¯s hand, who was also watching the monster.

    The creature was a mass of torso, and two arms, floating in place at the top of the stairs. There was no head on the creature, nor were there legs to be seen. It looked like a grotesque mass of body that was desperately missing essential parts of its wrinkly form. Only a meshy skin-like torso and arms hanging off the side. It had adjusted its body when Zalan made noise, but it wasn¡¯t clear if it was looking at them due to its lack of eyes. From just beyond the upper end of the stairs, two more of the creatures appeared, creeping aimlessly over the upper floor in their ominous, silent floating.

    Gorb hesitantly took his hand off of Zalan¡¯s mouth and looked to Fran. Fran shrugged uncertainly and looked to the others for direction on what to do. Yelsa drew her bow and nocked an arrow just in case, but shrugged her shoulders. Zalan waved for them all to lean in.

    ¡°What are they?¡± Zalan whispered, so quietly he could barely hear himself speak.

    Everyone looked upward to make sure the creatures didn¡¯t move, then went back to their huddle. Each of the travelers looked to one another, waiting for some clarity on what the headless, legless creatures were. No one had any information.

    ¡°Should we face them?¡± Fran asked quietly.

    ¡°No!¡± Rep hissed immediately. ¡°What if they are dangerous?¡±

    ¡°What if they are harmless? We can kill them and quickly be on our way up,¡± Fran asked.

    ¡°Or they could kill us the moment they come into contact with us,¡± Rep rebutted.

    ¡°How about Yelsa fires an arrow at one of them? If we see it has no effect, then we get out of here. If it looks like we can take them on, we move forward,¡± Zalan whispered.

    Rep shook his head, but the others nodded in unison. Rep wanted to get another word in edgewise, but Yelsa was already pulling her bowstring. Rep ducked his head down as the arrow sailed through the air and struck one of the monster¡¯s torsos toward the top of its body.

    Immediately, as though strings were cut when the arrow inserted itself, the body fell straight down and crashed into the castle floor, not moving. Yelsa fired another arrow into the inert body to make sure it was dead. It remained still. Then they looked back up at the other two bulbous monsters to see how they reacted. There was no change in their behavior, they floated over the edge of the stairs silently.

    ¡°That was easy enough,¡± Yelsa said aloud, not whispering in the face of what seemed like weak creatures.

    The two creatures flinched at the sound of Yelsa¡¯s voice. They both zoomed toward the party of travelers, floating with their arms extended. Behind them, four more creatures floated over the edge, their arms reaching forward as well. Yelsa yelped and went to draw another arrow, but couldn¡¯t get a grip on her quiver. Her fingers kept stumbling over her ammunition until she gave up and sat down, looking up at the six incoming monsters.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Fran asked, concerned as she drew her blade and imbued it with flame.

    Fran raised her free hand as if to blast them away with flame, then lowered her hands a second later, a listless look in her eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Zalan asked, looking over toward both Fran and Yelsa.

    But they were gone.

    He was alone, sitting on a chair, his weapon gone. He was in a hospital, sitting across a room that he didn¡¯t recognize but immediately knew. He wasn¡¯t supposed to be here. There was no reality where he should be sitting where he was sitting. His heart had gone wild and he knew nothing but dread as he looked at the room he feared. Next to the door was a patient room sign with a name written: Haya Umalasif.

    His mom¡¯s hospital room.

 Chapter 32 - Thoughts and Scares

    Zalan gripped the armrests of the chair tightly as he stared at the door in front of him. The rational part of his mind knew that something was wrong. He shouldn¡¯t be at the hospital. But his heart was running on all cylinders, crashing against his chest and desperately seeking an explanation. He didn¡¯t understand what was going on, and his thoughts were shrouded like he was desperately sleepy.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Zalan screamed to the empty corridors of the hospital. There were no doctors, nurses, or patients milling about. Just him and the door. ¡°Where are¡­¡± he was reaching for names of people in his mind, maybe friends. But they wouldn¡¯t come to mind. There was only one thing that mattered right now. It was across from him. Waiting. He had to open the door and visit his mom.

    He stood up shakily, his body feeling like it was an enormous task simply to stand up. He reached his jittering hand out and swallowed hard as it made contact with the cold doorknob. He stood frozen for a moment. His mind was flailing between wanting and not wanting to go inside. He twisted slowly and pushed the door open. It creaked, gradually revealing the room beyond it.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Zalan asked hopeful as he stepped inside.

    The room was dark, the day overcast out the window and the privacy blinds drawn in front of the single hospital bed in the room. He still couldn¡¯t see his mother. Zalan approached the bed much faster, his heart rate skyrocketing in fear and apprehension. He desperately wanted to see his mom¡¯s face. It would help him so much just to see her, even if she was asleep. He threw the curtains open and gasped in rage and fear.

    The bed was empty.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Zalan asked, turning himself around and looking around the room for her. ¡°Mom!¡± he escalated. The room was brightening itself up, the dull ambience of the hospital transitioning to blinding.

    ¡°Mom! I visited! Where are you?¡± Zalan begged as he had to shield his eyes from the searing hot-white color enveloping his vision.

    When his vision cleared, Zalan saw Gorb kneeling over, panting heavily in front of the monsters that were now dead at his feet. Zalan looked around himself and saw that his companions, similar to himself, were sprawled out on the floor as though they had been struck down. Zalan looked vacantly at Gorb, his heart still pounding away unceasingly in his chest. His thoughts were messy. He had a massive headache and his body felt like it had just run miles on end.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Mom? She was supposed to be¡­ What happened?¡± Zalan asked, sitting himself up and blinking past the lightheadedness that immediately came over him. ¡°Where am I? Where¡¯s the hospital?¡±

    Gorb looked over at him, trying to get a hold of his breathing. The bruise on his eye was gone and the expression on his face was distraught.

    ¡°Fran? Are you okay?¡± Gorb asked, his voice caught in his throat.

    ¡°I am alive?¡± Fran asked. Zalan saw wet streaks on her cheeks. She had been crying. Looking around at the others around him, they had all been crying. Except for him. Yelsa laid on the ground, wiping her eyes furiously as she sat herself up.

    ¡°What just happened? Why would I jump again!?¡± she demanded, looking around the room for answers.

    ¡°They were Melders,¡± Fran replied as the thought came to mind. ¡°I had heard of them before, but had never seen them in person. I had no idea that they looked so grotesque. My God, that was terrible.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Zalan asked sternly, not following anyone¡¯s comments. ¡°Where¡¯s my mom? This time, I went to visit, but she wasn¡¯t¡­¡±

    It had taken a while, but Zalan was finally piecing together the fact he was still in what he called the dream world. The stone floor was a part of the Castle of Docrun and those surrounding him were his friends. But he was just in the hospital!

    ¡°Zalan? Are you all right? I saw you¡­ dying,¡± Rep asked, sitting himself up and rubbing his puffy eyes.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m fine,¡± Zalan said, feeling his body for wounds. His ribs were still sore to the touch. ¡°I was at a hospital, trying to visit Mom.¡±

    ¡°Visions?¡± Yelsa asked Fran. ¡°They could not have been visions. It was too real. I¡­ No, it was far too real,¡± Yelsa said.

    ¡°Melders feed off of regrets. They bring out some of your worst lamentations and consume your life energy as you are enveloped in the nightmare,¡± Fran said.

    Zalan felt the pang of truth in his chest at the mention of regrets. As soon as she made it clear, it was so obvious. He had never been to the hospital. He deeply regretted never having gone to visit his mother. And the exhaustion he felt down to his bones was likely the result of the Melders feeding on their energies.

    ¡°Did you defeat them?¡± Fran asked Gorb.

    Gorb nodded sullenly, helping Fran to her feet and placing his arms around her in a brotherly embrace.

    ¡°A bad vision, I take it? Did you see yourself disgraced too?¡± Fran asked, returning the hug.

    ¡°I saw you,¡± Gorb said. ¡°With all your power and might, you wanted to take on the strongest monsters. Recklessly so. And you died trying.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Gorb,¡± Fran leaned back and looked at him, a small, comforting smile at her lips. ¡°That is your fear? That would be such a blessing. To fight to the end. Trying! That sounds like a fitting end for me. What part of that would you regret?¡±

    ¡°I encouraged Mother and Father to send you to the guild with me. Had I never talked them into it, you would be safe at home,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°I would be driven insane, smiling cordially to every suitor with half a Level to his name trying to give me a life I did not want. This is the life I want. I have already decided that I want to kill a Storm Elemental before I die. Show the world that Elementals are, in fact, as vulnerable as any other monster. I would not mind if I died to its lightning. So long as I died trying,¡± Fran replied confidently.

    Gorb¡¯s lip was trembling, not wanting to accept Fran¡¯s goals being so antithetical to his own.

    ¡°What did you see?¡± Gorb asked, finally releasing her from the tight hug.

    ¡°I witnessed my own passing with nothing of note. A husk of an existence with nothing to offer. A life of disgrace and apathy to every ongoing around me. I cannot pass from this life without challenging something great. Otherwise, I will have never done enough. What is it you are always saying? We are going to God¡­¡± Fran said, trying to place a phrase.

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    ¡°To God we belong, and to Him we shall return,¡± Gorb replied confidently.

    ¡°Exactly! All of us who are living will taste death. I just hope to make my time here worthwhile,¡± Fran said.

    Zalan felt like he was witnessing an intimate moment he wasn¡¯t supposed to see between the siblings, but they clearly didn¡¯t mind speaking so candidly. It made Zalan wonder about the mentions of Yelsa and Rep¡¯s visions. He looked at Yelsa who was still calming herself down, breathing deeply to control herself while popping knuckles.

    ¡°You said¡­ You jumped again? Morloch was in your vision,¡± Zalan determined as he ran back Yelsa¡¯s comments.

    ¡°Please do not make me relive it again,¡± Yelsa pleaded, before adding in a tiny voice, ¡°but yes.¡±

    ¡°Why were you mentioning your mother?¡± Rep asked. ¡°Did you see her in your vision?¡±

    ¡°Why would you see my death in your vision?¡± Zalan asked, avoiding the question. ¡°What would that have to do with you?¡±

    Rep¡¯s eyes widened and he bit the inside of his lip.

    ¡°If you died, it means I failed,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You just met me,¡± Zalan said. ¡°It¡¯s only been what¡­ like a week? I don¡¯t see why that would be such an extreme regret.¡±

    Rep looked up with a half smile.

    ¡°Do not think I did not notice your dodging of my question. I may give you a more clear answer once you give me any answer at all,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan opened his mouth to counter, but nothing came. He didn¡¯t want to talk about the hospital or his mom. Rep¡¯s half smile grew to a full smile when he saw that he defeated Zalan with the small challenge.

    ¡°Gorb, if you had a vision, how did you defeat the Melders? How did you avoid falling under their trance?¡± Yelsa asked as she looked over the six newly-dead Melders and their uncanny forms.

    ¡°As you saw from the couple of arrows you fired earlier, they do not possess much strength. However, I watched as you all collapsed one-by-one after yelling in the presence of the Melders. Something about the sounds we create activates their powers. I attacked with a gale of Elemental Air. I remained silent, but even the sound of the wind I produced was enough to put me under their spell. Fortunately, my attack was enough to kill a single Melder, causing me to gain a Level and kill the rest,¡± Gorb replied.

    Zalan wondered if Gorb¡¯s stoic nature was the reason they survived at all. He once again registered the fact that the bruise on Gorb¡¯s eye was gone and understood. The bright white energy that took over his vision was likely the result of the explosion of light from Gorb gaining a Level. Even knowing it was a vision, he still had a hard time pushing it out of his mind. It was too real. And how would Melder¡¯s know to create a vision of a hospital? They must have rooted in his mind enough to find something terrible to dangle in front of his psyche.

    ¡°Are there any more up there?¡± Yelsa asked, picking up her bow from the floor and placing an arrow in place.

    ¡°Can we rest, first, before continuing to charge forward? I cannot be the only one at the brink of exhaustion,¡± Rep said.

    The others agreed, sitting down and resting themselves against the stone walls of the castle. Zalan noted that there were no crickets on this end of the hall and he wondered whether they couldn¡¯t make it this far or if the Melders also fed off of the bugs. Did crickets have regrets? Gorb took watch, keeping a close eye at the top of the stairs for any more Melders since he had been recently rejuvenated by gaining a Level.

    As they rested, Yelsa threw a few furtive glances Zalan¡¯s way. He didn¡¯t think much of it, especially when his own vision made him feel like he needed to constantly look at things to affirm he was not in another nightmare.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Yelsa said in a measured tone.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°I apologize for earlier,¡± Yelsa said, sounding as though it was difficult to express her remorse.

    ¡°I, as well,¡± Fran said in quick agreement.

    Zalan looked between them for a few moments, trying to catch up with their secret messaging.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We were overly eager to know about your experience with the Mind of Madness. It must have been awful. We should not have tried to make you relive those emotions,¡± Yelsa said, Fran nodding in agreement.

    ¡°Oh, uhhh,¡± Zalan shrugged in embarrassment. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I get why you would be curious. Now you have a better idea of what it was like.¡±

    Fran and Yelsa nodded, appreciating his quickness to forgive. Zalan saw a lingering question in Yelsa¡¯s eyes and felt compelled to share just a bit more.

    ¡°The Mind of Madness was worse. A lot worse,¡± Zalan assured them.

    This time, Fran, Yelsa, Rep and Gorb all nodded in appreciation. He answered their untold question without them having to feel guilty in asking.

    After about an hour of rest, the travelers stood and prepared themselves to continue forward.

    ¡°I have not seen any evidence of additional Melders,¡± Gorb reported.

    ¡°That does not mean that they are not in hiding,¡± Rep reminded.

    ¡°Zap the ceiling, Zalan,¡± Fran suggested. ¡°It will bring out any stragglers.¡±

    ¡°What if there are an overwhelming number of stragglers?¡± Rep asked. ¡°Just a few were almost enough to kill us all.¡±

    ¡°Yelsa will act fast and take them down. And we will prevent them from drawing too close,¡± Fran gestured to herself and Gorb self-assuredly. ¡°We can be quiet, and shake awake those that fall under the trance.¡±

    ¡°I would prefer we came up with a more thoughtful approach,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I will leave it up to Zalan,¡± Fran offered. ¡°His quest brought us here, after all.¡±

    Rep nodded reluctantly.

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrows drew close in confusion, not sure whether he would prefer another way. It might take a while to find an alternate set of stairs in another, safer room. That thought alone was enough to make the decision for him. After the vision, there was nothing more he wanted to do than wake up from the dream world. He simply hated being here, at the whims of his subconscious mind in his sleep. If he wandered around long enough, he might be caught with visions that would be too much for him to handle.

    He raised his hand at the high ceiling and fired a spark of lightning. The lightning flashed, but didn¡¯t make it all the way up, much less at a level that would be seen by any Melders atop the stairs. Embarrassed, Zalan tried again with a larger bolt. It also didn¡¯t reach over the edge of the stairs. Zalan looked down at his hands, then up to his companions.

    ¡°I guess I never tested how far my power could go. It¡¯s too far, whatever the height of the ceiling is. We could always just walk up the stairs quietly,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°That would risk us being unable to flee the room if we are outmatched,¡± Gorb shook his head.

    ¡°I will fire an arrow at the ceiling,¡± Yelsa suggested.

    ¡°I wanted you to have an arrow in place for whatever came over the side,¡± Fran replied.

    ¡°We could always find another way up,¡± Rep encouraged.

    The others looked at him for a moment, then turned their eyes to Yelsa.

    ¡°Just fire an arrow,¡± Fran threw her hand up dismissively.

    ¡°Right,¡± Yelsa pulled her bowstring and pointed above.

    ¡°Wait, let¡¯s think about¡ª¡±

    Yelsa fired the arrow and it made a thunk as it hit the ceiling. Gorb blew the falling projectile out of the way, and Yelsa nocked another arrow as fast as she could. The companions waited for a few bated breaths, then released their tensions.

    ¡°That was easy enough,¡± Yelsa said, lowering her bow.

    ¡°That is exactly what you said before we were swarmed and on the brink of death,¡± Rep noted.

    ¡°That was before we knew there were Melders in this castle. We are much more prepared now!¡± Fran said confidently.

    ¡°Yeah, that was probably the worst thing we¡¯ll find in here,¡± Zalan said, taking the lead up the stairs to Fran¡¯s surprise.

    He was ready to get out of this world as soon as he could.

 Chapter 33 - Second Floor

    Zalan breathed easier once he could see the top of the set of stairs, confirming that there were no more Melders in the large chamber. He waved his friends forward, encouraging them to come up as well, free from any imminent dangers. The next floor greeted them with a large wooden door, holding up much better than the entryway had at the opening of the castle. Zalan hesitated before stepping through the door. The hospital room¡¯s door handle flashed in his mind. He didn¡¯t want to go through that again. Fran silently took the lead, reaching out to open the door. She signaled for Yelsa to get her bow ready and for Zalan to take aim at anything on the other end of the door. As soon as they nodded, prepared, Fran cracked the door open slowly.

    Looking past the open door revealed nothing concerning. It was another ransacked room with a few windows to let in light. The group traveled inside, watching the corners for any creatures that may be prowling, but they saw none. They continued moving together as one unit until a low rumbling caught their attention. They frantically got tense and spun around to assess the source for danger, only to all end up looking at Zalan. He half-smiled, embarrassed, and placed a hand lightly on his abdomen.

    ¡°I think that was my stomach,¡± he said.

    Yelsa lowered the bow she had pointed at him in reflex and smiled.

    ¡°Then we are all going to be hungry, soon,¡± she sighed. ¡°The Artifact was nice while it lasted.¡±

    ¡°We need to move quickly,¡± Gorb said. ¡°Hunger will mean a lack of energy soon, as we lack anything but emergency rations. We will need to find where the Homeseeker is located before we end up becoming too hungry to progress further.¡±

    They picked up their pace moving through the room, Fran making her way to the next wooden door. Both Zalan and Yelsa indicated that they were ready and she threw the door open.

    Immediately, they were met with high-pitched squeals in protest and anger from creatures on the ceiling. Zalan threw his arms up in defense as the ceiling looked to be boiling in anger, constantly in motion.

    ¡°How many things live in this place?¡± Zalan asked, frustrated. He blasted lightning toward the ceiling, but couldn¡¯t get the bolt high enough. One of the creatures swooped down and Zalan got a good look at it before diving out of the way.

    It was like a giant human-sized bat with spindly arms below its wings. The arms, though small, were tipped with claws. The one that flew past Zalan looked more scared than aggressive as it flew past.

    ¡°Bats?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Razortongues,¡± Rep corrected.

    As if to prove Rep¡¯s point, a Razortongue flew by with its mouth open, its tongue hanging out and bladed like a chainsaw at the edges. Zalan tried to fire some lightning at it, but missed again due to its speed.

    ¡°Do not try to fight them at a distance,¡± Gorb said loudly as the shrieks from above them began to crescendo.

    ¡°And let them swarm us?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°If they wanted to swarm us, they would have done that already. They are scared, flying haphazardly after being shocked awake. Keep your sword in hand in case any get close, but do not draw any more attention to us,¡± Gorb replied.

    Zalan looked back up to the Razortongues and saw that most of them were flying into each other or screaming in random directions. Very few of them even looked in the travelers¡¯ direction, and even fewer glanced at them for more than a moment before continuing to flail and screech. They attacked one another in their fight to make it to the open windows, but once they reached their destination, the sunlight was too bright and they would hiss and turn right back around inside.

    Fran cut a Razortongue in half as it tried to bite her in its aimless flight, then signaled for the rest of her companions to follow along so they could slink across the room and continue their way forward. Zalan and Rep had a very hard time taking steps forward, each time they intended to move, it felt to them that a Razortooth was coming right at them and they braced themselves for what ended up being a false alarm. This went on for about a minute before Fran grew restless with their lack of progress. Razortongues were beginning to look in their general direction more often.

    ¡°I will try to create a bubble,¡± Gorb informed them. He moved his hands over them in a large arc several times until sounds began to grow distant. Zalan blinked in shock as Gorb¡¯s power created enough air rushing over them that the cacophony of hundreds of Razortongue screeches sounded like they were coming from across a hall rather than right above them. Zalan finally made a few steps forward, Rep close behind, and the entire group began to make slow and steady progress.

    When they were about halfway across the room, the Razortongues began to take much more notice of the intruders making their way through the room. A few flew in closer to check, but were blown aside by Gorb¡¯s wind. The more curious they became, the more agitated the nest was growing. One darted into the air bubble at top speed from Zalan¡¯s left. He didn¡¯t have a good angle to swing his sword in that direction, so he threw a punch that way, trying to at least redirect the Razortongue before it had a chance to open its mouth.

    Crack

    Zalan winced as the Razortongue fell to one side, bashed in the face by his fist. Zalan looked down at his hand to see how badly he¡¯d hurt himself only to blink in surprise when he saw was unharmed. He looked up at the Razortongue that was trying to get back on all fours, its jaw slack.

    ¡°Did I just break its jaw?¡± Zalan asked no one in particular.

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    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said, his voice tense as he kept an eye on the Razortongues above. ¡°You have a higher Strength than before. With enough training, you may even be able to kill one if you hit it right.¡±

    ¡°With my bare hands?¡± Zalan asked, stunned.

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°Then why are we being so careful?¡± Zalan asked the group.

    ¡°There are hundreds. Just like you could take on Sickly Gargoyles at an earlier Level, you could also take these creatures on. But this many will easily consume us all,¡± Fran replied, though she didn¡¯t look nearly as concerned as the other travelers. She looked more fascinated, studying the Razortongues as they passed above the air bubble.

    They had almost reached the end of the room now, and more Razortongues were swooping down to attempt to bite them. Yelsa was good at taking out the incoming enemies, even with the air bubble jittering her arrows on their way out. Any that could get through the arrows and the bubble were now easily dispatched by Fran.

    ¡°I might be able to gain a Level and kill them all if I get a few of them,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°Or you may lose your arm if you are so much as licked,¡± Rep replied. ¡°I do not think this is worth the potential dangers.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Fran said. ¡°It was a mistake to put you up against Sickly Gargoyles when we did. This is not the time to test your mettle against a horde of Razortongues.¡±

    Zalan nodded in disappointment, hoping to be the solution to getting out. When they finally reached to the other side of the room, it became clear that they could not simply walk out. There were Razortongues latched sideways on the door frame, hissing at the incoming travelers and sharing their teeth and tongues menacingly.

    ¡°Just blast the door down like you did the first one!¡± Yelsa told Gorb.

    ¡°No,¡± Gorb said, breathing heavily. The effort it took to keep up the pocket of air around them was taking its toll on him. ¡°We need there to be a barrier between us and them. Otherwise they will simply follow us.¡±

    ¡°Then we need to kill them,¡± Fran began making her way to the door.

    ¡°No,¡± Gorb said once more. ¡°We have been on the defensive this entire time. That is why they do not swarm us. They find us an interesting visitor, even if we are killing a handful of them. If we go on the offensive, I fear they will retaliate.¡±

    ¡°Then what do we do?¡± Yelsa asked, fearfully.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Gorb admitted.

    Zalan looked at the door and observed about seven Razortongues defending their exit. Then he looked back at the black cloud that was dozens of Razortongues flying past one another above them. He looked at his hands, then back to his friends.

    ¡°I have an idea,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Rep takes on the Razortongues on the door and the rest of us keep the horde from attacking.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Rep and Yelsa asked simultaneously.

    ¡°Think about it!¡± Zalan ducked as Fran swatted aside a Razortongue that came to attack them. ¡°We don¡¯t need to kill them, we just need to keep them away while Rep clears the way. Fran can create much bigger flames than Rep! Yelsa and I are good at firing at a distance. Gorb can redirect them. Rep can just focus on the ones at the door and let us know when it¡¯s safe to go in!¡±

    ¡°I am not ready for that! Think of something else!¡± Rep pleaded.

    ¡°We do not have time,¡± Gorb said. ¡°Be careful not to burn down the door.¡±

    ¡°Wait! I do not think this is a good idea! What if I make a mistake and we get hurt?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Then at least you will have tried,¡± Fran said to him encouragingly.

    Rep bit down hard on the inside of his lip and huffed.

    ¡°Fine! Keep them off me!¡± Rep charged roaring at the door covered in Razortongues.

    Gorb stopped supplying his pocket of air and began to redirect specific Razortongues. As soon as he dropped the bubble, the far away screeching overwhelmed them in its sheer volume. The Razortgonues were clearly angry, no longer confused. Fran took the lead, sending out flamethrower-like columns of flames at no creature in particular, scaring them with as much heat and light as she could output. Zalan joined in, zapping away bolts of lightning without considering his aim, hoping to be a beacon of fear for the Razortongues. Yelsa and Gorb took a much more measured approach, Yelsa firing at incoming enemies while Gorb would redirect them into the mass of flame to kill them immediately. The few that could get past the onslaught of arrows and power were quickly dealt a death blow by Gorb striking them in the head or chest.

    The serious output of energies went on for about thirty seconds before Zalan screamed, straining himself to remain emitting his lightning. His limbs jerked involuntarily and his head felt like it would explode.

    ¡°Rep! How much longer?¡± Zalan called.

    Rep didn¡¯t reply from behind him, but Zalan could hear the cries and strikes of a battle ensuing to his rear. He threw him the fastest glance he could.

    Rep was slashing one Razortongue¡¯s wings off, while fending off another with a show of flame. He was sweating heavily and looked like he was struggling. Slow progress came in the form of a Razortongue having its head cut off, and Zalan returned his focus to the larger swarm.

    A few more seconds ticked by agonizingly, Zalan¡¯s forearms were burning like he was weightlifting a car. Gorb fell to one knee, heaving as he tried to blast another Razortongue into Fran¡¯s considerably smaller column of flame.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Gorb coughed, nearing his breaking point.

    ¡°Now! Now! Come on!¡± Rep screamed.

    The travelers didn¡¯t hesitate, immediately turning around and racing past the open door, jumping over the dead Razortongues at their feet. Rep was waving with one arm, beckoning them as they ran over, then strained to slam the door behind them when the last of them fell through. Rep managed to close it just as a Razortongue flew through the opening, charging directly for Zalan. Zalan blasted it with lightning, but he was far too weak and only dazed it. He shielded himself with his arms over his face just as Yelsa was able to fire an arrow through its throat, putting an end to the attack.

    The five travelers caught their breath, no one standing upright after barely having managed to rush through the door. As much as she tried not to, Fran was smiling to herself.

    ¡°What a fight,¡± she sighed to herself, looking at the dead Razortongue that decorated the floor. ¡°Are we all okay?¡±

    No one said a word, continuing to catch their breath. Fran breathed deeply and went down the line of them.

    ¡°Zalan, any injuries?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Zalan wheezed.

    ¡°Gorb? Yelsa?¡±

    ¡°I am unharmed, but exhausted,¡± Gorb admitted.

    ¡°I am mostly fine,¡± Yelsa said, though it was clear that her injured leg was causing her new pain after having strained herself.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Fran asked.

    Everyone looked over to him when he didn¡¯t promptly reply.

    ¡°I am fine,¡± Rep said halfheartedly, looking at the deep cut running across his arm, bleeding openly onto the floor.

 Chapter 34 - Burden

    ¡°Rep!¡± Zalan jumped up and rushed over to him, looking over the wound spilling freely on the floor. ¡°Stop the bleeding! That¡¯s a bad cut!¡±

    Yelsa hopped up and poured water over the wound as Rep bit his lip and winced in pain. Zalan took his sword and cut off the lower end of his tunic to cover Rep¡¯s wound while Yelsa went through Rep¡¯s things to pull out proper bandages.

    ¡°I am fine. We should continue,¡± Rep said as Yelsa began dressing the wound.

    ¡°You¡¯re not fine,¡± Zalan said immediately.

    ¡°But we should keep moving,¡± Rep said, then heard the sound of the Razortongues scratching against the door behind him. ¡°We want to make distance between us and them,¡± he added.

    ¡°Fine, but only after we stop the bleeding,¡± Zalan said quickly.

    ¡°They may be able to smell the blood through the door,¡± Rep mentioned.

    ¡°Whatever! Rep, you¡¯re bleeding! We don¡¯t have a place to heal nearby, why are you being so weird about just closing your wound?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep continued to bite the inside of his mouth and didn¡¯t reply. Once Yelsa had put a tight bandage on the wound, it changed color to a deep red. Then, Rep stood up and they made their way across the room and away from the frenzy of monsters at the door. They didn¡¯t go into the next room, instead crossing to the wall next to the door on the other side of the large, empty room. Fran stopped and sat down against the wall, Gorb following suit and Rep stood looking at both of them in confusion.

    ¡°Why are we stopping?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°There may be any manner of monsters on the other side of that door,¡± Fran flicked her head up to the next chamber. ¡°I presume it would be safer if we waited for you to heal some before charging forward.¡±

    ¡°I said I am fine. We should continue moving,¡± Rep said.

    The others watched Rep uncertainly, not sure how to respond to that.

    ¡°Rep, you were bleeding pretty bad. It¡¯s worth getting some rest,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I assure you that will not be necessary,¡± Rep said, his face inscrutable.

    ¡°It is necessary! What are you saying?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We should not stop our progress on my account,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Rep, your injury may make it difficult to hold a sword, or perhaps use your fire,¡± Yelsa chimed in.

    ¡°Not a concern for us,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°Do you have some Artifact of healing that you have neglected to mention to us?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I do not want to be the reason we delay, is all,¡± Rep said firmly. The blood pooling in his bandages began to make it to the surface, a slight sheen of red was now visible atop the covering.

    ¡°What is going on with you?¡± Zalan asked, looking at him in confusion. ¡°If Fran was hurt like this, would you still want to push forward? Or if I was bleeding out like that, would you insist that we move forward?¡±

    ¡°That question is irrelevant,¡± Rep dismissed.

    ¡°Why?¡± Zalan demanded.

    ¡°Because neither of you are so seriously wounded,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°But you are!¡± Zalan¡¯s voice was rising.

    ¡°That does not matter!¡± Rep claimed, matching Zalan¡¯s increasing volume.

    ¡°Why not? You¡¯re hurt!¡± Zalan practically screamed.

    ¡°Because I do not matter!¡± Rep shouted.

    The response would have been met with shocked silence, had the room not echoed Rep¡¯s outburst. Zalan¡¯s face went from upset to deeply confused and a little stunned. He¡¯d flipped in and out of the sentiment of believing he didn¡¯t matter back when he was in the real world. His thoughts were in a deep turmoil that sent him away from wanting to communicate with anyone. He never expected to hear the words said out loud, especially not from Rep.

    ¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t matter?¡± Zalan asked, his voice level.

    ¡°This quest can be completed without me. We need not worry about my condition for this to be a success,¡± Rep said, he was still biting the inside of his lip. Zalan was worried he¡¯d bite it open again.

    ¡°So what? This quest can be done without me, too,¡± Zalan said, keeping his voice even and calm.

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    ¡°No! Absolutely not,¡± Rep rejected immediately. ¡°You are an integral part of the quest. You and Yelsa are here to get the Homeseeker. Fran and Gorb are here to be paid for their service in assisting Yelsa to her goal. All of that can be achieved without me. I am only along to assist, but I have now done the opposite. It¡¯s become clear that I cannot assist.¡±

    ¡°You are a huge help!¡± Zalan said, amazed he was having this conversation.

    He looked to his other companions for support and saw each of them nodding their heads in emphatic agreement with Zalan.

    ¡°Am I? In every battle, I have been a burden. I could not stop a single Boznok. I could not be more than a distraction for a Narg. I could not even take on a half-dozen Razortongues except that one of them tore my flesh enough to get you to be concerned for my well-being. You took on hundreds! Without a scratch on any of you! It sounds much more like I hold you back than help you forward!¡± Rep replied sharply.

    ¡°Rep, I would be dead if it weren¡¯t for you,¡± Zalan said, exasperated.

    ¡°That is not true,¡± Rep said, deep lines of guilt on his face.

    ¡°The Flamestriker would have definitely killed me without you!¡± Zalan insisted.

    ¡°That is not true!¡± Rep enunciated each word with such venom that Zalan blinked in shock.

    Rep almost seemed angry. Certainly ashamed. He felt he was so much of a burden on the group that he wasn¡¯t even acknowledging the time he clearly saved Zalan¡¯s life. Or was there something more to it? Zalan couldn¡¯t tell and Rep looked almost manic.

    ¡°If you push yourself, then you might die before we get the chance to get you home with the Homeseeker so that you can heal yourself,¡± Zalan said urgently.

    ¡°And the quest could still be considered a success. Everyone would get what they want. Including me, who only wants to assist you to get home. The only thing I want is for you to be able to return home,¡± Rep said matter-of-factly.

    ¡°You¡¯re being ridiculous,¡± Zalan spat.

    ¡°Am I? We know that the Satiator¡¯s effects are wearing off and rather than rush forward to finish our task, you insist we stop for someone that has nothing to offer in the form of support,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Stop saying that,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Then let us continue,¡± Rep commanded. ¡°If I am the reason we can not continue, then I am certainly holding us back.¡±

    ¡°No. You know what? I¡¯m tired. I want to rest. I wanna sit here and do nothing for a few hours to make sure I catch my breath after fighting off those Razortongues. How does that sound?¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°It sounds like you are making this up so that you may force me to rest,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Does it matter? I¡¯m not moving,¡± Zalan sat himself down.

    Rep looked down at him, his eyes narrowing, teeth grinding over the inside skin of his lip.

    ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered. ¡°But we really should get moving.¡±

    Rep moved to the other corner of the wall and sat alone, closing his eyes and laying his head back. Yelsa rolled her eyes.

    ¡°He did not even do me the courtesy of allowing me to redress the wound before sitting down,¡± she sighed, getting up and pulling a new set of bandages from her bag.

    Zalan put his face in his hands, sighing loudly in frustration. He looked up sharply at Gorb and Fran.

    ¡°Can you believe him?¡± Zalan asked rhetorically.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Gorb nodded. ¡°He has always been this selfless.¡±

    Zalan scoffed in frustration, remembering the conversation he had with Gorb about strength and compassion.

    ¡°Is this really strength? Hurting yourself to please others?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I have never known anyone like him. I am certain he would offer himself to the dragon if we told him it would assist us,¡± Gorb said, looking over at Rep with respect.

    ¡°That just sounds like insanity,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°People use the word insanity to describe any manner of people they do not understand,¡± Fran said, smiling gently.

    ¡°Okay, but you¡¯re actually a little insane,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Fran shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°But I do not yell at my friends when they are in clear pain.¡±

    Zalan paused to take in her words, but quickly rejected them.

    ¡°Pain? I was yelling at him because he wasn¡¯t addressing the wound properly!¡± Zalan protested.

    ¡°Not the physical pain, that was clear. He had other pain he was expressing. Regrets and shame. The feeling of being the least helpful one among so many talented people,¡± Fran mused.

    ¡°I can barely hold a sword,¡± Zalan said seriously.

    ¡°That did not prevent you from hurting a Narg when he could not,¡± Fran pointed out. ¡°Be gentle with him and you two will come to an understanding. And then we can move forward.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna be gentle with a guy that¡¯s trying to hurt himself,¡± Zalan said firmly.

    ¡°Then he will only get worse,¡± she shrugged.

    Zalan looked down at his feet, unsure how to react to that. Maybe she was right. Something was definitely wrong with Rep emotionally to insist on physically pushing himself this much on Zalan¡¯s part.

    ¡°You really think that trying to talk sense into him is doing him more harm?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do. Because he believes you are his friend, your words affect him deeply. It hurts him to see you angry at him, in case you are not aware. And perhaps you believe that you can live with that because you are so insistent that you are from another world. But I like to think you will try to make amends before going home.¡±

    ¡°But I have no idea what¡¯s going on with him!¡± Zalan said, helpless.

    ¡°Neither do I,¡± Fran admitted. ¡°But I suspect you are the one most likely of us to get a response. He clearly sees himself as your guardian. He tried to make us act especially cautious for your sake during this entire journey.¡±

    Zalan thought back through the days and could clearly see the pattern of Rep trying to make things easier on him. The constant questions and worries were all in respect with keeping them all safe. But with all the ideas of selflessness he must have felt wholly inadequate when he could not fight as well as anyone else, Zalan included. What kind of guardian could do nothing when faced with tangible danger? Zalan could see the pain in Rep now. He blinked in surprise at his own assessment of his friend. Zalan could never have that same kind of epiphany when he reflected on his own emotions. Nothing was ever so clear in his own heart.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try to be better with him,¡± Zalan said seriously.

    ¡°Good. Frankly, I would like to go and kill a dragon once you two are done bickering,¡± Fran smiled.

 Chapter 35 - Reconciliation

    They waited a long while in the room. The wings, shrieks, and door-scratches of the Razortongues soon decrescendoed and dissipated when they could no longer hear the adventurers on the other side of the door. The danger felt like it was over, save for Rep¡¯s injury. After about two hours of rest and waiting, Zalan asked Yelsa how Rep¡¯s wound was doing. She gave him a look.

    ¡°You could simply ask him yourself,¡± Yelsa replied.

    ¡°You think he¡¯d be honest with me?¡± Zalan replied.

    Yelsa weighed the question in her head and shrugged, deciding not to be glib.

    ¡°The bleeding has stopped. I would not be concerned about going forward with him, but I do not expect him to be of much help in future rooms. He can not assist us in any physical capacity,¡± Yelsa replied.

    ¡°You didn''t tell him that, did you?¡± Zalan asked seriously.

    ¡°And make him feel worse? Please, Zalan, we are not all lacking a heart,¡± she said snidely.

    Zalan scoffed, having nothing to say to that. He looked over to Rep who was staring at his bad arm, sulking. He sat alone in the other corner, Yelsa having tried to encourage him to join the others to no avail whenever she checked how the cut was healing. The three travelers next to Zalan looked to him expectantly at the news that they could continue. Zalan didn¡¯t want to be the one to apologize first, but he knew there was no better way to get this over with than to just swallow his pride despite feeling he was in the right.

    Zalan stood and hesitantly made his way over to Rep. Rep looked up and regarded him with a slight nod, then went back to looking over his arm in shame.

    ¡°I wanted to apologize for earlier. I shouldn¡¯t have yelled at you. Sorry,¡± Zalan said, setting his back against the wall and sliding down to sit next to Rep.

    ¡°I think I should be the one apologizing. You only wanted to make sure I was safe,¡± Rep murmured, keeping his eyes fixed on the bandages on his arm.

    ¡°I also wanted to thank you,¡± Zalan added, ignoring Rep¡¯s self-deprecation.

    ¡°For yelling at you?¡± Rep asked sarcastically.

    ¡°Remember back when the Mind of Madness hit me? I don¡¯t think anyone really knew what to do. But you acted immediately,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I did not know what I was doing either,¡± Rep said sincerely.

    ¡°Even then, you acted immediately,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep thought back to the situation, biting lightly on the inside of his lip.

    ¡°You saved me from a Flamestriker, too,¡± Zalan added, trying to gain momentum.

    ¡°No, do not try to attribute that to me,¡± Rep denied. ¡°Sir Kilile saved you. I barely held my own.¡±

    ¡°I would have exploded without you,¡± Zalan insisted. ¡°And I think that counts as saving me. I just want to try and make sure you realize that you¡¯re a really big help. And¡­ it might be kinda sad to admit this¡­ but you¡¯re one of the closest friends I think I have. And I really needed a friend right now.¡±

    Rep smirked to himself and finally met Zalan¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°It is not as though you have made a lot of friends in this realm,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°I meant in both worlds,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Rep blinked to himself in thought. ¡°You know, you may be my closest friend as well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s definitely sad,¡± Zalan laughed. ¡°I¡¯m not even from here! How do you not have friends?¡±

    ¡°I suppose I never made the time back home,¡± Rep shrugged.

    Zalan stood up and offered Rep his hand.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s both go home so you can make more time,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    Rep looked down at his bad arm one last time and then back to Zalan with new determination.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said, taking Zalan¡¯s hand and pulling himself up. They turned to the other three group members to see them already standing and ready to move forward.

    ¡°Splendid! No more little things to hold us back from a dragon!¡± Fran said eagerly.

    ¡°By ¡®little things,¡¯ do you mean the argument or Rep¡¯s serious, critical wound?¡± Yelsa asked, slightly concerned.

    Fran simply smiled in response.

    With that, they finally joined back together in a group and approached the door. Fran looked back and nodded to her companions, who all nodded back, indicating they were ready to move forward. She pulled the door open, its creak sending shivers down Zalan¡¯s spine. He was suddenly worried that Razortongues would be on this ceiling and the creaking would be enough to trigger another swarm to come after them. But after the door was open enough for him to see through, he saw that there were no creatures prowling along the walls.

    ¡°Thank God,¡± Yelsa breathed, speaking for them all. Except, perhaps, Fran who was always prepared for another grand battle.

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    Even though the room looked clear, they still traversed it with an abundance of caution, making sure not to make too much noise. Their eyes would scan all areas of the room quickly, confirming that nothing was living in or on the walls, preparing to pounce on them the moment they got within striking distance. There was nothing but overturned furniture, torn banners, and stuffing from cushions that were long gone. The room passed by them quietly and Fran laid her hand on the next door, turning back to nod at the group. They nodded back, and again she drew the door open cautiously.

    To their surprise, shining light spilled out of the doorway. A bright yellow hue casted itself on the floor and wall of the room they were in as Fran pulled the door further open. Where Zalan expected to see a sunroom or a wall of windows, he instead saw that the source of light was sitting at the top of the room, like a light fixture. They stared at it, not moving another step forward as they tried to figure out what it was.

    ¡°A lantern?¡± Gorb asked, taking a small step forward to get a better look.

    Rep breathed in sharply and pulled Gorb back. Gorb, instinctively, pulled Fran away from the doorway as well. The siblings ducked, thinking they were about to be hit with a weapon, then looked back to Rep who was entranced by the shining yellow object. Fran looked annoyed that she was made to panic for a moment, but Gorb didn¡¯t seem to mind as he studied the look on Rep¡¯s face.

    ¡°That is an Artifact. I am certain,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What manner of Artifact?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I am uncertain. It may be a simple Radiance Orb. But why would they put it in this room? It looks rather plain,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Is a Radiance Orb just like a¡­ torch?¡± Zalan asked. He was originally going to ask if it was like a lightbulb before correcting himself.

    ¡°Indeed. Imagine a lantern, but instead it never runs out of light to emit,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Amazing,¡± Yelsa said as she looked on.

    It sounded a lot like a lightbulb to Zalan.

    ¡°What other Artifacts might it be?¡± Gorb asked, looking around the room to try and piece together evidence of what it was. The room was almost entirely empty. Eerily so. There were two doors on either side and no windows for fresh air like in the room they stood in. There was no evidence of Castle Docrun memorabilia like the banners, cooking utensils, or broken seating found in many other rooms. But there was a set of two human skeletons in one corner, and another human skeleton in the other corner.

    ¡°It may be a Shadow Net of some sort. An Artifact that scans the area for anything crossing in and then strikes when it senses something within its proximity. It is a trap that watches keenly like a guard,¡± Rep said.

    Gorb nodded, looking to Yelsa. Yelsa took a moment to understand his gaze, then pulled out one of her arrows and threw it into the room. It clattered to the floor, basking in the brilliant yellow glow. The group looked at each other, then back to the arrow, then to Rep.

    ¡°Perhaps it needs to be heavier to trigger the trap?¡± Rep suggested.

    Gorb nodded once more, pulling one of his two sheaths off of his back. He pulled out the sword and gave it to Fran to hold. The group stepped back as Gorb tossed the scabbard into the room, then directed his arms downward sharply, causing a burst of air to slam the sheath into the ground. The group stared at the sheath silently, the arrow rolling to the side slowly after having been touched by the power of the wind. After a few seconds of waiting, they all turned back to Rep.

    ¡°I do not have a clue,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Should we continue forward, then?¡± Fran asked expectantly.

    ¡°I do not know if it is safe,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then it is dangerous?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°What if Yelsa shoots at the Artifact?¡± Zalan suggested.

    They looked at him with mixed emotions.

    ¡°It is best not to try and harm Artifacts you do not fully understand. In fact, it is best not to touch those you are not familiar with,¡± Rep suggested, sounding deadly serious.

    ¡°Yes, that is like waking a sleeping monster that you are totally unaware of, and being unable to handle it in battle,¡± Gorb agreed.

    ¡°I get that you¡¯re trying to make a point, but I¡¯m pretty sure we¡¯ve woken up multiple monsters I wasn¡¯t qualified to fight in these past few days,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    ¡°The difference here is that we will not do it this time on purpose,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan shrugged in agreement and everyone turned their focus back to Rep who shrunk under the attention.

    ¡°Why are you all looking at me?¡± Rep asked. He raised his bandaged hand, as if to remind them that he was of no help.

    ¡°You are most knowledgeable when it comes to Artifacts,¡± Fran said simply.

    ¡°But I do not know what this is!¡± Rep repeated, pointing at the room.

    ¡°It is either this room, or back to the Razortongues,¡± Fran said.

    They all turned back to the Artifact on the ceiling, studying it as much as they could from their distance. For a few seconds, some put their attention on the skeletons on the floor, trying to figure out the story of how this room ended up their resting place. Zalan peered as hard as he could at the yellow, bright light, feeling like a small sun sitting within the castle. It occurred to him how much lower this ceiling was than every other ceiling in the castle. It was a little over twice his height, where most others looked to be at least five times his height. After a few seconds of staring at its luminance, he let out a sigh.

    ¡°Can we just go inside? I¡¯m not dealing with that Razortongue room again,¡± he suggested, impatient.

    The others nodded, not wanting to have been the one to suggest it, but all agreeing it was better to just get it over with. Fran tried to walk through first, but was pulled back by Gorb¡¯s powerful arm. Instead, he took the lead. He signaled for the other four to wait behind him for a few moments, waiting for a trap to be sprung. When nothing happened, Gorb shrugged, picking up his sheath and Yelsa¡¯s arrow and the others followed him inside.

    Again, they traveled across the bare room carefully, keeping a close eye on the Artifact as it watched over them, bathing them all in the all-encompassing yellow light. Zalan looked around the room, trying to understand why nothing was inside but skeletons, but not getting anything out of his random glances at different walls and corners. When they reached the center of the room, the Artifact stood directly above them. Each of the five looked directly up at it as they passed under, trying to glean what they could from its shine. When Zalan looked back down, he realized he must have turned himself around absentmindedly as the door to the next room was no longer in front of him. He turned to the next wall and saw another distinct lack of a door. He blinked, checking the next wall, noticing his other companions were turning themselves around as well.

    The room was now a simple, blank yellow, covered in the light of the Artifact. There were no more doors or windows. Only skeletons and walls.

    ¡°Has anyone else lost the doors?¡± Fran asked, annoyed.

    Zalan passed back to the other side of the room to see if the Artifact played tricks on their eye. Hoping it was an optical illusion, he squinted in search of doors that only appeared at certain angles. No such luck, all the walls were bare no matter where he stood. He pressed his hands to the wall, wondering if it was an illusion. Again, he was met with nothing but walls.

    Rep was staring up at the Artifact, his face going from a slight fear to full horror.

    ¡°This is a Chaos Chamber,¡± Rep determined distressfully.

 Chapter 36 - Chamber

    The five gathered below the yellow artifact, its monochrome yellow hue overpowering any other colors they brought in with them.

    ¡°A Chaos Chamber? What is that?¡± Fran asked Rep.

    Rep was staring intently at the ceiling, then looked around them cautiously, his eyes lingering on the two skeletons in one corner.

    ¡°It is a trap. An Artifact that alters the room it is placed in and causes unexplainable phenomena. We may be trapped in here,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°For how long?¡± Yelsa asked.

    Rep shook his head, nibbling at the inside of his cheek.

    ¡°Fantastic,¡± Fran threw her arms in the air, annoyed. ¡°Come on Gorb, we will break down some walls and find our way out.¡±

    ¡°I was thinking the same,¡± Gorb nodded, following her to the wall where the door to the way out used to be.

    Rep sat himself down on the floor, pulling his knees up to his chin, shuddering.

    ¡°Do you know of any way to deactivate a Chaos Chamber?¡± Yelsa asked.

    Rep shook his head, dejected.

    ¡°I think now would be a good time to try and destroy the Artifact, in that case,¡± Yelsa said, drawing her bow.

    ¡°It would not be much of a trap room if all it took to escape would be destroying the brightest thing in the room,¡± Rep murmured.

    Yelsa gave him a glance, rolled her eyes dismissively, then nocked an arrow and fired it at the shiny Artifact. The arrow deflected off of it harmlessly. Yelsa armed herself with another arrow and tried again. And again.

    Zalan sat down next to Rep while Gorb and Fran blasted their combined power against the wall.

    ¡°How bad is it, Rep?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°There are many number of dangerous Artifacts in the world. Whenever I would learn about them, I would be told how to avoid them. There are too many dangers involved in them to try and utilize them for yourself. A Chaos Chamber is one such Artifact. We never should have entered this room. We may be stuck here for days. The Satiator will surely lose its power on us and we will starve. If not something worse,¡± Rep sighed. ¡°This is all my fault.¡±

    Air blasted through the room as Fran and Gorb unleashed a particularly large blast against the wall. The skeletons slumped over.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault, Rep. These guys are higher Level than you and they didn¡¯t know any better,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But I should have known better!¡± Rep lamented. ¡°I studied Chaos Chambers! I recall them being set up near treasure rooms to catch thieves. I should have put these pieces together when we were on our way here.¡±

    ¡°Hey, at least we know we¡¯re going the right way,¡± Zalan said, shifting his head to one side to avoid an arrow that clattered down next to him.

    ¡°Why are you being so calm about this?¡± Rep asked. ¡°Please do not say it is only for my sake.¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t want to admit he thought this room was the least of his worries in the dream world. He thought that would be too dismissive. But with the Homeseeker feeling so close, this really didn¡¯t seem like such a substantial problem to him. They would simply get out eventually, grab the Homeseeker, and he¡¯d go home. This was no big deal.

    ¡°I¡¯m really confident we¡¯ll find our way out. Especially if we don¡¯t panic,¡± Zalan said finally.

    Rep stopped biting the inside of his lip and looked up at the Chaos Chamber Artifact. An arrow bounced off of it harmlessly. Then his hair shifted from warm air as Fran and Gorb tried their best to break the wall down.

    ¡°I see,¡± Rep said, encouraged. ¡°We should try and assist them however we can.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan nodded, helping his friend up and making their way to Fran and Gorb, shielding their faces from the heat let off from Fran¡¯s flames.

    ¡°We are not making much headway,¡± Fran sputtered, looking at the dark scorch mark on the yellow-lit wall.

    ¡°Can we help?¡± Rep offered.

    ¡°Absolutely. On three,¡± Fran raised her hand and counted off.

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    The four of them put as much power as they could behind their abilities, the room shuddering slightly at the combined effort. When they lowered their hands, they were disappointed to see very little change in the wall¡¯s shape.

    ¡°It looks¡­ slightly altered?¡± Rep offered, inspecting the tiny difference in the part they attacked and the spot next to it.

    ¡°This will take too long. And we will lose all our energy trying to do something we do not know is possible,¡± Gorb mentioned.

    ¡°Have you tried alternating between hot and cold attacks?¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°How do you mean?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Like, put really hot energy in one spot then cool it down aggressively with air,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°I do not understand,¡± Gorb mentioned.

    ¡°It could break the stone. You keep alternating, which messes up the composition of molecules or something. I don¡¯t remember really well, it¡¯s called Heat Fatigue or something,¡± Zalan replied.

    Fran and Gorb stared at him for a moment with narrow eyes, nothing he said made any sense to them. Then turned to Rep for an explanation.

    ¡°I have not the slightest idea,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Trust me, I learned it in physics¡­¡± Zalan tried to calculate how to end that sentence without it sounding too far-fetched, ¡°...from university?¡± He wasn¡¯t sure whether Gorb and Fran would take it as well as Rep did.

    ¡°In your other world?¡± Fran asked, a slight smile on her face.

    ¡°Yeah, actually,¡± Zalan said.

    Again, Fran and Gorb turned to Rep.

    ¡°He knows things I have not heard of,¡± Rep said, trying to corroborate. ¡°He knew how to transfer his lightning through a Boznok mace without imbuing it.¡±

    ¡°How is it you know nothing of the basics of this realm, but are suddenly suggesting you know how to make a stone wall feel fatigued?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Just try it, then you can make fun of me. It should take a lot less energy than just blasting away at the wall,¡± Zalan insisted.

    Gorb looked at Fran skeptically, who shrugged. Fran stepped forward to heat a single large stone piece, getting it to emanate with heat before stepping away and allowing Gorb to blast it with the coldest rush of air he could muster. They stared at it as Gorb blasted it, then turned to Zalan, disappointed.

    ¡°You have to do it a lot. Maybe like a hundred times?¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°One hundred?¡± Fran balked.

    ¡°Better than using your full power a hundred times, right?¡± Rep chimed in.

    Gorb and Fran looked at him in annoyance, then nodded and continued their hot and cold exchange. Zalan, feeling awkward every time they would look at him for an explanation, decided to try practicing imbuing his blade with lightning to pass the time and distract himself from their scrutiny. He was able to keep his power at his sword¡¯s tip for a few seconds longer, and was beginning to spread the energy downward before it would dissipate entirely. As frustrating as it was for it all to disappear at once, Zalan felt really good about the progress.

    Rep began to join Fran in heating the stone with his good hand before stepping away for Gorb to cool it down. Occasionally, they would look over at Yelsa who was gathering arrows from the floor to continue firing at the Artifact that was deciding the single color to splay across the room. Despite the direness of the overall situation, Zalan was much happier being in a circumstance like this than being attacked relentlessly by monsters of different sizes. He especially found it better than having to ever see a Roach again.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Fran said, surprised. Everyone in the room turned and saw a deep crack running through the stone she, Gorb and Rep had been targeting.

    ¡°Thank God,¡± Yelsa gathered all the arrows from the floor to make her way over to the wall.

    ¡°Should we continue to fatigue the wall, Zalan?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. This is about as far as I knew this science would go,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Let me see just how exhausted this stone is,¡± Gorb drew his sword and struck it powerfully with the butt of the hilt and the crack spread further.

    The others watched excitedly as Gorb hammered away at the stone, ready to breathe fresh air after having their own recycled air warmed up and cooled down dozens of times. Gorb hacked away at the wall until the top half of it gave way, crumbling apart to the point that Gorb could drag away the pieces of the stone with his hand, creating a decently sized hole in the wall. The travelers peered into the hole, trying to understand. Fran held up her flame to get a better view of what was beyond the hole.

    ¡°I may have never architected a castle before, but I believe this looks wrong,¡± Fran said, severely disappointed.

    Behind the hole in the wall was another wall made of stone. Zalan ran a hand through his hair, staring dumbfounded. He had so desperately wanted a full breath of air that he realized just how thin the air was starting to feel in the Chaos Chamber. Fran¡¯s fire was eating away at the oxygen with her every use.

    ¡°No,¡± Yelsa groaned, then repeated louder, ¡°No! We were so close to the Homeseeker! We must have been right next to it! How do we stop a Chaos Chamber, Rep?¡±

    ¡°I wish I knew,¡± Rep said, looking beyond the hole in the wall with despair.

    ¡°We have to get out of here soon!¡± Yelsa bemoaned, firing at the ceiling Artifact again with no response.

    ¡°Maybe we can try out power on the Artifact now?¡± Zalan asked, looking up at it.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Gorb looked up. ¡°Perhaps. But now that we know how to fatigue the wall, perhaps our efforts are better suited to focusing on breaking down this second wall.¡±

    ¡°What if there are more walls behind it?¡± Yelsa asked. ¡°That used to be a door, remember?¡±

    ¡°I think we should at least try this second wall,¡± said Fran as she glanced at the Artifact. ¡°Then we can know if this goes any deeper¡­¡± She seemed to trail in disbelief at the end of her sentence and Gorb and Zalan looked over to her.

    ¡°Did you notice something about the Artifact?¡± Gorb asked, hopeful.

    ¡°No, but I believe I noticed something much worse,¡± Fran raised her hand to the wall.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    There was no longer a hole in the wall they all attacked. It was once again solid, unblemished stone covered in yellow light.

 Chapter 37 - Chaos

    ¡°This cannot be right,¡± Fran said, punching the wall furiously. ¡°I just destroyed this stone!¡±

    ¡°The Chaos Chamber repairs itself?¡± Yelsa asked Rep, terrified.

    ¡°I do not know. I was only told they are unpredictable and one should never enter one,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°There must be something we are missing. There must be another door,¡± Gorb said, running his hand against the walls, feeling for an exit.

    ¡°Maybe if we break the Artifact!¡± Fran ran to the center of the room and blasted the ceiling with a fireball as Rep tried to protest. The Artifact continued to shine, unscathed.

    ¡°I cannot die like this,¡± Fran said to the Artifact, enraged. ¡°Not sitting in a room until I starve! What can be done, Rep?¡±

    ¡°I have told you all that I know nothing!¡± Rep said, frustrated. ¡°I am not hiding information!¡±

    ¡°I know that! I know that!¡± Fran said, running her hand over her face. ¡°I just wish someone had a way out for us.¡±

    ¡°I have found no doors in these walls,¡± Gorb announced as he finished his circle around the room. ¡°But I will press against all the stones. Perhaps one of them is a pressure plate for an exit.¡±

    ¡°Why would there be an exit in a room that is not intended to be escaped?¡± Fran asked sharply.

    ¡°Because¡­¡± Zalan blinked in surprise when the idea came to mind. He felt his mood swing strangely. He went from confident they could break the wall, to dread of being trapped, to almost manic in wanting to find an answer in short minutes. His emotions just kept swirling, no matter where he was. He ignored the unsettling nature of his erratic mind and focused on the room. There had to be a way out. ¡°Because¡­ some people would forget about this room and accidentally get trapped. They wouldn¡¯t want the castle dwellers that were intended to go through here to get stuck.¡±

    ¡°If what I recall of Docrun is true, then there would not be anyone else intended to pass through this room. He prized his treasures. He was known for always walking with his jeweled crown on and his golden scepter, even in his private quarters. He never left them for anyone else to manage,¡± Gorb said, but he stopped pushing against stones. He was curious where Zalan was going with the train of thought.

    ¡°Okay, that might be better. Because then the king would only have this one way in. He wouldn¡¯t make multiple ways to get to his treasure room, right? So, he would have to pass through here. How would he deactivate the room?¡± Zalan asked, looking around at his friends.

    ¡°Perhaps from the outside? Before he entered?¡± Yelsa asked.

    The travelers turned to Rep instinctively.

    ¡°I do not know if that is possible,¡± Rep shrugged, frustrated that they still looked to him for answers.

    ¡°Okay, then what else? How else could he get out?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Why are you ruling out the possibility to disable it from the outside? That may be the answer,¡± Yelsa said.

    ¡°Yeah, but if it is, then we¡¯re dead. There¡¯s really nothing we can do if we were supposed to turn it off outside. So, we have to assume it¡¯s not the case. Then we can figure something out,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Right,¡± Fran was nodding with new conviction. ¡°There were thieves that went to the treasure room after Docrun¡¯s death. They must have figured out how to escape.¡±

    ¡°Or, the only ones who escaped were the ones that knew how to deactivate it from the outside,¡± Yelsa said, her eyes pointedly on one of the skeletons slumped against a corner. Zalan didn¡¯t want to dwell on the idea, quickly moving on.

    ¡°Gorb, stick to tapping every stone. It¡¯s the best idea we have so far,¡± he said.

    ¡°Right,¡± Gorb turned around and began pushing against the wall, putting as much weight as he thought was necessary to trigger a button.

    ¡°Rep, you and I can check this skeleton and Fran and Yelsa check the other two,¡± Zalan made his way.

    ¡°Why would the skeletons hold the answer?¡± Yelsa asked, clearly disturbed about having to rummage through a dead body.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know! Maybe this is a puzzle or something! Either search the skeleton or think of a better idea,¡± Zalan suggested.

    He and Rep kneeled over the dead body. His tunic looked like it may have been blue, but it was hard to tell when everything in this room was the same yellow color. Rep made a face, clearly not wanting to touch the body and Zalan began patting it up and down for items or evidence of a puzzle. Rep winced, but didn¡¯t say anything in protest as Zalan began moving joints in directions they never would have turned when alive.

    Zalan was able to uncover two daggers in torn, broken sheaths and a folded parchment.

    ¡°All the fabric he has is torn all weird,¡± Zalan said, looking over the dead man¡¯s clothes as he handed the parchment to Rep to unfold.

    ¡°The man was eating his clothes and the leather in his sheaths out of starvation,¡± Rep said in a small voice.

    ¡°Oh¡­ right,¡± Zalan agreed, seeing the way the marks on the dagger sheaths looked somewhat like teeth marks.

    Rep pulled the parchment open and squinted hard at it. Then he widened his eyes, then squinted again.

    ¡°I believe it is a letter. It says¡­¡± Rep trailed for a second. ¡°It says¡­¡± he said slowly. Zalan remembered that Rep¡¯s reading speed wasn¡¯t exactly the greatest and offered his hand for Rep to place the letter inside. Rep quickly dropped the parchment, grateful to get out of any embarrassment of literacy.

    They shifted aside as Gorb pushed against the stones closest to them. Zalan needed to squint to read the handwritten letter, the yellow light not making it easy to make out the words.

    ¡°It says: ¡®I came to the Castle Docrun to destroy Hatewing and retrieve the immeasurable treasure, but I am stuck and can go no further. Perhaps I may save another, so I shall note that which I attempted to do in order to escape. The walls repair themselves and the Artifact does not react to daggers thrown at it or Elemental Flame trying to burn it. I pushed against every stone in this forsaken room, trying to create an opening. There may be no way out. My last sights will be condemned to this yellow decay of light. To my son, Slauson: I love you. I am proud of you. Live well and do not try to cheat others like I have, else you may find yourself facing the same fate to pay off your debts.¡¯ Does that name mean anything to you?¡±

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    Zalan looked up from the letter. Rep shrugged and shook his head. Gorb was looking at him with an eyebrow raised, clearly impressed.

    ¡°That is the fastest I have heard anyone read anything,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Indeed! Unparalleled!¡± Rep nodded, excited that someone else could witness this amazing feat.

    ¡°Oh, thanks, I guess,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°It seems the dragon¡¯s name is Hatewing,¡± Rep noted.

    ¡°And it seems this man already tried to find a way out through stone, if he speaks true,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°These two are from Nightfall, judging by their clothing,¡± Fran called over from the corpses she was analyzing. ¡°A husband and wife by the looks of the matching rings engraved with the name ¡®Swift.¡¯ A family name, I presume.¡±

    ¡°And there are no puzzles to be found in the dead!¡± Yelsa said, directed at Zalan.

    ¡°There¡¯s only one thing left, in that case,¡± Zalan said, standing up and dropping the parchment. ¡°We need to attack the Artifact with everything we¡¯ve got. Destroy it. And before you start with a ¡®What if¡¯, I don¡¯t want to hear it unless you have another option!¡±

    Both Rep and Yelsa closed their mouths, their protests buried by Zalan¡¯s last point.

    ¡°Very well, let us accelerate our death,¡± Fran said jovially, prancing to the center of the room and waiting for the others to gather around her. The others came close, everyone¡¯s focus on the shining yellow gleam. Once they were in place, nobody made a move. Zalan licked his lips. His nerves were shot. It was one thing to suggest to try to destroy the Artifact, but it was another thing entirely to actually do it. What if they were trapped here? What if the Artifact was actually a means for them to get out? That didn¡¯t matter. Zalan would get out of here. He was absolutely certain. He knew this feeling of confidence might just be another mood swing, but he didn¡¯t dwell on the idea.

    ¡°Shall we?¡± Fran asked. Even her voice was decidedly uneven.

    ¡°Now!¡± Zalan said, wanting to start before the fleeting courage he felt fled.

    Everyone blasted the low ceiling with all their might, Yelsa firing arrow after arrow in support of the group. After a few seconds of this, everyone lowered their arms, exhausted. The ceiling made a single click sound, then nothing. Zalan continued to stare at the ceiling as the others looked around the room, hoping for a change in scenery. The blank yellow walls stared back at them, unchanged.

    ¡°Again!¡± Zalan shouted, much more confident after they were not met with a terrible disaster the first time they attacked the Chaos Chamber Artifact.

    This time a bit more disjointed, each of the Elementally-powered individuals sent their respective powers to the Artifact. The oppressive yellow glow was not clouded, even by Rep and Fran¡¯s potent combined flames. Again, they were met with nothing but a small click from the ceiling when they stopped.

    ¡°Do you hear the clicking?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°It is her arrows as they hit the floor,¡± Fran groaned, once more dismayed at being defeated by a room rather than a monster.

    ¡°No, I think it¡¯s something else,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Let us try once more. This time, Yelsa should not fire arrows,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I am running out of energy,¡± Gorb said. ¡°We spent much on the wall before and now everything I have is going into a ceiling that is unaffected.¡±

    ¡°I do not wish to die by over exerting my energies,¡± Fran agreed.

    ¡°Please, I believe there is something more to this,¡± Rep said.

    Reluctantly, they put their powers together once more with enough energy to disintegrate a Boznok. The ceiling remained unaffected.

    Click.

    ¡°There it was again,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You hear it, right?¡± Zalan asked the others.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Gorb asked, trying to control his breathing after outputting so much energy. Zalan could hear how the thinning air was affecting all their breathing. His lungs never felt full.

    ¡°Try our powers one at a time. You do not have to go full power,¡± Rep suggested.

    Fran shrugged and threw a large fireball. The ceiling didn¡¯t reply. Zalan threw a bolt of lightning to no avail. Gorb threw a gust of air.

    Click

    The travelers looked at one another in elated shock. Without prompting, Gorb threw another blast of air.

    Click

    ¡°I think it¡¯s a mechanism built into it. Someone needs to try and touch it or something,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°It is one thing to try and destroy it at a distance, but we really should not be touching Artifacts we are not familiar with. I should be the one to do it,¡± Rep said firmly.

    ¡°No way. You don¡¯t even have two hands. We¡¯re running out of air here, I don¡¯t want to waste a second. I¡¯ll touch it!¡± Zalan volunteered.

    ¡°It is too dangerous! You do not know what that Artifact is capable of!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I thought you liked Artifacts,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Not the mysterious ones,¡± Rep said, his voice grave.

    ¡°We really don¡¯t have time to waste though. Let me get on your shoulders, Gorb,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Anything is better than nothing,¡± Gorb nodded, kneeling down for Zalan to climb up his tall back.

    ¡°I really believe we should think this through. I should be the one to touch the Artifact,¡± Rep said nervously.

    ¡°Quick, boost me up,¡± Zalan said, worried he would lose his will to touch the shining yellow thing the longer Rep would talk.

    Gorb stood up and Zalan reached his hands up as high as they would go, just barely able to poke the bottom half of the Artifact. Nothing happened. He tried to pull it out, but it resisted. When he tried to mess with it, he felt he was able to push it in slightly. His companions watched intently, holding their breaths in silence. Yelsa popped her knuckles.

    ¡°A little higher,¡± Zalan said, his voice strained.

    Gorb grunted and pushed Zalan as high as he could manage. Zalan was able to push the Artifact further inside, and continued fidgeting with it. When he released it, it made a click as it settled back into place. Zalan pushed hard against it, then twisted it to the side. He felt it clank past something, feeling as though he adjusted something in the ceiling.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s a knob or a switch. I moved something. I don¡¯t know if I¡ª¡±

    ¡°Door! Door!¡± Fran screamed hysterically, pointing to the door that appeared.

    The group bolted for the opening, not hesitating in fear that this new exit would leave them. Zalan didn¡¯t have a chance to get off of Gorb¡¯s shoulders, and he was thrown upside down, his head bouncing against Gorb¡¯s back as his companion sprinted. Gorb was holding tightly onto Zalan¡¯s legs as he ran. Fran dragged the doorway open and everyone collapsed outside, Zalan sliding off of Gorb¡¯s back as they caught their breath. They looked back at the Chaos Chamber, once again populated by two doors. Fran slammed the door shut behind her.

    They turned around and saw that they were standing on a bridge outside, warm with the sunlight above. The bridge led to a new chamber across the way. There was a ruckus above them, but they were so grateful to be in the soft, non-sickening yellow light of the sun, that they almost didn¡¯t look up. Sunlight suddenly turned to darkness. They all glanced up to investigate in time to see the massive dragon, Hatewing, flying above and clambering into the giant hole atop the highest tower in the castle. It was like the size of a commercial airplane and Zalan was amazed that the tower didn¡¯t collapse under its weight. They stared at it as its tail slithered in until it was totally concealed within the tower.

    The travelers sat in silence, catching their breath and staring at their final adversary¡¯s home not far ahead of them. Zalan analyzed the rooms that remained before them. About two or maybe three more rooms before they would climb the tower and face the dragon. Finally, after minutes of appreciating the open air, Fran decided to break the silence.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Fran breathed, smiling radiantly toward the dragon¡¯s lair. ¡°At least we know we went out the correct door!¡±

 Chapter 38 - Lacking of Flesh

    The group got to their feet after having had long enough to appreciate the fact they wouldn¡¯t be trapped inside the Chaos Chamber until the end of time.

    ¡°I ran too fast and abandoned my arrows. I left about half,¡± Yelsa noted, looking over her quiver.

    ¡°And we left behind some perfectly good daggers,¡± Rep added, thinking back on the skeleton.

    ¡°How did King Docrun ever make it out of there?¡± Zalan suddenly asked. ¡°He didn¡¯t have any power and he was supposed to be super secret. How would he be able to deactivate it by himself? Did he always go in there with a ladder or something?¡±

    ¡°He always carried his scepter,¡± Gorb said, his eyes growing wide at the realization.

    It took Zalan a second to catch up to his thought process. If the king always had a long stick with him, he could raise it up and deactivate the Artifact without needing the assistance of something to get him to stand taller. And he could keep the solution to the room a secret, further protecting his treasure hoard. Fran shook her head in disbelief.

    ¡°It should have been so obvious!¡± she said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how that could have been obvious,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°I am surprised to hear you say that,¡± Fran stated. ¡°You were a born leader in the Chaos Chamber. You kept supplying ideas when I think the rest of us had resigned ourselves to the chaos.¡±

    ¡°I wasted a lot of our energy in there,¡± Zalan frowned. ¡°We threw a lot more of our power around than we needed to.¡±

    ¡°No, we threw around the exact amount of energy necessary,¡± Gorb replied, nodding to Zalan with new deference. ¡°Were it not for your idea to fatigue the wall, we would not have found that it was part of the trap. Were it not for your suggestion to search the corpses, we would not have found that our plans were folly as soon as we did. And you and Yelsa were the one to tell us to attack the Artifact outright.¡±

    ¡°I mean, Rep was really the one to get us out of there with his idea at the end. And any one of you probably would have thought of all of my ideas given enough time,¡± Zalan replied. Rep smiled, appreciating how useful he had been in the dire situation.

    ¡°How much time? We may have been too exhausted to try,¡± Fran said.

    Zalan didn¡¯t know why he felt so strange about taking the compliment. He didn¡¯t feel like a leader in any way, but he saw the way his companions looked at him differently. Not that they thought he should take charge, but that he was worthy of more respect than they offered him before. All of them except for Rep, who seemed to always be giving everyone he met respect that they hadn¡¯t yet earned.

    Zalan figured that the reason he felt strange about the respect was because of how fleeting it was. By this time tomorrow, he would be home and none of these people would matter. Did they even matter now, if they were the equivalent of a lucid dream? Zalan had a hard time pinpointing whether this dream world had any bearing on him. Would he remember anything when he woke up? Was this place real at all?

    He noticed they were still looking at him, expectantly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving,¡± Zalan said, leading the way across the stone bridge.

    The bridge stood high above the castle, giving them a good view of the area below. The moat was running very shallow, whether by lack of care from any inhabitants or a natural decrease due to the current season, Zalan couldn¡¯t tell. The flowers could be seen for miles around, waving happily in the breeze and adding splashes of color to the otherwise green sea of grass below. The air was fresh, feeling like Zalan had emerged from a paper bag and could breathe easily after escaping the Chaos Chamber. He looked up, taking in the view of the tall tower the dragon just flew within.

    The tower was massive, rounding off in a dome at the top big enough to hold arena bouts within. Zalan could see a gleam lick the edge of the hole in the top of the tower and wondered how much gold could be in the tower for it to shine so brightly. Zalan felt a hint of greed in his heart, excited to take down the dragon, before remembering that he definitely wouldn¡¯t be taking any gold home with him. All that mattered was whether the Homeseeker was up there.

    The bridge ended and Zalan stood in front of the next wooden door, very close to the base of the tall tower. They would be going up stairs and challenging a dragon soon, but Zalan was more concerned about what was in this next room. What if it was worse than a Chaos Chamber? He turned around and saw his companions equally apprehensive. Fran looked the most determined and nodded to Zalan. He turned around uncertainly, then put his hand on the door, feeling brave enough to pull it open.

    They were somewhat relieved to not see the sickly yellow color of an Artifact hanging from the ceiling and made their way inside with their usual caution. This room was littered with dead bodies, tatters of flesh hanging from decaying corpses along all the walls. The room reeked of death. Zalan pulled out his sword at the mere sight of them and the others in his group quickly joined in preparing themselves. They made sure to leave the door open behind them.

    ¡°What do you think happened to them?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°How did so many people make it past the Chaos Chamber, but end up dying here?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°So many of them starved to death. Look at their clothing,¡± Rep pointed out nervously. They had the same bite marks as the skeleton in the Chaos Chamber.

    ¡°You think this is also a Chaos Chamber?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not likely without anything out of the ordinary on the walls or ceiling,¡± Gorb pointed.

    ¡°Maybe when the door opens, it activates some Artifact,¡± Rep said.

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    They looked across the room to the door on the other end. Four corpses sat in their way. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if there was an Artifact to corroborate Rep¡¯s guess, but he also wasn¡¯t sure he wanted to get close enough to find out.

    ¡°I can handle whatever it is,¡± Fran said confidently.

    Zalan continued to lead the way slowly, taking small steps and watching for whatever had killed all the adventurers scattered lifeless around the room. Fran and Rep lit a flame in their palms, brightening the room further than the sunlight granted to them by the window above. Zalan tried to imbue his blade with lightning in preparation for a battle he felt was coming, and he was almost satisfied to see he was able to cause lightning to course through the entire blade before fading less than a second later. It would have been much better to be fully-powered and prepared for a fight, but it was nice to see that imbuing was within his grasp. He might even be able to manage it if he stopped thinking so hard about it. Pure focus wasn¡¯t what made him able to redirect the lightning that struck him and Rep in the Lost City of Xagon when he first got his power.

    Something creaked behind them and the entire group swung around with their respective weapons and powers prepared to obliterate the trespasser, only to see the door sliding softly inward, closing itself. The party remained facing the closed door.

    ¡°Likely the wind,¡± Yelsa said, sounding as though she was trying to convince herself.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s just get out of here.¡±

    He turned around to the darkened room and flinched when he saw a figure standing on the other end. Immediately, he raised a hand and blasted it with a bolt of lightning. It crumpled to the floor silently as the others whipped their attention back around to see what had happened.

    ¡°What was it?¡± Fran asked.

    ¡°That thing was standing!¡± Zalan said, rushing over to see whether he needed to stab it.

    When they stood over the figure, Rep¡¯s light illuminating the area, they saw it was one of the dead bodies. A small black patch on its decayed cheek showed where Zalan blasted it. It was otherwise unmoving.

    ¡°Are you certain you were not seeing things?¡± Gorb asked gravely. He didn¡¯t sound like he doubted Zalan, instead it sounded like he wanted Zalan to be telling a bad joke.

    ¡°Yeah, it was just standing and then¡ª¡±

    Another creak caused them to turn their attention to the exit door. The four corpses from earlier were now standing guard, their arms up in defensive positions, what remained of their burned skin hanging grimly off their bodies.

    ¡°Fleshless,¡± Gorb said, now certain.

    ¡°Dear God, Docrun did this,¡± Yelsa said, firing an arrow at one of the Fleshless. It remained standing, not reacting to the arrow now sprouting from its eye socket.

    More and more, the dead around the room began to rise. Zalan stared in shock at the Fleshless with the arrow sticking out of it. He and his companions gathered in the center of the room with their backs to one another, evaluating the creatures standing around them.

    ¡°What are they? Why didn¡¯t that one die?¡± Zalan asked, his head racing around the room as it became crowded with the Fleshless.

    ¡°It is already dead,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°The Fleshless are men who passed, brought back by use of an Artifact. A Resurrector,¡± Rep explained quickly, holding out his sword to try and intimidate the creatures that were beginning to shamble slowly toward them.

    That explanation tugged at the idea in Zalan¡¯s head about this world having no consequence. There was an Artifact that could bring things back from the dead! Death had no meaning in this world. It was a dream, for sure. Nothing here mattered except getting home. There were no consequences if there was an Artifact to undo the loss of life.

    But he pushed that idea aside as quickly as it came. He needed to focus. Then he would be able to get the Homeseeker and get out of here.

    ¡°Are you sure Docrun did this?¡± Zalan asked, zapping two of the Fleshless and watching them fall. His ability to stun them seemed to do wonders, especially when the remaining muscles holding them together were already so frail.

    ¡°This is what he did with those that died of starvation in the Chaos Chamber,¡± Yelsa said, disgusted. ¡°He brought them back and moved them to this chamber. They are cursed to remain here as guardians of the dead king¡¯s treasure.¡±

    Zalan looked around and saw that there wasn¡¯t a single Fleshless except that they were falling apart, their muscles reduced to almost nothing. It was very possible this was a collection of people who had starved to death. That, added to the decay of however long they had been within this room, and they seemed like they would disintegrate with a faint breeze. Gorb seemed to read his mind, blasting five of them with air, enough for limbs to be torn from the body, but none of the Fleshless showed any sign of having experienced any pain. They didn¡¯t care that they were now left without legs. Mindlessly, they continued their way toward Zalan and his friends. Some held weapons and Zalan wondered if they remembered how to use them from their original lives.

    ¡°They look pretty scary, but I think they¡¯re really weak. If I kill enough, I could Level Up and destroy them all,¡± Zalan said, zapping two more that were getting close.

    ¡°You cannot gain Experience from the Fleshless. You cannot kill the dead,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Great, then what do we do?¡± Zalan asked.

    A Fleshless had closed the gap enough for Zalan to have to block its punch with his sword. The creature was powerful. Strong enough to leave a bad bruise or maybe break a bone if he didn¡¯t stop it. He cut off its head, but the body remained standing, inert. It made him feel deeply disturbed and he kicked it away.

    ¡°We should run for it,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Exercise caution,¡± Gorb said. ¡°The Fleshless are more powerful if they were a high Level when they were living.¡±

    Gorb blasted a column of air toward the exit, creating a bit of space for them all to run in a single file line between the dead grabbing at them. Fran and Rep¡¯s fire had no effect on the Fleshless, instead creating more terrifying creatures. The Fleshless would ignite in a wild blaze, but continued to progress unhindered as their acrid stench filled the room. Zalan was able to slow them down enough with lightning to assist with any getting close enough to attack. They finally made it to the four Fleshless standing guard at the door and Zalan zapped two while Gorb threw aside the others with a small tornado.

    Yelsa bolted for the exit door, slamming into it with her weight and throwing it open for the others. She fired a few arrows at the feet of the Fleshless, pinning them to the ground for a moment before they tore their own legs off in pursuit of the travelers. When Gorb ran through the door, last of the group, he slammed it shut with a powerful burst of air.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t so bad, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    The others nodded in agreement, catching their breath. They seemed pleased that they were able to pass a trap without much struggle. It would be a nightmare to try and rush back now that they were all standing and scratching at the door. Fortunately, they would leave by means of an Artifact instead of back through the front door.

    Zalan noticed that Rep¡¯s bandages were a dark red, the wound having opened again in the battle, but Rep looked at it and shook his head. Zalan was going to say something in protest, but Rep shook his head again and pointed his finger at something in the newest room.

    It was another Fleshless, this one much larger than the others, similar to Gorb in height. It had most of its skin, save for the left half of its face being charred to a crisp. It still had a good amount of muscle, rather than the decaying remains in the room that they had just escaped. The Fleshless stared at them all with unfocused eyes, gray skin, and a royal staff in one hand.

    As well as a crown on its head.

    ¡°King Docrun,¡± Gorb said, stunned.

 Chapter 39 - Outnumbered and Outmatched

    The reanimated, Fleshless King Docrun stood numbly, waiting silently. Zalan saw that hanging from his hip was a white, dimly shining object. Half of it was an hourglass, and the other was a skeleton head that the sand would pour into, except there was no sand. Zalan heard the faint scratching at the door behind him, the previous room of Fleshless trying to make their way in.

    ¡°He is alone?¡± Yelsa asked to confirm.

    ¡°They say the Fleshless maintain some echoes of their previous life. It must be that he preferred to be alone when he was living,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°That would explain why the Fleshless in the previous room remembered how to use some of their weapons,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°And why Docrun still wears his crown,¡± Gorb mentioned.

    ¡°That there! At his hip, there is an Artifact!¡± Rep said, his eyebrows raised in surprise. ¡°That is a Ressurector! Yelsa was right, Docrun was the one filling that room with Fleshless for any intruders to fight. The one that has access to the Resurrector has the power over the Fleshless.¡±

    ¡°Then who turned him into a Fleshless?¡± Zalan asked.

    The question hung in the air for a moment. Docrun continued to idly watch them, the only part of him moving was his eyes lazily sliding over each of them. His lack of movement was throwing Zalan off. The other Fleshless were always shambling towards them. But he couldn¡¯t read Docrun at all when he just stood there.

    ¡°I think he may have turned himself into this creature?¡± Fran said, more a question than an answer.

    No one gave a rebuttal to the claim. It didn¡¯t seem so impossible when he had the Artifact at his hip. A vain man too attached to his wealth and need for power to allow himself to die with dignity. They looked at Docrun, as if waiting for his pale gray form to either confirm or deny the suspicion. Docrun continued to watch them silently.

    ¡°So, you said if we get the Artifact, then we would have the power over the Fleshless?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed. You need not activate it, just the simple act of holding on to it will suffice for you to take control,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Then that¡¯s our new plan. Let¡¯s get the Resurrector from him and we can have a small army take on the dragon together,¡± Zalan said, the others nodding confidently.

    They took a collective step toward Docrun and he shifted marginally. They stopped, warily watching the former king for any other movements, but it seemed he had returned to observing motionlessly. Zalan took another small step forward, and Docrun shifted ever-so-slightly. The travelers waited again, then took another step. Docrun twisted his head.

    ¡°This is disturbing,¡± Yelsa muttered.

    ¡°Better than him coming to attack us,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Let me try something. Don¡¯t move,¡± Zalan suggested. He walked a few steps away from the group toward a wall, perpendicular to Docrun. Docrun walked with him, remaining on an invisible line and preventing himself from being flanked. Zalan looked at his friends who looked back at him.

    ¡°I think he¡¯s protecting himself,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°More than that,¡± Fran shook her head. ¡°He is protecting the door. He does not want us accessing his treasure.¡±

    Docrun turned to her sharply at the mention of ¡°treasure.¡± But he didn¡¯t make a move against her.

    ¡°Look how he does not charge at us. He knows he cannot overpower us,¡± Fran said. ¡°We should stop being so slow, we are only making room for him to catch us off guard.¡±

    To Zalan¡¯s surprise, his companions looked to him for a response to that suggestion. They were treating him like an equal.

    ¡°Right,¡± he said to Fran. ¡°We should put a plan together to grab the Artifact.¡±

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    ¡°You throw lightning at his legs, Gorb throws him off balance, and I will retrieve the Artifact. Rep and Yelsa can open the door for us and we can rush out before he stumbles in our way. If all goes well, we will have control of him and all the other Fleshless before we enter the next room,¡± Fran suggested.

    ¡°Sounds good. Let¡¯s just get a few steps closer,¡± he said quickly, not sure how he felt about the new responsibility of being an equal contributor.

    Docrun continued to watch docile, not making any indication that he understood any part of the plan passing between the adventurers. When they were a few dozen paces away, Zalan nodded to Gorb. Then, he raised his hands to emit lightning. Zalan blasted the energy, and Docrun twisted his scepter, catching the lightning at the tip of the staff, the only part not made of metal. He remained standing.

    Gorb blinked in surprise, but let out his burst of air, to which Docrun adjusted his stance to withstand the wind without losing his balance. Fran was already in motion and hesitated reaching out her hand for the Artifact. Docrun swept the royal staff under her feet and tripped her. As she gasped and fell forward, Docrun kicked her away powerfully. She fell back into Gorb¡¯s arms, clutching her stomach.

    Docrun watched them silently, returning his staff to its upright position.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan asked, looking for an explanation.

    ¡°The Ressurector brings people back to a similar Level. He must have been very powerful before he passed,¡± Rep guessed.

    They looked up to Docrun with a newfound understanding.

    ¡°I thought he was vain because he was weak?¡± Zalan asked Gorb.

    Docrun stiffened at the word ¡°weak.¡±

    ¡°He was vain because he lacked an Elemental Power,¡± Gorb corrected. ¡°I heard nothing of his Level or Strength.¡±

    Zalan began to inch away from Docrun to give himself room. Docrun inched toward him.

    ¡°Yelsa! Get his eyes!¡± Zalan commanded.

    ¡°On it!¡± Yelsa pulled the arrow she had already armed and aimed carefully. She fired a quick arrow at Docrun, a perfect shot for his eye.

    Docrun caught it midair and snapped the arrow like nothing more than a twig.

    ¡°Dear God,¡± Yelsa gasped.

    Docrun took another step toward Zalan.

    ¡°What do we¡ªkeep him away from me!¡± Zalan said, firing another bolt at Docrun, only for it to be blocked by the scepter again.

    Docrun took another step.

    ¡°Over here!¡± Rep said to Docrun, panicking. He was waving a flame above his head to draw Docrun¡¯s attention. Docrun¡¯s sunken eyes glanced his way.

    ¡°Do not set him ablaze,¡± Fran warned, finally back to her feet. ¡°He does not feel pain as a Fleshless and we do not want to fight a flaming monster.¡±

    ¡°I know that, I just want to¡­¡± Rep¡¯s eyes went wide as Docrun ran at him. Yelsa ran backward to keep distance as Gorb and Fran pounced forward with weapons drawn, placing themselves between Rep and Docrun. Docrun rammed through the brother and sister, easily throwing them aside. Docrun ended up with one of Gorb¡¯s swords through his back, but it didn¡¯t slow him down in the slightest. He grabbed Rep ferociously by the neck and held him in the air.

    Zalan acted quickly, aiming a bolt and firing at Docrun¡¯s arm, causing it to spasm and drop Rep. Rep gasped for air and shook slightly as he fell to the ground, the electric shock having passed through Docrun¡¯s arm and affecting him as well. Docrun turned his head rapidly toward Zalan, swatting another arrow out of the air as Yelsa tried to blind him once more. Zalan tried to blast more lightning at Docrun, but the Fleshless ducked out of the way and ran at him like a bull.

    Zalan prepared himself to dive forward and snag the Artifact from the king¡¯s hip. If he could grab the Resurrector, the battle would be over and they¡¯d have control over this terrifying monster. Zalan jumped, his arms reaching for the white, skull-decorated hourglass, only for Docrun to leap, and a foot to come down on Zalan''s back and smash him into the floor. Zalan coughed in fierce pain, the air driven out of him and not allowed to reenter as the pressure increased on his back.

    He couldn¡¯t see, his world filled with a mesh of black and blue as his body tried to make out what was real from what was intense pain. He couldn¡¯t even scream. He suddenly felt something like a hurricane on his face and the pressure on his back released, allowing him to double over in pain and breathe. He heard a muffled scuffle happening right over him and blows being traded. When his vision finally returned, he saw Fran and Gorb slashing quickly through the air, trying to remove limbs from Docrun¡¯s body who was keeping a cautious enough distance to protect himself.

    Docrun was using his scepter as a formidable weapon, making sure to keep Fran and Gorb too off-balance to get any good hits in. The occasional arrow that would come from Yelsa was ignored unless it targeted Docrun¡¯s head, and he now had a small collection of arrows sticking out of his back. Zalan realized he was being raised from the ground and looked up to see Rep pulling him to his feet. Neither Fran nor Gorb could get a clean strike on Docrun, constantly being battered aside even with the enhancement of Gorb¡¯s wind. But Docrun was able to get more than a few bruises on the siblings with his scepter. Already, Fran and Gorb were reaching their limit from the previous rooms and it was clear they were losing the battle.

    ¡°He is too powerful,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan nodded in agreement, then realized that Rep was trying to suggest they change course.

    ¡°New plan! Run for the exit!¡± Zalan called loudly.

    He and Rep ran to the door, Yelsa close at their back. They heard Fran and Gorb tossed to the ground as Docrun charged forward to block their exit.

 Chapter 40 - King

    Zalan could feel Docrun running after him as much as he could hear his thunderous steps. He threw a bolt of lightning behind him without looking and heard Docrun stumble for a moment as Rep¡¯s hand reached out and touched the handle. Rep grasped tightly, then had his face smashed into the door by Docrun¡¯s decrepit, gray hand. Rep cried out in pain and Zalan swung his sword at Docrun¡¯s outstretched arm, only to have his blade slapped aside by Docrun¡¯s scepter, stabbing the stone floor harmlessly.

    ¡°I cannot pull it open,¡± Rep said through grit teeth, his efforts still focused on escape despite the grip Docrun had on him. An arrow stabbed through King Docrun¡¯s forearm and he turned to find where Yelsa was firing from. In the moment of distraction, Zalan threw a bolt of lightning at Docrun¡¯s feet, causing him to buckle enough that Rep¡¯s head was no longer pushed against the wooden door. Zalan swung his sword at Docrun¡¯s outstretched hand again, this time much faster. Docrun spotted the incoming blade and released Rep¡¯s head to dodge, and Rep was rolled aside to safety by a blast of air that Gorb supplied.

    ¡°I need to be next to the door to open it!¡± Rep said as he rolled to his feet, the right side of his face covered in blood and splinters.

    ¡°You cannot open the door if you are dead!¡± Gorb called back, rushing with Fran to engage in battle with Docrun as he turned his focus to Zalan.

    Zalan took a step back, watching Docrun¡¯s scepter closely to see how he would attack. He was right to keep an eye on it, because Docrun immediately thrust it forward and Zalan had only just enough time to parry it. Docrun came with another swing from above and Zalan held up his sword, locking the two weapons. Docrun was handily overpowering Zalan, pushing Zalan¡¯s sword gradually to his face. An arrow inserted itself into the back of Docrun¡¯s head, emerging from the charred side of his face, removing his bad eye. Docrun didn¡¯t seem to mind the partial loss of sight, his remaining eye intent on pushing Zalan¡¯s sword through its owner.

    Zalan screamed in frustration, pain, and fear as his sword drew within inches of his face. In a last-ditch effort, he blasted his own weapon with lightning, not thinking about the consequences as his blade threatened to meet his face.

    In that moment, Zalan felt the mind-muscle of his Elemental Power respond to him like never before. He knew how to maintain the lightning in his blade for a whole of three seconds. He was imbuing the blade with lightning. The powerful electricity traveled up through his blade and into Docrun¡¯s scepter, causing Docrun to twitch and lose his hold over the locked weapons. As Docrun lost his grip, Fran blasted between them, assisted by a burst of air behind her, and sliced wildly at Docrun¡¯s scepter.

    Docrun¡¯s weapon dropped to the floor along with his thumb. Docrun looked at his severed hand numbly, flexing his remaining fingers, and used his other hand to ensure his crown was still on his head. Satisfied to see his kingly apparel had not been separated from him, he looked back to Zalan and his companions, twisting his head out of the way as one of Yelsa¡¯s arrows tried to take his other eye. It missed, leaving a small cut on Docrun¡¯s ear.

    ¡°That was my last one!¡± Yelsa called helplessly.

    ¡°No matter! We can take him from here now that he is unarmed!¡± Fran called with ebullience.

    Docrun turned to her as Fran thrust her sword straight at Docrun¡¯s neck. Docrun placed the palm of his thumbless hand in the way and Fran cut right into it with a sneer on her face. But rather than cut all the way through to his throat, Docrun used his hand to redirect the blade to open air next to him. Fran frowned and tried to twist her sword to pull it from his grip, but Docrun began to slide his palm inward, stabbing himself further to get his palm closer to the hilt of the blade. Fran stared in shock as Docrun drew close to her, his four fingers on the hilt of her sword. She tried to pull it away again, but Docrun¡¯s grip over her weapon was tight and he headbutt her forcefully, causing her to stumble back and lose her weapon.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± she said, stunned as Docrun stood over her with her blade inserted backward through his hand.

    Gorb came now, throwing the full strength of his weight and wind at Docrun as he tried to cut off his head, but was parried by the awkwardly angled sword in Docrun¡¯s hand. Zalan threw a bolt of lightning at Docrun when he got his bearings enough to time the shot, but Docrun pulled Gorb into the way and had Zalan hurt his ally. Zalan cried out as Gorb fell to the involuntary pulses in his nervous system and Docrun kicked him aside.

    Docrun rushed at Rep as he grabbed at the door handle once more. This time Rep was baiting Docrun and he spun around to swing his sword at the Fleshless being. Docrun took the attack in stride, swatting Rep¡¯s blade aside with his newly acquired sword and tackling Rep into the ground, driving the air out of him. Docrun then whipped around and looked to the last individual standing.

    Zalan trembled, raising his sword and imbuing it with lightning.

    The others thought to tell Zalan to run, but no one could think of where he should go. Docrun raced toward him, his powerful stride shaking the stones as he closed the gap. Zalan screamed and blasted lightning with one hand while swinging his power-imbued sword with the other. Zalan was able to connect both attacks, the lightning caused Docrun to falter enough to overextend his arm, and Zalan¡¯s attempt to cut off Docrun¡¯s bad arm succeeded in cutting Fran¡¯s blade at the hilt, cutting it in half. The hilt and blade fell to the floor and disarmed the king of his crude weapon. Zalan was almost proud of the feat until Docrun used his good hand to grab Zalan by his throat. He lifted him up and used his bad hand to punch Zalan¡¯s forearm with enough force for it to release Zalan¡¯s grasp on his sword.

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    Zalan couldn¡¯t get any air. He flailed his legs, desperately trying to kick the king that was draining him of life. He thought to try and kick the Ressurector from Docrun¡¯s hip, but he was far too high. Fran appeared then, jumping onto King Docrun¡¯s back and holding on to an arrow to keep herself steady. She pulled out the sword lodged into the king¡¯s back and immediately swung to decapitate him. Before Fran could complete the full arc of her swing, Docrun deftly used his free arm to loop a few fingers into Fran¡¯s tunic and flung her over his head, smashing her into the stone floor with a crack. Both the arrow she held and sword clattered far away from her.

    ¡°Fran!¡± Gorb screamed desperately. Fran looked faint, the pain from her fall overwhelming her senses.

    Zalan, similarly, was starting to lose his grip on reality. He tried to claw and punch weakly at Docrun¡¯s face as the king¡¯s grip tightened on his throat. He tried to fire lightning from his hands, but it only caused Docrun¡¯s grip to decrease slightly instead of fully release. Zalan was still unable to get a gasp of air. The lightning would also travel up Docrun¡¯s arm and deal searing-hot damage to Zalan¡¯s already-pained throat. As he slapped weakly at Docrun¡¯s head, Zalan brushed against Docrun¡¯s crown and Docrun¡¯s remaining eye went up sharply for an instant before returning to Zalan.

    An idea smashed into Zalan like a truck. All the talk of vanity and echoes of the previous life of the Fleshless barrelled through Zalan¡¯s mind and he put all his energy into one last plan. His vision fading, he reached out to King Docrun¡¯s head with a shaky hand, grabbed the crown, and threw it as far across the room as he could. The jeweled headwear clattered to the floor and Docrun immediately moved to feel around his decaying, thinning hair with his free hand. Docrun¡¯s pupil went tiny as soon as he felt the lack of his kingly adornment.

    King Docrun threw Zalan aside instantly, bounding across the room like a hound after prey to retrieve his crown.

    ¡°Gorb! Keep it away from him!¡± Zalan croaked as soon as he got his first breath, his voice almost gone.

    Gorb, not understanding what just happened, threw all the force of wind that he could against the crown, just as Docrun dove for it. The king smashed into the wall, manically patting the floor for the crown before noticing it being dragged to the opposite corner by the wind. Docrun got back up on all fours and raced toward it, his total focus on retrieving his crown.

    Gorb had nowhere else to send the crown but up and grunted in painful exertion as he launched the gold headwear into the air like a bottle rocket. It flew up high and clanged against the ceiling. Gorb strained, his face going from dark red to purple as he tried to keep the crown afloat, but the constant stream of energy being emitted was too much.

    ¡°I¡­ cannot¡­ hold,¡± Gorb said, his voice almost lost in his exertion.

    Gorb let out a breath and the crown began to freefall.

    Docrun jumped to grab it, and Zalan grit his teeth, preparing to be killed as soon as Docrun was whole once more. But, to his surprise, the golden headpiece abruptly stopped out of the Fleshless king¡¯s reach a few feet above his outstretched arm at his full jump height. Docrun continued to reach upward, smashing against the wall and waiting for the crown to fall, but it remained in place, swinging slightly above him. Zalan¡¯s vision returned enough for him to see that it was hanging on an arrow that had just been shot into the wall. He turned, stunned, to Yelsa.

    Yelsa was breathing hard, pulling Fran over her shoulder as best she could, but struggling under her injured leg. Fran was staring at Docrun with a mix of amazement and disbelief. Zalan saw the sword that Fran had been holding earlier was still abandoned on the floor, but not the arrow. Yelsa must have grabbed the arrow from the ground and used it to keep the crown out of Docrun¡¯s reach in a moment of quick thinking.

    ¡°Quickly!¡± Rep whispered, dragging the door open.

    The travelers watched Docrun, not moving, to see how he would react to the open door. He continued to powerfully slam his fists into the wall. He was desperately trying to force the crown to continue its descent, even clawing at the stone in an act of pleading for it to allow gravity to resume its course. Zalan and his friends took this as a good sign and got moving.

    Gorb ran over to help Yelsa carry Fran from the room. Zalan rushed over, picking up the spare sword from the floor and rushing to the exit. Before running to the next room, everyone turned to Docrun one last time. He was hopping repeatedly, despairingly trying to nick the side of the crown with enough force to bump it off the arrow.

    ¡°Should we pull the Ressurector from his hip now that he¡¯s distracted?¡± Zalan whispered.

    ¡°I am not getting anywhere near that thing,¡± Yelsa replied quietly.

    The others agreed through their silence, Zalan included.

    Gorb breathed in deeply, then twisted air in a manner that rolled the king¡¯s scepter to his feet. He kicked it into the next room. They looked at him strangely.

    ¡°At some point he may have realized he could use the scepter to get the crown off the wall. I hope to prevent that,¡± Gorb explained quietly.

    ¡°But what about my broken blade that was left within?¡± Fran asked. "He could use that to extend his reach, easily!"

    ¡°Or the arrows in his back?¡± Yelsa asked.

    ¡°I suspect in the same way that he preferred to keep the company of his crown and scepter, he would not want to use ¡®lesser¡¯ items to retrieve his royal item,¡± Gorb suggested as Rep shut the door behind them, the king jumping like mad to try and retrieve his crown.

 Chapter 41 - Stairs

    Zalan looked up at the newest room they entered. They were at the foot of a giant spiral staircase leading to where the dragon and treasure lay. He was breathing laboriously, rubbing at the throbbing wound in his bruised neck. He looked around at his friends, trying to get a feel for how well they fared.

    They were down to four swords, one for each swordsman. Gorb¡¯s second sword had been given to his wounded sister. Yelsa was out of arrows, an empty quiver hanging at her hip.

    The right side of Rep¡¯s face was washed in a purple mesh of bruises, specks of blood, and multiple little splinters running along his cheek up to his eyebrows. Rep smiled at him, happy to have escaped the Fleshless king, but his smile couldn¡¯t extend to the right side of his lips. Zalan noted with gratitude that Rep¡¯s wounded arm hadn¡¯t gotten much worse and it looked like he could manage himself pretty well.

    Gorb looked worse off than Rep, bruises running up and down his arms after being battered by the king¡¯s scepter. There was a dark, burned patch at the back of his left ear where Zalan¡¯s lightning had struck him and his face was red with strain. He was breathing the hardest, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. In his current state, he wouldn¡¯t be missing his second sword.

    Fran was laying flat on the ground but smiling widely at the spiraling staircase above her. Her leg was a mess of colors, and at an unnatural angle after being slammed off of Docrun¡¯s back. Despite the look of her wound, each of her breaths seemed to be filled with joy.

    Yelsa sat over Fran''s leg, raising and lowering her hands multiple times as she tried to decide what to do to heal it. She was the best off, with only a mostly-healed wound on her leg. She looked up to Zalan at a loss.

    ¡°We should not have come here,¡± Yelsa said sadly to him.

    Fran¡¯s smile widened, her face exuding exuberance as her friends tried to assess their situation after Yelsa¡¯s grave words.

    ¡°Nonsense! That was the greatest battle I have ever fought!¡± she said proudly. She laughed as she remembered the last few minutes. ¡°What a fight!¡±

    ¡°Fran, your leg is broken!¡± Yelsa exclaimed.

    ¡°And we still won!¡± Fran said, as if Yelsa had issued her a compliment.

    ¡°Won? We could barely lay a scratch on him,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°And yet we emerged victorious!¡± Fran said to Rep¡¯s consternation.

    ¡°She means we beat King Docrun because we were able to successfully get out of his chamber without him killing any one of us,¡± Gorb said, his eyes still closed.

    ¡°Absurd! We barely won!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We barely survived,¡± Fran corrected, holding up a red and purple finger to make her point. ¡°But we handily won.¡±

    The sound of two stomachs groaned simultaneously. It didn¡¯t take long to realize that no one had the power of the Satiator within them anymore.

    ¡°Time to eat our little rations,¡± Rep said, pulling out what little food he packed for himself from his pocket. The others followed his lead, already missing the sensation of not being hungry for days at a time. Between mouthfuls of date fruits, Yelsa went over to Rep to redress his wound. In the meantime, Fran decided to recount the battle.

    ¡°Remember how you stood up against him when he was charging at you at the door? You tried to pull a feint against impossible odds! Very impressive, Rep.¡±

    ¡°Yes, well, I was just trying to stay alive,¡± Rep said, but he had gone bashful over the praise, focusing on his pained arm in embarrassment.

    ¡°And Zalan! I saw you imbue the entirety of your blade! Amazing!¡± Fran said.

    Zalan looked at the sword he was still gripping with knuckle-white intensity. He relaxed his hand and admired the fact that he was, in fact, able to hold some electricity through the blade. He was really learning how to control his power. It was almost a shame that he would be leaving this world so soon. The searing pain around his neck made it clear that ¡°almost a shame¡± was the most he felt. Fran was still raving over the battle as Zalan reflected on his new capabilities.

    ¡°Did you see how I got his thumb off? No one else could get a good slice in, but I just flew in and disarmed the mad king! That leap was magnificent, thank you Gorb,¡± Fran said. Gorb scoffed, but a slight smile mingled with his stoic expression for a moment.

    ¡°And who could forget Gorb and Yelsa¡¯s splendid finish, launching the crown midair and pinning it out of reach. What a move!¡± Fran laughed. ¡°I do not believe I have ever given you the credit you deserve for being such a marksman, Yelsa. Truly an unparalleled archer.¡±

    Yelsa cracked a grin for a moment, but then looked back at Fran¡¯s grotesque fractured leg and returned to her frown.

    ¡°Lucky that you happened to slap the crown off the king¡¯s head, right Zalan?¡± Fran looked up. Zalan made a face, uncertain how to reply, but Gorb spoke on his behalf.

    ¡°That was no accident. He deliberately threw the crown off when he was at the brink of death. Did you not hear him order me to keep it away from the king immediately?¡± Gorb asked.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°Right!¡± Fran said, her eyes widening as the point registered. ¡°Zalan, perhaps your otherworldly knowledge is more worthwhile than you let on! How did you know to do that?¡±

    ¡°I saw him react when we mentioned his treasure and there were times he touched his crown during the battle. I thought if those echoes existed, then maybe the vanity of royalty stuck around too. He wouldn¡¯t want to be separated from his crown, even if he was Fleshless,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°Amazing. I wish I could have thought of that,¡± Fran said, her smile unwavering. ¡°But it was a good battle all the same. Oh what a fight, right Gorb?¡±

    ¡°A good fight, but a terrible situation,¡± Gorb replied. ¡°How are we to take on a dragon in this condition?¡±

    ¡°We do not need to take it on!¡± Fran exclaimed.

    The others looked at her in confusion, except for Zalan who knew where she was going with this. She grinned, looking between them.

    ¡°The purpose of our quest is to retrieve the Homeseeker. We can simply steal it and run out, no battle necessary,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Because that went so well this time,¡± Yelsa grumbled.

    ¡°Docrun was ready for us, but Hatewing will have an entire hoard to keep track of! He will not notice the loss of one measly Artifact. We should be able to sneak in, get the object, and sneak out,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°You do not want to fight the dragon anymore?¡± Rep asked cautiously.

    ¡°Oh, I would love to fight the dragon,¡± Fran said immediately. ¡°But I seem to have a broken leg, Gorb is completely spent, Zalan is a mite shy of losing his neck, and I think your arm is still in disrepair. So, another time, perhaps.¡±

    ¡°Another time, indeed,¡± Rep replied graciously.

    ¡°How do we know that there are enough treasures in the room to keep him distracted? I recall Gorb mentioning that there was speculation that Docrun was running out of wealth before his death,¡± Yelsa brought up.

    ¡°No way,¡± Zalan shook his head with certainty. ¡°Did you see how Docrun, as a rotting corpse, reacted at the mere mention of the word ¡®treasure?¡¯ He¡¯s got something significant up there.¡±

    The others nodded in agreement, even Yelsa coming around to the idea.

    ¡°We are forgetting one thing!¡± Yelsa said. ¡°None of us have ever seen the Homeseeker before. We have no idea what the Artifact looks like!¡±

    Fran¡¯s smile fidgeted, then descended.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± she acknowledged. ¡°That does pose a problem.¡±

    ¡°It is a golden artifact. Cube shaped, with black-colored corners,¡± Rep said. The others looked at him in shock, even Gorb opened an eye in surprise.

    ¡°How do you know that?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep looked at him in surprise.

    ¡°Madam Hikma told us!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°She did?¡± Zalan asked, having forgotten every aspect of the conversation between him and the woman of wisdom. It felt like ages ago to him.

    ¡°You do not recall? She told us about it right before she told us that we would have to get it from Castle Docrun,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan stared at him with a blank face, none of this resonating with him.

    ¡°Right before she said we would have to face a dragon¡­¡± Rep continued slowly, trying to spur the memory in Zalan¡¯s mind. Zalan shook his head slightly, not recalling any part of this conversation.

    ¡°Right before she said we would need an Elemental,¡± Rep prompted, almost desperate to see recognition. Zalan¡¯s eyes lit up.

    ¡°Oh yeah! I forgot about that! Well, to be honest, I still don¡¯t remember any of it except for the part where she told us to get an Elemental and then we borrowed a bunch of books,¡± Zalan said, embarrassed.

    ¡°That is a lot to forget,¡± Rep said, concerned.

    Zalan recalled having faced the Mind of Madness and the Melders that messed with his mind and thought that might have something to do with it. Traumatic experiences and blocking out information in his mind or something. He didn¡¯t really care.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess,¡± he shrugged noncommittally.

    ¡°Do not be ashamed,¡± Fran said to Zalan. ¡°Rep has a very good memory when it comes to the Artifacts he has heard of. He has always been like this since¡ª¡±

    There was a slight thump on the other end of the door to King Docrun¡¯s chamber. The travelers looked at one another nervously.

    ¡°Perhaps we can continue this conversation from the top of the stairs,¡± Gorb said, getting up immediately to carry Fran.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan picked up the scepter from the floor and handed it to Yelsa before he made his way to the base of the spiraling stairs.

    ¡°What do you want to do with this? I am not throwing this back in there,¡± she warned.

    ¡°I thought you might want a weapon,¡± Zalan said, nodding to her empty quiver.

    Yelsa peered at him for a moment longer, then shrugged.

    ¡°Thank you. Though, I am not very good at hand-to-hand combat,¡± Yelsa admitted as she followed him up the stairs.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m pretty sure this will be hand-to-wing combat,¡± Zalan replied, smirking.

    ¡°That was awful, send him back to the Fleshless,¡± Fran groaned at his joke. She was clinging to Gorb¡¯s shoulders, her injured leg held tenderly. ¡°I would kick you were it not for my better judgment.¡±

    The adventurers made their way up the stairs for the next few minutes, often stopping to take a breather on what felt like the infinite ascent. They were in much better spirits now, feeling as though the worst was behind them. Zalan had a slight giddiness welling up in his stomach, with him being so near the Homeseeker. Throughout their way up, they heard random skittering along the walls. Zalan couldn¡¯t see anything, but it always put a pit of disgust in his stomach whenever he heard it. Like there were some large bugs living in the walls..

    When they were resting on the stairs about halfway up the tower, they heard an eerie creaking sound echo through the stairway. They looked at one another for a moment, then came to the same dreaded realization that the creaking was the sound of a door opening. They peeked over the side of the stone stairs.

    King Docrun stepped within, his crown returned to his head.

    He looked around slowly, almost confused. He stepped around in a circle a few times to get a better view of the area. He knelt down, poking lightly at something on the ground. Fran breathed deeply as it occurred to her that he was examining the date pits they had spat out on the floor. Then, Docrun looked straight up. All of the travelers flipped back to the stairs and pinned themselves flat.

    ¡°He is searching for us,¡± Rep whispered, terrified.

    They heard him take another few steps, but no one dared put their head back over the edge and get caught. After a few more sounds of Docrun¡¯s feet scraping the stone floor, Zalan decided to chance the peek to see what was happening. He inched his head over the edge of the stairway and looked down, the others watching him with silent intensity. Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide in fear.

    King Docrun began to shamble slowly up the stairs.

 Chapter 42 - Castle and Dragon

    ¡°He¡¯s coming up the stairs!¡± Zalan hissed urgently.

    The others immediately dragged themselves to the edge of the stairs to confirm. They watched in horror. As soon as they reached over the edge, they witnessed Docrun stepping up another stair, then inspecting the area slowly before taking another step.

    ¡°He is moving slowly. I do not think he knows we are here,¡± Fran guessed.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s get out of here before he finds us,¡± Zalan said.

    Gorb and Yelsa immediately moved toward Fran who raised her arms for them to pull her up to her feet. Yelsa assisted Fran onto Gorb¡¯s back. Quickly, they rushed up the stairs. Zalan and Rep occasionally tried to help Gorb up steps, but he would refuse with a quick shake of his head. Yelsa kept a close eye on Docrun¡¯s ascent.

    ¡°He is slow. But he is consistent,¡± Yelsa assessed.

    ¡°How far are we from the top?¡± Gorb asked, breathless.

    ¡°Maybe one quarter is left before we reach the top,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Gorb intoned, disappointed.

    ¡°Do you want one of us to help carry Fran?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Gorb said firmly.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged a glance, then looked back at his reddening face and slackening steps.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zalan ventured.

    ¡°He does not trust you to carry me,¡± Fran dismissed them. ¡°He thinks you will drop me right on my foot. As if my broken leg can get worse.¡±

    ¡°It definitely can get worse,¡± Gorb said, annoyed.

    Zalan supported by pulling up on Gorb¡¯s tunic at every step. Gorb scoffed in annoyance, but didn¡¯t say anything to the gesture. Rep joined in, and Gorb was able to move faster without totally exhausting himself of what little energy remained. Yelsa kept her eye over the edge, slightly shaking as Docrun continued his slow steps forward.

    ¡°What are we going to do if he gets here before we reach the top?¡± Yelsa asked nervously.

    ¡°Kick him back down!¡± Fran said confidently.

    ¡°We will arrive at the top before he is anywhere near us,¡± Gorb assured her.

    ¡°But when we get to the top¡­ Will we just go straight in?¡± Yelsa asked.

    The question got no response, compounding Yelsa¡¯s fears. Zalan had no idea what the plan was anymore. Would they be able to sneak up on the dragon if they had to rush into its chamber? Would Hatewing be watching the door? How long would the Homeseeker take to activate? What if it took so long that the dragon was able to burn it to a crisp before he got out of there?

    Would Zalan be stuck in this world?

    Zalan shook the thought out of his head. He needed to focus on getting out of Docrun¡¯s path instead of hypotheticals. The occasional skittering in the walls still made Zalan feel nauseous, but nothing was as serious as Docrun on their tail.

    Sweating, sore, and fatigued beyond belief, they arrived at the large double doors at the top of the tower. They were made of metal, and totally in-tact as opposed to most of the wooden doors below. The companions took a break for a few seconds, Yelsa watching over the center of the spiral staircase the entire time, hoping to God that Docrun would turn himself around on a whim and leave them alone. Docrun took another step up.

    ¡°Now what?¡± Yelsa asked, dread in her eyes.

    ¡°Do we even know if the doors are unlocked?¡± Zalan asked.

    They looked at one another nervously. If they were locked out, there would be no chance of getting inside before Docrun arrived. Rep took nervous steps toward the door and laid his hand on it, then pulled away sharply.

    ¡°What? Is it primed with a trap?¡± Yelsa hissed, terrified.

    ¡°No, it is very cold,¡± Rep said, running his hands together with a small flame then reaching out once more. He pulled on the handle and it slid open quietly, just enough to know they could pass through, but not enough for a dragon who was watching the door to see. The group looked to one another, elated.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Rep whispered, stepping to the stairs to look over the side. Docrun continued his ascent. He was about halfway up the stairs now.

    ¡°We should slow him down so we can think,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°How?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The same way you did the first time! Throw off his crown and send it all the way back to the bottom of the stairs. Gorb, do you think you can manage it from here?¡± Fran asked.

    Gorb was still catching his breath, but he crawled his way to the edge of the stairs.

    ¡°Perhaps. It was a little out of my range before, but I have not tested my distance after gaining a Level from facing the Melders,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Blast the crown off his head and send it down the center of the stairway. That should give us a lot more time. And if he tries to come back up before we have a plan we are confident in, just send him down again,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Right,¡± Gorb acknowledged, raising a trembling, tired hand as he targeted Docrun.

    Gorb breathed in deeply. The slight quiver in his hand ceased entirely as he put his whole focus into his next attack. He breathed out smoothly and flexed his hand. The royal garb on the Fleshless Docrun shook impressively in the wind. The crown flew up and off his head, then was quickly blasted down the center of the stairs by another gust of air.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Docrun caught it before it was out of reach.

    Quickly returning his crown to his head, Docrun looked up sharply. His normally unfocused gaze had a manic rage in the one remaining eye. He was able to catch the travelers by surprise, making eye contact before they could pin themselves back against the floor. He made no noise, only staring for a moment, then began bounding up the rest of the stairs, two at a time.

    ¡°Oh no!¡± Yelsa stammered. ¡°What now?¡±

    ¡°Inside! Now, let¡¯s go!¡± Zalan said, no longer keeping his voice low in the heat of pursuit.

    ¡°But what if the dragon sees us?¡± Yelsa protested.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t think we have a choice, let¡¯s move!¡± Zalan ordered.

    Gorb pulled Fran back up onto his back and stumbled his way through the door that Rep pulled open. Yelsa was ahead, but she hesitated and Zalan ran through first. Yelsa immediately followed, then Gorb and Fran, and finally Rep, who slid the door shut behind him. He pulled his weight against the door, trying to keep it totally shut in case Docrun tried to pull it open. Yelsa caught on to this and immediately looked down at the scepter in her hand then pushed it through the pull handles, locking it tightly. Rep nodded to her and they took a step away from the door, hoping it would be enough to stop the powerful king.

    ¡°Ahp¡ª¡± Zalan made a tiny noise, but covered his mouth before shouting anything.

    The chamber was massive, like a circular arena perfect for holding fighters and an audience. It was covered in mountains of treasures of all kinds, whether gold, jewelry or splendid weapons. It was enough to sustain someone for at least several lifetimes and Zalan could see how it could easily maintain a kingdom of hundreds or thousands. Throughout the hills and valleys of this gold were several Artifacts. Zalan could recognize a Satiator on a pile, but others just stood out as clearly Artifacts, like a green, glowing ring.

    Behind all the marvelous wares ahead of them was a massive creature. Hatewing lay sleeping on the other end of the domed chamber, the orange glow of the sunset streaming in from the hole above. The dozing monster was easily the size of a commercial airplane, maybe larger. It was colored mostly black, with hints of purple running through its hide, natural stripes running from its eyelids to wings. Its body was covered in black iridescent scales that reflected different colors as it slowly breathed in and out.

    Zalan wasn¡¯t shocked nor began yelling because of any of these aspects of the chamber. Rather, something much more disgusting had joined them in the room. Roaches. They were crawling around the room with their hideous, hairy legs and uncanny mandibles. They stuck to walls and some were crawling around and pruning scales from Hatewing¡¯s hide. Zalan shuddered and kept his hand clamped over his mouth. His friends were examining the room in silence, Yelsa was equally disturbed by the presence of Roaches in the room.

    ¡°Is that where the little patters outside the walls came from? They are all over this tower,¡± Yelsa whispered, disturbed.

    ¡°Just ignore them,¡± Rep advised quietly. ¡°We just need to find the Homeseeker.¡±

    Zalan and Yelsa stifled a scream under closed mouths as a Roach skittered right across their path, racing through the room for Roach reasons.

    ¡°Ignore them,¡± Zalan spat sarcastically in a hushed voice.

    ¡°Better to face them than the dragon,¡± Yelsa said quietly.

    They slowly began to move across the room, doing everything in their power to keep the dragon in a state of slumber. Fran was set back down on the ground so Gorb wouldn¡¯t breathe as hard. Gorb, Rep, Zalan, and Yelsa tiptoed across pieces of gold and treasures. They scanned the area for the Homeseeker hoping that it wasn¡¯t buried under the small mountains of gold, as it would be impossible to locate without making noise in that case. The closer they drew to the dragon, the more anxious they became. There was an unspoken agreement that communication would be silent from then on.

    Rep waved at them, signaling to ask whether they noticed something ahead. They followed his finger only to see he was pointing directly at Hatewing¡¯s face. Zalan, Yelsa, and Gorb looked to one another in confusion, then back to Rep for a more clear explanation. He made the shape of a square, then pointed back at Hatewing. Zalan peered closely, and blinked in surprise as he recognized that among a few gold coins just ahead of the dragon¡¯s nose was a golden cube with black corners.

    The Homeseeker.

    The four looked at one another in fear and hesitation. They looked back at Fran who was still peering over and then widened her eyes in recognition, a smile forming on her face. She raised her hand and pointed to herself, trying to volunteer to be the one to go retrieve the Artifact. They quickly dismissed her, Gorb looking embarrassed as he had to explain to her through miming that her leg was not fit to be sneaky. Fran frowned in disappointment.

    They then looked to Gorb. Gorb gestured to his height and size to try and display he was far too big to travel there and back undetected. Zalan waved his hands around, miming that Gorb could bring the Artifact over with his Elemental Air Power. Gorb signed something back, but the group looked confused. Frustrated, Gorb spoke in a barely audible voice.

    ¡°Too far. And too near to the dragon. Enough air to move the Artifact would be enough to nudge the dragon and wake it up. And we do not know whether my power can activate it, leaving us stranded,¡± Gorb explained quickly.

    Zalan pursed his lips and nodded.

    They looked to Yelsa next, but she shook her head adamantly in fear, waving her arms side-to-side in a quick, urgent fashion. When they looked at Rep, he pointed to the bad bandage on his arm. Zalan was going to try and protest, but had a sinking feeling that it wasn¡¯t a good idea to force someone who didn¡¯t even believe in himself. When they finally gazed at Zalan, Zalan stood tall, ready to grab the Homeseeker and get out of there.

    Until he flinched and stifled another scream when a Roach passed his peripheral.

    Gorb shook his head gravely and turned back to Yelsa. Her leg wasn¡¯t so bad that she couldn¡¯t be discrete. She was just scared, but even her fear didn¡¯t cause her to scream like Zalan. That wasn¡¯t a good enough excuse.

    After a series of back and forths of head shakes and head nods, Yelsa finally breathed out in frustration and reluctantly nodded. She looked over to the Homeseeker right in front of the dragon¡¯s closed maw, then back to them with derision in her eyes. She gestured a series of signals to tell them that if the dragon woke up after she had her hands of the Homeseeker, she wouldn¡¯t wait. She would use the Homeseeker immediately and save herself. Zalan swallowed hard, unable to discern whether or not she was being serious.

    Yelsa began to slink her way across the room as Gorb and Rep knelt down to try and minimize their presence. Zalan refused to sit while in the same room as Roaches that he couldn¡¯t kill with impunity, so he remained standing with one hand firmly over his mouth. Yelsa made smooth strides, stretching her way over pieces of gold to make sure she didn¡¯t clink anything together. The Roaches were climbing the piles with wanton disregard and making plenty of ambient noise, but Yelsa didn¡¯t want to add to anything and accidentally cause Hatewing to awaken.

    Yelsa was halfway across the room when something crashed loudly behind her. She whipped her head back in fear and anger, looking to the three men for an explanation. They, in turn, also looked back to see the source of the noise coming from behind them. Fran was staring at the entryway where another series of smashes lit up the room in a dangerous amount of noise. Docrun was smashing against the door with enough force to both create massive noises and shift the piles of treasure closest to the door. His blows against the door bent the scepter inward, and the door cracked open a tad before it was stopped by the bent shape of the scepter. The dead king tried to push his fingers into the door to no avail.

    The travelers collectively looked back at Hatewing to see it slowly raising its head, an eye opening in a bleary, sleepy state. It looked around at the Roaches, then quickly pinpointed Zalan and his companions throughout the room. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell what color eyes it had. Its eyes were rapidly changing in color, cycling like a pinwheel between a number of hues.

    ¡°Oh¡­ Oh, dear God,¡± Rep said in fear.

    ¡°Hatewing is an Elemental Dragon?¡± Gorb asked in shock.

    Hatewing¡¯s eyes narrowed in on the companions. Then it roared, shaking the room and all its inhabitants with the force of a small earthquake.

    ¡°No, no, no! Go back to sleep!¡± Yelsa pleaded as she rushed back toward Zalan and his companions.

    ¡°Well,¡± Fran said loudly as used her sword to lift herself to balance on her good foot. ¡°At least I get to face off against a dragon!¡±

 Chapter 43 - Hatewing

    <h2> </h2>

    ¡°Run! Run!¡± Yelsa cried. ¡°I will battle Docrun over taking on an Elemental Dragon! Just get me out of here!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s an Elemental Dragon?¡± Zalan asked, backing away from the hulking creature as it embodied the entire chamber and spread its wings. Its black visage took over all the light entering through the hole in the ceiling, causing the room to feel like it had become overcast in seconds.

    ¡°Bad! It is very bad!¡± Rep said, backing away from it and heading to the door.

    ¡°But what is it?¡± Zalan asked more urgently.

    ¡°Normal dragons are known to breathe fire from their mouths, able to emit enough to engulf a building in moments,¡± Gorb stated. ¡°But Elemental Dragons have no set Element that they breathe. They cycle between Elements like lightning, fire, ice, water, and others. There is no guarantee.¡±

    ¡°But if you watch its eyes, you will know which Element it will produce!¡± Fran said excitedly as she hopped her way forward, the only one going away from the entry door. Gorb placed a hand in her way and made a face.

    ¡°We are leaving, Fran. Do not force me to fight you. I am almost completely exhausted of all my energies,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°I would normally agree that we should leave, but I do not believe we can,¡± Fran flicked her head back to the door.

    Rep and Yelsa were pulling powerfully against the bent scepter stuck in the door, but couldn¡¯t pull it free. Yelsa was sweating and Rep was gnawing at his lip in their efforts.

    ¡°It will not budge!¡± Rep called desperately. ¡°What do we do?¡±

    ¡°Guys!¡± Zalan called, his focus on Hatewing¡¯s eyes. ¡°The eyes stopped on a color! They¡¯re blue! Like¡­ like the sky! What does that mean?¡±

    Hatewing was breathing in, the sound of it like a giant balloon sucking all the air out of the room. Its light-blue eyes looked upon them with rage and malice.

    ¡°Run away! Get behind something!¡± Rep screamed, scrambling toward the nearest tall pile of gold.

    Zalan looked around and did the same, diving under a small pile of Artifacts and goblets near him. Something white flew overhead and crashed into the door, causing the entire chamber to tremble. Zalan found himself shivering. He twisted his neck to see the door was frozen solid with shards of ice sticking out, a few Roaches dead and frozen as well.

    ¡°Gorb and I are fine! Everyone alive?¡± Fran¡¯s voice came.

    ¡°I¡¯m good!¡± Zalan called back.

    ¡°Alive!¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Get me out of here!¡± Yelsa screamed.

    Zalan saw that Roaches on the wall were skittering all over the place now, racing up and down walls in panic as the violence commenced. He still couldn¡¯t help but flinch when they got close, the immediate danger of the Elemental Dragon not enough to overtake his disgust toward the creatures. He zapped one that got too close, killing it before it could try to bite him in the frenzy of energy sweeping the room.

    ¡°Gorb, can we jump out the window and you catch us with your power before we hit the floor?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No. I am almost completely drained of energy. I will lose consciousness if I try to slow even one of us, much less all of us at once,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°What about the moat!¡± Yelsa said, feeling brilliant.

    ¡°There is not enough water!¡± Rep replied. ¡°We saw it from the bridge! It was almost dry!¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s higher at other points in the moat!¡± Yelsa said, sounding desperate.

    ¡°A fall from this height would kill you even if you fall into water!¡± Zalan called back.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Yelsa asked, disheartened.

    ¡°Dark blue!¡± Zalan boomed.

    ¡°What¡ª¡±

    The sound of Hatewing sucking in air overpowered the room, making it clear that Zalan was talking about the newest color of its eyes. It blasted out a torrent of water, washing hundreds of pounds of gold and water in the general direction of the travelers.

    ¡°Up! On the piles!¡± Gorb demanded.

    The five adventurers had to put themselves in an exposed position above the piles they hid behind in order not to be swept away. They held on as the deluge smashed against the stone wall with enough force to kill them instantly. Zalan watched various tools and weapons in the hoard get crushed like soda cans in the wake of the fast flow of water. Hatewing roared in frustration at not having killed the travelers and watched them as its eyes began cycling once more.

    ¡°I think we have to fight it,¡± Zalan announced uncertainly.

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    ¡°Finally, someone says it,¡± Fran said confidently.

    ¡°An Elemental Dragon requires multiple members of your party to be over Level Ten, Fran! We will not stand a chance,¡± Gorb said to her.

    ¡°According to whom? Those who are too scared to try? There are no set rules for how powerful one should be to kill anything!¡± Fran declared confidently.

    ¡°Fran, please, do not agitate it!¡± Yelsa pleaded.

    ¡°What more could be done to agitate it? It is already attacking with intent to kill. We should return in kind! Hit it with lightning, Zalan!¡± Fran ordered.

    ¡°On it!¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°I will get in close to attack with flames,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°You are in no state to move that fast!¡± Gorb cried.

    ¡°Then assist me!¡± Fran screamed back. ¡°I am not going to lay down and wait for Hatewing to decide on the best way to kill us when I can be doing something! Either assist me or go hide in a corner!¡±

    Zalan was breathing in deeply, concentrating as much power as he could into his next attack. Hatewing¡¯s eyes stopped cycling at an orange hue. It swung its wings to buffet them all with air as it breathed in. Zalan fired the largest bolt of lightning he could muster¡ªabout an inch thick. Hatewing twitched, barely singed by the attack, and continued to breathe in menacingly.

    ¡°My lightning barely scratched it!¡± Zalan said as he hopped off his pile of gold to get behind cover.

    ¡°Better than not affecting it at all!¡± Fran replied jovially.

    Hatewing¡¯s mouth erupted in an incinerating wall of flame, headed right for Zalan.

    ¡°Excellent!¡± Zalan heard Fran say as he tucked himself down tightly beneath the gold.

    ¡°Fran, get down!¡± Gorb screamed.

    Zalan felt the heat intensify to an unbearable degree, immediately breaking him out in sweat, then suddenly the heat felt like it was swept away. He heard Fran laughing maniacally. He peeked his head out from behind his shelter to see Fran redirecting the wall of flame with her Elemental ability, hysterical at the display of her own power. Gorb was holding her upright, allowing her to focus on the task of shifting the fire.

    ¡°Yes! You are powerless, Hatewing!¡± Fran goaded as she twisted the fire into the ceiling where it dissipated harmlessly. Zalan, Rep and Yelsa watched in awe. The fire would have reduced them to ashes the moment it came in contact with them, but Fran was enjoying changing its direction. Zalan couldn¡¯t help but take pleasure in seeing the Roaches that were on the ceiling burn up.

    Hatewing finally stopped its onslaught, looking over its adversaries with its multicolored eyes. Its black and purple eyelids narrowed, confused as to how everyone was still standing. It roared loudly in frustration, swishing a wing at them and sending a dangerous amount of gold flying their way. Zalan ducked back down under his pile of gold and waited for the attack to subside before he got up to dive behind the next closest pile of treasure, hoping to be able to do more damage to the dragon the closer he got.

    ¡°I will find some arrows!¡± Yelsa said in frustration, finally quitting her attempts to open the frozen door.

    ¡°I am coming to assist you, Zalan,¡± Rep called from behind him.

    It seemed the entire group had agreed to fight the dragon now, no other choice making itself clear.

    Zalan threw another bolt of lightning at the dragon¡¯s wing, trying to aim for a joint to do enough damage to stop it from sending another burst of air at them. The wing twitched and the dragon looked at him in annoyance. It took a massive stomp toward them to shake them off balance. Then it retreated a step furtively.

    ¡°Look how it keeps its distance!¡± Fran pointed out. ¡°It has never had to deal with close-combat encounters. It relies on its Elemental power!¡±

    ¡°What does that mean for us?¡± Rep asked, having just caught up to Zalan¡¯s shelter of gold.

    ¡°I have no idea!¡± Fran admitted.

    Hatewing¡¯s eyes were a shiny yellow. It reminded Zalan of the Elemental that granted him his lightning power.

    ¡°Yellow!¡± Gorb called out.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s lightning!¡± Zalan told his friends. ¡°Stay away from anything metal! And water!¡±

    ¡°Everything here is metal and water!¡± Yelsa screamed, stepping over a puddle that was left from the dragon¡¯s second attack.

    As Hatewing breathed in, Zalan felt all the hairs on his head and neck begin to stand, the air feeling charged. He was certain the next Elemental blast would be lighting. He stood up, intending to redirect it like Fran did. Rep pulled him aggressively to the floor.

    ¡°She has trained to manage large columns of flames for years! You cannot redirect the same amount of lightning!¡± Rep told him.

    ¡°I took on lightning from the sky!¡± Zalan countered.

    ¡°Accidentally! And you would have died if we were not there!¡± Rep said back.

    A thunderous crack boomed across the chamber as Hatewing emitted an electrical, destructive wave. Zalan got a different idea at that moment and held one arm away from him and one arm on Rep¡¯s back. Rep looked at him, confused, but remained put so long as Zalan was kneeling behind the pile of gold. The rush of lightning grazed the pile they sat behind and traveled through to Rep and Zalan. Zalan pulled the energy out of both himself and Rep. Wincing, he channeled it within him threw it toward the ceiling, leaving them both unscathed.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Rep said as soon as the blast died down and he understood what Zalan did.

    ¡°Everyone all right?¡± Zalan called.

    ¡°Gorb threw us into the air for a few seconds. We are fine!¡± Fran called from her pile on the other end of the room.

    There was no reply from behind them, where Yelsa should have been.

    ¡°Yelsa?¡±

    ¡°He got me,¡± Yelsa said, her voice overwhelmed with pain. ¡°But it is not so bad. Do not come back for me. Find us a way out of here!¡±

    Zalan nodded and threw another bolt of lightning at Hatewing¡¯s face. Hatewing¡¯s eye blinked in annoyance as Zalan¡¯s bolt made contact with its lower jaw. Zalan blinked, his battles with the Nargs and Docrun coming to mind at that moment. Hatewing¡¯s eyes cycled as it decided on its next Elemental attack.

    ¡°I have a plan!¡± Fran said.

    ¡°I have an idea!¡± Zalan called at the same moment.

    The monster¡¯s eyes landed on an ominous, shining white color. It breathed in deeply and each of the allies ducked down, not sure what was coming. A blinding light exploded above them like a flashbang, harmlessly passing over them. It occurred to Zalan that Elemental Light must have been part of the monster¡¯s cycles. Fearfully, he wondered what else the dragon would throw at them that he hadn¡¯t encountered before.

    Each of the allies stood back up, looking at one another. Fran looked uncertain.

    ¡°My plan was to get it to shoot fire at me in hopes I could send it back to its open mouth,¡± Fran said. ¡°But to be honest, I do not think that will actually work when I can not rely on what power will emerge. Is yours any better?¡±

 Chapter 44 - Plan

    <h2> </h2>

    ¡°Rep, can I borrow your sword?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep immediately handed over his sword, not a moment¡¯s hesitation.

    ¡°Any idea you have is much better than my lack of idea or ability. Take everything you need,¡± Rep said earnestly, watching Hatewing¡¯s eyes for its next attack.

    ¡°Sky blue! Ice!¡± Gorb called, pulling Fran off their pile of gold and huddling behind it.

    Zalan and Rep followed suit, Rep opening a small flame in his palm for them to share as the temperature dropped drastically throughout the room. The dragon had struck the pile of gold that Zalan was hiding behind previously, filling it with spikes of ice and ruining it for any further shelter. Zalan and Rep looked to one another in fear. The dragon might target them next.

    ¡°We should move!¡± Rep said, panicked.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan agreed, immediately hopping over their pile and rushing to the next one closest to them.

    They were about thirty feet from the dragon now. Zalan decided not to throw lighting at it and draw its attention, trying to keep a low profile before executing his plan. Fran had no such hesitations, throwing a series of five small fireballs from behind her pile of treasure on the other side of the arena-like room, about twenty feet from the dragon. Hatewing seemed to be annoyed by the attack, similar to how it reacted to Zalan¡¯s lightning attacks. But Zalan¡¯s attacks would leave tiny dark marks on the dragon¡¯s black hide where Fran¡¯s left no such evidence. The dragon was fully immune to flame. Hatewing was ignoring Fran¡¯s attacks where it had mild reactions to Zalan¡¯s.

    ¡°This does not seem to be working!¡± Fran said, a permanent smile on her face throughout the battle. ¡°What is your plan?¡±

    ¡°Gorb, I need you to send me upward and into the dragon¡¯s face. I¡¯ll imbue these two swords with lightning and drive them into its eyes. I think the lightning will do a lot of damage. Once it¡¯s blind, we won¡¯t have to worry as much about the Elemental blasts and we can get the Homeseeker and get out of here!¡± Zalan explained quickly.

    ¡°Sounds good! I will draw its attention away from you!¡± Fran said.

    ¡°I am completely spent of my energy!¡± Gorb called back. ¡°I cannot send you flying so far. You will have to get closer!¡±

    Zalan peeked his head over the pile of treasure he was hiding behind, nervously analyzing the dragon as it stared into Fran¡¯s soul with bloodlust.

    ¡°How much closer?¡± Zalan asked, concerned.

    ¡°Get within five feet and I will send you up,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°So close?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°He intends to jump into the dragon¡¯s face! He is not concerned about a distance like that!¡± Gorb replied.

    ¡°Riiight,¡± Zalan said in a small voice, looking queasily at Rep.

    ¡°You do not have to do this,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Think of another way and I¡¯ll try it. Right now, getting its eyes is the best idea I¡¯ve got,¡± Zalan said, peering over the side just as Hatewing¡¯s eyes decided on the next attack.

    ¡°Green eyes!¡± Fran said.

    ¡°Have we seen that before?¡± Rep asked, already losing track.

    ¡°No, just get down!¡± Fran called.

    Hatewing breathed in deeply, held the breath for a tiny moment, then unleashed a hurricane of air into the room. Roaches, gold, treasures, and Artifacts flew all over the place. Zalan shielded his face with his arms and still felt something small strike against his forehead. Rep was hit with a golden statue of Docrun and pinned under it, but it did well to shelter him from the rest of the items flying through the air. The wind died down and Zalan stood up to assess the room. The next pile that he planned to run behind was reduced to a puddle of gold coins. He looked back to Rep and moved to help him out from under the statue.

    ¡°You are bleeding!¡± Rep said, shocked.

    Zalan felt warm fluid run down his cheek. Whatever struck his head cut him deep.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, just push hard to get this up,¡± Zalan said.

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    Rep and Zalan shoved against the statue, but it hardly budged. Zalan pressed hard, putting all his weight behind the statue, but still couldn¡¯t move it at all. Rep was trapped.

    ¡°Go on, take out the dragon¡¯s eyes,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I can¡¯t leave you like this! What if it shoots water again, you¡¯ll drown!¡± Zalan immediately protested, trying to push the statue again.

    ¡°Do not give it the opportunity. Take out its ability to see and we may find that it gives up immediately,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You¡¯re not just asking me to abandon you because you don¡¯t think you¡¯re worth it, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep grinned, his mouth a bloody red. He¡¯d cut open the inside of his lip from biting it again.

    ¡°We do not have time to discuss my motivations,¡± Rep said. ¡°Go! Hurry, before it decides to drown me!¡±

    The look on Rep¡¯s face gave Zalan a drive of confidence. Rep was normally so nervous in these situations, but now he seemed at ease, trusting Zalan to leave him behind and save them all. It made Zalan really believe that he could do it. He peeked his head above the pile of gold he was using as shelter.

    ¡°Gorb?¡± Zalan called.

    ¡°Ready! Just get in close and jump as high as you can!¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Got it!¡± Zalan said, feeling adrenaline coursing through him.

    But his legs wouldn¡¯t move. He trembled too much to stand. The dragon was the largest creature he¡¯d ever witnessed. He swallowed in fear of how massive it stood above him. It could bite him in half or throw a Roach at him with enough velocity that it would break his neck. And he was supposed to run toward the thing! He confronted the idea the only way that he could think of.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t real. None of this is real. This is all a dream,¡± Zalan promised himself, pumping himself up. He finally sprung up, fueled by his self-assuredness.

    ¡°Yellow eyes! Stay down, Hatewing wishes to deal more lightning!¡± Fran called just as Zalan stood up.

    Zalan groaned and knelt back down, placing a hand on the statue that was holding Rep down in order to redirect any electricity away from them. He suddenly remembered that there was another member of their party.

    ¡°Yelsa, are you okay?¡± Zalan called.

    ¡°I am in pain and not looking forward to the next burst of lightning,¡± Yelsa¡¯s pained voice replied. ¡°But I have located some golden arrows. Perhaps they will be of use if I survive this next attack.¡±

    As if in response to Yelsa, Hatewing unleashed the nerve-shattering lightning into the room, electrifying everything. Again, Zalan spent a lot of time pulling lightning from himself and Rep and throwing it away from them. He felt fully covered in the lightning as he did this, as though he was imbued with power just like he did with his sword. The sensation made him feel like it was possible to imbue more than just weapons. When the attack subsided, Zalan immediately shot up.

    ¡°Zalan¡­¡± Gorb said, breathing painfully. He had used his power to help Fran and himself avoid the lightning attack again. ¡°Hurry.¡±

    He was clearly on the brink of total collapse. Zalan began running right at Hatewing, both swords brandished. He screamed as he charged, stumbling over wet coins and treasures. Hatewing watched him intently, its eyes spinning through its vortex of colors as it glared at its oncoming enemy. Zalan got a few good strides in and was able to close the gap between them while maintaining his footing. He was so close that if Hatewing decided to lunge forward, he could have swallowed him whole. But Fran seemed right that Hatewing had no interest in close-quarters encounters and even took a slight step back as Zalan approached. Hatewing¡¯s eyes turned fully orange and it began inhaling menacingly, all its attention on Zalan.

    ¡°Now, Gorb, now!¡± Zalan screamed.

    Zalan leapt up in the air with all his might and felt dread in his heart as he began falling back down. Then, Gorb¡¯s air blasted him upward several feet, sending him clean above the dragon and on a direct course for its face. With seconds to spare, Zalan imbued both blades with as much lightning as he could. The arcs of light exploded around him, dancing around the treasure room with erratic intensity, washing himself and the dragon in dancing, jagged shadows. Zalan knew this would be the best chance he had. The only chance. He raised both swords above him, aiming carefully to stab both eyes simultaneously.

    Hatewing blasted a torrent of flame at him and Zalan was scared that he would fall as a small pile of ash. The burst of fire suddenly split down the middle, totally redirected by a loudly laughing Fran behind him.

    ¡°Get him, Zalan!¡± Fran screamed assertively, a manic smile on her face as he descended upon the massive creature.

    Zalan roared a battle cry and Hatewing¡¯s eyes went wide with fear as this one human was able to get past all of its attacks. Its eyes diluted from orange back to its multicolored shine as its fire was expended. Zalan swung both his arms down with as much force as he could muster. Both lightning-imbued swords crashed into Hatewing¡¯s eyes.

    And neither of them did any damage.

    Zalan¡¯s confidence was swept away in a moment of harrowing dread as Rep¡¯s sword scratched lightly at the open eye and his own sword broke in half against the other eye. Hatewing blinked in annoyance. The eye he hit with Rep¡¯s sword went a slight hue redder with pain, but Hatewing showed no indication of not being able to see out of it any less than before.

    The attack was a complete failure. His combined Strength and Wisdom wasn¡¯t enough to do any real damage to an Elemental Dragon.

    Zalan smashed into Hatewing¡¯s nose and rolled off the side, trying to stab his sword into the dragon to act as a handhold, but instead slipping off and crashing into the floor, landing on his stomach. Zalan groaned, dazed and in pain as he heard Fran and Rep hollering at him frantically. He couldn¡¯t piece together the words they said and raised his head to try and get a feel for their concern when suddenly his back exploded in pain, the air driven out of him. His right arm felt like it was on fire and his left arm was stuck sticking out in front of him. He was surrounded by a black canvas.

    It took him a second to understand that the canvas was one of the dragon¡¯s claws around and on top of him. Hatewing had pinned him to the ground.

 Chapter 45 - Execution

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan struggled under Hatewing¡¯s claw, but the slightest movement sent pain spiraling through his body. His arm was almost certainly broken and he couldn¡¯t move an inch from under the claw.

    He looked at his friends to see how they were doing. Rep was staring at him in horror, his mouth bloody and his arms lacking weapons. He held a small flame in his good hand to try and intimidate the monster, but it was clear it was more to comfort Rep than anything. The statue remained heavily on top of him, pinning him into place and leaving him at the mercy of the next attack from the dragon.

    Still closest to the frozen exit, Yelsa was finally standing, limping heavily on one leg as the other had gained a nasty black streak running through it. She had a few golden arrows in hand, but she was trembling too much to nock any arrows. Tears flowed freely from her face as she popped her neck in consternation.

    Gorb was passed out atop a pile of gold. The exertion of sending Zalan flying up in the air had been too much for him and he lost consciousness. It made Zalan feel so much worse. Even with Gorb putting everything he had to support him, Zalan still failed.

    Fran¡¯s smile had disappeared, though she was instead filled with sheer determination. The joy of the challenge was gone and all that was left was focusing on everyone¡¯s survival.

    ¡°It seems its eyes require significant strength to break through,¡± Fran said with a set jaw. ¡°Any other ideas, Zalan? The idea to attack the eyes was well-thought.¡±

    Zalan coughed painfully in response. He spat up blood.

    ¡°It was worth asking,¡± Fran said, as though he had responded intelligibly.

    Hatewing stared her down as she limped forward, using the sword she carried as a crutch. Zalan knew its eyes were cycling its random attack, but he couldn¡¯t see its face. Fran stared up at it, not a hint of hesitation in her stance. Even the few Roaches that raced across her path didn¡¯t cause her to pause. One even stopped to bite her bad leg, but she somehow ignored it. Zalan, feeling otherwise useless, zapped the Roach with lightning with his outstretched hand, relieving her of the small pain.

    ¡°Well?¡± Fran boomed once she was right in front of the dragon. ¡°Hit me with your claw!¡±

    Fran threw a firebomb at the dragon¡¯s leg, the same one pinning Zalan to the floor. Zalan understood immediately that she was trying to coax it to remove its weight from Zalan¡¯s body. He wasn¡¯t even sure he¡¯d be able to stand up if the claw came off of him. He felt utterly broken.

    ¡°Hit me! Show me the strength of an Elemental Dragon!¡± Fran boomed, beating her chest defiantly.

    Zalan noticed that the largest mass of Roaches were on the dragon¡¯s hide and above them on the ceiling. They were scampering atop one another, trying to escape the massive exchange of Elemental abilities thrown about the room but not having the brain to find an exit. It made his already dire situation feel that much worse. Surrounded by that which he hated.

    ¡°Fire!¡± Rep said. Zalan was confused until he realized he must have been talking about Hatewing¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Fire again?¡± Fran scoffed. ¡°Show me everything you can do!¡±

    Hatewing roared its ocean of flame right atop Fran. It was a tornado of heat enough to burn Zalan¡¯s face into a bright red even with the distance between him and the fire. He was certain Fran had perished under the burn. It had to be too much output for her to redirect and he couldn¡¯t hear her laughing. The flame continued for five agonizing seconds, then stopped.

    Fran stood tall and with one arm threw a gigantic column of fire back at Hatewing¡¯s open maw. The flame was so large it consumed the entirety of Hatewing¡¯s head and hit some of its back and the ceiling behind it. Several Roaches fell to the floor and began skittering toward Zalan and his friends. But even with Fran¡¯s fire striking Hatewing¡¯s exposed mouth, it did no significant damage to the dragon.

    ¡°What does it take to hurt you?¡± Fran shouted, throwing another fireball at the dragon¡¯s leg. ¡°I should have sent the flames deeper, destroying your innards rather than targeting your mouth!¡±

    Hatewing roared in her face in response, enraged at her refusal to die.

    Gorb had slightly regained consciousness, rolling himself upright, but unable to stand up.

    ¡°Fran!¡± he called weakly. ¡°Get away from it!¡±

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    ¡°Come on!¡± Fran demanded, ignoring Gorb and goading the dragon further. ¡°Give me something real!¡±

    ¡°Fran! Anything other than fire and you will die!¡± Gorb begged.

    A small unit of Roaches were rushing to Fran and Zalan. Zalan panicked and painfully dispatched them with lightning from the arm that was pinned pointing away from him. He had to twist his hand at agonizing angles just to land good strikes against them. Fran continued to ignore them as Zalan took them out for her. She was dead-set on getting Hatwing to raise its claw.

    ¡°Are Elemental attacks all you can do? Are you so weak that your limbs are useless?¡± Fran challenged, throwing more fire at its leg. It was becoming clear that the dragon was totally immune to fire. Zalan could feel the dragon¡¯s scales against him. They felt like metal armor, tightly linked together. It was unlikely that any of Zalan¡¯s friends were powerful enough to break into the skin. He started to believe there was no such attack powerful enough to do any damage at all. Zalan felt helpless. He didn¡¯t want to die.

    The moment felt too real to him. He confronted the idea with real consideration. This may not have been a dream world at all. These people were so genuine and the pain he felt was far too real to be a part of some ephemeral dream. He was here. He had to live through this. He desperately didn¡¯t want to die. He didn¡¯t want his friends to die either.

    ¡°Fran! Get everyone out of here! You can melt the door and you might be able to escape,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Ha!¡± Fran scoffed, the smile returning to her face. ¡°And miss my chance to kill this thing? Never! To try to escape is to guarantee our death! Docrun and the other Fleshless lie in wait for us. The Homeseeker is our only way out!¡±

    Zalan felt she was right despite his wish that there was some other way. He suddenly realized that the Homeseeker should be very close to him since it had been resting at the foot of the dragon. He looked around as fast as he could and saw it nestled at the base of a nearby pile of gold, blown away by the dragon¡¯s Elemental and wing attacks.

    ¡°Fran! Blue eyes! Water! Get away!¡± Gorb screamed. He raised his hand to cast wind and pull her away, but only a slight breeze grazed her clothing. He had no more real power to supply.

    Fran raised her sword high and stabbed it powerfully into the ground. She kneeled down and gripped the sword with one hand, then sent a blaze of fire toward Hatewing as the dragon breathed in.

    ¡°Try me. I can take it,¡± Fran said.

    ¡°The Homeseeker! Grab it and use it! Get them out of here!¡± Zalan tried pointing to the pile it was in, but his hand couldn¡¯t twist that far under the claw.

    ¡°I am not leaving anyone behind,¡± Fran said. ¡°We can beat this thing!¡±

    The waterfall dropped upon her, but her powerful fire turned a significant amount into steam before she was hit with the full force of the flood. What was left of the water washed over her like a downpour of rain, nothing near the deadly amount that came out of Hatewing. Hatewing roared once more at the sight of Fran alive, pressing more weight into Zalan¡¯s body. He screamed in pain as his arm felt like it was being torn off in the adjustment of pressure.

    Fran tried to stand up, but withered and fell back to her sword. She had been using too much of her Elemental Power and now she had reached her limit. Her arms were trembling in exhaustion. Still, she held a grin proudly on her face.

    ¡°You might as well give up, Hatewing,¡± Fran said, breathing heavily. ¡°I have you beat.¡±

    Hatewing loomed over her confidently, recognizing her fatigue. Its eyes spun menacingly, cycling to the next Elemental.

    ¡°Grab the Homeseeker. Get everyone together and use it on me,¡± Zalan pleaded. ¡°We can all go home alive.¡±

    ¡°What if the dragon comes with us?¡± Fran asked.

    ¡°The Homeseeker would send it home! This is its home!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But what if the Homeseeker takes too long to activate and the beast has ample time to target all five of us with a direct attack?¡± Fran said. ¡°It is not worth the risk.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the only idea we have!¡± Zalan screamed. ¡°You can¡¯t take another hit.¡±

    ¡°Please, Fran, retreat,¡± Gorb agreed.

    ¡°I am surprised I took this many hits, in all honesty,¡± Fran said sincerely.

    ¡°Then why do you keep asking for more?¡± Zalan balked.

    ¡°Because every attack it directs to me is one that you all survive. If I can draw its attention away from you long enough for you to figure out a way out of here, then I will succeed!¡±

    ¡°I already gave you a way out of here! Use the Homeseeker!¡± Zalan begged.

    ¡°It may work, but¡­ I do not have the energy to stand, Zalan,¡± Fran said, granting him a simple, sincere smile.

    ¡°Fran! Move! It is going to attack!¡± Rep screamed.

    Hatewing began breathing in deeply, its eyes a bright yellow. Lightning.

    ¡°Fran!¡± Gorb yelled.

    ¡°This was a glorious battle,¡± Fran said, looking back to her brother. ¡°Thank you for bringing me here. I could not imagine a better way to spend my time.¡±

    A golden arrow deflected off of Hatewing¡¯s nose, a small attempt from Yelsa to try and distract it. The dragon didn¡¯t falter, staring menacingly at Fran as it filled its lungs.

    ¡°Fran! Get out of the way! I will pay you triple! Quadruple! Just stay alive!¡± Yelsa begged.

    Fran looked up at Hatewing as it stopped breathing in. She was beaming with pride, a single tear sliding down her face.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Gorb was desperate now. Tears freely streaming down his cheeks. ¡°Zalan! You brought us here! Stop this! Tell Fran to move!¡±

    ¡°Fran! Please! I¡¯m begging you!¡± Zalan screamed.

    ¡°What a fantastic battle,¡± Fran whispered, a wide smile across her lips.

    A moment later, Fran was buried in a direct blast of lightning.

 Chapter 46 - Free

    <h2> </h2>

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan screamed as the lightning blasted into the floor where Fran stood. The entire room shook powerfully as the thunder echoed through the room. When the attack was finally over, Fran¡¯s body lay blackened and inert on the floor, her sword remaining where it was in the ground.

    Fran was dead.

    Hatewing let out a full, deep, prolonged roar of victory at finally vanquishing the most annoying of its intruders. It raised its head high, crying to the heavens about its vicious kill and how powerful a creature it was. The Roaches raced around the room, too dim to realize that the roar was not directed toward them.

    Zalan stared in shock, barely able to breathe. It was too much for him. Someone was dead. She died trying to protect him. She was a good person and she died. Good people weren¡¯t supposed to die like this. Not so young. There was so much time. Zalan felt like he should have done something different before she died. Zalan¡¯s heart felt worse than the rest of his body, even as he was still pinned by the dragon¡¯s claw. An odd string of words came so clear in his mind.

    He should have been there for her.

    Gorb let out a visceral, guttural cry of anguish, trying to throw things at Hatewing in his rage, but too weak to get anything thrown far enough. Hot tears blinded him. Nothing he screamed was intelligible. He pounded the pile of gold, lamenting his sister and becoming otherwise catatonic at the witnessing of her body.

    Zalan looked up to the others and saw Yelsa laying her back against the pile of gold closest to the frozen door to the chamber, crying. She had the most energy of them all, but looked as though she had completely given up. She had no idea how to proceed when Fran was dead and had no ideas as to how they would escape.

    Rep was staring intently at Zalan, full of remorse.

    ¡°I am sorry, Zalan. I never should have brought you here,¡± Rep said from under the statue.

    Zalan remembered that Rep said the same thing when he was getting his Elemental power.

    ¡°I asked for this,¡± Zalan said. ¡°I never should have decided to come here. I should have taken you seriously.¡±

    ¡°You misunderstand. I never should have brought you here,¡± Rep said with added emphasis. Zalan didn¡¯t have the brain capacity to understand right now. Fran was still so close to him. Gone. Dead.

    Hatewing¡¯s wings began beating up and down powerfully. For a hopeful moment, Zalan thought the dragon had decided to fly off after killing Fran. But instead it was doing a sort of victory dance by sending hundreds of gold pieces and treasures at the remaining survivors. Gorb was struck mercilessly by small gold coins, and Rep was able to use the air to free himself from under the statue of Docrun, crawling away before it tilted back over. The wind subsided.

    Rep tried to pull himself to his feet, but he was far too tired to carry his weight. Instead he began to crawl using one arm and two legs, making painfully slow progress, grunting with every inch of movement.

    ¡°I am coming, Zalan,¡± Rep said through grit teeth.

    ¡°The Homeseeker!¡± Zalan said desperately. ¡°Get the Homeseeker and save yourself!¡±

    Rep looked to the Artifact, further shoved into a mountain of gold after the dragon¡¯s most recent attack, then looked back to Zalan.

    ¡°I will retrieve it and throw it to you. Best that one of us survives,¡± Rep said apologetically.

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving without you!¡± Zalan protested.

    Rep pulled himself another foot forward.

    ¡°I will activate it and throw it to you. You either will have to touch it and be sent away or not touch it and allow the Artifact to leave us all without anyone benefiting. Who knows where it will go if not touched when active,¡± Rep said simply.

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    ¡°That¡¯s not fair!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°None of this is,¡± Rep agreed.

    Rep suppressed a tortured sob as he pulled himself forward by his good arm. Sweat was pooling on his forehead and he scrunched his face, trying to concentrate on moving forward. Zalan could do nothing but watch, incapable of the simplest movement to try and assist. Worse yet, pain kept dancing through his body as Hatewing continued to aimlessly complete its celebration above him. The claw was ruthless, either tearing a hole into his arm or getting close to pulling it all the way off. The pain signals he got from the arm seemed to indicate both. It was all too much.

    Rep¡¯s advancement was far too slow. It would take him a whole of two minutes to get across the room to the Homeseeker. It could take even longer to get the Artifact to Zalan, as Zalan was pretty sure that Rep¡¯s arms would be in too much pain for him to make a decent throw.

    Zalan agonized ambivalently over the decision of whether he would even claim the Homeseeker if Rep threw it at him. What would it mean to go back home if he left these people behind? He would leave them all to die, just to go back into his own world and remember the nightmare of this world for the rest of his days? Another consideration hit him then: What if he didn¡¯t remember this place at all when he got home? He had the most incredible experiences of highs and lows in this world. Would it all be lost on return? He didn¡¯t want to think about it, but he had to when considering if he would go home.

    The alternative came to mind. If he didn¡¯t use the Homeseeker, he would die. He would never get to visit Mom. He would never be able to try and make things better in his own world. Clean up his home¡ªhis life¡ªand make his mother proud. The choice was clear. He had to use the Homeseeker. He had to go home.

    Hatewing had stopped its gloating and refocused on the remaining adventurers. It noticed Rep crawling slowly and decided that he would be its next target. Zalan watched helplessly as Hatewing¡¯s attention turned to his injured friend. It watched Rep with slight amusement, knowing that none of its remaining enemies posed a real threat to it. No one had the energy or impulse left to attack it.

    ¡°No! No!¡± Gorb screamed angrily.

    Zalan looked his way to see Roaches crowding around Fran¡¯s body, inspecting it to see if they had found a free and easy meal.

    ¡°Stop them! Rep, stop them!¡± Gorb pleaded.

    Zalan threw out a bolt of lightning and killed one. The other Roaches didn¡¯t seem to mind the death of their comrade and inched closer to Fran, preparing to dishonor her remains.

    ¡°Yes! Thank you, Zalan. Do not allow her to be desecrated. She deserves so much better! Keep attacking!¡± Gorb said gratefully. He tried to throw a blast of air, but only pathetically shifted the Roaches¡¯ antennae.

    Zalan continued to throw lightning, feeling as though this was the only thing he could do in his trapped state. Roaches fell dead around Fran¡¯s body, though Zalan didn¡¯t relish watching them die, only fearing that he would run out of the energy necessary to keep her body protected. Hatewing peered over at Zalan, curious at seeing so many small bolts of lighting being emitted from its claw. Zalan looked up at it in fear that it would attack him. He noticed that its eye color was not spinning rapidly, instead sitting as a frozen explosion of color. It snorted, amused, having completely forgotten about the pinned human and returned its attention to Rep.

    ¡°It cycles once more,¡± Gorb announced gravely.

    The dragon¡¯s eyes began spinning, putting its full attention on Rep. Gorb tried to stand up and was able to get to a kneeling position, looking at Rep with guilt.

    ¡°I cannot stop it,¡± Gorb said to Rep.

    ¡°Stop what?¡± Rep asked as he dragged himself another foot forward.

    He was deliberately ignoring the dragon. He knew he would die at the next blast, but he would not let it scare him to immobility. He would try to the end, just as Fran did. Roaches began to take interest in him as well and Zalan put effort in keeping them away from both Fran and Rep. He had lost count of how many he killed, but it had to be dozens at this point. They littered the floor. Rep kept moving.

    ¡°Ice,¡± Gorb announced the Element that Hatewing¡¯s eyes had landed upon.

    ¡°It was getting a little hot in here,¡± Rep said, finally acknowledging the incoming danger.

    ¡°No! Please! No!¡± Zalan begged as Hatewing began breathing in powerfully. All his sincerity went into his pleas. Not Rep. He couldn¡¯t stand to see Rep killed as well. ¡°God, please, no!¡±

    Rep winced as a Roach bit into his ankle, pulling him to a stop.

    Zalan screamed in fear of losing another friend.

    Hatewing¡¯s inhale continued.

    Zalan zapped the Roach at Rep¡¯s foot, hoping that somehow now that he was free, he would be able to escape the attack.

    Hatewing¡¯s inbreathe stopped for a moment before emitting its icy breath of death.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan began glowing a dim white, increasing in intensity. He didn¡¯t even notice it happening. The only thought Zalan had was that the last shot of lightning had been too much for him and he was losing his vision. Just as Hatewing decided to exhale its deadly attack, Zalan¡¯s body exploded in a blinding energy.

 Chapter 47 - Broken Dragon

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan felt many things happen at once that he didn¡¯t fully understand. The first was the new sensations running through his body. He felt strangely relieved and realized that the claw was no longer holding him down. He was free from Hatewing¡¯s grip and had more than enough strength to stand up. He hopped up as fast as he could to escape from the dragon before it put its arm back down. As he ran, he grabbed one of the swords that he used to attack Hatewing earlier, it having fallen away from him when he crashed into the stone floor.

    The second thing he noticed was the distinct lack of ice engulfing Rep. Zalan was certain that his friend would be frozen by now, but instead Hatewing had targeted the ceiling for some reason. Hatewing had decided to deliver a combination between an attack and an odd roar. Shards of ice fell from above him and Zalan shielded himself as best he could, taking a few light cuts in his arms. He was surprised by how little his arm hurt, when he was pretty sure it was broken only moments ago. Now it only felt very sore, like he needed to give it some rest and it would be fine.

    The floor was littered with dead Roaches, none of them still standing after the sudden explosion of power emanating from Zalan. He was originally rushing toward Rep to help him escape the dragon¡¯s next attack, but a deep squeal came from the dragon and he couldn¡¯t help but see what was happening. When Zalan turned, his eyes grew wide and his jaw dropped.

    Hatewing was missing an arm, part of its jaw, and half a wing. The same arm that had been holding Zalan down had been obliterated, revealing a fleshy red interior to the otherwise black and purple scales on Hatewing¡¯s hide. Its head was swinging around in pain as it cried out with its unnerving sounds. Zalan stared in amazement as he realized the bizarre roars he was hearing was Hatewing experiencing pain. Zalan struggled to pull his attention away from the scene, but he soon overcame his astonishment and turned to assist Rep to his feet.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Zalan asked him as they both stared at the Elemental Dragon.

    ¡°You happened,¡± Rep said, surprised that Zalan hadn¡¯t already picked up on it. ¡°You gained a Level.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s eyes went even wider. He was told by Fran and Gorb that gaining a Level at close proximity could be enough to kill a Giant Gargoyle, but he never expected that it would do this to a dragon. How did he even gain a Level when he was pinned down? The answer revealed itself at his feet. In killing the series of Roaches, Zalan had gained enough Experience to go up a Level. He hadn¡¯t even meant to do that. If he realized he could, he would have done it much sooner.

    He could have saved Fran.

    Suddenly, Hatewing let out a new, sharp cry. A golden arrow was protruding from its exposed flesh. Yelsa was making her way across the room, tears freshly brushed from her cheeks and a determination in her eyes.

    ¡°We can hurt it now,¡± she announced confidently, firing another arrow into what little remained of Hatewing¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Kill it!¡± Gorb demanded vociferously. ¡°Show it all the mercy it showed Fran!¡±

    Zalan threw a bolt of lightning at the exposed part of the dragon¡¯s jaw and got a slight exhilaration at seeing the Elemental Dragon squirm in pain. He could hurt this thing! He threw more lightning as Yelsa increased her firing of arrows. Even Rep was able to blast fire far enough to do a slight amount of damage, but it did the least damage of all.

    Hatewing¡¯s menacing aura had disappeared. It no longer commanded the treasure chamber. Instead, it now looked like a terrified creature inching itself away from the incoming travelers. It tried to open its wings and escape, but with only half a wing it couldn¡¯t even get a good enough flap to lift its body anymore. Its eyes weren¡¯t spinning with intent to attack, and the party took it as a good sign to continue their onslaught to the open wounds.

    ¡°Get me in closer,¡± Gorb asked Zalan. ¡°Please.¡±

    Zalan wanted to ask why he would want to get closer. Gorb had the least energy of any of them. But Zalan decided not to slow down Gorb when he was in such a sorrowful state. Rep nodded to Zalan to allow him to go to Gorb. Rep knelt down in place, unable to stand on his own.

    Zalan reached out a hand and Gorb pulled himself up, putting almost all of his weight on Zalan. Zalan strained under his large companion, but did his best to move them toward the dragon. He didn¡¯t think he would be able to hold Gorb up at all, but his gaining a Level must have given him just enough Strength to support.

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    ¡°Keep firing at it, do not let up,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Kind of difficult with you on my back,¡± Zalan muttered.

    ¡°Please,¡± Gorb begged. ¡°Yelsa, we can strike it together.¡±

    Zalan grunted and did his best to join Yelsa in her continued assault against the creature. Hatewing was backed against the wall, slamming into it and causing it to shake. It made low, quick roars at the travelers sounding somewhat like barks. It was trying to get them to back off.

    The damage they were doing to Hatewing was rather minimal. Though they had the monster backed into a corner, Zalan couldn¡¯t imagine how they could kill the creature with all these little pot-shots. Against any other creature they may have stood a chance, but the Elemental Dragon was only showing that it was in pain, not anywhere near death throes.

    ¡°Are we sure we should get this close?¡± Zalan asked.

    Gorb, Zalan, and Yelsa were within striking distance of its claws now. All it had to do was lean forward and slam them once and they would all be dead. But Hatewing continued to smack its tail and body against the wall behind it, trying to flee the pain.

    ¡°I suspect this is the first time anyone has ever damaged it,¡± Yelsa said, firing another arrow. ¡°It has never felt pain before. It does not know how to react.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps we can also show it what death feels like,¡± Gorb said intensely.

    The dragon¡¯s eyes finally went from fearful to a panicked spin, cycling between its multiple colors. It held a new anger in its face, but its body still tried to escape the situation.

    ¡°It¡¯s choosing an Elemental attack,¡± Zalan warned. ¡°We should back off.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps we can stop its attack if we do not give it time to breathe,¡± Yelsa said with a confidence that surprised Zalan.

    ¡°I thought the same thing,¡± Gorb agreed.

    Zalan still felt a little nervous about moving forward, uncertain as to how much weight he should be putting behind their confidence, but felt like Yelsa would definitely back down if she thought she was in real danger. The three continued, Hatewing roaring all the while. Rep remained behind, too weak to keep up with their pace. Nonetheless, he dragged himself forward, determined to not be left totally behind.

    ¡°Two arrows left,¡± Yelsa communicated.

    ¡°Save one,¡± Gorb instructed.

    Hatewing¡¯s eye color landed on orange. Fire. It immediately began breathing in deeply. Yelsa fired an arrow at its wounded wing and the breathing faltered, but didn¡¯t stop. Zalan threw some lightning at its jaw, but it shifted its face to block the attack with its protected side and continued breathing.

    ¡°Guys?¡± Zalan asked nervously.

    ¡°Keep moving,¡± Gorb said, his face defined by revenge.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to kill you!¡± Rep called in fear. ¡°Hide behind something! We can kill it over time!¡±

    ¡°A few more steps,¡± Yelsa assured him. Evidently, Gorb and Yelsa were on the same page about something.

    Zalan picked up his pace, looking up as the dragon stared them down. It could even smack them with its massive head now, pancaking them all. Zalan realized this thing must never have seen battle before. It could deal with all of its fights from a distance before and never learned the use of its sizable claws and body as legitimate deadly weapons.

    Hatewing shifted from nervous to confident as it neared the end of the preparation for its attack. Yelsa drew her bow and aimed at the wound in the dragon¡¯s jaw. Zalan looked at the dragon and archer nervously.

    ¡°Tell me when,¡± Yelsa said to Gorb.

    Gorb breathed in deep and stopped at the same time Hatewing stopped inhaling. The room was silent for a pregnant pause. Zalan could hear his heart pounding loudly within him. The dragon began to open its mouth and Zalan leaned away, facing the mouth of death with fear.

    Fire sprouted from the dragon¡¯s mouth, aimed straight at the trio. Rep tried his best to redirect it, but could barely shift the embers that rained down. His efforts would only be enough to delay their deaths with the sheer volume of flame at the tongue of the dragon.

    ¡°Now!¡± Gorb shouted.

    Yelsa unleashed the arrow, and Zalan was surprised to find how fast it flew in the air. There wasn¡¯t an ounce of resistance as it cut through the air, assisted greatly by Gorb¡¯s last desperate application of his Elemental Wind. Gorb used so much of his remaining power that he no longer held himself up at all and he and Zalan fell down under his weight.

    The arrow drove quickly through the underside of the exposed flesh beneath the dragon¡¯s jaw. Without any armored hide on the creature¡¯s exterior, there was nothing to prevent it from burrowing deep into the creature. It went straight for the brain.

    The fire that was being emitted by the dragon stopped, but the fire that had already reached them burned them greatly. Zalan, Yelsa, and Gorb were filled with maddening pain, but kept their focus on the dragon above them. As much as pain blinded them, they wanted to see what the abrupt stop to Hatewing¡¯s attack indicated.

    Rep, Zalan, Gorb and Yelsa all began to glow a low, dim, white. Zalan looked at his glowing arms, stunned.

    ¡°Did we just¡­¡± Zalan asked, amazed.

    ¡°We did it,¡± Gorb said, looking skyward with a tear rolling down his face as the four of them reached the zenith of the brightness, collectively gaining a Level for killing an Elemental Dragon.

 Chapter 48 - Sorrow

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan watched in awe as the hulking monster collapsed, rumbling the chamber as it fell into its final resting place. They had killed an Elemental Dragon. They had somehow survived the ordeal. Zalan was almost certain the day would end with either he and his friends laying dead in here or him having to make the impossible decision to use the Homeseeker and run away.

    What was even more baffling to him was the fact that he had come out unscathed. All the injuries that had been piling up as they made their way through the castle were healed by him gaining two Levels. The whole thing was almost a success.

    Almost.

    Zalan looked back to Gorb behind him, but found that he had already rushed across the room and was hovering over Fran¡¯s body. He placed a hand over her eyes, tears brimming on his own. Yelsa and Rep made their way over to the grieving brother. Rep placed a hand on Gorb¡¯s shoulder. Yelsa grabbed a cape from among the treasures and shrouded everything below Fran¡¯s neck in the brilliant fabric. Zalan made tiny steps in their direction, slow to join the three of them. He was very uncomfortable with death, never having confronted it like this before.

    When Zalan was close enough, he heard Rep murmuring something. He listened intently, trying to make out the words.

    ¡°To God we belong, and to Him we will return,¡± Rep continuously repeated.

    Yelsa was nodding her head in agreement. Gorb was trying to hold back sobs, struggling not to be so loud. Small, pained noises kept escaping from his quivering mouth.

    ¡°W-We won the battle,¡± Gorb stammered quietly to his sister, choking back tears. ¡°We won, t-thanks to you. And it was such a g-glorious battle, I assure you.¡±

    Zalan noticed that even in death, Fran was smiling slightly. As damaged as her face was, it remained an epitome of encouragement. Rep, Yelsa, and Gorb all had tears rolling down their cheeks. Never before had Zalan believed that his lack of ability to cry was a detrimental aspect of his life, but now it felt out of place to not have any tears. This was the most appropriate time to cry, but his eyes felt nothing. They felt wrong. Like he was deeply broken.

    A distant, quiet thudding came from the entrance to the chamber. It was constant, like something trying to break into the room with a significant amount of force. Zalan looked up at the door as the others continued to look over Fran. King Docrun was still trying to break into the room, and may have succeeded by now had it not been both barred by the scepter and frozen shut.

    Zalan blinked, an idea forming in his mind as he thought of the Fleshless king.

    ¡°What if we bring her back? We can bring her back, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep looked at him slightly, and Yelsa and Gorb had gone silent.

    ¡°We can get the Resurrector from Docrun and bring her back,¡± Zalan suggested, becoming excited over the prospect.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep said quietly.

    ¡°We¡¯re all healed and we could take him while we¡¯re all fresh, it would be on our terms,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep said with a hint of force.

    ¡°And I gained two Levels, right? I should be stronger. I bet my lightning will stop him in his tracks now,¡± Zalan continued rambling.

    ¡°Enough,¡± Gorb said quietly. He looked up at Zalan, his eyes red. ¡°Zalan, Fran is dead.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but¡­¡± Zalan looked around at the others for support, but found none. ¡°The Resurrector.¡±

    ¡°Bringing Fran back as a Fleshless is no way to live. It is a shell of a life with no past faculties. And she would be beholden to whoever brought her back, not a free woman,¡± Rep explained gently.

    ¡°But,¡± Zalan¡¯s mouth twitched in confusion, his momentum lost. ¡°What about another Artifact?¡±

    ¡°There is no way to bring someone back from the dead,¡± Yelsa said sincerely.

    ¡°But¡­¡± Zalan¡¯s head twitched uncomfortably. ¡°What do we¡­¡±

    Rep shook his head at him. It reinforced the idea that this world was real to Zalan. Death was real. Permanent. No longer was he in denial. It made him grateful that he was almost done with this world. He wanted to escape the pain. He just wished he was going to leave his friends under better circumstances.

    Zalan looked back down to Gorb, whose eyes still lay upon his sister.

    ¡°Gorb, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Zalan said sincerely.

    Gorb shook his head, denying the sympathies.

    ¡°I am the one who should be sorry. We always knew death was an inevitable outcome to our excursions. Fran welcomed it, saying that she would rather die in the service of her goals than in the safety of her own home,¡± Gorb choked, his mouth trembling and his words caught in his throat. The others waited patiently for him to continue. ¡°But I still could not agree to it. This is exactly how she wished to die, but I still am heartbroken! How is it that I can be selfish at a time when my sister achieved everything she wanted? She would be thrilled to know that her sacrifice saved our lives, yet I still¡­¡±

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    Then he broke into more tears, leaning over his sister in pain. Rep and Yelsa joined him in his sorrow, their eyes and cheeks wet with their own tears. Though Zalan felt the pain in his heart, nothing shone on his face. Again, though no one made him feel this way, he felt humiliated by his lack of emotional expression. The loss of Fran hurt so much, but he had nothing to show for it.

    Minutes passed in this way, each person expressing their grief and condolences for Gorb. They sat with him as long as he needed, willing to remain there the whole of the evening if he wished. It took almost an hour for Gorb to gather the strength to cover Fran¡¯s face with the cape. He looked up, wiping tears from his eyes and smiling at the others.

    ¡°Thank you, my friends,¡± he said sincerely.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Rep said, finally taking his hand off of his companion¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Anything for you and Fran, Gorbonifus,¡± Yelsa said cordially.

    ¡°No!¡± Gorb snapped immediately. ¡°You are a dragonslayer, Yelsa. An Elemental Dragonslayer! I have never even heard of one before. You have no right to call me by the name reserved for the weak. Without your killing blow, we may have died of exhaustion before we were able to overwhelm Hatewing.¡±

    ¡°My killing blow would have amounted to nothing were it not for your Elemental backing,¡± Yelsa said.

    ¡°We all deserve credit for the dragon¡¯s defeat,¡± Gorb nodded.

    Rep looked as though he had mixed feelings at the claim, but said nothing to rebut Gorb¡¯s words. He wrung his hands uncomfortably.

    ¡°It was a glorious battle, was it not?¡± Gorb said.

    The words sounded awkward coming from Gorb, but it was immediately clear that he was channeling Fran¡¯s sentiment to them. Yelsa joined in,

    ¡°I thought we were done for, until Fran was able to single handedly redirect an Elemental Dragon¡¯s flame! What a display of power!¡±

    ¡°I thought she was insane!¡± Zalan cracked a smile. ¡°Everyone else was keeping their distance from this thing and she wanted to charge in headfirst. And she was laughing the whole time, I really thought she lost it! But she saved my life.¡±

    ¡°And, in turn, you saved ours!¡± Gorb pointed out with pride. ¡°I certainly thought we would all share a grave, but you had the foresight and memory to gain a Level right under its claw. Such quick thinking was a brilliant turnaround to your original plan.¡±

    ¡°That was totally accidental. I just tried to keep Roaches off of Fran and Rep,¡± Zalan admitted, feeling necessary to also add, ¡°I hate Roaches.¡±

    ¡°For that, I am grateful for both of your efforts,¡± Gorb nodded to Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°Me?¡± Rep asked, confused. ¡°I do not believe I did anything.¡±

    ¡°Do not be a fool. You focused both Hatewing and the Roaches on a simple, slow-moving enemy. I was hardly moving atop a pile of gold and would have likely been the dragon¡¯s next target had you not stepped in when you did. And had that happened, who knows if Zalan would have been able to reach or protect me with his lightning?¡± Gorb said seriously.

    ¡°Rep, if you had done nothing, you would not have gained a Level along with the rest of us,¡± Yelsa reminded him.

    ¡°I suppose,¡± Rep shrugged, not fully accepting their explanations as fact.

    They sat quietly around the shroud for a minute, looking around the room shining with gold and ignoring the massive dead dragon taking up so much space. Gorb breathed deeply, nodding to himself and looking at the others.

    ¡°We should gather spoils of the battle,¡± Gorb gestured to the fortunes around them.

    ¡°Right,¡± Rep stood up to retrieve the Homeseeker from under a pile of gold. Zalan and Yelsa sat watching him and Gorb watched them, interested.

    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°The Homeseeker?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I forgo any spoils and wish to use them as payment,¡± Yelsa replied.

    ¡°Nonsense, there is more than enough to cover your payment and for you to still have a fortune of your own,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°I have no need of money where I am headed,¡± Yelsa said.

    ¡°They do not have money in Aetheria?¡± Gorb asked somewhat facetiously.

    ¡°Of course they have money, it is a city after all. But home has everything I need. This gold will be little more than a souvenir,¡± Yelsa replied.

    ¡°Would it not be able to be traded for whatever your currency is?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°You almost sound as though you believe Aetheria exists now,¡± Yelsa said, smirking.

    Gorb shrugged noncommittally.

    ¡°Very well, I will take some funds so as not to be rude,¡± Yelsa stood to gather coins.

    ¡°Not just funds,¡± Gorb said. ¡°Search for Artifacts!¡±

    Yelsa waved her hand at him dismissively.

    ¡°What about you, Zalan?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to take anything with me where I¡¯m going,¡± Zalan answered sincerely, a nervous smile on his face. He wasn¡¯t sure if he still sounded crazy to Gorb whenever he mentioned coming from another world. ¡°What about you? Don¡¯t you want to go and get some money?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Gorb hesitated, his eyes floated over Fran¡¯s shroud. Zalan picked up the meaning quickly. He wasn¡¯t ready to leave his sister¡¯s side, yet.

    ¡°I can get you some coins if you want,¡± Zalan offered.

    Gorb¡¯s head perked up, a curious expression on his face.

    ¡°Do you really have no interest in such riches?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°I told you. Riches are cool and all, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll take any money with me when I go back to my world,¡± Zalan said.

    Gorb peered at him curiously.

    ¡°Even now you insist you are not of this world?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Only because it¡¯s true,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    Gorb scoffed.

    ¡°Very well. For my sake, take some gold in your pockets. Just so I know you will be rich even if you are lying to me¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not lying to you,¡± Zalan said, though he wasn¡¯t offended. Gorb was being too sincere to Zalan. He just wanted to make sure his friend was taken care of.

    ¡°Just gather funds for my sake. As a fool blinded by grief?¡± Gorb suggested.

    Zalan shrugged in acceptance. He couldn¡¯t say ¡°no¡± to that.

    ¡°And, because you offered, go and find me some Artifacts. Gold is nice, but I want some real treasure,¡± Gorb said.

 Chapter 49 - Dragon Hoard

    <h2> </h2>

    Rep approached Zalan with the Homeseeker in hand. The golden cube with black corners, about the size of a brick. There was an extrusion in the center of the top of the cube, looking like an obvious button to push to activate it. On every other side of the cube was a rounded cut, about the size of a wedding ring, making the Homeseeker look as though it was intended to be a keychain to Zalan.

    ¡°I got it. Can we talk before we use it?¡± Rep asked Zalan, slightly nervous.

    ¡°Not yet, I need to look for Artifacts for Gorb. Last request, then I can leave,¡± Zalan said, also a touch nervous at the prospect of traveling home.

    ¡°I see. Do you need any assistance?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I have no idea what I¡¯m looking at,¡± Zalan picked up a rhombus-shaped piece of gold and inspected it. ¡°Like, is this an Artifact?¡±

    ¡°Not that I know of,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Zalan threw it over his shoulder and Rep flinched as it landed.

    ¡°Maybe we should not throw the things that we are unfamiliar with?¡± he suggested anxiously.

    Zalan nodded in agreement.

    They made their way across the room, Zalan and Rep lining their pockets with gold as they went from pile to pile in search of anything interesting. They passed by Yelsa who was inspecting a goblet with mild interest.

    ¡°I remember seeing a green-looking ring when we walked in, but I have no idea where it is,¡± Zalan said, brushing aside gold coins.

    ¡°That may be a Ring of Range. A very powerful Artifact for extending one¡¯s Elemental Power¡¯s distance. But I suspect it was lost in the battle. Whether buried under ice or just out of place in a way that would take us far too long to locate,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? We could find him some really cool Artifacts,¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°It is important for us not to delay Fran¡¯s burial,¡± Rep said solemnly.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan immediately agreed.

    Zalan dug through some more gold, feeling strange that he was casting aside literal fortunes to look for Artifacts in between. Any one of these small piles of gold would be enough to last someone an entire lifetime and he was throwing it all away, save for the few handfuls he had in his pockets for Gorb¡¯s sake.

    ¡°What about that?¡± Zalan pointed to something interesting-looking in the next pile, not wanting to touch it this time. It was a curved silver stick. About as long as a sword, but way too curved to be a regular melee weapon. Rep looked over at it and raised his eyebrows in surprise.

    ¡°Yelsa,¡± Rep mentioned. ¡°I think that¡¯s a Brightburst Bow.¡±

    ¡°What? Where?¡± Yelsa¡¯s head snapped toward him eagerly. She rushed over to the gold pile and held up the silver stick. ¡°Can it be? I thought they were just legends!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s special about the bow?¡± Zalan asked. It was missing a bowstring.

    Yelsa held it out in front of her and pulled at the air where the string should be tied. Miraculously, a string of light appeared, being pulled by her finger. When she pulled the string back, a tiny arrow made of light appeared. She fired it and the arrow traveled forward a few feet, then disappeared.

    ¡°It is! Incredible!¡± Yelsa looked astounded at the Brightburst Bow. The bowstring faded away into nothing a moment later.

    ¡°Wow, so infinite arrows?¡± Zalan said, impressed. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t seem the arrows go very far.¡±

    ¡°No! Well, yes. The bow relies upon the light that is being cast upon it for its strength. Here, watch. Rep, can you cast a flame for me?¡± Yelsa asked.

    Rep nodded and emitted a large, bright flame from his palm. Yelsa stood in the glow of the light and pulled at a bowstring that appeared once again, a much larger arrow than before shining into place. When she let it loose, it went all the way across the chamber, lodging into the wall for a second before disappearing.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Zalan said, even more impressed.

    ¡°Amazing,¡± Rep agreed.

    ¡°And there is very little darkness when daylight comes down on Aetheria. This is a very good find,¡± Yelsa said, smiling at Zalan in thanks.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get something for Gorb now,¡± Zalan suggested, continuing to look through piles.

    After a few minutes of searching, they found a Satiator. Yelsa and Rep seemed to think it was a good enough treasure for Gorb, but Zalan thought they should give him something else as well. For a few minutes more, they continued their search. Gorb was waiting patiently, without complaint.

    ¡°What¡¯s that one?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°A Wind Wand. Allows you to cast a small amount of wind,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Oh, so this might be pretty worthless for Gorb,¡± Zalan decided.

    ¡°You could take it for yourself in case it gets warm back home,¡± Yelsa suggested.

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    ¡°I won¡¯t need it,¡± Zalan shook his head, thinking of the overhead fan he used to stare at in his apartment. He thought of how wind would be of little help to him and Gorb. But then he wondered how powerful the wind was. Maybe Gorb could use it when he was depleted of his energy.

    ¡°On second thought, let me try it out and check if it¡¯s worth his while,¡± Zalan said, whipping the wand in the air.

    ¡°Wait, Zalan!¡± Rep said, holding his hands up weakly.

    The chamber was filled with a light breeze, gently wafting over the companions and various piles of gold. Zalan felt the cool air and shrugged.

    ¡°I guess I can let Gorb decide if he wants this.¡± Zalan flinched as something felt odd in the wand. It was disintegrating in his hand, dropping as dust on the gilded floor. He stared at the remains of the Artifact in embarrassment.

    ¡°Great job,¡± Yelsa said sarcastically.

    ¡°I was trying to tell you,¡± Rep said apologetically.

    Zalan sighed to himself and continued searching for more Artifacts. After a few more piles of gold, they found another item of interest.

    ¡°This metal glove looks pretty cool,¡± Zalan kicked it over lightly.

    ¡°That is a Bone Gauntlet,¡± Rep said, nodding at it with interest. ¡°If you wear the gauntlet, then you can break someone¡¯s bones as soon as you strike them with it. But, while you wear it your body is very vulnerable. Everything not covered in the gauntlet can be broken by something as simple as a direct punch.¡±

    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Zalan thought it over. ¡°Sounds like it¡¯s worth it for him to decide if he likes it. Let¡¯s get him one more thing, then we can all go home.¡± Zalan picked up the gauntlet, making sure not to hold it in a way that it might accidentally slip on.

    He and Rep went to one pile while Yelsa searched the one next to it.

    ¡°Oh, that thing looks interesting,¡± Zalan said, pointing to something cast on the floor by one of the dragon¡¯s wind attacks. It was a black, cloud-shaped object with primary colors spinning around the edges of the cloud. As soon as he knelt down to pick it up, Rep froze up and stared with wide eyes.

    ¡°Zalan¡­ Zalan, be careful,¡± Rep said, holding his hands up very slowly and shaking slightly. ¡°That is a Storm Caller.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s an Artifact?¡± Zalan said, standing and raising it to get a better look, causing Rep to recoil.

    ¡°Be careful!¡± Rep snapped. Zalan turned and assessed his friend¡¯s nervous stance.

    ¡°What does a Storm Caller do?¡± Zalan asked seriously.

    ¡°This Artifact summons an Elemental to your location,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh, cool, so you can get a new power with this?¡± Zalan asked.

    Then, it suddenly hit him why that would be a bad thing. They barely survived a Storm Elemental when they went to seek it out in the middle of a desert. He couldn¡¯t imagine the devastation an Elemental creature would cause in a small, enclosed space like the treasure chamber.

    ¡°No, that is the worst part of this Artifact. You cannot even ask the Elemental for a new power. It visits when called, then returns to its home,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So, this is just if you want to go through two natural disasters, back-to-back?¡± Zalan said, suddenly feeling very sweaty in the hand holding the Storm Caller.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Okay¡­ How do I make sure I don¡¯t use it? What activates this thing?¡± Zalan asked, looking at it with his eyes only. The rest of his body was rigid with fear.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Rep admitted, his voice on edge.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Zalan replied, his hand outstretched.

    ¡°I suggest you gently return it to the floor where it was sitting before you picked it up,¡± Rep offered.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan said. He didn¡¯t move. Rep¡¯s fear had made him statuesque as well. Yelsa made her way over, looking between the two of them in amusement.

    ¡°What game are we playing?¡± she asked.

    ¡°This is a Storm Caller,¡± Zalan said, trying to point with his lips and eyebrows.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Yelsa took a slight step back. ¡°Do not activate that.¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯m doing pretty well at leaving it turned off so far. But I would also like to put it down now, but Rep said he doesn¡¯t know how this thing is activated,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I see,¡± Yelsa said. She stepped away further to try something.

    She drew her Brightburst Bow and looked up toward the hole in the ceiling. She weighed something in her head, bobbing it from side to side for a few seconds, then nodded to herself. Rep and Zalan watched her with their eyes alone, sweat rolling off of Zalan¡¯s face. She stepped into a spot where the fading sunlight shone brightest through the opening in the ceiling.

    ¡°Here we are,¡± Yelsa said, plucking the Storm Caller from Zalan¡¯s hand. She pulled on the Brightburst Bow, and both an arrow appeared as well as a string tying the Storm Caller to the arrow of light.

    ¡°What are you¡ªwait!¡± Rep threw out his arms as Yelsa quickly pointed the arrow to the hole in the ceiling and fired, shooting the arrow and Storm Caller toward the outside. The arrow disappeared long before exiting the chamber and the Storm Caller continued with all the same momentum. The three of them watched it sail outside the ceiling and out of sight. Rep and Zalan looked back down to Yelsa.

    ¡°What was that!?¡± Rep asked, stunned.

    ¡°Better that the Elemental arrives way out there than in here,¡± Yelsa shrugged.

    ¡°What if you activated it?¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s out there and not here!¡± Yelsa said.

    ¡°But what if¡ª¡±

    ¡°I think now¡¯s the time to go home before something starts happening while we¡¯re still arguing about it,¡± Zalan suggested.

    Rep and Yelsa looked at one another and both scoffed in a quick truce, dropping the subject.

    They briskly made their way back to Gorb who looked more calm, though tears were still making themselves known in his eyes. He scrutinized the three of them, then threw a weak burst of air at Zalan¡¯s waist. His pockets jingled.

    ¡°What was that for?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I wanted to hear how full your pockets were,¡± Gorb said. ¡°It sounds as though you gathered a good amount. What did you find for me?¡±

    ¡°I got you some gold, assuming you did not go to gather any yourself,¡± Rep said, placing a gold-lined pouch at Gorb¡¯s feet. Gorb nodded in appreciation.

    ¡°And we got you a Satiator and Bone Gauntlet,¡± Zalan placed the Artifacts at Gorb¡¯s side.

    ¡°Was there anything else of interest?¡± Gorb asked, curious.

    ¡°We found a Storm Caller,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°I hope you did not touch it,¡± Gorb said.

    ¡°Yelsa fired it outside,¡± Rep answered, giving her a glance.

    ¡°She did?¡± Gorb said, first looking stunned, then not being able to help himself and smiling at Yelsa. ¡°What good decision making. I think I would have done the same. What inspired you to do that?¡±

    ¡°I can think on my feet occasionally,¡± Yelsa said, a bit self-conscious.

    ¡°I suppose so,¡± Gorb smiled warmly at her, then clapped his hands together. ¡°Well, then. Are we done here?¡±

    ¡°That depends on him,¡± Rep said.

    All eyes turned to Zalan.

 Chapter 50 - Goodbyes

    <h2> </h2>

    ¡°Are you prepared to go home?¡± Rep asked Zalan.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m ready,¡± Zalan said. ¡°We came all this way, right?¡±

    ¡°You misunderstand. Are you fine to go home? Will you be fine once you return?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan could feel what Rep was getting at. Was he really ready to go home and face reality once more? It felt like months ago that he was being visited by his cousin, Ash. His apartment was a mess. His life was a mess. At the time, he pushed back against visiting his mother, but he saw there was some truth to it. He should visit her. It had already been too long, and there was no point in delaying further.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m good to go home,¡± Zalan answered.

    ¡°Perhaps we can discuss it in private?¡± Rep suggested.

    Zalan noticed that Yelsa and Gorb looked incredibly confused by the conversation. At first he thought it wouldn¡¯t be an issue to confide in them as well, even if they were a little out of context. How bad would it be to tell them everything right before he left them behind in this world?

    But he knew he would be a little more reserved when he was around Gorb and Yelsa. Rep was the first person he met in this world. And he had never felt looked down upon, judged, or even questioned by Rep. He could easily share all he needed to with this one friend.

    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s chat in private,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Just a minute, if you do not mind,¡± Rep told Yelsa and Gorb.

    ¡°You had better not use the Homeseeker without us,¡± Yelsa said, trying to make the situation feel a bit lighter.

    ¡°I promise not to,¡± Rep agreed, smiling.

    Zalan and Rep stepped aside, making their way to stand behind one of the taller piles of gold. Zalan felt nervous and awkward, not sure exactly what they would be discussing, but feeling like it was necessary to go over this nonetheless. Rep stopped and regarded his friend with a small smile.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling okay, I guess,¡± Zalan answered honestly. ¡°Not feeling the best after what happened to Fran.¡±

    ¡°As would be expected,¡± Rep nodded solemnly. ¡°She will certainly be missed. And you feel comfortable going back home, even in the state you are in?¡±

    ¡°Do we really have an alternative?¡± Zalan asked, looking toward the frozen entrance to the room. The Fleshless King Docrun still occasionally beat against the door from the outside.

    ¡°Indeed we do,¡± Rep said. ¡°We could give the Homeseeker to Yelsa and Gorb and escape on our own. We know the way out, and we know what dangers face us. We could avoid Docrun by hiding until he comes in to inspect his treasure, then escape without his knowledge. We could race through the other Fleshless before they can think to attack. Use our knowledge of the Chaos Chamber in order to escape it in the same moment we enter it. Blast haphazardly at the Razortongues until we rush past them, then we are free to go home.¡±

    ¡°You really thought this through,¡± Zalan said, surprised.

    ¡°I was constantly thinking of how we could run away in case it was necessary,¡± Rep explained without shame.

    ¡°Okay, but what do I gain by remaining behind?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We would have more time to ensure that you are sound of mind and repaired before you are back in your world to face your own problems,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan found the word ¡®repaired¡¯ to be out of place, but understood the sentiment. He looked away from Rep in thought, not very enthused about having to stay behind for mental reasons.

    ¡°Think carefully, Zalan,¡± Rep said. ¡°I will not push you to choose something you do not want. But I have seen the way you cannot help but sleep with a frown. I have seen your lack of tears even when you are distraught. How you avoid the topic of your mother.¡±

    ¡°Well you avoid the topic of this ¡®inspiration¡¯ you keep talking about!¡± Zalan countered immediately.

    Rep smiled gently. Zalan felt deeply embarrassed. His temper had flared so quickly at the mention of his mother. It was such an obvious act to let him know that his mind was not yet in its best state of being. But he really didn¡¯t want to discuss it, even with Rep.

    ¡°I do not wish to speak of my experience with inspiration because of deep shame I feel,¡± Rep answered honestly. ¡°But I feel that you do not wish to speak of your mother out of fear. Fear of what might happen if you confront something in your reality.¡±

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    ¡°Yeah, well, it might just be better to confront that by going back to reality instead of chatting about it in this other realm. I know what I¡¯m doing,¡± Zalan said, sounding bitter. He knew Rep didn¡¯t deserve any of his unpleasantness, but he couldn¡¯t help it when discussing the topic.

    ¡°Indeed, I believe you know yourself better than I know you,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°I just hope for what is best for my friend.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s features softened. Rep really was his friend, at the end of the day. There was no reason to be harsh with him.

    ¡°Are you gonna be okay?¡± Zalan asked him. ¡°I just feel like you invested a lot in me, only for me to leave you like this.¡±

    ¡°It is like you said before, this was always the intended outcome. To get you home. I am here to assist you in whatever capacity you need so long as you are in this world. I only hope that my involvement has made your time here easier instead of worse,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I know I have things I need to work on, but you definitely need to fix that inferiority complex,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°My being inferior?¡± Rep asked, not understanding the phrase.

    ¡°You think you¡¯re inferior to everyone. You deserve to see yourself better than you do. And I know you probably think that would be an arrogant thing to do, but you can believe you¡¯re good at something without believing you¡¯re better than anyone else,¡± Zalan explained.

    Rep reflected on the idea, nodding to himself slightly.

    ¡°I will take that into consideration,¡± Rep promised.

    They looked at one another for a second longer. Zalan felt determination rising within him.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m set to go home,¡± Zalan told him.

    ¡°Very well, if that is what you wish, my friend,¡± Rep nodded with a big smile.

    They began to walk back to Gorb and Yelsa in much higher spirits, ready to be done with the exciting, yet harrowing adventure. The giant dead dragon towered over them, and Zalan looked upon it with a surreal sense. Somehow, he had been a part of the massive monster¡¯s death.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t we complete the Elemental challenge to kill the dragon?¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    ¡°An Elemental challenge is to be completed on one¡¯s own. The Dark Elemental will grant none of us its power,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Figures.¡±

    Rep and Zalan stood in front of Yelsa and Gorb, light smiles on their faces.

    ¡°What is the verdict? Are we finally allowed to return home?¡± Yelsa asked, somewhat facetiously.

    ¡°I grant you the permission,¡± Zalan said, bowing his head regally.

    ¡°Oh, thank the Lord,¡± Yelsa said, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°Is this the last we will be seeing of you, Zalan?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll¡­¡± Zalan was about to say that he would visit his friends, but trailed as he realized there was no way for him to conduct a visit. It would be a one-way trip. ¡°Yeah, I guess this is it.¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°In that case,¡± Gorb finally stood from Fran¡¯s body and stepped toward Zalan, looking down on him with a pleased grin. He held out an arm to shake. ¡°It was an honor to make your acquaintance.¡±

    Zalan tried to take his hand, but Gorb gripped his forearm and pulled him in for a hug and patted him on the back powerfully. While it hurt Zalan, it was the most comradery he had ever felt before and he returned the man¡¯s grasp with as much strength as he could muster.

    ¡°It was an honor and a privilege to meet someone from another world,¡± Yelsa told him as soon as he was able to breathe again. Gorb¡¯s grip had been tight over his lungs.

    ¡°Same goes to you,¡± Zalan said, suddenly feeling very bittersweet about the business of leaving the realm.

    ¡°Will I ever see you again?¡± Gorb asked Yelsa. She looked a little flustered.

    ¡°Perhaps if you ever come to Aetheria,¡± Yelsa said. ¡°I would be glad to host you.¡±

    ¡°If it ever decides to exist, then I will promise you that I will visit as soon as I can,¡± Gorb quipped.

    ¡°Where will the rest of you be going? This takes us all home, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°My home is with my parents,¡± Gorb said. ¡°I hope to be able to take Fran with me using the Homeseeker and I will bury her in the cemetery behind my family home. In the case my sister does not come with me, I will use my newly acquired gold to fund an expedition. We will retrieve her body from this castle and then bury her back home.¡±

    ¡°I shall be in the skies in Aetheria,¡± Yelsa said, ignoring the skeptical smirk Gorb gave her.

    ¡°My home is in the guild,¡± Rep said, handing the Homeseeker to Zalan.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan looked down on the Homeseeker in his hands for a few seconds, then looked up at the companions surrounding him. ¡°Thank you all. I think I really needed people like you in my life right now, and you all really helped.¡±

    ¡°I would think that taking on the Castle of Docrun might have been a tad more difficult had you been on your own,¡± Gorb joked.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan smiled. He had meant his gratitude in a different sense. ¡°Are we all ready?¡±

    ¡°I am done with the world beneath the clouds,¡± Yelsa said, placing her hand on the Homeseeker.

    ¡°I am ready to return,¡± Gorb placed one hand on the Homeseeker, holding Fran¡¯s shroud with his other.

    ¡°Ready, Zalan,¡± Rep said, placing his hand on the Artifact.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Zalan said, pushing on the button-looking extrusion to activate the Artifact.

    The Homeseeker began humming as its power flowed through them. Each of them began to glow with a slight tinge of black as the Homeseeker ran its course. Gorb was pleased to see that Fran¡¯s shroud was surrounded by the black coloration as well. She would go with him. It took a full fifteen seconds for the hum to reach whatever pitch it targeted before remaining a constant, comforting sound. Zalan took one last look between his friends.

    ¡°I would say ¡®see you around,¡¯ but¡ª¡±

    With a loud pop, they warped away to their respective homes.

 Chapter 51 - Homesought

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan felt before he saw. He was lying in bed. Before he opened his eyes, a huge smile stretched its way onto his face. He had successfully survived the other world. He could get on with his life. He made it.

    Home.

    Something that delighted him further was that his memories were still with him. So clearly, he remembered all the events of the other world. Rep and his other friends. His amazing powers. The adventure he went on.

    He even felt the familiar weight of his phone in his pocket. He¡¯d forgotten about the sensation until now. He opened his eyes and sat up.

    His heart skipped a beat. The room looked familiar, but not in the way it should have been.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep asked, stunned from his cot.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan said, a dread sinking quickly into his heart.

    Zalan slapped at his hip, feeling for his phone. Dozens of gold coins shifted in his pocket. His eyes went wide. He stared at Rep with consternation.

    ¡°Rep, why are you in my home?¡± he asked seriously.

    ¡°You are in Journey House,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Why are you in my home?¡± Zalan repeated, not having registered the first response.

    ¡°Oh, Zalan¡­¡± Rep said, feeling saddened for his friend.

    ¡°Journey House isn¡¯t my home. This isn¡¯t¡­ I¡¯m not¡­ The Homeseeker was supposed to take me home!¡± Zalan said.

    It was only then he felt the Artifact in his hand, still gripping tightly to it. He first looked at it with surprise, then glared at it.

    ¡°Ah, the Artifact can be used more than once. Otherwise it would have faded away. That is good to know,¡± Rep said, trying to calm the situation by changing the subject.

    Zalan looked up to Rep, then slammed the button on the Homeseeker, listening to it hum as it prepared to send him home. Rep looked to his friend with a heavy heart. Zalan was desperate. He was surrounded by the black glow, staring at Rep with a hint of fear as he suspected that it wouldn¡¯t work a second time either. With a loud pop, Zalan disappeared from existence, then reappeared moments later, reentering with another reality-warping snap of noise. Zalan was laying down once more, then shot up, first looking to his hand to confirm he still held the Homeseeker.

    ¡°I¡¯m still here,¡± Zalan said to himself.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep agreed sadly.

    ¡°Why am I still here?¡± Zalan asked Rep, looking lost. Confused. Hurt.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°But I got the Homeseeker. I did what I was supposed to. But this isn¡¯t my home,¡± Zalan said, almost in anguish in his confusion.

    This gave Rep an idea. He thought about it for a second, then decided to share,

    ¡°This is the closest thing to your home in this world. The Homeseeker brought you to the place it considered to be your home in this world,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t my home! Nothing here could be my home!¡± Zalan shouted.

    Rep remained silent, not having anything more to say.

    ¡°Why am I still here?¡± Zalan asked more adamantly.

    Rep lowered his gaze, ashamed that he did not succeed in the quest to take Zalan home.

    ¡°Why am I still here? We got the Homeseeker,¡± Zalan said, his confusion boiling into more fiery emotions.

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    ¡°We can figure this out,¡± Rep assured him.

    ¡°We just did! We went on the big adventure and I got the Homeseeker! That was supposed to¡­ I¡­ Fran died! Fran¡­ Did Fran die for nothing?¡± Zalan exploded.

    ¡°Maybe we can ask Madam Hikma why you were¡­¡±

    ¡°Madam Hikma?¡± Zalan asked sharply. ¡°She lied to us! She said this thing would take me home!¡± Zalan waved the Artifact in front of his face.

    ¡°Maybe it is limited to a certain location like your last known home, we should ask her if¡­¡±

    ¡°Go back to the lady that lied to me so that she can lie to me again?¡± Zalan balked, now openly yelling in frustration.

    ¡°I know you are upset, but¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m supposed to be done with this place!¡± Zalan threw his arms open to display the room. ¡°I completed the task! We did the glorious battle! I¡¯m done! Why am I still here?¡±

    Again, Rep turned to silence.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this,¡± Zalan swung himself off the cot and began pacing back and forth in the guild. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m stuck here. I don¡¯t want to be here. I want to be home. This is¡­ I can¡¯t believe this.¡±

    Rep watched his distressed friend, wishing there was something he could do to help.

    ¡°Fran died for nothing, you know. She sacrificed herself to get me back and look at me now, huh? Fran was a good person! Risked everything! Dead for nothing!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Do not say she died for nothing,¡± Rep said in a small voice.

    ¡°Yeah? I seem to remember her being dead at the end of our journey and here I am back at the beginning of the journey!¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°She saved our lives,¡± Rep reminded.

    ¡°We wouldn¡¯t have had to go to the Castle of Docrun if Madam Hikma didn¡¯t send us there. I wouldn¡¯t have needed my life to be saved if I wasn¡¯t in the castle. And the only reason Fran was there was to help us get me home! I¡¯m still here!¡± Zalan yelled, pointing a finger to the ground in rage.

    ¡°Yelsa got home. Remember that Fran was hired by Yelsa to send her home. She succeeded in her task,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, well, what does that matter if I¡¯m stuck here?¡± Zalan said without thinking. The immediate disappointment on Rep¡¯s face made Zalan pivot immediately. He wanted to be on the winning side of the argument. He was too agitated to pull back any of his claims. ¡°How do we even know that Gorb and Yelsa ended up home? Yelsa was from Aetheria, how are we supposed to know that the Homeseeker works to get people back into the sky?¡±

    ¡°It got us back home,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Both of us?¡± Zalan asked, unnerved.

    ¡°In a way, yes. If it is incapable of sending you back to your world, then perhaps this is the best it can do,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°That would be just great, huh? This thing could take everyone home, but me? The guy that came from a totally different dimension is the only one that doesn¡¯t get a trip home,¡± Zalan spat.

    ¡°Zalan, please, let us converse with Madam Hikma and seek her guidance. Continuing to yell at me will not help you get home,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, nothing you¡¯ve done has helped me get home,¡± Zalan agreed with venom.

    Rep looked genuinely hurt, his eyes casting downward and his jaw shifting uncomfortably. He was chewing at the inside of his lip, but offered nothing in response. Zalan¡¯s heart turned quickly in an emotional burst. Something stirred inside of him. Something sinister.

    ¡°You know what?¡± Zalan said, feeling remorseful after that last barb. ¡°You¡¯re right, we should go talk with Madam Hikma.¡±

    Rep looked back up at him. He waited for a second longer to see if Zalan had anything more to say. It occurred to Zalan that Rep expected an apology, but Zalan wasn¡¯t willing to give one when he felt he was right. He was stuck here because he was coaxed by Rep to take advice from this Madam Hikma character and now he was being encouraged to go back. Rep seemed to accept that Zalan had no apology to offer.

    ¡°Madam Hikma will know how to tell us to proceed. Perhaps there is some attribute of the Homeseeker we must activate in order to go home,¡± Rep said, feeling at least a bit assuaged now that Zalan was willing to go to the Woman of Wisdom.

    ¡°Yeah, I think I really need to go see her,¡± Zalan nodded in agreement.

    Zalan had reached a breaking point within himself, everything from his heart to his brain feeling like it was roiling in flame. He knew this world was real, and that meant that it had to have consequences. People died here and didn¡¯t come back. People couldn¡¯t deceive others and get off without any retribution. Zalan needed to make sure Madam Hikma couldn¡¯t get away with continuing to spread her false hopes to the masses. Her lies and betrayals of innocent people desperate for help. Zalan would be the one to enact the consequences on this woman who seemed gleeful to send them on a wild goose chase and get Zalan¡¯s friend killed.

    Zalan clenched his fist tightly as he had fully transitioned into a state of rage, ready to exact revenge on Madam Hikma for what she had done. Rep was looking at him with concern, not able to read the strained expression on his face. Zalan tapped his index finger to his thumb three times, calling upon his stats one last time before he dealt an act of justice to Madam Hikma. He wanted to know exactly how much damage he could deal her in this realm.

    LEVEL: 04

    STRENGTH: 04

    WISDOM: 05

    EXPERIENCE: 00

    ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

 The Homeseeker Book 1 - Afterword

    Hello. Hi. Hey,

    Yeah, I know I''m supposed to be "taking a break," but let me have this.

    Thanks for reading The Homeseeker Book 1: A Rejection of Reality. We¡¯re all done with the first book and I¡¯ll get right on to releasing the second one in a few days. The response to this series has sincerely been so heartwarming. Every single one of your comments means so much to me. Everything from criticism to theories to ¡°Thanks for the chapter.¡± I read them all, even if I don¡¯t respond to them. And if you want to come hang out and chat, I¡¯ve got a Discord</a> as well.

    I¡¯ve made an effort to release an Afterword to every single book that I¡¯ve released, and it¡¯s come with some great feedback, so I¡¯m gonna keep up that effort until you start telling me otherwise. Below here will be filled with spoilers, so you better not have jumped to this chapter arbitrarily.

    This series went through a couple of titles before landing on The Homeseeker. Originally, all my notes were written with the title The Dark Mind Series, trying to play into what¡¯s going on in Zalan¡¯s mind. But this series isn¡¯t a psychological exploration into Zalan, instead a bit more of an adventure. I then shifted to The Monsters of the Mindscape series, following the thread of suggestions from Madam Hikma and having ¡°Monsters¡± right there in your face. But when The Homeseeker was suggested to me, it fit way better. The Homeseeker is the Artifact and Zalan. I love parallels like that.

    The original intro to the realm was going to be Zalan just kinda appearing in front of Rep in a waiting room, like the Isekai process happens all the time. But it was way too casual for both Rep¡¯s character and the larger world. So, we hit the ground running.

    The original beats for Chapter 10 were actually written in 2022, as a response to a writing prompt</a>. The idea of having to challenge an Elemental for its power was so compelling to me. It both gave a lot of creative ideas for how everyone got their respective powers and easily explained why everyone in the realm doesn¡¯t have access to the magic system.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    I knew from Chapter 14 that one of the party members would die as a necessary way for Zalan to see the consequences of the realm. No more hiding behind ¡°dream world¡± when hit with the shock of death right there. I wasn¡¯t sure who for the longest time. It couldn¡¯t be Rep, too many plans for him (but no guarantees that he¡¯s safe¡­). Yelsa going home was important to me. Took me a while to decide between Fran and Gorb, to be honest. Personally, it hit me as more sympathetic to see Gorb without Fran. And when I wrote the scene, it hit me pretty hard. I felt like it was the right choice.

    The last series note is that this series (especially book 1) is based on a video game. I haven¡¯t seen anyone guess it yet, so give it a shot. I¡¯ll put a strikethrough in this line as soon as I get the first correct guess.

    In case you were wondering, yes, this series will eventually be edited and released on Amazon as a physical copy and ebook. And yes, this series will eventually be made into an Audiobook on Audible. That¡¯ll take some time though, so in the meantime I¡¯ll just keep releasing more of the series. No need to wait!

    Thank you very much for reading and I hope you all continue into The Homeseeker Book 2: Elements of Rage. The tournament arc!

    If you¡¯re really enjoying my work, consider supporting me on Patreon.</a> Sincerely, nothing is more motivating than having backers offering consistent support. You can get up to 10 Advanced Chapters. Yes, by the time this post goes up, Patreon is already a few chapters into Book 2.

    My rating has been slowly descending for days and I would sincerely appreciate a review/rating. I think the natural case is a reader drops off in earlier chapters and leaves a lower review when they hop off. But you¡¯ve read this far! Consider helping me out and I¡¯ll continue to deliver more story! Even updating an existing review is appreciated and very helpful. Something to show you''ve read up to the current chapter, or are still engaged dozens of chapters in.

    Thank you! Honestly, this has been a blast! See you soon!

 52 - Book 2 - Chapter 01 - A Surprise Visit

    Zalan threw himself out of bed and stomped his way to the door exiting the guild, manic frenzy in all of his movements. Rep, his close friend and guide in this world, hesitantly got out of his own cot, extremely concerned by Zalan¡¯s sudden behavior. Zalan paced for a few seconds, then stormed toward the guild¡¯s exit. Rep rushed across the room and tugged at Zalan¡¯s tunic, just as Zalan was about to throw open the door.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rep asked carefully, uncertain where Zalan¡¯s mind had ventured.

    ¡°You said we should go visit Madam Hikma. Let¡¯s go visit,¡± Zalan replied quickly, throwing Rep¡¯s hand off of his clothes.

    ¡°But it is so late. She does not take people into her building at this hour,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We¡¯ll surprise her!¡± Zalan said, trying to play off a warm smile. It looked unhinged.

    ¡°Maybe we can sleep on the idea and discuss this tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Why wait? It won¡¯t be a surprise if we go during regular hours,¡± Zalan slammed into the door, banging it open and briskly making his way to Madam Hikma¡¯s home.

    ¡°Zalan, wait! You are not thinking straight!¡± Rep said, chasing after him.

    Zalan¡¯s mind felt perfectly clear at that moment. It was so easy to put together. Madam Hikma betrayed him. Not just Zalan, but him and his friends. He asked her for sincere advice on how to escape this new realm with fantastical Artifacts and Elemental Powers. He was told that he would find an Artifact called the Homeseeker to take him home if he went through a castle filled with monsters and topped by an Elemental Dragon.

    Fran, one of his companions, sacrificed herself to save him and his friends so that Zalan could go home to the real world instead of this new, arthurian reality. But Madam Hikma had sent him to collect an Artifact that just teleported him to another point in the realm, instead of back to reality. She was supposed to be a legendary woman of wisdom that had answers for everyone, but she led Zalan and his friends astray.

    The necessary response was clear. He needed to make sure she suffered consequences.

    The evening was young in the town of Oriton, many shops still open and people milling about. Zalan shoved past them all with fire in his eyes for his one destination. All the while Rep kept up with him and was desperately trying to hold him back.

    ¡°Zalan, it has been a very long journey. Not even hours since we defeated the Elemental Dragon. We should rest before we continue,¡± Rep pleaded.

    ¡°I¡¯m not tired,¡± Zalan said, continuing unabated.

    ¡°Well, then, perhaps we can at least discuss why you are so eager to see Madam Hikma immediately,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You were the one to suggest we go see her, why are you suddenly against it?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Because you are acting strangely!¡± Rep said, tugging powerfully on Zalan¡¯s clothes and bringing him to a stop.

    Zalan wheeled around at him with a death stare. Rep looked away for a moment, then brought himself to stare back with equal intensity.

    ¡°Zalan, we should go back home and rest. You will think differently of this tomorrow,¡± Rep pleaded.

    Zalan knew they were close to Madam Hikma¡¯s place now. He could be there in a minute. He grit his teeth, trying to think of something quick to say in order to get Rep off his back. He was still gripping to the Artifact that Madam Hikma had sent them out to find. The Homeseeker.

    ¡°I just want to thank her for her advice and show that we succeeded,¡± Zalan said, raising the Homeseeker in display.

    ¡°That can wait until tomorrow,¡± Rep said pointedly.

    They continued the staredown for a few more seconds. The energy in Zalan was only escalating for every moment he remained standing, his face almost fuming with rage. He was trembling with adrenaline. Rep was biting the inside of his lip. Even a few passersby in the village stopped to look at the spectacle of the two young men looking like they were ready for a fight, an intensity in the air between them.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Zalan barked sharply. ¡°We¡¯ll come here first thing in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Rep said, his features and shoulders relaxing in relief.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Zalan sighed, pressing the button atop the Homeseeker. It activated. Anyone holding on to it in a few seconds would be warped back home, instantaneously.

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rep asked, stunned.

    ¡°We have an Artifact. Might as well use it, right? Grab on before we warp away,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°We are only a few minutes from home. There are limited uses to Artifacts. This is a waste, Zalan,¡± Rep sighed, reluctantly placing his hand on the Artifact.

    They began glowing a dark black as the Artifact powered up to send them back to their guild, Journey House. Zalan waited impatiently, tapping his foot multiple times within every second that passed. Rep watched his friend in concern, trying to think of a way to talk to him in a way that would calm him down that evening. The Homeseeker reached the zenith of its charge, the Artifact just about to teleport them away.

    Zalan shoved the Artifact into Rep¡¯s stomach and let go.

    Rep looked down at the Artifact in his hands in the moment that Zalan stopped glowing, completely disconnected from the Artifact. Rep didn¡¯t even have a full second to react. His eyes went from confused to wide with dismay in an instant.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep tried to say something before he blinked out of existence with a loud pop, warped straight back to the guild.

    Zalan turned on his heel and ran to Madam Hikma¡¯s house, ignoring the several questions he was getting from the surrounding villagers. Zalan felt his power of Elemental Lightning flexing through his fingers as he approached the building. He was almost blind in his ambition of revenge. No, not revenge, but justice, he told himself. He felt incredibly focused on the one task ahead of him. The building stood waiting. Isolated. The regular line of people that stood in front of the building must have left to come back in the morning. Zalan was glad he didn¡¯t take Rep¡¯s advice to wait.

    He banged against the door loudly. He didn¡¯t wait a full five seconds before he smacked his hand against it again, putting some real strength behind his knock by emitting tiny shocks of lightning as he made contact. The wooden door cracked slightly under his fist, a black mark where he struck. It felt good to see something of Hikma¡¯s crumbling under him. He was glad to know that at Level 4 he could have some real change on the world around him.

    ¡°Open up, I need to talk to you,¡± Zalan said loudly.

    Heads turned in his direction from villagers passing by. They looked a little concerned. But mostly scared.

    ¡°Open up!¡± Zalan demanded, another crack appearing in the wooden entrance.

    ¡°No one is home!¡± a passing villager called, looking very annoyed at all the noise Zalan was making.

    ¡°How do you know?¡± Zalan spun around to glare at them.

    ¡°The building is vacant overnight. Otherwise the line would never die down. The Madam needs her sleep,¡± she replied.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes narrowed at the villager. His impatience caused his inner fire to want to engulf this newcomer. Zalan clenched his fists, a small line of electricity running through his knuckles. He took a step toward the villager who took a hesitant, fearful step away from Zalan.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep¡¯s voice could be heard at a distance.

    Zalan unclenched his fists and stopped his forward motion.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep called again.

    The villager that had spoken with Zalan quickly backed up, keeping a wary gaze on Zalan as she fled the area. Rep arrived, breathing heavily after running at full speed.

    ¡°Zalan, please. Let us go home,¡± Rep requested.

    Zalan grit his teeth and gave one last look at Madam Hikma¡¯s building. He sighed out of his teeth. He was so close, but couldn¡¯t do anything. She would still be around to talk to people in the morning. There would be no justice.

    ¡°What time does she start letting people in?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Can we just go home?¡± Rep pleaded, still panting.

    ¡°Answer my question,¡± Zalan demanded.

    ¡°After sunrise! We can discuss it further in the morning,¡± Rep said, waving his hand at Zalan to try and get him to leave the area.

    Again, Zalan glared at Madam Hikma¡¯s building.

    ¡°Fine, but I¡¯m coming back here first thing in the morning,¡± Zalan swore.

    ¡°We will discuss that in the morning. Perhaps we can think of better ideas,¡± Rep said, clearly trying to keep Zalan away from here.

    ¡°I¡¯m coming back. Whether you¡¯re with me or not doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Zalan said self-assuredly.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said, agreeing quickly.

    He was struggling, trying to say whatever it took to get Zalan to leave. He was hopeful when Zalan finally broke away from his staredown with the building.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Zalan said, leading the way back to Journey House. Rep heaved a sigh of relief and rushed to catch up with Zalan.

    On the way to the guild, with the sun leveling low on the horizon, Rep tried to talk to Zalan. Zalan heard the words, but didn¡¯t process any of it. He was determined to go home and sleep. No, not ¡°home.¡± This realm and all within it wasn¡¯t home. He could never see this place as his home. Since using the Homeseeker, he hated everything about this other world. He was determined to carry this energy with him to the next morning and see Madam Hikma with the same ferocious sense of righteousness. If he couldn¡¯t return to his own world, he would make everything right in this realm.

    Rep was desperate to find a way to calm down his friend. After being warped back into the guild by way of the Homeseeker, he knew that Zalan was much worse off than he seemed. Zalan had snapped and Rep feared that the only way he could stop him was to fight him. But Rep was only Level 5 where Zalan had reached Level 4. There wasn¡¯t enough of a gap between them for Rep to be confident to overpower him. He didn¡¯t want to hurt his friend. But he didn¡¯t want Zalan doing anything he regretted.

    They entered the guild, Zalan not having replied to a word that Rep said. Zalan walked over to his cot and laid himself down. Again, Rep tried to make conversation, anything to get Zalan¡¯s mind on something new. But Zalan quickly fell asleep with a deep scowl on his face. Rep rested his head on his pillow, too distraught to sleep. He didn¡¯t know what to say to Zalan in the morning. But something needed to be said. He was so nervous. If he couldn¡¯t get control of the situation, Zalan might do something heinous. Rep could see it on his face, even as he slept. Something egregious was brewing under the surface of Zalan¡¯s heart.

 53 - Book 2 - Chapter 02 - Anger in Color

    Zalan woke up in a groggy daze, knowing that he was supposed to be doing something, but not certain as to what. His mind was reaching out, clawing for something to reenter the forefront of his mind. He stretched out and sat up in bed, then noticed Rep. Rep was seated at the table in the middle of the room, watching Zalan carefully. Something was off about the scene. Rep rarely, if ever, woke up before Zalan.

    ¡°Perhaps now is a good time to talk?¡± Rep asked cautiously.

    ¡°Is it morning?¡± Zalan asked, his thoughts racing into place. He knew what he was after. He needed to go visit Madam Hikma and show her his ¡°gratitude¡± after being led so radically astray.

    ¡°We should talk, Zalan,¡± Rep replied, a little more firmly.

    ¡°It¡¯s morning. Let¡¯s go see Madam Hikma,¡± Zalan said, swinging his legs off the side of the bed.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep suddenly stood up and got in Zalan¡¯s way.

    A small fire burned in Zalan¡¯s heart and his breath quickened. His eyebrows descended to a menacing glare.

    ¡°Are you going to try and stop me?¡± Zalan challenged.

    ¡°I am a higher Level than you,¡± Rep replied shakily. Zalan knew that it was an empty threat.

    ¡°Get out of the way, Rep,¡± Zalan said, moving to stand right in front of his friend with a sneer.

    Rep tried to hold eye contact, but broke away quickly.

    ¡°What is it you want with Madam Hikma?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°You said it yourself, yesterday.¡±

    ¡°What did I say yesterday?¡± Rep asked, calling Zalan¡¯s bluff.

    The challenge was successful. Zalan had already forgotten the original reason to see Madam Hikma. Rep was the one to bring up going to speak with her, but he couldn¡¯t remember why for the life of him. His thoughts shrouded his own alibi. He hesitated for a few seconds before eventually making up something plausible on the spot.

    ¡°I need new ideas for how to get home. She¡¯s the place to get it,¡± Zalan said, deliberately tapering down the emotion in his face. He wanted Rep to believe him.

    ¡°If that is the case, perhaps I should just go on my own,¡± Rep offered.

    ¡°Absolutely not! I need¡­¡± Zalan realized he spoke too eagerly. He took a deep breath to bring himself down a level of rage. He searched for a good way to end the phrase. ¡°I need¡­ I need to hear it from her personally. That there¡¯s still a way home. Otherwise, I¡¯m stuck here.¡±

    A wave of guilt washed over Rep¡¯s face, his lips pursed uncomfortably. Rep looked back into Zalan¡¯s eyes, searching for sincerity. Zalan tried his best to look honest. The faster this confrontation was over, the faster they would be at Madam Hikma¡¯s.

    ¡°Very well. But I will do the talking,¡± Rep said, keeping a close eye on Zalan.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan nodded rapidly.

    Rep didn¡¯t look totally convinced, but gradually made his way to the door. Zalan was close behind, making sure to keep the Homeseeker in a pouch at his hip in case he needed to play more tricks to remove Rep from the scene. When they emerged, the early morning light was too inviting to Zalan. It made him feel like the realm was conspiring to tell him that he didn¡¯t have to do what he planned. He ignored the realm, trusting only himself after what happened because of Madam Hikma.

    They made their way to Madam Hikma¡¯s building, Rep struggling to keep up with Zalan. Rep couldn¡¯t tell if Zalan was eager or something more sinister brewed in his movements. Zalan tried to keep his face mellow and stoic, wishing to reveal nothing to the close-watching Rep.

    ¡°Something is wrong,¡± Rep said abruptly, looking over at Madam Hikma¡¯s building.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan asked, annoyed. He felt that Rep was just trying to slow him down.

    ¡°There is no line,¡± Rep indicated.

    Zalan blinked, making the connection. The last he saw Madam Hikma¡¯s place when the sun was out, there was a large line of people from all walks of life looking to get an audience with her. Now, the worn ground ahead of the door was barren and empty. As much as Zalan hated to agree at a time like this, something did seem wrong with the scene.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Maybe we¡¯re the first to get here,¡± Zalan said, pushing ahead.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Rep said with uncertainty.

    Inside his mind, Zalan was going mad over the possibility that Madam Hikma had been advised to stay away that day. She may have arrived in the morning and seen the scorch of lightning left on the door and stayed away just to be safe. How could he be so brazen as to leave a mark? It was practically a magazine cutout with the intent that someone wanted to hurt her! He had to continue. Maybe she was inside but not taking any visitors? Zalan could spin it. He could say that he wanted to provide her protection! That could do it!

    ¡°Zalan, slow down,¡± Rep said, his breathing a little faster after having to almost jog to keep up with Zalan¡¯s pace.

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Zalan brought himself to a slow walk.

    They were almost at the front door. No need to hurry anymore. He clenched his fist, a spark of lightning in his palm that he kept hidden from those around him.

    ¡°Allow me to knock,¡± Rep suggested.

    Zalan stepped aside, preparing to raise his hand and fire at Madam Hikma as she opened the door. He was seeing red. Justice would be carried out, then he would find some other means to get out of the realm. It would be upsetting at first, but people would come to understand. Once they knew the truth about the supposed woman of wisdom, they would know why they didn¡¯t want her meddling in their lives.

    Rep was ahead of Zalan, not seeing any of the sweat and turmoil running through Zalan¡¯s face. He knocked lightly on the door, tilting his head to one side in confusion at the new black mark on the door. The door cracked open an inch and Zalan raised his hand, breathing heavily as the power surged through him.

    Out came a small girl. Sholou. Madam Hikma¡¯s young assistant. Zalan swallowed hard and lowered his hand before either Sholou or Rep could see he had prepared an electric attack.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Sholou asked sweetly.

    ¡°Hello little one,¡± Rep said gently. ¡°We are here for an audience with Madam Hikma. Is she in today?¡±

    ¡°I am afraid that Madam Hikma is unable to host anyone today,¡± Sholou shook her head.

    ¡°I see,¡± Rep said, trying to hide his relief.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Zalan asked quickly.

    Rep and Sholou turned their attention to Zalan. His eyes were frantic and he sounded somewhat manic. Sholou shied away in fear, sliding a few inches back into the building.

    ¡°She is out,¡± Sholou answered.

    ¡°I see,¡± Rep nodded, turning back to Zalan and looking as though he intended to leave.

    ¡°Yeah? How long?¡± Zalan asked Sholou.

    He was trembling. Rep put himself between his friend and the girl.

    ¡°Zalan, I think we have everything we need. We can return some other time,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°How long will she be out?¡± Zalan demanded, his eyes wide.

    ¡°I do not know! She has left the city by invitation to the Elemental Rage Tournament! It could be weeks before she returns,¡± Sholou replied, fear creeping into her voice.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°I¡­ I do not know what else to say,¡± Sholou said, scared.

    ¡°Go back inside, little one,¡± Rep said, a tender smile on his face. ¡°I will handle this.¡±

    Sholou nodded quickly and slammed the door, the sound of her feet running off clear on the other side of the door.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan repeated, his voice strained. ¡°No, I need to see her.¡±

    ¡°She is gone, Zalan. We can wait for her return,¡± Rep said, his voice an assertive calm, like a parent admonishing a child.

    ¡°No, but she was supposed to be here!¡± Zalan insisted, gripping his forearm with one hand, the other flexing wildly.

    ¡°Patience, friend, and we will see her soon,¡± Rep assured him.

    Zalan¡¯s eye twitched once and he looked around the area like prey surrounded by predators. Rep began breathing slowly and loudly. He lifted his arms up and down as he breathed, trying to encourage Zalan to do the same. Calm, soothing breaths. Zalan shook his head, feeling like a project to Rep. Rep didn¡¯t care about him. He would treat anyone this way. Trying to be a selfless martyr and make everyone feel like his friend. Rep¡¯s assurances meant nothing to him. His eyes widened, as his trembling limb rose slowly toward the building. A tiny sparkle of lightning hopped between fingers.

    ¡°Zalan, what are you doing? Put your arm down,¡± Rep said, no longer trying to sound calm.

    ¡°She deserves this,¡± Zalan said, the crackling of lightning running clear through his hand.

    ¡°Zalan, no! Put your hand down, now!¡± Rep said, jumping toward him.

    But Zalan had already made his decision. If he couldn¡¯t have Madam Hikma, he could at least take down her building. Maybe with a powerful enough bolt of lightning, he could destroy the entire front door. Hopefully even more. Zalan¡¯s hand opened as he prepared to emit the largest bolt of lightning he could muster.

    Rep smacked Zalan¡¯s arm skyward, just as the lightning flew out. Zalan had never tried his power at his newly acquired Level 4 and was astounded to see its size as it raced across the sky. Where before it was never thicker than a piece of rope, now it looked as thick as his fist. He stared at it numbly. Within moments, Rep forced Zalan to his knees to try and subdue him. Zalan didn¡¯t fight. He was done. Madam Hikma had already won. It wouldn¡¯t matter if her building was gone when she already escaped. There was nothing to be gained here anymore.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Rep demanded as soon as he felt that Zalan would not attack anymore.

    The wind picked up around them, but Zalan¡¯s mind felt so far away. He had nothing to direct his anger toward anymore. The fire in his heart burned, but with nothing on the outside to target, it felt like it would consume his inner being. Rep was shaking his friend, trying to get a response.

    ¡°What has gotten into you?¡± Rep asked, trying to get a read on Zalan.

    ¡°I will tell you,¡± another familiar voice came confidently beside them, the wind dying down with its arrival. ¡°Rep, your friend has astounding power in him that needs proper control.¡±

 54 - Book 2 - Chapter 03 - An Instructor of Nold

    <h2> </h2>

    Rep turned to see who had addressed the two of them. It was a man at the beginning of his middle-age, hints of gray peeking out of his stubble beard. He wore a long cloak and gloves, covering every inch of his skin that was not a part of his head. The eccentric man stood proudly, a wide smile stretched across his face. He was beaming at Zalan who sat sweating and shaking on the dirt-ridden earth.

    ¡°Instructor Nold?¡± Rep asked, shocked to see his face.

    ¡°Was he the one to emit that brilliant display of lightning or did my eyes deceive me?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°I am sorry Instructor Nold, but we are quite indisposed at the moment. Can we speak some other time?¡± Rep asked, politely indicating to Zalan who was still not fully there with them.

    ¡°Nonsense, you will be thanking me in a few minutes,¡± Nold said brazenly.

    Rep tried to look at Zalan to get him back to his feet. His stare was vaguely annoyed and he wouldn¡¯t connect with Rep¡¯s eyes. On top of that, his mind seemed vacant. Nold knelt down in front of him and picked up Zalan¡¯s hand. For a moment, Zalan thought he was checking for a pulse, then saw that Nold was tapping Zalan¡¯s finger to his thumb to summon his stats.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Zalan snapped to, wrenching his hand away. ¡°What gives?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to see the values on your wrist,¡± Nold said matter of factly.

    ¡°Yeah, I could see that,¡± Zalan said, hiding his wrist under his clothes and feeling somewhat violated. ¡°How about next time you just ask?¡±

    ¡°Next time?¡± Nold said, sounding like he¡¯d received an invitation.

    ¡°Zalan, we really should go back to the guild and get you some rest,¡± Rep said, helping Zalan to his feet.

    ¡°Nonsense, it is so early in the morning! Look at him, he is the epitome of youth!¡± Nold said proudly, presenting Zalan with two arms.

    Zalan squinted as he began to recognize the man. He¡¯d seen him once before, sometime when he was exiting the guild with Rep before the journey to the Castle of Docrun. He didn¡¯t remember the interaction very well, but he recalled not having enjoyed it. The way his gloves made his knuckles look swollen felt wrong in a world where healing was so easy. And something about Nold¡¯s smile put him off.

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± a woman called from behind them.

    Rep flinched and Zalan looked over to see the woman in guard¡¯s armor. She had come off the walls surrounding the city of Oriton to confront them. The way Rep shrunk away from her made Zalan remember just how powerful guards atop the walls were, able to kill dangerous monsters in a single blow. He guessed it was like having the police arrive on a scene. Nold stood tall, waiting for her to approach without any hint of discomfort.

    ¡°Lady Seraphina!¡± Nold acknowledged her with a grin.

    ¡°We saw power being emitted from within the city outside of the designated areas,¡± the guardswoman said, eyeing the three men. ¡°Was there a monster in the area?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Rep replied, embarrassed.

    ¡°Then why did one of you emit your power outside of your guild training area?¡± Seraphina asked.

    Zalan blinked, his brain beginning to run on all cylinders once more. He realized he was in some amount of trouble. The way Rep was wringing his hands made it clear that he messed up in a serious way. Nold looked at the two men expectantly, his eyes flitting between them eagerly. Zalan raised his hand slowly. He felt off. After letting out the energy without any sense of success, he felt empty and embarrassed to be there.

    ¡°It was me. I shot out the lightning. I¡¯m really sorry,¡± Zalan said, ashamed.

    Nold¡¯s eyes narrowed over Zalan as he confirmed who it was with the lightning power, a greedy expression on his face.

    ¡°I did not ask who it was, I asked why,¡± Seraphina said, stepping toward Zalan.

    ¡°No real reason¡­¡± Zalan said honestly.

    The guardswoman shook her head, disappointed. She pulled shackles from a pouch at her hip and Zalan wondered if he could outrun someone a significant number of Levels ahead of him.

    ¡°No real reason?¡± Nold laughed loudly. ¡°Do not be modest, you can tell her why!¡±

    Zalan and Rep looked to one another, then back to Nold. Zalan felt nervous, like Nold knew too much. How could Nold know about what he was trying to do with Madam Hikma? He hadn¡¯t even told Rep. Nold continued as though nothing serious was happening.

    ¡°It was my fault,¡± Nold said, placing an apologetic hand over his heart as he addressed the guard. ¡°I asked him to display his powers since he insisted that he be instructed by me.¡±

    The guardswoman looked at Nold with much doubt.

    ¡°You are still taking on more students for the tournament?¡± she asked skeptically.

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    ¡°More students? Plural? Ha! I do not have a single student these days! They have all grown past the need for me and left me behind with their Elemental Powers. I have been searching for good candidates for this year¡¯s tournament,¡± Nold explained, displaying Rep and Zalan.

    Seraphina looked over the two friends with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°They are to your liking?¡± she asked in a way that sounded insulting to Zalan.

    ¡°I do not take students that are perfect!¡± Nold said confidently. ¡°I take those that have the potential for greatness! And they are certainly to my liking.¡±

    ¡°Why did you ask them to display their power outside the guild?¡± Seraphina asked, her disappointment having redirected to the older man. ¡°You know better than to use such powerful attacks outside like that! Or to insist others do it as well. You could hurt innocent bystanders! Or inadvertently summon monsters!¡±

    ¡°He assured me that his power would impress me. I was so certain that he was bluffing that I asked him to show me right then and there. I suppose the heat of the moment carried me away,¡± Nold said abashedly. He sounded silly and sincere. Zalan almost believed the man until he remembered that he had been lying through his teeth since the guardswoman arrived.

    Seraphina looked between the three men, then rolled her eyes and stowed her shackles away. She turned to Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°No more blasts like that outside the designated areas,¡± Lady Seraphina warned.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°You got it,¡± Zalan agreed, embarrassed.

    ¡°And win the tournament for us, eh? Been a while since we have seen an Oriton face taking home the honor,¡± Seraphina winked at them. She looked at Nold again, glaring at him as he shrugged, then made her way back to her post. They waited until she was totally out of earshot before addressing Instructor Nold.

    ¡°That was incredible, Nold!¡± Rep said, amazed. ¡°Thank you!¡±

    ¡°Ah! I told you that you would be thanking me in a few minutes!¡± Nold pointed a finger at him.

    ¡°Yeah, I thought I would have to go to jail for¡­¡± Zalan couldn¡¯t think of a phrase other than ¡°being an idiot¡± and decided just not to complete the thought.

    ¡°Well, that was fun,¡± Nold said, clearly pleased with himself. ¡°What was your name again? Zoobo?¡±

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Zalan corrected.

    ¡°Right. Zalan. When did you want to go to the tournament with me?¡± Nold asked.

    Again, Nold¡¯s words caused Zalan and Rep to look at one another. They seemed equally confused.

    ¡°You do understand that you made everything up just now?¡± Rep asked Nold carefully.

    ¡°Obviously,¡± Nold chuckled. ¡°But Zicko clearly wanted to see Madam Hikma if he came to her building. And she is at the Elemental Rage Tournament. I thought he would like to attend after receiving some of my tutelage so he can win the audience with her. I can grow his power. Harness it. I can be his guide to victory.¡±

    There was something in the way Nold phrased it that sparked something potent in Zalan¡¯s mind. Rep had promised to be his guide in this world, but Rep was unsure of himself and often shied away from things that Zalan wanted to do. Even in his quest to see Madam Hikma, Rep tried to hold him back where Nold was a path forward. Nold seemed powerful and was already an instructor of sorts. If he had a reputation among the guards of the city, he had to have some strength in him. He could be everything that Zalan had wanted to get out of Rep. It was a tantalizing idea and already he began imagining a future where Nold led the three of them to become strong enough to escape this realm.

    In contrast, Rep immediately tried to shut it down.

    ¡°I do not believe that seeing Madam Hikma is the highest priority for us. We need to find a way to send Zalan home,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Madam Hikma is the best way to find a way home,¡± Zalan said eagerly, excited that someone else seemed to push him to his goal to confront Madam Hikma.

    ¡°What an excellent idea, I agree with you wholeheartedly,¡± Instructor Nold said. ¡°Tell me, what Level are you? And how much Wisdom do you have? And your Elemental power. I have never seen it before, what is it called?¡±

    Zalan tapped his finger and thumb together and presented his wrist to Nold energetically. His guide needed to know everything about him to best lead him. Zalan was taking a quick shine to Nold and all of his expertise.

    LEVEL: 04

    STRENGTH: 04

    WISDOM: 05

    EXPERIENCE: 00

    ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Instructor Nold sounded mildly disappointed. ¡°A rather low Level. But I can work with this. Lightning is impressive. I have never heard of that before. Was the Elemental elusive? Did it leave its location rather than disappear after granting the ability?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, how did you know?¡± Zalan asked, amazed. Rep looked nervously between the two getting along so quickly. He still wasn¡¯t on board with traveling with the instructor or attending the tournament.

    ¡°I have made many efforts to challenge what I like to call the Elusive Elementals. They hold the rarest powers such as Plant, Light, Shadow, and Lightning. I have never seen any. But it will be exciting to train someone with the power.¡±

    ¡°What kind of powers do you have?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Train with me and perhaps you will find out,¡± Nold winked slyly.

    ¡°Sure! Yeah, we¡¯d love to do the tournament!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Oh. Both you and Rep?¡± Nold noted.

    Zalan looked back at Rep who had been nervously standing to the side.

    ¡°You wanna come with me, right?¡± Zalan asked. He couldn¡¯t imagine being separated from his one friend in the realm.

    The fire in Zalan¡¯s eyes made no efforts to alleviate Rep¡¯s concerns, but he did not want to leave Zalan alone with Nold. He needed someone to ground him, and Nold was already putting high ideas in his head. Rep suppressed his look of deep concern and forced out a smile.

    ¡°Of course I will join,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°Great! You can train both of us, right?¡± Zalan asked Nold.

    Nold¡¯s lip twitched slightly in disappointment, but he nodded.

    ¡°I have trained many with Fire Elemental power before. Rep will be no different. But it is your power I wish to see reach its full potential,¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°Sure, whatever,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°Perhaps when you gain enough confidence, you can take on your own adventures away from home. I would be glad to take you somewhere by sea,¡± Nold said, pointing toward the port on the other side of Oriton.

    ¡°No thanks, let¡¯s just do the tournament. I think I¡¯m done with adventures away from home,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    ¡°Very well. Let us gather some things for the journey ahead of us,¡± Nold said, walking in step with Zalan toward Journey House.

    Rep followed a few steps behind, not sure why he felt so far away from Zalan.

 55 - Book 2 - Chapter 04 - Total Novices

    <h2> </h2>

    ¡°Tell me, where was your Elemental found?¡± Nold asked Zalan as they made their way back into the city.

    ¡°The Lost City of Xagon,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°I cannot say I have heard of it. Where is this city?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know about it either!¡± Zalan said excitedly. Something about Nold being the first person to be ignorant of something in this realm made him feel like they could get along really well. ¡°It¡¯s about a two days¡¯ journey in the desert!¡±

    ¡°And what was the nature of its challenge? Something regarding a storm, I assume,¡± Nold mused.

    ¡°It wanted a ton of my blood!¡±

    ¡°You survived a bloodthirsty Elemental, then? Interesting, I always thought you would need to be a higher Level to achieve that,¡± Nold commented.

    By his tone, it didn¡¯t sound like Nold was complimenting him, but Zalan beamed anyway.

    ¡°So I hear that you¡¯re really good at instructing people and getting them to win the tournament?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I know how to cultivate one¡¯s power,¡± Nold nodded.

    ¡°Cool,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep tugged on Zalan¡¯s shoulder lightly. Zalan rolled his shoulder, tossing the arm off. Rep tried again and Zalan wheeled around on him.

    ¡°What, Rep?¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°Your sword,¡± Rep said, pointing to Zalan¡¯s hip then to the nearby swordsmith¡¯s building.

    ¡°What about my¡­¡± Zalan cut himself off mid sentence. He had no sword. It had shattered when he struck the Elemental Dragon¡¯s eye. He shuddered at the memory. He turned to Nold as if to ask for permission.

    ¡°A traveler needs a weapon. Be quick,¡± Nold dismissed him with a nod.

    Zalan raced to the entrance of the sword forge, leaving Rep behind. Rep rolled his eyes and followed, catching up before the door closed.

    Junill, the swordsmith, was rushing around the room quickly, hardly tossing her patrons a glance as they entered.

    ¡°Yes? Yes? Did I not just sell you a sword?¡± Junill asked irritably.

    ¡°Junill, when was the last time you slept?¡± Rep asked in return.

    Junill had an Artifact called an Indefatigable Iron on a necklace. It gave her unending energy, at the cost of having to sleep an unrousable sleep whenever taking it off. If the Artifact was never taken off, the wearer would die.

    ¡°You want to know the next time I intend to sleep so you can rob me as I slumber?¡± Junill asked, challenging Rep.

    ¡°No, I am concerned for your¡ª¡±

    ¡°I am only joking!¡± Junill said, forcing a fake laugh. ¡°How can I assist you? Quickly, I have many orders.¡±

    ¡°If you have so many orders, would it not be wise to consider the end of use to the Indefatigable Iron? You no longer need to prove that you are a worthy weaponsmith to your father if you have so many patrons,¡± Rep suggested, trying to offer sincere advice.

    ¡°Rep, come on, we have to get moving,¡± Zalan stepped forward, irritably. ¡°My sword broke. I need a new one.¡±

    ¡°How did it break?¡± Junill asked, sounding as though she was determining how to judge the statement.

    ¡°I stabbed an Elemental Dragon in the eye and it broke,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Ah, that is a good use of my sword. I am willing to offer another,¡± Junill said.

    ¡°Offer? We¡¯re buying,¡± Zalan corrected.

    ¡°Only because I am willing to offer,¡± Junill said smartly, she ran across the room and pulled two swords of the wall, her face red with burns from the forge. She placed one on the counter and held the other out to Zalan.

    ¡°Thanks¡ª¡±

    ¡°Wait, no, this one,¡± Junill said, quickly exchanging the swords.

    Zalan held the sword.

    ¡°Is it good to hold?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah, sure, let¡¯s get it,¡± Zalan replied quickly.

    It felt good enough to him. He was ready to go back to Nold. Rep seemed unconvinced, but Junill was already nodding and tapping the counter for payment. Zalan flipped a gold coin to her.

    ¡°I see you have come into wealth,¡± Junill said, catching the money.

    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Zalan immediately went back outside to join Nold.

    Rep sighed apologetically.

    ¡°It was pleasant to see you, even if it was only for a short time,¡± Rep told her.

    ¡°I look forward to your return. You are my favorite customer after all,¡± Junill said, digging around for change for the gold coin. Rep was stunned by her words and took a second to compose himself.

    ¡°Keep the change. And please, get some rest,¡± Rep told her.

    ¡°Eh,¡± Junill said dismissively, waving goodbye.

    Rep exited the forge to see Zalan and Nold were already back on the move without him. He breathed out in frustration and walked briskly to keep up. By the time he was back at their side, they had arrived at the guild. Zalan was going to make his way inside, but Nold caught him on the shoulder and pointed him to the side of the building.

    ¡°My stuff¡¯s inside. Stuff I need before we get moving,¡± Zalan pointed.

    ¡°We can go collect your things after I discover just how prepared you are for the tournament,¡± Nold began ushering Zalan to a courtyard connected to the back of the guild. Rep followed them.

    The courtyard was clearly a training area, littered with burned mounds of straw shaped like men and broken practice weapons. Nold stepped forward and stood up one of the straw dummies, posing it to look like it was preparing for a fight. Then he took a few steps back, looking at Zalan expectantly.

    ¡°Go on, then,¡± Nold nodded.

    Zalan pulled out his sword and gripped it tightly, preparing to imbue it with lighting before charging forward.

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    ¡°What are you doing with that sword?¡± Nold looked confused.

    ¡°Showing you what I can do?¡± Zalan replied, equally confused. He looked to Rep for support.

    ¡°The Elements of Rage Tournament does not allow the use of any weapons. Swords are definitely not allowed in any matches,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s just fist fighting and Elements?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°That is all. And no deadly blows allowed,¡± Rep nodded.

    Zalan hadn¡¯t considered that the tournament might allow people to kill one another. He was pleased to hear he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about that. He was much happier sticking to his Elemental than he was with swordplay. He still felt like he could barely aim his stabs, much less parry multiple blows.

    ¡°Is he unaware of how the tournament works?¡± Nold asked, baffled. ¡°Where are you from?¡±

    ¡°A far away land,¡± Zalan said, borrowing the line that Rep often used.

    ¡°I am sure this land has a name,¡± Nold prompted.

    Zalan didn¡¯t take as much time to think as he normally did to answer people, still trying to please Nold.

    ¡°Merced, California,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Mersidcalafornya? Unique name to match your unique origins. I will have to travel there someday, see if there are Elementals or Beasts of Slumber to be found,¡± Nold told himself, making a mental note. ¡°But first, show me what you can do!¡±

    Zalan held out his hand and emitted a blast of lightning at the dummy, scorching it with the large blast.

    ¡°Excellent timing!¡± Nold said, his eyes lighting up. ¡°With the ability to emit your Elemental ability so fast, you must have seen some real combat before!¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan said, embarrassed and excited at the praise. He didn¡¯t think his power would look this good to a big-time instructor.

    ¡°What is the largest thing you have faced, then? At your Level, I take it you have done battle with some Fogfangs? Maybe Boznoks?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Yeah I¡¯ve fought a Boznok before. But the biggest thing was definitely the Elemental Dragon,¡± Zalan replied.

    Nold¡¯s smile was frozen on his face as he blinked a few times in confusion. He turned steadily toward Rep who looked almost annoyed to only be acknowledged by Nold to corroborate a fact.

    ¡°An Elemental Dragon?¡± Nold asked, his voice a curious pitch.

    ¡°Indeed. He and I killed it together,¡± Rep nodded.

    Nold continued to stare, his eyes clicking between the two of them.

    ¡°An Elemental Dragon?¡± Nold repeated.

    Zalan and Rep nodded.

    ¡°Rep, what Level are you these days?¡± Nold asked carefully.

    ¡°Level 5, after defeating the dragon,¡± Rep replied.

    Nold¡¯s eyes narrowed, his brain buffering to register the feat. Zalan was beginning to understand just how big of a deal it was to kill an Elemental Dragon. Even Nold was blown away by their kill.

    ¡°And you certainly were not alone. You had help from a much higher Leveled party,¡± Nold concluded.

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Zalan said, his energy growing somber as he remembered Fran. ¡°There were five of us.¡±

    ¡°And how strong were the other three?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°I think the most powerful was Level 7,¡± Zalan scratched his head.

    Nold blinked a few more times, looking between them.

    ¡°How did you end up killing an Elemental Dragon!? That is impossible! Why would you lie about that?¡± Nold balked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not lying!¡± Zalan said, suddenly very offended.

    ¡°You are correct, Nold. Why would we lie about that?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I¡­ I have no idea!¡± Nold said, throwing up his arms. ¡°You really took down a dragon?¡±

    The two nodded once more, more forcefully than the first time.

    ¡°Then we should have a really simple time competing in this competition,¡± Nold said, shaking his head to himself. He abruptly snapped back to the straw dummy. ¡°What else have you got to show?¡±

    Zalan held up both hands and emitted lighting from both at the same time. Nold didn¡¯t react as enthusiastically.

    ¡°I said what else? You are at a Wisdom of 5, yes?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Sure, why?¡± Zalan asked, feeling a little nervous.

    ¡°Then show me how well you can curve your lightning,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°I¡­ curve it?¡± Zalan asked, looking back at Rep. Rep nodded his head in encouragement, miming changing something in midair.

    ¡°You have never redirected an attack after you have emitted it, then? You can only fire straight?¡± Nold asked, disappointment in his voice.

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Nold nodded. ¡°What about imbuing?¡±

    ¡°Sure, I can imbue my sword for a few seconds,¡± Zalan said, standing straighter and regaining his confidence.

    ¡°I thought we made it clear that your sword would be irrelevant. How well can you imbue yourself?¡± Nold asked.

    Zalan looked back at Rep. Rep shrugged, looking a little thrown off.

    ¡°You can imbue yourself?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°More and more your story of defeating an Elemental Dragon sounds unbelievable,¡± Nold muttered as he displayed an arm in front of him. With a wave, his arm was washed in a cloud of flame, like it was made out of fire. Rep jumped forward to put out the fire, but Nold raised his flaming hand with a signal to stop him. Instructor Nold smiled wide, basking in the amazement the two amateurs showed him.

    ¡°The real test of knowing how well you can imbue something is to imbue yourself. You should not hurt yourself in the slightest to do this, but you will be able to protect yourself and strike others with new power. This is a very challenging task and can be done in many stealthy ways to make you even more powerful to an untrained eye,¡± Nold explained grandly.

    Zalan and Rep continued to stare with a waxing eagerness. They wanted to attain this power to imbue themselves.

    ¡°Your Elemental Power is fire!¡± Zalan said suddenly as he came to the realization.

    ¡°Ah, but is that my only one?¡± Nold asked. With another wave of his free hand, his other arm immediately surrounded in a tornado of fine sand.

    Zalan and Rep¡¯s jaws dropped at the display of the man carrying two Elements so seamlessly. He swung them in the air to show how powerful his control was over the two Elements before waving both arms and removing his imbue. The fire dissipated and the sand fell to the floor.

    ¡°You may not be able to redirect lightning, but can you summon it from the sky?¡± Nold asked.

    Zalan took a few seconds to respond, still lost in the fantasy of Nold teaching him how to be an ultimate lightning fighter.

    ¡°Summon lightning from the sky? No, I can''t do anything like that,¡± Zalan shook his head.

    ¡°What about during a thunderstorm?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Maybe? I never tried it. I can redirect if I¡¯m hit with it,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Any simpleton with half a brain and even less of an Element can redirect something that touches them directly,¡± Nold said. ¡°And I take it that the two of you never tried to imbue your bodies with your Elements?¡± Nold asked them.

    Rep and Zalan shook their heads.

    ¡°Then give it a try. Right now, surround one hand in a thin bubble of your power,¡± Nold pointed to the two of them.

    ¡°Right now?¡± Rep asked hesitantly.

    Zalan was already moving his hands around, trying to figure out the right angle to send energy through. Rep sighed and put a flame above his palm, wondering how he would send it over his skin. Zalan pointed one hand at the other and let out a tiny spark, trying to inject the power through his hand. Instead of power coursing through, Zalan just felt a shock of pain strike through him. He reacted by immediately flinching and waving his hand in pain. Rep¡¯s hesitation greatly increased at the sight, but he also let out a small flame toward his hand, only to grunt in pain and immediately put out the fire.

    ¡°Well, then,¡± Nold said, looking between the two. ¡°I have no idea how you ever took on an Elemental Dragon. You seem to be total novices. It looks to me that we have plenty of work ahead of us! Hurry up and gather your things.¡±

    Zalan rushed inside excitedly, ready to start a journey that could make him even more powerful to bring justice to this world. Rep stayed behind after his friend ran out of sight.

    ¡°Instructor Nold, I did not want to bring this up in Zalan''s presence, but I believe he is not well. His mind is out of sorts after the battle with the dragon and loss of one of our allies. Even before then, his mentality always stood on shaky ground. You should not push him too hard. He might break. He needs compassion and stability,¡± Rep confided in the instructor.

    ¡°Rep, you fail to see how this could be good for him! You want to help him, yes? Currently, he is in agony because he feels powerless. One of the best ways to climb out of the hole of powerlessness is to feel confident in oneself. Imagine if he could imbue himself or draw lightning from the clouds. He would certainly see that as an improvement on himself,¡± Nold said confidently.

    ¡°But his intentions in seeing Madam Hikma are malicious. I fear he intends to hurt her,¡± Rep said, his voice low.

    ¡°Nothing to be concerned about,¡± Nold waved away the sentiment. ¡°I will keep Hikma safe.¡±

    ¡°You will?¡± Rep asked, sounding hopeful.

    ¡°Oh sure, sure,¡± Nold nodded.

    ¡°This eases my concerns. Thank you,¡± Rep said, heading inside to gather his things.

    Nold regarded Rep with mild annoyance as he entered the building. Zalan had an extraordinary power; one that Nold absolutely needed to cultivate. It was just unfortunate that he came with such an opinionated friend.

 56 - Book 2 - Chapter 05 - Off the Path

    <h2>Chapter 05 - Off the Path</h2>

    Zalan and Nold walked in step to the exit to Oriton, Rep just slightly behind them. Zalan was eager to engage in any kind of conversation with Nold and began asking questions that he normally didn¡¯t care for since they weren''t essential for him to return home. He carried energy like an excited puppy, almost jumping at the chance to receive some attention.

    ¡°So where are you from, Instructor?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I am from close and from far, depending on the time of day,¡± Nold said mysteriously. Rep scoffed to himself, but Zalan seemed dazzled by the reply.

    ¡°So you aren¡¯t from Oriton?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, I arrived some years ago after taking a journey to become an all-powerful instructor,¡± Nold said, sounding facetious.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± Zalan said immediately, then when Nold didn¡¯t continue speaking, he jumped into another question. ¡°So, why did you end up coming to Oriton? You like the sea breeze and living next to the water or something?¡±

    ¡°The Artifact that brought me here degraded and turned to dust. It just happened to be the place I thought I would find something ¡ª I mean someone ¡ª with a promising power. It took some patience, but I am very excited at what I have found,¡± Nold said, directing his attention to only Zalan.

    ¡°What Artifact did you use to get to Oriton that ended up degrading? Was it a Homeseeker? I have a Homeseeker,¡± Zalan shared, unprompted.

    ¡°I used a Belt of Bolt,¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s cool. What umm¡­¡± Zalan tried desperately to find a new topic. ¡°What Artifacts have you seen on your journey? Anything cool or extraordinary?¡±

    ¡°I have seen many Artifacts in my life,¡± Nold nodded to himself. ¡°Like the Transfer Table. An incredible ware that allows one user to pass just about any attribute to another. And the Belt of Bolt! I traveled the world in the blink of an eye with that one before it wore out. Rings of Range, I collected many of those over time. If you have two of them, their power stacks and your range increases even further! Shackles of Stasis are a personal favorite of mine. What else? I have had a Drop Coin, an Elemental Echo, a pair of Goldfire Gloves¡­ Really, many manners of Artifacts.¡±

    ¡°Are those the Goldfire Gloves?¡± Zalan pointed at Nold¡¯s hands. ¡°What do they do?¡±

    Nold looked at the gloves on his hands, the bumps at his knuckles standing out to Zalan. His knuckles looked long or swollen based on the ridges in the gloves. Either that, or the gloves came with additional knuckle padding.

    ¡°These are just simple gloves,¡± Nold said plainly.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Zalan replied, sounding amazed.

    ¡°You said you have seen an Elemental Echo?¡± Rep asked, interested.

    Nold turned back at him, having forgotten his presence in the moments prior. He smiled at him.

    ¡°I used one,¡± Nold said proudly.

    ¡°Is it as useful as they say?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Absolutely. It filled me with a powerful inspiration. It was the clearest direction I have ever received to an Elemental,¡± Nold nodded. Rep looked satisfied with the answer, then turned to explain to Zalan,

    ¡°An Elemental Echo is an Artifact that tells you the location of the nearest Elemental, and exactly how to get there. It does not tell you the challenge, but it will get you to its location, even if it has hidden itself away.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, that was gonna be my next question,¡± Zalan said. Rep felt good knowing that he was still a valuable guide to Zalan.

    ¡°Which Elemental Power did the Elemental Echo send you to?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Continue to travel with me and you may discover which,¡± Nold said, wanting to drop the subject.

    They had reached the gates to exit Oriton, the guards looking them over in surprise.

    ¡°So you found some students, Nold?¡± one of the guards asked. Zalan recognized him as the guard that saved his life when he was running from a Flamestriker. Sir Kilile.

    ¡°That is right. Here we have Rep and¡­ Zaltar,¡± Nold presented the two of them.

    ¡°Rep! You have finally decided to join the tournament!¡± Sir Kilile said, ecstatic.

    ¡°Yes, I will try and do Oriton well.¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°Excellent! Are you Level 3 now?¡±

    ¡°Level 5,¡± Rep corrected.

    ¡°It seems you have gained much more power in the absence of my lessons. Perhaps I was holding you back,¡± Sir Kilile said, proud of the young man.

    ¡°On the contrary, your lessons in Artifacts may have saved my life multiple times. Myself and Zalan,¡± Rep said, indicating to Zalan.

    ¡°We really should be going,¡± Nold said, annoyed at the length of the conversation.

    ¡°Cutting it a little close to the deadline. They might close entry to the tournament before you arrive,¡± Sir Kilile mentioned.

    ¡°I think we can make it on time. We will be going off the common paths,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°If your reputation is anything like we have heard, then you should be fine,¡± the guard shrugged, moving aside and opening the gate. ¡°Fare well Rep and Zalan! Be sure to remember Oriton if you succeed in winning the tournament! Nold¡¯s students tend to run off on grand adventures after winning.¡±

    As they passed through the opening to the world beyond the walls, Rep hesitated as Nold immediately broke away from the well-worn path leading out of Oriton. The visible paths were known for their safety, normally surrounded only by monsters that didn¡¯t require a very high Level to defeat. But off of those paths, there were no guarantees of the same security. Creatures would be a lot more unpredictable and powerful.

    ¡°Instructor Nold, what Level are you? Is it safe to be traveling off the roads we know to be protected from danger?¡± Rep asked, concerned.

    ¡°Do not worry yourself, I am more than a high enough Level to manage anything we face. Nightwolves, Nargs, Shellbacks, anything we can find. Though, I will be trying to put you up against any enemies we find to better train you,¡± Nold assured them.

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    ¡°The best way to learn is through combat,¡± Zalan agreed quickly.

    He didn¡¯t believe in that idea until his previous companions, Gorb and Fran, put him in the face of danger to train him. His abilities grew rapidly and he was able to gain Levels a lot faster than he would have had he stuck to safety alone. He might not even know how to imbue his sword with lightning were it not for all the battles they went through.

    ¡°Can you at least tell me what your Strength or Wisdom is, if you do not wish to share your Level?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Nold said simply.

    Rep looked increasingly nervous.

    ¡°Hey, if your Strength is high enough, could you do something like pick up a tree with a single arm?¡± Zalan asked, not at all disturbed by Nold¡¯s lack of sharing his Strength or Level.

    Nold looked at him curiously. He opened his mouth, then closed it, trying to figure out exactly how harsh he should be with his reply. He decided to taper himself, as his student was still fresh.

    ¡°No, that is absurd. Who told you that?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°No one¡­ I just thought that your Strength would eventually be high enough to do big things like punching through walls and stuff,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Your Strength only determines how powerful you are against monsters and other humans. A monster¡¯s hide might become more malleable under your arms at a higher Strength, but a tree will always be the same tree. You need an unfathomable amount of physical vigor to pull a tree, roots and all, from the earth,¡± Nold said, sounding surprised that he had to explain this concept.

    ¡°Right¡­ That makes sense,¡± Zalan said, deeply embarrassed. Evidently, he wasn¡¯t as comfortable with the rules of the realm as he believed. Nold had much to teach him. ¡°What else is Strength used for?¡±

    ¡°That is all. Your Strength will be put up against another¡¯s in the battles in the tournament. And monsters, whether alive or dead, require a certain amount of Strength to break past their exterior protections,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Even if they¡¯re dead?¡± Zalan asked, surprised.

    ¡°Certainly. Their hide does not become weaker upon their death. So be sure that you have the Strength to pull any weapons out of a monster that you stab a sword into, eh?¡± Nold said.

    Zalan faintly remembered getting his sword stuck inside of a Narg and being unable to pull it out after the battle. Fran pulled it out for him without much effort on her part. He realized that it could have ended up a lot worse had he still been in the middle of the battle.

    The further they traveled away from Oriton, the more aware of his surroundings Zalan became. They had entered an area densely populated by flora he didn¡¯t recognize. The world off the paths was much more overgrown with plantlife and felt somewhat ominous, like humans weren¡¯t supposed to encroach on the land. Sharp bristles stuck out of patches of dirt and the bark of the few trees they passed seemed to have spikes on their ends. The further he looked ahead, the more Zalan felt like they should get away from here.

    ¡°Where are we going, anyway? What city?¡± Zalan asked, growing nervous with the silence of the trees around them. Trees were supposed to be silent, but it felt like they were watching him.

    ¡°I am unfamiliar with where it will take place this year, but it will not be a city. The Elemental Rage Tournament does not take place in a city. It is out in the middle of nowhere,¡± Rep said. By the sound of his voice, he was also growing fearful of the new surroundings.

    ¡°Why is that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It has always been that way, just as the Elementals decided it years ago,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan gave him a look of bafflement.

    ¡°Elementals organize this tournament?¡± Zalan asked, stunned.

    ¡°No, it is entirely human run,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°It used to be run by Elementals, in the days of its inception,¡± Nold added.

    Zalan looked between them in confusion, certain that he was being pranked in some way. Neither Rep nor Nold looked like they were holding back laughter.

    ¡°How¡­ what¡­ How did Elementals run a tournament? Were they judges? Did they have rules? How did they get contestants? How did¡­ How?¡± Zalan asked, each question inspiring more questions.

    ¡°The name of the tournament was inspired by the Elementals themselves. If no one joined the tournament, entire cities would earn their wrath,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°So people showed up in fear?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Nold interjected. ¡°Perhaps the first tournament, but it was said that people came from all around to enter every year. The tournament used to be the only way to earn Elemental abilities in years past.¡±

    ¡°No Elemental challenges?¡± Zalan asked, interested.

    ¡°The Elemental Rage Tournament was the challenge,¡± Rep clarified. ¡°You proved yourself worthy in combat to earn their incredible powers. Elementals were said to float above each of the matches and reward anyone they found worthy.¡±

    ¡°Do they still do that? Watch all the matches?¡± Zalan asked, remembering how terrifying it was to witness the Storm Elemental he sought out. He couldn¡¯t imagine that it wouldn¡¯t be distracting when he was supposed to be focused on a fight. Would Elementals start storms if they didn¡¯t like a fight?

    ¡°They have not viewed tournaments in years. Not that we know of, anyway. The Elementals soured on the idea of the tournament over time,¡± Nold shook his head, seeming displeased. ¡°They wanted to grant their power to those that would use it. They thought that those who were worthy in combat would be worthy in adventures across the realm, showing others the amazing power held within Elementals. But the pathetic fools who would succeed in the tournaments instead lived safe lives and avoided risk. They wanted the prestige of the power but held no more ambition to do something with their power! They likely never would have earned the power in the world we live in today. So, one year, the Elementals simply did not arrive, but the attendees still did. After some deliberation, the tournament continued regardless of the unusual circumstances.¡±

    Zalan thought of the idea of what the tournament used to be. Elementals looming over fights and waiting to give people otherworldly abilities. He wondered if he would have participated in the old version. He shook his head, suddenly recognizing that this wasn¡¯t his world and there was no chance for him to have been part of that history. He didn¡¯t need to dwell on multiple layers of impossibility.

    ¡°Over time,¡± Rep continued, ¡°the rules changed and rather than simple hand-to-hand combat, it became encouraged to use Elemental abilities in battle. Perhaps as an homage to the origins of the tournament.¡±

    ¡°The tournament must be pretty brutal if you can just go and heal up right after a fight with a Healing Rest, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°There is no Healing Rest in the tournament,¡± Nold declared.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The Elementals pushed humans to their limits. The tournament is always held in a location that does not allow for Healing Rest. The Elementals would never have allowed it. The tradition continues, and fighters carry their injuries to each subsequent bout,¡± Rep explained.

    Zalan nodded, the naming and history starting to make sense to him. He wondered if there was a deep history to this realm that he was missing. What kind of things would someone have to do in order to make history? Was killing an Elemental Dragon worthy of becoming legend? Zalan decided that he wanted to leave even sooner, before he became anything more than a footnote in this realm. Something about having a lasting effect left a disquieting feeling in his stomach. He was supposed to be back home by now. He hated this place and wanted no part in it.

    Nold¡¯s gait changed suddenly, turning them slightly. He had taken notice of something, but didn¡¯t let it show on his face. Abruptly, he spun and faced his students.

    ¡°Can I see your weapons for a moment?¡± Nold suddenly asked, holding out his hands to Rep and Zalan.

    Rep and Zalan offered their blades. Nold raised them both high above his head. He admired them for a few seconds, then lowered them and looked at the unarmed members of his group.

    ¡°You have two options,¡± Nold said, an interesting gleam in his eyes. ¡°You can reclaim your swords from me, or you can fight those Slimescorps with nothing but your hands and Elemental powers.¡±

    Bewildered by his offer, Rep and Zalan looked at one another. Then, they turned to look out at whatever Nold was referring to. In the distance, five slimy blue gooey monsters slid by like giant slugs. Out of their rears came a large, sharp tail like the end of a scorpion. Their eyes were simple and orange, looking more like dots than working optical receptors. They were inching away from the travelers, not having shown any notice to the men near their path. Zalan was still squinting, trying to get a read on the monsters as Nold began to raise the confiscated weapons.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Rep said, disheartened, already knowing he was too late.

    Nold struck the two swords atop his head, a signal for the nearby monsters which immediately turned their attention to the three travelers. Their slithering sped up significantly, and behind them trailed an acidic, burning residue. Zalan knew immediately that they were not supposed to be touched.

    ¡°Time to show me what your powers can do in battle. Prove to me that you could really handle an Elemental Dragon,¡± Nold smiled.

 57 - Book 2 - Chapter 06 - Slimescorps

    ¡°Nold, they are too dangerous, we need our weapons,¡± Rep said as the Slimescorps closed in on them.

    ¡°Then take them,¡± Nold suggested.

    ¡°This is not a game, give me my sword back!¡± Rep demanded. ¡°We can not touch the approaching monsters!¡±

    ¡°You can if you fully imbue your body,¡± Nold suggested.

    ¡°What are they? What do they do?¡± Zalan asked, holding himself ready to throw lightning as soon as they were close enough. He didn¡¯t want to risk missing and letting them know about his Elemental Power before they were hit by it.

    ¡°You will not be able to ask the same question of your opponents,¡± Nold said, hopping away as Rep tried to retrieve his weapon. ¡°Assess them for yourself!¡±

    ¡°Do not touch them!¡± Rep added helpfully. He tried to swipe at Nold¡¯s hand to get a grasp of his hilt, but Nold spun his arm around, slickly avoiding Rep.

    Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if Nold was a good or bad teacher. His methods reminded him of when Fran was making things up on the spot, but Nold seemed a lot more confident. It felt like there was a purpose to the limitations he¡¯d placed on them. While Rep grew frustrated in his inability to reclaim his sword, Zalan threw a bolt of lightning at the closest Slimescorp, causing it to double over in pain and stop while the others continued their pursuit. It died moments later.

    ¡°They aren¡¯t that bad!¡± Zalan said, surprised with himself.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Rep said, turning away from Nold and throwing a large, raging fireball at a Slimescorp. He raised his eyebrows in surprise at the size of his fire. Only then did Rep realize that his Wisdom had increased since the last time he used his Elemental Power.

    The Slimescorp erupted in flames. It began sliding around in a rapid circle, unable to escape the pain before dying altogether. There were only three left approaching them, but their speed slowed when they saw Rep and Zalan¡¯s abilities. Rep and Zalan made quick steps backward, keeping their distance and relying completely on their range of Elemental ability.

    Zalan threw another bolt of lightning, but suddenly, it was blocked by a wall of sand that sprouted quickly from the earth. Zalan blinked in shock.

    ¡°They can move sand?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not them,¡± Rep corrected, sounding frustrated. He tossed his eyebrows upward, pointing to Nold.

    Nold was smiling, a short wall of sandy earth surrounded him. He had encased himself in sand high enough to block him from the Slimescorp¡¯s view. It took Zalan a second longer to understand that Nold had used his Elemental Sand Power to protect the Slimescorp he targeted from his lightning.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the wall you put in front of them?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°You¡¯re protecting monsters?¡±

    ¡°They were going to die without having a chance to put up a fight! You need a challenge! Curve your attack in midair and get around my Element. Learn to redirect,¡± Nold suggested.

    ¡°First you strip us of our blades, now you are aiding them?¡± Rep asked, exasperated.

    ¡°I am training you!¡± Nold said strictly without missing a beat.

    The Slimescorps seemed confused by the protective sand that appeared before them and attacked it as though it was a new enemy. Zalan tried to throw another blast of lightning, but again it was blocked by a new mound of sand. Rep threw a fireball from a different angle, but sand protected them as well. The Slimescorps grew enraged at the sand and fired blue acid from their gelatinous tails, reducing the sand to flat mush in a moment. The earth hissed and sizzled. They directed their attention back to Zalan and Rep.

    ¡°Do not let their acid touch you,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Yeah, I got that,¡± Zalan replied immediately.

    The three Slimescorps all threw a wad of acid toward Rep and Zalan. Rep threw forward a thin wall of fire in panic and Zalan pulled him away. The acid passed easily through the flame and landed next to Zalan and Rep, leaving a stinking hole in the ground, an acrid stench billowing from it.

    ¡°You are not going to protect us?¡± Rep asked Nold, increasingly baffled as he looked at the acid pooling, sinking away in a hole that it burned into the earth.

    ¡°You need to protect yourselves,¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°But you will provide support to our enemies?¡±

    ¡°You must be prepared for anything in the coming battles,¡± Nold said sagely.

    ¡°We will not be at the battles if we do not survive this!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then you had better survive this,¡± Nold quipped.

    Rep threw another fireball at the Slimescorps, only to groan in frustration when Nold protected them again. Zalan threw a bolt of lightning, twisting his arm in the air to try and redirect the lightning to no success.

    ¡°There you go!¡± Nold said. ¡°Try and curve it! It is much more in the mind-muscle than it is in the release. Imagine your power is attached to you by a string, even when it is curving through the air!¡±

    In the course of Nold¡¯s explanation, Rep successfully killed another Slimescorp. They had gotten too close to Rep and Zalan now and Nold needed even more focus to constantly protect them from the Elemental blasts. Zalan tried again to curve his lightning, shifting his arm in a circle as he tried to grasp for the feeling. He saw the lighting inch slightly to the right in the air. The slight alteration amazed him. He really was learning something.

    ¡°I can do this!¡± Zalan said. ¡°Let¡¯s get more distance between¡ª¡±

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    Rep pushed Zalan¡¯s head down, ducking beneath another projectile of deadly acid. Some of it singed Zalan¡¯s tunic, immediately opening a finger-sized hole in the clothing.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Zalan breathed.

    ¡°Let us retreat,¡± Rep replied, practically dragging Zalan to a distance from the two slithering creatures.

    The Slimescorps briefly turned their attention to Nold behind the sand wall, giving Zalan and Rep more time to get out of acid range. Nold shook his head at the creatures and twisted his finger in the air. The ground beneath the Slimescorps turned in a circle like a plate and they were redirected to Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°Stop helping them!¡± Rep pleaded.

    ¡°Stop killing them so slowly!¡± Nold replied.

    Rep and Zalan threw multiple blasts at the Slimescorps, each trying to shift their power in the air as Nold continued to play defense from their direct attacks. Zalan could feel the pull in his mind, a new sensation. The mind-muscle felt like it had a new piece that allowed him to redirect it. His lightning was wiggling, but still not quite turning like he wanted it. Rep was making much more impressive headway, already experienced with redirecting fire in battles he had in the past. At last, as the Slimescorps threw another spray of acid toward them, Rep was able to turn a fireball enough to veer sharply around the wall of sand and strike the Slimescorp directly.

    ¡°Yes! Finally!¡± Rep threw a fist in the air.

    ¡°Rep! Move!¡± Zalan called.

    The final Slimescorp had enough of throwing acid and decided to jump at Rep with impressive speed, its viscous mouth widened to shred him apart in a single acid-imbued bite. Nold did nothing to stop it, despite its direct course for Rep¡¯s face. Zalan dove to his friend, desperate to protect what little remained in this realm that he didn¡¯t hate.

    The Slimescorp made contact with Rep¡¯s face.

    Only slightly.

    At the last moment, Zalan had punched the creature out of the way with his bare knuckles, then blasted it with lightning with the same hand. The Slimescorp whined weakly, then became inert on the ground. Rep had reeled back in pain, covering his face and screaming into his hands. Before Zalan could ask to get a look at the wound, his hand exploded in pain. Zalan then realized how badly his hand was burning and bleeding. It was like when he punched the Flamestriker, the first monster he encountered when he entered this world. Mutilated and raw. He tried to ignore the pain and focus on Rep who may be missing a face.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Zalan kneeled down, scared to get a good look at Rep¡¯s face.

    ¡°Yes, yes, I am fine,¡± Rep said through grit teeth.

    Zalan doubted him. He had known Rep for understating the wounds he¡¯d taken in battle. On top of that, Rep wouldn¡¯t uncover his face.

    ¡°Show me,¡± Zalan pleaded.

    Rep let out a shaky breath and lowered his hands. A garish streak of black and red ran across his face, looking like a flaming sword cut into him. Rep tried to smile, but the pain limited him to a half frown.

    ¡°I am fine,¡± Rep assured him. ¡°It looks worse than it feels.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t see it, Rep,¡± Zalan said, concerned.

    ¡°Yes, well, I am probably right,¡± Rep attempted.

    A faint breeze passed them and Rep covered the wound, crouching in pain. Zalan had to cover his hand to avoid having the same pain cut through him. The fresh wound was too tender for even a little wind. Zalan pursed his lips and stood. Instructor Nold lowered the small, sandy defenses he¡¯d built around himself and nodded to Zalan.

    ¡°Good punch. Decent weight behind it. Try and imbue your fist with your lightning to protect it from the effects of the slime creature. Your wound was avoidable,¡± Nold instructed.

    ¡°He¡¯s hurt,¡± Zalan indicated to Rep.

    ¡°I am fine,¡± Rep said automatically, still crouched low.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the nearest town?¡± Zalan asked Nold.

    ¡°Oriton,¡± Nold pointed back to the way they came.

    ¡°Can we go back and heal?¡± Zalan asked, raising his hand to show it was for more than just Rep¡¯s face.

    ¡°Absolutely not. There is no time. We would arrive at the tournament too late and miss the opportunity to participate. Cover your wounds and we can get moving,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan pulled out bandages for both himself and Rep. He tried to wrap it around Rep, but Rep shook his head.

    ¡°You are bleeding more than me,¡± Rep said. ¡°Cover yourself.¡±

    ¡°But you¡ª¡±

    ¡°We can both cover our wounds at the same time, you know,¡± Rep said, wincing. ¡°Cover yourself and I will cover myself.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan nodded, not knowing why he didn¡¯t first consider that as he passed Rep some dressing.

    They both tightly wrapped their open wounds and stood up hesitantly, watching themselves for any other signs of being poisoned by the Slimescorps. There seemed to be no other lasting consequences from the monsters and they both turned to Nold.

    ¡°Is there a town we can stop in on the way?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Certainly, there is one more town between us and the tournament,¡± Nold nodded.

    ¡°Oh, you should have mentioned that earlier. Then, we can still heal,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Heal? There is no healing in the tournament,¡± Nold said. ¡°You must take on every battle with the wounds you carry from the previous battle.¡±

    ¡°Sure, but I¡¯m talking about before the tournament,¡± Zalan said, confused.

    ¡°So you will take every crumb of assistance you can find instead of trying to overcome the challenge?¡± Nold asked with an accusatory tone.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Rep answered without shame.

    ¡°But you could rely even more heavily on your powers and become a master over your abilities! Do you not want to become stronger? To pull lightning from the sky?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get it twisted, I want to get stronger. But that¡¯s so I can win the tournament! I¡¯m not going into the matches at a disadvantage,¡± Zalan said, annoyed.

    Angry, almost. It seemed he was always right on the brink of rage or wanting to start a fight after first using the Homeseeker. He hated this realm and being stuck in it, and that feeling bled into every one of his thoughts, like his anger was searching for a target.

    Nold regarded the two of them and their injuries. His lip twitched.

    ¡°Very well,¡± he acquiesced. ¡°We will partake in some healing rest. But between now and then, we will not shrink away from any monsters we find on the way to the town. You will learn to fight when limited.¡±

    ¡°That acid could have killed us,¡± Rep said. ¡°You could have offered us some protection.¡±

    ¡°Every single attack you see in the tournament may be deadly,¡± Nold said. ¡°Do not underestimate that just because the contestants agree to rules. These days will be spent being prepared for anything before you have the chance to heal.¡±

    Zalan and Rep sighed, not certain how long it would be before they could get their respite.

    ¡°How far are you from gaining a Level and healing yourself that way?¡± Zalan asked his friend.

    ¡°I am at 15 Experience. Yourself?¡±

    ¡°I got 4.¡±

    Rep bit the inside of his lip and turned to Nold.

    ¡°Can I have my sword back now?¡± Rep asked, holding out his hand.

    ¡°Did you not hear what I said? You will learn to fight when limited,¡± Nold said, smiling and shaking his head. ¡°You will fight all the monsters between here and the tournament with your bare hands. Either that, or you will take the weapons from me yourself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not fair, we gave you our swords willingly!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Perhaps next time you will think twice before disarming yourselves,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan and Rep grumbled to themselves in frustration.

    ¡°Come on, then,¡± Nold said confidently. ¡°I believe I see some monsters on the horizon and wish to have you fight them before they leave our path.¡±

 58 - Book 2 - Chapter 07 - Relentless Training

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan breathed hard, throwing out as much lightning as he could with his good hand, the other in too much pain for him to want to use. The monsters that Nold raced to catch up with ended up being Boznoks. Rep seemed hesitant and Zalan remembered that Boznoks were supposed to be treated like intelligent life to some degree. It was a fiasco the last time he killed one that surrendered in combat. Nold was quick to assure them that these Boznoks were different and didn¡¯t deserve their hesitations. The Boznoks turned toward them when a gust of wind picked up and cast the travelers¡¯ scent in their direction, alerting them of newcomers.

    The Boznoks were a hunting party and well-versed in combat, including defending against Elemental-powered individuals. Nold didn¡¯t need to supply them any additional protections, as their shields were good at absorbing the blows of both fire and lightning strikes.

    ¡°We need our swords!¡± Zalan said, panting as he ran away from a pursuing Boznok with a spiked club.

    ¡°That is what you said about the Slimescorps, but you did just fine! Curve lightning to turn around and strike those that are not even in your vision,¡± Nold called.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how!¡± Zalan screamed.

    ¡°I know! Learn!¡± Nold said, casting a wall of sand before him to protect himself from oncoming Boznoks.

    Rep was locked in a brutal struggle on the floor, trying to pry a mace away from a Boznok. Another was chasing Zalan with its horns down. Nold was watching Zalan intently, seeming to enjoy the show from his protected space behind the sands.

    Zalan tried desperately to throw lightning behind him, but the Boznok was able to protect itself by catching the lightning with its weapon. Zalan instead attempted to throw lightning straight upward and curve it back down, but could do no more than make it wiggle like a sonic wave through the sky.

    The Boznok swung its club and Zalan just ducked out of the way as he ran. Zalan wheeled around on his heel and tried imbuing his hand with lighting. He attempted to throw lightning at the same time he threw a punch. It worked to throw the boar-like beast off-balance, but Zalan was certain it didn¡¯t carry the same effect as Nold¡¯s ability to imbue his entire arm. What he did felt more like two distinct attacks landing at around the same time.

    ¡°Good try, but imbuing is different from firing! Think about how you imbue your sword,¡± Nold reminded.

    ¡°Maybe if I had my sword I¡ª¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t have time to finish the sentence as the Boznok drove into him with its wooden shield. Zalan braced himself against it, amazed by how strong he was in his ability to hold his own against the creature that seemed much more powerful than him not too long ago. Zalan tried to imbue his hand and punch through the shield being pushed into him, but only did well to bruise his unbandaged hand. He then placed both hands on the edges of the shield and put energy into it as if to imbue it with lightning. The shield couldn¡¯t maintain the power and burst into flame to the Boznok¡¯s terror and surprise.

    ¡°Good thinking! Imbue everything! It will make it easier to learn how to imbue yourself,¡± Nold encouraged.

    ¡°Stop talking!¡± Zalan demanded, frustrated.

    The Boznok was trying to untangle itself from its burning shield and Zalan finally had a clear shot to attack it. He fired a bolt of lightning toward it, but it ducked down, shifting itself just out of the way of the lightning¡¯s trajectory. Zalan pulled at the feeling in his mind while twisting his arm down, and watched as the lightning inched in the direction he wanted, redirecting itself a few inches.

    A direct hit.

    The Boznok cried out in pain and fell backward. It was waving its club frantically as it still tried to remove its burning shield looped onto the other arm. It struggled, twitching while dealing with the paralytic consequences of the lightning to its head. Zalan quickly closed in and fired a series of lightning strikes in his face. After a dozen blasts, he watched over it closely, ensuring it was dead before finally turning his attention away.

    Rep had pulled the weapon away from the Boznok he fought. The monster that was trying to injure Nold quit trying to stab into the sand wall and turned to run after Zalan. Zalan picked up the dead Boznok¡¯s spiked club and accepted its challenge, running forward as it raised its spear. Rep made quick work of the first Boznok now that it was unarmed, and turned to assist Zalan.

    Together, Zalan and Rep converged on the remaining creature and imbued their weapons just as they were about to make contact with the beast. The Boznok hesitated at the last moment, suddenly realizing how outmatched it was. Zalan and Rep¡¯s weapons burst apart against the Boznok¡¯s head in an explosion of fire and lightning that killed it instantly. Zalan and Rep panted over the Boznok, looking around to make sure there weren¡¯t any reinforcements.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°At least we get a weapon,¡± Zalan said as he kneeled down to pick up the last Boznok¡¯s wooden spear.

    It burst into flames just before Zalan grabbed it. He lept back and looked at Rep who was equally confused by the spontaneous combustion.

    ¡°It just burned? Was it laced with a trap? An Artifact, maybe?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I think we know something more probable,¡± Rep turned his eyes to Nold in annoyance.

    Nold was holding out his hand, clearly having just used his Elemental power to burn the weapon. Zalan forgot he had the ability to control fire as well as sand.

    ¡°Not bad. But I think you could have handled them better if you were unarmed. Otherwise you will never learn,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to die before we get any real learning out here,¡± Zalan sighed, sitting on the ground to catch his breath.

    ¡°Do not lie to yourself! You shifted your lightning mid-attack! You are learning to curve it,¡± Nold said to Zalan.

    ¡°I guess. But we¡¯re trying to learn too much at once,¡± Zalan complained.

    ¡°We have no opportunity to take our time! The tournament is only days away,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°We are going to be too exhausted to participate at this rate!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Exhaustion is a good sign that you are working hard enough,¡± Nold rebutted.

    ¡°Also a good sign that we won¡¯t stand a chance in a tournament,¡± Zalan noted.

    Nold¡¯s lips went thin, his eyes closing sharply as he let out a long sigh.

    ¡°Very well,¡± he said, his voice strained. ¡°We can stop here to make camp. Would that quench both of your wells of whining?¡±

    Zalan shrugged, accepting the offer. Rep¡¯s eyes narrowed at Nold¡¯s change in demeanor. He didn¡¯t know him very well and was uncertain whether he was an impatient man. It seemed to be something more than impatience. He didn¡¯t like being talked back to. The sun was still high and neither Zalan or Rep suggested that they didn¡¯t want to keep moving, just that they wanted their training to commence at a more reasonable rate.

    ¡°Just because we are staying here does not mean that we are done for the day. Your power has so much room to grow and we need to do it faster,¡± Nold suddenly said.

    This somewhat alleviated Rep¡¯s hesitations, making it clear that Nold cared about training more than he did their well-being. Gaining power as fast as possible was everything to Nold. Rep could at least understand the man, as much as he disagreed with him.

    Zalan was still breathing heavily, looking over the dead Boznoks with an odd energy. He still wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about the creatures. When he was with his previous companions whom he considered his friends, they seemed appalled that he killed one that surrendered. When fighting with Nold, his instructor made it seem like they were nothing more than just another monster. Was there really a difference between monsters in this realm?

    ¡°I will give you¡­ Ten minutes to rest and decide who will be the first to spar with me,¡± Nold said.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged an uncertain glance.

    ¡°We have to spar with you?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Right now? Among all of¡­¡± Rep looked at the dead Boznoks surrounding them uncomfortably.

    In reply, Nold raised his arm and gripped it into a fist. Three holes opened up under the Boznoks and swallowed them in sand, giving them an instant burial. Zalan and Rep stared, partly horrified. Nold continued as if nothing had happened.

    ¡°It will be the closest training to the real bouts you will take part in while at the tournament. Unarmed combat with someone who is likely more powerful than you,¡± Nold offered.

    ¡°More powerful? We will be entering in the lowest rung of the tournament. The Level 5 and Under division. No one should be more powerful than we are. Trading blows with you is likely too far out of our abilities,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Do not overestimate the amount of power that these Levels grant you,¡± Nold warned.

    ¡°But that¡¯s like¡­ the whole thing with this realm!¡± Zalan protested. ¡°Higher Levels is higher Strength and Wisdom, right? How else am I supposed to see that except as a gap in power levels?¡±

    ¡°You are in the right sphere of mind, but what is a higher Strength to someone who cannot touch you? What good is Wisdom when you are defeated before you cast your first attack?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°So¡­ you mean we can be faster? Fight smarter and it won¡¯t matter how much higher of a Level our opponent has?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Precisely,¡± Nold said. ¡°When you are fighting monsters, it is imperative that you have a high enough Strength to deal damage. But even a lowly Level 1 human can take down a Level 20 human if they are experienced and the Level 20 is overconfident in his abilities.¡±

    Zalan blinked in surprise, then looked at Rep who was equally stunned by the information.

    ¡°A Level 1 could defeat a Level 20? Are you certain?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Your increase in Strength is not an increase in speed or defense. I am absolutely certain,¡± Nold nodded. ¡°Given that the stronger of the two does not touch them once. That would not end well.¡±

    ¡°So then¡­ either one of us should be able to take you down, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold grinned widely.

    ¡°That is precisely what I am asking you to try.¡±

 59 - Book 2 - Chapter 08 - Sparring

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan decided that he would be the first to spar his instructor, rolling up his sleeves. Nold rolled up his sleeves as well, revealing a strange, deep purple and black scar on his wrist where his stats would usually show up. Zalan stared at it for a moment, then thought it would be rude to ask the story behind the scar. Even more so, Nold would probably take the question as an opportunity when Zalan¡¯s guard was down and strike at him. But he resolved to ask about it later if he got the opportunity.

    ¡°This practice fight¡¯s rules are exactly the same as the rules of the tournament. If you are knocked out, you lose. If you are taken by an Elemental Overwhelm, you lose. If you are conscious, but remain on the floor for more than ten seconds, you lose. If you yield or forfeit, you lose the match and my respect. The only difference between now and the real tournament is that I will not throw any Elemental Power at you, but you can use as much as you like. Any questions?¡± Nold asked, flexing his fists.

    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s an Elemental Overwhelm?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°To be buried in one¡¯s Elemental Power so much that you cannot do anything to attack the opponent,¡± Rep explained as he sat nervously on the sidelines. ¡°For instance, if Nold were to trap you in a dome of sand and you were unable to break out, you would lose by Elemental Overwhelm. Even if you were still able-bodied and willing to fight.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Zalan raised his hands toward Nold in preparation.

    They eyed one another for a few seconds, Zalan not sure when the sparring match was supposed to officially begin. A bead of sweat began rolling down his forehead. It slid slowly down over his eyebrow. He blinked.

    ¡°Begin!¡± Nold screamed as he raced forward toward Zalan.

    Zalan grunted in frustration and blasted two full-powered bolts of lightning at Nold. Nold smiled and weaved between the two with expert dexterity. He was so fast, he wondered if he was familiar with dodging lightning attacks before. Or maybe he was just that experienced with all kinds of attacks.

    ¡°You will have to curve the lightning if you wish to touch me!¡± Nold laughed.

    Zalan tried another blast, twisting his arm in the air to try and change the direction of his lighting. It shifted slightly, but Nold had already closed in and gotten past the point of the curve. Zalan braced himself as Nold slammed a fist into Zalan¡¯s chest. Zalan screamed and fell backward, landing hard on his back. He coughed as his chest burned painfully. He was surprised by how much pain he was in. Nold¡¯s punch was surprisingly light, but the aftershock was unbearable. He looked down at his chest and saw a burnt hole in his tunic and a dark red mark on his chest. His eyes widened as he gasped for air.

    ¡°Do you yield after a single blow?¡± Nold asked, seeming disappointed.

    ¡°What did you do to me?¡±

    ¡°I struck you because you left yourself open.¡±

    ¡°This wasn¡¯t just a punch! Did you burn me with fire?¡± Zalan demanded, wincing as his chest burned.

    ¡°My fist was imbued with flame,¡± Nold nodded.

    ¡°I thought you said you wouldn¡¯t use your Elemental power against me?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I did not say that. I said I would not throw any Elemental power at you. And I did not. I am still operating by tournament rules. Consider this a window into a real fight,,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°You threw an Elemental punch at me!¡± Zalan said, frustrated.

    ¡°As will all of your competitors,¡± Nold replied.

    Zalan glared at Nold for his deliberate misdirection. He looked over to Rep who was biting his lip and shaking his head in disappointment at Nold. Nold waited with folded arms, signaling for Zalan to get back up with a flick of his head.

    ¡°How come I didn¡¯t see any fire on your gloves even though they¡¯re imbued?¡± Zalan asked, looking over Nold¡¯s arms to look for signs of burns.

    ¡°That is the next step of imbuing yourself. You make the layer of imbuing so small that your opponents are totally unaware of your ability to deliver powered punches. It keeps them in bafflement by how deep the wounds are from glancing blows,¡± Nold explained, tapping the knuckles of his gloves.

    ¡°The whole point of stopping here was so that we could rest from all the hits we were taking!¡± Zalan said, standing up angrily. ¡°You¡¯re just making it worse.¡±

    ¡°I never agreed to a hospitable rest. There is too much work to be done to cultivate your power,¡± Nold said, throwing another punch as soon as Zalan stood.

    Zalan jumped backward, barely avoiding another burning blow and reacted immediately with lightning. Channeling his rage, he was able to grip the lightning and redirect it more than usual. The bolt curved a slight bend and singed Nold¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Good! Use your frustrations to get better if that is what it takes! Anger is a tool!¡± Nold said, moving to close the gap between him and Zalan.

    ¡°Are you insane!? This is not how you teach people!¡± Zalan said as he threw more lightning and kept his distance.

    ¡°It is how I taught all of my pupils who won the tournament!¡± Nold sneered. ¡°Do you not wish to win and see Madam Hikma?¡±

    The name triggered something in Zalan and he roared. He gripped lightning in his hand and threw a punch at the approaching Nold. Nold reacted with his own incoming fist. Zalan¡¯s shocking blow collided with Nold¡¯s fiery punch and they both cracked their knuckles and stepped back, waving their hands in the air in reaction to the sudden pain.

    ¡°You imbued your hand!¡± Nold said, stunned and excited.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Zalan commanded in rage.

    He gripped his wounded hand, reeling from the pain of striking against Nold as well as hurting himself when imbuing his hand. It stung madly. His fingers twitched and Nold watched him carefully as he seethed. Zalan spread his palm slowly, analyzing the damage. Nold looked over his own hand, Zalan''s attack having darkened the gloves he wore. A tiny hole formed just below his knuckles with a speck of blood, and Nold made a quick effort to cover the hole with some sand.

    ¡°See how you can do damage to even someone at my Level? I have not had someone draw blood from me in ages,¡± Nold said, trying to encourage him.

    ¡°And what Level are you?¡± Zalan asked, still fuming.

    ¡°Significantly higher than you, I assure you,¡± Nold said confidently.

    Zalan frowned deeply at the response, glaring further at Nold.

    ¡°You know what? I quit,¡± Zalan growled.

    ¡°Yielding after only receiving tiny attacks? I question whether you will last a single round in the tournament,¡± Nold replied smarmily.

    ¡°Yeah, well, I don¡¯t care,¡± Zalan spat. ¡°But I¡¯m pretty sure you do. Your reputation will be in shambles if your newest student has only the worst things to say about you. I¡¯m not even learning anything when you¡¯re just hitting me.¡±

    ¡°I would never claim you as a student the way you are behaving,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Like people would believe that you showed up to the tournament for no reason,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I would not show up.¡±

    ¡°Then Rep will tell everyone you trained us,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold hesitated. Rep¡¯s involvement was the first time that something struck him. Rep was known as an honest man, he would have no reason to lie about this. Zalan and Nold stared one another down, the energy tight between them. Rep cleared his throat to pull their attention away from each other, hoping to dissipate the situation.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Rep said, his voice calm. ¡°Would you mind if I get a turn in sparring?¡±

    Zalan and Nold both looked at him in surprise. Almost as though they forgot he was there the entire time.

    ¡°You would like to spar?¡± Nold asked, surprised.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time. He just wants to hurt you,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I am not so sure. He has been right about curving my fire. Look.¡±

    Rep threw out a fireball that he was able to sharply curve to hit a rock to his right. He smiled to himself, satisfied at the visual. Zalan watched, trying not to look impressed when he was still sour with emotions.

    ¡°I need more training. I think I have a handle on redirection, but I wish to learn to imbue my hands with the fire too small to see,¡± Rep said.

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    ¡°Sparring will help with that!¡± Nold said, eager to take on the more willing student. In addition, he was trying to make Zalan feel left out and capitulate to his training process.

    ¡°Rep, I¡¯m telling you, he¡¯s wasting your time,¡± Zalan said, annoyed.

    ¡°I am familiar with his reputation. His students often win or at least enter the last few rounds of the tournament,¡± Rep said. ¡°I wish to be among those in the finals.¡±

    ¡°Why? Since when did you care?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I think it would be good to become a better fighter. Especially if there are more adventures we intend to go on after the tournament,¡± Rep said, somewhat embarrassed. He wasn¡¯t proud to admit to his lack of fighting ability.

    ¡°What, is this tournament supposed to be a good way to do that? There are plenty of other ways, why do you think this is worthwhile?¡± Zalan asked, sounding judgemental as he tried to turn Rep against Nold.

    ¡°Since you told me that I should take part in this tournament,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°When did I say that? Back at Hikma¡¯s? I didn¡¯t mean that,¡± Zalan said quickly.

    ¡°Back in Poppyville. And, say what you will now, I know you meant it then,¡± Rep said certainly.

    Zalan blinked, faintly remembering his time in Poppyville. They entered that town during a festival in which Elemental games were played. He was suddenly hit with a wave of fondness for the friends he no longer had surrounding him. Not just Fran who had passed away, but even Gorb and Yelsa were far and away better companions to him than Nold. He was much happier at the time. Now, he just felt like he was constantly boiling under his skin. He remembered the conversation where he told Rep he would be a good fighter in the tournament. It was in the inn just before they fell asleep. He did mean it at the time. Rep had potential that he didn¡¯t see in himself, and he only wanted to improve. And Rep, of all people in this world, deserved that kind of improvement.

    ¡°Fine, whatever, but I¡¯m not fighting,¡± Zalan said, stepping aside and letting Rep prepare to face off against Nold. Nold gave Zalan a knowing smirk, not concerned about the words he spoke.

    Rep stood slightly hesitant, his eagerness clouded by his fear of being seriously hurt. He lit a flame at the end of his palm and tried to hold on to it to imbue his hands.

    ¡°Not bad,¡± Nold said. ¡°But the imbue is supposed to be emitting from just around your hand. You do not produce your Element, then wrap it around yourself. It is an immediate effect, not a two-step process. It should start already around yourself.¡±

    Nold waved his arm, which immediately erupted in flame to prove his point. Rep watched closely, trying to catch the trick to emulate. It needed to spark more spontaneously, like a small encompassing explosion that originated from himself.

    ¡°Right,¡± Rep tried to imbue his hand again, then waved it in pain, having burned himself instead of placing it above his hand. He massaged his hand as he tried to think through the process. Nold didn¡¯t give him the chance.

    ¡°You have the right idea. Now do it faster! And in combat!¡± Nold raced forward toward Rep.

    Rep stiffened at Nold¡¯s approach and raised his hands defensively. He tried to imbue a hand, only for it to injure his hand again. He clenched his fist tightly as the pain jumped through it. Using his other hand, he threw a ball of flame that Nold slapped aside easily, continuing his movement toward Rep. Rep jumped back, but Nold just took an extra step then threw his punch. He hit Rep in the stomach, then stepped back to assess the damage he did to him. Rep didn¡¯t fall or cry out.

    Rep breathed in and threw two fireballs at Nold, keeping distance as Nold reacted to the attack. This time, when Nold threw one of the fireballs aside, Rep continued to hold onto it, curving it in the air and slowly bringing it back around to Nold. It took too long, and Nold caught on to the attack and ducked down just as it was about to strike him, sailing overhead harmlessly. Then, the teacher looked curiously at his student.

    ¡°Your tunic is intact. Is it flame proof?¡± Nold asked, indicating to the spot he had punched Rep.

    ¡°I redirected the tiny flames on your imbued hand so you only hit me with your fist,¡± Rep said weakly, already exhausted after the short bout.

    Nold raised his eyebrows. Zalan also watched in amazement. Rep had never acted so fast in combat before. He was holding up much better than Zalan expected.

    ¡°That was¡­ brilliant,¡± Nold said, surprised. ¡°I did not even feel the change in my flames.¡±

    ¡°I suspected you would be too eager to attack me to notice the change in your imbue in such a small spot of your body. As I tried to imbue, I noticed there is too much to pay attention to in the act. And you are completely covered in flame,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Nold said, considering this with interest.

    ¡°Wait, what do you mean, exactly?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Now that I know to look for it, I felt for his imbue when he was fighting you. He has a thin layer of flame along his entire body. All of him is protected, but I assume it is also costly to his energies,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°You would be surprised by how much you can imbue yourself with very little energy,¡± Nold said, clearly impressed by how much Rep picked up. ¡°Now that you have that information, how will you act during my next attack?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Rep said sheepishly.

    ¡°That was supposed to be a rhetorical question,¡± Nold said as he rushed in for another blow.

    Rep threw a small slice of flame toward Nold, who sidestepped it and was met with another slice to his face. Nold shook it off easily, but when his eyes were covered by the flame, Rep was able to duck out of his eyeline and throw a punch with his full body weight behind it. He managed a direct hit right on Nold¡¯s thigh. Nold twitched and reacted reflexively to the unexpected pain. With a sharp raise of his knee, he summoned a firehose of water beneath Rep¡¯s feet, sending him flying back a few feet and rolling to recover.

    Zalan stared in horror as Rep watched the water dripping off of him, more out of surprise than any wound he took.

    Rep stood up uneasily, looking at his soaked clothing and the spout in the earth in front of Nold. He stared at it for a few silent seconds, trying to register where the water came from. When he had a theory, he looked up at Nold who was mortified by what he¡¯d revealed.

    ¡°You have an Elemental Water power as well?¡± Rep asked.

    Nold didn¡¯t reply, staring at the small puddle at his feet. Zalan and Rep both took this as clear confirmation.

    ¡°And did you throw an Elemental Power when you said you wouldn¡¯t? Was I too strong for you?¡± Rep asked, a wry smile growing on his face.

    Nold remained silent, pursing his lips.

    ¡°I got you?¡± Rep said, his smile broad. ¡°I actually struck you when you assumed you would be able to easily outmaneuver me.¡±

    ¡°I think we have done enough training for now. We should rest to heal your wounds,¡± Nold muttered.

    ¡°Wow. I think you actually got him,¡± Zalan laughed. He got a perverse amount of joy from seeing Nold looking defeated after having gone through his intense training.

    As Rep approached, Zalan jumped up to give Rep a pat on the back. Both of Zalan¡¯s hands were in far too much pain to actually deliver on the congratulations and he decided to just give him a thumbs up. Rep beamed.

    ¡°I did not think I could do something like that,¡± Rep said, entirely exhilarated.

    ¡°Now you see yourself like I see you,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep¡¯s wild smile somehow grew even more sincere. Zalan didn¡¯t actually have that high of an image of Rep as a fighter, but he wanted Rep to believe in himself. Plus, he began to consider that maybe he should see Rep in a better light after getting a rise out of someone like Nold. Maybe he was a much better fighter than he gave him credit for. He had never seen him fight so confidently, and the results spoke for themselves.

    Nold went off to gather firewood for their camp and Zalan and Rep treated their wounds. Once satisfied with their dressings, they tried to test the limits of their injuries to see what kind of attacks they would be able to manage until they healed. Zalan could throw lightning from one hand without hurting himself, but couldn¡¯t get his hand imbued unless he wanted to deal damage to himself. A lightning punch was possible, but only at the sacrifice of the skin on his hands. Rep was able to use all faculties of his Elemental without issue except that the Slimescorp wound on his face began stinging wildly if he put too much stress on himself while emitting flame.

    Nold returned and placed the pile of wood between them. Rep and Zalan looked at the sun certainly. It was too early to start the fire and keep it going into the darker hours. Nold looked up to both of them, any evidence of sulking long gone from his face. He raised an eyebrow to Zalan.

    ¡°I hope you are ready to train like this for the coming days,¡± Nold said, giving a look to Zalan.

    Zalan wanted to say something disparaging, but after having had the time apart from Nold he was able to consider the progress made. He couldn¡¯t even imagine what imbuing himself would have felt like if it wasn¡¯t for Nold. He also didn¡¯t want to antagonize their instructor when they relied on his protection off the path of safety.

    ¡°Yeah, I won¡¯t complain anymore,¡± Zalan said.

    He had quickly come around on his feelings toward Nold. His mood dampened from a burning rage to a mild annoyance after seeing the growth Rep had experienced. At the end of the day, he still wanted to become stronger in order to escape this world. No matter the means Nold put them through.

    ¡°You both rely too much on your hands in combat. Learn to use your feet,¡± Nold instructed.

    ¡°Right,¡± Rep nodded immediately.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    Nold continued to watch them closely until they grew uncomfortable under his gaze.

    ¡°Well?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Well what?¡±

    ¡°Start practicing!¡± Nold said, clapping his hands to hurry them. ¡°We have less than a fortnight for you to figure out how to use your feet, how to imbue yourselves, and how to curve your abilities in combat. You do not have time to sit around while it is light out! Kick!¡±

    Zalan and Rep helped one another to their feet and began to kick lightly into the air, not certain what they were supposed to be doing. Nold shook his head, disappointed.

    ¡°Higher! More power!¡± Nold said.

    They followed the instruction, but still remained clumsy and off-balance, unfamiliar with how a good kick felt. Zalan would often kick, then hop on one foot for a moment until he regained his balance.

    ¡°Try something like this,¡± Nold said.

    With a snap of his fingers, a tall, thin pile of sand grew up to his chest height. He kicked a foot out powerfully and destroyed the mound, showing a perfectly balanced form with one foot in the air. He brought it down smoothly and nodded for his students to give it their own attempt.

    Zalan and Rep tried, but failed to emulate their instructor.

    ¡°Use these,¡± Nold snapped again and created two training mounds in front of Rep and Zalan. When they tried to kick it over, the sand hardly budged, only a few flakes of sand dripping back into the ground.

    ¡°They won¡¯t break unless your kick is strong and high,¡± Nold said, sticking his finger into both mounds to leave a tiny target for them to strike. ¡°Now keep practicing.¡±

    Zalan and Rep weren¡¯t nearly flexible enough to throw their legs to the height needed to strike the marks in the sand. They spent most of their time trying to kick higher rather than trying to aim. Nold was satisfied with their progress, despite them not seeing any real changes in balance or abilities. The sun was dipping low, but still shining brightly across the land.

    As the training went on, Zalan looked at Rep with an interesting grin as he tried to keep himself balanced.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but notice he doesn¡¯t want to spar anymore even though there¡¯s plenty of time left in the day. You got him a lot better than I thought,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I hope I did not anger him,¡± Rep said facetiously.

    ¡°No talking! Just kicks!¡± Nold demanded, causing his students to flinch and continue training in mild amusement.

 60 - Book 2 - Chapter 09 - Titles and Teeth

    The three travelers sat around the evening fire. Zalan¡¯s system was sore and throbbing mercilessly. His hands were wounded from combat or sparring. His chest still burned from the blow Nold delivered him. His legs were totally exhausted to the point he wasn¡¯t even sure he could stand up anymore. In short, everything hurt.

    Nold had built a wall of sand around them, high enough to keep in the light from the fireplace and make them much less conspicuous targets as a single light in the middle of the night. Zalan had never felt so safe sleeping outside of the walls. And they were still planning on putting someone on watch overnight as an added layer of protection. If the sand was anywhere near as durable as it was when he was trying to kick it down, it would be able to withstand many manners of monsters. Nold was indeed very powerful.

    ¡°How come you don¡¯t want to tell us what Level you are?¡± Zalan asked the instructor. ¡°I know it¡¯s not normally rude to ask, but I guess I don¡¯t know why it would be smart not to share.¡±

    ¡°The people of this realm put so much weight behind the Level that someone has, not taking into consideration how someone of a lower Level could overcome them with enough guile. There are so many more important factors than the simple numbers on the wrist. Power is what matters. Then intelligence. For instance, are you even literate, Zustand?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Zalan corrected yet again. ¡°Yeah, I can read fine.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Nold grunted, clearly surprised by the information.

    ¡°If power is what matters, then surely someone¡¯s measure of Strength and Wisdom are important?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°There are many measures of power. The power a mother can hold over a child has nothing to do with her Strength or Wisdom. Instead the power is formed by the young one¡¯s response to her compassion and discipline. That is much more powerful than the ability to throw a punch,¡± Nold said, sounding almost inspired.

    ¡°Then why do you spend your time training people how to punch?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°For a much greater goal,¡± Nold said in deference.

    ¡°Which is?¡±

    ¡°Power.¡±

    Zalan felt the conversation was getting a bit circuitous and rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Have either of you given any thought to your tournament titles?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°I was hoping that tradition had stopped,¡± Rep sighed.

    ¡°On the contrary, it is stronger than ever. Now a requirement for entry.¡±

    ¡°What titles? The tournament requires us to have a title? Something like ¡®Instructor¡¯ Nold?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Before each battle, the two fighters are introduced by their titles,¡± Rep explained, sounding somewhat embarrassed. ¡°Like¡­ The Notorious Nold. Or¡­ The Nefarious Nold. They do not need to be alliterative, but they are intended to roll off the tongue. Inspire confidence and excitement in the audience.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like wrestling names,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I would not recommend that you wrestle in battle. If they imbue themselves, you would be at their mercy,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°I meant¡­ yeah, whatever, fine,¡± Zalan dropped the subject and simply nodded.

    ¡°So, do you have a title in mind? Any monsters that you have bested that would be impressive to mention?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Can I go by Dragonslayer? Or¡­ Elemental Dragonslayer!¡± Zalan suggested, wanting to sound intimidating.

    ¡°Elemental Dragonslayer? When you are beneath Level 5? Everyone would consider you a liar,¡± Nold shook his head.

    ¡°I thought you just said Levels didn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°I never said that they were totally irrelevant,¡± Nold scoffed. ¡°What else have you done?¡±

    ¡°We took on Nargs and a Razortongue nest,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Those can be useful. Perhaps¡­ Rep the Narg Bargler!¡± Nold offered.

    ¡°Bargler?¡± Rep asked, sounding unenthused.

    ¡°It is simply a flashy name, they do not all need to make sense,¡± Nold dismissed his criticisms.

    ¡°I definitely don¡¯t want to be called a Narg Bargler,¡± Zalan said.

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    ¡°Perhaps it might help to know where you come from. If your land has a good name, we could use it. Like the Great Zako of Zambo,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Zako?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Yes, your name. Zako.¡±

    ¡°Zalan, not Zako,¡± Zalan sighed, not sure if it was worth correcting him anymore. ¡°And I¡¯m not from Zambo. I told you, I¡¯m from a place called Merced.¡±

    ¡°Where is that? It sounds otherworldly,¡± Nold said.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged a glance. Rep shrugged, allowing Zalan to decide whether to share the truth of his origins.

    ¡°That¡¯s because it is,¡± Zalan admitted.

    Nold gave him a curious look.

    ¡°Another world?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°How did you get here?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know. I might have come out of the clouds or something? First thing I remember is falling into the area outside of Oriton,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°The clouds?¡± Nold repeated. He looked at Zalan like seeing him for the first time, offering him a respectful nod. ¡°You are not from Aetheria, that much I am certain of.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve heard of Aetheria?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Certainly. Everyone has heard of Aetheria. And I know enough about it to know you do not hail from there,¡± Nold said. ¡°I think it would be more farfetched to lie about being from Aetheria than telling the others you are a Dragonslayer.¡±

    ¡°Okay, then let¡¯s go with Dragonslayer,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    Nold scoffed and shook his head at the suggestion. He pursed his lips in thought.

    ¡°I will try and think of a better name for the two of you. One that holds power,¡± Nold said.

    Suddenly, to their surprise, Nold began floating slowly upward. Rep and Zalan stared in amazement before they realized he was elevating himself by creating a mound of sand under him, raising him like an elevator to the top of the sand wall he built.

    ¡°I will take the first watch. You two rest for now and we will continue our training tomorrow. Be sure to rest, for you will not have much of it tomorrow,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan laid back, taking a good look at the amazing array of stars above him. It was like he could see an entire galaxy. He wondered if the constellations were the same above him as they were in his own world. Peering closely, he determined that he knew absolutely nothing about his own constellations in order to compare the two skies. There were a few bright stars above him, but were any of them the North star? Where did the Big and Little Dipper begin and end? Did it matter which side of the world you were in to see the right stars? Without an answer to any of these questions, he was left clueless.

    He raised his head slightly, noting with interest that Rep was slinking over to Nold¡¯s things on the floor. Rep looked up at Nold, who was staring out into the wilderness beyond their protective walls. Rep began reaching his hand out gradually, trying to grab his sword from out of Nold¡¯s things without Nold noticing. Zalan looked up at Nold to see if he would sense anything. Just as Rep was about to touch the hilt of his blade, a tight cocoon of sand wrapped around the weapons. Rep sighed, looking up at Nold in annoyance.

    ¡°Good try. Now go to sleep,¡± Nold said without looking into the shelter.

    ¡°Why do I need to sleep without my sword?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Because you still have not learned to control your Element well enough to earn your weapons back,¡± Nold said simply.

    Rep grumbled to himself and laid down to rest. Zalan smirked in amusement, wondering how Nold was able to sense Rep going for his weapon.

    Zalan continued to marvel at the stars before finally being taken over by sleep.

    ¡°I was confused at first, but grew to respect how you sleep,¡± Nold¡¯s voice spooked Zalan awake.

    ¡°Wuh? Huh? What?¡± Zalan was pulled to his feet while bleary with sleep.

    ¡°You sleep with a frown on your face. Like you are disappointed in yourself and wish to be better. Admirable,¡± Nold said, patting him on the back to wake him up.

    ¡°I don¡¯t do that on purpose,¡± Zalan said, confused. It was still very dark out and Zalan groggily tried to figure out why he was awoken so strangely. ¡°Is it my turn to take watch?¡±

    ¡°Good guess, but no. We are under attack,¡± Nold said.

    The walls of sand shook from something striking it from outside. It sounded big.

    ¡°I am awake,¡± Rep rolled up to a sitting position, his eyes squinting. ¡°Whose turn is it to stand watch?¡±

    The walls shook again and Rep¡¯s sleepiness sped away from his face.

    ¡°What is happening?¡±

    ¡°I believe it is a Sand Shark,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Can we get our swords?¡± Rep asked hopefully.

    ¡°And lose all the chances we have to learn?¡± Nold asked.

    The walls began to buckle, a small hole forming closest to them. A fin poked through the walls.

    ¡°All right, at least tell me what it is. How do we fight it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°With a good display of power,¡± Nold said, snapping his fingers. To Rep and Zalan¡¯s dismay, Nold had dismantled their shelter. The thick walls of sand came crumbling down around them.

    The Sand Shark flopped on the ground, a yellowish brown shark with a collection of sharp teeth and wild eyes. It looked to the three travelers and immediately buried itself into the ground and out of sight. The earth began rolling slightly as it circled them, hunting.

    ¡°Fight well!¡± Nold encouraged, using sand to leap away from the Sand Shark¡¯s encirclement.

    ¡°Light some fire, I need to see,¡± Zalan said, already feeling his legs buckle with fatigue. He wasn¡¯t ready for a fight this soon after so much training.

    Rep opened his palm and shined enough flame to illuminate the area. The Sand Shark was making quick circles around them, closing in with every circumnavigation. Zalan threw lightning at the mound of sand under which the Sand Shark swam, but it had no effect. Rep tried his fire to similar fruitlessness. The Sand Shark continued to close in.

    ¡°We have to wait for it to come out,¡± Rep said nervously.

    ¡°In other words, we have to wait until it feels confident enough to attack,¡± Zalan said, grumpy and annoyed in his half-awake state.

    The Sand Shark continued its swim, its fin sneaking out as it prepared to breach to the surface. Almost silently, it broke through the ground and sailed through the air. Before they could properly react, they realized that it was targeting Rep with a mouth wide enough to consume him whole.

 61 - Book 2 - Chapter 10 - Buried in the Sand

    Rep raised his arm defensively as the Sand Shark descended upon him. Zalan tried to get there in time like he had with the Slimescorp, but was too late. The Sand Shark latched onto Rep¡¯s outstretched arm viciously. Rep howled in pain and then emitted flame from his bitten hand, burning the shark from within. Zalan watched helplessly as the Sand Shark began to glow with increasing heat. Rep succeeded in getting it to unlatch almost as quickly as it bit down. It swiveled in the air and squirmed back onto the earth, trying to burrow back in. Zalan tried to get it before it escaped and it took a hit of lightning before it dug its way out of view.

    ¡°The same arm as the Razortongues,¡± Rep looked over the bloody wound on his arm with grit teeth.

    ¡°At least you got it off before it could do any more damage,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°Indeed, but I do not believe it is done with us,¡± Rep said, watching the mound of sand circle around them once more.

    ¡°Let me take it this time. I think I can imbue my hand before it bites down,¡± Zalan said, trying to step ahead of Rep.

    ¡°Think you can or know you can?¡± Rep said, placing himself in Zalan¡¯s way.

    ¡°I can do it,¡± Zalan said with false confidence, trying to stand in front of Rep again.

    ¡°It is not worth it. You are already very wounded,¡± Rep suggested, struggling to shove his way ahead of Zalan.

    Zalan looked at his wounded fists and burns on his chest, then shook his head dismissively.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Zalan said with even more false confidence.

    ¡°Zalan, you need to¡ª¡±

    ¡°Here it comes,¡± Zalan shouldered Rep out of the way as the Sand Shark exploded from the earth, mouth wide toward its victims.

    Zalan charged energy into his fist, feeling the lightning shred his hand. He knew the imbue was a weak hold, but better than nothing at all. Despite it hurting him, he was able to maintain it for the second needed to swing his arm and smack the Sand Shark with a fully imbued strike.

    ¡°I got it!¡± Zalan said, excited.

    ¡°Dear God,¡± Rep said, reeling back an inch.

    Zalan punched straight through the Sand Shark¡¯s abdomen and was stuck, skewered by Zalan¡¯s arm. The Sand Shark was still alive and wiggling wildly, trying to extract itself from his limb. Zalan began trying to shake the shark free while groaning in disgust. The more he tried to extricate himself as it wiggled, the more it slid closer to his shoulder. He began waving more frantically, but couldn¡¯t figure out how to remove it while it kept moving.

    ¡°Kill it!¡± Rep said, moving forward and backward awkwardly as he tried to figure out a way to help without hurting Zalan.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± Zalan screamed. The Sand Shark had begun thrusting its body around, trying to bite either Zalan or Rep from its awkward angle.

    ¡°Fire lightning from within!¡±

    Zalan began blasting as much lighting as he could inside of the Sand Shark, small flashes of yellow and blue blinking from within it like a macabre strobe light. Soon, the Sand Shark went limp, dead over Zalan¡¯s hand. Zalan continued to wiggle his arm, grimacing as the monster¡¯s body refused to dislodge itself. Rep signaled Zalan to place his arm on the ground and put the shark beneath his feet. Using Reps¡¯ weight on the corpse as leverage, Zalan finally pulled his hand out, sighing in relief as he saw no severe damage had been delivered to his arm. His hand was dark red, further wounded by his attempt to imbue himself. It was stinging in agony, but nothing was bleeding like Rep.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Zalan asked as Rep began to bandage his arm.

    ¡°I am fine,¡± Rep replied, wincing with every additional wrapping.

    ¡°Are you actually okay or are you just saying you are?¡± Zalan pressed.

    ¡°I will live,¡± Rep mumbled, not answering either question.

    That was enough for Zalan. Rep was a bad liar and Zalan could tell that he was mostly fine. Before they could start to look for him, Nold returned to Rep¡¯s firelight, smiling at the two friends. Rep and Zalan looked at him with ambivalence, not sure how to take the fact that he abandoned them to take on a monster they were unfamiliar with.

    ¡°Well done, Zingan! You struck it with an imbued fist!¡± Nold congratulated him.

    ¡°We¡¯re running out of arms to use in combat,¡± Zalan complained, indicating Rep''s newly bandaged arm.

    ¡°More reason to use your legs in battle. You need to learn to be more than your arms. Your legs are deadly weapons, especially when imbued. Rep, you need to work on imbuing yourself as well as he does it. A powered punch is leaps and bounds ahead of the simple base damage you deal because of your Strength.¡±

    ¡°I still hurt myself,¡± Zalan said.

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    ¡°Better than not being able to do it at all,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°I cannot figure it out,¡± Rep shook his head. ¡°I am much closer to discovering how to manipulate any fire that I have emitted into new directions. Perhaps I can focus on that?¡±

    ¡°Do what you wish, but imbuing is much more powerful,¡± Nold shrugged. ¡°You can be infused with an invisible power that your opponents will be unaware of unless they know to look for it. Even then, they cannot find it unless they have the same Elemental Power within them.¡±

    ¡°In other words, it is especially good for Zalan, since his lightning power is rare,¡± Rep added.

    ¡°Very rare,¡± Nold agreed excitedly.

    Zalan nodded to himself, encouraged at the prospect of having an invisible advantage. He wondered if anyone else would have Elemental Lightning at the tournament. How rare was his power?

    ¡°Well then, who wants to take the next watch?¡± Nold asked.

    Rep and Zalan looked to one another, heart rates high and adrenaline coursing through their veins. Neither of them would be returning to sleep anytime soon.

    ¡°Can we both take watch?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Of course, but do not think I will go easy on you tomorrow for your lack of sleep tonight. Tomorrow, you will learn to use your feet,¡± Nold said, rebuilding the wall of sand around them.

    He opened a hole in the ground to swallow the dead sand shark and put it out of sight. Though it was an amazing utility of the sand power, Zalan was uncomfortable with how quickly Nold could make a grave. It made him think of how quickly one could come face to face with death.

    Zalan and Rep climbed to the top of the sand wall to stand watch while Nold built himself a sleeping bag-like pile of sand to tuck himself in. In moments, the man was sound asleep. Zalan had no idea what to think of his flippancy. He was so casual despite the danger that Zalan and Rep felt they were in. Rep watched the area around them diligently.

    After a few minutes, both of them had calmed down significantly, and the drowsiness from lack of sleep began creeping up on Rep. He sat down on the wall. Zalan was lost in thought, his mind running from annoyance to anger depending on what he considered. Nold could have easily taken out the Sand Shark and let them rest. He didn¡¯t feel like the training was going as well as he expected. It was frustrating to think that the most popular instructor kept pushing them to extremes. He thought that he could learn these things even without Nold¡¯s insistence on putting them in direct danger. He wasn¡¯t sure whether he regretted this whole plan to go to the tournament, after all. Was it really a means for him to get back home? That was the real goal, at the end of the day.

    But every time that he thought of Madam Hikma, a manic rage burned through his mind, his eyes twitching in agitation. All of his problems felt like they started with her and her ill-colored eyes. He just wanted a way home and she sent him to get a Homeseeker which didn¡¯t even work. She was supposed to be wise. She knew it was a deliberate misdirection. He lost a friend because of this woman.

    He may never have gotten acquainted with Fran, Yelsa, and Gorb without Madam Hikma having sent them on a quest, but he deliberately ignored that point. Hikma was the enemy. Full stop.

    Zalan was suddenly met with pitch darkness as Rep slouched over, asleep. The darkness of the night spread far. He smiled at his friend and laid him backward, ensuring he wouldn¡¯t slump forward and fall off the wall. At the very least, he had good friends in this world. He could rely on Rep. It was a good consolation that brought some ease into his tumultuous mind.

    As the night dragged on, Zalan lost track of time and had no idea when he was supposed to wake Rep for his watch. He kept looking to the horizon, as if the sun would suddenly appear and let him know what time it was. He absentmindedly wished for his phone to set an alarm, but finally got over the habit to check his pocket for something that was no longer there. He yawned and rubbed his eyes in tire. He decided that he should try and rouse Rep before he got too tired. As he turned to nudge him, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He couldn¡¯t be sure in the darkness so he let out a small flash of lighting to illuminate the area. In the split second that the area was lit up, he saw the creature.

    He was absolutely certain it was another Sand Shark.

    The earth rolled around the wall of sand as the shark assessed the smell that had attracted it. Zalan stood straight, as he was definitely awake now. He opened his mouth to awake his companions, then suddenly had a thought and stopped himself. He pulled off his footwear and pointed his foot at the mound of sand as it rolled across the earth. He pulled at the muscle in his mind to emit lighting from his foot. After wiggling his toes for a second, he felt silly until a spark jumped out and struck the earth. His speed was slow and his aim atrocious, but he could definitely shoot lightning out of his feet. And his feet weren¡¯t burning with pain after having had lightning run through it, so he could do it as long as he pleased. It was a new point at which to emit his power from.

    He kept a slow, consistent set of blasts out of his foot, both getting used to the feeling as well as trying to keep the area lit up enough to keep an eye on the Sand Shark. After a few minutes of the shark prowling around, it finally jabbed its fin through the sand. Zalan fired a few sparks at it, missing a number of times as he tried to get a feel for how lightning worked in his feet. Finally, he shocked the monster. The shark immediately retreated underground. To his surprise, the creature decided that the one bolt of lightning was enough for it and it turned and swam away in the wall of sand.

    Zalan watched in bafflement as it escaped. He was first confused, then realized that Nold must have agitated the first sand shark in order to get it to attack them in the middle of the night. Everything was a training opportunity for the madman. Zalan simmered in anger for a minute, then was once again taken over by his exhaustion. He nudged Rep with his bare foot before he was too tired to function.

    ¡°Hmm? Yes, I am awake,¡± Rep said, sitting up in shock as he realized he was precariously balanced on the wall. He lit up the area with a small firelight. He turned and stared at Zalan¡¯s toes in his face, his eyebrows slowly descending in concern. ¡°Uhhhh, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Waking you up to take watch,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Why are you barefoot?¡± Rep pushed Zalan¡¯s foot away from him with a finger while scrunching his face in disgust.

    ¡°To learn how to use my Elemental ability through my toes.¡±

    Rep¡¯s eyes narrowed, a small frown on his face. He raised the flame to get a better view of Zalan¡¯s face.

    ¡°You are joking?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, I can really do it. I just scared off a Sand Shark with lightning from my feet,¡± Zalan said proudly.

    ¡°I know you can do it. You can do it with your shoes on as well. Just like you can cast lighting while wearing gloves,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zalan said, looking down at his feet. ¡°I hope they didn¡¯t smell too bad.¡±

    ¡°They did. Please cover them,¡± Rep replied, standing to stretch himself.

    Zalan covered his feet in embarrassment and returned inside the wall of sand to escape the embarrassment. He lay himself down and drifted to sleep with a slight frown on his face, wondering how much better he could get at fighting with just his feet.

 62 - Book 2 - Chapter 11 - Foot and Fog

    Zalan awoke the next morning to the sound of a waterfall of sand breaking apart around him as Nold took down the protective wall. He had slept surprisingly well, his body taking advantage of every moment of rest that he had. He flexed his hands and winced, seeing they were still tender with their fresh wounds.

    ¡°I saw you use your feet for Elemental power last night. Good work. It is a good use of watch time to practice,¡± Nold said as Zalan rubbed his eyes.

    ¡°You were awake for that?¡±

    ¡°I am never in a state in which someone could ambush me,¡± Nold said firmly. Zalan thought it was a weird sentiment to have. Everyone had to sleep at some point. But he decided not to challenge his instructor.

    Rep and Zalan remembered to check their Experience this morning now that they had fought and killed Boznoks and a Sand Shark the day before. Rep was at 30 Experience and Zalan at 40. It was a much slower progress than Zalan was used to and he was starting to catch on to why his previous party were all below Level 10. The scaling was hard to keep up with, especially if you killed monsters that you could overpower.

    They were on the move almost immediately, making quick progress compared to the day before. The wind appeared out of nowhere and was at their back, giving them an additional energy with each step. It felt like a Wind Elemental was on their side.

    Rep and Zalan were granted an uneventful morning in which they didn¡¯t come across any monsters. Unlike the area they were in the day before, the land ahead of them was barren, making it easy to see anything approaching them on the horizon. Nothing appeared to Rep and Zalan¡¯s relief and they both had the opportunity to rest their wounded arms. Nold seemed displeased by the lack of real world training, but chose not to agitate his pupils the same way he did the day before. He resolved to take more time to spar with them in the evening if they were unable to fight anything worthwhile in the day time.

    After stopping for a meal, they finally saw something moving on the horizon. Before Rep and Zalan could even make out the shapes, Nold was confident in what they were. He clapped his hands once, excited by the creatures.

    ¡°Excellent. Fogfangs. You will defeat them with nothing but your legs,¡± Nold said, then smirked. ¡°As a reminder, you need not remove your footwear in order to fire Elemental power from your feet.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s face went warm, but was again surprised that Nold was both awake and could hear the quiet exchange between Rep and himself the night before.

    ¡°Must we use our feet? I never learned to emit power from there,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Nold said without a hint of sympathy.

    Rep seemed miffed, but didn¡¯t offer any more pushback. He seemed rather calm about the situation and Zalan took that to mean that Fogfangs would be a relatively easy foe. Though that didn¡¯t stop Rep from looking nervous about being forced to use nothing but his feet. They began to make their way toward the monsters.

    ¡°How could you tell what they were at this distance?¡± Rep asked Nold.

    ¡°I recognized their shape by running some Elemental power through them,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°You can do that?¡± Zalan asked, amazed.

    Nold smiled silently in response.

    ¡°Are you sure you can do that at this distance? That would take incredible high Wisdom or an Artifact of some sort,¡± Rep said.

    Nold frowned silently in response. Rep looked over Nold¡¯s equipment and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Though his robes were long and his gloves overly thick. He could have hid many things away from his traveling companions.

    After a few minutes of walking, they were close enough for Zalan to make out the Fogfang¡¯s features. They were about the size of a large dog with thick gray fur. Their long, sharp claws were juxtaposed by their toothless mouths.

    ¡°Fogfangs don¡¯t have fangs?¡± Zalan asked, curious.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°They are relatively weak creatures, but they will obscure the area in opaque fog when they feel they are in danger. Once hidden, they will try and cut you down with their claws. Do not get caught blind in the fog and you will remain safe. Though they become very difficult to keep track of in their fog.¡±

    ¡°Is their fog poisonous to breathe?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, it is perfectly innocuous. But I would still recommend you keep a distance and use Elemental power rather than take them on directly.¡±

    ¡°Or, you could kick them with an Elementally-imbued foot. Blind or not, it would do devastating damage,¡± Nold offered.

    Zalan considered whether that would be a good idea. He didn¡¯t want to accidentally shred apart the skin on his feet the way he¡¯d been hurting his hands. But the idea of being able to fully imbue himself was so enticing. He wanted to speed up the learning process, even if it meant having to hurt himself on the way.

    ¡°Perhaps if you take off your shoes, your smell alone will be enough to incapacitate them,¡± Rep teased. Zalan broke into a slight smile.

    ¡°Maybe you can convince them you¡¯re too scared about hurting them and they¡¯ll back down in pity,¡± Zalan shot back.

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    ¡°Stop stalling and get over there,¡± Nold said.

    The earth swelled below them as Nold created a slope out of sand to force them to stumble toward the monsters. Zalan hopped on one foot measuring how best to deliver lightning when both he and his target was moving. He kicked out the other foot and was happy to find that lightning came out from his shoe. He knew that he should trust Nold and Rep when they said it would, but it was much more comforting to see it happen firsthand. His lightning strike missed drastically. The Fogfangs that were previously milling about snapped toward them. Upon recognizing predators, they emitted a wall of thick fog around them, quickly obscuring them all from sight.

    ¡°Now what?¡± Zalan asked, not wanting to step into the thick fog.

    ¡°Blindly fire until we kill them all?¡± Rep shrugged.

    Zalan shrugged in response. The two of them spent the next minute hopping unbalanced on one foot and firing their Elements from the other. Often their blasts were so far off that they didn¡¯t even reach the fog. They couldn¡¯t tell if any of the attacks that entered the fog were reaching their targets. Rep was having a hard time getting a good fireball made from his feet and constantly stumbled before being able to emit a cohesive attack. Zalan was doing most of the work, though he wasn¡¯t sure he was getting any more results.

    ¡°How much Experience do you have?¡± Zalan asked, checking his own. 40 Experience.

    ¡°I have 30, why do you ask?¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°If the number goes up after we send it attacks, it means it¡¯s working, right?¡± Zalan suggested.

    Rep nodded, following his thought process. They continued hopping and blasting blindly into the ever present fog. The fact that the dark cloud didn¡¯t let up was already a sign that the Fogfangs were still alive within, replenishing whatever was lost.

    ¡°Anything?¡± Zalan asked, checking his Experience.

    ¡°No change,¡± Rep shook his head.

    They each stopped their energy output and stared into the fog, trying to see any evidence of the monsters within. Occasionally, they could hear a shuffle of feet and fur, but nothing came to the eye. The Fogfangs were good at evading them. Rep and Zalan turned to look at Nold.

    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Give us some advice. Teach us,¡± Zalan said, annoyed.

    ¡°I already told you to imbue your feet and get in there,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Just go around kicking blind? What if we hurt one another?¡± Rep said uncertainly.

    ¡°Then go in one at a time,¡± Nold shrugged.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged an annoyed expression.

    ¡°What is it now?¡± Nold asked, irritated.

    ¡°You are not offering anything we could not think of ourselves,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I thought you were supposed to be this legendary instructor,¡± Zalan added, waving his hands with a hint of sarcasm.

    ¡°Oh, I see. You do not want to put in effort and that reflects poorly on me,¡± Nold said snippily.

    ¡°I¡¯ve put in plenty of effort!¡± Zalan displayed his wounded arms.

    ¡°Not nearly enough!¡± Nold said immediately, chastising them both. ¡°Your abilities are limited because you continue to believe you have done satisfactory work! Your power has so much more to grow into. Until you can imbue your entire body at once, you should be unhappy with where you stand. I am telling you the exact ways in which to better yourselves and you waste your time ridiculing my methods. Take risks and work hard and you will see the fruits of your labors in the tournament!¡±

    Rep and Zalan exchanged another annoyed glance, but both decided that Nold might know what he was talking about. Zalan sighed and began walking to the cloud of fog. He stretched his legs, preparing for blind kicks, then went within.

    It was entirely opaque. He wasn¡¯t prepared to be as blind as he became. Zalan couldn¡¯t see his hand in front of his face. Zalan felt sick at the unsightedness he experienced. It was too disorienting to not know a thing about his surroundings. He stumbled slightly over uneven earth, barely able to keep himself upright. After tripping, he could no longer tell which way he came in from. The all-encompassing fog filled him with a foreboding dread.

    After a few steps within, he heard something shuffle right next to him and he kicked with all his might, trying to imbue his foot. He connected with something and swatted it clean out of the fog. It flew sailing away from him. He had no idea what it was. The ignorance made him shiver.

    ¡°You got one!¡± Rep announced helpfully. Zalan breathed, relieved.

    Zalan¡¯s foot was tingly from the attempted imbue through his foot. He was growing more accustomed to the idea of imbuing and hurting himself less with every attempt. Another few seconds and he heard another Fogfang run around. It scratched him. He swung his foot out blindly. When he didn¡¯t hit anything, he sent a burst of lightning in the direction he last heard the monster.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Nold¡¯s voice came immediately in protest. ¡°Be careful where you aim!¡±

    Zalan was more disoriented than he thought. He ran outside of the fog, kicking his legs the entire way in case he could accidentally kill another Fogfang on his way out. No such luck. He stumbled out of the fog, rolling on the clear earth and looking back to see if anything chased him. He breathed in deeply with relief. His eyes were working again.

    ¡°Your turn,¡± Zalan said to Rep.

    He looked down at the scratch on his foot and only saw a thin cut. There was no blood drawn. He breathed in relief, having been worried that he would be down yet another limb. Rep went within and Zalan watched from next to Nold. Zalan noticed a black mark on the earth at Nold¡¯s feet. It must have been where Zalan¡¯s lightning landed. Zalan cringed apologetically, but Nold paid it no mind.

    The fog glowed slightly as Rep tried to strike things within. Occasionally a wisp of fire would peek out from the top of the mist. Though Zalan was much happier on the outside end of the fog, he was still unnerved by knowing he could be totally blinded by stepping inside. He hoped Rep was doing a lot better than he was with the surroundings. Rep suddenly cried out in pain and let out a blast of fire at the same time. Followed by another, larger flame covering a few feet above Rep¡¯s vicinity. The whole gaseous chamber glowed immensely.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Zalan called. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Before Rep replied, the fog lifted around him, revealing the remaining four Fogfangs had been killed by Rep¡¯s attack. He sat on the floor, grabbing one leg and wincing in pain.

    ¡°Well done. You killed them all,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Yes, but I burned myself when I tried to imbue my foot,¡± Rep said, upset with himself.

    ¡°Badly?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, I can still walk. It just hurts,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan helped him to his feet. They took a moment to look upon all the dead Fogfangs.

    ¡°Great job, you did a lot of damage with your feet,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°More a fluke than a plan,¡± Rep said, appreciating the praise.

    Nold scoffed at them and was quickly back on the move. He addressed his students without looking at them.

    ¡°No need to bask in your little stumble onto success. Let us continue traveling and training,¡± Nold said.

 63 - Book 2 - Chapter 12 - Rest

    <h2> </h2>

    The next day¡¯s travel was spent very similarly to the morning¡¯s encounter with the Fogfangs. Occasionally, Nold would spot monsters at a distance and take his students to fight them. The monsters were relatively simple to take on, like Roaches or Fogfangs, and Rep and Zalan were growing used to fighting with their feet, alone. They hadn¡¯t even attempted to use their hands since they had sustained damage to them.

    Their ability to evade was getting significantly better. Elemental powers were coming naturally to any part of their body. Kicks were stronger and far more well balanced. Rep was able to curve his attack more and more with every encounter. While Zalan¡¯s Elemental redirection was much more limited, he was able to imbue himself much better than Rep. His injuries were only tingles or scratches on the surface at this point, where Rep would still largely burn his feet with every attempt.

    The days went so long with these bouts to break the monotony of travel that they had forgotten that using their feet was a limitation rather than a strategy. They were no longer hopping and stumbling as they fired blasts, but remaining stable and giving out decisive kicks. They weren¡¯t just kicking monsters they encountered, but targeting specific points of the creatures. Nold was much more interested in Zalan¡¯s progress, often making remarks about how to make his imbued power better. Whenever it seemed like he was favoring Zalan a little too much, he would drop Rep an occasional tip about his form.

    That evening, Nold continued to spar with them, making them learn how to best dodge different forms of attacks. Where Zalan¡¯s previous instinct was to cover his weak points as he jumped away, he was quickly learning to dive and duck under attacks and keep himself close to an opponent. Not that Nold ever let either of his students lay a hand on him anymore. Neither Rep nor Zalan could hit him after the first day. Their instructor made sure they could always see the gap in their abilities. They grew frustrated by their inability to strike him, but he assured them that they were getting faster with every bout.

    After training, they sat around a fire in their small sand wall. As they ate food and relaxed after a much less pain-inducing day, Zalan began to look over his instructor with curiosity.

    ¡°How come you never take off your gloves? They look really uncomfortable,¡± Zalan ventured.

    ¡°I have no reason to remove them,¡± Nold replied stoically.

    ¡°But your knuckles look swollen under there. Are they okay?¡±

    ¡°They are fine,¡± Nold replied simply.

    ¡°What about your wrist? I saw it when we were sparring. It¡¯s all dark and gnarly. Overall, it seems pretty messed up. How come you haven¡¯t healed it?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold didn¡¯t reply, but did pull his sleeve down to cover his wrist better. When the silence stretched, Zalan felt like he got an answer. He looked at the flat of his palm where a scar remained from when he was trying to get his Elemental power. The Healing Rest had no effect on it.

    ¡°It¡¯s a scar, isn¡¯t it?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold didn¡¯t answer, his eyes looking away slightly.

    ¡°Rep told me that some scars don¡¯t heal. Especially when it¡¯s a self-inflicted injury. Is that what happened to your knuckles and wrist?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold seemed ambivalent, pursing his lips.

    ¡°Perhaps he does not want to discuss this,¡± Rep offered.

    ¡°Oh, come on!¡± Zalan said, immediately upset to his own surprise. His emotions were always on the brink of impatience. ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little curious? I thought he would trust us enough to share!¡±

    ¡°Trust?¡± Nold asked, immediately interested. ¡°Do you trust me?¡±

    ¡°I mean, maybe. I don¡¯t know. If you don¡¯t trust me enough to tell me anything, then how can I be sure I trust you? It¡¯s not a one-way thing,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I see,¡± Nold weighed Zalan¡¯s words and nodded to himself, taking interest in exchanging trust between himself and his student. ¡°My knuckles are unharmed.¡± He offered.

    ¡°So you keep them on even if they get all sweaty?¡± Zalan asked, trying to make light of the subject.

    ¡°I do not remove them,¡± Nold replied simply.

    ¡°Are they Artifacts?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°These aren¡¯t really much of answers,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Fine. My wrist.¡±

    Nold pulled up his sleeve to reveal the mutilated forearm. Its black and purple hue was clear even in the faint firelight. Both Rep and Zalan leaned forward eagerly as Nold decided how much he wanted to share. Nold looked it over with an air of disinterest, as though trying to get his students to be less interested as well.

    ¡°This is not necessarily a self-inflicted wound. But it will not heal. This was done to me by an Artifact. I knew that it would take some part of me when I used it, but I was unaware that it would be a lasting scar like this,¡± Nold explained.

    ¡°I have never heard of an Artifact leaving an unhealable wound. Which Artifact?¡± Rep asked, interested.

    ¡°The Transfer Table. It can transfer¡­¡± Nold trailed, deciding on his next word carefully. ¡°Attributes. But the attribute cannot change once it is transferred.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Rep pressed further.

    Nold pursed his lips as he thought even harder about his words. He came up with an example.

    ¡°Let us say that perhaps you are bald. The Transfer Table can work to transfer someone¡¯s hair to you. You would then have their full head of hair. But you do not own that hair. Not in the same way your own hair acts. It remains at the same length forever. It does not grow. No matter what is transferred, it will remain exactly as it was when it was transferred.¡±

    ¡°And the person who transferred his hair to you would just grow his hair back normally?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No. Once it has been transferred, the attribute is gone forever. Unless, perhaps, the one receiving the hair transfers it back,¡± Nold considered.

    ¡°What did you transfer to get that scar?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold¡¯s face went cold, and it was clear he didn¡¯t want to share anymore with them. But Zalan still had more questions now that Nold was in a bit of a sharing mood.

    ¡°How many ranks of the Elemental Rage Tournament are there? I know we¡¯re planning on entering the Level 5 and Under, but how high does it go?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It stops at Level 10 and Under. There has been an increasing use of the term ¡®Death Levels¡¯ to describe the Levels beyond Level 10. It is a pathetic way to look at the onset of power, but it is because those that go chasing Level 11 and above often die at the hands of the monster that give them Experience,¡± Nold replied distastefully.

    ¡°But wouldn¡¯t you be super powerful? What kind of monster kills people above Level 10? I feel like everything we¡¯ve fought would be killed in an instant if I was a few more Levels higher,¡± Zalan mused.

    ¡°That is true. If you were Level 10, a Sand Shark could be obliterated in a single strike of Lightning. The problem comes from the fact monsters that weak would no longer give you Experience,¡± Nold answered.

    ¡°Sand Sharks and Boznoks would be worth 0 Experience?¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°Indeed. And so those of higher Levels would pursue much more dangerous creatures. Leviathans. The Mind of Madness. Even Beasts of Slumber. Creatures they have no chance against, but think is their only means of gaining Experience in the realm,¡± Nold answered.

    Zalan was suddenly glad he wasn¡¯t a thrillseeker. He couldn¡¯t imagine willingly heading toward The Mind of Madness to challenge it.

    ¡°How many Elemental Powers do you have?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°We know about Fire, Sand, and Water. Are there more?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Nold said flippantly.

    ¡°How did you acquire more than two?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°It was not easy,¡± Nold answered.

    Zalan remembered reading about Elementals back in Oriton. The more Elemental Powers you had, the more difficult it became to acquire new ones. Elementals didn¡¯t like granting powers to people that already had them. The level of difficulty sounded like it increased exponentially. Zalan almost died just getting his first Elemental Power. Somehow, Nold challenged two more Elementals and survived.

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    ¡°What kind of challenge did they give you?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Immensely difficult ones,¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°Come on, just give us one example. I wanna know what it¡¯ll take if I ever want a new power,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Nold sighed. ¡°I was looking for my second Elemental Power. I found a Sand Elemental by means of an Elemental Echo in the middle of a desert.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s an Elemental Echo, again?¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    ¡°An Artifact that directs you to where the nearest Elemental is located,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Do you wish to hear what the challenge was or do you wish to converse between yourselves?¡± Nold asked impatiently.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Please, continue, we will not interrupt,¡± Rep added.

    ¡°The Sand Elemental was found where there was nothing but sand to be seen for miles around,¡± Nold said. He waited for either of the students to chime in, but they listened intently. ¡°The Sand Elemental challenged me to create a sand castle in the desert.¡±

    Rep looked stunned by the information, but Zalan couldn¡¯t tell what was supposed to be shocking. He was honestly more surprised to hear that they made sand castles in this realm. It seemed really odd for a challenge. Especially when it was supposed to be an extra-difficult challenge.

    ¡°After hours of work, I was able to create an entryway. Nothing more than a single room, much less the towers I was required to add above. I underestimated how long it would take to make something stable enough for me to walk under it,¡± Nold said, looking up and imagining the structure he made.

    Zalan blinked in recognition. He had suddenly realized that Nold wasn¡¯t required to make a little knee-high sand castle. He was challenged to make an entire castle out of sand. That sounded impossible. Much more fitting a challenge for a second Elemental Power.

    ¡°When I had begun on the next chamber of the structure, a sandstorm rolled in. Try as I might with all of my Elemental Power, I was unable to stop the sand castle from falling over,¡± Nold said, sighing.

    Rep and Zalan stared in fascination as the firelight danced across Nold¡¯s disappointed face. Nold said nothing more which prompted Zalan to try and ask a question without sounding like he was trying to interrupt him.

    ¡°What happened next? How did you beat the challenge?¡±

    ¡°I did not. I left the Elemental in the desert. The challenge still stands if I wish to return,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°But then how did you get your Elemental Sand Power?¡± Zalan asked, feeling like he was cheated of a full story.

    ¡°By other means,¡± Nold said simply.

    He was done talking about himself. Zalan didn¡¯t mind. He had gotten a lot more of an answer than he was expecting. He tapped his finger to thumb to summon stats at his wrist, checking the Experience he gained by the day¡¯s battles.

    LEVEL: 04

    STRENGTH: 04

    WISDOM: 05

    EXPERIENCE: 87

    ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

    ¡°I noticed that when I last gained a Level, my Wisdom and Strength were no longer the same. My Wisdom is 5, but my Strength is 4. Why is that?¡±

    ¡°Your Strength and Wisdom will grow more if you use them disproportionately in combat. If you spend an entire Level focusing on your Elemental ability, you may gain two points of Wisdom instead of one. Same goes with focus on Strength,¡± Nold said, happy to move on to a new topic.

    ¡°And what¡¯s the most Experience I can gain at once?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t an Elemental Dragon be worth like, a thousand or something?¡±

    ¡°The most one can gain from a monster is 100,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Did you really defeat an Elemental Dragon?¡± Nold asked, once again in disbelief by the claim.

    ¡°Yeah, really. Why would we lie about that?¡± Zalan snapped suddenly. He always felt like he was on the cusp of an outburst. And implying that he wasn¡¯t in a battle that ended Fran¡¯s life was a quick way to anger him.

    ¡°You both do not seem like the lying type, so I do not know. I suppose I just never would have expected either of you to be capable,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°We are your students,¡± Rep said facetiously.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Nold grunted.

    They listened to the fire crack for a minute, then Nold excused himself to take the first watch atop the sand wall.

    Zalan was very happy with the progress he¡¯d been making on imbuing himself. While he still could barely curve a bolt of lightning, he could almost imbue his foot without causing it to burn and tingle, much less cause real harm. The imbue-created cuts on his feet were nothing in comparison to the wounds on his hands. He wondered how much more powerful he would be at full strength when he next healed himself. The tournament was growing more exciting for reasons outside of seeing Madam Hikma. He felt like he had so much more agency in this world when he was this strong. And with control over this world, he felt confident he could regain control over his own life once he returned. The prospect was even more enticing than getting revenge on Hikma. Not that she still didn¡¯t deserve some retribution in his mind.

    With these thoughts in mind, Zalan rolled over on the floor and quickly found sleep, with a slight frown on his face.

    The next day granted them a sight that brought Zalan and Rep to jump with joy. A town. They would be able to really rest and heal their wounded limbs. The days of constant soreness and inability to use their hands properly would finally be behind them. For all the progress they made in being able to shoot Elemental power from their feet, they never gave up wanting to use their hands again. The town was so close.

    ¡°We do not have time to stay the night. We will quickly make use of the healing rest and then move on,¡± Nold announced.

    ¡°No problem!¡± Zalan replied, eager to feel a mattress under him.

    Rep, Zalan, and Nold quickly entered the town. The guards at the wall informed them that it was named Naverforth, and that it was the ¡°last stop before reaching the Elemental Tournament.¡± Zalan felt like the messaging was a ploy to get travelers to spend more, like a gas station on a highway. But he didn¡¯t really care since he was flush with cash ever since taking from Docrun¡¯s hoard.

    They made a beeline to the nearest inn. As soon as Rep and Zalan recognized the etching of a bed atop one of the buildings, Zalan began running. He burst through the door in excitement. He bashed someone just on the other side of the door, toppling them over.

    ¡°Hey, watch it!¡± the young man screamed annoyed. He scrambled to his feet and dusted himself off. ¡°I just healed myself for the last time before the tournament, I don¡¯t want to have to pay to rest here again.¡±

    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Zalan said, feeling embarrassed. ¡°You¡¯re entering the tournament too?¡±

    The stranger looked Zalan over as Rep entered behind him, watching the interaction unfold.

    ¡°You are joining the tournament as well?¡± the young man asked.

    ¡°Yeah, me and Rep,¡± Zalan said, introducing him.

    ¡°What bracket are you entering? Actually, it does not matter. Stay away from me,¡± the tournament goer said sharply, suddenly looking closed off.

    Zalan¡¯s trigger-happy emotions went haywire and he immediately reacted with a menacing glare. He was trying to be friendly to this guy after he pushed him over, but he didn¡¯t care. Zalan hated it when his efforts went unnoticed. He hated it even more when his efforts to be affable were cast aside like they were worthless. He stared into the man¡¯s eyes silently, not backing down as he boiled within.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Zalan asked, his teeth grit.

    ¡°I said stay away from me,¡± he repeated.

    ¡°Perhaps he does not wish to be in scuffles with his opponents ahead of the tournament,¡± Rep suggested, stepping to Zalan¡¯s side.

    ¡°I do not want to be in the presence of those that will lose the tournament. I am better alone,¡± the young man said, though he sounded like he was forcing the insult.

    Zalan closed his eyes in disbelief, breathing loudly from his nose. Rep placed an arm on his shoulder.

    ¡°We¡¯ll give you your space,¡± Zalan said through his teeth.

    ¡°At least pretend your mother gave you some manners,¡± the young man scoffed.

    Zalan¡¯s fist clenched, ready to throw a fist at another snarky remark. The stranger saw the change in Zalan¡¯s demeanor. He hesitated, looking as though he wanted to say an apology, then quickly switched course.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± he said. ¡°I will have you immobilized before you can blink.¡±

    ¡°What is taking so long?¡± Nold asked, finally entering. Zalan was an instant away from throwing a punch, his energy dispelled by Nold¡¯s interruption.

    ¡°Instructor Nold?¡± the young man¡¯s features morphed immediately, a deference on his face. ¡°Are you attending the tournament this year? I will be a contender.¡±

    ¡°I will. You are in the way of my student,¡± Nold nodded to Zalan. The stranger looked between Nold and Zalan for a few moments.

    ¡°You need to teach your student some etiquette. He struggles to follow the most basic instructions. And he slammed the door into me,¡± the stranger said.

    Nold regarded him down his nose.

    ¡°What is your name?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°I am Slauson,¡± Slauson said, his chest displayed proudly. Rep made a face at the name, as though he recognized it.

    ¡°Zorgon, apologize to Slauson,¡± Nold directed.

    ¡°I already did,¡± Zalan said in a strained voice.

    Nold gave Slauson a curious look, and Slauson took that as a sign to leave. He moved to the doorway, staring at Zalan all the while.

    ¡°Farewell, Zorgon. I hope not to see you at the tournament,¡± Slauson waved and slipped out of the inn. Zalan shivered as Slauson exited the room, a sudden chill running through him.

    ¡°I hate that guy,¡± Zalan declared as soon as the door closed.

    ¡°Good. Save that rage for the tournament. Anger is a tool,¡± Instructor Nold said, moving to the counter to request a room for the three of them. When asked for payment of three silver, Nold began fishing in his pockets. Zalan stomped over and suddenly slammed three gold coins on the counter, shocking the clerk. Zalan needed to get some energy out, and the counter seemed like the best place to do it.

    ¡°This is far too much money,¡± the clerk said, holding out a key hesitantly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Zalan said, snatching the key and stomping away to go to the room.

    Rep followed closely behind, trying to calm him down after the encounter. Nold looked at the clerk, then at the three gold coins on the counter. The clerk joined in looking over the gold. They stared at the money awkwardly. Nold slowly dragged one of the gold coins away and tucked it into his pocket. The clerk shrugged, the trio still having overpaid for the room, and pocketed the other two coins.

    Inside, Zalan laid himself down.

    ¡°Zalan, please, just talk to me,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan kept his lips closed, not even looking at Rep.

    ¡°Anger is not a tool. Do not grip so tightly to its uncontrollable essence,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Nold said it was a tool. He¡¯s a good teacher,¡± Zalan said, dismissing Rep.

    ¡°He does not know everything,¡± Rep rejected.

    Zalan didn¡¯t reply. He didn¡¯t take to any of the other conversations that Rep tried to get him to participate in. He was determined to heal himself and get out there to train even harder. The more severely he could beat this Slauson character into the ground, the better.

    Minutes later, he was able to fall asleep and begin healing, a deep scowl on his face.

 64 - Book 2 - Chapter 13 - Tournament Ready

    Zalan shot out of bed in a matter of minutes. He tenderly stretched his hands and arms, until satisfied that he¡¯d fully healed himself. He punched his arm out excitedly, not having been able to use his arms for days. He swung his legs off the mattress and looked to Nold who was standing at the door.

    ¡°Can we go?¡± Zalan asked impatiently.

    Nold shook his head and silently nodded to Rep on the other bed. Rep was sound asleep, the discoloration on his face caused by the Slimescorp ebbing away with every second that passed. Zalan was able to witness the healing happen in real time. It was fascinating. The cut from the Slimescorp was no longer a blemish on his face, fading away. His hands twitched as all bruises and wounds danced away from his hands. His skin was clear, as though it had never seen adventure before.

    Rep snorted and rolled over groggily, the healing complete.

    ¡°I am awake,¡± Rep murmured half-consciously.

    ¡°Great, now can we go? How much time has passed?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not long. We can leave if you are ready,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan jumped out of bed and rushed to the door, to which Rep suddenly snapped to attention and went to chase after him. Rep caught his arm just as he was about to leave the room.

    ¡°You are not going after that Slauson character, are you?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°What if I am?¡±

    ¡°You could be disqualified from the tournament,¡± Rep warned.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Zalan snapped angrily.

    Rep shook his head slightly, stunned. Zalan tried to twist his arm away, but Rep pulled back forcefully, a reminder of their difference in Strength.

    ¡°What about you? Do you not care if he disqualifies himself?¡± Rep asked Nold.

    ¡°I do not,¡± Nold shrugged.

    Both Rep and Zalan looked at him in surprise. Zalan stopped trying to pull away.

    ¡°You don¡¯t care?¡± Zalan prodded Nold.

    ¡°The goal of my teaching is to enhance your powers and abilities. The tournament is usually a goal that my students aim for. But there are many reasons to want to enhance one¡¯s power. If Zalan has decided he has new priorities, I trust him,¡± Nold said.

    Trust. The simple word brought his mood back from a boil to a simmer. His instructor trusted him. More than Rep, evidently. It meant a lot to him. A trusting bond was forming between himself and Nold. The intensity in his stance slackened.

    ¡°Am I the last sane person here?¡± Rep asked, astonished. ¡°I thought the entire plan was to enter the tournament. When did we decide against that?¡±

    ¡°No, no, you¡¯re right,¡± Zalan said, relaxing himself. ¡°I won¡¯t do anything stupid. We need to go to the tournament.¡±

    In the grand scheme of things, Rep was right. He needed to enter the tournament. That was the whole plan. Now, there was the added benefit of having the chance to beat Slauson in a fight. Rep watched Zalan carefully, but let go of him.

    ¡°To the courtyard, then,¡± Nold led the way, not giving a second thought to the tension rising between his students.

    Rep and Zalan wanted to ask why they were headed to the courtyard instead of back to the path, but Nold had already left the room.

    They exited the inn out to the back where there was an open courtyard for training. The residents of Naverforth were aware of contestants wanting to get last minute training, so many places of business would allow entry to a neighboring courtyard as part of payment. Like a hotel that came with a pool. An inn that came with a training ground.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just get a move on?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You will show me how much you have improved. I suspect you will hurt yourselves when trying to show me your ability to imbue. When that happens, we will heal again, then we shall leave,¡± Nold answered.

    Zalan looked ambivalent, but didn¡¯t offer any more objections. It would be nice to be able to use his full power when a chance to heal was within walking distance.

    Nold set up two straw dummies apart from one another in the courtyard. He then moved to stand in between the dummies. He raised a fist straight in the air and fired a ball of flame. Without Nold even looking up, the flame split in two and came back down and struck both of the dummies like heat-seeking missiles. Rep and Zalan were amazed that Nold still had surprises to offer them.

    ¡°Show me how well you can redirect your powers,¡± Nold said to the two as he stepped away. ¡°You will not have to turn it all the way around as I have demonstrated, but look to the left and redirect it all the way to the right.¡±

    ¡°So, like a 90 degree turn?¡± Zalan clarified.

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    ¡°A what? Just turn it perpendicular to where you emit it,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan nodded and directed himself away from the dummy. He put his hand out in front of him and threw a blast of lightning, trying his best to twist it in a new direction. It was slow to turn and hit the courtyard fence before he could turn it more than 20 degrees. He sighed in disappointment. He was hoping that once he had full use of his hands again, he would be able to curve a lot better than his feet, but he was way off. He wondered how well his opponents would be able to curve in the tournament.

    ¡°Good progress from not being able to curve at all only a few days ago,¡± Nold nodded. ¡°But you have much to improve.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    Rep went next, turning away from his dummy and breathing in deep. He let out his breath as well as a fireball. Without much motion from his arms, he was able to curve it all the way around to a full right angle. It slammed into the ground next to the dummy. His aim was a bit off, but he was able to curve the fire enough to be satisfied.

    ¡°You did it!¡± Zalan said, amazed.

    ¡°I suppose I did,¡± Rep said, not really believing it himself as he stared at the dark mark in the earth.

    ¡°Your aim needs work,¡± Nold criticized, without offering any additional praise. Rep didn¡¯t seem to mind.

    Next, Rep and Zalan made their way in front of the dummies to punch them with an imbued fist. Both students rubbed their hands nervously, knowing that they might hurt themselves more than they hurt the straw targets. They assessed their immobile targets for a few seconds, neither one wanting to initiate the attack.

    ¡°Stop stalling,¡± Nold warned.

    Zalan went first, summoning his power around his hand and punching the dummy with all his might. The dummy¡¯s neck exploded in an array of sparks, the head flying clean off. Zalan immediately powered down his hand and assessed the damage he did to himself, wincing in anticipation of the incoming pain.

    Except there was no damage.

    Zalan had totally imbued his hand without shocking himself in the slightest. At first his eyes widened in shock, then he smiled like a madman.

    ¡°I did it!¡± Zalan said. ¡°It didn¡¯t hurt at all!¡±

    To make his point, Zalan imbued both hands and punched the dummy¡¯s torso, once again causing it to explode where he made contact. He powered down and looked over his hands, delighted to see not the slightest scratch.

    ¡°Well done!¡± Nold said, excited. ¡°You can imbue yourself with lightning! That is no small feat! A good display of power!¡±

    Rep was excited to see Zalan succeed and tried to use that upbeat energy to build his own confidence. As soon as he imbued his hand, he cried out and put out the flame. Shaking his hand, he saw it was a dark red and bleeding slightly. He still couldn¡¯t imbue himself without causing himself harm. He massaged his hand, looking over it in disappointment.

    ¡°Well,¡± Rep sighed, disappointed. ¡°At least we both have something to improve.¡±

    ¡°One last test for you, Zappo,¡± Nold said. ¡°Can you imbue your entire body?¡±

    Zalan thought about it for a moment, then nodded confidently. He had no idea, but was excited enough to want to try. Nold held a piece of straw to Zalan¡¯s neck and waited for him to imbue himself. Zalan let the power loose, feeling the energy surge through every part of him. He felt more powerful than he ever had before, like he wore a chainmail armor of lightning. He shined a bright blue, then the straw in Nold¡¯s hand lit aflame from Zalan¡¯s power. Nold laughed.

    ¡°Well done! I would say you are tournament ready!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Zalan exclaimed, thrilled. Zalan looked over his glowing blue arms, amazed at the display.

    ¡°Indeed. The last step is to make your imbue thinner along your body to hide it from your opponents. Keeping it like this is not only very taxing on your energy, but will indicate to everyone what your power is when you want to keep it hidden,¡± Nold said. ¡°But you have learned some excellent skills. Were you a higher Level, I would be certain that you could win.¡±

    ¡°I thought you said that Levels didn¡¯t matter in hand to hand combat?¡± Zalan said, deflating a little.

    ¡°I never said they do not matter! If someone of Strength 20 gets a direct hit on you, then you will be incapacitated on the moment of impact. I merely said that one¡¯s Level is not the most important aspect of the fight. You still need to be agile in battle and learn to read your opponent. We have more training to do on the way,¡± Nold said, moving to leave the courtyard.

    ¡°Umm,¡± Rep mumbled. ¡°Are you not going to wait for me to heal, first?¡±

    Nold turned around and looked at Rep with surprise, like he forgot he was there.

    ¡°Right, yes. Go and heal and then we can be on our way for some more training,¡± Nold said.

    Rep quickly went back inside and Zalan practiced imbuing his hand over and over in excitement. Only days ago, he had no idea this power existed, but now he felt like a master. He looked to his instructor with admiration.

    ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± Zalan said graciously, then was suddenly struck by a question. ¡°How much am I going to owe you for all of this? Do you charge per student?¡±

    ¡°I do not require any monetary payment,¡± Nold shook his head. ¡°But I am certain there will come a time that I will be in need of your Element. I only hope that you will do me the favor of assisting me if the time comes.¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Zalan said, excited to be of any use to Nold. ¡°What kind of place would you need my Elemental power? You already have three, I thought you would be set.¡±

    ¡°Ah, but there are so many more powers that I could have,¡± Nold said wistfully. ¡°The high seas are notorious for being surrounded by thunderstorms. I may ask you to assist me in gaining access to lands beyond the sea.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s out there?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°A means for me to gain another Elemental Power,¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°Another one?¡± Zalan was suddenly very curious to see the Elemental in person. He wanted to know what kind of challenge Nold would be issued when he had three Elemental Powers to begin with. Something like being able to drain the ocean with a straw. ¡°Sure! I¡¯d love to help. I wouldn¡¯t be this powerful without you,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You are far from having reached your potential. Consider the ability to smite others at a distance to be your peak. Until you can summon lighting from the sky on command, I will consider you incomplete,¡± Nold instructed.

    ¡°When should I be able to do that?¡±

    ¡°When your Wisdom reaches seven, you should be able to conjure your Elemental Power from beyond yourself. So, you should be able to learn the ability within the next Level or two.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan agreed. The idea sounded amazing to him, being able to call upon lighting from the sky at any moment.

    ¡°Ready!¡± Rep appeared next to them, fully healed. ¡°If I do not try to imbue myself, we should arrive at the tournament at our full potential.¡±

    ¡°Excellent, let us be off,¡± Nold said, leading the way out of the town and back to the path toward the Elemental Rage Tournament.

 65 - Book 2 - Chapter 14 - Monsters on the Road

    <h2> </h2>

    There was a path that led from the city to the tournament, but Nold deliberately led them far away from the path, looking for more monsters for his pupils to face before the tournament. To their surprise, he didn¡¯t impose any restrictions when they came across their first set of Boznoks. He simply nodded toward the monsters and Rep and Zalan charged in with fists raised.

    Zalan marveled at the way the lighting came so easily and powerfully to his fingertips, He was able to turn a monster into a ragdoll with a single barehanded blow, sparks flying as his punch connected. Zalan was also elated to see Rep charge into battle without fear, his newfound strength far outweighing his hesitations. He threw fireball after fireball at the Boznoks, which they tried to block out with shields. None of them were able to defend against the projectiles that wiggled in the air before striking, curving around the shields with deadly accuracy. Zalan and Rep looked over the dead Boznoks, hardly having broken a sweat in battle.

    ¡°I remember that Gorb and Fran had a harder time than us when we took on Boznoks. And they were a higher Level,¡± Zalan remarked.

    ¡°Indeed. Instructor Nold has given us a tangible advantage over those who have not had his training,¡± Rep nodded, flexing his fingers.

    ¡°Then maybe we¡¯ll be able to go up against people at a much higher Level than us and stand a chance,¡± Zalan hoped.

    ¡°We do not need to concern ourselves with that because we will be entering the lower bracket of the tournament. Level 5 and Under. No one will be a higher Level than me, and you will be close enough to be a strong contender.¡±

    Zalan checked his Experience. He was at 90. He might be able to reach Level 5 before arriving at the tournament.

    ¡°Think we¡¯ll fight one another?¡± Zalan asked, curious to see Rep¡¯s reaction.

    Rep raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Are you eager to spar? We can always make time after the tournament,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I just thought it would be pretty funny if the guy who lived here all his life lost a fight against a guy who got here a few weeks ago,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    Rep blinked, then smiled.

    ¡°Your banters leave no wounds within me. I am only happy to see you succeed,¡± Rep said graciously.

    ¡°Your sincerity can suck the life out of everything,¡± Zalan sighed.

    Nold led the way once more, guiding them on an invisible path that only he knew of. After a few hours, they witnessed new monsters at a distance. Three of them. They stood on two legs but looked like a turtle from the neck up and had shells covering their backs. Their eyes glowed red and they had dark blue spiked armor covering the rest of their humanoid body. They all held spears and took quick notice of the travelers, even with the space between them.

    ¡°Those are Shellbacks,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Shellbacks,¡± Rep repeated, making a mental note.

    ¡°We can take them,¡± Zalan let a bit of lightning zip through his fingers in anticipation.

    ¡°You surely can. But you are not allowed to attack them until you deflect one of their spear thrusts. With your feet.¡±

    Zalan and Rep groaned, hoping they could go the rest of the journey without additional restrictions from their teacher. Rep began stretching his legs.

    ¡°What does that even accomplish?¡± Zalan asked Nold.

    ¡°You will learn to evade while being in the mindset of attacking. You should always be prepared to both attack and defend and this will help you achieve that,¡± Nold explained.

    Zalan and Rep nodded. The explanation was sufficient to get them determined to succeed.

    ¡°And do not let them stab you. If we have to return to the inn to heal, we may be late to the tournament. Any wounds you take now will join you for the tournament,¡± Nold informed them.

    Rep and Zalan swallowed hard, concerned about taking any damage. They both approached cautiously, assessing their enemies. The monsters also took slow steps toward them, not rushing into battle. Each waited for the other to make the first move. The Shellbacks were patient in order to sum up the strength of their enemies, and Rep and Zalan waited for a spearpoint to redirect.

    The trio of monsters were in striking distance with their weapons, their red eyes watching closely. As though practiced, two of the Shellbacks reared their spears in preparation to attack while the third held its weapon at the ready. The thrusts came fast, and Zalan and Rep had no choice but to evade to the side. The third Shellback tried to take advantage of their movement and strike where Zalan had moved to. The spearpoint came straight for his face and Zalan panicked and bashed it aside with his hands.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Nold snapped. ¡°Feet only! Or do you wish for me to assist the Shellbacks?¡±

    ¡°It was going to kill me!¡± Zalan said as he and Rep scampered away quickly.

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    ¡°Then dodge better!¡± Nold ordered.

    The Shellbacks grew confident over Rep and Zalan not retaliating to their attack. They stomped toward their prey with increased speed. With targeted precision, two of the tortoise-like creatures thrust spears at Rep and Zalan¡¯s vital points. Again, it was too fast for Rep and Zalan to retaliate and they moved out of the way.

    ¡°They strike so fast,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°How are we supposed to deflect a spear when there¡¯s too many of them?¡± Zalan asked their instructor.

    ¡°You will not be able to ask me when you are fighting in the tournament!¡± Nold forewarned. ¡°Assess your opponent. Analyze them for weaknesses.¡±

    The Shellbacks increased their intensity, two stabbing like a machine and letting the third one try and get a good hit in. It was clear the monsters were confident that they had found easy targets and only needed to wear down the humans. They weren¡¯t making any mistakes, patiently beating down on their enemies.

    ¡°Split up,¡± Zalan told Rep. ¡°That way only one of us has to deal with two at a time.¡±

    Rep didn¡¯t reply, but turned sharply, running away from the Shellbacks. The three creatures watched Rep change course, then collectively and silently decided not to pursue him. Evidently, they decided that it would be easier for all three of them to simply focus on Zalan. They grinned menacingly.

    ¡°Oh, fantastic,¡± Zalan muttered sarcastically as the creatures turned their attention to him.

    Three spearheads came his way and Zalan jumped and twisted his body to evade, taking two tiny scratches. The Shellbacks were consistent in delivering a stream of attacks. For every spear that went back to prepare for a thrust, another came darting for Zalan¡¯s face or chest. It was frustrating at first, but Zalan was able to turn that frustration to his advantage.

    His anger fueled him in ways he hadn¡¯t noticed before. Either Nold¡¯s training was starting to take an unconscious hold on his movements, or Zalan was gaining heightened abilities when he was upset or annoyed. Nold was right, anger was a tool, and he was seeing it in action. The spear points never made anything near deadly contact with his skin. So long as he focused on evasion, he was totally safe. He was confident he could dodge them all day. Now, he only needed to watch for an opening.

    ¡°Over here!¡± Rep was calling to the monsters fruitlessly, trying to regain their attention. He would have thrown a fireball to try and attract one to him, but Nold was watching him closely and ensuring he was following the training and all the limitations. Even moreso, Nold was ecstatic to see Zalan moving nimbly between the Shellbacks¡¯ attacks. The progress on his physical abilities was a good sign for more ability in his powers. His speed looked as though it was coming naturally, which was a good sign for what to expect of him in the tournament.

    Zalan was growing impatient with the Shellbacks. He never had enough time to gain sufficient footing to throw out a kick, always bobbing and weaving between weapons. Multiple times, he was tempted to just throw out his hands and blast the Shellbacks with lighting to their faces, stunning them long enough to take them down. But he kept himself at bay, making sure that Nold wouldn¡¯t give them additional assistance. Despite all his self-discipline, he was reaching the end of his patience. He would blow up on these Shellbacks if they kept attacking relentlessly.

    As though something in the air shared his impatience, a burst of wind hit Zalan and the three Shellbacks with such sudden intensity that one of the spears hesitated as it came forward. Zalan kicked at it from below and was finally able to redirect a spear strike. He kicked it with enough force that he disarmed the monster. The Shellback was stunned, not expecting Zalan to have the gall to fight back after they hunted him for so long with no response. They thought him incapable of fighting at all, much less powerful enough to kick the spear away.

    ¡°I did it!¡± Zalan called out, excited.

    The other two Shellbacks, equally stunned, tried to stab at him only for Zalan to jump to the side, grab one spear, and throw it away from the Shellback. It reacted immediately, grabbing Zalan in a powerful bear hug and turning him to the last armed creature to gore him. Zalan, still buzzing with excitement, imbued his entire body in lighting. The Shellback holding him twitched in paralytic shock and released Zalan from its grip. He ducked down as the other Shellback stabbed forward and caused the creature to kill its own kind.

    Zalan was amazed by his newfound abilities, marveling at how his mix of training and anger gave him an incredible advantage. He was never worried about dying here, even when their spearheads were flying so close to him. The remaining two Shellbacks were still trying to understand what changed in Zalan in the last few seconds that turned him so aggressive. Their hesitations gave Zalan a burst of confidence.

    Zalan imbued his fists, their eyes growing wide as they saw the lighting sparking from his arms. He leaped forward and punched into their faces, cracking skulls and killing them both in quick succession. He stood proudly, watching the fine, glowing blue on his imbued hands fade.

    ¡°Excellent, Zaboot!¡± Nold called out, applauding him.

    ¡°Incredible! I cannot believe you did that all on your own!¡± Rep said, amazed.

    ¡°I think you could, too,¡± Zalan said. ¡°You got the same training as me. It was just lucky that the wind came when it did to throw off the creatures.¡±

    ¡°I did not feel any wind,¡± Nold said immediately.

    ¡°Really? I felt it as well,¡± Rep said, curiously. ¡°It was quite strong.¡±

    ¡°Those three Shellbacks looked to be scouts. That means we may not be far from more powerful Shellbacks,¡± Nold said, ignoring Rep¡¯s comment.

    ¡°Does that mean we have to fight more?¡± Zalan asked, ready for the challenge. He wanted to deflect a spear with his feet even faster this time.

    ¡°No, we should avoid them in case they take too long to defeat. The tournament draws near and I wish for you to be at your full strength. Let us instead¡­¡± Nold trailed, looking out at something.

    Zalan and Rep followed his gaze and spotted a larger, taller-looking Shellback. It stood upright, where the others seemed slightly hunched under the weight of their shells. Its armor was thicker and its body was a hue of red with a blood-red shell. It carried a halberd about 7 feet long ¡ª as tall as the creature stood. It was walking, gradually getting closer to the travelers with an air of menace. Nold rummaged around for something while Zalan and Rep watched it approach them.

    ¡°Is that another Shellback? Why is it so much larger?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°That is a Shell King,¡± Nold informed, pulling something out from behind him.

    He pushed something into both Rep and Zalan¡¯s arms. They looked down, a slight confusion on their faces.

    Their swords.

    ¡°Uhhh¡­ Nold?¡± Zalan asked, gripping his sword and looking back at the Shell King nervously. ¡°How dangerous is this thing?¡±

    ¡°You have no restrictions in your battle against it.¡±

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another as Nold cocooned himself in a wall of sand. The Shell King roared in anger as he saw the three dead Shellbacks, then charged at Rep and Zalan.

 66 - Book 2 - Chapter 15 - King of Shells

    The Shell King ran forward, brandishing its halberd as it took long, ponderous strides. Zalan and Rep reacted immediately, throwing out a flame and blast of lighting that merged to explode upon impacting the Shell King. It was the first time they initiated a battle together, confident in their combined ability. It charged right through the explosion unperturbed.

    ¡°It tanked our Elemental hits?¡± Zalan balked.

    ¡°Brace yourself!¡± Rep held out his sword.

    The weapons felt awkward in their hands. It had been so long since they last held their blades that they didn¡¯t feel like an extension of their arms like they used to. The Shell King¡¯s halberd swung quickly, cutting through the air and crashing into both Rep and Zalan¡¯s swords. The collision of weapons made the two men slide back a foot in the earth. The Shell King had considerable strength. Rep threw a fireball out of his foot and redirected it to strike the Shell King¡¯s face. It breathed out, sounding unharmed under its helmet.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Rep asked, his arms trembling under the Shell King''s increasing force behind the halberd.

    ¡°Split up!¡± Zalan called, leaning back under the strain of the weapon.

    ¡°That didn¡¯t work last time!¡± Rep said, his voice strained.

    The Shell King grunted, taking another step forward and applying more force.

    ¡°I can¡¯t think of anything else! Just run before it pins us! Imbue your sword!¡±

    Zalan and Rep imbued both of their blades, injecting their weapons with enough energy to cause the Shell King to pause and take a step back. Zalan and Rep split up, running on opposite sides of the large monster. They both took the opportunity to slice at the Shell King¡¯s legs, cutting deep into the creature¡¯s armor, dealing their first bit of damage. The Shell King flinched and grunted in reaction to the attack. Then it turned to chase Zalan, stomping menacingly and raising its halberd.

    ¡°Why is it always me?¡± Zalan muttered as the monster chased him down.

    This time Rep made sure not to run as far in case the plan went the same way it did last time. He had enough balance to spin in place and double back. He did exactly that, running to catch back up to the monster before it could take on Zalan. He could send out his Elemental Power a lot faster than he could move his feet. He began to throw quick fireballs and curve them to stand in front of its face and obscure the creature¡¯s vision. The Shell King swatted the fireballs away like nothing, but began to growl in frustration at the nuisance. It spun on its heels and turned toward Rep, enraged.

    Zalan brought himself to a stop, gasping for air. The Shell King was much faster than the Shellbacks. He breathed in and charged back toward the Shell King. He tried to throw lightning and curve it the same way that Rep did, but couldn¡¯t turn his lightning nearly enough to cause it to cross the monster¡¯s eyeline. He could feel the lightning slightly adjusting midair, but his grip on the power wasn¡¯t good enough for more than slight adjustments. Though, his slight redirection did give him an idea on a way to slow down the Shell King. He tried to increase his speed. It was too far for him to slash its legs, and it was only making a greater distance as it caught up to Rep.

    Rep ran as fast as he could, throwing tiny shots of flame behind him, but nothing as sight-blinding as he was able to produce when he wasn¡¯t being targeted. The Shell King was upon him now. It slammed its halberd down, and Rep had to jump and spin to block it with his weapon. The halberd locked with Rep¡¯s sword and Rep was off balance. He retreated so as to not be run over as well as keep the halberd at bay. The monster wretched the sword away from Rep, throwing it far away.

    Zalan was too far to swing his sword at the creature, but many things became clear to him the instant he saw the blade thrown away. The creature was not as weak to Elemental Power as it was to swords and weapons. That¡¯s why it flinched when they slashed at it earlier and why it spent time disarming Rep. The fact it was only vulnerable to blades also should have been clear when Nold gave them their weapons unprompted. It also wasn¡¯t paying attention to him.

    In the same moment Rep¡¯s sword was torn from his grasp, Zalan imbued his sword and threw it like a javelin. The sword would have definitely hit the floor was it not imbued. Zalan redirected the lightning in the sword in order to keep it both airborne and aimed precisely at the back of the Shell King¡¯s knee. While he couldn¡¯t curve lighting in whatever direction he wanted, he had enough of a grasp over the power to slightly adjust it. It was only a theory until he threw it, but the lightning in the blade was enough for him to change its direction in midair, like adding air to a paper airplane. He curved the lighting in the blade with enough control to make sure the point was always directed to the back of the Shell King¡¯s leg.

    The Shell King, unaware of the incoming sword, brought the halberd down toward Rep. Zalan moved faster, and his sword stabbed clean into the Shell King¡¯s leg, causing it to scream and kneel down to one leg. The halberd missed Rep¡¯s vital points, but the tip went deep into Rep¡¯s shoulder. Rep acted quickly despite the new injury, pulling on the halberd by the staff to further throw the Shell King off balance. The Shell King pulled back and Rep used the momentum of that pull to remove the halberd out of his shoulder and free himself. Rolling to the side, he moved out of reach while the Shell King still reeled from the pain in its leg.

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    Rep jumped up and kicked the Shell King directly in its torso with the full force of his body, but bounded off harmlessly, the creature¡¯s shell protecting it. Rep would be unable to overcome the monster without a weapon. Zalan caught on to this quickly and ran to Rep¡¯s discarded sword. The Shell King tried to stand, but stumbled back down and decided to swing its halberd horizontally at Rep. Rep fell to his back, the halberd barely swishing by above him.

    ¡°Rep! Catch!¡± Zalan threw him his blade.

    ¡°Do not throw a sword!¡± Rep called back, panicked.

    But Rep saw how it glowed a light blue, imbued with Zalan¡¯s power and remained upright as it sailed through the air. It descended toward Rep smoothly, as though granted to him as a boon from the sky. Rep reached out, amazed at how his weapon looked. Zalan even had the consideration to stop imbuing it just before Rep grabbed it, leaving Rep unharmed as he grasped the hilt.

    Rep read between the lines immediately. Rep quickly imbued his sword in flames and prepared for another swipe of the halberd. The combined might of his Strength and Wisdom were put into his imbued sword as he pushed against the halberd, knocking it away. He then thrust his blade toward the Shell King¡¯s unharmed leg. The Shell King deflected it quickly, throwing the sword from Rep¡¯s grasp. Rep had allowed himself to be disarmed, now that the blade was imbued. The Shell King was stunned to see the sword come floating back around for a second swipe at its leg.

    The Shell King smacked the floating blade into the floor and stabbed at it a series of times, as though to make sure the weapon was dead and wouldn¡¯t come back for a third attack. Rep used this moment of distraction to slide out of the Shell King¡¯s vision and grab the sword lodged into its leg.

    Rep pulled Zalan¡¯s sword out from the Shell King, imbued it in flame, and stabbed it straight into the creature¡¯s head from below. Its pained roar was cut off mid-cry.

    ¡°Did you get it?¡± Zalan asked, his vision obscured on the other end of the Shell King.

    Zalan exploded in brilliant white light, gaining a Level from the encounter. That was enough of an answer for Zalan. The Shell King was dead. The Shell King¡¯s corpse toppled forward, landing heavily on Rep.

    ¡°You did it!¡± Zalan called, charging forward to congratulate Rep.

    ¡°Help me get it off,¡± Rep said, his voice strained under the creature.

    Before Zalan could put a hand on the Shell King, a mound of sand materialized below Rep and pushed the Shell King off of him. Nold had reappeared from within his protective sand and began burying the Shellbacks and the Shell King. He looked Zalan up and down with an impressed expression.

    ¡°What an impressive display of power. Imbuing your blade to redirect it midair. I must admit, I have never done that myself before. What a powerful strategy,¡± Nold praised Zalan.

    ¡°Did you see how Rep was able to fend off the Shell King when it was in his face? He did the same thing I did with the imbuing! He saw it done once and already knew how to copy it! Then he used my sword like an expert!¡± Zalan said, gesticulating excitedly to recreate Rep¡¯s performance.

    Rep nodded modestly to the compliments as he brought himself to his feet.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Nold agreed with mild interest.

    ¡°What did your increase in Level gain you?¡± Rep asked Zalan.

    Zalan tapped his fingers together, calling upon his stats.

    LEVEL: 05

    STRENGTH: 05

    WISDOM: 07

    EXPERIENCE: 04

    ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

    ¡°Your Wisdom continues to show promise,¡± Nold nodded approvingly. Zalan looked up, about to ask Rep about the fight when he saw the damage he took in battle. His eyebrows descended with concern.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurt,¡± Zalan looked at the wound on Rep¡¯s shoulder. ¡°And you didn¡¯t gain a Level to heal.¡±

    ¡°I will be fine,¡± Rep tilted his head to the side as if to say the blood in his shoulder was nothing.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be fine. We don¡¯t have a place to heal between here and the tournament,¡± Zalan reminded him.

    This gave Rep pause. He didn¡¯t shrug off Zalan¡¯s concerns as easily as usual.

    ¡°How far are you from gaining your next Level?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am at 75 Experience,¡± Rep said, mildly disappointed.

    ¡°Maybe we can look for more Shellbacks and try and heal you by taking them out,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°No. I am at Level 5. If I reach Level 6, then I will have to enter the next bracket in the tournament. I wish to have the advantage of entering at 5 and Under,¡± Rep said, though he didn¡¯t sound so convinced, himself.

    ¡°Come on Rep. You would already be at a huge disadvantage to not have full use of your arms. Plus, Nold already told us that we can take on people that are higher Levels than us, right?¡± Zalan looked to Nold for support, but Nold just shrugged indifferently. He looked like he couldn¡¯t care less for the conversation and just wanted to get a move on.

    ¡°I will be fine,¡± Rep declared, sounding like he was trying to convince himself more than his companions. He tied a bandage to the wound.

    ¡°But Rep, at least think about it. What¡¯s a Level 6 to a Level 10? You¡¯ll do great,¡± Zalan said.

    In the second that Rep tried to think about it, Nold went back on the move, continuing his way to the tournament. Rep shrugged his uninjured shoulder and followed Nold without replying to Zalan. Zalan sighed and joined them, hoping his friend would fare well in the tournament in his state.

 67 - Book 2 - Chapter 16 - Fireside Chat

    Days of travel went by without any more monsters. Nold spent the hours of sunlight disappointed at the lack of enemies to train against. He filled the evenings with a series of challenges for Zalan to imbue himself in a thinner and less conspicuous manner, hiding the fact he was imbued from his opponents. The instructor had Rep figure out the full range of ability with his injured shoulder and pitted him against sand attacks that would be most difficult to block.

    The two students were allowed to keep their weapons now, but neither of them had any intention of using them unless they had to. They saw the value in training solely unarmed when preparing for the tournament. Nold¡¯s tutelage had more than shown its use. Zalan felt like imbuing himself came naturally and Rep could redirect fire enough to turn it all the way around.

    On the night before the tournament, Nold and Zalan were training to imbue an invisible layer of power over themselves.

    ¡°Good, good,¡± Nold said carefully as he saw Zalan¡¯s light hue dissipating. ¡°But you must focus on imbuing and moving at the same time. You are not allowed to stand and concentrate in battle. You should always be a nimble opponent. Are you prepared to spar?¡±

    Zalan was already straining to hold the thin imbue across his body. The faint glow coming off of him was a constant reminder of his failure. The invisibility of his imbue had so much potential. He could punch someone and shock them without them knowing why. With a tight nod, he prepared for Nold to come at him.

    Nold raced toward him with a fist ready to deliver to his chest. Nold delivered the punch more gradually than usual, making it easy for Zalan to read the trajectory of movement. Zalan moved out of the way of the punch, but immediately began to shine brighter in the night. He was losing his grip on the thin lighting and increased the output to maintain the imbue. Nold didn¡¯t scold him or stop, instead continuing to throw slow punches. Zalan continued to move quickly out of the way, his mind growing painfully tense as he held on to the imbue. After about a minute of dodging, Nold made contact with one of the punches. He had applied a layer of Elemental Sand to his hands, protecting himself from the lighting that wished to course through his knuckles. Zalan fell back on his rear, sighing in frustration.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do it!¡± Zalan said. ¡°There¡¯s not enough time to master this.¡±

    ¡°I think you have successfully got a grasp over the invisible imbue. Well done,¡± Nold said, nodding to himself in self-satisfaction.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Zalan asked, feeling like Nold was being a contrarian for no reason.

    ¡°You saw the way the lightning made you glow? It was faint. It would be like a candle in midday. In the bright sun of the tournament, no one will see the light coming off of your body,¡± Nold explained.

    Zalan looked down at his hands, then imbued them slightly, taking note of the brightness of the lightning. Nold was right, it was very faint. It would hardly do to act as a flashlight in the middle of the night, much less be easily seen in the day.

    ¡°So,¡± Zalan looked up hopefully. ¡°I¡¯m ready?¡±

    ¡°You are,¡± Nold nodded. ¡°You are not a master of any of the abilities I have taught you, but it will suffice. If you do not take any direct blows from anyone more powerful than you, I think you will do well.¡±

    ¡°Wow,¡± Zalan basked in the success of his training, jumping up to his feet. ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±

    ¡°Do not feel you have done great until you can summon lightning from the sky. You have the Wisdom for summoning Elemental Power from outside your body,¡± Nold reminded.

    Zalan reluctantly agreed, still feeling excited about his newfound strengths. He decided to attempt to summon lightning from the sky right then to try and get even more credit. He had never tried it since having gained a Level. Maybe the new Wisdom would make some new feeling appear in his mind to call upon the sky. He raised his hand upward to the starlit night and Nold watched with bated breath.

    Zalan strained his hand as he tried to manifest the lightning above him. He was reaching for something that wasn¡¯t there. It felt a lot like the first time he called upon the lightning from within him in the presence of the Storm Elemental. He pulled as hard as he could, the air feeling charged. Something was happening, but nothing that Zalan could make out completely. A few errant sparks raced atop Zalan, then the power faded. He lost whatever tentative feeling he had over summoning from the sky.

    ¡°I think I can figure it out if I had enough time. It felt like I had the power there, it just wasn¡¯t¡­ vibing with me?¡± Zalan offered, feeling embarrassed by his phrase.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Nold said, clearly disappointed. ¡°Perhaps you will find your way in the tournament. Fighters learn a lot from their fellow combatants in battle. And you are certainly ready for combat with those Level 5 and Under.¡±

    ¡°And what about Rep?¡± Zalan asked eagerly.

    Rep picked up his head at the mention of his name. Nold looked over to him, seeming like he forgot about him again.

    ¡°Oh, yes, he is ready,¡± Nold offered.

    Rep smiled graciously. Nold and Zalan concluded their training and prepared for resting that evening before the tournament. They sat around the fire and took a light meal in preparation for the next day¡¯s battles.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to try and heal that before tomorrow?¡± Zalan nodded to Rep¡¯s shoulder. It had healed a little in the previous days, but he still couldn¡¯t move it in a full circle without recoiling.

    ¡°There is no time now,¡± Rep shook his head. ¡°We should get proper sleep before tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°And even if he¡¯s in pain, you think he¡¯ll do well tomorrow?¡± Zalan asked Nold.

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    ¡°One¡¯s ability in combat is partly dictated by how well they can fight while maintaining injuries. To come out of the tournament unscathed is previously unheard of,¡± Nold expressed.

    ¡°That¡¯s not much of an answer,¡± Zalan mentioned.

    ¡°If he is strong, he will do fine,¡± Nold answered more clearly.

    The mention of being strong reminded Zalan of Gorb. Would Nold be allowed to call Gorb by his nickname? He was definitely one of the strongest people Zalan knew in this world. Nold was a man with a reputation. A lot of people probably looked up to him. It made Zalan think of something else Gorb had mentioned to him about emotional strength.

    ¡°Instructor Nold¡­ When was the last time you cried?¡± Zalan asked, feeling like a child as the question passed his lips.

    Nold looked at him first with amusement then realized Zalan wasn¡¯t joking. His smirk slowly turned to confusion. Then derision.

    ¡°Why do you ask this question?¡± Nold asked sharply.

    ¡°It was something a friend of mine once talked to me about. A man¡¯s capacity to cry. He said it was good to cry sometimes and that it was a good way to know how well you were doing. It made it seem like a man should know the feeling of how it feels to cry,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°What an odd way to measure the mettle of men. Some men cry when they merely stub their toes. Is that a good time to assess his abilities as a man? And what of the child that cries when not given the right food? Should his tears be the sign that he be enlisted in a guild?¡± Nold said quickly.

    Zalan was confused by how fervently Nold rejected the idea of the question. Maybe it was a little naive to put thought into this. Nold was older than Gorb. More experienced. Everyone called him ¡®Instructor.¡¯ Clearly he knew what he was talking about.

    But at the same time, Zalan recalled his experience of witnessing Fran die and being unable to cry. He remembered, back in his own world, when he lay down in his apartment with a heavy heart and dry eyes. In both worlds, it felt wrong to be without tears. He should be able to cry sometimes. Surely, there was a time and place. He decided to venture further with Nold on the line of questioning.

    ¡°But there¡¯s gotta be a right time for a man to cry, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep looked like he was going to answer, but Zalan made it clear he only wanted to hear from Nold with a shake of his head. He wanted Nold¡¯s take on this subject, he could already guess what Rep had to say. Nold thought on the question and shook his head. Then, he paused mid-shake and nodded suddenly.

    ¡°There is but one time for a man to cry. When he has achieved his goals in this life. In the pride they take at the power they have over their own life, tears may fall,¡± Nold said, sounding like he was inspired by his own words.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged a confused glance. It was a strange answer. But Nold looked at them with self-satisfaction.

    ¡°I will take the first watch. In fact, all the watches. Sleep well and wake fresh for tomorrow¡¯s fights. You will do me proud,¡± Nold said, sounding both like an instruction and a term of encouragement.

    Nold ascended to the top of his wall of sand. Zalan and Rep exchanged another glance once he was out of earshot. Rep scooted himself over to Zalan to chat quietly.

    ¡°He seems off,¡± Rep whispered.

    They looked up at Nold on the sand wall, trying to see whether he could hear them. He showed no sign of listening in, but Zalan kept his voice even lower than Rep¡¯s just in case.

    ¡°Yeah, maybe he¡¯s just sensitive about the topic,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°No. Well, yes, but I meant that Nold seems ¡®off¡¯ in general. I feel as though he does not care for my presence. And I am almost certain he does not recall your name. He acts especially strangely,¡± Rep continued.

    ¡°Yeah, but so did Fran. And Gorb. And really everyone in this realm,¡± Zalan said as he recounted some of his experiences.

    ¡°Moreso than them. Perhaps¡­ dangerously so,¡± Rep suggested, going even quieter. ¡°He does not praise you nearly as much as he praises your power. As though they are separate entities. He may be trying to use you.¡±

    Zalan looked back up to Nold, trying to see what Rep saw in him. Nold cultivated the power that currently gave him so much confidence. Imbuing himself almost invisibly. Curving his lightning to degrees that were previously impossible. Dodging. Kicking and sending out Elemental Power from his feet. He really did feel tournament ready and Nold asked so little in return. Rep¡¯s uncertainty just wasn¡¯t compelling enough. Zalan ran a hand through his hair, then shook his head.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He¡¯s taught us so much. He doesn¡¯t seem so bad,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Perhaps¡­ I will just be happy that our travels with him will be over after the tournament,¡± Rep sighed.

    Zalan cleared his throat uncomfortably, looking away.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep asked, seeing the change on his face.

    ¡°I said I would help him with something if he needed me,¡± Zalan murmured. ¡°Something about traveling across the sea.¡±

    ¡°You are planning on island hopping after the tournament?¡± Rep hissed, burying his face in his hands. ¡°Why would you make a suggestion like that? Do you even know anything about sea travel?¡±

    ¡°You know I don¡¯t,¡± Zalan whispered, starting to feel a little naive.

    ¡°But you will not go through with it, correct?¡± Rep asked, hopeful.

    Zalan shrugged, noncommittal.

    ¡°Dear God, Zalan,¡± Rep pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a heavy sigh. ¡°You do not even really know the man. Do not get wrapped up with him,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°You trust him enough to stand guard, don¡¯t you?¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°This is a land I am somewhat familiar with. I know the monsters we can see out here, not on the sea. And I only trust him insofar as he needs you, so he would have no reason to get you harmed. What if he asks you to go to the Depths of Despair and challenge the Mind of Madness? Are you really so confident in him?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just critical because you don¡¯t think he likes you,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Rep agreed. ¡°Why not? If I told you my neighbor hates me and murders children, would you accuse me of only being concerned because he hates me?¡±

    ¡°Nold doesn¡¯t do anything like kill children, though,¡± Zalan rebutted.

    ¡°But he calls upon you for help without even knowing your name,¡± Rep insisted.

    Zalan was starting to feel like Rep was right. But he didn¡¯t want to actually believe he¡¯d be betrayed by a second person he trusted in this world. It was bad enough to be misled by a supposed ¡°woman of wisdom,¡± that everyone admired so dearly. He had only met her for a few minutes. He couldn¡¯t consider this travel companion to be less than an ally. They¡¯d been through so much together, and Zalan learned so much of his power with him. He wanted to shut down this conversation before it got any worse. He was already growing frustrated. The anger wanted to start boiling within him.

    ¡°Just drop it,¡± Zalan grunted, rolling over to sleep.

    Rep opened his mouth to say something more, but held his tongue. He sighed, tabling the conversation until after the tournament. Despite his concerns about Nold, the tournament held so much of Rep¡¯s thoughts. He was very nervous about it. He desperately wanted to hold his own against others and prove to himself that he was a real fighter for once in his life.

 68 - Book 2 - Chapter 17 - Tournament Entryway

    Zalan and Rep awoke to the daylight, Nold evidently having kept his promise of taking watch for the entirety of the night. As he broke down the sand walls, the two students stretched themselves, not knowing exactly what would come next. Nold looked over the two of them, then a smile stretched on his face.

    ¡°Are you ready to compete in the tournament? We must move quickly and enter before they close the tournament to new contestants,¡± Nold said in an energized mood.

    ¡°How far are we?¡± Rep asked, looking out to the horizon for signs of an arena of some sort.

    The land was barren, cracked and dry. There were little evidences of plants sneaking their way through the clods of earth, but nothing to make Rep understand which direction they should be headed. He looked back to Nold in confusion, wondering whether they were even going the right way.

    ¡°You are looking in the wrong place,¡± Nold said. ¡°It is not far.¡±

    With no further explanation, he led the way for the others to follow. Zalan kept flexing his hand, imbuing it with thin lightning and noting that the imbue was definitely invisible in the morning rays of the sun, much less when it got brighter. His nerves were all over the place. He never really thought he would be this excited for the tournament when the original plan was just to get revenge on Madam Hikma. He could just find her and confront her, but he really wanted to win. Madam Hikma was becoming an afterthought.

    As they traveled, the earth became less sandlike and more rocklike, as though they were on a flat mountain. Rep and Zalan continued to scan the horizon for signs of an arena to no avail. Suddenly, Rep tripped over something in the path and turned to look back at it. The earth was sunken in slightly, snaking away into the distance. His eyes squinted at it in confusion, then turned to Nold.

    ¡°Is that a path?¡± Rep asked, surprised by how twisted it was.

    Nold looked back at it, his eyebrow raising in interest.

    ¡°That is not man made,¡± Nold noted.

    ¡°What made it? A bunch of monsters?¡± Zalan asked, thinking of something like a game trail.

    ¡°Either that or a single large monster,¡± Nold suggested.

    Zalan looked at the marks in the earth once more. If it was one creature, it was massive. Rep looked nervous, hoping that whatever creature it was had long left the place. They continued to follow Nold on the uneven earth.

    The cracked earth suddenly dropped off, a deep canyon spilling out below them. It wasn¡¯t very wide and could be hidden by the flatness of the earth above. But it went very far down, enough to have torches at the bottom to brighten what the sun couldn¡¯t reach below. Within the canyon were humans. Regular people. It had been days since they¡¯d seen strangers and Rep and Zalan were ecstatic to see signs of non-monster life. They scanned the contents of the canyon. It was filled with tents and had a single, tall, tight stadium etched into the rock with an arena in the center.

    ¡°This is the tournament grounds?¡± Rep asked, surprised.

    ¡°Indeed. Let us quickly find a way down. Or I may have to take you down myself,¡± Nold said, peering at the edges.

    ¡°Over there!¡± Zalan pointed, a few hundred feet away.

    ¡°Do not get too close to the edge. It looks to be unstable,¡± Rep reminded, but was quick to follow Zalan.

    ¡°Why is the Elemental Tournament so deep in the earth? Has it always been there?¡± Zalan asked Nold.

    ¡°It moved here when contestants began using Elemental powers in battle. Some attacks would go¡­ Rather far out of the given arena. There were some unintended injuries to innocent passersby on nearby roads. Now merchants know not to go anywhere near the canyon and the events generally remain safe,¡± Nold explained.

    ¡°Is this a man made canyon? Can someone with an Elemental Earth Power make something this big on their¡­¡± Zalan trailed as he spotted something odd on the edge of the canyon just a few dozen feet below them. ¡°What is that?¡±

    They followed Zalan¡¯s finger and squinted, trying to understand what they saw. Their eyes fell upon a slumped over silhouette, covered in the shadow of an outcropping rock. It rose and fell slightly, like it was breathing faintly.

    ¡°Is that a person?¡± Zalan asked, tense.

    Nold leaned his head one way, interested in the sight. He jumped off the edge of the canyon, and Zalan and Rep called out in shock before he caught himself with a platform of sand he built below him. The sand platform floated him down the canyon to the figure like an elevator.

    ¡°A man. He is still alive,¡± Nold called up. ¡°And¡­ oh¡­¡±

    Nold¡¯s face showed the rare emotion of surprise, looking both interested and disturbed by the sight.

    ¡°Come down, I will assist you,¡± Nold waved to both Rep and Zalan.

    Rep hesitated, uncertain, but Zalan immediately kneeled to climb down. When he swung his leg over the ledge, he felt something hold it up. Sand was building below his foot. Zalan slowly put more and more weight against it to see whether he could trust the particle-made platform. It felt solid. Holding his breath, Zalan let go of the edge and was relieved to not fall to his death. The platform of sand floated him steadily above the deep canyon.

    ¡°Woah,¡± he said as he looked down, his balance a bit off at this height. He looked up to Rep on the ledge who was biting the inside of his lip and not moving.

    ¡°Perhaps I can wait up here,¡± Rep murmured, eyeing Nold.

    ¡°Someone is hurt, Rep,¡± Zalan said to convince him.

    Rep closed his eyes and nodded. He moved to climb down the edge when a sand platform built itself below his feet. Zalan was amazed by the utility of this sand power. He wondered how many other powers could hold people like this. How much Wisdom was required to hold the weight of three people simultaneously? On top of that, how much Wisdom did it take to do that without breaking a sweat?

    Nold lowered their platforms to his level, joining the platforms together to create one big slab of sand. Zalan and Rep gasped at the sight right beneath the open lip of the canyon.

    There was not just one man down here. There were multiple. Around eleven young men and women were incapacitated and hidden down the side of the canyon. Their skin was dry and some of them looked like they were trying to cover themselves in blankets and fabric despite the warmth outside. They looked like fighters by the light tunics on their backs and weapons at their sides.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Zalan asked, feeling uneasy.

    ¡°A robbery as people neared the canyon?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Unlikely,¡± Nold shook his head. ¡°They still have their weapons at their side, and some look to have Artifacts on their fingers. A robber would never leave such valuables behind.¡±

    ¡°Then what happened?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know. They do not look to have participated in a battle, but they seem in great pain. I suspect it has something to do with the tournament,¡± Nold ventured. He didn''t sound disturbed by the fact. Merely pointing out a possibility. He almost seemed amused.

    ¡°Can you help them down?¡± Rep asked Nold.

    ¡°Too many,¡± Nold rejected immediately.

    ¡°Then¡­ Can we go to something like the organizers and get them help? Is there a doctor that normally attends or something?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We are running out of time to enter the tournament,¡± Nold said with urgency.

    ¡°We cannot leave them,¡± Rep protested.

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    ¡°They will be fine for a few more minutes. We came all this way, it would be a waste to be disqualified for¡ª¡±

    ¡°Nold, you can check in for us and we¡¯ll get help,¡± Zalan said. He wasn¡¯t even considering Nold¡¯s suggestion. People were hurt. Mom would be disappointed if he did anything but try to help.

    ¡°I cannot enter contestants they do not see,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°But you¡¯ve got a reputation, right? They¡¯ll probably make an exception for you,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold thought about it with the hint of a smile, the mention of his reputation appealing to him. He nodded, accepting the plan. Rather than sending them back up to the top of the canyon, Nold began descending the platforms to the canyon below.

    From their vantage point, Zalan and Rep could get a full view of the contestants practicing, the arena they would be intended to fight in, and the general tournament grounds. Bleacher-like seats were carved into the walls of the canyon, with some additional layers of canyon wall in front of viewers to protect them from errant Elemental blasts.

    The arena itself was a large gray circle with symbols etched in it that Zalan couldn''t make out from the distance. There seemed to be a deference given to the arenas, a small berth surrounding them. Incoming fighters ran some last minute practice with friends or mentors, mostly only practicing without use of their Elemental Power. Zalan remembered that they were supposed to keep it hidden to better surprise opponents.

    There were dozens of them, but for the reputation the tournament held, Zalan expected a lot more. Maybe it was simply overhyped? That seemed odd, considering Poppyville had a whole festival dedicated to it.

    People began to look up at the incoming trio, most with an air of annoyance. The display of them floating down to the rest made them seem especially arrogant to the other attendees.

    ¡°Another modest entrance, Instructor Nold?¡± someone called up, sounding antagonistic.

    This drew more people''s attention to the scene above. Nold didn''t reply, but he couldn''t prevent a smirk from making its way onto his face. Rep covered his face, turning away.

    ¡°Embarrassed? Or nervous?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°That man who called up to us is Heron. He is the head of Journey House. He may be disappointed to learn that I came to this tournament with Nold rather than himself,¡± Rep murmured.

    Rep and Zalan suddenly grabbed each other''s shoulders for balance as their sand platform split off from Nold''s. Nold was drifting down to a spot with a series of registration tables made out of the earth and Rep and Zalan were drifting toward a massive tent with red ribbons attached to the corners. An infirmary, Zalan presumed.

    When they reached about a foot from the ground, the sand crumbled to nothing and Zalan and Rep jumped to the floor and ran inside to find medics.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Zalan called inside as he threw the flap aside. ¡°There are people who are hurt, can anyone here help them?¡±

    The infirmary was filled with dozens of empty cots, a single doctor sweeping and cleaning the inside before it was inevitably filled with losing fighters. The doctor looked up from her broom and cast the duo an annoyed look.

    ¡°Already? What petty fights have already broken out? The tournament has not even begun!¡± she told them, huffing.

    ¡°These people are at the top of the canyon. They looked to have been ambushed,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°At the top?¡± she asked, appalled. ¡°Then why are you telling me?¡±

    Rep and Zalan threw each other a confused glance.

    ¡°You¡¯re the doctor, right? Where else are we supposed to go?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°That is right! I am a doctor! One of the few. So what makes you believe that I would be more qualified to bring people down to the infirmary than the hundred able-bodied fighters outside itching to have a chance to show off their Strength?¡± the doctor asked.

    Rep and Zalan then threw one another an embarrassed glance.

    ¡°We¡¯ll bring them down! Just make sure there are beds available to them,¡± Zalan said, rushing to leave.

    ¡°Tell the others to bring them to Doctor Quill. They will know who you mean,¡± Doctor Quill called after them.

    Rep and Zalan ran from the tent to a nearby group of contestants practicing some rudimentary forms and punches. Before they could call out to them, Nold appeared before his students so quickly that it felt like the wind came with him. He was waving his arms to catch their attention.

    ¡°They are about to close entry. You need to go over there right now,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Doctor Quill said it would be better to bring the injured to her tent. We need to bring them down,¡± Rep pointed to the top of the canyon.

    Nold stared up, pursed his lips in annoyance, then looked back down to Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°I will bring them down. You two need to go register now,¡± Nold insisted.

    ¡°I thought you said you couldn¡¯t bring them all down,¡± Zalan asked suspiciously.

    ¡°Not all at once, but I will make multiple trips,¡± Nold answered quickly. ¡°Now go! Hurry!¡±

    The ground slanted beneath them as Nold used his Elemental Sand to push them to the registration table. In the same movement, he jumped in the air and quickly soared to collect the injured people above. When Zalan and Rep confirmed that he was actually adding people to his sand platform, they rushed to the registration area.

    A tall, frankly judgemental looking man eyed them with scorn as they approached the table. His arms were folded and an eyebrow raised toward his bald head.

    ¡°Oh, splendid, Nold¡¯s boys have finally arrived! They granted the humble Umdarr an audience,¡± he applauded them sarcastically

    ¡°How do we register?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Even more splendid. I remained open overtime only to have to cure you of your incompetence,¡± Umdarr said, overselling his annoyance.

    ¡°We would like to register,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°And now they talk to me like I share their incompetence,¡± Umdarr said snidely.

    ¡°Look, we just want to register and we can get out of your hair,¡± Zalan said, growing annoyed.

    ¡°My hair!¡± Umdarr slapped a hand on his bald head. ¡°I do not believe I deserved that insult.¡± He sounded like he was actually offended this time.

    ¡°It was not an insult. Where my friend comes from, it means something much more innocuous,¡± Rep assured him quickly. Zalan nodded in agreement.

    Umdarr eyed Rep, trying to get a read on whether he was being messed with. But he didn¡¯t say anything. The slow procession was driving Zalan mad and Umdarr seemed to enjoy frustrating the two of them.

    ¡°Can we register or not?¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°I think it would be a more compelling tournament to not enter anyone from Nold¡¯s group this year,¡± Umdarr shrugged innocently and both Rep and Zalan sighed in frustration.

    Zalan grew angry and dug in his pocket for a gold coin and placed it on the table. Umdarr¡¯s eyebrows rose, the amusement sinking away from his face.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Umdarr asked.

    ¡°A bribe,¡± Zalan said, too annoyed to be coy.

    Offense returned to Umdarr¡¯s expression.

    ¡°You think I take bribes?¡± he sounded appalled. ¡°I run this tournament! I am only swayed by fair fights in combat.¡±

    Umdarr flicked the coin back to Zalan.

    ¡°What does it take to register?¡± Zalan groaned.

    ¡°I am only joking,¡± Umdarr said. ¡°Instructor Nold seems to try and do something more extravagant every year. Entering on platforms from the sky and refusing to speak to the other instructors. I apologize for dealing my frustrations out on you. Registration costs only two silver per entrant.¡±

    Zalan put the same gold coin back on the table.

    ¡°Do you not have any silver?¡± Umdarr asked, looking annoyed as he dug out change from his pockets. The pockets clinked loudly, he had many coins within.

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Zalan said honestly. ¡°Keep the change, just let us register.¡±

    Umdarr looked up, his expression growing warmer toward him.

    ¡°Very well. Your esteemed mentor already gave me your names, but I need to confirm your Levels. Which of you is Rep?¡±

    Rep stepped forward and tapped his fingers together to reveal his stats. But he covered the bottom part of the list to obscure which Elemental power he had. It showed:

    LEVEL: 05

    STRENGTH: 06

    WISDOM: 06

    EXPERIENCE: 75

    ¡°Very well. And you?¡± Umdarr nodded to Zalan. Zalan wasn¡¯t sure why, but decided to cover his Elemental power as well before showing Umdarr:

    LEVEL: 05

    STRENGTH: 05

    WISDOM: 07

    EXPERIENCE: 04

    ¡°Excellent. Thank you. I will need you both to come with me for a preliminary meeting for all combatants to the tournament,¡± Umdarr nodded to the two of them.

    He rang a loud bell next to the tables, signaling that entry was officially closed. A cheer went out across the canyon in anticipation of the first matches. The practicing fighters began to all head in the same direction.

    ¡°Can we come after we check on the infirmary?¡± Rep asked, not trusting Nold to take everyone.

    ¡°No. The rules may have changed this year due to unforeseeable circumstances. Everyone needs to hear it at once. Come along,¡± Umdarr said.

    ¡°What kind of unforeseeable circumstances?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not wish to explain this twice. Come to the meeting and have your questions answered,¡± Umdarr replied, leading the way.

    They were brought to a nondescript tent filled with fighters, more coming in as signaled from the bell. All fighters, Zalan and Rep included, were eyeing one another warily, trying to size everyone up before the first fights went down. Umdarr stood atop a small stool and called for the attendees attention. They looked up to him.

    ¡°Contestants! Thank you all for coming. I have important news to share regarding the tournament. There were not enough contenders for Level 6 to 10 Bracket of the Elemental Rage Tournament. The numbers we expected simply did not show up. For what reason, we do not know. This has never happened before. So, rather than only have a few bouts, we have joined the Level 10 and Level 5 brackets together into the Level 10 and Under bracket,¡± Umdarr explained.

    Confusion, then shock began growing on Rep and Zalan¡¯s faces. All of their expectations to be the strongest in their bracket was dashed away. It was possible they could be knocked out in a single punch.

 69 - Book 2 - Chapter 18 - Those Are The Rules

    The tent of fighters began to cry out at Umdarr in protest as the news sank into them.

    ¡°That is not fair!¡± someone screamed out. ¡°I am only Level 3! How am I to compete against those that are Level 8 and 9?¡±

    ¡°I apologize, but I have told you the circumstances. There is no negotiation to be had. We will not be changing back,¡± Umdarr replied.

    ¡°I would not mind fighting only a few fighters at my Level rather than taking on those far weaker than me. Leave the brackets as they were,¡± someone else called out.

    His derisive words turned heads, and Zalan saw that it was Slauson, standing on his own in a corner. He was a few steps away from anyone, as though being avoided. It delighted Zalan to see he had no friends and he took slight consolation in seeing Slauson disappointed by the change. The changed brackets also gave Zalan the chance to take him on in combat, no matter the Level.

    ¡°You will have to prove that you are more powerful,¡± Umdarr replied to his comment.

    ¡°What about the prize? Which one will we get? The Level 5 or Level 10 prize?¡± another fighter called out.

    ¡°Is the Reversal Stone still available to us?¡± Slauson followed up.

    ¡°The prizes will be combined together. Winning the tournament means receiving 10 gold coins and the Reversal Stone Artifact.¡±

    This brought some small comfort to the fighters. At least the prize was not just intact, it had been enhanced. Zalan had plenty of gold to his name after the events of the Castle Docrun and didn¡¯t care about the monetary aspect of the prize. As the fighters conversed between themselves and continued to complain to Umdarr, Zalan looked around to try and see if he felt stronger than anyone around him. Ideally, he¡¯d be stronger than everyone in the tent.

    As his gaze passed over his potential opponents, Zalan couldn¡¯t tell how to size himself up in comparison to them. They were all so different. Most of them were men around his age, and every one of them carried themselves with the confidence of an experienced fighter. Zalan had never done anything more than sparring against a few of his allies in the realm. How would he hold up against them?

    Most fighters wore plain brown tunics, similar to Zalan¡¯s. Some had insignias stitched into them, but the majority looked too poor for such extravagances. Those that looked to be more wealthy had more colorful and flashy tunics, likely to make an impression when they entered the ring. Zalan noticed that Slauson was the only one wearing a black tunic. It had stripes of purple on the inside of the sleeves. It seemed like an odd choice for any occasion.

    As he continued to look over the fighters, one of the taller men stood out to Zalan. He recognized him, but couldn¡¯t tell from where. He nudged Rep.

    ¡°This is terrible,¡± Rep said, gravely. ¡°I never expected the brackets to come together.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s that guy?¡± Zalan nodded to the familiar fighter, ignoring Rep¡¯s fear mongering.

    Rep first didn¡¯t react to Zalan¡¯s question, continuing to stare at the ground in dejection. Zalan raised an arm and pointed at the fighter, picking up Rep¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Do not point at people in here, they may take it as a challenge,¡± Rep said urgently.

    ¡°Tell me who he is. Pretty sure we¡¯ve seen him before,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep pushed Zalan¡¯s pointed arm down and looked up at the man. He peered for a second before recognition crossed his face.

    ¡°We saw him in Poppyville. He was the one who won the prize in the game of getting water on the boy. He threw the entire barrel, then sprinkled him. I believe his name is Dimak. They chanted it after he won,¡± Rep said as the memory came to him.

    ¡°Oh, yeah, I remember now. He won after Fran tried,¡± Zalan said.

    The mention of Fran brought a moment of silence and reflection between them. As they recalled her antics, a fellow fighter slinked up to them with a curious look on his face.

    ¡°I saw you two fly in by way of sand platforms,¡± he said. ¡°You were trained by Instructor Nold?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan said curtly, not wanting to make conversation with a potential enemy. He didn¡¯t trust them to have any good intentions.

    ¡°I have never seen you before, this must be your first tournament. That Nold always gets his fighters into the final few matches. What did he teach you?¡± the fighter asked.

    ¡°Enough,¡± Rep said dodgily, on the same mental wavelength as Zalan.

    ¡°I understand,¡± the man held his hands up innocently. ¡°You have been warned about sharing secrets with strangers. Allow me to introduce myself so we are no longer strangers. I am Moss.¡±

    He held out his hand toward Zalan. Zalan didn¡¯t move, and Rep took the hand and shook it so as not to be overly rude.

    ¡°I am Rep. This is my friend, Zalan,¡± Rep introduced them.

    ¡°Well then, now that we are no longer strangers, would you like to share any tips with your new friend?¡± Moss asked. Zalan found it odd how fast Moss was to call them friends.

    ¡°No,¡± Zalan said cautously.

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    ¡°Very well, very well,¡± Moss held a pleasant smile on his face. ¡°How about a trade? A gesture of good faith. I will tell you someone¡¯s Elemental Power that is in the crowd and you tell me another person¡¯s Elemental Power. Does that sound agreeable to my new friends?¡±

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another. It could be useful to know people¡¯s Elemental Powers ahead of the fights. It could be the difference between winning and losing to form a strategy before going into combat.

    ¡°How do I know we can trust you?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The same reason that I know I can trust the two of you. We are friends, not strangers,¡± Moss said readily.

    Zalan looked at Rep and shrugged in assent. It couldn¡¯t hurt to trade what little information we knew.

    ¡°Excellent, excellent,¡± Moss said. ¡°As a show of good faith, I will tell the two of you first. You see that youngster over there? His name is Trentor. He is Level 3. Has Elemental Water Power.¡±

    The one Moss indicated was the youngest fighter in the crowd, looking more like a teenager than the adults that surrounded him. He was the one voicing the most concerns about the rule change, testing Umdarr¡¯s patience.

    ¡°The only one we are familiar with is him,¡± Rep nodded to Dimak on the other end of the tent. ¡°He has Elemental Earth Power. We do not know his Level.¡±

    ¡°Not a problem, that is already very helpful,¡± Moss said agreeably. ¡°I will see you in the arena, friends. I wish for you to make it all the way to the finals, so that I may beat you myself.¡±

    Moss slipped away to another group of fighters to strike up conversation. It seemed he was gathering information from everyone he could.

    ¡°Rep!¡± a young woman called from behind the duo.

    Rep and Zalan turned around to see another duo approaching.

    ¡°Who is your friend?¡± Liv asked, nodding to Zalan.

    ¡°This is Zalan. Zalan, these are my friends and fellow guild members Liv and Epanor.¡±

    The two nodded to Zalan respectfully. Liv looked chipper and ready for action, where Epanor was of shorter stature and had tight lips.

    ¡°You guys are in Journey House?¡± Zalan asked looking between the two of them.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Liv nodded.

    ¡°And you have Elemental Powers now? I recall you being out with Heron to gain some power,¡± Rep said looking to Epanor.

    Epanor said nothing, staring between Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°Yes, we did,¡± Liv answered for them. ¡°I look forward to getting paired up in a fight against you. We were trained by Heron himself, you know.¡±

    ¡°We trained with Nold,¡± Zalan said.

    Liv and Epanor looked between the two in surprise.

    ¡°You?¡± Liv asked, looking at Rep. ¡°But you are¡­ not¡­¡±

    ¡°Nothing special?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Liv said. ¡°I thought he only took the best!¡±

    ¡°Rep¡¯s a lot stronger than you think. Stronger than he thinks too,¡± Zalan said, nudging Rep with his elbow. Rep smiled slightly and looked down, embarrassed.

    ¡°I look forward to testing that claim. I hope we get a chance to take one another on,¡± Liv said.

    The four looked between each other in silence, sizing one another up for the battle. Zalan stared at Epanor for a few lingering moments.

    ¡°Does Epanor not talk?¡± Zalan asked, curious.

    ¡°I communicate best on the battlefield,¡± Epanor replied.

    ¡°Ah, well, then see you there, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Fighters, please!¡± Umdarr called out, growing exasperated with having to repeat himself so often. ¡°No more questions. The rules are not changing. Go out to the arena so that we may begin the first rounds of fighting!¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± Trentor began to ask.

    ¡°No more questions!¡± Umdarr said firmly. ¡°You will now exit the tent the same way you entered and make your way to the arena. Do not rush out without being examined, or you will be disqualified.¡±

    The fighters began to line up. The few that tried to ask Umdarr more questions were ignored as Umdarr made his way to the head of the tent. Rep and Zalan joined toward the back of the line, a few people behind Slauson.

    ¡°What¡¯s this examination thing supposed to be?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Rep said, leaning to look toward the front of the line. Umdarr, assisted by two other men, was scanning people with a glowing Artifact as well as looking them over.

    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Rep said. ¡°They are using a Glow Finder. It is an Artifact locator, but only at very close range. They are checking us for Artifacts. And perhaps weapons. They are not allowed in the tournament.¡±

    ¡°What about the Homeseeker?¡± Zalan asked, holding up the pouch he kept it in.

    ¡°I do not know. Do not take it into the arena,¡± Rep replied, shrugging.

    ¡°They better not take this away from me,¡± Zalan warned, preemptively annoyed at this surprise inspection.

    As they moved, they witnessed the Glow Finder shine brightly over one of the fighters. The fighter denied it, trying to convince Umdarr that the Glow Finder was going off randomly. The other two men began to pat the fighter down and the fighter tried to stop them. They pulled out a ring from his pocket. A shouting match began.

    ¡°Is that an Artifact?¡± Zalan peered.

    ¡°A Ring of Range. It expands the distance of power on the wearer. Definitely an illegal Artifact in the fight,¡± Rep explained, watching closely.

    The fighter was told they would need to hold on to the ring. The fighter grew irate and tried to fight one of the men. He was slammed into the floor and immediately disqualified. As they dragged him out, the line continued to move forward.

    Slauson was soon being scanned. Zalan watched closely, certain that he would carry something to cheat his way through the games. He came out clean and they let him go. Zalan was skeptical, but didn¡¯t say anything to Rep.

    ¡°Any Artifact that you traveled here with that we should know about?¡± Umdarr asked as he began scanning Rep with the Glow Finder.

    ¡°I do not have anything. But my friend has a Homeseeker,¡± Rep indicated to Zalan.

    ¡°A Homeseeker?¡± Umdarr asked, interested. ¡°Interesting, I have seen them, but I have never used one before. Does it work as instantaneously as they say?¡±

    He allowed Rep forward and began scanning Zalan. The Glow Finder shined above the pouch as Zalan held it out for them to inspect. Umdarr took the pouch.

    ¡°It takes about ten to fifteen seconds to charge. Then yeah, it warps you back home in a moment,¡± Zalan explained.

    Umdarr looked into the pouch and scanned the rest of him. To Zalan¡¯s surprise, Umdarr gave the pouch back.

    ¡°I have no problem with fighters carrying around Artifacts intended for traveling like Satiators and the like. But do not carry them into the ring or you will be disqualified,¡± Umdarr said reasonably.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°Now, go on. I will see you in the arena. Try and arrive before I do,¡± Umdarr said, moving Zalan forward to scan the last few fighters.

    Zalan wondered how Umdarr would get there first when he still had more people to go over. Maybe he would run. Either way, he was excited to make his way to the arena and start everything he had been preparing for.

 70 - Book 2 - Chapter 19 - To The Arena!

    Zalan and Rep made their way back to the healing tent, hoping to find Nold before their first fights.

    ¡°What are we going to do?¡± Rep asked, his arms gesturing more than his words called for.

    ¡°About what?¡± Zalan asked, confused by his agitation.

    ¡°The bracket combination! We will go up against people much stronger than us!¡±

    ¡°Nold taught us that we should be able to take on people at a higher Level than us,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°He says that but have you gone up against someone with higher Wisdom? Nold hit me once with water and that was enough to feel the chasm of power between us. What if we are up against a Level 10 on our first bouts?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, what are we supposed to do?¡± Zalan asked. He sounded nonchalant in his question, but he was equally nervous.

    He had been passively looking around for Madam Hikma to try and fast-track the process of confronting her, but that idea had been somewhat buried in his mind. The anger and betrayal he felt toward her had shifted. It still brewed beneath the surface, but it was morphing into a general anger toward being stuck in the realm. A constant, burning frustration toward the unfairness of being dragged away from his home. Madam Hikma was a microcosm of him being stuck. If he had never come here, he never would have been betrayed by her.

    Someone bumped into his shoulder as they walked toward the tent, pushing him hard. Zalan turned around to look at the petty assailant only to be met with a sickeningly passive face looking back. Slauson. Slauson looked as though he was going to apologize, then shook his head and continued on his way. Zalan¡¯s anger almost immediately redirected its way to Slauson like a compass. He wanted to see the guy¡¯s face humiliated after losing a match. All his dreams dashed away by some random stranger. Zalan wanted to tower over him and laugh while Slauson cried in shock. Zalan wanted to win the tournament.

    Winning used to feel like a secondary goal, it was enough to just participate and try out his new powers. But the simple hand-to-hand combat training wasn¡¯t enough for him anymore. He was playing to win. He wanted to show Slauson and everyone in this world that they were outclassed by someone that wasn¡¯t even from the realm. A revenge for them being a part of the thing that trapped him here.

    As Zalan stewed over these thoughts, Rep continued to panic and stumble over his concerns.

    ¡°My shoulder! The whole point of me not going out and trying to kill enough monsters to gain a Level overnight was so that I could remain in the Level 5 and Under bracket, but now¡­ what a mistake! I should have known that it would be worth the healing! I have been so foolish,¡± Rep lamented.

    ¡°What if it took too long and you came to the tournament all exhausted? Too tired to fight?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know! That may have been better than this! I thought¡­ I just¡­¡± Rep completed no more thoughts.

    They made it to the tent just as Nold was delivering the last of the injured people. Zalan blinked as he saw the state the person was in. Their skin was somewhat reddish at the fingertips. His mom had once taught him about frostbite before and this looked like the first stage, called frostnip. Frostnip on a hot day in the middle of a canyon. It didn¡¯t make any sense to Zalan.

    ¡°What are you doing back here?¡± Nold asked them, looking concerned as he exited the tent.

    ¡°We were looking for any tips on taking people at a higher Level,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°The brackets have been combined!¡± Rep said more urgently.

    ¡°No, I mean to say what are you doing here?¡± Nold emphasized. ¡°You should be at the arena! The first battle starts soon! If your name is called and you do not show, then you forfeit!¡±

    ¡°But what do we¡­¡±

    ¡°No time for questions! My students do not forfeit! Get to the ring! Go!¡± Nold ushered them away with quick flicks of his hands.

    Zalan and Rep were going to try and say something more, but Nold spun the earth from under them and turned them toward the arena. With a light push on their backs, he got them moving. He kept behind them, hands raised and threatening to push them if they walked too slow.

    ¡°How were the people? Did the injuries look bad?¡± Zalan asked over his shoulder.

    ¡°I tried to assess what happened to them, but could not glean any information. They are in good care with Doctor Quill. I think they will be fine,¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°What are we to do against Level 10 opponents?¡± Rep asked Nold nervously. He had completely turned around to talk to him, but kept walking backward.

    ¡°What makes you believe you will only be up against Level 10 opponents?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°We are in a combined Level 10 and Under bracket! I did not want to be outclassed before we even started,¡± Rep said.

    Nold scoffed.

    ¡°Just do exactly what you have learned and you will do well. Do not forget my training,¡± Nold said simply.

    Rep finally turned away from Nold and walked with his head down.

    ¡°Hey, Rep, earlier when we were showing Umdarr our Level, you covered the lower half of your arm to cover your Elemental stat. Why was that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Well done,¡± Nold nodded approvingly before Rep could respond.

    ¡°We have been told that it is best to keep our skills secret in the ring, yes?¡± Rep proposed. ¡°I did not want to give any unnecessary information to someone who we are unfamiliar with. Umdarr looked reasonable enough, but he did not protest to me covering the information, so I believe it is an expected practice.¡±

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    ¡°So we need to stay as stealthy as possible in the ring?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to shoot any lighting? Just stay invisibly imbued?¡±

    ¡°That would be ideal,¡± Nold nodded.

    ¡°Because otherwise people will be able to plan according to your Element¡¯s strengths and weaknesses. It is something I will have to deal with quickly, as I have come nowhere near close enough to mastering imbuing as you have,¡± Rep said. He twisted his injured shoulder, as though adding that he would have to use his power sooner because of his limitations.

    ¡°Right. I guess that makes sense,¡± Zalan said.

    The arena felt much larger once they were up close. It was elevated higher than Zalan was tall and he could now see the etched symbols up close. As Zalan walked along the side of the arena, he saw that the symbols represented different Elementals. Fire, Water, Lightning, Darkness, Plant, Ice, Light, Earth and more. The arena was an homage to the original creators of the Elemental Rage Tournament. Zalan ran his finger over the jagged symbol of lightning and wondered whether an Elemental Earth user etched these into the stone arena or if they used regular tools. The more Zalan saw people using their powers casually outside of battle, the more he wondered how much of the world ran off of their powers. He also wondered if his power would ever have the same benefits when the world lacked electricity.

    To Zalan and Rep¡¯s surprise, they saw Umdarr on top of the arena. He was somehow there before them and already situated to start the tournament. He was looking out proudly to the crowd of raucous fans, waving to them all jovially. He seemed the most excited about the event. As soon as he spotted Zalan, he ran over to him and kneeled at the edge of the arena.

    ¡°Do not sit down in the stadium. You will be fighting first, and it is best not to leave this audience waiting for the first bout,¡± Umdarr told him.

    ¡°What? Are¡­ are you sure? I wanted to see a fight first. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to go right now, I¡ª¡±

    ¡°If you do not enter the ring when I call your name, you will forfeit,¡± Umdarr announced matter-of-factly, running back to the center of the arena.

    Rep placed an arm on Zalan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°I believe in you. More than I believe in myself,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a really high bar,¡± Zalan replied.

    Rep replied by patting Zalan on the shoulder and nodding with a smile.

    ¡°I will cheer you on from the stands. Show them I have not misplaced my trust,¡± Rep said confidently.

    Zalan looked to Nold for last words of encouragement.

    ¡°No mercy¡­ unless they yield,¡± Nold said simply, heading off to the rock-built stands with Rep.

    Zalan breathed deeply, trying to keep himself calm in the face of the incoming battle. He looked around, trying to distract himself. The stadium surrounded the arena like a coliseum, holding more people than Zalan had ever seen in this world. Hundreds of spectators yelled and cheered for the tournament to begin. Umdarr was raising his hands high, getting the crowd to cheer loudly as he increased the hype. Then, he lowered his hands smoothly, causing them to quiet down. He cupped his hands together over his mouth and breathed in deeply.

    ¡°Listen up!¡± Umdarr called blaringly.

    His voice filled the stadium. It sounded like a loudspeaker. Zalan was surprised how loud he was, and realized the man had an Elemental Air ability that he was using to amplify his voice. That must have been how he got to the stadium so fast. He boosted himself with air at his back. Or even jumped in, if he was a high enough Level.

    ¡°I am only going to go over the rules once. Failure to fight by the rules will result in immediate disqualification! Hand-to-hand combat and Elemental abilities are the only permitted forms of attack. The use of outside weapons or Artifacts is strictly prohibited. Participants must not attempt to kill their opponents during the bouts. The focus should be on incapacitating or disabling them. Any Elemental attacks targeting the head are considered deliberately fatal blows and are strictly prohibited. Violators will face immediate disqualification as well as punishment. Punishment can range from being jailed in the nearest town to something more severe.¡±

    Umdarr let his words settle into people¡¯s minds. The large crowd was silent and attentive. He continued,

    ¡°Each bout will take place within the designated arena. Being knocked outside of an arena is considered a loss condition, even if you quickly recover. Deliberately removing yourself from the arena counts as a forfeiture. In addition, participants and viewers must adhere to the decisions made by the tournament official. This year, we have Madam Hikma residing, holding the prize of 10 gold coins and a Reversal Stone for the Level 10 and Under bracket.

    ¡°In order to win a bout, one can knock out their opponent. One can force their opponent off of the arena. One can force their opponent to submit by any non-lethal submission techniques. One can win by means of an Elemental Overwhelm, making their opponent trapped in so much Elemental Power that they are unable to respond with any force. If you remain unmoving on the ground for ten seconds, even if you are still conscious, you will be considered defeated. Participants may forfeit at any time by simply stating ¡®I yield.¡¯¡±

    Umdarr let the crowd absorb the set of rules and win conditions for a minute. The mention of no Artifacts reminded Zalan to place the pouch with the Homeseeker at the side of the arena, concerned he might accidentally take it and lose the match over a stupid mistake. Umdarr waited until the crowd began murmuring amongst themselves, the restlessness of waiting creeping over the spectators. He held his arms wide, spinning around in place to address the audience surrounding him. With business out of the way, he looked much more excited.

    ¡°Are we ready to begin the Elemental Rage Tournament?¡±

    The audience exploded in approval, chanting for it to begin.

    ¡°Then let us bring our first contestants in the Elemental Rage Tournament!¡±

    The crowd somehow roared even louder. Zalan watched in awe at how Umdarr controlled the audience with such charisma. It made sense as to why he was both an organizer and announcer. Umdarr pulled out a parchment to read from as he announced the first fighter.

    ¡°On this end of the arena, coming in with a Level of 6 is the man of Lawless Legacy¡­ Leon!!¡± Umdarr spun and pointed to the side of the ring opposite to Zalan.

    As the fighter approached the arena, Zalan realized that he never gave a title to Umdarr during registration. Nold must have put in the titles for his students when registering them. He hoped he got a good one.

    A young man with a set, angry face and muscly arms stepped forward. He cheered and had the audience clamoring for his attention.

    ¡°Leon! Leon! Leon!¡±

    With some flair, Umdarr placed the first parchment back in his pocket and pulled out another as he turned to Zalan.

    ¡°And on this end! At Level 5! The Dealer of Dragon Death¡­ Zandar!¡± Umdarr said with similar gravitas.

    Zalan sighed heavily, realizing that the reason Umdarr didn¡¯t say his name was because Nold registered on his behalf. Zandar sounded just like something Nold would call him. It was upsetting how annoying the name issue was becoming. But he knew how to direct his anger these days. It was a tool. And as he stepped up to the arena, Zalan decided that Leon was a great target for his anger for the next few minutes.

    ¡°Before we begin, show your opponent some respect,¡± Umdarr said.

    Zalan grew warm and embarrassed, not sure what he was supposed to do. Leon punched a fist into an open palm in front of his chest. Zalan quickly copied him, trying to look as sincere as possible. The audience seemed to appreciate the display and began applauding. Zalan could feel just how antsy they were. They were ready to cheer and clap their hands at anything they saw happening in the arena.

    Zalan began trembling as he stood in place, locking eyes with Leon. Adrenaline pumped through his body and his heart jumped into his throat, a mountain of anxieties making themselves known throughout his body. All the training came down to this fight. He could be struck out by a single punch in his first bout if he wasn¡¯t careful. He swallowed hard, sweat sprinkling on his head and his tongue dry. ¡°Nervous¡± couldn¡¯t even begin to describe how he was feeling.

    Umdarr ran off the edge of the arena and leaped to remove himself from the battlefield with flair. He summoned Elemental Air to slow his descent as he left the fighting floor. Midair, he spun around and screamed,

    ¡°Begin the match! Begin the tournament!¡±

 71 - Book 2 - Chapter 20 - First Bouts

    Zalan imbued himself with a thin layer of lightning, ready to share the power for the first time in public.

    ¡°Raah!¡± Leon ran forward and threw out a ball of fire immediately, trying to catch Zalan off guard.

    Zalan was almost relieved to have his opponent come after him so quickly. He had spent too many nights of training with Nold, where Nold had consistently jumped straight into combat. He couldn¡¯t imagine what it would take to start a fight by shaping one another up to try and detect the first move before finally attacking. He was surprised to see his opponent use an Elemental Power so early when he had been taught to avoid it. Perhaps Leon was overconfident?

    Leon¡¯s fire was large, but surprisingly slow, like he didn¡¯t put much effort into it. Zalan easily slid out of the way, suspecting that Leon was trying to distract him and was preparing to throw a larger, faster fireball now.

    To Zalan¡¯s surprise, Leon was still running toward him, not throwing additional flames. By now, Nold would have thrown enough flames to burn down a city, but Zalan felt like he had the opportunity to breathe. He was supposed to be bobbing and weaving through dozens of attacks right now. It was strange. His nerves put him on edge and his frustration fueled the lightning he was imbuing in himself. Leon was going way too easy on him for some reason. Zalan decided to stand his ground and wait for his opponent rather than try anything rash by going on the offensive. Nold had dealt Zalan many bruising blows from his overzealousness in sparring matches.

    Leon had closed the gap between them, Zalan having waited patiently for him to cross the arena. He threw a punch to Zalan¡¯s stomach.

    ¡°Raah!¡± Leon called again, as he put his weight behind his fist.

    A ball of flame emitted from his hand the same time that Zalan easily avoided it, taking a few steps to the side. Zalan was eyeing him up and down, trying to understand why Leon was throwing balls of fire instead of imbuing himself in flame. Perhaps Leon had mastered the ability to imbue and was invisible to the naked eye. Leon turned his body around clumsily and threw another punch Zalan¡¯s way.

    Zalan knew something was wrong now. Leon should have thrown a kick while turning instead of punching. It took two motions for a turn and punch, where a kick would have been both an attack and a turn. Zalan took a step back and leaned away from another ball of flame.

    ¡°Why do you refrain from attacking? You cower like a bug,¡± Leon said confidently.

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Zalan said, suddenly realizing he hadn¡¯t tried trading any blows.

    Leon shouted bravely as he threw another punch at Zalan¡¯s chest. Instead of a simple sidestep, Zalan knelt forward, ducking under the fist. As Leon¡¯s eyes came downward to track him, Zalan slammed a lightning-imbued fist into Leon¡¯s chest.

    ¡°Aarr!¡± Leon yelped in shock, stumbling back a foot. Zalan¡¯s opponent fell to the ground and twitched involuntarily for a few seconds.

    ¡°W¡­ what was that?¡± Leon gasped, horrified by the tingling feeling in his veins.

    He laid on the arena floor, breathing heavily. His eyes were wide and looking deeply into Zalan¡¯s blank expression. He was trying to keep a straight face in order to look intimidating the way Gorb had often done. Zalan didn¡¯t reply to Leon¡¯s question. He stepped forward to try and kick him with a shocking kick.

    ¡°Wait! I yield! Mercy!¡± Leon said, covering his face.

    Zalan stopped, hands lowering at his side in unexpected disappointment as he stared in confusion.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Zalan asked, depowering himself of the lightning running over his skin.

    ¡°We have a winner!¡± Umdarr jumped back up to the stage with the assistance of his air power. ¡°Zandar!¡± He called with his amplified voice.

    There was a confused smatter of applause from the audience, most of them unconvinced by what they saw. After all of Leon¡¯s big talk, a single punch took him down.

    ¡°What kind of fight was that?¡± Zalan heard someone call from the audience. He could feel the tension growing among the onlookers who expected a much more exciting fight to kick off the tournament.

    ¡°Well done Zandar,¡± Umdarr said at a volume so only Zalan could hear. ¡°Here is your prize money.¡±

    Umdarr deposited five bronze coins into his hand. Zalan stared at it awkwardly. This was the first time he¡¯d earned money from another human being in this world. There was no reason for it to feel as wrong as it did. But he felt like money should be distributed among the people who belonged to this realm instead of visitors.

    ¡°Oh, uh¡­¡± he didn¡¯t realize he would be receiving money for winning fights. He decided to drop his question about prize money to discuss something more important. ¡°My name isn¡¯t Zandar,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Then why did you tell me it was?¡± Umdarr asked, miffed.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°I asked for your name at registration. You must have written it down wrong,¡± Umdarr said.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t write it down¡ª¡±

    ¡°Stop your games, I need to keep the tournament moving. You and Leon need to get off the arena for the next fighters,¡± Umdarr said seriously.

    ¡°Sure, fine, just remember my name is Zalan next time you call me up,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Zalan. Fine. Got it,¡± Umdarr said quickly to dismiss him.

    Zalan made his way toward the nearest set of stairs. He passed by Leon who was lying flat on the floor, staring at the sky in dejection. He was broken in some way. The image was sickeningly familiar. It reminded Zalan of himself before he entered the realm. Staring up in helpless agony. Zalan turned himself around and made his way over to Leon.

    The audience grew interested, quieting down. They watched intently for how Zalan would ruthlessly insult his first opponent.

    ¡°What is it you want?¡± Leon asked, frustrated. Even the frustration sounded familiar to Zalan. He wouldn¡¯t look Zalan in his eyes.

    ¡°Good fight,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Good fight?¡± Leon scoffed. ¡°I yielded after a single blow.¡±

    ¡°Sure, but¡­¡± Zalan tried to think of an honest compliment. ¡°I never fought anyone like you before.¡±

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    Zalan hoped he wouldn¡¯t read through the fake compliment. Leon raised his head, a wary look on his face.

    ¡°You are serious?¡± Leon asked.

    ¡°For sure,¡± Zalan said sincerely, holding out a hand to help Leon up.

    Leon raised a hand slowly and tapped Zalan¡¯s finger lightly. He recoiled quickly, waiting to see if his body would feel more electric shock run through it. When nothing happened, Leon took the hand and allowed Zalan to help him up.

    ¡°I have never had a fighter tell me that we had a good fight after they defeated me,¡± Leon admitted.

    Zalan understood now why he and Leon were getting so many stares as they exited the arena. He made sure to grab the Homeseeker as he passed by it.

    ¡°Oh. Well, maybe you never fought as well as you did today,¡± Zalan suggested. He felt like he needed to add something more to make Leon feel better. ¡°You uhhh¡­ want the prize money?¡±

    ¡°You are serious?¡± Leon looked at the bronze coins, confused. ¡°The audience watches you closely. The simple act of comradery already drives their suspicions. This would look like an open bribe for me to have forfeited.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zalan looked up at the audience, many of them clearly staring at the duo. ¡°Right. Thanks for the heads up.¡±

    ¡°And thank you. For the good fight,¡± Leon said. He looked up at the audience, and frowned with slight discomfort. ¡°My mentor calls for me. Farewell Zandar! Fight well!¡± Leon called as he ran up to the crowd.

    ¡°No, wait, my name isn¡¯t¡­¡± Zalan sighed as he realized Leon was way too far to still hear him.

    He scanned the audience above the crowd, trying to find Nold or Rep. In a few moments, he saw Rep standing and waving his arms to get his attention. He was next to Nold, who was watching Zalan with arms folded. Zalan waved back and rushed to meet them in the bleacher-like stones

    The view from the audience¡¯s perspective was much less intimidating. Zalan could easily see the entire arena without feeling like the eyes of the world were cast upon him. The audience was also much larger than he originally presumed. From his view from the arena, they looked to be something like a few hundred people, but it was easily at least a thousand. While walking through, he could hear people exchanging theories and strategies of both past and present fighters. Zalan realized the tournament was probably treated exactly like sports were in his world.

    ¡°Good fight!¡± Rep said, excited.

    Nold shrugged indecisively.

    ¡°He was fighting really weirdly, like he wasn¡¯t focused on winning,¡± Zalan said, hoping for an explanation.

    ¡°I saw that,¡± Rep agreed. ¡°I thought it was just from my perspective from above. He was rather undisciplined in his fighting style. Stiff and slow. Perhaps he was nervous.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, maybe,¡± Zalan shrugged it off.

    ¡°Our next bout will begin shortly. The fighters will have one minute to enter the ring after having their name called. On this end at a Level of 5 will be the RazorTongue Eradicator¡­ Rep!¡± Umdarr¡¯s voice boomed clear through the audience.

    ¡°Oh no,¡± Rep swallowed hard.

    ¡°You¡¯ll do great,¡± Zalan assured him, pushing him to make sure he would enter the ring in time.

    ¡°And on this end of the arena. Also at the Level of 5¡­ The Arrow of Amazing Strength¡­ Adrumsol!¡±

    Zalan sat down next to Nold who was watching with a keen eye. Rep and Adrumsol stepped onto the arena and waited for Umdarr. Umdarr instructed them to show one another respect. Rep and Adrumsol both placed a fist in an open palm. Zalan was relieved to see that he could just keep doing that same gesture for the rest of the tournament.

    ¡°What¡¯s the gesture of respect thing for? Did the Elementals add that when they ran the tournament?¡± Zalan asked Nold. ¡°I feel like the fighters would still banter and disrespect one another mid-fight despite whatever hand symbol they did to begin with.¡±

    ¡°The gesture is a simple way of saying that you mean someone no harm. Your fist is a weapon and you are covering it in a sign of respect and peace,¡± Nold replied, his eyes watching Rep closely.

    ¡°But we literally came to the tournament to beat each other up,¡± Zalan said, puzzled.

    ¡°The Elementals had no limits in the tournament. It was valid to kill one another in battle without disqualification. In fact, there was no such thing as ¡®out of bounds¡¯ either. You fought until incapacitated or dead. Today, you fight, but have no intent to kill one another,¡± Nold added.

    Zalan nodded, satisfied with the reply.

    ¡°Begin!¡± Umdarr called to the audience¡¯s approval.

    Rep and Adrumsol took slow steps toward one another, sizing one another up. As they closed the distance between them, the audience grew quiet. They stopped a few paces away from one another, out of striking distance. Adrumsol threw an open palm forward quickly, as though he was going to use an Elemental ability and Rep dipped low to get out of the way. The move was a feint just to get Rep off balance. As Rep righted himself, Adrumsol ran forward and punched. Rep leaned out of the way and punched back. Adrumsol took the fist into his shoulder and made moves backward to get some distance.

    Rep remained in place, holding one arm up defensively.

    ¡°Rep should not allow him to catch his breath like that,¡± Nold said over the excited crowd as Adrumsol created a new gap between them.

    ¡°I think he¡¯s defending his bad shoulder, making sure not to overexert himself,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°His caution may cost him a fast win. A slow win is an exhausting one.¡±

    ¡°But you think he¡¯ll win?¡± Zalan asked, excited.

    Nold said nothing, watching intently.

    Adrumsol assessed Rep a few quiet seconds then ran forward and blasted water from his palm. Rep dipped to one side, getting out of the way, but then Adrumsol threw more water from his other hand. Rep grunted in frustration as he took a glazing blow on his bad shoulder from the rush of water, mostly dodging it. Zalan watched closely as Rep was able to get to a comfortable distance away from the blasting radius of the water.

    ¡°How come Adrumsol didn¡¯t just shoot water from his feet? He could have got Rep off guard,¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold didn¡¯t reply.

    ¡°And he isn¡¯t curving the water,¡± Zalan added.

    ¡°You assume he knows how,¡± Nold noted.

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrows descended in surprise. He hadn¡¯t considered that his opponents wouldn¡¯t know these techniques. Nold drilled them like they would be fighting the best experts there were. But they seemed to be fighting a lot like Zalan used to before he met his instructor. They might actually be amateurs.

    Rep closed the gap between himself and Adrumsol in a surprising rush, delivering a series of punches to his chest. Adrumsol tried to use water to break the flow of attack, but Rep blocked it with his hands and instead dealt a strong kick to his stomach. Adrumsol bowled over in pain. In a few seconds, he jumped back up, throwing more water at Rep¡¯s face to blind him. Rep sidestepped it and kicked his opponent even harder in the stomach. Adrumsol cried out in pain and fell to his back.

    Rep looked as though he was going to kick him again to make sure he stayed down, then got nervous and backed off a step.

    ¡°He is too merciful,¡± Nold stated.

    Zalan heard the annoyance in Nold¡¯s voice, but he was proud of his friend. He felt weird about hurting someone when they were clearly weaker, even if it was allowed in the tournament.

    The audience was going nuts, screaming for Adrumsol to get back to his feet, but he continued to clutch his stomach and cough. He was declared the loser when he remained on the ground for ten seconds. The audience roared for Rep, much more satisfied to see more than a single punch able to take down an opponent. Rep looked at his hands and feet in fascination, like he had never seen them before. He looked up to Zalan and shrugged, looking confused.

    He accepted the money, thanked Adrumsol for the fight, then rushed up the steps to Zalan to talk about the battle.

    ¡°Did you see that? He was not using his feet! I do not think I would have won otherwise. He must have forgotten,¡± Rep said, stunned.

    ¡°Yeah, you did great,¡± Zalan said, smiling.

    ¡°But he was going so easy on me. I do not understand why,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°It is not that they are going easy on you. They tried their hardest. But they are average fighters,¡± Nold answered with a slight smirk.

    Rep and Zalan looked to their instructor, then to one another. The implication clawed its way into their brains. They had been over prepared for the Level 5 and Under tournament. They might actually stand a chance in the Level 10 bracket, if that was the case. A small smile began to creep on both Rep and Zalan¡¯s faces.

    ¡°Rep¡­ I think this means we¡¯re good fighters,¡± Zalan deduced from Nold¡¯s words.

    ¡°Well¡­ at least above average,¡± Rep grinned widely.

 72 - Book 2 - Chapter 21 - The Slaw

    <h2> </h2>

    Rep and Zalan sat next to one another in the stone stands, watching the arena intently.

    ¡°It¡¯s a lot of fun to watch. A lot less pressure. I can see how they pull such a big audience,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But¡­ it is thrilling to win,¡± Rep admitted, embarrassed.

    ¡°Oh, for sure. Well, I don¡¯t think I really got the thrill in the first fight. I was more confused than anything,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°To make it beyond the first match unscathed is already more than I could have prayed for. I thought I would be defeated immediately and have to suffer watching everyone else outclass me in the arena,¡± Rep said graciously.

    Zalan looked at Rep with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°You really didn¡¯t have high expectations for yourself, huh?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep grinned and shrugged.

    ¡°Next up!¡± Umdarr called, spinning in place and striking a pose. ¡°At a strong Level 7¡­ The Vicious Vision¡­ Verum!¡±

    Verum stepped onto the arena with confidence in his face and stance. He looked up to the crowd and nodded to them, driving them wild with anticipation. Umdarr waited for the roars and whoops to quiet down before he continued.

    ¡°And on the other side of the ring. At a Level of 7¡­ The¡­¡± Umdarr looked at the parchment with a scrunched face, then quickly recovered. ¡°The Slaw¡­ Slauson!¡±

    Zalan¡¯s heart went tight as he rapidly searched the audience for Slauson. He emerged at the bottom of the stone seating and walked with an aura of disinterest. He stepped up to the top of the arena. He raised a hand to the audience. They cheered for him loudly, but to Zalan it looked like he was trying to silence them with a show of his palm.

    ¡°Hang on¡­ I know I recognize that name from somewhere¡­ Slauson¡­¡± Rep said, thinking to himself.

    ¡°He¡¯s the jerk who ran into me in that one city. Naverforth,¡± Zalan answered.

    ¡°No¡­ it is from something else. I heard his name somewhere before then. I do not recall where,¡± Rep said, wracking his brain for an answer.

    ¡°Probably from a criminal or something stupid,¡± Zalan murmured.

    ¡°No, it will come to me,¡± Rep shook his head to himself.

    ¡°Fighters! A show of respect before you begin,¡± Umdar recited.

    Verum placed a fist in his open hand. Slauson did an elaborate bow. He threw a flat hand in the air and lowered his body until his head was level with his knees. His arm was stretched out toward Verum, as though granting him the arena. The audience seemed disturbed by the display and Verum looked weirded out. Umdarr pursed his lips for a moment, trying to determine whether he should care to call out for Slauson to do the appropriate gesture. Slauson brought himself back to full height and waited patiently.

    ¡°You may begin,¡± Umdarr said, though he sounded somewhat irritated as he left the stage.

    Zalan watched, leaning forward in his seat.

    ¡°I hope Verum destroys him,¡± Zalan whispered.

    Rep looked at Zalan through the side of his eyes, a little concerned. He had a lot of unrequited antagonism for Slauson, despite only really having one interaction with him. But he felt like the comment was ultimately harmless and let it go.

    Slauson and Verum moved toward one another, fists up in anticipation of any sudden Elemental blasts. Before they were within a distance to throw punches, Slauson broke into a wide stance with an odd pose. Verum slowed down at the sight, trying to read him. Then he stopped moving abruptly, his body stuck mid-step. The audience began murmuring. Zalan was peering closely.

    ¡°Why did he stop? He¡¯s not even blocking any oncoming attacks with his stance,¡± Zalan said, confused.

    Rep shook his head, not following what was going on either. Nold raised an eyebrow.

    Verum began shaking in place. Zalan blinked, astounded. What was he afraid of?

    Slauson stretched his fingers, an almost indiscernible wisp of flame peeking out of his hand. Then he clenched into a fist. Taking advantage of the still-unmoving Verum, Slauson charged forward and threw all his weight behind one punch. He struck his opponent square in the chest and Verum collapsed backwards. He gasped in pain and continued to shake on the floor.

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    ¡°What did Slauson do to him?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I have no idea. Nold, what¡¯s going on?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold was watching with narrow eyes, but shook his head.

    ¡°Slauson¡¯s Element is Fire. I saw it come from his palm. I do not see why Verum would freeze up at that. Slauson must be very intimidating in battle,¡± Nold surmised.

    Zalan sputtered, sincerely doubting that Slauson could drive anything but rage through anyone he was near.

    In a few more seconds, Verum still gasping loudly on the floor, Umdarr declared Slauson the victor of the fight. Zalan ran a hand through his hair in disbelief. He couldn¡¯t even gain anything useful from the fight. He had no idea what kind of fighter Slauson was.

    The audience began openly booing Verum and Slauson as he accepted his prize money. It was insulting that Slauson didn¡¯t open the fight with the proper gesture of respect. On top of that, the fight wasn¡¯t exciting at all. At least Zalan had to dodge a few punches before he overpowered his opponent. Slauson ended it with a single attack, no exchanges. There were many expressing that Verum never should have entered the tournament in the first place.

    Slauson left the arena with one last glance toward Verum, a troubled look in his eye. To Zalan¡¯s surprise, Verum remained on the ground, his movements continuing to look odd and jittery. Umdarr kneeled down to speak with him. Zalan and Rep stood up, trying to get a better view of the downed fighter. Umdarr stood and waved for someone to carry him off the arena platform. He was hauled away on a makeshift stretcher.

    ¡°Seriously, what happened to him?¡± Zalan asked as he was taken to the doctor¡¯s tent.

    ¡°A direct blow like that is not to be taken lightly,¡± Nold reminded. ¡°But¡­ I would think that he would still be able to stand. At least given a bit of time.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps Slauson¡¯s punch ran flames through the inside of his body?¡± Rep asked. ¡°Is such a thing possible?¡±

    ¡°It may be,¡± Nold shrugged. ¡°I have never attempted to do so. To attempt to send flames inside Verum sounds as though it would kill him. If Slauson intends to win the tournament then there is no need to risk getting disqualified.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he cares how badly he hurts people, disqualification or not,¡± Zalan said, watching Slauson take his seat toward the bottom of the seats. As expected, he sat alone. Zalan wanted to beat him even more. Drive his face into the ground and make him pay for what he did to another fighter. He had no idea who Verum was, but it probably felt awful to be so openly humiliated and then looked down upon by your opponent as they walked off stage. Zalan didn¡¯t like that look at all. It increased his hatred for Slauson.

    ¡°When are we going to be able to fight him?¡± Zalan asked, cracking his knuckles.

    Rep had a curious look on his face, then turned to Nold suddenly.

    ¡°Zalan and I were in the first two fights. Does that mean we must face each other in the next round?¡± Rep asked, nervous.

    ¡°Unlikely. You have not yet been entered into brackets. Right now, Umdarr draws names randomly and pairs them together. The brackets will not begin until there are only sixteen fighters remaining,¡± Nold explained.

    Rep sighed in relief. Zalan was also happy not to be taking on Rep too early. If he had to take on Rep, he wanted it to be in the finals. Otherwise, he wanted himself or Rep to take Slauson down.

    ¡°When do brackets normally begin?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°This is already not a normal tournament,¡± Nold reminded. ¡°If there was a Level 5 and Under, there would usually be no open fights before brackets. Level 10 and Under can have up to two rounds. But now, I assume it would be less than two rounds. Otherwise, they would not consolidate both the Level 5 and 10 sections together.¡±

    The next set of fighters called up were an older man about twice Zalan¡¯s age and another man about Zalan¡¯s age. The older one was Level 9 and the youth Level 4. The crowd appreciated that the oldster didn¡¯t outright destroy the younger boy, but it was clear he didn¡¯t stand the ghost of a chance. The winner didn¡¯t even have to reveal his Elemental ability to take down the younger one.

    Zalan tried to figure out who in the crowd of viewers would be fighters and which would remain spectators. Looking around, he had no clue how to differentiate, even after having been in the tent with all the fighters. He was originally assuming that fighters would be something around his age, but now after seeing the most recent fight, he saw that anyone could be a fighter. There was even Trentor, the teenager. His eyes hovered over Slauson and Zalan stood up suddenly before the next match was called. He began walking down the steps.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I am going to the healing tent,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°To check on Verum,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Is that so important? You will miss the next fight.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    Rep considered this, then shrugged to himself.

    ¡°I will come with you,¡± Rep said, following.

    Zalan had wanted to check on Verum alone, hoping to see if he could coax him into giving him tips on what Slauson did during their fight. He was worried that Rep coming along with him would make Verum less willing to speak. He probably didn¡¯t want an audience immediately after losing his first match. But Rep was a sympathetic enough guy. Maybe he would be useful in getting information out of him.

    Umdarr called upon the next two fighters as Zalan and Rep made their way to the tent. They couldn¡¯t hear anything about the fighters names, titles, or Level. As they entered, they were surprised to see how full it was. They knew that Nold had brought down people from the top of the canyon, but didn¡¯t realize how many people had been left incapacitated.

    ¡°Are you hurt too?¡± Doctor Quill looked up at them as they entered.

    Rep and Zalan shook their heads.

    ¡°Thank God. I hope you two have Elemental powers. I need your help. Now!¡± she waved them over.

 73 - Book 2 - Chapter 22 - Help in the Tents

    ¡°Quickly now, come here!¡± Doctor Quill demanded.

    Rep and Zalan made their way to her side next to a patient breathing faintly on a cot. His chest was bare, his clothing cut open by the doctor. The patient was almost unresponsive, not reacting to the checks Doctor Quill made.

    ¡°He is so cold. Can either of you start a fire?¡± Doctor Quill asked.

    Rep held a small flame just above the man as Doctor Quill put a damp cloth on his head.

    ¡°Keep that close to his chest. I do not understand what has occurred within his system. All of them! It is as though something slowed their internal organs to a crawl. Their heartbeats are scarce and hardly able to be felt,¡± she placed a hand at the man¡¯s neck. She waited, holding her breath. She sighed, dejected.

    ¡°I can no longer feel his heartbeat,¡± she declared solemnly.

    Zalan felt cold, witnessing the man in such a harrowing state. Was this the kind of state he never got to see his mom in? Was this all he would see if he visited her in the hospital? Pain on her face and death at the door? Tears were in Doctor Quill¡¯s eyes. Zalan felt strange at the sight. Doctor Quill was feeling forlorn over a total stranger. He didn¡¯t even cry when witnessing Fran die. He couldn¡¯t.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Doctor Quill said to Rep, allowing him to put out his fire. ¡°I am glad you learned to use your power in such a way that allows you to assist others. Most others limit their learning to combat.¡±

    Zalan blinked suddenly, a thought coming over his mind. He stepped toward the man and raised his hands.

    ¡°Let me try something. Stand back. Don¡¯t touch him,¡± Zalan instructed. His mom taught him about this once and he never thought he would have to use it. He placed one hand on the man¡¯s upper chest and another just below his chest on the other side. Doctor Quill watched with concern and Rep was interested.

    Zalan sent a small electric shock through the body. It jerked upward, but the man¡¯s face remained unmoving.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Doctor Quill said, horrified.

    ¡°Stay back,¡± Zalan repeated firmly. ¡°I¡¯m trying to restart his heart.¡±

    Zalan felt for the man¡¯s pulse through his neck. Nothing. He did a few chest compressions, then put his hands in place again.

    Another electric shock. The body convulsed.

    ¡°Stop it! You are desecrating the dead!¡± Quill protested.

    ¡°I¡­ I think it worked,¡± Zalan said, astounded. He didn¡¯t trust himself to assess whether the heartbeat had started again or if his own heartbeat was running loud in his ears. He thought it was a total long shot that acting as a defibrillator would work. He stepped back and let Doctor Quill look the patient over.

    ¡°Dear Lord,¡± Quill whispered as she felt the reawakened pulse. She placed her head close to the man¡¯s mouth. ¡°Dear God, he is breathing!¡±

    She looked up at Zalan, astonished. She was looking him up and down, trying to find some tool that he used.

    ¡°Was that an Artifact? How did you do that? You brought him from the dead!¡±

    ¡°Not back from the dead,¡± Zalan shook his head. ¡°I restarted his heart. You can¡¯t do that if they¡¯re already dead.¡±

    ¡°But how did you restart a heart! Did you place your hands and make a prayer to God? How does one reanimate a dead heart?¡± Quill asked, looking incredibly curious. Zalan saw how much she wanted to learn. It would make her a better doctor.

    ¡°I ran an electric¡­ I mean, I ran a small amount of lightning through him,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Lightning!?¡± Quill was flabbergasted. ¡°Your Elemental Power is lightning? And you can use it to bring people from the brink?¡±

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Absolutely amazing,¡± Quill said. ¡°That is the most incredible power I have ever heard of. What amazing utility.¡±

    For the first time, Zalan felt like his power could be used for more than just fighting. Maybe he could be a great doctor. He didn¡¯t really believe that, but it was nice to know his power was something more than a big beam of painful energy. He felt warm, with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. His power had a good reason to be used outside of combat, just like everyone else.

    ¡°Once again, you have proven that you are more incredible than you let on,¡± Rep said. ¡°How did you know you could do that?¡±

    ¡°Something I learned from my homeworld,¡± Zalan said. When Quill gave him an odd look, he corrected himself. ¡°Err, I mean homeland.¡±

    ¡°I never understand the things you learned from there. You said there were no Elemental abilities where you were from, yet you were instructed in how to use yours in this manner?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I mean¡­ kinda?¡± Zalan said, shrugging. ¡°My mom taught me everything she could when she was learning to become a doctor.¡±

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    ¡°A doctor? You never told me she could practice medicine,¡± Rep said, pleased to learn new information.

    ¡°Yeah. I guess I wasn¡¯t sure you would recognize the profession in this realm.¡±

    Zalan began looking around the infirmary tent. It was filled with people who never had the opportunity to become fighters. His eyes landed on Verum. He was still very much alive, but looked catatonic.

    ¡°Do you know what happened to these people?¡± Rep asked Quill, looking at all the others who were ambushed before entering the tournament.

    ¡°No. It seems warmth is helping them the most,¡± Doctor Quill shook her head.

    ¡°What about him?¡± Zalan pointed at Verum.

    ¡°His state has baffled me,¡± Doctor Quill said. ¡°He exhibits many of the same issues that these others have, but I was told he was struck once in the stomach. The strike to the stomach has not done any visible damage. He is not even bruised. Yet here he lies.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ whatever happened to him might have happened out of combat?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I would presume so,¡± Quill nodded. ¡°Though what happened, I do not have the slightest idea. It vexes me.¡±

    Zalan made his way over to Verum. He was shaking and staring into space.

    ¡°Did Slauson do this to you?¡± Zalan asked him.

    Verum continued to quiver. Zalan started to wonder whether Nold¡¯s comment was right. Maybe Slauson was so intimidating that it left a lasting effect on his opponent. But what could he have possibly done? It frustrated Zalan to no end to be left in the dark like this.

    ¡°Why are you so fixated on Slauson?¡± Rep asked him. ¡°There are many fighters in the tournament. He may not even be the strongest one.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but he¡¯s a huge jerk,¡± Zalan said. ¡°You saw him out there.¡±

    ¡°I fear you created an unhealthy obsession with his downfall when he slighted you in Naverforth,¡± Rep said. ¡°Why is that? He did so little to you.¡±

    Once again, it felt to Zalan that Rep had the uncanny ability to read him like a book. He knew deep in his heart that his view of Slauson was irrational. At worst, Slauson barely made a disparaging remark. But below the surface, Zalan burned with rage and anger toward the realm. He was stuck and he hated it. All of that rage and hatred was being directed toward a single person. It used to be Madam Hikma, but Zalan got over that idea. It had been too long since he had seen her and he was second guessing his idea of betrayal. It was Slauson that was more of the manifestation of everything he hated in this world. And he wanted to have power over that which he hated.

    Instead of giving Rep any of that insight, he just shrugged toward Rep.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, he just seems kinda lame,¡± Zalan offered.

    Rep frowned, greatly dissatisfied with the response.

    ¡°But I think we should go tell Umdarr about all this,¡± Zalan said, waving his hand over the tent. ¡°Look how many fighters are missing. They¡¯re probably the ones that would have been necessary to have the Level 10 and Under bracket be separated from the Level 5 and Under.¡±

    ¡°I agree. It seems someone is trying to sabotage the event. These fighters were hurt to be prevented from entering the ring,¡± Rep decided.

    They bid farewell to Quill and headed to the tent¡¯s exit.

    ¡°I hope not to see you back in here,¡± Doctor Quill said, waving them off. ¡°Unless you intend to help again, then it is fine!¡± she added quickly.

    Rep and Zalan rushed to the arena to locate Umdarr. A fight was underway. The two fighters were throwing rocks and fire toward one another, both taking on significant hits. The crowd was going wild for every hit, losing their minds to the brutal battle. Zalan and Rep ran around the base of the arena, ducking under a small pile of rocks spilling over the side. They finally saw Umdarr who was sitting in a wall of air, bouncing any errant attacks away from him.

    ¡°Umdarr!¡± Rep called him.

    Umdarr looked over at them, annoyed, then waved them away and paid attention to the match.

    ¡°Umdarr, we need to talk to you!¡± Zalan called.

    ¡°Not during a fight,¡± Umdarr replied.

    ¡°It is important! We believe someone is rigging the tournament,¡± Rep said.

    Umdarr¡¯s irritation grew, but he quickly waved them over.

    ¡°What? What? Be quick. This had better not be a joke,¡± Umdarr said, his eyes not leaving the match.

    ¡°We just came back from the tent. It is filled with would-be fighters that were ambushed and sabotaged before the tournament began,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°And Verum looks like he might have been affected by the same thing. It triggered in combat and made him unable to fight,¡± Zalan added.

    ¡°Right,¡± Umdarr sounded disinterested. ¡°I am hearing theories. What is the proof?¡±

    ¡°All of the people in the tent were going to join the tournament!¡± Rep said. ¡°The lack of their presence may be why we do not have the Level 5 and Under group. It must have been a deliberate attack!¡±

    ¡°You say ¡®must have,¡¯ but offer no justification?¡± Umdarr noted.

    ¡°So you think all of that was just a coincidence?¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°I think you have not supplied me proof as to why this would be sabotage to the tournament. It is possible they fought a monster that left lasting injuries or played with an Artifact they did not expect to cause them such limitations,¡± Umdarr said.

    Rep and Zalan looked to one another, hoping the other would have a good justification. Rep bit his lip and Zalan ran his hand through his hair in anger.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you at least want to investigate this a bit instead of having a tournament be controlled by some cheater?¡± Zalan protested.

    ¡°Not without proof! I am not a detective, I run the tournament. If you can bring me evidence like an Artifact being used for sabotage or a particular source for these injuries, I might find it more credible,¡± Umdarr said, leaning forward as one of the fighters punched with a rock fist. It looked enough for the other fighter to remain on the floor.

    ¡°But people were clearly hurt on their way here,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°None of my concern if they are not in the tournament,¡± Umdarr shrugged.

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Get away from the lower arena. I won¡¯t be held responsible if you get yourselves hurt outside of a battle,¡± Umdarr said. He stood and leaped impressively with the assistance of his wind power. ¡°We have a winner!¡± he called loudly.

    Zalan ran his hand through his hair again, enraged at being discarded so easily when he had such important information.

    ¡°How is it that I feel so stuck right now?¡± Zalan breathed out frustrated.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep asked, a shocked and worried look on his face.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s just go find Nold,¡± Zalan said briskly as he stomped away to the stone stands.

    ¡°But I think I remember where I know the name ¡®Slauson¡¯ from,¡± Rep said. ¡°It was in the Castle of Docrun.¡±

 74 - Book 2 - Chapter 23 - Reluctant Messengers

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan stopped in his tracks, the loud audience roaring above him making him second guess what he heard.

    ¡°You saw Slasuon in the Castle of Docrun?¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    ¡°No, but I remember his name. You said it when you read it off the letter,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know him before this week,¡± Zalan shook his head.

    ¡°The letter you read in the Chaos Chamber in the Castle of Docrun! The one from the father that told us of the things he tried in order to escape,¡± Rep pressed.

    ¡°Sure, I remember that. The letter that was with the dead guy¡¯s skeleton,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°The last piece of the letter was a message to his son, Slauson,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zalan asked, not recalling the name being mentioned at all.

    ¡°Absolutely certain. He said he loves his son, Slauson. And that he should not try to cheat others like he did,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan tried to remember any exact words, but couldn¡¯t place anything. He then tried to evaluate the words at face value.

    ¡°So, you think Slauson is a cheater? He¡¯s cheating at the tournament!¡± Zalan said, enthused by the news.

    ¡°No, I did not say that!¡±

    ¡°You were reminded of it when I told Umdarr that someone was cheating! You think that dirty loser is a cheater too,¡± Zalan said eagerly.

    ¡°No, listen to me! This is not about who is cheating!¡± Rep said sternly.

    ¡°So you haven¡¯t ruled him out yet,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°We need to figure out what to tell Slauson,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, something to catch him off guard and get him to admit to cheating,¡± Zalan nodded, stroking his chin in thought.

    ¡°Zalan! Be quiet and listen!¡± Rep snapped. Zalan was stunned by Rep¡¯s assertiveness. He nodded, waiting for his friend to continue.

    ¡°Slauson may not know his father is dead!¡± Rep announced.

    Zalan was going to say another insult toward Slauson but caught himself. The words rang loudly in his head. Rep could be right. Slauson¡¯s dad was alone in the corner of a Chaos Chamber in an otherwise abandoned castle. They may have been the only ones to read the letter left behind. Slauson¡¯s dad¡¯s last words to Slauson. Zalan¡¯s expression turned nervous and uneasy.

    ¡°Well¡­ What do we do?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I think we should tell him,¡± Rep said sincerely.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    Zalan¡¯s emotions spun shakily in his heart. He never knew his own father, he passed away too soon after he was born. He wondered what it would feel like if someone told him his father died. One moment, your parents live fine in your mind and the next moment they¡¯re torn away. And you had no chance to say goodbye. As usual, his thoughts turned to his mother¡­

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Rep,¡± Zalan looked uncomfortable. As much as he didn¡¯t like Slauson, he didn¡¯t want to be the one to tell him. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s the right guy? Is Slauson not a common name?¡±

    ¡°Not that I know of,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°Maybe we should wait until later? Like after the tournament or something? Wait for the right time?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Right time? When is the right time to be told your parents have passed?¡± Rep asked compassionately.

    Zalan winced at the response. He didn¡¯t like talking about this. He almost began squirming in place.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we ask Nold what to do?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I just¡­ I think he could help us,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Fine, but if Nold does not give me a satisfactory response, then I will simply tell Slauson,¡± Rep said.

    The duo made their way back up the seats as the crowd cheered on the most recent winner. A few audience members looked their way and waved to them.

    ¡°Rep, you had an excellent fight! I have never seen a Fire user overtake a Water user so well,¡± one said.

    ¡°I thank you, but we really need to be climbing up to our mentor,¡± Rep said graciously, scooting forward.

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    ¡°Your title is the Dealer of Dragon Death. Have you really killed a dragon before?¡± a younger boy asked Zalan.

    ¡°Yeah, but I wasn¡¯t alone. Me and Rep took it down,¡± Zalan patted Rep¡¯s back.

    ¡°I think you mean ¡®Rep and I¡¯ took it down,¡± the boy corrected.

    ¡°Okay, kid, whatever,¡± Zalan rolled his eyes and continued his way up.

    A few more members of the audience waved to them in excitement, but they ignored them all to get to their teacher faster. After pushing gently past new fans, they reached Nold. He regarded them with derision.

    ¡°You missed fights. Therefore you have missed crucial information regarding your upcoming opponents,¡± Nold scolded.

    ¡°We were a little busy,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Zalan restarted someone¡¯s heart with his lightning,¡± Rep added.

    Nold¡¯s face changed immediately, looking interested.

    ¡°Your power can start a stopped heart?¡± Nold was mildly excited. He wiggled his fingers, as though mimicking how he would try to restart a heart.

    ¡°If you know how to do it. You can¡¯t do it to someone dead, just someone close to death,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°Interesting,¡± Nold nodded to himself.

    ¡°Instructor Nold, we have realized something about Slauson and are uncertain how to move forward,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You need not be concerned with his power. We will decipher his ability during the next match,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°No, not his fighting. His dad¡¯s dead and we¡¯re pretty sure he doesn¡¯t know it. We¡¯re trying to figure out when to tell him,¡± Zalan cut right to the chase.

    ¡°Tell him now,¡± Nold replied immediately.

    ¡°Oh. Really?¡± Zalan asked, disappointed by how straightforward the reply was.

    ¡°Certainly. If you want your enemy distracted and unable to concentrate on his next fight, you give him this tragic news immediately. If he ever goes up against one of you, he will be far too involved in thinking about his recent loss. Tell him now to destroy his confidence in order to take him down later,¡± Nold explained.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged an appalled expression.

    ¡°Oh my God, Nold, we aren¡¯t trying to ruin his life with this news,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Interesting. I thought Slauson was something of an enemy to you. I thought that his humiliation was what you sought,¡± Nold looked at Zalan.

    ¡°Not¡­ not like this,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Hmm, fine. Then tell him immediately after the tournament. Whether he wins or loses. That is, if you wish to fight him without having an advantage,¡± Nold said, trying to convince them.

    ¡°We don¡¯t,¡± Rep and Zalan said simultaneously.

    Nold shrugged, mildly disappointed in his students. Zalan was glad he had the opportunity to delay telling Slauson. He might not even be there when the news was delivered and just leave Rep to do it alone. He didn¡¯t want to see how someone reacted when they lost their parents. How a child would feel to lose their mother or father¡¯s smiles. Their love and respect. The open ear and ability to give advice tailored to the one they raised. Zalan blinked his thoughts away as they got too close to his own mother.

    Zalan looked over to Slauson as the next bout was called. The fighter was brooding, leaning forward to watch the fight with a blank expression. Like he was bored. Zalan felt annoyed by it, but also couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry to some degree. He would be told about the loss of his parent in a short time.

    The bout began and Zalan could hardly pay attention. Liv was up against another young woman her age. The two fighters clashed, both wielders of fire. They were both throwing out fireballs in rapid succession, trying to catch their opponent off guard or win by exhausting their opponent first. It became a battle of attrition and Zalan kept checking to see how Slauson reacted. He gave no indication of caring about the fight. Zalan sat back, staring at the bright sky above the canyon and trying to distract himself from his thoughts. He still wanted to beat Slauson, that was sure, but now the anger within him didn¡¯t know where to go. He felt powerful when enveloped in rage and didn¡¯t want to lose it between bouts of the competition.

    ¡°Pay attention,¡± Nold instructed him.

    Zalan didn¡¯t respond, wanting to remain zoned out. He was tracing the rocky walls of the canyon with his eyes. This would probably be a really cool tourist spot in his own world, the way the canyon just appeared and flatten out at the bottom, wide enough to hold a tournament within.

    The audience cheered loudly at what sounded like a final blow. Zalan was going to look back down at the arena when he saw a shadow pass over the top of the canyon.

    A huge one.

    There wasn¡¯t a cloud in the sky. Something just moved outside the canyon.

    ¡°Uhh,¡± Zalan sat up uncomfortably, tapping Rep on the shoulder and pointing upward. ¡°Do you see that?¡±

    Rep looked up and his eyes went wide. The shadow loomed large, a giant tail becoming clear in the darkness cast on the canyon walls.

    ¡°Monster! At the top of the canyon!¡± Rep said, slapping Nold on the back and pointing upward.

    ¡°Interesting,¡± Nold said coolly. ¡°It is rare, but sometimes massive monsters can smell the gathering of this many humans outside of cities.¡±

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Zalan asked.

    The creature¡¯s face creeped over the edge of the canyon. A massive snake, its head alone the size of a bus. Its forked tongue poked out and its eyes dilated with interest at what it saw. It scrutinized the population of humans and decided it would be a decent meal. It began dragging itself toward the path that the attendees used to get to the bottom of the canyon. The only way in or out.

    ¡°Nold?¡± Rep asked more urgently.

    ¡°A bit of a shame, but it looks as though it will interrupt the tournament,¡± Nold sighed, standing.

    ¡°Monster!¡± Nold called loudly. He almost sounded bored. With a small display of flames spinning in the air, he was doing a poor job getting people¡¯s attention. ¡°Monster!¡±

    ¡°You aren¡¯t making enough of a scene! Make your flames bigger!¡± Zalan told him.

    Nold looked at him through the side of his eyes and ignored him. Zalan was surprised by how small Nold decided to make his flames when he was usually keen to show his abilities off. Nold changed tactics, spinning a tiny pile of sand into a ball floating in front of him. Nold flicked the wad of sand and struck Umdarr softly in the back of the head. Umdarr rubbed the back of his head and looked back to see who hit him. His eyes widened.

    Umdarr looked up toward the massive snake, now slithering its way down the descending path into the canyon, its eyes hungry.

    ¡°Listen up!¡± Umdarr immediately shouted to the audience. ¡°A monster has arrived. A Basilisk by the looks of it. Contestants in the tournament are not allowed to engage. Gaining any Experience or a Level will result in immediate disqualification. Everyone else who is not a fighter, come and assist in driving it out.¡±

    ¡°But it is a Basilisk!¡± someone close to him protested.

    ¡°Either help me drive it out or get eaten by it,¡± Umdarr said.

 75 - Book 2 - Chapter 24 - Intermission

    Zalan watched as onlookers immediately jumped to join the battle. People older and younger than him rushed out of the arena to confront the approaching monster. They were eager, ready to show off their own strength after having been inspired by the tournament¡¯s fights.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t we help? I bet some lightning in its eyes would be a good way of keeping it at bay,¡± Zalan said, watching a crowd grow to confront the massive monster.

    ¡°It is a strict rule. In the past, there were contestants that would hurt one another in the pandemonium of a fight with a monster to get an advantage in the ring. There were also those that would enter a certain competition and then gain Levels whenever they were not fighting in order to completely overpower the fighters in their bracket,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°But this is different! That thing looks huge,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°There are many of us. We will be able to overpower it without many casualties,¡± Nold assured him, standing up casually.

    ¡°Many casualties? You mean any casualties, right?¡± Zalan asked, disturbed.

    Nold left without another word, running across a path of sand in the air. The sand would sprinkle to the earth below when he passed it.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get a good view. If we need to help out, then we will,¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°Right.¡±

    Rep and Zalan ran across the stands. Many other tournament contestants had the same idea and were gathering over the edge of the stands closest to the Basilisk to get a good vantage point. Those that were rivals in the ring got close to watch the battle commence without hesitation. Any disagreements between fighters were put aside whenever a monster was involved. Zalan glanced around and noticed that Slauson wasn¡¯t in the group of spectators. He remained seated, looking bothered by the fact the tournament had been delayed. Zalan half considered going to invite him over, but the Basilisk distracted him.

    The Basilisk had reached the bottom of the canyon and was nudging over the tents and tables that led inside, looking for food within. Its tongue slid in and out quickly as it evaluated the area. Its eyes landed on the growing wall of humans. Before it could decide what to do with them, the human barricade threw an assortment of Elemental Power at it. They were striking it with water, earth, sand, fire, plants, and air, all at different sizes depending on the Wisdom of the one using the power.

    ¡°So much power, but¡­¡± Rep said, his voice trailing in concern.

    ¡°They are not even damaging it.¡± Liv was next to them, staring in horror. Epanor was with her, his jaw clenched tightly.

    The Basilisk poked its tongue out, then reared its head back, towering over those defending the canyon. Baring its man-sized fangs, it breathed out a noxious green and blue gas that descended on the defenders. With a single whiff, a few on the front lines fell down. To Zalan¡¯s dismay, he saw one of them was Leon. Umdarr blasted the gas away with Elemental Air and directed everyone to focus on a single point of the Basilisk¡¯s head. Right where the brain should be.

    ¡°Where is Nold?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°He slacks behind. Typical of a man of status,¡± someone answered, pointing.

    Rep and Zalan followed the finger to see Nold watching with folded arms about fifty feet away from the action. It didn¡¯t seem like he was participating at all. They frowned in disappointment.

    Looking back upon the action unfolding, people rushed in with imbued weapons to slash at the Basilisk hide. They were making marks, but overall doing little damage. With a whip of its tail, it slapped aside twenty defenders at once, sending them soaring through the air. Umdarr tried to slow their fall with air, but only succeeded in saving half of them from a hard crash into canyon earth and walls.

    The Basilisk decided that it was done playing with its food and opened its jaw wide, swooping its head down and stabbing three men through their legs with a fang. It tried to eat them, but they were pulled off by their comrades. The three injured were left screaming on the ground in terror and agony.

    ¡°That¡¯s it, we gotta help,¡± Zalan said, getting up nervously.

    The others looked at him hopefully, and he couldn¡¯t move. The Basilisk was massive and was able to take down more experienced fighters like it was nothing. It reminded him of the Elemental Dragon. What could he do to help against odds like that? He couldn¡¯t rely on gaining a Level when there were no other monsters around to kill.

    ¡°We have to,¡± Rep agreed, standing next to him. He was trembling lighty. Rep¡¯s apparent fear inspired Zalan. There was no courage without fear.

    ¡°Can someone help us jump down? Anyone with Air Elemental Power or something? I don''t wanna walk all the way around and waste any time,¡± Zalan said quickly.

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    The other fighters stared at him blankly.

    ¡°Is this about hiding your Element? There are lives at stake!¡± Zalan pressed.

    ¡°Look!¡± one of the fighters pointed back to the Basilisk.

    The monstrous snake was leaned back far, billows of sand blowing aside. It was being blasted by a focused burst of air by all the air users in the battle. It was dragged slightly, on the floor. The Basilisk tried to slither forward to make up the lost ground, but was hit by an even bigger airwave, one stronger than the rest of the blast combined. It rose and sailed through the air, twisting violently as it tried to regain its bearings. The wind threw it all the way back to the top of the canyon, dragging it against the earth at the lip. The Basilisk looked over the crowd of humans from the top of the canyon, assessing whether it was worth slithering back down. It hissed once, sharply, then slid away.

    The crowd cheered wildly, joined by the contestants that sat out of the fight.

    ¡°Looks like he assisted in the end,¡± Rep nudged Zalan in excitement.

    Zalan noticed that Nold¡¯s hand was held out toward where the creature was. Evidently he did help. Though it couldn¡¯t have been much at the distance he stood from it. Zalan wondered what kind of assistance he had done. It made him feel better about his mentor. He was odd sometimes, but not totally malicious.

    ¡°Incredible feat to be able to beat it back without a single life lost. A Basilisk may as well be a Beast of Slumber with its strength as a monster,¡± Liv said.

    ¡°No!¡± Epanor barked suddenly, causing Liv, Zalan and Rep to jolt. They weren¡¯t used to hearing his voice, and especially not that loud. ¡°That thing was nothing like a Beast of Slumber. A creature like that would spell certain death for all of us. Be grateful they remain asleep. A powerful burst of air from an experienced fighter would do next to nothing to a Beast of Slumber.¡±

    As Zalan reflected on Epanor¡¯s words, a sudden realization poked his stomach with dread.

    ¡°Who did that? The wind, I mean,¡± Zalan asked suddenly.

    ¡°It was probably the collective power of those that could control the wind,¡± someone answered.

    ¡°No, we saw that at the beginning of the fight,¡± Zalan said. ¡°This was different. A focused stream of air that threw a whole Basilisk up in the air. It looked like it came from right in front of the snake.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t notice? That was Umdarr,¡± Liv pointed out.

    ¡°You¡¯re sure it was him?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I saw it as well. What does it matter who did it?¡± Rep asked, curious.

    ¡°Zandar wishes to change his mentor for someone more powerful and willing to fight on the front lines,¡± one of the fighters said facetiously.

    Zalan was so focused on the crowd that he didn¡¯t even notice someone saying his name wrong. He was trying to pinpoint anyone out of place. He looked at Umdarr several times, his mind jumping to conclusions.

    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± Rep asked Zalan, quiet enough so only his friend could hear.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he start with that blast? Why did he wait until people got hurt?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°A good question. What is it leading to?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ I don¡¯t know. It might be nothing. Something Yelsa once told me about,¡± Zalan said, his eyes jumping between each man he saw in the crowd, but lingering on Umdarr.

    There could be someone very evil among them. Yelsa had told him to be wary of powerful Elemental Air users. And he had never seen such a powerful display of air before.

    ¡°Zalan, what is it? You are concerning me,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yelsa told me about the person who made her jump off of Aetheria,¡± Zalan said. He waited for Rep to tell him that Atheria was just a legend, but Rep remained silent. Zalan continued, ¡°His name is Morloch and he lives on the surface of the world now. She said he¡¯s really manipulative and messed with her head in Aetheria. He¡¯s supposedly a really strong Elemental Air user. I¡­ I don¡¯t know for sure, but he might¡­ He might be...¡±

    Rep understood the implication. Someone here may have been the one that convinced Yelsa to jump off the city in the sky. They could be manipulating a new student at this very tournament. Or running the tournament itself. Someone here might be Morloch the Manipulator.

    The crowd had just finished congratulating one another and began making their way back to the arena for more fights. The fighters who were gathered around Rep and Zalan dispersed. They seemed a little too quick in heading back to their seats and Zalan suspected that their mentors said not to fraternize with other fighters.

    Umdarr was bellowing thanks in his amplified voice. Doctor Quill was being ignored as she tried to call the injured fighters back to the tent. Even the three who were stabbed by the fangs felt more compelled to limp back to the stadium rather than get their wounds checked out. Zalan could tell people in this world didn¡¯t take their wounds nearly as seriously when they could literally sleep it off in a nearby city.

    There was a new levity among the spectators as they filled the stands once more. Not only did they have fights they were looking forward to, they now had a fight they had participated in. They were already exchanging tales of how they threw everything they had at the monster only for it to shrug it off like they were all Level 1. No one seemed concerned in finding out who it was that got rid of the giant snake in the end.

    Umdarr took his place back in the center of the fighting stage and let the crowd get comfortable before continuing the tournament.

    ¡°That may have been the best fight we will see in this canyon!¡± Umdarr said brightly, applauding all the fighters of the giant snake with hands above his shoulders.

    The crowd ate the praise up, exploding in overwhelming agreement. Umdarr clapped for a few seconds, letting the praise settle in their minds as their energies cooled down.

    ¡°That being said, are we ready for the next tournament fight?¡± Umdarr asked, placing a hand behind his ear.

    Again, the audience exploded in cheer, shouting for him to continue the show.

    ¡°Excellent! Then, my fighting friends, I am pleased to announce that this will be the last battle before the Round of 16 begins!¡± Umdarr declared.

    His words were met with applause, but not nearly the same enthusiasm. They expected a lot more fights before settling on the last 16 contestants. Apparently, they had not been informed on the low fighter turnout this year and had expected more out of the Elemental Rage Tournament.

    ¡°How exciting! A battle after a Basilisk! Time to bring out the final fighters before creating the brackets!¡± Umdarr called out.

 76 - Book 2 - Chapter 25 - Giving

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan was too distracted to pay attention to the last two fighters introduced on the stage. His eyes remained scanning the crowd, trying to differentiate the regular man from a manipulator. Rep was also searching the crowd, uncertain of what he was looking for but wanting to be helpful nonetheless.

    ¡°Should we ask Instructor Nold what to do about Morloch?¡± Rep asked as their mentor made his way up the steps.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. After what he said about Slauson¡¯s dad, I don¡¯t have a lot of faith in his advice,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°We can ask what he saw out there. Perhaps he got a better view of the Elemental Air wielder?¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s a good idea,¡± Zalan nodded just as Nold arrived. He looked over his two students.

    ¡°Your eyes wander. Pay attention to the fight,¡± Nold instructed.

    ¡°What was the Basilisk like?¡± Zalan asked him.

    ¡°Did you neglect to watch that fight, as well?¡± Nold asked, irked.

    ¡°We viewed from a distance. We wanted to know what it was like up close,¡± Rep said helpfully.

    ¡°I see. It was a formidable creature. A monster of inspiring power. The fact we sustained no real casualties is a feat we should be grateful for,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Did you see who used the wind power to get the Basilisk out of the canyon?¡± Zalan asked eagerly.

    ¡°No,¡± Nold replied. ¡°I was too busy. I pulled sand out from underneath the Basilisk to cause it to be unable to settle. Then, as the air pushed it there was no resistance between the ground and the air blasting it back. Then, when there was momentum, I added to the momentum. Using my sand.¡±

    ¡°Uhhh, okay, that¡¯s a lot more than I was expecting you to share,¡± Zalan said, confused.

    ¡°If you were paying better attention I would not have had to share anything at all,¡± Nold said, irritated. Zalan found his defensiveness odd, even for Nold. He moved on.

    ¡°Did anyone else talk about who was using wind power? Any idea who it was?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Why are you so keen to learn who it was?¡± Nold asked. He looked annoyed. Zalan thought that maybe he was offended. Nold may have come to the same conclusion that Zalan was looking for a new mentor. He had to drop the conversation before it got strained.

    ¡°No reason,¡± Zalan shrugged nonchalantly, turning to watch the match casually.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Nold grumbled, satisfied.

    Zalan was disappointed to not have any real answers. He started to believe that maybe he was overthinking things a little. Of all the places Morloch could be, why would he show up to the tournament? Why would he even help keep a Basilisk back? Did he care about helping people? Maybe if it meant he could manipulate them, but then why wouldn¡¯t he take credit for taking down the monster? Should he even be worried about Morloch anymore? What if he went back to the sky? Too many questions. He wished that Yelsa was here so that he could ask her some more questions about the man who betrayed her. He wondered if she made it back to Aetheria safely.

    ¡°Pay attention,¡± Nold said firmly when he saw Zalan zoning out. ¡°You may learn how to better use your power if you watch someone else use theirs.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m watching, I¡¯m watching,¡± Zalan said, finally putting his focus on the match.

    There were two men in close combat, neither of them showing off any particular Elemental Power. They were doing well to keep their power secret as well as putting on a good fight. One kicked as the other dodged. The other punched and the other blocked. They both looked like more experienced fighters. The kind of fighters that Zalan expected to go against from the beginning.

    Zalan watched closely to notice whether either of them were imbued, but their punches looked perfectly normal to him. They were either really good at keeping their power invisible, or they were unable to imbue themselves.

    ¡°Who are these guys?¡± Zalan asked, leaning in close to Rep.

    ¡°The one on the left is Rexler and the one on the right is Top,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Top is a weird name,¡± Zalan smirked, watching the man bend backward to dodge a kick to his chest.

    ¡°Indeed. And he seems strange, as well. His title included something about being an innkeeper,¡± Rep informed.

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    ¡°I¡¯m surprised he¡¯s any good at fighting,¡± Zalan said.

    As if to disprove his point, Top was struck just then by Rexler, throwing him to the floor. Rexler moved quickly and placed his foot hard on Top¡¯s chest to keep him on the ground. As much as Top struggled, the man was exhausted and couldn¡¯t stand before being declared the loser. Rexler pulled his foot off immediately. To the crowd''s amusement and surprise, Top jumped up to give him a tight hug for a good fight. Zalan smiled, wondering if he could ever be so extravagantly gracious in the face of defeat.

    He knew subconsciously that it would be impossible for him. He would be far too frustrated and probably have an outburst. He didn¡¯t concern himself with his mental state. He felt confident that his anger in battle would allow him to overpower any opponent he faced. He didn¡¯t need to worry about losing.

    ¡°What an incredible match!¡± Umdarr said to the crowd after handing Rexler his prize money.

    ¡°A shame we did not get to see what Elemental Rexler carries. It would be rather advantageous to know for such a good fighter,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We will be taking a brief pause in the tournament to establish the final brackets for the remaining fighters,¡± Umdarr reported, beginning to move off stage.

    ¡°We already took a break to fight a Basilisk!¡± someone from the crowd yelled.

    The rest of the audience laughed and cheered in agreement. Umdarr took it all well and laughed with them. He continued off the arena as they cheered their organizer on.

    ¡°I hope I get someone good,¡± Zalan said, waiting anxiously for the brackets.

    ¡°I hope I get someone bad,¡± Rep admitted. ¡°I would rather like to stay in the competition.¡±

    ¡°Come on, Rep. You had such a good first fight that you were confused by how much you outclassed the other guy. Doesn¡¯t that count for anything?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Eh,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Did you never learn how to take a compliment?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Eh,¡± Rep shrugged again, this time smiling.

    The minutes stretched on and the audience grew impatient. It wasn¡¯t long before Rep, Zalan, and Nold made their way outside the stadium to look for food. There were a series of vendors all showing off their fresh vegetables, stews and meat cooking right in their stalls. Rep and Zalan used their prize money to pay for themselves and their mentor to bring themselves back to a full belly.

    As they were finishing their meal, Zalan looked at the two remaining bronze coins in hand. He and Rep paid with six bronze coins, leaving them with four from their respective winnings.

    ¡°These are kinda worthless to us, right? We have tons of gold from the Elemental Dragon,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Oh, yes. Say it out loud, let everyone hear,¡± Nold said sarcastically.

    ¡°Money is never worthless,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I just meant that I could give these away, right? I don¡¯t need the prize money, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep looked up in surprise. Greed was usually a fairly common attribute to the people he knew. He never faulted those attached to their money, but he was impressed to see someone care so little about it.

    ¡°Who would you give it away to?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°One of those kids,¡± Zalan tilted his head one way. The kids were playing around with a leather ball, kicking it between one another. Their arms were thin, their clothes disheveled, but their smiles wide.

    ¡°You should purchase food for them,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°That would mean that I could buy something they¡¯re allergic to. Or maybe I¡¯d get them too much food and some would go to waste,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I am just saying that perhaps you should not trust them to manage funds. That may be what led them to their current state,¡± Nold suggested.

    ¡°No, I think they¡¯re in the best place to decide what¡¯s best for themselves,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Nold said. ¡°I trust that you know better.¡±

    Again, it made Zalan good to hear he had Nold¡¯s trust. He was only quoting what his mother had taught him. Direct money was always the best for those that needed it. Making assumptions on their behalf would do well to keep them poor and keep others believing they didn¡¯t know any better. His mother drilled this into him every time she donated to the poor. And she did that a lot. Always with a smile on her face.

    Zalan got up with his two coins in hand when Rep suddenly stood up as well. He placed two more coins in his hands.

    ¡°Can you give this to them on my behalf as well?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I have never given directly to those in need. I usually give my spare funds to a distributor like Madam Hikma. I wish to watch. I think it is a wise investment,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Investment? I¡¯m giving these away, not investing. You guys have charity in this world, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed. And we know that charity does not decrease one¡¯s wealth,¡± Rep nodded.

    Zalan made a face not understanding what Rep meant by that. Nold looked equally confused by the phrase. Regardless, Zalan took the money and made his way to the kids. They looked up at him in awe.

    ¡°You are the Dragon Killer! Zapnar, yes?¡± one of the kids said, excited.

    ¡°Not Zapnar! Zandar!¡± another snapped at his friend.

    ¡°It¡¯s actually Zalan,¡± Zalan said, kneeling down. He opened his hand and showed the coins. They gathered around him. ¡°This is for you.¡±

    ¡°In exchange for what?¡± one of the children asked skeptically.

    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s yours,¡± Zalan held the hand out further.

    Each of the children took a coin and ran off excitedly, skipping every few steps. They raced their way to one of the vendors.

    Zalan returned to the seating with Rep and Nold.

    ¡°It looks as though they are going to buy meat,¡± Nold pointed out. ¡°They are using your money wisely.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not our money anymore. It stopped being ours the moment they picked it up,¡± Zalan said, quoting another of his mother¡¯s rules of giving.

    ¡°My esteemed fighters! The brackets are ready! Come and join me back in the stadium so that we may continue the Elemental Rage Tournament!¡± Umdarr¡¯s amplified voice exploded from within the stadium.

 77 - Book 2 â€“ Chapter 26 â€“ Electric Touch

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan looked up at the large parchments with names and brackets drawn on. He pointed his finger across the names and tried to find his own. He frowned, puzzled as he couldn¡¯t locate it.

    ¡°I¡¯m not on here?¡± Zalan asked, annoyed.

    ¡°Well,¡± Rep tapped a finger against one of the names.

    Zandar.

    He would be fighting first.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I even told Umdarr my real name! I¡¯ll have to remind him again. People out here are starting to think this is actually my name. Or really, that anything but ¡®Zalan¡¯ is my name.¡±

    Zalan looked at the name next to his own and read ¡°Moss.¡± He sounded familiar. Zalan tried to remember him, but he may have been one of the fighters that fought while he was in Doctor Quill¡¯s tent.

    ¡°What do we know about this guy?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We met him in the tent when the brackets were changed out from under us. We exchanged information about Dimak. We have not seen Moss fight,¡± Rep replied, staring at his name on the bracket. Rep was going up against Liv.

    ¡°What about her? You ready to take her on?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°She will be formidable.¡±.

    ¡°You got this,¡± Zalan assured him, tracking other names on the bracket chart. ¡°Looks like if you win your next fight, you might take on Slauson.¡±

    ¡°Unless he loses to the next fighter,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°Yeah, but that wouldn¡¯t be as fun as seeing you take him down,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°If I could,¡± Rep said uncertainly.

    ¡°We¡¯ll watch his next fight closely and figure him out together,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    Zalan waited at the foot of the stairs to the arena while Rep made his way back up to the seats. The arena gradually filled itself back to capacity, supported greatly by Umdarr yelling every minute or so that they would be starting soon.

    ¡°You there. Zalan,¡± someone called to him. Zalan was surprised to hear his name as he turned around.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s me,¡± Zalan said, recognizing the guy¡¯s face.

    ¡°Hello, then. I am Moss,¡± the man reintroduced himself.

    ¡°I remember,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Hey, Moss. We¡¯re uhhh¡­ gonna be fighting soon, you know.¡±

    ¡°I am aware. Would you like to exchange Elemental details before we go into the ring?¡± Moss asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan asked, shaking his head slightly.

    ¡°I will tell you my Elemental Power if you tell me your own. We do not have to tell the others. And now it is close to the beginning of the fight. There is no time to prepare a counter strategy,¡± Moss said.

    ¡°Uhhh,¡± Zalan thought about it for a few seconds. ¡°How could it possibly benefit me to tell you my power?¡±

    ¡°Because then I would tell you mine,¡± Moss said, smiling affably.

    ¡°Yeah, no,¡± Zalan said firmly. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Moss grinned mischievously. ¡°A wise decision.¡±

    ¡°Uhh, thanks?¡±

    ¡°You would be surprised how often it works to ask novices for their power. They are usually so nervous. I suppose I have a good fight to look forward to,¡± Moss said, waving him off and heading to the set of stairs on the opposite side of the arena.

    Zalan was amused by the interaction at first, then he suddenly felt like Moss had planted something on him. He shouldn¡¯t be chatting so plainly with the other fighters when there was a cheater among them. He patted himself crazily, earning a few stares from the crowd. He then imbued his body and felt for anything off. Nothing. Zalan relaxed. Moss might have just been a genuine person.

    ¡°Are we ready for the Round of 16?¡± Umdarr called from up on stage. He didn¡¯t even give the audience time to cheer before he immediately moved to introductions. ¡°On this end of the stage is our Level 7 Menacing Marauder¡­ Moss!¡±

    The audience cheered excitedly for Moss. Zalan read this as him being a fan favorite this year. He suddenly wished he had seen Moss¡¯s first fight. Then he denied that idea immediately. If he hadn¡¯t been in Doctor Quill¡¯s tent during Moss¡¯s fight, he might have missed the opportunity to bring someone back from the brink of death. That was something his mom would be proud of. So he should be proud of it too.

    ¡°And on this end is our Level 5, the Dealer of Dragon Death¡­¡± Umdarr stopped for a long pause as he made eye contact with Zalan. Zalan could see the cogs turning in Umdarr¡¯s brain. He was going to say ¡°Zandar,¡± but knew that wasn¡¯t his name. Umdarr shrugged apologetically and moved forward with his best guess. ¡°Ziyard!¡±

    Zalan¡¯s lip twitched in disappointment and he shook his head slightly to Umdarr. Umdarr winced a bit, looking apologetic as Zalan took to the arena.

    ¡°Show your opponent the respect they deserve for making it to the Round of 16,¡± Umdarr declared.

    Simultaneously, Zalan and Moss punched a fist into an open hand. Umdarr nodded at the two of them and jumped off stage with a blast of air.

    ¡°Begin!¡±

    Zalan and Moss began moving slowly toward one another, closing the distance gradually. It was a much slower fight than Zalan¡¯s previous one. He hoped they would all start with his opponent rushing in and revealing their power. Now he had to have a tense stare down. Zalan imbued himself, watching Moss closely for any incoming projectiles. Moss called out to Zalan as they grew closer.

    ¡°I thought you said your name was Zalan?¡±

    ¡°It is!¡± Zalan insisted.

    ¡°I saw Zandar on the bracket and just heard Ziyard,¡± Moss replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s Zalan!¡±

    ¡°You seem to be the only one convinced.¡±

    Zalan was first wondering if Moss was trying to get under his skin, but saw him struggling to hold back a smile. He was joking in the middle of a fight. It gave Zalan a new perspective on the man. He enjoyed the tournament for the sake of the battles.

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    ¡°How good is your sparring?¡± Moss asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± Zalan said, uncertain how else to respond.

    ¡°False modesty will be tested,¡± Moss said, rushing forward and throwing a punch.

    Zalan deflected the punch and returned with a low kick. Moss moved quickly, jumping over the foot and trying a kick for Zalan¡¯s head. Zalan leaned back and smacked the leg aside with his forearm. They both took a step back.

    ¡°Your light taps sting,¡± Moss pointed out, rubbing his leg. Zalan¡¯s imbued hands were delivering electric zaps every time he deflected one of Moss¡¯s attacks.

    ¡°You¡¯re pretty good,¡± Zalan replied.

    Moss was much more of the fighter that Nold had prepared him for. He didn¡¯t feel that Moss was imbued with any power, so he had the slight advantage. Moss came in for another few blows. Zalan was able to deflect again, but felt he had no opportunity to go on the offensive. Moss was good at covering any openings and Zalan was left feeling like Moss had the upper hand. The crowd cheered for them, happy to see Zalan actually having to fight this time.

    Moss took another break, taking a few nimble steps back and shaking his arms.

    ¡°It stings to hit you! What is that?¡± Moss asked.

    Zalan shrugged. He was glad that even though he couldn¡¯t get any hits in, he was still doing real damage to Moss.

    ¡°Your ambiguous shrugs make it seem as though you are uncertain of your own power. Your confident stance tells me you are proud of your ignorance,¡± Moss said.

    ¡°How could I be ignorant of the a power I¡¯m imbuing myself with?¡± Zalan asked, irritated.

    Moss grinned widely.

    ¡°So you are imbuing yourself,¡± Moss concluded. Zalan tutted his tongue, disappointed in himself for falling for Moss¡¯s mind game.

    Zalan¡¯s opponent took a few more steps backward. Zalan kept close, not wanting to give Moss enough room to feel comfortable throwing Elemental blasts at a distance.

    ¡°You want more close combat? Fine,¡± Moss said, a smile growing on his face.

    He stretched a palm out, away from Zalan. From within his hand, a straight stick of bamboo began to emerge. Zalan watched in horror as the bamboo grew to the length of a bat, extending from inside his hand. Moss pulled the stick out of his palm and held it like a staff. He was armed.

    ¡°No Artifacts! No weapons!¡± Zalan said, pointing to Moss like he caught him cheating.

    ¡°Elemental Powers of all forms are allowed,¡± Moss said, smiling.

    ¡°That was an Elemental Power? Wood Elemental?¡± Zalan asked, appalled.

    ¡°Plant, actually,¡± Moss corrected. ¡°Would you like to tell me yours, now?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Please?¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°Worth a try,¡± Moss shrugged.

    He stepped forward and swung his staff quickly, the air whooshing around it. Zalan leapt backward, feeling like he was fighting the Shellbacks again. Moss stabbed forward and Zalan smacked it down with his palm. The staff cracked under the combined strength of the hit and the lightning Zalan sent through it. Moss picked up the staff and stared.

    ¡°How do you do it?¡± Moss asked, amazed.

    Zalan considered revealing himself and just zapping Moss with lightning from this distance. Moss was too quick, bringing the staff back down and swinging wildly at Zalan. All the nights of sparring with Nold came back to him. To take a single, full-on attack would mean failure. He kept his feet light, constantly moving out of striking distance and kicking or slapping away the staff if it ever got too close.

    Moss got frustrated by his lack of advantage and brought the staff down hard toward Zalan. Instead of catching it, Zalan sidestepped the attack, and charged at Moss with an open palm. He was hoping to grab Moss¡¯s shoulder and send a powerful shock through him. Instead, he grabbed on to a wooden log that grew out of Moss¡¯s shoulder at the last moment.

    With horror, Zalan realized that this was what it looked like to imbue yourself with Plant Elemental. He could grow plants from any point of the body.

    ¡°Close one,¡± Moss winked.

    Zalan didn¡¯t let it deter him, putting a strong bolt of electricity into the wood. He yelped and jumped back when he was met with searing heat in response. The wood caught flame.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Moss slapped at the flame growing on the wood at his shoulder. ¡°Your power is Fire?¡±

    Zalan brought a fist up towards Moss¡¯s ribs. He was again met with a shield of a quickly-created plant. Zalan set it ablaze.

    ¡°Stop that!¡± Moss threw a handful of flower petals and pine cones in Zalan¡¯s face, blinding him.

    Even without being able to see, Zalan threw his arm forward to try and get another hit on Moss. This time he struck the side of Moss¡¯s leg, zapping his body completely. Zalan was struck in the side of the arm by the staff. Zalan increased the jolt of lightning.

    Moss went taught, then fell to the ground, his staff out of his grip.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Moss demanded.

    He kicked Zalan away and worked on putting out the two fires connected to his body. Zalan rushed forward and grabbed the fallen staff. Moss had detached the pieces of wood from his body, leaving the fires to die out on their own. He rolled to his feet and saw Zalan standing with the other weapon in hand. Moss quickly created a new staff from his palm and held it at the ready.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re both armed now,¡± Zalan said, smiling and gripping the staff tightly.

    Moss smiled back.

    ¡°Ow!¡± Zalan yelped, dropping the staff. It had grown thorns out the side of it.

    Zalan was annoyed by his lack of thinking ahead. Moss was Level 7. Zalan should have guessed that he could manipulate his Element even when he wasn¡¯t touching it.

    ¡°I should have thought of this earlier,¡± Moss said, growing spikes at the top half of the staff he currently wielded.

    Zalan picked up the staff he dropped at his feet lightly, making sure not to hurt himself by squeezing the thorns. Moss moved forward to swing. Zalan set his staff on fire by overwhelming it with lightning, then throwing it in Moss¡¯s face. Moss used his staff to smack the thrown bamboo to the side and Zalan dove low as the weapon remained high. He grabbed a hold of Moss¡¯s feet and sent a massive shock through his system. Moss dropped his staff again and fell back.

    As Moss scrambled to try and get his bearings, Zalan jumped to his feet and placed his foot on Moss¡¯s chest. Moss began growing a wooden shield out of his chest and Zalan sent a shock through it, causing it to burst into flame. He moved his foot and placed it on Moss¡¯s stomach, sending another small shock through him. Moss twitched violently, and the fire at his chest blazed past the wood and began burning his skin.

    ¡°I yield!¡± Moss gasped. ¡°I yield!¡±

    Zalan immediately raised his foot off of Moss and slapped the fire at Moss¡¯s chest to put it out. Umdarr jumped to the stage and blasted the fire with air, putting it out before it could do real damage to Moss. Moss closed his eyes gratefully and let his head rest on the arena and breathed hard. Zalan leaned over, on the verge of exhaustion.

    ¡°We have a winner!¡± Umdarr declared, pointing to Zalan.

    The crowd began chanting, but they were a bit confused on what to say on Zalan¡¯s behalf. It sounded muddled until it came as two separate names.

    ¡°Zandar! Ziyard! Zandar! Ziyard!¡±

    ¡°Even when you win, you lose,¡± Moss said, his eyes closed as he caught his breath.

    ¡°Happens to me a lot,¡± Zalan sighed.

    ¡°What was your power? Certainly it was not fire, otherwise you would not try to put it out by hand. I could not understand the energy even as you relentlessly sent it through me,¡± Moss said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know that I should say,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You do not trust me?¡± Moss asked, an eye opening to scrutinize him.

    ¡°No. I just beat you. Why would you keep a secret for me?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Moss nodded, closing his eye. ¡°I was going to sell the information for coin.¡±

    ¡°Can you stand?¡± Umdarr asked Moss without sympathy. ¡°Get off the stage.¡±

    Moss nodded, opening his eyes to prepare for the task. Umdarr walked over to Zalan and placed 10 bronze coins in his hand.

    ¡°The prize money keeps going up?¡± Zalan asked, looking at the money.

    ¡°Given that you keep winning,¡± Umdarr nodded.

    ¡°Can you remember my name next time? Zalan,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Yes, fine, I will even write it down this time,¡± Umdarr promised. Zalan was skeptical, but satisfied.

    As Moss struggled to his feet, Zalan scanned the crowd for children. He was able to locate the same kids he gave money to earlier, about halfway up the stands. They beamed at him, applauding cheerfully at his victory. He balled up his prize money in one hand and threw it powerfully to the kids. His throwing arm was very bad, and it began arcing downward far too early. The money landed among the lower stands to excited viewers clamoring for the funds.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Umdarr snapped. ¡°If you want to start a riot, then do it off the stage! I have a tournament to run.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, fine,¡± Zalan made his way to the stairs as more diehard fans grew attached to him. They saw his skill in battle as well as his altruism. They cheered for him. Zalan only wished they would cheer for him by his actual name.

 78 - Book 2 - Chapter 27 - Beat Down

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan joined Rep and Nold back at his seat in the stands. Rep grabbed his forearm enthusiastically.

    ¡°What a fight! When he pulled out his Elemental Plant weapon, I thought for certain that you would have to retaliate by revealing your power! But you imbue yourself so well. And countered his moves masterfully,¡± Rep was punching the air to accent his points.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Zalan said gratefully.

    ¡°Why the stunt with the money?¡± Nold asked, mildly interested.

    ¡°I was trying to give it to the kids again. But my throw didn¡¯t go as planned,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°You should have imbued the coins, then thrown them. You could extend the throw like you did with your sword against the Shell King,¡± Nold immediately replied.

    Zalan blinked, impressed at the speed of Nold¡¯s reply. He didn¡¯t even think about imbuing the coins. He had locked the idea of imbuing things to his weapons and himself. He needed to have a more open mind and see things like Nold did. It was clear to Zalan why Nold was a good instructor.

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right, thanks,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But your mistake seems to have earned you additional good will from the audience,¡± Nold pointed out.

    ¡°Does that matter in a fight?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. This tournament is molded by how the audience sees you. If you end up offending more than you please, then¡­¡± Nold trailed, the point made by his lack of conclusion.

    ¡°On this side of the stage!¡± Umdarr boomed, recollecting the attention of the crowd. ¡°The man at Level 8. The Formidable Fighter¡­ Rexler!¡±

    Rexler walked on stage without emotion, the cheers of the crowd meaning nothing to him.

    ¡°And on the other end at Level 8. The Warmonger¡­ Indal!¡± Umdarr presented.

    Indal was taller than Rexler, a slight grin of confidence on his face as he reached the stage. Without prompting, Indal and Rexler gave one another the symbol of respect. Indal went into a defensive stance and Rexler leaned forward, looking off balance.

    ¡°You may begin!¡± Umdarr said, jumping off stage powerfully with a burst of air.

    Before Umdarr even fell to the ground, Rexler was sprinting forward. Indal hesitated at the move, usually taking his time to size up his competition. Panicking slightly, Indal stomped powerfully, summoning a wave of water from within him and blasting it toward his opponent. Rexler changed direction midstep, easily avoiding the water and still approaching Indal. Indal turned the water around and tried to hit Rexler from behind while summoning a new torrent of water from his foot.

    ¡°He¡¯s got pretty good control over the water,¡± Zalan said, watching the two torpedoes of water converge toward Rexler.

    ¡°I am surprised that Rexler has not countered with his own Element yet,¡± Rep noted.

    At the last moment, Rexler dipped into a slide-tackle. He used the water slicking the floor to carry his momentum forward at a speed Indal didn¡¯t expect. They were in hand-to-hand distance now. Indal went for a leg sweep and Rexler jumped over it, punching Indal in the face. Indal yelled in surprise. Most fighters avoided striking the face entirely to avoid disqualification, but Rexler seemed to have no qualms.

    Indal brought his hand up to summon more water in Rexler¡¯s face, but Rexler hit it straight up. The water fired out of Indal¡¯s hand straight over its intended target, showering the audience with a light mist of water. Indal tried with his other hand, but had it kicked away to a similar result. Indal and Rexler performed this dance for several seconds. Indal tried desperately to get a good Elemental hit on Rexler and Rexler continued bruising Indal as he smacked the attacks away.

    After suffering enough, Indal fired water straight out of his feet to jettison himself a few feet away from Rexler. Rexler waited patiently as Indal fell to the ground. Indal breathed hard, rubbing his forearms. Rexler cracked his knuckles.

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    ¡°I think I want Indal to win,¡± Zalan said suddenly.

    ¡°Why is that?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to have to go up against Rexler. I would have to take him on next. Look at him go. And I don¡¯t even know his Elemental.¡±

    ¡°Do not cower from those that seem better than you. Watch them. Learn their power. Take it for yourself,¡± Nold instructed.

    ¡°A lot easier said than done,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    ¡°And a lot easier done when you do not whine,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan watched closely as Rexler went in for a second round of beatings. Indal imbued his arms with water, a sheen of transparency making itself known on his limbs. Rexler was unperturbed, striking sharply at any point of the body not covered in water. Indal tried to get a single hit in, but was outmatched by the speed and ferociousness of Rexler¡¯s fists. After another dozen blows were dealt or deflected by Rexler, Indal went for a double punch. Rexler ducked and then punched Indal in the face once more. Blood ran down his nose. It may have been broken.

    ¡°He cheats!¡± Indal said, his voice sounding nasally. ¡°He strikes me in the face with imbued fists!¡±

    ¡°I do not,¡± Rexler said simply, taking a few steps back and presenting his arms.

    He did it as a display for others to see no signs of Elemental Power, but all Zalan could see was that his arms were completely devoid of bruises. He hadn¡¯t taken a single hit. He was totally overpowering his opponent.

    ¡°That is no proof!¡± Indal snapped. ¡°You could stop your imbue as you please.¡±

    ¡°I never learned how to imbue,¡± Rexler answered, perfectly patient with his responses. It made Zalan shiver. He was so self-assured in his fight.

    ¡°How could he not be disqualified? There¡¯s no proof that he doesn¡¯t have himself imbued. What if he has lightning like me and just zapped him?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°There is no proof that he did that,¡± Nold pointed out. ¡°But I do find it odd. Umdarr must see something that we do not.¡±

    ¡°But it seems pretty plausible. Why couldn¡¯t he just be using invisible power?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You are a liar!¡± Indal accused, running his hand over his nose as he realized the blood that was flowing.

    ¡°If you yield, I will prove to you that I have not been cheating,¡± Rexler said, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even believe you if you tried to prove it,¡± Indal said, wiping blood off his nose and going back into battle stance.

    Rexler charged once more, his steps light to avoid any more water attacks. Indal completely enveloped himself in a ball of water just as Rexler ended up behind him. Indal spun around to try and see where Rexler was. Rexler continued running, trying to stay out of Indal¡¯s eyeline. As a test, he lightly punched the water. It recoiled and splashed, showing it wasn¡¯t a solid object. Indal was still spinning when Rexler dove straight into the ball. Rexler ended up on Indal¡¯s back, placing an arm over Indal¡¯s throat.

    Indal smiled widely, Rexler having jumped straight into his trap. He manipulated the water, spinning them both downward and slamming Rexler¡¯s back into the ground. Rexler coughed in the water, but didn¡¯t let up on Indal¡¯s neck. Indal sent them up then back down, slamming his opponent a second time. Rexler still held tight. Indal tried a third time, but his eyes were drooping, the movement in the water sluggish. It seemed like he pushed Rexler lightly into the ground instead of slammed. Then, the water cocoon collapsed around them.

    Rexler let go of Indal, breathing hard and wincing as the water spread away from them on the stage.

    ¡°He is unconscious,¡± Rexler said.

    ¡°We have a winner!¡± Umdarr declared, jumping to the stage to check on the fighters.

    ¡°Oh great,¡± Zalan sighed. He still didn¡¯t know Rexler¡¯s Elemental Power.

    ¡°I am sure you will do fine,¡± Rep said, swallowing hard.

    ¡°You don¡¯t sound sure,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Not because I do not believe in you. I am up next,¡± Rep said, standing up nervously.

    ¡°Oh, right! You¡¯ll do great, Rep! Remember, you¡¯re a great fighter! Better than average!¡± Zalan said encouragingly.

    ¡°I am worried that all of the average fighters were eliminated in the open battles and we are now only left with the best. Everyone here may be better than average,¡± Rep said, beginning to make his way down the stairs.

    ¡°How do we get him to be more confident in himself?¡± Zalan asked Nold.

    ¡°More power. Power always comes with self-assuredness,¡± Nold said self-assuredly.

    ¡°Wow, cool, I never would have guessed that you would bring up ¡®power,¡¯¡± Zalan said sarcastically. ¡°How about something more practical?¡±

    ¡°Remind him of his past successes and refuse to comment on his flaws,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan looked at his instructor, surprised to get real advice. He then realized that Rep treated him in exactly that way. He was always so encouraging while never bringing up places where he went wrong. Zalan needed to keep up with that energy. He was determined to be the friend that Rep deserved. He began to pay attention as Umdarr called the fighters to the stage.

    ¡°...at the Level of 5! The RazorTongue Eradicator¡­ Rep!¡± Umdarr presented. Zalan cheered and applauded loudly. Rep nodded graciously to the cheering audience.

    ¡°And on this end. At a Level of 5. The Practitioner of Living Pain¡­ Liv!¡± Umdarr said, pointing his hand to the young woman climbing up the other end of the arena.

    Rep and Liv made the gesture of respect and looked to Umdarr expectantly. Rep was biting the inside of his lip.

    ¡°Begin the match!¡± Umdarr exploded.

 79 - Book 2 - Chapter 28 - Overwhelmed

    <h2> </h2>

    Liv and Rep regarded one another in the ring, arms up and slowly circling at opposite ends. They weren¡¯t approaching one another. They knew they were both wielders of Elemental Fire and were trying to read where their opponents had weaknesses.

    ¡°Time to settle who is the best Elemental Flame wielder in the Journey House,¡± Liv said confidently.

    Zalan sat on the edge of his seat.

    ¡°What if she knows how to imbue herself better than Rep?¡± Zalan asked Nold.

    ¡°Then she trained better than he did,¡± Nold replied unsympathetically.

    ¡°And if her fire is a lot stronger? I want Rep to take on another Fire user and feel really confident in the end. What if she¡¯s really good at hand-to-hand?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Why are you asking me?¡± Nold said, annoyed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m nervous,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Mmm. Interesting that you seem more nervous now than you were in your previous match.¡±

    Zalan realized how odd it was that Nold was speaking the truth. Moss had really put him at ease in the fight. He enjoyed the battling and thinking on his feet against someone with a unique power. He liked coming out on top in the end. It made him realize that the hate and rage boiling within him was able to be ignored. But Zalan still thought there was use for it in combat. He felt invincible when he was angry enough.

    All of this newfound power made him think back to the real focus of his time in this realm. Finding a way home really was within his means. He had to be strong enough by now. There had to be an Artifact or some way to navigate back home. He would go on whatever quest it took to find his way back. He would shake Madam Hikma and demand she told him everything she knew about ways to jump to other worlds.

    The tournament was much more exciting when he thought about it as an avenue to get closer to home instead of just a friendly competition. He glanced around the stands for Madam Hikma, wondering where she was watching from. She couldn¡¯t have been doing much adjudicating when it seemed Umdarr ran everything in the tournament for her. He dismissed the idea of her being in the stands. It wouldn¡¯t make sense for such an important person to be sitting casually with the masses.

    ¡°Pay attention,¡± Nold snapped.

    Zalan complied, figuring that seeing Madam Hikma probably wouldn¡¯t increase his anger anymore. He was angrier at something more nebulous. Like ¡°society¡± or the whole of the realm.

    Liv threw forward two fireballs. They were straight shots going right for Rep¡¯s torso and legs. Rep moved his arms nervously, crashing both fireballs into the ground without touching them. Liv raised an interested eyebrow and threw forward a slew of fireballs. Rep sent them all downward before they reached anywhere near his body. He tested throwing a fireball of his own and watched her sidestep with ease.

    They exchanged a few fireballs in this way, sizing one another up and trying to measure the limits of one another¡¯s Wisdom and response times. Liv could jump and bob out of the way in the nick of time where Rep was content to continue redirecting flames into the floor or off stage. After a few seconds of fiery trades, Liv began to take a few steps forward. Rep remained in place, uncertain how to respond to the incoming threat. Rep threw a fireball and she leaned back, just avoiding it.

    ¡°She keeps dodging instead of redirecting,¡± Zalan said. ¡°She¡¯s not as good at controlling fire as he is.¡±

    Nold nodded, happy that Zalan picked up on it.

    ¡°The question is whether Rep has noticed her lack of power.¡±

    Liv continued her progression toward Rep and Rep stepped back. His foot slid over the edge of the arena and he flinched and adjusted himself back to stable ground. He had nowhere to run. Liv was getting closer. Liv threw flame and Rep barely managed to slide it aside. Rep tried to retaliate with a thin column of flame, aimed right at her center. She adjusted its angle slightly midair, giving her enough space to weave out of the way of the attack.

    They were within kicking distance now, and Rep had nowhere to step. Liv threw a wall of flame at him and Rep split it down the middle, yelping as it singed him. He responded in kind with a wall of flame summoned from his feet. Liv also cried out in surprise as she got a bigger burn than Rep. Liv threw a large fireball in frustration, targeting Rep¡¯s chest. Rep held both his hands out defensively.

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    The fireball stopped midair, totally in Rep¡¯s control. Rep looked the flame over, confused. He let it fall to the floor, dissipating as it landed.

    ¡°Can you not redirect as well as I can?¡± Rep asked her sincerely.

    ¡°Heron said I should not be concerned with redirecting!¡± Liv said, frustrated.

    Liv threw three more flames at him and Rep threw two aside and caught the last one. He watched Liv carefully, waiting for her to reveal something. He didn¡¯t actually believe that he was able to use the power better than her.

    ¡°I suppose you can imbue yourself much better than me,¡± Rep guessed, offering her the benefit of the doubt.

    Liv went mad, screaming in frustration and letting out a rush of fire directed right at Rep¡¯s face. Rep placed a hand in front of his head and split the flame down the middle, passing harmlessly on either side. Rep laughed to himself in incredulity. Zalan imagined that he and Rep were having the same image run through their mind at the moment. Rep was as good with fire as Fran was before she passed. Maybe even better.

    Rep looked up at Zalan in the stands in disbelief, not certain he was really capable of what was happening in front of his face. The flames licked around him, none reaching nearness that could cause him any pain. Liv strained herself, trying to send more fire into the attack to no avail. Zalan gave him a thumbs up. Rep¡¯s face grew determined.

    Rep waited patiently for Liv to run out of energy. It was much easier to redirect flame than it was to consistently conjure it. After about thirty seconds of searing hot flame being easily redirected, Liv finally lowered her strained arm. Her face was caked with sweat. Rep let out a small line of flame for Liv to have to smack away from her. In this time, Rep took steps toward the center of the ring, keeping himself a good distance from Liv. Then, he wove his arms around him like he was blending the air and a small tornado of flame began to grow in front of him.

    ¡°No! No!¡± Liv snapped, throwing two fireballs at him.

    Instead of deflecting them, Rep took command of her flames and incorporated it into his growing attack. Liv took a step back, uncertain what to do now. Rep threw the tornado forward, and Liv covered her face and screamed. It didn¡¯t touch her. At the last second it jumped up and landed so that she lay in the eye of the fiery storm. The tornado of fire surrounded her.

    Her scream continued to ring out loudly, and the onlookers shielded their faces, scared. Zalan leaned forward, interested. He knew that Rep would never seriously injure her. It made him one of the first in the audience to understand what Rep was doing. He surrounded her in the flame, but wasn¡¯t hurting her. The scream was one of fear and anger, not pain.

    Rep continued to stir his arms in the air, the tornado reaching multiple stories of height. Occasionally, the tornado would bulge outward as Liv tried to blast her way out, but the fire would just be added to the tornado. Rep had a small smile of pride on his face.

    ¡°Do you yield?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Never!¡± Liv screamed defiantly.

    Rep¡¯s smile disappeared. That seemed to be the extent of his plan and he wasn¡¯t sure what to do now. He looked over to Umdarr, who was approaching the arena from the side.

    ¡°Liv! You have to break free,¡± Umdarr announced.

    Liv let out an enraged, frustrated scream. She threw everything she could at the tornado. The tornado bent outward, but Rep held it tightly together. The audience gasped as she reached her arm through the flames, then immediately retracted it in pain. Rep winced, but kept the flame alive.

    ¡°Ten seconds,¡± Umdarr warned.

    She shouted angrily, a spike of flame peeking out from the top of the tornado. Another series of futile attempts to extract herself from the flames went by. Then, nothing. Rep looked back at Umdarr who was waiting diligently for the last few seconds.

    ¡°By Elemental Overwhelm, our winner is Rep!¡± Umdarr presented.

    Rep raised a hand in victory, the tornado immediately evaporating into the air. Liv was revealed sitting on the stage with her hands behind her for support. Her face was a bright pink and her clothes singed and smoking. She sputtered and looked up at Rep.

    ¡°I never thought I would be overwhelmed by someone with the same Elemental I held,¡± Liv shook her head to herself.

    ¡°I was surprised, myself. You are a good fighter. I did not think I would stand a chance,¡± Rep said encouragingly.

    ¡°Good fighter? Then that makes you a great fighter, eh? A good sign for the guild,¡± Liv said, picking herself up.

    Rep didn¡¯t know how to reply, stunned at the statement. Umdarr placed the prize money in his hands and he and Liv left the stage to the infirmary tent. Rep looked as though he was still in shock when he sat next to Zalan and Nold in the stands.

    ¡°Great job, Rep! Way to show off your redirection,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep seemed to be brought back to reality as Zalan hit him on the back.

    ¡°I did decently,¡± Rep admitted. ¡°Do you think I can make it to the finals?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d have to get past me in the Semifinals to do that,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Then I can make it to the finals,¡± Rep said confidently.

    Zalan laughed, glad to finally see Rep taking himself seriously. It was nice to see Rep stand tall and accept that he was a decent fighter, especially for his Level.

    ¡°We are shaping up to have an interesting Quarterfinal!¡± Umdarr said. ¡°But before then, let us move on to the next fight!¡±

 80 - Book 2 - Chapter 29 - Twice is a Pattern

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan leaned forward intently as the next two contenders made their way to the outsides of the arena.

    ¡°You watched my fight closely, Zalan? Was there anything you would recommend I improve or focus on?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Zalan said, his eyes focused on the ring.

    ¡°Anything you think may be of note?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    Rep gave up on trying to get notes from Zalan. He realized that Zalan was totally zoned in on the next battle. Slauson¡¯s fight.

    ¡°The Force of Fight¡­ Epanor!¡± Umdarr presented the fighter.

    Epanor stood on stage and beat his chest once, waving to the crowd to cheer louder. They complied.

    ¡°And¡­¡± Umdarr hesitated as he read the next name. He sighed reluctantly. ¡°The Slaw¡­ Slauson!¡±

    Slauson walked on stage with mild disinterest, like he could hardly be bothered to show up to the fight. It annoyed Zalan, his inner turmoil toward the man increasing. Why would Slauson sign up for the tournament when it looked like he couldn¡¯t care less about participating? The fact that Zalan was growing to enjoy the tournament made him resent Slauson for not feeling the same.

    ¡°Epanor is also from Journey House. He is an excellent fighter. This should be a good match,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hope he can take down Slauson,¡± Zalan said.

    Epanor placed a fist in an open hand, nodding to Slauson. To the crowd¡¯s dismay, Slauson once again threw his hand in the air and did an extravagant bow. His palm was wide open and presenting the stage to Epanor. Like bowing after a standing ovation at a play. Epanor scoffed, undisturbed by the display and the crowd grumbled in disappointment. Again, Zalan didn¡¯t understand why Slauson couldn¡¯t follow the simple expectations of the tournament. Everything Slauson did seemed to be done deliberately to infuriate Zalan.

    Umdarr decided against trying to tell Slauson off already before, and he regretted not establishing precedent during his first fight. He would allow the bows to continue. He shook his head to himself and leapt off the arena.

    ¡°Begin!¡±

    Epanor held himself at a battle stance and Slauson wasted no time in approaching. His steps were gradual, but consistent. Epanor looked as though he was struggling, his body straining as he looked upon Slauson. He took a hesitant step forward, then stayed in place. Veins on his head and arms were starting to show more prominently.

    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t he move?¡± Zalan asked, almost going crazy at the display.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Nold said, interested. ¡°Can this be a repeat of Slauson¡¯s previous bout?¡±

    ¡°You mean a single punch knockout? No way,¡± Zalan said, refusing to believe it.

    ¡°He is getting close,¡± Rep pointed out. ¡°I do not understand what Epanor is doing.¡±

    Epanor threw out a slow punch toward Slauson. A child could have moved out of the way in time. Slauson sidestepped it and stretched his fingers, a tiny wisp of flame licking his fingers. Epanor¡¯s eyes looked as though he wanted to react, but he remained in place. Slauson breathed in and brutally delivered a punch into Epanor¡¯s stomach. He turned around and began walking back to the steps he took to enter the ring. He didn¡¯t even look at his opponent. To him, the fight was over.

    ¡°No way,¡± Zalan whispered.

    The crowd went wild, crazily demanding that Epanor stand himself up. He was shaking, his limbs twitching, but otherwise unable to move in any significant manner. As Slauson reached the top of the stairs, Umdarr reluctantly jumped back to the arena.

    ¡°Slauson wins,¡± Umdarr droned, without added amplification from his Element. Slauson snatched the prize money from his hands and made his way back to the stands.

    The crowd was going insane, applauding Slauson for the mystical fights they had witnessed. The first fight could have been a fluke, but the second fight was a pattern. He was doing something to the contestants that no one had ever seen before. And the onlookers loved it.

    Rep, however, looked sick.

    ¡°How am I supposed to fight someone like that?¡± he asked Nold, biting the inside of his lip.

    Nold pursed his lips in thought. He shrugged.

    ¡°I do not have the slightest idea,¡± Nold replied. ¡°His Fire Element should have nothing close to the power he displays. I do not know what is happening when others are on the stage.¡±

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    ¡°Then what do I do?¡± Rep asked, panicked.

    ¡°Do not stand in place like the others. Whatever intimidation tactic he uses, do not freeze. Run around the arena. Try and discover what is happening,¡± Nold suggested.

    ¡°That can¡¯t be an intimidation thing!¡± Zalan said, running a hand through his hair. ¡°What is he doing that¡¯s so scary? I don¡¯t understand it.¡±

    ¡°I can run away,¡± Rep nodded to Nold, a little too certain in his promise.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just run away! Beat him! Destroy him!¡± Zalan insisted.

    ¡°I do not know that I can¡­¡±

    ¡°Come on Rep! You¡¯ll never be able to do it if you don¡¯t think you can! You can take him! Easily! I just saw you totally trash Liv with her own Element!¡±

    Rep considered this, a wonder in his eyes.

    ¡°Perhaps I can overcome his intimidation,¡± Rep allowed.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Zalan said, smashing a fist into his palm. ¡°Take him down!¡±

    They watched as Epanor was carried off the stage, his body shaking. Zalan ran his hand through his hair, keeping a close eye on the defeated fighter.

    ¡°You wanna go back to Doctor Quill?¡± Zakan asked Rep. ¡°The next fight is on the other side of the brackets, we won¡¯t have to take any of these next eight fighters on unless they make it to the finals.¡±

    ¡°If we make it to the finals,¡± Rep noted, not confident. ¡°But I would like to see how Epanor fares after his bout.¡±

    ¡°You want to miss additional fights?¡± Nold asked judgmentally. ¡°Do not. Even if you do not face them, you can study any battle in order to become a better fighter. It could improve your power to watch others wield theirs.¡±

    ¡°But we could go to Quill to ask her what happened to the other patients and maybe understand what¡¯s going on around here,¡± Zalan said. ¡°She said there was something similar happening between Slauson¡¯s last match and the ambushed people, maybe she figured it out!¡±

    ¡°That will not be as fruitful as watching the next bouts!¡± Nold impressed upon him.

    ¡°What if Verum is lucid and can tell us what Slauson is doing? It could help Rep take him down!¡± Zalan said.

    Rep seemed enthused by this idea.

    ¡°Do what you wish,¡± Nold dismissed. ¡°I trust that you know what to do. But I believe the best place for you is here.¡±

    Zalan stood, happy to have his instructor¡¯s trust. It made him feel really comfortable in Nold¡¯s placement as his mentor. He was trying to weigh where he placed Nold in his mind. Rep was trying to keep him wary of their mentor, but Zalan couldn¡¯t see the harm in helping him out on the seas if he needed it. He could even use the Homeseeker to go back to Oriton if the task was too annoying or daunting.

    Rep followed Zalan, making their way down the stairs as the next competitors were called to the stage.

    ¡°Zandar!¡± a man in the stands stopped Zalan.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Zalan immediately corrected.

    ¡°What is your Elemental Power? We have been trying to determine how the next battle will play out,¡± they said.

    ¡°What? I¡¯m not gonna tell you my power. How would that even help me?¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Perhaps we can give you tips on how to best your opponent, Rexler,¡± they suggested.

    ¡°Do you know Rexler¡¯s Elemental Power?¡± Zalan asked.

    The audience member went quiet.

    ¡°Okay, so much for that,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°We would not want to offend Instructor Nold by taking advice from others,¡± Rep said diplomatically.

    ¡°Instructor Nold? Oh, I see, of course,¡± the man immediately backed off.

    Zalan was surprised as he made a few more steps down the stands.

    ¡°That was easier than I thought,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Nold¡¯s name carries weight in this tournament. His mentees often make it far,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°I guess we should throw his name around more often,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Ziyard!¡± a young woman stopped him.

    ¡°It¡¯s Zandar,¡± Zalan corrected, then shook his head in frustration. ¡°I mean Zalan!¡±

    The woman looked confused by his reply, but continued regardless.

    ¡°I saw you distributing funds on the other side of the stands when you received your prize money. Would you mind sending some this way next time?¡± she asked politely. Her clothes looked worn and faded.

    ¡°Oh, uhhh. Sure, I guess,¡± Zalan shrugged, embarrassed.

    ¡°I can offer you some now,¡± Rep gave her a handful of bronze coins from his winnings.

    ¡°You are both most generous,¡± she nodded and moved out of the way.

    Progress down the stands was slow. Many people were trying to gain their attention either to give unhelpful tips or ask for a favor. Rep shied away from anyone trying to give him praise and was cordial with those asking for money. Zalan would have pushed past all of them in frustration, but with Rep so close to him, he had to dismiss them all with gentle words and a forced smile.

    What surprised Zalan the most about these interactions was that there was a battle ongoing. They were more interested in speaking with him than they were to watch the current match. People were immensely curious to know what his power was and whether it was actually Fire. He seemed to be a small celebrity of sorts. Zalan only added this to mounting frustrations within him. He wasn¡¯t flattered by those that wanted to speak with him, he wanted to get past them as fast as possible.

    Finally, Zalan and Rep made it to the exit of the stadium.

    ¡°We have a winner!¡± Umdarr exploded. ¡°Dimak!¡±

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another, then to the stage in surprise. The fight was really short. And they hadn¡¯t paid attention to any of it. Not enough to get battle strategies or any ideas of how slowly or quickly Dimak started combat. It would have been good to see how an Earth Elemental Power user fought.

    ¡°Maybe we should have stayed and watched that one,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°We can just ask Nold when we get back. Let¡¯s figure out what¡¯s going on with Slauson and the other fighters in this tournament,¡± Zalan said, leaving the arena impatiently.

    He wanted to see Slauson lose. The blank expression torn from his face. And to see him lose to Rep was something he was willing to miss a few matches to figure out.

 81 - Book 2 - Chapter 30 - Feelings

    Rep and Zalan arrived at the medical tent as the two men that carried Epanor were exiting.

    ¡°How¡¯s Epanor? Do you know what happened to him?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°How should we know? We are not doctors,¡± the first man replied.

    ¡°Have some respect, Kashir. This is Zandar,¡± the second said.

    ¡°It¡¯s actually¡­¡± Zalan sighed, dropping his correction to focus on Epanor. ¡°Was there anything off about him? Epanor, I mean.¡±

    ¡°He was a little off, like the last one Slauson took down. How would you describe it, Brashir?¡± Kashir asked the other man.

    ¡°Shivering and somewhat cold to the touch,¡± Brashir described.

    ¡°He would not respond to any questions. Whether ours or Doctor Quill¡¯s,¡± Kashir said.

    Zalan was disappointed with the answers. It was frustrating to be left in the dark like this and have no idea what they were up against.

    ¡°All right,¡± Zalan pushed past them to go inside.

    Rep looked at the two men apologetically.

    ¡°Forgive Zalan. He meant to thank you for your work and for your information,¡± Rep said.

    The two men nodded as Rep stepped past them and into the tent. Kashir looked at Brashir in confusion.

    ¡°Who is Zalan?¡± he asked.

    Inside the tent, Zalan was surprised to see more than just the original group with the addition of Epanor. Fighters from other bouts had gathered in the tent, each waiting anxiously to be healed by the doctor to go back outside and watch the fights. Rep waved to Liv with some embarrassment who had a jelly over her burned skin.

    ¡°Rep,¡± she acknowledged.

    ¡°Liv,¡± Rep said, nodding to her. ¡°Sorry about the injury.¡±

    Liv shrugged, neither accepting nor rejecting the apology.

    ¡°It was a fair match. But I will master redirection and be ready in case there is a next time. Why are you here? You should be studying future opponents.¡±

    ¡°Zalan and I wanted to talk to Epanor or Verum to see what Slauson did to them in their fights. Get a better idea of how to combat his power,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Where is Zalan?¡± Liv asked.

    Rep looked at her confused, then turned to see Zalan had disappeared in the few seconds he spoke with Liv. Rep craned his neck all the way around, spinning in place. He spotted Zalan next to Verum, leaning in close.

    ¡°Rep! Get over here, I think he¡¯s more conscious!¡± Zalan waved him over.

    Rep looked over to Liv.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Rep said as he turned away from her.

    ¡°Do not be sorry. Unless you do not win. The biggest insult would be to beat me and then not make it to the finals. Journey House deserves better!¡±

    ¡°I suppose. I will try,¡± Rep said nervously as he walked away.

    Zalan leaned even closer to Verum¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°I know that, but why?¡± Zalan asked him.

    ¡°What is he saying?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°All he could get out was ¡®froze,¡¯ but he won¡¯t say what Slauson did to make him lose confidence in himself and freeze up,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Will not say or can not say?¡± Rep asked, looking over Verum with sympathy.

    ¡°Whatever, I just¡­¡± Zalan breathed through his nose in frustration. ¡°Come on, Verum. Was it an Artifact? What did he do? He¡¯s triggering something to stop you, right? Were you poisoned before the fight and fire turns it on or something? Don¡¯t you want Slauson to lose after he humiliated you in front of hundreds of people?¡±

    Verum¡¯s face went sour at Zalan¡¯s words. The loss was still too fresh to him and Zalan had made no effort to sugarcoat in his eagerness. Verum looked like he was still deep in pain from the match. His eyes were slow to keep up with Rep and Zalan and his mouth quivered. Rep put a hand on Zalan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Maybe we should leave him to rest,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°But he knows what Slauson did, right?¡± Zalan insisted, turning back to Verum.

    Verum struggled to open his mouth. Nothing came out.

    ¡°Come on! How do we counter Slauson?¡± Zalan pleaded.

    ¡°Zalan, let the man recover. I will have to beat him without any special information,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°But¡­ He¡¯s¡­¡± Zalan grunted loudly, running his hand through his hair and kicking the air in anger.

    ¡°Hey! Do not pester my patients!¡± Doctor Quill snapped, looking up from a bed she was tending.

    ¡°Our apologies, Doctor!¡± Rep called on their behalf.

    ¡°We were just leaving,¡± Zalan said, begrudgingly making his way out of the tent.

    Rep quickly caught up with him.

    ¡°Zalan, is everything okay?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, Rep! It¡¯s not okay! I can¡¯t get anything done right. I¡¯m so lost,¡± Zalan kicked the dirt outside.

    Rep eyed him closely, reading between the lines.

    ¡°I am sorry that you are stuck here,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t even seen Hikma since we got here!¡± Zalan threw his arms up. ¡°If I¡¯m stuck in this realm I thought at least I would have a good time, but I¡¯m feeling terrible! Nothing feels like it¡¯s going right. Slauson gets under my skin even though he doesn¡¯t talk to me. I¡¯m just¡­¡±

    ¡°You want us to drop out of the tournament?¡± Rep offered.

    ¡°No! That would make me feel worse! I just always hate¡­ feeling like this!¡± Zalan waved his hand up and down over himself. ¡°I always feel like I¡¯m burning up whenever something doesn¡¯t go exactly my way!¡±

    ¡°I understand. That sounds difficult. How long has this been happening?¡± Rep asked.

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    Zalan paced back and forth a few steps, thinking of an answer.

    ¡°Since we first used the Homeseeker,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°I see. Is there any way I could help you?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Listening to me like this is helping a lot, actually,¡± Zalan admitted, glad to have someone to vent to. He continued to pace.

    ¡°Very well. What do you want us to do now? Do you wish to continue the tournament?¡± Rep asked.

    An excited roar from the crowd sailed over to them. It sounded like another fight just ended.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s finish it and talk to Hikma. Maybe whatever Artifact we win from here will be useful to get me out of here,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That sounds reasonable,¡± Rep said, nodding.

    ¡°I never even thought to ask. What does the Artifact do anyway? The Returnal Stone?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The Reversal Stone,¡± Rep corrected. ¡°It can turn back time on a single object by a few minutes. It only has one use.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s cool,¡± Zalan said, thinking that it could come in handy. He had a more important thought he wanted to go over. ¡°One more thing would make me feel better. You have to beat Slauson,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I will certainly try. I do not intend to join the battle just to lose. Why is it important for me to beat him? You could take him on if I lose,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, but I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do if I faced him in the ring,¡± Zalan said. ¡°I¡¯d probably snap.¡±

    ¡°Nold would say to use your anger to your advantage. Redirect the energy to your opponents,¡± Rep ventured.

    ¡°Right. What would Rep say to do?¡±

    ¡°I would say that I hope to defeat Slauson so that you do not have to consider what to do in that circumstance,¡± Rep smiled warmly. Zalan nodded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back before we¡¯re called for our next matches. The only thing worse than losing in a fight would be to lose in a forfeit. Especially when we didn¡¯t even learn anything by coming out here,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°We may not have learned much about Slauson, but I am glad you shared your feelings with me,¡± Rep said as they made their way back.

    Once again, Zalan was reminded how much he appreciated having Rep as his friend in this world. He might have lost his mind by now without him. Or his life.

    They reentered the stadium, Zalan having simmered down significantly. Rep and Zalan moved quickly, avoiding eye contact with everyone in order not to be hounded on the way back to their seats. As they found Nold, he barely regarded them as they sat down.

    ¡°What did we miss?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Good fights,¡± Nold replied coldly.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m going to watch all the fights from now on. We learned there¡¯s nothing to get out of the medical tents,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Because you did not watch the fights, you may end up in the medical tents yourselves,¡± Nold warned.

    ¡°If I lose that badly, I¡¯ll probably just use the Homeseeker to go back to the guild and sleep off my injuries. I¡¯m not gonna sit around with broken bones or something until we can get a ride back home,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    ¡°I forgot that you had it on hand,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s probably how we¡¯re gonna get out of here as soon as we get some answers from Hikma,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold opened his mouth to say something to that, but thought better of it and closed it. They all turned their focus back to the stage.

    They watched as the two Elemental Wind wielders in the ring tried to win by Elemental Overwhelm in the same fashion that Rep did. It was almost uncanny how similar the fight was playing out. They both tried to surround the other in a tornado of wind, but they were canceling one another out when the tornados would make contact. In between conjuring tornados, they would blast each other to try and get their opponent off the stage. In the case the blast landed on either fighter, they would redirect wind around them and end up not falling off the arena. It was like watching two tumbleweeds thrash around in a dust devil.

    The fight became one of endurance. With each blast, the fighters were buffeted by weaker and weaker air. They were gasping, struggling to remain standing. They swung their arms at one another with force, but would often be unbalanced and miss strikes. The crowd grew embarrassed at the display, hoping that it would end soon. But it dragged on for a few minutes more, every misplaced strike bringing about a cringe from the crowd.

    Finally, one of them fell flat, unable to stand. Umdarr jumped at the opportunity to call the match over. The crowd cheered, more out of relief of it being over than actually having enjoyed it. After distributing the prize money, Umdarr looked upon the audience with a gleam in his eye.

    ¡°Only one more match before the Quarterfinals!¡± he announced. The crowd was animated, ready to get to the last few battles of the tournament. They were totally enamored with the battles since entering the Round of 16.

    ¡°Next up,¡± Umdarr began. ¡°The final battle before the Quarterfinals will begin with our Level 3 fighter¡­ the Mountain of Mania¡­ Trentor! And on our other end. At a significant increase of Level 9¡­ The Leader of Goliaths¡­ Callus!¡±

    The two fighters made their way to the arena, the crowd calling for blood. The difference between Level 3 and Level 9 was a chasm. Trentor looked incredibly nervous. Callus had a haughtiness about him, only enhanced by the audience calling for him to end the battle quickly.

    ¡°How long do you think Trentor will last?¡± Zalan asked Nold and Rep.

    ¡°Perhaps five minutes,¡± Rep said hopefully.

    ¡°Perhaps five seconds,¡± Nold said confidently.

    ¡°Let the match begin!¡± Umdarr said.

    Trentor raised a wall of water in front of him, about as thin as a sheet of paper. Callus scoffed and slowly began making his way across the stage. Trentor tried to create a firehose of water to trip Callus, but Callus just increased his walking speed. Trentor couldn¡¯t redirect the water in the air and was stuck watching his water pathetically splash on the floor. Callus closed the gap between them. Trentor put all his focus on creating a barrier of water as Callus raised a hand.

    With a chop of his hand, Callus slashed through the water wall. The rest of the liquid crashed to the floor. Trentor stepped back then threw two balls of water at Callus¡¯s face. Callus ducked beneath one, but bore the hit of the second. It splashed softly like a water balloon popping on his face. Annoyed, Callus then smacked Trentor across the head. Trentor fell to the ground hard, grasping his face.

    ¡°There ends the bout!¡± Umdarr declared suddenly, jumping up back to the stage.

    Callus looked confused. He concluded that Umdarr likely decided to have mercy on Trentor and let him win on first contact. The differences in Strength had to be too much. Callus was certain that Umdarr knew the decision of the battle before it began, but had to put it on to be polite to the Level 3 fighter. He puffed his chest proudly, raising a fist in the air.

    ¡°Callus is defeated by disqualification! Trentor wins!¡±

    The crowd went quiet in shock.

    ¡°What?¡± Callus demanded.

    ¡°You have been disqualified. Please leave the stage,¡± Umdarr said.

    ¡°On what grounds?¡± Callus challenged.

    ¡°You have struck a contestant in the head with a potentially Elementally-imbued fist. It was considered fatal by our watchful mediator. That is not tolerated in this tournament,¡± Umdarr said.

    ¡°Who says I was imbued? You have no proof,¡± Callus cracked.

    ¡°You have been disqualified. Please leave the stage,¡± Umdarr said simply.

    ¡°What about that other fight? Rexler hit someone in the head and wasn¡¯t disqualified! How do you know he wasn¡¯t imbued?¡± Callus said.

    The crowd went anxious. They largely agreed with Callus about Rexler, but didn¡¯t like the confrontational nature of the exchange. Umdarr hadn¡¯t been unfair so far. Zalan tried to understand what Callus did that made it clear he used an Elemental Power where Rexler didn¡¯t. Maybe Umdarr had an Artifact on hand to keep a close eye on the battles? In the meantime, it looked as though Umdarr was in danger. Callus was right in his face, seething with disappointment and rage.

    ¡°Please leave the stage,¡± Umdarr repeated patiently.

    ¡°Not until you start giving me some answers,¡± Callus grabbed Umdarr by his tunic. The audience gasped. Umdarr looked down at the fist grabbing his tunic and raised an eyebrow.

    The stage exploded with air, sending a shockwave in every direction. As the crowd struggled to keep an eye on the events, Callus struggled to maintain his hold on Umdarr. Umdarr punched Callus squarely in the stomach, driving all the air out of him. Then, with a monumental amount of Elemental Air, launched him high above the earth. Callus screamed, flailing in the sky as he began descending toward the outside of the arena. He was going down quickly, followed by the eyes of the entire stadium. He was soon out of sight, pulled by the relentless force of gravity alone. He landed with a loud thud outside, followed by a pained scream.

    After a second of listening to Callus¡¯s cries, the whole of the audience looked toward Umdarr standing on stage. They were quiet, waiting to see what he would do next.

    ¡°What? I sent him to the medical tent to be examined after losing his fight!¡± Umdarr said nonchalantly.

    The crowd boomed in approval, many giving him a standing ovation. Umdarr held his hands up in modesty, signaling for them to sit down and stop their praise. He helped Trentor to his feet and gave the astounded winner his prize money. The crowd cheered even louder for their tournament organizer. He placed a hand over his heart, thanking them for their gestures of kindness and waited for the noise to die down. Then, he breathed in and addressed them loudly.

    ¡°Who is ready for the Quarterfinals?¡± he exploded. The crowd matched his energy, shrieks and hurrahs filling the stands.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get ready for a fantastic series of bouts!¡± Umdarr said, waving down the next two competitors from the stands.

    Zalan stood, looking at his friend and mentor.

    ¡°Well. Here I go, I guess,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Do not be nervous. This is nothing more than another match. Rexler is good, but you are better,¡± Nold assured him.

    Zalan nodded, making his way to the arena for the first battle of the Quarterfinals.

 82 - Book 2 - Chapter 31 - Headshot

    ¡°For his Quarterfinal bout comes the Formidable Fighter at Level 8, Rexler!¡± Umdarr presented proudly.

    Rexler stepped on to the stage without hesitation, giving a single wave to the audience as they exploded with excitement.

    ¡°Rexler! Rexler! Rexler!¡± they chanted, anticipating the fight at the edges of their seats.

    ¡°And on the other end of the stage, with a Level 5 and the focus to make up for the difference¡­ The Dealer of Dragon Death¡­¡± Umdarr looked Zalan in the eyes and grew mortified. Zalan knew what was coming. Umdarr forgot his name again.

    ¡°It¡¯s Zalan!¡± Zalan shouted in the moment before Umdarr announced. Umdarr nodded to him.

    ¡°Zalad!¡± Umdarr said quickly, immediately facepalming when he realized that he misheard Zalan.

    The audience didn¡¯t even notice the look on Umdarr¡¯s ashamed face. They were already cheering as Zalan made his way to the stage. Of course, none of them used his real name.

    ¡°Ziyard! Ziyard! Ziyard!¡±

    Evidently, they had agreed on what name to chant this time. Zalan was almost happy to hear them come together under one name. He just wished it was his actual name.

    ¡°Fighters, show your gestures of respect,¡± Umdarr said.

    Rexler was already in pose. Zalan had been so distracted by the chanting that he forgot about doing it at the same time. Quickly, he placed a palm over a fist and nodded in respect.

    ¡°Let the Quarterfinals¡­ Begin!¡± Umdarr jumped off the stage.

    Rexler darted forward, throwing Zalan off guard by the speed at which he went for the fight. Zalan held up his hands, imbuing himself. Rexler wasted no time in throwing a punch as soon as he was close enough. Zalan barely had the time to get out of the way, leaning just as the arm came forward. He tried to bob to one side, but Rexler anticipated his move and struck him in the forearm.

    It stung them both greatly. Zalan cried out. He had never been hit so hard in his life and wondered if his arm was fractured. Rexler hadn¡¯t expected to feel lighting course through him on contact and had to bounce a few times in place to shake the feeling off.

    Then, Rexler stepped forward and threw a fist with the full weight of his body behind it. Zalan was hit in the head. He moved with the punch, lessening the severity of the blow, but his vision was still overcome with stars. He was momentarily blinded by the sight, screaming and holding his head with his hand. Rexler exploded in agony, his knuckles burned and singed from the direct contact with painful electric shocks. He growled and took a few steps back, frustrated that he didn¡¯t know what was happening.

    ¡°Headshot! He hit me in the head! Probably Elemental,¡± Zalan said in a daze.

    Zalan looked over at Umdarr to call off the fight. He had been struck in the head, just like Trentor. But Umdarr shook his head almost imperceptibly, letting him know that the fight was still ongoing. Zalan couldn¡¯t understand how that was possible. Umdarr didn¡¯t look like he was using any Artifact to detect Elementally charged blows and Rexler had very clearly hit him in the head.

    Frustrated, Zalan returned with a few well-formed punches followed by a kick and an attempt to sweep Rexler¡¯s legs. Rexler was able to deflect the first few punches, but was partly paralyzed by the lightning flowing through. Zalan landed the kick, but couldn¡¯t get Rexler on the floor. Rexler replied by swinging his arm around and hitting Zalan in the head again.

    Zalan¡¯s head was swimming in pain, not having expected another blow like that. His eyes glanced over to Umdarr who again signaled that the fight was still on. But instead of mounting frustration and confusion, the hit to the head brought about an epiphany in Zalan. Events replayed in his mind in rapid succession.

    Rexler had hit someone in the head before and people reacted surprised except for Umdarr. Umdarr was watching the fight closely, but didn¡¯t stop the battle. The only reason that would be the case is if Umdarr knew for a fact that Rexler wasn¡¯t imbuing his fists in combat. He also had to know that Rexler didn¡¯t emit any Elemental Power, no matter how little, on contact. How could Umdarr know that?

    Callus also struck someone in the head, but was immediately ejected from the fight. It was the same situation. Most fighters shaped one another up, but Rexler always started his bouts by running in and going straight for hand-to-hand combat, regardless of the Elemental Power of his opponent. Zalan could only come to one conclusion.

    Rexler had no Elemental Power of his own.

    Umdarr must have been told during registration. Rexler had shown Umdarr his stats when he entered the competition. He probably didn¡¯t even cover his arm to reveal that his Elemental stat read: NONE. That had to be the reason why Umdarr was fine with these strikes, despite being strict about it with others.

    ¡°I got you,¡± Zalan said dumbly, his head throbbing.

    Rexler was massaging his hand and went in for another jab. Zalan blocked it with his arms, putting extra imbued power into his limbs as he did so. The hit was solid and Zalan reeled in pain, but so did Rexler, his body flinching violently after having so much electricity zip through. To Zalan¡¯s relief, the pain drove Rexler to one knee.

    The audience gasped at the scene. Zalan wasn¡¯t hiding his power anymore. His imbued arms were glowing light blue. Most had never seen this Elemental Power before and were amazed by the sight. They didn¡¯t know that the glow was indicative of lightning. Zalan gripped his bruised arm and retreated from the distracted Rexler. He rushed his way to the center of the ring and Rexler hobbled after him.

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    Squaring himself up to face Rexler, Zalan got into position to attack. He quickly raised his arms and let out a powerful bolt of lighting from one. Rexler looked startled by the power and he only twisted his body so the bolt would hit his shoulder instead of his whole body. Zalan was surprised that he got a clean hit in and sent out a second bolt. Rexler flinched and twisted as the pangs of the energy shot through him.

    Zalan waited with bated breath for Rexler¡¯s response. This would be the definitive proof of whether he was an Elementally Powered individual or not. If he responded by throwing projectiles, there was a good chance that Zalan would be overwhelmed. He was definitely outmatched in hand-to-hand combat. The Level 8 punches felt like they bruised every hit and could have broken something if he wasn¡¯t better trained. If his Element wasn¡¯t lightning, there was a good chance he would have already been defeated. The lightning slowed down Rexler¡¯s attacks enough to give Zalan room to think and escape.

    Rexler stood, the steely confidence in his gaze shaken.

    ¡°Are you powered or not?¡± Zalan decided to ask outright.

    Rexler flexed his arms, judging whether he had full control over them. He watched Zalan closely. Zalan raised a hand and prepared to blast more power at him. Rexler¡¯s silence was off putting. Zalan¡¯s hands shook lightly, not certain whether he should try and shoot more lightning at the man or go for another strategy. Zalan continued speaking to remain confident.

    ¡°I think you can just yield. You¡¯re out of your leag¡ª¡±

    Zalan stopped as Rexler charged forward. Zalan blasted a bolt in shock, but Rexler was ready this time. Rexler weaved away from the lightning and Zalan wasn¡¯t good enough at redirection to hit his new position. Rexler closed in just as Zalan shot off another blast of lightning. It hit, but Rexler¡¯s momentum carried forward and tackled Zalan. The air was driven out of Zalan and he gasped as he crash landed on the arena. He couldn¡¯t focus enough to keep the lightning imbued throughout his body. He groaned for only a second, then tried to get up. The second he hesitated was too long. Rexler had pinned his arms, a fist aimed for Zalan¡¯s face.

    ¡°Yield,¡± Rexler demanded coldly.

    Zalan wanted to imbue his arms, but knew he''d take a full-force punch to the face if he did. He would be out cold, or worse. But he didn¡¯t want to lose. Not here. Not before Slauson was taken out of the tournament. He grew frustrated as Rexler looked down on him. He let his rage simmer and rise to his head, making him act before he thought. He had just discussed with Rep how he wanted to have better control of his anger, but he let it take over this time. His anger had served him before, it would do well in this dire circumstance.

    Zalan let his face fall to the side and his arms go limp, looking as though he had given up. Rexler relaxed ever-so-slightly at the sight, and Zalan stretched his ankle as far as it would go to point it at Rexler. He fired lightning from his foot, striking Rexler in the small of his back. Rexler spazzed with teeth grit, his body leaning forward in response. Zalan used the imbalance to throw off Rexler and fully imbue himself in lightning. It was the most power he ever put into the imbue. Little sparks popped across his body. Rexler tried to turn around, but Zalan kicked him in the same injured spot on his back. Rexler called out in suffering and fell flat on his face.

    ¡°Call the fight or I¡¯ll grab him!¡± Zalan demanded of Umdarr.

    His body raced with tiny spots of lightning running up and down his clothes. Umdarr looked ambivalent, but shook his head. None of the conditions for a win had been met.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Zalan grabbed Rexler by the back of his neck.

    Rexler screamed in agony, the lightning blasting him like a taser. He trembled in immense pain and tried urgently to speak.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Rexler managed, his body convulsing.

    Zalan didn¡¯t let up, enjoying his power over someone else. His abilities with lightning didn¡¯t need to have additional utility. He didn¡¯t care about being able to bring someone from the brink nearly as much as the power brought him agency over his life. He was lost in the moment. Lighting was everything.

    ¡°The battle is over!¡± Umdarr bellowed in his face. ¡°You won.¡±

    Umdarr blasted him off of Rexler with a powerful force of air.

    Zalan was confused. Rexler hadn¡¯t said ¡°I yield¡± yet. Rexler stopped speaking before yielding, and Zalan had stopped paying attention to anything but that. He looked down at his opponent and saw Rexler face down with a black handprint scorched into him. A small bead of smoke lifted from the macabre mark. Rexler wasn¡¯t moving. Had Zalan been zapping someone who had gone unconscious? He would have noticed, right? Or did the body keep twitching, regardless?

    Umdarr dropped prize money in his hands and personally went to assist Rexler. He wouldn¡¯t look at Zalan. Zalan looked up at the audience and saw that they were uncertain how to react. They gave him tepid applause. Some were amazed by the sight of someone with Elemental Lightning, but most looked concerned. Scared, even. It made Zalan feel even angrier. They came to watch a tournament! And he won! Didn¡¯t they like what they saw?

    Zalan stomped his way down the stairs, keeping hold of his prize money if the audience didn¡¯t appreciate him. Exiting the arena, he met with Rep who was waiting to be called for his fight with Slauson.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Rep asked, concerned.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m good. Didn¡¯t you see? I just won,¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°Right, but you hurt Rexler. Badly,¡± Rep murmured, disturbed.

    ¡°In a fight! What, you want me not to hurt someone during a fight? Isn¡¯t that the whole purpose of this thing?¡± Zalan asked, annoyed.

    Rep frowned, unsure how to respond.

    ¡°Go and beat Slauson, all right?¡± Zalan said. More demanding than asking.

    ¡°Are you sure you are fine?¡± Rep asked. ¡°You do not look well.¡±

    Zalan felt how tight his face was. The locked position of his eyebrows pointed downward and the rage in his heart pumping away. If he looked anything like he felt, it was a terrible sight.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I¡¯m fine. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt him so bad, okay? Seriously, my power just got away from me,¡± Zalan tried to shake the feeling off.

    The rage was powerful, but it was also intoxicating. He needed to get a better hold if he wanted to use it in battle. His immense rage was a tool. He had to make sure not to use it out of battle as well. Especially not toward Rep.

    ¡°Have a good fight,¡± Zalan encouraged Rep. ¡°Remember, you¡¯re a great fighter. You can take him.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Rep nodded, looking a little more relaxed as Zalan cooled down.

    Umdarr picked up Rexler and put him in Kashir and Brashir¡¯s arms. He looked over Rexler one more time. He was definitely alive, but he looked terrible. He threw Zalan one last glance, disappointed in the fighter. Kashir and Brashir left the stage. Umdarr put on his best face, trying to liven up the concerned audience.

    ¡°Get ready for the next match!¡± Umdarr called from on the battlefield. ¡°It is looking to be an incredible one!¡±

 83 - Book 2 - Chapter 32 - Rep and Slauson

    Zalan stood next to Rep, not wanting to head to the stands before his friend moved up the stairs to the ring. Rep looked anxious, but he wasn¡¯t trembling.

    ¡°Moving on to the next fight brings some of our more interesting fighters. First comes the Level 5 Razortongue Eradicator, known for his unfamiliarity with his own strength! Rep!¡± Umdarr called out.

    Rep gave one last nervous look to Zalan. Zalan nodded to him, a determined smile on his face.

    ¡°Remember to run. Don¡¯t freeze up,¡± Zalan advised.

    Rep smiled back and took a deep breath. He made his way up the steps, the crowd chanting his name as he appeared before them. He gave a halfhearted wave to the stands, not wanting to offend anyone by ignoring them.

    ¡°And our most unorthodox fighter to date. The Level 7 fighter determined to go by the title ¡®The Slaw!¡¯ Slauson!¡± Umdarr presented. He sounded like he was growing more comfortable with the title ¡°The Slaw.¡±

    Zalan ran up the stands to get a better view from above. He jumped by twos, ignoring and pushing past anyone that was trying to get his attention. His number of fans were growing but his interest in them remained low.

    ¡°Fighters! Some respect before the fight,¡± Umdarr said.

    Rep did the usual sign where Slauson did his extravagant bow, hand in the air. The crowd went wild over it, liking the brand of over the top gesture that Slauson had made for himself. Zalan made his way next to Nold and watched closely. He made it just in time to see Umdarr roll his eyes at Slauson before continuing.

    ¡°You may begin!¡± Umdarr declared.

    Rep tried to begin the fight by running. After looking at Slauson, he grew incredibly sluggish. He barely raised a leg and took a tiny step, deep concern in his eyes. He looked like he was flexing his body beyond its limit, trying to break out of something as he slowly fidgeted forward. The crowd was already running wild with speculation. Slauson had caught another in his paralytic hold.

    ¡°No,¡± Zalan said urgently. ¡°Move, Rep!¡±

    Rep took another hesitant step. Slauson began to make his way over, fire at his fingertips. He was walking casually.

    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Rep run? You told him to run! I told him again right before he went on stage!¡± Zalan said to Nold, pulling at his hair.

    ¡°I am as lost as you are,¡± Nold said in wonder. He sounded invested in trying to figure Slauson out. ¡°Slauson has a powerful hold on others. Watch closely and try to discover what his power is. You may have to go up against him in the next fight.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan rejected immediately, fire burning within him. ¡°No, Rep is just faking it so he can get Slauson at the last second!¡±

    ¡°Even if Rep succeeds, it would be good to know the source of Slauson¡¯s power.¡±

    Slauson continued to make his way across the stage. Rep struggled, looking like he was pulling against himself fruitlessly. He hardly moved an inch. Slauson looked down at him, a blank stoicism on his face.

    ¡°Rep! Come on, move!¡± Zalan exploded, trying not to be drowned out by the roar of the crowd.

    Slauson wound his hand into a fist and breathed in deeply. Rep strained, freezing cold sweat rolling down his face.

    ¡°Rep!¡± Zalan screamed again.

    Slauson threw his whole body with his punch. It drove directly into Rep¡¯s stomach. To the viewers¡¯ surprise, Rep and Slauson were flashed by a flame igniting in between them. It was like a firework went off at Rep¡¯s stomach, triggered by the blow he took. Rep fell to the ground and Slauson jumped away in astonishment.

    There was a hole in Rep¡¯s tunic, right where Slauson punched him. A deep red mark on his abdomen.

    ¡°Slauson tried to kill him!¡± Zalan stood, fists at his side.

    ¡°Sit down and look closer,¡± Nold said calmly. ¡°The red mark on his stomach is familiar. Do you recognize what caused it?¡±

    Zalan sat back down, leaning forward and straining his eyes to get a good look at Rep. His stomach was discolored, like the top layer of skin was burned.

    ¡°That kinda looks like what happened to Rep¡¯s hands and feet whenever he would try to imbue himself,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That is exactly what it looks like,¡± Nold nodded in approval.

    ¡°He imbued his stomach?¡±

    ¡°He could not move his limbs, but he imbued himself just as Slauson struck him. Even without moving, Rep was able to do damage to Slauson. He had to wait until the last moment to unleash a surprise attack,¡± Nold explained, sounding somewhat impressed.

    Zalan was amazed. He looked over to Slauson who was rubbing his knuckles tenderly, a fresh burn on his hand. Zalan chuckled to himself. Despite what Rep thought of himself, he was still a good fighter. He never would have thought of something like burning himself at the last second.

    Rep was trembling on the arena floor, but able to move himself slowly. The audience roared in astonishment. It was the first time someone was really moving against Slauson. It was still slow like Rep was wading through a quagmire, but it was more than anyone else could boast. Rep had somehow overcome Slauson¡¯s paralytic effects. He picked himself back up to his feet as Slauson said something to him, barely clear over the din of the active audience around Zalan.

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    ¡°You burned yourself?¡± Slauson asked. ¡°I suppose that is why you can move.¡±

    Rep tried to pick up his hands to throw fire at Slauson, but his movements were far too slow. Too readable. Without much effort, Slauson smacked Rep¡¯s hands out of the way. Rep tried to imbue himself when Slauson made contact again, but Slauson was too quick this time. He was out of range of any flame encircling Rep¡¯s body. Rep only succeeded in burning himself.

    Slauson drove a powerful blow into Rep¡¯s injured shoulder, causing him to explode in agony. Slauson sweeped Rep¡¯s feet from under him and stood over Rep. He held a hand flat over his face, looking as though he was preparing to throw fire at him if Rep moved too suddenly. Rep tried to pick himself up, but his limbs refused to obey. He shook on the floor, shivering madly as he looked at Slauson.

    ¡°This match is over,¡± Slauson said calmly.

    The words drove fury through every fiber of Zalan¡¯s being. They were so arrogant. So dismissive of the fight that Rep put up. Rep was the first one to hurt Slauson and he pretended like nothing had happened. Rep needed to end him. Slauson needed to be brought down a peg. Humiliated like he had done to so many other fighters. But Slauson stood casually and Rep was almost motionless outside of his struggles and fidgets.

    ¡°Slauson didn¡¯t even hit him that hard,¡± Zalan was pulling at his hair. ¡°Why won¡¯t Rep get up?¡±

    ¡°He is under threat of a blast. He may be yielding,¡± Nold surmised.

    ¡°Slauson aimed at his head! He wouldn¡¯t do it. Rep knows that he wouldn¡¯t risk disqualification. Rep wouldn¡¯t yield like this,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Yet he does.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan denied. ¡°He can¡¯t! Rep is way better than this. Slauson can¡¯t just say something like that and win!¡±

    ¡°Yet he will.¡±

    Zalan pulled a few hairs off his head, tugging madly in frustration. He breathed fitfully as neither Rep nor Slauson made any sudden movements. Rep was running out of time. Umdarr approached the stage.

    ¡°No! No! Get up, Rep!¡± Zalan demanded.

    Umdarr hopped onto the stage. Rep didn¡¯t move. Zalan made such tight fists that his knuckles went white. He breathed erratically. He was infuriated as Umdarr opened his mouth.

    ¡°This match is over! Slauson wins!¡± he announced.

    Slauson grabbed the prize money out of Umdarr¡¯s hand and made his way off the stage. He gave Rep one last glance, like he felt sorry for him. It looked like he was pitying Rep. Zalan hated it. Zalan¡¯s eyes were wide and shaking, following Slauson¡¯s every step. He swallowed hard and slowly began to stand up.

    ¡°Stop,¡± Nold ordered forcefully.

    Zalan looked down at Nold and only then realized he¡¯d imbued himself with lightning. Slauson disrespected Rep and everyone else in the tournament. He had to pay. There needed to be consequences. Slauson had gone too far this time.

    ¡°Why should I?¡± he demanded venomously.

    ¡°If you do something now, you will be stopped and disqualified,¡± Nold informed him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care anymore. I¡¯ll get disqualified. Slauson can¡¯t just¡ª¡±

    ¡°You are not listening. I said if you try anything, you will be stopped and disqualified. Whatever you intend to do will not be allowed to be completed. But the semifinals will begin soon. You will face him in the ring. No one will stop you there,¡± Nold said sagely.

    Zalan was fuming, breathing loudly as his eyes refused to leave Slauson.

    ¡°Wait to unleash your anger. Whatever you plan to do now can wait,¡± Nold added.

    Zalan made no indication he was listening.

    ¡°Go talk with Rep in the meantime. He may have some insight on how to take down your nemesis,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan¡¯s breathing slowed slightly as his eyes finally broke away from Slauson. He looked over to Rep who was being carried off stage by Kashir and Brashir. Zalan immediately broke out into a run, leaping down the stairs to get to his injured friend. Again, fans in the stands tried to grab Zalan¡¯s attention and he dodged and pushed them aside. He reached the ground level in record time.

    ¡°Rep!¡± Zalan called out, bounding across the stadium to catch up to those carrying him.

    Rep looked over at him, his eyes trying to convey so much meaning. Zalan caught up and walked along as he was being taken to the medical tent.

    ¡°Rep, what happened?¡± Zalan didn¡¯t mean for it to come out so commanding.

    ¡°Failed,¡± Rep replied, his voice strained.

    Zalan looked at him with confusion until he realized what he was trying to say.

    ¡°Rep, you didn¡¯t fail! You fought better than anyone else against Slauson! You fought really well!¡± Zalan said, again sounding more angry than he intended.

    Rep¡¯s face didn¡¯t look convinced, but he blinked slowly as if to accept his words.

    ¡°What did Slauson do to you? How do I counter it?¡± Zalan demanded.

    ¡°Not know,¡± Rep said shamefully, again struggling to get his words out.

    ¡°Come on, Rep. Anything. When did you freeze up? It¡¯s gotta be a trick. When did it hit you that you were not moving?¡± Zalan urged.

    ¡°Before begin,¡± Rep whispered.

    ¡°You were fine until right before Umdarr said begin?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep blinked in assent.

    ¡°Okay, got it. Thanks, Rep. I¡¯m gonna get him, I swear. I¡¯ll take him out for you,¡± Zalan promised as they reached the opening of the tent.

    ¡°Careful,¡± Rep insisted, the loudest word he spoke.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, I won¡¯t let him get me. Trust me, I¡¯ll take him down. He¡¯ll wish he never messed with you,¡± Zalan said quickly, then turned his heel and ran back to the stadium.

    But Rep wasn¡¯t telling Zalan to be careful about his physical well-being. Rep was always confident in his friend¡¯s abilities. He was much more concerned about what Zalan would do to Slauson if he got the upper hand. He was clearly manic. His agitated eyes jittered when he was demanding answers. His hair was pluming out, like he¡¯d been pulling at it frantically for the past few minutes. His tone of voice was forceful, even when he was assuring Rep he would be fine. Zalan was on edge about Slauson. He was ready to do anything to take his opponent down.

    Rep wasn¡¯t worried that he wouldn¡¯t be able to figure out and take down Slauson in the ring. He was worried Zalan wouldn¡¯t be careful in how far he went. Rep¡¯s closest friend was on the brink of breaking, mentally, and he didn¡¯t trust Nold to try and bring him back to reason. Zalan was in the state where he would do something he regretted.

    Rep was worried about what Zalan would do to himself.

    ¡°Back,¡± Rep whispered urgently to Kashir.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Kashir said as he placed him in a cot.

    ¡°Stadium,¡± Rep insisted.

    Whatever happened to Zalan, he wanted to be there to help him in the aftermath, no matter the state of his health.

 84 - Book 2 - Chapter 33 - Accusations

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan returned to the stadium as the next fight was underway. He stomped his way up to his seat. He was stomping with every step. Audience members would approach him to congratulate him for reaching the Semifinals, but shy away when they got a look at his face. He locked his jaw tight and an eye twitched involuntarily every few seconds. He sat sharply next to Nold who regarded him with a half a glance.

    ¡°Discover anything interesting?¡± Nold asked, curious.

    Zalan sat staring forward, tapping his feet impatiently. The current fight was taking too long. Two fights stood in the way of him facing Slauson. He took another look at Slauson sitting casually in the stands, watching the fight with mild interest. He acted like he didn¡¯t just take part in a fight. Zalan fumed.

    ¡°These fighters are named Dimak and Skellorn. Both at a high Level. Impressive fighters,¡± Nold acknowledged.

    Zalan didn¡¯t reply. His eyes were on the match, but it didn¡¯t look like he was actually watching it.

    ¡°What did Rep tell you about Slauson?¡± Nold pressed.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Zalan said impatiently, annoyed that Nold was trying to converse when his mind was on more important things.

    ¡°I doubt that.¡±

    Zalan crossed his arms, sighing through his nose and tapping his foot faster.

    ¡°What did he tell you?¡± Nold insisted.

    ¡°I already said nothing!¡±

    ¡°I may be able to assist with a little more information,¡± Nold said. ¡°Unless you prefer to lose to Slauson because of something I could have easily informed you of.¡±

    Zalan shot him a glare, but Nold¡¯s focus was on the ongoing battle.

    ¡°He said¡­¡± Zalan extended the word as he hesitated. He was struggling to remember the conversation. So much of his faculties were focused on Slauson that it was hard to think of anything else. He placed his fingers on his temples and thought, recalling the words said to him only minutes ago. Nold gave him a look through the side of his eye, annoyed by the display his student was putting on.

    ¡°Come on now, Zandar,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan whipped toward his instructor and gripped him by the front of his tunic. Nold responded immediately, gripping Zalan¡¯s arm and holding a flame to Zalan¡¯s head with his other hand. They glared at one another for a few seconds. Nold¡¯s flame caught the attention of those in the stands around them.

    ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± Nold demanded. There was death in his eyes. He wasn¡¯t the slightest bit amused. Nor did it look like he would hesitate to fry his student¡¯s head.

    ¡°My name is Zalan. Not Zandar. Not Zapnar. Zalan!¡± Zalan said, his voice fiery.

    ¡°You could have said that nicely,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°I tried to be nice before. That wasn¡¯t working,¡± Zalan replied through his teeth.

    They continued to stare at one another, the intensity causing others in the stands to stare or back away from them. Showing off any form of Elemental Power in the stands wasn¡¯t against the rules, but it was taboo, especially during a fight. Zalan and Nold looked intense enough to cause a panic.

    ¡°Very well, Zalan. I did not wish to offend,¡± Nold offered. His voice was cold. He said the right words, but it sounded insincere.

    His flame flickered next to Zalan¡¯s eyes, but Zalan paid it no mind. He continued to look at Nold for another few seconds then released his tunic. Nold deescalated as well, letting go of Zalan¡¯s hand and putting out the flame. The audience surrounding them relaxed, if only slightly.

    ¡°He said that he felt fine until right before Umdarr said ¡®begin,¡¯¡± Zalan said, answering Nold¡¯s earlier question.

    Nold watched Zalan closely, waiting for another outburst before replying. Zalan was back to folding his arms and tapping his foot. Nold went back to watching the fight, but kept some of his attention to Zalan''s movements.

    ¡°That is a hefty accusation,¡± Nold finally replied.

    ¡°What? I¡¯m not accusing him of anything, that¡¯s what Rep said,¡± Zalan replied, irked.

    ¡°Not you. Rep has accused Slauson of affecting him before Umdarr said ¡®begin,¡¯¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Yeah. I don¡¯t get it, what¡¯s the accusation?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The fight does not begin until Umdarr calls for it to begin.¡±

    Zalan looked confused, then grew to a riled conclusion.

    ¡°Slauson is attacking people before the fight starts! Tampering with them somehow! He¡¯s cheating!¡±

    ¡°Perhaps. We do not know for certain,¡± Nold shrugged.

    ¡°Rep doesn¡¯t lie! Slauson is cheating!¡±

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    ¡°We do not know that,¡± Nold repeated. ¡°It could be any number of factors from people outside the match trying to alter the events in Slauson¡¯s fight.¡±

    Zalan folded his arms tighter and turned away, displeased with Nold¡¯s justification.

    ¡°But it is more likely that Slauson is cheating,¡± Nold admitted.

    ¡°I knew it!¡± Zalan said, jumping up. ¡°I gotta tell Umdarr!¡±

    ¡°On what grounds? There is no proof,¡± Nold reminded.

    Zalan grit his teeth and plopped back into his seat, tapping both of his feet in resentment. He glared at Slauson across the stadium.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go tell Slauson,¡± Zalan decided.

    ¡°What would that accomplish?¡± Nold asked, displeased.

    ¡°Let him know I¡¯m on to him and his tricks. Get him off guard,¡± Zalan said, standing up.

    Nold looked up at his student. Zalan was wringing the bottom of his tunic anxiously. It was clear he wasn¡¯t going to sit in place and watch the current match.

    ¡°Are you certain that is a good plan of action? You may be able to better catch Slauson off guard if you reveal the information to him in the middle of the battle,¡± Nold expressed.

    Zalan was shifting from one foot to the next. He looked at Nold, but didn¡¯t look like he was registering his suggestion.

    ¡°Do as you wish,¡± Nold sighed.

    Zalan rushed down the stairs, all but slamming people out of the way in order to move faster. A few people stared at Zalan as he passed. He was starting to make a spectacle of himself by rushing around the arena so often between matches. As he hit the ground and ran around the area where the current battle was taking place, he drew many eyes in the canyon¡¯s audience. He looked feverish as he ran to a particular audience member. Stones flew around him, emitted by the battle raging in the stands. Dimak was in the battle. He was throwing his Elemental Earth Power with wanton disregard, showering the neighboring area with rocks of all sizes. Zalan ignored it all.

    When Zalan stopped in front of Slauson, he drew more attention to him than the two fighting in the ring. They were well aware that Zalan was supposed to take on Slauson next. But Zalan was confronting him early, and he looked out of his mind. The fight continued, but the audience died down as their cheers turned to murmurs and theories about the feud between Zalan and his next opponent.

    Slauson looked up at Zalan, regarding him stoically. Zalan hated the casual look on his face when he had hurt Rep so badly. Slauson raised an eyebrow, a hint of derision in his eyes.

    ¡°Zorgon,¡± Slauson acknowledged.

    ¡°You know that¡¯s not my name,¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°It is not? That is the name you gave me in Naverforth,¡± Slauson said.

    Zalan¡¯s eye twitched in surprise. He didn¡¯t think that Slauson remembered him from the town they first met in. Slauson watched him carefully, but looked mildly embittered by his presence.

    ¡°Why is it you come? To stare angrily?¡± Slauson said.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re cheating,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    Slauson¡¯s face remained stoic in the face of the accusation. He didn¡¯t look either shocked or offended by the claim. Already, this wasn¡¯t going to Zalan¡¯s plan. Slauson was too casual.

    ¡°And what is it that I am doing that makes you believe I am cheating?¡± Slauson asked.

    ¡°Rep wouldn¡¯t have gone down like that if you fought fair. You¡¯re attacking people before Umdarr starts the fights.¡±

    ¡°Why are you telling me?¡± Slauson looked annoyed. ¡°If you are so certain of yourself, then go and tell Umdarr. He will put a stop to it. Unless, that is, you are simply paranoid.¡±

    Zalan was infuriated. He hated the fact that Slauson looked bored. More than anything, he wanted to see Slauson¡¯s face falter. To break into fear or uncertainty. He didn¡¯t show any emotion and it felt like he was being smarmy to Zalan. His smugness infuriated Zalan the longer he stood in front of him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll destroy you in our fight,¡± Zalan promised.

    ¡°Changing the subject when things stop going your way? Convenient,¡± Slauson said with an air of contempt.

    ¡°Why are you like this?¡± Zalan blurted out. ¡°You don¡¯t even care about the tournament, why are you here?¡±

    ¡°I care,¡± Slauson said, his voice serious. ¡°I will retrieve the Reversal Stone. You are certainly not going to stop me.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Zalan asked. His mind was on Slauson and how he was an infuriating cheater. The Artifact was irrelevant and therefore not part of the conversation.

    ¡°Are you an imbecile?¡± Slauson asked, sounding genuine. Fury shot through Zalan¡¯s eyes, but Slauson continued regardless, ¡°That is why we are all here! We are fighting for the Reversal Stone! Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°To see Madam Hikma!¡± Zalan replied as though it was obvious. He had no recollection of what the Reversal Stone was capable of.

    ¡°The old woman?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk about her like that!¡± Zalan yelled. He felt the irony of his words. He originally came to the tournament so that he could do something terrible to Madam Hikma. Now, his rage had culminated to target a single individual: Slauson. He didn¡¯t even care so much about the tournament and seeing Madam Hikma as much as he did beating Slauson.

    ¡°The old woman is overblown. Her words are never as accurate as others claim them to be,¡± Slauson said, sounding like he was trying to give advice.

    ¡°Take it back!¡± Zalan demanded. More feelings of irony swam through him. He would have said the same thing about Hikma days ago. But hearing the sentence come out of Slauson¡¯s mouth was wrong. Slauson¡¯s confidence in it made it a false statement to Zalan.

    ¡°I will take it back¡­ If you beat me in the ring,¡± Slauson said, a dismissive look on his face.

    Zalan and Slauson stared one another down, then Zalan spun in place and stepped away from Slauson. He watched what he could of the ongoing battle as he walked away.

    Dimak was locked in a brutal exchange of blows with Skellorn. Zalan didn¡¯t know much about the other fighter, but saw that he wielded Elemental Sand. He and Dimak were throwing everything they had at one another. Dimak would send tons of earth at Skellorn, only to have it thrown aside by massive plumes of sand sprouting from the arena.

    They were fast, throwing attacks as often as they received them and taking terrible blows. Dimak was bleeding freely from one arm and Skellorn couldn¡¯t stand up straight anymore. There was no more strategy to them, they were putting everything they had into Elemental Power throws hoping to knock out their opponent.

    Dimak eventually threw a small, quick boulder at Skellorn. It sent Skellorn flying and Skellorn threw back a spear of sand that slammed mercilessly into Dimak¡¯s chest. Dimak gripped his tunic over his heart and fell to the ground in unbearable pain. Skellorn continued to fall and landed outside of the ring.

    ¡°This battle is over!¡± Umdarr called from the arena.

    Dimak looked terrible, but he still breathed.

    Zalan still had so much energy flowing through him after watching the match. He was still on the ground around the arena, not yet feeling ready to pass by any fans as he went up stairs. The fight inspired him by its brutal nature. He felt like he was ready to blast Slauson¡¯s head off. He just needed to wait a few minutes and he¡¯d be allowed to do exactly that in his next fight. No one would be able to stop him.

 85 - Book 2 - Chapter 34 - The Quarterfinals End

    <h2> </h2>

    Zalan stomped as he paced, focusing on maintaining his anger. Nold had told him his rage was a tool. It certainly felt like one. He needed to use it in his battle against Slauson. Just like he was able to overpower Rexler when he was at his most maddening feeling, he would be able to do the same to Slauson. He would wipe the arrogant stoicism off of his face and bash his head into the ground. Slauson would never look at him the same way again. And he would apologize for what he said. He would accept the punishment of cheating the entire tournament.

    The last bout of the quarterfinals started. Zalan was about to make his way back up the stairs to Nold, but stopped himself before he took the second step up. He didn¡¯t want to sit down right now or be harassed by those who felt the need to speak to him on the way up. He had too much agitation running through his muscles. He couldn¡¯t sit in place and wait patiently. He needed to walk around. He began to walk in a circle around the arena. People called attention to it from the crowd, but Zalan was no longer the most interesting thing to watch. The next fight had just been called.

    The ongoing fight was Trentor against Nile. Nile was Level 7 and was quite adept with his Elemental Fire Power. Trentor was the lowest Level fighter left in the tournament at just Level 3. He had a bruise on his face from when Callus struck him in his previous fight. His grasp on his Elemental Water was amateur at best, with only small balls of water or mists coming out most often. The entire crowd loved him. It was clear he was no more than an underdog and most of the audience wanted to see him succeed.

    Nile threw balls of fire across the arena, Trentor threw balls of water back to try and extinguish the flames, but his Wisdom was too low and his water output evaporated too quickly. He opted for running around the stage in fear. The crowd applauded his cowardice, many trying to coach the inexperienced fighter from the stands encouragingly.

    Zalan grew invested in the match, his rage placed aside to wonder if Trentor could possibly pull out a win the same way that he had against Callus.

    Nile seemed to enjoy playing the role of the villain, relishing the jeers he would receive from the audience for every ounce of fire conjured. It felt like a game to him. Nile chased Trentor around the stage casually, wanting to force Trentor into yielding rather than totally overpowering him. He wanted to win back the audience¡¯s affection by showing them that Trentor would crack under the first sign of a real fighter. It would be better than outright beating up their favorite. Perhaps Trentors fans would become Nile¡¯s fan¡¯s when they saw he was superior.

    Trentor was relentless in throwing little bits of water across the stage. The arena shined with water, and puddles were forming underfoot. Nile continued his steady onslaught of flames, surprised that Trentor made no indication that he was ready to quit after being clearly outmatched. Nile made his way to Trentor, avoiding the little waves Trentor tried to slide at him to throw him off balance.

    ¡°Yield,¡± Nile ordered, throwing a giant fireball skyward to show what he was holding back.

    ¡°Never!¡± Trentor said defiantly, running away from Nile. The crowd loved it, roaring their approval at Trentor¡¯s defiance.

    ¡°Why delay the inevitable! You cannot defeat me!¡± Nile said, arms open wide.

    The crowd booed at him, throwing a series of insults at him for his daring to intimidate their beloved Trentor.

    ¡°Come and get me!¡± Trentor said boldly. He was spraying water from his arm, but the weak stream wasn¡¯t even reaching Nile across the arena.

    ¡°You are certain?¡± Nile asked, beginning to grow amused by the show Trentor was putting on.

    ¡°More than certain! I am unstoppable!¡± Trentor said, looking to the audience for their validation.

    Again, the crowd roared. They let him know they wholeheartedly agreed with him. But Zalan could see the small changes in Trentor¡¯s expression. It was all false confidence. Trentor was scared.

    ¡°Here I come,¡± Nile said.

    Nile was no longer moving casually. He knelt down and broke into a full run. Trentor tensed up at the edge of the arena. He stopped shooting out water and held his arms in front of him, as if to catch Nile. Nile grinned, ready to slam Trentor off the arena and finish the sad excuse for a fight.

    Then, Nile¡¯s foot was swept out from under him. He went tumbling forward, face first.

    Trentor had used the water covering the arena to cause Nile to slip. Then, he used whatever other water was on the floor to carry Nile¡¯s momentum forward. The arena had been coated with enough water to become a slip-n-slide under Trentor¡¯s command. Nile realized with wide eyes that at the rate he was going, he would fall out of the arena. Defeated without taking a single bit of damage.

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    ¡°No!¡± Nile tried to grip the floor with his hands.

    Trentor reacted quickly with a twist of his Elemental Power. Small waves propelled Nile forward and made the arena feel even more slick. The strategy prevented his fingers from grabbing on to anything below.

    As a last-ditch effort, Nile threw a fist toward Trentor and let loose a massive column of flame right at him. Trentor shrieked and covered his vitals with his arms as the fire came into contact with him. It was a direct hit, and Trentor was searing with pain, but Nile continued to slide forward. Trentor covered himself in Elemental Water to put out the fire on him. Nile¡¯s body slid off the arena. At the last moment, Nile was finally able to hook a hand onto the edge of the arena and prevent himself from falling all the way off.

    The crowd was going berserk, calling for Trentor to pay attention and stomp on Nile¡¯s fingers before he was able to pull himself back up. Trentor had his eyes closed, screaming in pain. He was jumping around in place, showering himself with water to try and undo the pain of a direct blast of fire. He had never been covered in so much pain before. Nile was able to get his other arm over the edge and slowly pulled himself up. Trentor continued to hop around to escape the burns on his skin. With his eyes still closed, Trentor stomped on one of Nile¡¯s hands. Crying out in anger, Nile let go, continuing to grip with his remaining hand. The crowd cheered proudly.

    Then Trentor blindly tumbled over the edge of the arena.

    He collided with Nile on his way down and they both tumbled to the floor below the arena. They both screamed in confusion and fear until they landed with a thud against the earthen floor. They both stared up at the canyon above them, not sure what just happened.

    ¡°The battle is over!¡± Umdarr declared rushing over.

    ¡°Did I win?¡± Trentor asked, his face red and his eyes closed.

    ¡°I do not think either of us won,¡± Nile said, forcefully pushing Trentor off from on top of him.

    The audience was chanting Trentor¡¯s name, trying to get Umdarr to rule in his favor. Umdarr stared at the two of them, consternation on his face. Trentor and Nile watched him expectantly. Trentor continued to run a stream of water over his burns.

    ¡°I need to consult Madam Hikma,¡± Umdarr decided, declaring it to the audience.

    Zalan looked up sharply. He hadn¡¯t seen Madam Hikma since he got here. Would they really show where she was? The audience was going wild, running amok with guesses on how the match would be called. Was there such a thing as a tie in the Elemental Rage Tournament? Would their beloved Trentor be defeated when he clearly deserved to win?

    Umdarr bent down, then leaped with enough force to blast air across the entire stadium. Everyone¡¯s eyes followed him as he soared through the air and landed at the top row of the seats on one end of the stadium. Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide with surprise. Madam Hikma was sitting amongst the audience. She was with the regular people, with no special seating. Zalan should have guessed as much. She wouldn¡¯t be one to want grand gestures done for her.

    Seeing her face sent an inordinate amount of shame running through Zalan. He had such evil intentions toward her only a few days ago, but she was such a simple woman. She made a mistake, just like anyone else could. She never claimed to be able to solve everyone¡¯s problems. Everyone else put that title upon her, but she just wanted to help people. Zalan felt so naive. How could he have ever felt ill-will toward the woman who genuinely tried to help? He would have been so lost without her. Never even would have known where to start in this world. The first person he spoke to about being from another world that seemed to truly understand what he meant immediately.

    Madam Hikma smiled as Umdarr approached her. Her smile reminded Zalan of his own mother¡¯s sweet, simple grin, and he felt both embarrassed and nostalgic. He desperately wanted to go back home. Madam Hikma might have had a means to that. Zalan was about to walk up the steps and immediately ask for her advice, but felt something dark tug at his heart and hold him in place. He still needed to beat Slauson. He needed to use all of his pent up rage, then he would go back home with a new tool at his disposal. Rage and anger he could use to enhance himself in any situation. Going home could wait a few hours longer. Then he would go to Madam Hikma and seek her advice. Preferably with Rep at his side.

    Thinking of Rep flared up more anger within Zalan. Slauson¡¯s deeds were at every corner of Zalan¡¯s mind. Slauson hurt his friend. He would hurt Slauson.

    ¡°It is not a tie. Madam Hikma has made her decision!¡± Umdarr said from the top of the stands. Rather than immediately give the ruling, he held onto the information.

    He jumped back down to the arena, floating down slowly. The audience watched tensely as he drifted back to the arena. He landed softly. Umdarr waited another few seconds for added suspense, always a showman whenever he had the chance. The audience grew antsy, shifting in their seats and wanting to scream at him to get it over with.

    ¡°Both contestants fell out of the ring. Normally, that would be cause for them to lose the match. But they did not both hit the ground. One landed atop his opponent, which was never explicitly set against the rules. Trentor landed atop Nile. That means, Trentor wins!¡±

    The audience went bombastic and crazy in their approval of the decision. Trentor was amazed, in absolute shock of the events of the fight. He rubbed his freshly burned eyes as if to wake himself up from a dream. He hardly believed it. He stared in shock as Umdarr gave him the prize money. Nile wouldn¡¯t look at him, shame and anger written on his face as he left the stadium. He went to leave the canyon, not willing to stay and watch the three remaining battles after having taken such a pathetic defeat.

    ¡°Now then,¡± Umdarr said, excitement in every word. ¡°Who is ready for the Semifinals?¡±

    Zalan felt as ready as ever. Whatever happened, he wouldn¡¯t freeze up against Slauson.

 86 - Book 2 - Chapter 35 - Frozen

    Zalan¡¯s heart went tight. It was time to take down Slauson. There was no alternative. He couldn¡¯t live with himself if he didn¡¯t see the placid look wiped off of Slauson¡¯s face. Umdarr was running around the arena, throwing his arms up as the audience cheered him on. He circled around the arena twice. Slauson stood up calmly and made his way to the other side of the arena. Zalan watched him closely, checking to see if he did anything suspicious before Umdarr called for the match to begin. There had to be some trick to his cheating. Zalan¡¯s insides were tight with apprehension. He was ready to explode with enough power to obliterate Slauson. At the end of the match, there would be nothing to carry off but his ashes.

    ¡°Allow me to call our esteemed semifinalists on stage. On this end, only at a mere Level 5 but fighting like a much better fighter¡­ The Dealer of Dragon Death¡­¡± Umdarr looked over to Zalan and winked confidently. ¡°Zalan!¡±

    Zalan was too amped to care that Umdarr finally got his name right. The audience didn¡¯t seem to be listening to Umdarr, as they all chanted different names as Zalan stepped up to the arena.

    ¡°Ziyard! Zandar! Zanlan! Zomar!¡± they chanted in succession, no one name overpowering the rest.

    Umdarr shrugged sympathetically to Zalan, but Zalan didn¡¯t care. He looked straight ahead, past all the puddles left behind by the previous fight. The arena was still bright with a sheen of water dumped there by Trentor. Zalan only cared to see Slauson rise up the steps to the arena. And then he only cared to take him down. He was trembling in place.

    ¡°And on this end¡­ One of our most interesting fighters to date¡­ Hardly fazed by a single fighter this entire tournament! At Level 7. The Slaw. Slauson!¡± Umdarr presented proudly.

    Slauson walked up to the stage, the audience chanting his name. Slauson didn¡¯t give them any mind, he simply looked across to Zalan. Not a hint of an expression on his face. Not a show of confidence. Not derision. Zalan was driven to the heights of fury, ready to unleash an entire storm on Slauson to delete the blank stare.

    ¡°Fighters! Show your fellow semifinalist some respect!¡± Umdarr demanded.

    Reluctantly, Zalan placed a hand in a fist, but his face showed anything but respect for Slauson. Pure disdain exuded from his features. Slauson raised a hand to the sky and the audience shouted their approval as he bowed toward Zalan with his palm flat. Seeing it done to him, Zalan had a feeling that Slauson did it as another point of arrogance. Something to say ¡°you¡¯re lucky that I am even gracing you with my presence.¡± Like royalty presenting itself. Zalan hated it with every fiber of his being.

    ¡°Fighters¡­ you may¡­¡± Umdarr said slowly, building the anticipation.

    Zalan felt disturbed. Something was wrong. His insides felt off and his limbs were tight and cold. His eyes darted around in confusion. He had been watching Slauson so closely, but didn¡¯t see what happened. His body was going wrong. Everything was freezing up.

    ¡°Begin!¡± Umdarr shouted, the audience applauding the beginning of the semifinals. He was off the stage in an instant, leaving only Slauson in Zalan¡¯s gaze.

    Zalan still couldn¡¯t move. He was burning with rage, but was forced to keep it locked up within him. He tried his hardest to fight it, but was stuck in place.

    Slauson breathed out as he prepared himself and Zalan screamed internally. Slauson regarded him and gave him a half raise of an eyebrow as a challenge. Slauson¡¯s face was so clear to Zalan. That he had trapped Zalan somehow and all of Zalan¡¯s accusations didn¡¯t change that he was stuck in place. And his face drove Zalan to anger he didn¡¯t know he could experience. He had to react.

    He thought back to when he fought the Shell King. He was able to imbue his blade, then control it in the air to redirect it. He thought that maybe he could do the same with his arms. Imbue it in order to take control over it. Maybe if he could imbue his limbs, he could fight entirely with his Elemental Power redirecting his body¡¯s every move. Even if his redirection wasn¡¯t great, it would be better than standing helplessly in place.

    Slauson began walking forward slowly. The crowd became deafening in calling for Zalan¡¯s response.

    Zalan sent lightning through his arms and recoiled in pain. It hurt to imbue himself. That wasn¡¯t right. He knew he was emitting the energy right. Why was everything involving Slauson so wrong? He tried again, and felt the pain shred through his arms again, but this time he paid attention to the sting. He wasn¡¯t hurting himself like he did before he mastered imbuing himself. Something was on top of his body, conducting the electricity he sent through himself and injuring him with his own Elemental Power. Zalan tried one more time, only to be met with more hurt, but the pain was subsiding with every attempt, like he was burning a small powder off of him with every attempt.

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    Zalan was overwhelmed with a sickening realization. Events regarding this tournament were starting to make sense to him. He knew what was happening.

    Slauson was halfway over, taking his time as the audience demanded that Zalan attack him.

    ¡°Hit him with lightning!¡± Zalan could made out over the people shouting.

    ¡°Move out of the way!¡± another called.

    ¡°Do something!¡± a third pleaded.

    But Zalan was too distracted with the epiphany blazing through his outraged mind.

    In every fight that Slauson was in, the fighters were fine as they approached the arena. But they froze as soon as the battle began. There was only one thing that Slauson did between stepping up to the arena and the battle beginning. His maddening, extravagant bow. It wasn¡¯t a bow. Slauson was emitting something as he threw his hand forward, coating his opponent in that thing. As soon as Zalan came to that conclusion, he knew exactly what it was.

    Ice! Slauson had two Elemental Powers. Fire and Ice.

    The fire he was emitting was a ruse. He wanted people to think he had Elemental Fire so they would think that his trick had something to do with that power. But he was never using his fire in combat. It was always the Elemental Ice.

    Everyone he met after fighting Slauson was cold to the touch. Slauson was draping his opponents in an immense amount of tiny, almost-invisible particles. Imbuing the body of his enemy. They were being covered in a powdery ice that Slauson would manipulate to freeze them in place. They were literally being frozen. Verum explicitly told Rep and Zalan exactly that! And that was why they all were shaking and shivering after each fight. None of it was intimidation. Slauson had no special look that made people stop in place. He was bowing to send out particles before the fight. In other words, he was attacking before the fight began with something so tiny that no one noticed.

    Slauson was actually cheating.

    Zalan realized that it went even deeper than that. Slauson ambushed people before the tournament began. He attacked them with enough Elemental Ice to drive them hypothermic. He was ready to kill potential competitors to win this tournament. Zalan had to save someone¡¯s life because Slauson almost stopped his heart. Slauson was so keen to get the prize that people¡¯s lives were nothing more than a surmountable obstacle. He reduced the amount of competitors. The reason they all fought at a Level 10 and Under bracket was Slauson¡¯s fault.

    Now that Zalan knew, he had to tell everyone. He needed Umdarr to hear that Slauson was cheating. He couldn¡¯t move his mouth, much less shout over the noise the audience was making. Slauson was approaching, ready to defeat him in a single blow. He would be punched, then be left frozen on the ground until the ten count went off. Zalan fought against the locking sensation of the ice, but couldn¡¯t find the strength to force himself out of it.

    Then, he realized he only needed to free his mouth. If he imbued his mouth with enough lightning to burn off the tiny powder of snow that was stopping him from speaking, he could say enough to get Slauson disqualified and win the match. He braced himself. Slauson looked on as Zalan showed no signs of movement. He made a fist.

    ¡°You were so confident you would defeat me. I bet it was the old woman that told you that you stood a chance against me,¡± Slauson said with a hint of derision.

    The words drove Zalan to new heights of rage. In his mental pathways, something crossed between Madam Hikma and Zalan¡¯s mother. Almost as though Slauson had directly insulted his mother. He used that anger, just as he planned, and sent enormous shockwaves through his mouth, burning it wildly. He could brace all the pain he needed to in order to speak again. This was no longer about getting Slauson disqualified from the fight. He only wanted to see Slauson suffer now. He had insulted Zalan¡¯s mother, and Slauson would bear the consequences of his actions.

    The flow of lightning going through Zalan¡¯s face was at first almost imperceptible, but the effects were quickly becoming clear. Slauson¡¯s slow approach grew even slower as he stared in horror. Zalan¡¯s mouth was becoming charred and black, burned from the power being sent through it. His mouth was letting out random sparks as he burned through the layer of ice. There was bloodlust in his eyes and he breathed manically, seething with rage. Slauson eventually recovered and took the last few steps toward Zalan.

    Zalan had burned all the remaining ice off of his mouth, his face a ghoulish mix of scarred flesh and fury. He was almost free to speak. Slauson got in his stance to deliver a single punch to Zalan¡¯s chest. He didn¡¯t just want to send him to the floor. Slauson was prepared to send him flying off stage and end the fight even faster. Zalan¡¯s face looked too menacing for him to want to do anything otherwise. Zalan and Slauson both breathed deeply.

    ¡°Your father is dead,¡± Zalan said coldly, relishing in being able to share the news. He was loud. He wanted everyone to hear him.

    Slauson went tense, freezing up at Zalan¡¯s words.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Slauson asked. His mouth twitched. His stoicism faltered.

    Zalan was incensed with mirth. His mind went feral as he saw Slauson¡¯s exterior crack. The first sign of a real emotion. He wanted to drive the feeling even farther into Slauson. Destroy him.

    ¡°I saw your father¡¯s body in the Castle of Docrun. Nothing but a shriveled corpse in a Chaos Chamber,¡± Zalan sneered. He savored the look in Slauson¡¯s face as he continued to twist his message deep into Slauson¡¯s heart. ¡°He left a note for you. It said he would be ashamed of who you are, Slauson. His only wish was for you not to end up a sad, broken cheater like him. And look at you. Pathetic! You couldn¡¯t even abide by his last words!¡±

    Slauson¡¯s arm dropped, the intended strike forgotten after having been gut-punched by Zalan¡¯s words. Zalan¡¯s sinister smile grew wider. This fight wasn¡¯t over. Even frozen, he could ruin Slauson. He was no longer the arrogant fighter taking people down in a single hit. Zalan could destroy him.

    Up in the stands, Nold smiled in approval at his student.

 87 - Book 2 - Chapter 36 - Free To Fight

    Slauson stared in horror, his lip trending downward as it trembled in fear and doubt. He took a step back, looking Zalan up and down and trying to read him. The calls from the audience were reduced to a low hum in his ears. Slauson no longer had fists at his side, but held his hands together in uncertainty. He had forgotten that he was in a fight.

    ¡°How would you know it was my father?¡± Slauson asked, sounding as though he desperately didn¡¯t want to believe Zalan.

    Zalan was still mostly frozen, but Slauson was no longer maintaining the ice coating on him. Without the intervention of the Elemental Ice user, it was melting. Zalan was slowly becoming free. But he didn¡¯t care about that as much as he loved watching Slauson break down in front of him. The stoicism and derisive glances were gone. Slauson knew fear and he was experiencing the worst of it. Zalan smiled and searched for words to make his nemesis feel worse.

    ¡°He mentioned you by name, Slauson,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That could be anyone,¡± Slauson rejected insincerely.

    ¡°The man¡¯s tunic was shredded. He had eaten the clothes off his back as his last, sad meal,¡± Zalan continued, ignoring Slauson¡¯s denial.

    ¡°No!¡± Slauson snapped.

    ¡°I stripped him of his daggers. He was nothing when I left,¡± Zalan assured him.

    Slauson¡¯s eye twitched in agitation. A disturbed recognition flashed through his eyes. The confusion on his face quickly transferred to mercilessness.

    ¡°You desecrated his remains?¡± Slauson asked.

    Zalan felt that he had achieved his goal. Slauson looked as enraged as he felt. His body was tense and his head marked with an extruded vein. His hands trembled and his eyes were unfocused. Zalan felt it was all justified. Both of their parents had been equally insulted.

    Zalan wiggled his fingers. He was no longer frozen. Free to fight.

    ¡°Not like he deserved any better when the best he could do was raise a disappointment like you,¡± Zalan said.

    Slauson reacted immediately. He threw a fist swirling in fire and ice straight for Zalan¡¯s face. Zalan reacted like he had been trained on many long nights. He pushed the fist aside and fully imbued himself in lightning, returning with a haymaker. Slauson wasn¡¯t even surprised that Zalan could move again. He didn¡¯t hesitate to see him move. He deftly smashed Zalan¡¯s hand upward, and went for an uppercut with his other hand. Zalan leaned back, narrowly avoiding the punch, but felt the sting of ice rush across his chin. Slauson¡¯s arms were fully imbued with Elemental Ice.

    The audience exploded in a deafening roar of approval. It was the first time Slauson looked like he was in a real match where his opponent wasn¡¯t mysteriously impaired. The cheers shook the stadium and the two fighters fought as though there was nothing in the world but one another.

    Zalan felt a rush of excitement, finally letting loose all of the anger that had been building inside of him in a single battle. The imbued lightning was pulsing as it raced through his body. His blows were charged with enough lightning to incapacitate Slauson, but he could never get a clean hit. Where Zalan felt incredibly powerful in his rage, fighting at maximum output, Slauson was a precise fighter. Even as Slauson was enraged by Zalan¡¯s words, he expertly wore down Zalan. He was nimble and powerful all at once. He struck the bruises left behind by Rexler and never allowed a fully imbued attack to hit him.

    Zalan tried to change tactics and use his feet, but Slauson seemed to have expected the transition and slammed Zalan¡¯s attempts aside. Slauson¡¯s feet were imbued with flames and his upper-body with ice. Zalan was beginning to grow frustrated and confused. Anger was supposed to be a tool. Something to increase his power, but he was clearly outmatched. In fact, he felt utterly exhausted after holding onto anger for so long. It drained him much faster than he felt in his other fights. Zalan thought for sure that if he could figure out how to avoid being frozen at the beginning of the fight, he would be able to beat Slauson in regular combat.

    He was woefully misled, and his frustration was not helping at all. His attacks were tossed aside like he was moving in slow motion. His Elemental blasts never hit their marks where Slauson¡¯s pelts of ice were creating more bruises and bleeds on Zalan¡¯s skin. The rage he channeled didn¡¯t come out as powerful as it felt in Zalan¡¯s mind. Zalan¡¯s head was filled with distracting thoughts and noises where he should have been more focused on the fight. And in the heat of the battle, Zalan saw something for a moment that made him even more unstable.

    Slauson had tears running down his cheeks.

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    Even as he put up an incredible fight, he had the capacity to mourn his lost parent. It infuriated Zalan that even Slauson knew how to cry. This fighter that acted like an emotionless husk for so much of the tournament could grieve, even in intense combat. Slauson didn¡¯t even see his father pass, but hearing the words was enough to bring him to an emotional release. And he was such a good fighter that Zalan was backed up to the edge of the ring. Even with tears clouding his vision, Zalan was the weaker fighter. He would be pushed out of the arena if Slauson kept up the fight.

    Zalan felt an odd stinging run through his leg and realized that he had somehow shocked himself. The floor of the arena was still sleek with water, and stepping without thinking was hurting him. But the pain gave him an idea.

    He zapped the floor next to Slauson with lightning. The electricity traveled through a puddle that Slauson stood on and ran up Slauson¡¯s body. Slauson jerked back involuntarily. Zalan ran forward and shoved him aside to make it back to the center of the ring. Slauson quickly regained his senses and turned around to face him. He wiped the tears from his face and grunted in frustration. His eyes weren¡¯t clouded by a blind rage, but a determination to win. Zalan couldn¡¯t understand it.

    The audience was on their feet cheering with approval over the course of the battle. Each fighter was imbued with so much power it was visible from anywhere in the stands. Zalan¡¯s imbued blue lightning and Slauson¡¯s imbued fire were almost blinding in their intensity. The audience members were amazed to see that Slauson was an incredible fighter and equally impressed by how long Zalan had lasted after being on the receiving end of so many hits. He was bruised all over and his face blackened and charred from his self-delivered lightning.

    ¡°You¡¯re a cheater!¡± Zalan proclaimed, once again trying to get the upper hand of battle.

    ¡°You are a liar!¡± Slauson replied equally loudly.

    Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if Slauson was rejecting being called a cheater or was still unsure whether Zalan was telling the truth about his father. Zalan wanted to say something more and get the people to see Slauson for what he was, but Slauson was bounding forward with a fiery fist. His entire body was imbued in a maelstrom of fire. Zalan rushed ahead to return the attack, exploding in a storm of electricity as he also imbued himself at full power. He gripped his fist tightly, ready to end this battle. In a battle of fire and lighting, Zalan was certain he could do more damage. He would stop Slauson in his tracks before the fire had a chance to burn through him.

    They both jumped, ready to strike one another with all they had.

    Slauson¡¯s fist opened at the last second, and he threw out a large block of ice from his palm. Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide, he thought they would be punching one another in the face. He couldn¡¯t shift his momentum.

    The ice rammed into Zalan¡¯s chest, throwing the trajectory of his jump out of control. Crying out in shock, he began to fall backward. Slauson placed a flame-imbued hand on Zalan¡¯s chest and slammed him to the ground. Zalan coughed as the air was driven out of him and pain ran through his back. He was blinded, stars swirling in his vision. He almost blacked out, but willed himself to stay awake. The fight wasn¡¯t going right. He wasn¡¯t supposed to be on the losing side.

    With grit teeth, Slauson withstood the shocks sent through his system by the lightning on Zalan¡¯s body. Zalan tried to react blindly, even as the stars hadn¡¯t exited his eyes. He raised his arms and shot out lightning, getting nowhere near Slauson and sending fear through the nearly-struck audience. Slauson emitted immense amounts of ice on Zalan¡¯s body. He struggled to jump up as his vision began to restore itself, but he couldn¡¯t move. He was once again frozen in place, much more so than the beginning of the fight.

    Zalan tried to imbue himself with enough power to melt down the ice, but Slauson kept replenishing anything Zalan would thaw away. The ice would conduct the lightning in unpredictable paths and Zalan would hurt himself too much to continue. He was stuck. In far too much pain to keep up any defense. Slauson stood over him, disgust in his eyes.

    ¡°You lied to me to get a rise out of me,¡± Slauson said, trying to assure himself. ¡°You know nothing of my father.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Zalan replied, his voice growing tight.

    Ice was covering his mouth. But he¡¯d said enough. Slauson believed him. He turned away from Zalan and closed his eyes, blocking more tears from appearing.

    ¡°A shame that I had to hear it from someone so abhorrent. May God curse you and everyone you care for,¡± Slauson spat, opening his eyes to glare at Zalan.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide. He snapped. If Slauson had left it at beating him in battle, Zalan may have been able to live with that. Even at his maximum output, Slauson beat him. But he had to make one last comment. He went too far. He cursed Rep. Spat on all the friends he¡¯d made in this world. Cursed his mother.

    All of the anger that Zalan thought he had expended came back with a vengeance. He had to do something. But he couldn¡¯t move. Couldn¡¯t even speak. The power built up in him. He was blind with rage, feeling like it reached out to envelop everything surrounding him. The lightning sensation in Zalan¡¯s mind expanded, and Zalan felt something new. It was a little thread of power floating above the stadium. Invisible to anything but Zalan¡¯s mind. Like the muscle that he used to emit lightning brushed against something in the sky. Zalan gripped to it with his power, not knowing what he was interacting with, but too enraged to care.

    He pulled against the feeling with his mind. With all the might he could muster.

    All the hair on Slauson¡¯s head stood up as it was swarmed with static. The sky cracked loudly and blinked a blinding white above the canyon walls. Slauson hesitated in confusion, then stared upward in shock.

    A massive bolt of lightning flared through the sky, miraculously summoned entirely by Zalan in his pinned state on the floor. Slauson raised his hands just as the lightning came down. It stabbed into him like a javelin, the power of the lightning detonating within him. His entire body flashed with blinding white power and the crowd had to avert their gaze as the electricity tore through him in a thunderous explosion.

 88 - Book 2 - Chapter 37 - Aftershock

    Lightning ripped through Slauson and sent him flying limp across the arena. The stadium echoed deafeningly loud with the crack of thunder. But the immense blast of energy didn¡¯t stop there. After hurtling through Slauson¡¯s system, it jolted through the puddles left in the arena by Trentor¡¯s fight. The electricity zipped through the water and shot through Zalan as well, sending a vast amount of pain through his pinned body. He screamed in agony. He tried to redirect the lightning, but failed. His body was pinned down and frozen, leaving him too unmoving to send any lightning away. He had to bear the titanic destruction of his own vengeance.

    The crowd stared in amazement, the blinding nature of the miraculous blast having dissipated as quickly as it came.

    ¡°What was that?¡± one of them called.

    ¡°Slauson was struck in the head!¡±

    ¡°The lightning hit is head! He must be disqualified!¡± another challenge.

    They continued looking for a judgment. Umdarr rubbed his eyes uncomfortably, blinking away the impressions left in his eyes from the crash of lightning. He peered uncertainly, not knowing how to judge the situation. The entire battle was so unclear.

    One moment Zalan was frozen in place, unable to even speak. The next, he somehow summoned lightning from the sky. It was hard to call whether he could aim the attack at all. Even if he couldn¡¯t aim, Zalan would still be disqualified for attacking Slauson¡¯s head. If only Umdarr could tell. Fighters at Level 10 and below rarely, if ever, got so intense and brutal before.

    He looked up to the stands, Madam Hikma¡¯s attention stuck to the scene. Boosting himself in a blast of air, Umdarr landed next to her gracefully, keeping his eyes on the arena the entire time.

    ¡°Was it a fair hit?¡±

    The truth of the matter was clear to Madam Hikma. Her keen eyes rarely missed such details

    ¡°Slauson raised his hands to defend himself the moment before the lightning landed. His arms were struck, not his head. Had Slauson not raised his hands in time, the lightning would have certainly hit his head, both killing him and disqualifying Zalan. The fight should continue.¡± she nodded sagely.

    The fight was allowed to continue. But it looked as though neither adjudicator to the fight was pleased by the state of the match. Too savage for their usual standards. Neither fighter looked to be in any state to continue a fight of any capacity. Umdarr jumped back down to keep a close eye on the battlefield.

    Slauson¡¯s body spasmed on the floor for a few seconds before stopping. He lay motionless. He was breathing faintly, but unconscious. Zalan was fully awake, but in immense pain, not having enough energy to overcome the remaining ice that covered him. Without Slauson maintaining the ice on Zalan¡¯s body, it thawed away. Even then, Zalan would have a hard time standing up after the battle he went through. He shivered, his body overwhelmed.

    Even more severe than the damage on Zalan¡¯s flesh was the throbbing in his mind. It was immensely taxing to summon lightning from the sky. He wasn¡¯t sure what he did that brought the lightning about and doubted he could replicate the attack. It came purely from blind desperation and rage. The simple act of summoning it hurt his head, like calling upon a headache. On top of that, being hit by the aftermath of the lightning running through the water was as painful as being crushed under an Elemental Dragon.

    But the most prevalent message repeating itself in his head was his new outlook on anger. It was such a clear thought. Enough so that it took over his every faculty to think through.

    Anger was not a tool. It was a dangerous emotion. There was nothing he had done in a state of anger that he didn¡¯t later regret in this journey. Nold¡¯s encouragement to use anger as a legitimate aspect of combat was wrong. His pent-up rage brought him to deal so much damage to himself. Physically and emotionally.

    He saw how Slauson had fought against him after he tried to drive him mad with rage. Slauson was certainly angry, but he still kept his emotions in check. By keeping the anger at bay, he kept the upper-hand in battle. Zalan could barely keep up. He was the far more enraged of the two fighters, backing every blow with as much ferocity as he could. But he was so weak in comparison. Against someone who was literally crying. The idea was clear in Zalan¡¯s mind now. The strongest men were those that could control their anger. Keep it from doing things they would regret. And Zalan regretted so much.

    As these thoughts flowed through his mind like a quaint river, he began to self-assess what he was really the most angry about. He felt that it came down to his lack of control. Not just his inability to escape this world, but his lack of ability to improve his life. He was no longer angry at Madam Hikma, Slauson, or the realm at large. He was most angry at himself. There were so many things he should have done with his mom before he ended up in this new world. He should have gone to see her smile just one more time. Heard her say some words of encouragement. Offer her anything that she could possibly ask for. Anything that could keep him going. Instead, he holed himself away in his apartment and had to live through the consequences in a totally bizarre realm.

    But this world brought about some solutions to his feelings of powerlessness. The Elemental Powers were incredible, having given him the ability to fight in unbelievable ways and bring someone back from the brink of death. This world also gave him the ability to make new friends. It really wasn¡¯t such a bad place to escape from. He could be grateful about some of the circumstances he was given as he was lost in this world. He had a really hard time with making good friends in the real world, and Rep was such a trustworthy friend.

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    Zalan blinked, his thoughts breaking way into reality as he thought about Rep. How was Rep? Was he okay in the medical tent? He had been frozen by Slauson. His body might be shutting down. He may have needed assistance. Zalan needed to check on him. He moved around, fighting hard against a strange cold sensation holding him down. He bore the stinging and screams of his limbs as he struggled to sit upright.

    The audience cheered loudly around Zalan. He strained his neck to look at them in astonishment. He was so lost in his head that he had forgotten that he was in the middle of the fight. The lightning had rattled him so badly, that he didn¡¯t remember where he was before they began applauding his efforts to stand. Umdarr was on the stage with them, watching the two fighters closely.

    ¡°One of the fighters needs to stand. The countdown to determine the winner will commence when one of the two is on his feet,¡± Umdarr declared.

    Those in the audience were roaring the same chant for Zalan, urging him to rise:

    ¡°Stand! Stand! Stand! Stand!¡±

    Zalan looked around in a daze, feeling the ice melt off of him and reconnecting the dots of exactly where he was. Somehow, the battle wasn¡¯t over yet. Umdarr¡¯s words made that clear. Slauson lay on the other side of the arena, his chest rising and falling. He was etched in black, his body charred after the lighting ran its course through his system. Zalan trembled as he tried to push himself upright. He kept buckling in pain, threatening to fall back onto the arena floor. The audience pleaded with him not to fall back down. They had witnessed a monumental explosion. Zalan brought lighting from the sky, something never seen before in the history of the tournament. He had earned the victory. He needed to only stand to accept it.

    Slauson gradually roused on the other end of the arena, the noise too loud for him to sleep through. He blinked blearily, in the same confused state as Zalan when he first rose. The audience became deafening, opposing fans of the fighters screaming at one another as each fighter struggled to regain their senses.

    Zalan pulled himself up to his knees to the rejoicement of his fans. From that simple move, he needed to catch his breath. Slauson picked up his head, making eye contact with Zalan. His eyes went wide, realizing where he was. He placed his hands on the floor to push himself up, then recoiled with a sharp yell. He looked at his arms and stared. They were charred black from the lightning. He touched one and flinched violently, assessing how bad the damage was.

    Zalan had managed to put one foot beneath him. Slauson rolled over and squirmed in place. Zalan put all the strength he could into the one foot under him and flung up to a standing position. His vision swam with lightheaded darkness. He stood for a fraction of a second, then buckled and fell to a kneel.

    Slauson started to build ice below his body, creating a kind of throne to stand up in. It was slow going, the platform being made inches at a time instead of an instantaneous creation he could manage at full strength.

    With the audience blocking out all other noises from his ears, Zalan managed to stand on one foot. Umdarr began counting to ten. Slauson urgently tried to increase the production of ice.

    Zalan instinctually lifted his shaking hand towards Slauson, but didn¡¯t shoot anything out. No. Slauson didn¡¯t deserve that. The way Zalan broke the news about Saluson¡¯s father was unjust. Adding any more pain to him after he experienced every ounce of Zalan¡¯s hate and anger wasn¡¯t fair.

    Slauson created the beginnings of the ice throne, but his body slid off of it. Slauson screamed out in agony as his damaged skin made contact with the arena. He was sitting up awkwardly, his back against the remaining ice structure. Umdarr watched him closely. He didn¡¯t yield, but he clearly wasn¡¯t going to try standing anymore.

    ¡°This Semifinal goes to Zalan!¡± Umdarr proclaimed.

    The instant that Umdarr closed the fight, Zalan fell into a kneel, breathing laboriously. Zalan was hardly focused enough to accept the win. He was concentrated on Slauson whose ice was already melting and causing him to slouch back into the floor. Neither of them could stand on their own two feet. How would Zalan even be able to compete in the finals in this state?

    ¡°Quite the spectacle of a fight,¡± Umdarr admitted as he placed Zalan¡¯s prize money in hand. A single gold coin.

    ¡°Cheating,¡± Zalan croaked, his throat sore. It felt like it had been dragged through with sandpaper.

    ¡°You were cheating?¡± Umdarr asked abrasively.

    ¡°Slauson.¡±

    ¡°You still insist Slauson was cheating? Even after beating him?¡± Umdarr asked, mildly disappointed.

    ¡°Attacking before the fight started,¡± Zalan tried to explain.

    ¡°We would have seen attacks if they occurred before fights began,¡± Umdarr replied.

    Zalan began coughing. He was trying to say something more, but his voice was in bad shape. Umdarr shook his head to himself, not able to understand why Zalan would be insisting on this narrative even after winning. But Umdarr had heard the things Zalan said to Slauson. The way he tore into Slauson¡¯s psyche and celebrated his father¡¯s fate. He imagined that Zalan might have a few pieces of empathy missing in his mind to be so brutal about someone¡¯s death.

    ¡°Go on and get off the stage,¡± Umdarr directed.

    ¡°Can¡¯t,¡± Zalan managed to whisper, pointing to his feet.

    ¡°Right,¡± Umdarr said, looking at the sad state of Zalan¡¯s body. There were more bruises than clean skin. His face was a mangled mess of scars. The rest of his body was marked with the wounds of the lighting brought from the sky. ¡°Do you intend to continue fighting?¡±

    Zalan blinked his eyes like he¡¯d seen Rep do. He was tired of talking and hoping it would translate into a nod. Umdarr nodded, understanding immediately.

    He snapped his fingers above his head and pointed to Zalan. From the sidelines, the two carriers came rushing up the stairs. Kashir and Brashir winced when they saw Zalan close up.

    ¡°To the healing tent?¡± Kashir asked Umdarr, his eyes not wanting to linger on Zalan too long.

    ¡°Do not take him to the tents. He only needs assistance out of the arena. He will be fighting in the next round,¡± Umdarr explained.

    The two men looked down at Zalan. The charred, black etches on his face. The cuts running up and down his body. Thin, fleshy burns on his arms and legs.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Brashir asked Umdarr, slightly appalled.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Zalan whispered certainly.

    The two men looked at one another, shrugged, then picked up Zalan. Zalan wanted to cry out, but held it in, trying to look better than he felt. He was trying to assure himself he could make it in the finals. Kashir and Brashir grimaced sympathetically as they headed down the stairs with Zalan in their arms.

    Zalan needed to win the tournament. He was all set to go back to the original plan. This world was not meant for him. He would talk to Madam Hikma and figure a way out of this place. The sooner he spoke to her, the sooner his time in this world would be over.

 89 - Book 2 - Chapter 38 - Sidelined

    Zalan looked up at the stands where Nold stood applauding him as he was carried off stage. He was showing a lot more emotion than Zalan had seen from him before. He was excited. Happy. Zalan first thought that Nold was happy that he maintained his reputation as an instructor, but the look on his face was too eager. He was thrilled by something else that Zalan couldn¡¯t figure out. He was hoping it had nothing to do with what he¡¯d said to Slauson in moments of rage.

    He continued to look around the crowd and sidelines around the arena, then went tense in shock at the sight of something.

    ¡°There!¡± Zalan said in his weakened voice, pointing with his eyes.

    ¡°What?¡± Brashir said. ¡°Did you say something?¡±

    ¡°Put me there,¡± Zalan insisted, raising a shaky hand to point.

    The two men looked up to where he pointed.

    ¡°Next to the other injured fighter?¡± the man asked, baffled.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan blinked in assent.

    ¡°You would still be close enough to the arena to be hit by attacks that fly off the stage. We should place you higher into the stands,¡± Kashir warned.

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t care. Put me there,¡± Zalan whispered.

    The men looked at one another, then shrugged to take Zalan to his requested spot. They placed him down next to the other man and walked back to the stage for further direction from Umdarr. Zalan looked at him, partly concerned.

    ¡°Rep,¡± Zalan acknowledged.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep replied, his voice equally strained.

    ¡°Why are you on the ground right next to the arena? You could have been hurt.¡±

    ¡°I could ask you the same. You are in a worse state than I am.¡±

    ¡°Rep, seriously. Why aren¡¯t you with Doctor Quill?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to see you fight,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°You should be resting,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°We can use the Homeseeker and heal immediately. I did not want to miss the fight. I got here just in time to see it begin,¡± Rep replied.

    Zalan registered his words somberly. Rep had seen everything he just went through. All the words he said. Shame washed over him. He wished that Rep didn¡¯t witness him at his worst. Rep had always been trying to pull his emotions back to the shallows but he went off the deep end regardless. It almost felt worse that Rep wasn¡¯t the type to say ¡°I told you so.¡± At least then, Zalan would feel like Rep got back at him after not listening. Instead, Rep had to witness the sight of Zalan snapping and trying to bring someone down with him.

    ¡°Sorry you had to see that,¡± Zalan murmured.

    ¡°Sorry to see you win?¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t reply. He knew Rep was deliberately trying to make it seem like he didn¡¯t listen to the outburst where he told Slauson about his father. Even now, Rep was trying to decrease the blow of wounds. It didn¡¯t matter that they were self-inflicted. Zalan sighed. Rep had even warned him about the dangers of letting anger run wild, but he was foolish and ignored his friend. Rep sat silently, waiting for Zalan to speak when he felt ready.

    ¡°I found out how he was beating everyone so easily. He was cheating. Covering his opponents with some ice whenever he did his stupid bow,¡± Zalan said to break the awkward silence between them.

    ¡°I see. Is there any evidence we can bring to Umdarr?¡± Rep said.

    ¡°That¡¯s it? He cheated in your fight and that¡¯s all you react with? A little question?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Is there any evidence?¡± Rep repeated.

    ¡°All the people he beat were cold when they were sent to the tents,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°That is only evidence that he has power over Elemental Ice. Do you have anything to prove he was using it out of combat?¡±

    ¡°I dunno. Your words against his? All of their testimony would probably mean something.¡±

    ¡°It does not sound like substantial evidence of it happening before the battle rather than during the battle.¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Seriously? That¡¯s it? You¡¯re just gonna take it?¡± Zalan was slightly offended on Rep¡¯s behalf, but also intent on knowing how Rep was feeling. What was the appropriate way to react when he felt he should be angry?

    ¡°I cannot change what has already happened. It is good to know the truth. It helps me to be patient with my frustration,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So you are frustrated.¡±

    ¡°Of course I am!¡± Rep cried, his voice firm. ¡°I fought like mad only to be brought down by some louse who thought himself good enough to play by different rules than the rest of us! Why should I be happy with that? But I know something much more important. The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger. Slauson made me feel that I was a terrible fighter who froze in the face of fear. I am not. I was convinced I was not, but now I know for certain. Knowing that I am better than that brings me some modicum of contentment.¡±

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    The mention of what it meant to be ¡°strong¡± reminded Zalan of Gorb. The way Rep controlled his anger when Zalan was acting like an annoying brat, he might have been the strongest person in the realm.

    Looking out onto the stage, Zalan ran a weak hand through his burned hair. Umdarr was directing Kashir and Brashir to carry Slauson. Slauson looked dejected, lying splayed out on the floor. Cold ice melted around him.

    ¡°What do I do?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Win the finals. Speak with Madam Hikma,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°You know what I meant. I shouldn¡¯t have said any of those things to Slauson. I said things that¡­ no one should say. I don¡¯t know what to do now,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I know. I was saying you should ask Madam Hikma for advice on what to do now,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan considered this. He watched as the men started to carry Slauson off stage. His body was bobbing like a ragdoll and marred with scars from the shock of lightning. Zalan wondered if a Healing Rest would be enough to cure him of all those injuries or if he¡¯d left permanent damage. He hoped for the former.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can win the finals with the way I feel right now,¡± Zalan admitted. ¡°With a few minutes¡¯ rest, I¡¯ll be able to stand up again, but there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll be able to move fast enough to keep up with a finalist. I¡¯ll get slaughtered on the first hit. If I can¡¯t beat the finals, I can¡¯t speak to Madam Hikma in time. Slauson might be gone as soon as the finals end.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Rep said, adjusting his position on the floor to get a better look at Zalan¡¯s injuries.

    ¡°What would you do if you were in my place? Regarding Slauson, I mean,¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    ¡°I would ask Madam Hikma,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°And if that wasn¡¯t an option?¡±

    ¡°I would apologize.¡±

    ¡°To Slauson? After he cheated and everything?¡±

    ¡°One¡¯s evil acts do not condone others,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I¡¯m evil now?¡±

    ¡°Your words certainly were not kind. Definitely not the way I would tell someone their parents had passed. Not even my worst enemies.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan sighed in agreement. ¡°Let¡¯s see if the two guys will carry us to the medical tent to talk to him.¡±

    ¡°You want to leave the stadium? You could miss the finals. You would be disqualified,¡± Rep reminded him.

    ¡°I told you, there¡¯s no way I¡¯m gonna win. Doesn¡¯t really matter at this point.¡±

    ¡°You do not at least wish to try?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I think we should at least console Slauson on the loss of his father. And apologize. I don¡¯t think even Slauson deserves what happened. But if I can make it back in time, I¡¯ll try the finals,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep sounded encouraging.

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk to Madam Hikma when we get back to Oriton and figure out how to get me to my real home. No more complaints and asking for different solutions, like last time. We¡¯ll take whatever bargain she offers,¡± Zalan closed his eyes and leaned his head against the stadium wall.

    ¡°Indeed. I believe that is the best course of action,¡± Rep smiled.

    Despite his burning injuries, Rep was genuinely happy to see the transformation in his friend. He had seen Zalan falling into darkness and felt like he was desperately trying to pull him back with every conversation on the journey to the tournament. Nold was no help to them in regards to Zalan¡¯s mental state, and he was worried that he would have to confront the powerful instructor at some point. He was glad to see that Zalan had come to the conclusion on his own terms. It was terrible what he did, but Rep felt it could have been much worse. Both Slauson and Zalan¡¯s physical wounds would heal. Neither are dead and Zalan wasn¡¯t intent on killing Slauson anymore. The improvement in Zalan¡¯s bearing was heartening.

    ¡°Interesting, you may not have to miss the finals after all,¡± Rep said, looking up ahead of them.

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Zalan asked, his eyes still closed.

    ¡°Slauson is pointing at us. And now he is being carried this way,¡± Rep relayed.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes shot open and he picked up his head to get a better look. Slauson was still mostly flopping around in the arms of the two carriers, but his eyes were sharp and looking directly at Zalan. Zalan held eye-contact, not sure what to expect. Slauson looked determined, but not vengeful.

    The two men carrying him set Slauson down gently a few feet from Zalan. A little further than arm¡¯s reach. They stood and Brashir folded his arms, looking skeptical. Kashir hurriedly rushed off to assist Umdarr in cleaning up the arena of ice and water. The organizers decided they didn¡¯t want variables from the previous fight affecting the next one. The lightning traveling the entire stage via water didn¡¯t feel like an intended way for the fights to commence. The audience impatiently waited for the cleaning to conclude and the next fight to commence.

    ¡°If you lay as much as a finger on Zaltor, we will have you removed,¡± Brashir warned Slauson forcefully.

    ¡°I know,¡± Slauson replied patiently.

    ¡°Not just removed from the tent, we will personally have you placed atop the canyon. The Basilisk will have its way with you if it has chosen to remain nearby. You will be left to the whims of the wild in your state,¡± Brashir insisted.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Slauson said.

    ¡°Any sign that you have used Elemental Power on him and the punishment will be the same,¡± Brashir said firmly. ¡°Even if he so much as makes the accusation that you hurt him, we will take him seriously. Do you still wish to sit here and converse?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I understand the terms. I wish to speak with him,¡± Slauson nodded.

    ¡°And you,¡± Brashir turned to Zalan. ¡°There is no more need to hurt a broken fighter. Umdarr has said that if you hurt him, you will be disqualified.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it? No Basilisk feeding?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Fine, yes. We will also feed you to the Basilisk.¡±

    Brashir turned to Rep, raising an eyebrow. He opened his mouth, but faltered.

    ¡°Who are you, again?¡±

    ¡°My name is Rep.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­ Umm¡­ Rep! Do not do anything foolish. Or else,¡± Brashir warned, though the threat was much weaker this time.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Very well, we will be watching closely,¡± the man said, walking off to the arena.

    Zalan, Rep, and Slauson were left on their own to interact. Zalan tried to muster some lightning to imbue within himself just in case, but didn¡¯t have the energy for it. He was completely at Slauson¡¯s mercy if he had any ill-intent. Slauson could probably kill him before they sent him to the Basilisk. Zalan wouldn¡¯t blame him. After all, he tried to kill Slauson with the lightning from the sky only minutes ago.

    But whatever Slauson¡¯s plans were, he kept them to himself as the tension built between the three men on the side of the arena.

 90 - Book 2 - Chapter 39 - Reasons

    <h2> </h2>

    The three fighters sat leaned against the stadium wall in silence. Rep and Zalan waited for Slauson to announce why he came to sit with them. Slauson waited for them to ask. The quiet stretched. Zalan considered whether he wanted to open the conversation by saying sorry, but couldn¡¯t bring himself to say it so soon after Slauson appeared. He was hoping to bring himself up to the task as he made his way to the medical tent. This was too sudden.

    ¡°Is it true you cheated in our match?¡± Rep asked, leaning forward to look at Slauson as he spoke. He didn¡¯t sound like he was accusing Slauson of anything, he just wanted to corroborate some casual information.

    Slauson watched Rep for a few seconds, scanning him for intentions. Then, he looked side to side and measured who could hear him. No one except for Zalan and Rep. His words would be drowned out by the audience conversing above them.

    ¡°It is true. I was using my Elemental Ice before the matches began. During the bow I did during the required show of respect,¡± Slauson admitted. He sounded uncomfortable. Ashamed, even.

    ¡°Huh,¡± Rep acknowledged. ¡°You seem remorseful for a cheater. Interesting to see.¡± Zalan found it incredible that Rep didn¡¯t follow up with an insult or even cast a hint of shame. Like he was nothing more than amused to know the truth.

    Slauson lay his head back against the stadium and breathed in deeply. The ice was broken between them. He proceeded with his originally intended question.

    ¡°Is it true? What you said about my father?¡± Slauson asked.

    Zalan sighed, slouching in discomfort.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t say any of those things about you,¡± Zalan said apologetically.

    ¡°No, no,¡± Slauson brushed his words aside. ¡°Is my father dead?¡±

    Zalan swallowed hard.

    ¡°Yeah. We saw his body in the Castle of Docrun,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I assumed you were telling the truth. He did not tell anyone other than myself that he was going to the castle. I was trying to understand how else you would have known,¡± Slauson said. His eyes glistened with moisture and he had a faraway look.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Zalan finally said. ¡°I should never have told you the way I did. It wasn¡¯t right. That¡¯s no way to share the news.¡±

    His apology didn¡¯t feel as sincere as he thought it should be. He thought the apology would make him feel better about everything, but he felt the same. Slauson didn¡¯t seem to notice the added discomfort on Zalan¡¯s face. He was focused on his own thoughts.

    ¡°Ah. That. I suppose I can accept your apology,¡± Slauson said, sounding somewhat distracted.

    ¡°You can?¡± Zalan asked, both confused and hopeful.

    ¡°Yes. I already knew. Deep in my heart, I knew. He was gone for far too long. But your words made it clear. There is nowhere to hide when you are at the mercy of another fighter. And I thought you were frozen. The fact you were able to speak seemed like God, Himself, wanted me to realize the truth. That father is¡­ I just wish we had more time to¡­¡± Slauson sighed with mixed emotions.

    Zalan¡¯s heart dropped at his words. He related with Slauson more than he thought he would. They shared regrets about time spent with their parents. Or time not spent.

    ¡°Was it true that he left a letter?¡± Slauson asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°It mentioned me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but I don¡¯t remember exactly what it said,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I recall,¡± Rep said, leaning forward. ¡°He spoke of going to the castle to seek its treasures. He was stuck in a Chaos Chamber and left behind all manner of ways he tried to escape, in order to assist anyone in the future who came across the same trap. He ended it with a note to his son. He said he loves you and¡­¡± Rep stopped abruptly.

    ¡°Continue,¡± Slauson said immediately.

    ¡°He said¡­ not to cheat others like he did. Or else you may find yourself facing the same fate of paying off debts.¡±

    Slauson scoffed, a tear running down his cheek.

    ¡°That man. He knew me so well,¡± Slauson chuckled, but there was no amusement in the laugh. He was choking back sobs.

    ¡°That letter may have saved our lives,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Really?¡± Slauson asked desperately, hoping to hear more about his father.

    ¡°The letter relayed to us all of the manner in which he tried to escape the Artifact-sealed chamber. Without his notes, we may have lost our minds. His direction helped us get out before we were too weak to escape,¡± Rep explained, making Slauson¡¯s father sound heroic.

    More tears flowed from Slauson¡¯s face. Zalan watched him express his grief. Slauson was so stone-faced before. But now he was emoting so freely. Something had changed after the battle. Maybe losing had changed him somehow. The thought brought a question to Zalan¡¯s mind that he couldn¡¯t ignore. He waited for Slauson to settle down enough to breathe normally, then asked his question.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    ¡°Slauson, why did you enter the tournament?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I told you before. The Reversal Stone,¡± Slauson said.

    ¡°The prize Artifact?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°What does it do?¡± Zalan asked, totally having forgotten in the course of the tournament.

    ¡°It turns back time on a single thing,¡± Rep replied.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide. He definitely should have remembered that. It was the most powerful Artifact he¡¯d heard of so far.

    ¡°What did you intend to use it for?¡± Rep asked Slauson.

    ¡°I was going to find my father. And in the case he had already passed, I was going to use it on him,¡± Slauson said.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rep said, his face growing mortified. He hesitated, wondering if he should tell Slauson what he knew. He bit his lip for a moment, then pressed forward. ¡°But, Slauson¡­ The Reversal Stone¡­ It does not turn back time very far. No more than a handful of minutes, if that.¡±

    Slauson nodded, tears once again flooding his eyes.

    ¡°I know. But I thought maybe I could catch him just before he died. Or maybe I could enhance it with another Artifact! I was going to try everything. Just to see him one last time.¡±

    Rep and Zalan remained quiet for a minute as Slauson went through his feelings of pain. Zalan watched closely, trying to study how a normal person goes through grief. Tears running down his face were so foreign to him. His eyes had been dry for so long. He wondered what it would finally take to have the same reaction. His entire world was out of reach. He¡¯d lost access to his mom and everyone else in his family. But he felt nothing. He shuddered, wondering what was wrong with him.

    ¡°I understand it now,¡± Rep said as the epiphany struck. ¡°You cheated in order to bring your father back. You were willing to do anything to win the Artifact.¡±

    Slauson bowed his head in shame. Rep was exactly right. Zalan couldn¡¯t believe it. This one conversation with Slauson had altered his entire view of him.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s why you sabotaged the other fighters before they could enter the tournament. You wanted to make it even easier to win. Get the Artifact faster. You almost killed someone for your dad,¡± Zalan said, thinking that he might do the same if it was his mother.

    ¡°I did not intend to kill anyone! I only wished to incapacitate them long enough to win the tournament. Ironically, I made the tournament more difficult on myself. There were fewer Level 10 and Under entrants than usual this year. If I had let it be, I would have fought fewer people and never come in battle with Zalan. But because of my meddling, I hurt others for no good reason,¡± Slauson lamented. ¡°I was going to give them all the prize money as an apology.¡±

    Zalan started seeing flashes of Slauson earlier in the tournament. He had been aloof and incredibly stoic, but now Zalan understood why. He was keeping himself apart from the fighters so he wouldn¡¯t feel as bad when he cheated and took their dreams from them. It wasn¡¯t that he was looking down on anyone, he was just trying not to make friends. He was cold and harsh to keep others away. Deliberately trying to be unapproachable. Even his black and purple tunic was a depressing sight to avert people¡¯s gazes. He knew what he was doing was wrong from the beginning, but tried to reduce the guilt he felt from doing it. The shame of having to face anyone he was cheating was too much for him, so he tried to otherize everyone.

    Even with all those feelings, he didn¡¯t stop the plan from being executed. Anything to bring back his father. Zalan never knew his own father, he died too soon. And his mother¡­ he didn¡¯t want to think about it.

    ¡°Did you bury my father¡¯s body?¡± Slauson asked hopefully.

    ¡°We did not. We escaped the Chaos Chamber as soon as we saw an opening, leaving everything behind,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Where is this Chaos Chamber?¡± Slauson asked.

    ¡°On the second floor of the castle. Be careful. It is dangerous. It can be deactivated by twisting the Artifact hanging from the ceiling,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Hmm. Thank you,¡± Slauson acknowledged, leaning his head back against the stadium wall.

    Zalan realized that Slauson was planning to collect his father¡¯s body and bury it himself.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t go alone,¡± Zalan added helpfully. ¡°There¡¯s Melders and Razortongues in the castle. A huge nest of Razortongues before the Chaos Chamber.¡±

    ¡°Good to know,¡± Slauson nodded.

    Umdarr was finally calling the last two semifinalists onto the stage. The three injured fighters were at a poor sitting angle and could hardly see the announcer. They would definitely miss the majority of the fight.

    ¡°You should move up to the stands to see your competition,¡± Slauson said to Zalan.

    ¡°Would if I could,¡± Zalan patted his thighs lightly. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can stand up, yet.¡±

    ¡°At least you can move your arms,¡± Slauson looked at the black, charred remains of his limbs. ¡°Were you always able to summon lightning from the sky?¡±

    ¡°Not before our fight,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°Convenient,¡± Slauson said suspiciously.

    ¡°Oh come on. Even if I was hiding it, you were literally cheating,¡± Zalan said.

    Slauson scoffed through his nose. Zalan found it strange how differently he felt about Slauson. They weren¡¯t really friends, but they certainly weren¡¯t enemies anymore. He didn¡¯t have any negative feelings toward him anymore. Slauson had been so vulnerable after he had been exposed as a cheater. At the most, they were acquaintances. Bordering on friendly rivals.

    ¡°Are you going to tell Umdarr that you cheated?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not a chance,¡± Slauson shook his head. ¡°I do not believe I would leave with my life. If those I injured found it in their hearts to forgive me, the audience would still have me quartered.¡±

    The audience roared as the next battle began. Their cheers were bombastic. Almost ravenous. From what Zalan could hear, Slauson wasn¡¯t exaggerating. To mess with their beloved tournament would be an affront to their lives. No objectionable act could go unpunished by the mob.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zalan said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with the information he had.

    Before knowing, he was half-considering telling people in the medical tent if Slauson wasn¡¯t going to do it. But he didn¡¯t want to see Slauson killed over his actions. His motivations were too understandable to Zalan. If he thought there was even the slightest chance that someone¡¯s life could be brought back, he would probably act similarly. He could think of instances in this world and his own world where he could be in Slauson¡¯s shoes.

    ¡°Who do you think will win the next bout? Dimak is gravely injured and Trentor is only Level 3,¡± Rep asked. ¡°I honestly believe it could go either way.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Dimak, again?¡± Zalan asked, rubbing his forehead.

    ¡°Is he joking?¡± Slauson asked Rep.

    The conversation lulled as the three looked up as they saw someone they recognized approaching them from the stands. Slauson tried to sit up a little straighter at his approach and the other two weren¡¯t sure how to feel.

    Nold was approaching them. Smiling widely.

 91 - Book 2 - Chapter 40 - The End of the Semifinals

    ¡°There you are! I have been searching for you since the end of the battle! You did it!¡± Nold clapped his hands once as he knelt down in front of Zalan. ¡°How do you feel? Your displays of power were incredible!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that,¡± Zalan said, trying not to discuss the fight directly in front of Slauson.

    ¡°No, no, you were very impressive,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°I barely beat him,¡± Zalan said, trying to offer a compliment to Slauson.

    ¡°What? You are talking about the match?¡± Nold looked confused.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ what are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°The lightning pulled from the heavens!¡± Nold said grandly and looked up to the sky. ¡°Such an impressive power! Could you do it again?¡±

    ¡°Right now? No way,¡± Zalan shook his head lightly.

    ¡°I see. Very well, do you have a good grasp over the feeling of summoning lightning? In general, not at this moment. Perhaps, if given enough time to focus, you could do it again?¡± Nold asked eagerly.

    ¡°Nold, I don¡¯t even know how I did it the first time. There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll be able to manage it in the finals,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°The finals?¡± Nold¡¯s brow furrowed.

    The crowd cheered enthusiastically above them, shaking the earth with their energy.

    ¡°Right, yes, the finals,¡± Nold said as though it was an afterthought. He cleared his throat, trying to catch up with the context. ¡°That was a good fight you put on. Good show in the physical fight. And I was impressed by how well you tried to mentally eviscerate your opponent.¡±

    Zalan closed his eyes and sighed, bearing the shame of the statement. Nold seemed surprised by Zalan¡¯s reaction and looked at Rep, waiting for him to add words of support. Rep shook his head slightly. Even more confused, Nold turned to Slauson.

    ¡°What are you doing here? Are you harassing Zabor?¡± Nold asked sternly.

    Slauson stared blankly. Then he squinted in confusion.

    ¡°Do you mean Zalan?¡± Slauson asked.

    Zalan reopened his eyes, surprised to hear Slauson correcting Nold.

    ¡°That is what I said. Are you harassing my student?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°No. We were just discussing some things about the battle. I would have left by now, but it seems I can not move my legs,¡± Slauson replied, mildly offended by Instructor Nold¡¯s accusation.

    ¡°I see,¡± Nold said. ¡°You have Elemental Ice Power. I have never seen that one before. An impressive power. How would you like for me to train you for next year¡¯s tournament?¡±

    Zalan and Rep looked to one another, feeling as though they were being tossed aside by their mentor even as the tournament had yet to end.

    ¡°I have much to achieve between now and next year. I do not know that I will be free to train with you,¡± Slauson said politely.

    ¡°Just as well. I should be fine with just the lightning,¡± Nold replied to the group.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to set sail! I told you before. We can finally travel safely now that you have the ability to summon lightning from the skies at will,¡± Nold said eagerly.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do it at will!¡±

    ¡°Details, details,¡± Nold said dismissively. ¡°You have done it once, you can certainly do it again with proper training. And I intend to train you plenty between now and then.¡±

    ¡°Actually, Instructor Nold,¡± Rep chimed in, ¡°Zalan and I were discussing this earlier. We determined that it would be best to speak to Madam Hikma and decide where to go next based on her advisement. Leaving now would be an obstacle to Zalan¡¯s personal goals.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Nold said, looking between Rep and Zalan in exasperation. ¡°No, no, I thought you said you would assist me. I trusted that you would assist me.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Zalan said awkwardly. ¡°But just after I finish all the quests that Madam Hikma gives us. They are the most important thing to me.¡±

    ¡°Negotiating with me, are you? Fine. Surely I can come with you for those quests. I could be an asset and move you faster. Once those are done, you will have the time to complete my quest,¡± Instructor Nold said.

    Zalan looked at Rep for assistance. Rep shrugged slightly, leaving the decision up to Zalan. While they both felt strange about Nold, they knew he was a powerful ally and could probably teach them even more about fighting if they stuck with him.

    Zalan couldn¡¯t place exactly what he thought of Instructor Nold. Zalan never felt unsafe around him. But he didn¡¯t exactly feel confident in him. He could trust him when it mattered, but there was a wall where Nold held his secrets that made Zalan feel off. Nold was hiding things that Zalan thought he had the right to know. He had been his student for long enough. For instance, Zalan didn¡¯t know what Level Nold was at or the specifics of how he acquired any of his Elements and abilities. He never got to know about where Nold was from and why he liked teaching people with specific powers so much. But Zalan decided that it probably wasn¡¯t that important so long as he was assisting them. He had never done anything that made Zalan truly believe Nold was bad to have around.

    And even if he did promise to help Nold, he would be back in his own world after completing Madam Hikma¡¯s quests. Madam Hikma¡¯s quests would only ever be done in the case that Zalan wasn¡¯t around anymore. There wasn¡¯t much to be concerned about regarding Nold and going to some particular spot in the seas with him.

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    ¡°Yeah, sure, you can come with us,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Excellent. Let us be off. Immediately,¡± Nold said, standing up.

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Zalan asked, stunned.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Nold looked down, trying to decipher Zalan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Nold. The finals.¡±

    ¡°Right, yes, of course,¡± Nold said, turning around and looking at the arena. ¡°Would you like me to carry you back into the stands? You should watch the fight.¡±

    Zalan, Rep and Slauson all nodded. Nold waved his hands obligingly. Discs of sand were formed under Zalan and Rep, floating them upward and off the stadium floor. Slauson looked disappointed, but understanding as he was left behind. Zalan looked back at him, concerned with not having done enough for him.

    ¡°What about Slauson?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°What about him?¡± Nold asked, growing annoyed by all his student¡¯s delays.

    ¡°Can he maybe join us?¡± Zalan said, embarrassed.

    ¡°The one who was harassing you?¡±

    ¡°I was doing no such thing,¡± Slauson said firmly.

    ¡°Nold, just bring him,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Very well,¡± he allowed, spinning a hand once more to bring about a third sand disc.

    Nold floated them up the stairs into the arena stands. He turned their discs so that they were able to watch the fight as they were being carried to their seats. Zalan watched intently, knowing he would be facing the winner of this bout.

    Dimak and Trentor were mid-battle, but it was far less violent than Zalan would have expected in a semifinal. Trentor was throwing small balls of water at Dimak from across the stage and Dimak was either moving aside or allowing them to splash him, depending on their size. Dimak was breathing heavily, not sending back any significant attacks. The crowd was roaring for Trentor, hungry to see him succeed.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are they both low Levels?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Have you not been watching any of their matches?¡± Slauson asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s pretend I haven¡¯t,¡± Zalan offered, trying not to sound stupid.

    ¡°Dimak was in a brutal match in the quarterfinal. The intensity was similar to our recent bout,¡± Slauson said. ¡°He is likely very weakened. He is at Level 8, if I recall correctly. Trentor, on the other hand, is a low Level. Something like Level 2. No one expected him to make it this far.¡±

    ¡°So, Dimak is too weak to just go in and finish the match? There¡¯s a huge Level gap.¡±

    ¡°Either that, or he does not wish to receive the ire of the audience by defeating the fan favorite,¡± Slauson guessed.

    ¡°I know I would be concerned about the latter,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°Even if there wasn¡¯t a crowd cheering for Trentor, you¡¯d find a reason to be concerned,¡± Zalan told him.

    ¡°True,¡± Rep smirked.

    Dimak got tired of his defensive movement to avoid the water and slowly began to make his way across the arena. Trentor went tense, immediately stopping his output of water. Dimak surrounded his fist in a rock, effectively giving himself a spiked gauntlet. Trentor began trembling.

    ¡°Woah, is that what imbuing Elemental Earth looks like?¡± Zalan asked as Nold sat them all down.

    ¡°Yes. I thought you knew that. He has been using it in every battle he was a part of. Really, I am disappointed you have not caught on to it earlier,¡± Nold said as though it was obvious.

    ¡°I get it,¡± Zalan said, trying to drop the subject.

    ¡°You really seem to stumble your way through the Elemental Rage Tournament,¡± Slauson pointed out.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I just think that if you are in a tournament, you should know the abilities of your opponents as well as you can. Rather than discovering these things minutes before you experience them in combat,¡± Slauson said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why I should take your advice when you couldn¡¯t even make it to the finals,¡± Zalan replied with a hint of pride.

    Slauson turned his way and raised an amused eyebrow.

    ¡°You had better not lose the final match,¡± Slauson said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try but¡­¡±

    Stinging pain ran through Zalan¡¯s chest. Everything in his body complained loudly with hurt. Slauson shrugged.

    ¡°Whatever you do, make it quick. We need to get moving on those quests,¡± Nold said.

    Slauson leaned in toward Zalan and Rep.

    ¡°For a tournament instructor, he seems rather eager to not be part of the tournament,¡± Slauson mentioned quietly.

    ¡°He seemed interested in training us before this,¡± Rep replied, also confused.

    ¡°He only changed after my match against you. Otherwise he used to be¡­¡± Zalan was going to say ¡°normal¡± but knew that word wouldn¡¯t quite fit. He pivoted to another word. ¡°He used to be more focused.¡±

    ¡°A madman who gets results is simply called eccentric,¡± Slauson said vaguely.

    ¡°What results?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°His students got into the Quarterfinals and Finals on their first attempts. And they were competing against people at higher Levels than them,¡± Slauson said.

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Zalan said.

    In the course of the tournament, he¡¯d forgotten all about the rigorous training he¡¯d gone through with Nold. He wouldn¡¯t have made it nearly this far if he wasn¡¯t able to imbue himself. Being able to emit lightning from his feet was a well-needed surprise attack. Even the slight redirection came in handy to throw off Rexler when in combat with him. Without Nold¡¯s assistance, he wouldn¡¯t have gotten close to being able to fight Slauson. Nor come to the conclusion he did about anger not being a tool to be built up and used. For that, he realized with some chagrin that he had a lot to be grateful to Nold for. It might be good to try and repay him for teaching him how to fight so well. He tried to ignore his conscience and focus on the fight.

    Gradually, Dimak closed the gap between himself and Trentor. Trentor shrieked and threw as much water as he could at Dimak. Dimak blocked it with his rock-gauntlet fist. When Trentor¡¯s water petered out into a trickle, Dimak pulled the arm back to strike. He drove a powerful punch into Trentor¡¯s side. Dimak looked like his strike hurt him as much as it hurt his opponent. He closed his eyes tightly and grit his teeth. The way Trentor flopped onto the ground was harsh, even to watch. The crowd cheered for Trentor regardless. Then, Trentor coughed a spot of blood and raised his head.

    ¡°I yield!¡± he said in a small voice, blood at his lips.

    Dimak grunted loudly in relief and plopped down on his rear, breathing heavily. The imbued rock at his arm crumbled to pebbles. He winced and groaned as he rubbed the bruises all throughout his body. He wasn¡¯t even close to recovering from his fight with Skellorn, and Trentor did well to drain him of what little energy remained.

    The audience had gone quiet. They murmured to one another in disbelief, trying to understand what they saw. After a few seconds, they collectively came to a conclusion and booed at Trentor. Zalan was shocked by the speed at which their opinion on him turned around. It seemed they were perfectly happy to see him beat to a pulp, so long as he never gave up in the meantime. He would have been hailed a champion if he just let Dimak beat him to death.

    Slauson and Rep turned to Zalan who looked disappointed that the match ended so soon.

    ¡°Well. Are you ready for the finals?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No. Well, yeah, I guess. I still don¡¯t think I¡¯ll win, but I¡¯m as ready as I¡¯ll ever be,¡± Zalan leaned forward.

    ¡°Try and bring lightning from the sky again. It will be a very flashy way to end the tournament,¡± Nold said. ¡°Show off your power and make me proud.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    He stared at the dozens of stairs between him and the arena. Sweat rolled down his brow. He looked up at Nold.

    ¡°Ummm, can you help me back down?¡± Zalan asked, embarrassed.

 92 - Book 2 - Chapter 41 - The Finals

    Zalan felt profoundly anxious as Nold floated him down to the arena. The audience members he passed by were cheering him on and patting him on the back. Every time they touched him, he flinched and winced in pain. He asked them to stop, but they were too raucous to hear him over the sound of their own congratulations and support. When they wouldn¡¯t relent, Nold created a barrier of sand between them to keep everyone from even being able to see Zalan. He was met with scorn, but Nold couldn¡¯t care less for their criticisms. The only important thing to him was Zalan and his upcoming show of power.

    ¡°Any advice?¡± Zalan asked Nold.

    ¡°More lightning from the sky would be a great way to catch him off guard,¡± Nold said a little too quickly. Zalan began to notice that Nold cared more about him mastering the ability to summon lightning from the sky than he was about winning the fight.

    ¡°And if I can¡¯t do that? I told you I didn¡¯t know how I did it the first time,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Dimak uses Earth. Lightning won¡¯t travel very well through its material. Your imbuing will do you no good if he attacks with his rocks. Keep your distance. But so long as you keep a distance away, he will shield himself. Your best plan would be to redirect lightning to strike him where he is not protected by earth,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan was surprised by how quickly he came up with that plan.

    ¡°Okay, yeah. That makes sense,¡± Zalan nodded to himself. ¡°But I¡¯m not very good at redirecting lightning.¡±

    ¡°You could always overpower him in hand to hand combat,¡± Nold offered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m really up for that either,¡± Zalan flexed his limbs slowly, assessing himself. He would be able to stand and move once on stage. But just barely.

    ¡°Well, then you may just want to yield,¡± Nold shrugged, failing to sound nonchalant.

    ¡°I thought you said I would lose your respect if I yielded?¡±

    ¡°That was when you were able-bodied. You may want to save yourself the humiliation of the battle and immediately get moving on Hikma¡¯s quests. That is not so shameful,¡± Nold suggested.

    Again, Zalan realized that there were ulterior motives in Nold¡¯s words.

    ¡°I¡¯m not yielding,¡± Zalan said firmly.

    ¡°Then any of my other suggestions will do fine,¡± Nold said.

    They had arrived at the base of the stairs to the arena. Umdarr nodded to Zalan and Nold in acknowledgement. Once again, they were cleaning the arena of Trentor¡¯s water before continuing the tournament. Zalan wouldn¡¯t be able to rely on that for any clever plays against Dimak. He rubbed his hands together nervously and looked up to his mentor.

    ¡°I think he¡¯s going to destroy me. He¡¯s got way more power,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Nold said confidently. ¡°He is weak.¡±

    ¡°Based on what?¡±

    ¡°In his previous fight, he struck Trentor with a fully imbued hand of earth and did minimal damage,¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°Minimal? Trentor was bleeding! He yielded immediately!¡±

    ¡°But the power difference between them should have been much more immense. A single full-powered blow from a Level 9 Earth-imbued man could kill a Level 3 fighter. Either that, or put a hole in him he would have to have a healing rest for.¡±

    ¡°Level 9? I thought he was Level 8?¡±

    ¡°Whoever told you that was mistaken.¡±

    ¡°So, maybe he held back against Trentor for the sake of the tournament,¡± Zalan ventured.

    ¡°Perhaps. But I am in doubt. Even if he were holding back, he should have had enough energy to strike his opponent with enough force to knock him unconscious,¡± Nold replied.

    Zalan tried to remember how Dimak looked as he struck Trentor. He couldn¡¯t remember it very well. He was hardly paying attention to the fight because of the uncanny experience of watching with Slauson, of all people. He was too distracted. That was probably what made Nold such a powerful fighter and instructor. He read people as they were fighting. He wouldn¡¯t get distracted by something like a massive change in Slauson¡¯s constitution. Zalan breathed nervously.

    ¡°Nold¡­ Do you think I have a chance against someone 4 Levels higher than me? That¡¯s almost double my Level,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Of course I think you have a chance. You trained with me, and I have a much higher Level than you or Dimak. I would not train you to fail,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°So you think I¡¯ll win?¡±

    ¡°I said you have a chance. Do not put words in my mouth,¡± Nold said seriously. Zalan felt worse.

    Umdarr inhaled powerfully.

    ¡°Who is ready for the finals?¡± he exploded, a showcaster¡¯s smile on his face.

    The crowd went wild, an ocean of cheers drowning the uncertain thoughts from Zalan¡¯s mind. He couldn¡¯t hear himself think among the earth rumbling shouts surrounding him on all sides. They were enthused enough to excite Zalan as well. He wanted to get in the arena and battle it out.

    ¡°Closing out the Level 10 and Under Elemental Rage Tournament comes two incredible fighters! On this end is a fighter with a positively shocking Elemental Power! Someone who has been battling in unorthodox ways and somehow knows enough about his enemies to get in their heads!¡±

    Zalan felt a cold chill of embarrassment. Everyone knew how terrible of a person he was when he went up against Slauson. Everyone heard his verbal tirade. Apparently, they thought it was a fighting strategy because the audience cheered on Umdarr¡¯s words. Zalan would have to carry the shame. There were too many people who knew about it for it to be swept under the rug.

    ¡°A man who has dealt death to a dragon at only a Level of Five! Here comes Zalan!¡± Umdarr said, jumping and punching the air excitedly as he said each word of the final sentence.

    Zalan felt the sand drip away from beneath him, leaving him on his own two feet. He wobbled slightly, but was able to hold himself up fine. He looked back at Nold one last time as the audience chanted for him.

    ¡°Fight as well as your power deserves,¡± Nold said profoundly.

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    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan said, not able to tell whether those words were supposed to be encouraging.

    He took the steps slowly, as putting weight on his legs took a serious toll on him. The audience cheered the whole while, calling a mix of all the different names he was called throughout the tournament. He felt elated that he heard them chant ¡°Zalan¡± at least once between chants of ¡°Ziyard¡± and ¡°Zoltan.¡± It took until the end of the tournament, but at least a few people knew his name.

    When he finally made it to the top step, he found that he was catching his breath. He only needed to take five steps, but apparently that was enough for him to feel completely winded.

    ¡°And on this end. An immovable fighter in this tournament bashing through all of his competition. A powerful contender with a razor sharp knack for fighting. The Rock Solid fighter at Level 9¡­ Dimak!¡± Umdar said, presenting him. The audience boomed at their finalist.

    Dimak strained and groaned as he climbed each step. His face was beet red from the effort and his mouth tight with concentration. He sighed loudly with relief when he reached the top step. Now that they were closer, Zalan could see he was exhausted. He heaved deep breaths and had drops of sweat peppered across his body. His bruised body shook profusely and he shivered every few seconds. He looked a lot like Zalan felt.

    ¡°Fighters! Show your respect to your fellow finalist!¡± Umdarr said.

    Both Zalan and Dimak stumbled to get their hands in the right shape. It was clear that neither of them would fight at full capacity.

    ¡°Fighters! Begin!¡± Umdarr jumped off the stage.

    The crowd let out a deep, prolonged cheer as Zalan and Dimak stared one another down. Dimak blinked sweat out his eyes and Zalan stumbled in place. His knees were buckling and his balance was tenuous at best. Zalan wondered how pathetic he looked to the crowd. By the way they cheered for their every twitch and stumble, he would have guessed that the fighters looked great.

    Zalan swallowed hard and took a single step forward, his teeth held tightly together. Dimak, in kind, took a step forward, wincing at the movement. Neither of them were holding arms up toward one another, and Zalan took it as a good sign that neither fighter was going to throw Elemental Power at the other. Zalan wasn¡¯t sure how much he would be able to produce. He guessed a spark at most. His vision was swimming with faint black clouds, threatening to take over and blind him. His head swayed dreamily as he walked, ready to sleep the moment he lay down. Dimak looked equally dazed, constantly wiping his brow to bring sweat out from his eyes.

    Dimak and Zalan were close now, easily in range of either one of them sending out an Elemental attack. Zalan stopped, because he felt he could go no further without tripping and landing on his face. Dimak stopped because he thought it was a mind game. Zalan¡¯s entire body was stinging consistently, constantly peppered with tiny reminders of his dozens of wounds. He looked at Dimak. Dimak stared back. Zalan really didn¡¯t want to take serious hits at the moment and decided to try and stall.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Zalan croaked, only loud enough for Dimak to hear.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°What uhhh¡­ What are you fighting for?¡± Zalan asked.

    Dimak¡¯s eyebrows furled in confusion. He scrutinized Zalan¡¯s stance closely, making sure he wasn¡¯t a threat. Zalan wobbled and gripped his fists as he caught himself from falling.

    ¡°It is a tournament. It calls for us to fight,¡± Dimak answered.

    ¡°No, yeah, I got that. I mean, what are you going to do with the prize if you win?¡±

    ¡°When I win.¡±

    ¡°Sure, yeah, whatever. What are you gonna do with it?¡± Zalan asked.

    Dimak lips shifted thoughtfully, gauging Zalan¡¯s question for sincerity. He, too, enjoyed the fact that the fighting between them was being delayed. The cuts on his arm had only recently stopped bleeding and he was woozy from lack of blood.

    ¡°I wish to speak to Madam Hikma,¡± Dimak finally answered.

    Zalan waited for him to continue. He didn¡¯t, but he also didn¡¯t move in to attack. Zalan took it as a good sign. His guard was already down, but Dimak looked like he was in no shape to let out a fast sneak attack.

    ¡°What do you want to talk to her about?¡±

    Again, Dimak looked him over. This time to see whether Zalan was someone worth giving the information he was asking for.

    ¡°I wish to ask her the best way to deliver revenge.¡±

    Zalan blinked. He didn¡¯t expect such a serious answer. And for it to be so relatable. He had entered the tournament for the exact same reason. He wanted to see Madam Hikma for the purpose of revenge. But he had learned that it was a terrible plan. He didn¡¯t expect anyone else to have the same idea in mind.

    Zalan wasn¡¯t stalling anymore. Dimak was like he was not long ago. Intent on revenge. His shoulders slouched at weird angles. The shaking in his eyes may not have been fatigue, but mania. Or maybe both emotions were battling it out in Dimak¡¯s mind and bolstered one another. Zalan wanted to try and pull him back in some way. Let him see the world was more than a place of anger and revenge, as he had recently learned. He couldn¡¯t think of anything smart. He desperately tried to claw his mind for something that Rep might say.

    ¡°I think that is unwise. You should consider the long term consequences. It could be more dire than you think. Consider that the path of revenge may end up with two graves instead of one.¡± Zalan hated his delivery. It felt clunky and insincere. He wondered how Rep sounded so knowledgeable all the time.

    ¡°Graves? When I am done, there will be a massive crater where we stood,¡± Dimak replied severely.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zalan said, thrown off. He couldn¡¯t think of any advice to stop that from happening, so he tried to pull more on the thread of conversation. ¡°Who do you want to get revenge on?¡±

    ¡°Why are you trying to discuss this right now?¡± Dimak snapped.

    ¡°Come on, seriously? If you were strong enough to finish the fight, you would have done it by now. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m gonna win, so I wanna know why you¡¯re so interested in winning,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°You do not think you will win? Will you yield, then?¡± Dimak sounded doubtful.

    ¡°Give me a few answers and maybe I will,¡± Zalan offered.

    Dimak narrowed his eyes. The way his arms trembled at his sides, Zalan guessed that he didn¡¯t want to get hit with any lightning. But more than that, Dimak looked out of sorts. It was an uncomfortable mirror to look at. Dimak exhibited all the behavior that Zalan had just escaped. His body was rife with wild emotions. Zalan felt like he had to save Dimak before he did whatever the equivalent to him shooting himself with lightning was. If he did that, he could try and convince himself that there was some good to come out of his hate-fueled remarks. Saving someone from his past mistakes.

    Dimak breathed shakily and continued.

    ¡°I was betrayed. I convinced friends and family to trust a young man with their money. And he swindled us all and fled with the money. I have lost any goodwill I had with my family because of my foolishness. I must find the man, exact revenge, and return home with the lost funds,¡± Dimak said.

    ¡°Oh, is it just a money thing?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Just a money thing?¡± Dimak repeated in sharp offense. ¡°Clearly you have never experienced real betrayal before!¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡ª¡±

    ¡°Do you have any idea what it is like to have everyone you know look down upon you? To think less of you because you guaranteed their investments before some swindler¡­ swindled away with their savings! They held onto that money for so long before I came along and got them to burn it all in a pyre of faulty promises!¡± Dimak was gripping his fists tightly and Zalan was worried that he would throw a punch at him.

    ¡°No,¡± Zalan answered sincerely. ¡°I don¡¯t know what that¡¯s like. How much money did you lose exactly?¡±

    ¡°In total?¡± Dimak hesitated, then answered in a low voice. ¡°Forty gold coins.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrow raised a tad in surprise. It was supposedly a massive amount of money in this realm. But more importantly, he had that kind of money on him. The dragon¡¯s hoard at Castle Docrun supplied Rep and Zalan with fortunes when they left. Forty coins would only put a small dent in the money they left with.

    ¡°That¡¯s a lot of money,¡± Zalan said, trying to sound compassionate.

    ¡°Now you see why I must win this,¡± Dimak said, raising two weak, limp fists. Rage danced in his eyes as he recalled his lost honor. He tried to imbue his fists, but the pebbles formed and crumbled away onto the arena floor. He ignored his display of fatigue and continued, ¡°The prize money I will win is nothing in comparison to the damage I wrought. Ten gold coins is substantial, but not enough to repay those who are now near-destitute because of my actions.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s vision was going blurry. Standing up was taking its toll on him. He took deep breaths to try and remain upright.

    ¡°What if I cover the rest of the lost money?¡± Zalan asked.

    Dimak¡¯s trembling arms lowered a fraction. The blaze in his eyes settled in his hesitation.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Dimak asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you the rest of the gold coins you need. And you drop the revenge thing,¡± Zalan said.

 93 - Book 2 - Chapter 42 - Deals

    Dimak blinked in disbelief. His eyes were no longer filled with anger, but confusion. For a third time, he scrutinized Zalan and his undefended form. Dimak was deeply suspicious, like he was missing something. He jumped from confusion to denial.

    ¡°You know him! The man who took our money!¡± Dimak accused.

    ¡°How? You didn¡¯t even mention his name,¡± Zalan replied.

    Dimak¡¯s eyes searched for an answer. He continued to shiver uncomfortably. The adrenaline that was fueling him was unable to find a comfortable escape. He rubbed at his bruised arms as he continued his interrogation.

    ¡°Do you know a Finnegan Swift?¡± Dimak asked, watching Zalan closely for a reaction.

    ¡°Nope. To be honest, I don¡¯t know a lot of people,¡± Zalan said.

    Dimak seemed dissatisfied with the reply.

    ¡°Is that the guy who took the money and ran?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°So you do know him!¡± Dimak accused again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t! I was just asking! Why do you keep saying that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You are offering me a fortune! And I know you have the coin. I have seen how much money you have thrown to the crowds. Your wealth may be obscene, but one does not become that rich unless they have dark sensibilities. So, what is your aim? What reason could you possibly have to offer me the money?¡± Dimak snapped.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to help you,¡± Zalan said sincerely.

    ¡°Do not give me that. What is the real reason?¡±

    ¡°Seriously. I¡¯m trying to help. I¡¯ve done some messed up things and now I¡¯m trying to make up for them. You sound like you¡¯re in need of serious help,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°So this is a means to atone for sins?¡± Dimak asked, sounding as though that might be reasonable to him.

    ¡°I guess when you put it like that, sure. I¡¯m trying to do good to wipe out some bad. I can get you out of your situation without it getting any worse,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Worse?¡± Dimak scoffed.

    ¡°Yeah. What if you do this whole revenge thing and end up dead? Flinnigan ambushes you and then your family ends up with no money and no Dimak. I think that¡¯s a lot worse,¡± Zalan replied firmly.

    ¡°His name is Finnegan,¡± Dimak corrected quietly.

    ¡°Sure, whatever. You¡¯re ignoring my point,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Why would you refuse the money? What do you have to lose?¡±

    ¡°My sovereignty. Because you want to hold this money over me and my family. I understand now. There is no altruism in your veins. You wish to ask us for seditious favors in the future!¡± Dimak concluded, the mania cavorting in his eyes.

    ¡°I won¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t you? Swear upon God, Himself,¡± Dimak challenged boldly.

    Zalan was struck by the ultimatum. One of the few times he could clearly remember his mother holding anything but a smile on her face was when she discussed the nature of taking oaths.

    ¡°You don¡¯t swear to God unless you mean it,¡± she had emphasized.

    Zalan felt odd that he was being given the opportunity to do so in this new world. It wasn¡¯t a bad ¡°odd.¡± It was kind of a nostalgic ¡°odd.¡± He looked at Dimak seriously. He had to make sure that Dimak knew he meant it.

    ¡°I swear upon God that I only want to give you the money to help you. No other motives,¡± Zalan said clearly.

    Dimak dropped his hands entirely. The audience was crying out in confusion and fervor, asking why the final was taking so long to begin. They couldn¡¯t hear anything of the ongoing conversation. The lack of details drove them rabid. They were chanting for fists and powers to fly. Some had even gone to Umdarr¡¯s side to complain, to his annoyance. Umdarr ignored them as he did most people that tried to talk to him during a fight. He paid close attention to the fighters.

    ¡°I can not take your money,¡± Dimak said in a small voice.

    ¡°Why not!?¡±

    ¡°It is so much. I may be in need, but I am not a beggar.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? You won¡¯t take the money you need because of your pride? You¡¯re too good to repay your family and friends, is that what this is?¡±

    The words stung Dimak and he hung his head. Zalan waited for him to speak, his own head swishing with wooziness.

    ¡°You would really give me forty gold coins?¡± Dimak asked.

    ¡°How about I¡¯ll yield the fight and give you thirty gold? If you add the prize money that means you end up with an even forty, right?¡±

    ¡°More than that. I have all the other prize money from the other battles,¡± Dimak corrected.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t care, keep that too,¡± Zalan said, losing patience as his head and arms throbbed with torrents of pain. ¡°Just let me give you the money and yield the fight before I pass out.¡±

    Dimak thought for a few seconds. The rage and confusion was gone from his stance. He was looking over Zalan in a new light. He looked like he was in much more control of himself. His shoulder no longer sagged, like he had relieved himself of the weight of his failures. He reluctantly nodded his head.

    ¡°Thank God for you, Zalan,¡± Dimak said. ¡°I will take your money, but you can not yield the fight.¡±

    Zalan rolled his eyes, sweat falling freely from his face.

    ¡°And why not?¡±

    ¡°They will kill you,¡± Dimak said simply, nodding up to the audience.

    Zalan finally looked over to the stands. They were on their feet, leaning over the edge of the arena and shouting. Looking closely, he realized they were no longer filled with excitement. They were irritated beyond measure. Screeching at the arena like hungry animals. The promised final fight just looked like a casual conversation. And they weren¡¯t having it. Zalan swallowed hard. It was very possible that Dimak wasn¡¯t exaggerating. If the audience didn¡¯t see blood in this battle, they were likely to find it themselves.

    ¡°So¡­ what do we do?¡± Zalan asked, a little queasy.

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    ¡°Would you still give me the funds even if I lost this fight?¡± Dimak asked.

    ¡°Not if you yield and kill yourself,¡± Zalan answered immediately.

    ¡°No, nothing like that. But there is no escaping it in the final. We¡­ we must fight,¡± Dimak answered, raising his limp limbs in a pathetic attempt at a battle stance.

    Zalan understood now. They would have to fight regardless of deals they made before combat. Reluctantly, Zalan looked down at his charred body and frayed tunic. He looked up and tried to smile. It came out as a grimace. The audience was already cheering for Dimak as it looked like he would finally throw a punch.

    ¡°Yeah I¡¯ll pay either way. But do we really have to fight?¡± Zalan asked, trembling as he raised his own hands.

    The audience crescendoed.

    ¡°Unless you wish to die at their hands.¡±

    Zalan considered it. At least then he would be done with all the stinging in his limbs. Then he shook his head slightly.

    ¡°If it is any consolation, I will not use my Elemental Power against you,¡± Dimak said.

    ¡°Neither will I. Not out of sportsmanship, but because I don¡¯t think I can,¡± Zalan replied honestly.

    ¡°Neither can I,¡± Dimak admitted.

    Dimak limped forward a step. Zalan stumbled forward as well. They nodded to one another, accepting the inevitability of the pain they could cause one another. Simultaneously, they swing their hips toward one another and allowed their arm to fling out like wet noodles and hit their opponent.

    The slap fight began.

    The audience rallied explosively in approval.

    Zalan felt nothing but pain. Every little movement sent hundreds of pain signals through his body, but he continued nonetheless. The final would be won in a show of endurance, where neither fighter had any energy to begin with.

    Dimak grunted loudly with every hit, whether it was him striking Zalan or the other way around. Every time Zalan was slapped lightly in the chest, he would step back slightly, then step forward to try and reciprocate. His fingers slid like feathers across Dimak¡¯s abdomen. Dimak and Zalan both let out cries of pain at the light touch. It was painful to do. It was even more painful to watch.

    The crowd was greatly pleased by the display, two men at their absolute limits continuing until there was nothing left. Rep was half covering his face, silently begging for it to end while being unable to look away. Slauson leaned all the way forward, curious to see if the one who bested him would be able to win the tournament. Nold was disinterested. It was a chore he had to wait through.

    Dimak groaned as he swung and slapped Zalan hard in the shoulder. Zalan teetered to the side, losing his balance. He waved his hands in the air like a toddler learning to walk as he tried to reorient himself to two feet. The audience threw him thousands of different directions to try and keep himself steady. Zalan ended up falling to the floor, landing propped on his side. He half cried and half laughed as he hit the floor.

    ¡°Is it over?¡± he asked Dimak through clenched teeth.

    ¡°You are not down on the ground enough to start the countdown,¡± Dimak replied.

    ¡°Softly kick me,¡± Zalan said desperately. ¡°I¡¯ll fall back and pretend to be knocked out.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Dimak said gravely.

    He stepped forward and swung his leg out into Zalan¡¯s chest. He lightly touched him and Zalan fell all the way onto his back, crying out. The pain was real, he didn¡¯t even need to exaggerate. Dimak, however, lost balance after the fake kick and also fell all the way down onto his back, screaming in agony.

    ¡°Are you kidding me? Get up!¡± Zalan begged him.

    Dimak gasped hard, his stomach ballooning as he caught his breath.

    ¡°Get up!¡± Zalan hissed.

    ¡°I can not,¡± Dimak wheezed.

    ¡°Oh, come on. I can¡¯t get up either,¡± Zalan whined in a high pitch.

    Umdarr had ascended to the stage, watching the fighters closely to see who would rise first.

    ¡°Please just finish this,¡± Zalan said to Umdarr.

    ¡°Do you yield?¡± Umdarr asked, baffled by the implication.

    ¡°Are they gonna hurt me if I do?¡± Zalan pointed to the stands with his eyes.

    Umdarr turned around to look out at the impassioned audience. They were insatiable. Raving creatures, shaking the whole of the stadium.

    ¡°I believe so,¡± Umdarr answered.

    ¡°All right, fine,¡± Zalan said between clenched teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll get up. I can do it.¡±

    Zalan pushed against the ground with all his might, sweat pooling on the ground below him. It was the hardest push up he¡¯d ever attempted. He began screaming with effort. A fuzzy feeling began creeping up his arms. He was losing sensation in them. He let out his breath and fell back down.

    ¡°Can¡¯t do it,¡± Zalan said in a strained voice.

    ¡°I will rise!¡± Dimak said, determined.

    Straining himself, Dimak flexed every muscle in his body. The effort was almost palpable. He cried out and moved an entire inch off the ground. Then fell back down.

    The audience roared in disappointment, wanting more of the show.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you up,¡± Zalan said, truly desperate.

    ¡°What?¡± Dimak asked.

    ¡°Prop yourself up on me and I¡¯ll push you up until you can stand,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You will assist me? That may be the same as yielding,¡± Dimak warned.

    ¡°But it¡¯s not! It¡¯ll be interesting! Something the audience has never seen before!¡± Zalan said desperately. ¡°It¡¯ll be super cool and memorable. They¡¯ll love it.¡±

    ¡°Are you certain?¡±

    ¡°No, man. I hurt so much. I just want it to stop. I¡¯m not certain of anything right now. I think this is a better shot than yielding. As long as it¡¯s allowed.¡±

    Zalan and Dimak looked to Umdarr who was standing above them with an interested gaze. Umdarr was trying to understand what he had missed in the conversation that happened before he joined the stage. He thought for a moment.

    ¡°There is nothing against the rules regarding helping your opponent, but I cannot tell you how the audience would react to such a display,¡± Umdarr shrugged.

    ¡°Good enough for me. Let¡¯s go for it,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Allow me to push you to your feet. You deserve to win the tournament after your kindness,¡± Dimak said.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t think it matters,¡± Zalan said wearily.

    ¡°Then you should have no objections.¡±

    ¡°Dimak, seriously, just take the win.¡±

    ¡°I do not think I could maintain my balance. I will fall after your efforts to help me stand.¡±

    ¡°Fine, whatever, let¡¯s just finish this. Please,¡± Zalan groaned.

    Zalan and Dimak began squirming toward one another, writhing like worms until Dimak¡¯s feet touched Zalan¡¯s body. The spectators watched intently. Dimak rolled enough to have his limbs aimed toward Zalan¡¯s spine. He leveraged his foot under Zalan¡¯s back and began raising his foot as Zalan picked himself up, giving him enough energy to finally rise more than a foot off the ground.

    The audience was exploding in approval, the sportsmanship never before seen in a final battle of the Elemental Rage Tournament. Zalan whimpered as he reached a kneeling position. After a few seconds of complaining about wounds and repositioning, Zalan put all of his energy into springing upright. Zalan was finally standing. He breathed heavily.

    The audience exploded. Umdarr began counting down.

    Zalan stood too fast and was touched with lightheadedness. The black spots in Zalan¡¯s eyes returned with a vengeance. They were covering his entire vision. He couldn¡¯t see anything. He stumbled backward a few steps, vertigo taking over. The audience gasped loudly. Zalan stopped moving. He sighed with relief that he didn¡¯t fall back down. He just needed to stay standing for a few more seconds and it would all be over. A second later, the disorientation returned. He gasped, trying to take in more air and remain standing. Then he lost balance once more and fell backward. He screamed in exasperation as he began falling.

    But he didn¡¯t hit the arena.

    He kept falling.

    Zalan¡¯s annoyance turned to horror. He was falling off the stage. He waved his arms blindly, trying to cushion his fall. Ruthlessly, he collided with the floor outside the arena. Zalan screamed in overwhelming pain.

    Umdarr looked over the edge, holding back his amusement at the final result of the fight. Even when the fighters resignedly worked together, nothing went to plan.

    ¡°The winner¡­ of the Level 10 and Under Elemental Rage Tournament¡­ is Dimak!¡± Umdarr boomed loudly.

    The audience were on their feet, in absolute awe of the last second change of events. They chanted for Dimak, filling the arena with cheers and chants for the new winner. Zalan moaned in pain. His shoulder was broken. He watched with anxiety as people rushed the arena, hoping that no one would touch him after the fight. But even with that slight fear, he was relieved it was all over. He could finally go back to Oriton and rest. He closed his eyes, grateful for all the energy expenditure to finally be over. He smiled idly.

    ¡°Allow me to take you to collect Madam Hikma. When she has made her way to the arena, we will distribute your prize,¡± Umdarr said.

    ¡°Not without Zalan!¡± Dimak said proudly. ¡°He deserves to be there as much as I do.¡±

    ¡°No, please. Don¡¯t do this to me,¡± Zalan begged weakly, far too quiet to be heard over the loud approval from the audience.

 94 - Book 2 - Chapter 43 - The Prize

    When Zalan¡¯s vision returned, he blinked in surprise to see Umdarr standing over him outside of the arena.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Zalan asked, looking up. It was beautiful in the sky beyond the canyon where the arena took place. It looked like freedom. He would soon be free.

    ¡°Dimak requested that you join him on stage when Madam Hikma was to present his prize,¡± Umdarr replied.

    ¡°You sure he wasn¡¯t joking? Everything hurts, Umdarr.¡±

    ¡°I assure you he is serious.¡±

    ¡°Everything hurts,¡± Zalan grumbled again.

    Umdarr reached a hand out to Zalan. He stared at it for a moment, wondering whether it was really worth standing again. Umdarr waved his hand impatiently. Zalan reluctantly accepted it, using the arm with the unbroken shoulder. Umdarr pulled him up, using a blast of air to make Zalan feel like he floated effortlessly to his feet.

    ¡°That was some fight you two put on. A very different fight than your previous two,¡± Umdarr said, a hint of judgment in his voice.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m sorry about those,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Do not apologize to me, but to them,¡± Umdarr corrected.

    ¡°I just hope I didn¡¯t make any precedent or something like that.¡±

    ¡°Precedence is established by winners. You are a loser, so there is nothing to be learned from you. Future fighters will study Dimak. I am sure they will be baffled by the final bout,¡± Umdarr explained.

    Zalan put most of his weight against Umdarr in order to be able to move forward. Umdarr didn¡¯t seem to mind. Kashir and Brashir were assisting Dimak to his feet back in the arena. The five of them slowly converged in the center of the arena, all of them regarding each other with nods. With some pain, Zalan raised his head and saw his mother smiling down at him.

    He blinked in shock, then his vision corrected and he saw that it was Madam Hikma instead. She was standing and applauding Dimak and Zalan, slowly making her way down the stadium stairs. Zalan kept his eyes on her, hoping that the image would change back to that of his mother. His eyes strained, but nothing happened. He saw nothing but the gracious gaze of Madam Hikma cast down on him and Dimak. Even at that, he couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    Audience members had swarmed the arena and tried to approach Zalan and Dimak as fans, but Kashir and Brashir loudly shouted the audience members away. Umdarr would have joined them, but after having been an announcer for the entire tournament, a parasocial bond had been formed and people would believe he was only joking. Instead, Umdarr assisted by casting air beneath Zalan and Dimak to keep them standing. To stand after the finals was a good way to preserve their dignity after the slap fight they had just completed. Zalan looked up at Umdarr in mild shock as a thought came to mind.

    ¡°Your real name wouldn¡¯t happen to be Morloch, would it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, who is that?¡±

    ¡°Do you know anyone named Morloch?¡±

    ¡°If I knew, then I would not be asking who that is,¡± Umdarr said. He sounded only mildly sarcastic. He was in a good mood after the final fight. It was a good tournament and he had much to be proud of in organizing it in the middle of the desert canyon this year. Not even a Basilisk was enough to postpone them significantly.

    Zalan shook the name out of his head. He couldn¡¯t go accusing everyone he saw of being some manipulative man from the sky. He would have to find more evidence before determining who he was for certain. But he wouldn¡¯t know what to do if he met Morloch. Should he accuse him of all the things he did to Yelsa? Should he try and take revenge for Yelsa¡¯s sake? Or should he run away because the man is supposedly powerful and manipulative?

    Madam Hikma had reached the arena, the genuine smile on her face bringing warmth into Zalan¡¯s heart and energy to his limbs. The audience that clambored to speak with the winners backed off in deference. They made their way to the stadium grounds or edges of the arena, giving the competitors and organizers a wide berth. Madam Hikma opened her palms to invite the winners to sit down and rest after such an incredible battle. Dimak and Zalan gladly accepted the invitation to take weight off their legs and groaned as they sat.

    ¡°Dimak. It is an honor for me to be able to present to you the Reversal Stone and prize of ten gold coins,¡± Madam Hikma announced to him.

    Zalan was surprised by how well he could hear her. The audience around her had quieted down out of respect, allowing her words to carry much farther. They were almost silent, as though listening to her give a profound lecture.

    Madam Hikma pulled a bag with golden coins and a shining blue stone. She placed them in Dimak¡¯s lap. He sighed in relief, hardly able to believe that he made it this far. He smiled widely, the reality of the situation finally dawning on him. He succeeded in winning the Elemental Rage Tournament. Not many people could claim to have done that. He reached into his bag of winnings.

    ¡°This is yours,¡± Dimak plucked the shining Artifact from the bag and held it out to Zalan.

    ¡°What? No, I didn¡¯t win anything. I wasn¡¯t trying to buy it off of you,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You did not win this. It is mine to do with as I please. And I wish to present it as a gift for a friend,¡± Dimak said serenely.

    Zalan stared in shock. He looked up at Dimak in amazement, feeling unworthy.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I deserve it,¡± Zalan replied, embarrassed as Madam Hikma, Umdarr, and others stared at him.

    ¡°Gifts are never intended to be given to those that are deserving. They are expressions of gratitude from the gift giver,¡± Dimak said sagely. Madam Hikma nodded in approval.

    ¡°But I haven¡¯t even given you the¡ª¡±

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Dimak said, impatience creeping in his voice. ¡°It hurts to hold out my hand like this. Please take the rock.¡±

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    Finally, Zalan accepted the Artifact. The Reversal Stone was smooth, like it was expertly polished. It was also cold, and felt heavy despite it being smaller than his fist. The rock wasn¡¯t actually heavy, but the potential to turn back time a few minutes felt infinitely compelling. He wouldn¡¯t take the gift lightly.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, then looked to Madam Hikma. ¡°How do I use it?¡±

    ¡°The Reversal Stone activates when squeezed three times in succession. When it begins to glow, hold it up against the object you wish to reverse time on. It turns back no more than fifteen minutes. But it also depends on the thing you wish to reverse time on. A castle, you may only be able to reverse a few seconds. A sword you broke, you should be able to do the full fifteen minutes,¡± Madam Hikma explained.

    ¡°What about a human?¡± Zalan asked.

    Madam Hikma smiled warmly, looking sympathetic, as if she knew his implication.

    ¡°It cannot affect neither a human nor a monster,¡± she said.

    ¡°Right. Thanks,¡± Zalan said, feeling slightly disappointed. He was wondering if he could bring someone back from the dead if he witnessed them die. He tucked the stone in his pocket.

    Dimak nodded to his new friend, glad to see him accept the Artifact. Then turned back to Madam Hikma.

    ¡°I came to you bearing questions, but I seem to have received answers in battle,¡± Dimak said, sounding embarrassed that he was wasting her time.

    ¡°That is no surprise. The mind is so open when in combat, ready to react to both new attacks as well as new information. You were wise enough to find your own answers, and for that you should be proud,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Dimak beamed like a child.

    ¡°Zalan, dear. I was surprised to see you enter the tournament,¡± Madam Hikma said to Zalan. ¡°In truth, I was a little confused and thought you had a doppelganger that had entered because they kept saying your name incorrectly.¡±

    Umdarr scratched the back of his neck and cleared his throat nervously, but said nothing.

    ¡°Yeah, I came here to talk to you, actually,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I take it you were unable to find the Homeseeker, then. Otherwise, I assume you would already be home,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    A genuine feeling of self-loathing flared up in Zalan¡¯s heart. He spent so much time on the assumption that Madam Hikma played him like a fool when she actually made a genuine mistake. His own guesses drove him mad. Madam Hikma had been nothing but sincere with him.

    ¡°No, actually, I did find it,¡± Zalan replied. ¡°It just didn¡¯t take me back home. Only to Journey House back in Oriton.¡±

    Madam Hikma looked appalled, her eyes widening. It was an expression that Zalan never expected to see on her face. She was horrified.

    ¡°Oh dear! I sent you down the wrong path! I am so sorry! I should be ashamed of myself!¡± she said rapidly.

    Again, a wave of disgust in himself crashed into Zalan¡¯s heart. She felt remorse. Of course none of his past experiences were her fault. She was genuinely trying to help him and sent him down a wrong course. He brought it on, too. She initially offered him different advice, but he insisted that he wanted an easier way. A less reliable way.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Zalan said. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡±

    ¡°I cannot help but believe that it was. Would you have gone in pursuit of the Artifact were it not for my recommendation?¡± Madam Hikma asked.

    ¡°Well¡­ no,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°I hope you are not angry with me¡±, Madam Hikma said with utmost sincerity.

    Zalan scoffed to himself. The events of the past few days flashed before him like a reel of film. The way he thought of her and planned evil things. The outbursts of energy that deeply scarred his opponents, like Rexler and Slauson. He shook his head to himself out of embarrassment. He hoped to be past all of that for good.

    ¡°Angry? No, I¡¯m not angry at all¡±, Zalan said confidently.

    ¡°Does it hurt to use it?¡± Madam Hikma asked. ¡°The Homeseeker, I mean.¡±

    ¡°Hurt to use?¡± Zalan repeated, confused. ¡°No it just¡­ I don¡¯t know, it just works. You warp back home. You hardly feel it. Why?¡±

    ¡°If I can avoid having to take the trip back from the canyon I would appreciate being able to use the Homeseeker. It would save me many days of travel. Again, if you do not mind.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you want a ride? Sure, let me just handle a few things and I¡¯ll be ready to go. We won¡¯t leave without you,¡± Zalan said.

    Madam Hikma nodded, full of gratitude for his offer. Zalan felt good to be a reason for her to smile. It was like a form of retribution after putting her in such a dark light in his mind for so long. Zalan felt the Reversal Stone in his pocket and looked to Dimak.

    ¡°Thanks again for this. I¡¯ll go get the money right now.¡±

    ¡°You have more than earned the prize. I will await your return with patience.¡±

    Zalan nodded to him then stood up sharply to get moving. Every muscle in Zalan¡¯s body screamed in protest and he lost balance falling backward. Umdarr quickly caught him. Zalan looked at him with a request in his eyes.

    ¡°Let me guess, you want me to carry you down?¡± Umdarr asked.

    ¡°Unless you want the whole audience watching a finalist drag himself down out of the arena. Pathetically. When others were there to help him.¡±

    ¡°Are you threatening me by saying you will otherwise embarrass yourself?¡±

    Zalan stared at him without reply. He tried to keep his face composed and challenging. But the constant pain in him caused him to grimace as he stared into Umdarr¡¯s eyes. At best, he looked constipated.

    ¡°Dear God,¡± Umdarr sighed, sounding disgusted and defeated. ¡°Fine, I will carry you.¡±

    Zalan smiled in appreciation as he placed his arm over Umdarr¡¯s shoulders. Umdarr again carried Zalan across the arena, keeping the audience at bay by giving them sharp dirty looks. Zalan could barely keep his eyes open. He spent his time trying to ignore the pain that clamored for his attention. After a full minute of straining and whining to himself, Zalan was being helped up the stairs of the surrounding arena. At last, Umdarr stopped in front of Rep, Nold and Slauson.

    ¡°Congratulations,¡± Rep said as soon as Zalan opened his eyes.

    ¡°You are congratulating the loser?¡± Slauson asked.

    ¡°I am congratulating him on the contents of the battle, not the result. It was an excellent fight,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Excellent? That was one of the worst finals I have ever witnessed. They slapped each other lightly and cried like babies. But somehow I was totally engrossed. It was one of the most engaging finals I have ever witnessed,¡± Slauson said, sounding confused with himself.

    ¡°Did you speak with Madam Hikma?¡± Nold asked eagerly.

    ¡°Yeah. I need my gold. Give thirty coins.¡±

    ¡°Your first quest requires you to pay her in gold?¡± Nold asked, both annoyed and confused.

    ¡°Or is it that you must pay thirty gold coins to speak to her when she is outside Oriton?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, they¡¯re for Dimak.¡±

    Umdarr suddenly let go of Zalan. He fell harshly to the floor. Groaning and raising his head, he looked up at Umdarr.

    ¡°What was that for?¡±

    Umdarr stared at him with consternation. Zalan looked confused, then looked to his companions who looked equally confused. He turned back to Umdarr, waiting for an explanation.

    ¡°Why are you paying Dimak for anything?¡± Umdarr asked, an accusation clear in his tone.

    ¡°Really? You dropped me just to ask a question? That hurt!¡±

    ¡°Answer me.¡±

    ¡°Why does it matter?¡±

    ¡°Zalan, that is a small fortune,¡± Rep said, trying to sound reasonable.

    ¡°A large fortune,¡± Umdarr corrected curtly.

    ¡°Yeah I¡­ are you accusing me of bribing him? Why would I pay him for me to lose?¡±

    ¡°You tell me,¡± Umdarr said. ¡°Explain to me in full detail, this transaction. Otherwise I will have to announce to the audience that you and Dimak rigged the competition.¡±

 95 - Book 2 - Chapter 44 - Explanations

    Zalan stared in shock at Umdarr¡¯s words. He threatened to tell everyone that he and Dimak colluded in the finals and that the final fight of the tournament was a sham. It was a huge accusation. People took the Elemental Rage Tournament too seriously for the accusation to go unpunished. Zalan could be killed by audience members and contestants alike. Zalan swallowed hard, not sure how he should proceed.

    ¡°You were there in the arena with us! You pretty much endorsed us to fight the way we were fighting. Why is this an issue now?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I thought the two of you had made a gentleman¡¯s agreement. Finish the battle in order to avoid any more pain. I was unaware of any transaction going on between the two of you. Money for his forfeiture,¡± Umdarr said, largely disappointed.

    ¡°I didn''t bribe him. We were talking in the arena and he said that he wanted to win to get revenge on someone. I talked him out of his path of revenge. He said that the whole thing was over money, so I promised to cover the money,¡± Zalan said, hoping the truth would be enough.

    ¡°Really?¡± Umdarr scoffed. ¡°You? After all your battles you want me to believe you promised a man you just met a fortune so that he would avoid a vengeful life? The very thing you epitomize?¡±

    Zalan had no immediate reply. It was the first time Umdarr shared an opinion about any fighter. He had been reading between the lines of Zalan¡¯s fight and drew a harsh conclusion. Hard, but fair to Zalan. Zalan looked to his friends for advice. They were quiet, completely in the dark about what transpired between him and Dimak in the arena. Zalan sighed and tried to think of an easy explanation.

    ¡°It¡¯s really what happened. I changed a lot in my time in the tournament. I¡¯m trying to be more charitable,¡± Zalan insisted.

    ¡°Is Dimak a fool? Why would he agree to trust the likes of you?¡±

    ¡°He made me swear to God.¡±

    ¡°I see. He had your word. You agreed to throw the fight in order to share the prize. You got the Reversal Stone and he got the money,¡± Umdarr replied.

    ¡°You have the Reversal Stone?¡± Slauson asked, sitting up in interest.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t agree to throw the fight. He actually tried to help me win at the end! And we didn¡¯t agree to split the prize,¡± Zalan countered.

    ¡°Oh! Really now? Not only are you a greatly generous man, but it was convenient that Dimak is such an altruistic fighter? So that you could get your hands on the prize you really sought,¡± Umdarr said.

    ¡°I never even asked for it! You saw me refuse it!¡±

    ¡°All a show to throw off my scent,¡± Umdarr said quickly. ¡°I should have read into the ruse the moment you gave me a fake name.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t give you a fake name!¡± Zalan said, exasperated.

    The conversation was going terribly. The more he spoke, the more it looked like Umdarr was convinced that Zalan had done something wrong.

    ¡°If he tried to help you at the end of the fight, then why were you the one to take a dive?¡± Umdarr challenged.

    ¡°I am exhausted,¡± Zalan said, at the end of his wits. ¡°I fell over!¡±

    ¡°Another convenient event to help put your story together!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Nold shouted.

    Everyone turned to Nold. He was standing with arms folded, impatient and angry.

    ¡°Your implications disgust me, Umdarr,¡± Nold approached Zalan and helped him to his feet.

    ¡°Implications? I am above hiding behind such quiet innuendos. I am accusing this man of cheating,¡± Umdarr said firmly, with an angry nod toward Zalan. ¡°He was so keen on convincing me that there was a cheater at this tournament. I should have known he was pointing to someone else to keep interest off of himself.¡±

    Slauson tugged at the collar of his tunic nervously and turned away, embarrassed.

    ¡°You think that my student is a cheater?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Absolutely. Have you not heard his tall tale? This does not reflect on your abilities as an instructor. The fault is his own,¡± Umdarr assured him.

    ¡°It has everything to do with me. You are saying I am so pathetic that I could not teach a student how to win without stooping to cheating. A grave suggestion, especially if it is false,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°I am trying to do my diligence as an organizer,¡± Umdarr said, reeling himself back a bit.

    ¡°By calling a trustworthy man a liar,¡± Nold said pointedly.

    Despite Zalan¡¯s mixed feelings toward his instructor, he felt incredible when Nold came to his defense. He was so cool and confident in the face of stress. Zalan was growing increasingly comfortable with his teacher the more he interacted with him. He was eccentric more than he was odd.

    Umdarr looked between Nold and Zalan uncertainly. He was annoyed and frustrated. He looked up in thought and shook his head, focusing on Zalan.

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    ¡°Tell me exactly what happened that led your bout to end as it did,¡± Umdarr said to Zalan.

    ¡°He does not need to answer any questions. He did not even win the tournament,¡± Nold quickly replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Zalan said, placing a grateful hand on Nold¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Dimak said he was out for revenge. I¡¯ve come to learn during the course of this tournament that revenge brings more pain than it does comfort. I told him that I would cover the funds that caused him to seek revenge in exchange for him not going down the path. He agreed. Then, we continued our fight.¡±

    ¡°What is he giving you in exchange for the money?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you giving him the money?¡±

    ¡°I just told you!¡± Zalan said, baffled.

    ¡°It does not make sense.¡±

    ¡°You were so big on finding evidence and proof before, but now it¡¯s suddenly gone out the window?¡± Zalan said.

    Umdarr thought on Zalan¡¯s words for a moment, disappointed at having this thrown in his face. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

    ¡°Very well. I will speak to Dimak. Alone. If his side of the story is even a hair¡¯s breadth different from your own, there will be consequences. Do not try to stop me,¡± Umdarr said. He spun away from the group and quickly began walking back to the arena. After a few steps, he leaped with a massive burst of air, sailing slowly down to where Dimak sat in the ring.

    Zalan sighed in relief, the confrontation seemingly over. Nold placed a firm hand on Zalan¡¯s arm, looking into his eyes urgently. Zalan winced uncomfortably, as Nold grabbed the arm with his broken shoulder.

    ¡°Did you tell him the truth? Do we need to prepare for consequences?¡± Nold had already imbued himself partly with sand and fire.

    ¡°What? Yeah, I told him the truth,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°No embellishments?¡± Nold clarified.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s exactly what happened,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold¡¯s urgency dissipated.

    ¡°Good,¡± Nold patted Zalan¡¯s arm casually, causing him to yelp in pain. ¡°Very good. I knew you were telling the truth, of course. Very honest student. No reason to be concerned.¡±

    As Nold¡¯s power faded from his body, Zalan realized that Nold was ready to fight in the case that Zalan actually was lying. He would have fought dozens, maybe hundreds of people off for Zalan¡¯s sake. Zalan suddenly felt bolstered in his confidence in Nold. He was an ally that was all-in on his safety. Zalan appreciated it more than he could express. Though, it was a little disconcerting that Nold¡¯s first impression was that Zalan was lying to Umdarr.

    ¡°Is it true you have the Reversal Stone?¡± Slauson followed up.

    ¡°Yeah, Dimak gave it to me,¡± Zalan said, pulling the shining gem out of his pocket and revealing it to the others around him. Slauson looked at it hungrily.

    ¡°What do you intend to do with it?¡± Slauson asked expectantly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. Probably save it until I need to use it,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Perhaps I can purchase it from you?¡± Slauson asked. He rummaged through his pockets and pulled out all the winnings he¡¯d earned in his time in the tournament.

    Zalan looked over Slauson. He was desperate, his eyes pleading with Zalan. It was the exact sort of face that Zalan had wanted to see from him hours before. But actually seeing it felt wrong now. The false image of Slauson still lingered in Zalan¡¯s head, clashing with the person who sat before him with money held out. Slauson was not supposed to be a real human with genuine emotion. But the man in front of him looked so authentic. The real Slauson that had been hidden away for the sake of the tournament.

    Zalan considered Slauson¡¯s offer, but the trade wasn¡¯t good enough. The Artifact was far too useful. The ability to turn back time a few minutes felt like it had infinite potential. Zalan placed the stone back in his pocket, with a hint of remorse.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t work on people or monsters. I asked Madam Hikma,¡± Zalan said.

    Slauson looked a little struck by the confirmation, but still looked hopeful.

    ¡°I may be able to find a way,¡± Slauson pleaded.

    ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t,¡± Zalan said, averting his gaze.

    ¡°Do not apologize for keeping what you earned,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°It is fine. I understand,¡± Slauson muttered, hanging his head and dropping the coins back in his pocket. He sighed dejectedly.

    Zalan wanted to say something more to Slauson. Offer some sort of kind words, but nothing that came to mind felt right. He sighed and felt the other Artifact in his pocket.

    ¡°Do you want to use the Homeseeker with me, Rep, and Nold? Get a free ride home? Madam Hikma is coming too,¡± Zalan told him.

    Slauson picked his head up, enthused by the offer. Rep nodded his head, liking the idea of giving Slauson some sort of consolation. Nold looked ambivalent.

    ¡°I will meet you back in Oriton,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Why not just use the Homeseeker and save the time?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Oriton is not my home. I suspect this will take me much further than starting the trip back home from here,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°That far? Where are you from?¡± Rep asked.

    Nold pointed above the top of the canyon. Clearly, he didn¡¯t want to share specifics.

    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll see you back in Oriton,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Will this Homeseeker also take me back to Oriton?¡± Slauson asked.

    ¡°Not Oriton. It takes you back to wherever your home is,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Amazing. Is it painful?¡± Slauson asked.

    ¡°Why does everyone ask that? No, you don¡¯t feel a thing. It¡¯s just a quick pop out and into existence,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°That sounds painful,¡± Slauson said skeptically.

    ¡°Whatever. You want the free trip home or not?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I was not refusing you, I only wanted to know the nature of the Artifact. I would be honored with the assistance back home,¡± Slauson said.

    ¡°Great, let me just check back in with the medical tent one last time and we can head out,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Always with the tent,¡± Nold rolled his eyes.

    ¡°What business do you have there?¡± Slauson asked suddenly.

    ¡°I need to talk to Rexler. You wanna come?¡± Zalan said.

    Zalan saw the look on Slauson¡¯s face. He was mortified at the thought. It occurred to him that Slauson didn¡¯t want to see all the people he cheated from having a win. Zalan smirked. It was the one thing he didn¡¯t sympathize with Slauson on. People worked hard to get into the tournament only to have it taken away from them by Slauson. He should live with the guilt of what he did to them.

    ¡°Yeah, nevermind. I can just go on my own. Unless Rep wants to come,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep nodded.

    Zalan and Rep looked to Nold expectantly. Nold stared back at them. His eyes narrowed in annoyance and breathed a defeated sigh.

    ¡°I suppose you want me to carry you to and from the tent?¡±

    ¡°One last time?¡± Zalan asked innocently.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Nold sighed.

 96 - Book 2 - Chapter 45 - Last Infirmary Run

    Zalan looked at Slauson.

    ¡°We will meet you there when we are done in the tents to send you back home.¡±

    ¡°Find your own way back to the arena. I will not carry you,¡± Nold said immediately

    ¡°I will see you there,¡± Slauson said without complaint.

    With the assistance of his Elemental Sand Power, Nold floated the two fighters across the floor of the stadium to go toward the medical tent one last time.

    ¡°That seemed a bit harsh to make Slauson make his way down on his own,¡± Zalan mentioned to Nold.

    ¡°I am not a ferry. Or do you think of me as agreeable as the captains on the port of Oriton?¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t know who they are. I¡¯m just saying I wouldn¡¯t have minded asking Madam Hikma to meet us upstairs instead of us all meeting inside the arena,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold grunted dismissively. Zalan dropped it.

    As they passed the arena, they saw Umdarr was speaking very aggressively to Dimak. It was clear Dimak was exasperated by the accusations the announcer had raised against them. Dimak¡¯s eyebrows were furled tight and his bruised arms tightly crossed. As his voice crescendoed in anger, the words he said became clear to Zalan.

    ¡°You may be able to call me greedy, but leave Zalan out of this! He is honorable and generous. He has asked nothing in return for his money. Nor has he shown me or anyone else in this tournament an ounce of impatience or unfairness!¡± Dimak said with finality.

    Zalan and Rep exchanged a glance at Dimak¡¯s words. Rep shrugged, amused.

    They passed through the stadium and made their way to the area outside. As Zalan passed by the many food stands, he realized how starving he was after all the fights. He wished he still had the Satiator sustaining him. But he ignored his stomach¡¯s groans along with all the other pain signals flooding his body. He needed to focus on the task ahead.

    Zalan was pleasantly surprised to find the area outside the tournament was only sparsely populated by people who had left the stadium. Most were grabbing food and heading back inside. They were eager to speak with the winner and try and get advice from him on how to take down monsters. Now that Zalan was only a finalist and not a winner, he was largely ignored. There were a few people that waved, but they didn¡¯t approach him like they did before his last bout. He breathed easy, happy no one would mess with his broken shoulder or touch his charred skin.

    They saw the tent in the distance, a few fighters limping their way out of the flap, carried by friends and mentors. Now that the tournament was over, there was no more need for a medical tent. Their fellow spectators would carry them to the nearest town, protecting them from any monsters there may be on the way. They would get the healing rest they needed, curing them of all their tournament-gotten wounds. Zalan watched the crowd closely, looking for Rexler. He didn¡¯t find him, and they went within.

    The inside of the tent was surprisingly filled with people. Mentors and fighters had come to gather all the injured, whether they were the ones ambushed or ones hurt in a fight. Many were discussing nuances of the final fights excitedly, ready to go home and try new fighting techniques. Doctor Quill gave quick responses to anyone asking questions as she rushed around the tent.

    Doctor Quill picked her head up, looking in dismay at Zalan and Rep. She was running between beds, gathering things together and haphazardly packing the tent¡¯s contents.

    ¡°More? I thought it was over!¡± Doctor Quill snapped. ¡°What kind of brawls have occurred outside the tournament?¡±

    ¡°We are not here for any medical assistance. We only wish to speak with one of your patients,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°Oh, then be quick. I need to take down the tent and go home,¡± Doctor Quill allowed.

    ¡°Why so much urgency?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am a doctor. I never got past Level 2. I require fighters to escort me if I wish to travel beyond safe zones. I need to convince people to take me and my things with them before they all leave.¡±

    ¡°What do you do back home?¡± Zalan asked.

    Doctor Quill gave him a look.

    ¡°What kind of question is that?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I meant like¡­ because everyone can just heal themselves by sleeping. What do you do, then?¡± Zalan asked.

    Both Nold and Quill looked at Zalan in bafflement.

    ¡°Have you never heard of a doctor before?¡± Nold asked, confused.

    ¡°I know what a doctor is! My mom¡¯s a doctor!¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°I heal the sick in my town!¡± Doctor Quill answered his question firmly.

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    ¡°Oh, right. The sick, of course,¡± Zalan said, pretending like that was obvious. He didn¡¯t realize the healing rest didn¡¯t cure illnesses.

    Looking around the tent, Zalan located Rexler by the black handprint imprinted around his neck. Zalan pointed to him and Nold took them over. Rexler looked up at his approach, then a frown grew on his face. He turned away from Zalan slightly.

    ¡°Hey, Rexler,¡± Zalan said.

    Rexler looked at him, acknowledging him.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about our fight. I shouldn¡¯t have done that to you. Hitting you with all the lightning I had when I had won was terrible. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Zalan expressed.

    Rexler regarded him curiously, but still didn¡¯t say anything. Zalan waited, not knowing what else to add.

    ¡°So, uh, sorry again,¡± Zalan said awkwardly.

    ¡°You do not need to keep apologizing for winning a fight. Rexler knew what he was getting into,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°I did not know I would face a madman out for blood,¡± Rexler finally spoke.

    Zalan went warm in shame.

    ¡°Yeah, sorry, that was really messed up.¡±

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Rexler asked derisively.

    ¡°I just thought it was important to apologize. Let you know that I know what I did was wrong,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That is why we are here?¡± Nold asked, bothered by the delay.

    ¡°Nold, please just¡­ Let me talk uninterrupted for a second,¡± Zalan said, running his hand through his hair in embarrassment. ¡°Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?¡±

    Rexler regarded him. He scoffed in a mix of amusement and impatience.

    ¡°No. Unless you carry me to the next town over by way of a wagon to heal,¡± Rexler said.

    ¡°I can warp you home with a Homeseeker,¡± Zalan immediately offered.

    ¡°I do not wish to go home. I have errands to run in the next town after healing,¡± Rexler shook his head.

    Zalan frowned, his one good offer having failed. He considered whether now would be a good time to use the Reversal Stone, but couldn¡¯t think how it could help. He didn¡¯t want to offer it to Rexler. Rexler scrutinized Zalan up and down, then sighed.

    ¡°Fine. I will accept your apology if you give me a rematch. A fair fight where we both know the extent of each other¡¯s power,¡± Rexler offered.

    ¡°You mean right now?¡± Rep said, baffled.

    ¡°I said a fair fight. He cannot even stand,¡± Rexler struggled out of the bed. He looked uncomfortable, but stood by himself to prove his point.

    Zalan looked down at the platform of sand holding him up.

    ¡°Fine. Fair fight,¡± Zalan agreed. He would have shrugged if he could. ¡°Where?¡±

    ¡°Meet me in my city, Winkerton. I look forward to our rematch,¡± Rexler said.

    ¡°Sure. See you then,¡± Zalan said, not looking forward to being covered in bruises yet again in the future. He turned back to Nold.

    ¡°Oh, can I speak now?¡± Nold asked sarcastically.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just get back up to Madam Hikma,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Certainly, your majesty,¡± Nold replied, reeking with sarcasm as he led the way out.

    ¡°Farewell, Doctor Quill!¡± Rep called.

    ¡°Yes, farewell,¡± Doctor Qull replied, continuing to rush without looking up at him. She spilled a box of bandages and kicked them back into the box quickly.

    Nold carried his students outside, making his way back to the stadium.

    ¡°Any other tasks you need to distract yourself with?¡± Nold asked sarcastically.

    Zalan was about to say no, but his stomach grumbled.

    ¡°How about some food? Something we can eat quickly?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold shook his head in annoyance, but purchased food before continuing. Zalan, Rep, and Nold all had full stomachs by the time they returned to the arena. Nold didn¡¯t have to push past people leaving the tournament as they parted ways for him out of respect. He stepped up the arena stairs. Umdarr looked over to the three men approaching. Slauson sat at his side, next to Dimak.

    ¡°Very well. It seems you may be telling the truth,¡± Umdarr admitted to Zalan.

    ¡°Glad we got that cleared up,¡± Zalan said, dumping thirty gold coins into Dimak¡¯s winner¡¯s pouch. Umdarr eyed the money suspiciously, but dropped anything he had to say regarding it. Dimak stared into the pouch with wide eyes, not quite believing what he was seeing.

    ¡°You are certain?¡± Dimak said, staggering astonishment on his face.

    ¡°Yeah, I told you I was serious during our fight,¡± Zalan said, surprised he had to repeat himself even after having given the money.

    ¡°This will not go to waste,¡± Dimak closed the pouch with deference. ¡°With this, you have saved more than just my life, Zalan. Thank God for you.¡±

    Zalan saw that Dimak¡¯s eyes were wet. Yet another man that could cry from Zalan¡¯s actions where Zalan himself couldn¡¯t find tears. Even when his actions brought someone to tears, he felt nothing. Even Rep looked on the brink of tears after having seen Dimak¡¯s reaction and hearing his words. Zalan was growing frustrated with his being the only dry eyes around.

    ¡°You said you came to the tournament in order to ask something of me. Did you still have questions you wished to ask me?¡± Madam Hikma chimed in, looking pleased with Zalan¡¯s generosity.

    ¡°Yeah, but¡­¡± Zalan looked embarrassed. ¡°I¡¯m still in a ton of pain. Can we all go home and get rest first, and I¡¯ll visit you right after?¡±

    ¡°I will not announce my return to Oriton until after you come by,¡± Madam Hikma promised.

    Zalan was confused by the remark.

    ¡°She means that there will be no line to enter her home. You will have exclusive access,¡± Rep whispered.

    ¡°Oh! Thank you,¡± Zalan said, pulling out the Homeseeker. He turned back to Nold. ¡°See you when you get back.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Wait for me before embarking on your next quest. I wish to be there when you are available for our quest,¡± Nold replied.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan said with unease.

    With that, Zalan held out the Homeseeker. Madam Hikma, Slauson and Rep held onto it. He pressed down on the button atop it. Nold watched carefully as they were enveloped in the black glow. The glow intensified before a loud pop announced their warp out of existence.

    ¡°Well then,¡± Umdarr said, looking at the mentor who got his students to the finals yet again. ¡°I will see you next year?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Nold said coldly, creating himself a platform of sand and floating his way out of the canyon.

 97 - Book 2 - Chapter 46 - Returns

    Zalan and Rep sighed loudly in relief when they felt the cots of Journey House beneath them. Zalan was amazed by how grateful he was to return here with the Homeseeker. The last time the Homeseeker had brought him back into the guild, he had almost lost his mind. Or perhaps he had lost it, but was able to find it back in the tournament. The uncomfortable mattress beneath him brought him nothing but joy. He looked up at Rep, his face hurt and strained.

    ¡°Time for some healing sleep?¡± Zalan asked, excited.

    ¡°God be praised,¡± Rep said, sinking his head into his pillow and immediately passing out.

    Zalan followed suit, lying back and closing his eyes. With a downward curve on his lips, he fell asleep almost immediately.

    Zalan woke up about half an hour later. He had much of his body to heal so it took longer than he was used to. Rep was doing stretches in the center of the room, breathing deeply and looking content. He stood up straight when he saw Zalan was awake.

    ¡°I can move freely again,¡± Rep said, smiling and rotating his once-injured shoulder.

    Zalan hesitantly raised an arm, waiting for stinging pain to announce itself. None came. He swung his legs off the cot and jumped up excitedly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll never get used to how good it feels to be at a hundred percent after a short nap,¡± Zalan grinned, flexing his arms and legs with delight.

    Rep was staring at Zalan with hesitation. He tried to look nonchalant, but was clearly disturbed.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    Rep shook his head, trying to seem aloof.

    ¡°Rep, what is it?¡±

    ¡°You have a slight¡­ It is hardly noticeable, really¡­ Just a¡­¡± Rep trailed and pointed beneath his cheekbone.

    Zalan tapped his cheek in confusion. He didn¡¯t feel anything on him. He shook his head at Rep slightly, waiting for an explanation.

    ¡°It is best if you see it for yourself,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan crossed the room to a mirror that hung on the other end. He blinked at his reflection, for a moment not recognizing it as himself. He tapped his face lightly. A noticeably dark scar ran from his chin to his left eye. The scar was jagged, like it followed dozens of different paths to get across his face.

    ¡°What happened? Why didn¡¯t it heal?¡± Zalan asked, running his finger along the uneven scar.

    ¡°Self-inflicted wounds are less likely to heal,¡± Rep reminded him. ¡°But they may fade with time.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but what did I¡­¡± Zalan thought back to his fight with Slauson. There were several times that he could have hurt himself enough to cause lasting damage. The blasts he delivered to his mouth to free himself of the ice. The lightning he summoned from the sky. Or any other lightning that was accidentally conducted by water left on the arena.

    He rolled up his sleeves, confirming that there were other bits and scars that hadn¡¯t left him either. Lasting reminders of what happened when he let his anger take control. He pulled his sleeves back down, a bit embarrassed.

    ¡°I just have to live with these?¡± Zalan asked, uncomfortable. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll come with me when I get back to my world?¡±

    ¡°I hope not. But I have no idea,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°All right. It¡¯s fine, I can deal with this,¡± Zalan said self-assuredly.

    ¡°Shall we move on to Madam Hikma, then?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°A little eager to get going, huh?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I would prefer to be on our way before Nold returned to Oriton. He is likely already on his way,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°We have days¡¯ worth of a head start. We¡¯ll be fine,¡± Zalan said, but took his point. He was still really uncertain whether he wanted Nold along for any of their future endeavors. Especially if Nold found a way to steer them toward some random adventure at sea when they didn¡¯t want to go.

    Zalan took stock of his inventory as he gathered his things. He had the Homeseeker, looking a little worse for wear, but probably fine for another few uses before it disintegrated away. The Reversal Stone and its enticing possibilities he slid into his pocket where his phone used to be. He had forgotten all about the sensation of his phone in his pocket these days. He wondered what other habits he had lost since entering the realm. On top of the Artifacts, he had his sword and a few hundred gold coins. Rep also had about the same amount of gold and a sword.

    ¡°Good to go?¡± Zalan asked, heading for the door.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said, catching up.

    The light was fading from the sky, the day transitioning to night. It was hard for Zalan to believe that it was the same day that he had taken part in the finals. So much had transpired that it felt impossible. Like a vivid dream. But he had long rejected this world as a dream. It was real. Its own dimension existing simultaneously with his own. He needed to treat everything here with as much respect as he would in his own reality.

    ¡°Sorry about¡­ everything Rep,¡± Zalan said as they made their way through town. ¡°I went off the deep end back at the tournament and I know you were trying to prevent it. I should have trusted you from the beginning.¡±

    ¡°Not to worry, Zalan, I am glad you came out fine,¡± Rep said, in a fine mood.

    ¡°Sometimes I think you''re a little too quick to forgive,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I hope that any mercy or forgiveness I deal out will be given back to me, in turn,¡± Rep said casually.

    ¡°You want people to be more forgiving to you?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ I just wish to reduce the stress in the world in case it may be of help to others,¡± Rep said, in a moment of self reflection.

    Zalan thought that was profound. It sounded like Rep was trying to stock up good will in the world by being kinder to it. Zalan wished he could be more like that. To see beyond himself. He realized how often his thoughts led back to himself, especially in the time before the tournament. Everything was always about himself or his mom. He promised himself to be more cognizant of the bigger picture, the same way Rep did.

    Zalan felt safer in Oriton as he passed through. It was becoming comfortable to him. Less like a place he was visiting and more like another home. It didn¡¯t truly feel like a home, but something tangential. Something like a hotel. A place that felt safe and comfortable as a base of operations, but not the home he wanted in the long term. It was pleasant to walk through.

    ¡°Hey, Rep,¡± Zalan said, a thought coming to mind. ¡°Dimak was talking about someone named¡­ Flannegan Swift,¡± Zalan was unsure about the name. ¡°Do you have last names in this world?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes. People in this world have two names. Sometimes even middle names. A name given to them by their parents, then they have a name associated with their family. I see how that may have been confusing to hear two names for a single person,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s actually the same in my world. I¡¯m just surprised that you use last names at all.¡±

    ¡°Ah, it was done as a result of populations joining together after a large-scale sickness swept our lands years ago,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Oh, that sounds a lot like why we¡ª¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I should be more clear. I know you were very confused when we last spoke to Doctor Quill. A ¡®sickness¡¯ is something that affects you and makes you feel ill without reason. There is generally no external pain, but an internal weakness that prevents you from functioning properly,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Yeah, I know what an illness is,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Can you heal an illness by sleeping?¡±

    ¡°That tends to be one of the better ways to heal. You need to increase your intake of water and rest.¡±

    ¡°So there¡¯s no Healing Rest for illness,¡± Zalan confirmed.

    ¡°Why would there be? Illness is separate from damage done to you by an outside entity,¡± Rep said confidently.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Zalan wasn¡¯t sure how to try and reply to that, deciding instead to ask a more pertinent question on his mind,

    ¡°What¡¯s your last name, Rep?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep looked flustered, turning his head away.

    ¡°Yours first,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Uh, sure. It¡¯s Alasif,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°Alasif,¡± Rep repeated, nodding to himself.

    Zalan waited, but realized Rep was not offering his own name.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan prompted.

    ¡°Fine. Do not laugh. It is Airman.¡±

    ¡°Airman?¡± Zalan asked, holding back a laugh.

    ¡°My family all used to get Air Elemental Powers. They were all Airmen. It became our name,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Your full name is Rep Airman? Repairman?¡± Zalan began laughing.

    ¡°I told you not to laugh!¡± Rep pleaded.

    ¡°Repairman!¡± Zalan said as he laughed. Rep covered his mouth before others of the town would hear. It took several more minutes for Zalan to calm down.

    They soon arrived at Madam Hikma¡¯s building. Zalan winced as he saw the crack in the door from when he last visited this building. A permanent stain of his past emotional state. Scars on himself and the world. He shuddered, and Rep placed his hand on Zalan¡¯s shoulder confidently.

    ¡°You should knock more gently this time,¡± Rep teased.

    ¡°Hilarious,¡± Zalan said sarcastically. He felt slightly better about the fact that Rep thought it was an appropriate thing to joke about. Or maybe he just wanted to get back at Zalan after he made fun of his name for so long.

    He knocked lightly. After a few seconds, the door cracked open a fraction of an inch. Sholou, Madam Hikma¡¯s assistant, peeked her face into the doorframe. Upon seeing Zalan, she turned fearful and gripped the door tightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about last time,¡± Zalan said quickly, before she shut the door.

    Sholou hesitated for a moment, the door hovering very close to closing.

    ¡°Madam Hikma is expecting us,¡± Rep said gently.

    Sholou looked between the two men skeptically.

    ¡°Feel free to ask her,¡± Rep encouraged patiently.

    ¡°She told me that the same people who miraculously brought her back to Oriton also intended to visit later. You warped her back home?¡± Sholou asked, her question directed at Zalan.

    ¡°With the Homeseeker, yeah,¡± Zalan pulled out the Artifact as proof.

    She looked it over, not even a little familiar with what the Artifact did or was supposed to look like. The derision in her eyes refused to wane.

    ¡°Tell me your names,¡± she said, sounding challenging.

    ¡°I¡¯m Zalan, and he¡¯s Rep,¡± Zalan replied.

    Sholou sighed in disappointment and opened the door wider.

    ¡°Right this way,¡± she grumbled, leading the way inside.

    Zalan was ashamed by how Sholou saw him. He wondered how far the ramifications of his anger getting the better of him would proliferate across the land. Scars of the mind on top of all the others.

    Madam Hikma was seated at the table they first met her at. The table was clean, the books that last littered it were cleaned up and organized in Madam Hikma¡¯s absence. Sholou remained in the room, watching Zalan closely from the corner.

    ¡°Rep, Zalan, please come in and sit down,¡± Madam Hikma presented an open palm to the seats across the table.

    ¡°We have a question to ask of you,¡± Rep said, producing a gold coin and placing it on the table.

    ¡°Please, there is no need for a donation. It is the least I can do to repay the many-day trip you have saved me,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Rep nodded in agreement, but said nothing in reply. He simply left the coin on the table and took a seat. Madam Hikma took the gesture with grace, a light smile on her face.

    ¡°What manner of questions do you have for me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m still trying to find a way back home. Back to my dimension or reality or whatever we want to call it,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Your world,¡± Madam Hikma nodded, showing she was on the same page.

    ¡°I recall the first time that we asked about it, you presented the Five Monsters of the Mindscape. We initially rejected the idea as either too difficult or taking too long, but I think we have come around on it. Is that still something that we can pursue?¡± Rep elucidated.

    Zalan stared at him. He barely remembered any of those details from the last time they talked. But he was certain Rep thought they were too difficult to take on. Now he was confident enough in their abilities to challenge any monsters. Madam Hikma nodded thoughtfully, like she agreed with Rep¡¯s conclusion.

    ¡°Yes, that avenue is still one open to Zalan. And I see he has already overcome two of the Monsters of the Mindscape,¡± Madam Hikma said, her intelligent eyes scanning him thoughtfully.

    Zalan and Rep blinked in shock.

    ¡°What? Did you say I already beat two?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°When?¡±

    ¡°One in Castle Docrun, and another at the tournament. But what exactly they were, I am unaware.¡±

    Rep and Zalan looked to one another, ideas racing between them.

    ¡°Maybe Hatewing?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°That certainly must have been one of them,¡± Rep agreed. ¡°And then perhaps the Basilisk.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even touch that one. Maybe the Shell King?¡±

    ¡°It was powerful, but not so much that I¡¯d give it a lofty title. In addition, that one was not at the tournament,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°But the only monster at the tournament was the Basilisk! It¡¯s not even dead!¡±

    Turning back to Madam Hikma, they searched her for answers. She offered a simple smile.

    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll figure out those two later. What about the rest of the monsters? Are they still out there?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The Monsters of the Mindscape will be available to Zalan so long as he remains in this realm,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    ¡°What if someone else kills them first?¡±

    ¡°That is not possible,¡± Hikma replied calmly.

    Zalan squinted slightly in confusion, but Madam Hikma offered nothing more in explanation.

    ¡°Okay, so where do I go to take out one of these monsters? What does it look like?¡± Zalan asked.

    Madam Hikma regarded him closely, peering into his soul with her eyes. Zalan shrunk in his seat uncomfortably, thinking about trying to hide whatever it was she could see in him. He knew it was a silly thing to think about, but he still didn¡¯t want her rummaging around in his psyche. With a gleam in her eyes, Madam Hikma leaned back with a knowing look.

    ¡°In order to overcome the next Monster of the Mindscape on Zalan¡¯s journey¡­ He must do battle with Morloch the Manipulator,¡± Madam Hikma announced.

    Zalan blinked in shock. Rep looked confused, glancing between Madam Hikma and his friend.

    ¡°Morloch is a monster?¡± Zalan asked, flabbergasted. ¡°A Monster of the Mindscape?¡±

    ¡°I have told you what I know,¡± Madam Hikma said simply.

    ¡°Morloch? The same man you mentioned before at the tournament?¡± Rep asked, hearing the recognition in Zalan¡¯s voice.

    ¡°The man¡ªor monster, I guess¡ªwho convinced Yelsa to jump off of Aetheria. He¡¯s got Elemental Air Power,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Rep said, sounding like he didn¡¯t quite believe Zalan. He still wasn¡¯t sure he was convinced of a floating city in the sky.

    ¡°Do you know what he looks like?¡± Zalan asked Madam Hikma.

    ¡°I do not. I know he is very powerful,,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    ¡°How is he holding me in this world? How does he know who I am?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I know not,¡± Madam Hikma repeated apologetically.

    ¡°Do you know how I can find him?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You must go to the Island of Remains. He will be hidden there. Easy to find, but difficult to discover,¡± Madam Hikma determined.

    Zalan¡¯s eye twitched with recognition, feeling foolish. He¡¯d been on the search for Morloch on land when he was on an island the entire time. Rep opened his eyes in shock.

    ¡°Are you certain? That is really our destination? Is there another way?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan looked over to Rep and saw the worry in his eyes. He surmised that the Island of Remains must not be the most pleasant of destinations.

    ¡°This is the only way, unless you wish to pursue another route home,¡± Madam Hikma said confidently.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying the generic brand of going home again,¡± Zalan said. ¡°If the Island of Remains is where we have to go, then it¡¯s where we¡¯ll go. How do I find him if he¡¯s hidden away?¡±

    ¡°Very few in this world know how,¡± Madam Hikma replied.

    ¡°All right, fine. How do we get to the Island of Remains?¡± Zalan followed up.

    ¡°You should speak with the people of the port on the other end of Oriton,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    ¡°I forgot about the port,¡± Zalan said. ¡°It should be pretty easy to buy a boat and get moving, right? We have plenty of money to bargain with. Is the island in that direction?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, taking off from the Port of Oriton would be a good start,¡± Madam Hikma nodded.

    ¡°Except that the port is made of many¡­ different characters,¡± Rep said carefully. Zalan immediately read that Rep was talking about scum and criminals, but it wasn¡¯t in his nature to call them as such. ¡°We may have to be clever to procure a vessel and crew.¡±

    ¡°What do we need a crew for?¡±

    ¡°Do you know how to steer a ship?¡±

    ¡°Err¡­ no,¡± Zalan said, immediately realizing his mistake. ¡°Anything else we should know about going on this journey? Like are you sure I¡¯ll find him there?¡± Zalan asked, trying not to be led astray again.

    ¡°This time I am certain. Be careful with Morloch. He had been taking Elemental Powers away from others,¡± Madam Hikma warned.

    ¡°He can do that?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize that was possible. How does he do it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°They grant it to him. He coerces them by manipulating them,¡± Madam Hikma replied.

    ¡°But how do you grant someone else your power? Even willingly?¡± Zalan pressed.

    ¡°That is something I do not know,¡± Madam Hikma replied.

    Rather than be frustrated by her vague answers, Zalan appreciated that she offered all she could. Hearing that Morloch was out there stealing powers made him more determined to stop him.

    ¡°How do I defeat him?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°With your friends,¡± Madam Hikma said. ¡°That is all I know.¡±

    Zalan nodded gratefully. Zalan and Rep stood from their seats and looked to Madam Hikma with gratitude.

    ¡°Thank you for the kind words and hospitality,¡± Rep said, placing a hand over his heart.

    ¡°The pleasure is mine. Come back any time,¡± Madam Hikma replied.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back. As soon as we¡¯re finished with Morloch on the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan said with confidence.

    He was ready to do something to clean the world rather than cause it any more scars. He was determined to rid the world of a Monster of the Mindscape.

 The Homeseeker Book 2 - Afterword (and thank you!)

    Hello again, it¡¯s me, N. T. Lazer, the author of this series. What have you been up to since I last checked in? No way, that¡¯s craaazy. Anyway, enough about you, let¡¯s talk about me (and by me, I mean the Homeseeker).

    Thanks for reading The Homeseeker Book 2: Elements of Rage. I¡¯m really happy I was able to get it all out without any delays and intend to start releasing book 3 in a few days. I¡¯m still very enthused by the response this series has garnered. Comments, to reviews, to criticisms, to Discord messages, it all makes a huge difference in my author experience. Every single one of your comments means so much to me. I read them all, even if I don¡¯t respond to them. And if you want to come hang out and chat, I¡¯ve got a Discord</a> with some fun theory crafters.

    Below here will be filled with Book 2 spoilers, so you better not have jumped to this chapter on a whim.

    I have some notes in the original outline that says Zalan and Rep see ¡°Greenlings¡± on the way, but I have no idea what Greenlings are supposed to be. I never really fleshed that out, so it got dropped.

    There is no mention of ¡°Nold¡± in my original outline for this entire book. It was an adventure between Rep and Zalan alone on their way to the tourney, with Rep losing his mind over Zalan constantly being derisive toward Madam Hikma and the likes of the realm. Basically, Rep at his wits end for having to deal with all the annoying traits that comes with traveling with Zalan. At some point they run into a coach that takes an interest in them going to the tournament. I¡¯m glad I didn¡¯t go that route, as that ended up being repetitive even in a few pages of outline. Plus, Nold is fun.

    I had always planned for the semifinal to be between Slauson and Zalan, never the final. Even though it may have felt a little more fitting for Zalan and his rival to face off in the big match, I wanted the final to be one where Zalan was free of anger. Show his character progression in the same book rather than wait for the lessons to take hold in the next book in the series. Also, I have to admit, I thought it was hilarious to have a pitiful slap fight for the final battle in this big tournament.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    I like the concept of the Elemental Rage Tournament originally being the way that people would receive their Elemental Powers. I¡¯ve been considering writing a prequel series in this world (starring a character introduced in book 3), that might showcase some of those before-times. But that wouldn¡¯t happen before this story is complete and released.

    Trentor was just a placeholder name in my outline for the longest time, with no intent on what I was gonna do with him. As in, he was some rando that would be smacked off stage in a background battle or something while Zalan spoke with Rep or Nold. I ended up having so much fun with him as the weakest fighter that kept winning by the skin of his teeth. Up until Dimak hits him once and it becomes clear what the power disparity is between them.

    I hope it¡¯s not conceited to say so, but I love the Slauson vs. Zalan fight a lot. The reveal of Slauson¡¯s father done so visceral and aggressive, then to Zalan losing his ground, then to Zalan summoning from the sky. Beat for beat, I thought it was some of the most fun chapters to write.

    As a very ahead of time reminder, this series will eventually be edited and released on Amazon as a physical copy and ebook. And yes, this series will eventually be made into an Audiobook on Audible. That¡¯ll take some time though, so no stubbing yet.

    Thank you very much for reading and I hope you all continue into The Homeseeker Book 3: A Bargain With Fate. With three of my favorite characters in the series to be introduced.

    If you¡¯re really enjoying my work, consider supporting me on Patreon.</a> Sincerely, nothing is more motivating than having backers offering consistent support. You can get up to 10 Advanced Chapters. Yes, by the time this post goes up, Patreon is already a few chapters into Book 3.

    I also want to add a sincere thanks for the ratings and reviews. Last time I wrote an afterword, I asked for honest ratings/reviews and I got some! Thank you, seriously. It helps so much. Consider updating an existing review or leaving a rating if you haven¡¯t already. Makes a huge difference for me as an author.

    That¡¯s all! Thanks! Still taking the next few days off then book 3 starts. See you soon!

    N. T. Lazer

 98 - Book 3 - Chapter 01 - A New Guild Member

    Zalan and Rep exited Madam Hikma¡¯s building, having been granted a new quest in order for Zalan to make his way back to his own reality. He had been stuck in this realm of monsters and Elemental Powers for weeks. He was beginning to wonder just how much time passed in his homeworld. It was starting to feel like he was taking a prolonged trip from life while stuck in the realm of Greev. He just wished the trip felt more like a vacation rather than a series of trials.

    He took a deep breath and looked out at the setting sun. Rep, his close friend and guide in this realm, looked out the same way, but was ignoring the retreating star. Instead he stared at the sea anxiously. They had been told to travel across the sea to the Island of Remains in order to take on someone called Morloch the Manipulator. It was important to battle him for Zalan to clear the Monsters of the Mindscape that were holding him to this dimension. Zalan was a little excited to get moving on something that he felt would tangibly clean the world and get him closer to home. He felt like he owed the realm some form of atonement after his vicious actions tearing people down at the Elemental Rage Tournament.

    ¡°Hey, Rep, why do you think Madam Hikma said that no one else would be killing the Monsters of the Mindscape? Wouldn¡¯t they be drifting around like any other monster? Why is it up to us to do? We¡¯re not even the strongest people around,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep bit his lip as he zoned out, his attention on the waters beyond Oriton.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan patted his shoulder lightly.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Should we go to the port right now to purchase a boat and crew?¡± Rep asked, sounding like he hadn¡¯t completely zoned back in.

    ¡°Right now?¡± Zalan asked, scratching his head. ¡°We just got back from the tournament. Don¡¯t you want to get some real sleep? Plus, won¡¯t the port be empty at this time of day? We have a better shot at finding a crew in the morning, right?¡±

    Rep chewed on his lip thoughtfully.

    ¡°Rep? What is this actually about?¡±

    ¡°I am trying to leave for the Island of Remains before Instructor Nold arrives in town,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan raised his eyebrows in surprise. They had left Instructor Nold back at the stadium in a canyon for the Elemental Rage Tournament. They warped back to the town of Oriton by using an Artifact called the Homeseeker. It took several days to get to the tournament when they went together on foot. Nold would be traveling for days, maybe even weeks.

    ¡°We have a lot of time before he gets here, Rep,¡± Zalan said, confused. ¡°We literally just got back, he¡¯s nowhere near the city yet, right?¡±

    Rep looked concerned. Zalan waved a hand in front of his eyes, finally catching his full attention.

    ¡°Very well. Let us get some sleep,¡± Rep allowed, turning to go back to their guild, Journey House.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Rep? Why are you so worried about Nold?¡± Zalan asked as they walked.

    ¡°It does not feel right to me. It is one thing to travel with him, but he has insisted that he wants to travel alongside you for a while now. He has been rash in some of his teachings and I do not see why he wishes to be a companion rather than just an instructor. I do not want him leading you somewhere deliberately dangerous for his own purposes. He mentioned the high seas,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°He¡¯s not leading us to the Island of Remains, he would be following us. We¡¯re only going there because Madam Hikma advised us to,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°It is already a very dangerous place. The potential Artifacts it contains also brings in many pirates and criminals to its shores,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°The potential Artifacts? What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The Island of Remains is the home of many Artifacts washing on its shores. No one knows why, but items of all manner end up finding their way on all sides of the island. Most items are worthless remnants of things cast away long ago. But there are treasures and even Artifacts there. Both within the center and around the edges. So they say. It is said that whatever is cast into the sea will eventually make its way to the Island of Remains. It seems the Island of Remains was either blessed or cursed to constantly receive such things,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Oh, are there like water currents around it? Sending things that fall into the sea over to it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not understand? Water currents?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s water that is always in motion in a certain direction in the ocean. Think like a little river in the ocean, always pushing things one way. If it was at a center point of currents, it could be like a great garbage patch,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°There are no rivers in the sea. In fact they are vastly different bodies of water. Do you know the dissimilarity between the two?¡± Rep asked sincerely.

    ¡°Yeah, I was giving an example. I¡¯m talking about water currents. Flows of water in the sea. I don¡¯t even think this is a foreign concept to this realm, you just might not be that familiar with ocean terms,¡± Zalan tried to explain again.

    ¡°It sounds as though you think that rivers and oceans are the same. You may be the one confused with ocean terms,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t say they¡¯re the same. I¡­¡± Zalan stopped himself, blinking the explanation away and sighing. ¡°Fine, alright. The island is blessed or cursed or whatever. So it attracts a lot of people?¡±

    ¡°People and harmful Artifacts. That is why I hope to avoid going with Nold. He tells you he needs your lightning for something in the sea, but he refuses to say what it is exactly. I have no proof but¡­ but I feel he needs you for something of high value on the island,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t really seemed that greedy before,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°Perhaps not greedy, but he has come off as strange,¡± Rep responded.

    Zalan couldn¡¯t deny that. Nold¡¯s personality constantly oscillated between eccentric and aggressively ambitious. Zalan could never tell what it was that Nold was after whenever he seemed enthused. It felt like it had something to do with teaching Zalan, though. Zalan¡¯s best guess was that Nold had a legacy he wanted to build and uphold as some legendary instructor. But that was his best guess, with no real reason to believe it was fact.

    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll try to go without him. But if he shows up, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m gonna say. I promised I¡¯d help him after he taught me almost everything I know about imbuing and redirecting my power. Plus, any time he¡¯s come to our defense, he¡¯s been super strong,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I would feel better about that if he would just reveal his Level, Elemental Powers, Strength, or Wisdom. Really, anything about him. He is so secretive, it unnerves me,¡± Rep admitted.

    Zalan nodded, understanding Rep¡¯s reservations. He was glad that Rep wasn¡¯t outright against the idea. He trusted Rep too much to not take him seriously. He would consider denying Nold to join them if Rep had stronger opinions.

    As they approached the guild, they saw a man older than them at the open front door. He looked as though he had just completed a journey. Bags were laid at his feet and he was stretching in front of a cot. For a fraction of a moment, Rep dreaded that it was Nold. The man looked to be the right age and build. But that had to be impossible. It had been only hours since they left the tournament. Once they entered the guild, they knew for certain it was someone else. Rep visibly relaxed. He held up an arm in greeting.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°Heron?¡± Rep said, approaching the man.

    ¡°Rep, is that you? Who is that with you?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°This is my friend, Zalan. He has been my guest in the guild for the past month at least, if not more,¡± Rep replied, presenting Zalan. Zalan gave a light wave. Rep looked as though he greatly respected the man from the way he spoke to him.

    ¡°You have been guiding him? What happened to the other project you had?¡± Heron inquired.

    ¡°Ah, ummm, what other project?¡± Rep asked, nervous.

    ¡°Do not pretend as though you forgot! The Artifact! The one that we had never seen before,¡± Heron said.

    ¡°Oh, yes, nothing really came of it,¡± Rep said quickly, sounding like he was trying to drop the subject.

    ¡°Really? I recall you even went to Madam Hikma to seek her advice on how best to activate it. You said you wanted to ¡®get her eye on it.¡¯ But she said it was something¡­ what was the word she used?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°She said it was special,¡± Rep said dully, like it wasn¡¯t worth talking about.

    ¡°She said it was otherworldly!¡± Heron snapped his fingers as he recalled.

    ¡°Where are you coming from?¡± Rep asked, almost desperate to change the subject.

    ¡°I have returned from my recent quest to vanquish a family of Nargs plaguing a city. Where are you coming from?¡±

    ¡°Zalan and I just returned from the Elemental Rage Tournament,¡± Rep relaxed.

    ¡°You attended the tournament? Good for you! Did you win? Where did you and your friend place?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°I was a quarterfinalist and Zalan was a finalist in the Level 10 and Under bracket,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°A finalist!¡± Heron looked to Zalan, impressed. ¡°Well done! A shame you couldn¡¯t come out the victor and bring some reputation to Oriton. You said your name was Zalan?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°Are you here to join the guild, now that you built your reputation?¡± Heron asked.

    Zalan blinked and looked to Rep for an explanation.

    ¡°Heron is one main recruiter of the Journey House. By his discretion, he can make you an official member of the guild,¡± Rep said, sounding excited for Zalan.

    ¡°Why would I do that?¡± Zalan asked, confused.

    ¡°Ah, why Journey House and not the more illustrious Granite House or the sophisticated Knowledge House?¡± Heron nodded, beginning his sales pitch. ¡°Journey House is for those that are not content to sit at home and wait for things to happen at the gates of Oriton. They do not espouse philosophy and try to dissect monsters. They travel the world and bring with them the experience of the realm! Both the literal Experience and the figurative! And, the guild will provide you with a guide to help you on your way, should you so choose. Take Rep, for example, he could travel along with you. You would also have access to rest in the guild every day, whether for simple lay down or a Healing Rest. In addition, you could go to forges in the city and request swords be made for you at a higher priority than other residents of Oriton.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s eyes narrowed. He waited for more perks, but Heron looked like he was done. It sounded almost exactly like what he had already been doing without being part of the guild. Including having Rep as a guide.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it,¡± Zalan whispered.

    ¡°You get these benefits because you are my guest in the guild. If you are a member, you would not need my presence to enter or rest here,¡± Rep explained.

    Zalan didn¡¯t see himself traveling outside of Rep¡¯s company in this realm. But he saw how eager Rep looked for him to join and decided it couldn¡¯t hurt.

    ¡°Okay, sure, what does it take to join?¡± Zalan asked, shrugging nonchalantly.

    ¡°It costs a whole seven silver coins a year,¡± Heron said. ¡°I know it sounds expensive compared to the other guilds, but I assure you that¡­¡±

    Heron trailed. Zalan was already holding out a gold coin. Heron cleared his throat, burning his second sales pitch. He pushed Zalan¡¯s money away lightly and continued.

    ¡°Right, ummm. I would take the payment after you have been deemed a good fit for the guild. Do you have anyone from the guild who would recommend you?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°I would,¡± Rep said. ¡°And I am certain that Gorb would, as well.¡±

    ¡°Very well, and your stats?¡± Heron asked.

    Zalan tapped his fingers together three times, revealing his abilities as they populated his forearm.

    LEVEL: 05

    STRENGTH: 05

    WISDOM: 07

    EXPERIENCE: 04

    ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

    Heron looked it over, not showing whether he was impressed or disappointed by the numbers. He simply leaned in to get a better look, then stood straight when he was satisfied by what he¡¯d seen.

    ¡°Next, I need to ask you a series of questions while you hold this Artifact. A Heart of Purity,¡± Heron said. He rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a small, glass heart. It could fit in the palm of his hand.

    ¡°Sure, what does it do?¡± Zalan asked, looking at Rep. Rep raised his eyebrows for Zalan to keep his focus on Heron.

    ¡°It finds the truth of your statements. Small black spots will appear within the Artifact if you tell a lie while holding it,¡± Heron said. ¡°But it will clear itself if you correct yourself. Observe as I demonstrate. My name is Rep!¡±

    The Heart of Purity grew a black blot in the center. Small, like the size of a pea, but it stood out when the rest of the heart was so clean and transparent.

    ¡°Excuse me, I misspoke. My name is Heron,¡± Heron said. The blemish faded away.

    He handed the Artifact to Zalan. Zalan looked at it and swallowed nervously, not certain about the questions he was about to receive.

    ¡°Try not to embellish anything, as exaggerations tend to trigger the Artifact as well. I will start with easy questions,¡± Heron said. ¡°Now, what is your name?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Zalan,¡± Zalan said.

    He stared intently at the Heart of Purity, already feeling like he¡¯d done something wrong. The heart remained unchanged.

    ¡°Very good. What is your Level?¡±

    ¡°Five.¡±

    ¡°And your Elemental Power?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°Lightning.¡±

    ¡°Good. Now for something more substantial. Why do you wish to join Journey House?¡±

    ¡°I uhhh¡­ I dunno. I didn¡¯t really think about it before now. I guess it would be nice,¡± Zalan said.

    The three men looked at the heart closely. Heron frowned in disappointment when the heart remained clean.

    ¡°What is the strongest monster you have killed?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°Uhhh¡­ An Elemental Dragon,¡± Zalan said, trying to think of anything more powerful.

    Heron smirked at the response, waiting for the heart to grow dark. It remained unaltered.

    ¡°What the¡­ You killed an Elemental Dragon at Level Five?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°No, I was at a lower Level,¡± Zalan said.

    Heron scoffed, at the arrogance, but frowned even deeper when he saw the heart remain pure. Zalan wasn¡¯t trying to brag, he was very focused on keeping the heart clean. In fact he hadn¡¯t even noticed that he said something that sounded overconfident. Holding the truth-revealing heart was nerve wracking, even when he knew he was being honest.

    ¡°What Level did you kill it at?¡± Heron demanded. It was clear he was no longer asking Zalan questions related to the guild.

    ¡°I was Level Four,¡± Zalan said.

    The heart darkened and Zalan tensed up in panic. He looked over the Artifact in confusion. Heron sighed in relief, seeing that Zalan truly was exaggerating things. He had a hard time believing that Zalan could take down an Elemental Dragon, even with any number of Artifacts at his disposal.

    ¡°Wait, sorry. I was Level Three at the time. I got to Level Four after killing it,¡± Zalan corrected himself.

    Heron rolled his eyes at the doubling down. Then the heart cleared. Heron¡¯s mouth gaped. He snatched the heart from Zalan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°This Artifact has clearly degraded,¡± Heron claimed, looking it over.

    The heart grew a dark spot.

    ¡°It just does not understand what you are saying,¡± Heron said. The heart grew even darker. ¡°I killed an Elemental Dragon.¡± Heron said, mocking Zalan¡¯s voice.

    The black spot in the heart was the size of a grape now, growing with every lie Heron said. Heron looked at it and pursed his lips. One of his eyes twitched as he tried to think of a better explanation for Zalan¡¯s claims.

    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± Heron dropped his hands to his side, moving the Heart of Purity out of his eyeline. ¡°That was all that was required, especially when you have Rep and Gorb vouching for you.¡±

    Rep clapped Zalan on the back, proud of his friend.

    ¡°It is my honor to be happy to let you join the Journey House,¡± Heron said, sounding a little miffed.

    Zalan and Rep failed to suppress a smirk when he saw the Artifact grow even darker at that sentence.

    ¡°Great,¡± Zalan said, holding out his payment of a gold coin.

    ¡°I am not giving you change.¡± Heron plucked the gold from Zalan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need it. My first request as an official guild member will be to have Rep join me on a journey.¡±

    ¡°I humbly accept,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°Fine, I do not care,¡± Heron said, rolling his eyes.

    Hearing this, the heart cleared of its darkness.

    Rep and Zalan laughed at the sight. They then went to their respective cots to get some sleep. Zalan laid back and closed his eyes. Without meaning to, he fell asleep with a light frown on his face.

 99 - Book 3 - Chapter 02 - The Port of Oriton

    Zalan woke up early the next morning, immediately moving to rouse Rep from his sleep. Rep rolled over in bed, rubbing his eyes. He stared at Zalan with concern for a second. He wasn¡¯t used to seeing the new scars across Zalan¡¯s face. They came about when Zalan shocked himself with lightning during the Elemental Rage Tournament. While they could heal themselves of most wounds in this realm with Healing Rest, self-inflicted scars remained. Rep couldn¡¯t help but frown.

    ¡°You good?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Yes. I am fine,¡± Rep said dismissively, pulling himself out of bed and gathering his things.

    Rep and Zalan gathered their gold coins, Artifacts, and respective swords. Zalan had two Artifacts on his person; the Homeseeker and the Reversal Stone. The Homeseeker could warp those holding it back to their homes and the Reversal Stone could turn back time on a non-human by a few minutes. They waved farewell to Heron and made their way toward the Port of Oriton to purchase a boat. As they walked across town, Rep seemed agitated, like something was on his mind. His eyes kept scanning townspeople as they passed by.

    ¡°What was that about an Artifact that Heron was asking you about?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not wish to talk about it,¡± Rep said, sounding disappointed in himself.

    ¡°I thought you liked talking about Artifacts. Or at least knowing all about them,¡± Zalan pressed.

    ¡°I am not yet sure how I feel about that particular one,¡± Rep sighed.

    Zalan¡¯s lip twitched thoughtfully, then his eyes went downcast.

    ¡°Did you kill someone with the Artifact because you didn¡¯t know what it did?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°What? No! Nothing like that. I just never should have meddled with things I did not understand,¡± Rep responded.

    Zalan continued to assess Rep. Something else was on his mind, even more than his Artifact business. Zalan thought they had enough time to kill that he could keep prodding.

    ¡°Are you still worried about Nold showing up, or something?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, my concern is with the Port of Oriton. It is filled with those that are not known to bear honor,¡± Rep said carefully.

    ¡°You mean like they¡¯re scum?¡± Zalan filled in the gaps.

    Rep neither confirmed nor denied the phrase. They would have to be careful as they went to that side of town. As they passed by Madam Hikma¡¯s building, Zalan could see the streets transitioning. Bits of detritus littered more corners of the roads. Homes and buildings were not nearly as nicely maintained, gashes in walls and stains on doorsteps. The smell of the sea swelled, masking a somewhat rancid odor that ran through this side of town. Even the people looked less inviting, granting him and Rep shifty glances as they walked by.

    The further they walked toward the port, the more attention they gathered. Zalan began to feel self conscious. The people watched him like they knew he didn¡¯t belong on this side of town. They watched him with hungry eyes. At first Zalan avoided eye contact. Then he tried to look tough with his eyes. Then he looked at the ground, feeling embarrassed.

    ¡°What should I be doing right now? Should I be staring back or something?¡± Zalan mentioned to Rep.

    ¡°I do not know. I have never traveled here without someone that was Level 10 before,¡± Rep responded.

    ¡°Great,¡± Zalan said, slightly nervous by the amount of eyes they continued to attract.

    Zalan felt a chill go down his spine. He felt any of the people around them would try to take advantage of him, given the chance. Zalan began to imbue himself, running his Elemental Lightning across the top of his body in case anyone tried to sucker punch him. His arms were tense, constantly flexing in preparation for a fight his mind convinced him was coming. The closer they got to the seaside, the narrower the streets felt. They were more like alleys rather than roads. In the distance, they could see the narrow paths opened up once they got closer to the sea. The port had much more space than the areas leading into them.

    Zalan was beginning to feel confined, even as he was free to keep moving. Rep and Zalan had to twist their bodies to pass people without bumping into them. Despite his efforts to remain at a distance, someone crashed directly into Zalan, walking the opposite direction.

    ¡°Watch where you¡ª¡±

    The passerby couldn¡¯t complete his insult. He began reeling in pain, screaming as the electricity passed from Zalan through the man¡¯s system. He stretched and cringed in several directions.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± Zalan said, mortified, turning to look at him and help him to his feet. ¡°I was imbued, I didn¡¯t mean to hit you with¡­¡±

    As the man convulsed on the floor, Zalan saw a familiar pouch in front of him. It looked a lot like the pouch where Zalan stored all of his money. Zalan felt at his pocket as he simultaneously realized he¡¯d been pickpocketed. He blinked in shock, his worry quickly morphing to offense.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Zalan took a step forward and the man reached out to grab the pouch.

    Rep looked between Zalan and the robber, realizing that Zalan was dealing with a thief. Zalan let out a shock of lightning, striking the man directly and causing him to scream once more. Rep rushed forward to wrestle the pouch away, but had a hard time moving quickly in the cramped pathway. The man¡¯s eyes widened and he slapped something on his hip. In a fraction of a second, he zipped away in an orange flash.

    Zalan stared at where the man was a second ago. He blinked and shook his head in disbelief. In a moment of confusion, Zalan zapped the floor, making sure the man hadn¡¯t just turned invisible.

    ¡°What, did he disappear? What just happened?¡± Zalan said, his head racing from side to side.

    ¡°He used a Belt of Bolt. An Artifact to teleport him away from here. He won¡¯t be far, but we will have no way to know which direction he took himself,¡± Rep sighed, sounding defeated.

    ¡°We can¡¯t? What do we do?¡± Zalan asked, disturbed.

    ¡°There is not much we can do unless we find him,¡± Rep shrugged. ¡°But I do not think he will show himself if he knows we are in the area.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying it¡¯s not even worth looking? He has my money!¡± Zalan said urgently.

    ¡°With the Belt of Bolt, it is a waste of time to search unless you know where he likes to teleport himself in order to escape. Let us keep moving before another thief happens upon us.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Zalan sighed, frustrated by the thief and with himself for not acting faster.

    He imbued himself with more lightning, making it shine around him. It wasn¡¯t very bright, even in the shadows of the alleyways. But it was enough to show that touching him meant they would be dealt with pain. The random eyes watching them from the shadows slinked away at his show of power. Most of them weren¡¯t familiar with Elemental Lightning and didn¡¯t want to discover its effects.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°Did he take either of your Artifacts?¡± Rep asked as they moved, keeping his voice low.

    ¡°No, just all my money,¡± Zalan replied,

    ¡°Do we need to go back to the guild?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to replenish your funds with whatever funds you left behind in the guild?¡± Rep clarified.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t leave any behind. Did you?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Rep said, a little too loudly. He brought his voice back down. ¡°You were walking around with over a hundred gold coins wherever we went!? Even when we traveled days away to the Elemental Rage Tournament?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, what else was I supposed to do with it? Do you have banks or something?¡±

    ¡°Leave some in the guild! No one would go around with such money at their hip!¡± Rep said, amazed that Zalan had been so foolish to carry a fortune with him.

    ¡°Look, can we just drop it? You still have enough money to get a boat, right?¡± Zalan asked, feeling embarrassed on top of his frustrations.

    ¡°I suppose,¡± Rep said, disappointed in the massive loss of their funds.

    They finally reached the opening at the other end of the alleyways, revealing the sea in all its splendor. The shining blue waters stretched out to the horizon, covered in a golden chainmail of sunlight. Just ahead of them, the port was heavily populated, filled with sailors and workers loading and unloading vessels. There were boats of varying sizes all across the water, making Zalan wonder what size they would need to make it to the Island of Remains.

    In addition to the usual sails on the boats, there were also parachutes connected to the ends, being shoved away into compartments on the incoming boats. The skies were filled with seagulls and markets smelled heavily of fish. Zalan knew that animals from his reality existed in this realm, but it still felt odd and nostalgic to see familiar creatures overhead. He was so used to seeing monsters wherever he went that regular animals were a pleasant surprise.

    ¡°What now?¡± Zalan asked, distractedly looking around for the man that robbed him.

    ¡°I suppose we talk to crews to see what we can find,¡± Rep replied, peering out at the boats with mild expectations. ¡°Let us start with that one! That is a good size.¡±

    Rep and Zalan walked to one of the largest boats that was docked, filled with sailors having just returned home. It looked like something out of a movie to Zalan. Big enough to have several decks of a ship to carry cargo. From people traveling back and forth, Zalan was sure there were at least forty crew members working on board, if not more. There were portholes in the side of the ship without cannons placed in view. It occurred to Zalan that the portholes might be for sailors to use their Elemental Powers to attack rather than require use of a cannon. He then realized he didn¡¯t think gunpowder had been invented in the realm.

    Rep asked around for the captain and was directed to someone shouting orders from on deck. Rep and Zalan walked up to speak with him.

    ¡°Excuse me, Captain. What does it take to hire you and your crew?¡± Rep asked politely.

    ¡°This is an expensive vessel, unattached to Ma. You think you have the coin to manage us?¡± the captain immediately countered.

    ¡°More than certain,¡± Rep nodded confidently.

    ¡°Where you off to?¡± the captain asked.

    ¡°We would pay handsomely to go to the Island of Remains,¡± Rep reacted immediately.

    ¡°The Island of Remains!¡± the captain let out a bark of a laugh. ¡°No, sir, I can not do business with you.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Off with you. No amount of money is worth our lives. Go ask another ship,¡± the captain waved them off.

    Zalan was going to press further, but Rep just grabbed his shoulder and led them to the next ship. The next ship was also quite large.

    ¡°Hello good sir,¡± Rep said, even more cordial with this captain. ¡°I hope to be able to purchase passage to the Island of Remains, if you would like to increase your wealth substantially.¡±

    ¡°I thank the good sir for his inquiry, but I prefer to live to sail another day,¡± the captain replied, not looking up from swabbing the deck with his crew mates.

    Zalan and Rep traveled to the next boat. Zalan looked over at Rep, confused.

    ¡°How dangerous is it to go to the Island of Remains? Is it really that bad?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I have never been at sea before. I do not know what it takes to make it to the island,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°And¡­ you¡¯re okay with not knowing?¡± Zalan asked carefully.

    ¡°How else would we get to the island to get you closer to home?¡± Rep said, not even considering the question.

    Zalan was amazed at the difference he saw in Rep before traveling to the Elemental Rage Tournament and after. The old Rep would probably have dozens of questions about how dangerous the journey was and if there was an easier way. Now that Rep was flush with confidence, he seemed at ease with the number of unknowns that would come with travel at sea. Rep stepped up to the next vessel.

    ¡°My good captain, what kind of trip would you deny hundreds of pieces of gold for?¡± Rep asked, flipping the script.

    ¡°What did you have in mind?¡± the captain asked, revealing a gold toothed grin.

    ¡°The Island of Remains,¡± Rep said casually.

    The captain¡¯s gold teeth disappeared behind a furtive frown.

    ¡°Ah¡­ No. Not that,¡± he said begrudgingly.

    The next few captains and quartermasters brought about similar responses to their inquiries to go to sea. Even when Rep tried to offer concrete numbers, with gold worth more than the ships they traveled in, the captains were certain that they were unwilling. The more they traveled down the docks, the more desperate Zalan and Rep looked. The boats were smaller and less crew-heavy the further they went from the larger ships.

    ¡°Are you at all interested in the Island of Remains?¡± Rep asked one of the last few quartermasters that hadn¡¯t already rejected him.

    ¡°Only a fool would be,¡± the quartermaster said, raising an eyebrow as he looked up from his ledger.

    ¡°Would you like to be a rich fool?¡± Zalan said, trying to sound charismatic.

    The quartermaster looked at him with an unchanging expression. The awkward silence hovered between them until Rep and Zalan turned away in defeat.

    ¡°Great,¡± Zalan said as they walked away. ¡°There¡¯s only like two boats left. They look exactly the same. And they¡¯re so small. What are we gonna do if we can¡¯t get a boat to the island? I thought this would be the easy part, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°Let us try these last two captains and then we will try something new,¡± Rep said, sounding unenthused about their chances.

    Zalan and Rep were dragging their feet as they walked to the next boat. Zalan could tell this was not the same level of ship as the earlier ones. This ship could hold about ten crew members at max. As Rep reached the deck, someone jumped out from behind a mast and looked upon him with wild mirth.

    ¡°Greetings, my good sir! Do you bring word from the Mother of the Port?¡± the captain asked jovially. He wore a large captain¡¯s hat with golden threads across the top and a bold red uniform below. He presented himself like he was the star of a play introducing his character.

    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Rep stared in so much stunned surprise that the captain continued the conversation by himself

    ¡°I am familiar with your facial expression. You are thinking: ¡®Woe is me! I have seen his face before, but I cannot place it! I hope I do not shame myself and my family by misspeaking his name!¡¯ Fear not, good sir, for I will remind you that it is I, Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick! From where have we met before?¡± the captain asked, presenting a hand to shake.

    ¡°I¡­ do not know that we have?¡± Rep said, sounding like he wasn¡¯t sure himself. He very slowly raised his hand to shake in his confusion.

    ¡°Ah, but I never forget a face. You are¡­¡± Captain Buttonwillow took Rep¡¯s arm and began whipping it rigorously up and down in greeting. He peered deeply into Rep¡¯s face. He narrowed his eyes, straining hard. ¡°I knew it! We have never met before!¡±

    ¡°Right, I just said¡­¡±

    ¡°But you came to my vessel because of my reputation. What is it that I may assist you with?¡± the captain asked, releasing his grip on Rep¡¯s hand to be able to present himself with both fists on his chest.

    ¡°We¡¯re trying to get to the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°The Island of Remains! What an incredible destination to name! A place of incredible potential, if I say so myself! And I do! The stories one could tell by completing the journey... I would love to assist you!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said with added flair of a finger gun pointed to the sky.

    ¡°Really?¡± Zalan said, excited to finally find someone willing. ¡°That¡¯s great!¡±

    ¡°I would love to, but unfortunately I can not!¡± Captain Buttonwillow clarified.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zalan said, disheartened.

    ¡°Allow me to clarify. I can assist you, but only if you do one thing for me,¡± the captain said.

 100 - Book 3 - Chapter 03 - Captainâ€™s Orders

    Rep and Zalan waited for Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick to further explain himself and the favor he needed done, but he stood silently. There was a proud smile on his face, his teeth shining brightly as if waiting for a camera to flash his picture. Rep and Zalan exchanged a confused glance, then pressed onward.

    ¡°Uhhh¡­ what do you need us to do for you?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It is quite the travesty, really,¡± Captain Buttonwillow immediately replied, bowing his head low in a show of disgrace. He even brought his hat lower over his eyes, casting shameful shadows on his face. ¡°My ability to disembark on this ship is not determined by myself, but another. I would love to go on the daring ¡ª and dare I say dashing ¡ª adventure, but alas I am hindered by the words of my benefactor. If, perhaps, someone were to be able to convince my benefactor to let us set sail, I would be more than willing.¡±

    ¡°Who is this benefactor?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°The Mother of the Port has final say on all travels that this great ship The Aegeusson takes part in. If you have received her blessing, then my crew and I would be at your service,¡± Captain Buttonwillow bowed his head in deference.

    ¡°The Mother of the Port?¡± Zalan asked both Rep and the captain.

    ¡°The ne¡¯er do wells and lesser men refer to her simply as ¡®Ma.¡¯ She can be found in the large white building at the end of the docks there!¡± Captain Buttonwillow spun in place, then struck a pose as he pointed out the large white mansion. It was covered in flowers and plants, one of the few signs of affluence on the docks outside the ships themselves. It stood out in stark contrast to the small, drab buildings around it. It felt like the mansion towered over the port itself, watching the ongoings of this side of town with a stern, judgemental gaze.

    ¡°So we just talk to her and you¡¯ll give us a ride to the Island of Remains?¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°I would do so not only with aplomb, but with gusto!¡± the captain smiled.

    ¡°Why do you need us to do this?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°You can¡¯t just ask her yourself?¡±

    ¡°I already know the riposte I would receive if I dared to approach the Mother of the Port myself. But she is a more than reasonable woman when it comes to her guests,¡± Captain Buttonwillow assured them.

    The captain¡¯s crew began gathering on deck to see who he was talking to. Zalan saw two young men and an equally young woman watching them closely.

    ¡°I suppose we can try to pay her for use of one of her ships and its crew,¡± Rep said to Zalan.

    ¡°Please, no!¡± the captain shouted suddenly.

    Rep and Zalan stared at him, wondering if it was another quirk. He looked scared for them. The crew looked concerned behind him, shaking their heads in agreement.

    ¡°Do not try to offer her any money! Ask her what can be done in order to procure the vessel. A negotiation that would bring pleasantries to both parties. And be sure to only refer to her by her title,¡± the captain said urgently.

    ¡°And what is her title?¡±

    ¡°Mother of the Port. She also accepts ¡®Ma,¡¯¡± Captain Buttonwillow replied.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged a glance. They stared at the captain¡¯s twitching eyes and his excessively expressive fingers dancing in anxiety. Zalan leaned in close to Rep.

    ¡°Maybe we should talk to the last ship before trying to take our chances with this ¡®Ma¡¯ lady,¡± Zalan whispered.

    ¡°I was going to suggest the same,¡± Rep agreed quietly.

    ¡°What is it you good men are saying?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked, not one to be left out of secrets being shared. He smiled in ignorance, thinking they were complimenting him in whispers.

    ¡°We would like to thank you for your time,¡± Rep nodded to him politely.

    ¡°But of course. Anything for gentlemen of such good taste. I daresay I look forward to spending more time with you on the way to the Island of Remains. You will understand why the name ¡®Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick¡¯ has spread far and wide. Why you cannot travel to any city in the realm without hearing it spoken in whispers of awe,¡± the captain said, tapping the brim of his hat knowingly.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan said, forcing a smile.

    ¡°Trying to con good men onto your dinghy?¡± a voice called from the last ship on the dock.

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    Rep, Zalan, and Captain Buttonwillow turned to see the source of the voice. Immediately, Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s countenance changed. His jovial attitude turned sour and several sharp lines creased his forehead. Even the members of his crew folded their arms in disapproval of the intruding comment.

    ¡°Lexington Winchester,¡± Captain Buttonwillow seethed through grit teeth.

    ¡°I hope you two have not promised anything to this rapscallion. Captain McKittrick knows how to command a ship about as well as he knows how to shut up,¡± Lexington Winchester said smarmily.

    ¡°I will have no such words from you, Captain Winchester! Your tiny, pathetic vessel only knows how to stay upright because of the excessive air your head supplies to keep it afloat!¡± Captain Buttonwillow shot back.

    ¡°My ship is ten times the boat yours could ever dream to be, both in size and in reputation,¡± Captain Lexington said confidently.

    Rep and Zalan looked between both Buttonwillow and Lexington¡¯s ship. They were exactly the same size. And they both looked pretty beat up to Zalan. If Zalan didn¡¯t see them side by side, he would have assumed it was the same exact ship.

    ¡°Where is it he has promised to take you?¡± Captain Lexington asked. ¡°I guarantee I could take you there faster!¡±

    ¡°Ha! And I know your skull is thick, so again, I say, ha! You have neither the gall nor the knowhow to make your way to the Island of Remains!¡± Captain Buttonwillow forced a laugh.

    ¡°The Island of Remains? It would be a miracle if Captain McKittrick could even shipwreck onto its shores,¡± Captain Lexington spat.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged another nervous glance. It was clear that neither Captain Buttonwillow or Captain Lexington was a superior choice between the two ships. They shrugged and began to walk down the steps of Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s ship, The Aegeusson. The two captains continued to hurl insults toward one another as they made their way off to the Mother of the Port¡¯s building. Rep held tightly to the gold he had in his pocket.

    ¡°Do you think he was serious about not suggesting to pay for anything from the Mother of the Port?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that man was serious about anything. But he¡¯s really the only option we have right now. Or the other guy, I guess. If I had to pick, I would take Buttonwillow. Unless you can think of any Artifacts that we can get that would give us a way there?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°None that come to mind,¡± Rep shook his head. ¡°Let us speak to this port mother and we can determine what to do from there.¡±

    Approaching the clean white building, they saw two bodyguards standing in wait for any visitors. Both of them stood with folded arms, suspicious eyes, and weapons at their hips. They moved to block the door at the end of a short path filled with various colorful flowers and plants. Rep and Zalan stopped at the edge, not sure how to appropriately approach the property. The guards already seemed somewhat wary of them walking so close. Zalan decided to move first when suddenly the door burst open, two more bodyguards carrying a flailing young man.

    ¡°No, please! I can get the gold! I swear! Let me speak to Ma! Please!¡± the man begged, his arms swinging wildly. He was trying to pry the powerful bodyguards arms off of him.

    Rep and Zalan took several steps away as the burly men came down the path, not showing any indication of caring about Rep and Zalan¡¯s presence. They walked toward the water.

    ¡°Please! I am being sincere! I can get the gold!¡± he begged.

    ¡°Ma does not like being lied to,¡± one of the men said sourly.

    ¡°I assure you I am being honest!¡±

    ¡°Good. Because Ma has decided to trust you. She will give you one last chance before your life is forfeit,¡± the man informed him. The two bodyguards continued to walk him to the edge of the dock in front of the building.

    ¡°Oh thank you! Tell Ma I thank her! She can count on me! I will¡­¡±

    The two bodyguards threw the young man off the end of the port. He yelped just before crashing into the sea. The two bodyguards didn¡¯t wait to see him emerge. Instead, they simultaneously turned on their heels and walked back toward the building.

    Rep and Zalan began to rush to help the man get out of the water, but the two guards shook their heads sharply and stood in their way. The threat was clear, and they halted anxiously as they watched the water lap against the portside.

    Before long, the drenched man came coughing out of the water, clawing his way back on the dock and thanking Ma again as he pulled himself up. The bodyguards shoved past Zalan and Rep when they passed them by, as if they didn¡¯t see them. They slammed the door behind them as they entered the clean mansion.

    Zalan and Rep took the next few seconds looking between the mansion, each other, and the dock where the man laid flat with a huge smile on his face, grateful to still be alive.

    ¡°That¡¯s who we¡¯re going to ask for help?¡± Zalan hissed quietly, pointing to the mansion.

    ¡°How was I to know that she was like this?¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Well, what do we do now?¡±

    ¡°We are not going in there, are we?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan ran a hand through his hair and looked at Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s ship and back to the mansion. Captain Buttonwillow was still in the midst of a screaming match with Captain Lexington. Both men were blue in the face.

    ¡°Zalan, are we going in there?¡± Rep asked, sounding more concerned.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, let me think,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Is there any other way we could get to the island? Any other ships you know of?¡±

    ¡°No. And Madam Hikma said the port would be the place to look,¡± Rep answered. He sounded sick as he came to the same conclusion as Zalan. Zalan waited with his breath held, hoping that Rep would have a sudden epiphany of another way to reach the island. Rep¡¯s face was tight with consternation.

    ¡°We gotta go ask her. I don¡¯t know any other way,¡± Zalan concluded finally with a sputter.

    ¡°Keep the Homeseeker close,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan nodded, putting a hand in his pocket and keeping his thumb lightly over the trigger to activate the Artifact. Swallowing hard, the two friends began to slowly walk their way down the path toward the mansion. The pair of men standing guard stood taller, looming over Rep and Zalan as they approached.

    ¡°I hope you have a good reason for sullying Ma¡¯s path with your filthy footwear,¡± one said, cracking knuckles loudly as Rep and Zalan approached.

 101 - Book 3 - Chapter 04 - Mother of the Port

    Rep swallowed hard, biting his lip as the guards looked down on him and Zalan. Zalan cleared his throat loudly and nervously.

    ¡°We¡¯re uh¡­ We wanna talk with Ma. Mother of the Port,¡± Zalan quickly corrected himself. His throat was already dry.

    ¡°You want an audience with Ma? Did she ask for your presence?¡± one of the guards asked.

    ¡°Well¡­ no,¡± Zalan admitted.

    The two guards looked at one another, a nerve-wracking smirk passing between them. One of them opened the door slowly, just a crack.

    ¡°Oshrad! We have two men here for Ma!¡± he called inside.

    Sweat rolled down Zalan¡¯s neck as they waited for a reply. It was sickeningly silent from within. Rep pulled at his tunic.

    ¡°Perhaps we should come another time,¡± Rep said, his voice dry.

    ¡°You came here just to waste my time?¡± the same guard asked, his voice icy.

    ¡°No! Of course not!¡± Rep corrected.

    Loud steps echoed from the halls beyond the front door. Another guard appeared from within, presumably Oshrad. He took his time looking at Rep and Zalan. He had a well-kempt beard and a frame to rival any monster Zalan could think of. He waited until one of them adjusted themselves uncomfortably before speaking.

    ¡°Levels?¡± he asked in a deep, serious voice. It somewhat reminded Zalan of Gorb.

    At first Zalan had no idea what that meant. He looked at Rep who had already gone pale. He almost started to panic, then suddenly realized what Oshrad was asking.

    ¡°Level Five. Both of us are,¡± Zalan answered quickly on their behalf.

    ¡°You think we take your words for it? Show me,¡± Oshrad demanded harshly.

    Both Zalan and Rep flinched at his tone. Trembling, they both drew their sleeves up and revealed their stats.

    Oshrad leaned in, getting too close to both of them. Zalan took a half step back when Oshrad took a look. Rep stood bravely, but still bit his lip. Oshrad confirmed their levels then chuckled to himself, shaking his head. The intimidating man tapped his own fingers together and revealed his forearm with a stoic look on his face.

    LEVEL: 17

    STRENGTH: 23

    WISDOM: 20

    EXPERIENCE: 72

    ELEMENT: EARTH

    Zalan swallowed hard and gave a nervous smile. Oshrad was leaps and bounds beyond either Zalan or Rep¡¯s abilities.

    ¡°I hope you have a good reason to be here,¡± he stepped aside, allowing them to approach the inside.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged one last nervous glance before stepping within the mansion. They were immediately searched, being patted up and down and having their weapons pulled from their sheathes. Oshrad moved with an insanely rapid precision.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Zalan protested as he felt something other than his sword pulled away from him.

    ¡°No Artifacts indoors,¡± Oshrad pulled the Homeseeker and Reversal Stone from Zalan¡¯s pockets and stored them away in a pouch.

    ¡°Do not take them from him!¡± Rep demanded.

    ¡°You are in her house, you follow her rules,¡± Oshrad said simply.

    ¡°Then maybe we should leave,¡± Zalan offered. He wanted to sound challenging, but it came out as nervous. Rep nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Oh, it is far too late for that,¡± Oshrad declared solemnly.

    The two guards outside stepped in the way of the exit. Oshrad slowly closed the door, the light of freedom snuffed out. Zalan and Rep were trapped within. Oshrad flicked his chin upward. Zalan and Rep obeyed, making their way deeper into the menacing building.

    After all the places Zalan had seen in this world, nothing felt more like a monstrous dungeon than the mansion. There were flowers planted in pots on walls above them, making him feel like he was constantly being looked down upon. The floors and pillars were eerily spotless for a world without the technology to do such deep cleaning. At the end of the hall was a closed set of double doors twice Zalan¡¯s height. Both Rep and Zalan stopped in front of it, already regretting their decision to come inside.

    ¡°Go on, then. I thought you wanted an audience,¡± Oshrad said, amusement in his voice.

    Zalan placed his hand on the door, but Rep stopped him suddenly before he could push. Instead of trying to open it, Rep knocked on the door politely. They waited for a few tense moments.

    ¡°She must be busy. We can return some other time,¡± Rep said to Oshrad rather quickly.

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    Oshrad smiled without emotion, shaking his head. Rep made a face between a grimace and a wince and turned back toward the door. They waited. Nothing but the sound of Rep and Zalan¡¯s hearts crashing in their ears could be heard. They waited longer. Zalan was almost sure that no one was on the other end. But not knowing for sure drove him that much deeper into stress.

    ¡°Enter,¡± a woman spoke on the other end.

    Zalan opened the door immediately. This woman didn¡¯t sound like someone who would be willing to wait. Rep and Zalan entered with small steps, neither of them eager to move forward. Oshrad followed them into the large room, flowers sitting in vases at each corner. The walls were lined with half a dozen more guards watching them carefully. None of them held weapons, but Zalan assumed that wouldn¡¯t be an issue for them if they were at a similar Level to Oshrad. They could vaporize Zalan and Rep with the snap of a finger.

    At the head of the room sat a stout, disinterested woman at a massive table. In one corner was a brown, wilting flower leaning over the edge of a vase. It was the only sign of death or discoloration in the otherwise pristine building. She watched Rep and Zalan approach perceptively, her eyes scanning and scrutinizing their every motion. She was no taller than Rep or Zalan but her presence was massive to the both of them. The guards clearly looked to her with deference and a mountain of obedience. Rep and Zalan continued to approach her with their tiny movements. They were waiting for some sign of when they should stop. The woman continued to stare with bored eyes.

    ¡°That is enough,¡± the woman said, causing the two friends to stand sharply at attention. ¡°I hope you have a good reason for being here.¡±

    Zalan felt naked without the Homeseeker at his side. Normally it was an easy guarantee that he could escape any situation at a few seconds¡¯ notice, but he was stuck here. He didn¡¯t want to say something to provoke the woman. But he also felt like silence would be just as offensive. He was stuck in a loop of concern, trying to think of the perfect thing to say and remained pitifully quiet. Rep cleared his throat and braved the first sentence.

    ¡°Greetings, Mother of the Port. I am Rep and this is my friend Zalan. We thank you for having us,¡± Rep said, his voice shaky.

    ¡°Mother of the Port?¡± she repeated.

    Zalan was pretty sure that she was the woman that Captain McKittrick was talking about until that single sentence. Her tone was so hard to read that Zalan questioned everything he thought he understood. To both Rep and Zalan¡¯s relief, the woman continued her sentence.

    ¡°Are you some of McKittrick¡¯s crew?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°Then call me Ma,¡± she said. It wasn¡¯t a suggestion. Reading the intonation of her voice, they already made a bad first impression.

    ¡°We wish to ask for your assistance with something,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What a surprise,¡± Ma said sarcastically. ¡°Someone would like a favor from me.¡±

    ¡°Right, well, ummm¡­ We could be willing to favor¡­ No, I mean¡­¡± Rep stammered himself into submission. Zalan jumped in before Ma got impatient.

    ¡°We¡¯re trying to get to the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan explained. ¡°And we need a boat to do that. Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick said that we had to talk to you about it.¡±

    ¡°Did you try to pay McKittrick?¡±

    ¡°Umm¡­ yes?¡± Zalan said, uncertain if that was the right answer.

    Ma leaned back in her chair, looking around at the guards around the room. She nodded her head slowly and began pointing to Zalan. She addressed the room.

    ¡°You see that? McKittrick knows loyalty. Money at his feet and he still directs his clients to me. You can all learn something from him,¡± she said to all of her incredibly loyal guards.

    ¡°Yes, Ma,¡± they collectively agreed.

    ¡°Good, good. Where were we?¡± Ma leaned forward again, placing her arms on the table and clasping her hands.

    ¡°We were wondering if we could hire McKittrick and his crew to take us to the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan repeated.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Ma noted.

    The dismissive grunt was maddening. Rep and Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if Ma was offended. Her face was too inscrutable and her eyes were too judgemental. The silence stretched and Zalan felt like he should be saying something else, but didn¡¯t want to interrupt Ma if she was still in the middle of an absurdly slow sentence. Rep and Zalan were peppered with sweat.

    ¡°Why are you trying to go to the Island of Remains?¡± Ma finally asked.

    Zalan looked to Rep who had regained a modicum of composure.

    ¡°Madam Hikma recommended that we go there,¡± Rep said, hoping it would be enough. To their relief, Ma nodded in understanding.

    ¡°A good woman, that one. Why should I let McKittrick take you there?¡± Ma asked.

    Rep swallowed before speaking.

    ¡°It would please Captain Buttonwillow. He seemed eager to go to the island, himself,¡± Rep attempted.

    ¡°It would please McKittrick?¡± Ma sounded profoundly unimpressed. ¡°If that man decided to become a dolphin, should I allow it to happen?¡±

    Zalan flinched as Oshrad stood a little too close next to him. It felt like the guard was getting ready to toss them out. Or do something much worse. Zalan quickly tried to come up with something with enough substance to impress Ma.

    ¡°What about we get you Artifacts from the Island of Remains?¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°You think you have something that I do not?¡± Ma challenged. It sounded like a genuine question, but filled with contempt. Her mouth had twisted downward ever so slightly. She had gone from mildly disappointed to unhappy.

    ¡°No! Of course not!¡± Zalan said quickly.

    ¡°Then why are you wasting my time?¡± Ma asked firmly. Oshrad placed a tight hand over Zalan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°We do not mean to waste anyone¡¯s time!¡± Rep said urgently, hoping to simmer down the situation. ¡°We¡­ We can pay for the entire expedition! It will come at no cost to you!¡± Rep offered.

    As soon as he spoke the words, Ma¡¯s mild disappointment became open disdain. Zalan remembered that Buttonwillow told them not to offer Ma money under any circumstances, but Rep must have forgotten in his panic. Zalan tried to think quickly. Ma seemed to think loyalty and favors mattered more than material goods.

    ¡°That is it,¡± Ma said, her voice unhinged. Somehow, the entire room grew dark, as though shrouded by her deep emotions. ¡°Break something of theirs and toss them out into the sea. Make them crawl back to an inn to heal.¡±

    ¡°Can I break their toes?¡± Oshrad asked, eager.

    ¡°Something more substantial,¡± Ma said. ¡°And toss their funds into the sea. Let them see how little it means to¡ª¡±

    ¡°We can do you a favor, Ma!¡± Zalan blurted out.

    He screamed in pain as Oshrad stuck his thumb into a nerve at Zalan¡¯s shoulder. Zalan fell to the ground, clutching at his neck.

    ¡°Never interrupt Ma,¡± Oshrad snapped. ¡°Apologies, Ma. We will drag them out and break their legs.¡± Oshrad said, a slight whine in his voice, disappointed that he couldn¡¯t break any toes. Oshrad knelt down and began pulling on the back of both Rep and Zalan¡¯s tunics. They were swarmed by the guards. Zalan tried to wiggle himself free, but the men were so much more absurdly powerful that he could scarcely move an inch. Their legs were held threateningly tightly, extended for a clean break.

    ¡°Anything!¡± Zalan said, increasingly desperate.

    ¡°We can leave you alone forever!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I would loyally do you a favor!¡±

    Oshrad flicked his chin toward them, and guards covered their mouths. They cried muffled screams as they were dragged across the floor.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Ma said, looking at Zalan curiously. ¡°I wish to hear him out.¡±

 102 - Book 3 - Chapter 05 - Favors

    Rep and Zalan were held up by a half dozen guards, carried like bags of flour. They were completely at their mercy. The duo were barely able to crane their necks enough to look at Ma. The guards gripped them with immense strength, leaving no room for Rep or Zalan to be able to shake themselves free. Even in the case that Zalan decided to imbue himself with lightning, the first moment they received a zap he was sure they could punch a hole through his stomach. The sheer difference in Strength was enough to terrify him into looking at Ma as his only way out of this.

    ¡°Go on, then. What kind of favor can you do me? With utmost loyalty?¡± Ma asked, sounding genuinely interested. It seemed she wasn¡¯t often offered such sincere favors. Especially when those approaching her were asking for a favor.

    Zalan looked between the guards, then up to the ceiling of flowers. Rep trembled in the guards¡¯ arms, not able to think of anything to say.

    ¡°Flowers!¡± Zalan said desperately. ¡°We can get you flowers!¡±

    He felt stupid, but it was the only thing he could think of. There were flowers all over the mansion, surely they had to have some hold on Ma¡¯s heart. Ma looked passively interested. She waved a hand at her guards. They released Zalan and Rep¡¯s legs, allowing them to stand. But their arms were still subdued in a tight lock. The negotiations were progressing well to Zalan. There was no more talk about having bones broken.

    ¡°What kind of flower?¡± Ma asked, raising an eyebrow.

    Zalan immediately ran out of ideas. He didn¡¯t know varieties of flowers.

    ¡°Poppyville!¡± Rep jumped in without much more of a plan.

    ¡°Right, we can go to Poppyville and get whatever kind of flower you want!¡± Zalan promised.

    ¡°I have no need for Poppyville¡¯s variety of flowers,¡± Ma dismissed. But she didn¡¯t order her guards to take them away. She was still interested in Zalan¡¯s proposition. Even the darkness of the room had backed away a fraction. Zalan was too focused on saying the right thing to figure out what that meant.

    ¡°Any flower! We can get them all!¡± Rep promised in a panic.

    ¡°We can get you whatever it takes to fill that beautiful vase on your desk,¡± Zalan said, indicating with a stretch of his head to the vase with the dead flower.

    Ma snapped her fingers. For a second of pure dread, nothing happened. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if that snap meant their legs were to be broken. A moment later, both Rep and Zalan were released, falling to the floor and catching their breath.

    ¡°You can get me Nightbloom?¡± Ma asked, the darkness in the room entirely dissipating.

    Rep looked up nervously. He looked confused and began to ask a question.

    ¡°What is Night¡ª¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we can get you Nightbloom,¡± Zalan answered before Rep made them sound incapable.

    ¡°You can?¡± Ma smiled. Zalan would have sworn she was unable to do it until he saw it himself. Her eyes shined with glee. ¡°This may sound hard to believe, but I have the means to keep it alive. Unfortunately, none of these buffoons working for me can get me a living sample.¡±

    Zalan swallowed hard. Why would it be difficult for people three times his Level to get a flower? What was guarding it?

    ¡°We can do it,¡± Zalan assured her, regardless of his hesitations. Anything to be set free.

    Ma looked over Rep and Zalan curiously.

    ¡°Very well, I suppose that is a fine negotiation for me. Get me living Nightbloom and I will both forgive you and grant you McKittrick and his vessel. Free of charge. Fail to get me Nightbloom, and I will take that as an act of disloyalty. Your name will be sullied in the streets of Oriton. I will have your original punishment carried out. If your face is seen anywhere in Oriton by any of my men, your legs will be broken and you will be cast out to sea. Does that sound fair?¡± Ma asked, eager for them to proceed.

    Zalan and Rep were too terrified by her tone to respond.

    ¡°Of course it is fair. I am never unfair. Now, go on. Get the Nightbloom,¡± Ma said, dismissing them excitedly.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Rep said, polite even in the face of fear.

    Before Zalan and Rep could think to say anything more, they were half-dragged, half-pushed out of the room. Rep and Zalan stumbled a dozen times as they tried to balance themselves upright. The doors to the mansion were pulled open and they were pushed out harshly, landing on their sides.

    As soon as they were forcefully removed from the entrance, the majority of the guards returned to Ma¡¯s inner room. Only Oshrad remained outside, looking over the two friends. Zalan and Rep were trembling, grateful to escape without more pain than a few scrapes and bumps.

    ¡°You know what a Nightbloom is?¡± Oshrad suddenly asked.

    Zalan and Rep didn¡¯t move. They didn¡¯t even want to look at one another and indicate the fact they knew nothing of the flower. They stared numbly at Oshrad. The looming man scoffed.

    ¡°I am not going to hurt you, I promise you. I simply wish to know what you know,¡± Oshrad suggested, sounding sincere.

    Neither Zalan nor Rep believed him. They remained silent. He reached his hands out and the duo scrambled away a few inches. He left his hands hanging and they realized he was offering to help them to their feet. They hesitantly took his hands and were pulled quickly to their feet.

    ¡°Boys. Listen. I want Ma to be happy. And I know a Nightbloom would make her happy. So, I will tell you where to find them,¡± Oshrad said.

    Zalan and Rep looked hopeful, but still said nothing.

    ¡°Do you know where the Cliffs of Shadow are located?¡± Oshrad asked.

    Again, he received no response.

    ¡°Come on now, do you know where it is or not?¡± Oshrad demanded, his caring tone gone.

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    ¡°Yes, I know of it. South of Oriton,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°Good. The flowers are just under the peak. They prefer darkness. Thrive in it, in fact. Be careful about picking them, they are incredibly sensitive plants,¡± Oshrad explained. He dug into his pocket and pulled out the Homeseeker and Reversal Stone. Zalan picked them up carefully, glad to have them back in his possession. The guard also returned their weapons.

    ¡°Ummm, what do the flowers look like?¡± Rep asked, finally revealing they didn¡¯t know of Nightbloom before offering to get them. Oshrad didn¡¯t seem to mind the admission.

    ¡°They have thick stems and are a faded pink color. They have a faint smell of ripe fruits. And you will find them in darkness,¡± Oshrad said.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Zalan said, for both the Artifacts and the advice.

    ¡°Ma has been blinded by your mention of this flower, granting you immense mercy. But I am interested in the scars across your form, Zalan. Makes me believe you¡¯re capable of pushing yourself to limits beyond what others might imagine possible. Regardless, I have my reservations about the two of you. Do not disappoint Ma. Or I will deliver your punishment personally. I may be inclined to break more than just a few legs,¡± Oshrad said as though it was a casual conversation.

    He gave a quick glance at their feet and Zalan realized he was threatening to break his toes. It would have been amusing if Zalan wasn¡¯t so shaken up. Rep and Zalan had no response for him, swallowing hard instead.

    ¡°Go on then, do not delay,¡± Oshrad pushed the two of them in their chests.

    Now tasting freedom, Zalan and Rep spun around and bolted away from Ma¡¯s building. They kept running until they were back at the other end of the docks, far away from Ma and her people¡¯s watchful eyes. They leaned over, panting hard after the run and looked up at one another.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever been more afraid of someone in my life,¡± Zalan said as he panted.

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow was being honest when he recommended not to offer any money!¡± Rep said. ¡°My blunder almost cost us dearly.¡±

    ¡°He also made it sound like visiting her would be so casual! She was ready to eat us alive!¡±

    ¡°It took less than two minutes for her to decide we were not worth our legs!¡± Rep said, gasping for air.

    ¡°And now we have to get a flower that not even people three times our Strength could manage?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said, standing at full height. ¡°Well done, Zalan.¡±

    ¡°Well done? How are we supposed to pull that off?¡±

    ¡°I do not know. But not knowing how to retrieve a flower is much preferable to having my legs destroyed and my mutilated body thrown into the sea,¡± Rep said confidently.

    ¡°Right. Well, at least you know where the Cliffs of Shadow are, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°And I take it you also want to get moving as soon as possible because you don¡¯t want Ma changing her mind while we¡¯re still in town?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°Great, me too. Let¡¯s move.¡± Zalan nodded.

    They made their way back to the alley between the port and the town. The darkness of the alley invited more shady characters to watch them as they made their way through. Zalan looked closely to see if his robber was among them, but couldn¡¯t find him. Then, he had an idea.

    ¡°Listen up! We¡¯re on official business for Ma. Anyone who disrupts our work is going to be reported directly to her,¡± Zalan announced.

    The eyes watching them widened in fear and recognition. They slinked away without another word, no one willing to challenge them in the case they were bluffing. Zalan felt like a toddler informing a bully his older sibling was just around the corner, but couldn¡¯t be upset with the results. Rep smiled, impressed with his friend as they continued totally undisturbed.

    ¡°Are the Cliffs of Shadow far from Oriton?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No. In fact we should be able to make it there before the end of the day,¡± Rep ventured.

    ¡°But that¡¯s just the time it takes to get there. Do you know if there are any monsters that live on the cliffs?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep shook his head.

    ¡°Not only do I not know the creatures on the cliffs, but we will be traveling off any safe paths. We may come across any number of creatures between here and our destination,¡± Rep said, sighing.

    Zalan thought hard about his next question before asking it.

    ¡°Should we wait for Nold? It would probably be a lot easier if we could rely on his help,¡± Zalan suggested.

    To Zalan¡¯s surprise, Rep didn¡¯t immediately reject the idea. He mulled it over in his head for a few seconds, chewing the inside of his lip lightly.

    ¡°No, I do not think that is the best course of action. Regardless of my hesitations toward Nold, we could be waiting a long time. What if he does not come directly back to Oriton and makes a stop on the way? Even if he were coming directly, he is still at least four days away by my estimation. I do not wish to look as though we are doing nothing for four days. I do not even want to be doing nothing for four hours,¡± Rep said.

    It seemed Rep had come to the same paranoid conclusion that Zalan had. Ma didn¡¯t give them a time limit. There could be an arbitrary amount of time in which she decided they had failed the task required of them. What if Ma had informants in the city, watching out to make sure her favors were done expediently? Zalan didn¡¯t put it past her. She already felt like the equivalent to a mob boss that owned the city. And the fact Rep seemed to share the sentiment made Zalan even more confident.

    ¡°Yeah, that makes sense. In that case, let¡¯s just get food and get going,¡± Zalan said.

    They purchased enough food for a few days from a nearby vendor. Making their way to the southern gate of Oriton, they were stopped by two guards at the exit. Zalan recognized one of them as the one who saved his life when he was running from a Flamestriker in his first minutes in the realm, Sir Kilile.

    ¡°Look who it is! Tired of your hometown yet again?¡± Sir Kilile asked Rep, grinning.

    ¡°I think it is good to see Journey House guild members constantly on a journey. Very fitting,¡± the other said, nodding with approval.

    ¡°We have a pressing matter that requires that we leave immediately,¡± Rep said, though he smiled back at his former mentor.

    ¡°Oh, of course, pressing matters. Where did this esteemed guest you¡¯re guiding everywhere come from? Zalan seems to either be cursed with adventure or addicted to it,¡± Sir Kilile winked at him. Zalan blinked, stunned that the guard even remembered his name.

    ¡°I¡¯m uhhh¡­¡± Zalan scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. ¡°Just trying to make sure Ma stays happy.¡±

    Sir Kilile¡¯s grin was gone in an instant, the other guard looking grave.

    ¡°What have you gotten yourself into?¡± Sir Kilile leaned in and asked, his voice low.

    ¡°Do you need our help to escape?¡± the other guard asked.

    ¡°I am grateful for your offer, Sir Rolcoth, but we are fine. We have made a deal with Ma. Flowers for a voyage across the sea,¡± Rep said.

    Eyes narrowing, Rolcoth assessed the words.

    ¡°She does love her flowers.¡±

    ¡°You really should stray away from Ma,¡± Kilile added.

    ¡°We were rushed into it by her guards,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°And you could not fight your way out? I thought you entered the Elemental Rage Tournament! How did you fare?¡± Kilile asked.

    ¡°I made it to the Quarterfinals and Zalan to the finals, but we both lost,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°I am proud of you for trying, regardless,¡± Kilile said, to which Rep beamed.

    ¡°A finalist and you could not find your way out of Ma¡¯s guards¡¯ clutches?¡± Rolcoth asked.

    ¡°We only saw the Level of one guard, and he was Level 17,¡± Zalan explained.

    Kilile and Rolcoth went quiet, a shocked expression passed between them.

    ¡°I think it is best you did not try to fight back,¡± Rolcoth said in a small voice.

    ¡°Go on and do Ma her favor before they decide you are taking too long,¡± Kilile encouraged, ushering Rep and Zalan outside the gate.

    Together, the duo made their way onto the path south of Oriton, ready to take on the dangers at the Cliffs of Shadow.

 103 - Book 3 - Chapter 06 - Birds of the Coast

    Rep and Zalan made their way across the rocky terrain to the south of Oriton. With the sea to their right, they could see a clearer view of the Port of Oriton the further they traveled away from the city. Zalan was especially vigilant, not having traveled without someone stronger than him before. Rep was watchful, but feeling more at ease than usual.

    The path they traveled curved slightly uphill, leading out into the distant curve of rock over water. Peering, Zalan could get a glimpse of what looked like cliffs over the edge of the sea a few miles away from them. Rep was right, it wouldn¡¯t take long at all to reach their destination. He wondered what lay at the top of the cliffs, trying to see if he could spot it from so far away.

    ¡°What are we gonna do if we realize we can¡¯t take on whatever monster is up there?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Use the Homeseeker, I suppose,¡± Rep said nonchalantly.

    ¡°But I mean, like, what if it¡¯s an Elemental Dragon?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°I couldn¡¯t even hurt it when I stabbed it in the eye. And their hide is immune to your Elemental Fire.¡±

    ¡°Again, I would suggest we use the Homeseeker to escape and reassess the situation,¡± Rep shrugged.

    Looking over Rep¡¯s face, Zalan was interested to see it smooth, free from worry lines.

    ¡°You sound pretty relaxed about all this,¡± Zalan noted.

    ¡°It feels good to be outside and free, rather than at Ma¡¯s whims. I am also confident in our abilities. We are both capable fighters and can overcome whatever it is in the cliffs that Ma¡¯s men could not. I anticipate that we may not even have to battle with whatever is atop the cliffs. It could be that all we need to do is pluck flowers and stealthily flee without a fight. Perhaps they never thought to run with the prize, instead taking on a monster much stronger than them,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Yeah. That¡¯s a good point,¡± Zalan said, looking proudly at Rep.

    Rep had shown himself how accomplished of a fighter he was in the Elemental Rage Tournament. While not aloof to potential dangers, he was more confident in his abilities to take on any oncoming threat. Zalan was happy to see his friend finally have some conviction in his power.

    ¡°Careful,¡± Rep warned. ¡°Monsters ahead.¡±

    Zalan looked out at the earth ahead of them, rocks dotting the unmarked path, and saw nothing. He tried to scour the rocks for evidence of things hiding behind them, but still saw no signs. He came to the conclusion that the rocks themselves must have been the monsters, like the Giant Gargoyle he had once fought. He looked back at Rep. But Rep was looking upward.

    Zalan first thought they were seagulls like he saw on the port. Taking a closer look, he realized the birds were much larger than any animal he recognized. Definitely monsters. They reminded him somewhat of Razortongues, but this time the color yellow. They looked like sickly birds, with disheveled, unkempt feathers all over their large bodies. Their beaks were long and spotted with grotesque teeth. They were swirling aboveRep and Zalan like vultures. Very slowly descending.

    ¡°What are they?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Those are Bloodbeaks. As you may be able to tell from their names, their favorite meal is human blood,¡± Rep said, pulling out his sword. Zalan did the same.

    ¡°Should we pass by under them? Or can I start shooting them with lightning?¡± Zalan asked. He was counting them as he asked the question. Seven of them were spinning overhead.

    ¡°We cannot sneak away from Bloodbeaks if they have our scent. And I suspect they are already attuned to us by the way they circle above,¡± Rep responded.

    ¡°So, lighting?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Zalan imbued himself and his sword with lightning first. He was covered in a thin layer of potent electricity. He looked up and pointed out a hand, then released a blast of electricity. It shocked one of the Bloodbeaks, causing it to cry out and spiral downward. It collapsed to the floor, floundering around as it tried to get to its feet.

    ¡°Here they come!¡± Rep said.

    Like fighter pilots, the Bloodbeaks came down in a formation, each of them in a nose dive. Rep threw out a column of flame and Zalan combined it with a bolt of lighting. It exploded in the face of the first Bloodbeak, obliterating it. The others came through the smoke unabated. Rep and Zalan held up their swords.

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    The Bloodbeaks were efficient, each one coming the moment after the last one attacked, giving the fighters very little room to defend. Had Rep and Zalan not been drilled by Nold, they would have succumbed to at least a few cuts and bites. But as agile as they were, they were able to both dodge all attacks and kill two of the oncoming Bloodbeaks. Only three remained in the air and one on the ground, screeching and complaining loudly about Zalan¡¯s original electric blast.

    ¡°I almost feel bad killing them. This is pretty easy,¡± Zalan said, blasting another out of the sky with impunity.

    ¡°Do not. They enjoy attacking those that are most helpless. I have heard that their favorite meal is people who are drifting out at sea, unable to properly fend for themselves,¡± Rep said gravely.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t hold back his last two blasts toward the sky birds, the air cracking as it burst with power. They spiraled downward, crashing and dying on impact with the ground.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s try not to get stranded at sea and get¡­¡± Zalan covered his face as Rep threw fire right toward him.

    Rep redirected the fire, curving it harmlessly around his friend and burning the last remaining Bloodbeak. It was darting toward Zalan, trying to get an easy bite while his back was turned. Zalan gradually untensed, looked up at Rep and then back at the burned Bloodbeak.

    ¡°Saved my life?¡± Zalan guessed.

    ¡°More or less.¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Zalan began to make his way toward the cliffs, but stopped when he realized Rep wasn¡¯t behind him for some reason. Rep was rummaging through the birds, picking around at their innards in search of Artifacts. It had been so long since Zalan was last in search of Artifacts that he didn¡¯t even think about it. He waited patiently as Rep sifted through each of the creatures. To both of their surprise, Rep came up standing with an Artifact in hand.

    ¡°A Wind Wand,¡± Rep said, amused.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that thing worthless? It just makes a light breeze,¡± Zalan said, remembering the first time he found one in Castle Docrun¡¯s treasure hoard.

    ¡°No Artifact is truly worthless,¡± Rep said wisely. He looked it over with an inquisitive gaze. ¡°But this is about as close to worthless as you can come. Perhaps it will come in handy when we are on the water and need the wind to turn in our favor.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah, that would be pretty useful,¡± Zalan agreed.

    ¡°Except, of course, a ship¡¯s crew is considered incomplete if there is not an Elemental Air user among them,¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Back to being worthless,¡± Zalan shrugged as Rep tucked it away.

    ¡°How much Experience have you reached now? Close to a new Level?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan tapped his fingers together to check.

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m at 16.¡±

    ¡°And I have 87,¡± Rep responded.

    ¡°Thirteen points to a new Level,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Indeed. It occurs to me to save the Level until we reach the top of the Cliffs of Shadow,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You wanna gain a Level to take down whatever is up there?¡± Zalan asked. It was exactly what he had done to take down the Elemental Dragon.

    ¡°If I can. Perhaps the explosion that comes with gaining a Level will be enough to overcome whatever it was that a Level 17 fighter could not do,¡± Rep said.

    With that, Rep took the lead and continued toward the Cliffs of Shadow, Zalan close behind. Now that he knew how to look out for them, Zalan could notice Bloodbeaks above them at a distance, circling over prey of their own. Zalan started to consider whether he should be shooting them down at a distance. They were easy enough to kill and gave more than a single point of Experience. It might be a good way to grow stronger and gain more Strength and Wisdom. He had never considered taking time to hunt things and gain Experience like that. He was always trying to complete the next quest to get him closer to home. But maybe higher Levels would be the best way to facilitate a way home.

    As he was eyeing them, Rep caught on to what he was thinking and answered the unasked question.

    ¡°You can take them out yourself if you like. But keep in mind that it might alert the creatures on the Cliffs of Shadow at this distance,¡± Rep warned.

    ¡°How do we even know that there are creatures on the cliffs?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We do not. I am being cautious,¡± Rep admitted.

    Zalan peered out at the Bloodbeaks, then shook his head to himself. If Rep thought it was a good idea, he would have encouraged Zalan to fight all the Bloodbeaks he could. As for now, he trusted that Rep had a better idea of what to do. He didn¡¯t want to accidentally force Rep¡¯s hand and make him have to gain a Level too early. The act of gaining a Level would be a huge boon in combat if they were totally outmatched.

    ¡°I guess I won¡¯t take them on. How much further is it to the cliffs, though?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not long. Especially considering we have arrived,¡± Rep said, tapping his foot on the ground confidently.

    Zalan looked around in surprise. The area around them looked about the same as it did when they were a few miles out of Oriton. But they had been on an incline for so long that they were in the middle of a massive cliff overlooking the water. A lip of the cliff towered over them on one side, causing it to be completely blocked from the sun and leaving them in shadow.

    They could see over the top of Oriton from their vantage point. Zalan smiled at the view. Both the ocean and the town looked incredible from above. The ocean gleamed in the afternoon sun, awash in enough sunlight to look like liquid gold. The town looked like a toy or model city at this distance. Pristine, and too far to be able to see any of the ruffians on the port side.

    Rep was picking through what little plantlife he could see on the cliffside. There were a few flowers that he scrutinized with narrow eyes.

    ¡°I do not see any Nightbloom,¡± Rep sighed, disappointed. ¡°We must travel higher up.¡±

    And so they continued up the dark cliffs, anxious to take on whatever lay at the top.

 104 - Book 3 - Chapter 07 - Creatures of the Cliffs

    The further up the cliffs they walked, the more precarious the ground became. The path was narrow and rocky, nothing feeling stable enough for their weight. The water below was aggressive. The ocean no longer looked shining and inviting, but hungry and devouring all those on the coast. They had yet to see any monsters thus far, and that made them more nervous. Whatever was up here was taking too long to see. The wait was maddening. Zalan wished he saw some great creature instead of nothing that might sneak up on him. The gravel-made footholds were already bad enough, it was another thing to continuously watch every corner.

    ¡°I could really use Nold¡¯s power right now,¡± Zalan said, taking baby steps forward and leaning his weight toward the cliff.

    ¡°I do not know that I would like to have Nold goading us on this path,¡± Rep said reluctantly.

    ¡°Not Nold. His power. He can make sand platforms out of nothing. We could walk right across this area without worrying about its structure,¡± Zalan said, regaining his balance after a bad step.

    ¡°Ah, I see. Yes, well, when you discover a way to borrow others¡¯ powers, I would love to know,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Morloch knows how to manipulate people. Enough that he has the title Morloch the Manipulator. Maybe he can talk Elementals into giving you powers without having to do challenges,¡± Zalan joked.

    Zalan words gave Rep pause. He hesitated and turned toward his friend with an inquisitive look.

    ¡°What is it that you intend to do with Morloch once you confront him?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m gonna fight him. I thought we both would,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Yes, that I understand. And, of course, I will be there by your side when you do battle. But do you intend to kill him?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan swallowed hard. He thought about this briefly when he was in Madam Hikma¡¯s presence, but not since.

    ¡°I paid attention to her words,¡± Zalan said uncomfortably. ¡°She just said I need to ¡®do battle¡¯ with him. Does that mean I have to kill him?¡±

    ¡°I do not know. Killing a man is nothing like killing a monster. But apparently he is a part of both? A Monster of the Mindscape?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Madam Hikma wasn¡¯t really clear on that either. I don¡¯t know for sure that this guy¡¯s a monster. Yelsa definitely would have mentioned it if he was a monster. But maybe it¡¯s got something to do with him being from Aetheria. Sky people might not be like normal people?¡±

    ¡°Is that how you saw Yelsa? Different from a normal person?¡± Rep didn¡¯t sound like he was making an accusation, but Zalan felt like the question was charged.

    ¡°No, not at all,¡± Zalan admitted, sighing. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll just have to figure it out when I come face-to-face with Morloch. If he really is a monster, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have a hard time killing him.¡±

    ¡°Neither would I. To kill a monster is to rid the world of a danger to humans,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°But if he ends up just being a man¡­¡±

    The thought hung in the air for a few seconds. With nothing more to say, Rep simply nodded to Zalan in sympathy and continued his way forward. The thought dwelled on Zalan¡¯s mind. Zalan had come close to killing Slauson in the Elemental Rage Tournament and felt deeply regretful about it. How bad could he get if he ended up killing someone? Zalan knew he had the propensity to become catatonic like the state he was in before he entered this realm.

    But if Morloch was such a bad guy, then he might need to kill him in self defense. But if Zalan was the one going to challenge Morloch, could that really be considered self defense? It would be justified if he went there to stop Morloch from being a Monster of the Mindscape, whatever that was. Or maybe the fact that Madam Hikma was the one to give the quest made it justified. Except she didn¡¯t say that Morloch needed to be killed.

    Zalan didn¡¯t like to think about having to take another person¡¯s life. It was almost antithetical to everything his mom taught him about healing and helping. Her rules of generosity were thorough, but she never gave him rules about killing. She just told him to never be ashamed to defend himself. That anything done in the act of keeping himself alive and able to see her again was justified. It was an ironic message to him now. It felt like this entire realm was spent fighting to keep himself alive, and now he couldn¡¯t see his mom no matter how hard he tried.

    The cliff curved inland and the path widened considerably. They were moving into even darker parts of the cliffside and it made Zalan focus more on his surroundings. Rep placed a cautious hand in front of Zalan, peering closely at the cliff walls surrounding them.

    ¡°Do you see that?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think I feel it,¡± Zalan said.

    The eerie sensation of having several different eyes fall upon them ran up his spine. A sinister feeling hung behind the invisible gaze.

    Zalan kept turning his head to try and figure out where the sensation was coming from, but there was nothing but cliff to see. Even the water of the sea was behind the curve of the rock they stood on.

    ¡°Earthenbeasts,¡± Rep concluded. ¡°They can become one with rocks and earth. Similar to Sickly Gargoyles that disguise themselves as rocks, Earthenbeasts can disguise themselves as the walls of a mountain, cavern, and even gemstone.¡±

    ¡°How can you tell that¡¯s what it is?¡± Zalan asked, staring more intently at the walls in confusion.

    ¡°It is something I learned while still studying in the guild. I can inspect to be certain,¡± Rep shrugged.

    Holding out his arm, he blasted a torrent of flame at an unsuspecting wall of rock. To Zalan¡¯s surprise, the wall shifted away from the fire. Then it twisted and folded outward. A large rock beast hurriedly detached itself from the wall. It was uncanny to see the cliff move with life. The monster was so well camouflaged that it looked like the cliff bore an offspring.

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    Climbing out of the wall, it tore its arms forward like breaking free from chains of earth. It looked about eight feet tall and was made of wet clay. It was very hunched over, not quite having gotten accustomed to being free of its rock home. Stumbling as it moved, it looked as though it didn¡¯t recognize its own feet. It was of humanoid structure, with little clay indentations on its face where eyes and a mouth belonged. Its shoulders were broad and the head sprouted directly off the top, without a neck in between. It looked down at Rep and Zalan and glared angrily.

    ¡°Should we have disturbed it?¡± Zalan asked, watching as massive rock fists pulled themselves from the wall.

    ¡°There was no avoiding it. It would have attacked us the moment we got close enough. It is how it hunts,¡± Rep said. ¡°According to Sir Kilile, anyway.¡±

    ¡°You were told by the guy you used to travel with? Sounds like you¡¯ve never fought one before.¡±

    ¡°Never once. But now I have the opportunity to take on three,¡± Rep raised his head to two more creatures pulling free from the walls.

    ¡°I thought you wanted to avoid gaining a Level if you didn¡¯t have to,¡± Zalan said, drawing his sword alongside Rep.

    ¡°You want to take on three creatures on your own? Go right ahead,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan said confidently. He had been waiting to see how well he would fight monsters by himself since the tournament. Rep took a large step backward, presenting the monsters for Zalan to take on alone.

    Zalan stepped boldly forward and blasted one of the Earthenbeasts just as it stood at full height. It didn¡¯t even flinch.Tilting its head to one side, it looked as if to scare off a fly that had annoyed it. Without so much as an itch to show, the monster seemed resistant to his Elemental Lightning.

    ¡°All right, I might need some help,¡± Zalan admitted, imbuing his blade with lightning.

    ¡°Might,¡± Rep said, amused, empowering his own sword with fire.

    Rep threw a ball of fire at one of the Earthenbeasts and it quickly raised a hand to protect itself. Roaring sharply, it had some reaction to the flames, which was more than Zalan could say about his power. It wasn¡¯t enough to leave a wound behind, so they couldn¡¯t tell how effective the fire was.

    One of the Earthenbeasts dipped its arm into the wall like it was a viscous fluid and threw out a splash of rocks. Zalan and Rep hardly had time to dive out of the way of the projectiles and were pelted with dozens of jagged edges. Zalan tried throwing more lightning at the same creature¡¯s eyes, but it still had no effect. He couldn¡¯t even blind them with his power. Rep followed up by throwing more flame, and the three Earthenbeasts stepped back slowly. Zalan quickly deduced they were trying to avoid the fire despite it not leaving any marks on their bodies.

    ¡°Keep up the fire!¡± Zalan said. ¡°I think it¡¯s doing something.¡±

    ¡°It does not look to be doing anything,¡± Rep said. Despite his response, he let out more flame from his fist. The creatures retreated further.

    ¡°Yeah, but it looks like they¡¯re afraid of it. Even if we can¡¯t kill them, it¡¯s better to have them not fight us,¡± Zalan said.

    In a panic, all three Earthenbeasts grabbed more stones from the walls and chucked out a shower of rocks. Zalan tried to blast the rocks out of the air with lightning, but couldn¡¯t stop the sheer amount of projectiles. Rep had to stop shooting fire to cover his vitals. Both Rep and Zalan were struck hard, leaving them with open, bleeding cuts along their forearms when the rock shower stopped.

    ¡°Should we run?¡± Zalan held out the Homeseeker.

    ¡°No! You were right, the fire is working!¡± Rep insisted, dropping his sword to raise both hands. Letting out as much flame as he could, he took slow steps toward the monsters.

    ¡°These monsters might be what stopped Ma¡¯s people! We could retreat and come back with an Artifact or something to take them out!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I said the fire is working!¡± Rep repeated.

    Zalan¡¯s forehead burned. The closed space of the cliffs captured the heat of the flames enough to cake them all in a dry oven. Rep kept up the flame, taking note of the new reactions of the Earthenbeasts. They were cowering away now, slowly making their way backward to avoid the flames entirely. Before long, they stopped moving. Rep continued to dump flame upon them.

    ¡°Rep, stop!¡± Zalan called, his skin feeling itchy and dry.

    ¡°They are not dead! They still stand!¡± Rep continued his fiery onslaught.

    ¡°Stop and look at them!¡± Zalan said more urgently.

    Reluctantly, Rep stopped his attack, keeping his arms up in case he needed to emit more fire. The Earthenbeasts all still stood, fear on their faces. Rep was panting after having exerted so much of his Elemental Power. Seeing them standing made him breathe in and get ready to let out more flame.

    ¡°Wait, and really look at them.¡± Zalan put an arm on his chest.

    ¡°Zalan, I do not want another wave of rocks in my face,¡± Rep said, rubbing a bruise just under his eye.

    ¡°They aren¡¯t moving.¡±

    ¡°I know, but they are still standing.¡±

    ¡°I think they can¡¯t move. They aren¡¯t even looking at us,¡± Zalan said, taking cautious steps toward the creatures.

    Rep finally lowered his hands, watching with interest. Zalan continued his slow movement forward, raising a hand to touch the closest one as he approached.

    ¡°Zap it before you touch it!¡± Rep said cautiously.

    Zalan let out a small spark. The creature remained inert. Breathing in deeply, Zalan placed a hand against the monster. It was totally dry.

    ¡°I think you dried out the clay. They can¡¯t move,¡± Zalan said, running his hand over the cracking clay.

    ¡°Amazing,¡± Rep said, picking up his sword and joining Zalan in poking at the creature.

    Zalan thought of something and quickly checked his stats.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even think they¡¯re dead. I still only have 16 Experience,¡± Zalan reported.

    Rep checked his own stats and nodded.

    ¡°I am the same. We should not leave them behind. If they somehow figure out how to move once more, they could flank us,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan agreed.

    Zalan pulled out his sword, then hesitated before striking the monster. He hadn¡¯t tried his fists against monsters for a while. Using his fists, he bashed off the legs of the Earthenbeast. The limbs broke easily, the clay was very brittle. Zalan smiled at his show of Strength against the monster. He wasn¡¯t totally helpless without Elemental Power or a sword. Once the body fell to the ground, he cut off the head. He checked his stats and saw his Experience at 21.

    ¡°Nice, that worked. Now it¡¯s dead,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep nodded, happy to hear they found a way to save themselves the trouble of dealing with a surprise attack. Zalan continued cutting down the next creature. It came down just as quickly, and Zalan killed it without delay. Finding it therapeutic to break things like this, Zalan wanted to have fun with the last one. He cut the legs at an angle with his blade. Then he held his sword up so the Earthenbeast¡¯s head would land directly on his sword. The dry Earthenbeast began to tilt forward, its head going directly where Zalan planned.

    ¡°Zalan, wait!¡± Rep said suddenly.

    Zalan had no time to react. The Earthenbeast¡¯s head fell through Zalan¡¯s blade. Zalan looked back at Rep, wondering why he would ask him to stop midway through executing a monster.

    ¡°Oh. Right,¡± Zalan said, disappointed in himself.

    Rep was glowing a faint white color. The glow continued to shine until it exploded in brilliant light. Rep had gained a Level, removing their ability to use its explosion as a strategy anywhere else up the cliff.

 105 - Book 3 - Chapter 08 - Thieves of Nests

    Rep sighed in disappointment, looking over himself. He was completely cleared of all the cuts and bruises the rocks had just delivered him. He looked the antithesis to Zalan, who was a colorful display of red, pink and purple from face to foot.

    ¡°Hey, congrats. You¡¯ve been Level 5 pretty long, right?¡± Zalan said, trying to make the situation seem better.

    ¡°I hope that this will not hinder our ability to gather the flowers from the beasts that lay beyond here,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Well, only one way to find out, right?¡± Zalan said, pointing to the way ahead.

    ¡°No, we should remain here for a few minutes, ensuring that no creatures that saw the white light of the Level gain were drawn to it,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh. Yeah, I didn¡¯t even think of that.¡±

    Rep turned around and began to sift through the fallen Earthenbeasts, looking for Artifacts. Zalan rubbed at his arms, the stinging sensation of the forming bruises leaving a strong impression on him. He considered asking Rep to use the Homeseeker so he could heal himself and come back in a few hours. He tossed the idea almost as quickly as it came. Artifacts only had limited uses before they would degrade. He didn¡¯t want to waste the finite warps on the Homeseeker if he could help it. Especially when he thought about how he might want to use it on the Island of Remains. He considered there were very few ways he would return from the island, imagining that Morloch wouldn¡¯t leave any incoming ships unscathed.

    ¡°That should be long enough,¡± Rep decided, standing from the last Earthenbeast he searched.

    Zalan and Rep hugged the wall of the cliff as they progressed, checking around corners for more Earthenbeasts before continuing the way forward. To Zalan¡¯s surprise, there were bird nests on the cliff. Some even had eggs in them. He always found it odd to see evidence of real animals in this realm. Did they know about their counterparts in his own reality? It was an odd thought, considering he didn¡¯t think that most humans in this realm thought about there being multiple dimensions.

    They turned the next corner and shuffled inland, away from perilous steps over the water. It felt more like a tight, rocky corridor with narrow paths in several directions. Like a crack was made at the top of the mountain that they were able to enter. While still dark and shaded, the top was open, but the walls were too sheer to climb.

    As they traveled further within, Zalan was surprised to see significantly larger nests. The eggs within were larger than ostrich eggs. They looked the size of yoga balls, with the ridge-like exterior to match. Zalan looked them over in amazement, never having seen anything like it.

    ¡°What kind of animal lays something this big?¡± Zalan asked Rep.

    ¡°These are monster eggs. Bloodbeak eggs, to be precise,¡± Rep told him.

    Zalan tilted his head in confusion, pointing at the nearest nest.

    ¡°Monsters make these nests? They lay eggs?¡±

    ¡°How else did you think they reproduce?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I¡­ I seriously never even thought about it before,¡± Zalan admitted. ¡°I thought they just spawned out of evil pits or something.¡±

    ¡°Not that I know of. Except perhaps the Mind of Madness. I suspect that one simply came into being on its own from the darkest abyss of the Depths of Despair. Be grateful we have no intention of going that way. The location alone takes a heavy toll on one¡¯s mind,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan nodded, remembering his terrible run-in with the Mind of Madness on one of his first journeys in this realm. One look from the creature was enough to render him useless in unbearable pain. Powerful emotional pain, but enough to leave him feeling like he was dying. Getting his mind off the past, he looked ahead.

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    ¡°What is that?¡± Zalan pointed, immediately panicked.

    Rep turned, thinking Zalan was pointing out another large nest. He widened his eyes in surprise. An unarmed Boznok was looking at Rep and Zalan with wide eyes, like it had been spooked. It was carrying a Bloodbeak egg in its arms. It looked down at the egg, like it had been caught doing something it wasn¡¯t supposed to. Rep and Zalan stared, unsure what the creature was going to do.

    Then, it waddled off, taking the egg with it.

    ¡°Did you see that?¡± Zalan said, astounded.

    ¡°The Boznok was hard to miss, yes,¡± Rep replied.

    ¡°It stole an egg! What do Boznoks do with eggs?¡±

    ¡°I suppose they cook them and eat them. Perhaps share them with their young over a meal,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°As am I,¡± Rep assured him.

    ¡°But they¡¯re monsters. I thought all monsters were like¡­ I don¡¯t know, not the kind to take care of a family?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps most monsters, but Boznoks seem to have a tribal system they are accustomed to.¡±

    ¡°Do you think there are other monsters like that?¡±

    ¡°Not that I know of, but I would not be surprised to learn of it,¡± Rep said thoughtfully.

    Zalan wasn¡¯t sure why yet, but wanted there to be different types of monsters for him to have to deal with. It made him hopeful that there were ways to deal with these creatures outside of combat. Maybe Morloch would be one of those monsters. Looking at the large eggs with more enthusiasm, he tried to imagine a beast taking care of its young.

    He hovered his hands over one of the massive eggs, then shied away from touching it.

    ¡°You are not thinking of eating a monster egg yourself, are you?¡± Rep asked, sounding a little grossed out.

    ¡°No, nothing like that.¡±

    ¡°I have heard it done by some adventurers. They claim the taste is delicious, but I do not see myself ever getting past the idea of consuming a monster. The flesh must be rotten within. I can not imagine it being good for you, much less tasting like a good meal. But in dire situations, it is certainly edible,¡± Rep said. He then shuddered at the thought.

    Zalan wondered how many pounds of scrambled eggs he could make with the egg the size of a boulder. He missed the foods he used to eat at home. Not in his apartment where he mostly ate snacks and fast food, but his home with his mother. A sting of homesickness washed over him and he refocused on the task at hand. Everything done in this realm was to reach the end goal of going back home.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get back onto climbing the cliff,¡± Zalan said, finally turning away from the nest.

    Rep was staring at the area above them. Zalan looked up and saw a group of Bloodbeaks circling. He counted about ten of them.

    ¡°Prepare yourself,¡± Rep said, drawing his sword.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be getting out of here instead of getting ready to fight?¡± Zalan asked, pulling out his own blade and looking at Rep in confusion.

    ¡°We are in their nest and an egg is missing. We should have fled the moment the Boznok ran off with its food. We are already surrounded,¡± Rep declared.

    Zalan frowned in disbelief, then looked at the path forward. There was a Bloodbeak at the end, taking slow, menacing steps toward them. Zalan turned behind and saw disheveled feathers floating through the opening, indicating more around the corner. Zalan looked above once more and saw the number of Bloodbeaks had doubled. They were beginning to block out the light coming in from the sun. Zalan blinked a few times as the cloud of monsters continued to intensify.

    ¡°Should I start firing lightning? Do we want to provoke them when they¡¯re like this?¡± Zalan asked nervously.

    ¡°I would normally say not to make it worse, but I am inclined to believe that this is as bad as the situation can get,¡± Rep said.

    Rep¡¯s casual treatment of the situation filled Zalan with confidence. Usually Rep was much more worried about monster encounters. Maybe it was overconfidence, but Zalan felt like they had nothing to worry about when Rep was ready to take them on.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s just get this over with,¡± Zalan said.

    He threw his arm in the air and blasted the sky with jolts of lightning. They ran up and stopped just short of the Bloodbeaks. Zalan¡¯s Wisdom wasn¡¯t high enough to hit them. They immediately organized themselves and began nosediving.

    ¡°I suppose it could get worse,¡± Rep said, bracing himself.

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Do not be. I wish to see how much my Strength has increased.¡±

 106 - Book 3 - Chapter 09 - A Monstrous Trade

    Several Bloodbeaks dropped into divebombs, rushing to enter the narrow areas of the cliff Rep and Zalan were located within. Zalan threw more bolts of lightning at the monsters, hoping to strike a few down before they got close enough to attack. To his surprise, they were more agile than his first encounter, tilting away from his electricity and screeching.

    ¡°They¡¯re faster now?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Perhaps a result of them fearing for their young.¡± Rep motioned to the nests with a twist of his head.

    Zalan realized just how right Rep was about his guess. The Bloodbeaks were coming in too rapidly. They were able to dodge his attacks well, but at the speed they came, there was no chance they would be able to pull up from hitting the ground. They had gone crazy in an effort to protect the nests.

    The first of the Bloodbeaks made it into the cracks atop the cliffside to attack the friends. Rep ran forward with his blade straight up and sliced a Bloodbeak in half with a swish of his wrist. He smiled at the result and parried the next one, his Strength easily overwhelming their foes. Now that they were much closer, Zalan let loose several more blasts of lightning. He didn¡¯t even care to aim anymore so long as his rate of fire was enough. The struck monsters were falling like flies, but several filled in the spaces whenever one was killed. Zalan was having a hard time keeping up and one slammed down right next to him, a toothy maw bared open for him. It missed with its jagged teeth, but one of its large wings slapped him enough force to throw him off balance.

    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Rep asked between slices of his blade.

    ¡°No, but there are a ton of them! What do we do?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We should fight our way out of the nests and move to higher ground. They may leave us be when they see their eggs are safe.¡±

    ¡°I was the one that said we should get out of here earlier!¡±

    ¡°I am allowed to change my mind!¡± Rep responded quickly.

    Rep and Zalan sliced, burned, and zapped their way further up the pathways. Stark shadows jutted out from dead monsters and rock faces, each of their attacks a disorienting shine. It occurred to Zalan that he wasn¡¯t struggling very hard, even with the excessive number of monsters. Level 5 felt a pretty good place to be, especially with someone Level 6 at his side. He thought back to the Razortongues they fought in the Castle Docrun. He was confident they would be able to take the whole nest if all five of them were at Levels Five and Six.

    Rep and Zalan were able to pass through the onslaught of Bloodbeaks unscathed, killing anything that got too close. They hadn¡¯t even lost their breath. Zalan was impressed by his own strength, once again grateful to have lightning at his fingertips.

    As soon as Rep and Zalan turned a corner away from the nests, the Bloodbeaks stopped chasing after them, instead going back to check on the eggs. Zalan found it both odd and fascinating how similar these monsters were to animals.

    ¡°Any injuries?¡± Rep asked Zalan, looking him over.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m good, what about you?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. And it seems we have just about reached the top,¡± Rep pointed ahead to an opening. They wouldn¡¯t be in a confined space in a few more steps.

    They climbed even higher up inland and found themselves on a flat plane of land. The sea could easily be seen on one side and flora atop the Cliffs of Shadow on the other. Zalan and Rep immediately ducked down when they saw what lay at the top. There was an entire meadow of Nightbloom under an outcropping of rock which kept them in perpetual shade. But between the two travelers and the flower they sought was also an entire tribe of Boznoks. There were dozens mingling, walking between huts and casually conversing in their confusing language. They even saw the one carrying the massive Bloodbeak egg, showing it off to other members of the tribe.

    ¡°These things are everywhere,¡± Zalan complained.

    ¡°Indeed. But remember we are intruding on their home, it is expected to find a large group of them,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan blinked a few times in astonishment at the comment. The term ¡°home¡± didn¡¯t sound like it applied to monsters. They had ¡°nests,¡± ¡°dens,¡± or maybe even ¡°pits.¡± Boznoks were monsters, just like any other. They were a grotesque combination of a bull and a man and often were quick to hunt humans. They also gave Experience whenever killed, which was a clear indication that they were a monster. But whenever Zalan found his way to a Boznok dwelling, his friends talked about them like there was a touch of humanity within the creatures.

    Zalan conflated the two ideas in his head. A humane monster like a Boznok and ones that protected its young like Bloodbeaks. It was exactly the kind of creature that Zalan needed when he was thinking about how to define Morloch. Maybe he was a monster like a Boznok or a Bloodbeak. A monster that had some sort of understanding of mercy or tenderness.

    ¡°I am thinking that we could sneak past them all, grab the Nightbloom, and use the Homeseeker. We would return to Oriton before they even realized we were in the area,¡± Rep offered.

    ¡°The Homeseeker takes a few seconds to charge up. You think they won¡¯t notice while we suddenly start glowing black?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Fair point. What else can you think of?¡±

    Zalan thought for a few seconds, running a bruise-ridden hand through his hair. He had almost forgotten he had taken injuries from the Earthenbeasts when he fought so well against the Bloodbeaks. A thought popped into his head that he was inclined toward, but he shook his head to himself.

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    ¡°I have an idea, but I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll like it.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I wanna offer them something. Make a trade with them and hope they¡¯re willing to trade back with some flowers,¡± Zalan said, a hopeful smile on his lips.

    Rep scrunched his face as he looked at Zalan.

    ¡°You wish to bargain with the monsters?¡± Rep clarified, clearly not on board.

    ¡°You were the one saying that we were in their home. If they have a concept of homes and mercy and stuff, what about trade?¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°I was saying that to remind you that they would be extra vicious if they thought we were attacking their homes. I did not say they were our friends.¡±

    ¡°But have you tried trading with them before? Or talking with them?¡±

    ¡°Not really, considering their negotiations often begin business with them swinging weapons in my face,¡± Rep scoffed.

    ¡°Let me just try!¡±

    ¡°Why? It sounds incredibly foolish. You would have to declare yourself to them and be at their mercy,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°I know, but I just need to know,¡± Zalan insisted, wringing his hands.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I need to know!¡±

    The truth was that Zalan was hoping that any monster had the concept of negotiation within it. If Boznoks were willing to communicate and create a deal, then maybe it was possible to do the same with Morloch. Morloch was called a manipulator, so he would probably be someone that talked a lot. Zalan hoped that instead of having to kill Morloch, he could battle and defeat him on other terms. Strike some sort of negotiation or break him in a philosophical argument. Any kind of option where battling him didn¡¯t mean to kill him.

    Rep scrutinized Zalan closely.

    ¡°What if they deem to attack you first, without waiting to hear you out?¡±

    ¡°Gorb and Fran were around our Levels and they took on like ten Boznoks by themselves. And they didn¡¯t know how to imbue themselves,¡± Zalan replied confidently.

    ¡°I do not wish to slaughter them in their own homes when we can simply go around them.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t be killing them, we¡¯ll be trading,¡± Zalan assured him.

    Rep looked unconvinced, but could see the adamance in Zalan¡¯s pressed lips.

    ¡°Very well. But at least tell me what you plan to do,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What kind of food do we have? We know they like eggs.¡±

    ¡°Monster eggs,¡± Rep corrected.

    ¡°Right, then what if I offer them some¡­¡± Zalan trailed, a contemplative hesitation in his eyes.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I was gonna say gold. But I don¡¯t have any left,¡± Zalan shrugged, patting his pocket where his money would be.

    Zalan began to stare at Rep with a strange intent in his eyes. Rep blinked at him quizzically, then came to an annoyed conclusion.

    ¡°You would like to borrow some of my money to give to monsters?¡± Rep concluded, deadpan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back.¡±

    ¡°You just admitted you have no money.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back in some other way.¡±

    Rep bit his upper lip in thought. Then he shook his head to himself and sighed.

    ¡°This is foolish. Fine. But give me the Homeseeker. If I see things going badly, I wish to immediately activate it. I will not wait for you to try and recover a lost cause,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Zalan said, handing him the Artifact. ¡°Can I get like five gold coins?¡±

    ¡°Five!?¡± Rep repeated, appalled.

    ¡°I thought five was a good amount! How many more do you want to give them?¡±

    ¡°I think one would suffice!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference when you have so many?¡±

    ¡°You seem to forget a gold coin¡¯s value. A single gold coin is worth one hundred bronze coins. Or ten silver. This is no small number.¡± Rep held up the coin.

    ¡°All right, what about three gold coins?¡±

    ¡°Did you not just hear me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to make a good deal for them! What if they¡¯re ready to try and hustle me because I¡¯m probably going to come off as desperate. Three gold for some flowers and they won¡¯t have room to ask for more,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°If they care to speak to you at all,¡± Rep grumbled, putting the three gold coins in Zalan¡¯s open palm.

    Zalan looked down at the three coins and swallowed hard. He really wasn¡¯t confident that this plan would work. But he had to know. This was the difference between having to kill Morloch and being able to defeat him some other way. Zalan stood up, no longer hidden from any Boznoks, if only they looked in his direction. Rep stood up as well, holding the Homeseeker tightly in a trembling hand.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Zalan said, holding both arms up in a show of pacifism.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rep snapped, the Boznoks having immediately reacted.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to spook them if we showed up out of nowhere.¡±

    Boznoks began shoving one another to direct attention to the two humans. Zalan continued to step forward slowly. He revealed the three gold coins and pointed to them as he progressed.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking to trade! I have gold! I just want some of the flowers,¡± Zalan called, his words slow and clear.

    Riling themselves up, the Boznoks reacted loudly to the display. They began shouting to one another in bull-like grunts, communicating and goading one another to charge forward. A quick battalion formed, armed with axes and warhammers. They lacked the thicker metal armor that Boznoks normally traveled in, but they had light fur armors that were faster to put on. Swallowing hard, Zalan tried to subdue the fact he was intimidated.

    ¡°They are coming to attack,¡± Rep said, placing a hand on his sword. His other hand thumbed the activation switch for the Homeseeker.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Zalan said sharply. ¡°They aren¡¯t charging, they¡¯re just getting prepared. It would be a lot more clear if they jumped straight to attacking us. They might simply not trust humans.¡±

    ¡°Which is precisely why this was a bad idea!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re just being cautious! Plus, well, it¡¯s too late to change plans. There¡¯s no way we¡¯re sneaking around them now. Let me just try to talk with one.¡±

    Zalan had no idea how the conversation would go, if they would even have one. Rep¡¯s grip tightened on his hilt, his other hand placed lightly over the button to activate the Homeseeker. Ten Boznoks were armed and approaching Rep and Zalan, teeth bared and anger on their faces.

 107 - Book 3 - Chapter 10 - Nightbloom

    The ten Boznoks stomped toward Zalan and Rep, all in step. The scene gave Zalan an ounce of strange relief. They looked organized. Like men who had been drilled for battle. He hoped that had to denote some sort of communication and ability to understand him. The largest of the Boznoks snorted brutishly and the Boznoks came to a halt. It made a low noise at Zalan, holding its axe out toward him. The weapon was less than a foot from Zalan¡¯s chest. Zalan swallowed, finding it very difficult to not immediately retaliate. Nold¡¯s training had always been much more dynamic and aggressive than negotiations. Then again, he had no idea if anyone tried anything like this before.

    ¡°This gold. I want to trade it for flowers,¡± Zalan explained, gesturing to the money in hand.

    The Boznoks didn¡¯t react, simply following the gold with their eyes alone.

    ¡°This money. For flowers,¡± Zalan said, pointing out to the meadow of Nightbloom behind the Boznoks. They didn¡¯t turn.

    ¡°Zalan, we should leave,¡± Rep murmured nervously.

    ¡°Hold on, give me some time,¡± Zalan replied.

    Zalan knelt down and placed the three gold pieces on the ground. He pointed to the gold, then to the Boznok. The Boznoks followed his finger with interest. He tried again, pointing to the money, then the creatures.

    ¡°Do you get it?¡± Zalan asked, feeling dumb.

    The large Boznok snorted and kicked the gold away.

    ¡°Well, it was a good try¡­¡± Rep began.

    ¡°Wait, he¡¯s doing something,¡± Zalan said, interested.

    The Boznok looked over Zalan. He nodded toward him sharply, huffing enough air for Zalan to feel it. Zalan shook his head slightly, confused. The Boznok nodded again, his eyes focused on Zalan¡¯s sheath. It snorted, nodding at the weapon.

    ¡°You¡­ you want me to disarm myself?¡± Zalan asked.

    The Boznok didn¡¯t reply.

    ¡°Here,¡± Zalan pulled his sword out slowly, keeping the blade pointed downward.

    ¡°Zalan, no!¡± Rep hissed.

    Zalan tossed the sword at the Boznok¡¯s feet, then quickly held up his hand in another display of peace. The Boznok finally lowered his axe, satisfied. The others in his battalion visibly relaxed. The leader kneeled down and picked up Zalan¡¯s sword. It took interest in the quality, looking it up and at different angles. The monster nodded and inserted the sword into his own sheath. Then, it flicked its head backward toward the flowers. Zalan gave a half smile, his eyes wide with excitement.

    ¡°I think we got permission,¡± Zalan said, elated.

    ¡°I think the monster just took your sword as payment,¡± Rep said, sounding disturbed.

    Slowly testing his theory, Zalan made slow movements forward, making his way to the Nightbloom. None of the Boznoks stopped him. Rep sighed and followed, only to have all the Boznoks shift toward him defensively, weapons drawn. The lead Boznok drew Zalan¡¯s sword. It pointed it at Rep, prepared to use its new weapon immediately.

    Rep pursed his lips and held up his hands like he¡¯d seen Zalan do earlier. Taking the risk to activate the Homeseeker was too much when their opponents stood between the two friends.

    ¡°I think they want you to pay too,¡± Zalan said from the Boznok¡¯s side.

    ¡°I am not having us both be disarmed around these monsters,¡± Rep said through grit teeth.

    ¡°Just do it! Unless you have something else!¡±

    Rep dug in his pocket and pulled out five gold coins.

    ¡°Is this good?¡± Rep asked, shaking them lightly as though it were enticing. ¡°It¡¯s even more.¡±

    The Boznok snorted, clearly disinterested.

    ¡°Fine, fine.¡±

    Rep tucked the money back away and looked at the Homeseeker for a second. He quickly shook his head and patted his pockets in search of anything else. With a moment of epiphany, he pulled out another Artifact. The Wind Wand he had retrieved from the Earthenbeasts.

    ¡°How about this?¡± Rep asked, placing it on the floor and taking a step back.

    The Boznoks looked curious, lowering their weapons to peer closer at it. After a few seconds of scrutiny, the lead Boznok picked up the Artifact. It snorted, not as excited as it was about Zalan¡¯s sword, but nodded Rep forward. Rep sighed with relief and quickly walked away from them. As he moved, he knelt to pick up the three gold coins that were kicked away earlier in Zalan¡¯s negotiations. Some of the other warriors made low roars at him, and Rep raised his hands innocently, leaving the gold on the floor.

    ¡°A little greedy, I see,¡± Rep grumbled with an eyebrow raised. He rushed to Zalan¡¯s side.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move quick, before they change their mind.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I have never heard of them allowing humans in their presence like this before,¡± Rep admitted, looking around with a hint of paranoia.

    ¡°Maybe you just haven¡¯t met anyone else that¡¯s tried. I doubt I¡¯m the first,¡± Zalan replied.

    Rep looked unconvinced.

    They walked briskly through the Boznok¡¯s living spaces. The tribe was living in either rudimentary stone homes or teepees of branches stacked together. There didn¡¯t seem to be a distinction on the kind of Boznoks that lived in the stone or wood homes. It made Zalan think that they probably didn¡¯t mind the difference in strength or structure. There were other Boznoks that looked almost identical to the ones that had confronted them, but these creatures were lacking horns. At first, Zalan thought that the horns meant that they were fighters. Then he realized that they were the female Boznoks. The discovery fascinated him. There was really a whole system of living among the monsters. He wondered if they shared a collective language, or if it was different between tribes. None of the sounds they made sounded intelligible to him.

    The Boznoks watched Rep and Zalan warily, clearly uncomfortable with them in their home. The two friends kept as much distance as they could while making their way to the flowers. Some of the creatures snorted loudly as Rep and Zalan passed too close to shelters, warning them to back off. Others held up weapons in a show of strength. But the majority watched with shameless interest. Almost half of the tribe were following the two travelers, watching their every step for signs of betrayal. Rep and Zalan were possibly the first they had seen of humans who didn¡¯t immediately rush into battle. Both species were equally fascinated with the other.

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    Finally, Rep and Zalan were at the edge of the Nightbloom patch. They looked over their shoulder to see dozens of Boznoks staring at them carefully. The armed Boznoks stood closest, making sure Rep and Zalan weren¡¯t up to anything dangerous. The lead Boznok was swinging around Zalan¡¯s sword, the other creatures marveling at it. The leader was showing off, striking poses and generally swinging a sword like it was an axe or club. Other Boznoks were looking over the Wind Wand, running an investigation by poking at it several times. It seemed they knew it was an Artifact, but were unfamiliar with what it did.

    The Nightbloom were in full bloom under the shade of the cliff. They were a mellow pink color that waved daintily in the sea breeze. Zalan liked the faint smell they gave off, like ripe plums. Rep knelt down and examined them, satisfied that they met Oshrad¡¯s description. He made his way through the small meadow of flowers, searching for the best looking ones he could find for Ma. He plucked a small bouquet of Nightbloom from the ground, taking his time as he added them to his hand.

    Knowing they would be leaving soon, Zalan turned to admire the Boznoks. Proud of the way the situation had gone, Zalan assessed the new reality. It was possible to communicate with some monsters. With a dread in his heart, he suddenly wondered if the Boznoks were an anomaly. The only creatures that would hear humans out. He hoped that wasn¡¯t the case. Rep continued to gather flowers as Zalan and the Boznoks watched one another with an odd mutual respect.

    ¡°These roots are so long,¡± Rep noted as he held up the flowers he¡¯d gathered.

    ¡°Wow, yeah, they almost look like roots for weeds,¡± Zalan said, turning to look down at the roots.

    ¡°Shall we be off?¡± Rep asked, raising a small bouquet of Nightbloom.

    ¡°None of this makes sense,¡± Zalan said, glancing at the Boznoks. ¡°Fighters over Level Fifteen shouldn¡¯t have a problem with those Earthenbeasts or Bloodbeaks. And Boznoks can¡¯t be that bad, even at these large numbers. What was preventing the guards from getting the flowers for Ma? She clearly loves them, and they are loyal to a fault. They would have wiped these monsters out without hesitation.¡±

    ¡°I do not particularly care. I wish to be off,¡± Rep said dismissively. ¡°The many eyes of the Boznoks on us unnerve me.¡±

    ¡°All right, fine, let¡¯s go,¡± Zalan said, looking back at Rep. His eyebrows came together in disappointment. ¡°You should get some more lively flowers. These ones already look like they¡¯re dying.¡±

    ¡°I grabbed the most vibrant ones I could find,¡± Rep said, holding up the flowers to show him.

    Rep and Zalan watched as the flowers wilted and drooped within dozens of seconds. Staring dumbfounded, the duo gaped as the petals withered into dry husks and cracked apart between Rep¡¯s fingers. They went so fast, Zalan felt like he was watching them in fast forward. Rep and Zalan looked at one another.

    ¡°Did they just die? It¡¯s only been like two minutes out of the soil!¡± Zalan exclaimed.

    ¡°Perhaps it was a bad batch. Let me grab another!¡± Rep said quickly.

    This time, both Rep and Zalan pulled a flower from the ground. They stared at it nervously. Within seconds, they could see it browning at the edges.

    ¡°Dear God. They shrivel into nothing within minutes!¡± Rep said, horrified.

    Zalan watched his own turn yellow, then brown. The once delicate flower crunched in his hand where it was living and fragrant seconds before. He ran a hand through his hair.

    ¡°I think I just figured out why none of Ma¡¯s people could get her these flowers,¡± Zalan breathed, watching the disintegrated petals drift away in a faint breeze.

    ¡°They only become fragile and die once we pull them from the ground. Perhaps if we take some soil?¡±

    Rep dug around the roots of the sensitive plant, pulling out a wad of earth with the flower. Roots hung out from the bottom of the soil in Rep¡¯s hand. The flower began to droop. The rate of death was slower, but still visible to the naked eye.

    The lead Boznok snorted loudly. Rep and Zalan threw it a nervous glance, seeing its arms folded.

    ¡°It looks to them that we are just uprooting flowers for no reason,¡± Rep hissed urgently.

    ¡°Well, what are we supposed to do?¡±

    ¡°I do not know!¡± Rep said, trying to pack more soil together to pluck another flower.

    Zalan joined him. They made a small pile of soil, enough to fill a pot. Zalan placed the mound around the next flower, packing it tightly, then pulled it slowly up. Rep watched from below, sticking any roots into the rising dirt as Zalan straightened to a standing position. The flower¡¯s colors began to fade. This was the slowest death so far, but it was still gradually wilting. Rep watched it, biting his lip nervously.

    ¡°What are we going to do?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Look, it¡¯s a lot slower! Maybe we can get it back to her in time!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°This will be dead and dry in minutes!¡± Rep said urgently.

    ¡°I know, but we can use the Homeseeker! We pull a fresh flower inside a fresh pile of dirt the second before the Homeseeker warps us home. Then, we run as fast as we can to Ma¡¯s place. If we get it in her pot while it¡¯s still alive, that counts, right? She said she had the means to keep it alive,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What if we are too slow and we bring her a shriveled stem? She will break our legs and have us thrown out,¡± Rep said, watching a petal fall. He rubbed his leg, as though already anticipating the pain of having it broken.

    ¡°This one has lasted pretty well. It looks like it has a few more minutes in it. I think it could go like five minutes with a fresh one. We might be able to make it!¡±.

    Rep bit his lip and scrunched his face in thought. A slightly strong and graceful wind passed over them, brushing the flower with enough gust to claim two petals. Rep¡¯s eyes widened in horror, anxiety dashing through his pupils.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I really think this will work. People might even help us get there faster once they hear it¡¯s for Ma,¡± Zalan assured him.

    ¡°No, Zalan, that was not a sea breeze. It came from the Wind Wand,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So what?¡± Zalan asked, turning toward the Boznoks.

    The Boznoks were looking at the Wind Wand in wonder, enjoying its control over the wind. But as soon as the air current faded, the wand cracked and began to turn to dust. The Artifact had run out of uses and was degrading. It was then that Zalan remembered that the Wind Wand only had a single use. The warrior Boznoks watched the Artifact turn to dust and spill away into the ground. Turning sharply toward the two humans, they looked greatly offended. Shouts erupted and many arms were pointed to Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°Zalan, we need to go.¡±

    The Boznoks drew their weapons and began walking toward them.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to make another mound of dirt!¡± Zalan said, holding nervously to the flower in hand.

    ¡°Then we take the one we have!¡± Rep said, activating the Homeseeker. He began glowing a faint black.

    The Boznoks hesitated, the glow around Rep giving them pause. Rep placed the Artifact against Zalan¡¯s arms, and he and the flower were also shrouded in the dark color. They would be teleported back to the Journey House within another ten seconds.

    ¡°Quick! Grab some more flowers before we warp away!¡± Zalan said. ¡°Maybe some of those will last longer.¡±

    ¡°If I release you, I might warp away without you!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then get the flowers really fast!¡± Zalan urged.

    Rep knelt down and grabbed as many flowers as he could in a single swoop, then pulled them out. Even as he watched them dying, he tried to force the roots of the bouquet into the pile of dirt in Zalan¡¯s hands. The Boznok¡¯s took even more offense to watching their meadow be torn asunder. They began to rush in with weapons raised high. The glow of the Homeseeker crescendoed. The flowers in Zalan¡¯s hands continued to die.

    ¡°How much longer? They are going to hit us before we are gone!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We can heal!¡±

    ¡°We will not have time to both take a Healing Rest and rush the flowers to Ma!¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t consider that. He looked back at the monsters.

    Horns down, the lead Boznok charged forward with Zalan¡¯s sword drawn. He thrust blade forward, trying to gorge Zalan with his own weapon. Rep shoved Zalan downward to avoid the blade and kept his grip tight to make sure the Homeseeker would take them both. While they were able to avoid the weapon and horn, the Boznok crashed into them, just as the Homeseeker reached the zenith of its charge.

    At the very last moment, the large monster began glowing black alongside the two friends.

    Zalan, Rep, and the Boznok warped out of existence.

 108 - Book 3 - Chapter 11 - Running of the Flower Bulb

    Rep and Zalan bolted upright on their respective cots in Journey House. Covered in bruises and open cuts given to him by the rocks thrown by the Earthenbeasts, Zalan was grateful not to feel a new wound from the last hit the Boznok leader got them with. Rep looked around manically and Zalan held up the mound of dirt. The flower was still alive, but it was drooping. Zalan drew a macabre parallel between himself and the flower. The closer it drew to death, the closer he felt.

    ¡°Where is it?¡± Rep asked loudly, his head whipping around. His eyes were crazed.

    ¡°I have the Nightbloom right here, get the door!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°No, the Boznok! We warped with it! I saw it enter the glow before we blinked out of the meadow!¡± Rep said urgently. Rolling out of bed, he got into a fighting stance. As he circled in place, he drew his sword and began pointing it around the guild.

    ¡°Rep! It went home! The Homeseeker takes you home! Get the door!¡± Zalan shouted, jumping out of bed and trying to keep the flower stable as he moved.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Rep deflated as he lowered his sword in embarrassment. ¡°Right, of course.¡±

    Sprinting to the door, Rep bashed into it, swinging the hinges open. Zalan rushed past him out of the guild, not looking to see if he followed. Running as fast as he felt was safe, he watched the flower like an infant child in his hands. He feared that even the light bob of his run was enough to hurt the fragile plant even more than the damage done from being unearthed. Even in his measured pace, the flower lost pieces of itself. Its bulb no longer had a lively sheen to it, the petals looking wrinkled and frail. Desperately, he felt the need to move faster. The flower was fading and it was difficult to tell the flower started off pink.

    ¡°Does the flower still live?¡± Rep asked, running alongside him.

    ¡°Barely! We¡¯re running out of time!¡±

    Rep ran ahead at full speed, waving his arms dramatically. ¡°Get out of the way! Move! We need a clear path!¡±

    Screaming at the top of his lungs, Rep urged people away from the center of the road. People rushed aside in confusion, getting a view of the commotion. They looked appalled when they saw Zalan rushing. He was bruised and bleeding from head to toe, but running away from inns and guilds on the other side of town. It was a marvel to see anyone in town running around with wounds that could be so easily healed. Many eyes followed Rep and Zalan as they ran and bled their way to the port.

    They reached the alleyways toward the port and Rep took a glance at the flower. The situation looked dire. Both friends were coming to the conclusion that they might not make it, but refused to say it aloud. The consequences were too serious. Rep grew even more panicked as another petal shriveled to nothing.

    ¡°We have something for Ma! Get out of the way! This is for Ma!¡± Rep called, throwing small balls of flame above him to emphasize his points. In the hidden alleys, he wasn¡¯t concerned about guards on the walls policing his Elemental use in the city. The people watching from the shadows had no intention of stopping Zalan once they heard Ma¡¯s name invoked. To obstruct the men was to forfeit whatever safety they had on the port side of the city. Rep and Zalan were untouchable.

    The flower was hunched over, the leaves at its base shriveled and small. The remaining petals were hanging on by threads. The flower had nothing left. Even in this state, Zalan wanted to get the flower to Ma. It hadn¡¯t crumbled to nothing like the first flower they pulled. This one was still alive to some degree. There was still a chance. To get the flower to her was to be another step closer to being back home. And to quit meant accepting his fate of being stuck in this realm for that much longer. Plus the fate of having their legs broken and being thrown to the sea. He didn¡¯t want to put himself up to the test to see if he could survive the water without the use of his legs.

    They rushed by the boats, Rep screaming all the way as Zalan stared closely at the flower. With a mountain of intensity, he stared at the dying plant like he hoped his eyes alone would be enough to transfer more life force to the dying plant. Another petal fell. It barely looked like a flower anymore. They soon reached the path to Ma¡¯s mansion. They ran up to the two guards, Rep screaming at them with his arms waving in every direction.

    ¡°Open the doors! Open them quickly!¡±

    ¡°On whose authority?¡± one of the guards challenged. Cracking his knuckles, he looked as though he was going to beat Rep for yelling at him.

    ¡°Ma¡¯s authority!¡± Zalan said, holding up the wilting flower. ¡°We have her Nightbloom! Or do you want to be the reason it dies!?¡±

    The guard looked hesitant. The plant looked like a withered twig. The two men weren¡¯t even sure it was a Nightbloom.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell her it was your fault it died! Her precious flower! The only one she couldn¡¯t get from her loyal guards!¡± Zalan said in rapid succession, hopping in place urgently.

    A guard opened the door, scared for his life. Rep and Zalan bolted inside, passing through the home. Oshrad came out through the double doors to Ma¡¯s chamber and looked enraged.

    ¡°What is all that noise? Ma is annoyed by the outburst! What is going on out here!?¡± he demanded.

    ¡°We have it! Let us in!¡± Zalan said, holding up the flower.

    Oshrad peered at it, baffled in surprise. He hadn¡¯t expected them to come back at all, much less so soon. Then his face soured in disappointment.

    ¡°That flower is dead,¡± he declared.

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    ¡°No, we still have time! Just let me go in and put it in her vase!¡± Zalan begged, his feet wiggling anxiously.

    ¡°She had no need for¡­¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time to talk this out!¡± Zalan held up the further dying plant.

    ¡°I do not care how impatient you are¡­¡±

    Rep dipped around Oshrad and threw open the doors. Oshrad pulled him back, preventing him from running within. Rep had no intention of running inside. He dove down and grabbed Oshrad¡¯s legs tightly, trying to lock him in place.

    ¡°Go!¡± Rep screamed.

    Zalan rushed by as Oshrad screamed, enraged. Ma looked up from her desk, a mix of intrigue and frustration as Zalan stumbled forward bruised and bloody to her vase. The guards around the room rushed him, closing in as soon as they deemed him a threat. Zalan dove forward and dropped the flower into the vase. Immediately, a hand clamped down onto his face from behind and he was dragged away. He could only muster responding with muffled screams. In a few seconds of confusion, Zalan found himself in the arms of three guards, one standing in front of him ready to deliver a blow to his gut. Or perhaps smash a hole right through him. Next to him, Rep was also gripped tightly and presented to Ma. He had the beginnings of a black eye and his face gained a new welt, growing to the size of an apple.

    Rep and Zalan were trying to communicate, but had their mouths covered as they wiggled in the brutish arms of Ma¡¯s guards. Waiting only for Ma¡¯s direction, the guards were ready to beat the two friends to death for their offenses against Ma and her home. Ma looked over the flower with some interest.

    Before she could even give it a thorough lookover, the top half fell off. The broken piece sounded like it had been roasted in an oven when it shattered apart on the table. The plant was a dry husk, no life to be found in it. She frowned at it, her mild interest dashed away in that moment, then turned to Rep and Zalan. They continued to try and protest while held down, desperate to get a single word in.

    ¡°Quiet,¡± she ordered.

    Zalan and Rep stopped trying to scream from behind cover mouths. Her voice was angry and sent ice through their blood. The room was growing shadowy, like it was influenced by the darkness of Ma¡¯s mood. She seethed for a second, her eyes staring into each of the young men¡¯s souls. Then she scoffed and sat back in her chair, a look of final judgment on her face.

    ¡°You come to my home looking like absolute filth. You drag that squalidness through my halls. You attack my most trusted man. And what¡¯s worse, you did not even bring me a Nightbloom. You bring me a dead flower and try to con me. What do you have to say for yourselves?¡± Ma asked.

    The hands over Rep and Zalan¡¯s mouth slid off, but they stared in fear. Rep¡¯s mouth trembled, his face caked in sweat. Now that Zalan was asked to speak, he was totally lost for words under her aggression. Ma sighed impatiently, wrinkles forming at the top of her head.

    ¡°Allow me to clarify myself. Do you have any last words?¡± Ma asked, irritated.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes widened. They should have just run away from the town the first time Ma gave them a chance. It wasn¡¯t worth trying to get the flower here. Their best efforts had led to their execution. Staring the idea of death in the face, Zalan found the words he was searching for.

    ¡°It¡¯s Nightbloom!¡± Zalan said. ¡°I can prove it!¡±

    Ma looked at him skeptically. She looked back at the flower, an inkling of hope in her eyes. She looked back at Zalan with challenge in her narrowing gaze.

    ¡°How can you prove it?¡± Ma asked.

    ¡°I need to be let go,¡± Zalan said, struggling against the tight grip of the guards.

    ¡°No.¡±

    The room grew even darker, like dusk had fallen over the single chamber of the mansion.

    ¡°Please. I just need to go up to the flower,¡± Zalan said.

    Ma watched him carefully. He pulled against the guards desperately, but he couldn¡¯t shift even an inch away from their tight grips.

    ¡°What are your names, again?¡± Ma asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m Zalan, and this is my friend Rep,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Friend? Good. Let Zalan go. But if he does anything mildly questionable, then kill Rep. If he displeases me with his proof, then kill Rep. To be perfectly frank, just be prepared to kill him regardless,¡± Ma said flippantly.

    The guards threw Zalan to the ground forcefully. Any scabs that were starting to form stretched open and his blood smeared on the clean flooring. Zalan groaned and looked back at Rep who stared with wide eyes. Judging by the tiny pupils in Rep¡¯s eyes, it was clear he had no idea what Zalan was planning. Zalan struggled to his feet and approached the Nightbloom. Ma watched him with intense scrutiny, waiting for her chance to humiliate his last efforts. Zalan held his breath as he dug into his pocket with one last idea in mind.

    He pulled out the Reversal Stone.

    ¡°Stop him! He has an Artifact!¡± Oshrad pointed threateningly.

    Zalan had only an instant to react. Dozens of men pounced toward him. He had never asked about exactly how to use the Reversal Stone, so he squeezed it several times and touched it against the dead plant. When the slightest bit of the stone brushed against the side of the flower, Zalan was tackled to the ground, hundreds of pounds of weight on top of him. He screamed out in pain, only to have his mouth covered by a half dozen guards. He reached out fruitlessly to grab the Reversal Stone that had fallen from his hand. It was just out of reach, the edge of his finger poking at it.

    ¡°Kill him. Kill them both,¡± Ma ordered gravely.

    ¡°Right here?¡± a guard asked eagerly.

    ¡°No, not here! Are you insane? We just mopped the floors! Outside!¡± Ma said.

    Panicking, Zalan imbued himself with as much lightning as he could muster. He shone a bright blue as he burned the people piled atop him. But his resistance was short-lived. Someone grabbed his arm and broke it, causing Zalan to be blinded by pain. He couldn¡¯t keep up any lightning when his head swam with torment. He tried to kick his feet out, but they had pinned him powerfully between many men.

    Zalan could feel the heat of Rep¡¯s flames fill the room, then heard Rep get smacked in a similar fashion. They were completely overpowered in moments.

    Ruthlessly, Zalan was flipped over to his back, his arm an explosion of agony. They dragged him like a ragdoll to Rep¡¯s side. They could barely look at one another between the damage to both of their faces. Feet flailing and eyes shut in anguish, Rep and Zalan were dragged toward the door. As dire as the situation was, his broken arm obliterated his concentration. He couldn¡¯t think of anything but pain and how he wanted to escape it. All the guards in the room pulled against the friends in different directions, causing further suffering to shoot up their bodies. But they didn¡¯t go beyond the jostling. They were diligent in waiting for the moment they were out of the building in order to give them the real punishment.

    ¡°Make sure to keep the building clean. We will have to wash away all the filth they decided to dump into this place. But make an example of them. Break their toes first. One at a time. Then, we can kill them above the water. Let the monsters of the sea have their way with their corpses,¡± Oshrad instructed as he shoved the doors open.

    Rep and Zalan watched helpless as the doors slid behind them, their view of Ma shutting gradually. The last thing Zalan could see was Ma looking over the vase where the dead flower lay.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Ma¡¯s voice came at the last moment, just as the doors closed.

 109 - Book 3 - Chapter 12 - Reversal

    The doors to Ma¡¯s chambers slammed shut behind the guards. They looked at the double doors in confusion and a mountain of hesitation.

    ¡°Did she say to wait?¡± one of the guards asked cautiously.

    ¡°Ma is not usually one to be quiet. We would have clearly heard her if she changed her mind,¡± Oshrad said, but there was doubt in his voice.

    The guards continued to stare at the door dumbly, not sure what to do. They never went back in without carrying out their duties. ¡°Wait¡± could have been about anything. Maybe she wasn¡¯t speaking to them. Even in his delirious state of pain, Zalan could see that the guards were as scared of Ma as they were loyal to her. They didn¡¯t want to offend her as much as her guests feared a faux pas.

    ¡°Get back in here!¡± Ma said, clear enough that there were no more scruples between the guards.

    A guard opened the double doors for the rest, allowing the others to go in first. Everyone was frozen as they stared at Ma, Rep and Zalan included. The room had brightened significantly, like a cloud finished passing overhead. Oshrad led the way back into the room, and Rep and Zalan were dragged in behind him. Ma stared in wonder at the vase on her desk.

    The Nightbloom was regrowing its petals, the pink color restoring itself. It shook off its hunch and stood tall, radiantly displaying its most vibrant form. Its sweet fragrance began to permeate the room, enough to catch a whiff every few breaths.

    The Reversal Stone worked. It turned time back on the dead flower by just a few minutes. Enough for Ma to have the flower she vyed. Zalan looked to the side of the desk where the Reversal Stone fell and saw that the Artifact had turned to ash; degraded after a single use.

    ¡°Absolutely amazing,¡± Ma said, shaking her head in wonder. She presented the Nightbloom with one hand as she spoke. ¡°I have sent you to get this one flower¡­ Let me see¡­ How many times, Oshrad?¡±

    ¡°Twelve,¡± Oshrad mumbled in embarrassment.

    ¡°And Zalan and Rep did it on their first try,¡± Ma said, looking at the two beaten and bloodied friends.

    The Reversal Stone¡¯s power stopped affecting the flower. Rep and Zalan watched in abject horror as the flower slowly began to droop, ever so slightly. Even in Ma¡¯s vase, the flower refused to live outside its natural habitat. While slower than when they were running with it, life drained from it. They didn¡¯t want to think about what would happen if it died again while they were still in her mansion.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy we could help,¡± Zalan said through grit teeth, speaking through severe pain in his arm. He ignored the blood running down his face, threatening to block his vision. ¡°We should be going before we get your lovely place any dirtier.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep¡¯s voice sounded congested, a welt on his face having changed the shape of his mouth. He was nodding rapidly, having caught on to Zalan¡¯s attempt at an escape. ¡°Thank you for your¡­ hospitality. We should be getting out of your way.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Ma snapped in offense. ¡°You think I forgot my end of the deal? Are you saying that I go and ask for favors without repaying them?¡±

    ¡°No, of course not!¡± Zalan said, terrified. Everything that came out of their mouths felt like it had the potential to kill them. He almost wanted to beg her to tell him the right things to say to her.

    ¡°Good,¡± Ma said, then her expression grew joyous. ¡°I am so pleased. It has been so long since I have seen a living Nightbloom. You have done me a great favor.¡±

    ¡°Ma,¡± Oshrad cleared his throat. ¡°The flower looks to be dying.¡±

    Rep and Zalan winced. They were hoping against everything that no one else would notice. But the flower was clearly sagging now, the once glowing color desaturating. Holding their breaths, Rep and Zalan looked for Ma¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°What, do you think I am blind?¡± Ma asked him vociferously.

    ¡°No! You are the epitome of perfect sight!¡± Oshrad said immediately, standing at attention.

    ¡°Nightbloom is good in night-like environments,¡± Ma explained, caressing the wilting flower lovingly. ¡°It is far too bright here. I was going to wait until after having talked to the two gentlemen here, but I can see you are worried about the state of my flower. As you should be, it is a precious flower. Though, it is true that I am running out of time.¡±

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    Ma raised her arms around the vase in a circular motion, like she was molding spinning pottery around it. The flower vanished behind a black cylinder. Zalan blinked in shock, wondering where the dark void came from. Rep squinted with his one good eye. He gasped in realization, then coughed in pain.

    ¡°You have Elemental Shadow Power?¡± Rep asked, amazed.

    Ma winked at him in reply.

    ¡°The flower will be flourishing in a few minutes,¡± Ma said. ¡°In the meantime, I am having a hard time looking at these two when they look like they are in so much pain. Get them out of my sight.¡±

    Without complaint, Rep and Zalan waited to be dragged away from Ma and escape this place. Zalan only hoped they would go easy on his broken arm now that Ma was happy with them. To his relief, the guards were gentler this time. The duo were pulled back a few inches before Ma spoke again.

    ¡°Hey! Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°You said to take them outside?¡± one of the guards replied, confused.

    ¡°No! I clearly said ¡®get them out of my sight.¡¯ Take them to my private chambers so that they may take part in some Healing Rest. Then I will be ready to grant them an audience. I wish to speak to them when they are not wrought with pain. It can cause the mind to feel¡­¡± Ma waved her hand around her head to gesticulate the word she was looking for.

    The room had gone tensely silent. All mouths of the guards were gaping open.

    ¡°Ma, we do not have to sully your quarters. They can sleep in my bed. It is luxurious enough for these guests,¡± Oshrad offered.

    ¡°Oshrad,¡± Ma said, a sharp tone in her voice.

    Evidently, the one word was enough to get her point across.

    ¡°Yes, of course Ma.¡± Oshrad nodded obediently.

    He walked shamefully to the door located behind where Ma was seated. He pushed it open, and stepped aside, awaiting the guests. It was a short hallway to a door made of pure gold. Zalan and Rep stared at it in wonder as they were carried gently toward it. Carefully, they were placed at the head of the hall. Then, all the guards took several steps back, leaving the two to cross the hall on their own. Rep and Zalan looked back in confusion, but dragged themselves to the door without complaint. Zalan placed his unbroken hand on the golden door and pushed. It was heavy. He couldn¡¯t budge it.

    ¡°Can I get some help?¡± Zalan asked, embarrassed.

    ¡°No,¡± Oshrad said from the other end of the hall. ¡°We are not allowed to see the inside of Ma¡¯s room.¡±

    Rep and Zalan exchanged a glance.

    ¡°None of you have been in here before?¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°Do not gloat,¡± Oshrad said with chagrin.

    With that, the guards went to line up along the main chamber with Ma and the flower. Oshrad gave them one last glance of a mix of envy and courtesy, then closed the door to the small hall. Rep and Zalan were in the hallway alone, staring at the door in disbelief. The last few minutes had been such a roller coaster of events that they were both shaking in place.

    ¡°Are we alive?¡± Rep asked in utter shock, his voice still sounding off.

    ¡°For now, I think,¡± Zalan said, equally shaken as he wiped blood from his forehead. ¡°We had better get in Ma¡¯s room. If we keep her waiting, I doubt she¡¯ll stay as happy as she is now.¡±

    Together, Rep and Zalan pushed against the door with all their might. Zalan could feel his muscles overextending themselves. The golden entry slid a few inches, scraping against the ground. Straining, they were able to shove it wide enough to make just enough room to squeeze through. Zalan limped through the other side, having just pulled a muscle on top of all the other injuries mapped out on his skin.

    ¡°How does Ma open this door on her own?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Either she¡¯s insanely strong¡­¡± Zalan began.

    ¡°Which would explain how she managed to get an Elemental Shadow Power¡­¡±

    ¡°Or she asks her guys to open the door for her with their eyes closed.¡±

    The two thought about the options for a moment. Either one seemed equally plausible to them. They both found the thought amusing, but neither of them were in a mood to laugh.

    The interior was as lavish as the golden door, covered in gems, sequins, and shining precious metals of all kinds. Weapons were lined up on one of the tall walls, but they looked ornate rather than ever having seen combat. The blades and spears glowed like they were meticulously polished. Despite their injuries, both of them couldn¡¯t help but stare in awe for a few seconds. This single room boasted enough wealth to buy all of Oriton.

    Ma¡¯s bed was massive, easily the kind of bed Zalan expected royalty to sleep in. The frame was made of some black gemstone. It occurred to Zalan that it was supposed to be a reminder of Ma¡¯s Elemental Shadow Power. The mattress was covered in the softest blanket Zalan had ever felt. Even in his own world, he never felt anything that soft. He ran his hand over it several times, then pushed down. It felt like a cloud of foam. He couldn¡¯t imagine what kind of material she gathered from the realm to make something of this texture. He looked at Rep with an amazement in his eyes.

    ¡°Can you believe a place this nice isn¡¯t allowed to be seen?¡±

    ¡°Except by the two of us,¡± Rep pointed out, attempting a smile. It was lopsided. ¡°You should sleep first. I do not believe I have nearly as many broken bones as you.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Wake me up if anything notable comes up,¡± Zalan said, climbing onto the bed.

    ¡°I can not think of anything more notable than the room I am standing in.¡± Rep looked at a chandelier of diamonds above them.

    Zalan quickly nodded off into sleep, the fatigues of the day gladly taking over his conscious mind. Rep wasn¡¯t as concerned about the frown as Zalan slept this time. He could imagine all the pain he was going through. He only hoped that Ma and the Island of Remains would be the means to bring him back to a smile. Or at least, something better than a frown.

 110 - Book 3 - Chapter 13 - Wetting the Bed

    Zalan rolled out of bed in minutes, more refreshed than he¡¯d ever felt before. Stretching luxuriously, he tried to relax before he had to go face-to-face with Ma again. Rep hopped in next, closing his eyes and dozing off as Zalan looked around the room.

    He could see why Ma was offended by the mention of money. Ma¡¯s room probably cost a thousand times the amount of gold Rep could have offered. If not more. The gold he was willing to pay with wouldn¡¯t even cover the door alone. The floor was a smooth marble. There were Artifacts hanging from strings, accenting the room with a feeling of unfathomable power. Zalan saw that the golden door was still propped open, not having moved since they entered. Zalan peeked outside the door back into the hall to see if anyone was watching them. He was amazed to find that they were truly left on their own. One minute they were being sent to their death, the next they were given complete trust in the inner sanctum. Ma must have really liked the flower.

    Rep jumped off the bed and flexed his newly healed body. He took some time feeling at the lack of bruises on his face. Hopping back and forth on his feet, he regained confidence in moving without pain.  Zalan touched his arm lightly, grateful not to feel the agony of a broken arm respond to his stress test.

    ¡°What exactly did you do to the flower, Zalan?¡± Rep asked. His voice had gone back to normal now that his welts were gone. ¡°It was hard to tell when my face was held onto by their large hands.¡±

    ¡°I used the Reversal Stone on it.¡±

    ¡°You used one of the realm¡¯s most powerful Artifacts on a flower?¡± Rep said, smiling. ¡°Only you would do something like that.¡±

    ¡°What? Did you have any better ideas?¡±

    ¡°You misunderstand. I am not trying to disregard your success. I only mean that most others would have tried to exchange the Artifact for their lives. You put all your faith in the flower being the solution.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t really think about anything except that we were going to die. It was the only thing to come to mind. Are you calling me ignorant or thanking me for saving your life?¡±

    Rep smirked, letting the question hang.

    ¡°We should make the bed and be getting back,¡± Rep said dismissively.

    Rep fanned out the blanket, hoping to make it look as pristine as it was when they walked him. His face of concentration twisted into horror. Fanning the blanket once more, this time he focused on the sheets below. Eyes bulged in fear, he rolled the blanket off cautiously, as though he didn¡¯t want to disturb the bedding. Zalan could finally see what was scaring Rep.

    There were ample amounts of blood stains on the sheets. A mix of both Rep and Zalan¡¯s wounds had permanently decided to alter the colors of Ma¡¯s personal bed. Rep looked back to Zalan with a queasy look.

    ¡°Just cover it,¡± Zalan whispered, looking out the door again to make sure no one saw or heard them. ¡°Nothing happened, everything is as clean as it was when we came in.¡±

    ¡°Zalan, this is her private quarters. She is going to kill us if she sees this. She will personally take our lives,¡± Rep groaned.

    ¡°I know! Just cover it with a pillow and we¡¯ll be halfway across the sea by the time she notices,¡± Zalan said quickly.

    ¡°What if she¡­¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know! Let¡¯s just get back out there and pretend everything is fine!¡± Zalan said.

    Rep wrung his hands nervously. Running his hands through his hair, Zalan became antsy looking at the mark and nudged Rep out of the way to cover the bed with the blanket, himself. He smoothed it out, trying to make it look like nothing was out of place. He looked around it nervously then turned to Rep. Rep nodded his head ambivalently.

    Filled to the brim with stress and anxiety, the duo slipped through the golden door. Once on the other end, they pulled with all their might to close off Ma¡¯s room from any wandering eyes. Even when uninjured, it took a surprising amount of strength to move the golden door. They took another nervous glance at one another and nodded, making their way back into the main chamber with Ma and her guards. All of the guards¡¯ eyes turned to them when they entered. Zalan shrunk under their gazes, wondering if they could sense something had gone wrong in the inner chambers.

    Ma was waving her hands above the vase. She beamed with a little girl¡¯s smile. Zalan might have seen Ma¡¯s face as heartwarming if he hadn¡¯t known the potential to kill behind those eyes.

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    The Nightbloom was visible once more, no longer hidden behind a black box. It was instead covered in a light shade now, as though it had a personal cloud overhead. Zalan wondered how Elemental Shadow was used in combat. He immediately took back his thought, hoping Ma wouldn¡¯t so much as pretend to look at him with the intent to use her power.

    The guards surrounding the room watched Rep and Zalan with an interesting focus. For some reason, the burly men inched away nervously from them and Zalan couldn¡¯t figure out why. Amazingly, the room had already been cleaned of the dirt and mess Rep and Zalan brought in when they rushed inside. It looked like there was never a disturbance. Ma clearly kept her place immaculate at all hours.

    ¡°Did you rest well?¡± Ma asked sweetly, her eyes on the flower.

    ¡°We did, thank you,¡± Rep answered cordially.

    ¡°Did you make a mess in my room? Anything to clean up?¡± Ma asked, her gaze rising to meet theirs.

    Rep swallowed, his mouth gone dry. Zalan pursed his lips. They were hoping they could somehow avoid the question.

    ¡°Be honest with me,¡± Ma warned.

    Zalan sighed, his breath shaky as he exhaled.

    ¡°We¡­ I mean, I got blood in your room. It¡¯s staining the bed,¡± Zalan said, his voice small.

    ¡°Anywhere else?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    ¡°Just blood staining the bed? That should be easy enough to clean,¡± Ma said casually, sounding a little too familiar with the experience.

    Rep and Zalan stood silently, not sure about what else they should be saying. Ma fawned over her Nightbloom, watching it longingly and taking a light whiff of its plum scent. Patiently, Zalan and Rep waited with arms held tight at their sides. They had gotten away with leaving a mess in her private quarters, now all they had to do was not offend her. For all Zalan cared, she could spend the whole day staring at the flower. He just wanted to make it out in one piece.

    ¡°Now. What was it I promised you?¡± Ma asked, then quickly answered her own question. ¡°A boat and crew for the Island of Remains? Captain McKittrick already agreed to go with you?¡±

    Rep and Zalan nodded slightly.

    ¡°It is done,¡± Ma said, as though it were a trivial matter. ¡°Anything else you need?¡±

    Rep and Zalan shook their heads silently.

    ¡°Oh, come on, boys!¡± Ma laughed. ¡°This Nightbloom is surely worth more than just a paltry vessel and some hired help. You look like you are in need of a new sword.¡±

    Ma pointed to Zalan¡¯s sheath and he flinched. He had forgotten he gave it away to the Boznoks. Looking down at his hip, he went flush with embarrassment. Once again, he felt like he didn¡¯t know what the correct reply was. Did Ma want them to take her gifts or did she want them to say that they were already so well taken care of? He tried to talk around it.

    ¡°Oh, ummm¡­ I was planning on getting myself a new sword before we left. You don¡¯t need to worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense. Oshrad will take you and pay for whatever you like,¡± Ma said, the matter settled as soon as she spoke.

    Oshrad nodded obediently, not an expression crossing his eyes. Zalan and Rep looked at him nervously, not sure they wanted to be in his company any longer.

    ¡°Thank you, Ma,¡± Rep said with a nod. ¡°Your generosity is most¡­ generous?¡±

    ¡°Anything else? Are you married?¡± Ma asked both of them.

    They shook their heads. Zalan was still reeling from the change in Ma¡¯s emotions. One minute she was ready to have them killed and now she was offering anything she could think of. Apparently no amount of gifts was enough for her now that they were on her good side.

    ¡°Name a woman, I can ask for her hand on your behalf. I will even host the feast,¡± Ma said.

    ¡°I think we¡¯re fine for just the ride to the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan said, looking to Rep for support. Instead, it looked like Rep was seriously considering the last offer. He was lost in thought, the possibilities enticing him. Zalan nudged him. He blinked back into focus and shook his head at Ma, going warm in the face.

    ¡°I know that look, Rep. You tell me when you have someone in mind. I have been in search of a living Nightbloom for many moons. This is a beautiful day that should be the means for another beautiful day,¡± Ma said, giving the Nightbloom another look of love.

    Again, Zalan and Rep stood in silence. They waited for Ma to say something more. She stared at the flower for a long minute, lost in its petals. She glanced back at the two friends.

    ¡°Is there something else you needed from me?¡± she asked patiently.

    Zalan realized that she wasn¡¯t going to dismiss them. He cleared his throat.

    ¡°No, you¡¯ve been super helpful. Thanks again. We¡¯ll get out of your way,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Feel free to visit whenever you wish. You have been given my authority,¡± Ma said, her eyes back on the flower.

    Briskly, Rep and Zalan spun on their heels and rushed out of the room. Oshrad followed right behind them. Without discussing it, Rep and Zalan were both holding their breath, as though expecting to be poisoned on the way out. Emerging from the mansion, they stopped to get some air once they reached the end of Ma¡¯s property. They caught their breath after they rushed outside. Looking at one another with elated smiles, both friends gave tired, airy laughs. Then, they turned back to Oshrad who stood vigilantly, towering over the two friends.

    ¡°Shall I show you sirs to your ship?¡± he asked respectfully.

 111 - Book 3 - Chapter 14 - Ship Shape

    Rep and Zalan followed behind Oshrad silently. They were uncomfortable, and doing a bad job at hiding it. He was leading them to Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s ship, but they already knew where it was. They didn¡¯t want to mention it to him for fear of saying the wrong thing to the man. Zalan¡¯s emotions spun anxiously within his stomach. He was almost giddy at having gotten the ship, but struggled to express any emotion with Oshrad so close. He was as difficult to read as Ma. Soon, they arrived at the port.

    ¡°Here is your ship, The Aegeusson,¡± Oshrad presented. ¡°Buttonwillow McKittrick is the captain on board. He also has a loyal crew of his own. Allow me to introduce you all to one another.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already met,¡± Zalan said.

    Oshrad nodded, but went to the vessel anyway. Rep and Zalan reluctantly followed. One of Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s crew members was swabbing the deck with Elemental Water when they boarded. He moved his arms back and forth and water sloshed as though met with an invisible mop. He was young, a few short years into manhood. He looked up and went pale.

    ¡°Captain! Oshrad on deck to see you!¡± he said.

    He then twisted his body and rushed away from the deck, making as much distance between himself and Oshrad as he could. Captain Buttonwillow appeared from the captain¡¯s quarters. He took long, gallivanting strides and beamed at Oshrad as he approached.

    ¡°Oshrad! My good man! It is my pleasure to see you have come into acquaintance with these distinguished gentlemen. Welcome aboard to you all,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, tipping his large hat to the three.

    ¡°This is Rep and Zalan. Prepare a crew for their voyage,¡± Oshrad replied.

    ¡°Then the Mother of the Port has given them her blessing?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked, excitedly.

    ¡°She has given them much more than that. They have her authority,¡± Oshrad said, a hint of chagrin in his voice.

    ¡°By God, what an honor. I hope someday I can earn such a high ranking with her. I would expect nothing less of her to grant it to these two, of course. Such a generous woman. When did our port¡¯s mother ask for me to disembark?¡± the captain asked.

    ¡°It is up to them,¡± Oshrad flicked his head to Rep and Zalan. ¡°It is their ship.¡±

    Rep, Zalan, and Captain Buttonwillow looked at one another. The way Oshrad worded the last sentence threw them off. Captain Buttonwillow cleared his throat awkwardly.

    ¡°You mean to say that she has granted them use for this journey?¡± the captain clarified.

    ¡°No. This ship is theirs to do as they please. They are the new owners.¡±

    Rep, Zalan, and Captain Buttonwillow exchanged another baffled glance. This was news to all three of them. Captain Buttonwillow stammered, trying to come up with words and continuously stumbling over himself.

    ¡°Did they¡­ that is to say¡­ These two¡­¡± Captain Buttonwillow cleared his throat again. ¡°Are they part of her family? Or perhaps a wealthy family that has earned her favor?¡±

    ¡°Neither,¡± Oshrad answered simply. The curtness of his response threw the captain even further into confusion.

    ¡°I thought¡­ that she¡­ I was supposed to¡­ I thought that the ship was promised to me. By Ma,¡± the captain said, so disheartened that he didn¡¯t call her Mother of the Port.

    ¡°Do not put words in her mouth. Ma always fulfills her promises. She said that if you worked hard enough, she might be convinced to grant you a ship of your choosing. You have not worked hard enough,¡± Oshrad said firmly.

    ¡°But¡­ But I thought¡­¡±

    ¡°You need to stop thinking. Prepare your crew. We need to purchase a sword. Be ready by the time we return. Ma has given her final say on the matter,¡± Oshrad said, spinning in place and walking off the ship before Captain Buttonwillow could say another word.

    Rep and Zalan looked to one another, then at the captain. Captain Buttonwillow stared into the distance, looking as though his world had been shattered. Rep and Zalan couldn¡¯t think of anything to say to him. The friends rushed to catch up with Oshrad.

    ¡°Ma gave us the whole ship?¡± Zalan asked, flabbergasted. ¡°I thought it was Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°It is not.¡±

    ¡°Okay, but what about before?¡±

    ¡°It was Ma¡¯s. She has ownership of all ships in the port. Well¡­ almost all. She will soon own those as well. But do not be concerned by the surprise in ownership of The Aegeusson. The ship¡¯s crew are still on her payroll and are loyal to her. They will treat you well,¡± Oshrad said confidently.

    Once again, Rep and Zalan were stunned by Ma¡¯s gifts. A single flower was so little to trade for everything they were getting back.

    ¡°What about the captain?¡± Rep asked. ¡°He seemed very intent on the ship.¡±

    ¡°If you feel so strongly, then grant it to him. It is yours to give away to a madman or burn down, for all I care,¡± Oshrad said bitterly.

    Zalan got the feeling he was jealous. He had tried over a dozen times to get the Nightbloom and failed every time. But Rep and Zalan did it on their first try. Zalan felt like he was allowed to taunt Oshrad if he had Ma¡¯s authority, but didn¡¯t want to push the subject with a man three times his size and strength.

    They began making their way to the alleys back to the main part of town to go to a sword forge. When they reached the edge of the alley, a man in front of one of the ships caught Zalan¡¯s eye. Staring with squinted eyes, Zalan abruptly stopped to focus on him.

    ¡°What stops you?¡± Oshrad asked impatiently.

    Zalan leaned forward and pointed.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s the guy that robbed me,¡± Zalan said to Rep.

    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Rep asked.

    Without waiting for a reply, Oshrad stomped on the floor. A massive pile of rocks rose into the air and dove toward the man. They sailed in at blinding speed, like bullets. Zalan flinched as the rocks hit the floor around the man. He screamed in terror. The rocks piled up tightly around him, climbing up his body.

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    In a moment, he was entombed from the neck down, shouting in fear for assistance. Men on the docks looked ready to fight. Water sprung from the sea in menacing whips and air spun violently overhead. They went to help the trapped man until they saw it was Oshrad who immobilized him. Upon seeing him flick his chin, they went about their business. As though they had been dismissed, the docks were bustling around the man stuck in rocks.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zalan asked, nervous.

    ¡°I have subdued the thief. Would you like me to break his toes?¡± Oshrad asked eagerly.

    ¡°No. I¡¯m not even sure if that was the thief, yet! It kinda looked like him! Let me just go talk to him!¡±

    Oshrad looked disappointed, but nodded. Zalan and Rep rushed across the docks and got a good look at the man¡¯s face. He was calling to the men on the docks who were now pretending he didn¡¯t exist. The dock workers had gone silent, as though waiting for orders from Oshrad. The entombed man¡¯s eyes widened when he noticed Zalan approaching.

    ¡°Definitely the guy who robbed me,¡± Zalan said certainly.

    ¡°No! I have never met you before in my life!¡± the man said, terrified.

    ¡°I bet you he still has a mark from where I zapped him with lightning,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    ¡°Unless he took a Healing Rest since then,¡± Rep reminded him.

    ¡°Oh¡­ right, yeah, he probably did,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What is your name, thief?¡± Oshrad stepped in front of the man.

    ¡°I am innocent!¡± the man pleaded.

    ¡°I will not ask again.¡±

    The rocks entrenching the man in place shifted slightly around the base. The rocks were placing pressure on one of the man¡¯s toes. He squealed in fear.

    ¡°Sneppen. I am known as Sneppen!¡± the man said, sweating profusely as Oshrad looked down on him.

    ¡°Why did you steal from this man?¡± Oshrad asked.

    ¡°I would never! I have done nothing of the sort!¡± he said loudly.

    Oshrad looked back at Zalan for confirmation. Zalan hesitated at how desperate the man sounded.

    ¡°What¡¯s your twin¡¯s name, Sneppen?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Twin? I have no twin¡­ Wait, I mean I do!¡± Sneppen corrected himself, obviously lying.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure that¡¯s him. Stole a bunch of my gold,¡± Zalan said to Oshrad.

    ¡°I am not!¡± Sneppen denied.

    ¡°This man walks with Ma¡¯s authority,¡± Oshrad raised a hand to Zalan. ¡°What he says should be treated as words from Ma¡¯s mouth. I ask you: Are you calling Ma a liar?¡± Oshrad demanded.

    ¡°No! I would never!¡± Sneppen cried.

    ¡°Then why did you steal from him?¡±

    Sneppen went red in the face, running out of ideas. He cried out one more time in frustration then began rambling.

    ¡°He was such an easy mark! He looked clumsy in the alley and had such a large pouch of money! I knew I could bump it off of him! I thought it would be an easy way to get money!¡± Sneppen said, his head thrashing as he tried to escape his rock tomb.

    ¡°Where is the money?¡± Oshrad asked.

    Sneppen kept his lips tight, sweat pouring from his head.

    ¡°Shall I break his toes?¡± Oshrad asked Rep and Zalan. They looked uncomfortable.

    ¡°No!¡± Sneppen begged.

    ¡°I can kill him, if you please,¡± Oshrad added, ignoring Sneppen.

    ¡°No! I have them! I have all the coins! Just take it and let me go!¡± Sneppen said, bobbing his head as he tried to pull out the money.

    Oshrad loomed over him skeptically. He looked to Rep and Zalan, awaiting their orders.

    ¡°Let him go,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Let me see the money.¡±

    Oshrad nodded and the rock encasing sunk away. Sneppen fell forward and caught himself just before he hit the ground. Sneppen leered and swung his arm to his hip. Zalan only realized at the last moment that he was going to use the Belt of Bolt a second time and disappear like he did when he first took Zalan¡¯s money. Zalan reached out his hand, far too slow to stop him. With impossibly fast reflexes, Oshrad caught Sneppen¡¯s hand with an armored fist, enshrouded with Elemental Earth. Sneppen stared at his arm, then back up to Oshrad, shaking his head slightly.

    With a tight squeeze, Oshrad broke his arm.

    Sneppen exploded in an agonizing cry. Both Rep and Zalan took a step back at the display, but Oshrad stepped forward, shedding the Elemental Earth from his hand with a flick. He looped his arm under the Belt of Bolt and tore the Artifact off of Sneppen¡¯s waist. Sneppen tried to snatch it back, but Oshrad slapped his broken arm and caused him to scream even louder. Then he simply waited patiently for Sneppen to quiet down.

    ¡°The money?¡± Oshrad asked.

    ¡°P¡­ pouch,¡± Sneppen said through clenched teeth.

    Oshrad looked around his person and picked up a pouch. He opened it, inspecting it for traps, then tossed it to Zalan. He held the Belt of Bolt behind him, hiding it from view just in case. Sneppen was in too much pain to even notice.

    ¡°Is all the money there?¡± Oshrad asked.

    Rep looked over Zalan¡¯s shoulder as he opened the pouch. It was filled with hundreds of gold coins. Zalan sifted through it, having no idea if it was the same amount as when it was stolen from him. He never counted.

    ¡°It looks right to me,¡± Zalan said, trying to sound confident.

    Sneppen blubbered in relief at Zalan not having noticed the loss of ten gold coins.

    ¡°What kind of fool walks around with that much money on his person?¡± Oshrad said, his eyes directed toward Sneppen.

    ¡°I agree,¡± Rep jumped in snarkily. ¡°Only an idiot would walk the streets with such a fortune. It would be like asking to be robbed by any number of passersby.¡±

    Zalan swallowed hard, giving Rep a look like he got the point. Rep smirked.

    ¡°Well then¡­ Shall I break his toes?¡± Oshrad asked.

    ¡°Stop asking about peoples¡¯ toes,¡± Zalan begged, disturbed.

    Oshrad nodded, but didn¡¯t look like he would stop asking anytime soon.

    ¡°Would you like this?¡± Oshrad offered the Belt of Bolt to Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not stealing from the man just because he stole from me,¡± Zalan said. Rep nodded in agreement. Oshrad ever so slightly raised an eyebrow with a hint of respect.

    He tossed the Belt of Bolt back to Sneppen who groped at it and activated it. He popped away, searching for a place to heal his broken limb. The people around them in the docks went back to their business in regular voices, the confrontation seeming to have ended.

    ¡°Off to the forge?¡± Oshrad asked.

    ¡°And to my guild. I should leave some of the money behind,¡± Zalan said, pretending to sound responsible. Rep grinned, giving Zalan a knowing glance.

    ¡°A wise decision,¡± Oshrad said.

    Rep, Zalan and Oshrad made their way to the alleys. They were completely empty. Where people watched Rep and Zalan from the shadows before, there was nothing for the duo to be wary of on this trip. Oshrad¡¯s mere presence was enough to keep malicious characters far away. Zalan almost felt sorry for the people, until remembering they were the same people that liked to hang around Sneppen.

    ¡°Where will you have your sword made, then? I know a number of places loyal to Ma. We can have them grant you any number of blades for free. Or perhaps new weapons if you are wishing to branch out from the blade,¡± Oshrad said as they emerged to the other end of the alleyways.

    ¡°We normally go to Junill,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°The young woman?¡± Oshrad asked, sounding disappointed.

    ¡°Yes, does that concern you?¡± Rep said, sounding a tad offended.

    ¡°She is not one of Ma¡¯s. Her father, Valens, is a much better swordsmith, and loyal to Ma. I admit his daughter does good work. But there is her addiction to the Indefatigable Iron to be concerned of. I am surprised it has not yet degraded from her overuse. The way she uses it, I could see her dying,¡± Oshrad said.

    ¡°Yes, that is why I hope to check on her,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Check on her, or get a blade from her?¡± Oshrad asked, confused.

    ¡°Get a sword. I said to get a sword from her,¡± Rep quickly corrected himself, embarrassed.

    Oshrad raised a curious eyebrow, but decided not to press further. They arrived in front of Junill¡¯s shop with an anvil etched into the wood atop the door. Rep went inside first, Zalan and Oshrad close behind.

    ¡°Dear God, Junill!¡± Rep said, shocked.

    The fires still ran hot on the end of the forge. There were a few swords spilled onto the ground in disarray. Zalan looked ahead of them to see Junill splayed out on the floor, lying motionless.

 112 - Book 3 - Chapter 15 - Forged in Fatigue

    Rep rushed to Junill¡¯s side, eyes wide and shaking. His hands trembled with fear as he reached out toward her, then stopped himself. He picked up something on the ground next to her. His hand quivered.

    ¡°She took it off!¡± He sounded greatly relieved. Rep held up the Indefatigable Iron that was wound to a torn necklace. ¡°She lives!¡±

    Zalan recalled that the Indefatigable Iron was an Artifact that allowed someone to have full, unwaning energy at every moment they had it touching them. But the moment they took it off, the wearer would collapse into a sleep that they couldn¡¯t be awoken from until they repaid their sleep debt to their body. If one never took the Artifact off, they would collapse dead.

    ¡°Good that she lives,¡± Oshrad nodded. He turned to Zalan. ¡°Now, where do you wish to go to get your sword? Valens? Or perhaps the forge near the Granite House? They do phenomenal work. It is where Ma gets most of her weapons.¡±

    ¡°What, do you intend to leave Junill like this?¡± Rep asked, appalled.

    ¡°Why not? She cannot provide us any service and she clearly wished to sleep like this,¡± Oshrad pointed to her.

    ¡°In the middle of the day? The fires of her forge were still running!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°She left the door unlocked,¡± Oshrad stuck a thumb toward it.

    ¡°We need to watch over her until she comes to! Use your Elemental Earth to prop her up so she sleeps more comfortably,¡± Rep said. He pulled out a pouch he normally held food in and placed it under her head.

    ¡°Why? It is one thing to offer to watch over, but why does she need a bed?¡± Oshrad asked, sounding slightly annoyed.

    ¡°Because!¡± Rep said sternly. ¡°Do I not have Ma¡¯s authority? Should I tell her how you spoke to me when I gave you a reasonable task?¡±

    Oshrad rolled his eyes, unfazed by the threat. Nonetheless, he used his Elemental Power to build a small pillow for Junill¡¯s head. Then he built a low wall and covered her from the heat of the flames around them. Rep nodded, appreciating his assistance and went back to looking over the swordsmith. Zalan stood awkwardly, not sure what he should be doing. Oshrad read his expression.

    ¡°We can keep an eye on her. You can go and store your money away in the guild and we will wait for you here,¡± Oshrad suggested.

    Zalan looked nervously between the door and Rep. Things didn¡¯t tend to go well when he was separated from Rep in this realm. When he trained with his friends Fran and Gorb, he almost died to a monster called a Sickly Gargoyle that poisoned him. When he fought in the Elemental Rage Tournament when Rep was incapacitated, Zalan did things he regretted against his rival Slauson. He still bore the scars of his regrets all over his face and skin. He ran a hand through his hair and stared at Rep.

    ¡°Rep, what do you think?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep was totally focused on Junill, not a word making it to him.

    ¡°Rep?¡±

    ¡°Do you need his permission?¡± Oshrad asked, as though speaking to a child.

    ¡°No, I just thought it would be good to ask,¡± Zalan said, his eyes on the ground.

    ¡°Stay if you wish, but we will be fine here.¡±

    Zalan reluctantly nodded his head and turned to the door. The Journey House guild was close to Junill¡¯s forge. And he was safe in Oriton. There were no monsters between the guild and the forge. Plus, he couldn¡¯t rely on Rep to do everything. He was supposed to go back to his own world at the end of this journey. Rep wouldn¡¯t be there for him anymore. He would have to be independent, and it was a good time to start while he was still in a safe area. Taking a deep breath, Zalan pushed the door open and left the forge.

    As soon as he stepped outside, he felt naked. Like he was a foreigner that didn¡¯t speak the language of the land. He looked around for robbers, despite there never having been shady characters on this side of town. He walked briskly to Journey House, hoping to end this little excursion as quickly as possible. His walk turned into a jog. He tried to seem casual about it, but couldn¡¯t even convince himself that there was a reason to move so quickly.

    Arriving at the guild, Zalan rushed within. He took a few moments to breathe on the other side of the door. Everything was fine. He was feeling less urgency the longer he was separated from his friend. There was nothing to be afraid of. Everything would be fine. He relaxed his muscles.

    He looked up and saw Heron inside, filling his pack for an upcoming journey. One of the heads of Journey House. Heron stared at Zalan¡¯s interesting entrance.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Heron acknowledged with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°Hey, Heron. Where do I leave valuables in this place?¡±

    ¡°A good question. This information is only for guild members to have, so stay tight lipped. Every bunk has a secret compartment below it. Claim an empty one and store your things within. Try not to tell others where we stash our things,¡± Heron said politely.

    He sounded cordial with Zalan, like he saw him as a fellow guildmate now. Zalan appreciated it so much that the one interaction alone justified being an official member of the guild.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Zalan nodded.

    He walked over to the cot he was transported to whenever he used the Homeseeker. He knelt down and found a hidden opening to the floorboards. Pulling it open, he found nothing within. The compartment was wide enough for him to store things like a sword and some clothes. He dumped out the majority of the gold from his pouch. Heron looked over, interested.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°Quite the fortune. Did you inherit it?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°No, I got it from Castle Docrun. Part of a dragon¡¯s hoard.¡±

    ¡°The Elemental Dragon you spoke of before?¡± Heron sounded less skeptical than last time.

    ¡°Yeah, that one.¡±

    ¡°Would you mind me asking how you were able to defeat it? Keep this between us, but I do not think I would be able to take one on myself,¡± Heron confided. Zalan was comforted by his humility.

    ¡°Yeah, I had the help of some friends. It took five of us. One of my friends, Fran, died while fighting it. But she put up a great fight. I¡¯m almost certain she¡¯s the reason the rest of us survived,¡± Zalan said sincerely.

    ¡°Fran!¡± Heron yelled, grabbing Zalan by the shoulders. ¡°Fran is dead!?¡±

    ¡°Ummm¡­ Yeah, did you know her?¡±

    ¡°I brought her and her brother into the guild! I always knew Fran would go out fighting massive creatures, but I didn¡¯t imagine she would meet her end so soon,¡± Heron said, sounding remorseful. He released Zalan¡¯s shoulders then gripped him again. ¡°How is Gorb?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ I mean he was pretty sad about it. Exactly what you¡¯d expect when someone close to you dies¡­¡± Zalan said, his voice trailing in reflection. ¡°But I helped him get home so he could bury her.¡±

    ¡°Good on you,¡± Heron said, patting his shoulders kindly. He threw his pack over his shoulder. ¡°I see now why Rep recommended you. I am glad to see there was a good reason to bring you into the guild.¡±

    Zalan felt strange. A good strange. Like he¡¯d made a friend and was reminiscing. He never thought he would be in this different reality long enough to have stories to tell others. He smiled at Heron in gratitude.

    ¡°Anything I can get you while I am out?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°No, where are you going?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I have just gotten word there is a Basilisk out near the Elemental Rage Tournament. I hope to find it, slay it, and gain a Level,¡± Heron said.

    ¡°How did you hear about it already? I thought it was like a two week journey from the tournament grounds to Oriton,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°How else does one get information beyond their means? Madam Hikma of course!¡±

    Zalan smiled, starting to get an understanding of Madam Hikma¡¯s knowledge. She had been at the tournament with him and he brought her back with the Homeseeker. He wondered what other tricks she employed to gather information behind her two different colored eyes. Then, he started to wonder why Heron would risk going up against a Basilisk that needed dozens of fighters just to scare it off.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to hunt something that big just to gain a Level?¡± Zalan asked, considering that Heron could be an adrenaline junkie.

    ¡°Indeed. I am Level 12. When you reach Level 10, it becomes significantly difficult to gain Experience from most monsters. Killing small creatures gives you no Experience. But a Basilisk will certainly give me something. Some people call the Levels beyond Level 10 the Death Levels, as you always have to put your life on the line to gain further Experience,¡± Heron explained.

    Zalan had forgotten the fact that Experience gained was based on the strength of the monster killed. He knew that Roaches gave him less than one Experience when he was Level 3. He was Level 5 now, and suspected Roaches would never give him Experience again.

    ¡°Farewell, Zalan. May your quests go well.¡± Heron smiled warmly and waved.

    With that, he nodded to Zalan and walked out of the guild. Zalan was alone. He felt ambivalent about it. He had spent so much time with others in this world that he didn¡¯t know how to act when on his own. It was like he was his own species. He was the only one that truly knew what it meant to be from a different world. It was good to be able to breathe and reflect in a safe place like his own guild.

    Zalan took account of his things. He had fifty gold coins on him, still a fortune by anyone¡¯s standards in this realm. He had the Homeseeker at his hip in his pocket. He felt for the Reversal Stone before remembering that it was gone, degraded away. He wondered if using it on a flower was a good use of that Artifact. It was definitely better than any alternative Ma had planned for him and Rep.

    He flexed his hands and let a spark of lightning dance between his fingers. He felt so grateful to have the power. It gave him some semblance of control on this realm. Where there were so many otherworldly and unnatural things to him, he had embraced a new power and made it his own. It felt comfortable, like a pre-existing sixth sense. He had forgotten how he felt without the power coursing through him. He didn¡¯t look forward to the part of his future where he wouldn¡¯t have access to his lightning anymore after returning home.

    ¡°You cannot enter without first having gained permission by a member of the guild,¡± Zalan heard Heron outside. It sounded like the beginning of an argument.

    ¡°I already told you that I know members!¡± another voice came sharply.

    It was escalating quickly. Those arguing both sounded like they were getting at one another¡¯s throats. Zalan recognized both voices but wasn¡¯t certain whose was whose. One was definitely Heron, but the other sounded just muffled enough to escape him. Zalan made his way to the exit to see what was going on. He opened the door and stopped cold, shock written on his face.

    ¡°Zalan, do you know this man?¡± Heron asked abrasively. ¡°He insists on going inside the guild, but he has no representative to invite him.¡±

    ¡°Of course he knows me, I taught him everything he knows!¡±

    Zalan stared in disbelief.

    Instructor Nold stood before him, smiling at Zalan.

    Zalan took a half-step back. Nold was supposed to be so far from Oriton, but he¡¯d returned in less than three days.

    ¡°Nold?¡± Zalan said, baffled.

    ¡°I told you he knows me,¡± Nold said to Heron. Heron rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Look at you! You should be proud of yourself! Your face seems to have retained much of your experiences from the tournament,¡± Nold pointed out Zalan¡¯s scars.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I told you I would assist you with your quests after the tournament. And now here I am,¡± Nold presented himself proudly.

    ¡°No, I mean¡­ How did you get here so fast? Did you use an Artifact?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, I had no need of Artifacts to return to Oriton. I had energy in my legs and the wind at my back,¡± Nold said proudly.

    That didn¡¯t make any sense to Zalan. There was no way he could even run that far in three days. Something was missing.

    ¡°Are you inviting him into the guild as your guest?¡± Heron asked.

    ¡°No need for that anymore, I will not be entering. I just wanted to speak with my student,¡± Nold assured him.

    ¡°I see. Farewell, then,¡± Heron waved, heading to one of the exit walls of Oriton.

    ¡°So, have you spoken to Hikma and gotten your next quest? Where are we traveling to?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Ummm¡­¡± Zalan felt sick. He wished Rep was here to help him dissuade Nold from coming. He didn¡¯t know how to answer.

    ¡°Do we still need to see, Hikma? Is that it?¡± Nold asked, already ready to move that way.

    ¡°No, she gave me a quest. We need to go to the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan said, regretting revealing the information as soon as he did.

    Nold stopped moving, searching Zalan¡¯s face for any sign of a joke. Nold tried to look casual, but an eager smirk fought its way to his lips.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Nold said, trying and failing to sound relaxed. ¡°That sounds dangerous. I would be happy to assist you in safely reaching your destination.¡±

 113 - Book 3 - Chapter 16 - Reunions

    Zalan stared at Nold, trying to think of something to say to make him disinterested in the Island of Remains. He had assured Rep that Nold wouldn¡¯t be coming with them, but now the instructor looked like he was fully committed to inviting himself. There was a fire in his eyes. He shifted his feet urgently, pointing himself to the port.

    ¡°Is there anything else you need to collect, or shall we be off?¡± Nold asked Zalan expectantly.

    ¡°Maybe you don¡¯t need to come with us to the Island of Remains? It could be a big waste of your time,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Nold waved a hand, smiling. ¡°I promised to assist you! In addition, it would achieve both of our goals.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your goal, again?¡±

    ¡°I need your assistance with your Elemental Lightning.¡±

    ¡°In what way?¡±

    ¡°It is easier to show than to explain. But it will not take much of your time, I assure you.,¡± Nold replied confidently.

    Zalan sighed uncomfortably. He couldn¡¯t think of anything to change Nold¡¯s mind. Already he was frustrated at his half answers to questions. He was ready to have that behind him, but it brought itself along.

    Zalan shrugged reluctantly and closed the guild door behind him, making his way toward Junill¡¯s forge. Nold walked at his side excitedly. Zalan wondered how he was going to break the news to Rep.

    ¡°What is it that Hikma has tasked you with on the island?¡± Nold asked, curious.

    ¡°Madam Hikma has me on a quest to defeat a Monster of the Mindscape.¡±

    ¡°A Monster of the Minscape?¡± Nold rubbed his chin in thought. ¡°I have never heard of such a term. Did she describe it?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly. I just know we need to find and fight some guy named Morloch the Manipulator.¡±

    ¡°What? Morloch the Manipulator?¡± Nold laughed aloud, an uncommon sound from Zalan¡¯s instructor. Zalan stared at him. Nold took a moment to settle down.

    ¡°Yeah. What¡¯s so funny?¡± Zalan sounded upset. Nold was laughing at the quest that he was taking very seriously.

    ¡°She called him ¡®Morloch the Manipulator?¡¯ That was the title Morloch was given?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what she said. Why is that so funny, do you know him?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Well, certainly. You said you need to find him? I know exactly where his home is on the island,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan looked at him, even further confused.

    ¡°Seriously? Since when? How do you even know something like that? You¡¯ve been to the island?¡±

    ¡°When you have traveled the realm as long as I have, you are bound to find everything there is to find, even Morloch¡¯s hideout,¡± Nold said, sounding proud of himself.

    ¡°You know exactly where he is? You could lead us there?¡±

    ¡°Of course! Except, what do you mean by ¡®us?¡¯¡± Nold asked, confused.

    ¡°Me and Rep are both going,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Nold sounded mildly disappointed. ¡°Very well, then.¡±

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°No, no problems. I just¡­¡± Nold thought for a second. ¡°I think that my boat may be a little small for three people.¡±

    ¡°You have a boat?¡± Zalan asked, feeling like he wasted his time negotiating with people at the docks.

    ¡°My own rowboat, fit for the both of us.¡± Nold nodded.

    Zalan stared at him for an extended period of silence. His negotiations no longer felt like they¡¯d gone to waste.

    ¡°A two-person rowboat. You¡¯re serious?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I assure you we would arrive safely,¡± Nold nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going on open waters with you in a rowboat,¡± Zalan said, trying to make Nold see how crazy the idea sounded.

    ¡°We would be safe,¡± Nold said, undeterred.

    ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t matter anyways. We already have one. We have a captain and a crew with ours. We got one of the ships from the port,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Which one? I know the large ones are out of the question. And I thought the rest were all owned by the woman who goes by ¡®Ma,¡¯¡± Nold replied.

    Zalan didn¡¯t even consider that ¡°Ma¡± wasn¡¯t her real name. He had no idea who she actually was. The mystery added to her intimidation.

    ¡°Yeah, Ma gave us one of her boats. And a crew,¡± Zalan said, excited to share the news.

    Nold stopped in his tracks.

    ¡°You convinced Ma to give you a boat? What kind of loyalty did you grant her in return?¡± Nold asked.

    Zalan didn¡¯t stop walking and Nold was forced to catch up.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t give her any loyalty. We just did her a favor.¡±

    ¡°Who did you kill?¡±

    ¡°What? No, we didn¡¯t kill anyone. I got her a Nightbloom flower,¡± Zalan said.

    It was Nold¡¯s turn to stare quietly. Narrowing eyes focused on Zalan in confusion.

    ¡°And?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°That was it. She just wanted a Nightbloom,¡± Zalan said.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡°For the love of God¡­ A flower? I never understand how you manage to do things so easily,¡± Nold shook his head.

    ¡°Hey, this wasn¡¯t easy. First off, it was on the Cliffs of Shadow. Then we took a lot of beatings and fought a ton of monsters to get the flower. Rep and I almost died,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°Yes, everyone ¡®almost dies¡¯ when they fight monsters,¡± Nold said sarcastically.

    Zalan didn¡¯t want to start an argument and continued silently until arriving at the forge. He opened the door and Oshrad reacted immediately, pulling a blade from the wall and pointing it at Nold. Nold reacted by imbuing himself in flame and raising his fists.

    ¡°Hey! Hey!¡± Zalan yelled, stepping between them and holding out his arms. ¡°We all know each other! Back off! No fighting!¡±

    Nold and Oshrad eyed each other, then slowly returned to casual stances. After eyeing the newcomer for several more seconds, Oshrad returned the blade to the wall.

    ¡°Instructor Nold?¡± Rep said, sounding both surprised and unsettled.

    ¡°Good to see you too, Rep,¡± Nold said, forcing a smile.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I promised Ziyard that I would assist him in getting to the Island of Remains,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Ziyard?¡± Oshrad repeated, confused.

    ¡°He means me,¡± Zalan sighed, disappointed.

    ¡°You told him about the Island of Remains?¡± Rep asked Zalan.

    ¡°Why would he withhold that information from me?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°No reason,¡± Rep grumbled.

    Junill rolled over on the floor, the first sign of movement from her in minutes.

    Everyone looked over at her, hopeful in their own ways. Nold and Oshrad optimistic that they could leave soon. Zalan and Rep wanted Junill to be okay. Junill opened her eyes slowly and looked at the men standing in her forge. At first she was angry, looking like she was ready to jump up and fight. Then, when she saw Rep, she grew less agitated. She relaxed her body and breathed out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°What happened? What are you doing here?¡± Junill asked.

    ¡°You left the forge running when you took off the Artifact,¡± Rep explained, holding up the Indefatigable Iron.

    ¡°Took it off¡­¡± Junill trailed as she looked at the broken necklace attached to the Indefatigable Iron. ¡°Ah, I see,¡± Junill reached out to grab it and Rep moved out of reach.

    ¡°You can not keep using this so recklessly. You could have been made destitute or worse! What if you fell into a fire or were robbed?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I did not and I was not,¡± Junill replied quickly, holding out her hand for Rep to return her Artifact.

    ¡°Junill, did you even intend to take this off?¡± Rep held up the broken part of the necklace, a strong judgment in his voice.

    ¡°No, I picked up a sword too quickly and sliced through the string. Happy now? Give me the iron, Rep.¡±

    ¡°I do not want you to kill yourself over nothing. You need to stop using this,¡± Rep insisted.

    ¡°Why do you care?¡±

    ¡°Why do you not?¡±

    They stared at one another in silence, both looking flustered and annoyed with one another.

    ¡°Can we get a sword and go, now?¡± Oshrad asked, not caring for the conversation.

    ¡°After Rep gives me what is mine,¡± Junill said.

    The room looked to Rep who sighed and placed the Artifact in Junill¡¯s hand. She looked over the Artifact for a second, then tucked it away in a pocket to Rep¡¯s relief. She didn¡¯t go straight back to using it like she normally did.

    ¡°Which of you needs a sword?¡± Junill asked.

    Zalan stepped forward and raised a hand.

    ¡°Again? What were you fighting this time?¡±

    ¡°Well, uhh¡­ Not exactly fighting,¡± Zalan admitted sheepishly.

    ¡°You misplaced a sword of my making?¡± Junill asked venomously.

    ¡°No! I used it to¡­ deal with monsters,¡± Zalan said, hoping the double meaning would be enough of an answer.

    ¡°How does one deal with monsters without fighting them? Did you throw the sword as a distraction in order to flee from something more powerful than you?¡± Junill asked. This time she sounded like she was giving him the benefit of the doubt.

    ¡°No, I¡­ I traded it to some Boznoks,¡± Zalan said, his voice growing small.

    Junill, Oshrad and Nold stared at Zalan. There was a mix of horror and rage in Junill¡¯s eyes where Oshrad and Nold looked disturbed.

    ¡°Traded?¡± Nold asked, making sure he hadn¡¯t misheard.

    ¡°It was for Ma,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Ah, well done,¡± Oshrad said with an understanding tone, all his questions answered in those four words.

    ¡°You willingly gave a weapon of mine to a monster!?¡± Junill demanded. ¡°And now you want another? What, was one not enough for them? They need more arms for their next raid?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not going to trade this one,¡± Zalan said, but even he knew his promise sounded lame.

    ¡°Then what? You want to toss this one in a ravine? Maybe feed it to a hungry monster?¡± Junill said. She rubbed her temples and closed her eyes.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m sorry. I thought I could do what I wanted with my sword. I bought it! It was mine,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But to deliberately give it to a monster,¡± Nold said, sounding curious. ¡°That worked?¡±

    ¡°It was how we were allowed to get Nightbloom without a fight between us and a Boznok tribe,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I thought you were Level 4 by now! Boznoks should not pose that much of a threat to you!¡± Junill snapped.

    ¡°Junill, please,¡± Rep said as sympathetically as he could. ¡°We intend to travel to the Island of Remains. Can we please get a sword from you?¡±

    Junill looked at Rep closely, her rage abated by his cordial attitude. She took a few moments to think about it. Oshrad rolled his eyes at what he considered all melodramatic issues.

    ¡°I do not need to waste so much of my time,¡± Oshrad said. ¡°Let us go to another swordsmith.¡±

    ¡°No, stop,¡± Junill said, calming herself down. ¡°I will sell you a sword. But no more giving my blades away. To anything, monster or human!¡±

    ¡°Fine, yeah,¡± Zalan agreed.

    Junill looked skeptical.

    ¡°Are you still Level 4?¡±

    ¡°Level 5, now.¡±

    ¡°And yet you still did not fight the Boznoks,¡± Junill murmured only loud enough for Rep to hear.

    She walked slowly to examine her swords on display. She tapped her chin lightly as she looked over them. Zalan was almost amazed to see her walking. She usually zipped around her forge, sprinting at full speed. She had always been full of so much speed and energy when she wore the Artifact that it now looked like she was moving in slow motion. She picked up one sword and looked it over. Then she looked back at Zalan and raised an eyebrow. She held the sword up and sized it up next to his body.

    ¡°This will do,¡± Junill said, walking back over and allowing Zalan to take it.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Zalan said, looking it over and feeling its weight in his hand.

    As usual, Junill was perfect when it came to selecting his swords. Zalan didn¡¯t even have a good idea of what a well balanced sword was, except that he never felt awkward while swinging a sword hand-picked by Junill. He thrust it a few times in front of him and pretended to parry an invisible enemy. He nodded slowly and sheathed the blade. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin, but Oshrad placed a hand over it, blocking the payment.

    ¡°Would you grant this as a gift to Ma? Zalan walks with her authority.¡±

    ¡°He does!?¡± Nold screamed, astounded at every new revelation. ¡°How!?¡±

    The room ignored him.

    ¡°No, a gift will not do. I would much rather take coins. Loyalty does not put food on the table,¡± Junill said, holding out a hand for payment.

    ¡°Loyalty can do much more than that in your time of need,¡± Oshrad insisted.

    ¡°I doubt that.¡±

    ¡°You would be surprised how far Ma¡¯s generosity spreads throughout Oriton.¡±

    ¡°Oshrad, let us pay her,¡± Rep said firmly.

    Oshrad frowned, the negotiation only having gotten started on his end. He reluctantly lowered his hand, allowing Zalan to pay with the gold coin. Junill looked under the counter for the appropriate change.

    ¡°Keep it all. Consider it an apology for giving away your other sword,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Do not think that clears you of shame,¡± Junill said, storing the gold coin. ¡°But I will admit it helps.¡±

    ¡°I am glad that is sorted out, let us be on our way,¡± Nold said, heading out first.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged an uncomfortable glance. It was one thing for Nold to invite himself along. Now he was leading the way.

 114 - Book 3 - Chapter 17 - Captain and Crew

    Zalan and Rep said their farewells to Junill, who made no promises not to use the Indefatigable Iron. Oshrad said nothing to Junill as he exited. They left the forge and followed at a distance behind Nold who seemed in high spirits. Rep and Zalan kept glancing at one another, wondering what to say.

    ¡°You look distressed,¡± Oshrad said in a low voice to the two friends. ¡°Is Nold an enemy of yours?¡±

    ¡°No, nothing like that,¡± Zalan said. ¡°He was our Instructor for the Elemental Rage Tournament.¡±

    ¡°Then I take it he was a difficult instructor?¡± Oshrad asked.

    ¡°Oh yeah. Big time.¡±

    ¡°But that is not why he unnerves us,¡± Rep added. ¡°He should not be here. He was too far to have shown up as fast as he did. And Zalan says he refuses to discuss how he arrived so soon.¡±

    ¡°Ah, I see now. He has imposed himself where he was not invited,¡± Oshrad concluded. Both Rep and Zalan nodded slightly. Zalan was impressed how fast Oshrad was able to put it together. There must have been a reason he was Ma¡¯s most trusted man. Oshrad thought about the situation for a few seconds.

    ¡°Would you like me to dispose of him?¡± he offered, even quieter.

    ¡°You mean like¡­ No, we don¡¯t want you to kill him!¡± Zalan replied in a hushed voice.

    ¡°No one said ¡®kill.¡¯ He may come into an unfortunate accident in which his toes end up broken. He would have to heal and you could be gone by the time he returned. Hypothetically,¡± Oshrad shrugged.

    To both Rep and Zalan¡¯s surprise, they were both considering the option. Rep shook his head first.

    ¡°No, he has never shown us direct animosity,¡± Rep said. ¡°Nothing that would deem him a direct enemy.¡±

    ¡°But you think he¡¯s dangerous,¡± Zalan suggested. ¡°And while I wouldn''t label him as dangerous, he¡¯s definitely weird. Like, there¡¯s something off about him.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep sighed indecisively.

    ¡°My hypothetical offer stands until you get on the boat. I will not travel alongside you at sea. I am needed with Ma,¡± Oshrad said simply.

    Rep and Zalan looked at each other, waiting for the other to make the call.

    ¡°I think I can trust him,¡± Zalan said, recalling all the conversations he had with Nold after the tournament concluded.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep agreed.

    They walked through the port and up to the ship, The Aegeusson. Captain Buttonwillow was calling down to Nold, waving him off dismissively. The instructor stood with his arms folded at the end of the ramp leading up to the vessel. He turned toward Rep and Zalan and beckoned them forward.

    ¡°Quickly!¡± Nold demanded.

    Rep and Zalan did not increase their pace. Any veneer he had earned for being an incredible instructor was far behind them. They didn¡¯t want him to think they would take orders from him.

    ¡°This man does not believe that I am your instructor!¡± Nold pointed up to the captain, annoyed.

    ¡°A low lie to manipulate the narrative!¡± Captain Buttonwillow immediately rejected in a grand voice. ¡°I expressed that I do not permit any form of stowaway on my ship, no matter their reputation! I do not care that you may know the esteemed Rep and Zalan. You may be related for all I care and you would not be granted passage aboard. It only matters to me whether they have invited you aboard!¡±

    ¡°And now they are here,¡± Nold said, taking a step forward.

    ¡°Stop there! They have yet to invite you aboard. If that is, indeed, their intention,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, looking to Rep and Zalan diligently.

    Nold turned with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°You know how to get to Morloch?¡± Zalan double checked.

    ¡°Better than anyone else in the realm,¡± Nold assured him.

    Rep sighed, and Zalan spoke to the captain for the both of them.

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s coming with us. We need him on the island,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold nodded confidently and stepped his way on board. Captain Buttonwillow immediately stepped back and opened his arms invitingly. All the animosity was gone when in the presence of his newest guest. Rep and Zalan looked back to Oshrad who was a few steps behind them.

    ¡°Is there any last thing I can do for you before you disembark?¡± Oshrad asked respectfully. His eyes flitted to Nold, then down to his toes. He raised a single eyebrow slightly. There were a thousand implications in the tiny movement.

    ¡°No. Thanks for all your help,¡± Zalan said, patting the pouch of gold that Oshrad helped to retrieve.

    ¡°Send Ma our well wishes. Tell her we have appreciated all she has done for us,¡± Rep said.

    Oshrad smiled at his words. Rep seemed to have said the exact thing that Oshrad wanted to hear before leaving. He nodded with his eyes closed and made an about-face, heading back to Ma¡¯s mansion.

    ¡°Maybe we should ask him to come with us. You think he¡¯s allowed to refuse if we¡¯re still under Ma¡¯s authority?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°He said he was needed with Ma.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he said that, but that doesn¡¯t mean Ma agrees,¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°I do not believe it would be wise to pull him away from Ma with such little warning. He may be more trouble than help to us at that point. He might turn from feeling obligation to us to feeling animosity toward us.¡±

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Zalan shrugged and made his way up the ramp. Captain Buttonwillow beamed at his two guests, saluting them as they boarded.

    ¡°Greetings, Zalan! Greetings, Rep! Welcome to the good ship, The Aegeusson! I am honored to be able to escort you to the Island of Remains. I am sure we will find adventure waiting for us within the foam of each white cap of the sea!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, peering out to the sea valiantly. He went tight for a second and turned back to the two. ¡°You were seeking adventure, yes?¡± He seemed embarrassed for not having clarified sooner.

    Zalan was pleased to see that Captain Buttonwillow no longer looked broken over the fact he wasn¡¯t the owner of The Aegeusson. He didn¡¯t want to be at odds with anyone in a cramped space he would be stuck in with them.

    ¡°We¡¯re looking for someone in particular. Do you know anyone named Morloch who lives on the island?¡±

    ¡°Ah, not searching for adventure, but for a man! And you say he resides on the island? In truth, I was totally unaware that the Island of Remains could sustain life in the long term. I suppose if someone had enough Satiators, they might be able to last for a while. But that is no way to live. Isolated. Without a crew,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, lowering his hat and shaking his head at the thought.

    ¡°Did you really choose him over me?¡± a voice called from behind Rep and Zalan. It was the captain of the other vessel that had harassed Captain Buttonwillow earlier.

    ¡°Lexington Winchester,¡± Captain Buttonwillow seethed.

    ¡°Buttonwillow McKittrick,¡± Captain Lexington said with an arrogant smirk.

    ¡°They decided they wanted to make it there alive!¡± Captain Buttonwillow called.

    ¡°Alive, but at the brink of death, perhaps,¡± Captain Lexington shot back.

    ¡°Your pathetic vessel would not even be worthy of unlevel waters!¡±

    ¡°The Abuacamas? Surely you are mistaken,¡± Captain Lexington presented his ship as though it looked anything different than Buttonwillow¡¯s. ¡°The Aegeusson will quiver at the sight of the first sea monster. Vessel and captain alike, I am sure.¡± He grinned.

    ¡°How dare you, Winchester! The Mother of the Port, herself, selected me to guide these good men through any manner of seas! I have her blessing! What do you have of hers, except her ire and her orders to remain in place?¡±

    Captain Lexington took a step back, and grasped the fabric ahead of his chest as though he was literally stabbed by Buttonwillow¡¯s words. He pursed his lips as his eyes narrowed with rage.

    ¡°Be sure you earn her good words, Captain McKittrick!¡±

    ¡°Could you clarify, Lexington? Are you suggesting that the Mother of the Port is one to be mistaken about anything?¡±

    Again, Captain Buttonwillow succeeded in throwing Captain Lexington off guard. He took another step back and pulled tighter at the fabric, then breathed in deeply.

    ¡°Best of luck to the two of you. See to it that his arrogance does not lead to your downfall,¡± Captain Lexington said to Rep and Zalan, clearly upset. He stomped away into the captain¡¯s quarters of his ship.

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another. Zalan felt like he was watching a spat between geriatric neighbors, despite both captains looking no older than thirty. It was their highfalutin talk that made them seem older than they were. He didn¡¯t know what to think of the two captains.

    ¡°Well then,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, breathing deep and regaining his composure. ¡°Now that we have defeated our first monster, I will introduce you to my crew. If that would please you, of course. Otherwise I can tell them to avoid you for the whole of the journey.¡±

    ¡°No, an introduction with each of them would be fine,¡± Rep said politely.

    Captain Buttonwillow tapped his hat and led the way to the poop deck looking over the rest of the vessel. He stomped on the floorboards twice.

    ¡°My good crew! Report to Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick! Please present yourselves to the owners of this fine vessel,¡± the captain bellowed.

    The few of the crew that were making last minute adjustments to the ship rushed forward and stood upright in a line at attention, an air of respect for both their captain and the ones they were being presented to. A final crew member walked her way over, looking out of place as the others looked to be acting immediately on the captain¡¯s words. She stood casually next to the others of the crew. Nold was watching in amusement, leaning against the ropes that made up the shrouds on the side of the ship.

    ¡°We do not need them to be so orderly,¡± Rep said, embarrassed. ¡°We can go around the ship and meet the crew ourselves.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! A crew is to be at your beck and call. You are the owners of The Aegeusson!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°Now then, introduce yourselves! From right to left!¡± Captain Buttonwillow ordered.

    The crew stood with their chests puffed out, but no one spoke.

    ¡°What is the manner of your delay?¡± Captain Buttonwillow demanded, tapping a foot.

    ¡°Captain, did you want us to begin from our right or from your right?¡± one of the crew replied.

    ¡°Ah. Right, yes. Very astute attention to detail,¡± Captain Buttonwillow commended them. ¡°From my right.¡±

    The first man stepped forward and saluted Captain Buttonwillow, Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°I am Xavier! Level 7! I control the air for the ship,¡± Xavier said, taking a step back.

    The next person stepped forward simultaneously. Zalan wondered whether they had rehearsed this before.

    ¡°I am Rosemary! Level 5! I repair the boat in the case it sustains any damage from monsters at sea!¡± she reported.

    ¡°I am Magnolia,¡± Magnolia said, looking less enthused about participating. She was the one who joined the lineup last and was reluctant to be there. ¡°I was hired to protect the ship. Oh, and I am Level 10.¡± She took an embarrassed step backward.

    ¡°I am Enzo! Level 8! I control the flow of the water around the ship to maintain our heading!¡± Enzo stepped back. When he reached the line, Enzo, Rosemary, and Xavier all saluted together. Magnolia looked at them in embarrassment and raised a half hearted salute as well.

    ¡°And I am Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick! Your captain on this fine vessel!¡± Captain Buttonwillow introduced himself for what felt like the dozenth time. He tipped his hat to Rep and Zalan, then turned back to the crew. ¡°That is everyone! Back to your stations!¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow turned to Rep and Zalan expectantly, a broad smile on his face.

    ¡°You have a very nice crew?¡± Zalan said, not sure what the captain was waiting to hear.

    ¡°Of course! Only the best men and women for my crew.¡±

    He continued to stare.

    ¡°Not a lot of crew, huh?¡± Zalan added, uncomfortably trying to figure out why Buttonwillow kept looking at them.

    ¡°For a vessel of this size, not much is needed,¡± the captain replied.

    He turned to stare at Rep who almost withered under the direct gaze. Captain Buttonwillow was waiting for something that neither Rep or Zalan knew. Nold approached from the side of the boat.

    ¡°What are we waiting for? Can we set off to the island already?¡± Nold asked impatiently.

    ¡°I am awaiting my orders to do so,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, his eyes wide on Rep.

    ¡°I just gave you the order,¡± Nold said, annoyed.

    ¡°Does he speak for you?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked the two.

    ¡°Of course I do,¡± Nold said, not even looking at his students.

    ¡°He does not,¡± Rep said politely, yet firmly. ¡°But we have no more business in Oriton. We may set sail whenever you see fit.¡±

    ¡°Very good, sir,¡± Captain Buttonwillow ran a finger on the brim of his hat, then stepped away to tell the crew to prepare for sea. There was a skip in his step like a schoolgirl that had just aced an exam.

    ¡°Give me some authority over the captain. Just enough to give him these trivial orders. Otherwise we will be waiting so long to get anything done,¡± Nold suggested.

    ¡°I think we can manage,¡± Rep said, smiling quaintly.

    Nold narrowed his eyes and looked to Zalan for support. Zalan shook his head, agreeing with Rep. Nold scoffed, walking away to view more of the vessel.

    Zalan stared out at the sea, wondering what kinds of new monsters would accost them from under the opaque waters.

 115 - Book 3 - Chapter 18 - The High Seas

    It didn¡¯t take long for The Aegeusson to get ready. Barrels of food were gathered in the time the crew was brought together, all paid for by Ma. Once the ramp was pulled off the docks, the crew got in their places to get the ship on its way. Xavier stretched his arms below the sails and Enzo stood at the back where a rudder would normally be attached. Rosemary leaned against the front of the boat, looking as though she had no specific job at the moment. Magnolia climbed up to the crow¡¯s nest. The captain looked over the crew and nodded to himself.

    ¡°One last thing and we can leave,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. He made his way to the side closest to the dock and leaned over the railing. ¡°Lexington Winchester! Try to make a name for yourself while I am gone! I will be the Mother of the Port¡¯s favorite after I perfectly execute this expedition! You may have to find a new line of work!¡±

    Rep and Zalan looked a little embarrassed on Buttonwillow¡¯s behalf, considering it looked like he was just yelling at an empty ship. Captain Lexington was still in the captain¡¯s quarters. It seemed he was listening, because it only took a few seconds for the door to smash open and the irate captain to emerge.

    ¡°Buttonwillow McKittrick!¡± Captain Lexington screamed. ¡°I would be astounded¡­ No, amazed¡­ No, bewildered¡­ if all of your crew came back in one piece! Soon they will see just how allergic you are to success!¡±

    ¡°Such flowing words from such a stationary captain!¡± Captain Buttonwillow forced a laugh. ¡°I hope you are prepared to be bewildered!¡±

    ¡°I am prepared for anything but bewilderment!¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow chuckled to himself and turned to his crew.

    ¡°We can disembark now. Our heading is west. To the Island of Remains, my good crew,¡± the captain said in a pleasant mood.

    ¡°That is right! Run from confrontations you can not win!¡± Captain Lexington called, hanging onto a shroud and leaning toward the sea to shout clearer. ¡°Cowering away is what you are best at! And you are not even good at that!¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow held back giggles like he won an argument in a middle school classroom. He raised an arm and waved once to Lexington. The boat had yet to make any moves. Captain Buttonwillow looked back at Enzo and Xavier at the stern of the vessel.

    ¡°Enzo,¡± the captain said knowingly.

    ¡°Were they warned about the Island of Remains? That the journey is difficult,¡± Enzo asked nervously.

    ¡°It is irrelevant. They have asked to disembark,¡± Captain Buttonwillow replied.

    ¡°What about monsters of the sea?¡±

    ¡°Get a move on,¡± the captain ordered, increasing the intensity in his voice. Enzo nodded at once.

    The boat lurched as it began to move suddenly. Zalan thought it felt strange, like a motor had suddenly turned on within the boat and propelled them forward. He looked around in interest.

    Enzo rolled water under the boat to steer it with Elemental Water Power. Xavier fired Elemental Air at the sails to get the vessel moving at an impressive speed. Zalan found the application amazing. There would be no reliance on the winds of the sea or the currents in the water so long as they had the two Elementally included users to steer.

    Turning to look at the dock as they drifted away, Zalan witnessed Captain Lexington sulk his way back to his captain¡¯s quarters. He shied away from having to see Captain Buttonwillow set sail while he was left in Oriton¡¯s docks to await orders.

    The Aegeusson¡¯s frame groaned as it rocked back and forth on the calm waters. It sounded old, like it had been through many journeys. The waves were low and the ship handled them well, cutting through without much bobbing. The horizon looked as though it drew no closer while Oriton gradually slid away from the crew. Zalan traced the coast to try and see where the Cliffs of Shadow were and could clearly see a darker portion of the coast, especially dim in the evening sun. With this view, it was no surprise to Zalan that Nightbloom only thrived in that portion of the land near Oriton. He wondered what the Boznoks were up to since having completed their trade. How did they react when Zalan and Rep warped out of existence right in front of their eyes?

    He looked around at those on the ship around him, slightly nervous about the journey ahead. He would be stuck with these people whether he liked them or not. His eyes passed over Nold and he frowned, unable to figure his instructor out. The man had too many secrets. And ever since the tournament, it seemed he was growing more demanding of them. Nold caught his gaze and smiled affably. It threw Zalan off and he turned away to speak with Buttonwillow, Rep close behind.

    ¡°Hey, captain, how long is this journey going to take?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am surprised that you did not already know the distance to arrival. It should not be long. I suspect it will take us a week to arrive on the shores of the Island of Remains. Weather permitting, that is. The closer you get to the island, the more tumultuous the white caps become,¡± the captain said, looking out at the horizon.

    ¡°A week, huh?¡± Zalan looked around the boat, hoping he would be free of any cabin fever.

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    ¡°Oh yes, and it should be smooth sailing. Unless, of course, we are swarmed by several dozen monsters at the same time. But that happened to us on my last two treks at sea. That means, statistically, it should not happen this time,¡± Captain Buttowillow said confidently.

    ¡°I am not certain that is how statistics work,¡± Rep scratched his head.

    ¡°I know that¡¯s not how they work,¡± Zalan said, recalling his university classes. ¡°We can take on the monsters, right?¡±

    ¡°With our numbers? Certainly. Unless one of you has Elemental Fire Power. It works slightly, but it is not particularly powerful against most creatures of the sea. We also cannot permit you to use that power as abundantly as the rest, lest you burn our ship. Err, your ship,¡± the captain corrected himself.

    Rep closed his eyes and breathed, looking annoyed at the immediate limitations to his ability to help.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep said. ¡°And what kinds of monsters do you normally find out here?¡±

    ¡°You are in for a treat. We will see all manner of creatures. There are Slaughterfish, Poniwhales, Leviathans, and¡­ Hmmm¡­ I can not think of anything else. We saw a dragon once fly overhead, but it did not pay us any mind. It flew North, which by my understanding means it had no destination. They say that dragons that have no aim end up around Aetheria,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said smiling.

    Rep had gone pale. Zalan gave him a look to ask what was wrong and Rep just shuddered.

    ¡°You said you came up against Leviathans? Multiple?¡± Rep pressed.

    ¡°Certainly. Such splendid creatures. Absolutely deadly. On our last expedition, they came very close to the ship and started attacking without warning. They would have swallowed us whole, given the chance,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said casually, with a grin.

    ¡°What prevented that chance?¡± Rep asked, looking up to Magnolia on the crow¡¯s nest.

    ¡°Blind luck,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said with a broad smile. ¡°A thunderstorm brewed overhead and scared off the creatures. Not that you need worry yourselves. I believe Rosemary has an Artifact that will scare off any Leviathans we see on our journey. Probably. We have not tested it. But it will certainly be fine. Probably.¡±

    The ship¡¯s planks groaned. To Zalan, it didn¡¯t sound like they were old this time. It sounded foreboding, like this ship was barely held together. A single crack from a monster tail might put enough of a hole to sink the whole ship. Zalan didn¡¯t like the thought.

    ¡°What happens if the ship sinks?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°A riddle?¡± Captain Buttonwillow said with a curious smile, pondering immediately. ¡°Ah, I know this one. If a ship sinks, you get wet!¡±

    ¡°No, I mean literally. If this ship goes down, then what happens? Are there emergency rafts or something like that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The Aegeusson has never seen the underside of water, and neither will it,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said firmly, taking umbrage to the implication.

    ¡°Seriously. I mean, in a worst case scenario. What¡¯s the backup plan?¡±

    ¡°Can you not swim?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re just supposed to swim to an island that¡¯s days away?¡± Zalan asked, already regretting having left without asking these questions.

    ¡°We will not be swimming totally on our own. We will surround Enzo and he will move the water of the sea in a way to take us to the island,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said assuredly.

    ¡°We would drown before we arrived. None of us have the endurance to be on open seas for hours at a time. And no man could carry all of us at Level 7,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°He will certainly try,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said confidently.

    The reply left Rep and Zalan speechless. Captain Buttonwillow assumed it meant he said something profound and winked at them then walked away. Rep and Zalan looked at one another.

    ¡°We really should have asked about his plan before we left,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Should we turn around?¡± Rep asked, his old nervousness creeping into his voice.

    ¡°Turn around?¡± Nold asked, clearly having been eavesdropping. ¡°No need, I will keep us safe! I could take us there single handedly, given the need.¡±

    Nold placed a hand on Zalan¡¯s shoulder. Zalan rolled it off.

    ¡°Are you actually going to fight the monsters we come up against this time?¡± Zalan asked, a slight accusation in his tone.

    ¡°And miss the opportunity to teach you how to combat new monsters? Why would you want my help when you can instead work alone to enhance your power?¡± Nold asked. ¡°This would be a fantastic occasion to perfect your ability to summon lightning from the sky!¡± Nold formed a tight fist as though grasping for a bolt of energy himself.

    ¡°Nold,¡± Zalan said seriously.

    ¡°Yes, yes, I will assist you. In the case the creature is too difficult for you to defeat on your own, I will step in and destroy it,¡± Nold said, sounding bothered by having to say it out loud.

    ¡°Are you certain that you can take on the likes of a Leviathan? It is like a Basilisk of the sea,¡± Rep mentioned, skeptical.

    ¡°A Basilisk is no match for me,¡± Nold said boldly. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if he was totally delusional or merely confident.

    ¡°With Elemental Fire, Water, and Sand, I don¡¯t see how any of these would be particularly effective,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°If I am forced to unleash my full power, there will be no question of my claim.¡±

    Zalan and Rep looked at one another, trying to communicate with their eyes alone. Zalan pointed to his pocket with his eyes. Rep looked down, then smiled and visibly relaxed. Zalan had the Homeseeker on him. Even in the terrible case that the boat was destroyed, they would be able to warp back home. Even the crew could be saved in the case they all fell into the sea. The worst case scenario was that they would get another opportunity to try in the future. Rep nodded to Zalan, confident that they could keep moving.

    ¡°That looks like it could be interesting,¡± Nold said, looking out to the horizon.

    Zalan and Rep tried to see what he was gazing at, but failed no matter how much they squinted. They looked back at him.

    ¡°Look how the waves fold there,¡± Nold pointed. ¡°That is movement. Something is coming toward us. Something large. I suspect it intends to attack.¡±

    ¡°What is?¡± Zalan asked, nervous as he saw the evidence of the hunter now.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Nold shrugged nonchalantly.

    ¡°Should we tell the crew?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Only if you cannot handle it,¡± Nold said, raising an eyebrow at the two.

    Zalan stared in consternation. A fin breached through the water, as large as a broadsword. It looked to be just as sharp too. Zalan raised a hand and prepared to fire lightning. Red eyes broke through the sea, meeting his gaze and challenging him to take it on.

 116 - Book 3 - Chapter 19 - Denizens of the Deep

    Zalan blasted the fish-like monster before it had an opportunity to attack first. The creature jumped out of the water, avoiding the blast. It was larger than Zalan imagined it would be. At least half the size of The Aegeusson. It had red, hateful eyes looking upon Zalan with hungry intent. The end of its nose stuck out like a swordfish. Rather than a pointed end, it was more like a spiked club like the creature was spliced with weapons of war.

    ¡°Ah, a Poniwhale,¡± Nold remarked. ¡°Good practice for you. Go on, take it out.¡±

    ¡°It just dodged lightning! How did it know to dodge?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Perhaps it has been hunted before?¡± Nold said. ¡°Try and surprise it with lightning summoned from the sky! No way for it to dodge such a surprising blow!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to do that!¡±

    ¡°You do! You have done it before! You just need to concentrate!¡± Nold encouraged, sounding impassioned in his insistence.

    ¡°It is getting closer!¡± Rep said, preparing to throw flames.

    ¡°Poniwhale off the port stern!¡± Captain Buttonwillow screamed, pointing. ¡°Prepare for an attack!¡±

    The crew was quick to move. Zalan lost his footing for a second as the boat¡¯s balance shifted quickly out from under him. Xavier and Enzo put extra force in turning the boat toward the right to try and make more distance. Zalan recovered, and ran closer to the edge of the ship to get a better shot. The Poniwhale was catching up quickly, looking powerful enough to make a huge hole in the ship.

    ¡°Turn it around with your water, Nold!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Strike it, quickly!¡± Nold said. ¡°Concentrate and get it from the skies!¡±

    Rep and Zalan blasted fire and lightning toward the monster. It dove underwater to avoid both blasts, then returned to skimming the surface. It was less than one hundred feet away.

    ¡°No more fire from you, Rep. We need to preserve the ship. Magnolia! Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick will not be done in by a Poniwhale! Kill it before it hits us!¡± the captain ordered.

    ¡°I am working on it,¡± Magnolia said, putting a green ring on her finger and pointing her arm out. Zalan recognized the Artifact. It was a Ring of Range, able to extend how far one could use their Elemental Power. In front of her, a tight, dense, ball of sand was forming.

    Zalan tried another blast of lightning, redirecting it as the Poniwhale slid out of the way. The electricity ran through the water and reached its target. But it was only enough to slightly slow down the monster. It was too close now. It jumped out of the water, mouth wide. It would swallow about a third of the ship.

    Magnolia fired her sand, and it blasted through the air like a bullet. It zipped through the air so fast, that Zalan could hear it slicing through even from dozens of feet of distance. The dense packing of sand passed through the Poniwhale¡¯s head and killed it instantly. But it was too late. The creature was already airborne, and its corpse came down toward the ship, its mouth slack. The spiked club at the end of its horn was pointed right at the ship, coming in with multiple tons of force.

    ¡°Prepare for impact!¡± Captain Buttonwillow screamed.

    Rep and Zalan gripped tightly to the edge of the boat. Nold stood alone, not grabbing onto anything. The monster crashed into The Aegeusson, throwing half of the craft upward and flinging Zalan clean off the ground, flying toward the ocean.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep said, reaching his arm out and missing his friend as he flew through the air.

    ¡°Help!¡± Zalan screamed, not knowing which way was up as he spun violently into the sky.

    He covered his face, bracing for impact with either the boat or the water. Instead, he was buffeted by powerful air that slowed his momentum. He opened his eyes and saw Xavier hanging on to a mast. With his free hand, he used his Elemental Air to bring Zalan safely to the ship. Behind him, Zalan heard something large splash into the water.

    The ship bobbed powerfully as it rebalanced itself. It pitched unpredictably, throwing all those aboard off balance. The Poniwhale¡¯s horn left a large hole in the side of the boat, rapidly taking in water. The Poniwhale¡¯s body floated next to the boat. The sharp fin along its back scraped against the ship and opened the hole even wider. The first monster had delivered major damage.

    Zalan felt himself up and down, making sure he didn¡¯t break anything in his body. Then, he looked around to assess the boat. The topside looked totally fine, but it was slowly beginning to tilt toward the port side as it took in water.

    ¡°How does everyone fare?¡± Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s voice came distant.

    Zalan looked over the edge of the boat and saw Captain Buttonwillow swimming, having been flung overboard. It occurred to Zalan that the noise of something splashing into the water was the captain and not a piece of the boat. For some reason, Xavier decided to grab Zalan instead of his captain.

    ¡°We are fine, captain!¡± Enzo called over the side. He spun his arms. Water around Captain Buttonwillow pooled up and rose him to the top of the ship. Xavier approached him and quickly dried him off with Elemental Air. Captain Buttonwillow looked around the ship with a proud smile, nodding to himself as the water left his clothes. The Aegeusson was tilting slowly to one side.

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    ¡°Well done crew! We live to travel another day,¡± the captain called. He applauded them with gusto. His crew cheered, save for Magnolia who looked around like she was missing some inside joke.

    Zalan looked to Rep on the other end of the ship. They were angled slightly away from one another, Rep higher than Zalan. Rep stared back in horror. Captain Buttonwillow was proud of the result. The ship was clearly sinking. The journey had ended almost as quickly as it started, by a single creature. Yet the captain was smiling gallantly at the men and women aboard.

    ¡°Now then. Enzo, keep us afloat. The rest of you, come to the lower decks and assist in closing this puncture,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes widened with shock at the order. He looked over the side of the boat. The hole looked like a motorcycle crashed through it. There was no way they could fix it before they sank. He touched the Homeseeker lightly, looking to Rep. Rep was running across the boat, having detached himself from his tight grip on the railings.

    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m totally fine. Xavier caught me.¡±

    ¡°Thank God. Let us go assist with the repairs,¡± Rep turned to run down the lower decks.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Zalan stopped him. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we get out of here with the Homeseeker? We might drown down there. Water is filling up super fast.¡±

    Zalan pointed over the edge of the boat for Rep to see. Rep took a peek and turned back, chewing his lip. It looked worse than he originally thought.

    ¡°You want to abandon this so soon? There is no guarantee that we can find another way to the Island of Remains,¡± Rep reminded him.

    ¡°Hey! Get to the lower decks!¡± Nold said, sounding strained. His face was going red. ¡°Or do you want us to sink?¡±

    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± Zalan snapped at him. ¡°If you had attacked the Poniwhale before it got a chance to hit us, we wouldn¡¯t be in this mess! If anything, you should have been the first one downstairs!¡±

    ¡°I understand that I miscalculated your willingness to harness your power. But why do you think the boat is upright once more?¡± Nold asked.

    Rep and Zalan finally took note of the single prominent vein protruding from Nold¡¯s head. He was helping to keep them afloat with his Elemental Water Power. Zalan hadn¡¯t noticed that the boat stopped tilting further. If anything, it felt like it was trying to get back to its balanced state.

    ¡°How do we know that Enzo isn¡¯t the one doing most of the work here?¡± Zalan challenged.

    ¡°See for yourself, then get downstairs!¡± Nold ordered, another vein poking out of his reddening face.

    Rep and Zalan turned to Enzo to see him on his hands and knees, his face pink as he caught his breath. It was pretty clear to Zalan he wasn¡¯t using his Elemental Power at the moment. He couldn¡¯t hold an entire boat up on his own at his level of Wisdom and needed to take a break. Nold was holding them up singlehandedly. Rep and Zalan checked on their instructor who was now closing his eyes with strain. The red in his face was darkening to a purple hue. Rep and Zalan looked at one another, then bolted to the stairs to the lower decks.

    ¡°If it looks like a lost cause, I¡¯m still using the Homeseeker!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I agree. Better to leave this ship behind than to not leave at all! But we need to make clear our plans with the captain. We will need all of us to gather in one place in order to take all the crew with us,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Hopefully sending them back home won¡¯t be too big an inconvenience for them. Who knows where they could be from?¡±

    ¡°It will be better than being dead, I assure you.¡±

    Rep and Zalan heard Captain Buttonwillow barking orders from the lowest floor and followed the sound. When they reached the bottom step, their feet sloshed in water. It was at ankle height, with water flowing in. It gradually rose as they walked across the deck.

    ¡°Rep! Zalan! You should not sully your precious feet with such menial work. This is intended to be handled by the crew. Please, go upstairs and relax,¡± the captain called over the firehose of water crashing through the hole in the ship. He looked too calm for the situation. It made Zalan feel even more stressed about the potential for sinking.

    ¡°We want to help!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We don¡¯t want to sink!¡± Zalan added.

    ¡°Everything is under control,¡± Captain Buttonwillow assured them with a beaming smile.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like it!¡± Zalan said, kicking his foot to show how high the water had risen. ¡°Do we need to abandon the ship?¡±

    ¡°Abandon The Aegeusson?¡± Captain Buttonwillow gasped, deeply offended. ¡°I know this is your ship, but it does not deserve to be abandoned over such little scuffs!¡±

    ¡°Scuffs!¡± Zalan pointed at the gaping hole with wide eyes.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Xavier said, trying to regain his attention. He was blasting at the water with as much air as he could, pushing against the water that tried to fill the deck. He was doing a very poor job holding it back.

    ¡°I think the owner of this fine vessel should have some respect for it,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said like a father scolding a child.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep said, pointing to his feet. The water was up to their knees now.

    ¡°That¡¯s it, we¡¯re out of here,¡± Zalan said, Rep nodding in agreement. Zalan pulled out the Homeseeker. ¡°Grab on, this Artifact will warp us home when I activate it. Hurry. We need to go back upstairs to get Nold and Enzo.¡±

    ¡°Warp back without the ship?¡± the captain asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m pretty sure. Ready? We need to go up and get the others so be ready to run. We¡¯ll only have a few seconds,¡± Zalan said, holding the Artifact out for the others to grasp.

    ¡°Absolutely not! You may travel back, but my crew and I will remain with the ship! We can meet you in the docks,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said firmly.

    With a snap, another hole cracked through the ship and shot the Homeseeker out of Zalan¡¯s hand, dropping into the opaque water at their feet.

    ¡°Apologies, I did not mean to delay you from leaving if that was your intention,¡± the captain said sincerely.

    Rep and Zalan knelt immediately, fruitlessly trying to feel around for it in the flowing water.

    ¡°I can¡¯t find it!¡± Zalan said, panicked.

    ¡°Neither can I! The water flow must have carried it away!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Calm down, we can handle this,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said with his usual confidence.

    Zalan looked up to the hole in the ship with real dread. If they didn¡¯t find the Artifact in time, they could drown.

 117 - Book 3 - Chapter 20 - A Whole Hole

    ¡°Where is it? Where is it?¡± Zalan asked desperately, running his hands through the knee-high water.

    He couldn¡¯t figure out where the Homeseeker went. Soon, the water would be high enough that he wouldn¡¯t even be able to keep looking before the ship took it down to a watery grave. With dread in his heart, he had the irrational thought cross his mind that it might have already ended up on the outside and was sinking into the sea. Could it have been sucked out instead of pushed further into the deck?

    ¡°I will check against the walls!¡± Rep said, wading away as fast as he could. His arms dug through the water desperately with every step he took. Dipping himself deep into the water to get a good feel, everything below his chest was drenched.

    The water was growing cold to Zalan and he felt like he was trudging through ice. In an unruly fury, he thought about blasting Captain Buttonwillow with lightning, resenting the man for putting him in this situation with his overconfidence. Zalan felt that he deserved it. Then, he forcibly calmed himself down. Even in the dire situation, he had to control his anger. If there was anything the Elemental Rage Tournament taught him, it was that quick decisions in moments of rage were never beneficial. The strongest man didn¡¯t have the most Strength, but the most control over his anger.

    Still, Zalan had to change tactics. He pulled his numb arms out of the water. He stretched his fingers quickly, trying to regain feeling. Suddenly, he felt like something was wrong with the deck he was on. It was eerily quiet. He could hear himself think where he couldn¡¯t a moment ago. He blinked, realizing that the sound of water crashing into the room had faded away. He turned around to get a better look.

    Captain Buttonwillow was sealing the hole with ice, freezing out any more water from being able to come in. He moved efficiently, sealing off any leaks into an airtight seal. As soon as the water stopped seeping in, Rosemary began to emit Elemental Plant Power from her arms. Rounded planks of wood grew out from within her. She looked strained as the wood reshaped into angled planks that would better fit the missing pieces of the ship. Zalan realized this is what it looked like when an Elemental Plant user redirected their power. It was the first time he had seen wood made that was curved. When he faced off against Moss in the Elemental Rage Tournament, he only ever created straight weapons like a spiked staff. Despite knowing it was nothing like his own world, Zalan was increasingly amazed by the things he witnessed in this realm.

    Through Rosemary¡¯s power, three oddly shaped bowls dropped into the water. They were unorthodox, but by their size it was clear they were buckets. Captain Buttonwillow, Magnolia, and Xavier grabbed the buckets, filled them with water, then walked up the steps to the upper deck. They were clearing the water they took in to dump it over the side.

    Rep and Zalan were watching, dumbfounded. Captain Buttonwillow had the means to stop the water the whole time, but was delaying to give them a talking to. He cared so much about The Aegeusson that he made more work for himself just to make sure Zalan and Rep treated it with respect. Zalan realized that the captain saw the vessel as something like a family member to him now.

    To Zalan¡¯s relief, the plugged hole made the water at their feet calm and transparent. He smiled with gratitude at his good fortune. Zalan was able to see the Homeseeker in the water, pressed up against the side of the boat. He knelt down to grab it and showed it to Rep who expressed great relief. They looked back at the massive hole that had been blocked off. It looked like a very temporary fix to Zalan.

    ¡°What happens when the ice block melts? Does Captain Buttonwillow need to stay down here and keep it cold for the rest of the journey?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I suppose this is another reason why I cannot use my flames,¡± Rep said, sounding disappointed.

    They made their way to Rosemary and waited patiently as she caught her breath from the three buckets she¡¯d created. As they approached, she looked up at them.

    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Can you make us buckets as well?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°What for?¡±

    ¡°So we can help?¡± Zalan said, confused that he had to spell that out.

    ¡°Oh. No.¡±

    ¡°No?¡±

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick has asked that we refrain from giving you any hard labor. Not only are you the owners of the vessel, but you are esteemed guests. We are to accommodate you best to make you feel comfortable on board,¡± Rosemary said politely.

    ¡°Okay¡­ what about I ask you to make me and Rep some buckets? As owners of the ship? It would make me feel accommodated and comfortable,¡± Zalan attempted.

    Rosemary deliberated for a few seconds, her two worldviews clashing. She sighed in defeat and raised her arms to create two more wooden buckets. They were smaller than the rest of the crew¡¯s. The message was clear. Rep and Zalan were allowed to do labor, but not more than the others under Captain Buttonwillow. They took the buckets without complaint, filled them with water, and walked up the steps.

    When they reached the upper deck, Buttonwillow, Magnolia, and Xavier were headed back down.

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow,¡± Zalan called out. ¡°Why don¡¯t you freeze most of the water downstairs? Ice is less dense than water and would help keep the ship afloat while we remove it.¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow raised a curious eyebrow. ¡°Zalan, my esteemed guest,¡± he began. ¡°You are as intelligent as you are wise. I do not know if you noticed this, but ice takes up more space than water. We would surely sink if I turned all the water into ice. But I would like to commend you on your suggestion. Your outlandish and interesting ideas may save us in a future dilemma!¡±

    Zalan just sighed and continued upwards. One day someone would listen to his physics-backed advice without question.

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    They saw Nold down on one knee, putting immense effort in keeping them upright. He was pushing his arms up, looking as though he was trying to keep the world balanced on his shoulders. Enzo was assisting, putting all his energy in holding up what little he could. But Enzo stopped every few seconds to breathe deep before he passed out from fatigue.

    ¡°Did they tell you the hole was sealed with ice? We¡¯re not taking in water anymore,¡± Zalan asked as he dumped water back to the sea.

    ¡°No!¡± Nold said, sounding understandably annoyed by this fact.

    He let go of some of his hold over the water below the boat. It jittered threateningly. They would still tip over if Nold and Enzo didn¡¯t hold them upright.

    ¡°Take out more water,¡± Nold said. ¡°Quickly!¡±

    Rep and Zalan ran back downstairs with their crude buckets and took in more water. They looked up at the hole, Rosemary leaning on the hull next to it.

    ¡°Does it look smaller to you, too?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°The hole or the ice?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Both.¡±

    Zalan nodded. It didn¡¯t look like a motorcycle crashed through the hole anymore, but more like a moped. He didn¡¯t get how it looked so different to him so quickly. He filled his bucket and went back up, regardless. On his next trip down, he could feel that the water was getting shallower. All of their work with the buckets was making a difference. On their third trip down, Rep and Zalan finally understood why the hole looked like it was getting smaller.

    Rosemary was using Elemental Plant Power to create planks the same size as the broken ones and put them in place of the hole. Zalan was amazed. Not only could she create buckets, but covers for the hole. She was creating more ship with her Elemental Power. The hole was about the size of a tricycle now. Captain Buttonwillow caught them staring as he came for more water from below.

    ¡°Rosemary¡¯s diligence is rivaled only by her speed. Incredible what miracles she can perform when under pressure,¡± the captain said, loud enough for Rosemary to turn away bashfully from the praise. ¡°I told you there was absolutely nothing to be worried about.¡±

    Zalan couldn¡¯t help but feel the captain was almost right. If he had presented the information about how they intended to repair the boat, then he would have been totally right. But leaving Rep and Zalan in the dark made him feel like it was reasonable to panic with what little information they had. Zalan looked around the rest of the lower deck, wondering how much was original material and how much had been repairs made by Rosemary or other Elemental Plant users.

    They continued to clear out the water until it was no more than a puddle on the floor. Captain Buttonwillow looked upon it with a smile. Then, he looked up to Rosemary who was completing the finishing touches on the repairs, hammering wooden nails into the wooden planks with a wooden hammer. Zalan began to wonder what kind of things she wasn¡¯t able to make. They all looked cheap, like a child designed the tools, but they did the job. Maybe higher Wisdom for Elemental Plant users meant more high fidelity creations. He wondered if all construction in the realm was handled by Elemental Plant and Elemental Earth users. Would they ever be in need of machines if they could simply get someone with enough Wisdom to create whatever was needed?

    ¡°Well done, crew. The remaining water should find its way into the bilge. Now, for the best part. The Poniwhale¡¯s body is still floating close enough for us to retrieve it!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, spinning grandly and rushing upstairs. All of the downstairs crew were quick to join him.

    ¡°What do people retrieve monsters for?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Perhaps it is the best way to locate any Artifacts within the creature?¡± Rep suggested.

    Rep and Zalan followed, curious to see what he meant by ¡°the best part.¡± When they reached the upper deck, Captain Buttonwillow told both Nold and Enzo that the ship was managed. Nold didn¡¯t have the energy to be skeptical. He fell down and breathed hard, finally releasing the massive amount of water he used to keep them afloat. The boat tilted, revealing the energy Nold and Enzo were putting in keeping them upright. After a few seconds, the ship settled, ready to hold its own once more.

    The captain continued his way to the starboard side of the ship. In the time it took to repair the ship, the monster¡¯s body had floated from one end to the other. The captain leaned over the edge and breathed in deeply, taking in the stench of the dead monster. He beamed.

    ¡°A rope?¡± Captain Buttonwillow held his hand out.

    Rosemary rushed to grab a spare rope and hand one end to her captain. The captain jumped off the boat and landed on the Poniwhale¡¯s corpse. Pulling a sword from a sheath at his hip, he raised it high and spun it twice in his hands as though commencing a ritual. Then, he stabbed it downward into the creature¡¯s body.

    ¡°Oh, is he looking for Artifacts?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No. But he might as well be,¡± Xavier replied, licking his lips.

    Captain Buttonwillow sawed his sword through the flesh, removing a significant chunk of meat. He raised it high and showed it to the deck. Xavier gave out a little woop and clapped his hands in excitement. The captain tossed the meat on board and Xavier caught it with Elemental Air, ensuring it had a soft landing. Rep, Zalan, and Magnolia moved away in disgust, but Rosemary caught it excitedly. Captain Buttonwillow nodded to his crew, seeing they kept it from touching the floor. Then, he went in for more meat with his sword.

    ¡°What do you do with that?¡± Rep asked, not sure he wanted to know the answer.

    ¡°What else? We eat it!¡± Rosemary said proudly.

    ¡°You consume¡­ Monster flesh?¡± Rep said, sounding nauseous.

    ¡°They wanted to eat us! This is how we show them we still have power,¡± Xavier said.

    ¡°You do realize it is dead,¡± Magnolia said, taking a tiny step back. ¡°There is nothing to show to the dead.¡±

    ¡°Ah, but its brothers may smell its flesh on us and know we do not shy away from consuming it. They will know we are their predators,¡± Xavier caught another chunk of meat tossed aboard.

    Zalan never considered that monsters were not commonly eaten in this realm. They were killed so often, he wondered what normally happened to the bodies left behind. But after he thought about a few of the monsters he faced, he realized he also felt sick to think about eating them. Monsters weren¡¯t like animals. The Poniwhale meat was a weird purple color. It made everything about consuming them seem wrong. They were monsters.

    ¡°Once you try it, you will stop being a prude,¡± Xavier said assuredly. He then grew red in the face and placed a hand over his face. ¡°I did not mean that to you, esteemed guests. I was only referring to Magnolia when I said that!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, we don¡¯t need special treatment,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I should have been more explicit in my apology instead of merely explaining my actions. I sincerely apologize to you, Rep and Zalan. I assure you I will not say such things to you again,¡± Xavier said, sounding like he didn¡¯t hear Zalan.

    ¡°I said it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Xavier simply turned away in shame and focused on collecting more Poniwhale meat. Rep, Zalan, and Magnolia looked to one another and took a few more steps away from the incoming monster flesh. Captain Buttonwillow only climbed back to the deck once he got enough meat for everyone on the ship.

    ¡°Everyone! We should stop traveling for the day. Allow our fine crew to rest after such an astounding display of teamwork and effort. I invite everyone to join me for a delicacy of Poniwhale meat in the captain¡¯s quarters in an hours¡¯ time. See you all soon!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, bowing himself out and making his way to his room to cook.

 118 - Book 3 - Chapter 21 - Delicacies

    Zalan stood alone, looking out at the darkening horizon. The sun had dipped away in the time it took to clear the lower deck of its damage. Rep wanted to go and find their sleeping quarters and make sure it wasn¡¯t drenched in seawater. Zalan wanted to stay up top and watch the horizon, feeling mildly motion sick after being on the lower decks for so long. Zalan stood wondering what the rest of the journey would be like. He recalled that it was dangerous to be outside city walls after dark. But that was in regards to land. He wondered if the same rules applied at sea. Would they be in danger so long as they were on the journey? If that was the case, perhaps battling Morloch the Manipulator would be the easiest part of the quest.

    ¡°The captain says the meal is ready a bit early. We should be getting to dinner now,¡± Rep appeared. He swallowed hard, sounding a hint repulsed at the idea.

    ¡°Yeah, we might as well get this over with. Let¡¯s go get Nold,¡± Zalan said, also somewhat reluctant.

    ¡°We are bringing him along? He can come on his own.¡±

    ¡°He pretty much saved us, the least we owe him is to help him get some food. He looks pretty out of it,¡± Zalan said. Rep nodded.

    They walked over to their mentor who lay on the deck with his arms extended, breathing deeply. It had been at least thirty minutes since he last used any energy, but he still looked utterly exhausted. His eyes were closed and he occasionally would massage a sore part of his arms before extending them out once more.

    ¡°Come on, Nold. We¡¯re gonna get some food. Want me to help you up?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Did you see me?¡± Nold asked, opening one eye.

    ¡°Did I see you keep the ship up? Yeah,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I wanted to show you how important this trip is to me,¡± Nold said. He quickly adjusted his phrasing. ¡°Your trip, that is. I made a mistake regarding the Poniwhale. I am hoping I have rectified the situation. And perhaps, your opinion of me. I apologize for my rash decision making earlier.¡±

    Zalan raised an eyebrow and looked up at Rep. Rep shrugged, his lips downturned in confusion. Nold had never been this forthcoming. Zalan considered that his fatigue may have made him feel more vulnerable.

    ¡°We¡¯re good, Nold,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That is good,¡± Nold smiled graciously.

    ¡°You want dinner, or what?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°My limbs refuse to stand. I am at my limit. Just bring the meal out to me,¡± Nold said, closing his eye once more.

    Rep and Zalan nodded and immediately left. They didn¡¯t need to be told twice to not have to have dinner with Nold. Rep knocked lightly on the captain¡¯s door only to find that it was already open.

    ¡°Enter!¡± Captain Buttonwillow called to them.

    They walked inside and took a moment to look around Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s quarters. The captain¡¯s room was small and incredibly cramped. Captain Buttonwillow had a comically large table in the center of the room that took up most of the space. There was a little hammock above, not intruding with the space designated for the dining table and chairs. There were papers thrown on the hammock, indicating to Zalan that Captain Buttonwillow probably used the dining table as an office table whenever he wasn¡¯t hosting people for monster dinners.

    The table had a plate for every passenger of the ship, even those not present. Each plate had a misshapen piece of cooked meat from the Poniwhale. The meat was colored purple, even after being cooked. Rep looked nauseous at the sight and Zalan poked at it lightly with a supplied fork. All the utensils looked dull and were made of wood, likely granted to them by Rosemary¡¯s Elemental Power.

    ¡°Welcome! Welcome to the esteemed ones, please, be seated,¡± Captain Buttonwillow pointed with open palms to unoccupied chairs. The table was so big that he was pinned against the wall. ¡°Where is the other one? Nold, was it?¡±

    ¡°He has decided to have his food delivered,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Captain Buttonwillow grunted, seemingly disappointed by the reply. ¡°I wished to thank him for his good work in saving us. I did not know we had another Elemental Water user on board! And one so powerful as well!¡±

    ¡°We did not know he could control water that well, either. He mostly focuses on using Elemental Sand.¡±

    ¡°Oh, he has two Elements?¡±

    ¡°Three. Sand, Water, and Fire.¡±

    ¡°I have never heard of someone with a third ability. How does one succeed in three different Elemental challenges?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked, almost sounding jealous at the stories Nold could tell.

    Zalan recalled that the challenges got exponentially more difficult for every power that one already had. He never got a straight answer before on how Nold got any of his powers. He never even wanted to reveal the fact he had Elemental Water Power until he was surprised during a training session with Rep. Zalan realized that there must be a reason Nold covered his fists in bulging gloves and his wrists in long sleeves. He never wanted to reveal his stats to not have to answer questions. And there was probably a story to tell regarding what happened to his hands, which was why he didn¡¯t want to show them. There was always a perpetual mystery with Nold.

    ¡°That man has very good use of Water Elemental Power, right Enzo?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked.

    ¡°Oh, yes. I could not have done it without him. He seems to have a little more Wisdom than me, but his range eclipses my own,¡± Enzo nodded.

    Zalan and Rep looked at one another, thinking the same thing. Nold never liked to detail exactly what Level he was at. They knew Enzo was Level 8. If he had a little more Wisdom, could Nold be Level 9? But that seemed strange compared to the amount of Elemental Sand it seemed that he could create was enough to carry multiple people at once.

    ¡°Very well then, now that we are all here, we can begin,¡± Captain Buttonwillow decided.

    ¡°What about Magnolia?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°She is pushing the Poniwhale¡¯s body away before she keeps watch,¡± the captain replied.

    ¡°Pushing it away?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed! We could not completely clean the monster of its flesh. Its corpse will attract larger monsters that want a filling meal that will not fight back. We wish for those larger monsters to convene for their meal elsewhere,¡± Captain Buttonwillow explained. ¡°Then, she is keeping watch for us. We must be vigilant at all times, even when celebrating our victories,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, holding up a tight fist.

    ¡°Do you think she requires assistance? What if she grows bored and falls asleep?¡± Rep suggested, sounding eager to have an excuse to leave.

    ¡°Fear not! She is as unparalleled as she is incomparable. I asked for many references before hiring her and she received nothing but glowing reviews from other captains. She will ensure that our dinner goes uninterrupted,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    ¡°Yes. Fantastic,¡± Rep said dryly, sounding as though an interrupted dinner is exactly what he wanted.

    Zalan and Rep struggled to seat themselves at the table. The table was so large that there was barely any room for the dining chairs at its ends. Zalan¡¯s chair scratched the wall multiple times as he struggled to fit himself in the chair. He finally slid his way in, sucking in his gut to barely fit. His stomach was pushed right up against the table as he sat. Rep could only get half his body into his chair, a leg hanging out awkwardly to the side. He still folded his arms at the table, trying to look at ease so as not to offend the host.

    ¡°Welcome all, to my quarters. I wanted to personally thank you all for your handiwork in safeguarding The Aegeusson,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°The journey has only just been initiated and already you all have proven your value to our crew. Even Rep and Zalan, who insisted that they are more than mere cargo, but fully abled supporters to The Aegeusson¡¯s life!¡±

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    Captain Buttonwillow clapped his hands three times lightly as a form of applause. By the time anyone thought to join in, he was already done and making his next proclamation.

    ¡°Xavier! There was something I detected in the way you acted when we were walloped by the monster. Zalan and I both found ourselves slung mercilessly into the air, but you deemed him to be the one to save. I fell into the water, soaked from head to toe¡­¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, staring at Xavier.

    The eccentric energy in the room dampened, suddenly feeling very warm and awkward. Captain Buttonwillow let the silence hang for a few seconds to build dramatic tension.

    ¡°Well done, Xavier!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said suddenly. He gave his three-clap applause. ¡°Let this be a lesson for you, Enzo and Rosemary. I should come last. Guests and crew, then captain, too! Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes, captain,¡± the three said together. Xavier was beaming at the praise he had received.

    ¡°If you understand, then say it with me,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    ¡°Guests and crew, then captain too,¡± the ship¡¯s crew sang together.

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another, uncomfortable. Zalan felt like he was taking part in a dinner party with rich people he didn¡¯t understand. Or stranger yet, it felt like he was watching a school teacher interact with his students. Rep had no frame of experience to compare this to and just felt out of his element. They didn¡¯t know if they were supposed to be reacting in a particular way to Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s words.

    ¡°I understand that we must save the guests before we save the captain and crew,¡± Xavier said, sounding hesitant. ¡°But I think our captain should come before our crew.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Rosemary blurted out.

    ¡°I appreciate your perspective, but reject it outright. The captain should come as the final priority. In addition, I have already made a very memorable rhyme for us to remember, and I do not anticipate being able to come up with another without ruining the rhyme scheme,¡± Captain Buttonwillow spoke to both Xavier and Rosemary.

    ¡°But Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick¡­¡± Rosemary tried to protest.

    ¡°I will have no ¡®buts¡¯ unless that is the part of the Poniwhale I will soon be consuming. Now, I have made my orders regarding this clear and expect you to listen,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    He waited for any more protests, but no more were made. He smiled and nodded in satisfaction, looking to Enzo.

    ¡°Enzo, I feel that we would still be at work cleaning out incoming water to the lower deck were it not for your handy work at keeping our ship above the waves of the sea. For that, we commend you and Nold for exhausting yourselves to spare us our own exhaustion.¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow clapped three times in succession, this time with Rosemary joining in the absurdly short applause.

    ¡°And Rosemary, I thank you for always being reliable when it comes to repairing our boat. The Aegeusson would not be what it is today without you. Literally,¡± Captain Buttonwillow blinked.

    Rosemary went red in the face as Captain Buttonwillow, Xavier, and Ezno all applauded three times. None of them were able to clap at the same time and it came off like they were all losing a rhythm game.

    ¡°Now then, we should not delay dinner any longer,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°This is a Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick special. Poniwhale meat that has been flash frozen then cooked to perfection.¡±

    The different cuts of meat were already on plates in front of each of the guests. They looked mangled, which wasn¡¯t a surprise considering they were extracted with a sword less than an hour ago. Zalan poked at it with his fork again, looking a little uncomfortable. He looked up to Captain Buttonwillow to see whether he was eating. He was hoping he could only pretend to eat and just find something else in his quarters after dinner.

    Instead, he saw the rest of the crew staring at him and Rep expectantly. Zalan noticed that Captain Buttonwillow didn¡¯t have room for a chair, instead opting to do a wall sit and slide his way down to a sitting height. Rosemary offered to make him a chair, but he chortled at the thought and waved her off. Now, he stared intently at Zalan, leaning forward.

    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± Zalan asked, clearing his throat.

    ¡°Oh, we never eat before our guests,¡± Captain Buttonwillow chuckled. The others around the table nodded diligently. Xavier was licking his lips, waiting to get a chance at his slab of Poniwhale meat.

    ¡°Oh, umm, you can eat before us. Please,¡± Zalan said awkwardly.

    ¡°Indeed, do not wait on our part. We¡­ might be seasick?¡± Rep said desperately, looking to Zalan for support.

    ¡°Sure! Seasick. I haven¡¯t been out on open water before. You should eat while we work up our appetite,¡± Zalan patted his stomach that was pushed up against the massive table.

    ¡°Please! Take as much time as you need, we can wait,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said patiently, smiling affably.

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another, queasy smiles on their faces. Zalan took his wooden knife and cut off the tiniest morsel from the meat he could. Rep picked up the entire slab and looked it over. He swallowed hard, waiting to figure out how to go about it. Captain Buttonwillow leaned in, excited.

    ¡°On three?¡± Zalan murmured only loud enough for Rep to hear.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Rep assented.

    They didn¡¯t count aloud, but after three seconds, both took small bites from the Poniwhale meat. They were no more than little smidgens of the slabs of meat. Xavier immediately breathed out in relief and began wolfing down his plate. Zalan chewed slowly, figuring out how he felt about the meat. Captain Buttonwillow smiled to himself, satisfied, and took a bite from his own plate.

    Zalan felt like it was one of the strangest things he¡¯d tasted in this realm. It wasn¡¯t totally disgusting, but it tasted like processed meat. Like he was eating a stale chicken nugget served in an elementary school cafeteria. He hadn¡¯t even thought of processed meat since leaving his reality, but there was that starchy, plastic-like aftertaste to it. Something about the flavor seemed eerie to him.

    Fresh meat wasn¡¯t supposed to taste processed as far as he knew. This realm wasn¡¯t one of meat that was pumped with hormones. But the taste was hard to ignore. It was almost a nostalgic flavor, except he didn¡¯t enjoy those meals as a child. He wondered if all monsters had this flavoring to it. Then he decided he didn¡¯t want to know.

    Rep swallowed hard, forcing the food down. He had a thousand yard stare, like he had made an incredible discovery. He leaned slowly toward his friend, keeping his voice low as he spoke.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± he said cautiously.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Zalan asked, hoping Rep wasn¡¯t going to throw up on him.

    ¡°This is the most delicious thing I have ever tasted,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan looked at him, surprised. Rep was already taking another bite, this one much bigger than the first. An amazed smile stretched across his face.

    ¡°This is the best you¡¯ve tasted?¡± Zalan asked, a little disappointed on his friend¡¯s behalf.

    ¡°I can not imagine anything better,¡± Rep said, his mouth half full.

    Zalan realized that he must have been spoiled. He wasn¡¯t exactly a foodie back in his world, but he knew this wasn¡¯t the peak of flavor. He was used to so many spices on his meat, that the plain food didn¡¯t do much for his taste buds. He shrugged, pleased to see Rep happy with the meal.

    ¡°I am flattered by your enthusiasm,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said to Rep.

    Rep nodded, shoving more food in his mouth. Zalan continued to eat small pieces, one at a time. He noted that Captain Buttonwillow was trembling as he ate, looking like he was at the limit of his strength. The wall sit he was performing was getting to him, but he was pretending everything was fine. Zalan wondered how long he was going to try and keep that up? He had to know everyone could see how uncomfortable he looked.

    ¡°Now we must entertain the guests,¡± Captain Buttonwillow groaned, sliding back up to a stand.

    ¡°No, please, really, we don¡¯t need entertainment,¡± Zalan begged instantly.

    ¡°Nonsense, who eats food in silence? What do you wish to know about? I can recite to you many a tale!¡± Captain Buttonwillow assured him.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious, I¡¯m totally fine eating in silence,¡± Zalan said, growing warm in embarrassment.

    ¡°Perhaps you wish to know the origin of this beautiful table?¡± the captain nodded to the dining table far too big for his room.

    ¡°Uh, sure,¡± Zalan allowed.

    ¡°This was granted to me by the Mother of the Port, herself. Why, it was for being the first to grant her the title of ¡®Mother of the Port!¡¯ I thought that the name ¡®Ma¡¯ was too brutish for such a brilliant woman of her Elemental Power. She had herself aware of all ongoings of the port, so I would tell those around me to refer to her as the Mother of the Port. This act ingratiated me with her and she granted me captain hood of this fine vessel! With it, she granted me this table for my home. But the sea is my home, so here the table belongs,¡± Captain Buttonwillow knocked on it.

    Zalan realized that these cramped quarters were Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s own fault. He could have done anything with the table, but decided to squeeze it in here and ruin anyone¡¯s chance of sitting comfortable.

    ¡°Ummm. Cool,¡± Zalan said, unsure how he was supposed to reply to the story.

    ¡°I am pleased you are pleased,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°Perhaps you wish to hear more stories?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s really not necessary.¡± Zalan wondered how long this dinner would drag on.

    ¡°Perhaps we will go with the usual favorite. We will go around the table and share the story of how we secured our Elemental Power,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°It is our tradition on the first night of travel. A way to form comradery by knowing our deepest struggles.¡± Captain Buttonwillow brought two palms close to his chest to emphasize the point.

    Zalan didn¡¯t have any more protest. He was curious to hear the others¡¯ stories of how they overcame an Elemental¡¯s challenge to gain their powers. He was always fascinated by the tales, wondering what kind of crazy things the Elementals came up with. Rep didn¡¯t seem to notice the conversation, beating his chest to make more room for Poniwhale meat he wished to swallow. Zalan didn¡¯t know Rep to gorge on his meals before. The monster meat brought something out of him that must have been buried deep under polite phrases and platitudes.

    ¡°Sure, entertainment sounds great. You want me to start with my own story?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Our esteemed guests? They have a right to their stories in case they hold any secrets they do not wish to share. But my crew shares,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°Most of them, anyway,¡± he added with a grumble and a sidelong stare to Xavier.

    ¡°Enzo! Tell them the tale of how you became an Elementally Powered individual!¡± Captain Buttonwillow presented, sliding back down into a wall sit.

 119 - Book 3 - Chapter 22 - Stories

    Enzo tried to stand, but was blocked by his chair being far too close to the wall. He coughed as his abdomen got caught into the table and sat back down. Struggling and squeezing, he tried to extract himself from the chair, but was still too tired from assisting Nold in holding the ship upright earlier. He cleared his throat, embarrassed, and decided to remain seated.

    The table was giving him their full attention, save for Rosemary whose eyes were lingering on the captain.

    ¡°I acquired my power through an Elemental I found near a river. You may know of it, it is the same river that supplies water around Poppyville. The Elemental required me to swim upstream, starting from a boulder and ending at a tree,¡± Enzo said, shuddering slightly at the memory.

    ¡°Was it a fast river?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Oh, yes. The river floor was also covered in large, spiked rocks. The temperature was freezing, numbing me to my very bones on every attempt. I almost died. Many times, in fact. Sometimes from being swept away and others from struggling to regain warmth after time in the water. But I trained myself for the task,¡± Enzo said. ¡°It was always a dream of my father¡¯s to see me steer massive ships. He was unable to, himself, after having lost his arms to a monster. His Elemental Water Power was never the same without use of his hands.¡±

    Zalan opened his mouth to ask a question, then realized how rude it might come off and quickly closed it. He was wondering why Enzo¡¯s dad couldn¡¯t use his feet to use his Elemental Power. He had learned how to do it from Nold in a matter of many intense days. With his whole life ahead of him, Zalan didn¡¯t see why he couldn¡¯t take that avenue of learning to become a master by using his Elemental Power with his feet. But it was obvious that it was neither the time or place to ask that kind of question. It might be that the monster left him much worse off than just without arms. Enzo continued.

    ¡°Father was very proud the day I was hired by Captain Buttonwillow. He always said that Elemental Water always sounded more usable to me than Elemental Air. You are never in need of fresh air when you are traveling, only fresh water.¡±

    ¡°You are literally always in need of fresh air,¡± Xavier said, sounding a hint offended.

    ¡°Xavier, let your fellow boatman finish. Interruptions should only be in the form of a question,¡± Captain Buttonwillow chided.

    ¡°Eventually, I figured out what needed to be done to overcome my challenge. I trained my body to be the best swimmer I could be, and waited until the flow of water was weaker in the winter time. Months, I trained my body to withstand the cold so I could go upstream when the waters were reduced. Then came the day that I decided it was time to complete the challenge. Through the ice cold water, I swam up the rapids on my third try that day,¡± Enzo beamed.

    ¡°You waited until winter?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°How long did it take between the Elemental¡¯s challenge and getting it?¡±

    ¡°Hmmm¡­ About four months. I desperately needed to train. There was no way I could get to the other side of the river in my original state,¡± Enzo replied, sounding embarrassed.

    ¡°Four months is enough to be strong enough to swim up against a river?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Well¡­ it is long enough to learn to swim,¡± Enzo said.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t even know how to swim when you started?¡± Zalan asked, baffled.

    Enzo smiled and nodded.

    ¡°And it took four months to finish the whole thing? Isn¡¯t that too long?¡± Zalan asked, looking to Rep for support. Rep was finishing the last few bites of his Poniwhale serving, far away from the current conversation.

    ¡°I am uncertain which part you refer to. Too long for what?¡± Enzo asked.

    ¡°To complete the challenge! You can wait for months?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Who ever heard of an impatient Elemental?¡± Enzo asked.

    ¡°Do not be rude, Enzo,¡± the captain said.

    ¡°I apologize,¡± Enzo immediately corrected himself. He tried to stand in a show of respect, but was once again prevented by the massive table. He coughed, and continued his apology. ¡°I meant to say that I have never heard of an Elemental that gives a time limit to complete the challenge.¡±

    Zalan had forgotten that Elementals didn¡¯t normally make their challenges time sensitive. His Storm Elemental was the only one he knew of that needed things to be done fast. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the power was lightning, something that was typically very quick. It made him think that getting an Elemental Power might not be that difficult to begin with. If everyone in the realm had infinite time to work at a challenge, they all had to be doable.

    Then he remembered that King Docrun¡¯s challenge was to defeat an Elemental Dragon. He couldn¡¯t imagine being able to have multiple attempts against that monster. Especially when one was required to complete challenges on their own.

    ¡°That is my story,¡± Enzo said, concluding his tale.

    ¡°Well done, Enzo. Your Elemental Water is a brilliant asset to our team.¡± Captain Buttonwillow gave his three short claps of applause, this time joined by Xavier and Rosemary. ¡°Are there any questions for Enzo?¡±

    Zalan felt like he was in a corporate office meeting now. He avoided Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s gaze as he looked around the table, hoping the captain wouldn¡¯t call on him. The captain continued to smile into Zalan¡¯s soul for a few seconds, then nodded to himself, struggling to stand in the cramped space.

    ¡°Very well, who should be next? Rosemary, would you share your tale of power acquisition?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked.

    ¡°Oh, Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick. I thank you for thinking of me, but I believe the guests would be much more interested in your tale than my own,¡± Rosemary said eagerly.

    ¡°Very well, I will regale them with my escapade,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said immediately. He didn¡¯t need a second invitation to talk about himself. ¡°I located my Elemental by not locating it at all.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Zalan asked.

    The captain smiled wide, exactly the question he was hoping to hear.

    ¡°To the north are mountains called the Glacier Range. I am a man of all seas, whether frozen or thawed, so I had no qualms for stepping onto its cold shores. The reason I was drawn to it was because I was told that no man was known to live anywhere in the Glacier Range. I first thought it was absurd to have such a large patch of land be completely uninhabited. But then I thought that perhaps an Elemental lived among those peaks and valleys!¡± Captain Buttonwillow pointed a finger in the air knowingly.

    ¡°An impressive deduction,¡± Rosemary commented.

    ¡°Please do not speak on my behalf,¡± Captain Buttonwillow held up his hand to her. She nodded, embarrassed. ¡°After making my incredibly impressive deduction, I made my way to the deepest part of the Glacier Range. Snow up to my knees at its shallowest. And I found exactly what I was looking for! Well, I should clarify, I first found many a number of powerful ice monsters. I was able to single handedly defeat them, of course. Very difficult to kill without an Elemental Power, mind you. Then I found a Frost Elemental. And do you know what it said to me?¡±

    Zalan rolled his eyes and looked at Rep, seeing if he was getting tired of Buttonwillow¡¯s embellishments as well. Rep was staring longingly at something on the table. Zalan followed his gaze and saw that he was looking at Nold¡¯s plate of Poniwhale meat. Zalan looked at Rep in surprise. He wanted more of the monster meat. He slid his plate to his friend and leaned in to whisper to him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t finish my food, do you want¡ª¡±

    Rep immediately snatched Zalan¡¯s food into his plate.

    Zalan looked back up to see the captain waiting patiently. He asked a question and was waiting for someone to reply. Zalan didn¡¯t even remember the question and again avoided eye contact.

    ¡°What happened next Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick?¡± Rosemary asked the waiting captain.

    ¡°You have inquired, so I will tell you! The Frost Elemental spoke to me and announced, ¡®Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick, I have but only a single ask of you! You must remain standing in this place for the whole of thirty minutes.¡¯ I was agog. Aghast, if you will. I need only stand to have my power at last? Perhaps the Frost Elemental wanted me to act as a piece of ice, to see me as its kin before bequeathing me with new power. I boldly said, ¡®By God, Frost Elemental, I can stand here for two hours if you require it of me!¡¯ But the creature was adamant that I do the lesser of stands. So there I stood.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Zalan asked, both skeptical and surprised. It seemed too easy of a challenge.

    ¡°Indeed! I was to be a statue. Or perhaps an ice sculpture. While at first I thought it was a trivial task, I quickly found that I was overwhelmed by the desire to cover more of my body from the chilling temperature of the icy mountain. I wanted to move my hands to warm up my arms. I wanted to roll into my clothes to preserve heat. Anything but stay motionless! It was as strenuous as it was arduous to remain in place. But I did not break. I stood as well as any man could stand! But then¡­ Just as I was getting comfortable with my immobility, the Elemental decided to up the ante. It went and summoned¡­ an avalanche,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said in whispered awe, taking a pause to let the suspense sink in.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Zalan was interested now. These circumstances felt a lot more like an Elemental challenge he expected to hear.

    ¡°I had to make an urgent decision. Would I flee the area with my life or trust that I could withstand even an oncoming avalanche? It roared in the distance, gaining mass with every moment that passed. Mind you, I considered that if I left that spot, the Elemental may not appear again. The creature of frost told me to remain in a particular spot. If the location was covered by snow I would have no idea where to go. And if the Frost Elemental did not reappear to guide me, I would never succeed. The challenge would be forfeit. So, I determined that I would brace myself and my shivering form to be able to take on the mountain¡¯s snow. I stood tall, waiting for it to try its best,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, pausing again for more suspense.

    ¡°Then what?¡± Zalan prodded, sounding annoyed that the captain kept having to be prompted to continue his story.

    ¡°God decided that I would die another day. A single rock protruding from the mountain sent the snow flying over me, a brilliant waterfall of frozen water. It fell behind me powerfully, no doubt destroying anything that lay at lower elevations. Standing in place left me almost totally safe. Almost,¡± he repeated with emphasis. ¡°A rock bounced and took with it one of my toes. A clean strike. But I stood stoically through the pain, bearing it all to show the Frost Elemental that I was stronger than the Glacial Range itself!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re missing a toe?¡± Zalan clarified. He idly wondered what Oshrad would think.

    ¡°Indeed, on my left foot,¡± Captain Buttonwillow nodded.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t¡­¡± Zalan tried to phrase his question correctly, then decided to go through with his first instinct. ¡°Toes don¡¯t grow back during a Healing Rest?¡±

    ¡°No appendages do,¡± Rep shook his head. He was patting his stomach with satisfaction, finally having had his fill of Poniwhale. Zalan realized it should have been obvious after what Enzo said about his father not even five minutes ago.

    ¡°Correct,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°And after the avalanche, the Frost Elemental turned to me and said, ¡®Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick! You are as splendid as you are magnificent. For you, I do not hesitate to grant you my Elemental Ice Power. Freeze the world over with its impressive strength. I have no doubt that you will use it to make a grand legacy, both for yourself and my power!¡±

    ¡°The Elemental seriously called you ¡®Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick?¡¯ The whole title and everything?¡± Zalan asked, skeptically.

    ¡°Who is next?¡± the captain said, ignoring him. ¡°Rosemary, I think you should regale us! How was it that you gained the Elemental Plant Power?¡±

    ¡°Of course, Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick,¡± she stood sharply, bumping her knees hard on the table and pretending not to notice. They quickly turned a shade pink. ¡°I have nothing to share that is as impressive as our beloved captain! I met the Nature Elemental at the edge of a forest. It tasked me with traversing to the other side of the forest. This was especially challenging to me, for an Elemental challenge must be done alone. Before asking for its challenge, I was well aware that the forest was filled with many dangerous creatures. I was hoping to only be tasked with facing one, not the potential to have to kill them all. So, I left to gain a few Levels.

    ¡°Little did I know, one of the creatures I defeated on my leveling quest had an Artifact on it. A Belt of Bolt, if I recall its name correctly. It had a few usages left. I used it to jump through the forest without having to face any powerful creatures. Anything I came face-to-face with I was able to flee in the next moment, hundreds of feet away in the blink of an eye. The Elemental did not mention whether what I did was considered cheating. It simply said I completed the challenge and granted me the power. Overall, it took me about two months to find the Artifact in order to gain Elemental Plant.¡±

    She looked to Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick, waiting for his approval. He clapped his hands three times and she beamed giddily, taking her seat with another rough scrape of her knees.

    ¡°A tale as impressive as it was dignified. Are there any questions for her?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked, looking straight at Zalan with wide, expectant eyes. Zalan tried to slide lower in his seat, but the table was too close to make any move.

    ¡°Yes, I have a question,¡± Rep said to Zalan¡¯s relief. ¡°What monster had the Belt of Bolt? I would like to study the Artifact if I can get the chance.¡±

    ¡°It was a dragon, but I did not defeat it completely myself,¡± Rosemary admitted. ¡°The area it lived in was dead, all the life stolen away. It was already on the brink of death. The creature and the life surrounding its home was certainly defeated by the Mind of Madness. Or perhaps something with Elemental Shadow Power. I just took what I could find from its body.¡±

    ¡°The Mind of Madness kills random monsters? Not just humans?¡± Zalan asked. He¡¯d had a run in with the Mind of Madness before. He could think of nothing but pain and agony for minutes after being blasted by its dark beam. For some reason, he assumed the Mind of Madness would only operate on humans instead of fellow monsters.

    ¡°Indeed, it has no qualms to destroy any manner of life. We do not know why it attacks everything it sees, but we know to avoid it,¡± Rosemary said.

    ¡°Does it ever float around out at sea?¡± Zalan followed up.

    ¡°Not that we have seen,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said gratefully. ¡°In fact, none of my fellow captains have ever reported sightings. It is a land monster. I suspect it does not like to go to the open sea when there is no guarantee for it to locate other creatures to torment. Last I heard it leaving its home, it went by the city of Poppyville. A harrowing time for its inhabitants, I am sure. One does not expect it to roam so far from home. And Poppyville is very far from the Depths of Despair.¡±

    ¡°Was that a few weeks back? That is when we last saw it,¡± Rep said, sounding amazed at how fast word spread.

    ¡°I am unaware of exact timings,¡± the captain shrugged. ¡°I do not pay very close attention to land-related news unless it pertains to the Mother of the Port. The gossip at land scarcely furthers my time at sea.¡±

    ¡°And how many uses did the Belt of Bolt supply you before degrading?¡± Rep asked Rosemary.

    ¡°Three. Which was enough to exit the forest and watch the Artifact disintegrate,¡± she replied.

    Rep nodded, always appreciating any insight involving an Artifact.

    ¡°Who remains? Xavier! Tell our guests how you gained your Elemental Air Power,¡± Captain Buttonwillow called on him.

    ¡°Yes captain!¡± Xavier said dutifully. ¡°I went to Pludon. The Elemental required me to withstand a strong storm of wind. I did just that, and then it gave me the power.¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s smile waned a slight amount.

    ¡°Is that all?¡± he asked, a very expectant tone in his voice.

    ¡°Just about,¡± Xavier nodded.

    ¡°Was it difficult?¡± the captain followed up.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Anything in particular that made it difficult?¡± Captain Buttonwillow was clearly fishing for more information.

    ¡°The wind was strong. That was difficult to deal with,¡± Xavier sounded totally sincere.

    Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s smile was frozen, but he breathed out of his teeth. The sound of his exhale was the most annoyance Zalan had heard from Captain Buttonwillow.

    ¡°Very well then. I suppose we are done here,¡± the captain said with chagrin.

    ¡°Oh, are we not supposed to share our stories?¡± Zalan asked, willing to tell them how he got his lightning by bleeding in the Lost City of Xagon.

    ¡°Not at all. Our guests can expect privacy,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    ¡°I really don¡¯t mind,¡± Zalan responded.

    ¡°Nonsense, do not feel obligated,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    It occurred to Zalan that Captain Buttonwillow did this exercise to talk about himself and show off his crew. It was just an excuse to fill dinner with talks of themselves. Zalan found it more amusing than annoying. He shrugged, no longer trying to persuade the captain that his story was worth telling,

    ¡°Speaking of privacy, you should be recuperating in your private quarters. I am certain you are exhausted after the day¡¯s events. There may not be healing rest out at sea, but you will find that sleep is welcome after a day on the water. Especially if one has not yet acquired their sea legs,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said confidently.

    ¡°Sea legs?¡± Rep asked, looking at his feet that were stretched awkwardly out of his chair.

    ¡°It¡¯s an expression,¡± Zalan told him.

    ¡°I have not found you to be the most reliable in understanding expressions of this realm,¡± Rep noted, a bit of banter in his tone.

    ¡°Zalan is correct,¡± Captain Buttonwillow jumped in. ¡°You gain your sea legs by being comfortable out at sea. You become accustomed to the bobs and dips of the open blue sea. Until then, being aboard a ship takes extra energy just to remain upright.¡±

    Rep and Zalan realized how tired they felt. They twisted and pulled against their chairs to extract themselves from their seats and made it to the door. Zalan leaned over and grabbed Nold¡¯s piece of Poniwhale meat from the table. Captain Buttonwillow swung over the hammock above the table and led them outside. They passed by Nold lying on the deck, looking half asleep.

    ¡°Your food,¡± Zalan said, placing the plate lightly on his chest.

    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± Nold murmured.

    Zalan opened his mouth to snap back, but decided he would rather sleep than argue. Captain Buttonwillow led them downstairs a deck and across the boat to their quarters.

    It was surprisingly quaint. There were several hammocks across the ceiling and a few cots on the ground. There were containers bolted into the walls to hold their belongings and clean sheets on every bedding. Zalan was impressed, despite not knowing what to expect before entering.

    ¡°This is the first time that The Aegeusson has had its owner on board while on an expedition. This room will be for the two of you. Nold can join you if you would like, but you must grant him permission. Otherwise, I will expect him to join the crew in their quarters,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    ¡°Leave him with the rest of the crew,¡± Rep decided.

    Zalan shrugged in agreement. It was easier to not be irritated by Nold when he wasn¡¯t around. Captain Buttonwillow soon left them to prepare for sleep. Rep and Zalan claimed hammocks on the opposite sides of the room, swaying gently as the ship bobbed in the water.

    ¡°Some day, huh?¡± Zalan asked as he got comfortable.

    ¡°Do you think you can handle a week of this?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°If it¡¯s our only means to get to the Island of Remains, I¡¯ll live with it. Besides, I gained some Experience from that Poniwhale. I might gain a few Levels while I¡¯m out here,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°It would be nice to increase our Strength and Wisdom while at sea,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Hey, I was thinking¡­ Do you wanna give the ship to Buttonwillow after we¡¯re done with this quest? As like an extra gift of payment? We¡¯re not even planning on taking the ride back, we¡¯re just gonna use the Homeseeker. I think he¡¯d care about this thing a lot more than we would.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like a very generous idea. I quite like it,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°Would you like to tell him he is the new owner tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow? Sure, we can consider him the owner immediately, I don¡¯t really care about the timing, so long as he takes us to the Island of Remains. And on the condition he lets us keep this room.¡±

    ¡°Very well. We can tell him of his new boat at some point tomorrow. I am sure it would boost his morale greatly.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think his morale needs any boosting. I haven¡¯t heard a word out of his mouth that didn¡¯t sound like it was being performed,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I disagree. I think his spirits can get even higher. This ship is everything to him, after all,¡± Rep said, laying his head down.

    Zalan laid back in his hammock, letting the gentle groans of the ship¡¯s wood lull him to sleep. His eyes grew heavy as he had thoughts of his mother and his own world. He missed her so dearly, it hurt him. He wished to be able to visit her sooner. Being in this realm made him feel so uncertain about the state of his own world. He hoped he wasn¡¯t missing too much.

    With that last wistful thought, Zalan fell asleep with a light frown on his lips.

 120 - Book 3 - Chapter 23 - By One Thousand Cuts

    Rep and Zalan were roused by a rapping at the door the next morning. Rep and Zalan both woke up with a start after a restless night of sleep in a moving bed. Zalan tried to roll out of his mattress before realizing the hammock didn¡¯t work like that. Groggily, Rep pulled himself out of his hammock to get the door. Zalan fought to untangle himself from the ropes of the hammock. He ended up slipping and slamming shoulder first into the deck, kicking him straight to being fully awake.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Rep asked, cracking the door open.

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick said to wake you for breakfast,¡± Rosemary informed them dutifully.

    ¡°Why do you call him by his full name?¡± Zalan asked, rolling his shoulder as he sat up.

    ¡°Because it is his name,¡± Rosemary said sharply as though it was obvious. She did an about face and walked back up the stairs with nothing more to say.

    ¡°She seems kind of sensitive,¡± Zalan noted, standing.

    ¡°Do you think they have any more Poniwhale meat for breakfast?¡± Rep asked excitedly.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m pretty sure he didn¡¯t cut off enough for there to be any more,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Right,¡± Rep said, his head lowered in disappointment.

    They made their way to the upper deck. The sun shone bright on the horizon as it rose, casting its warm rays on the seafarers. Xavier and Enzo were back to moving the ship by means of their Elemental Powers. Rep and Zalan yawned and stretched as they made their way to the captain¡¯s quarters. They were cut off before they could get to the door. Nold was standing in front of them with a peeled orange in hand and his arms crossed.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Nold said testily.

    ¡°Good morning, Nold,¡± Rep replied, trying to move past him. Nold stepped in his way.

    ¡°I tried to get into the owner¡¯s quarters last night. Perhaps have a place to try and soothe my aching limbs and bones after saving all of our lives,¡± Nold said. He raised his eyebrows at the two.

    ¡°Yes, thank you for that,¡± Rep tried to sidestep him again, but was blocked.

    ¡°I was told that I could not enter those quarters without your permission. I am trying my best not to create any tension on this vessel for your sake. So, I would ask that you grant me permission to the owner¡¯s quarters. The crew¡¯s quarters are unnecessarily drab. It is the least a teacher could expect from his students,¡± Nold said.

    Rep looked at Zalan with an annoyed frown. He clearly didn¡¯t want to have to invite him within their quarters. Zalan felt similarly, but was really awkward in confrontations.

    ¡°We can talk about this later, Nold,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Or we can talk about this now,¡± Nold said, more adamant.

    ¡°Later,¡± Zalan said firmly, stepping around Nold.

    Rep followed, pleased to see his friend take his side. Nold watched them with narrow eyes, pursing his lips as they made their way to the captain¡¯s quarters. He ate a slice of his orange and scoffed, shaking his head at Zalan.

    The door to the captain¡¯s quarters was propped open. There was an assortment of citrus fruits on the table that rolled slightly with the movement of the ship. An open buffet for all of the ship¡¯s passengers. Zalan looked over the selection with interest and looked to Rep.

    ¡°Is this to prevent scurvy?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°What is scurvy?¡± Rep asked, double checking to make sure there was no leftover meat.

    ¡°My mom told me about it. It¡¯s a disease.¡±

    ¡°What kind?¡± Rep picked up an orange once he determined there were no leftovers.

    ¡°You know¡­ I have no idea. I just know you get scurvy if you don¡¯t have enough Vitamin C while you¡¯re on a boat,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°What is Vitamin C?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s in oranges and lemons.¡±

    ¡°But what is it?¡±

    Again, Zalan had no idea, but he didn¡¯t want to keep getting called out like this.

    ¡°It¡¯s good for you,¡± Zalan said. ¡°It¡¯s in fruits and keeps you healthy.¡±

    ¡°Oh, excellent,¡± Rep said. Zalan was relieved that the line of questioning stopped there.

    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s voice sprang on them suddenly, startling them both. He was sitting on the hammock above the table in the captain¡¯s quarters.

    ¡°Yeah, I slept fine,¡± Zalan replied, taking a bite of some fruit.

    ¡°Excellent! Magnolia said she saw a pod of monsters circling us overnight. They did not strike, but they definitely picked up our scent. She warned me that they may try and ambush us in the coming days!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said excitedly.

    ¡°Oh¡­ what do we do to prepare for that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am sure we will be fine. She said she did not even see the manner of the creature, it is possible that the creatures are completely innocuous! Besides, the sun is already out. If the creatures wanted to strike us, they definitely would have done so while we were resting,¡± Captain Buttonwillow swung himself out of the hammock and onto the table. He narrowly avoided putting his feet in the bowl of food.

    ¡°Captain! Monsters of the starboard bow!¡± Enzo¡¯s terrified voice called from outside.

    ¡°Or perhaps the monsters waited for us all to wake before striking,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said without missing a beat. He hopped off the table and ran outside to get a look. Rep and Zalan chased closely behind him.

    Zalan and Rep spun around in search of the monsters, but the captain rushed immediately to the front of the boat and looked off to the right. There was activity in the water, an array of white foam and splashes. Zalan could tell that the disturbances were definitely not natural flows of water. It was a ravenous horde of small creatures.

    ¡°Piranhas?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Good guess!¡± the captain said, his eyes on the water. ¡°Piranhas are freshwater fish. These are Slaughterfish!¡±

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    ¡°Oh good, I was worried they would sound intimidating,¡± Rep said sarcastically.

    ¡°Slaughterfish!¡± the captain announced loud enough for all the crew to hear. ¡°Prepare to be boarded!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re going to get on board?¡± Zalan asked, stunned.

    ¡°They will first surround the boat in a circle, then jump at us when they think we do not suspect it. They enjoy operating from all angles. They will leap, take a bit of flesh, then jump back to the sea before they are killed. Each bite will be small, but they are relentless so long as they can smell flesh. They will do immense damage to the crew if given enough time,¡± Captain Buttonwillow explained, climbing up a shroud to get a better vantage point.

    The captain began to fire a beam of ice at the water, freezing the uppermost layer of water. The waves in the sea bumped the newly created ice against the ship and cracked it. The captain frowned to himself.

    ¡°Well it looks as though I cannot create a shield. The sea does not allow it at my Wisdom. Do you have any ideas?¡± the captain asked.

    ¡°Should we get in the lower decks?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, that would sink us. They would chew through the ship so long as they smelled us, and Rosemary could not replenish the lost wood because they would come in through whatever holes they made and make it impossible to get close enough to repair. In a battle of attrition, they would win.¡±

    Several hundred small monsters thudded against the bottom of the ship. The Slaughterfish had arrived. They began circling the vessel with enough force to make a small whirlpool and The Aegeusson began to spin ever-so-slowly in place. The water splashed turbulently, causing the ship to feel like it was experiencing its own isolated earthquake. The Elemental Ice around the ship shattered to tiny pieces in seconds.

    Zalan tried to get a better view of the Slaughterfish. They made the water look like it was boiling with activity. The ones that hopped out looked similar to piranhas to Zalan. It was like a mix of a piranha and angler fish. They had tiny bodies, but huge, bulbous eyes with massive teeth. They wiggled around the ship rapidly, nibbling slightly at the wood as they searched for exact coordinates of its passengers.

    ¡°Well this seems pretty easy now that they¡¯re all here. I can just zap them,¡± Zalan reached out his hand to blast them with lightning. Before he even extended his arm halfway, several tiny fish with teeth as big as their bodies leaped from the water and snapped at his arm. Zalan pulled back, suffering several tiny cuts.

    ¡°Do not reach any limbs over the end of the boat now that we are surrounded,¡± Captain Buttonwillow warned. ¡°How adept is your redirection?¡±

    Zalan frowned as he moved away from the side of the boat. He had never figured out how to redirect his lightning more than a few degrees. He took several steps back and fired lightning, trying to twist it downward. It hit water too far to travel back to the base of the boat. The Slaughterfish were unaffected at the distance.

    ¡°A shame,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°Without your esteemed assistance, this will take a while.¡±

    Using his Elemental Power, he formed a stalactite over the water and sent it hurtling downward. He couldn¡¯t even see whether he killed anything. Zalan screamed in pain and felt something tear in his back. Rep grabbed it off and incinerated it. A Slaughterfish had leapt across the entire ship and got a deep bite in Zalan¡¯s upper back.

    ¡°They jump this far? Nold, do something!¡± Zalan called their mentor.

    ¡°I am! I have already stopped several Slaughterfish from taking bites out of us by dizzying them in the water! But I cannot stop all of them,¡± Nold said urgently.

    Zalan looked around the ship, trying to figure out what they could do. Rosemary had created herself a wooden spear and was skewering any Slaughterfish that tried to leap down to her. She was still riddled with cuts. Enzo was above in the crow¡¯s nest and looked like he had no intention of coming down to help. Magnolia was firing several tiny bullets of sand into the water to little success. Xavier was trying to match Nold in making fish too disoriented to attack with his Elemental Air.

    As Zalan surveyed the scene, he saw that at least five fish were in the air at any time. They often missed, but the ones that hit their targets always drew blood. Zalan zapped one out of the air with his power, only for a second one to appear from behind it and take a nibble from his forearm before leaping away. The cut wasn¡¯t deep, but it was immensely painful. Like the edge of an aluminum can scratched him.

    ¡°Any ideas?¡± Rep asked, spinning in a rapid circle to try and not be caught unaware.

    ¡°Just one. Cover me while I concentrate and I¡¯ll try some sky lightning,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep nodded, fully trusting Zalan and his plan even when Zalan said he didn¡¯t have full control over the ability. He began circling Zalan to protect him. Zalan breathed in deeply, trying to focus on the sky. He needed to summon lightning from above. He reached out with his mind, trying to pull on the muscle he normally used for his Elemental Power. He had summoned lightning from the sky once before, he knew that it was definitely possible. But he hardly intended to do it the first time. It just happened in a moment of feeling trapped and frustrated. But he felt under the same amount of pressure as he did in the tournament. It was either get rid of the monster fish or use the Homeseeker and run back home before they were torn to shreds.

    The pandemonium around him somehow helped him to center himself. No one was putting their hopes on him to save them. They were too busy working out a way to kill the ones that kept biting them. He felt the static building around him, which he knew was a good sign that he was focusing on the right feelings. He strained himself, reaching as high as he could with his power.

    He brushed against something in his mind. He pulled on the sensation with his mind muscle.

    A massive bolt of lightning cracked out of the sky in a blinding light. It crashed into the peak of the crow¡¯s nest, exploding the tip of the mast and terrifying Enzo.

    ¡°What in God¡¯s name was that?¡± he bellowed, looking for another monster that was attacking them.

    Zalan didn¡¯t respond. He had the feeling and didn¡¯t want to let it go. He pushed on the sky, directing the lightning to strike away from the boat. He pulled on the aerial, static-y feeling again. Another momentous stream of electricity slammed down from the sky and impacted the water just next to The Aegeusson. The sky echoed in rumbling thunder as the sounds of the Slaughterfish dissipated immediately as they all died simultaneously. The passengers of The Aegeusson went quiet, not quite believing that they had been saved by the Slaughterfish having succumbed to spontaneous smiting.

    Zalan was lightheaded, feeling like the world was a bit brighter than it should be. He raised his arm and realized he was shining. He looked up to Rep who was beaming at him with pride.

    ¡°Was that you, Zalan?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked, baffled, then saw immediate confirmation. Zalan was glowing a faint white. ¡°Well done!¡±

    Zalan¡¯s body exploded in white light as he gained a Level. The lightheadedness left his body and the few cuts he sustained were healed. To his surprise, the white light on his body didn¡¯t immediately dissipate like it normally did. It grew in intensity. Zalan was affected by another blinding explosion of white light from his body. He blinked a few times, uncertain of why he exploded twice. He looked to Rep for an explanation.

    ¡°I think you gained two Levels at once,¡± Rep said, stunned.

    ¡°I thought you could only gain a single Level per monster,¡± Zalan said, too confused to be pleasantly surprised.

    ¡°Yes, but I think you killed several hundred monsters at once,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan tapped his forefinger to his thumb to summon his stats to confirm.

    LEVEL: 07

    STRENGTH: 07

    WISDOM: 11

    EXPERIENCE: 59

    ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

    Zalan¡¯s confusion turned to a fanatic smile.

    ¡°Two Levels!¡± Zalan exclaimed in excitement. ¡°I just gained two Levels!¡±

    The entirety of the ship cheered for him, excluding Enzo who was still trying to piece together why he was attacked up on the crow¡¯s nest. Even Nold was applauding Zalan after having seen him bring lightning from the sky. The mentor approached with a broad smile.

    ¡°Excellent showing of your power. If these are the results you can attain when I am in the crew¡¯s quarters, then I suppose I should continue resting there after dark,¡± Nold said proudly.

    ¡°Umm, thanks,¡± Zalan said, grateful to be done with that argument.

    ¡°That was as incredible as it was astounding!¡± Captain Buttonwillow clapped Zalan on the back. ¡°I have never seen so many Slaughterfish killed at once. How did you do it?¡±

    ¡°Water conducts electricity. I just needed to get enough lightning in the water for it to hit them all. So, I got Rep to help me call lightning from the sky. I didn¡¯t expect it to work so well,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Water conducts electricity,¡± Captain Buttonwillow repeated, not understanding a word. ¡°Amazing. Astonishing. Dare I say, shocking! This is a cause for celebration! What do we have to celebrate with?¡±

    ¡°Umm,¡± Rep held up an embarrassed hand with a suggestion. ¡°Are Slaughterfish edible?¡±

 121 - Book 3 - Chapter 24 - A Whole Nother Level

    The passengers of The Aegeusson sat around the deck chewing on cooked Slaughterfish, courtesy of Rep¡¯s flames. The crew glanced at Zalan with gratitude in their eyes and smiles on their faces. Zalan felt a little shy under their gazes, especially when each of them were bleeding from several small bites from the defeated Slaughterfish.

    Zalan took a careful bite from his Slaughterfish and chewed slowly. He swallowed glumly. It tasted like processed food again. It was uncanny how much the dead monster tasted like a frozen fish stick that had just been thawed in an oven. Zalan felt like he was the only one that felt displeased by the flavor of the meal. But he couldn¡¯t deny it was filling.

    ¡°Delicious, is it not?¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, bobbing from side to side with glee.

    The crew nodded energetically. Rep shoved another Slaughterfish in his mouth. Zalan gave him a half smile, trying not to damper the mood.

    Zalan stopped eating and excused himself to have more fruits from the captain¡¯s room. Nold followed close behind him.

    ¡°Level Seven, eh? Impressive. Have you tested your newfound power?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Nold, I literally just gained the Levels. It¡¯s been minutes. You know I haven¡¯t tested anything,¡± Zalan replied, rolling his eyes.

    ¡°Would you like to test it?¡±

    Zalan nodded, admittedly eager to see the difference in his power. Nold waited patiently for Zalan to finish an apple, then walked to the port side with his student. Zalan held out his hand and looked to the sea. There was a stream of dead Slaughterfish floating around the boat, drifting aimlessly behind the course of the ship. Zalan blasted lightning into the sea. The lightning was larger than ever. Where before his electricity was about the thickness of a rope, it now looked to be the width of his fist. His Elemental Power could probably be mistaken for real lightning from the sky at the right angle. This was the lightning he expected to start with when he first got the Elemental Power. But seeing it actually emit from his fist was energizing. He was excited by the possibilities.

    ¡°And redirection?¡± Nold asked, watching very carefully.

    Zalan frowned, not wanting to see his weaknesses after seeing such an improvement in strength. But he knew that his Wisdom had grown significantly, which meant he had to have a better grasp over his power. He blasted the lighting and watched it curve downward much more sharply than before. It felt amazing, like he was manipulating a laser pointer. He still couldn¡¯t quite turn something a direct ninety degrees, but he was at least halfway there which was leaps and bounds better than before. He was loving the improvements.

    ¡°A welcome improvement,¡± Nold said. ¡°Try and wiggle it. Send it down and then back up.¡±

    Nold held out his hand and released some Elemental Sand to demonstrate. The sand spun down then up several times like a sine wave before Nold released it into the sea. Zalan nodded, trying to reach this new benchmark. He fired some lightning and forced it to wiggle once before he lost control and it crashed into the water. He tried to make it dance a few more times, but failed to do more than one wave.

    ¡°Can¡¯t really do it,¡± Zalan mumbled.

    ¡°You can! You have the power. You just require a little more practice. A slight wiggle is much better than none at all,¡± Nold assured him.

    Zalan stood a bit straighter, proud of his accomplishment.

    ¡°What¡¯s the purpose of the wiggle, anyway? When do I need to do that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know that it is ever useful. It is simply a good measure of your redirection.¡±

    Zalan nodded, wondering if there was ever a scenario for a bouncing attack.

    ¡°Now then¡­ How would you feel about trying to call lightning from the sky? You could do it occasionally at Level Five. Surely you can do it even easier now,¡± Nold suggested.

    Zalan nodded and focused on the air above him. He felt around for the same sensation he pulled at to kill all the Slaughterfish, but nothing came to him this time. He reached desperately, his face straining as he put more effort in. He couldn¡¯t find it. The static feeling and the sky were fleeting. He knew what he should be feeling for, but had no idea where it was. When he wasn¡¯t under pressure, it was like the power didn¡¯t exist.

    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Zalan lamented, looking to Nold to see his disappointment.

    To Zalan¡¯s surprise, Nold seemed unbothered by the fact. He simply nodded, accepting the information.

    ¡°Then we have more training to do. Remember, that is my end goal as a teacher to my student. I wish to see you master the ability to call lightning from the sky,¡± Nold said. ¡°Perhaps we can gain more Levels on the way and find whatever it is you are missing.¡±

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    Zalan gave Nold a half smile, glad to see support instead of the beratement he was used to seeing from Nold. Nold was a good teacher to Zalan when he wasn¡¯t being too demanding. He knew a lot about different Elemental Powers and seemed genuinely enthused about harnessing Zalan¡¯s power.

    ¡°Hey, Nold,¡± Zalan said as a thought came to mind. ¡°You¡¯ve said that you needed my help with something. My lightning, specifically. Does it happen to do with me being able to call lighting from above?¡±

    Nold smiled a crooked grin.

    ¡°That is exactly what I require from you,¡± Nold nodded. ¡°Try and practice by firing lightning skyward and redirecting it down. Perhaps familiarizing yourself with the sensation will make it easier to recall the larger lightning from above. Any training is good training in this regard.¡±

    Zalan nodded to his teacher. Again, he couldn¡¯t figure out exactly what was going on with Nold. He was aloof at times, pushy at others, and perfectly reasonable on more occasions. Zalan couldn¡¯t figure out a pattern. Sometimes he wanted Zalan to call Elemental Lightning from the sky more than anything else, and now it seemed he could wait a bit longer. The favor he was asking of Zalan seemed to be the most important thing to him until they started going on this journey. He didn¡¯t even help with monsters until it became clear how much of a threat they were to reaching the Island of Remains. Zalan was at a total loss with him. Overall, he felt somewhat trusting of him. But he wasn¡¯t a friend like Rep.

    Lightning from above was definitely a goal of his now. He saw how powerful it was against hundreds of deadly monsters. To be able to call it at will would be a great enhancement to him in this realm. He could hardly imagine a scenario in which it wouldn¡¯t be helpful to call upon lightning from the sky. Even as an intimidation tactic, Zalan imagined it would look really impressive against man and monster alike.

    Zalan walked back to the rest of the crew, reflecting on his time in this realm. As much as he wished to be back in his own world, he found such comfort in his hold over lightning. Even though it was a part of him, he felt constantly amazed by the ability to summon such an incredible element at will. His Elemental Power made him feel like he could overcome anything he came up against. And as much as he knew he probably wasn¡¯t the only person in the world with the power, he never met anyone else with it. It made him feel unique in that way. It gave him gratitude and patience in this realm. He could deal with the trade of being stuck in this realm so long as he had power in return. He could wait to go home, so long as he had this kind of control over his surroundings in this realm.

    ¡°So,¡± Rep said as he approached. ¡°This is the first time you have been at a higher Level than me. How do you feel?¡¯

    ¡°Stronger than you,¡± Zalan smirked, sitting down next to him.

    ¡°If only gaining a Level came with an increase in intelligence.¡±

    ¡°Zalan is plenty intelligent!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said indignantly, coming immediately to his defense. ¡°Look how quickly he dealt with an army of Slaughterfish! No fool could come up with such an effective way to free us from such harm!¡±

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Rep said, then grew a mischievous smile. ¡°But watch what happens when you ask Zalan to recall even the most simple of names. For instance, do you recall the name of Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick¡¯s neighbor at the port? The one that kept heckling our fine captain before we disembarked?¡±

    Zalan gave Rep a look, already feeling embarrassed. The boat creaked in the silence that followed. He dug into his memory trying to bring up the several times that Captain Buttonwillow yelled at the other captain and piece together the name. Captain Buttonwillow leaned forward eagerly, a serious look in his eyes. Rosemary and Enzo were mouthing the name silently for Zalan to put together. Clearly this was a contentious topic to get wrong. Zalan put his memory and the mouth shapes together and cobbled an answer. He was already cringing.

    ¡°Yeah, of course I remember,¡± Zalan said with totally false confidence. ¡°It¡¯s his rival, Captain Luxembourg Winfrey.¡±

    ¡°Rival!?¡± Captain Buttonwillow jumped up so fast his hat covered his eyes. He began pacing as he rambled. ¡°Lexington Winchester is not worthy to be called my rival! He floats in a cobbled together raft and has no loyal crew! He¡­ his Elemental Ice Power is as inferior as it is in-superior to mine!¡±

    ¡°He even has the same Elemental Power as you?¡± Zalan asked, amazed by the similarities that kept popping up between the two. Captain Buttonwillow was too far in his mind to have heard Zalan speak.

    ¡°He should be grateful that people call him Captain at all with his track record! He is nothing without his ship, and even that is already a pathetic waste of wood! Have you seen his vessel and how it oozes envy toward The Aegeusson?¡±

    ¡°Captain!¡± Magnolia said, standing suddenly.

    ¡°And he always feels he needs to get the last word, that sad man!¡± Captain Buttonwillow continued.

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick!¡± Magnolia shouted.

    ¡°At your service!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said automatically, the rest of his rant abated for now.

    ¡°Do you hear that?¡± Magnolia asked seriously.

    The passengers stood silently. Zalan couldn¡¯t hear a thing. But for some reason that sounded wrong to his ears. He felt a sense of dread. He concentrated on his hearing, trying to catch something.

    ¡°I do not hear anything,¡± Rep said, confused. Zalan nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    Zalan realized exactly what sounded so wrong. The boat wasn¡¯t creaking or groaning anymore. It didn¡¯t bob from side to side, nor did light waves patter against the bottom of it. It was totally quiet except for the light sea breeze passing by them. The rest of the crew stood tensely, looking around in horror. Zalan and Rep stood as well to try and get an idea of what was going on.

    As soon as their eyeline rose above the sides of the ship, they gasped. The entire sea was flat. There were no waves of any size for miles around them. It was like the boat floated along a giant pond. Zalan had a sense of vertigo by just how uncanny it looked. The sea was characterized by its movement. Flat water could hardly be called a sea.

    Rep and Zalan noticed that the crew were looking in a particular direction and followed their gaze. A few miles away was a giant creature the size of The Aeguesson standing on the water.

    With massive white eyes and crazed pupils, it was staring directly at The Aegeusson.

 122 - Book 3 - Chapter 25 - Water Wraith

    The oblong creature stared at The Aegeusson with mysterious intent. It was the shape of an upside down vase with a completely black exterior, like a hole on the horizon. Its two bulbous eyes sat on the top half of the curved form and there was nothing on the flat end of the bottom. It simply stood floating on perfectly flat water with its level bottom. To Zalan, it looked like a black ghost with massive white eyes.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Zalan felt the need to whisper. The world was too quiet for regular volumes.

    ¡°A Thalassic Terror,¡± Captain Buttonwillow informed him, a serious tone in his voice.

    It blinked out of existence and reappeared hundreds of feet closer to them. Zalan took a step back in shock. The Thalassic Terror could teleport. A faint sound of deep chimes rang over them, the only noise that came with its absurdly fast movement speed. Zalan swallowed hard.

    ¡°Create a perimeter around Rep and Zalan, keep them safe,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, taking the spot between the Thalassic Terror and Rep and Zalan.

    The others circled around them with varying degrees of fear. Magnolia looked ready for any fight. Rosemary kept throwing her glances between the creature above the water and her captain. Enzo looked absolutely terrified and Xavier tense. Zalan was surprised to see Nold join the perimeter to keep them safe. He stood closest to Zalan, a protective arm out to shield his student.

    The Thalassic Terror warped closer, the deep toll ringing out. It was still several hundred feet away from them, but it watched with such a horrific intensity. Zalan wanted nothing more than for it to warp away. Everything about it made him feel like they shouldn¡¯t be taking it on. The water below it was acting against physics. Its eyes never changed direction from staring at them. Zalan was trembling.

    ¡°How will it attack? How do we fight it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You need to keep as far away from it as you can,¡± Captain Buttonwillow informed him. ¡°It will try to kidnap the two of you and then sink the ship.¡±

    ¡°Kidnap us?¡± Rep repeated.

    ¡°Us, specifically?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said firmly.

    The monster warped closer, the toll clanging louder as it approached. Its wide eyes never once blinked, always scanning the boat. It waited for a few seconds, letting the chime ring out as the perimeter closed tighter around Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°It will try to envelop you in its body,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°You know about these monsters?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Once it has captured you, it will no longer be able to warp. Instead it will try to slip away under the sea, safe from most Elemental attacks,¡± Nold finished.

    Captain Buttonwillow nodded in corroboration.

    ¡°We might be able to keep up with you in the case that you are captured, but it would lead us to more dangerous waters. It would be best to scare it away rather than attempt to apprehend it,¡± the captain said.

    ¡°And how do we do that?¡± Zalan asked urgently.

    The Thalassic Terror teleported even closer. Its eyes hovered somewhere between Rep, Zalan, and Captain Buttonwillow. Zalan felt the ringing sounded like a death toll now. An announcement for what was to come. The creature was only about five hundred feet away now. A few jumps from the ship with its movement speed.

    ¡°When it is right in front of the ship, we must blast it with all the Elemental might we have. Every one of us at full power. But we must strike at exactly the right moment. Too soon and it will easily dodge us by warping away. Too late and we will attack it when someone is trapped within its dark grip. But if we remain focused, a good attack will be enough to ward it off. Be prepared, we will strike soon,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    Zalan felt a little disturbed that Captain Buttonwillow didn¡¯t even imply they would be able to injure it, only scare it away. He wondered if it was something like an Elemental and impossible to kill.

    ¡°But I do not understand why it would choose to kidnap either of the two of us. There are many on the ship,¡± Rep said suddenly. ¡°What do we possess that it requires of us?¡±

    The Thallasic Terror blinked closer. It loomed over them silently, looking down upon the boat, just about a hundred feet away. Its black figure blotted out the sun behind it and cast them in an eerie shade. The gong that came with the teleportation was like a clock tower right over them, loud enough to make the still water below it ripple ever so slightly.

    ¡°Be ready!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said bravely, the passengers all raised their hands tensely. The captain spoke quickly to answer Rep¡¯s question. ¡°It only wishes to kidnap the owners of the ship. No matter the circumstance, it knows precisely who the owners are. There is no hiding them. We do not know how it knows who the owner is, but it captures them in its flesh and leaves the rest. It will be completely disinterested by the rest of us, enough that we can act as a shield for you.¡±

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    Rep and Zalan both widened their eyes in shock.

    ¡°Does it always know who the owner is?¡± Zalan asked quickly.

    ¡°No more time for questions!¡± Captain Buttonwillow snapped. ¡°Crew! Make yourselves look large, cover Rep and Zalan and the Thalassic Terror with struggle to capture them!¡±

    ¡°But Captain! We are not the owners! Zalan and I agreed to give you the ship yesterday! When we were in our quarters!¡± Rep informed him.

    ¡°What?¡±

    With a deafening bell tone, the Thalassic Terror appeared above them. Captain Buttonwillow was too distracted by the revelation. He was struggling to register the fact that he was the new owner of The Aegeusson. Nold, Xavier, and Magnolia were first to act, throwing a combination of fire, sand, and massive winds at the creature. The hits landed, but weren¡¯t enough to deter the beast as it descended upon Captain Buttonwillow. The captain stared upward with a goofy grin. The dark monster looked like it was indeed intending to kidnap him. This was the immediate confirmation that he needed to know he was the true owner of The Aegeusson.

    The rest of the passengers joined together to try and blast the creature, but they were uncoordinated. The ringing from the Thalassic Terror¡¯s internal bell still filled their ears and they couldn¡¯t hear one another¡¯s call for attack. A mix of water, lighting, wind, sand, and fire whirled toward the creature but it popped out of existence, avoiding the most serious strikes. An instant later, it reappeared on deck with another deafening gong. Even more eerie, it didn¡¯t tip the boat in the slightest, hovering weightless just above them.

    The monster swooped down and made contact with the captain. Several small black arms appeared from within its vase-like form. They grabbed Captain Buttonwillow from several points and dragged him toward its body. As soon as the creature touched him, the captain¡¯s smile turned to abject horror.

    ¡°The ship! Protect the ship!¡± the captain screamed as he was pulled inside of the creature.

    Captain Buttonwillow flailed as he tried to break out from its tight grasp. As he was pulled in, he immediately slowed down, like trying to move through wet concrete. The creature was slightly transparent and the captain¡¯s face could still be seen through the monster. But he was totally immobile. He could only look upon his ship and crew before he was dragged away.

    The monster jumped ship with its new victim. It was unsettling to see it move without teleporting. It wiggled like a tadpole as it descended. As it launched off the ship, it held out an arm from within its black void and dragged it across the side of The Aegeusson. Its limb left a massive tear in the side of the hull. The creature sat atop the water, staring at the ship for a few seconds. Zalan ran after the beast and tried to blast lightning to strike it, but was hit with a staff of wood to change his aim. The bolt sailed off to the distance harmlessly.

    ¡°You cannot strike it with your lightning!¡± Rosemary screamed in a panic. ¡°You could kill Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick!¡±

    Magnolia thought quickly and cast a large net of Elemental Sand to capture the monster, holding one end of the net back on the ship. The creature slid under the water and began to swim away, only to be stopped by the net. The Aegeusson was tilting slowly to one end as it took in water from the gash in its side. Captain Buttonwillow stared, trying to communicate something with his eyes alone as Magnolia strained to hold the Thalassic Terror in place. It was pushing powerfully against the sand, breaking through the net one strand at a time. Magnolia groaned with strain.

    ¡°Quick! Repair the boat¡± Enzo said to Rosemary, diving into the water.

    His earlier fears seemed to be placed aside when his captain was fully incapacitated. Using his Elemental Water to swim, he rapidly circled around to the front of the Thalassic Terror. He created a barrier of water to support Magnolia¡¯s Elemental Sand. The Thalassic Terror continued to make progress against both of their efforts.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Zalan asked, feeling useless when he couldn¡¯t use his lightning.

    ¡°Help them!¡± Rosemary begged. She was using her Elemental Plant Power to create misshapen planks of wood to cover the new tear in the ship.

    Rep sighed to himself in frustration and pulled his sword from its sheath and jumped off the boat. Zalan gripped his own sword in its sheath and went to follow. He was tugged hard on the back of his tunic. He gagged on his collar striking his neck as he spun around.

    ¡°Do not go after them. You could die,¡± Nold said urgently, gripping tightly to his clothing.

    In the intensity of the moment, Zalan was surprised Nold cared. There was a time in which Zalan, himself, might have cared for his life over the life of others in this realm, but he had changed in his time here. This place was real now. The people were real and felt fear and pain. They could experience death. He was trying to help heal the realm of damage, not allow it to become worse. Someone was in need. Mom would have encouraged him to do something about it. He pulled against Nold¡¯s tight grasp.

    ¡°Let go, Nold. And why don¡¯t you help us yourself!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I am keeping this ship afloat!¡± Nold said sharply. Zalan noticed his other arm was busy using his Elemental Power. It bulged with veins from its usage. ¡°Listen to me! If you die then this will all have been for nothing!¡±

    Zalan felt like he didn¡¯t have time to argue. He swung his sword at his back where Nold was gripping him. Nold imbued his arm with sand to stop the blade, but Zalan wasn¡¯t aiming for Nold. He cut off the back of his tunic, freeing himself.

    ¡°No! Stay on the ship!¡± Nold demanded both desperately and angrily.

    Zalan ran to the edge of the boat and dove into the water. On his way down, he saw the pandemonium of the battle. Captain Buttonwillow was tracking the scene with his eyes from within the creature. Magnolia¡¯s face had gone red with strain. Enzo looked weaker and the Thalassic Terror was moving easier. It wiggled with more intensity, propelling itself slowly forward against the efforts of the crew. It would be free in seconds.

    Rep and Zalan swimming with their swords in hand were the last line of defense before the monster escaped with their captain.

 123 - Book 3 - Chapter 26 - Making Waves

    Enzo breathed heavily in pain as he tried to maintain the wall of water preventing the Thalassic Terror from pushing forward. Magnolia grit her teeth tightly as she reached her limits. Rep and Zalan swam as fast as they could with one hand, the other occupied with their drawn blades. The Thalassic Terror wiggled ominously as it broke through the net of sand. Enzo screamed in exertion; the last thread of energy before their captain was dragged away.

    ¡°I got it!¡± Rep managed to swim close enough to the monster to attack. He imbued his blade with searing hot flames then stabbed it into the creature.

    The Thalassic Terror twitched in pain and redoubled its efforts to break through the water wall. Zalan finally caught up and drove his own sword into the creature with all his might. The creature flinched with enough force to throw Rep away from it. Zalan was still gripping tightly to his hilt. He tried to pull it out to stab the monster again, but found his sword was stuck. The Thalassic Terror was absorbing the blade into itself. Zalan pulled hard against it, his grip tight.

    It shook violently and broke through Enzo¡¯s wall of Elemental Water. It bashed Enzo to the side, sending him flying into the air and crashing back down into the water. The monster darted forward, swimming freely into the open sea. Zalan was dragged along, gripping onto what little of his hilt still stuck out. The sword was still being absorbed, along with Rep¡¯s next to his. Zalan panicked and thought quickly.

    ¡°Sorry, captain!¡± Zalan screamed, sending a bolt of electricity through the blade and into the monster.

    Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s eyes went wide with pain. The Thalassic Terror flinched wildly and bucked. Zalan flew high into the air, shouting in frustration. He tried to aim another bolt of lightning at the monster, but he couldn¡¯t tell up from down.  Xavier reached out with his Elemental Air and granted him a gentle fall back onto the deck.

    ¡°Quickly!¡± Rosemary screamed, filling the holes of the ship. ¡°We must go after them!¡±

    ¡°No we do not,¡± Nold said. ¡°They are headed for open water. You heard McKittrick, it is more dangerous out there!¡±

    ¡°But he¡¯s trapped in that thing!¡± Zalan said immediately. ¡°He¡¯s gonna die!¡±

    ¡°We cannot abandon him!¡± Rosemary added, frantically creating another piece of wood to hammer into place.

    ¡°He has been taken by a massive creature. Be grateful it was just one of us who was lost!¡± Nold said.

    ¡°They are making a great distance!¡± Xavier announced, climbing the shroud to keep an eye on the Thalassic Terror as it swam away. It moved like a speedboat under the water.

    ¡°We can still catch up! Use your wind and water!¡± Rosemary ordered Enzo and Xavier.

    Enzo was floating in the water, breathing heavily after having pushed himself to his limits two days in a row. Xavier halfheartedly began casting his Elemental Air to turn the ship in the direction of the fleeing monster. It was easy to do, as the sea water was still in its eerily calm state. Rosemary stared in terror and disbelief as the distance became even larger between them.

    ¡°Enzo, get back on the ship! We need to move!¡± Rosemary demanded. ¡°And bring Rep with you.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps Nold is right,¡± Enzo rolled over in the water, sounding nervous. ¡°I cannot imagine catching up and saving our captain. And imagine the monsters we will see on that end of the sea.¡±

    ¡°Now is not the time Enzo!¡± Rosemary said. ¡°Your fears of the sea need to be ignored while Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick is in danger!¡±

    ¡°This is exactly why I fear the sea!¡± Enzo exclaimed. ¡°Look what lurks in the waters!¡±

    Zalan looked at him in shock. He didn¡¯t realize that Enzo was afraid of the open sea until that point. The mention of this being his fathers¡¯ dream was a lot more clear to him. Enzo was here more out of obligation than of any want to be here.

    Rosemary whipped her face between her fellow crew members, enraged at their defeatist attitudes. She broke the piece of wood she held in half in frustration.

    ¡°We can see the captain in our view and you just want to give up? Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick would never leave us behind, and you know it! What makes you so comfortable to treat him worse than he would ever treat you?¡± she demanded of the ship.

    None of her fellow crewmates responded to her, instead looking down in shame. Xavier stopped turning the ship that was now pointed toward the escaping creature. The Thalassic Terror swam further. Nold scoffed, feeling as though he had succeeded in keeping them focused on the Island of Remains. He spun up Elemental Water from the sea and brought both Enzo and Rep back to the deck.

    ¡°He was a good man, that McKittrick,¡± Nold said to the fading monster. He was trying to sound like he was delivering a eulogy, but couldn¡¯t help but come off as flippant. ¡°He got us through many miles of water safely. A good captain. Now, let us be on our way. The greatest insult to his memory would be not to complete the journey he started us on.¡±

    ¡°He is not dead!¡± Rosemary said, looking as though she had snapped. She dug for something in her pocket.

    ¡°Certainly,¡± Nold agreed, once again trying and failing to sound truly genuine. ¡°And he never will die so long as we retain him in our memories. I know I will. He gave us the means to make it to the island. His sacrifice will not be in vain¡­ What is that?¡±

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Is that an Artifact?¡± Rep asked, looking interested.

    Rosemary held a blue medallion tightly into her hand, the end shaped like a crescent moon. Her hand shook with adrenaline and rage. Her face was inscrutable, a series of ideas running through her head.

    ¡°Rosemary, we need to save that in case we see Leviathans,¡± Enzo told her, fear in his voice.

    ¡°Saving Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick is the most important thing right now,¡± Rosemary said firmly.

    ¡°What kind of Artifact is it? What does it do?¡± Nold demanded, taking a menacing step toward her.

    ¡°That looks to be a Wavebinder,¡± Rep said, peering at it.

    ¡°Give it to me,¡± Nold said, holding his hand out as he approached Rosemary.

    ¡°Stay away from me!¡± Rosemary screamed, taking several steps back toward the boat¡¯s stern.

    ¡°Do not do anything rash! Give me the Artifact!¡± Nold ordered her.

    ¡°Nold, calm down!¡± Zalan said, looking between the two of them.

    ¡°Rosemary, put down the Artifact! It is dangerous!¡± Enzo pleaded.

    Nold continued stepping toward Rosemary. Her back was to the wall next to the captain¡¯s quarters. She held the Wavebinder as close to herself as she could.

    ¡°Nold, do not touch any members of this ship,¡± Magnolia warned, moving to try and get between the two. Nold shook his head at Magnolia, trying to look approachable.

    ¡°I just want the Artifact. Nothing more,¡± Nold held out his hand expectantly.

    ¡°Stay back or I will use it!¡± Rosemary shrieked.

    ¡°Rep, what does that Artifact do?¡± Zalan asked urgently.

    ¡°I have never seen one in person before. I believe it can make waves,¡± Rep said, recalling what he¡¯d studied before.

    ¡°Massive waves!¡± Enzo interjected. ¡°Taller than the boat! If we are hit with one, it would take everything not to be overturned.¡±

    ¡°Give it to me!¡± Nold was right in front of Rosemary now, malevolent intent in his voice.

    ¡°No!¡± Rosemary bellowed.

    ¡°Now!¡± Nold moved to snatch it from her hand.

    Rosemary reacted immediately. She threw the Artifact as hard as she could above her. It sailed in an arc above the ship, all the passengers watching with wide eyes. It went clean over the back of The Aegeusson and landed in the water with a faint plop.

    ¡°There,¡± Nold said derisively. ¡°Are you satisfied? Now neither of us can use it.¡±

    Magnolia, Enzo, Xavier, and Rosemary all immediately gripped tightly to a piece of the boat. Zalan looked at them with concern, wondering why they were bracing themselves.

    ¡°Grab hold of something!¡± Enzo screamed, manic. ¡°Nold, help me keep the ship afloat.¡±

    ¡°Why, are we under attack?¡± Nold turned around.

    Rosemary smirked. The Aeguesson violently pitched forward at a thirty degree angle, forcefully throwing Nold, Rep, and Zalan face first into the deck. The ship yawned loudly as several pieces strained under the force of the massive wave that manifested beneath it. The ship continued to tilt forward as the water swelled under it. It picked up insane speed, pelting all the passengers with a torrent of racing air.

    Rep and Zalan scrambled up the deck, their feet slipping as they got to the nearest mast to hold onto it. They gripped with as much strength as they could.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Zalan screamed.

    ¡°The Wavebinder must be activated by being submerged underwater!¡± Rep yelled back. ¡°This is the power of the Artifact!¡±

    The ship was now at a fifty degree angle, and the wave could be seen tall behind them. Zalan and Rep stared with wide eyes. Zalan wanted to activate the Homeseeker immediately, but to go into his pocket meant to let go of the mast with one arm. He could fall off the boat. He gripped even more tightly, fearing being separated from the deck in the middle of this massive wave.

    Nold stood himself upright by creating a platform of sand under him to keep him balanced. He glared at Rosemary for a second, his nostrils flared in rage, then looked up at the towering wave. He took one glance at it, then shot a look of fear for Zalan. He held up his arms, using his Elemental Water ability to try and break the impact of the incoming water.

    ¡°Someone help me!¡± Nold commanded.

    Enzo screamed, the exertion too much for him. He couldn¡¯t hang on the side of the ship and use his Elemental Water simultaneously. He was totally spent. Xavier threw as much wind as he could at the towering wave curling over them, trying to create a hole so its crash landing would miss the ship. He was mostly unsuccessful, barely able to create a hole. Magnolia supported Nold by helping bolster the platform of sand under him. But Nold was alone in defending against the torrent of water that was now descending upon them.

    Rep closed his eyes and ducked his head, bracing for impact. Zalan looked upon the wave. He really hoped this thing wouldn¡¯t kill him. He could take being severely injured. At least then he would have a chance to gather all the crew and use the Homeseeker.

    The killer wave bore down on them. Miraculously, a blade of air came from the deck and sliced the largest piece of the wave down. The reduced wave came down, colliding with the ship. The top of the mast Rep and Zalan were clinging to snapped off. The ship was showered in a deluge of water, covering all the occupants of the ship. Zalan and Rep shook vigorously as the wave attempted to throw them off. Nold roared in triumph as he threw the water around the ship to an angle that kept them upright. Thanks to his power and concentration, they would not flip over. They were now riding the wave, surfing toward the black blot of the Thalassic Terror in the distance.

    The ship was still jittering aggressively and all the crew had to hang on for dear life. Zalan bumped into the mast for the dozenth time and gasped as he felt something escape his pocket. At first he thought he lost all of his money, then realized it was much worse.

    ¡°No!¡± he screamed loudly. He almost reached a hand out, but another bump of the wave made him grip tighter to the broken mast.

    Rep opened his eyes to make sure Zalan was okay. He witnessed the Homeseeker in freefall over the tilted ship. It bounced once on the bow, then fell into the water. Rep and Zalan looked at one another, their bodies shaking as the ship continued to zoom toward the massive monster. No matter what happened, they couldn¡¯t take the Homeseeker as an easy way out. The Aegeusson was the only safe spot for them on the water, and it was torpedoing forward on the back of a massive wave.

    They were stranded at sea.

 124 - Book 3 - Chapter 27 - O Captain, My Captain

    The Aegeusson rode the massive wave summoned by the Wavebinder. It flew through the sea, going faster than any boat Zalan had been on before. They were on a direct course for the Thalassic Terror holding Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick. As the wave decreased in intensity, the ship was finally allowed to level out, giving the crew enough confidence to let go of the pieces of the ship they were hanging on to. They stood with wobbling knees and one arm on something to keep balance.

    ¡°Was that the Homeseeker that fell out of the boat just now?¡± Rep asked loudly, the rushing wind making it difficult to hear.

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re stuck out here!¡±

    ¡°Then we had better be extra careful with our ship!¡±

    ¡°It is working!¡± Rosemary declared. ¡°We will be upon the monster in moments. Be prepared to strike!¡±

    ¡°Are you insane?¡± Nold said. ¡°You wish to provoke the monster again? You barely did enough to repair the ship last time! What if it sinks us this time?¡±

    Rosemary ignored him, knowing not even Nold could stop the path the wave took them on. Using her Elemental Plant Power, she created a few rudimentary pointed weapons and tossed them to Zalan and Rep to replace their lost swords. Magnolia began to create several sand bullets to fire at the monster. They would be upon the creature in seconds.

    ¡°The water is too high! We are going to fly over the monster!¡± Enzo pointed out.

    The Thalassic Terror was still swimming underwater. It could dodge the ship entirely by letting it soar overhead. The wave would pass over harmlessly.

    ¡°That should be fine! It does not appear to be changing direction. We can get in its way ahead and it will have to confront us. We can ambush it with all of our powers this time. We will have one more chance!¡± Rosemary said.

    The Thalassic Terror¡¯s eyes swiveled from the front to the back of its head, witnessing the chaotic wave approach it. It jittered, startled at the sight. The Thalassic Terror hated waves in the sea. It let out a low gong.

    With a burp of mist, the wave that The Aeguesson surfed on disappeared from under them. Zalan stared in confusion, suddenly feeling his stomach go up toward his throat. In a moment of dread, all the passengers¡¯ feet rose from the ground. They were in free fall, descending directly toward the monster.

    ¡°Brace!¡± Rosemary screamed.

    Zalan and Rep wrapped themselves around the mast in the second they had to spare. The Aegeusson tilted forward, barrelling towards the monster. The bowsprit exploded into a thousand pieces and the bow cracked into the Thalassic Terror. The Aegeusson hit the monster at full speed, destroying the hull at the bow.

    The force was too much for Zalan, and he found himself flying off the deck. As he flailed around in the air, he saw Rep soaring next to him with a determined expression on his face. He was also flung off the boat. Holding on to the weapon that Rosemary crafted for him, Rep looked ready to stab into the Thalassic Terror. Zalan didn¡¯t have much time to match Rep. Zalan fumbled with his weapon to do the same.

    With all their Strength, the two friends plunged their wooden spears into the monster¡¯s back. They stood on it, kicking at it with their feet to try and kill it. Three bullets of dense sand shot through the monster. Magnolia wanted to target its eyes with her shots, but couldn¡¯t get a clear shot with Rep and Zalan on its back. With her reduced vision, she wanted to make sure every attack was far enough from her captain while still dealing damage to his captor. The Thalassic Terror writhed in pain at the bullets passing through it, clearly having taken serious damage.

    With a lurch, the Thalassic Terror spun Rep and Zalan off its body. They crashed hard into the water. Zalan quickly spun around, trying to get back to swimming toward the monster. Then, the surface of the Thalassic Terror¡¯s body began to ripple with black bubbles. With a strange underwater hunch, it regurgitated a passed-out Captain Buttonwillow, spitting him out into the water. It stared at him with its large eyes for a second as he drifted unconscious in the water.

    Free from its mortal prey, the Thalassic Terror was free to teleport around again. Without hesitation, it disappeared from the immediate view, a low gong indicating that it had warped hundreds of feet away. The sea began to bob a little, free to create waves once more. Zalan stared at it, astounded to see they had succeeded in freeing the captain. He was almost excited until he heard the panic in Rosemary¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Bring him up! Hurry! Now!¡± Rosemary demanded, pointing to Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s limp body floating atop the water.

    Rep and Zalan swam to the captain as fast as they could. They put all their effort into keeping Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s head above water. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if he was breathing. Enzo tried to bring Captain Buttonwillow to the surface of the deck, spinning the water around him with his Elemental Power, but didn¡¯t have enough energy to bring the water to the deck of the ship. He collapsed from the effort, gripping his forearms in frustration.

    ¡°Nold!¡± Rosemary pleaded. ¡°We need you!¡±

    ¡°Fine, just be sure not to let the ship sink,¡± Nold said, rolling his eyes.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    With a spin of his hands Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s body began to ascend in a mix of water and sand. Zalan felt so much force from the two Elements, he was surprised to feel a breeze pass his face as well, spinning up with the other two powers. He stared at the captain as he was placed gently back on the ship. Zalan and Rep waited expectantly for Nold to bring them aboard as well. He kicked a rope over the side of the ship and walked off.

    ¡°I never get that guy,¡± Zalan said, taking hold of the rope.

    ¡°I believe he is tired. He has never shown us his failing at something with his Elemental Power like Enzo just did. I believe it is a point of pride to always look like he is in control,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan scoffed as he considered the idea. Nold had almost single-handedly ensured that the ship didn¡¯t flip over when the monster wave appeared. But apparently, his pride was too fragile to look tired after that impressive feat. Zalan began to climb the rope, Rep close behind. The low gongs of the Thalassic Terror teleporting filled the space behind them, announcing the monster¡¯s flight from the scene.

    As they pulled themselves to the deck, Rep and Zalan saw Captain Buttonwillow lying flat on the deck. He was inert, and the rest of the crew gathered around him, Nold included.

    ¡°Is he dead?¡± Magnolia asked.

    ¡°Do not say such things!¡± Rosemary snapped.

    Enzo felt at the man¡¯s neck and placed his ear close to Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s mouth. He leaned over him for several seconds. He sat up, looking deeply concerned.

    ¡°He is alive, but only barely. He needs a shock to his senses,¡± Enzo said.

    The crew looked to Zalan. Zalan held up his hands.

    ¡°That guy is soaking wet. The lightning would be supercharged. I would probably kill him before doing him any good,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What if he was dry?¡± Rosemary asked.

    ¡°Yeah, maybe,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    With a nod from Rosemary, Enzo began using his Elemental Water to dry and pull water off his captain. He wasn¡¯t good at picking up fine details of water like drops on skin or damp clothes and barely made any progress. The Thalassic Terror chimed, faint in the distance.

    ¡°Xavier, help me with him,¡± Enzo said, beckoning him to assist in the drying efforts.

    Xavier nodded gravely and stepped over to Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s body. He let out only a small burst of air before he took a closer look at the captain. He tilted his head to one side in thought.

    ¡°I think he is better off than he looks. I know what kind of shock his mind requires,¡± Xavier suggested.

    He looked to his fellow crewmates and placed a finger on his lips. They gazed at him quizzically.

    ¡°Without our captain, I suppose we have no choice but to join Captain Lexington Winchester on The Abuacamas,¡± Xavier said loudly, as though addressing the ship.

    Rosemary¡¯s eyes went wide, looking as though she had a rebuttal. Magnolia placed a light hand over her mouth and pointed to the captain. Captain Buttonwillow coughed. He continued a raucous coughing fit on the floor for several moments then half opened one eye.

    ¡°Lexington Winchester,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said through grit teeth. ¡°That scoundrel¡­ he is not¡­ stealing my crew.¡±

    The crew began to smile. Captain Buttonwillow was sapped of all strength, but alive. The crew hopped to their feet and cheered loudly, Magnolia included. Rep and Zalan smiled at the scene, glad to see the captain come around. Captain Buttonwillow used what little energy he had to wave Rosemary down and whisper an order into her ear.

    ¡°On it, Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick,¡± she saluted him and rushed to the bow.

    Rosemary began to create new boards using her Elemental Plant Power to restore the obliterated bowsprit. Rep and Zalan looked out to the horizon where the Thalassic Terror was only a speck now.

    ¡°That has to be the worst thing I have ever gone up against after the Elemental Dragon,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯d still take that thing over another showdown with the Mind of Madness,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That thing may as well be the Mind of Madness of the sea,¡± Rep noted.

    ¡°Hey, we still beat it, right?¡±

    ¡°A living monster is not a defeated monster.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I guess. Hey, what happens if it dies from its wounds?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Would we still get the Experience from it?¡±

    ¡°Most certainly,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°What if that happens like¡­ a few months from now? Would we still get Experience because we did damage that caused it to die? Or like, what if another ship ends up killing it thanks to the wounds it suffered when it went up against us?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep pondered over the question.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Rep shrugged. ¡°There may be a limit to how long you can go before you do not earn Experience. I have never heard of such a limit in practice. Few monsters die when not in the presence of those that killed them. They are not normally known to flee.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Zalan acknowledged thoughtfully. Another question came to mind. ¡°Do you think Junill is gonna get mad that I lost another of her swords?¡±

    ¡°Dear God, I forgot about that,¡± Rep buried his face in his hands. ¡°I lost my blade as well! How does this happen every time we leave Oriton? I hate to have to appease her every time we see her.¡±

    ¡°We could always go to another swordsmith,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°No,¡± Rep said, pulling his hands away from his face in thought. ¡°I do not wish to pursue another.¡±

    Zalan thought he had an interesting look on his face, but shrugged it off. He looked to Rosemary who was pushing herself to her limit in continuing to create planks of wood.

    ¡°Hey, Rosemary,¡± Zalan called. ¡°What happens now? We don¡¯t have a mast and have no idea where we are.¡±

    ¡°We will soon know where we are,¡± Rosemary said, pointing upward.

    Rep and Zalan looked up at the clear blue sky. They didn¡¯t see anything. They looked back down at her, waiting for further explanation.

    ¡°Not now,¡± Rosemary chuckled. ¡°We can easily navigate by the stars.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Right,¡± Zalan said, nodding in confusion. Did naval navigation work the same in this realm? He suddenly wished he knew anything about constellations. He wanted to compare the stars of his world with the ones of the realm.

    ¡°And how will we travel with no mast and sail?¡± Rep asked, more worried than curious.

    ¡°Give me several hours and I will make a new one. I am adept at making flax fiber,¡± Rosemary said.

    ¡°That is good to hear.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s flax fiber?¡± Zalan mentioned quietly to Rep.

    ¡°I have not the slightest idea, but I suppose we will know in a few hours whether we are stranded out here or not.¡± Rep shrugged.

 125 - Book 3 - Chapter 28 - Night

    For the next few hours, all of the crew rested save for Rosemary who diligently worked on rebuilding the ship. Once she had the bowsprit in place, the boat was far more balanced and bobbed happily once more with the sea. Rosemary then went to the task of painstakingly creating an entire mast on her own. The longer the timber grew from her, the more Zalan grew to appreciate the utility of the Elemental Plant Power. It really seemed like they could build anything they imagined.

    Rosemary often needed to take a break and could only create one or two things in a half hour time span. She was constantly breathing hard and drenched in sweat.

    ¡°Rosemary, it may suit you to save your strength,¡± Enzo said, looking over her with worry. ¡°We could be attacked by another monster while you are too tired to repair the damage they deliver.¡±

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick would never strive for anything less than absolute diligence with all the energy within him,¡± Rosemary replied.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Enzo said with some skepticism, ¡°but you are not Captain Buttonwillow.¡±

    ¡°Do not remind me of my faults,¡± Rosemary snapped.

    Enzo backed off, a mix of concern and confusion on his face. He turned to Captain Buttonwillow for advice. The captain was resting against the door to his private quarters, fading in and out of sleep. He was exhausted by the day¡¯s events, but refused to be carried to bed while the ship was still in need of repairs.

    As the day turned to night, the deck was piled with several pieces of thick timber to be bound together and hoisted once the sail was created. Without prompting, Nold began working on putting the pieces of the mast together. Rep and Zalan watched him closely. They didn¡¯t want to offer to help him and he didn¡¯t look like he expected anyone¡¯s help.

    ¡°I suspect he is eager to get moving,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You think I should suggest that we go back to Oriton now that the Homeseeker is lost in the sea? If the ship goes down, we¡¯re going with it,¡± Zalan mentioned.

    ¡°I will support you either way. To go home is likely the safer option. On the other hand, plenty of adventurers go on grand journeys without the assistance of a Homeseeker.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good to consider,¡± Zalan said, feeling a bit better.

    ¡°Of course¡­ Many adventurers never come back home alive,¡± Rep added.

    ¡°Right¡­¡±

    Zalan considered his options. The more he thought about it, the more he convinced himself it wasn¡¯t a good idea to turn back home. What would he be looking for back home? Another Homeseeker? There was no guarantee he would find another one. And the last one he got was at the feet of an Elemental Dragon. He wasn¡¯t sure he would survive taking on another set of massive monsters to get a rare Artifact. If he failed to find another Homeseeker, he would just find himself back in this same situation. On a boat with a crew at sea. And he wasn¡¯t even guaranteed to get another ship out to sea now that they¡¯d given over ownership to Captain Buttonwillow. Unless maybe Zalan asked Ma for another vessel. He didn¡¯t want to risk another audience with her.

    ¡°I think we should stay out at sea,¡± Zalan decided. ¡°The Island of Remains feels like it¡¯s closer to us than Oriton.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°We had best keep this ship afloat, or we will have no means of getting back home after challenging another Monster of the Mindscape.¡±

    ¡°I forgot we needed it for the way back too. Not our best timing on doing the giveaway. We definitely jumped the gun on granting Captain Buttonwillow the ship,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Jumped the gun?¡± Rep repeated the phrase, confused.

    ¡°We did it too soon.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Indeed. The gun was jumped.¡±

    Rep and Zalan looked up at the evening sky. The stars were bright, unhindered by any amount of light pollution. Zalan stared at the moon, scrutinizing it. He wished he knew more about his own moon. He looked at it thousands of times in his life, but still couldn¡¯t tell if the moon he was looking at was the same as the one back in his world. Zalan noticed Enzo staring up at the stars like them and made his way over with Rep at his side.

    ¡°Can you read the stars to tell us where we are?¡± Zalan asked him.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Enzo sighed, sounding disappointed.

    Zalan looked at Rep. Rep shrugged, not knowing what was on Enzo¡¯s mind. Zalan cleared his throat and asked a question quietly.

    ¡°Is it true you¡¯re afraid of the sea?¡± Zalan asked.

    Enzo looked at him sidelong, then sighed and closed his eyes in frustration.

    ¡°Open waters are too mysterious. My father was the one who adored the discoveries to be made, but I find that each creature is worse than the last. We have almost lost this ship over a dozen times on several journeys.¡±

    ¡°Forgive me for asking, but why do you still travel by sea if it does not please you?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°My father is rather¡­ immobile. He lost function of his arms and his legs are old and withered. Every time I go home, I tell him of my most recent tale. And¡­ every time I tell him a new tale, his face lights up like he is a young man once more. I know for certain he lives vicariously through my stories at sea. My mother does what she can to care for him, but he excitedly waits for my next visit. And I do not wish to deprive him of that. As much as it pains me to be here. He will be very excited to learn what a Thalassic Terror looks like up close.¡±

    A slight smile appeared on Enzo¡¯s face as he imagined the scene. The smile grew to a low chuckle and he shook his head to himself. It was clear to Zalan that the love for his father was far greater than his fear of the sea. Zalan felt ambivalent. He felt bad for Enzo having to live in a constant state of stress, but Enzo clearly enjoyed some part of it. It kept him close to his family.

    ¡°Have you ever told your father that you do not enjoy your time out here?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I told him once, before I gained my Elemental Water Power. And I could see how it broke his heart to hear me say such a thing. But then I lied to him after I gained the power and told him that the power over water was all I needed to get over my fears,¡± Enzo replied.

    ¡°Could you not simply tell him that you go on fantastic journeys without actually going on them?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, that would be far worse. It is one thing for him to believe I do not like my time at sea. He could live with that idea, for he does not believe a man has to love his job to provide for his family. He only needs to have a job. But if I were to tell him made up stories, I would know that every single smile I saw was not one I earned. Every follow up question would net me in a web of lies. And, truth be told, I like to talk about my experiences. I only do not like being part of them. He loves to know everything about me. What I did and how I fared against each creature and every tribulation of the seas. He respects me so much, and I love him for it,¡± Enzo said, looking embarrassed at having said so.

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    ¡°You are a good son,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan found Enzo¡¯s relationship with his father complex. He couldn¡¯t think of anything that his mother had forced him to feel was necessary like that. She had been so supportive when he decided to major in physics, despite being told by his uncle that there were no jobs in that field. And when he later decided to take a minor in Computer Sciences, she said that he could take all the time he needed to complete his schooling. He came from a very different home than Enzo. Yet, they both loved their parents. Zalan wished he could see his mother right then to thank her for all she did for him. The thought sent a bittersweet pang through his heart.

    Enzo looked like he wanted to be left alone with his thoughts, and Rep steered Zalan away from the conversation. Zalan noticed that Magnolia was holding one hand up to the stars a few steps away from them. She didn¡¯t look zoned out like Enzo did earlier, she looked like she was trying to navigate. He nudged Rep to help him notice, and they made their way over to her.

    ¡°Can you tell where we are?¡± Zalan asked her.

    ¡°If we want to go back to Oriton, it is that way. Otherwise, the Island of Remains is in that direction,¡± she pointed in two opposite ways.

    ¡°You can tell all that from the stars?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Indeed. The stars are the best way to navigate the sea. A clear night is better than a clear day to know where we are,¡± Magnolia said. ¡°In fact, I even know that we are in dangerous waters.¡±

    ¡°What does ¡®dangerous waters¡¯ mean for us?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Run-ins with the Thalassic Terror and Leviathans.¡±

    ¡°Is there just one Thalassic Terror?¡±

    ¡°That we know of.¡±

    ¡°Should we get back to the safe part of the sea and then continue our trek?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°That would be up to our captain,¡± Magnolia said. ¡°But it would be a large expenditure of Enzo and Xavier¡¯s energies to simply put us on a different part of the sea. We would not make much progress to either destination. Not that I care either way.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not really part of this crew, are you?¡± Zalan asked.

    Magnolia raised an eyebrow and looked at him.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem as¡­ Invested? Like, it seems like you hear the captain and don¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Worship his every move?¡± Magnolia asked, amused.

    ¡°You do not revere him the same,¡± Rep corrected politely.

    ¡°Perhaps it is because I have not been in his company for very long. I am newly hired help,¡± Magnolia offered in explanation. ¡°Or perhaps I do not have the personality that is required to become a close member of the crew. I am not Enzo, who seeks his approval so that he may continue to travel by sea despite his disgust toward it. I am not Xavier, who I believe once had his life saved by the captain. And I am not Rosemary who is madly in love with the captain.¡± Magnolia sized them up.

    ¡°Yeah, that last one was pretty obvious at dinner,¡± Zalan said, smiling.

    ¡°Oh¡­ yes, indeed,¡± Rep said, only then piecing together several interactions between Rosemary and Captain Buttonwillow.

    ¡°I admit, he is growing on me,¡± Magnolia said. ¡°I had heard of Buttonwillow¡¯s eccentric reputation, but I did not expect it to be understated. All I seek is to be paid for my service.¡±

    ¡°That sounds reasonable. An occupation is not all faculties of one¡¯s life,¡± Rep nodded to Zalan¡¯s surprise.

    Zalan felt weird about it. He thought that the people traveling together should form some sort of rapport. Like he had with Gorb, Yelsa and Fran. He even felt like he had some connection with Nold, of all people. But Magnolia was totally disinterested. And Rep encouraged that behavior.

    ¡°What is it you seek in the Island of Remains, anyway?¡± Magnolia asked. ¡°You do not seem the usual type.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re looking for someone as part of a quest given to us by Madam Hikma. What¡¯s the usual type?¡± Zalan asked, interested.

    ¡°Pirates and looters, mostly. They go in search of the treasures that can be found ashore. Or adventurers in search of a windfall of fortune. The island¡¯s reputation precedes it, but I have never escorted someone that successfully did a round trip before.¡±

    ¡°People want to stay on the island?¡± Zalan asked, confused.

    ¡°They stay on the island whether they wish to or not,¡± Magnolia corrected.

    Rep shuddered as Zalan took a moment to swallow the information. A lot of people died on that island.

    ¡°Any way we can avoid joining them?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Do not engage with any of the pirates on the island unless you have nowhere else to go. And even then, expect to be taken as their prisoner. And try not to let a Leviathan destroy your ship while you go ashore,¡± Magnolia shrugged, not having succinct advice on the subject.

    Rep nodded, appreciating what little she could impart. Magnolia looked like she was warming up to them, the cold exterior of fulfilling tasks of a job fading slightly.

    ¡°Guests and crew! Come to me, I wish to address you all!¡± Captain Buttonwillow called.

    Magnolia rolled her eyes and made her way, Rep and Zalan along with her. Captain Buttonwillow was sitting his back on the closed door to the captain¡¯s quarter, a faint smile on his face. He was barely visible in the darkness, illuminated only by the rays of the crescent moon above them. He looked between them pleasantly, waiting patiently for everyone to stand in front of him. He craned his neck to try and get a look at Nold. Nold was too focused on beating timber together, not interested in Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s words.

    ¡°Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my vessel, The Aegeusson. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Rep and Zalan, who have granted me¡­¡± Captain Buttonwillow suddenly choked up, his expression breaking for a split second. He quickly regained his composure and bravado. ¡°They have done me a great honor. I wanted to make it clear that despite my injuries, I intend to take them all the way to the Island of Remains. If that still would please them.¡±

    Seeing Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s gratitude made Zalan feel like he made the right call in giving him the ship. He didn¡¯t care about the vessel nearly as much as the captain did.

    ¡°Yeah, a trip to and from the island would still be much appreciated,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Excellent choice,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. The speed at which he replied made it sound like he was going to say ¡°Excellent choice¡± no matter what the choice ended up being. ¡°We will depart first thing in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Why not sooner?¡± Nold called over the mast he was working to repair.

    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, offended.

    ¡°I can rebuild this rather quickly. Can we get moving sooner than daybreak?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°We are in need of rest,¡± Captain Buttonwillow spoke for the crew.

    ¡°Maybe you are, but the rest of us are doing fine,¡± Nold also tried to speak for the crew.

    ¡°Nold,¡± Zalan said, annoyed.

    ¡°What? Do you wish to delay your quest to the island? What reason is there to wait hours more?¡± Nold said eagerly.

    ¡°We¡¯re all tired!¡± Zalan said. ¡°We all barely survived a tsunami and a Thalassic Terror. Let¡¯s just have one night off, all right?¡±

    Nold pursed his lips in thought. He looked at the mast he was beating together, then back to the crew.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Nold grumbled, disappointed.

    ¡°What is a tsunami?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°It must be one of those names for a group of creatures,¡± Captain Buttonwillow answered. ¡°Like a murder of crows. A tsunami of Slaughterfish!¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just a really big wave. I was being hyperbolic,¡± Zalan explained.

    The crew looked at him with mild amusement.

    ¡°Hyperbolic?¡± Xavier said, scratching his head.

    ¡°Zalan wishes to explain the first made-up word with a second word he made up,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, smirking.

    ¡°All right, yeah, good night,¡± Zalan said, escaping the deck before he grew more embarrassed by their stares.

 126 - Book 3 - Chapter 29 - Peas of a Pod

    As promised, Captain Buttonwillow directed Enzo and Xavier to steer the ship at the break of dawn the next morning. Nold had worked through the entire night and went below deck to get sleep after they got moving. Rep and Zalan were awoken by the slight jolt of the moving ship. They made their way to the upper deck.

    Captain Buttonwillow wore his beaming smile, though most of his weight was placed against the side of the ship. Rosemary was staying close, waiting for any orders that might alleviate his pain.

    ¡°What was it like in the Thalassic Terror?¡± Rosemary asked.

    ¡°A darkness like I have never seen. I was drowning in the night! A glorious memory,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    ¡°You seem kinda relaxed about almost dying,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Do not interrupt Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick!¡± Rosemary snapped. ¡°This is not even your ship!¡±

    ¡°Rosemary, these are our guests. Do not be rude,¡± Captain Buttonwillow turned to address Zalan¡¯s question. ¡°Why should I be concerned? It was meant for me!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said proudly.

    ¡°Almost dying was meant for you?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, do you not see? The whole experience was mine to have. What is meant to strike you is never going to miss you. And what is not meant for you is never going to make it to you. I am content with being struck when it is meant for me,¡± Captain Buttonwillow confidently.

    ¡°You mean like destiny?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°What is destined for you was never not destined for you,¡± Captain Buttonwillow nodded.

    ¡°So you think everything is predetermined?¡± Zalan said, adding it to his list of eccentricities.

    ¡°Far from it!¡± Captain Buttonwillow held a finger up in correction. ¡°I am in control of my actions. If I am a fool, it is not destiny to suffer from my foolish actions. Things out of my control, however, that is my destiny. The appearance of a Thalassic Terror on our path is not a choice of ours to make. That was destiny.¡±

    Zalan considered the concept, not sure how he felt about it. It sounded reasonable to take consequences for your actions and understand that some things were out of your control. It felt like a comforting thought. Especially the way that the captain put it. Why should he be afraid of destiny, knowing he had no way to prevent it from happening? Zalan decided not to outright reject the concept. Rep was nodding like he was already taking the idea to heart.

    ¡°Can you make it part of my destiny to make it to the Island of Remains?¡± Zalan asked as a joke.

    ¡°Ah, a quick learner! Indeed, I will do everything in my power to make sure you arrive safely,¡± Captain Buttonwillow promised.

    ¡°Poniwhale pod off starboard!¡± Magnolia said, pointing and creating sand bullets to fire.

    ¡°How many is a pod?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°At least three. It could be more, I can not tell from this distance,¡± Magnolia said.

    ¡°Dear Lord, can we have a single day off!¡± Enzo screamed at the sea.

    ¡°Rosemary! Give our unarmed fighters something to fight with!¡± Captain Buttonwillow instructed, straining to stand at full height. He peered out at the incoming monsters. ¡°If only I had a Ring of Range, I could impale them with ice from his distance.¡± He sounded like he was implying something.

    ¡°I am using mine! You may not have it!¡± Magnolia said immediately, rejecting his implication. Captain Buttonwillow grumbled and went back to leaning against the ship.

    ¡°Here!¡± Rosemary tossed Rep a wooden spear, already working on Zalan¡¯s. Her arms trembled as she worked. She still hadn¡¯t recovered from all the effort it took to rebuild the ship the day before. The spear she ended up making for Zalan was curved and knobby.

    ¡°Any chance you can kill them with sky lightning?¡± Magnolia called Zalan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I haven¡¯t really figured it out, yet,¡± he responded.

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    ¡°Well, you can still use your regular lightning!¡±

    Zalan nodded and ran to the right side of the ship. He saw the Poniwhales breaching the water about a hundred feet away. It looked like five to him, but it was hard to tell under the dark sea. He reached out his arms and blasted bolts of lightning. He was pleasantly surprised to see how far his lightning could travel at his higher Wisdom. His power couldn¡¯t reach a hundred feet away, yet, but he felt he could get there eventually. He let out the lightning as a stream, continuously shocking the water in hopes of deterring the incoming monsters.

    In moments, the Poniwhales came into contact with the electrified water. They thrashed in the water, clearly affected by the electricity flowing through them. They split, no longer moving as a unit. Zalan couldn¡¯t target them all at once and chased down two with his lightning. He zapped them continuously until they stopped swimming. With a few more strikes, he ensured they were dead before looking for the others. The three remaining creatures targeted the ship from varying angles, charging quickly. One of them spun around to the other side, flanking The Aegeusson.

    Magnolia fired her sand bullets in a series like a machine gun, missing several shots as the monsters bobbed erratically through the water. She continued until she ran out of bullets, able to figure out their pattern of movement as she got to her last few projectiles. She was able to kill two of the creatures.

    ¡°No more sand! Zalan!¡± Magnolia called to him as she went about making more bullets.

    ¡°It¡¯s on the other side of the ship, I can¡¯t redirect my lightning to get it!¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Brace for impact!¡± Captain Buttonwillow announced.

    Nold stepped forward, annoyed and prepared to do something about another delay on their journey. He cracked his gloved knuckles and raised his arms angrily. He stopped, stunned, when Rep bounded past him, jumping to the edge of the ship.

    ¡°Enzo! Xavier! Boost me!¡± Rep demanded.

    He dove off the port side, raising his spear high.

    ¡°Boost the man!¡± Captain Buttonwillow demanded of his crew.

    Not one to question his captain, Xavier blasted a funnel of air at Rep, jolting him forward toward the oncoming monster. As soon as he dipped into the water, Enzo swelled a wave of water to increase his already impressive speed. Zalan could barely see him, running toward the port side to get a better view. His eyes widened in shock.

    Rep was torpedoing forward to the oncoming Poniwhale at least five times his size. Rep pointed the wooden spear expertly to the monster¡¯s head. They collided, Rep avoiding the end of the Poniwhale¡¯s horn. Despite his maneuver, Rep was still hit hard by the large creature¡¯s body. He was tossed aerial and landed on the Poniwhale¡¯s back. The wooden spear poked out of its forehead, but the weapon wasn¡¯t deep enough to kill it. Rep assessed the situation quickly and raised a fist. His hand exploded in flame and he crashed it into the monster¡¯s back, boring a hole into it. The monster cried out and convulsed. Rep then let out a jetstream of fire into the monster¡¯s body, cooking it from the inside.

    The Poniwhale was dead, sliding forward in the water until it harmlessly bumped the side of the ship. The crew all stared in shock over the edge of the ship.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Zalan exclaimed.

    ¡°Did I get it?¡± Rep asked, looking over the top of the monster.

    ¡°Yeah! You incinerated the thing!¡± Zalan said. ¡°Why¡¯d you jump off the ship?¡±

    Rep looked down at the Poniwhale, then behind him in a bit of a daze. It looked to Zalan like Rep just realized that he was in the sea. He shrugged to himself and looked back up at the astounded crew.

    ¡°I was worried it would hit the boat!¡± Rep said, a little embarrassed.

    ¡°And you have protected this ship wonderfully,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said proudly. ¡°How would you feel about joining this fine crew! I can pay¡­ erm¡­ relatively well!¡±

    ¡°I am fine with my own crew,¡± Rep said, nodding to Zalan.

    ¡°A man of loyalty,¡± Captain Buttonwillow smiled at him. He grabbed a rope and tossed it off the side for Rep to climb up.

    When he reached the deck, Zalan went over to help him over the top. He beamed at his friend, proud of him. Rep had come into his own. Whatever fears and hesitations he had before would never have allowed him to jump off a moving ship to kill a massive creature like that. Rep was sincerely a confident person.

    He tapped his fingers together to check his abilities to track the change in his Experience. Zalan did the same, interested to see his gains. He was shocked to see an increase of 35, sending him to 94 Experience. He was close to hitting Level 8. Rep was at Level 6 and 23 Experience after his kill. His lip twitched marginally.

    ¡°I thought I would at least begin to catch up with you if I killed the same monsters you did,¡± Rep said. ¡°But the fact your lightning struck all the creatures means that you gained all their Experience for your assistance. I only gained from the one I killed.¡±

    ¡°Hey, maybe you¡¯ll get lucky and accidentally kill a thousand Slaughterfish too,¡± Zalan patted him on the back with some smarmy sarcasm.

    ¡°I prefer not to unintentionally stumble into all of my successes, thank you,¡± Rep shot back, smirking.

    ¡°Is there any way I can repay you for saving us the trouble of rebuilding the ship?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked.

    ¡°I think getting us moving again is all we need,¡± Zalan said gratefully.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Rep said suddenly. He peeked his head over the side of the ship. ¡°Can we take some freshly cooked Poniwhale for the journey ahead?¡±

    ¡°It is a shame you do not wish to join the crew. I was thinking the exact same thing,¡± Xavier said, jumping off the side of the ship.

    He drew his sword and hacked away at the Poniwhale to gather food for later.

 127 - Book 3 - Chapter 30 - Leviathan Wakes

    Xavier pulled himself back up to the ship with newly carved pieces of Poniwhale in his hand. He looked mildly disappointed at his haul and Rep turned his head quizzically at the meat in his hand.

    ¡°Is it not purple?¡± Rep asked. ¡°Was the whale sick this time?¡±

    ¡°The whale was fine. You used too much fire within it! You overcooked it from the inside,¡± Xavier said, clearly miffed by the fact.

    ¡°I see. I was more focused on preventing the creature from striking the ship than I was about a perfect cook,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Next time try to do both,¡± Xavier said.

    At first Zalan laughed, thinking Xavier was joking. Then Xavier turned to Zalan with a glare and Zalan realized he was dead serious. Zalan looked away from his ire-infused gaze and cleared his throat, pretending his laugh was a cough.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Zalan said, desperate to change the subject. ¡°I heard that Captain Buttonwillow saved your life or something?¡±

    Xavier chewed thoughtfully on his charred meat. Swallowing glumly, he nodded his head.

    ¡°Yes, it is something I joined him to pay him back for. But I intend to remain on his crew even after repaying him,¡± Xavier said.

    ¡°You are still dedicated to repayment? I told you many times before that there was no debt that needed fulfilling,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said to him.

    Xavier only stared at his captain, deciding not to get into that direction of the conversation. Zalan felt awkward between the two of them and leaned back against the side of the boat trying to distance himself. After a few seconds of awkward tension, Captain Buttonwillow grinned broadly at no one in particular and left for his quarters.

    ¡°My life is a debt that needs to be repaid,¡± Xavier continued as if he wasn¡¯t interrupted.

    ¡°What did he do to deserve such dedication?¡± Rep asked, taking a bite of burnt Poniwhale.

    ¡°He fed me when no one else would.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­ yes,¡± Rep said, a little confused. ¡°To be fed is very nice.¡±

    ¡°I think he means he was starving before the captain came by and fed him,¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Xavier nodded.

    ¡°I see,¡± Rep said, much more understanding now.

    ¡°He saved me from much pain. Even today, he quenches my appetite with such rich foods. All of the town of Lunic had left me for dead, starving on the side of the road. It was endless pain, every day.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t meet him in Oriton?¡± Zalan asked, interested.

    ¡°Ha! Oriton? Madam Hikma would never allow a man to go hungry on the streets of Oriton,¡± Xavier shook his head. Zalan found that idea impressive, not considering what kind of good Madam Hikma had brought to her town. It was strange to think that Ma and Madam Hikma shared the same city.

    ¡°And ¡ª sorry if this is a stupid question ¡ª but you couldn¡¯t have a Healing Rest to get rid of the pain?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Hunger pains are inescapable. They are constant. Horrible. And they are all encompassing. When you live without knowing where your next meal will come from, your entire life revolves around acquiring that next meal. Staving off starvation for one more day. The captain met me soon after acquiring his Elemental Power. He was so excited to share his tale, he insisted that he share a meal with me. Right there on the side of the road. I was too weak to walk. He came back the next day, telling me more stories and bringing me more food. Until I could stand on my own and choose to follow the one man who gave me another chance at life.¡±

    Zalan was suddenly struck with the memory of the boys that he gave money to at the Elemental Rage Tournament so they could get some food for themselves. He hoped they were doing well.

    ¡°I am glad he treated you with dignity when you were in need,¡± Rep said. ¡°The more I hear of Captain Buttonwillow, the more I am pleased we granted him ownership of The Aegeusson.¡±

    ¡°I wish I had swindled the ship from you and granted it to him, myself. Then maybe my feeling of debt would be done,¡± Xavier said.

    Zalan let out a chuckle, thinking it was another joke. Xavier gave him another serious look. Zalan once again coughed, pointing to his neck like he had something caught in his throat. Xavier scoffed.

    The rest of the day went off without any interesting events. Zalan excused himself from having to consume any monster meat, though the real reason was to stop being so awkward around Xavier¡¯s non-jokes. The winds were fair and the sea was quaint. They weren¡¯t harassed by monsters for the rest of the day and Zalan started to become anxious about reaching their destination. The novelty of being on an adventure at sea had worn off on him. He desperately wanted to be on the Island of Remains so that he could get back to steady land. He mildly dreaded the days of the trip that would be spent going back home. What if he was injured in his confrontation with Morloch the Manipulator? There would be no healing until returning to Oriton.

    The next morning, Rep and Zalan found Nold sleeping on the upper deck. He was at a strange angle, like he didn¡¯t intend to be lying there, but happened to fall asleep there. Zalan nudged him lightly.

    ¡°Did you sleep up here last night?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No. Or perhaps yes, I suppose,¡± Nold said, yawning and picking himself up.

    ¡°Why?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Why?¡± Nold repeated slowly. He blinked a few times as he processed the question. ¡°Because¡­ you did not let me stay in your quarters! The crew quarters are far too uncomfortable.¡±

    ¡°This couldn¡¯t have been much more comfortable,¡± Zalan tapped his foot lightly on the wood making up the deck.

    ¡°You know nothing,¡± Nold said derisively, picking himself up.

    He began stumbling to go below deck. Zalan narrowed his eyes in confusion as he realized that Nold looked like he was going to take a nap in the place he just complained was too uncomfortable to sleep in.

    Captain Buttonwillow burst grandly from the captain¡¯s quarters and breathed in the salty air. He looked up to the reconstructed crow¡¯s nest. Rosemary stood in the basket above.

    ¡°A beautiful day for a storm,¡± he said to himself. ¡°Rosemary! Anything of interest happen overnight?¡± Captain Buttonwillow called up.

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    ¡°Yes! The most incredible thing!¡± Rosemary said. ¡°The winds were at our back almost the entire night! Incredible, powerful winds! I believe we saved a day or two of our time!¡±

    ¡°Amazing!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, elated. ¡°Did you spend the whole of the night adjusting the sails to make sure we were always catching the most wind? Or perhaps steering us in the right direction?¡±

    ¡°Neither! The winds were always perfectly pointing us to our destination!¡± Rosemary said proudly.

    Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s face cracked a smidge. He shook his head lightly.

    ¡°The winds were always at our back?¡± he asked. ¡°Was there a creature of the sea that was blowing those winds? Or perhaps you had an Artifact to do that?¡±

    ¡°No, nothing in the sea I saw. And the only Artifact I came aboard with was the Wavebinder I used to rescue you.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said ambivalently. ¡°You may come down. Get some rest after keeping such diligent watch.¡±

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Zalan asked, reading his expression.

    ¡°I am perhaps overthinking things,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°Winds carrying us to our destination is not unheard of. But normally, we have to adjust our sails to take advantage of such a boon. Rosemary is experienced enough to know when and how to change the direction of our sails. But she said it was never necessary¡­ It frankly sounds unbelievable.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps we should take this as a blessing?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Perhaps¡­ It would be quite odd for me to take it as an omen,¡± Captain Buttonwillow mused. But the look on his face made it clear he had determined this was a bad sign. Zalan wondered how good winds could be a bad thing.

    ¡°It¡¯s out of our control, so it¡¯s destiny, right?¡± Zalan tried to offer his philosophy to increase his optimism.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°Destiny does not have to be good. It only means that we should be prepared for the unexpected.¡±

    ¡°How much time does it save to have the wind at our backs all night?¡±

    ¡°I would estimate about two days,¡± Rosemary said as she climbed down the mast.

    ¡°Then¡­ we should be seeing the Island of Remains today!¡± Zalan said, excited.

    ¡°Indeed!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, snapping out of his contemplative trance. ¡°Enzo! Xavier! Get to your stations! Steer us to our glorious destinations!¡±

    ¡°Sir!¡± They saluted diligently. Scrambling, they ran to their respective positions on the ship and began using their Elemental Powers to propel The Aegeusson forward.

    Zalan ran to the bow of the boat. He leaned over the edge and peered toward the horizon, taking in everything he could. He wanted to be the first to spot the Island of Remains. If they would shore up on it today, it meant that they should definitely be able to see it soon. It would be a welcome change of pace from the endless waters in every direction. It would do very well to make him feel like he wasn¡¯t trapped on the ship anymore. Rep caught up with him.

    ¡°Eager to take on Morloch?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan¡¯s posture slackened as the thought crossed his mind. The Island of Remains meant he might have to battle Morloch the Manipulator. It might even be as soon as that same day. He might have to kill him. He ran a hand through his hair.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be there, right? Madam Hikma said I needed my friends to take down Morloch.¡±

    ¡°You imagine I have anywhere else to be?¡± Rep gestured to the empty sea.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan breathed nervously.

    ¡°You will be fine. I will be there to assist you every step of the way. We will overpower the Monster of the Mindscape, I assure you,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not used to you giving me the pep talks for upcoming fights,¡± Zalan sighed. ¡°You really think we can take him?¡±

    ¡°Two of us at Level 6 and 7 are a good match for any fighter. Few could take us both down single handedly,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What about Oshrad?¡±

    ¡°We are not talking about Oshrad. Our opponent will be a man who lives on an island in the middle of the sea. I think he is rather lacking in ways to gain Experience.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan agreed.

    ¡°Though, he still might try to break our toes.¡±

    That brought a laugh out of Zalan, alleviating his concerns.

    Rep and Zalan remained at the head of the ship, hoping to be the first to detect the island. Rep and Zalan practiced using their Elemental Powers in the water to pass the time. Zalan still struggled to curve lightning more than about thirty degrees. He strained himself in trying to get anything more than that. Rep tried to imbue his hand with flame, then quickly put it out when it looked like he would burn himself. He was no closer to imbuing his hand than he was before beginning this journey. They continued to practice for a few minutes until Zalan got impatient with his lack of progress.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Nold be teaching us stuff? I thought he still called us his students,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°He must still be asleep.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, after already sleeping on deck. What¡¯s up with him, he¡¯s all over the place,¡± Zalan shook his head.

    ¡°He seems about the same as before. Which is to say mysterious, strange, and generally unsettling.¡± Rep shrugged.

    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t really like being alone with him.¡±

    ¡°Captain!¡± Magnolia called from the crow¡¯s nest. ¡°There is something straight ahead!¡±

    Rep and Zalan pinned themselves to the front edge of the ship, watching closely for the island. Zalan saw something just above the edge of the horizon.

    ¡°Is that the island?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°They look to be storm clouds,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh, yeah, I see it now,¡± Zalan sighed.

    ¡°I knew I smelled a storm!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said triumphantly.

    ¡°Not just the storm. It is difficult to verify. Something stirring under the clouds,¡± Magnolia said, peering.

    ¡°A monster, then,¡± Captain Buttonwillow determined.

    Captain Buttonwillow joined Rep and Zalan at the bow. Everyone on deck stared in silence. The ship groaned quietly and the water brushed the side of the ship. The waves were becoming more tumultuous. Zalan looked between Captain Buttonwillow and the horizon, trying to figure out whether there was something to be seen. Zalan could see the movement under the clouds, but had no idea what he was looking at.

    ¡°I see it now, captain,¡± Magnolia sighed. ¡°A Leviathan.¡±

    ¡°A shame. That will put us back some time,¡± Captain Buttonwillow muttered.

    Zalan could barely see it now, the slightest shift in the water beneath the clouds. Like a series of waves crashing together. Something must have been swirling beneath the water.

    ¡°Change direction!¡± Captain Buttonwillow demanded, waving his arms port side. ¡°We are not to engage the Leviathan! Xavier, slow down our speed. Enzo, put everything into turning this ship away from that Leviathan. We are to make a wide berth and go around. Do not let it get a clear glimpse of us.¡±

    Enzo nodded immediately, grateful to see his captain take the creature seriously. Xavier stopped firing Elemental Air at the sails and Enzo shifted the ship to the left. The clouds above the Leviathan expanded, approaching The Aegeusson. They could avoid the monster, but not the clouds. The storm was approaching them.

    The waves had more white caps. Zalan started to feel anxious about the ship. A slight sense of claustrophobia came over him. He felt trapped. There was no escaping the sea if it started to go wild in a storm. It made him especially grateful that they were avoiding more encounters while the water became more aggressive.

    ¡°That should do. Make a long circle around the Leviathan,¡± Captain Buttonwillow ordered, keeping his eyes on the Leviathan¡¯s waters. ¡°And increase our speed! We do not want to be caught in a storm!¡±

    Xavier and Enzo increased their Elemental Power output, shifting the ship forward at an increased heading. Zalan felt a little more at ease to be moving faster. It felt like they could outrun the storm if they got their speed right.

    ¡°There it is, captain! The Island of Remains!¡± Magnolia pointed.

    Rep and Zalan looked out to the horizon once more, elated to see a land mass poking out of the sea. The island was surrounded by debris floating across the water around it. From the distance, it looked like pieces of the island broke off and decided to make an asteroid belt around it. Zalan blinked as a tiny raindrop struck his face. The rain was coming in. They had arrived just in time. They would be able to make it to shore before the rain got too bad. He smiled, feeling grateful for their timing.

    ¡°I¡¯m ready to get off this thing. Are you ready to navigate the island?¡± Zalan asked Rep. Rep nodded confidently.

    ¡°Captain! There was more than one!¡± Magnolia screamed.

    Her voice was full of fear. Rep and Zalan looked up to see what the commotion was about and widened their eyes.

    A Leviathan¡¯s head and neck was sticking out of the water, looking down on The Aeguesson with massive teeth bared.

 128 - Book 3 - Chapter 31 - From Above

    The Leviathan loomed over The Aegeusson, its serpent-like head over half the size of the ship. Its red eyes shined brightly as the sun was blocked by the growing storm clouds. Its body was covered in sharp gray scales dotting down its neck. It swam slowly beneath the waters, keeping up with the speed of the ship as it looked it over. It was impossible to see how large it was beneath the sea, it went too far deep. Rep and Zalan stared in horrified awe. Judging by what little they could see above the water, it was easily the largest creature they had ever come across.

    ¡°Leviathan!¡± Captain Buttonwillow screamed.

    ¡°But there¡¯s a storm! They fear storms!¡± Enzo said, terrified.

    He fell down and scampered backward as the Leviathan took notice of him. It turned its entire head his way.

    ¡°Not just any storms! Thunderstorms!¡± the captain corrected. ¡°Zalan, summon lightning at its face! It may be enough to deter it! Enzo, back on your feet, we need to move, now!¡±

    Neither Zalan nor Enzo responded to the captain¡¯s orders, petrified by the size of the creature looking down on them. Xavier redoubled his efforts to push wind into the sails, trying to outrun the Leviathan. The oncoming storm¡¯s winds fought back, keeping them at a crawl. The Leviathan leaned in and nudged the ship, as it checked if its prey was alive. The crew shouted as they were all thrown off balance. The monster broke a hole at the top of the stern with its slight tap. The entire deck shook from the force of the blow.

    ¡°Rosemary! She is still in the lower decks!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, sounding panicked as the Leviathan rose. He ran down the stairs to get her.

    The Leviathan followed Captain Buttonwillow with its eyes. The storm brewed above them, turning the slight drizzle into a real rain. Rep was waving his hands in front of Zalan who was still staring in shock.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep shook him to his senses. ¡°Before it strikes again!¡±

    ¡°Are we jumping ship?¡± Zalan asked, scared for his life.

    ¡°Hit it with lightning!¡± Rep screamed as he shook him again.

    Zalan blinked in recognition. The Leviathan leaned down once more, ready to poke another hole in the deck. Zalan screamed, releasing a bolt of lightning right at its massive nose. The Leviathan flinched and moved back several feet. It waited for a few seconds, stunned. It looked around above it, as if expecting something.

    ¡°Get us out of here, Enzo!¡± Magnolia was climbing down the crow¡¯s nest. ¡°Xavier can¡¯t do it on his own.¡±

    Enzo nodded and stood slowly, trying to keep his balance. The boat rocked powerfully, shifting mercilessly at the waves the storm had summoned. Magnolia tried to throw a blanket of sand at the Leviathan¡¯s eyes to blind it, but the rain stopped her sand from making any distance. She began to build her dense pockets of sand to try and fire some shots. The Leviathan moved to nudge the ship more aggressively this time. The crow¡¯s nest exploded as its head crashed through.

    ¡°More lightning!¡± Rep said. ¡°It wasn¡¯t enough to scare it!¡±

    Zalan threw bolt after bolt at the Leviathan¡¯s face. It flinched in pain at the lightning, but looked as though it watched the sky. It watched intently as it searched for something above it that wasn¡¯t coming after the lightning. After a few seconds, it returns its gaze to the ship.

    ¡°There¡¯s no thunder! It¡¯s not afraid!¡± Zalan said with dread. ¡°Only the lightning I summon from the sky also has thunder!¡±

    ¡°Then summon lightning from the sky!¡± Rep said desperately.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can!¡±

    ¡°There is no time for hesitation! I will cover you!¡±

    ¡°How are you gonna cover me from that?¡± Zalan pointed at the behemoth.

    ¡°Just summon the lightning!¡± Rep shouted.

    Zalan grunted to himself in frustration and closed his eyes to concentrate. The din of screams from the crew made it to the forefront of his mind. As he tried to push that out, he was accosted by the rains and waters that jumped from the sea onto his face. The creak of the ship, the foreboding sense of the Leviathan above them, and the sloshing of waves all fought to take his focus.

    He knelt down and placed his hands on the deck, keeping his balance. His physical balance did well to help him in concentrating. But he couldn¡¯t ignore the situation. He tried to force every distraction away, but his anxieties made it difficult. There was so much happening, it felt like it was foolish to try and ignore any of it.

    He reached for the sky with the muscle in his mind, trying to find something to hold and wrench down upon the Leviathan. He knew the feeling, it was just out of his grasp. Every time he felt close, one of the several distractions tore him away. He lurched forward, the Leviathan having slammed into the ship hard enough to break a hole in the bottom. The Aegeusson was taking on water. Zalan opened his eyes.

    ¡°What is going on up here?¡± Nold stomped up stairs and stared with wide eyes as he reached the upper deck. His mouth gaped for a moment as he took in the size of the monster towering above the ship. ¡°Did you not think to wake me for this!¡±

    ¡°It will be fine! Help me give Zalan some room to think!¡± Rep said.

    Nold looked at his students and nodded, rushing over.

    ¡°Everything is fine, Zalan,¡± Rep said with total sincerity. He stood between Zalan and the Leviathan, wearing a pleasant smile over his drenched face. ¡°Go back to focusing, do not be concerned about anything on deck.¡±

    Zalan knew that Rep was overcompensating to try and help him concentrate easier, but it comforted him anyway. He smiled back at Rep and closed his eyes. The series of distractions seemed to wane now. He felt warm, and he knew Rep had opened a fire in his palm to make him feel at ease. Nold was redirecting the rainwater, keeping it from striking Zalan. Even the storm¡¯s winds seemed to abate for a few seconds as Zalan focused. He reached for the sky.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    The sensation brushed against his mind. He grabbed on immediately. Instead of pulling the lightning down at that moment, he kept his mind¡¯s grip over it, getting a solid feeling over the power. The sensation of lightning from above became a part of him. It flowed through him like his Elemental Lightning did. He knew what the sensation was. It was as much part of his mind as the Elemental Power was. He could grab the lightning from the sky.

    Zalan opened his eyes and brought a massive column of lightning from the sky, sending an exploding shock through the Leviathan. The Leviathan roared in pain, and shrunk down when the sound of thunder exploded above it. Zalan grinned broadly, looking between Rep and Nold.

    ¡°I did it!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I saw,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°No, I mean I mastered it! Watch this!¡±

    Zalan stood tall and pointed to the sky and then brought down a fist. Following his orders, the sky above unleashed another blast of lightning into the fearful Leviathan. It screeched and swung its tail at The Aeguesson, breaking off the mast that remained under the broken crow¡¯s nest. Zalan responded with another crack of lightning from the sky. The Leviathan was in a pained daze.

    ¡°You mastered summoning lightning from the sky!¡± Nold roared in excitement. ¡°Your power has reached its zenith! Your power is perfect! Kill it!¡±

    Infused by Nold¡¯s enthusiasm, Zalan summoned another blast from the sky. The Leviathan was retreating in fear.

    ¡°Yes! Brilliant! More!¡± Nold pointed at the creature.

    Zalan obliged with a proud smile. He had to bring a series of lightning strikes from the sky, losing count of the number it took to take it down. The thunder was deafening, cracking dozens of times overhead. With a ship-rumbling roar, the Leviathan screeched as it was overwhelmed by Zalan¡¯s power. It collapsed into the sea. As Zalan looked over his kill, he began to glow white.

    ¡°Another Level!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Our guests have saved us once again!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said proudly. He and Rosemary were watching from the other side of the deck.

    Zalan exploded as he went from Level Seven to Level Eight. The sea continued to toss the ship recklessly as the waves became bigger around them. The Island of Remains was growing close, less than an hour away if Xavier and Enzo could get their bearings in the storm.

    ¡°Well done, Zalan!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°If you had not taken down the Leviathan, we would have surely perished. And even when you mastered the ability, it took you a plethora of strikes. Be grateful we were not swarmed by multiple Leviathans!¡±

    ¡°Can we get a move on to the island?¡± Nold asked, wiping rainwater from his face.

    ¡°Indeed! Come help us repair the ship and we can be on our way. We are taking in too much water,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, inviting everyone downstairs.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Magnolia screamed.

    ¡°Yes, I understand that you may need some rest. But you should come with us, too. We are in a storm and all hands would be¡ª¡±

    ¡°Captain! Look!¡± Magnolia clarified.

    The crew looked to Magnolia. She was on her back, pointing up in shock and fear as four more Leviathan¡¯s reared their heads from the water.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Captain Buttonwillow commanded without missing a beat.

    ¡°On it!¡± Zalan reached out to grasp the lightning.

    The ship threw itself forward, out from under him. A Leviathan bashed its head into the ship. Zalan lost balance, and wasn¡¯t getting any favors from the storm throwing wind and wild waves at him. He fell face first into the deck and slid several feet, all of the passengers tumbling around him. Zalan¡¯s head was throbbing hard and he was barely able to see, much less try and summon more lightning.

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick!¡± Rosemary screamed as she was separated from the captain.

    He was rolling mercilessly on deck, bouncing several times until he hit the side hard. He spun over, groaning in pain. All four Leviathans looked down upon him. One opened its mouth and began to descend, ready to consume the ship¡¯s owner and captain.

    ¡°No!¡± Rosemary shrieked.

    Xavier ran forward toward the monsters gathered together at breakneck speed. He put Elemental Wind at his back and rushed forward until he reached the starboard side with his captain. He braced himself and sent out a whirlwind at the oncoming Leviathan, stopping it just short of chomping Captain Buttonwillow. It raised its head, confused that it hadn¡¯t just consumed a meal.

    ¡°Move!¡± Xavier screamed at his captain.

    ¡°Can not,¡± Captain Buttonwillow moaned. He was in too much pain.

    Xavier looked between the captain and the monsters leering over them. Another Leviathan descended down, ready to eat both Xavier and the captain. Xavier shouted in frustration and threw his arms downward.

    With all his might, Xavier used his Elemental Air to throw Captain Buttonwillow across the ship. He slid against the deck, wincing as his bruises bumped the floor. Then, the captain realized what happened and snapped his head up in horror. He looked up to see what happened to Xavier.

    Xavier blasted himself off the deck at the last second, jumping with the assistance of his air.

    ¡°Consider us even,¡± Xavier said.

    Captain Buttonwillow smiled, nodding. But the ship jostled turbulently as another Leviathan bore down. Yet another darted down right toward the crewmates. Xavier spun in place and blasted as much air as he could, adjusting the angle of the Leviathan just enough for it to hit wood. It shook its head in dazed frustration and locked eyes with Xavier. Xavier grinned.

    ¡°So much for remaining on the captain¡¯s crew after paying my debts,¡± he said, teeth beaming.

    Pushing a torrent of Elemental Air ahead of him, Xavier could do nothing to stop the Leviathan. It swallowed him whole. Buttonwillow watched with eyes wide.

    ¡°Xavier! No!¡± the captain exploded in grief.

    Relentless in their attacks, another Leviathan struck the ship with its tail. The back portion of The Aegeusson separated from the front. The two halves of the ship began to drift away quickly in the violent waves of the storm.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Enzo reached his hand out. He was the only one on the stern half of the ship.

    ¡°Enzo! Jump! Hurry, before the ship sinks out from under you!¡± Captain Buttonwillow panicked.

    ¡°We do not have time for this!¡± Nold screamed at the Leviathans.

    Rep pulled Zalan to his feet, neither of them able to keep their balance. The front half of the ship tilted forward toward the water. The Leviathans split into two groups to watch both halves of the ship as it sank. His lightning meant nothing in the face of a sinking ship. Even if he managed to get enough of a balance to strike all the creatures with lightning, they would still be stranded at sea in the middle of a storm.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Zalan asked, gripping Rep¡¯s forearm.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Rep looked forlorn. All his confidence was gone. He looked like he had failed at his quest. ¡°I am sorry Zalan. I thought we could make it.¡±

    ¡°We can!¡± Zalan said, completely out of sorts. Rep stared at one side of the ship, looking confused.

    ¡°What is he doing?¡± Rep asked, sounding appalled.

    Zalan was too distracted to see what his friend saw. The five leviathans took up all his faculties. He had just mastered lightning from the sky. He should be able to do anything. Why did he feel so helpless?

    ¡°If we just¡­¡± Zalan began.

    A hurricane of wind bashed into the center of the deck. The ship shredded apart, and all the passengers were tossed high into the stormy sea. Zalan reached out instinctively, grabbing a piece of timber that had torn off of the obliterated ship. He spun in the air wildly, having no idea which way was up or down until he began descending. He might have been put in incredible pain when he slapped against the raging sea, but he blacked out on collision.

 129 - Book 3 - Chapter 32 - The Island of Remains

    Zalan felt sand under his fists and seasickness in his throat. He heard before he saw. There was a beach nearby, brushing up and down the sands near him. It felt odd and serene to him. He kept his eyes closed, deliberately taking in the moment. A light drizzle of rain sprinkled over his face. Zalan smiled. His mom would love to come to the small sandy shore of Yosemite Lake after a shift at work. They would walk along the bridge and watch the sunset together. He wished she were with him at that moment.

    The thought caused Zalan to snap upright. He was immediately overwhelmed with the need to cough violently. He beat his chest, getting clear of the remains of saltwater in his throat. His eyes shot open and he patted around himself, looking for wounds. Aside from a few bruises, he was fine. He blinked a few times, astounded at his circumstance, then rapidly looked around.

    He was about thirty feet from the edge of the beach, washed ashore. There were bits of The Aegeusson strewn around him, mishmashed in their time spent in the fading storm. Zalan picked up one of the wood pieces in shock. There was no putting this ship back together. It wouldn¡¯t live to carry on its namesake¡¯s reputation. Zalan stood up and spun around, tossing the wood aside. The beach was lacking life. With that realization came another, more daunting one.

    Zalan was alone.

    ¡°Rep!¡± he called, panicking.

    The beach had a few outcroppings of rock, sticking out from deeper in the island. Stones crudely eroded by the sea to look like giant spearheads pointing out to sea. Zalan ran past a few of the rocks, tripping over himself as he searched. He was covered in sand, but ignored his discomfort in his search.

    ¡°Rep! Buttonwillow! Anyone?¡±

    He looked out to the sea. Scraps of The Aegeusson mixed in with several other pieces of detritus. Nothing that looked human. Zalan ran both hands through his hair. The sea splashed and spat a salty mist in his face. There was nothing. No human, nor monster.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Zalan screamed.

    He kept his hands locked onto his hair, gripping tightly. Dread and anxiety jumped through his heart. Zalan spun in place, desperate to see anyone out on the island. He lost balance and fell on his rear. He breathed uneasily, not sure what he was supposed to do. The isolation brought him back to a few days ago when he was alone for the first time. He went to the guild and back and that was enough that he felt uncomfortable. How was he supposed to navigate an island alone?

    As he stared out at the expanse of water, another pertinent question crawled its way into his mind. How was he supposed to go back to Oriton? If The Aegeusson was gone, he was stranded on the island. It was already bad enough that he was alone, but he knew he would go crazy if he was left to his thoughts on the island. Going home to his world would be forever beyond his reach. He swallowed hard.

    Zalan turned away from the sea and took in the island itself. He took a moment as he realized that the expedition was successful. He had arrived on the Island of Remains. This is exactly where he asked to be, but he had no interest in being here alone.

    It was more earthen than he expected. It was covered in more boulders and rocky terrain than he anticipated. There was a mountain at the center, past the smatter of flora between the beach and its base. Zalan turned away from it. He had no interest in going deeper into the island unless he checked the beach for others that washed ashore first. He swallowed hard and began to make his way across the sand, dragging his feet in dismay. He would circumambulate the island if necessary.

    After kicking something aside, Zalan realized that there were interesting items on the beachside. He blinked, recognizing the item that he kicked away. It was a Satiator. An Artifact with the ability to make someone feel fed for days. In a daze, he knelt down to pick it up. He swallowed, noticing how dry his throat was. Hesitating, he reached out and twisted the top of the onion-like golden Artifact.

    It began to emit a golden essence into him. After a few seconds of soaking it in, Zalan breathed easier. He wasn¡¯t thirsty anymore and felt like he had energy to continue searching for a while. The Satiator crumbled and turned to ash, the Artifact having degraded after its use. Zalan didn¡¯t get a full Satiator, but definitely had a few days worth of nutrients in him now.

    As he continued to walk up the beach, Zalan took a closer look at the items half-buried in the sand. There were Artifacts everywhere. It reminded him of the dragon¡¯s hoard at the Castle Docrun, but with more Artifacts and less gold. In one spot there was a Wind Wand. A few steps away was a Bone Gauntlet, an Artifact with the ability to break bones. But the drawback was that wearing it would make your own body incredibly brittle.

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Zalan found several more Artifacts that he didn¡¯t recognize. He remembered Rep warning him that he shouldn¡¯t mess with Artifacts he wasn¡¯t familiar with and kept a distance from them. He was suddenly reminded why the island was referred to as the Island of Remains. It was a gathering spot of several Artifacts, where water currents sent anything that drifted in the sea to its shores. Rep had explained that to him.

    Thinking of Rep so often reminded Zalan of how isolated he felt. He had never gone so long without someone else in this realm. It felt wrong. Dark thoughts in the recesses of his mind wanted to climb to the surface. He didn¡¯t realize how much having good people around him kept those thoughts at bay. He breathed deep, running his hands through his hair yet again. He grit his teeth and screamed to the sky in frustration. He wondered if anyone could hear his call. Inspired by his own thoughts, he decided to make his own kind of signal for others to approach.

    Raising his hands into the sky, Zalan closed his eyes and searched. As expected, he felt the sensation necessary to call lightning from above. He pulled it down hard, bringing a thunderous crack of electricity from the sky. He zapped one of the outcroppings of stone at the edge of the beach. He did it several times, making sure that others that witnessed it would know that it wasn¡¯t an accident. He waited, hopeful. The wind picked up. He turned to look back out to the sea, scrutinizing it for any bodies that would drift to the beach like he did. He grew impatient and the wind went wild, playing with his hair. He grit his teeth and closed his eyes, scared to be truly alone on this island.

    ¡°Zandar?¡± he heard someone push aside brush behind him.

    Zalan¡¯s heart leapt. He spun around and got a look. Nold rushed toward him, a growing smile on his face. Zalan took a half step back. Nold¡¯s left shoulder and ear were covered in fresh wounds.

    ¡°You are alive!¡± Nold beamed. ¡°That is incredible news! And your power remains intact!¡±

    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Zalan looked at the wrinkled red skin running up Nold¡¯s shoulder. His ear had a similar discoloration.

    ¡°It was uhh¡­ The shipwreck! I was thrown about the sea so violently, I took several wounds. Nothing that will not heal when I reach home,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°Have you seen anyone else?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold opened his mouth, and hesitated before speaking. He cleared his throat and shook his head.

    ¡°No, just you,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Zalan pointed to his face. ¡°You hesitated! Did you see someone dead or something? You have to tell me, Nold! What happened to Rep?¡±

    ¡°Nothing!¡± Nold said immediately. ¡°I just¡­ saw some thieves looking for Artifacts on the shore, that is all. So, yes, I suppose I have seen others. But no one I think you are interested in finding.¡±

    Zalan frowned, feeling queasy over the new information. Of all the people he was stranded with from the ship, Nold was of the least comfort. Any of the members from Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s crew would have been better to Zalan. He sighed and nodded to Nold.

    ¡°Let us make our way to the mountain,¡± Nold pointed, turning toward the center of the island.

    ¡°What? Why would we go there?¡±

    Nold spun back around, a curious look in his eye.

    ¡°This is the entire reason we came here! Morloch is in that mountain! Did you not want to confront him?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Not without Rep!¡± Zalan rejected. ¡°We need to look on the beach to find him!¡±

    ¡°Why waste the time when you could finish the quest? For all you know he has drifted somewhere in the caverns within the mountain!¡±

    ¡°Waste the time?¡± Zalan repeated, appalled. ¡°This is Rep we¡¯re talking about. I don¡¯t care about Morloch, we need to find him. Rep first, then the mountain.¡±

    Nold looked back to the mountain, then back to Zalan. He pursed his lips and sighed, his wounded shoulder sagging significantly.

    ¡°What a negotiation. Very well, let us search for Rep,¡± Nold allowed, sounding annoyed.

    Nold and Zalan began the trek of walking up the beach. Zalan walked briskly, taking in almost every grain of sand in search of his friend. His eyes darted frantically while Nold looked around with an almost bored gaze. Occasionally, Zalan would stare out at the sea, watching to see if bodies appeared. Nold rolled his eyes and waited for his student to satisfy himself with his search.

    The minutes stretched and Zalan began to sweat as the stress grew in him. He and Nold didn¡¯t converse and it somehow made Zalan feel even more lonely to have his mentor around. The chasm of discomfort between them made Zalan feel that he might be better off searching on his own. Zalan felt like he was walking in circles, having no idea how much distance he had made when everything looked the same on the sands.

    ¡°We really should be getting to the center of the island,¡± Nold mentioned.

    ¡°Nold. Shut up,¡± Zalan demanded.

    Nold said nothing, but scoffed in disappointment. Zalan moved past one of the tall rocks on the beach and stopped in his tracks, stunned. Nold caught up and raised an eyebrow in amusement.

    The beach was filled with a dozen people sifting through the sand, searching for something. Zalan took a half step forward to greet them, but was pulled back by Nold.

    ¡°Pirates,¡± Nold warned.

    Zalan took a closer look and saw the disheveled nature of the individuals. Their clothes were torn, their hair matted, and their skin was covered in muck. They dug around the sandy beach in search of Artifacts and treasures.

    ¡°We should go around them, right?¡±

    ¡°Unless you wish to kill them by smiting them,¡± Nold said, perverse interest in his voice.

    ¡°No, we¡¯re not killing anyone. Let¡¯s go around¡­¡± Zalan trailed as he spotted something bound on the beach.

    Captain Buttonwillow had his hands and feet tied together, lying down in the company of some pirates. He had been taken prisoner and was being watched closely by his captors.

 130 - Book 3 - Chapter 33 - Captured

    Zalan hesitated, taking in the scene. Captain Buttonwillow hadn¡¯t seen him before he snuck back behind a stone to hide from the pirates on the beach. He didn¡¯t know how he was supposed to go about the situation. He was staring at Nold, but his instructor was far too enamored with the interior of the island. He hadn¡¯t noticed the captain amongst the pirates.

    ¡°Nold, I saw Captain Buttonwillow in the sand,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Ah, shame. God rest his soul. Let us move on around the pirates,¡± Nold said, moving to stand. Zalan pulled him back down.

    ¡°He¡¯s still alive,¡± Zalan said more pointedly.

    ¡°God have mercy as he passes to the next life,¡± Nold said flippantly, trying to stand again.

    ¡°What is wrong with you? We have to help him!¡±

    ¡°You just said you did not want to fight the pirates! How do you intend to get McKittrick out of there without us having an altercation?¡±

    Zalan peeked out from behind the boulder in thought. Captain Buttonwillow was breathing slowly looking like he wasn¡¯t struggling against his binds at all. He could have been badly injured, either by the shipwreck or his overseers. The pirates were all over the beach, there were no openings to sneak through to get to him stealthily.

    ¡°Maybe¡­ you use your Elemental Sand to pick him up from beneath! Like you did to get us down the canyon for the Elemental Rage Tournament!¡± Zalan said, feeling confident in his plan.

    ¡°How do you expect me to do that without arousing suspicion? The pirates will certainly see when a body begins to float away from them. Then we will lose our ability to catch them off guard,¡± Nold said sharply.

    Zalan slouched when he took Nold¡¯s point. He thought for a few more seconds.

    ¡°What if I summon a bunch of lighting to scare them off?¡±

    ¡°Or they will come to investigate,¡± Nold rejected.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see you coming up with any ideas!¡±

    ¡°I gave you the most surefire idea already. We walk around the pirates and continue on our way. What if the pirates decide to injure or kill McKittrick as soon as they see us approach? This is his best chance of survival. If they wanted him dead, he would already be dead. They may be his best way to go back to land outside of this island. We should leave him in their capable hands. Otherwise, they will threaten to use him as a hostage,¡± Nold explained.

    Zalan frowned in frustration. Nold¡¯s answer sounded somewhat plausible and he hated that there was no easy way out. If they held the captain hostage, it would definitely do more damage than having him lie in the sand. But he couldn¡¯t imagine a scenario where he left the captain behind, knowing there might be something he could do.

    He took another peak out at the pirates. There was no way to determine whether he would be at a Level to take them on in a fight. He had also never fought with humans that intended to kill him. He only ever fought against people in the tournament, where lethal hits would disqualify you. There were no such protections out here. Especially against pirates.

    ¡°Come along,¡± Nold went to stand up again. He rolled his eyes when Zalan pulled him back to a kneel. ¡°Would you stop that?¡±

    ¡°We have to fight them,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I thought you said you did not want to kill them.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t. We just¡­ knock them out or something. Get them to back down once they see that we overpower them,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I certainly overpower them, but do you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna fight with me, so it doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold scoffed, but thought about the proposition.

    ¡°Think about it. Because we leave them alive, we can even interrogate them to see where Rep might be. They could have captured him and the others as well. Captain Buttonwillow might be the last person they grabbed out of the sea. We just need to ask them to point us to the rest of them,¡± Zalan said.

    Inspiration hit Nold¡¯s eye. He nodded a few times, agreeing with the plan.

    ¡°I will take the lead,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°And no killing.¡±

    Nold nodded once more. He stuck his head out from behind the rock, watching the pirates closely. He held his hand up to Zalan, waiting to signal him. Zalan felt a knot in his stomach grow as he waited to move. He hoped that he wouldn¡¯t be overpowered by any of the pirates. This could be an incredibly foolish plan if they were significantly higher Levels than him. They might even kill Captain Buttonwillow at the moment they realized they were being attacked. Just when he wanted to ask Nold if there was a better plan, Nold bolted out from behind the rock.

    Zalan stumbled to catch up. Nold threw a wall of sand at one pirate and bashed his fist at the closest one¡¯s stomach. The other pirates stared, baring their teeth. Nold kicked one with a blow of Elemental Water and pulled the ground out from under the next with Elemental Sand. Nold imbued himself in a light layer of flames, looking demonic as he stood challenging them all. The pirates looked at one another, then fell to their knees. Zalan had just raised his hands, ready to fire lighting. He stared at them, confused and full of adrenaline.

    ¡°We surrender!¡± a pirate called.

    Zalan kept his hands raised, but relaxed considerably. Nold was right to go in first. A small display of his fighting ability was enough to scare the rest into submission. He just hadn¡¯t expected it to go that easy. He was a little wary that there was another plan in store for them.

    ¡°Go ahead and free McKittrick,¡± Nold flicked his head to the captain.

    Zalan rushed over and stopped a few steps away from the captain. He craned his head around the area, checking for some sort of spring-loaded trap connected to Captain Buttonwillow. After circling him once, he was satisfied to see that he seemed not to be associated with any booby traps.

    He approached, knelt down, and pulled against the rope constricting Captain Buttonwillow. After furiously pulling, the knot remained intact. With a final, powerful tug he decided he wasn¡¯t able to tear it apart. Focusing his energy, he sent a small spark of lighting into the rope and burned a small hole in it. With that, he was able to easily break it. Zalan did the same with Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s feet and rolled him to get a good look at his face. The captain stared at him, a mix of fear and confusion on his face.

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    ¡°Zalan? You live?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked, reaching his hand out.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Does anyone else live?¡± the captain asked, both with hope and dread.

    ¡°Nold is here with me,¡± Zalan presented him.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Captain Buttonwillow murmured, clearly disappointed. ¡°Anyone else?¡±

    ¡°Not that we¡¯ve been able to find.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said in a small voice, his eyes going downward.

    Zalan helped Captain Buttonwillow to his feet. Captain Buttonwillow put his weight on Zalan as he walked, his feet still asleep after being bound for so long. They half stumbled, half walked to Nold who had organized the pirates into a neat row for interrogation. They lined up around the pirate that Nold punched in the stomach, who still was bowled over. He hadn¡¯t recovered and was moaning and coughing with occasional spikes of pain.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Rep?¡± Zalan asked immediately.

    The pirates looked at Zalan in confusion. They waited for a few seconds as a bystander effect took over. None of the pirates wanted to be the one to answer and receive the sole focus of the fighters. Zalan flexed his hand, a spark of lightning jumping over his fingers.

    ¡°We do not know who that is?¡± a pirate replied nervously.

    ¡°Do not lie to us!¡± Nold said sternly, relishing his power over the pirates. ¡°One lie and he will smite you!¡±

    Nold looked at Zalan and raised his eyebrows as a signal for an example. Zalan sighed uncomfortably and turned around to look at a tree. He summoned lightning from the sky and struck it. The tree split open in the center, a burning flame remaining within. The sky grumbled with thunder. The pirates all shouted and shrunk in fear. The threat was clearly real.

    ¡°Is there anyone else that you have captured?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked, hopeful.

    ¡°No! I swear, it was just you!¡± the same pirate replied. Evidently he was their silently appointed spokesman.

    ¡°Did you see anything out here?¡± Zalan asked, pointing to the beach and sea with an open palm.

    ¡°Yes! We found a Radiance Orb that looks as though it is about to degrade. We also found a Flamethrower!¡± the pirate signaled his companions to bring out their finds.

    They crawled forward and placed Artifacts on the sand at Zalan¡¯s feet. They dusted them, cleaning them off before presenting them to Zalan. Scampering, they crawled back and joined the line of their brethren.

    ¡°Not Artifacts, I meant like¡­¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Pick up those Artifacts,¡± Nold pointed at the floor.

    Zalan knelt down and picked them up, feeling like he was suddenly the pirate. He didn¡¯t come here to rob anyone. He tucked the two Artifacts away. He didn¡¯t remember if he¡¯d ever learned what the Artifacts did. He looked disappointed when he stored them. The pirates took that as a bad sign for their getting out of the situation alive.

    ¡°We would have more Artifacts! But they drift on by! I have seen them!¡± another pirate jumped in.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan said, confused.

    ¡°Yes! Yes!¡± the spokesman said. ¡°Just up there! The water carries the valuables up the current and deeper into the island. I believe it goes directly into the heart of the island!¡±

    ¡°You are saying there is a flow of water that takes things to the center of the island? Do you think this current would carry bodies from a shipwreck?¡± Nold asked.

    The pirates looked between one another, trying to figure out if it was a trick question.

    ¡°Yes, I believe it would carry a body, yes,¡± a pirate said in a small voice.

    Nold looked expectantly at Zalan.

    ¡°Well? What are your thoughts?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°I¡­ what?¡± Zalan looked between Nold and the pirates in confusion. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Rep could have floated in by means of the strong current! He could be at the heart of the mountain right now!¡± Nold said seriously. He pointed with his wounded arm.

    Zalan blinked in shock, taking in the information. He looked back at the pirates. All of them nodded in both corroboration and fear. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if they were genuine or just wanted to appease him. Likely the latter.

    ¡°My crew may have drifted there as well!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said optimistically.

    ¡°Sounds to me like we should be headed to the mountain in the center of the island,¡± Nold said.

    Everyone nodded in agreement, including the pirates who wanted to have their captors leave as soon as possible. Nold brought his attention back to the pirates and cracked his knuckles. They reared back and shrunk away from him.

    ¡°What should we do with them?¡± Nold asked, clearly enjoying the faces they gave him.

    ¡°Let them go?¡± Zalan shrugged.

    The pirates all clamored to agree, sitting up straighter and addressing Zalan with decorum.

    ¡°Oh yes!¡±

    ¡°Let them go! Absolutely, let them go!¡±

    ¡°They are worthless to you, might as well let them loose!¡±

    ¡°I trust none of you,¡± Nold said openly. ¡°You will strike us the moment we turn our backs.¡±

    ¡°No! Of course not!¡± the spokespirate insisted.

    ¡°Quiet,¡± Nold said, flexing his hands in thought.

    ¡°They gave up immediately. I think they¡¯re way too under Leveled to take us,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold pursed his lips as he looked over the pirates. His eyes narrowed over them. They avoided eye contact with him.

    ¡°Prove you pose no threat,¡± Nold kicked a bit of sand toward them.

    Without hesitation, the pirates all produced their stats and raised their forearms to be checked by Nold. Zalan saw that none were higher than Level 5. But more surprisingly, none of them had an Elemental Power. Zalan never considered that he would find adventurers without the ability to control any elements.

    ¡°No Elements? That is good for us and society,¡± Nold noted.

    ¡°How did you even cross the sea without Elemental Power?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Is that really relevant right now?¡± Captain Buttonwillow said impatiently.

    ¡°Artifacts! We stocked up on many to come here and gather much more valuable goods! But we could not get past the spiked rocks at the mouth of the cave leading to the center of the island. We thought we could maneuver around them, but it is far too dangerous. Bodies could slip through very easily, but no vessels. Our ship barely made it to this side of the island. And it was fortunate that we beached before the storm came in, otherwise we may have lost our means to go home,¡± the spokesman explained.

    Captain Buttonwillow lowered his head in grief and shame.

    ¡°Enough of this. They are weak enough that we may overpower them if needed. Are we going to the center of the island to find Rep or not?¡± Nold asked.

    Zalan was glad to see Nold eager to go find Rep. Then it occurred to Zalan that Nold was probably much more interested to face someone powerful like Morloch. Either way, their interests aligned for the time being.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go,¡± Zalan said.

    One of the pirates raised his hand, his lips trembling. Nold furrowed his eyebrows. Zalan pointed to him like a schoolteacher.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°The fastest route is on that side of the beach. There will be a clearer path from there,¡± the man pointed with a finger from his raised hand.

    ¡°You know it would be a grave mistake to lie to us,¡± Nold hissed.

    The pirate nodded in agreement.

    ¡°And the rest of you, do not get any ideas as we leave the area. Or we may not be so merciful,¡± Nold warned.

    The pirates all raised their hands as a show of innocence. Nold, Zalan, and Buttonwillow backed away from the pirates who kept their hands in the air so long as they could see Nold. They kept their eyes on the pirates until they went behind a set of rocks, blocking them from view. As soon as they broke eye contact, Zalan heard the pirates scampering away.

    ¡°So, just up this way to a path?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You believed them? They just wanted us out of view,¡± Nold criticized him. ¡°Let us head directly for the center. I know the way.¡±

    ¡°What about that?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked.

    Nold rolled his eyes and turned to look at the captain. He was looking out to the sea. Following his gaze, Nold and Zalan saw a body floating on the water just off the beach.

 131 - Book 3 - Chapter 34 - Center Stage

    Captain Buttonwillow and Zalan broke into a sprint to gather the body in the sea to the shore. Nold watched them in confusion. They bounded toward the edge of the beach and Nold shook his head.

    ¡°McKittrick! Use your Elemental Powers!¡± Nold reminded them.

    Neither runner listened. Captain Buttonwillow was too distracted by the sighting and Zalan knew that his lightning wasn¡¯t going to be of any use to anyone floating in water. Both of them dove in, swimming to their target. Zalan had to get close to figure out who it was. Rosemary. Her eyes were closed and her physical well-being was unclear. Captain Buttonwillow and Zalan reached out to grab her, but they were suddenly hoisted away by the waters.

    ¡°No!¡± Captain Buttonwillow exploded, reaching out as far as he could.

    ¡°Calm down, I am bringing you all to shore,¡± Nold said, using his Elemental Water to pull all three to the shallow sands.

    Once pulled to dry land, Zalan and Captain Buttonwillow picked up Rosemary and placed her far from the water. They propped her head up on a pillow of sand Nold made in a moment. They gathered around her closely, waiting to see if she woke up.

    ¡°Do you want to zap her with lightning?¡± Nold asked suddenly.

    ¡°What? No! What are you talking about?¡± Zalan said, appalled.

    ¡°You said you could bring people back from the dead!¡± Nold said.

    ¡°I never said that!¡±

    ¡°You did! Rep said you brought someone back at the tournament!¡±

    ¡°That was different! I started a heart that temporarily stopped!¡± Zalan countered.

    ¡°That sounds exactly the same!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Captain Buttonwillow screamed between the two. ¡°Rosemary lives!¡±

    Zalan and Nold looked her over, watching as she slowly breathed in and out. Captain Buttonwillow sighed in shaky relief. He collapsed to his knees as he looked over her. Zalan realized with growing discomfort that Captain Buttonwillow had tears in his eyes.

    ¡°Hey¡­ You good?¡± Zalan asked awkwardly.

    ¡°I am the worst captain there ever was. My esteemed guests have been shipwrecked, one is missing. I cannot locate any of my other crew. Xavier is lost, consumed by a creature of the deep,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, his voice hoarse.

    Zalan sat down hard, the fact reinserting itself in his mind. Xavier had died. He saw it happen on the boat. Death was real in this realm and there was no way to tell who it would claim. He sometimes forgot that when he went through so many dangerous things and lived. Even more so when people could heal themselves by sleeping in any safe area. But Xavier was dead. And he had no idea where Rep was after a shipwreck. It was a very real possibility that he was also dead.

    ¡°One must wonder, what is a captain without a ship and loyal crew?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked, his voice breaking.

    ¡°A good man?¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°Precisely. Nothing but a mere man. You may no longer refer to me as Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick. For I am nothing more than¡­ Buttonwillow McKittrick.¡±

    The distant look in his eyes moved something in Zalan. Buttonwillow looked broken. Defeated by the world around him. It sent a great fear through Zalan, who worried that he might one day feel like that. He felt the dark sensations of isolation take hold over his mind when he was alone on the island. Was this the look of his future if he was left alone for too long? Would he forever rely on the company of others to feel sane? Would that be life if he returned back home to his world? Zalan tried to raise Buttonwillow¡¯s spirits, feeling that it was a thread of hope for his own future if he could turn his emotions around.

    ¡°What about destiny? Shouldn¡¯t you be okay with your destiny?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am satisfied with my own destiny, Zalan. I was destined to be stranded on this island. That has no bearing on my state of mind. But the loss of my crew¡­ Good men and women¡­ Xavier who saved my life just before he¡­ I can not¡­¡±

    Tears ended Buttonwillow¡¯s sentence for him.

    Zalan had to try and ignore the tears in Buttonwillow¡¯s eyes. Even in this intense situation, Zalan couldn¡¯t forget what Gorb had told him about tears being good for one¡¯s heart. Rep was gone, the crew he had met might all be dead, he had no no evidence of where they might be, and his eyes were still dry. Zalan breathed deeply, pushing the thoughts aside.

    ¡°But Captain Buttonwillow¡ª¡±

    ¡°Only Buttonwillow,¡± he corrected firmly.

    ¡°But¡­ Buttonwillow¡­¡± Zalan hesitated a moment. It felt wrong for Zalan to address him without the title. ¡°We could still find people inside the island. It could be that everyone¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°I wish I had your optimism to believe all of us survived a shipwreck. We already know one of us was lost to the Leviathans. It is not a stretch to believe that others were consumed as well,¡± Buttonwillow said skeptically.

    Zalan ran a hand through his hair. Zalan knew that Buttonwillow¡¯s grief was only allowing him to think of the worst case scenarios. But even knowing it didn¡¯t make it any less contagious. Rep could very well be one of the ones who was eaten. Zalan was horrified by the possibility. He was even more scared of the fact that he might never know exactly what happened to his friend.

    ¡°What a travesty,¡± Buttonwillow lamented. ¡°Enzo feared the sea ever so much, and now he is lost within it. Magnolia was only supposed to join The Aeguesson on a single journey, and she happened to be a part of the worst expedition of my now-ended career.¡±

    Buttonwillow¡¯s words were starting to pull Zalan down to his terrible mood.

    ¡°Come on. Get up and help us look. I think it¡¯ll make you feel better to be on your feet and keep searching. Don¡¯t lose hope.¡± Zalan held out his hand. He was speaking more for himself than Buttonwillow. He couldn¡¯t sit around and dwell in this state.

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    ¡°No,¡± Nold said suddenly, a thought coming to mind.

    ¡°No?¡± Zalan looked at him with eyebrows lowered, already fed up with Nold¡¯s shenanigans.

    ¡°Someone needs to watch over Rosemary.¡±

    ¡°We could take her with us.¡±

    ¡°That could worsen her condition. She needs rest, not to be dragged through an island. Furthermore, we found someone out at sea. It could stand to reason that we should keep watch out on the beach to make sure that no one floats by unseen,¡± Nold explained.

    ¡°But what about the inside of the island! You were just saying that there might be people in there! What if they drifted in on the current?¡± Zalan argued.

    ¡°You misunderstand me. I suggest that some of us go inside and one of us stays outside with Rosemary to watch over her and others that might drift to the shore. To have the most eyes in most places, we need to split up,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan knew immediately that he and Nold would be the ones to go to the island¡¯s center. Buttonwillow looked completely out of it. He hardly looked like he could stand on his own anymore. As much as he disliked Nold chiming in, he agreed with his assessment of the situation. If they wanted to find everyone, they needed to split up. Zalan dreaded the thought of having to be with Nold alone again. But he was looking forward to escaping the doom-ridden vibe that was emanating from Buttonwillow.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t we wait until Rosemary wakes up?¡±

    ¡°Would you want to risk leaving someone drowning inside the island?¡±

    Zalan sighed, taking his point. He looked down at Buttonwillow whose eyes were staring off into the sea, desperate to see more of his crew. He brushed a tear from one of them to keep his vision clear.

    ¡°Try not to move too far. We¡¯ll meet you back here,¡± Zalan told him.

    ¡°With more survivors, I hope,¡± Buttonwillow said, not looking at him.

    ¡°You should start a fire for him,¡± Zalan said to Nold.

    ¡°I can do that. But if you wish to ensure that he does not become in need of fire while we are gone, you should give him the Flamethrower,¡± Nold suggested.

    Zalan dug his hands into his pockets and offered Buttonwillow the Artifact. Buttonwillow didn¡¯t look up. Zalan knelt down and placed it next to him. It almost hurt him to see the man so forlorn. He was always so chipper and highfalutin before, that seeing him at any level of stoicism brought a shiver to Zalan¡¯s spine. Where he previously wondered what it might be like to meet Buttonwillow when he was quiet, he now wished he never knew.

    ¡°Tell you what,¡± Zalan said. ¡°If you keep Rosemary safe, I¡¯ll ask Ma to give you a new ship when we get back. She loves me. I think I could convince her to give you Lexador Wollcaster¡¯s boat.¡±

    Again, Zalan was trying to cheer himself up as much as he was trying to bring Buttonwillow to better spirits. The thought brought the crack of a smile to Buttonwillow¡¯s face. His frown quickly returned and he shook his head.

    ¡°Lexington Winchester¡­ That scoundrel was right. It was a miracle that we ended up shipwrecking on the island alive,¡± Buttonwillow seemed further distraught by the thought that Captain Lexington could be right about anything.

    ¡°At least you¡¯ll have his boat when you get back,¡± Zalan offered, trying to sound in high spirits.

    ¡°A ship is nothing without a good crew. And mine was the best,¡± Buttonwillow said.

    ¡°Is the best,¡± Zalan corrected.

    ¡°You can not suggest to know their current state. We were up against Leviathans when we crashed. I do not even know what tore us apart. It felt more like a focused hurricane than a creature. As though the storm conspired so that I may not ever own a ship of my own. I am not willing to gamble my optimism to believe that everyone is alive and well. It does not bode well to stew in denial. You can not bargain with fate,¡± Buttonwillow said sincerely.

    ¡°Just wait here and I¡¯ll get them,¡± Zalan said firmly.

    With that, he spun away from Buttonwillow, not wanting to hear anything more. He was scared he might start believing him. He had to keep having hope, or else he would go mad.

    He would find Rep. Rep wouldn¡¯t be dead. He couldn¡¯t be. He said he would help Zalan until the very end. Zalan still felt so far from home. And being without Rep made him feel like he lost his anchor to this realm. There was no one he trusted nearly as much. Without him, there wasn¡¯t anyone left that Zalan thought he would consider a friend.

    Nold was at his side quickly, a suppressed smirk on his face. There was a fervor in his step as he led the way into the center of the island. He held a protective hand slightly ahead of him, ready to take on anyone that tried to challenge him and his student. Zalan had to walk at full speed to keep up with Nold, but he didn¡¯t mind. He was glad Nold was taking the search and rescue as seriously as he was. Nold took a sharp turn, following a path that Zalan couldn¡¯t understand. It looked like it was more crowded with flora than the area they were headed in earlier.

    ¡°Do you know where you¡¯re going?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not taking me directly to see Morloch, are you?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, we are going to Rep,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°You know where he is?¡± Zalan asked, naively hopeful.

    Nold cleared his throat as he realized he misspoke.

    ¡°Excuse me if some of my students¡¯ optimism has rubbed off on me,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan decided to take it as a compliment. He and Nold both thought they would be able to find Rep. Zalan took it as a small consolation. Especially when Nold wasn¡¯t one for optimism.

    Nold moved with a purpose, stepping over moist stones and brushing aside what little flora stood in his way. Zalan marveled at how confident Nold was in his movements forward when there was no footpath to be followed. Nold just instinctively knew where to go. Considering the fact that neither monsters nor pirates came onto their path to harass them, Zalan determined that Nold knew what he was doing. He wondered if there even were any monsters on the island.

    Silence lingered most often between Nold and Zalan. Normally Zalan felt comfortable conversing with his previous companions, but felt like there was nothing he wanted to talk about with Nold. At best, he felt like he would be bothered at the end of the conversation with him. He always spoke so dismissively, like his thoughts were the only important ones. But Zalan couldn¡¯t stand being in complete silence, just following along until they eventually made it to the mountain. The uneven terrain around them was already starting to feel familiar enough that it wasn¡¯t interesting.

    ¡°What are we gonna do once we find Rep?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°I mean we have no way back home. How are we gonna get back to Oriton once we finish the rescue?¡±

    Nold stopped mid-step. He looked at the ground in thought then turned back to Zalan.

    ¡°I did not think about that. I do wish to return home after this. Do you still have a Homeseeker?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°It fell into the sea,¡± Zalan shook his head.

    ¡°A shame.¡± Nold continued walking.

    ¡°Well, what are we gonna do?¡±

    ¡°The pirates mentioned having arrived here by way of a ship. They did not mention that ship being destroyed like ours. In fact, it sounded like they went through great pains to keep it in working condition, In the worst case scenario, you could always commandeer it to get back to Oriton,¡± Nold said.

    ¡°You want us to steal it from them?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Or perhaps negotiate with them like you did the monsters guarding the flowers. Or figure out another way home,¡± Nold said, already disinterested in the topic.

    Zalan felt a lump in his stomach. He knew he wouldn¡¯t feel better about talking with Nold. He sighed to himself and continued to move through the brush and stone beneath his feet.

    ¡°Here we are,¡± Nold said.

    They stood at a tiny mouth of a cave leading into a mountain. It looked more like a deep crack than a cavern to go into. The entrance was so narrow, they would have to slide in sideways. Zalan looked over it with skepticism.

    ¡°Are you sure this is the place?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Nold said. ¡°Be sure to follow me closely. You may perish to the traps strewn across the inside.¡±

 132 - Book 3 - Chapter 35 - Spelunking

    Nold slid his way into the hole in the mountain, Zalan close behind. Zalan had never been spelunking before and he was glad he never tried. It was cold and moist. Zalan breathed slowly, needing to exhale to fit through some of the tighter pieces of the cave. He felt claustrophobic and immediately knew that if he ever got back to his world, he would have absolutely no interest in being a caver. Nold finally emerged in a large chamber, a pool of water in the center of the room. Zalan stumbled his way out, tripping and falling to the ground. He turned back to the small crack in the cave, wondering how Nold knew about it.

    ¡°Come along,¡± Nold said, taking a few steps in a direction in the darkness.

    ¡°Wait, Nold, what is all this?¡± Zalan said, looking amazed.

    The chamber they emerged was piled in Artifacts and debris. They were strewn about the edges of the cold pool of water, some having been pushed further into the cave by a high tide. Zalan looked over them in amazement. There were Satiators, Wind Wands, a Storm Caller, and even a Heart of Purity. Several other Artifacts he either didn¡¯t know or didn¡¯t remember filled the rest of the space. He had found the mother lode that the pirates were searching for on the outside. Between the Artifacts he recognized and the others in the room, this might be the most powerful place he had stepped into. Rep would have loved this room considering the sheer number of Artifacts.

    ¡°This is probably where that current they were talking about leads!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Stop wasting time,¡± Nold said quickly. ¡°Come along. This room is dangerous. Too many Artifacts we are unfamiliar with.¡±

    ¡°But what about the stuff we are familiar with?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Look at all those Satiators! What if we find someone who hasn¡¯t eaten in a while? We could save people who are starving! Or search for weeks!¡±

    ¡°If you wish to spend time here when people may be dying further within, feel free,¡± Nold said derisively.

    ¡°But if this is where the flow of water comes out, wouldn¡¯t the bodies float into here too?¡± Zalan asked.

    Nold hesitated and looked it over thoughtfully. He pursed his lips in thought.

    ¡°No, there is a more important place further within where we must search.¡±

    ¡°Another spot where water comes in and brings in this many things?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Nold nodded.

    ¡°Should we split up, then? What if someone winds up in this room?¡±

    ¡°They will not.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°Because¡­ There are rocks at the mouth of the river flowing into here. Too large for a body to pass through but not large enough to stop Artifacts,¡± Nold said confidently. ¡°This is an offshoot of the main current.¡±

    ¡°What? How would you know that?¡± Zalan challenged.

    ¡°For the same reason I know where Morloch is within these caves. I have traveled the world. I am familiar with the landscape,¡± Nold said dismissively.

    ¡°Morloch is in this cave?¡± Zalan asked, suddenly nervous.

    ¡°Do not be concerned with him. We should be much more concerned with how unfamiliar you are with this place. There are death traps in many rooms, including this one.¡±

    Zalan peered to the back of the flow of water, trying to see the entrypoint. He squinted, but couldn¡¯t see a thing. But he also didn¡¯t see any driftwood larger than an Artifact in the water. Nold may have been right about no bodies winding up in the room.

    ¡°Should we swim up there and check if people are stuck in the rocks?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, they would bump against the outcropping and go further inward,¡± Nold replied, scratching at his wounded shoulder in annoyance. ¡°Now come along, stop wasting more time.¡±

    ¡°Fine, just let me grab a few Satiators.¡±

    ¡°Careful!¡± Nold reached his arm out. ¡°This mountain is primed with several traps from pirates of the past. Follow exactly where I say to go, or you may be seriously injured. Or worse.¡±

    Nold reached out a hand and emitted a very thin layer of Elemental Sand. He created light pockets on the floor for Zalan to step over confidently. Zalan had to take extra long, careful strides to make his way to the water¡¯s edge and pick up Satiators. When he picked up a third one, he stared at the water he pulled it out from with wide eyes. He froze for a few seconds, absolutely stunned.

    ¡°What delays you now?¡± Nold snapped.

    ¡°I found the Homeseeker!¡± Zalan pulled it out of the water triumphantly.

    Nold grew a wide smile on his face, massively relieved.

    ¡°Good! Well done! That will be of much use to us once we are done here. May this be the beginning of the good we will come across ahead of us,¡± Nold said.

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    Zalan tucked it away, feeling considerably more at ease knowing that they would have easy access back home. He, Buttonwillow, Nold, and Rosemary weren¡¯t stranded here. They would be home and receiving healing rest as soon as Zalan found Rep and the others. And he was sure he would find them. He agreed with Nold that it felt like a good sign of things to come.

    Nold laid out a path of sand for Zalan to follow to catch up with his mentor. Nold nodded to him and made his way deeper into the mountain cave. The reflecting pool of water provided little light around them. Nold emitted Elemental Fire from his palm, illuminating the way ahead of them.

    ¡°It¡¯s still kind of dark. Can you make the fire bigger?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Nold said, sounding frustrated at the question.

    Zalan didn¡¯t press him further, guessing that he was limited by his wounds.

    Now that they were deeper within, they took much slower steps. Nold seemed to deliberate before every move and Zalan would watch his feet carefully, matching him exactly. On occasion, Zalan could see mechanisms connected to the floor in the dim firelight. He wondered what kind of traps lay ready to spring if he stepped on any.

    He suddenly wondered why Nold knew where every trap was. Zalan considered that may have been the reason that he wore gloves. He could have taken such significant damage, that even Healing Rests would not remove the wounds. He knew scars would only form if wounds were self-inflicted in this realm. But he wondered if traps counted as self-inflicted damage. After all, the wound wouldn¡¯t have appeared if you didn¡¯t trigger the trap, yourself.

    ¡°Tell me,¡± Nold said, sounding mildly curious. ¡°What do you intend to do with Morloch¡ªwhat was the name you called him¡ªMorloch the Manipulator! What do you intend to do once you find him?¡±

    Zalan would have preferred that they talked about almost any other topic. He sighed ambivalently.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Zalan admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t want to really have to think about it until I get there.¡±

    ¡°If you do not want to talk about it with me, I suppose you prefer to move in silence,¡± Nold said.

    It was like Nold knew that was exactly what Zalan didn¡¯t want to do. Being in the dark place lit only by a small flame made Zalan feel more isolated than ever. Zalan knew that if he was in complete darkness on his own, he would lose his mind. Hearing another person¡¯s voice was comforting, even if that voice had to come from Nold.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to negotiate a lot recently. I feel like it¡¯s been going well.¡±

    ¡°Negotiating?¡± Nold said, sounding interested.

    ¡°Yeah, I talked Boznoks into giving me Nightbloom without fighting them. I was able to talk things out with Ma to get this ship. Even the pirates! We talked things through with them. I feel like I¡¯m getting decent at talking things out,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°So you wish to simply converse with Morloch?¡± When Nold said it like that, Zalan felt somewhat silly about his plan. But he doubled down.

    ¡°Yeah. I mean, I don¡¯t want to kill him. I think¡­¡± Zalan said, unsure.

    ¡°I see. What do you know of Morloch?¡±

    ¡°Not much. Madam Hikma just said that he was really strong and I should be wary of him. So, I might try a sneak attack if I have you and Rep to help me. But I really want to talk to him. Figure him out.¡±

    ¡°Interesting that Hikma seems to know the name of the man, but has nothing more to offer. How could she lead you to the island where the man is, but know so little?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, she kinda has a lot of shallow knowledge. That¡¯s kinda her thing in Oriton.¡± Zalan shrugged, taking an extra long step behind Nold to get his placement right.

    ¡°And she sends you to complete her chores with little to no context. Sounds like the work of a manipulator to me,¡± Nold suggested.

    Zalan¡¯s face scrunched at the suggestion. He blinked a few times, registering the remark.

    ¡°No, she¡¯s¡­ She¡¯s not manipulative, she¡¯s just helpful,¡± Zalan said, a hint of confusion in his voice.

    ¡°She has a town paying her a fortune daily, but does not offer straight answers. She does not even offer any magnanimity of strength. Just words that seem to confuse you,¡± Nold said, sounding sincere.

    ¡°I know Morloch has Elemental Air Power. But she never showed any Elemental Power,¡± Zalan said, regaining some confidence.

    ¡°Ah, so she has shown you her abilities on her wrist?¡± Nold asked, suspicion in his tone.

    ¡°No, she¡­ It¡¯s different, she¡­¡± Zalan was tripping up in his own mind. He had thought that Madam Hikma¡¯s answers were frustrating at times, but only because she had no more information to offer. Was there something more to Madam Hikma than he thought? Why was she sending him on quests that she didn¡¯t have all the information for? What could she gain? The memories of the vengeance he wanted upon her snuck in from the far vestiges of his mind. Zalan ran a hand through his hair as he shook his head, shaking the thoughts away.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I really don¡¯t know,¡± Zalan said, not remembering if he was even asked a question.

    ¡°I trust that you will do well with Morloch,¡± Nold said.

    Zalan breathed a little easier. Madam Hikma was far away. Right now, he needed to focus on what was real in front of him. Having Nold¡¯s confidence in his strength had always worked out for him. He almost won the tournament under his tutelage. He looked up at his dim beacon of light. Nold was cloaked in several dancing shadows.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be there with me when we go up against Morloch, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I will most certainly be there,¡± Nold said, full of conviction.

    Zalan smiled, feeling even more confident that he would be able to complete the quest. He tried to brush aside the thoughts of why he was given the task in the first place. He hadn¡¯t exactly been able to pinpoint the progress that Madam Hikma said he was making. He just had to take her word for it. He had no milestones to go after with her other than her own plans of overcoming the Monsters of the Mindscape. Allegedly, he had already overcome two of them, but he had no idea when that could have happened in his time in the realm. It could have been a random Roach, or maybe it was Hatewing the Elemental Dragon.

    Zalan couldn¡¯t help but second guess Madam Hikma¡¯s direction. Would her quests really be the means of him getting back to his own world? Confusion swirled in his mind, resurging the questions he had before the tournament. What did Madam Hikma actually know? The only reason he had confidence in her was because Rep had confidence in her. But now that Rep wasn¡¯t around¡­ Zalan didn¡¯t know what to think anymore.

    Taking another slow step forward, Zalan saw something glint at him on the floor. A gold coin reflected the firelight in his eyes. At first he ignored it, then saw an open pouch not far from it. He squinted at the bag in the darkness. It was difficult to tell, but looked faintly familiar. He peered in and investigated further. He knelt down and moved to pick it up.

    ¡°Is this Rep¡¯s money pouch?¡± he asked, raising it.

    Nold twisted his neck around quickly, then widened his eyes in dread.

    ¡°No! Do not touch it!¡± Nold screamed.

    It was too late. Zalan both felt and heard a trap springing from below him. Before Nold or Zalan even had time to think, the cave began to rock.

 133 - Book 3 - Chapter 36 - Trapdoor

    The walls shook violently, throwing both Nold and Zalan off balance. With a deep echoing sound, the walls on the narrow path around Nold and Zalan began to twist. Zalan dropped the pouch of coins, hoping he would deactivate the trap by returning the object from where it came. But he was far too late. The world around Zalan became a blur as he was suddenly thrown spinning in a direction.

    ¡°No!¡± Nold exploded, reaching out and failing to grab Zalan.

    They were split apart by a few feet, the walls continuing to shift between them. Zalan was finally able to orient himself, but had a hard time seeing when moved away from Nold¡¯s source of light. Light and darkness were constantly in flux in his vision. The changing shapes of the light and moving walls were so quick that Zalan got a sense of vertigo on top of all the dizziness he already felt. The walls looked like they were beginning to close between the student and mentor, pushing Zalan further into darkness. Zalan didn¡¯t know which way was the right way to move, instead remaining nervously in place.

    ¡°I will not lose you!¡± Nold said forcefully, appearing from behind a narrowing exit.

    Zalan felt a series of Elemental Powers surround him as Nold desperately reached out with every power at once. Zalan was propelled forward with a mishmash of sand and water, moving so fast that Zalan could feel the wind whip past him as well. The walls were sliding in, creating a barrier between Zalan and Nold. If they closed, a thick barrier would separate them.

    ¡°Reach out your hand!¡± Nold cried.

    The opening between the walls was thin. The mechanisms in the cavern were still moving to close the path between the teacher and student. Nold was trying to use his powers to get Zalan to lift up his hand through the closing exit.

    ¡°It¡¯ll crush me!¡± Zalan said, watching the gap grow smaller in fear.

    ¡°You will be trapped! You may die in there, give me your hand!¡± Nold demanded.

    Zalan began to reach out his hand hesitantly, but retreated as he felt the rocks scraping against each other. The opening was already dangerously tight. It might close right when his body was inserted and kill him immediately. Healing would be completely out of the question.

    ¡°Listen to me! If you do not then this will all have been for nothing!¡± Nold exploded. Zalan felt the wind pick up as the sand and water spun into a tornado around him. Nold was truly desperate.

    At the last second, Zalan decided to take the risk and trust his mentor. As he began to raise his arm, the walls shut forcefully between them. All the elements spinning around Zalan fell to the ground, broken from their connection with Nold. He was in total darkness. He pressed himself up against the closed wall blindly.

    ¡°Nold! Get me out of here!¡± Zalan beat against the stone.

    He heard muffled yelling from the other end of the wall.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan pressed his ear up against the wall, desperate in the darkness.

    He heard a series of blows on the other end. Nold was trying with all his might to break a hole in the wall with his Elements. Zalan could even feel the wall shake slightly. But the barrier between them was far too thick. Nold wouldn¡¯t make any significant progress without someone with Elemental Earth Power to help him.

    Nold screamed. Zalan could barely make it out, like someone who was covering their mouth crying out from the distance. He was trying to tell him something.

    ¡°Nold! Louder! I can¡¯t hear you!¡± Zalan screamed at the top of his lungs. He pressed his ear back up against the wall and closed his eyes to focus.

    ¡°Use your lightning to¡ª¡±

    The earth cracked under Zalan and he flinched, unnerved. Zalan waited, feeling like he was constantly off balance without light. Nold continued to yell from the other side, but Zalan was far too distracted to listen in. Abruptly, the floor gave out from under Zalan. He began tumbling down a steep stone slab, screaming all the while. His eyes were wide open but he saw nothing.

    Zalan fell into the abyss blindly.

    He bashed against a few outcroppings of rock on the way down, having the air knocked out of him several times. After a few seconds of bruise-inducing rolling, Zalan ended up at the bottom of the sheer stone cave wall. His eyes were closed from the pain. He groaned, feeling around his body. Everything felt cut or bruised. The only thought on his mind was to get out. He breathed deeply and cried out.

    ¡°Nold! Can you still hear me?¡±

    Nothing.

    He couldn¡¯t hear anything from Nold anymore. He had no idea how far he¡¯d fallen into the darkness. He had no idea where he was. Slowly, he opened his eyes and felt the deep darkness that he was in. He gasped lightly in fear. His eyes experienced no change.

    His eyes open made no difference than his eyes being closed. It was totally pitch black. He closed his eyes tightly. It was better to pretend that there was light than confirm that he was lost in the darkness. He stayed lying flat on the ground for a few minutes, hoping that Nold would break through the wall. That Rep would miraculously show up. That someone would save him. That anyone would prevent him from being by himself in this chasm. Zalan swallowed nervously, sitting up.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he called to his new cavern, hoping to hear someone call back.

    Nothing. It was Zalan¡¯s worst fear. Lost, alone in complete darkness. He pulled at his hair stressfully for a few seconds. He patted his pockets, hoping he had something to help him get out. In a moment, he felt the Homeseeker. He stopped abruptly, his eyes opening in realization.

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    He could escape the island alone. He felt around the Artifact and was certain he could activate the button to pop him back to the guild in Oriton. He could be back home, healed, and able to use his sense of sight in seconds. His hand hesitated over the trigger. He frowned at himself in consternation.

    He would have to totally abandon Rep and the others. Zalan couldn¡¯t go through with it. He screamed in frustration. He wished he didn¡¯t care about any of them. But he wouldn¡¯t abandon them when he could still save them. Zalan scoffed at the idea of rescuing anyone now. He was the one that needed saving from the trap he fell through.

    Zalan placed the Homeseeker back in his pocket and felt it knock against something else. He suddenly remembered that he had several different Artifacts. A few Satiators and a Radiance Orb. Zalan had no idea what the Radiance Orb did, but was willing to try anything just to be able to see again. His heart was pumping wildly. He desperately wanted to know where he was in comparison to the rest of this trap room. He needed to confirm that he wasn¡¯t surrounded by monsters or more traps.

    Feeling the intricate patterns of the Artifacts, Zalan determined which were the Satiators and which was the Radiance Orb. He held out the Radiance Orb in front of him and tried pressing against it. He couldn¡¯t feel any mechanism to activate it. He ran his arms over the extent of it, looking for imperfections or something to push. He wondered if it was something like the Wavebinder, which needed to touch water to be activated. He knocked against it several times, trying to force it to live. Finally, he tried to twist it, and it came on with a blinding flash. Zalan gasped and dropped it, but caught it just before it struck the ground. His eyes took a moment to adjust to the new brightness.

    He raised the Radiance Orb and got a good look at the cave. Two sheer, rocky walls were on either side of him, sliding down to a flat path at the bottom. It reminded him of an irrigation duct, except that it was totally dry. At the top was a flat land, presumably where Zalan started from when he was first shoved into this room. The path he stood on was narrow and winding in both directions. He was surprised by how much he had already lost his sense of direction. Zalan knew which of the steep walls he had fallen from, but couldn¡¯t tell where the wall was that closed on him. He didn¡¯t know if he slid straight down or changed directions several times when hitting the uneven surfaces on the way to the bottom.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Zalan flinched and held the orb closer to him in shock.

    The floor was littered with several skeletons between loose rocks that had broken off the walls. He definitely wasn¡¯t the first to fall into this trap room. Considering how large it was, Zalan was sure there would be multiple entrances to it. It suddenly felt more like a sewer than an irrigation duct. A place of discarded things. There were dozens of remains immediately surrounding him, but he saw a few at distances further away as well. Those who had lived the fall, but couldn¡¯t survive much longer.

    He looked both ways to try and see if there were monsters prowling the cave. To his relief, it looked like this area underground hadn¡¯t been disturbed in years. The two paths to choose from looked equally daunting. He could try to walk in the direction behind him, which theoretically would be the way he came in. Or he could try to go ahead of him, possibly finding an exit closer to the center of the island. In either direction, he didn¡¯t know if he would be able to find his way back up. What if the path never opened up and this was just a cave under the Island of Remains? Whether a natural formation or something made by Elementally Powered individuals, Zalan had no guarantees that there was a way out. Especially if it was intended to trap and starve all who fell in.

    Zalan sighed and decided to go forward. He had enough Satiators that he would be able to go in both directions if he had to. Considering what he saw the size of the island to be, it shouldn¡¯t take him more than a few dozen hours. The power of a Satiator should last him at least that long.

    Zalan took a half-step forward and stopped himself when a thought came to mind. He picked up one of the rocks on the floor ahead of him and threw it. He waited to see if it sprang any traps. When nothing happened, he picked up several more pebbles and began to walk.

    As he made his way, he continued to throw the little stones to make sure his path was free of danger. He was never certain that the stones he threw would be enough to set off the traps, but it still made him feel safer. The further in he went, the more often he would look over his shoulder. There was an eerie sensation rolling up his spine. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something might be in the cave with him. It felt like something was watching him.

    As the minutes stretched, Zalan kept all of his focus on looking around all corners of the cave ahead of him, hoping to see something like that wall that turned and forced him into this cave. Maybe there was another wall he could push to get him back up on the main path. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, but he told himself he wouldn¡¯t panic until he ran out of path to walk down. He had a plan and he had plenty of light.

    But more importantly, he didn¡¯t let his mind drift while in the darkness alone. He continuously told himself that he would be scared later. He didn¡¯t have the time to be scared yet. He didn¡¯t know how long he could convince himself like that, but he didn¡¯t want to try the alternative.

    Zalan traveled for almost ten minutes on the underground path. WIth every step, he felt more lost than when he began. He had no idea where he even started walking from. Turning around, he checked to make sure something wasn¡¯t following him again, paranoia crawling up his spine. The Radiance Orb flickered. Zalan looked at it in horror. The constant glow began to dim slowly.

    ¡°No, no, no, no,¡± Zalan said desperately as he clung to it.

    The Artifact was running out of power.

    ¡°No, please, no, don¡¯t do this,¡± Zalan begged.

    He didn¡¯t feel that the light was leaving, but that the darkness was approaching. It was overwhelming him on all sides.

    The Radiance Orb flickered like a light bulb, then sputtered out. Zalan gripped it fearfully, hoping it would turn back on. With a faint crack, his fingers felt the Artifact degrade and turn into dust. Confirmation that it had fully been used.

    Zalan breathed uneasily, feeling desperately in his pockets for another Artifact to light the way. Maybe the gold power that emitted from the Satiators would be enough to light up the room for a few seconds. But Zalan knew that was a foolish idea. He was supposed to save them for the other survivors of the shipwreck. He racked his brain for an idea, but the fear in his mind made it hard to think rationally. He hated the sensation of being blind in the long, ominous cave. It was oppressive on his senses. His eyes were wide, but useless.

    He no longer felt like he could wait to be scared later. The darkness was here. The fear was now. He would never escape. He would be stuck here forever. Not just in the cave under the Island of Remains, but in this realm as well. He would never get to go back and visit his mother. Everything he did this far was only to end up dying of starvation in a pitch-black cave.

    He had to forcefully shake his head to himself. Fear was making him irrational. He knew he could escape by using the Homeseeker. He needed to figure out a way to see and he would be fine down here for several days with his Satiators. He felt at his pockets once more for a light source, feeling like he was missing something obvious that he could be using to see.

    As all of these thoughts were overwhelming Zalan¡¯s mind, he flinched suddenly.

    There was no mistaking it. Something in the cave made a sound. He now realized something he feared more than being alone and blind in the darkness.

    Being blind and not alone in the darkness.

 134 - Book 3 - Chapter 37 - Bright

    Zalan stood frozen, rigidity taking over his bones as he waited for another sound. He was certain he heard something in the blind darkness. He felt like a monster was circling him, hunting him down without need of light. Zalan¡¯s breathing quickened considerably, and he kept his eyes wide open as though it would help him see better. Zalan fumbled at his waist and realized he had no sword to use. He fell back to raising his hands out in front of him defensively.

    ¡°Hey! Get back! You hear me?¡± Zalan demanded.

    He didn¡¯t hear any new noises. It almost made him even more erratic. There was nothing to track, just an unnatural feeling slithering down his spine. His mind was on the fritz. Paranoia played games with his every sense. He balled a hand into a fist, prepared to strike at a moment¡¯s notice. In that same moment, he decided he wasn¡¯t going to be reactionary. With shaking arms, he blasted a bolt of lightning in front of him to scare whatever was around him.

    Zalan blinked in total shock when the room lit up for an instant. In all his terror being trapped in the underground cave, he had forgotten that his Elemental Power could be used to produce light. He threw another bolt of lightning, smiling gratefully to see the cave flash in front of him. It was too short for him to get a good read on the cavern. He could only illuminate the room with what felt like the flash of a camera. Still, it was significantly better than nothing. The only thing he needed to be worried about now was how much energy he had. He would tire himself out if he kept using his Elemental Lightning Power every time he took a step. But he couldn¡¯t stand being blind in the underground.

    With a feeling of idiocy clocking through his brain, Zalan realized he could imbue himself. Placing lightning atop his body would be a much more reliable source of light. He let his power flow around him and the room lit up very slightly with a blue hue. Zalan breathed marginally easier. The light was still lacking. It was more like he had turned himself into a glow stick rather than a flashlight. Again, he was grateful for any kind of improvement that kept him out of total darkness. When his eyes were open, he needed to be able to see something. His mind went haywire, otherwise.

    Carefully, Zalan began to take slow steps forward with arms raised. He had completely forgone the strategy of throwing pebbles ahead of him to search for traps. Something much more pertinent was at the front of his mind. He was looking for the source of the sound he heard earlier. There was no wind in the cavern that could possibly have been the source of the noise. And he had the Radiance Orb on long enough to know the underground wasn¡¯t unstable and ready for pieces to break apart. The noise had to have come from something living.

    He stumbled as he tripped over a piece of human skeleton, but deliberately did not look at it. He didn¡¯t want to add any more haunting memories to his head and kept his eyes straight ahead. The dim light he was producing cast ghastly shadows that he avoided gazing upon for too long.

    With a gasp, Zalan spotted something shift far ahead of him. All the panic and paranoia exploded in his head and he didn¡¯t take a second to investigate. He immediately threw both arms forward and blasted with as much lightning as he could muster. The massive bolt charged forward and exploded a piece of rock. Zalan listened close as the pebbles settled on the dark path. Nothing cried out in pain. Zalan couldn¡¯t be sure he landed a hit on whatever it was that he witnessed.

    ¡°If you¡¯re human, this is your last chance before I go ballistic! Say something! Anything!¡± Zalan warned, looking slightly unhinged.

    At first there was no response. Zalan tensed up, preparing to make good on his promise. Then, he felt the atmosphere shift ahead of him. Zalan threw everything he had at the sensation, bolt after bolt of lightning flying through the long cavern with seemingly no end. He screamed a war cry, more to bolster his own confidence than to scare off whatever it was. Blasts of electricity charged through the air and destroyed several stones sitting idly in the cavern. He continued, unabated by anything. Zalan was far too scared to let up without any evidence of something having been hit. His eyes were wide, scanning the area ahead of him for signs of monsters. Or human. Or something that had just died from his power. He was hoping for anything that would make him feel more comfortable in the cavern.

    Zalan began to feel tired after exerting so much power at the ethereal feeling and stopped. He needed to make sure he didn¡¯t expend all of his energy at once. He maintained the imbue on his body, illuminating the immediate area around him. He was still on edge. His limbs were tight, listening for whatever was haunting him in the cavern. His eyes flitted to every long shadow surrounding him, waiting for something to spring out.

    He took a tiny step forward, trying to get a better view of everything he attacked. Something ahead of him in the darkness felt like it shifted again. Zalan threw his hands up once more, but this time he looked before he shot.

    Far ahead of him in the cavern was a faint, dim veil of light that suddenly appeared. It was a little larger than a human, and looked somewhat translucent. The veil danced in shining patterns. It looked like a white-colored version of Aurora Borealis, casting an array of miraculous designs and shapes in the air above the cavern. Zalan gawped at it, baffled at how he didn¡¯t notice it before. He stared from a distance, trying to figure out what it was. It faded away. Zalan continued to stare, immobile.

    Zalan knew it disappeared before his eyes, but he almost wasn¡¯t sure it was real. He knew his mind was in such a fragile state that he wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he hallucinated the whole thing. He waited for another sign of its existence. The seconds felt like ages as he stared at a distinct spot in the darkness ahead of him. With a slight churn of his stomach, he started to believe he really did hallucinate.

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    The light appeared again, making a strange sound as it manifested once more. Zalan took a good look. He was certain it was real this time. He wanted to test what it was at this point. Zalan closed one eye and aimed an arm at it. He let out a small bolt of lightning. The Elemental Power passed through the light harmlessly. Zalan tried to slow down his breathing. Whatever it was, he couldn¡¯t affect it. Hopefully it was a trick of the lights instead of a monster that couldn¡¯t be damaged. Against all rational thought, Zalan was desperately hoping that the magic floating light was the beginning of a new path to lead him out of the cavern.

    The drifting light faded away for a few seconds and returned once more. This time, Zalan decided to approach the kaleidoscope of lights dancing in the air. He was very deliberate in his steps, moving in such a way that he never had to take his eyes off the lights that faded in and out. At first he only moved when the light faded away, as if to sneak up on it. Then he decided that the fact he threw lightning at it left him no chance of stealth.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Zalan called.

    There was no response. As much as it unnerved him, he continued to make his way toward it. He was almost upon it now. It floated about a foot above his head. He had no idea what the light was supposed to be. Feeling as brave as he was curious, Zalan removed the imbue from his body. The dimly lit veil was the only source of light, providing only enough illumination to show Zalan¡¯s face in the darkness. It faded away. Zalan waited patiently, the earlier jitters having been replaced by a powerful curiosity. The luminescence reappeared in the same spot. The way it moved, it looked like the light was calling for something. Or someone.

    Zalan felt compelled to it. He had no reason for it. But he felt like there was something he was meant to do. Something that was meant to secure his future. It continued to dance, seemingly unaware of Zalan now being so close to it. Hesitantly, Zalan slowly raised an arm toward it. He reached out a finger. With a trembling arm, he stretched his hand out and breathed deeply. With effort not to close his eyes at the same time, he poked it.

    His finger passed through. He couldn¡¯t feel a thing. Then, the veil of light faded abruptly, much faster than it normally did. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if he¡¯d done anything to affect it. It seemed like he didn¡¯t touch it at all. But it definitely reacted to his hand.

    He waited in the complete darkness for it to return. It remained gone for a few seconds longer than Zalan expected. He swallowed hard, his throat going dry. The darkness was settling in around him. He began to regret having reached out and disturbed the seemingly miraculous light. He didn¡¯t want to be the only source of light again.

    The room exploded in a white flash, brighter than when someone gained a Level. Zalan fell to his back and screamed as a substantial creature beamed brightly before him, floating where the light was floating before. He was blinded, the sudden light was too much with his darkness calibrated eyes and he had to blink several times to adjust to the new brilliant ray of white floating there. He was holding out one arm, ready to strike with lightning as soon as he got a good look at what lay behind the light.

    It was a large creature floating above him. It had diamond hands reaching out of its robe made entirely of radiant white light. It looked like several LED bulbs were turned to max power on the outside of the robe. The bottom of the robe had no feet sticking out, simply billowing faintly like a breeze was going through the cavern. The top of the robe partly obscured a head that was made totally of hot white light. Zalan stared at it in awe. It looked vaguely familiar to something he had seen in the Lost City of Xagon. And something he had read about, in the days leading to the lost city. He swallowed hard, knowing exactly what he was looking at.

    ¡°A Bright Elemental,¡± Zalan addressed it fearfully.

    The Bright Elemental floated a slight bit lower, as though approaching at the call of its name. The white head behind the hood shifted forward to better get a look at Zalan. Its blinding eyes shined upon him expectantly.

    Now that the Elemental had fully revealed its form, Zalan could clearly see the entire cavern. The creature brightened the underground more than any of Zalan¡¯s lightning or even the Radiance Orb. It felt less claustrophobic in the trapped space when he could see so far in every direction. The paths led further out into darkness in either direction. Zalan couldn¡¯t tell if either way would help him get out. The Elemental made a noise and Zalan twitched on the floor in fear.

    ¡°Do you seek my challenge?¡± the creature asked. Its voice came out bright, like wind chimes.

    It was off putting. Zalan remembered the first Elemental he met was much more sinister sounding. He assumed they all had that veneer of evil wrapped around them. But it still felt grand and awe-inspiring. Like a massive monster that could kill him with a swipe of its claw. He had the distinct sensation that his life was in its hands. The only reason he still lived is because it chose for him to live.

    Zalan also recalled that the second Elemental challenge was exponentially more difficult than the first. He almost died of blood loss when he gained his power of Elemental Lightning. He didn¡¯t think he would survive a Bright Elemental¡¯s challenge. He also had no idea what kind of power it would grant. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and brought himself to his feet.

    ¡°Do you seek my challenge?¡± the Elemental repeated, sounding less patient this time. The entire cavern shook slightly at this second question. Zalan knew he couldn¡¯t stall any longer. He ran a hand through his hair.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m more interested in finding a way out than taking on the challenge right now,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°They may be one and the same,¡± the Bright Elemental replied.

    Zalan looked at the Elemental quizzically. Was the challenge to escape the cavern? That would mean that it was immensely difficult to get out. Zalan looked around the brightened cavern, bones strewn across the floor. He wondered how many were as a result of the Elemental¡¯s challenge. He didn¡¯t want to risk joining them. But at the same time, he knew he could always get out with the Homeseeker. Would that be cheating?

    ¡°You seek no challenge,¡± the Elemental concluded during Zalan¡¯s contemplation. It began to fade away. Immediately the cave began to return to its natural, darkened state. The darkness closed in on Zalan.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Zalan pleaded.

    The Elemental waited, its robes of light flowing around it. It flickered, preparing to leave at a moment¡¯s notice. Zalan felt he had no choice. He needed the light to better find a way out.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Zalan said reluctantly. ¡°What is your challenge, Elemental?¡±

    The Bright Elemental¡¯s face was too bright to see clearly, but Zalan could feel that it smiled behind its hood.

 135 - Book 3 - Chapter 38 - Challenge

    The Bright Elemental floated above Zalan for a few tense seconds. Zalan almost wanted to rescind his acceptance in the time it took for it to tell him what the challenge was. He wondered if it was even possible to rescind an Elemental¡¯s challenge once accepted. It felt like the creature was taking extra time thinking about how to make the challenge more difficult. It would be Zalan¡¯s second Elemental Power, after all. He felt it scrutinizing him, like it searched his soul for weaknesses.

    ¡°I see you, Zalan,¡± the Bright Elemental said slowly.

    Zalan shuddered. He didn¡¯t even want to ask how it knew his name. Zalan looked over himself, completely illuminated by the light. He was wondering if the Elemental meant its sentence literally. It would be kind of hard to miss him when they were less than three feet in front of one another in enough light to feel like broad daylight.

    ¡°My challenge is as follows: In the three darknesses, you must find the light,¡± the Elemental declared. Its diamond fingers danced in excitement at having given the order.

    The Elemental stared at Zalan closely from its blinding eyes. Zalan waited for more instruction. None came. Zalan shifted in place uncomfortably.

    ¡°What are the three darknesses?¡± Zalan asked.

    The Elemental watched and did not reply.

    ¡°Okay, ummm¡­ is there a time limit on this challenge?¡± Zalan asked.

    The Elemental said nothing. Zalan took it as a good sign. It really was an exception that the first Elemental he met gave him a challenge with specific time constraints. He was comforted by the fact, but still felt like it was just his luck that the first Elemental he met would be one of the worst. This one wasn¡¯t much better in terms of challenges. He had no idea what he was supposed to do.

    ¡°Three darknesses,¡± Zalan mumbled to himself, looking around the cavern.

    The cave path being so visible brought him distinct ease. He could remain down here a lot longer if he wasn¡¯t worried about being blind in darkness. But he remembered that the cave was normally pitch black. He wondered if that had to do with one of the three darknesses. Zalan tried to make quick connections and offered them to the Elemental.

    ¡°Okay, what about this? Something like the darkness of the cave is one of the three darknesses? And then the Island of Remains is another darkness? And the third one¡­ I escape at night? Or¡­¡± Zalan scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. He had no idea where he was going with the idea.

    The Elemental¡¯s bright robes flowed slowly around it. Zalan had no indication that he was on the right path. He started to wonder if the Elemental¡¯s challenge was a riddle more than it was a physical ordeal like most others.

    ¡°Okay, I got something. This cave that I fell into is called the Three Darknesses. Is that something? And I just need to find a way out and get back into a place that can get light, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    The Elemental said nothing.

    ¡°Okay, well that¡¯s a start. This is the Three Darknesses, and you¡¯re the light. Or maybe I need to break out of here and the sunlight will be the light?¡± Zalan reasoned.

    His audience remained silent.

    ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ go find a way out then.¡±

    He began to walk further down the cave path. He knew he could walk right through the Elemental like a ghost, but was afraid he might offend it by touching it again. He ducked under the Bright Elemental and looked to see if there was a light at the end of the cave. Some sort of mouth that he would find his way out from. The light at the end of the Three Darknesses.

    He took several steps before looking behind him. The Elemental was floating in the same spot as before. It wasn¡¯t following him like he had expected it would. It had only pivoted in place to continue watching him. Zalan felt like an animal in a zoo.

    ¡°Is the solution supposed to be something around here?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°I¡¯m supposed to stay in this area?¡±

    The Elemental did not reply. Zalan realized how unhelpful it was to have a light source that wouldn¡¯t move. He was stuck in this area. He also realized how obstinate it was being to all of his questions.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting the sense that you aren¡¯t even listening,¡± Zalan mumbled.

    ¡°I will watch closely until you complete my challenge,¡± the Bright Elemental replied.

    Zalan was startled to hear its voice again. It was listening. It just had nothing to say to any of his earlier questions and guesses.

    ¡°What if I fail? Does that also count as ¡®completing¡¯ your challenge?¡± Zalan asked.

    The Bright Elemental had nothing to say.

    He walked a bit further down the path, until he started to reach toward the end of the Bright Elemental¡¯s radiance. If he kept moving, he wouldn¡¯t have the benefit of the light illuminating his way. He would cross the edge of the light and go back into the pitch black darkness beyond. He turned back to look at the Elemental. It was still watching from a distance.

    ¡°Am I supposed to leave your light and then come back to it?¡± Zalan guessed.

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    The Elemental had no reply.

    Zalan took a few steps away from the light, keeping an eye on the Elemental. He felt silly trying to guess his way through the challenge. He didn¡¯t know where the massive difficulty spike lay. Maybe simply understanding the riddle was enough to solve it. He walked until his feet weren¡¯t so brightly illuminated, placing him in faint darkness. He turned away from the Bright Elemental, taking in the black abyss before him. Definitely darkness. Maybe so dark it could be considered three darknesses. Zalan knew it was a stretch. He turned and jogged back to the Bright Elemental.

    ¡°There, I went to the darkness and found the light, right?¡±

    The Bright Elemental said nothing.

    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± Zalan sighed.

    He began spinning in a slow circle, trying to analyze the area as closely as he could. The Bright Elemental wasn¡¯t following him, so it made sense that the challenge was supposed to be completed in a space where the Elemental could see him succeed. He kicked over a few rocks and even shifted bones at his feet looking for clues. He tried not to think of the skeletons as dead people, but just more debris to get out of the way. It made him feel less like there was a possibility of joining them. Nothing looked particularly out of place on the path near him.

    ¡°Did any of these people die while trying to complete your challenge?¡± Zalan asked.

    No response. Zalan shrugged, growing used to his mostly one-sided conversation. It was actually beginning to comfort him in some way. It was nice to have someone to talk to. Or something for that matter.

    He looked at the steep walls, wondering if he could climb up any of them. He continued his gaze upward and took in the ceiling. It wasn¡¯t much more interesting than the cave¡¯s ground, except that there were no human remains to be seen. It was rough and jagged like the rocks below. His eyes stopped suddenly, hovering over a single spot of the ceiling. It was smooth.

    Zalan stared at it for a few seconds. It was a rectangular shape in the ceiling, looking as though it was deliberately carved. There was no way the mountain would naturally make something that square and smooth. Zalan realized it must have been a trap door! Another spot where you could fall into this dark abyss. Zalan never would have seen it had he not asked the Bright Elemental for its challenge. Without such a bright light, he doubted he would have seen the ceiling at all with his lightning. Not to mention being able to see the difference in texture.

    ¡°There!¡± Zalan pointed excitedly. ¡°I think that¡¯s a way out! That¡¯s the light!¡±

    The Elemental did not look up. It waited and watched.

    Zalan had no better ideas. He would attack the ceiling and break through to an opening or exit. This felt like the rectangular slab was the most promising thing he had seen in terms of a way out. He aimed his arms high and fired a blast of lightning at the smooth piece. It withstood the blast, but jiggled independent from the rest of the earth around it. Zalan took that as confirmation that it wasn¡¯t a natural part of the ceiling. He threw another bolt of lightning, leaving a deep scorch mark in the slab of stone. He wondered how long it would take. He turned back to the Elemental, hoping for some confirmation that this was the right thing to do. It stared.

    Zalan sighed, accepting that it was likely done speaking with him. He zapped the ceiling again and again. It became dark with scorch marks. Zalan decided to focus all of his blasts on a single point. He was slowly growing exhausted, but didn¡¯t want to let up on his potential way out. He was afraid that the Elemental would grow bored and fade away, leaving him in a place too dark to continue aiming at such a small spot in the ceiling. Imbuing himself wasn¡¯t enough to brighten things that far away.

    After about a hundred attacks, Zalan watched as a small chunk from the ceiling fell down. It smacked the floor and rolled to his feet. It was about the size of his fist. Zalan grinned. He was making progress. He redoubled his efforts, focusing all his energies on getting out, almost ignoring the Elemental in his concentration. If he could get out soon, there might still be a chance that he can find Rep and the others alive. Before they succumbed to injuries or starvation.

    A hundred more blasts of lightning later and another, larger chunk fell down. Zalan gasped in excitement. There was now a small hole in the ceiling. There was a definite way out. The ceiling was about ten times his height, so there was no way he was climbing out. But any progress was enough for him to feel better in his situation.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Zalan screamed. ¡°I¡¯m down here! Anyone up top?¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t wait for a reply. He continued to throw lightning to make the hole wider. He even sent a few smaller blasts of lightning through the hole, trying to grab someone¡¯s attention that way. He had no idea what lay above him, but he was almost certain it would be better than continuing to be trapped underground. Zalan gave a glance at the Bright Elemental. It hadn¡¯t even looked up at the ceiling, keeping a close eye on Zalan. Zalan didn¡¯t care about it as much now that he felt closer to escape. He threw another bolt of lightning, then heard something reply.

    There was movement near the hole in the ceiling above.

    ¡°Zidard?¡± he heard someone call from above suddenly.

    ¡°Nold!¡± Zalan screamed. ¡°It¡¯s me! I¡¯m down here!¡±

    ¡°You live!¡± Nold screamed, ecstatic. ¡°Let me try something!¡±

    Zalan watched as the Bright Elemental looked up at the sound of Nold¡¯s voice. It felt like the first time the Elemental looked away from him. After assessing the ceiling for a second, it turned its full attention back to Zalan. Without a word, it began to fade.

    ¡°Hey, wait!¡± Zalan said. ¡°Did I do the riddle right? Is escaping the cave ¡®the light¡¯ I was supposed to find?¡±

    The Elemental maintained eye contact as it continued to fade away. The creature disappeared suddenly, leaving him in the deep darkness. Zalan had no idea what that meant in terms of the challenge. He didn¡¯t know what the right answer was supposed to be, but was rather happy that the challenge was the means for his escape. Getting out unscathed was a good consolation to his confusion on what he was actually supposed to do.

    But now Zalan had the small hole in the ceiling above him to keep him company. In a quick motion, the smooth rectangle in the ceiling rotated open, leaving a much larger hole in the top of the ceiling. Nold had activated the trapdoor without falling through.. It was surreal to see a perfect square in his otherwise black surroundings, like a piece of the sky had fallen off. Nold stepped into view, blocking out the light.

    ¡°Is there anyone else down there? I heard you speaking with someone!¡± Nold called down.

    ¡°There was an Elemental down here, but it just faded away,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°An Elemental?¡± Nold said excitedly.

    Nold looked around, interested in any evidence of the creature in the underground space. It was too dark for him to see.

    ¡°Nold?¡± Zalan asked, feeling a little neglected.

    ¡°Right. Here,¡± Nold reached his hand out.

    A small platform of sand began to form around Zalan¡¯s feet. Zalan stared in shock. There had to be about a hundred feet of distance between the floor and ceiling, he had no idea how Nold was able to use his ability at such a distance. It was strange because it had to have been a higher Wisdom than Level 9 to reach that distance, but Enzo said he and Nold¡¯s Elemental Water power was somewhat similar. Zalan felt that he would never understand the web of mysteries surrounding Nold. He made no progress in unraveling them in the days of traveling with him.

    ¡°Come along,¡± Nold said as Zalan began ascending on the sand platform. ¡°I have located Rep. He is just up ahead.¡±

 136 - Book 3 - Chapter 39 - Lost and Found

    Zalan was brought out of the dark abyss and onto solid ground next to Nold. They were still somewhere deep within the heart of the mountain. Zalan was kind of hoping he would see the sun once he got out of the dark chamber. All he had was Nold¡¯s dim fire to light the area. Nold looked him up and down and nodded to himself, satisfied.

    ¡°Just a few cuts and bruises? Are you still able to call upon your power easily enough?¡± Nold asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± Zalan said.

    Nold knelt down and stuck his head into the open trapdoor. Zalan waited for a few seconds, trying to understand what Nold was doing. Nold turned his head slowly one way, then the other.

    ¡°Elemental! I wish to speak with you!¡± Nold called into the darkness.

    He waited, receiving no response.

    ¡°Nold?¡± Zalan said, trying to refocus him on getting to Rep.

    ¡°Elemental! I am here for you! I will soon be equal to you!¡± Nold beckoned it. He sighed, disappointed, and looked up at his student. ¡°Are you certain you saw an Elemental down there?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, what do you mean ¡®equal to it?¡¯¡±

    ¡°I was trying to entice it to allow me to accept its challenge. Are you sure it was down there? I can not see anything.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure. Can we go now? Why are you wasting time when you said Rep was just up ahead?¡± Zalan said impatiently.

    Nold looked back down the hole for a few more moments, confirming there were no creatures issuing challenges that he missed.

    ¡°I will return soon! Be prepared for what I will be capable of!¡± Nold called.

    Finally, he stood with mild frustration on his face. He looked at Zalan and regained some of his enthusiasm. A fresh smile stretched across his mouth.

    ¡°Let us go on ahead,¡± Nold pulled him along. ¡°Watch your step, there are a few more traps I have marked with sand.¡±

    Zalan and Nold passed through a small passage. Zalan could see that the path ended up leading to the largest open space he had seen within the mountain. Nold had left many arrows of sand on the ground to point to areas in which Zalan shouldn¡¯t touch while walking. It was a lot easier than following Nold¡¯s exact footsteps like they did earlier.

    ¡°Is Rep okay?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°He lives. But you will see his state soon enough,¡± Nold said, stepping forward into the new open area.

    The passage emerged into a massive chamber. The ceiling was high and looked like a piece of the mountain had been hollowed out over hundreds of years of erosion and decay. There was a formidable gold table sitting in the center. On the other end of the chamber entrance was a pool of water; a channel that brought in many more Artifacts and larger pieces of debris. This seemed to be the largest current leading inside the Island of Remains, and had the most Artifacts bubbling up at the edges of the pool. Zalan was certain that bodies could float through that current. A few feet away from the pool was someone tied tightly in glowing chains, lying unconscious on the ground.

    ¡°Rep!¡± Zalan screamed, rushing forward.

    ¡°No!¡± Nold pulled Zalan back by his tunic. Zalan pulled against it, ready to tear his tunic further if he needed to. ¡°Those bindings are Shackles of Stasis! If you try to disturb him, the chains may constrict his blood flow and kill him.¡±

    Zalan stopped pulling against Nold and stared in shock. The chains over his best friend shined brighter for a second, showing the power they had over him. He squinted in confusion as he looked around the Shackles of Stasis. It was covered in burn marks, unnatural sand formations, and broken stone. There were similar signs all over the chamber, even on the walls and some parts of the ceiling. Marks of old blood stained several spots on the floor. Zalan¡¯s first conclusion was that several battles had been fought here. He looked at the golden table. It could also have been the case that people were killed here in some sort of bloody ceremony.

    ¡°Nold, what is this place?¡± Zalan asked, feeling disturbed. He suddenly felt like he should leave.

    ¡°This is the most central point of the Island of Remains. Some of the most powerful Artifacts flow into this chamber. One of my favorite places on the island,¡± Nold said, sounding uncannily sincere.

    Zalan looked at him, feeling uneasy in his presence. He had a hard time shaking it off as Nold¡¯s usual eccentricity. Something about it was different this time. Nold looked totally at ease in this unsettling place. He shivered, and he didn¡¯t know if it was because the chamber was cold or his feelings were overwhelming him.

    ¡°How do we get Rep out of the chains if we can¡¯t touch the Artifact?¡± Zalan asked. He took a few steps closer to Rep.

    ¡°That is simple. We can use this other Artifact here. It can redirect abilities so perfectly that it will break the chains,¡± Nold presented the golden table taking up most of the space.

    Zalan continued to walk toward Rep. Nold grabbed the back of his tunic again, but this time Zalan shook him off confidently.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to touch him, I just wanna make sure he¡¯s okay,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I am certain he would be better if you helped me free him.¡±

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    ¡°Can¡¯t you just use the Artifact and unbind him yourself?¡±

    ¡°No, it requires two users.¡±

    Zalan knelt down right in front of Rep. He looked injured, like he had a hard time with the Leviathans once he landed in the water. Or maybe some other monster attacked him while he was drifting to the island. His face had various cuts and bruises and the parts of his arms that weren¡¯t covered by chains had a few burns. Zalan stared in confusion. Did Rep try to imbue himself and burn himself? They were fairly large burns, about the length of his arm. Zalan was mostly grateful to see Rep breathing faintly. His mouth was covered with chains, but his nose was free. With the use of the Homeseeker, Zalan would be able to bring Rep back to full health. Rep was going to be okay.

    He stood up slowly and turned to his mentor. Nold beckoned him quickly, pointing to and presenting the golden table with an open palm. Zalan looked at the large Artifact with confusion. It looked way too big to do something as small as get rid of some chain.

    ¡°What did you say this was called again?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a¡­ Freer. It frees someone bound by any magic or constraints,¡± Nold said quickly.

    ¡°A Freer?¡± Zalan repeated, sounding skeptical.

    ¡°I did not name it.¡±

    Zalan began to take small steps toward it. Something was nagging at him, feeling off about the situation. There were other Artifacts that had washed into the chamber, but this big table was the only way to free Rep? It wasn¡¯t adding up in his head.

    ¡°How is this any different from the other Artifacts we can find?¡± Zalan said, voicing his thoughts. ¡°If there¡¯s a Reversal Stone, maybe there was still time to get it off of him by reversing time on the chains.¡±

    ¡°No, no, I already looked through the Artifacts. Come to this table already,¡± Nold said, growing impatient.

    ¡°But what does the table do that the other Artifacts can¡¯t? Like, I can see there¡¯s a Bone Gauntlet over there. That might be able to destroy the chains,¡± Zalan pointed to the Artifact next to the pool of water.

    ¡°Only if you wish to destroy Rep as well,¡± Nold scoffed. ¡°I already told you, the table can redirect power to a single point. It can break the chains without affecting Rep at all. This is the safest way to free him. Hurry now.¡±

    Zalan could see what was making him so uncomfortable by Nold¡¯s words now. He had never shown any particular interest in Rep¡¯s well-being before. He never outright hurt him, but he never seemed to be as worried about Rep as he was about Zalan. Zalan was trying to figure out where the sudden change came from. Nold would brush it off as caring about him, but Zalan was trying to see beyond the expected explanation.

    Zalan reluctantly walked over to the golden table, looking at the several intricate etchings over it. It looked as though it was written by several different races in languages he had never seen before. Zalan had never thought to wonder where Artifacts came from before. He always assumed they were a part of this realm as much as the monsters were. But he had seen that monsters were born from eggs in the Cliffs of Shadow. The gargantuan gold table made him wonder how Artifacts were made. Where did they come from?

    ¡°How does this thing work?¡± Zalan asked, keeping a few steps away from it.

    ¡°Simple. You must willingly offer it some of your power. And also think of the chains,¡± Nold said, as though it was an afterthought.

    ¡°How do I know I¡¯m thinking of the right chains?¡± Zalan said, worried he might waste the Artifact.

    ¡°The Artifact will know!¡± Nold snapped. ¡°Now offer it your lightning and we can all be free.¡±

    Zalan took a glance over his shoulder to the unmoving Rep. Another thought struck him.

    ¡°Rep is one of the smartest people I know, at least when it comes to Artifacts. How would he get himself caught in the shackles? Did he not know about them?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know!¡± Nold said, annoyed. ¡°He was like that when I arrived! Do you wish to free him or not?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Fine,¡± Zalan sighed.

    He raised his hands slowly, measuring how much lightning he wanted to zap it with. Nold licked his lips nervously from the other side of the table, raising his hands as well. Zalan breathed in and prepared to blast.

    ¡°Mmm!¡±

    Zalan flinched and Nold looked tense. Rep had mumbled from his side of the chamber. Zalan lowered his hands and looked back at him. Nold gripped the golden table tightly.

    ¡°Rep! Are you okay?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Mmm!¡± Rep hummed urgently. His eyes were wide.

    ¡°I think it will be easier to understand him once he is free of his chains,¡± Nold said intensely. ¡°Let us hurry.¡±

    ¡°Right, yeah,¡± Zalan turned back to the golden table with hands raised.

    ¡°Mmmmm!¡± Rep stretched the mumble, sounding panicked.

    Zalan lowered his hands once more. Nold groaned and placed his fingers at his temples. Zalan realized Rep must be concerned about being left behind.

    ¡°We¡¯re not leaving you tied up. We¡¯re gonna use this Artifact to free you in a sec,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep¡¯s eyes bulged widely, struggling to break free from the chains. His eyes flitted wildly between Zalan, Nold, and the golden table. A flurry of emotions crossed his face with every point his eyes landed on.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move around so much, Nold said the shackles might cut off your blood flow,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Stop talking to him and blast the table with lightning!¡± Nold demanded.

    ¡°He looks freaked out, though,¡± Zalan peered to get a better look.

    ¡°Of course he is! He is bound by an Artifact! He will be fine once you use the table and free him!¡± Nold snapped urgently.

    Rep shook his eyes side to side urgently. Zalan squinted in recognition. Rep was trying to shake his head, but he could only move his eyes.

    ¡°Is everything okay, Rep?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep darted his eyes from side to side. Zalan knew to listen to the uneasy feeling in his gut. Something was definitely wrong. Nold¡¯s explanations weren¡¯t adding up, and he¡¯d worked himself to a frenzy. Thoughtfully, Zalan took a tiny step away from the golden table.

    ¡°He is trapped in an Artifact, of course it is wrong!¡± Nold snapped. ¡°Listen to me and it will be better!¡±

    ¡°Do you know what kind of Artifact this is?¡± Zalan pointed at the golden table, his eyes on Rep alone.

    ¡°Listen to me!¡± Nold sounded menacing now.

    Rep blinked once.

    ¡°Is it a Freer?¡± Zalan asked.

    A mound of sand covered Rep¡¯s face, preventing him from answering. Zalan stared in confusion and anger. The only thing that could have made the sand move like that was Elemental Sand. Zalan wheeled around at Nold, whose hand was raised after having cast his Elemental Sand Power. Zalan¡¯s teeth grit, an immediate feeling of betrayal sinking into his heart.

    ¡°Let him go!¡± Zalan demanded.

    He began imbuing himself with lightning. Zalan had always had a feeling something was off with his mentor, and now he had full confirmation. But it was worse than simple eccentricities. Nold had gone insane and could no longer be trusted. There was a twitch in his smile. A slight wind picked up from under him as Nold spoke gravely.

    ¡°Now, you will listen to me,¡± Nold said, his voice dripping with evil.

 137 - Book 3 - Chapter 40 - Morloch

    ¡°Nold, let him go!¡± Zalan raised his arms, threatening to blast him with lightning.

    He was worried he would run out of air under the mound of sand.

    ¡°No! You will be silent and listen to me!¡± Nold ordered. ¡°You are a fan of negotiation, yes? I will give you a generous offer!¡±

    Zalan could barely believe his eyes. Nold was shaking with adrenaline, wind whipping around him in mixes with Elemental Sand swirling like a tornado. Nold had never spoken to him like this before. He had been stern before, but never this level of maleficent.

    ¡°Give your power to the Artifact, and I will let you both live,¡± Nold said, ice in his speech.

    Zalan blinked, swallowing in shock. He hadn¡¯t expected such a serious ultimatum.

    ¡°Let us live? Nold, what¡¯s going on?¡± Zalan asked. It never crossed his mind that Nold had any intent to kill them before that point.

    ¡°I have given you an offer! Do you deny it? Did you wish to see Rep die today?¡± Nold challenged. He gripped his fist slightly and the mound of sand over Rep¡¯s face closed in slowly.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan immediately shouted. ¡°No, I¡¯m listening. You want me to use my lightning on the table, right? What does the Artifact actually do?¡±

    ¡°It does not matter whether you know what the Artifact does or not. The terms of negotiation will not change just because you have more knowledge of it,¡± Nold said, pointing to the golden table with a demanding finger.

    ¡°Negotiations aren¡¯t supposed to be one-way,¡± Zalan said, his teeth grit in rage.

    He could see now that Nold had been playing him the entire time they were on the island. Perhaps even longer. Everything he said was to nudge him closer to the center of the island. Ignoring the pirates. Rushing past traps. All directing him to this room. To this exact spot. He was desperate to get Zalan to use the Artifact, so it was the last thing he would do. Power continued to build around Nold. Fire, water, sand, and air spun around him in a dangerous twister.

    ¡°Why do you hesitate?¡± Nold demanded.

    ¡°Because you look like you¡¯re going to fight me,¡± Zalan said sternly.

    ¡°Only if you refuse to do as you are told.¡±

    ¡°If you want a fight, there¡¯s one thing you should remember¡­¡± Zalan flexed his feet in anticipation. He had a risky plan, and no time to think it through. ¡°You taught me how to smite people.¡±

    Nold snapped his neck up to the ceiling in shock. A moment later, the entire chamber trembled powerfully and thunder rang out distantly. Nold flinched, covering himself in several of his Elemental Powers to shield him. Pebbles fell, shaken loose from the ceiling. But no lightning appeared to jump down toward Nold.

    Nold unbraced himself and lowered his protective barriers. He smiled and looked upward.

    ¡°Ha!¡± Nold gloated, beaming at the domed ceiling. ¡°You failed!¡±

    Nold lowered his head to look at his former student only to see he was no longer standing across from him at the table. At first, he thought Zalan had cowered under the table. He smirked to himself, glad to see Zalan knew his place. He knelt down and took a look, confused to find it empty. When he stood once more, he saw Zalan at Rep¡¯s side. Nold had been fooled. Zalan had used his summoned lightning from above as a distraction to run without worry of an attack. He gripped a link in the chains binding Rep.

    ¡°Quick, Rep!¡± Zalan said urgently. ¡°Was Nold lying about the Artifact? If I put energy into this, will it kill you?¡±

    ¡°Mmm!¡± Rep said, sounding quiet and distant under the sand covering his face. Zalan wasn¡¯t sure he would even be able to understand through the chains covering his friend¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what that means, so you better hope this works!¡± Zalan said, exasperated.

    He let out a very concentrated jolt of lightning, zipping through the single point in the chain with enough intensity to break it. The Artifact stopped glowing and went slack. Losing all the numbness that came with the active Artifact, Rep began to shuffle it off. He brought his arms up to his head and dug himself out of the sand. He gasped for air and Zalan felt foolish for not having opened an airway before freeing him from the chains. He had been suffocating under the sand.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep said, an immense relief on his face. To Zalan, he looked more grateful to see his friend safe than to be free from the Artifact. Zalan couldn¡¯t help but smile a bit too, the gratitude washing over him as well. Rep¡¯s facial expression changed in a flash and he shoved Zalan back.

    A whip of flame and sand cracked between Rep and Zalan. The bits of sand that fell onto Zalan¡¯s skin burned hot and he brushed them off quickly. The duo both looked up to Nold.

    ¡°What happened to him? I know he was a weirdo before, but this is full-on madman, what kind of Artifact does this?¡± Zalan asked, baffled as Nold spun his Elemental Powers around him.

    ¡°We were duped, Zalan. This has always been his true character. What we saw before was a ruse. I believe he is Morloch,¡± Rep said gravely.

    The revelation hit Zalan like a ton of bricks. He threw his head to Rep in shock, then back to Nold ¡ª perhaps Morloch ¡ª who looked angrily upon Zalan. The elements picked up speed as they spun around him wildly.

    ¡°How do you know?¡± Zalan asked quickly, imbuing himself with lighting and watching his opponent closely. ¡°Madam Hikma said he was on the island, but Nold was still outside Oriton at the time.¡±

    ¡°She said we would find him on the island. You told me that all you knew of this man was that he was a powerful wielder of Elemental Air. I witnessed him destroy The Aegeusson firsthand, using wind alone. He tore the ship apart. I tried to confront him when I located him on the island, but he disabled me in the Shackles of Stasis,¡± Rep explained.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°What do you mean you confronted him?¡± Zalan asked. He was wondering if Rep tried to talk it out after seeing him destroy their ship.

    ¡°I hit him with Elemental Fire when he wasn¡¯t looking and then he overwhelmed me,¡± Rep answered. Zalan felt that response was much more appropriate than his first thought.

    Zalan almost slapped his forehead in frustration when he looked back at his former instructor. The wounds he noticed on him earlier were clearly burn scars. He had seen burn scars before, his mom had shown him when teaching him about ways to treat them. Why didn¡¯t he realize it was from a fight with an Elemental Fire user? The fact his skin was pink and wrinkled should have sent alarms off in his head that he took fire damage. Something that would have been impossible up against Leviathans or while out at sea. He felt like such a naive fool to believe everything he was told.

    Zalan inspected the tornado around his former instructor. The base was made of Elemental Air. Nold always had the power, he was just hiding it like he originally tried to hide his power over Elemental Water from them. The hidden Elemental Powers made more sense to him now. Four powers in one person was incredibly suspicious. Zalan couldn¡¯t imagine how he acquired four. Zalan shook his head imperceptibly, in slight disbelief.

    ¡°Morloch?¡± Zalan asked the man he knew as Nold.

    ¡°I told you I knew exactly where Morloch would be on the island,¡± the powerful man presented himself grandly with his gloved hands. ¡°My offer still stands. Blast a bolt of lightning into the golden table and I will let you both live.¡±

    The tornado around Nold boosted itself in power and Rep began to take slow steps backward toward the water channel leading out of the chamber.

    ¡°Do not touch that table,¡± Rep informed Zalan. ¡°It is a Transfer Table. It can take any attribute from you if you give it up. Morloch wishes to steal your Elemental Lightning.¡±

    ¡°No! Not steal!¡± Nold-now-Morloch corrected loudly. ¡°The Transfer Table requires consent from both the giver and the receiver! Willingly give me the Elemental Lightning Power.¡±

    Zalan turned to Rep who continued to step toward the Artifact-surrounded water. He shook his head to Rep slightly.

    ¡°We can¡¯t swim away. Nold ¡ª I mean Morloch can just use his Elemental Water to pull us out,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep nodded, but remained moving toward the water.

    ¡°What will it be, Zapan?¡± Morloch demanded. ¡°Rep cowers away. Do you wish to fight me and forfeit your lives or give me the power and leave with your lives?¡±

    Zalan ran both hands through his hair. This happened too fast. He wasn¡¯t ready to take on Morloch so soon after discovering who he was. He was supposed to go in with a plan to take him down. And Morloch wasn¡¯t supposed to be Nold. He was supposed to have both Rep and Nold¡¯s help to take down the man.

    He felt so stupid never having seen it before. There was the massive burst of wind when they saw the Basilisk at the Elemental Rage Tournament. The miraculous blade of air that had split the tsunami bearing down on them when chasing the Thalassic Terror. All the little times he felt gusts of wind whenever Nold was around and using his other Elemental Powers. And the fact that The Aegesson kept sailing in the right direction all through the night before the storm. It was Morloch, putting them on a fast track to the Island of Remains. Morloch was trying to get Zalan to the transfer table from the very beginning. He had been so eager to get them out at sea, and always toward the Island of Remains. Zalan could see why Morloch didn¡¯t want to help save Captain Buttonwillow when he was trapped in the Thalassic Terror. It was considered a waste of time when the Transfer Table was at the end of their journey.

    ¡°Was this what you wanted my ¡®help¡¯ with? You just wanted me to waste my Elemental Lightning by giving it to you?¡± Zalan asked, upset.

    ¡°Not waste! I have many Elemental Powers! I can add yours to my arsenal to bring myself to peak abilities! Five Elemental Powers are all one needs! And Elementals are too stingy to make me whole. I can rule benevolently from Aetheria, coming to the surface to dispatch boons and justice to whomever the flying city passes by,¡± Morloch said. ¡°Your lightning would be a means to making me seem a legitimate being from above! Someone who could literally smite the wicked! Man or monster!¡±

    Zalan was feeling unexpectedly burned by the change in his instructor. This was true betrayal. He thought he had some working relationship with him. That while he didn¡¯t fully trust him, he could see him as a teacher. But that was by design. Exactly what Nold wanted him to believe. It was all a ploy to create enough trust to bring him here, in this exact room. Nold was adamant on remaining in their company, no matter where Madam Hikma¡¯s quests led them. But Zalan didn¡¯t see that as the danger that it was. And Zalan had fallen for it, just like Yelsa had warned him about. The man was working him from the very beginning. Morloch the Manipulator. Zalan screwed his eyes shut and shook his head in consternation.

    ¡°But then why all the training!? I don¡¯t¡­ why would you make me better just to bring me here?¡± Zalan demanded.

    ¡°Stop stalling,¡± Morloch said coldly.

    ¡°Answer the question!¡±

    Another crash of lightning rumbled the top of the chamber. Morloch raised an amused eyebrow. Zalan was still trying to zap him from above.

    ¡°The Transfer Table is limited in its ability,¡± Morloch began. ¡°Once I am granted the Elemental Power, I can not enhance it any further. Whatever Wisdom it comes with is the maximum it will reach in my control.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ you were just treating me like cattle?¡± Zalan said, his eyes wide with oncoming rage. ¡°You were just fattening up my power until I was good enough to slaughter? That was why you were so focused on my training over Rep¡¯s? That was the potential you saw in me? That¡¯s why you were so insistent on me being able to call lightning from the sky!¡±

    Another bolt of lightning shook the room from outside. This time a few larger pieces of the ceiling fell. They were swept up in Morloch¡¯s tornado as they came down.

    ¡°There will be no slaughter if you come quietly,¡± Morloch said. ¡°This is your last chance.¡±

    ¡°Like I could trust you to hold up your end of the bargain!¡± Zalan exclaimed.

    ¡°Bargain!?¡± Morloch barked a laugh. ¡°This is not a negotiation! I have set the terms. Decide whether you wish to live.¡±

    Morloch pointed to the other side of the table, waiting for Zalan to take his place. Zalan took another glance back at Rep. Rep was all the way at the edge of the water, his eyes remaining on Morloch. Zalan began to consider that maybe Rep really was scared. He couldn¡¯t blame him in the situation. They had no idea what Morloch was capable of. He had four Elemental Powers already at his disposal. They never even got to learn his Level when traveling with him. Rep gave no indication of what they should do.

    Zalan felt at the Homeseeker in his pocket with a light tap of his finger. He could activate it to escape, but it normally took at least ten to fifteen seconds to warp them away. If Morloch was able to hit them with enough power, he might even be able to take away the Artifact before it helped them escape. Or he could outright kill them like he had threatened them with. Zalan decided that his best bet was to approach the table. He would blast Morloch with as much electricity as he could, while Morloch expected him to deposit his Element into the Transfer Table.

    Zalan took one last look at Rep, who nodded at him with confidence.

    ¡°It will be fine,¡± Rep assured him.

    Zalan felt it was false confidence. He couldn¡¯t see any way out that would definitely work. Nevertheless, Zalan nodded back, and began to make slow steps toward Morloch.

    Morloch reduced the intensity of his tornado and smiled wide as Zalan approached.

 138 - Book 3 - Chapter 41 - Takes

    Zalan looked around the room for items he could use to conduct electricity toward Morloch as he approached. The golden table would be a great target. Gold was highly conductive, and the lightning¡¯s charge would flow through with minimal resistance. But he was afraid that trying to use it as a weapon would count the same as consenting to give away his power. He had no idea how the Artifact worked. His heart pounded madly in his chest. He felt like he did just before he fought his first bout in the Elemental Rage Tournament. Pressure built in his brain as he tried to find a way out. He wished Rep had offered a better plan.

    He stood in front of the table. The tornado that was spinning wildly around Morloch died down. The series of Elemental Powers fell to the ground harmlessly and wind stopped whipping at Zalan¡¯s torn tunic. Morloch held out his hands expectantly, awaiting his power.

    ¡°Come on now, I have waited a very long time for this,¡± Morloch insisted.

    His words sent a pang in Zalan¡¯s heart. Another reminder of how long this betrayal had been planned. Perhaps even from his first meeting, he had always intended to take the power. It occurred to Zalan that it was why the instructor was drawn to him to take him as a student. He saw a novel Elemental Power and wanted it for himself. It also explained why no one ever heard from Nold¡¯s students once they completed their training with him. The bloodstained floor was stark in Zalan¡¯s eyes.

    He felt like such a fool to play into it exactly as Morloch wished. Zalan gripped his hands into tight fists and slowly began to raise them. Without any other ideas, he would blast the table and hope he could incapacitate Morloch.

    ¡°Zalan! Look!¡± Rep screamed.

    Zalan turned around and saw that Rep had thrown something bright high above him, descending toward Morloch. It was glowing like a light bulb. Zalan immediately registered that it was an active Radiance Orb. Morloch watched it with mild disdain, unconcerned by the harmless Artifact.

    ¡°Shock it!¡± Rep called. ¡°And close your¡ª¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t hesitate. As soon as he heard the words ¡®shock it¡¯ his hands aimed at it and fired. Morloch brought up a small wall of sand in front of him to protect him from the oncoming lightning, but nothing to shield him from the Radiance Orb. The lightning connected and it exploded in a powerful flash.

    The explosion hit Zalan like a flashbang. He couldn¡¯t see or hear anything but a white mess in his face. He heard nothing except a loud ringing in his ears. Zalan reacted quickly, assuming Morloch was affected by the same impairments. Zalan threw bolt after bolt of lightning in the direction he last saw Morloch. He had no idea whether any of his attacks were connecting, firing blindly as his eyes tried to regain focus.

    Blinking furiously, Zalan was able to see once more. He was throwing lightning at a mound of sand vaguely molded to Morloch¡¯s height. Rep was already next to him, holding an assortment of Artifacts he collected from the edge of the water. Zalan opened his mouth to ask where Morloch had gone, but Rep grabbed Zalan¡¯s tunic and threw him to the floor.

    A column of fiery sand swiped above them, just as they moved out of the way. The few grains that fell from the attack again burned Zalan¡¯s skin. The superheated sand was like molten pellets.

    ¡°I tried to give you an easy way out! I even tried to negotiate with you, just as you liked!¡± Morloch exploded, frustrated. He had run a few paces to the right of the table when he had been blinded by the broken Artifact. There was a blast mark from lightning on one of his knees and he was rubbing one eye angrily. ¡°But somehow you decided that you were better than my benevolence!¡±

    Rep responded by casting a Wind Wand his way. Only a faint breeze came of it, but Morloch flinched, unaware of what the Artifact did. Rep took Morloch¡¯s moment of hesitation to throw another Artifact to Morloch¡¯s rear. Morloch brought the Artifact straight to the floor by Elemental Air. It crashed hard and popped open, exploding in flame. Rep seemed to expect this response and immediately redirected the growing flame to Morloch¡¯s face. Zalan threw lightning into the flame, trying to overwhelm their enemy with too many powers.

    Morloch ducked beneath the lightning and redirected the oncoming fire, but took on some burns. Seeing the wounds made Zalan feel like they might be able to actually beat him. Then, just as suddenly, Zalan realized something in shock.

    ¡°His Elemental Fire isn¡¯t as strong as yours! Whoever he stole it from didn¡¯t have as much Wisdom as you! He¡¯s locked to a lower band of fire power!¡± Zalan said. Rep registered the words stoically, keeping his focus on Morloch¡¯s next move.

    ¡°I stole nothing!¡± Morloch shouted menacingly.

    Rep threw a large ball of fire at Morloch. Morloch reacted quickly, summoning a pillar of air to throw it aside. While he was dealing with that, Rep threw another activated Radiance Orb at Morloch. This time, Zalan was ready and didn¡¯t need Rep to call out the oncoming attack. He closed his eyes and blasted it.

    It exploded, and while Zalan was made deaf by the destroyed Artifact, he wasn¡¯t blinded at all. Morloch shielded himself in a thick cocoon of sand while he couldn¡¯t see. He was out of view of both Rep and Zalan.

    Rep nudged Zalan and placed an Artifact that Zalan wasn¡¯t familiar with into his hand. He mimed something that Zalan didn¡¯t quite understand. Rep placed more Artifacts into his friend¡¯s hand. Zalan grew more confused, but knew they were running out of time to explain while his hearing was becoming clearer. Morloch would come out of the protective sand shell soon.

    Through a series of gesticulations, Rep told Zalan to fire at the Artifacts himself. He placed another in Zalan¡¯s hand. Zalan got it now, they were both supposed to throw random Artifacts at Morloch and attack them in hopes of causing another explosion similar to the broken Radiance Orbs. They knew their former instructor was an incredibly experienced and nimble fighter from all their sparring on the way to the Elemental Rage Tournament. They couldn¡¯t beat him with their Elemental Powers alone, but combined with using exploded Artifacts, they might be able to take him on.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    Their ears began to clear of the deafening ringing. Rep surrounded the cocoon of sand in a hot cover of Elemental Flame. He was trying to burn Morloch as soon as he tried to escape and attack once more. Zalan felt his hearing return to full strength and Morloch¡¯s shell reacted immediately.

    Morloch didn¡¯t bring down the sand, but instead created a massive, powerful tornado on top of him. The fire that Rep supplied was snuffed out in a moment. The wind pulled at Rep and Zalan with enough suction to drag them forward. They had to run away from it to avoid being pulled off their feet. Zalan threw a bolt of lighting at the tornado to try and reduce its energy, but the lightning spun around the vortex once and flung out wildly. Zalan wondered if he would be able to bring a bolt of lightning down directly in the eye of the maelstrom. Focusing quickly, he summoned lightning from the sky.

    This time, not only did the chamber rumble, but a small hole opened above them. They could see the sky. It was already dark out, and Zalan was still prevented from seeing the sun. He wondered if he could thread another bolt of lightning through the new hole in the ceiling. But Morloch screamed, breaking his concentration before he could try.

    ¡°I have had enough! I thought I would allow you to come to your senses once you saw the gap in our power,¡± Morloch shouted, all the facade of patience gone. ¡°Clearly I need to make the chasm between us more clear.¡±

    The tornado grew in size, swallowing a third of the room in a violent vortex. Zalan lost grip of the Artifacts that Rep gave him, and they went swirling among many other Artifacts pulled into the growing wind storm. They bumped and crashed into one another and other random debris. Rep stared at the gathering Artifacts with a bit of fascination. Fear came over his eyes as he had an epiphany.

    ¡°Strike the tornado! Who knows what kind of damage the hundreds of destroyed Artifacts could cause? It may be enough to kill him!¡± Rep said. ¡°But be prepared for anything!¡±

    Zalan raised his arms, but hesitated. He didn¡¯t know if he was ready to kill another man. He had no reason to believe that Morloch was actually a monster. A literal one, anyway. He had shown no indication while they were traveling together for so long. This fight would have to end with him killing the man named Morloch. Not a supposed ¡°Monster of the Mindscape.¡± He had another inkling of doubt planted in his mind over the situation.

    The tornado began to burn with flame. Pellets of the molten hot sand flew out wildly, burning the two friends wherever it touched them. Rep stared at Zalan, openly wondering why it was taking him so long to attack. Morloch approached with his strengthening tornado. He looked more than furious.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep pleaded, his body dragging forward in the wind despite his best efforts to pull against it.

    ¡°Fine!¡± Zalan snapped regretfully. His and Rep¡¯s life called for him to go all the way. He had to kill Morloch to save himself.

    Feeling like he was at his mental limit, Zalan put all his concentration on the little hole in the ceiling. He summoned lightning from the sky. He redirected it slightly as it came down, ensuring it would strike its intended target. It went cleanly through the hole in the ceiling, but lost control as soon as it reached the inside of the tornado. It whipped around in a frenzy before striking one of the Artifacts. Rep tackled Zalan to the ground.

    The room exploded in a blinding array of colors. Artifacts of all types were infused with several points of energy, all going out of control within the twister. Morloch screamed as he raised his hands above his head, trying to protect himself by means of both his Elemental Air and an Elemental Sand shield. But the Artifacts were far too unpredictable and explosive to be able to fully protect himself. Rep and Zalan hugged the floor, feeling several pieces of shrapnel stab into the earth around them in a wild randomness of the multi-Artifact cataclysm. Zalan couldn¡¯t stand up if he tried, both the ongoing tornado and the room shaking causing too much of a disturbance in his sense of balance. His hearing came in and out. Every time he thought he could be able to raise his head, another burst of power enveloped the room causing him and Rep to hit the deck even harder. He braced himself, waiting for the explosions to pass.

    The tornado dissipated and the Artifacts exploding came to a stop. Rep and Zalan looked up. Somehow, Morloch still stood. Morloch was looking at his arms in a blind rage, blood spilling freely from one of them. The upper half of his tunic had burned away throughout the explosions. His purple and black wrist, looking poisoned, was on full display. His gloves had been obliterated and Zalan was shocked to see that every single finger wore a green ring. All the time that Zalan thought Morloch¡¯s knuckles were swollen under his gloves, it was actually rings.

    ¡°Dear God,¡± Rep gasped, pointing slightly at Morloch. ¡°He wears Rings of Range! Ten of them! I have never seen so many! That is how he compensates for his lack of Wisdom with the other powers! Their power stacks, the more you have! He can extend his range to whatever distance he pleases with so many!¡±

    Morloch looked up to Rep, realizing his secrets had been put on full display. He looked over his fingers, wiggling them. It wasn¡¯t often he looked at his own fingers. He sighed in frustration.

    ¡°Perhaps I have been hiding too many things. There is nothing to hide when you are this powerful,¡± Morloch said, taking a limping step toward Rep and Zalan.

    Zalan saw the opportunity for what it was. Morloch was in a bloody, weakened state. Together, he and Rep could defeat him. Zalan sprang up and blasted lightning forward. Without hesitation, Morloch expertly summoned a small wad of Elemental Sand. It was the exact same size of the lightning, and he placed it exactly where it was necessary to intercept and block it. Rep tried throwing two balls of flame. He used his superior redirection to spin them in wide arcs, coming at Morloch from opposite directions. Without even looking at the oncoming attacks, Morloch flicked his less injured arm upward. With that, he redirected the oncoming fireballs, causing them to collide harmlessly above him. He sneered at the two friends. Zalan looked upon Morloch with growing dread. He had run out of ideas. Without the Artifacts, Rep and Zalan were outmatched. Even when Morloch was bloody and beaten.

    ¡°Come on, boys! I taught you everything you know! But not everything I know,¡± Morloch said sharply.

    Morloch raised a bloody hand and formed it into a fist. A torpedo-like burst of wind kicked Rep from behind. He went flying into the air, the trajectory throwing him directly toward Morloch. Rep tried to cast fire at Morloch on his way down, sending a column of hot flames his way. With a thrust from his foot, Morloch redirected the attack far away from him. With his arm, he brought another gust of wind and slammed Rep into the ground. Rep¡¯s eyes went wide as he lay flat on the ground, looking as though a bone had broken on his way down.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan cried, seeing Rep cry out in pain. It all happened so fast. Zalan had barely realized that Rep was flying in the air by the time Morloch smashed him into the ground.

    Morloch placed a foot on Rep¡¯s neck.

    ¡°I am no longer asking!¡± Morloch screamed. ¡°Give me your power now, or he dies!¡±

 139 - Book 3 - Chapter 42 - Power

    Rep groaned in agony. Morloch had no patience for Zalan¡¯s hesitations and pressed down harder on Rep¡¯s neck. Rep¡¯s eyes were shut with pain, but he said nothing. He didn¡¯t want Zalan to do anything on his behalf.

    ¡°Either I kill him now and take your power, regardless, or you give it to me willingly and he lives!¡± Morloch snapped.

    Zalan breathed erratically. He had no idea what to do other than give up. Talking served no purpose with his former instructor. He was supposed to be better at negotiation than this, but he shrunk under seeing Rep at the hands of Morloch. This wasn¡¯t supposed to be how this went. Madam Hikma said they would overcome Morloch if Zalan had his friends with him. Who was a better friend to him than Rep? He couldn¡¯t let him die. He didn¡¯t care about his lightning nearly as much as he cared about Rep.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you the power!¡± Zalan said. ¡°Please! Don¡¯t hurt him!¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Rep croaked in pain.

    Morloch kicked Rep''s ribs hard and he doubled over. Morloch hooked a hand under Rep¡¯s tunic and dragged him to the foot of the Transfer Table on one end. He tossed him back to the floor and placed his foot on Rep¡¯s neck once more. Morloch looked up to Zalan who was frozen with indecision. Morloch had a manic quiver in his eyes.

    ¡°If you do anything I do not ask, his life is forfeit,¡± Morloch promised.

    ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± Zalan said immediately.

    Morloch smiled. It was the sentence he had been waiting to hear for too long.

    ¡°Come to the golden table,¡± Morloch ordered.

    Zalan ran a hand through his hair and began to take small steps toward the Transfer Table. He felt the weight of the Homeseeker in his pocket. Its presence weighed down his every movement, his mind begging for it to be involved in some sort of escape plan. It felt like it was boring a hole into his leg. He might still be able to get out with his power. He just needed to figure out a way to activate it and grab Rep at the last moment. His small steps continued as he tried to stall for time.

    ¡°Now! Faster!¡± Morloch demanded.

    Zalan rushed over, stumbling through his wounds. He was out of time. Morloch nodded at him, a shaky grin growing on his face.

    ¡°Yes, good. Now use your lightning power on the table. Do nothing else,¡± Morloch warned.

    Zalan breathed in deeply, desperately looking for a way out in the seconds he had to spare. He raised his arms slowly. Morloch licked his lips.

    Morloch¡¯s face suddenly twisted with pain. He screamed and fell down to one leg. Zalan had no idea what happened, but immediately threw lightning at his face. Morloch fell back, paralyzed and Zalan tried to rush over and pull Rep away. His hand was already on the Homeseeker in his pocket when he saw Rep.

    Rep was imbuing his arm with flame and gripping tightly to Morloch¡¯s leg. In his close range, he was trying to sear through Morloch and incapacitate him in pain. But Rep still hadn¡¯t mastered his ability to imbue himself with his power. He grit his teeth, tears of pain rolling down his cheek. His skin was burning off, turning black by the time Zalan got a good look at him.

    From the floor, Morloch used a massive kick of Elemental Air to disconnect himself and Rep. Rep didn¡¯t go into the air, instead tumbling and grinding against the uneven cave ground. Zalan tried to throw more lighting at Morloch, but Morloch kicked him with Elemental Air as well, slamming him into the ground and knocking the wind out of him. Zalan coughed in immense pain, his vision threatening to cut off.

    ¡°You have taken advantage of my lenience for the last time,¡± Morloch got to his feet and limped menacingly toward Rep.

    ¡°No! Wait!¡± Zalan begged loudly. ¡°Look, I¡¯m granting the power! Look Morloch, just like you wanted!¡±

    Struggling on the ground, Zalan was sending little sparks of electricity into the Transfer Table. It glowed excitedly, the golden color pulsing with energy. Morloch¡¯s eyes went wide, his interest in exacting revenge on Rep was totally lost. He raced back to the other end of the Transfer Table, but Zalan stopped the flow of Elemental energy. Morloch gripped the edge in rage, his knuckles white.

    ¡°Do not play games, Zandar!¡± Morloch exploded.

    ¡°No games, I swear!¡± Zalan said, groaning in pain. ¡°It just hurts, I can¡¯t keep supplying the lightning.¡±

    ¡°I am sure it will hurt more when I kill Rep,¡± Morloch screamed, insanity coating every word.

    ¡°Wait, just¡­ Please, wait,¡± Zalan scrambled and dragged his way to the other side of the table, leaning his weight on it and pulling himself to a stand. He couldn¡¯t keep himself upright and had to place both palms on the table to stay standing.

    ¡°You want my power, right?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°It¡¯s right here, I swear. You still want the lightning, right? I give this to you, and you let us go, right? That¡¯s the deal?¡±

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    Morloch said nothing. He was done negotiating. The look on his face was clear. He was hungry. Insatiable. Zalan had no choice. Morloch had manipulated him as far as he needed to. There was no more need for farses and games. Now, in a show of force, Zalan didn¡¯t stand a chance.

    And in that moment, Zalan knew that negotiation was not the right way to solve things. There was a naive piece of his brain that died upon seeing Morloch¡¯s face at the table. Some people couldn¡¯t be talked to. Some problems persisted no matter how much communication passed. Some things in life were simply unfair.

    There was a brief time where he thought he would be able to talk his way through any conflict. He even made a trade with monsters! But Morloch was a completely different beast. Zalan had no common ground. There was no negotiating with someone that was far gone from him. From humanity.

    Zalan had one last idea that he wasn¡¯t sure would work. He could see the trembling in Morloch¡¯s lips. He was already impatient. Zalan raised his arms high, imbuing himself with all the lightning he could muster in his weakened state. He grit his teeth, hoping he would accomplish something.

    ¡°Take all the power!¡± Zalan screamed.

    He slammed his palms into the Transfer Table and put as much lightning as he could coursing through it. The table glowed with power, sparks of electricity racing and shaking through the highly conductive surface. Morloch began to tremble uncontrollably. Zalan was electrocuting him with all the lightning he could fuel into the gold of the table.

    Zalan screamed as he put all his power into the move. He was lamenting that he did, indeed, have to kill Morloch. He knew there was no other way. He let shame flow through him and infused himself with more power. The reason he was here was because Morloch manipulated him to this point. He was avenging himself with this act. At the rate of electricity flowing into him, Morloch¡¯s brain would be fried.

    Morloch bellowed in agony, his arms unable to pull themselves away from the table. Zalan fueled it with everything he could, holding nothing back. The intensity increased, the table glowing brighter with power.

    Zalan felt something go wrong somewhere inside him. A gut feeling that threw everything off balance. Where he normally had to call upon a muscle in his mind to bring about Elemental Lightning, it was flowing out of him freely. It felt like it was being vacuumed away, funneling into the Transfer Table. Zalan looked up in shock and fear.

    Morloch¡¯s head was slouched over the table in pain. He was clearly injured by Zalan¡¯s efforts, but he still lived. The table changed the power flowing through it. It wasn¡¯t blasting Morloch with electricity any longer. He was beginning to absorb Zalan¡¯s power. Morloch¡¯s neck twisted and his eyes bulged, overwhelmed with the sensations flowing through him. A tiny smile curved on one side of his face.

    ¡°Wait. Wait!¡± Zalan said, panicking.

    He tried to turn the lightning around; stop it from being drained, but it flowed unceasingly through like a firehose. He felt his Elemental ability becoming distant in his mind. He tried to pull his arms off the Transfer Table, but he was stuck. The Artifact¡¯s process had begun and could not be stopped until the completion of the transfer. Zalan felt cold fear in him. Morloch was getting exactly what he wanted. Zalan had no idea how it would feel to lose his power, but the sensation was starting to grate on him. It was like something was scratching at his soul.

    ¡°Rep! Help!¡± Zalan craned his head to Rep.

    Rep looked up to him in abject horror. He tried to stand, but fell face-first into the ground. Bones were broken. He could barely move. He threw fire from one of his hands, but it dissipated before it could reach even halfway to Morloch. He wasn¡¯t bolstered by several Rings of Range and couldn¡¯t strike at such a distance. Zalan looked back to Morloch, trying to figure a way out.

    Morloch had begun laughing. It cemented an icy despair in Zalan¡¯s heart. Morloch had done this before, to other students. He knew he had succeeded. Perhaps it was too late already. Zalan felt the lightning being pulled from him like a tooth torn away by pliers. He wiggled fruitlessly, trying to fling himself away from the golden table. It glowed, undisturbed by his attempts.

    Zalan kicked at it, trying to break it. In a moment of pure desperation, he even bashed his head into the Artifact. He saw a drop of blood fall on its surface. It ignored his attacks, continuing to suck away the power he had earned in this world.

    The situation dawned on Zalan. He wasn¡¯t going to escape. There was nothing to save him from the loss taking place. As soon as he started the process, it wouldn¡¯t be stopped.

    Elemental Lightning had been a source of comfort to Zalan. It gave him autonomy to do what little he could in battling creatures in this other world. He had earned it by going to the brink of death in the Lost City of Xagon. It wasn¡¯t supposed to be possible for him to lose Elemental Power. It felt like the sense of touch to him, something inherent to his being. He never considered this as a real possibility until he felt it leaving him. He couldn¡¯t imagine being in this realm without his Elemental Ability. How would he do anything?

    Zalan screamed as he tried to tear himself away from the table. He was willing to lose his arms at this point. His shoulders ached as he put the full weight of his body to his back, rearing away from the table. He desperately shook his body to pull away. The Transfer Table was increasing in the intensity of pain it delivered to Zalan. It initially started as a burn on his mind. Then it felt like it was dragging a rake through his skin. He couldn¡¯t stand it. His brain throbbed mercilessly. He felt the Elemental Power being ripped away from his mind. He had nothing to grab, but he tried to reach for it nonetheless.

    Like a knife twisting in his brain, Zalan felt the connection to his Elemental Lightning be completely severed. Zalan¡¯s wrist tore open to a corrupted purple wound, similar to the one on Morloch¡¯s wrist. Zalan took a glance at the new mark on him. He had no idea what it was, but it felt like a poisonous stain on his soul. Everything burned as though acid had been injected straight into his bloodstream.

    The golden table stopped glowing and Zalan fell atop it, feeling mentally and physically drained after the experience. He moved his hands slightly as he gasped for air on the table¡¯s surface. He was free of its hold. He could move again.

    Acting quickly, he balled his hands in rage and threw them both up at Morloch, trying desperately to strike his face with lightning. Nothing emitted from his hands. He tried a few more times, punching the air and screaming in frustration. Nothing changed.

    Morloch flexed his hands giddily. He watched Zalan¡¯s desperation and grew a wide smile across his face. He waited patiently for Zalan to tire himself out, screaming as he threw his arms in front of him fruitlessly. Morloch tilted his head to one side, pretending to look curious. A small, devious grin stretched across his face. It grew to a crazed sneer.

    ¡°Oh, I see, you are trying to do this,¡± Morloch threw a bolt of lightning from his hand.

    Zalan widened his eyes in fear as the bolt struck him square in the face. He howled in pain and fell backward, paralyzed by the electrical impulses ripping through him. It was done. Morloch had successfully taken Elemental Lightning.

 140 - Book 3 - Chapter 43 - Ascending

    Zalan twitched on the floor, overwhelmed in physical and psychological pain. The Transfer Table cracked and split in two, collapsing on itself. The Artifact had degraded and slowly began to turn to dust. Zalan looked at it as he convulsed involuntarily. He couldn¡¯t even steal his power back if he wanted to. It was truly gone.

    ¡°This is incredible!¡± Morloch said, amazed by his newfound Elemental Power.

    Morloch threw several bolts of lightning into the ceiling, doing a jig as he did so. He laughed, excited at the visual. He tried to imbue his hands in lightning, then jumped back as he electrified himself.

    ¡°Oh! I see! I will have to work on that! But what energy!¡± Morloch said, chuckling to himself.

    He made his way around the decaying table and looked down on Zalan. He beamed at him, nudging him with a kick.

    ¡°Did you see your wrist?¡± Morloch showed off the discolored scar on his own wrist. It looked much worse off, having been created and recreated through many uses of the Transfer Table. ¡°That new scar covers your Elemental ability when you summon your stats on your wrist. Your power has been forever corrupted by the Transfer Table. And because it was a conscious decision, it counts as self inflicted. Try as I might, I can not get it off.¡±

    Zalan shuddered in pain and betrayal, unable to steady himself. He was reeling from the shock of the loss. He couldn¡¯t stop his limbs from trembling. He felt like he¡¯d been amputated somewhere in his mind. Something was torn away ruthlessly. He felt lobotomized. Violated to his core.

    ¡°I like to share that with all my students after they grant me their power willingly. And you know, this was the hardest time I ever had to get power,¡± Morloch said. ¡°Not many people know this about me, and it is somewhat difficult to keep so many secrets.¡±

    Morloch reflected on his own words for a second, then became fueled with glee and fired more lighting at the ceiling.

    ¡°Five Elemental Powers!¡± Morloch exploded, crying to the heavens. ¡°Do you hear me Aetheria! I am an ascended being!¡±

    Zalan felt the Homeseeker¡¯s weight in his pocket. He still had the chance to get himself and Rep away from the Island of Remains. He no longer felt like he had a choice in waiting to gather others. There was no way he would go back for Captain Buttonwillow and the crew. He and Rep had to get off the island. Immediately.

    Morloch turned his gaze back to Zalan, as though reading his thoughts. He watched him writhe on the ground, powerless. The former mentor then turned to look at Rep, who similarly was mostly unmoving. Morloch nodded to himself in satisfaction.

    ¡°I am sure you already understand what must happen now. I can not have those with my secrets running around telling others. I would lose my reputation as a man and instructor. Let them assume what they will about my students, but never the instructor,¡± Morloch announced.

    ¡°Let him live,¡± Rep croaked.

    ¡°No, no,¡± Morloch shook his head. ¡°It must be done. As much as it pains me to do this to my best student. And also to you, Rep.¡±

    ¡°You said you wouldn¡¯t kill us if I gave you the power,¡± Zalan said, knowing it wouldn¡¯t change anything. He just wanted Morloch to know that his reputation was already broken.

    ¡°Perhaps if you gave it to me the first time I asked!¡± Morloch snapped, his emotions in a frenzy. ¡°I had to put his life on the line just to get you to listen to me! No, you never met your end of the deal, so why should I?¡±

    Zalan looked upon Morloch casually approaching him. Rep cried out, trying to call Morloch¡¯s attention. But he was too far, unable to do anything to slow him down. Morloch¡¯s smile grew deadly certain as he looked down upon Zalan. Zalan felt like everything was wrong about the situation. This wasn¡¯t how his story was supposed to end. He was supposed to take on five Monsters of the Mindscape and end up at home. He still had a life to live. He had to visit his mom.

    ¡°You can¡¯t kill me yet,¡± Zalan said. More pleading than saying.

    ¡°You are in no place to tell me what I can not do,¡± Morloch said coldly, raising his less injured arm. Sparks danced on his fingers.

    Zalan had the thought cross his mind that he would be killed the same way Fran died. Overwhelmed by lightning. He ran his hand into his pocket, hoping to activate and throw the Homeseeker to Rep in the moment before he died. Just because he couldn¡¯t use it, didn¡¯t mean Rep had to die as well. Rep was trying to move toward him. He dragged himself desperately, trying to protect him, even at the end. It made him think of all the moments in which Rep protected him in this realm or allowed him to focus. Zalan blinked in thought, remembering the last time Rep protected him from Leviathans.

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    ¡°Fine then. Smite me. If you can,¡± Zalan said.

    Morloch¡¯s smile stretched, then stuttered to deterioration. He blinked in confusion. He lowered his hand, hesitating.

    ¡°One moment,¡± Morloch said quietly. He turned his back to Zalan.

    Zalan knew he had said exactly the right thing. Morloch had been so desperate for him to learn how to call lightning from the sky. He had been prodding him to gain the ability for weeks. Perhaps since the moment they met. Now that Morloch had it at his fingertips, he had to try it himself. Zalan had taken one last lesson from his former mentor. He learned how to manipulate him.

    Morloch went to the hole in the ceiling and reached his hands up to the sky. After a second of embarrassment, no lightning crashed into the chamber. He grumbled to himself in frustration. He threw his arms higher, flinching as one of his arms stung in pain. His open palms turned into fists and they shook, trying to grab something he couldn''t reach. He threw his arms to his side, angry.

    ¡°Zorgon! How do I bring down the lighting?¡± Morloch demanded. He wouldn¡¯t look at him, far too concentrated on the hole to the sky.

    ¡°I was mostly only able to do it with my eyes closed,¡± Zalan admitted. He was shuffling, moving as fast and quietly as he could.

    Morloch closed his eyes and focused. He breathed deeply, putting all his effort in calling upon energy above him. He waved his arms vigorously, as though searching in the air above his head. He would have felt humiliated had all his faculties not been distracted by the task at hand. He threw errant blasts of lightning, trying to get a feel of what he was searching for from above him. The wind picked up around him, brought on by his pulling at the mind muscle for his Elemental Powers. Zalan could see from the back that his face had gone red with strain.

    Morloch took in a gasp of air and let out a single sharp laugh. He looked excited. He pulled both arms down and a stream of electricity crashed down from the sky, echoing thunder around the room. Zalan frowned, disappointed to see Morloch figure it out in a matter of seconds. Zalan had curated that power for so long, just for it to fall into his hands.

    ¡°Yes! Yes!¡± Morloch said, pulling another shard of lightning through the hole atop the chamber. It crashed into the same spot as earlier. Morloch looked at the scar on the floor with wide eyes and a look of fulfillment. ¡°It is everything I dreamed of and more! Imagine how the Elementals will react!¡±

    To Zalan¡¯s shock and surprise, Morloch wiped a tear from his eye.

    ¡°Now then, prepare for my smiting,¡± Morloch said casually, making an about face to look at Zalan.

    Morloch stared in confusion. There was nothing by the ashes of the Transfer Table. He smiled wryly and looked around, ready to chase his prey. He didn¡¯t have to look long, locating Zalan next to Rep. They clasped one another¡¯s forearms. They both breathed powerfully from exhaustion. They had used what little remained of their energies to scramble toward one another.

    ¡°Brothers in arms until the end, eh? You wish for me to smite you at the same time? I have no problem with that. It makes my cleanup easier,¡± Morloch said devilishly.

    His smile wavered as he noticed a faint glowing surrounding both Rep and Zalan. The shine was black, enveloping them in a growing power. Morloch first shielded himself in a wall of sand, thinking they had found another Artifact to blow up in his face. Then realized that he recognized the glow from before. A humming sound began filling the chamber. Morloch tore down his protective shield in rage. He had seen this before at the Elemental Rage Tournament.

    The Homeseeker had been activated.

    ¡°No!¡± Morloch screamed. ¡°I need that!¡±

    ¡°Come on, faster,¡± Zalan whispered to the Homeseeker as it prepared their escape.

    Morloch sprinted, but heard the sound crescendoing to the point at which it would warp them out of existence. Morloch howled in frustration and threw his bleeding hand forward, blasting every Elemental Power he had a grasp over toward the duo.

    Spiraling tight to a point like a javelin, fire, wind, sand, water, and lightning darted toward Rep and Zalan. Morloch stopped running, putting his energies into redirecting the powers enough to ensure they wouldn¡¯t miss. Zalan could see how much he was holding back before. He intended to kill them with this single blow. It spun like a deadly drill. It looked like it could tear a hole right through them.

    ¡°Come on!¡± Zalan shook the Homeseeker desperately.

    Morloch screamed with murder on his tongue and desperation in his wide eyes. The deadly helix of powers rushed forward. It reached the point of contact.

    Rep and Zalan blinked out of existence with a loud pop.

    Zalan fell back hard on the cot of his bed, clutching the Homeseeker close to his chest. He was back in Journey House, far away from the Island of Remains and Morloch the Manipulator. He slowly felt around his body, feeling numb without his Elemental Power. But he had all of his limbs intact. He didn¡¯t want to think about what would happen if he warped away without an arm.

    ¡°Rep, you okay?¡± Zalan asked, too exhausted to get up and check.

    He heard Rep breathing loudly from his cot, sounding more out of breath than Zalan. But any sound coming from Rep brought him mild comfort. At least he was alive.

    ¡°Rep, do you know if I can get my power back?¡± Zalan asked desperately.

    He felt naked without his Elemental Power. Even in the safety of Oriton, he felt on edge. It was the first thing on his mind.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan asked again, raising his head to look at him.

    Rep lay back on his cot, breathing erratically with wide eyes. His hand clutched at something in front of his chest. He didn¡¯t look like he¡¯d heard Zalan for some reason. Zalan jumped up, realizing something was wrong. As soon as he got a better view, he covered his mouth in shock and disgust.

    There was a large, bleeding hole in Rep¡¯s chest. He had been hit by Morloch¡¯s attack just before they warped away.

 141 - Book 3 - Chapter 44 - To Die, To Sleep

    ¡°Rep!¡± Zalan said, hovering his hands over Rep in a panic. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re hit bad!¡±

    Rep¡¯s breathing was faint, his eyes listless and his arms grabbing automatically around his chest, as though searching for the missing piece of his body. He didn¡¯t seem like he was hearing Zalan at all. Zalan realized he must have been in some form of shock. He wanted to add pressure to the wound, but it was too big to cover.

    ¡°Rep, listen to me. You¡¯re already on your bed, you just need to sleep. Sleep and you¡¯ll heal right up. Rep, can you hear me?¡± Zalan wanted to jostle him, but was terrified to touch him.

    He never expected to see so much of the innards of a human before. Much less a living one. It shook him to his core. Rep was already so cold.

    ¡°Go to sleep Rep. I think you can still heal!¡± Zalan insisted.

    Rep¡¯s eyes were wide open, his mouth dry and breathing lighter with every breath. Zalan ran both hands through his hair. He groaned to himself at a loss. He was still filled with the sensations of just having escaped Morloch. He was in too much pain to have any good ideas.

    ¡°You need to sleep, Rep!¡± Zalan said. ¡°I can¡¯t bring you back if your heart stops! I don¡¯t even have my lightning!¡±

    Rep¡¯s eyes finally shot toward him. He looked remorseful at Zalan¡¯s condition. Zalan was aggravated by Rep¡¯s ability to still look out for him even when he was bleeding out. Despite his initial feeling, Zalan tried to smile. Maybe if Rep saw that he was okay, then he would finally take care of himself.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to close your eyes okay,¡± Zalan said, pain in his voice and a tremble in his half smile. ¡°I can¡¯t think of anything else. You need to do the healing rest or you¡¯ll die. I can¡¯t have you die right now, Rep. Do you understand? If you die, I¡¯m done for. I need you to stay alive.¡±

    Rep¡¯s eyes were still on Zalan. He seemed like he registered some of what was said. He didn¡¯t do anything in terms of assenting to the plan, but neither did he look like he had the ability to. His face had gone too pale. His breathing was quieter.

    ¡°Here,¡± Zalan said in a whispered panic. He placed a very gentle hand over Rep¡¯s eyes, sliding them closed. Rep¡¯s erratic breathing began to slow down. ¡°Go to sleep, buddy. I need you to wake up all healed up, okay?¡±

    Rep¡¯s breathing grew even more faint, choking for life.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to sleep right now, right?¡± Zalan asked, his heart in an anxious storm. ¡°I didn¡¯t close your eyes for anything but sleep. You can¡¯t close your eyes and die. The plan is for you to heal. You can¡¯t die.¡±

    Rep continued to look weaker. Paler. Quieter.

    ¡°Rep, please,¡± Zalan whispered. ¡°I know I messed up by trusting Nold, but¡­ I don¡¯t know! I can¡¯t be in this realm alone! I¡¯m sorry I screwed up.¡±

    Zalan felt something cold on his wrist. Rep had moved to grasp his arm in an act of comradery, but he couldn¡¯t quite reach. A last act to try and make Zalan feel better about the situation. His finger brushed against Zalan, and then he went limp. Zalan kept his hand on Rep¡¯s eyes, not daring to remove them. He couldn¡¯t hear Rep breathe. He couldn¡¯t see his chest filling with air, either.

    ¡°Good, you¡¯re sleeping,¡± Zalan whispered quietly, pretending to be confident in his assessment.

    Rep didn¡¯t move. Zalan kept his hand over Rep¡¯s eyes. He couldn¡¯t bear to remove his hand and see opened eyes right now. He remained in plausible deniability. Zalan¡¯s mouth twitched with uncertainty. His fake smile was gone, overwhelmed by pain and fear.

    He physically turned away from Rep, terrified to not see him start to heal. He felt so cold. Zalan didn¡¯t want to witness his death when he was so close to healing. Death atop the bed that would heal him was the cruelest irony Zalan could imagine. This realm had been cruel enough that he saw it as a real possibility.

    After a few seconds of being turned away, Zalan had to sit down. He didn¡¯t have the energy to stand, or even lean against Rep¡¯s cot. He slid himself down to the floor and lightly removed his hand from Rep¡¯s face. He stayed where he was, slouched on the floor. He gripped his hands together tightly. He had no intention to heal himself. He didn¡¯t deserve it so long as Rep was¡­ Zalan decided to try and stop thinking about it.

    But Zalan¡¯s thoughts all circled around Rep¡¯s condition. Was there a limit to the Healing Rest? Would he be bedridden? Could it restore severe wounds to inner organs?

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    How would he travel without lightning? Of course, he would have Rep. Unless he didn¡¯t. But he didn¡¯t want to think about that. Would he go back to Madam Hikma? What was the point when he didn¡¯t have his lightning? Rep could help with that. Unless he couldn¡¯t. But he didn¡¯t want to think about that.

    The viscous feedback loop made Zalan recall some of the lessons in recursion he took while in college. But thinking about college made him think of home. His real home. He had never felt more homesick before. His world had never felt this terrible before. He had never witnessed someone die, much less multiple times since coming to this realm. He ached to go back. He wanted to visit his mom. How would he get home without Rep¡¯s assistance?

    Zalan dug his face into his hands, pulling tightly at his bleeding, scarred face. It hurt him, but he felt he deserved the pain. This was all his fault. If Zalan wasn¡¯t so stupid to not see the signs that Morloch was clearly deranged, he could have stopped the whole series of events. He wouldn¡¯t have led Xavier to his death. He wouldn¡¯t have stranded Captain Buttonwillow. He wouldn¡¯t have lost his lightning. And he wouldn¡¯t have lost Rep.

    The last thought made Zalan shake his head in denial. He refused to believe it. But he also refused to check. Pulling his hands away from his face, Zalan looked at the twisted purple scar on his wrist. Morloch told him it came as a result of him sending his power through the Transfer Table. The scar was an odd line over his wrist, looking like it would clash with his stats. He narrowed his eyes in dreaded confusion. He tapped his forefinger to his thumb and summoned his stats.

    LEVEL: 08

    STRENGTH: 08

    WISDOM: 13

    EXPERIENCE: 14

    The spot where ELEMENT normally appeared below EXPERIENCE was crossed out by the ghoulish scar. He had effectively cut out his own stat. Had it dragged out of him, more like. Zalan stared in despair. Was his Wisdom absolutely worthless now? Could he even be granted another Elemental Power if he succeeded in another challenge? Or was the stat gone for good, now? Was all that remained his Strength? It was far lower than his Wisdom.

    Everything had gone so wrong. Zalan felt so distant from home. The longer he sat alone, stinging in pain, the more Zalan convinced himself he didn¡¯t deserve happiness. All that remained was darkness that he had earned through his terrible actions. He couldn¡¯t stand the idea of visiting his mother with these memories dragging him down. He would rather die here than go back with Rep dead on his own healing bed.

    Zalan spent the next several minutes summoning his stats and watching them fade away. They were a sign of progress before, but now it was the largest detriment he could think of. It looked like it was mocking him. Scarred Elemental Power that he had given away. Wisdom that he would never be able to use. He felt the furthest thing from wise.

    Suddenly, Zalan was startled by a noise. Rep coughed lightly. Zalan strained himself to his feet, his body crying out in pain. He looked over his friend with a gaping mouth and quick breaths. Rep was alive. The hole in his chest was inching closed, but he was deep asleep. There was dried blood all over his body. And a deep frown over his face.

    ¡°Welcome to the club,¡± Zalan said, with a frown on his own.

    Even though Rep¡¯s condition should have been fantastic news, Zalan barely felt anything. Rep¡¯s recovery only meant that Zalan was one step behind a total failure. He should have breathed a sigh of relief and gone to heal himself, but couldn¡¯t bring himself to leave Rep¡¯s side so long as he was still in limbo. Zalan could feel in his hardening heart that he wouldn¡¯t be able to find sleep for a while. Even if Rep was fully healed and awake, Zalan¡¯s self pity had more ways to keep him wide awake through his pain. He would not heal anytime soon. And Zalan felt he deserved that.

    He rested his head against Rep¡¯s cot. His thoughts continued to race as he waited for his friend¡¯s complete revival. His endless stream of consciousness caused him to exhaust himself even further than he already was. He nodded off for a while, a sour grimace on his face.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep nudged him lightly.

    Zalan opened his eyes. He had been scowling when he slept and had to consciously rest his face. He began looking over his friend who had survived the ordeal.

    ¡°You¡¯re covered in blood,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Dry blood. You are covered in fresh blood. You need Healing Rest,¡± Rep said urgently.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Zalan said distantly. He didn¡¯t make any move toward his cot.

    ¡°Very well. Just because you delay does not mean I must follow your lead,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan didn¡¯t understand what he meant until Rep hoisted him from under his arms. Zalan cried out in pain and protest. He tried to push against Rep, but was too weak.

    ¡°Stop,¡± Rep said seriously. ¡°You know this will be good for you.¡±

    Zalan knew he would be unable to refute Rep in a reasonable way. He couldn¡¯t think of a way to form into words that he didn¡¯t deserve to be healed. Rep didn¡¯t even walk across the room to Zalan¡¯s cot, he placed him down on his own. Zalan allowed himself to be laid back on the blood covered cot.

    ¡°Heal well, and we can discuss what to do from here, my friend,¡± Rep said. ¡°And thank you, for saving my life. Without you, I would not be here right now.¡±

    Zalan couldn¡¯t bring himself to object. He truly believed that the only reason Rep was at the brink of death to begin with was his fault. He rolled over on the cot, looking away from his closest ally in this realm. Zalan¡¯s lips trembled. He already felt like he was missing a part of him without his Elemental Power. But he felt that something much more fundamental was missing in his heart as he lay down. He felt at his lowest point, both physically and mentally at that moment.

    But not a tear came to his dry eyes. Zalan felt entirely empty.

 142 - Book 3 - Chapter 45 - The Future

    Zalan lay on the cot for much longer than he anticipated. He thought he would fall asleep as soon as he tried to rest, but the feelings of unease made him insomniac. Paradoxically, he was too tired to sleep. He shifted positions, trying to be more comfortable, but every movement caused his body to cry out in pain. Pain made him feel more awake. Despair made him refuse to sleep. He shivered, hampered by yet another thing that he could not have. He wondered if the healing sleep would heal the painful memories he had as well. He hoped it would be the case.

    ¡°Zalan, you must rest,¡± Rep said, checking on him. ¡°You are gravely injured. Sleep will do you well. Both healing rest and regular sleep.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Zalan replied quietly.

    ¡°I understand it is difficult. But can you try? You shift in place every few moments. There is no chance for the body to remain at ease,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°As if I deserve to be at ease.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Rep said, baffled. ¡°Are you blaming yourself for this? Is this some petty grudge you are carrying for yourself?¡±

    Zalan scoffed to himself. That was all Rep needed to hear. His eyebrows lowered.

    ¡°You know this is not your fault, yes?¡± Rep asked. ¡°Nold¡¯s¡­ I mean Morloch¡¯s scheme was at hand every step of the way. From the moment he met you on the first day you were brought to the realm. He was searching for people to fool. I was as fooled as you were.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t!¡± Zalan sat up on the cot in protest and shriveled in pain. Rep frowned at the sight. ¡°You were the one saying we should get out of Oriton before he arrived! You were the one saying we shouldn¡¯t trust him! But once he showed up, I thought it was fine to let him come along! I didn¡¯t even think about the fact that he got here way too fast!¡±

    Zalan winced as wounds made themselves known, crying out to be healed. Rep tried to lay Zalan back down, but he pushed back.

    ¡°Morloch said that the wind was at his back the whole time he traveled here! He literally spelled it out for me, it should have been obvious! He always tried to seem larger than life, because he thought himself better than everyone. He kept trying to hide his Elemental Powers¡­ Of course they were stolen, how else could someone get more than two?¡±

    Zalan thought back to the Bright Elemental he saw in the caverns and placed his face in his scratched arms.

    ¡°I could have gotten a second Elemental Power if I just figured out the challenge,¡± Zalan said. He felt like an idiot on top of everything else for not figuring it out.

    Rep was quiet until he was fairly confident that Zalan¡¯s rant was over.

    ¡°You saw another Elemental when we were separated?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah, not that it matters. I didn¡¯t figure out the challenge and it¡¯s back on the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What was the challenge?¡± Rep asked, hoping he could salvage the loss somehow.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It was like a riddle. In the three darknesses, you must find the light,¡± Zalan quoted.

    Rep thought on it for a few seconds, but had no ideas come to mind.

    ¡°We can get you another Elemental Power,¡± Rep assured him. ¡°I will give you my own if we locate another Transfer Table.¡±

    ¡°What? No, don¡¯t be stupid,¡± Zalan said, laying back on the cot in fatigue. ¡°Losing the Elemental Power was one of the worst feelings I have ever gone through. I don¡¯t care how serious you are, I would never let you do that to yourself.¡±

    Rep nodded, dropping the offer.

    ¡°And look what it did to me,¡± Zalan raised his wrist and summoned his stats.

    Rep gasped aloud when he saw the ELEMENTAL attribute was covered by the scar. He grabbed Zalan¡¯s arm lightly and looked over it in shock.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know if I can get another Elemental Power,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But you told me that your world does not have Elemental Powers. This should be of no concern once you return, correct?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan looked at him, shocked to hear him talk like that.

    ¡°No concern? It¡¯s the biggest concern right now. How am I supposed to get home? Not powerless like I am,¡± Zalan said.

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    ¡°You are not powerless! You have Strength and myself by your side,¡± Rep said, appalled at Zalan¡¯s words.

    ¡°What¡¯s the point in trying? Will that even be enough to go back?¡± Zalan asked skeptically.

    Rep looked at him seriously. He hoped he wouldn¡¯t regret his next sentence.

    ¡°What would your mother say, Zalan?¡± he asked.

    Zalan looked away from Rep.

    ¡°What would she say if she heard that you gave up without even trying?¡± Rep said.

    ¡°She would say nothing,¡± Zalan said coldly.

    ¡°I doubt that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the truth.¡±

    ¡°If she is anything like the man she raised you to be, she would not appreciate you sounding like you were ready to quit,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I know I don¡¯t appreciate you speaking on her behalf,¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°You need to be more reasonable with your assumptions. We will find a way back. You will get to visit your mother and see the truth of these answers for yourself. We will go see Madam Hikma on what to do next,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Madam Hikma?¡± Zalan sat upright once more, cringing in pain. ¡°Why would we go to her?¡±

    ¡°Stop rising up! She has been an excellent guide to us thus far, why would we not?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Excellent guide? Are you hearing yourself?¡± Zalan said. ¡°It feels like everything she has us do ends in huge tragedies! Fran died at Castle Docrun. Captain Buttonwillow and his crew are stranded on the Island of Remains. We don¡¯t even know if any of them are going to survive now that we left them there! Morloch just got a new power that he never would have had if we didn¡¯t go to the island. Madam Hikma told us to go there. How do we know she¡¯s on our side? Everything she¡¯s suggested has ended in failure!¡±

    Rep bit the inside of his lip.

    ¡°I will tell you once you rest,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So there¡¯s some secret now? One that you could have shared any other time, but you think now is the best time?¡± Zalan said, trying to sound cold and accusatory.

    ¡°Yes, there is something,¡± Rep said, taking the words with some hurt.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Zalan asked, feeling somewhat betrayed by the withheld information.

    ¡°Yes, there is something she asked me not to tell others. But if it will make you feel better, I will inform you,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, right, you just want me to get some healing rest,¡± Zalan spat.

    ¡°And what if I did? You are in this foul combative mood because you are in pain!¡± Rep said assertively.

    ¡°So it¡¯s suddenly wrong that I have regrets and wounds?¡± Zalan shot back.

    ¡°It is wrong to soak in them when you are literally laying in the bed which will heal you of the wounds,¡± Rep pointed out.

    Zalan groaned, having run out of snipes to throw at Rep. He threw himself back on the cot and Rep eyed him closely, waiting for Zalan¡¯s eyes to close.

    ¡°You¡¯re always right, aren¡¯t you, Rep?¡± Zalan said, frustrated.

    ¡°Go to sleep, Zalan,¡± Rep ordered.

    ¡°I bet you were ¡®inspired¡¯ to tell me to get some sleep. Remember your little thing about ¡®inspiration?¡¯ Because I never forgot. But the explanation never has a right time, does it?¡± Zalan asked sharply.

    ¡°Zalan, I am fully healed. I have much more energy and endurance than you do at the moment. If you do not go to sleep by your own will, by God, I will put you to sleep for your own good,¡± Rep said, sounding genuinely upset.

    Zalan blinked, almost scared for a second. Rep had never threatened anything physical to him before. If he remembered right, Rep had never threatened anyone before. It was finally the thing to shut up Zalan. He really believed Rep would make him pass out if he kept up his antics. Rep would be the kind of guy to hurt him for his own good. He breathed out loudly, not knowing any other way to show his discontent. He closed his eyes, frowning.

    He thought back to Morloch talking about Madam Hikma. He was the one who planted the seed of doubt that made Zalan challenge her abilities at the moment. She had been right about Morloch being on the Island of Remains. How did she know that? If she knew Nold was Morloch, then she would have mentioned it to Rep and Zalan at the Elemental Rage Tournament. Either that or they were on the same side. But that didn¡¯t make any sense to him, especially when Morloch seemed to talk down about her any chance she was brought up in conversation. He hated the endless confusing thoughts swirling around regarding her. She knew things, but why did things always go so poorly when they listened to her plans? There was something crucial missing.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna want an explanation about Madam Hikma as soon as I wake up,¡± Zalan mumbled, his eyes still closed.

    ¡°You will receive one as soon as you have fully healed,¡± Rep promised. He sounded significantly more calm. And deeply concerned. It made Zalan feel terrible.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about all the things I said. I didn¡¯t mean it,¡± Zalan said quietly.

    ¡°I know,¡± Rep said sincerely.

    Zalan flinched when he felt Rep pick him up. Rep carried him to a clean cot, free from any blood and arguments. Zalan felt slightly more comfortable, like he had escaped a place of regrets. Rep walked back and began to gather the sheets of his cot to clean them of the harrowing stains.

    Left to himself, Zalan still struggled with dark thoughts. He tried to push them aside, just long enough to fall asleep. But there was always a brooding energy lurking under every thought he ignored. Betrayal. Powerlessness. Fear.

    He felt a towering despair over his life. He thought he would never escape this realm. Lightning was the only way he saw a light in the darkness of his stunted situation. And he was sure he would remain powerless so long as he was trapped in the realm. It was the worst scenario he could imagine. Total emptiness.

    He was empty of power. Empty of emotions. Empty of the chance to visit his mother. And empty of tears that he felt the situation called for.

    After almost an hour, Rep finally found Zalan asleep and healing. With a deep, trembling frown locked onto his scarred face.

    ¡°I will get you home,¡± Rep said to him. ¡°No matter what it takes. I swear it. I owe you at least that much.¡±

 Book 3 - Afterword

    Hello. Hi. Hello. Ah, wait, I said hello twice. I¡¯m checking in for another afterword.

    Thanks for reading The Homeseeker Book 3: A Bargain With Fate. I¡¯m really happy with it, and hope the sea-faring wasn¡¯t too long-winded for you (pun partially intended). Three books with no delays, I¡¯m pretty confident I can do the next two with no delays as well! As always, thank you for the response to each and every chapter. Comments, reviews, criticisms even as simple as liking a post means a ton. It all makes a huge difference in my author experience. Every single one of your comments means so much to me. I read them all, even if I don¡¯t respond to them. And reminder that I¡¯ve got a Discord</a> with some fun theory crafters.

    Below here will be filled with Book 3 spoilers, so you better not have jumped to this chapter on a whim.

    Originally, there was a tentative plan to include a confrontation between Zalan, Morloch, and a former student of ¡°Nold.¡± I couldn¡¯t justify why anyone else lived through Morloch, so I decided to scrap it. Plus, at that point I couldn¡¯t have Zalan really go through with not understanding Nold was Morloch.

    Originally, I was really going to play into the ¡°mob boss¡± role for Ma. She was going to have the accent and everything. I probably wouldn¡¯t have had any reason to justify it, but I would have lived with it. The bigger problem was that I couldn¡¯t pull it off, so I just went with the no-nonsense Ma.

    Three of my favorite non-main cast members are definitely Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick, Ma, and Oshrad. Captain Buttonwillow is as stellar as he is incredible and I feel like he toes the line of serious adventurer and silly lead just perfect to sit well with me. Oshrad and his obsession with wanting to break toes, while never being outspoken about it is fun. It¡¯s just the first thing to come to mind, it¡¯s no big deal, break some toes, they¡¯ll heal! And Ma, I¡¯ve considered writing a prequel story in this world about how she gets to be where she is. It would be a more intelligent, hardline protagonist, but I¡¯m not certain I¡¯m actually going to pick that up. (Certainly not in the next series I work on).

    I had six different blocks of notes for all the stuff leading up to the sea, and then the time on the water took a few lines, then it was back to thick outlines for the island. But as soon as Buttonwillow entered the picture, there needed to be a journey. It couldn¡¯t be a simple trip, not for such an unsimple man!

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    Almost every instance of me mentioning ¡°Nold¡± in my notes is ¡°Coach Nold¡± instead of ¡°Instructor.¡± I wonder if I had a different idea of him in my head before I started writing out the manuscript. Coach feels very different.

    I fully intended that chapters 40, 41, and 42 would tell a short story ¡°Morloch Takes Power.¡± I wasn¡¯t sure how I felt about ¡°Takes¡± as a title until I finished the chapter and felt okay about it. Morloch has some hot takes on power and what it means to be willing!

    Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick and Captain Lexington Winchester are intended to be silly foils that aren¡¯t even foils. Buttonwillow and McKittrick are both located on the West Coast of the US and Lexington Winchester is located on the East Coast. And people compare the two all the time, but the people act pretty similarly between the two ends. The culture isn¡¯t that different. So I had played them up with that idea in mind. In fact, even their ships have the same name. The Aegeusson and the Abuacamas both are the same ship. In Greek mythology, Aegeus¡¯s son is named Theseus. Abu (father of) Acamas is also Thesues. They both have the Ship of Theseus. Implying from the beginning that Buttonwillow¡¯s ship is constantly cracked, broken, and rebuilt by Rosemary.

    As a very ahead of time reminder, this series will eventually be edited and released on Amazon as a physical copy and ebook. And yes, this series will eventually be made into an Audiobook on Audible. That¡¯ll take some time though, so no stubbing yet.

    Thank you very much for reading and I hope you all continue into The Homeseeker Book 4: The Depths of Despair. It sounds bad, but it honestly is what I consider the most cathartic book of the series.

    If you¡¯re really enjoying my work, consider supporting me on Patreon.</a> Sincerely, nothing is more motivating than having backers offering consistent support. You can get up to 10 Advanced Chapters. Yes, by the time this post goes up, Patreon is already a few chapters into Book 4.

    I also want to add a sincere thanks for the ratings and reviews. Last time I wrote an afterword, I asked for honest ratings/reviews and I got some! Thank you, seriously. It helps so much. Consider updating an existing review or leaving a rating if you haven¡¯t already. Makes a huge difference for me as an author.

    That¡¯s all! Thanks! Still taking the next few days off then book 4 starts. See you soon!

    N.T. Lazer

 143 - Book 4 - Chapter 01 - All Seeing Eyes

    Zalan lay wide awake on the cot in the guild of Journey House. His mind was racing with thoughts of loss and despair. Laying almost entirely still, he wiggled his fingers several times, feeling naked. Power should have been tingling through his arms, begging to be thrown. But it was gone. Taken. He had lost his Elemental Lightning Power. Stolen away by Morloch the Manipulator on the Island of Remains. He felt hollow and dark without the power coursing through him. His movements were so subtle, that his friend and guide, Rep, didn¡¯t notice when he awoke.

    It wasn¡¯t until Rep looked over him to see how he was healing that he saw Zalan was fully conscious. Rep first looked happy to see Zalan¡¯s eyes open, but realized quickly that they would not look at him.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Rep asked, relief on his face at the lack of wounds on his friend.

    Zalan said nothing, continuing to move his fingers in a jitter. Rep¡¯s eyebrows furled.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep said.

    Zalan didn¡¯t even look his way. Rep bit his lip. He knew that Zalan was out of sorts after the confrontation with Morloch, but he didn¡¯t know the extent of Zalan¡¯s state.

    ¡°Do you feel better? Does anything hurt?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan finally looked his way, a slight distance in his stare. Rep saw the deep bags under his eyes. The sunken look on his face. He may have been physically healed, but his mind was still at odds with itself. Rep felt that he was partly to blame. He could have stopped Morloch, if only he were stronger. If only he tried a little harder.

    ¡°Tell me about Madam Hikma,¡± Zalan demanded, an edge in his voice.

    ¡°At least tell me how you feel,¡± Rep grumbled.

    ¡°Awful. I can¡¯t stop feeling like I¡¯m missing something. Like I forgot my name. Or better yet, like my brain was pulled through my nose and I¡¯ll never feel right again. That¡¯s how I feel. You happy now?¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s sunken eyes closed and he breathed out loudly.

    ¡°Tell me about Madam Hikma. You said there was something special about her that you would share when I woke up. Or was that just a lie to get me to do the Healing Rest?¡± Zalan said, his eyes reopening to gauge Rep¡¯s face.

    ¡°I have never lied to you,¡± Rep said firmly.

    ¡°Then tell me why we should keep trusting that woman after she led us to two different deadly traps. First, to the Castle Docrun and an Elemental Dragon. Then to Morloch.¡±

    ¡°She warned us about both the dragon and Morloch,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°But not that it was an Elemental Dragon! It was supposed to be an easier fight! You know we weren¡¯t prepared for it!¡± Zalan snapped.

    Rep pursed his lips and nodded. Zalan stared at him impatiently.

    ¡°Well?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Fine, I will tell you. But it is a secret she does not want being spread. Can you keep this information to yourself?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan nodded quickly, ready to challenge whatever the explanation was. He didn¡¯t think there was anything that would make him feel better about Madam Hikma sending him to have his power stolen away.

    ¡°This is serious, Zalan. I need to hear you say it aloud. Say you will keep this to yourself,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, fine, I¡¯ll keep it a secret,¡± Zalan said flippantly.

    Rep eyed him warily, breathing deeply. Zalan sat up slightly, waiting for his explanation.

    ¡°Rep, seriously, just tell me,¡± Zalan said impatiently.

    Rep bit his lip hesitantly and didn¡¯t open his mouth. Silently, he stood and went to another cot. Zalan watched him in confusion. Kneeling down, Rep moved under the bed and dragged open the storage compartment. Zalan felt it was out of character for Rep. He knew which cot was Rep¡¯s, but he was clearly rifling through someone else¡¯s belongings. Rep finally pulled out what he was searching for and looked it over. Zalan¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. It was an Artifact called the Heart of Purity.

    The Heart of Purity was made of transparent glass, easy to see through like a glass cup. But Zalan recalled it would begin to grow dark at the center if the holder told any lies. Gripping the Artifact tightly, Rep made his way back to Zalan. He held out the Artifact.

    ¡°Say you will not share the information while holding this,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan stared at it, a little uncomfortable. The fact Rep pulled it out from Heron¡¯s compartment meant he was serious. Rep normally wasn¡¯t one to do things without permission. There was something important to tell.

    ¡°Can this Artifact see the future as well? How would it know if I¡¯m lying?¡± Zalan asked.

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    ¡°The Artifact only reads your intention. It will not be able to see whether you would change your mind years later. But it can see whether you are speaking honestly for now,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan swallowed and nodded. Rep placed the Artifact in his hand. Zalan looked it over, suddenly feeling a pit in his stomach atop of all his other emotions. He didn¡¯t want to be a liar.

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell anyone about Madam Hikma¡¯s secret,¡± Zalan said.

    His hand trembled as he and Rep both looked at the Artifact. It didn¡¯t show any sign of darkness. Rep sighed in relief and took it back. Gripping the Artifact tightly, he sat in the cot across from Zalan.

    ¡°Madam Hikma is seen as a savant by many people, near and far away. She sometimes has answers to things that are inexplicably difficult to know. People assume she has a wealth of knowledge based on experience and deduction, but that is far from the whole truth,¡± Rep explained.

    Zalan recalled that Madam Hikma had somehow guessed that Zalan was from another world. No one else made that connection in his time in the realm. She did seem like some sort of clairvoyant at the time. Nevertheless, Zalan took a glance at the Heart of Purity to make sure Rep was being honest. It showed no changes.

    ¡°Madam Hikma has an Artifact to assist in seeing things about people and their path in life. The Guidance Gem, one of the rarest Artifacts in the realm. The more she knows about someone, the clearer her vision of understanding. She does not quite know things, but she has an inspiration of what things might be. She can surmise things like the Monsters of the Mindscape and knowing where to lead you, even without ever having visited any of these locations, herself,¡± Rep continued.

    Zalan couldn¡¯t help but take another look at the Heart of Purity to confirm. Madam Hikma had been getting assistance from an Artifact the whole time.

    ¡°So, she¡¯s a fraud?¡± Zalan asked, suddenly feeling vindicated in his disdain for her.

    ¡°I would not say that,¡± Rep shook his head. ¡°She never claimed to have any answers. The one whose council is sought, is trusted. She only wishes to assist others, and utilizes an Artifact to do so.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but people would probably just use the Artifact if they knew that it existed, right?¡± Zalan said.

    Rep nodded solemnly.

    ¡°People donate to Madam Hikma out of respect, but others would hold valuable information behind more expensive prices if they had such power. Her graciousness helps so many. Even those that can not afford it can get answers,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So, that¡¯s why I can¡¯t tell anyone about this? I assume because people would want to steal it from her?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°And they would have to kill her to take it,¡± Rep added.

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrows descended an inch.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°The Artifact is a part of her. It has made itself one with her head,¡± Rep pointed to the right end of his cranium.

    Zalan blinked a few times. First he thought Rep was making a strange joke, but the Heart of Purity was still clear in his hand. Then, Zalan thought he must be exaggerating in some way. A miscommunication between their worlds.

    ¡°How is it in her head, exactly?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Her right eye has been entirely replaced by the Artifact. Whatever she did upon activating it, the Artifact took the form of her eye. The Guidance Gem is what gives the eye its altered color from the other eye,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan continued to stare in disbelief. He always thought that Madam Hikma¡¯s two different colored eyes were a little uncanny, but he never imagined it was in any way artificial.

    ¡°So you mean her eye is literally the Artifact? It¡¯s not like a metaphor?¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°Indeed. Her right eye is the Guidance Gem,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°But¡­ What about degrading? Don¡¯t Artifacts get used up over time and turn into ashes? Won¡¯t that make her lose an eye or something?¡± Zalan asked, concerned.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep sighed. ¡°Madam Hikma¡¯s entire body is degrading at an incredibly accelerated rate because of her physical alteration. Her life force is being fed into the Artifact by her continued use of it.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°How old do you think she is?¡±

    Zalan considered his memories of her for a moment.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, like eighty years old?¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°She is no older than forty. Perhaps her late thirties,¡± Rep said.

    This time Zalan was almost certain Rep was lying. He had seen the wrinkles on her face, and the way she slouched as she walked slowly. The times she grunted when she stood or sat down. But the Heart of Purity remained pure. Zalan¡¯s eyes bulged in shock and horror.

    ¡°She¡¯s dying,¡± Zalan breathed. ¡°She¡¯s killing herself to keep the charade up. Why would she do that?¡±

    ¡°It is not a charade when she does not lie to the people,¡± Rep reminded him.

    ¡°Yeah, but like¡­ Is she gonna take it out of her face before she¡­ I don¡¯t know, turns to dust or something?¡± Zalan said, appalled at the idea.

    ¡°I do not know her intention.¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t tell you when she told you about the Artifact in her face?¡± Zalan asked, curious why she would stop short of revealing everything.

    ¡°She did not tell me about the Guidance Gem at all. I read about it in a tome of many legendary Artifacts. It took me a very long time to read through, it was this thick,¡± Rep said, making a shape that, to Zalan, looked like a fairly thin book. Then he remembered that Rep¡¯s reading speed was one of the slowest he¡¯d ever seen before. ¡°The Guidance Gem was said to be able to take the form of a limb upon activation. Madam Hikma¡¯s knowledge seemed beyond her experiences, and I wished to ask her about it. And when I confronted her about it, she hid nothing from me. In fact, it seemed like she was relieved that someone else knew of her secret.¡±

    Zalan lay back down on his cot, feeling absolutely baffled. Madam Hikma was dying and it might only be he and Rep that knew about it. Maybe Sholou, Madam Hikma¡¯s assistant, but even she might be in the dark. It made Zalan feel even more terrible. He wished he¡¯d known before. It might have made him understand the circumstances that Madam Hikma put him through.

    With the Guidance Gem, she was able to see that he came from a world otherwise unheard of in this realm. It was possible that she knew what was best for his future or escaping the realm as well. And if she only got tiny visions of inspiration, it would make sense that she didn¡¯t predict the consequences of Zalan following her advice. Still, he could only remember the pain. Terrible outcomes did not make up for her potentially good intentions.

    ¡°Now that you know,¡± Rep said, standing up straight. ¡°Will you come with me and see her? We can ask her to find you another way out of this realm. We will get you home.¡±

    Zalan looked him in the eyes, a serious energy on his face.

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t care anymore,¡± Zalan said.

 144 - Book 4 - Chapter 02 - What About Going Home?

    Rep stared at Zalan for a few seconds. Zalan lay back down on the cot, an uncaring attitude over his pale face.

    ¡°What do you mean? Do you not want to leave the realm anymore?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about it. It¡¯s not gonna happen,¡± Zalan said. ¡°The more we try, the worse the outcome. It¡¯s just gonna get more dangerous and both of us are going to end up dead.¡±

    Rep waited for Zalan to say he was kidding. Or at least something to indicate that he wasn¡¯t serious.

    ¡°Zalan, you have to go home,¡± Rep said, uncomfortable. ¡°That¡­ that is the whole reason I have come to be your companion. To assist you in returning home.¡±

    ¡°As if it¡¯s possible,¡± Zalan said dismissively. Then, in a quieter voice, ¡°As if I even deserve it.¡±

    ¡°What do you intend to do instead?¡± Rep challenged.

    Zalan rolled over on his cot, turning his back to Rep.

    ¡°Zalan! What has gotten into you? You wish to lay here? What good will it do to wallow in despair and give up on the one goal you had in this realm?¡± Rep snapped.

    Zalan said nothing, but felt pangs of regret go through him. He was so tired of feeling like he was losing. Not making any progress. Getting worse off. Nothing felt more demoralizing than losing his Elemental Power.

    ¡°Zalan, get up,¡± Rep ordered.

    Zalan sighed, remaining on his side.

    ¡°Please,¡± Rep pleaded sincerely. ¡°At least get up and go outside. You have not done so since we fought with Morloch. It can not be good for you to remain in one place like this.¡±

    Zalan was reminded of the day before this entire adventure started. Staring up at the blades of the ceiling fan in his home. The dark, drab conditions of his dirty apartment. This realm was supposed to be his escape from the feelings he had when he was back home, a way to overcome them and then be able to take on the real world again. But he felt worse than ever. The guilt of not visiting his mom felt like a mountain on his shoulders. He thought he had gotten over the feelings from back home by now. But evidently, they lay heavy there with him.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep pleaded.

    ¡°Go away, Rep.¡±

    ¡°You should not be alone at a time like this,¡± Rep insisted.

    ¡°Yeah, well, I want to be.¡±

    Rep bit the inside of his lip, then breathed out slowly.

    ¡°Fine, I will go ask Madam Hikma on my own,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan didn¡¯t acknowledge him as he walked out the guild. Zalan was alone. He rolled to lay upward and stared at the ceiling, feeling empty. Zalan lost track of time as he stared up, thinking of nothing and everything. He felt sore in his heart, like he had lost a passion for life he didn¡¯t realize he was gaining. Perpetually tired, he felt like he needed to lay down even though he was already on his back. Nothing about his existence felt right.

    Having no idea how much time had passed in between, Zalan felt the door to the guild open, followed by footsteps approaching his cot. Opening half-lidded eyes, Zalan peeked out to see three familiar people staring down at him. Rep and a young man and woman.

    ¡°You were right, Zalan does look terrible!¡± the young woman said with a smile.

    Squinting at her, Zalan frowned.

    ¡°Who¡¯re you?¡±

    ¡°How could you already forget? We are in the same guild!¡± she pointed between them.

    Zalan glanced to Rep.

    ¡°Liv and Epanor. You have met before, at the Elemental Rage Tournament. I fought against Liv and Epanor faced Slauson. They are members of Journey House.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s unfocused eyes glossed over them, putting names to faces and restoring the faint memories.

    ¡°Oh, yeah. Cool.¡± He rolled over in bed.

    ¡°Come on now, it is a beautiful day out!¡± Liv said, bouncing in place. ¡°You should come train with us!¡±

    ¡°Not interested.

    ¡°It is not far, we will train in the courtyard out back!¡±

    ¡°Still not interested.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps you want to go outside, just to get a glimpse of the sun. Ensure that I am a woman of my word when I say it is a beautiful day outside?¡± Liv asked, increasingly enthusiastic.

    Zalan rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Perhaps you only want to watch us train?¡±

    ¡°Will it get you to stop talking?¡±

    ¡°Indeed!¡± Liv said, excited.

    Groaning, Zalan rolled off his cot and trudged his way toward the door. Liv hummed in delight and ran outside before Zalan could make it. Epanor followed closely, his eyes lingering on Zalan. Rep stopped at his side just before going to join Liv who was already cracking a whip of flame.

    ¡°You would do well to join us. Stretch your limbs.¡±

    Zalan grunted noncommittally. Leaning against the doorframe, Zalan watched the Epanor summon Elemental Water to parry against Liv¡¯s Elemental Flames. The man didn¡¯t speak a word, and Zalan was starting to doubt whether he¡¯d ever heard a word from his mouth before. Perhaps he was a mute. Whatever the case, Zalan was pleased that he wasn¡¯t trying to engage with him.

    Liv was a firecracker, singing her clothes several times as he danced between a tornado of flame and whips. Rep was sparring with her, keeping his distance and trading fiery blows. At the same time, he was trying to imbue himself, constantly burning himself in the process. Every time they took a moment to breathe, Rep¡¯s eyes always flitted Zalan¡¯s way. After enough minutes, Zalan sighed in annoyance and returned inside to lay down.

    Zalan knew in his heart that every moment laying down was a true waste of time. He could be doing literally anything else, but he felt that the trail to the path home had nothing for him. He didn¡¯t want to get up. Rep entered the guild several times, Liv bouncing off the walls, excited to try and get Zalan to train. Sometimes just to get him outside for a few minutes. Zalan would go outside to the training yard, but would never step further than the door.

    Zalan refused to do anything but eat tiny morsels of food, then go back and rest. Even the warmth of the sun felt like too much for him. He hated that he experienced these emotions in this realm. He thought he left behind the dark, dreary thoughts back in his homeworld.

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    For days, Zalan did almost nothing but eat and sleep. Rep begged him during this time, even tugging lightly at his clothes, but Zalan always rolled over and shut him out. Rep would always leave in frustration. Zalan felt bad that Rep wasted so much of his time with someone so worthless.

    Zalan woke up from a nap, not knowing any idea of how long he had been out. He rolled up to a seated position and looked at the door to the guild, wondering if he should try and get fresh air like Rep suggested so often. But he just wanted to lay down and be done. He wanted to stop failing. Stop existing, even. The dark thought clawed at his mind and he layed back down and closed his eyes.

    He heard murmuring from outside the door. A discussion between two familiar voices.

    ¡°...do not know what to do. He refuses to talk to me,¡± Rep¡¯s voice came from the other side.

    ¡°Stay here,¡± another male voice said. ¡°I will speak with him. Alone. I assure you he will not be able to ignore me.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s eyes shot open at the sound of the other man. He turned his neck and looked to the door just as it opened. Rep stood outside, looking concerned, but another former companion stepped through. Zalan¡¯s mouth opened in shock.

    ¡°Gorb?¡± Zalan said, astounded to see him again.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Gorb acknowledged. ¡°I see new scars on your face, what caused those?¡±

    Zalan could hardly believe his eyes. He almost didn¡¯t register that Gorb asked him a question.

    ¡°Scars are from the Elemental Rage Tournament. What are you doing here?¡± Zalan asked, stunned.

    ¡°Is it surprising to see me return to my own guild?¡± Gorb asked.

    Zalan blinked in surprise. He had completely forgotten that Gorb was a part of the Journey House guild. He had been resigned to the idea that he would never see Gorb again. Zalan simply stared, a mix of emotions stirring within him. Enough to make him see beyond dark thoughts. Gorb was one of the few people he could really call a friend in this realm. He was the reason Zalan ever thought about his lack of ability to shed tears. Gorb assessed Zalan, his eyes scanning him up and down silently. Zalan did the same, noticing the changes in Gorb.

    Gorb was always a big person, but now he looked wider. He had grown out a beard and looked more at ease than he used to. There was still a fire in his eyes that he had when he wanted to learn to fly with his Elemental Air, but it was less intense.

    ¡°You look¡­ different,¡± Zalan said, trying to sound casual.

    ¡°You mean I have gained weight,¡± Gorb looked down at himself. He still looked like he could hold his own in a fight with any monster, but he wasn¡¯t as lean as before. Gorb poked lightly at his stomach and looked back up at Zalan. He didn¡¯t seem embarrassed by the change in his body. ¡°Time does not seem to have been kind to you.¡±

    Zalan looked away in shame. He didn¡¯t want to imagine how bad he looked after cooping himself up so long. He didn¡¯t want to be the subject of attention.

    ¡°How are you, Gorb?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°My sister is dead,¡± Gorb replied immediately.

    Zalan¡¯s face scrunched. It was the last thing he expected to hear from Gorb. It was mortifying for it to be brought up so casually. It still stung in Zalan¡¯s heart to think about it. Fran was another good friend.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sorry Gorb,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Her loss takes a serious toll on me, but I do not dwell on it so much that I am left bedridden,¡± Gorb said casually.

    Zalan blinked suddenly. His face went warm as he continued to lay on the cot. He didn¡¯t expect the conversation about Fran to actually be about him.

    ¡°What did Rep tell you?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Rep has told me you are being belligerent,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan turned his head away.

    ¡°My power was stolen away,¡± Zalan revealed the gruesome scar on his wrist. The permanent mark of the loss of his Elemental Lightning. The stat had been scrubbed away from his arm.

    ¡°A shame,¡± Gorb said seriously. ¡°What will you do now?¡±

    Zalan said nothing.

    ¡°Have you given up the quest to go to the home world you spoke of?¡± Gorb asked.

    Zalan frowned.

    ¡°You never believed I was from another world,¡± Zalan mumbled.

    ¡°True. Well, partly. I certainly believed in it more than a city floating in the sky. There was a time where I really believed that the Homeseeker had taken you back to your true home. If I never saw you again in my life, I would have taken that to mean that you truly were from another world. But here you are.¡± Gorb kicked the bed lightly.

    ¡°Yeah, the Homeseeker didn¡¯t really work,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°And so you quit like you are oft to do.¡± Gorb nodded.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan rejected. ¡°Well, not at first. I kept trying, but things just keep getting worse.¡±

    ¡°And so you believe that hardship brings no ease.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    ¡°That with hardship comes ease,¡± Gorb replied like it was obvious.

    ¡°I¡­ what?¡± Zalan asked, confused.

    ¡°You are not a child, Zalan. You know that life does not come without problems. If you think that every problem is the end of the world, you will suffer an apocalypse every month,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan considered his words with a frown.

    ¡°I sincerely would like to know what is it that you want to do now? Clearly you have no interest in Rep¡¯s plan for you to go home. But that does not mean you should do nothing. What would you want to do at this moment?¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan felt a bit gracious to hear Gorb say that. He had a way of getting under his skin with his manner of speech, but Gorb could see layers beneath Zalan. He called his quest to go home ¡°Rep¡¯s plan¡± like he had nothing to do with it. And that was very recently true. Ever since Zalan got back from the Island of Remains, Zalan didn¡¯t feel like going home was his highest priority. Only one task was on his mind.

    ¡°I want to go get a new Elemental Power,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Replace what was lost,¡± Gorb agreed. ¡°What is your reason for it?¡±

    Zalan inclined himself, appreciating that Gorb might be taking him seriously.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired of feeling like I don¡¯t have any power over my life. Elemental Lightning made me feel like I could do anything. Now, I¡¯m just¡­ I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s not the same at all. I feel like I¡¯ve totally lost control. That it was taken from me. And I want it back.¡±

    ¡°That sounds reasonable,¡± Gorb said simply.

    Zalan lit up slightly. He thought Gorb would try to convince him to try and go home again, but he didn¡¯t seem to be trying to steer him that way at all. Zalan felt much more comfortable with the conversation after that.

    ¡°But Rep wants us to go talk with Madam Hikma,¡± Zalan lamented.

    ¡°What difference does that make? You can hear her advice and still go get an Elemental Power. Just because you receive her advice does not mean you must follow it. Or, if you feel so inclined, skip the ritual of asking for her assistance and tell Rep you wish to go straight to find an Elemental,¡± Gorb reasoned.

    Zalan looked at him curiously.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t care what I do?¡±

    ¡°I care that you do what you want to do. I think you are much more than someone to drown in self pity in an uncomfortable bed,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan pursed his lips and looked to the ceiling. He was afraid to try. Because trying could lead to failing, and he wasn¡¯t ready to face further humiliation from defeat. He feared feeling even lower than his current mental state.

    ¡°Yeah, well, right now, I really just feel like lying in bed,¡± Zalan replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

    ¡°Are you injured?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m already healed.¡±

    ¡°And you know that you wish to get an Elemental Power?¡± Gorb followed up.

    ¡°Sure, just¡­ not right now. Not in the mood to do anything,¡± Zalan said.

    Gorb gripped Zalan¡¯s ankle painfully tight. Startled, Zalan tried to pull his foot away, but Gorb stuck like a vise.

    ¡°And you are fully healed, this does not injure you?¡± Gorb asked.

    ¡°Gorb! Yeah, it hurts, let go!¡± Zalan said.

    Before he could try to kick him away, Gorb stood and yanked him by the leg. Zalan yelped as he was dragged sharply out of his cot. He barely caught himself on the side of the bed frame, just as his rear was about to hit the ground. Gorb smiled, and Zalan could see a hint of Fran in his eyes. With a decisive hoist, Gorb tore Zalan away from the cot. His tight grip increasing, Gorb began to haul Zalan across the guild floor toward the front door.

    ¡°Hey! Cut it out, Gorb! Let me go!¡± Zalan said, trying to gain enough control to kick Gorb¡¯s hand away.

    It was of little use. Zalan was too uncoordinated after remaining in bed and moping for so long. Gorb walked unperturbed to any of Zalan¡¯s protests. He kicked open the door to the guild, startling Rep on the other side. Gorb held up the flailing Zalan like he was a large fish he just caught. Rep was a mix of amused and sympathetic to Zalan desperately trying to get himself back in control. Gorb grinned, wiggling Zalan slightly.

    ¡°What is going on?¡± Rep asked, holding back a smile.

    ¡°I am fulfilling my promise. I told you I could get him out of bed,¡± Gorb said, finally releasing Zalan to fall to the ground outside the guild.

 145 - Book 4 - Chapter 03 - First, We Forge

    Zalan picked himself up and dusted himself off, glaring at Gorb. Rep looked at him hopefully. Zalan could see the relief in Rep¡¯s face just for him to finally be out of bed. Zalan looked away, not wanting to make eye contact after being dragged outside from his cot.

    ¡°You are ready to go see Madam Hikma now?¡± Rep asked optimistically.

    ¡°No,¡± Gorb answered for Zalan. ¡°That was not why he emerged. The deal was that he would get to go to an Elemental and get a new Elemental Power to replace that which was taken.¡±

    ¡°There wasn¡¯t any deal,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    ¡°Indeed. I should have been clear. Here is the deal, Zalan. You will go to the Elemental willingly and I will not drag you there myself,¡± Gorb said.

    Zalan rolled his eyes. Secretly he was grateful to be outside for the purpose of getting an Elemental Power. It was much more enticing than the endlessly failing quest to go home. But he tried not to let his gratitude show to his two friends.

    ¡°But¡­ what about going back home?¡± Rep asked Zalan.

    Zalan¡¯s face soured.

    ¡°No, I just want to go challenge an Elemental right now. I have to know if I¡¯m permanently stuck without one,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But that will not matter when you return to your home world!¡± Rep insisted.

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t care what doesn¡¯t matter to you. It matters to me. I¡¯m going to get an Elemental Power,¡± Zalan said firmly.

    Rep looked over Zalan with concern. His hands closed weakly as though trying to grasp a counterargument. He sighed loudly when he came up short.

    ¡°Fine. Can we at least go ask Madam Hikma where we can locate the closest Elemental?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°What about that Flame Elemental that you talked about being at a volcano?¡± Zalan suggested. ¡°You said it was an easy challenge. And fire seems like a pretty cool power.¡±

    ¡°That Elemental that is a six month journey on foot from here?¡± Rep asked, baffled.

    ¡°Yeah, that one,¡± Zalan said casually.

    ¡°Is that not too far?¡± Rep pressed.

    ¡°Why not? There¡¯s no rush if it¡¯s a guaranteed power,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°But it will be that much longer for you to get home. That used to be such a concern for you,¡± Rep said, sounding as though he was trying to jog Zalan¡¯s memory.

    ¡°I have a few spare Belt of Bolt Artifacts that I purchased with the wealth from Castle Docrun,¡± Gorb cut in. ¡°I can gift them to you for your journey before we go our separate ways. I have no intention of using the Artifacts myself, these days.¡±

    ¡°You aren¡¯t coming?¡± Zalan asked, slightly disappointed. Gorb felt much better at understanding Zalan at the moment. He didn¡¯t want to have Rep nagging him about going home without Gorb to shut down that kind of talk. He needed to feel powerful again, more than he felt the need to go home and visit his mother.

    ¡°I have been settling affairs at home for weeks. I am only here to gather what remains of my things to take them home. I wish to have some freedom rather than settling your affairs as well. Especially when you are in this state,¡± Gorb said with a gesticulation that waved over Zalan¡¯s whole body.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? What state?¡± Zalan said, annoyed.

    ¡°You were of a single mind on our first journey. You wanted nothing except to get home. Now that has been abandoned. Rather than to move to another goal, your new aspiration was to lie in bed until someone forced you outside,¡± Gorb recounted. ¡°You tell me, what state am I to call this?¡±

    Zalan scowled but said nothing. Especially because somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew Gorb was right. There was always something playing fowl in his mind, manifesting in weird behaviors. But he couldn¡¯t help himself. He felt like he was always on the brink of powerful emotions, ready to lash out at a moment¡¯s notice. He wished he had a way to control emotions, and he wondered if there was an Artifact that could manage that.

    Gorb rummaged through his things and pulled out two Artifacts, handing them to Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°If you need me, I eventually intend to go back home with Mother and Father,¡± Gorb said. ¡°I know they will want me to return sooner rather than later. And I may retire from the life of being an adventurer. At the very least, I will no longer be a part of the Journey House now that I have gathered my things. My feats of strength are not as exciting without Fran to grow alongside. Perhaps I will take on a position with the guard on the walls of their town.¡±

    ¡°What about learning how to fly?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Are you giving up on that?¡±

    ¡°I can retire from adventuring while still progressing to the goal of flight. I am not one to give up on everything because one aspect does not go my way,¡± Gorb winked at Zalan. Zalan frowned slightly at the light emotional jab.

    ¡°Thank you Gorbonifus,¡± Rep said cordially. ¡°You were a great help. I was at a total loss before you arrived.¡±

    ¡°Shall we prepare for our respective travels?¡± Gorb asked.

    Gorb opened the door wide for them to follow him inside of the guild. At first Zalan was confused, then realized he had no money on him and followed. Rep and Zalan gathered from their seemingly endless supplies of gold coins and went to the door, waving to Gorb as they prepared to set out.

    ¡°See you later, Gorb,¡± Zalan said, glad to have been able to run into his friend, despite the interaction.

    ¡°Thank you for the Belts of Bolt,¡± Rep said, a hand placed over his heart. ¡°Your generous gifts and actions will not go to waste.¡±

    ¡°I am grateful we were able to meet once more. That goes for both you and Zalan,¡± Gorb addressed the two. ¡°Best of luck on the Elemental¡¯s challenge. Godspeed.¡±

    They exited the building, taking in the sun high above them. Rep looked out toward the exit they would take to get them to the volcano. Zalan glanced over the Belt of Bolt with a growing excitement. If he understood it correctly, he and Rep would be able to teleport around with the Artifact. He would have an Elemental Power back in his mind in no time. Assuming it was still possible for him to get one. The scar left on his wrist made him nervous, what if the attribute was permanently stolen away?

    ¡°How does this thing work?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°We just press it and go? Should we get going? I don¡¯t mind if we get started right now.¡±

    Rep smiled to himself, glad to see Zalan enthused about something again.

    ¡°You want to get moving immediately? Are you not missing something?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan thought quickly.

    ¡°Oh, no, I have the Homeseeker in my pocket,¡± Zalan replied, patting it lightly.

    ¡°I meant a sword. Our swords were last ingested by the Thallasic Terror out at sea,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan blinked and felt at his sheath. It was empty, as it had been for days now. He had grown so used to the light weight, he forgot about his lack of a blade. He didn¡¯t even have the sword at his side when he fought Morloch. That might have been useful to take him down.

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    ¡°Do we have to get one?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Junill keeps getting mad whenever I lose or break a sword. This is like¡­ The third one I got from her.¡±

    ¡°This will be the fourth, actually,¡± Rep corrected.

    ¡°See, it¡¯s even worse,¡± Zalan groaned.

    ¡°I share in your trepidations to go visit Junill. Her scrutiny can be¡­ uncomfortable. But I can not consider leaving Oriton when you are both powerless and unarmed,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan frowned. Rep was right. He had been heavily reliant on his Elemental Power for so long that he forgot how dangerous it was out in the realm without a sword. He still had his Strength. It would be foolish to go out unarmed. Especially when they had more than enough money to cover it.

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go,¡± Zalan said reluctantly.

    As they made their way to Junill¡¯s forge, Zalan took notice of a few of the residents of Oriton around them. A few made wide berths around him and Rep. Others looked their way and stared slightly. It was when a child stopped playing in front of them to run across the road that Zalan got the feeling that something was wrong.

    ¡°Are you noticing this too?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We have a reputation now.¡± Rep nodded. ¡°We have Ma¡¯s favor. That means many different things to many different people.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Zalan nodded in understanding. ¡°Should we go visit her? Is it rude not to visit her when we have her favor?¡±

    ¡°What purpose would the visit serve?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, just visiting. We could get her flowers or something.¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Do you think Ma would be one to welcome a visit without a definite purpose?¡±

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Neither do I. Ma is anything but predictable,¡± Rep said, then shuddered at his own words.

    With no more words shared between them, they silently agreed not to go visit Ma without reason. Even if they had her favor, they could easily lose it by accidentally saying the wrong thing. Zalan considered asking her about the Dark Elemental that gave her Shadow Elemental Power, but he also considered that she might not want to talk about it. He decided not to even bring it up to Rep.

    Rep and Zalan stood in front of the forge. Rep took a deep breath, steeling himself. For a moment, Zalan wondered why they bothered with continuing to go to Junill when he had heard of other weapon smiths in Oriton. It could have been that Junill was the easiest to work with, despite any annoyances she gave them.

    Rep moved forward and opened the entrance for the both of them. Zalan was blasted with the familiar heat of Junill¡¯s forge on entering. But the familiar song of smithing seemed absent on this visit.

    Rep and Zalan stopped short as they entered. They stared at Junill in muted shock. She was sitting down, eating a sandwich while taking a break. Zalan was so used to seeing her zipping from one point to the next in her forge that he hadn¡¯t considered it possible to see her seated by her own accord. He noticed her regular Artifact, the Indefatigable Iron, was nowhere on her person. She normally wore it around her neck.

    Junill waved to them casually when they entered, encouraging them to enter the forge. Zalan was also not used to casual hospitality before going straight to business with Junill. He had a sudden urge to ask if she was feeling okay.

    ¡°Junill,¡± Rep said formally. ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°Fine, how are you?¡± Junill asked.

    ¡°I could not help but notice that the Indefatigable Iron is missing. Did it finally degrade?¡± Rep asked.

    Junill eyed him curiously.

    ¡°What does the Artifact matter to you? Would you finally be free of your worries for me if you learned the necklace was gone?¡± Junill asked, a slight contempt in her voice.

    ¡°No, I would still find an abundance of time to worry,¡± Rep assured her. ¡°But if the Indefatigable Iron had turned to dust, I could also offer to get you another one.¡±

    ¡°You could?¡± Junill and Zalan both asked.

    Rep shrugged in silent consent. Junill and Zalan exchanged a quick glance, both seeming to have the same perturbed surprise on their faces.

    ¡°I thought you hated that thing,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Indeed. Perhaps not the Artifact, but I thought you had ill feelings toward my use of it,¡± Junill said.

    ¡°I did. I do,¡± Rep said. ¡°But I know it brings you comfort. Perhaps even joy to work with it. I wouldn¡¯t want to deprive you of comfort or joy.¡±

    Junill¡¯s lip twitched upward, but she quelled the emotion quickly.

    ¡°Then you may be relieved to know that it has not yet degraded,¡± Junill said.

    She nodded her head toward a wall. Rep and Zalan saw that the necklace with the Artifact hung alongside some unfinished spearheads. It shined with power, ready to be used at a moment¡¯s notice. Zalan wondered how it would feel to wear, considering he was coming off a series of macabre days in bed. An infinite rush of energy felt like a comfort to him in the moment.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t using it anymore?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Less and less each day. I am trying to find comfort without it,¡± Junill offered.

    A strange air hung between Rep and Junill. Zalan looked between them for a few seconds, confused. Rep suddenly broke from his momentary trance with a clearing of his throat. Junill seemed to take the noise as a signal and looked back at her sandwich, from which she took another bite.

    ¡°We are here for some new swords,¡± Rep declared, back to his overly formal voice.

    ¡°Again?¡± Junill stood, a scrutiny in her eyes and voice. She turned to Zalan with derision. ¡°Did you give them away again?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan said abruptly.

    ¡°They were consumed by a monster of the sea,¡± Rep clarified.

    She eyed them closely as she lowered her sandwich. She chose her next sentences quickly.

    ¡°You must have used them wrong. My swords are good for anything by land, air, or sea. Which monster bested my swords?¡± Junill asked, leaning over the counter menacingly. Zalan already felt slightly intimidated by her being a head taller than them, but her posture made him feel even smaller.

    ¡°The Thalassic Terror,¡± Rep answered confidently.

    Junill backed down, looking thoughtful. Then, she bounced in place with some enthusiasm.

    ¡°A Thalassic Terror! You saw one! Did you kill it?¡± Junill asked, excited.

    ¡°We barely managed to escape it with our lives,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°My swords were not strong enough to penetrate it? Impossible, my swords should penetrate anything. You need to imbue them! Or perhaps gain more Strength! What did you do wrong? Were you careless? Or weak? What Levels are you?¡± Junill asked in rapid succession.

    ¡°The sword was definitely strong enough to strike it. Both of us were able to stab right through into its being. But the monster absorbed the blades into its essence. I am not sure it did much damage to hit it with a slash. It was a very enigmatic creature,¡± Rep said honestly.

    Junill tapped the counter in thought. She looked at Zalan, watching to see if he corroborated Rep¡¯s explanation. Zalan nodded quickly.

    ¡°I suppose it was a worthy loss,¡± Junill said, taking another bite from her sandwich. ¡°There are few creatures worse than a Thalassic Terror. Elemental Dragons, or perhaps the Mind of Madness come to mind. Elementals are also prone to giving challenges that break body and blade. Very well, I will sell you new swords. You have earned the right.¡±

    Junill turned her back to search through her wares.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t we just go to another forge if she didn¡¯t want to sell to us?¡± Zalan asked quietly when she was far enough away.

    ¡°Zalan! Do not be rude!¡± Rep said, sounding genuinely offended on Junill¡¯s behalf.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s a serious question!¡± Zalan said, bewildered. ¡°She¡¯s not the only swordsmith around and you know it. Do we always have to do this negotiating about buying new swords with her?¡±

    ¡°I thought you were a fan of negotiating these days,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, not anymore,¡± Zalan said glumly, thinking how terrible his plans with Morloch went. He no longer believed in trying to bargain with everything.

    Junill looked over some swords with interest, glancing between them and the duo a few times. She juggled swords between their showplaces on the wall and her hands, exchanging a dozen different selections in seconds. Finally, she held up two swords and held them out toward Rep and Zalan from a distance. She closed one eye and measured them against the adventurers.

    ¡°These blades are among some of the finest things I have ever forged,¡± Junill tapped the two together with a light clang. ¡°I doubt they would break against even the worst monsters. Can I trust you with them?¡±

    ¡°Sure, I guess.¡± Zalan nodded.

    Rep nudged him hard with his elbow.

    ¡°It would be an honor to have your strongest wares. We will prove ourselves worthy,¡± Rep said, standing straight as though at attention for a superior officer.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Junill said, making her way to the counter where Rep and Zalan stood.

    Rep and Zalan paid for their wares, and picked up their blades. Zalan blinked thoughtfully as he measured its weight in his hand. He had no idea how Junill seemed to inherently pick the best weapon for him. He knew it would be a great sword to use against terrible monsters, and it already felt like he could easily feel it acting as an extension of his arm.

    Rep, Zalan, and Junill stared at one another once they sheathed their blades. Zalan looked at Rep who was looking at Junill.

    ¡°Should we get going?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Right, yes,¡± Rep nodded, forcing himself to turn away. ¡°Farewell Junill.¡±

    ¡°Come back and tell me how the blades work for you,¡± Junill suggested.

    Rep turned and smiled, enticed by the invitation to return.

    ¡°We will do precisely that,¡± Rep promised.

    The two friends left, gathered food for the road, and made their way to the nearest exit of Oriton. They prepared themselves to warp all the way to the Flame Elemental at the head of a volcano.

 146 - Book 4 - Chapter 04 - Unleashing the Belt

    Rep strapped the Belt of Bolt to his waist, going slowly so Zalan could follow his lead. Zalan was surprised by how light the belt felt on him, despite it being full of so much power. He had seen it used once before by someone that stole his money. Zalan was very light with his movements, worried that he would accidentally activate the Artifact and be sent warping straight into the stone wall surrounding the town of Oriton. He tightened the apparel and looked up to his friend to judge. Rep looked at his placement of the belt and nodded, satisfied.

    ¡°Be very careful with this,¡± Rep said. ¡°If you activate it, the Artifact warps. If you are not wearing it, the belt will warp without you and perhaps be lost.¡±

    Zalan swallowed nervously and nodded his head.

    ¡°How do I¡­ aim it?¡± Zalan asked, wondering if that was even the right word to use.

    ¡°It reads intentions based on what the wearer knows is in the area. For example, if you wished to travel thirty feet ahead of us, you need only see yourself there. According to my readings, you should be able to control it as you rush forward. If your destination is clear, that should be easy. But it can also get you past obstructions, if you use it properly,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°So it can warp me through walls and trees and stuff?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You should only do so if you are confident. But yes. Say you are inside Journey House and wish to make your way to Junill¡¯s forge, it should be rather simple to visualize the warp,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Okay, but like¡­ how?¡± Zalan waved his arms lightly in the air in confusion.

    ¡°We can try to use our belts right now as practice. But not any more than one bout of practice, I would hope. We need to go a great distance with this and every warp counts. Most Belt of Bolts do not have more than thirty uses. And we can not know for certain whether these have ever been used before. Either by Gorb or by the one who sold these to him. We need to conserve as much as we can for the journey,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Okay¡­ And how does it feel when I use it? Is it gonna be seamless like the Homeseeker? Or is it gonna hurt?¡± Zalan asked, nervously.

    ¡°I have no idea, I have never used one before,¡± Rep shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°But I suppose we can learn together.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve never used one?¡± Zalan said, slightly alarmed.

    ¡°I studied them before when I was enthused about learning about as many Artifacts as I could find,¡± Rep said encouragingly.

    ¡°But how do you know about any of this in practice?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep considered the question, a hand on his lower lip. Zalan was amazed by his confidence. Rep used to be the one nervous and second-guessing, but Zalan found himself uncertain of all his actions now. He didn¡¯t know how much he could trust himself. It was a heavy burden on his heart, and he was reminded of it every time he got a glimpse of his scarred wrist. But Rep¡¯s conviction made Zalan feel like things would end up fine.

    ¡°I will try it first!¡± Rep decided.

    Zalan took a slight step back. Rep tapped the center of the belt with the palm of his hand, then twisted it slowly. He kept his eyes locked at a space a few feet in front of him. When his hand turned a full 90 degrees, he vanished, throwing up a plume of dust from the ground. He reappeared in an instant, a few feet ahead and stumbling over to the ground. Rep smiled as he caught his balance. Looking energized, he twisted back to Zalan.

    ¡°I see! It is not a warp at all! It is like moving quickly!¡± Rep said, a large grin on his face. ¡°Try it, I assure you the experience is not painful.¡±

    With how big Rep¡¯s smile was, Zalan was certain Rep was being sincere. Trembling slightly, he placed his hand firmly on the belt. Gritting his teeth, he focused on a spot a few feet away from Rep. He twisted his arm. The belt trembled with power as it reached activation.

    Zalan gasped as he felt as though he was pulled forward into the ether. The world went orange around him and blurred out of existence. He felt like he was barely in control of a rocket barrelling forward at hundreds of miles an hour. But he felt like there was a direction to his speed. He drove straight into the spot he was focused on, the land shifting like a page being turned in a book. In an inconceivable amount of time he was suddenly spit out of the orange void. Zalan yelped as the force of speed released its grasp on him and tossed him to the floor. He tripped and caught himself in a stumble. He looked up back to Rep just behind him and couldn¡¯t help but laugh. It felt like he just finished a ride on a roller coaster.

    He turned around. In a split second, he was about thirty feet further from Oriton.

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    ¡°How was it?¡± Rep asked, returning Zalan¡¯s excited energy.

    ¡°Whoa! That was great! Let¡¯s go, I¡¯m ready for a longer jump!¡± Zalan said, beaming with enthusiasm.

    ¡°Excellent. Follow my lead. We can begin our journey immediately. I will go that way for a far greater distance this time. It is the direction of the volcano,¡± Rep explained.

    Zalan nodded. Rep popped away in another puff of dust then reappeared hundreds of feet away. He stumbled much less this time, ready to catch himself. He turned around and waved with his arms over head to Zalan, encouraging him to join. Zalan nodded and activated his Artifact without hesitation.

    He smiled wildly as he blasted through the world at incredible speed. In his eagerness to activate the belt, he didn¡¯t try and focus on a specific spot this time. He felt himself lose control, the blast of speed not targeting a single point like before. Zalan tried to pull it back to a spot next to Rep, but it felt like he was trying to stop a runaway car with his feet alone. With less than a second to register this fact, Zalan deactivated the Artifact just as he ran head on into Rep.

    Rep had a fraction of an instant to recognize that Zalan appeared an inch ahead of him. Not even a gasp reached his lips before Zalan cracked into him. The impact was hard, and threw all the air out of Zalan¡¯s chest. They both fell over in pain. Zalan reeled in shock and embarrassment. He could have avoided the pain if he took a moment to think. It took a few seconds for them to regain their senses. Rep rolled up to a kneel.

    ¡°What was that? Did the Artifact malfunction?¡± Rep asked, groaning.

    ¡°No, that was my bad,¡± Zalan said, rubbing on a red mark that would certainly be a bruise forming on his arm. ¡°I didn¡¯t focus.¡±

    ¡°Please focus. I would prefer not to have to look out for both monsters and allies as we travel quickly through the land,¡± Rep said, standing up and reaching down to him.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I got it,¡± Zalan said, taking Rep¡¯s arm and pulling himself upright.

    Rep and Zalan looked out toward the open, arid land beyond Oriton. They turned back, already impressed by the time they had saved in their simple jumps. With a hint of excitement, they gazed at the open horizon in the direction of the volcano. Barren land shifting to green forest standing in the world beyond. They assessed the space for a few seconds, anticipation building within their chests.

    ¡°Are you feeling confident enough that you could jump all the way to the horizon?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I was gonna ask you the same thing!¡± Zalan said, excited.

    ¡°I am not the one who lost focus,¡± Rep reminded.

    ¡°It was a fluke. Just watch this.¡±

    Zalan activated his Belt of Bolt first, zipping away in a puff of air. Rep raised an eyebrow at his audacity. A moment later, Rep was warping after him. Stumbling as he caught himself, Zalan reappeared and looked around him in awe. Thousands of feet traversed in less than a second. He turned back to their starting point. Oriton was now only a small blur on the horizon.

    ¡°This may be the best Artifact we¡¯ve ever had,¡± Zalan said, smiling wide. ¡°It¡¯s so fast!¡±

    ¡°I would argue that the Homeseeker has saved our lives much more than this has convenienced us,¡± Rep said. ¡°Not to mention the Reversal Stone. I doubt we would have all our toes were it not for that.¡±

    ¡°Okay, well this is still one of the coolest ones,¡± Zalan said, looking over his new accessory with some excitement. ¡°How long do you think we¡¯ll take to make it to the volcano with this?¡±

    ¡°Not long at all,¡± Rep shrugged. ¡°I suspect we will arrive before sundown.¡±

    Zalan grinned and warped toward the horizon once more, Rep following close behind. Zalan turned back to see their city, marveling at the fact that Oriton was gone from the horizon entirely. They¡¯d traveled miles in seconds. Rep appeared a moment later. Neither of them stumbled on reentry at this point, having got a feel for entering and exiting the incredibly fast, orange state of the world.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna try two, one with another right after,¡± Zalan said energetically.

    ¡°Very well, we will see who arrives first,¡± Rep smirked.

    The adrenaline had clearly emboldened both of them. Like two duelists moving for their pistols, Zalan and Rep both smacked their hips. Leaving nothing but a puff of air, they warped away. Zalan could feel the world folding around him like putty in a compressor. He kept his eye on the point of the horizon, only allowing a fraction of his attention on the orange-tinged reality he sped through. As soon as he popped out of the warping state, he slapped his belt once more to go right back into it. He didn¡¯t even check his trajectory on the horizon. His heart pounded in excitement as the world became a blur of motion.

    When he finally came to a stop, Zalan found himself colliding with something hard. He called out in pain and fell backward, covering his bleeding face. Rep appeared a second later, first looking confused, then concerned, then fearful.

    He saw his friend on the floor, at the feet of a monster.

    Zalan uncovered his eyes and looked up at the creature looming over him angrily. It looked like a rhino, but made of sharp thorns. As though giant roses had given birth to a multiple ton animal. It had a series of horns sticking out of its forehead in various sizes. It looked down its narrow, green snout, drops of Zalan¡¯s blood dripping from its nose. It exhaled sharply, its eyes narrowing on Zalan.

    ¡°Zalan, get back! That is a Thorncharger!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Am I Leveled high enough for it?¡± Zalan asked, staring at the closest horn with wide eyes.

    ¡°It does not matter when you are that close!¡± Rep snapped.

    The Thorncharger scraped the earth, ready to sprint forward and bash Zalan. It left deep gashes in the floor, as though tearing it out with a rusty rake. Zalan stared with wide eyes, frozen as the monster huffed in his face with hot breath.

    ¡°Zalan! Move!¡± Rep screamed.

    Zalan trembled with uncertainty. The Thorncharger ran forward.

 147 - Book 4 - Chapter 05 - Crash of Thorns

    Zalan held up his hand and tried to throw Elemental Lightning out of instinct. He barely had time to register the fact that his Elemental Power wasn¡¯t working. The Thorncharger smashed into his hands, cutting them open in a bloody mess. It continued charging forward, all of Zalan¡¯s Strength was nothing in comparison to its force. He was going to be crushed under its spiked feet.

    An instant later, the world blurred in a flurry of sickening motion. Zalan was thrown hard out of the way, pushed so powerfully that it felt like a rod hit his ribs. He grabbed his sore abdomen tightly. Rep stood over him, standing from a kneeling position, his hand on his waist.

    ¡°Thanks. But that push was a little hard,¡± Zalan groaned painfully.

    ¡°Apologies. I had to use the Belt of Bolt to move you fast enough not to be crushed,¡± Rep answered, turning to where the Thorncharger ran.

    ¡°Yeah, that makes sense,¡± Zalan said, gritting his teeth.

    Rep helped him to his feet. Zalan tried to stretch his bleeding hands, but they smarted in a constellation of pain. A single attack was devastating, especially when Zalan couldn¡¯t emit his Elemental Power from his feet like before. It would cause him immense pain to grab his sword in this state.

    The Throncharger slowed its run to a trot and turned around. It seemed confused that nothing had been mutilated under its thorny hide. It stomped around lightly, searching for evidence of prey being sandwiched under its feet. It looked around until it reconnected its focus on Rep and Zalan. It focused on Zalan, seeing he was still alive, but wounded. His prey was weak. Grunting, it dragged its feet against the floor.

    Zalan tensed up in anticipation of another charge, looking over his bloody hands.

    ¡°Allow me to handle this monster, Zalan,¡± Rep said. ¡°You are in a bad state.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, fine,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    ¡°Good. It looks like this creature will be difficult to manage without an Elemental Power,¡± Rep said, imbuing his sword.

    Zalan blinked as he registered his friend¡¯s words. He originally thought Rep wanted to protect him because his hands were bleeding. But with the innocent clarification, it sounded like Rep didn¡¯t think Zalan could take care of himself without Elemental Lightning. Zalan knew, deep in his heart, that Rep was right to be concerned when he was in the weaker state. But the idea of him requiring protection made him feel so utterly inadequate that he had to prove it wrong. He gripped his sword, blood running down his hands.

    ¡°When it charges, you can draw it to the side so that I can get a clean¡­¡± Rep trailed when he saw Zalan draw his blade. Zalan exhaled loudly, trying to overcome the pain with sheer will. ¡°Zalan, what are you doing?¡±

    Without a word, Zalan slapped a bloody hand to his hip and activated his Belt of Bolt. Transporting himself at immeasurable speed, he ran down the side of the Thorncharger. In the moment he had, he pointed his blade toward it. He wanted to cut through it, shaving the thorned creature down half of its hide. Instead, he ended up grazing it at his angle and speed, his sword bouncing away harmlessly and missing its chance to strike the creature with a serious blow. He came to a halt, out of the insane speed bubble of the Belt of Bolt. Zalan breathed once, wincing as he readjusted his grip on the sword.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep called, concerned.

    The Thorncharger didn¡¯t even have enough time to react and turn around. Zalan spun on his heel and activated the Artifact once more.

    This time he stuck his arm out to the side so that his blade would cut longways with no angles to bounce off. Accounting for the thorns he could see, the monster would take the edge of the blade directly. He smacked his weapon against it at full speed. But instead of cutting the Thorncharger in half longways like he¡¯d hoped, he dropped his sword. The force of the sped-up impact came with excruciating pain against his injured hands. The effect of the Artifact stopped, and Zalan ended up landing in front of the Thorncharger.

    ¡°Zalan, what are you doing?¡± Rep called out, a mix of frantic and confused.

    The Thorncharger was stomping around, trying to understand where the attacks were appearing from. It bucked and stabbed its horn around aimlessly, as though thinking it was fighting an invisible foe. Its feet came dangerously close to decimating Zalan in a single landing. Zalan rolled away from their heavy impact.

    Zalan activated the belt once more, warping to retrieve his sword. Outside of the speed bubble, he held it up right at the Thorncharger. He grit his teeth hard, gripping through the excruciating pain running through his hands.

    No more trying to slice through the creature longways. He would thrust the point straight forward. Nothing less than a stab, nothing to glance off. The sword would have no choice but to go through the thorny rhino¡¯s head.

    The Thorncharger grunted and ran at Zalan. Zalan smacked his hip with a cut hand and blurred forward. Zalan screamed in the orange world of immense speed, challenging the Thorncharger coming at him in slow motion. His arms trembled as he held the blade tight to keep it toward its target.

    The sword met its mark and plunged its way deep into the Thorncharger¡¯s head, driving in with the assisted force of Zalan¡¯s unfathomable speed. Zalan wanted to celebrate his success, but couldn¡¯t bring himself to an immediate stop. His momentum continued to carry him forward, his body right in line to be impaled by the several thorns on the Thorncharger¡¯s face. With a prodigious kick of one foot, Zalan found himself a split instant to turn away from a direct hit with the spiky creature. Shifting away, the side of his body grazed against the thorny hide, tearing the top half of his tunic off and leaving long bloody scratches across his bare chest. Losing all balance, he landed harshly on the ground and rolled out of the Belt of Bolt¡¯s increased speed.

    Rep ran to his side in a second. He raised Zalan¡¯s arms up, trying to examine the part of him that required immediate aid. Zalan looked at him defiantly.

    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Rep asked, looking at the series of blood streaks Zalan had introduced to his skin. ¡°Are you hurt badly?¡± Rep corrected himself.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Zalan said, breathing hard.

    To prove his point, Zalan pushed himself to his feet with an audible grunt. Rep looked over him with a frown.

    ¡°You did not have to do that,¡± Rep sighed. ¡°I could have managed the Thorncharger myself and spared you the unnecessary pain.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, you don¡¯t need to protect me or anything,¡± Zalan said sharply, turning away from him. He sounded guilty. But he didn¡¯t want to let Rep know that he already regretted his actions.

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    ¡°It is not a vice to rely on others,¡± Rep assured him sincerely. ¡°You are clearly in pain. Do you want to take a moment to rest and catch your breath?¡±

    ¡°Can we just keep moving so that I can heal up in the next town?¡± Zalan asked flippantly as small drops of blood spilled off his skin.

    Rep looked him over with concern, his eyes racing up and down wounds before watching Zalan¡¯s face. Zalan hated the look he received and turned away again.

    ¡°Yes, we can keep moving. But we must stick closer together now,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Why, so you can make sure I don¡¯t keep hurting myself?¡± Zalan asked in an accusatory tone.

    Rep bit the inside of his lip and chose his words carefully.

    ¡°Your Belt of Bolt will degrade faster than mine and I will not leave you stranded,¡± Rep explained. ¡°We must remain close so that when yours degrades, I will not warp away with mine.¡±

    Zalan frowned. He didn¡¯t consider how much he used up the Belt of Bolt in his little fight. He wasted what could have been thousands of feet of travel. Hours of movement were used up on a single creature. And it wasn¡¯t even used on a particularly strong enemy. He sighed to himself and pulled out his sword from the monster, returning it to his sheath.

    ¡°Yeah, fine, lead the way,¡± Zalan said, sulking.

    ¡°Unless you wish to speak about your current state a bit more? Perhaps your mental state as well as your physical one?¡± Rep offered sincerely.

    ¡°No, let¡¯s go,¡± Zalan pressed.

    ¡°Just a moment,¡± Rep said, taking a minute to circle around the Thorncharger. Zalan caught his breath, watching Rep kneel and check closely for Artifacts. Satisfying his need to search, Rep looked back and nodded to Zalan, ready to continue.

    The next few minutes were spent traveling dozens of miles with their respective Artifacts. Rep constantly checked over his shoulder to ensure that Zalan was closeby and in good enough health to continue traveling at high speeds. Zalan tried to ignore his doting. But even he knew that he looked terrible. His belt was caked red and what remained of his tunic was a muddy color that reeked of fresh injuries.

    Before long, Zalan could see another town on the horizon. In another jump, they arrived in front of the walls. A guardsman and guardswoman peered over the edge at the top. At first they looked bored, then they saw the red stains on Zalan¡¯s arms and clothing. The guardswoman leaned over, trying to get a better look of Zalan.

    ¡°Your business?¡± the guardswoman asked them.

    ¡°Urelia, it is obvious they want to heal,¡± the guardsman said.

    ¡°Shut it, Cam! If they want to heal, I want to hear it from them,¡± Urelia snapped.

    It seemed to Zalan that they had just finished having an argument about something.

    ¡°Yes, we are here to heal,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Cam said, signaling to open the gate.

    ¡°Not yet!¡± Urelia said sharply. ¡°What do you know of happenings in the area?¡±

    ¡°We killed a Thorncharger,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°That would explain your wounds. Well done in defeating it, welcome to our city,¡± Cam said, holding back a yawn.

    ¡°Stop doing that!¡± Urelia hissed at him. Cam waved a hand at her, allowing her to continue her interrogation. ¡°Do the two of you know of any Flame Elementals in the area?¡±

    ¡°There is one by the volcano,¡± Rep said.

    Urelia looked at him with intent, ignoring Zalan and his bloody state.

    ¡°Yes! That is exactly the one I wish to speak about! Have you seen it before?¡± Urelia asked.

    ¡°Certainly. I got my Elemental Power from it some time ago,¡± Rep let out a tiny wisp of flame from his palm in a quick display.

    ¡°What happened to it?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What happened to it?¡± Rep repeated.

    ¡°It stopped giving challenges!¡± Urelia said urgently.

    ¡°It stopped giving challenges?¡± Rep repeated, perplexed.

    ¡°Will you stop saying my words back at me!¡± Urelia snapped.

    ¡°I told you, passersby will not know anything regarding the current state of the Elemental,¡± Cam said.

    ¡°What happened to the Elemental?¡± Zalan asked, greatly concerned. This was supposed to be his easy chance to get an Elemental Power back in his grasp. ¡°Did it leave?¡±

    ¡°It never could have done so without the volcano erupting,¡± Urelia said, shaking her head. ¡°But it will not show up to issue challenges to any of those we send its way!¡±

    ¡°We can get her another Elemental Power,¡± Cam assured her sympathetically.

    ¡°No! My parents had Elemental Fire and their parents and their parents before them! All of us completed the challenge of the same Flame Elemental at the volcano! Why has it suddenly disappeared? She has gone to the base of the volcano! Why is she being neglected?¡± Urelia asked both Cam and the duo below.

    ¡°We were going there ourselves once we healed,¡± Rep said. ¡°We can bring back any information once we find it.¡±

    ¡°Ask it why it denies her!¡± Urelia said. ¡°My daughter! Her name is Jade! She deserves to be given a power like everyone else that passed that Elemental! It has never refused someone its power before! What has she done wrong?¡±

    Zalan began to grow an odd knot in his heart. He thought that this Flame Elemental was supposed to be a surefire thing. What happened if it didn¡¯t even grant him the challenge? He knew Elementals were fickle creatures, but he was assured by Rep that this Flame Elemental gave everyone at least one chance. He had to get a new Elemental ability. He couldn¡¯t be powerless anymore. Especially with how terribly his fight went against the Thorncharger.

    ¡°I will give you any news I can on the matter,¡± Rep said cordially.

    Urelia looked him over, scanning for integrity. Rep, as usual, exuded nothing but sincerity. Urelia nodded sharply at him.

    ¡°Very well, let them in!¡± she called.

    ¡°Do not get your hopes up with them,¡± Cam told her.

    ¡°I need to know what went wrong! Jade was even stronger than I was when I got my power. But she said it never appeared,¡± Urelia said

    Zalan tried not to think about himself being rejected by the Elemental as they searched for the nearest place of rest. Rep read him well as he walked to an inn.

    ¡°Do not be concerned, Zalan. Never once has this Elemental rejected someone asking for a challenge before,¡± Rep said confidently.

    ¡°Except for this time,¡± Zalan said glumly.

    ¡°You may have missed it. Urelia said that her daughter told her the Elemental never appeared. She was not present,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So what?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I believe that Jade did not want to take on the challenge. But she did not want her mother to be disappointed in her. So she lied,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Zalan said slowly. ¡°Oh, I guess I didn¡¯t even consider that. Yeah, that makes sense. Thanks.¡± Zalan¡¯s spirits were raised as they entered the building.

    They paid for a room and Zalan made his way to the cot to have a Healing Rest. Rep watched over him as he slept with a deep frown on his face. His skin sewed itself back together, the scabs at his hands and chest disappearing. Even as he received the miracle of healing, Zalan¡¯s frown persisted. Rep bit the inside of his lip, never quite understanding why Zalan never looked truly at rest. And his recent unpredictable behavior made him a danger to himself. Rep needed to be even more diligent than usual.

    Rep went to sleep not long after. While Zalan needed Healing Rest, Rep was simply exhausted after the events of the day. Zalan would flow naturally from Healing Rest to regular sleep as soon as his wounds healed. It didn¡¯t take long for the two friends to breathe easy, left with nothing but their dreams as company to their minds.

    Zalan got up first, the flakes of sun creeping into the inn enough to get him immediately up on his cot. He gathered his things and shook Rep awake, eager to finally be so close to his new Elemental Power.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the volcano and get me some fire power?¡± Zalan asked, pulling Rep up as soon as he opened his eyes.

    ¡°Do you not want to replace your torn tunic?¡± Rep asked, stifling a yawn.

    Zalan looked down at his bare chest, the tatters of a tunic folded limp over his midriff.

    ¡°Okay, tunic first, then volcano,¡± Zalan agreed.

 148 - Book 4 - Chapter 06 - Volcanic Elements

    Rep and Zalan did not barter when it came to purchasing Zalan a new tunic. Zalan could tell they were severely overcharged by the way the salesman¡¯s eyes widened when they accepted the first price. Between their substantial fortunes gathered from the Castle Docrun, a completely new outfit free of bloodstains didn¡¯t even make a dent in their remaining funds. Zalan didn¡¯t have enough greed in him to care about being overcharged.

    They stood at the edge of the city. Zalan could see the world roll upward at a distance. Flat, soddy earth became a singular fold of igneous. Zalan had never seen anything like it before.

    ¡°Is that the volcano?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed. It should not take us more than two more Belt of Bolt jumps to arrive. But do not proceed too quickly without me. There are pockets of molten earth. And do not forget that your Artifact will certainly degrade before mine,¡± Rep reminded him.

    ¡°Yeah, I got it. And¡­ Rep, I¡¯m sorry about that yesterday, I didn¡¯t mean to go off and fight on my own. I know you were just looking out, but I¡­¡± Zalan trailed, ashamed and embarrassed. He knew the reason, but didn¡¯t want to admit it aloud. He needed to prove to himself that he wasn¡¯t totally impotent.

    ¡°I took no offense, Zalan. You have nothing to apologize for,¡± Rep assured him.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Zalan said, relieved.

    Once more, he found himself grateful to be in Rep¡¯s company. He¡¯d met many people in the realm, but he had what may have been the most patient person in existence as his guide. Zalan never felt belittled in his presence. Perhaps overly protected, but never spoken down. And Rep always seemed to put Zalan before himself. He never truly understood why, but he was more than thankful for it.

    ¡°You good to go?¡± Zalan asked, his hand hovering over his Belt of Bolt.

    ¡°Yes, let us make haste,¡± Rep said boldly. ¡°We will have you a new Elemental Power before sundown. And I will teach you everything there is to know of Elemental Fire!¡±

    Zalan grinned in excitement. He nodded and activated his Artifact, warping forward. Rep followed close behind. They reappeared hundreds of feet away, leaving the town behind on the horizon. When Zalan returned to normal speed, he heard a shriek followed by someone drawing a blade. He heard scrambling, but had no idea what was going on. Before he could gather information about his surroundings, Zalan saw a sword pointed at his neck.

    ¡°Disarm yourself, thief!¡± a young woman ordered nervously.

    Rep appeared next to him and she shrieked louder. Zalan finally got a good look at her. She was young, maybe her later teenage years. She held her sword with a shivering arm, like she wasn¡¯t used to battle. Zalan raised a curious eyebrow, considering that she may have been just as likely to stab him on accident as on purpose. Rep¡¯s eyes grew wide as he got a hold of the situation.

    ¡°Back off or he dies!¡± the girl screamed at Rep.

    ¡°Calm down, Jade. We are not a threat, I assure you,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°How do you know my name?¡± She pointed the sword closer to Zalan¡¯s neck. It pricked him, threatening to draw blood.

    Zalan felt surprisingly nonchalant about the weapon pointed at him. He wasn¡¯t convinced that she would actually hurt him. But something more was fueling his indifference. He wasn¡¯t afraid of dying at the moment. If anything, it would help ease the series of burdens he was feeling. No more life meant no more of life¡¯s problems. Zalan shook the thought away as fast as it arrived. He didn¡¯t want to fall down that dark trail of thoughts.

    ¡°We met your mother, Urelia. In fact, she asked for us to ask the Flame Elemental about you,¡± Rep said. ¡°You are her spitting image, you know.¡±

    Jade¡¯s arms stopped shaking at the mention of her mother. She looked slightly mortified at what she had threatened to do to Zalan, but did not immediately back down.

    ¡°Where did you meet my mother?¡± Jade challenged.

    ¡°Atop the walls of the city,¡± Rep answered patiently.

    ¡°Was she alone?¡± Jade asked.

    ¡°No, she had someone named Cam with her. She seemed very worried about you, and Cam was trying to calm her down,¡± Rep said respectfully.

    Jade breathed with relief and lowered her sword, returning it to its sheath.

    ¡°Apologies, I had to be certain you knew her. I was a bit scared when you appeared from nowhere,¡± she admitted.

    ¡°Completely understandable,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°Belt of Bolt,¡± Zalan offered as an explanation to Jade, pointing to the Artifact. Jade eyed it, seeming familiar with its use.

    ¡°You are headed to the volcano, then?¡± Jade asked Rep.

    ¡°Indeed. I suspect we will be there in a moment. The base is not far, we need only activate our belts once more,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°Do not waste your Artifacts¡¯ uses. The Elemental is gone,¡± Jade said, sounding upset.

    ¡°Gone?¡± Zalan repeated.

    ¡°Did the volcano erupt?¡± Rep asked seriously.

    ¡°No, it simply stopped appearing. I went to the volcano. I tried to call out for the creature, but it never appeared. Several hours I tried, to no avail,¡± Jade said. ¡°My mother told me to turn around and try again. She said that Flame Elemental is never disinterested in a challenger. She refused to let me back in town! But I know this will be fruitless. A waste of my time to grant me nothing but more disappointment.¡±

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another, not certain whether to take her words at face value. Zalan was trying to cling to the idea that she might be a liar like Rep suggested the day before. She sounded too sincere for Zalan to dismiss her words.

    ¡°We will go ahead of you and try to get the Elemental to appear,¡± Rep said. ¡°When you arrive, I can tell you the exact spot it normally delivers its challenges from.¡±

    ¡°I already know the spot. Mother described it to me in a very detailed manner. The creature should appear to grant its challenge next to the rocks that look somewhat like a cat,¡± Jade replied.

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    Rep faltered slightly.

    ¡°That is¡­ correct.¡± Rep sounded surprised that she knew. ¡°But perhaps you saw another formation that you assumed was the correct one?¡±

    Jade scoffed skeptically.

    ¡°It is rather difficult to miss. I know what a cat looks like,¡± she said.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t it be the case that the Elemental just didn¡¯t show up for you? That happens sometimes, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not with this Elemental,¡± Rep said. Jade nodded with him.

    Zalan felt nervous about his own chances.

    ¡°Let us go,¡± Rep said. ¡°We will tell you if we find anything of interest.¡±

    ¡°I will meet you there,¡± Jade said, waving and continuing her walk toward the volcano.

    Judging by her speed, Zalan doubted they would meet there. The Belt of Bolt covered so much distance in such a small amount of time. Zalan could complete the challenge and go home and Jade could still only be halfway there. The only chance they would see one another again would be in the case that their Artifacts degraded at the volcano.

    With a quick wave, Zalan activated his Belt of Bolt and warped to the base of the volcano. Rep appeared next to him. They looked up at the massive formation of earth.

    It was like a mountain towering over them. Zalan had to crane his neck all the way back to see the top of the darkened earth. He breathed in significantly warmer sulfuric air, the temperature at the volcano being higher than the area surrounding it. Smoke lazily climbed out of the top, indicating to Zalan that it was an active volcano. Rep looked up at it with an interesting squint in his eye, then back to Zalan.

    ¡°It looks exactly like I remember,¡± Rep said, a hint of something caught in his voice.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Yes, I just remembered that Fran and I took on this Elemental challenge together,¡± Rep said, clearing his throat.

    Zalan looked back up the volcano. He wondered what Fran was like before she had Elemental Power. Was she always as fiery before she had an element broiling within her? Perhaps the only thing that mattered was that she was alive.

    ¡°This way,¡± Rep said. ¡°The Elemental is fond of a particular point.¡±

    Rep and Zalan walked for a while around the uneven base of the active volcano. Though Zalan didn¡¯t feel any unbearable heat emanating directly from the volcano, he felt the aura of potential coming off of it. At any given moment, it could erupt and obliterate anything in the area. Or maybe the Elemental would decide to migrate and make the eruption happen even sooner than nature intended. From what little Zalan knew about volcanoes, the Homeseeker would take too long to get them out of the radius of the eruption. But their Belt of Bolt might be enough to outrun it.

    Rep stopped in front of an oddly shaped boulder with two spikes at the top end. Without it even needing to be pointed out, Zalan thought they looked somewhat like cat ears. Someone even scratched lines in the face of the boulder, giving it a look of whiskers on the face of the stone cat. Looking at the rock, Zalan thought that Jade was right. This would be a pretty hard landmark to miss. Zalan looked to Rep for confirmation. Rep nodded encouragingly.

    Zalan took a moment to brace himself. He had seen two Elementals before, and they both made him lose his nerve in different ways. He would try to be ready for this one. He inhaled deeply.

    ¡°Flame Elemental!¡± Zalan boomed. ¡°I seek your challenge!¡±

    Rep and Zalan waited with bated breath. The seconds stretched by, both Rep and Zalan tense. While Elementals intimidated Zalan, he was a little concerned by the prolonged silence. He considered that it might be just as bad not to see one right now. If not worse.

    ¡°Elemental!¡± Zalan called louder. ¡°I am here for your challenge!¡±

    Again, they were met with silence, save for the ambient low noises of the volcano. The seconds turned to minutes. Zalan looked around in search. Rep bit the inside of his lip in thought.

    ¡°Am I doing it wrong?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, I do not believe so.¡±

    ¡°You think it¡¯s because you¡¯re here and you already have Elemental Fire?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, the Flame Elemental appeared to Fran and me when Sir Kilile was in our presence. He had already gained his Elemental Power from the creature. It simply ignored his presence and only addressed Fran and myself. This is different¡­ It is¡­ I do not know what this is,¡± Rep admitted.

    Zalan looked down at his scarred wrist. He tapped his fingers together in thought, wanting to see if his stats were healed at all.

    LEVEL: 08

    STRENGTH: 08

    WISDOM: 13

    EXPERIENCE: 19

    The point of his arm where ELEMENT would normally appear on his stats had been blotted out by a sickly purple scar. He frowned. His Wisdom was worthless when he didn¡¯t have an Element to back it up. All of that potential felt wasted so long as he was left without power. His Strength was several points below Wisdom. He regretted not having put more focus on his physical prowess, given that it couldn¡¯t be taken away from him. He ran his finger lightly over the scar on his stats.

    ¡°You think this is stopping it?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°It won¡¯t show itself to someone without an Elemental stat?¡±

    ¡°No, I do not believe that is the case,¡± Rep said, a little too quickly.

    ¡°You¡¯re trying to make me feel better,¡± Zalan murmured.

    ¡°No. Something is wrong, Zalan. Something about the challenge itself. This creature of flame has been the most consistent in our understanding of Elementals. You challenge the Elemental at the base of the volcano, climb the volcano, and gain the power of fire. This has always been the case. Its existence was a guarantee for so many. As long as I have known it existed, this Elemental answers the calls it receives. But¡­ not today. Perhaps Jade was telling her mother the truth. And while the scar on your arm is a real concern, this feels different.¡±

    ¡°Then what do we do?¡±

    Rep looked around the area in thought. He looked up and down the volcano a few times and weighed ideas in his head. He looked to Zalan, then back to the volcano. He stared at the cat rock and scratched his chin.

    ¡°The Elemental may have decided to change its location from which to grant challenges,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°This formation is not the location we need to be in. We should search around the base a bit further,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°A move like that wouldn¡¯t have caused an eruption? Does it not count as migrating?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not that I know of,¡± Rep shrugged with uncertainty.

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s check around,¡± Zalan agreed.

    Rep and Zalan began to jog short distances. Whenever it felt like they were a good distance from the last point, Zalan would breathe deeply and call for the Flame Elemental¡¯s challenge. Each time he was met with nothing but growing dread. The Elemental was refusing to come out for some reason. They circumambulated halfway around the perimeter of the volcano before Rep stared up, craning his neck.

    ¡°I think we have to climb the volcano. It may be waiting at the top to issue challenges from there,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°I thought your first challenge was to climb the volcano with Fran. You want me to do your challenge just so I can get a challenge?¡±

    ¡°Your Storm Elemental had you drain blood before it issued you a challenge.¡±

    Zalan considered this, remembering that he spent what felt like ages spilling blood in dry desert for an Elemental he wasn¡¯t sure existed.

    ¡°What do you think changed the Elemental to issue a challenge like that?¡±

    ¡°It does not make sense to me that it would shift from one point of the volcano to another, only to issue the same challenge. It must have moved up. It is the best theory I have, anyway,¡± Rep admitted.

    Zalan looked down at the Belt of Bolt. He knew instinctively that he wouldn¡¯t be able to use it to run up the side of the volcano. The sensation of using it made it clear to him that it was intended for flat ground. He looked back up, watching the plume of ever-present smoke.

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s climb a volcano,¡± Zalan sighed.

 149 - Book 4 - Chapter 07 - Death on the Volcano

    Rep guided Zalan to a rocky path that led up the side of the volcano. He seemed to be familiar with the path he walked, confidently making his way forward as the path seemed to lead to nowhere. It wasn¡¯t the easiest hike up, but it was significantly better than going for a sheer climb up a rock wall.

    ¡°This is the route I took to scale the volcano. Fran went up the other side, which had far less navigable terrain¡± Rep informed him.

    ¡°I take it she wanted the more difficult side?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°She insisted on it.¡± Rep nodded with a small smile.

    The path spun around the side, reminding Zalan of hikes that he and his mother used to go on in Northern California. Long hot hikes where nothing shielded them from the heat of the sun, and the view was incredible. Turning one of the unstable corners, Zalan¡¯s eyes widened with shock and delight. For the first time in his life, Zalan witnessed a live lava flow. A river of molten hot earth casually rolling by below him. It gave him a morbid excitement. A fleeting thought wondered what it would be like to dive in, giving a thumbs up as he sank within. He ignored the call of the void as quickly as it came.

    Rep and Zalan turned around one of the corners where they both stopped, stunned by the sight ahead of them. A large monster that had yet to take notice of them. Zalan blinked with recognition, realizing that he had seen it a long time ago. It was the first creature that Zalan ever came into contact with in this realm.

    A Flamestriker.

    The creature stood tall, looming about the area and searching for something to eat under a few rocks. Its hide was a spiky gray with an ashy texture that looked like gunpowder. Zalan couldn¡¯t forget the monster if he tried. It reminded him of where it all started. With a point of its claw, it had the potential to create explosions. Not to mention it withstood Zalan¡¯s punch against it, cutting his hand open while taking no damage of its own. Rep stared with interest. He leaned in to whisper to Zalan.

    ¡°A Flamestriker.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I remember it. What is it doing here?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Flamestrikers are known to live near volcanic earth. They only leave when they seek to hunt,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°How are we gonna take it down?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep thought for a moment, a strange expression on his face. He looked at Zalan with interest.

    ¡°Do you wish to challenge it yourself?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No way, I couldn¡¯t leave a scratch on it when we first fought. It literally tore my arm open when I finally got a direct hit!¡± Zalan rejected.

    ¡°True, but you were only Level 1. And I was only Level 3. You are Level 8 now. Do you not wish to see how much you have progressed?¡± Rep said.

    Zalan looked at the monster, then back to Rep. He rubbed his knuckles with uncertainty, remembering the pain of his last encounter with a Flamestriker. But Rep nodded in encouragement, fueling him with confidence.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be able to hurt it this time?¡± Zalan checked.

    ¡°You will be able to kill it.¡± Rep assured him.

    ¡°You¡¯ll redirect all the explosions he tries to throw at me?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°Just be sure the explosion does not start from within you. I cannot redirect that anywhere safely.¡±

    ¡°All right¡­ Yeah, okay, I can do this,¡± Zalan said, psyching himself up. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to kill it, yourself? You¡¯ve also grown a lot since your last fight with one.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ am not the one in need of a win right now,¡± Rep said carefully.

    Somehow Zalan didn¡¯t feel like he was being patronized. Rep had that effect when he was cognizant of his words and tone. Zalan had made his insecurities known when he went in against the Thorncrasher so recklessly. Rep was right. Zalan wanted to take the monster down himself. And he wanted to do it without taking the damage he did when fighting the Thorncharger.

    As quiet as he could, Zalan drew his blade and crept out toward the Flamestriker from behind. The monster continued to search aimlessly for scraps of a meal while Zalan stealthily drew near. Rep watched closely, ready to protect Zalan in the case of any missteps. When he was a few paces away, the Flamestriker flinched. It began to sniff loudly, detecting the presence of something foreign.

    Zalan raised his sword to slash the monster, but it spun around and parried it aside with its large claws. It roared in anticipation, excited by the strange turn of events. Somehow, a meal had decided to come to it rather than the need for a hunt.

    The Flamestriker lunged forward and snapped its powerful jaws. Zalan ducked out of the way just in time, wincing at the powerful clamp of teeth above him. He thrust up his sword, only for it to be swatted aside by a flailing claw. With his free arm, Zalan thought fast. He jumped up, using the strength of his fist and momentum of his legs to give the creature an uppercut. He grit his teeth as he approached, scared his arm would tear open again.

    A loud crack rang out and the Flamestriker stumbled back, falling to its rear. Its eyes rolled in its sockets and it sat in a daze. Zalan smiled, amazed by his Strength. He was able to punch a Flamestriker so hard that he got it off its feet. A noteworthy improvement on his last fight with one. On the ground, the Flamestriker panicked and raised an arm. An orange beam of light emanated, drawing near to Zalan.

    Without wasting a moment, Zalan ran toward the beast, zipping around the beam of energy. The monster seemed somewhat surprised, expecting Zalan to run away. It tried to follow him with its claw, but Zalan ran up a mound of rocks and lept high. He landed on top of it, slamming it down and pinning it by its shoulders. It tried to wiggle free, its explosive light still ongoing in an unintended direction. It tried to sink its teeth into Zalan¡¯s ankles, only inches away from successfully removing his achilles tendon.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Zalan moved quickly and slashed mercilessly down its chest. The monster split open and its head went from ravenous chomping to thudding against the volcanic earth. A moment later, an explosion rang out behind Zalan, the last attempt of an attack misfiring on the monster¡¯s death. Zalan spun around, worried that it struck Rep in some way.

    ¡°Well done!¡± Rep said, clearly out of the way of the explosion. He was applauding Zalan loudly. ¡°Even at your Level, I would have expected the monster to be more of a challenge!¡±

    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯m surprised, too,¡± Zalan admitted.

    He was proud of himself. He had Strength. Enough to take out the monster that once almost killed him, without too much trouble. And in a few minutes, he would have Elemental Power again. He would be fine in the realm. He would be able to handily take care of himself. He quickly went to Rep.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯m ready to use my Wisdom on top of all this Strength,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I look forward to that,¡± Rep nodded, leading the way.

    They continued to hike and climb their way up the volcano. On multiple occasions, Zalan saw Flamestrikers on the outskirts of the path they traveled. None were in the way of them making progress up the mountain. They could easily sneak around them and continue their way up. Knowing that he could kill one if he really wanted to, Zalan was no longer interested in stopping for a fight. He had proven himself for his own sake.

    After climbing up a more steep side of the volcanic earth, Rep and Zalan were met with a large flow of lava. It was at least a hundred feet across, rolling by slowly with feverish warmth. Zalan looked up and down the river of molten earth, covering his face from the emanating heat. He scrunched his face, unable to see the way forward.

    ¡°Where did you cross last time?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Here. This flow was not nearly this high before,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan ran a hand through his hair, looking further down the lava flow. He tried not to think about it too much. If the flow wasn¡¯t this high before, does that mean that the Elemental stopped controlling it because it left? He knew he shouldn¡¯t be concerned, considering nobody saw the volcano erupt.

    ¡°We might have to go another way up. How long would it take for us to go around?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Perhaps a few hours more,¡± Rep shrugged, not seeing an easy way to cross. ¡°But let me try something¡­¡±

    Rep reached out his hands and twisted his palms a few times. He pursed his lips and stretched himself with effort. His forearms flexed and unflexed several times as his arms danced above the lava flow. Zalan squinted, trying to decipher the ritual.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am trying to redirect the lava,¡± Rep said, his teeth grit.

    ¡°With Elemental Fire? Have you ever tried to redirect something that isn¡¯t a flame? Lava is molten rock, I don¡¯t think it counts as fire,¡± Zalan considered.

    ¡°This is not rock, it is clearly a liquid,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°It''s a rock that got so hot that it melted,¡± Zalan corrected. ¡°This is still in the melted form, but it¡¯ll turn back to rock when it cools down. Either way, fire is technically a plasma. It¡¯s neither liquid nor solid.¡±

    ¡°Your otherworldly logic does not apply here,¡± Rep said, clearly uninterested in Zalan¡¯s lesson. ¡°The Flame Elemental has made its home here. Surely it has control over the substance. Regardless of the makeup of the matter.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that makes sense. The Storm Elemental lived in a desert, that didn''t mean it could control the sand,¡± Zalan said.

    Ignoring him, Rep tried once more to turn the lava in a different direction. He gripped his hands into fists, trying to pull at it. The motions reminded Zalan of when he tried to pull lightning from the sky. After a few more waves of his arms, Rep sighed, defeated. He tried to shoot fire at the lava to change its course, but his efforts made no changes to its flow.

    Then, he suddenly had a new idea. Rep rubbed his hands together, then pointed to his feet, igniting them both. Rep wiggled his imbued feet, looking over the hot flames cautiously. Zalan raised his eyebrows in surprise.

    ¡°When did you figure out how to imbue your feet without hurting yourself?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°When you were lying in Journey House. I was frustrated by my lack of control over the situation. And Liv was constantly straining me, having surpassed me in power since we last fought in the tournament. It grated me to watch her laugh as she practiced, whipping fire around effortlessly. So, I worked myself to better control my power. It helped me control my impatience with you,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh¡­ right,¡± Zalan said, remembering how long he had spent in the guild the past few days.

    Rep reached out his foot toward the lava. He arched his toes downward, like he was going to test if a pool was too cold to swim.

    ¡°Watch it! What are you doing?¡± Zalan asked, scared for him.

    Rep touched the lava and winced. Then, he raised his eyebrows in surprise. He looked at Zalan and beamed.

    ¡°I am fine,¡± Rep said, putting more weight on the foot. ¡°The flame protects me from the liquid flame.¡±

    ¡°Your imbued fire is an insulator?¡± Zalan said, baffled. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make any sense!¡±

    ¡°I told you that your logic does not apply here,¡± Rep said confidently, standing up on the molten earth.

    His full weight was on the lava, and he walked lightly along the shore, making sure he didn¡¯t sink down in the hot substance. Zalan stared in amazement. He immediately decided that he wanted to try that as soon as he got Elemental Fire Power.

    ¡°Okay, looks like you have a way across. Find a way for me, too. Maybe get a bunch of rocks to make a bridge,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I already have a better idea than that,¡± Rep said, placing a hand on his hip.

    ¡°What idea¡­¡±

    By the time the full word came out of his mouth, Rep had warped him across using the Belt of Bolt. Zalan tumbled to the ground, crying out in shock and pain. He took a moment to collect himself, breathing heavily. The hot air burned his terrified lungs. He groaned as the pain flared up in his chest.

    ¡°Do you have any idea how much that hurts? You gotta warn me before you move me around with that thing,¡± Zalan whined.

    ¡°I was worried you would refuse,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I probably would have!¡± Zalan said, then realized that he just proved Rep¡¯s point. Rep smiled faintly.

    ¡°We are almost at the top,¡± Rep said, pointing up the next ledge.

    Zalan opened his mouth to throw more frustrations on Rep, then looked at the peak of the volcano. They were so close. He didn¡¯t have to worry about petty things like this.

    ¡°Whatever, fine,¡± Zalan said, dropping the rest of his complaints.

    Assisting one another, they climbed to the very top of the volcano where a long plateau dipped into a pit of boiling lava. The crater at the top of the volcano, filled with boiling earth.

    Rep and Zalan stared with wide eyes at something they witnessed on the plateau, at the lip of the volcano. Rep¡¯s mouth had fallen slack. Zalan blinked a few times, ensuring he wasn¡¯t seeing things. He was almost certain the sight he beheld was supposed to be impossible.

    At the edge of the pit, just ahead of the drop into the volcano, was the Flame Elemental.

    Lying dead on the floor.

 150 - Book 4 - Chapter 08 - Loss of Flame

    Rep and Zalan approached the inert body of the Flame Elemental cautiously. It lay face up, its red, glowing eyes glazed over. Its robes danced and looked like they were slight, dying embers. It didn¡¯t rustle in the breeze atop the volcano, as though it existed on a different plane than the world. Its smoldering face had a stillness reserved only for the dead. It looked uncanny and out of a nightmare.

    ¡°Rep, is it¡­?¡± Zalan asked, not believing what he was seeing.

    ¡°I¡­ I believe so,¡± Rep confirmed, baffled.

    ¡°How?¡±

    They approached the creature cautiously. Zalan was confused beyond understanding. Elementals weren¡¯t supposed to be able to die. They weren¡¯t even able to be touched. There had never been evidence of either phenomena before. Even in the books Rep and Zalan read about them, there was no mention of death or how one would ever pass away. As they got closer, Zalan wondered if it was somehow a trick.

    ¡°Elemental?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°I came to accept your challenge.¡±

    The Flame Elemental¡¯s body made no motion.

    ¡°Elemental?¡± Zalan prodded.

    ¡°Zalan.¡±

    ¡°What? I wanted to know if this was part of the challenge or something,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°No, Zalan, look,¡± Rep pointed.

    They were standing over the body now. There was a large hole in its chest, like it had been shot through by a cannonball. Rep and Zalan stared in stunned silence at the image. Zalan swallowed hard, taking in the information with a sinking sensation in his stomach.

    ¡°Did something kill this thing?¡± Zalan asked, his voice small.

    ¡°I do not know.¡±

    ¡°I thought that Elementals couldn¡¯t be touched. I saw you attack one, your fire went right through it. Even when I threw a bunch of lightning at a Bright Elemental, it had no effect. How did this one get a hole in it?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep nodded in agreement with the question, then drew his sword. Reaching forward slowly, he tried to poke the dead creature. Zalan watched with his breath held. The sword passed through it, as though it was nothing but a collection of mist. Rep waved the sword a few times, then thrust it deeper toward the creature¡¯s head. Still, there was no movement. Even in death, Rep couldn¡¯t affect the Elemental.

    ¡°How did this creature die?¡± Rep asked, swallowing hard.

    ¡°You think there¡¯s an Artifact that can do that?¡±

    ¡°I have never heard of any such Artifact. If such a thing existed, it would be legendary. No, I have never heard mention of any Elemental dying. Ever. Not by ancient legend nor by errant rumor. Elementals do not die. Whatever this is, it is very new.¡±

    ¡°You mean like a new monster?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Do new monsters just appear in the realm?¡±

    ¡°I am not familiar with the creation of monsters. But the spontaneous creation of new creatures is not something I have ever heard of. I think it is unlikely,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then¡­¡± Zalan thought hard. He narrowed his eyes over the hole in the center of the Elemental. Even in death, its visage intimidated him. Or perhaps he was scared of the existence of something that could kill it. ¡°I don¡¯t understand at all.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps¡­ There is a chance that a different Elemental had a disagreement with this one,¡± Rep surmised. His nose scrunched slightly at his own explanation. Zalan could tell Rep wasn¡¯t convinced by his own words.

    ¡°But if an Elemental came this way, wouldn¡¯t the volcano have erupted. Natural disasters follow the Elementals wherever they go, right?¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°Perhaps there are ways for Elementals to travel that we have not yet discovered that do not include disasters? What if it moves without intending to migrate from its home?¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Have you ever heard of that happening before?¡±

    ¡°I have not heard of any of this before,¡± Rep opened his palm at the image before them. ¡°Neither have I heard of Elementals doing battle with one another.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ There¡¯s a definite chance it was killed by something other than an Elemental.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. And if it was not another Elemental, then a human must have come up with a way to do this.¡±

    They both stared at the fatal wound in the dead creature.

    ¡°We can¡¯t touch them with weapons or Elemental Powers. There aren¡¯t any Artifacts that let you interact with them. How else are you supposed to attack this thing?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I do not know.¡±

    They stared at the dead being for a few more moments of silence. Both Rep and Zalan were shifting uncomfortably in place, unnerved by the sight.

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    ¡°What does this mean for your Elemental Power?¡± Zalan said. ¡°Does it get weaker?¡±

    Rep considered the question for a second. He raised a hand and summoned a tiny ball of flame in his palm. He rolled it around his knuckles, then threw it away. He redirected the flame and brought it into the floor. Then, using both hands, he emitted a giant fireball into the sky, like a catapult launching pure flame skyward. Zalan watched until it dissipated when Rep could no longer maintain its distance. Rep tilted his head thoughtfully.

    ¡°My power seems to be exactly the same. The Elemental¡¯s life looks to have no bearing on the power it gives. But I fear this means that no one else will ever have access to this Elemental Power. Elemental Fire may become a rare breed.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Have you noticed the most common type of Elemental Power in this realm?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah, Elemental Fire, for sure. There were a lot of users in the Elemental Rage Tournament and it seems to come up most often,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°That was because of this single Flame Elemental. It was a known fact that this creature¡¯s challenge was one of the most consistent. And it wasn¡¯t very difficult to accomplish compared to most other Elementals. It did not migrate, nor did it turn away any challengers. Without this one¡­ Accessing Elemental Fire becomes significantly more difficult,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t there other Flame Elementals?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Certainly, but the only other Flame Elemental I knew of gave a challenge to walk through a tornado of fire.¡±

    ¡°Is that even possible?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Whatever the answer, it is not as simple as climbing this volcano,¡± Rep tapped a light foot on the earth. ¡°This challenge has been done so many times that there is a method passed down by people that got the power themselves. Parents could teach children. Mentors to students. They could give advice to those seeking the power for as long as this Elemental lived. But no longer. Elemental Fire may become a rarity,¡± Rep said, sounding somewhat forlorn.

    Zalan blinked suddenly, remembering why they came to the volcano in the first place. The Flame Elemental had died before it could even issue him the challenge.

    ¡°So, I can¡¯t get a power? I¡¯m stuck?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep gave him a curt glance, but said nothing. Zalan could see how much patience Rep was practicing at the moment. Something extraordinary had occurred¡ªthe death of an Elemental¡ªbut Zalan only cared about his own lack of power. Zalan could see all of that in the quick movement of Rep¡¯s eyes and it frustrated him. Because as much as he knew this was a much larger issue, he almost didn¡¯t care. He desperately wanted an Elemental Power. More than he cared to dig into a new mystery the realm offered.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We go back to the village and inform them of what we have discovered. And they will insult us and not believe us,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I mean¡­ yeah, that sounds about right. Shouldn¡¯t we just skip that part? If they won¡¯t believe us, then why tell them?¡±

    ¡°Because just because a truth is hard to believe does not make it any less true. And given enough time, I am certain they will confirm it themselves. We should feed them truth, even if it is bitter. We can try to stop Jade from challenging a dead Elemental and wasting more of her time. And we should tell the town, then we ask them if there are any other Elementals nearby,¡± Rep determined.

    ¡°What are we gonna ask about other Elementals for? Are we checking for more dead ones?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°I thought the whole reason you got out of bed was to get yourself an Elemental Power. So long as we have the impressive speed of the Belt of Bolt, I see no reason why we should not continue searching for an Elemental to challenge,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan smiled slightly. He could always count on Rep.

    ¡°Right.¡± He nodded.

    Though the matter was concluded, neither of them felt that it was right to leave the dead Elemental at that moment. They were staring at something that no man had ever seen before. Zalan had long stopped thinking of his phone in this realm, but at that moment he wished he could take a picture. It was like a historical site he wanted to preserve. Elementals could be killed. Rep was right. Even if people didn¡¯t like it, they should know.

    ¡°How recently do you think it happened?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Within the past few days. There are new challengers at the base of the volcano almost every day. I think it is not bold to claim that a week does not go by without a challenger coming. If this had been going on for any longer than a few days¡¯ time, someone else would have climbed the volcano to examine the area. The nearby town would have known of it.¡±

    ¡°So you really think we¡¯re the first to discover this?¡±

    Rep shrugged uncertainly.

    ¡°Unless it was a man or woman who killed this creature. Then they would be the first,¡± Rep mumbled nervously. Zalan didn¡¯t like the thought of one person holding that kind of power.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess we can¡¯t really know any more than that,¡± Zalan said.

    They continued to stare for a few more seconds. Then, Rep turned his back to the creature. Zalan followed, beginning their journey back down the volcano.

    ¡°This way,¡± Rep said. ¡°We can ride down the side here. It will save us hours of time. The Elemental told me about this after granting me the Elemental Fire Power.¡±

    Rep sounded surprisingly sad to Zalan. The nostalgic memory now included two who were dead. Fran and the source of Rep¡¯s power. The death of the Flame Elemental had a subtle effect on him. Zalan remained quiet and followed closely.

    The edge of the volcano Rep led them toward was a steep slide of volcanic gravel. There were no handholds to climb up, but it looked like it was designed to be traveled down. Zalan could see footprints within and on the sides of the angled earth. It occurred to Zalan that the shape of the slide had been formed by the hundreds of people that went down the face of the volcano after having gained their power. It was an incredible indentation in the earth and Zalan could see the sheer number of people who had come here in the past.

    And no one would be able to come and learn of this exit any longer. There would be no more reason to climb a dangerous, active volcano covered in Flamestrikers. It made Zalan feel somewhat strange, a melancholy in his heart joining in Rep¡¯s apparent sadness. Like he shared in the idea of loss. His power was stolen. And the opportunity of gaining power was stolen away from all the people that would come here. A good thing was taken away for no apparent reason.

    Zalan frowned. He was never supposed to be around in the realm long enough to relate to the inhabitants of it. He thought he would escape long before serious events went down. But now he couldn¡¯t help but see things from their perspective. He even wanted to prolong his stay here if it meant acquiring another Elemental Power. He considered that it might be nice to discover what killed the Elemental, if only to stop it from happening again.

    By the time they reached the bottom of the volcano, Zalan felt a creeping darkness crawling over his heart. He hadn¡¯t realized how much he was looking forward to having the power over fire until it was pulled out from under him. He already proved his Strength, but felt he needed the Elemental Power. It felt like a requirement for him to live.

    Life, itself, seemed less worthwhile without an Elemental Power.

 151 - Book 4 - Chapter 09 - News Travels Fast

    Zalan slid until the earth leveled out into a plane before him. He caught himself as he shifted from a slide to a jog, remaining upright and turning to see Rep end his slide beside him. Once they reached the base of the volcano, they looked in the direction they came. Zalan could just make out the silhouette of a human on the horizon. It was warm enough that Zalan wondered if it was a mirage brought on by heat haze.

    ¡°You think that¡¯s Jade?¡± Zalan asked, making sure he wasn¡¯t the only one seeing the form on the horizon.

    ¡°I doubt it would be anyone else. We would have passed them on our way here,¡± Rep acknowledged.

    ¡°Talk with her first, then back to town?¡± Zalan confirmed.

    Rep nodded. Signaling one another with hands at the ready, they activated their respective Belt of Bolt and zoomed away from the base of the volcano.

    As soon as they appeared before her, Jade shrieked and pulled out her blade. Without wasting a moment, she thrust it out toward Zalan¡¯s neck, keeping it only an inch away.

    ¡°It¡¯s me! It¡¯s me!¡± Zalan said as her sword pricked his skin.

    ¡°You have to stop appearing from nowhere!¡± Jade huffed, returning her sword to her sheath, annoyed.

    ¡°Apologies Jade, but we have urgent news about the Flame Elemental,¡± Rep said.

    Jade waited expectantly as Rep tried to figure out the right way to deliver the news. Her initial curiosity quickly turned to her folding her arms and tapping a foot on the ground.

    ¡°Well?¡± Jade asked, impatient.

    ¡°It¡¯s dead,¡± Zalan said.

    Jade gave a fake smile to Zalan, squinting her eyes and bobbing her head side to side. To Zalan, she was trying to look unamused by an attempted joke. Zalan nodded at her, trying to look serious, but Jade just scoffed and rolled her eyes.

    ¡°He is being sincere,¡± Rep said. ¡°The Flame Elemental has been killed.¡±

    Jade looked between the two men. A frown grew on her face at their apparent sincerity. She didn¡¯t look like she believed them in the slightest.

    ¡°Who are you trying to fool?¡± she snapped. ¡°Elementals can not die. They can not even be touched!¡±

    ¡°This one had been killed,¡± Rep insisted.

    ¡°I assure you I am not the slightest bit amused,¡± Jade said loudly, as though ordering them to drop the joke.

    ¡°We¡¯re being serious! I was trying to get Elemental Fire Power, I wouldn¡¯t joke about this,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Then how did it die?¡± Jade asked pointedly.

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°It has a hole in its chest,¡± Rep added.

    ¡°Dear Lord, what a tale,¡± Jade groaned. ¡°I did not think you were jesters when I first met you. What drove you to this?¡±

    ¡°Jade, I know this is difficult to believe. But we are honest men. You can confirm our words by climbing the volcano. You will discover the Elemental¡¯s body at the top,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°How long are you willing to stretch this joke?¡± Jade demanded. ¡°You wish for me not only to believe you, but also to waste the day on a worthless errand? I know that the Flame Elemental gives the same requirement to all who challenge it. Why should I climb the volcano before it gives me the challenge to do so? It may not even give me its power if it does not issue the challenge first. Why should I listen to anything you say?¡±

    ¡°Because you are a wise girl,¡± Rep said. ¡°You know something is wrong.¡±

    ¡°I tire of this game,¡± Jade said, but her face had grown pensive, uncertain of what to believe.

    ¡°I have no intention to stop you, but please listen well. I promise, I will not waste your time,¡± Rep said.

    Jade turned to him and gave her full attention. Her hands were still folded and she regarded Rep and Zalan with an air of hope. Zalan realized that it might be vindicating to have a clear answer as to why the most consistent Elemental refused her challenge. She nodded to Rep reluctantly and he continued.

    ¡°When you arrive, you will not be given a challenge by the Elemental,¡± Rep began. ¡°You may call from the rock shaped like a cat, or anywhere else on the volcanic base. The Flame Elemental will show no signs that it is in the area. You¡¯ve already witnessed this. When it does not appear, a slight nagging sensation may eat at your mind. You will wonder ¡®were those two being honest with me? Should I go check the top of the volcano?¡¯ The answer is yes. I would suggest you not waste your time, but if you do not take us at our word, then find it. Go and confirm its death for yourself.¡±

    Jade¡¯s annoyance faltered by Rep¡¯s firm words. She read his expression, looking for lies in his face. She frowned, unable to sense any insincerity. She dropped her arms to her sides, curiosity returning to her face.

    ¡°Why do you care that I see it for myself if you are being honest with me?¡± Jade asked.

    ¡°Because I am going to tell your hometown of the Elemental¡¯s death, and they will not believe me. Like you, they will ridicule the outsiders for making up tales despite our honesty,¡± Rep said. ¡°But they will believe you when you come to confirm. Someone from their town with the same story to tell.¡±

    Jade sighed. She searched the earth for questions. She looked back at Rep and Zalan, her eyebrows descended an inch.

    ¡°The reason the Elemental did not appear before me is because it is dead?¡± she inquired.

    ¡°Indeed. It never refused anyone I know of before,¡± Rep said. ¡°When the Elemental first issued me my challenge, it appeared within seconds of my calling out to it.¡±

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    Jade¡¯s eyes darted over the ground, searching for questions. A softness came over her face.

    ¡°So¡­ the reason that the Flame Elemental did not appear¡­ Is not because there is something wrong with me?¡± Jade asked.

    Zalan blinked in surprise at the question. Rep smiled warmly, shaking his head confidently.

    ¡°I assure you there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You suffer only from having arrived at the volcano after the Flame Elemental perished. That is no fault of your own,¡± Rep assured her.

    Jade smiled slightly, then quickly adjusted to an analytical frown. She looked between Rep and Zalan one last time, scrutinizing for the slightest hint of amusement at her expense. She seemed satisfied by their expressions.

    ¡°Very well. I will go confirm this allegation. But if the creature is not dead¡­ Then I will¡­ I will¡­ I suppose you will be long gone by the time I return?¡± Jade asked, her threat dissipating with her question.

    ¡°Yeah, we aren¡¯t sticking around,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°Then I will tell everyone you are liars. Bad news travels fast. What are your names? And you had better not lie to me,¡± Jade demanded.

    ¡°I am Rep, and this is my friend Zalan,¡± Rep introduced them.

    ¡°Zalan? That sounds close to the name of a finalist in the Elemental Rage Tournament. His name was Zandar,¡± Jade mused.

    ¡°Oh, seriously? That¡¯s crazy,¡± Zalan said, rolling his eyes and sighing.

    ¡°Farewell, Rep and Zalan,¡± Jade said.

    By the time she turned her back, Rep and Zalan activated their Belt of Bolts and appeared hundreds of feet in front of the wall surrounding the town. They decided not to use their Artifacts to cover the rest of the distance, wanting to preserve it as long as they could before it degraded.

    They approached the tall wall, Rep leading the way. Zalan realized they weren¡¯t going through the nearest entrance. Rep was making his way around to go toward the same gate they entered through the first time. He wanted to speak with Urelia and Cam again instead of a new set of guards.

    ¡°Allow me to handle the conversation,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Why? Do you think I¡¯ll mess it up?¡± Zalan asked, confused.

    ¡°I have a careful strategy to hopefully get them to cooperate with me,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan shrugged, not wanting to be called a liar again anyway.

    As they approached the gate, Rep waved his arm up amicably. Urelia and Cam recognized him, leaning over the side of the wall. Urelia beckoned him earnestly.

    ¡°What news do you bring of the Flame Elemental?¡± Urelia asked immediately.

    ¡°Where is the next nearest Elemental?¡± Rep asked, sounding casual.

    Urelia looked confused for a second, shaking her head. Zalan raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Rep wasn¡¯t usually one to ignore people in need of answers.

    ¡°Did you not hear me? What happened to the Flame Elemental? Did you see it?¡± Urelia asked, gripping the side of the wall tightly.

    ¡°I am simply wondering if there are other Elementals in the area?¡± Rep said, brushing her question aside once again.

    Urelia made a face.

    ¡°There is a Nature Elemental a few cities east of here,¡± Cam offered helpfully. ¡°Its challenges are significantly more difficult than most. I would not approach it unless you are at least something above¡­ Perhaps Level 10?¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Rep nodded respectfully.

    ¡°Stop ignoring me! What happened at the volcano? Did you even arrive? Was Jade there?¡± Urelia was growing panicked.

    ¡°We saw Jade when we were on our way to the volcano. We spoke with her both on our way to and from it. All is well with her. But I am afraid the same can not be said of the Flame Elemental. It has been killed,¡± Rep declared stoically.

    Urelia made a sour frown. Zalan noticed that Rep was right. Jade and her mother looked incredibly alike, especially when they looked annoyed.

    ¡°Say again?¡± Cam called down the wall, cupping a hand to his ear.

    ¡°The Flame Elemental is no longer living. There is a hole in its chest and it lies dead at the top of the volcano,¡± Rep said, pointing in the direction they came from.

    ¡°Did you say it was dead?¡± Urelia demanded. ¡°What game is this? Give me the honest truth! Elementals can not die! They can not be touched!¡±

    Zalan took a slight amusement in hearing the same exact words from mother and daughter when first hearing the news.

    ¡°We thought the same, that Elementals were untouchable. But today we have seen otherwise. Something, or someone, has discovered the secret to interacting with them. I am being wholly honest with you,¡± Rep said seriously, placing a hand over his heart. ¡°The Flame Elemental lies dead. None may gain power from it anymore. When Jade returns from her journey, she will confirm the news. If you will not believe even your own daughter, then I suggest you send someone else to be certain. Perhaps you can verify it yourself.¡±

    ¡°We do not need to verify something so absurd!¡± Urelia snapped, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°It is like saying a child is older than their parents! I do not need to run an investigation to know it is a lie!¡±

    ¡°How did it die?¡± Cam asked, sounding slightly less skeptical. He kept a close eye on Rep as he spoke.

    ¡°Do not humor them, Cam,¡± Urelia ordered.

    ¡°We do not know. We arrived when it was already dead,¡± Rep responded.

    ¡°Where upon the volcano would we find the body?¡± Cam followed up.

    ¡°The same spot that we normally would receive power,¡± Rep said. He lit a small candlelight of flame on his finger. It was meant to let them know that he had previously known the Flame Elemental.

    ¡°Did you tell Jade to go on this absurd quest to confirm something impossible?¡± Urelia asked.

    ¡°I did.¡± Rep nodded.

    Urelia placed her fists on her forehead and looked incensed. She groaned loudly through her teeth. She removed her hands from her face and glared at both Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°How dare the two of you take advantage of her with your mad tales. You are no longer allowed within these walls. Leave,¡± Urelia shouted.

    Zalan felt somewhat annoyed that he was included. He didn¡¯t even say anything and he was still being glared at and punished.

    ¡°Urelia, just because they lie about Elementals does not mean we deny them entry,¡± Cam said.

    ¡°We take no offense. This is distressing information, I know,¡± Rep said sincerely. ¡°We only came to deliver you the news. We do not require entry within. We thank you for your time.¡±

    ¡°We do not thank you for yours!¡± Urelia spat. ¡°How dare you speak to Jade! We ought to imprison you for sowing discord! Be gone!¡±

    Rep nodded respectfully and waved goodbye. Urelia grunted in dissatisfaction, folding her arms over her chest and turning away with a whip of her chin. Cam waved back, looking slightly embarrassed in his position. Zalan followed closely behind Rep, considering how he handled the situation.

    Rep had asked about the next Elemental first. That must have been because he was on good terms before he told them the news of the dead Elemental. Even though he told them the truth, they would likely withhold the truth from him after hearing about one that had died. And Rep thought all of that through while traveling at immeasurable speeds with the Belt of Bolt. Even more incredibly, Rep didn¡¯t lose his patience once. Neither with Jade nor her mother. Zalan was greatly impressed by his friend.

    They walked casually away from the city. Zalan was waiting for the signal to activate their Artifacts and travel east. Rep looked over to him.

    ¡°Does a Nature Elemental suit you?¡± Rep asked. ¡°We can use the Homeseeker and try somewhere else if you do not wish to receive that power.¡±

    ¡°Any Elemental Power is good with me. Which power does a Nature Elemental grant, again?¡± Zalan asked, scratching his head.

    ¡°Elemental Plant. The same power that Rosemary held within Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s crew. You would be able to grow your own wooden weapons, armor, and other items, directly from your skin,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, that sounds awesome,¡± Zalan grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s go get it.¡±

    With that, the two companions placed their hands over the Belt of Bolt and zoomed away to the east.

 152 - Book 4 - Chapter 10 - Human Nature

    Rep and Zalan bolted through miles upon miles of distance with help from their Artifacts. They may have passed a few monsters on the way, but Zalan was going at too high a speed to tell between neutral landscape shapes and roaming creatures. The world began sprouting more plants as they passed through the arid climates to more lush environments. Each town they passed by, they asked about whether there was an Elemental in the area, but were directed further east.

    Zalan was able to quell his growing dread of being powerless by speeding through the land. He was going faster than any technology he knew of back in his reality and was lost in the moment. He smiled despite himself as he blazed over land. He tore through small bushes in milliseconds, like they were nothing but a stack of styrofoam. They made another jump, crossing to the horizon in seconds and Rep and Zalan looked upon the town a few hundred feet ahead of them.

    ¡°You think this will be the one?¡± Zalan asked. He had the same question every time they came to the walls of a new city.

    ¡°It had better be,¡± Rep said seriously.

    Zalan looked at him, confused by his tone. Rep was staring down at the crumbling Artifact on Zalan¡¯s hip. His Belt of Bolt had degraded, turning into dust as they stared. Zalan ran a hand through his hair as he exhaled in disappointment.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the next nearest town to this one? Could we walk if they¡¯re close enough?¡± Zalan asked, brushing dust off his clothes.

    ¡°I do not know. The Belt of Bolt travel has thrown off my sense of direction. However, I do know that most towns are at least a few days¡¯ worth of travel from one another.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, then this had better be the place with that Nature Elemental,¡± Zalan said. They had been traveling at such incredible speeds that he couldn¡¯t bear the idea of having to walk to the next town if this one was a bust.

    They picked up their pace, feeling somewhat urgent about their need to confirm the Elemental¡¯s presence. They were jogging at the last hundred feet before reaching the entrance of the town¡¯s short wall. The town looked rather small and quaint compared to most others. They only had a single guard stationed over the gate.

    The walls shared space with tall trees dotted along the side of them. The base was a wet brown mud, indicating that it had rained in the area recently. Zalan got a good breath of trees and flowers. The area had none of the dry atmosphere that Oriton had. Even without being able to see beyond the walls, it felt much more life-bearing to Zalan. Plants could grow easily. It was further made obvious by the weeds pulling at his feet as he stepped through them to the base of the gate.

    ¡°Is there a Nature Elemental nearby?¡± Zalan asked immediately.

    The guard grew a wide grin in amusement.

    ¡°Not if the Magnanimous One has anything to say about it,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Any news from beyond our town?¡± He sounded as though he was trying to remain professional through a suppressed laugh.

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another. They were both confused by his reply and wondering how to respond to his question.

    ¡°Strange news about the Flame Elemental at the volcano to the west of here. It stopped appearing,¡± Rep answered honestly.

    ¡°Odd, it is usually the most consistent of any Elemental,¡± the guard replied.

    ¡°Who is the Magnanimous One?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Someone who came descending down from the heavens,¡± the guard replied, sounding annoyed and unimpressed by his own sentence. ¡°I am almost certain he carried a Drop Coin and wished to force a dramatic entrance. He demanded to know where the nearest Elemental was. He called himself the Magnanimous One,¡± the guard explained.

    ¡°You sound rather indifferent toward him,¡± Rep assessed.

    ¡°He claimed he could clear the Nature Elemental and the excess pollen it was producing in the area. We all know it is an annoyance, but there is no way to bargain with Elementals. We have nothing they want! Yet, somehow he convinced good people of this town that it could be done. They went to watch his methods,¡± he guard said, bored.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged an urgent glance.

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®clear¡¯ the Elemental?¡± Zalan prodded.

    ¡°They were his words, not mine,¡± the guard shrugged.

    ¡°Where is this Elemental? Is it nearby? We are in urgent need to see it. Immediately,¡± Rep said quickly.

    A look of greed crossed the guard''s eyes, a slight smile growing.

    ¡°Yes! Yes, it is behind the town. But the town can be such a hassle to find your way through. We have a secret entrance for guards of the city that I can introduce you to. I can let you through the guard¡¯s path for a¡­ gold coin. It will save you about ten minutes of travel,¡± the guard said.

    ¡°A gold coin? It can not take a whole of ten minutes to cross the city,¡± Rep protested.

    ¡°It is a very narrow series of residences. You may even find yourselves getting lost in town and having to pay someone to guide you,¡± the guard assured him.

    ¡°What about two silver?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t barter with the guy, just pay him,¡± Zalan said quietly to Rep.

    ¡°I think he expects to barter. He knows a gold coin is much too high for this service,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care, we don¡¯t need to waste the time when we have funds to spare,¡± Zalan said.

    He turned back up to the guard.

    ¡°We¡¯ll pay, just get us over there,¡± Zalan said, pulling a gold coin from his pocket and waving it above his head.

    The guard¡¯s teeth gleamed at the sight, his eyes wide in pleasant surprise. He rushed down the wall and pulled a lever to open the gate and let the duo in. Zalan realized this was the first time he¡¯d seen a guard working entirely on his own. Most had someone on the ground to open and close the gate, receiving orders from the one above. It must have been a small town. Perhaps enough that something as innocuous as a pollen problem became a huge deal for the inhabitants.

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    Rep and Zalan ran within. The guard held out his hand expectantly. Zalan reached out his arm, but Rep stopped him suddenly.

    ¡°Lead the way, then you will have earned your gold,¡± Rep said, giving Zalan a look. Zalan nodded and tucked the gold away. The guard frowned.

    ¡°Very well,¡± he accepted with a hint of chagrin.

    To Rep and Zalan¡¯s surprise, the guard didn¡¯t move toward the city. Instead, he turned back to the wall and pushed a pressure point, activating a mechanism to reveal a door in the wall. The guard waved them in, then charged ahead without waiting.

    He ran through the walls, rushing to earn his gold. Rep and Zalan made so many winding turns, Zalan began to believe that it was actually worth it to pay for the shortcut. The town seemed like it could be a confusing mess if you didn¡¯t know where you were going. But added to it was the fact that the space inside the walls was claustrophobic and narrow at most points. Zalan would have to duck and shimmy as often as he ran, and he could barely keep up with their guide.

    Finally, the guard slammed against a blank piece of the inner wall. He placed his hand lightly on the wall and turned back to them. He eyed them closely.

    ¡°Through here and then head straight until you reach the watering hole. It is difficult to miss,¡± the guard said. ¡°But pay first, or I¡ª¡±

    ¡°Yeah, whatever, here,¡± Zalan dropped the gold coin into his hand.

    The guard breathed joyously and pushed another secret point in the wall. A door appeared and opened, letting in the light from the outside. Zalan didn¡¯t even wait for it to open all the way before he ran through the door. Rep sprinted behind him.

    For the first few seconds outside, Zalan ran at full speed. It was strange to have traveled around a town instead of through it. He peered and squinted as he searched. He couldn¡¯t see any bodies of water in the land behind the town. It just looked like a corridor of plants heading to nowhere. He thought they¡¯d been duped, and looked to Rep who was also staring ahead with intent. Rep pursed his lips as he ran.

    ¡°I believe there is something out there. We should move faster. I am going to use the Belt of Bolt to take us both forward,¡± Rep announced.

    ¡°Thanks for letting me know,¡± Zalan said, internally groaning at the thought of the oncoming pain.

    Rep placed an arm around Zalan¡¯s shoulders, then smacked his hip quickly. Zalan felt immediate whiplash and crashed onto the ground after the travel had ceased. He rolled over on the muddy earth, groaning. Rep knelt over him, concerned.

    ¡°We have arrived at the oasis, but how are you feeling?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°It hurts, but I¡¯m good,¡± Zalan said through grit teeth.

    They both checked Rep¡¯s waist, ensuring the Artifact had not yet degraded. It remained intact, retaining an unknown number of uses. If it had as many uses as Zalan¡¯s, then Rep¡¯s would only have a single warp remaining.

    The watering hole was lush with plants drawing their nutrients from a random spring in the middle of the jungle-like surroundings. Trees shaded them overhead and various bushes spotted the area before them. Zalan was both surprised and disturbed to find bugs crawling among the plantlife. He knew that he shouldn¡¯t be concerned about seeing monster Roaches because they were behind city walls, but still checked for them in his immediate vicinity. Zalan could hear murmuring and a commotion happening ahead, deeper into the jungle.

    ¡°Help me up,¡± Zalan said, his knees buckling in pain.

    ¡°You are certain you are fine?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t worry about me. Just try not to hit me with another use of the Belt of Bolt. Now let¡¯s go before we miss whatever¡¯s going on.¡±

    ¡°Do you have the same thought I do?¡± Rep asked as he pulled him to his feet. ¡°Do you think that this may be the same person who killed the Flame Elemental?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I¡¯ve been thinking too. But it would be really weird for him to call himself ¡®The Magnanimous One,¡¯ right?¡± Zalan said. ¡°Elementals give out powers. He would be taking that away.¡±

    ¡°Unless he had some twisted view of magnanimity,¡± Rep said ominously.

    Zalan doubted that a whole town of people would be willing to follow someone that delusional to the watering hole, but didn¡¯t say as much out loud. He was more focused on getting there and witnessing whatever was supposed to happen. He and Rep moved through the dense brush, hearing a crescendoing commotion from a crowd of people up ahead.

    A breeze blew past the two of them and carried with it a voice.

    ¡°Nature Elemental!¡± the voice declared boldly. ¡°I seek your challenge!¡±

    Zalan¡¯s heart involuntarily skipped a beat. Something deep within him was reacting viscerally.

    They could see a circle of people deeper within and more climbing trees to get a good view of the center. It looked like a show was being put on and they were amazed by the performance. Several people gasped and pointed to the center. It seemed to Zalan that they had arrived right on time and he walked faster.

    Rep and Zalan stopped moving forward when a Nature Elemental rose from the center of the crowd. The circle grew wider as the people backed up in fear and apprehension.

    The Nature Elemental was a hue of brilliant, ever-changing greens. Going from dark, to light, then back to dark green in a cascading glow like blinds opening and closing in succession. Its robes were made of fine woven spider webs and its hood looked like some form of thin bark over its eyes. Leaves of all colors danced at its feet, drifting down like a constant shedding of leaves for fall.

    The Elemental floated above the crowd passively, and Zalan was still intimidated by what it was capable of. The creature looked down on someone that Rep and Zalan couldn¡¯t see. It reached a spider-silk arm out and pointed. It spoke words they couldn¡¯t hear over the increasingly raucous crowd.

    ¡°We need to get in that circle of people,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep nodded and they began to push forward. The audience screamed in shock at something happening with the Nature Elemental. Zalan wondered if it had just delivered a challenge. He had to gently push people aside to get himself closer and see what was happening. The nearer he drew to the center, the less gentle he was pushing. People didn¡¯t mind when they were enraptured by the spectacle.

    In the center of the large circle was a hooded man, his arms raised toward the Nature Elemental. The crowd began to call out toward him.

    ¡°Stop! You will bring its anger on our town!¡±

    ¡°We reject your methods of stopping the pollen! You will destroy us all when you bring offense to the creature!¡±

    ¡°You mustn¡¯t do anything to the Elemental!¡±

    A swirling energy of mixed powers danced in front of the hooded man¡¯s arms. Zalan¡¯s eyes widened in a mix of rage and fear. Rep pushed his way next to Zalan and gasped at the sight.

    A spiraling energy of Elemental Sand, Fire, Water, Air and Lightning grew into a deadly spearhead. Without warning, the attack blasted forward, tearing violently through the Nature Elemental. The air rippled and cracked around the collection of elements. The audience screeched and gasped in shock. Several covered their eyes with their hands.

    There was a hole in the Elemental¡¯s chest.

    Without much in terms of a reaction, the Nature Elemental fell to the ground. Its robes shimmered, and the leaves went from their multicolored splendor to a pale, dry brown. For a few seconds, everyone watched in shock. The man who attacked placed a foot on top of the Elemental. Rep and Zalan recoiled at the sight. It wasn¡¯t supposed to be possible to touch them, but now it looked like it was being disrespected. The man looked around the crowd and raised his arms proudly.

    ¡°I told you, I have the power to kill them!¡± he boomed.

    The audience exploded in cheers after having witnessed the impossible. A mere man killed an Elemental. The man turned in a slow circle, smiling as he took in their praise. A wretched purplish black scar etched out of his wrist, like a wound that had been reopened more times than it could bear. It cracked up to the elbow like a sickly version of lightning.

    He stopped when he made eye contact with Zalan. They shared a shocked glance, both men frozen in place. The man who could kill Elementals was the same who stole Zalan¡¯s lightning.

    It was none other than Morloch.

 153 - Book 4 - Chapter 11 - Death To Them All

    ¡°Morloch?¡± Zalan acknowledged in shock and anger.

    ¡°Is that the true name of the Magnanimous One?¡± a crowd member asked.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s Morloch,¡± Zalan said, somewhat confirming the information to himself.

    ¡°Morloch is the name of our savior!¡± a crowd member called out, the others cheering in delight at the new information.

    Morloch looked enraged at the revelation of his name. His eyes narrowed on Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°Zalan, we must leave now. Activate the Homeseeker,¡± Rep said immediately.

    ¡°Make way for me! Quickly, there are monsters hidden in our midst!¡± Morloch demanded, pointing to Rep and Zalan. ¡°They disguise themselves as fellow men!¡±

    Morloch¡¯s order got people moving immediately. The once-excited audience screamed and began running around in panic. Most couldn¡¯t tell which two people Morloch was pointing at and began to suspect every member of the audience to be a potential monster. They ran into one another and threw punches in pure pandemonium. With powerful bursts of air, Morloch threw anyone who got too close out of his way. He had lost sight of Rep and Zalan and walked forward to close the distance between them.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep pulled him by his tunic.

    ¡°How did Morloch, of all people, kill an Elemental?¡± Zalan asked, feeling like he was out of his mind.

    ¡°Zagnon! Let us finish what must be done!¡± Morloch said, raising his arms.

    His sleeves fell slightly and Zalan took another glance at the edge of the purple scar on his wrist. It was one that matched his own for using the Transfer Table on the Island of Remains, except several times more grotesque. A powerful ball of energy manifested in front of Morloch, ready to strike despite the large number of people remaining in the area.

    ¡°I apologize in advance, Zalan,¡± Rep said urgently.

    Zalan suddenly felt his whole body sucked backward by a powerful force, the world bending around him at an incredible speed. His eyes remained wide with bewilderment at the sight of the world blurring around him. Rep pulled him with the help of the Belt of Bolt. Zalan was too distracted by the thought of Morloch to register the pain he would soon feel. He then collapsed in pain at the edge of the jungle, coughing in agony as he gripped his sore ribs.

    ¡°I am sorry, Zalan, but we needed to move before he struck. Where is the Homeseeker?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°That was Morloch,¡± Zalan said in disbelief. ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°Zalan, where is the Homeseeker?¡± Rep was kneeling over his injured friend, rifling through his pocket.

    ¡°How did he get here so fast? He¡¯s supposed to be stuck on the Island of Remains! He¡¯s going around calling himself the Magnanimous One now?¡± Zalan demanded.

    ¡°Zalan! The Homeseeker!¡± Rep commanded.

    Zalan finally snapped to his senses and nodded. He pulled the Homeseeker from his other pocket and tossed it to Rep. He saw the stress lines on Rep¡¯s face as he fumbled the Artifact. It fell to the ground. Rep let out a frustrated groan as he scrambled to get a hold of it.

    ¡°You used the Belt of Bolt! Didn¡¯t we already get away? Why are you so worried?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep simply pointed. Zalan turned in confusion. The base of the waterhole was a mushroom cloud of dust and leaves with a figure rocketing into the area above. Zalan followed the line of dust to the sky. Up high in the air, a figure was flying around with the assistance of Elemental Air Power. Morloch was looking for them.

    Zalan turned back to Rep as he finally got a hold of the Homeseeker. Rep¡¯s hip was a smatter of dust, his Belt of Bolt having just degraded and disintegrated. The Homeseeker was their only means of escape.

    Rep activated the Homeseeker and held on to Zalan. They both began to glow a faint black shine. While it was good for knowing the Artifact was working, it also acted as a signal beacon to the man searching from the sky. Morloch immediately locked on to their location and began flying down. It would take about ten seconds for them to be transported back to Journey House by means of the Homeseeker. Rep shook the Artifact with urgency, hoping to rush it. With no other ideas, Zalan held out his sword and pointed it toward the oncoming Morloch.

    Sparks of lightning began spinning around Morloch as he descended at impressive speed. He was using Elemental Wind at his back while forming a large ball of Elemental Sand ahead of him. The growing ball of sand was spinning with lightning and flame, quickly growing too bright to look at. Zalan could see the intended use. Morloch was going to send down an Elemental meteor made of sand, lightning, and fire. He was still desperate to kill them as brutally as possible.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Rep shouted at the Homeseeker.

    Morloch screamed a war cry as he threw the massive ball of sand swirling in fire and lightning. It was the size of a house, and coming at them with incredible speed. Zalan lowered his sword in fear, knowing his blade would have no effect on such an immense projectile.

    ¡°I will try to stop it. Perhaps I can redirect the flame within the attack! Do not let go of this,¡± Rep placed the Homeseeker in Zalan¡¯s hand and began to stand.

    Zalan grasped tightly to Rep and pulled him back down. If they weren¡¯t making contact, the Homeseeker wouldn¡¯t take them both. Zalan couldn¡¯t let Rep step away.

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving without you,¡± Zalan said.

    He didn¡¯t want to say the rest of what was on his mind. If Rep died and Zalan survived, he would never be able to live with himself. He knew he was already teetering on the edge of despair and the loss of his closest friend would be enough to take him over. To his relief, Rep didn¡¯t fight back. He nodded while biting his lip. They looked at the Homeseeker for an instant, but their attention quickly returned to the oncoming ball of death.

    The flaming sand projectile overshadowed the sun as the Homeseeker reached a loud whine. Rep and Zalan braced themselves, ducking their heads low as the oncoming shadow engulfed them. Rep raised a hand from their crouched position and tried to redirect it to no avail. The electricity running through it brought all of the hairs on Zalan¡¯s body to stand tall. Zalan closed his eyes, fearing the Homeseeker would be a second too late.

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    Zalan was struck in the head by the meteor.

    Less than an instant later, he blinked out of sight with Rep.

    Zalan awoke in bed, looking around in a daze. For a few seconds, he wasn¡¯t sure where he was, before recognizing the inside of Journey House. Rep was standing over him with a bloody cloth in hand. Zalan was struggling to catch up to why they were back home, his memories hazy. He couldn¡¯t remember anything after seeing the dead Nature Elemental.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Morloch¡¯s oncoming attack knocked you unconscious just as the Homeseeker brought us back. If it had taken even a split second longer, the elements would have crushed us into a fine paste. You were already unconscious when you arrived, so the Healing Rest began to take immediate effect,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan realized the blood in Rep¡¯s palm must have come from a wound that just healed. His hand had been outstretched before they were transported to safety. Both Rep and Zalan were certain to have died if they didn¡¯t return directly to the guild beds. The wounds they sustained in the first moment of impact could have been enough to kill them.

    ¡°Morloch,¡± Zalan said, sitting up as his memories reconnected the dots. ¡°Morloch killed an Elemental! How did he do that?¡±

    Rep sat on the end of Zalan¡¯s cot and thought. Zalan brought himself to sit upright and joined in thought. Zalan kept shaking his head at each idea that came to his mind. Rep seemed frozen on a single notion.

    ¡°I have a theory, but I do not know how much merit it holds,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°Well I got nothing, so a farfetched theory works for me,¡± Zalan encouraged.

    ¡°Do you recall reading about Elementals and Ascended Beings?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ remember reading about Elementals. I don¡¯t remember anything about ascended stuff.¡±

    ¡°Ascended Beings were brought up very rarely in our reading. They were said to be able to interact with Elementals. At the time, I thought it was an innocuous misnomer. Anyone could ¡®interact¡¯ with an Elemental by communicating with it. But my theory is that this interaction was something much more. An Ascended Being can touch an Elemental. And if they can interact with them in that sense, I suspect they can kill them, as well,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So,¡± Zalan¡¯s eyebrows furled. ¡°Does that mean Morloch isn¡¯t even human? He¡¯s some ascended monster being?¡±

    ¡°The book on Elementals said that one became an Ascended Being when they acquired five different Elemental Powers,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes widened in recognition.

    ¡°That was why he was so adamant about getting me to use the Transfer Table. That was why he was so focused on traveling with me. He just became ascended. Right after he took my power,¡± Zalan concluded.

    Rep nodded gravely.

    ¡°And he¡¯s using his newfound ability to¡­ kill Elementals?¡± Zalan surmised in bafflement.

    ¡°So that none other may gain enough power to become ascended,¡± Rep guessed.

    ¡°I know he always hated the way some people used their Elemental Power, but¡­ I never thought he would go this far!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I suspect this has little to do with an idea of his dislike of those he sees as lesser. Did you see the way he looked after killing the Elemental? I had never seen him so excited. Killing untouchable beasts could be the thrill he lives for,¡± Rep added.

    Zalan stared up at the ceiling and lay back down on the cot, taking in the information. Morloch had a plan from the beginning. Zalan was so caught up in thinking that Morloch just wanted to be able to smite people with Elemental Lightning, he thought of nothing else as the end goal. Morloch was trying to rid the realm of Elementals.

    ¡°He¡¯s trying to change his reputation too,¡± Zalan pointed out. ¡°Sounds like he¡¯s going by ¡®The Magnanimous One.¡¯ He¡¯s threatened by our shared past where we can tell people his actual name.¡±

    Rep slowly nodded as he accepted Zalan¡¯s theory. Zalan shuddered at the thought.

    ¡°He does not seem fond of his name ¡®Morloch,¡¯¡± Rep agreed.

    ¡°Well, this ruins a lot of our plans,¡± Zalan sighed, swinging his legs over the side of the cot and sitting up. ¡°Two Elementals are dead. Where are we supposed to find another one?¡±

    Rep looked slightly concerned. He weighed words before sharing them.

    ¡°We know that Morloch is hunting down Elementals. And now we know he is hunting us down,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Right, so?¡± Zalan said.

    Rep sighed, having to spell it out more clearly.

    ¡°It seems like it would serve his purposes for us to be found in the presence of an Elemental. Are you certain it is the best idea to be going to the beings he wishes to destroy?¡± Rep inquired carefully.

    ¡°Yeah, I need an Elemental Power,¡± Zalan said as though it was obvious.

    ¡°Perhaps we can focus on getting you out of this realm before Morloch locates you and tries to kill you once more,¡± Rep suggested, trying to nudge Zalan¡¯s one-track mind.

    Zalan felt a wave of guilt crash into his heart. He knew that home should have been more important to him than all the things going on in the realm. He was supposed to visit his mom. But he didn¡¯t want to return to his life of problems. He needed to escape that life just a little longer. Escape all the problems he was encumbered with.

    ¡°No, there¡¯s nothing for me back home. Let me get the Elemental Power and then we can think about whatever it takes to go home,¡± Zalan said firmly.

    Rep frowned, trying to think of something more to say. Zalan was staring at the ceiling in thought, looking distant. Rep knew he would have a hard time pushing the issue. Zalan¡¯s state of mind was precarious these past few days, and he didn¡¯t want to try and veer his path when he was enthused about something. Anything to keep him out of his bedridden lull.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep allowed hesitantly. ¡°We will go and find you another Elemental. If you insist, that is.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I do,¡± Zalan said, standing from the thin mattress confidently. ¡°How are we gonna find another one, though? Do you know about any others? Especially ones we can get to without something crazy fast like a Belt of Bolt? The only Elemental whose location I know is the one under the island. I don¡¯t know if we could even make it back to the Bright Elemental I saw at the Island of Remains.¡±

    Rep and Zalan stood in silence. They were both thinking about Captain Buttonwillow and his crew. As far as they knew, he was still stranded on the island. And they had no means to get off. Somehow, Zalan felt like Captain Buttonwillow would figure out a way home on his own. He seemed to have the ingenuity when it came to things going on at sea.

    ¡°I do not know of any other Elementals off the top of my head, but I have a plan. One that I have a good feeling will work,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan looked at Rep¡¯s knowing smile and got a feeling he knew exactly where this was going. He sighed, not having any better ideas come to mind.

    ¡°Is the plan to ask Madam Hikma?¡± Zalan said dryly.

    ¡°The plan is to ask Madam Hikma!¡± Rep said enthusiastically.

    They opened the door to exit the guild, only to be surprised by how dark it was outside. The shadows were long and the sun had just merged with the horizon.

    ¡°Did we¡­ run through time zones? And now that we warped back, it¡¯s evening or something?¡± Zalan asked, not even considering that as part of his speed with the Belt of Bolt.

    ¡°Time zones? That sounds strange. No, we ran so fast that we outstripped the speed of the sun on another part of the realm,¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°Okay, but for the record, you¡¯re describing time zones,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I do not know which record you refer to,¡± Rep responded, amused by the terms from Zalan¡¯s homeworld.

    They stared at the sunset for a few seconds.

    ¡°Madam Hikma¡¯s place is closed at this time, isn¡¯t it?¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°We shall go see her first thing in the morning,¡± Rep said decidedly, heading inside to prepare for sleep.

 154 - Book 4 - Chapter 12 - The Worst Place To Go

    The next day Rep and Zalan made their way toward Madam Hikma¡¯s building to ask for her advice on finding Zalan another Elemental. Restless, frowning sleep had done Zalan no favors. If anything, it exacerbated his worries.

    As Zalan walked through the city, a looming dread fell over his heart. He wondered how fast Morloch would travel and kill off Elementals. Would he try to destroy Oriton in search of Rep and Zalan? Zalan witnessed how fast he could move when he used his Elemental Air at full power. He caught up to Rep and Zalan even after they used the Belt of Bolt. It felt like an existential threat to both him and the people of the realm.

    They got up early enough that they were able to get to the front of the forming line ahead of Madam Hikma¡¯s place. Zalan wondered how this line continued to be so long day after day. There was never a lack of people looking for sincere advice. He wondered how many would still be around if they knew about the Guidance Gem in Madam Hikma¡¯s eye. Would they call her a fraud, or would they see her as someone sacrificing themselves for the good of others? Zalan, himself, didn¡¯t have a good answer to how he felt about it. But he was leaning towards her not being a fraud.

    Rep seemed to read the stress on Zalan¡¯s face and smiled at him.

    ¡°Madam Hikma has always been able to guide us. Even if it has led to difficulties, we have never been truly lost,¡± Rep said.

    Evidently he was trying to assuage Zalan¡¯s concerns about not being able to find an Elemental. His answer was vague enough that even if there weren¡¯t any Elementals left, he would say the same thing. Somehow, even after analyzing the words said, they still made Zalan feel better. His body relaxed as they stood waiting to be called forward by Madam Hikma¡¯s assistant, Sholou. His stiffness and impatient fidgets were quelled for the moment. Not that the serenity lasted long.

    It took only a few short minutes, but Zalan was bobbing up and down by the time they were at the front of the line. Every second he was left to his thoughts brought up several different ideas and anxieties of what might go wrong in the future. Rep tried to calm him down with kind and comforting words, but he could only say so many unique assuasions. Zalan was starting to tune him out.

    ¡°Madam Hikma is ready to see you,¡± Sholou peeked her head out of the door. Her eyes widened in recognition. ¡°Rep! It is always a pleasure to see you! And¡­ Zalan.¡±

    Zalan could see the energy she expended not to glare at him. Zalan remembered that he had terrified her in a fit of rage in the past, threatening to burn down Madam Hikma¡¯s building when Sholou was still inside. He didn¡¯t blame her for not forgiving him, even if it had been at least a few weeks. He had given her no indication that he had changed since. And while he wanted to apologize, a pit in his heart made him feel he didn¡¯t deserve forgiveness.

    They were led within and allowed into Madam Hikma¡¯s chambers. When they entered, Zalan immediately went about scrutinizing the weathered woman¡¯s face. She had one eye closed, looking as though she was worn from the few pieces of advice she had delivered that morning. Zalan couldn¡¯t remember which eye was supposed to be the Artifact and openly stared at her uncovered eye. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but he couldn¡¯t be certain.

    The more he analyzed her face, the more he started to see little things he didn¡¯t notice before. She looked different than the memory stored in his head. He was almost certain there were more wrinkles at that moment than the first time they¡¯d met. Her smile was waning in fatigue and her body seemed stiffer than before. He couldn¡¯t shake the idea now that Rep had entered it into his mind. She was aging at an alarming rate.

    ¡°Rep. Zalan. Please, sit down,¡± Madam Hikma invited them to two chairs across the table. ¡°How can I help you today?¡±

    Before sitting down, Zalan placed a gold coin on the table as a donation for the time Madam Hikma was granting them. From her corner, Sholou seemed impressed by the high price of donation.

    ¡°How fares the search for Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan turned to him, stunned.

    ¡°When you were sitting around moping in the guild, I asked Madam Hikma if she could organize a search party for Captain Buttonwillow and his crew,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°Which was terrible of you to do,¡± Sholou said suddenly.

    ¡°Sholou,¡± Madam Hikma warned.

    ¡°She is not some delegator of armies! She wants nothing more than to offer advice, but you asked so much of her!¡± Sholou said.

    ¡°I apologize! I had no idea I would cause you problems,¡± Rep stammered.

    ¡°The truth of the matter is a bit worse, I am afraid,¡± Madam Hikma said sullenly. ¡°No one is willing to travel to the Island of Remains.¡±

    Rep bit his lips, but nodded with understanding. Zalan felt terrible for not even having thought about Captain Buttonwillow being stranded. Running his hand through his hair, he didn¡¯t want to volunteer to go, himself. He had no idea how to travel overseas safely and only returned home with the Homeseeker. But if he could make his way, he might be able to save them with the Artifact. Madam Hikma read his expression, and smiled slightly.

    ¡°We should not fear too much. I have been inspired with the idea that the Captain lives, as do some of his crew. They are not desperate or starving,¡± Madam Hikma said, tapping the side of her head with her Guidance Gem.

    ¡°That is good!¡± Rep sat up. ¡°Are they safe? Will they be saved soon?¡±

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Madam Hikma replied. ¡°But I am also acutely aware of the fact that you came to discuss an entirely different topic.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re looking for any nearby Elementals,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Actually, they don¡¯t even need to be nearby. What are all the Elementals you can tell us about? Near and far.¡±

    ¡°We may also be looking for another way for Zalan to get home,¡± Rep added.

    Zalan threw him a glance, clearly not interested in the second topic. Madam Hikma smiled graciously, looking between the two friends.

    ¡°I recall you in search of Elementals the first time you visited me. You had one in the Elemental Rage Tournament. What brings you to search for another creature of power?¡± Madam Hikma asked.

    ¡°Morloch took my Elemental Lightning on the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan said bitterly.

    Madam Hikma¡¯s eyes shot open in shock. Zalan could definitely see the hint of an unusual look in one of the eyes. The bright green had an unnatural shine, emanating a slight light from it. Where Zalan might have been convinced before that it was just a piercing gaze, he could see the supernatural essence within it. The Artifact lodged in her face was scanning him, pulling information from him with its power. Zalan looked closely at the eye as it ran him up and down. Madam Hikma closed her Artifact-laden eye suddenly, looking slightly embarrassed.

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    ¡°Oh, dear, it looks like you told him of my eye, Rep,¡± Madam Hikma said. Though she sounded disappointed, it didn¡¯t feel like she was admonishing him as much as pointing out a fact. Rep squirmed in place.

    ¡°I apologize, Madam Hikma. I felt there was no other choice,¡± Rep said sincerely.

    ¡°No need to apologize, I see some of what Zalan has been through. I had no idea that I had sent him to¡­¡± Madam Hikma stopped herself mid sentence, her eye ablaze with movement. Suddenly, a tear brimmed the bottom of her Artifact-powered eye. Zalan blinked in shock.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked.

    ¡°It pains me to see you like this,¡± Madam Hikma said, brushing away the tear as another took its place. ¡°You have lost so much already. People you loved and now a power you held dearly. There is also a lack of general trust in people after what Nold had done. It is as though the world has conspired to maximize your misery.¡±

    Zalan shifted in his seat uncomfortably. Madam Hikma was crying over things he never shed tears for. He always felt odd around people who were crying in the realm. He didn¡¯t feel that way until Gorb pointed it out to him long ago.

    He couldn¡¯t remember the last time he wept. At the time of receiving the question, he thought it was an absurd thing to wonder about a fellow man. Now he felt differently. People could express emotions in what seemed like natural ways, but he was stunted. No one ever asked him why he wasn¡¯t crying, but he felt broken around those that could cry. Like some innate aspect of being a human was missing.

    ¡°Do you know where we can find any Elementals?¡± Zalan pressed the point, hoping to be out of the building soon.

    Madam Hikma pursed her lips uncomfortably. Zalan sighed and lowered his head, resigning himself to the idea that Madam Hikma must not have known anything.

    ¡°I only know of a single Elemental that has not yet fled. The others have begun to migrate, causing immense stress on the good people of the realm,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Zalan shot his head up, interested.

    ¡°Elementals are migrating in large numbers?¡± Rep asked. ¡°That has never happened before. Are they fleeing their killer?¡±

    ¡°I do not know. Whatever the case, the consequences are devastating. They could awaken Beasts of Slumber,¡± Madam Hikma said. Rep shuddered.

    ¡°But you know one that¡¯s sitting in place?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not quite an Elemental sitting in place. I only know where you can gain power,¡± Madam Hikma informed him.

    Zalan looked at Rep, wondering what the difference was. Rep shrugged, seeming to read his expression.

    ¡°So, you know where I can get power,¡± Zalan said, encouraging Madam Hikma to continue.

    ¡°I do. It lies very close to your encounter with the fourth Monster of the Mindscape.¡±

    ¡°The fourth? What about the third? I never defeated Morloch! How can I move on to the next Monster of the Mindscape without taking care of the previous ones?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You have defeated the first three. That, I can see clearly,¡± Madam Hikma replied calmly.

    Zalan furled his brow in confusion. Wasn¡¯t Morloch the Monster of the Mindscape? Or did he just assume that? And who were the first two?

    ¡°And where do you see us next?¡±

    ¡°You must travel to the Depths of Despair. There, you will find what you seek,¡± Madam Hikma informed him.

    ¡°What?¡± Rep jumped out of his chair urgently. ¡°No! That is the Mind of Madness¡¯s home! There could not be a worse place to send Zalan!¡±

    At first Zalan was going to say it was fine, but he quickly realized he wasn¡¯t totally comfortable with that kind of quest. The Mind of Madness was a monster like no other. It floated above the world and could render monsters and people catatonic simply by gazing at them with a beam of pure darkness. He had no interest in going through an experience with the Mind of Madness again, especially not on its home turf. Zalan nodded ever-so-slightly in agreement with Rep¡¯s outburst.

    ¡°I apologize, but that is the path to what Zalan seeks most dearly,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get a power if I go to the Depths of Despair?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I can not promise it. But I see that it is your best chance to find one,¡± Madam Hikma nodded.

    ¡°What is the next best chance?¡± Rep asked quickly.

    Madam Hikma stared for a moment in thought.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± she answered.

    ¡°Well then I will take anything!¡± Rep pleaded. ¡°Is there anything else that we can do that does not require us to travel to the Depths of Despair? Is there an Artifact out there? Even an Elemental in the middle of migration? I can take on a storm, but do not send us to the Mind of Madness! There has to be another way!¡±

    Madam Hikma shook her head gravely, understanding the serious quest she set out before the duo. Zalan ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He threw his hands up in a passive shrug, and nodded reluctantly.

    ¡°Yeah, fine, Depths of Despair. Whatever. So long as it gets me a new Elemental Power,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Come on, Rep, I don¡¯t want to waste anymore time here. Morloch might be on his way to kill the Elemental in the Depths of Despair.¡±

    ¡°Morloch is the one killing Elementals?¡± Madam Hikma asked, suddenly on alert.

    Rep and Zalan tilted their heads, not having realized that she didn¡¯t have that information. Zalan assumed she would have gleaned it using the Artifact by now, especially talking to so many people that had problems involving Elementals.

    ¡°Yeah, ever since he got five Elemental Powers,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°Five! He has become an Ascending Being, capable of interacting with Elementals!¡± Madam Hikma said with a hint of awe.

    ¡°Yeah, we kinda already figured that out,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°Do you know how many he has killed?¡±

    ¡°We know of two. A Flame Elemental and a Nature Elemental,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°This is terrifying news. Morloch must be stopped,¡± Madam Hikma said with utmost importance. ¡°Elementals are an essential part of our realm. And if they know they are under siege, they may do more than their already intense movements. They may decide to offer some counter attack toward humans and cause unspeakable catastrophes across the land.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, terrible stuff. Morloch¡¯s gotta be stopped by anyone but us,¡± Zalan said, hopping out of the chair.

    ¡°But I know you can take him down! With your friends!¡± Madam Hikma insisted. ¡°The Guidance Gem offers nothing but certainty on this matter!¡±

    ¡°We already tried and failed,¡± Zalan opened his palms in a shrug. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to die. And I¡¯m not gonna fight him again without Elemental Power. Let¡¯s go Rep.¡±

    Zalan began to move to the doorway, but Rep stayed seated. A question was burning in his mind.

    ¡°Just a moment, Zalan. I wish to ask Madam Hikma a question in private,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan looked at him, several thoughts running through his mind. He glanced once between Rep and Madam Hikma. Then, he exhaled loudly.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll be at the guild. Hurry up, I don¡¯t wanna wait around too long.¡±

    Zalan walked out the room, leaving Madam Hikma and Rep alone, aside from Sholou who stood silently in the corner. Zalan closed the door behind him loudly, taking a few stomps away. Then, when he was sure they would think he had exited, he quietly moved back to the door. He wanted to eavesdrop in on the secret conversation. He placed his ear up against the wood, listening intently for the rest of the conversation.

    ¡°Madam Hikma, I think it is imperative that we get Zalan home. He is on the brink of collapse, I can see it in everything he does,¡± Rep rambled. ¡°I fear for his well-being. This realm has been eating away at his fragile mind. How do we get him back to his world?¡±

    Zalan would have rolled his eyes if not for the concern in Rep¡¯s voice. He wasn¡¯t ready to go home, but he didn¡¯t want to tell Rep as much.

    ¡°I fear that Zalan will need to go to the Depths of Despair regardless,¡± Madam Hikma said. ¡°The means to overcome the fourth Monster of the Mindscape is in the dark mines. And the fourth monster is the most difficult of the five Monsters of the Mindscape.¡±

    ¡°This monster¡­ is it the Mind of Madness?¡± Rep asked, his voice quivering.

    Zalan listened closely with wide eyes, cupping his hand against the wooden door. Madam Hikma said nothing. By the lack of response on Rep¡¯s end, Zalan knew that Madam Hikma neither confirmed nor denied the question. She must not have known.

    ¡°God help us,¡± Rep whispered, then stood to leave for the Depths of Despair.

 155 - Book 4 - Chapter 13 - Together To The End

    ¡°So, how far is this Depths of Despair place from us?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°At least a few days worth of travel,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then we should get going,¡± Zalan said, eager to get his next Elemental Power as soon as possible.

    ¡°After we gather supplies,¡± Rep added.

    ¡°Supplies like what?¡±

    ¡°Food.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ right, yeah, let¡¯s get some food and then get out of here.¡±

    ¡°Have you given any more thought about what Madam Hikma said about Morloch? We could defeat him and stop a great destruction to the realm,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna think about that before getting an Elemental Power. If we don¡¯t die on the next attempt, he might be able to kill every last Elemental before I get a new power. Let¡¯s just go to the mines, get the power, and get out,¡± Zalan said.

    Zalan could see the subtle frown on Rep¡¯s face. He was clearly reluctant to be going to the Depths of Despair, much less get going so soon. But he knew that Zalan was on a one-track mind now and nothing would sway his need for an Elemental Power. And Rep would do anything to keep Zalan from laying in bed doing nothing. Rep led the way to a nearby salesman, his feet moving slow.

    Rep and Zalan gathered food from every table and shelf available. Stuffing their bags, they were putting together enough rations for weeks. Rep said it was to be prepared in case of obstacles on the way, like a monster blocking their way forward. But Zalan got the feeling he was more concerned about getting lost or trapped in the Depths of Despair. They placed their substantial amount of food on the counter and the salesman looked over their purchase with interest.

    ¡°Making an epic journey soon?¡± he inquired, rifling through the foods to get an accurate count of cost.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Rep said dodgily.

    ¡°Where to? I love to hear what places people journey to beyond Oriton,¡± the salesman replied.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to the Depths of Despair,¡± Zalan said

    At first the salesman laughed, thinking that Zalan was joking. Then, his laughter reduced to a chuckle as he realized they weren¡¯t laughing along with him. The chuckle faded with a clearing of his throat. He looked between Rep and Zalan, searching for humor.

    ¡°The Depths of Despair?¡± he repeated.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°The home of the Mind of Madness? You are going in the direction of its home? Deliberately?¡± he clarified.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Willingly?¡± the salesman added.

    Zalan rolled his eyes and nodded.

    The salesman gave Zalan a quizzical look over. He had slight bags under his sunken eyes. His body stood like it was ready to fall if given a whiff of bad news. His face and skin had a slight paleness to it, his eyes listless.

    ¡°You look like someone that is leaving the Depths of Despair,¡± the man said with a slight smile, trying to bring levity to the situation.

    ¡°No,¡± Zalan said simply, not getting the joke. ¡°Do we need to go somewhere else to buy our food?¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± the salesman said, deciding to drop his concerns for the duo to make the easy sale.

    For the first time since Zalan had come to the realm, he was asked to pay more than a single gold coin. The food they purchased cost them three gold coins, one silver, and three bronze. Rep paid and Zalan wondered if he should be considering just how big a deal it was to be this fully stocked for the journey. They had never been prepared for more than a few weeks of travel. This food could easily last them a month.

    ¡°Enjoy your journey¡­ I think,¡± the salesman bid them off, scratching his chin in confusion.

    They left the salesman and Zalan looked at Rep expectantly. Rep was staring out at the sky in thought.

    ¡°Which gate should we leave from?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep continued to stare, looking as though he¡¯d completely zoned out.

    ¡°Rep?¡±

    Rep was still lost. Zalan nudged him lightly.

    ¡°Hmmm?¡± Rep hummed.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°I need to speak to Junill before we leave,¡± Rep decided, his eyes following a cloud above them.

    ¡°Back at the forge? Why? Is there something wrong with your sword?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep¡¯s faraway look continued. He was chewing very lightly on the inside of his lip.

    ¡°Rep?¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°We were going to the forge?¡± Zalan pressed.

    Rep finally broke eye contact with the cloud, blinking in thought. He looked at Zalan and forced a smile. The edge of his lips trembled, giving away the hint of another emotion brewing beneath.

    ¡°Right. The forge,¡± Rep nodded, leading the way.

    Zalan had never seen Rep so distant like this before. He watched him closely. Rep¡¯s face had grown a slight hue reddish as he traveled. He kept one hand on his hilt and the other on the pocket that held his funds. Zalan began to wonder if he was angry. He didn¡¯t know how to try and calm down Rep when he was terrible at calming himself. Whatever the case, Rep was definitely on edge by the time they were near the forge.

    They stood in front of the forge, the closed door feeling like it was towering over Rep. He breathed in deeply, tugging at his tunic. He was gnawing at the inside of his lip with an intensity Zalan had never seen before. He breathed deeply through his nose, closing his eyes tightly. He gripped a hand over his chest and opened his eyes.

    ¡°Dude. Rep, you look awful. What¡¯s going on?¡± Zalan finally asked.

    ¡°Can you wait outside?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I can, but what are you gonna do?¡±

    ¡°I need to do it before I say it. If I say it aloud, I may realize I do not have the muster for it.¡±

    Zalan stared in shock, but nodded. He had no idea what Rep was doing. Rep rushed inside and slammed the door shut behind him. Zalan bounced in place impatiently, hating feeling like he was left in the dark. He wondered what they were talking about. What kinds of things did Rep need to go over without him present? He wasn¡¯t one to be so secretive before, but now he wanted private audiences with both Junill and Madam Hikma.

    Zalan quickly concluded that they were talking about him, and that was why he wasn¡¯t supposed to be part of the conversation. It must have been the same reason he spoke to Madam Hikma alone, to get advice on how to manage Zalan. Zalan ran a hand through his hair anxiously and paced back and forth, considering his options. He could barge in and let Rep know what he¡¯s been saying behind his back. But Rep wasn¡¯t saying anything bad, he only cared about Zalan. Zalan huffed to himself in frustration and stamped toward the forge door. Closing his eyes, he leaned on the door, placing his ear against it. He listened intently, but couldn¡¯t make out any particular words. It was clearly an uncomfortable conversation. There were abrupt pauses on both sides.

    The sound of coins spilling on the counter came clear to Zalan. Dozens of coins clinking as they landed on the countertop. More than Rep or Zalan ever paid for their swords. He tried to lean in further, and understand what kind of goods Rep was buying.

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    The door swung outward and Zalan fell backward. Rep looked down at him, with wide eyes. Rep¡¯s face was beet red and he quickly moved to throw the door closed behind him. Just before the door slammed shut, Zalan saw a glimpse of the scene within the forge. Junill was staring in shock at a pile of at least thirty gold coins on the counter. Her mouth was agape with an expression Zalan had never seen on her face before.

    The door closed and Rep pulled Zalan to his feet without so much as raising an eyebrow at his eavesdropping. Without a word, Rep dragged him along, moving quickly. For the first few steps, Zalan waited for an explanation. The speed at which Rep moved along felt like he was trying to run away. Zalan got no answers from his flustered face, Rep¡¯s jaw was clenched tight.

    ¡°Well?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Are you good? What was that all about?¡±

    ¡°We need to leave that gate in order to go to the city of Nightfall,¡± Rep pointed his hand ahead.

    ¡°Nightfall?¡± Zalan said. ¡°I thought we were going to the Depths of Despair?¡±

    ¡°We are. The Depths of Despair are a series of underground tunnels and mines just beyond the city of Nightfall. Nightfall is where we will rest before journeying within the earth. The Depths of Despair are sometimes called the Mines of Madness, you know. But it gets confusing to say that the Mind of Madness resides within the Mines of Madness, so most people refer to it as the Depths of Despair. ¡®Mind¡¯ and ¡®mine¡¯ sound much too similar, I am sure you agree,¡± Rep rambled.

    ¡°The Mines of Madness¡­¡± Zalan felt like he had a follow up question based on the name, but something more pertinent occurred to him. ¡°You¡¯re trying to change the subject! What happened with Junill?¡±

    Rep continued to rush away. He released Zalan¡¯s arm, but Zalan jogged to keep up with him. Rep¡¯s face was locked forward, his gaze determined to leave as soon as possible.

    ¡°There was a lot of money there. You¡¯ve definitely referred to that many gold coins as a ¡®fortune¡¯ before. What was with that? Did you owe her that much?¡± Zalan pressed.

    ¡°I owed it to myself to give her that money without delaying any longer,¡± Rep said firmly, sounding embarrassed.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Rep cleared his throat as he walked silently.

    ¡°Rep, seriously. Why? You were talking about me, weren¡¯t you?¡± Zalan said. ¡°You were telling her how bad of an idea it was for us to go to the Depths of Despair even though it¡¯s what Madam Hikma told us to do!¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Zalan said, genuinely surprised. His specific guess felt a bit too on the nose.

    ¡°Not quite all of that. But I told her that I may perish in the Depths of Despair,¡± Rep¡¯s voice was growing quieter. He was rambling again. ¡°So I paid her a dower today. I felt this was the right time to do so, to try and build some excitement before going to one of the worst places imaginable. In the case I made it back alive, it would be a welcome return. But if I do not return, I told her she is free to keep it. I did not think it would be fair for her to feel indebted to a dead man.¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. That was definitely like¡­ a fortune of gold. You just gave it all to her?¡± Zalan said.

    Rep nodded sharply.

    ¡°And you said it was a dower? What¡¯s a¡­¡±

    Zalan trailed, a sudden baffled smile bursting on his face. He let out a loud laugh and Rep recoiled at the noise in embarrassment. Zalan was beaming at Rep, not expecting to be laughing with so much joy during the conversation.

    ¡°Did you just propose to her?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep gave a coy half shrug. He nodded bashfully, his face another hue of red.

    ¡°Wow! I had no idea! Congratulations, man! Ha! Wow, I don¡¯t know what to say. So, are you engaged now or something?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No. Junill must speak to her parents first and then make the decision,¡± Rep said anxiously.

    ¡°Okay, then what was the money for? Does she have to wait for you now?¡± Zalan asked, confused.

    ¡°No. She can take the money and wed someone else if she chooses. I just hoped to make an impression with the money,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Zalan lost a bit of his enthusiasm. ¡°But you at least made it clear that you were asking for her hand, right?¡±

    Rep nodded, embarrassed.

    ¡°Great! Well, what did she say?¡±

    ¡°Not a word,¡± Rep groaned. ¡°She stood frozen the entire time that I explained my interest to her. And then I turned and exited.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t want to wait to see what she would say?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°Really?¡± Zalan said in a mix of a scream and a laugh. ¡°You could have waited to at least get a read on her! Or you could have asked me to talk to her or something! You want to leave without knowing?¡±

    ¡°My heart was threatening to escape my chest. I could hardly hear myself speak over its drumming. No, I do not think I could withstand the answer right now,¡± Rep sighed.

    Zalan slapped him on the shoulder.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be fine. You¡¯re great. Plus, I¡¯ve seen how she lights up whenever you talk about the monsters you¡¯ve killed with her swords. It¡¯s like she¡¯s waiting for you every second you¡¯re gone,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep smiled and nodded his appreciation.

    ¡°So how long has this thing between you been going on? I honestly had no idea,¡± Zalan asked, curious.

    ¡°How do you mean?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know, have you been together in some capacity this whole time?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not understand what you mean by the question. I have only tried courting her today, if that is what you mean,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Right. I guess that does answer the question,¡± Zalan said, wondering if that was how all marriages went in the realm.

    Zalan blinked as something dawned on him.

    ¡°Rep, why did you propose to her now?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep¡¯s grin waned to a thin flat line.

    ¡°Was this like a last act of life? Do you think you¡¯re going to die?¡±

    Rep suddenly stopped walking. Zalan waited as he searched for the right words.

    ¡°The Depths of Despair is not to be taken lightly,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We have the Homeseeker.¡±

    ¡°The Homeseeker takes seconds to activate. Aggravatingly long seconds. Morloch almost killed us in the time it took for us to leave. Multiple times. Were it not for the Homeseeker returning us to the guild, we would surely have perished both times. The Mind of Madness need only look at us and we will be defeated. We may drop the Homeseeker and be left at its whims,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan considered his words. He was determined not to change his mind about getting an Elemental Power, especially after having listened to Madam Hikma. She said this was his only way to get Elemental Power. And it may have even been his next step to a way home. Either way, the Depths of Despair seemed like the next step.

    ¡°If it gives us enough trouble, we can just scare off the Mind of Madness like we did the Thalassic Terror,¡± Zalan said with false confidence.

    ¡°You know it is not nearly the same.¡±

    Zalan knew that Rep was right. Zalan had only one previous run-in with the Mind of Madness and a single look made him break down in emotional pain. He¡¯d never felt so broken and abandoned before. Like life would never repair itself. Endless despair. Like time would not heal wounds. He hoped never to experience it again, but now he was trying to convince Rep to travel to its home.

    ¡°Well, Madam Hikma said to go there,¡± Zalan said, trying to convince himself as much as Rep. ¡°Has she ever led us wrong before?¡±

    ¡°You were the one saying she¡¯s led us wrong before.¡±

    ¡°And you were the one saying she hasn¡¯t!¡± Zalan said.

    Rep bit his lip and sighed.

    ¡°I know. I just did not wish to take on the Mind of Madness,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I can¡­ I don¡¯t know, find someone else to help me? Maybe someone from the guild? You can stay and get engaged or married in the meantime,¡± Zalan said hesitantly. He didn¡¯t truly want to be separated from Rep, but was trying to sound supportive of his concerns.

    Rep¡¯s face scrunched in amused confusion.

    ¡°Poor, tearless, stoic Zalan. You want to abandon me now that I have shown too much emotion for you,¡± Rep teased.

    ¡°You know that¡¯s not what¡¯s going on here!¡±

    ¡°I know. And you know that I am your friend. I will not leave your side, Zalan. We are in it together until we find a way to get you back home,¡± Rep said confidently.

    Zalan smiled gratefully. He didn¡¯t know he needed to hear Rep say the words until they left his lips.

    ¡°Sure. Together to the end of all this.¡±

    ¡°Though, I certainly hope our end is somewhere far from the Depths of Despair,¡± Rep said, leading to the nearest wall with a gate to exit the city.

    Waving to the guard at the gate, Rep signaled that they intended to go outside. The guard chuckled and instead approached them with a warm smile.

    ¡°Rep, Zalan,¡± Sir Kilile said. ¡°I heard you braved the Cliffs of Shadow and even Ma, herself. It brings me such joy to see you out there, Rep. And Zalan, you are such a formidable ally!¡±

    Rep smiled bashfully and Zalan blinked at having been recognized. He knew Sir Kilile as the man that saved his life when he first entered the realm, but he had such rare run-ins with him, he thought his name would have been forgotten by now.

    ¡°Oh¡­ Thanks,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°At this rate, you will be reaching the Death Levels in no time at all. Try not to get yourselves killed on the way there. We need strong men on the walls,¡± Sir Kilile smiled and clapped Rep on the back.

    ¡°You would have me join you on the walls?¡± Rep asked, sounding enthused.

    ¡°Of course! With the reputation of your strength and Elemental Power, you would be a fine candidate. Where are you headed in the meantime?¡±

    ¡°The Depths of Despair.¡±

    Sir Kilile chuckled, looking between Rep and Zalan. Narrowing his eyes slightly, his smile dipped to a frown.

    ¡°No. Rep, no. Where are you headed?¡±

    Rep said nothing, looking sincerely at Sir Kilile.

    ¡°Dear God, why?¡± the guard asked, slouching in desperation.

    ¡°We must. Madam Hikma says it is for the best for us.¡±

    ¡°Did she say that you would both live?¡± Sir Kilile demanded.

    Rep lowered his head. Sir Kilile looked to Zalan, whose face warmed in embarrassment under the scrutiny.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be as safe as we can,¡± Zalan said, feeling like he had to say something.

    Sir Kilile sighed and he opened the gate.

    ¡°Let me know when you return and I can let you know about a position on the walls, if you wish,¡± he said somberly.

    Rep and Zalan walked through the open gate. Glancing back one last time, Zalan couldn¡¯t help but feel like Sir Kilile was looking at them like they were part of a funeral procession.

 156 - Book 4 - Chapter 14 - A Bad Battle

    ¡°Fortunately for us, the journey between Oriton and Nightfall will mostly be along premade paths,¡± Rep said as they left the city.

    Pep pointed ahead of them. The ground was well-trodden, a slight discoloration and indentation of earth from several travelers having taken the road. Zalan wondered what other reasons people had to travel between Oriton and Nightfall.

    ¡°What does it mean if we¡¯re on premade paths?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It means the journey is well-traveled. It is safer. We will likely be familiar with any monsters we see on our travels,¡± Rep informed him.

    ¡°Oh, you mean like they¡¯ll be easy to fight off?¡±

    ¡°Generally, but we should still be on our guard.¡±

    Zalan looked out to the long path ahead of them, stretching to the forest on the horizon. He wasn¡¯t looking forward to traveling days without the immense speeds of the Belt of Bolt. He already felt like every day without Elemental Power was a day wasted. He was supposed to be increasing his abilities. His highest stat, Wisdom, was worthless without a power backing it up.

    He should be able to summon lightning from the sky whenever he felt like it, but he was stuck with his sword and fists. Even after some battles proving his Strength stat was formidable, Zalan felt inadequate. And despite knowing his dependence probably wasn¡¯t healthy, he still sought the power he thought he needed. The realm felt unbearable without it. His heart felt like there was a void that could only be filled with the need for Elemental Power.

    Morloch had taken that from him. He had never hated someone more than he hated Morloch. All the obsession that he once gave Slauson returned with a vengeance to Morloch. The burning, irrational, uncontrollable rage. He didn¡¯t just want to fight him. He wanted to kill him. To tear him apart. But he knew that as long as he was powerless, he wouldn''t be able to take him down. It was part of the reason why he wanted an Elemental Power. In case he ever found himself running into the former mentor one more time.

    Seeing Morloch alive at the Nature Elemental threw him off, mentally. He hadn¡¯t really expected to have another run-in with him. He thought Morloch would spend his days on the Island of Remains where he took powers from others. But what was so much worse was seeing people cheer for Morloch as he conducted evil. They had all been fooled like he was. Morloch hadn¡¯t faced any consequences of his actions. If anything, he was encouraged to do it again.

    They walked for hours in silence, Zalan brewing on his desires to try and overpower Morloch. He wanted to ask Rep if he was also interested in killing him, but was afraid he wouldn¡¯t agree. He knew Rep would be able to make him think rationally and possibly talk him out of it, and he didn¡¯t want to be talked out of it. Morloch didn¡¯t deserve mercy. He let his thoughts fester. Rep would throw him a glance occasionally, but couldn¡¯t decipher what Zalan¡¯s odd facial expressions meant. He could only see something was off with his friend.

    ¡°Are you excited to get a new Elemental Power?¡± Rep asked, trying to lead Zalan¡¯s thoughts elsewhere.

    Zalan shrugged the question off silently. Rep pursed his lips and dropped the subject.

    Zalan felt darkness creeping into his heart. His life felt less worthwhile the past few days. Every setback had done immense damage on his psyche, just like Rep suggested to Madam Hikma. He just felt like he needed the missing piece of power to get back to normalcy. The scar on his wrist was a constant reminder of a piece of him missing. He didn¡¯t want to think about what would happen if he couldn¡¯t get Elemental Power anymore. And now there were two realities in which that could be the case. Morloch could kill too many Elementals, leaving the realm barren of power. Or his Elemental stat was permanently scrubbed away, preventing him from gaining another.

    Rep stopped suddenly, lowering himself slowly in a kneel. Zalan followed his gaze and spotted some familiar monsters. Three traveling together not far from the path. They stood on two legs, held spears, hunted in packs, and had hard protective shells all over their body. They moved as a single unit, hunting. Shellbacks, Zalan recalled.

    ¡°If we stay low enough, we can get around them without them noticing,¡± Rep whispered.

    ¡°Why?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°We can take them and we could make the path safer for others.¡±

    Rep considered his point about making it safer. Zalan¡¯s real intentions were less altruistic. He felt the need to kill something at the moment. Morloch wasn¡¯t around, and the monsters were a decent excuse to let out his building frustrations. After a moment, Rep nodded, looking over the three creatures carefully.

    ¡°Very well, we can take them on. But be careful. Remember they move quickly. We should try to come at them from an angle that they would not suspect,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Zalan said flippantly, walking ahead.

    Zalan pulled out his sword and waved it overhead, getting the monsters¡¯ attention.

    ¡°A sneak attack would have been much wiser,¡± Rep grumbled.

    Zalan ignored him, waving the sword even higher until the Shellbacks were drawn by the reflected sun on metal. They began to slowly approach with weapons prepared for battle. Zalan couldn¡¯t feel the drive to fight like he had against the Flamestriker and Thorncharger. He had none of the intensity pumping in his heart, nor the need to prove himself strong. The thoughts of Morloch put a sluggishness in his bones. No matter what he did, Morloch would still be out there, being praised despite what he had done to Zalan and others. But he still moved forward, determined to kill the monsters to get some catharsis.

    The three Shellbacks split off to have more range with their spear attacks, creating a kind of semicircle around Rep and Zalan. Rep shifted his position carefully, eyeing which one would try to flank them first. Zalan kept his eyes on the monster in the center, not even paying attention to the others prepared to strike. They were a few steps away from being in attacking distance with Zalan¡¯s blade. Their spear could reach him before his sword could cover the gap.

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    Without warning, the three monsters broke into a sprint. They charged with their spears out toward Zalan, somehow already having agreed to direct their energies on one target. Zalan didn¡¯t even give a glance to the two monsters on his side, brushing them from his mind. Instead, he dashed forward to challenge the one in the center.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep screamed fearfully.

    Zalan nimbly moved forward and dodged to the side of the Shellback¡¯s spear coming right for his chest. The idea crossed his mind to stomp down on the weapon and pin it, but for some reason that felt wrong to him. He didn¡¯t want to focus on using his feet against them like he had been taught. Instead he tried to cut the base of the spear in half with his sword, only for it to deflect off the shaft.

    The spearhead was pointed away from Zalan now, but the monster wasn¡¯t bothered by its disrupted attack. The Shellback continued to race toward him and crashed into Zalan with formidable weight behind his movement. Zalan fell to his back and slashed at the Shellback¡¯s feet. He finally connected a blow and the turtle-like creature fell backward, slamming into the ground. Zalan scrambled to get up before the monster could. He knew the first to their feet would be the winner of the fight.

    Zalan hopped to his feet in a second, bracing himself for the Shellback to retaliate. Instead, he was surprised to see the Shellback was defenseless on the ground. Lying on its back, it flailed around like a turtle that had been flipped over on its shell. It tried to scratch the ground to get leverage and roll itself around. Zalan charged in with teeth bared before it could recover. With a swift strike, Zalan decapitated the monster fiercely. He watched its head roll on the floor for a moment.

    He thought a kill like this would make him feel better. Instead it felt even more like the void in his chest couldn¡¯t be filled. He considered that maybe he just needed to kill a few more monsters. He turned to address the two remaining Shellbacks.

    Rep was standing above the two other Shellbacks, breathing hard. They were smoldering, freshly burned by his Elemental Fire. Zalan nodded to Rep, dissatisfied to see the monsters had already been defeated. Rep wiped sweat from his brow and watched Zalan with wide eyes.

    ¡°Should we check for Artifacts on the monsters?¡± Zalan asked, pointing to the nearest corpse.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Rep exploded.

    Zalan turned his head to the side. He looked down at the dead monsters then back up to Rep in confusion.

    ¡°What was what?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You were wide open! I saw you didn¡¯t use any footwork when you had clear chances. You almost got stabbed in the back multiple times by these other two monsters! You would have been killed were it not for me risking myself to turn their attention away from you! I could barely procure the fire necessary to stop one, much less two,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Okay, thanks,¡± Zalan shrugged flippantly.

    ¡°Thanks?¡± Rep repeated, flummoxed. ¡°I am asking you to explain yourself, not thank me! Why did you wish to kill these creatures if you only intended to put in the minimal effort in doing so?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Just drop it, we won all right? And we didn¡¯t even get hurt,¡± Zalan grumbled, turning away from Rep¡¯s judgment. He perused the body of his kill and searched for Artifacts.

    ¡°I saw how stiff your legs were. Have you forgotten how to fight? You used to be the better fighter between us, both in Strength and in Elemental control. I know you are better than this! Nold trained us for days and you never put on a show that was this half hearted!¡± Rep continued.

    ¡°Except it wasn¡¯t Nold, was it?¡± Zalan snapped suddenly, twisting toward Rep. ¡°Morloch was manipulating us the moment he met us, how do we know that he actually taught us how to fight?¡±

    ¡°Because of how far we got in the Elemental Rage Tournament without him. We were in the arena alone! We were up against people a higher Level than us and stood our ground in every single fight! We both know that we would not have stood nearly the same chance if he did not train us,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, well, all that training was just so he could get my power strong enough to suit him when he stole it from me,¡± Zalan said bitterly.

    ¡°Be that as it may, you do not have to dismiss the good teachings of a bad man,¡± Rep insisted. ¡°I abhor him the same as you, but I know that I am stronger thanks to him. Or perhaps in spite of him. Your training has become the natural way in which you fight, to try and react differently than your nature is to hold yourself back. Do not hold yourself back against monsters, of all things.¡±

    ¡°But how can I know what to tell between what was a manipulation tactic and what was a regular teaching?¡± Zalan said, running his hand through his hair and kicking the dead Shellback hard.

    ¡°I think everything he taught us in combat was good teachings,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°Everything? No way. How could you know that?¡±

    ¡°Because if there is a single thing we know about Morloch, it is that he has an absurd ego. If his students joined the Elemental Rage Tournament and we were a laughingstock, he would not stand for it. And for all the questions we had about his methods, the results were clear. We could imbue ourselves, where others could not. It does not matter that he intended to kill us after all. There was no purpose to teach us things incorrectly only for him to kill us in the end. We would likely question him even more than we already did. And he hated how often we questioned him,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan crumbled under Rep¡¯s facts. He couldn¡¯t deny any of it. Morloch was impatient with them until they showed results. No one else could imbue themselves as well as Zalan could with his Elemental Lightning except for the finalist, Dimak, in the tournament. Morloch wouldn¡¯t stand for being questioned about things nor would he stand for being mocked for having lesser students. Zalan grounded his teeth in frustration.

    ¡°Yeah, well, I don¡¯t know,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Let¡¯s just keep going.¡±

    ¡°I will not oppose continuing on the path, but I will not put us in contact with any other monsters if I can help it. You are not ready for any more fights,¡± Rep said, his patience with Zalan having withered.

    Zalan scoffed. He looked at Rep with a challenge in his eyes.

    ¡°You can¡¯t stop me from fighting what I want,¡± Zalan said firmly.

    ¡°I can if I refuse to tell you how to get to Nightfall. Listen to me or you will not find your precious Elemental in the Depths of Despair,¡± Rep warned.

    ¡°I can see the path as well as you can,¡± Zalan said, presenting it with both hands.

    ¡°Are you certain that there are no forks in the road? Or perhaps we need to travel off the path for a short period? What if the path leads to a city, but it is the wrong one and you decide to begin your search in the wrong place?¡± Rep challenged.

    Zalan said nothing, his eyes on the floor.

    ¡°I am your friend. I am trying to help you. We will avoid monsters,¡± Rep said firmly.

    Zalan scoffed again, but nodded curtly. He was feeling even worse than before. The act of killing wasn¡¯t as comforting as he thought it would be. In fact, it made him think of death even more than he had before the fighting. And now he had put a rift between himself and his closest friend. It was like he couldn¡¯t help but continuously sabotage his own life. He had the same question nagging at him that he couldn¡¯t keep ignoring.

    Should he be alive right now? Was it worth it? Would death end the constant exhaustion, emotional stuntedness, and fatigue? He was trying not to consider it, but it was hard to ignore when he felt like everything he did recently was ending so poorly. He couldn¡¯t even kill a monster without  messing up enough to upset his closest friend. It felt like there was a constant fuzziness in his brain, questioning his every move and wondering just how miserable he would make himself.

    Without a word, Rep continued to lead the way further down the path to the city of Nightfall. Zalan followed, his feet dragging along. He had little hope that things would get better.

 157 - Book 4 - Chapter 15 - Chat Among Friends

    Rep and Zalan sat across from one another at a fire Rep started with his Elemental Power. They were eating their evening meal as they remained in its warmth. Zalan listened to it crack with a mild jealousy. There was a time in which he could be useful with his own Elemental Lightning. At his Wisdom, he could probably set wood on fire, too. He used to be able to bring people back from the brink of death with an electric shock. Rep could still do amazing things like light up dark places and start fires from nothing. Zalan folded his hands into tight fists.

    They had been traveling for days now, without much conversation between them. The path had gone from arid dryness, to a thin forest, to open, muddy plains. Zalan felt somewhat exposed where he sat, but had also not seen any monsters around despite their open visibility to the horizon. On the other hand, Zalan knew they walked a long time after sundown as well, at his insistence. There could have been monsters creeping to ambush them overnight.

    Zalan could tell that Rep had long let go of the anger or frustrations he held toward Zalan earlier in their journey. He could feel the pity Rep had for him, even if Zalan refused to accept it.

    Rep noticed how distant Zalan felt, both to him and the world. Half the time, Zalan dragged his feet and was often zoned out in thought. If Rep wasn¡¯t there ensuring he was putting one foot in front of the other, Rep considered that Zalan would lay down and remain still. He didn¡¯t know how best to react.

    ¡°We should be arriving in Nightfall by tomorrow. It will not be difficult to miss. It is always dark in the city, as though a curse was placed on it leaving it in perpetual fear of the sun,¡± Rep said. ¡°I will keep the first watch if you are fine with that.¡±

    Rep watched how stoic and glum Zalan seemed as he slowly chewed on his food. His silence was an assent to Rep¡¯s plan. Silence was his most common reply to Rep these days. A slight nod or a shrug might join, but usually silence was alone. Rep couldn¡¯t get a read on him like he normally felt he could. Something was brewing in his heart that Rep didn¡¯t like seeing. He forced a smile and tried to seem casual.

    ¡°Remember the Elemental Rage Tournament?¡± Rep asked, his smile turning genuine. ¡°How far we made it despite it being our first tries. You never even competed in unarmed combat before.¡±

    Zalan stared quietly into the fire. His face danced in ever changing shadows, his eyes still.

    ¡°Do you remember how you made it to the finals? It was a splendid battle.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I remember,¡± Zalan said as he bit bitterly into a piece of bread. ¡°I only made it that far because I was trained by the same guy who only wanted my power. Hard to forget.¡±

    Rep bit the inside of his lip slightly. Ever since seeing him in person, Zalan only seemed to have Morloch on his mind. Rep knew how obsessive Zalan could be, and Morloch was the unhealthiest obsession yet. Rep thought harder, digging for more memories that Zalan would not associate with their former mentor. It was difficult to bring up exclusively enjoyable moments that Zalan wouldn¡¯t manage to bring down. Despite that, Rep tried again.

    ¡°Remember Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick? What a splendid fellow that man was to travel with. I can hardly think of him without a smile creeping onto my face. That man could perform every part of a stage play and I am sure I would be enamored by every word,¡± Rep reminisced.

    ¡°That¡¯s because you didn¡¯t see him on the Island of Remains. You should have seen the way he looked when he lost his ship and crew. His eyes¡­ it was like they lacked a soul. And, we abandoned him on the island,¡± Zalan said monotonously.

    Rep¡¯s smile turned flat. He rubbed his hands together and stared down in thought. Taking a long look at the fire, another thought came to mind.

    ¡°Remember how you killed an Elemental Dragon when you were only Level 3? Quite the feat of strength to be proud of. None of us thought we would succeed once we were locked inside with the creature,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°It was only possible through Fran¡¯s death. Not exactly my favorite memory when one of our friends died,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep exhaled loudly and rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, am I being too sad for you?¡± Zalan asked sarcastically.

    ¡°You are being difficult,¡± Rep acknowledged.

    ¡°What, was I supposed to laugh and have good times because you said a few things?¡± Zalan said resentfully.

    ¡°No, but I thought you would at least try to gain some levity,¡± Rep said. ¡°Are you deliberately denying yourself remembering anything good that has happened to you in the realm?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one bringing up bad memories!¡±

    ¡°I am not!¡± Rep rejected. ¡°You are twisting everything I say to make it negative. Rather than come up and out of your sour mood, you wish to bring me down to match it! Your misery wishes to have companions wallow in hardship with you. Gratitude, no matter how small, will benefit your well-being.¡±

    Blinking, Zalan recalled a conversation he had with Gorb long ago about gratitude. Zalan hated fighting with Rep, but he hated feeling on the defensive even more.

    ¡°You¡¯re making stuff up because things aren¡¯t going your way,¡± Zalan said, annoyed.

    ¡°Fine, then prove me wrong. Name something good that has happened to you since you came into this realm,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan scoffed and turned away from him. He tried to think about it. To his surprise nothing came to mind. He frowned to himself and thought harder. All of the scenes of the past were shrouded in some sort of negative twist. Killing his first roach was a negative memory because that was when he began to realize how dangerous this world was. Getting his Elemental Lightning reminded him of losing his Elemental Lightning. Meeting new friends reminded him of those who passed away trying to help him on his various journeys. He tried to make it simpler and remember the last time he smiled. It was when Rep proposed to Junill. But even that memory was shrouded by the idea that Rep wanted to do it before he died in the Depths of Despair. No memory was solely one of joy.

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    Zalan blinked to himself, stunned at his own mind.

    ¡°Any memory?¡± Rep followed up. He sounded somewhat desperate, like he wanted Zalan to prove him wrong. ¡°The memory does not have to be tied to the realm.¡±

    Zalan thought harder. It felt like there was a block in his mind. He knew, logically, there was a time in which he was happy. But he couldn¡¯t readily draw any specific times, only knowing that it existed somewhere in his past. He frowned in frustration. He felt like this might be a time to cry, but of course no tears ever came. The pieces of him that were broken were increasing.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing,¡± Zalan said, his voice quiet.

    Rep looked upon him with unease, his eyes watching closely.

    ¡°My life has improved since meeting you,¡± Rep said sincerely.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    ¡°Having a brother in my life has made me better.¡±

    ¡°Like my misery brings you comfort that you could never feel this bad?¡±

    ¡°You are well aware that is not what I mean. You are something of a constant benefit in my life.¡±

    ¡°I seriously doubt that. You¡¯re pretty well put together,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°If that is how you see me, then it is a well-built facade. Before we met, I could not fight anything larger than a Roach without panicking. Do you recall when we first met and we barely survived a Flamestriker? It was a pathetic attempt on my part after trying to bring you aid. Now, I can dive into tumultuous waters and place myself in front of a charging Poniwhale. I feel so much more ready to take on any challenge. That is in no small part thanks to you. You are a good friend.¡±

    ¡°You would say that to anyone,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°No, definitely not. I have never traveled with anyone as long as I have with you. And I have never met someone from another world. I think neither of us expected it to take this long to get you back home. I would not say this to anyone because no one is like you,¡± Rep persisted.

    ¡°You mean no one is as much of a damaged person you can work to fix,¡± Zalan said gruffly.

    Rep sighed again, hanging his head.

    ¡°Is this how you will act when you visit your mother?¡± Rep asked without raising his head.

    Zalan grit his teeth. Rep went straight for his heart. He must have been more frustrated than he was letting on.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. It¡¯s not even looking like I¡¯ll be able to go back home again anyway,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But what if you do? Do you not wish to return to a better mental state? How would she respond to your hostile attitude?¡± Rep said.

    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t react at all,¡± Zalan said dismissively.

    ¡°You think because she loves you it would not affect her?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°It won¡¯t. She won¡¯t care,¡± Zalan said, an anger rising in his voice.

    ¡°After all the stories you have told me involving her, you think she would not care to know how you are feeling?¡± Rep urged.

    ¡°Shut up, Rep! You have no idea what you¡¯re talking about!¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°That is because every time I try to bring up your mother, you drive the conversation away!¡± Rep said. ¡°At least answer me why? Did something happen between the two of you?¡±

    ¡°Nothing happened between us, I just never visited her okay?¡± Zalan said firmly.

    ¡°Never visited her where? Was there a reason you did not visit?¡± Rep said.

    ¡°No! Drop it, Rep,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Dropping it has clearly not been productive to your well being,¡± Rep insisted.

    Zalan ran both of his hands through his hair, breathing loudly in frustration. He needed to snipe at Rep the same way he felt he was being interrogated. He looked up sharply.

    ¡°Then tell me about this inspiration thing! You talk around things that you know about me. You told me when we first met that you were ¡®inspired¡¯ to help me but never elaborated! How did you know about me being outside the town of Oriton when no one else did? How did you even know I wasn¡¯t from this realm? What¡¯s the real truth?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You really wish to humiliate me? Fine! I will tell you everything there is to know! Every last sin I tried to hide. No more secrets. Tell me about your mother first.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to say,¡± Zalan insisted angrily.

    ¡°I do not believe you,¡± Rep said firmly.

    Rep and Zalan jumped to their feet, staring daggers into one another. The sheer intensity in their stances made Zalan feel like he was getting ready for a fight. He couldn¡¯t stop shaking.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get into it,¡± Zalan said, his hands forming a fist.

    ¡°You wish to hear my matters of confidence without indulging yours?¡± Rep asked, folding his arms.

    ¡°Shut up, Rep. Just keep your stupid secrets. I don¡¯t want to talk about any of it,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Oh, yes! Let us go back to the way things have been!¡± Rep said sarcastically. He waved an arm up and down Zalan¡¯s body. ¡°Look how much good it has done you to remain alone in your thoughts. You allow them to eat away at your mind and crush you from within!¡±

    Rep¡¯s face turned from malice to concern.

    ¡°Let me know what pains you so that I may be able to help! Why suffer alone when talking may help?¡± Rep said affably.

    ¡°You think you can talk everyone into being happy and best friends, but life doesn¡¯t work that way, Rep! You¡¯re naive! No one can help me! No one! You get it? I have to live with the way I treated my mom and I don¡¯t want to, and you¡¯re the last person that¡¯s going to make anything better! Ever since I met you, my life¡¯s only gotten worse!¡± Zalan shouted.

    Rep¡¯s face turned to an odd expression. Zalan thought he would look angry or hurt, but instead he looked somewhat fearful. Zalan stared angrily back, not willing to back down despite Rep¡¯s change in expression. Suddenly, Rep dove forward and tackled Zalan to the ground. Zalan shouted and grappled. Rep placed a hand over Zalan¡¯s mouth. Zalan fought back with a twist of his legs, getting on top and throwing a punch. He struck Rep¡¯s face.

    ¡°Zalan! Quiet! Stop moving! It is here!¡± Rep said in a ramble of pure fear. He was holding his hands up to block any more attacks.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Zalan asked with a fist raised.

    He realized that the fear he was seeing on Rep¡¯s face wasn¡¯t directed at him. He was staring upward at something off in the distance of the dark evening. Zalan squinted out in the same direction and blinked as he tried to get a better view. The campfire cracked, and both of them flinched.

    ¡°What is it, Rep? What are you¡­¡±

    Rep placed a hand over Zalan¡¯s mouth. He pulled himself off the ground. Zalan frowned at the red mark forming on Rep¡¯s face, but his friend ignored him entirely. He pointed out with a shaky arm for Zalan to see. Zalan squinted once more, following the finger into this darkness then his heart dropped.

    A giant bald, gray head with dimly lit white eyes was floating toward them. It had no mouth and exuded nothing but darkness and evil. It was the monster that both Rep and Zalan feared most in the realm.

    The Mind of Madness was drifting in their direction, guided by the fire that Rep lit to keep them warm.

 158 - Book 4 - Chapter 16 - Pleasant Arrival

    The space before them was darkness except for the silhouette of the Mind of Madness drifting their way. Zalan could hear his heartbeat in his ears. He grabbed Rep by the shoulders.

    ¡°Did it see us? Do you think it saw us? Maybe it¡¯s just drifting around randomly, right?¡± Zalan asked in a panic.

    ¡°There is not much else to see out here. The fire has likely drawn it right to us,¡± Rep said gravely. ¡°We have to leave our campsite and hide ourselves.¡±

    ¡°Hide where?¡± Zalan asked urgently. ¡°It¡¯s just a bunch of plains!¡±

    ¡°I do not know, but we can not remain here,¡± Rep said quickly, dragging Zalan away from the fire and their camp.

    The Mind of Madness floated silently, its blank face making it difficult to tell if it was drifting aimlessly or hunting them deliberately. It was huge, easily the size of a semi truck. Its eyes felt like a white abyss whenever Zalan looked over his shoulder to see how much distance they had. The white abyss that could emit pure darkness.

    The Mind of Madness was catching up quickly.

    Zalan tripped and fell to the ground. Without hesitation, Rep pulled him back to his feet. Zalan realized that Rep wasn¡¯t lighting the way for them with his Elemental Fire. He was trying to leave the camp as the only source of light to attract the oncoming monster. The further they rushed away, the more they tripped and fell. Each time one stumbled, the other assisted them. They tried to remain quiet, but couldn¡¯t help but heave in exhaustion at the speed they ran.

    In his rush and panic, Zalan fell to the ground hard, and he could feel the fresh cuts running lightly down his knees. Urgently, he returned to his run and didn¡¯t let up his pace, turning around to glance once more at the giant floating creature. It was motionless, staring over the campfire. Rep and Zalan both stopped to see what it would do. They both hoped silently that it would turn away, disinterested in the empty spot. Suddenly, Rep and Zalan both recoiled in fear.

    The Mind of Madness let out black beams from its eyes, directed at the campsite. It snuffed out the flame and left the night in total darkness.

    Zalan breathed lightly, trying to make out the monster¡¯s shape in total darkness and see what happened next. Rep had his hands over his mouth, trying to block the sound of his breathing. They waited tensely for any sign of movement. They could see absolutely nothing. Zalan felt that they could be overwhelmed at any given second.

    To their dismay, two white eyes appeared, pivoting in their direction. The Mind of Madness had turned their way. Its two soulless eyes floated ominously, the only sources of light in the night air. Without a sound, it began creeping toward them.

    ¡°God help us,¡± Rep gasped fearfully.

    Blindly, he flailed his arm out and slapped Zalan¡¯s chest, grabbing his tunic and pulling him into a run. Zalan matched his speed, tripping and stumbling as they tried to make their escape. Zalan didn¡¯t want to turn his head to check for the monster anymore. He felt its ever-growing presence floating behind. The air felt like it was heavy with malevolence. It turned his blood to ice.

    Their run grew more and more frantic the longer it went on. It was agonizing. The feeling of dread grew, and neither wanted to confirm it was still following. But they could feel it. They could sense the stars above them being blotted out by the floating head looming over them. Its uncanny shape was unmistakable. Zalan didn¡¯t have to turn around.

    The Mind of Madness was directly above them.

    Rep turned his head up and gasped in terror.

    ¡°I never should have brought you here, Zalan,¡± Rep said remorsefully.

    Zalan had heard Rep say that same sentence before, but he picked up something different about it this time. Perhaps it was something with his tone, but Zalan knew that Rep meant something more than just being brought on the path to the city of Nightall. Zalan had always been the one to insist on going somewhere, yet Rep would always be the one to express regret.

    And in that same moment, Zalan considered he would never learn the truth. The Mind of Madness could suck the life out of him in a moment.

    With all his might, Rep shoved Zalan away from him and dove the other way. Zalan fell far away, tumbling blindly to the ground. At the same time, the Mind of Madness let out its beam of darkness at where they were running a moment ago. Both Rep and Zalan took the slightest glancing blow from the blast of darkness. But it was more than enough.

    Zalan fell into a deep void of his mind, tumbling in an immediate chasm of loneliness. The realm he was running in no longer existed. It was only him and endless vertigo. He felt nothing but the sensations that he was in pain and he was alone. The Mind of Madness had caught him and he was going through the full effect of its power. His heart dropped, experiencing the pain of loss, over and over.

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    His mindscape was like an ocean, sending giant waves of darkness at him to suffocate any inkling of rational ideas. The pain was immense. And usually with utter pain, there is still a hint of a location in the human mind that things could get better over time. But under the influence of the Mind of Madness, Zalan felt like any good was impossible. There was nothing but endless loss. His worst fear was realized on loop in repetition. There was no coming up for air when he was trapped in his mind, just endless drifting, sinking down into despair.

    He wasn¡¯t even sure he was still conscious. He had no more will to live. Some dredge of his mind knew that he was curled up in a ball and twitching. But the physical side of him no longer mattered. The Mind of Madness sucked away any hint of purpose in his life. He would lie on the floor and wait for the end. The only escape from the pain he was given was death. It couldn¡¯t come soon enough for him.

    Zalan felt time passing by him, but nothing changed in his physical movement. The sun had risen and he lay with no plans to ever recover. The realm felt like it was rumbling and he was being dragged away from his spot on the floor. He ignored all sensations. He had no care for anything going on outside.

    Zalan¡¯s heart began quickening oddly. It continued to increase in speed until he suddenly felt somewhat serene. There was an optimism growing in his heart. He wanted to open his eyes, but couldn¡¯t find the means to do so. He hadn¡¯t realized they were closed. A distant figure was showing up in his mind. For a brief second, the figure formed itself into the shape of his mother reaching out to him with a smile. She nodded at him with an encouraging face. He wanted to reach out and touch her hand, but instead Zalan¡¯s eyes suddenly flung open.

    He looked around and saw two people standing above him. Neither were looking at him. It was Rep and a pale woman who he didn¡¯t recognize. He was lying in a bed in a small home. Zalan sat in one room and the other room had a drape over the entrance. Zalan tried to sit up, but realized his entire body was sore from being curled up tightly into a tense ball of anxiety. He winced in pain. Rep turned when he saw movement from Zalan.

    ¡°You live! Thank God! Can you speak, Zalan?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan opened his mouth, but had to give it a few tries before he was able to speak again. His tongue had forgotten the right movements for a moment.

    ¡°Yeah. Where are we?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You are in Nightfall,¡± the woman replied.

    Zalan looked at her, not expecting her answer. He turned his head back to Rep for an explanation.

    ¡°This is Penelope. She saved our lives,¡± Rep introduced her.

    Penelope nodded to present herself, offering a slight smile. She was an adult woman, about twice the age of Rep and Zalan. She carried herself with respect and looked upon her guests like she was ready to serve at a moment¡¯s notice.

    ¡°Oh. Thanks,¡± Zalan said, still not certain exactly how he felt.

    He looked at his hand and realized he was gripping tightly to something glowing. By the way it shined, it seemed like an Artifact. It was a cyan blue and shaped like a teardrop. He looked it over, his confusion compounding. He raised it to Penelope and Rep, his movement being a question in itself.

    ¡°That is called the Essence of Soul. It is an Artifact that brings good memories to the one holding it. All of us in Nightfall need to carry one at all times in case we are struck by the Mind of Madness. It can bring you back from some of its depressing attacks, depending on the intensity. You should count yourselves blessed that the Mind of Madness found you at night. It must have hit you and lost interest when you stopped moving in the darkness. If it could see you easier in daylight, it would have struck you with so much power that there would be no way you could survive,¡± Penelope explained.

    ¡°I would feel more blessed if it didn¡¯t find us at all,¡± Zalan mumbled.

    Penelope held her hand out and Zalan returned the Artifact to its owner. When he let go of it, he suddenly felt a little colder and distant. Like he didn¡¯t want to talk with anyone anymore. The Artifact had been improving his mood. It was no wonder it could help someone attacked by the psychological monster.

    ¡°Well then, what did you see?¡± Penelope asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You had a very difficult time coming out of the trance. You are not in a great state of mind. I was certain that you would die and I was wasting my Artifact on you, but your friend assured me you could return,¡± Penelope said. ¡°The Mind of Madness has a way of looping some of your worst thoughts imaginable. In Nightfall, we often discuss our fears to more easily overcome them.¡±

    ¡°N¡­ No, I don¡¯t want to,¡± Zalan said, feeling vulnerable and exposed.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Penelope shrugged, dropping the issue immediately.

    Zalan sat up carefully, stretching his aching muscles as he looked at Rep. Rep seemed immensely relieved at seeing Zalan being awake. But Zalan wasn¡¯t ready to share pleasantries or joy with his friend as his memories returned to him. He had a burning question.

    ¡°I heard something from you before we were hit,¡± Zalan said to Rep. ¡°You told me ¡®I never should have brought you here.¡¯ I remember you saying that same thing when we were at the Storm Elemental in the Lost City of Xagon. And some other time, I think when we were at sea.¡±

    Rep cast his eyes downward in shame. Penelope looked between the two of them, then cleared her throat politely.

    ¡°I will be in the other room if you need me,¡± she excused herself.

    Rep looked up to Zalan as soon as Penelope exited. He sighed, biting lightly at the inside of his lip.

    ¡°Is there something going on I should know?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I never wanted to tell you. I was hoping we would send you home before the subject ever came to a point that it could no longer be avoided.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m hoping that¡¯s changed now,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Indeed. The Mind of Madness struck me, as well. It showed me too much that I did not want to see. Penelope said it may be wise to share this fear. And you have decided to ask me about the same subject on your own terms. It makes me feel it would be foolish to hold it as a secret any longer,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What secret?¡± Zalan leaned forward in the bed. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I think it is time to tell you¡­ I was the one who brought you into this realm,¡± Rep said remorsefully.

 159 - Book 4 - Chapter 17 - The Time Before

    Zalan stared at Rep, his head shaking slightly in disbelief. Rep¡¯s face was shrouded in guilt, his usually affable nature completely torn away. Zalan scrunched his face, unamused.

    ¡°You said you¡¯re the reason I¡¯m here? That doesn¡¯t make any sense, how would that even be possible? Nothing in this realm has access to other worlds, and your Elemental Power can¡¯t do anything that big,¡± Zalan said, already in denial.

    ¡°That is true. My Elemental Power would not be able to bring anyone from another world. However¡­¡± Rep shuddered. ¡°I found an Artifact,¡± he shared, nervous to explain the rest.

    Zalan waited quietly, watching Rep with his full focus. Rep sighed and continued reluctantly,

    ¡°Right after I gained my Elemental Power on the volcano, I defeated a horde of Fogfangs, and they dropped an Artifact I had never seen before. I thought I knew all manner of Artifacts, as I had studied them in my spare time before reaching the age of maturity and gaining the ability to increase my Levels. There were very few that I had not read about or learned from those in my guild.

    ¡°But this one eluded me. I went to Sir Kilile and asked him what it did, and he said he had never seen anything like it. He warned me not to disregard the dangers of Artifacts I was unfamiliar with, but I did not heed his warning. Curiosity did battle in my better judgment and won. I went to Madam Hikma to ask her to tell me its secrets, but she also had no idea of its power. All she could tell me was that it was an Artifact with the power to change the course of many lives. I thought it sounded inspiring, I never thought that it could change the course for the worse. I went back to Journey House¡­ And I activated the Artifact,¡± Rep exhaled solemnly.

    He was full of regret. Every word he shared pained him. His lower lip was trembling.

    ¡°You used an Artifact you had never seen before? I thought you always told me not to mess with any I was unfamiliar with.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. The reason I tell you as such is so that you will not repeat my worst mistake. I had a mysterious Artifact, and I activated it. I never should have touched it without having a full understanding of its capabilities.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­ then what happened? What did the Artifact end up doing?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°At first, nothing. But then something happened, as though something on your end of the world had triggered a connection. It showed me something, pulling me through a miraculous window to a new reality. It was an odd expanse of blank space with a single person in a white void. You, Zalan. You were lying there, staring up at nothing, looking aimless and afraid. Your eyes were rotating listlessly and you looked far too uncomfortable for someone laying down,¡± Rep expressed.

    Zalan recoiled slightly, dreading the image. The rotating eyes reminded him of the sickening spin of his fan back home.

    ¡°You saw me lying down in my apartment?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep nodded begrudgingly and continued.

    ¡°And the Artifact¡­ inspired me with the idea that I could reach out to you. That you were in a state of darkness that I might be able to assist you with. The thought made its way to my mind and I believed it to be true. All I had to do was reach out and I could pull you from where you were. Bring you out of the void of misery and into a realm of life. I was given so much knowledge about you. Your name, the pain you were in, the distance you had put between yourself and your family. It seemed like you needed help. I thought you looked so alone, and that you should not be alone at a time like that. You were in such a terrible state,¡± Rep said, trailing.

    ¡°You¡­ you literally pulled me through?¡± Zalan asked, appalled. ¡°If you had just left me alone, I would have been fine and back in my own world?¡±

    Rep face was downcast. He chewed lightly on his lip, then nodded. Zalan exhaled loudly, shock coursing through him.

    ¡°I was so arrogant,¡± Rep said. ¡°I believed I could assist someone I had never met before. Instead, I put you through some of the worst experiences of your life,¡± Rep had hot tears brimming his eyes. Zalan couldn¡¯t care less for his tears. His confusion was busy morphing into rage.

    ¡°And¡­ What about the Artifact?¡± Zalan demanded. ¡°If it could bring me here, couldn¡¯t it take me back?¡±

    ¡°It degraded on its first use. I pulled you through, but the portal that opened did not let me bring you next to me. As soon as I grasped a hold of you, it flung you away from me. In the void presented by the Artifact, I saw that you had landed outside the walls of Oriton in the midst of a Flamestriker. Immediately, I thought to send you back before the monster hurt you, but the Artifact had already crumbled to dust by the time it spat me out of the void. I went running to save you immediately,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°That¡­ that¡¯s why you showed up so soon! People on the walls of Oriton didn¡¯t even notice I was running for my life, but you were there right away!¡± Zalan realized.

    Rep nodded sorrowfully.

    ¡°The Mind of Madness showed me a vision of you dying in this realm, alone and afraid. I can not let that come to pass,¡± Rep said firmly. ¡°I have made it my sole duty to make sure you find a way home.¡±

    Zalan was reeling with shock. He had always assumed that he came to the realm because of something on his side. Some otherworldly tendril meeting him by way of a pill he didn¡¯t read the contents of or something similar. And that still seemed to be part of it; a catalyst that connected the pill to the Artifact.

    However, instead of random chance, this felt almost deliberate. Rep forced him here without permission. Took him from the comfort of his home to the warzone in this new realm, with no way back. Rep assumed he needed help and forced him to accept it. Zalan shook his head slightly.

    ¡°You did this to me?¡± Zalan asked, unable to think of anything else to say.

    ¡°I am truly sorry, Zalan. I never meant for any harm to come your way,¡± Rep insisted.

    ¡°This is why you never wanted to talk about your source of ¡®inspiration!¡¯ This was all just your big mistake! I can¡¯t believe this! I thought you were¡­¡± Zalan trailed as a new idea came to mind. He hesitated before asking. ¡°This is the reason you introduced yourself as my guide, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Rep didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°Everyone else I met in the realm comes and goes, no one has stuck around more than you. The only reason you were trying to get me home is so you could stop being wracked with guilt. This is all just to clear your conscience, not some goodness in your heart! I thought you cared about me. I thought you were my friend, but you¡¯re just carrying around the problem you¡¯re trying to solve!¡± Zalan said, appalled.

    ¡°Can it not be both?¡± Rep cut in.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be convenient if you were both a good person and the reason my life is completely ruined!¡±

    He wanted to run. He wanted to hit Rep. He wanted to strike him with lightning, if only he could find it in his veins once more. Everything felt wrong about his situation. More than anything, he felt betrayed. Like the last person he could trust had never actually been on his side. It was all just a means of paying back a debt he felt he owed.

    Instead of expressing any rage, instead Zalan lowered his head, dejected. He was totally spent. He had so much faith riding in Rep being the way to bring him back from the brink and now he felt nothing but animosity toward him. He knew, somewhere in his mind, that Rep wasn¡¯t to blame for the bad that occurred in the realm, but he couldn¡¯t help himself. If it wasn¡¯t for Rep, he would still be back home.

    ¡°Zalan, please, listen. I am here as your friend. You need not be concerned about my loyalty. I have always been genuine with you,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Get out of here, Rep,¡± Zalan said without looking at him.

    ¡°What?¡± Rep asked, stunned.

    ¡°I said leave,¡± Zalan clarified. ¡°We¡¯re not a team anymore. We can hardly be called acquaintances.¡±

    Rep¡¯s head bounced back an inch, shocked by his words. His confusion turned to annoyance.

    ¡°That is not fair. I shared my fears so that you may assist me with them, yet you only stand to use them against me. I told you the honest truth, hoping to help you better understand your situation.¡±

    ¡°I understand that you¡¯re the reason I¡¯m in this situation to begin with. I¡¯m going to get that Elemental Power. And I don¡¯t need you there with me.¡±

    ¡°Zalan, be reasonable,¡± Rep said sternly.

    ¡°Reasonable would be to leave someone alone when they¡¯re minding their own business! What gave you the right to bring me here?¡± Zalan snapped.

    Penelope suddenly stepped into the room looking between the pair. They looked at her, a mix of shame and embarrassment on their faces. Neither would look at the other.

    ¡°A heated discussion I can tolerate, but this yelling is too much,¡± she said. ¡°This is still my home, you know.¡±

    ¡°Apologies, Penelope. We did not mean to cause you any trouble,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°This is how the Mind of Madness works, you know,¡± Penelope said. ¡°It breaks the bonds between people by showing them terrible visions. I am concerned for you, in particular.¡±

    She nodded to Zalan. Zalan tried to look nonchalant, but felt a chill in his heart. His natural instinct told him to look at Rep for support, but he deliberately made sure to keep from making eye contact. He addressed Penelope alone.

    ¡°Why are you concerned? What¡¯s wrong with me?¡±

    ¡°It took you a particularly long time to break through from the Mind of Madness¡¯s darkness, even with the benefit of an Artifact. The longer it takes, the worse the state of one¡¯s mind is in. I have never seen someone take as long as you did to recover. You may want to call off this expedition of yours before you get irreparably hurt,¡± Penelope said.

    ¡°Yes, we can go back to Journey House together and reconsider our options,¡± Rep agreed.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan shouted immediately. He looked shy for having the outburst in front of Penelope. She placed her arms on her hips, an eyebrow raised. Zalan decided to continue despite his embarrassment. ¡°I need to feel like¡­ something is under my control. I need to challenge an Elemental and get its power. Otherwise I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m just so tired.¡±

    Rep and Penelope looked to one another with concern. They could read what Zalan didn¡¯t say explicitly. Penelope studied Zalan for a moment, her arms sliding down her side to a more gentle posture. She brought her voice low and spoke to him delicately.

    ¡°Whatever your choice is, I am simply glad to hear you are awake and looking healthy after dealing with the Mind of Madness. It could have been much worse,¡± she said.

    ¡°You mean like it could have killed us?¡± Zalan asked facetiously.

    Penelope looked at him curiously. She scrutinized his expression, a thoughtful glint in her eyes. She measured her answer to Zalan, seeming as though she cared deeply about how she expressed her next ideas. She breathed deep, a maternal gaze in her eyes.

    ¡°Dying is certainly bad, but I do not think that is the worst result. After all, death is the one constant in life. We are all on our way to dying, none of us are lost to that fact. I come to grips with my mortality often. I am only Level Three, despite my age. I never took the time to gain Levels when I could instead tend to my shop, my children, or my community. All it takes is one creature to cross paths with me at the wrong time and I will be dead. If not a monster, perhaps a rogue Elemental decides to visit town and stop by my home. Or, if I wait long enough, time itself will come to strike me down. All of these instances are fine by me. They are all paths to the destination I expect, though I hope the journey would be more pleasant. The worst case is much more miserable.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°It is to live a life in which one feels like they would be better off if they were dead.¡±

    Zalan sat up slightly straighter and listened close. He had often felt he would be better off dead in recent days. But he didn¡¯t want to feel that way. Ever since he had seen Morloch, he couldn¡¯t help it. With some effort, he was previously able to quell the emotion. But the Mind of Madness brought it to the front lines of his thoughts. Often, Zalan had to battle with always feeling at his lowest. He desperately listened to what Penelope had to offer on the subject, inching further forward on the bed.

    He knew he was having a hard time hiding his ability to relate to the subject so he lowered his eyes to hide his face. Penelope read him easily and continued her spiel.

    ¡°It is a good thing that there is always time to change so long as one lives,¡± she said.

    Zalan¡¯s face shot upward, burning curiosity. Ever since coming to the realm¡ªno, even since he remembered lying in his apartment¡ªhe had been in a constant flux of crazy emotions. He desperately wanted that to change. He wanted to feel comfortable in his own mind. Everything constantly felt like it was in a state of disarray and self sabotage. Having time to change so long as one lives was a powerful beacon to Zalan.

    ¡°What do you mean, change?¡± he asked, surprised at the enthusiasm in his own voice.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Penelope thought about it for a second.

    Rep and Zalan waited in silence, not wanting to disrupt her thought process. The two hung on every word she spoke.

    ¡°Let me try putting it in this way. Think of a man who does nothing to sustain himself except to steal from others. He pilfers what he can find from all manner of people. The rich and poor alike are known to have their things taken by him. What would you say about this man? What would you call him?¡± Penelope looked between Rep and Zalan.

    They stared back in quiet embarrassment. Penelope moved her arms as though trying to pull the answer from them through a string.

    ¡°This is not a trick question, what would you call him?¡± Penelope asked again.

    ¡°A thief?¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Precisely. Most of us would call this hypothetical man a thief.¡± She nodded to Rep. ¡°Now then, let us say this man has a change of heart. He goes about the second half of his life repenting for what he has done. He vows to fix his mistakes and even attempts to pay back some of the funds he took. On top of that, he uses his prior knowledge of thievery to protect others from would-be robbers. He would even put his life on the line to protect others from acts he used to do, himself. What would you call this man, now?¡±

    ¡°A good person?¡± Zalan asked hopefully.

    ¡°Ha! I do not know about that, but it would sound odd to call that same man a ¡®thief.¡¯ The title would feel a bit inapplicable. Would you agree?¡± Penelope asked.

    Rep and Zalan both nodded, their eyes focused solely on her.

    ¡°So, the man has changed. And in the same way that man could change his title, we can all change ourselves with enough work and dedication,¡± Penelope said.

    Zalan took the words to heart. He was suddenly feeling motivated to fix himself. He wanted to jump out of bed and race out to take on the world. He was alive. He had time to change himself. He and Rep reflected for a few seconds, soaking in the information.

    ¡°Is it that simple?¡± Rep asked, optimistic.

    ¡°Do not be deceived. Change does not come easily to anyone. It takes sincere action. Let me continue that same example. The first half of the man¡¯s life remains the same. He is branded a thief. But in the second half of his life, he feels remorse for what he¡¯s done and vows to never steal again. The difference this time is that he does nothing more. He never steals again, but makes no amends. One day he was stealing from people, the next he was not. What is he now?¡± Penelope asked.

    Rep and Zalan shot one another a glance, instinctively. They were both stunned to see the other making eye contact without a scowl on their face. It made each of them sigh in relief. Zalan could see that the conversation had an effect on Rep as much as it did himself. Rep wanted to change himself too. Perhaps become more powerful, and Zalan knew it was always in an effort to help him get back home. And so long as he was alive, he could do that. He didn¡¯t want to hold a grudge on something Rep was actively trying to fix. It should have inspired him.

    Both Rep and Zalan looked back at Penelope, neither of them having an answer to her earlier question. She waited for one to answer, pulling the invisible thread from Zalan¡¯s chest.

    ¡°What am I supposed to call him? I don¡¯t know, what kind of other title is there? I think people would still consider him a thief. I would,¡± Zalan assessed.

    ¡°I would agree,¡± Penelope said. ¡°He may have stopped his actions, but he will always be known as a notorious thief of the past. He would have ruined people¡¯s livelihoods and then went on to live his life. Whereas the other version of this man would be seen as a changed man. He was once a thief, but now he does everything he can to protect us from thieves. So, do not think it is as simple as thinking you would like to change. Speech is effective, but it is weak. You must take action. You must always try.¡±

    Zalan remembered something similar said by Fran when she was still alive. She would be fine dying in battle, so long as she died trying. Zalan finally understood what she meant by it. She never feared death, only feared becoming a quitter. And he could try. He could go out and fix himself, as well as right the mistakes he made with ever falling for Morloch¡¯s ploys. And he might not even succeed, but he would know that he tried. He could be proud of himself so long as he tried.

    ¡°What happens if the man dies while he is still working on clearing his past mistakes?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°A noble death is enviable,¡± Penelope declared. ¡°I often pray for a death devoid of disgrace. Imagine knowing you are about to take your last breath, but do not have even a single regret joining you in the grave.¡±

    Rep and Zalan exchanged a sudden glance. Without a word, Zalan knew they were thinking the same thing. Both Fran and Xavier smiled the moment before they perished. Trying to the end. Zalan swung his legs over the bed and stood, stretching his tense muscles. He shared a look with Rep, a silent apology to which Rep nodded graciously.

    ¡°Thank you, Penelope,¡± he said.

    ¡°Your words are most inspiring,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°One learns to bring up others when raising several children,¡± she chuckled to herself.

    ¡°Where are your children, if I may ask?¡± Rep said.

    ¡°They all grew up to be wiser than me. They left the city of Nightfall, determined never to see the Mind of Madness ever again. I could never bring myself to follow them. I grew up in Nightfall, myself. The Mind of Madness feels like a regular visitor. One that is uninvited, but at least it is expected,¡± she shrugged to herself.

    ¡°Speaking of, which way is it to the Depths of Despair?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Rep asked cautiously. ¡°I do not want to have another run in with the Mind of Madness after what just happened. One glance is enough to incapacitate us. And before you awoke, Penelope informed me that it had returned to its home. Perhaps we can wait and go into its lair later, there is no need to rush.¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to wait,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep looked at him with worry growing in the form of wrinkles on his face. With a shake of his head, Zalan tried to brush away Rep¡¯s growing concerns.

    ¡°I think it¡¯d be good for me to get to the Depths of Despair. Madam Hikma mentioned that we can find the fourth Monster of the Mindscape there. That¡¯s supposed to help me get out of this realm, right? I think it¡¯s the best way for me to change for the better right now,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep still looked skeptical, a twist forming in his lips.

    ¡°It would definitely be better than sitting around. In fact, I think that would make me feel even worse,¡± Zalan insisted.

    Rep sighed, looking at the indentation in the bed. Zalan had been laying down for such a long time.

    ¡°Very well, we can go to the Depths of Despair. But I will drag you out of there as soon as I sense you are in any sort of danger. Physical or otherwise,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan agreed readily.

    ¡°In fact,¡± Rep opened his palm and held it out. ¡°Give me the Homeseeker. I will not give you the choice of when we should escape. Delays mean death when in the mines.¡±

    Zalan frowned slightly, but pulled out the Artifact. He raised it toward Rep, then pulled back at the last second.

    ¡°You better not trigger it as soon as you get a little spooked or something like that,¡± Zalan said, finally placing it in his hand.

    ¡°That would be the exact time in which I would activate it,¡± Rep said firmly, pocketing the Artifact. ¡°But we can leave now. Where is the Depths of Despair, Penelope? Just point the way and we will be out of your way.¡±

    ¡°You can not leave yet! Especially not to the Depths of Despair,¡± Penelope said, appalled.

    ¡°I know of the dangers. Trust me when I say we will not take the mines lightly. We will be very cautious, I promise,¡± Rep tried to assuage her.

    ¡°I do not care about your caution. You owe me.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan said, confused.

    ¡°I dragged the two of you here on a cart, let you rest in my home, and brought you back from the brink of death. You think all of that comes free?¡± Penelope asked.

    Rep and Zalan shared a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize that all that was a service you do around here,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°How can we repay the debt?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°One gold coin,¡± Penelope said, then looked between them eagerly. ¡°Each.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan pulled the money out of his pocket without hesitation.

    Penelope looked at the money in her hand, surprised by how fast Zalan produced it. She looked up, unconsciously making a face that even Zalan could easily read. She wanted more money now that she knew they had it. Zalan felt a twinge of sympathy for her, seeing as she lived in a modest home of two rooms.

    ¡°Would you like more money?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am not in need of charity.¡± She waved him off fiercely.

    ¡°Would it be okay for us to purchase the Artifact for healing from the Mind of Madness if you have any to spare. An Essence of Soul? For¡­ perhaps, five gold coins?¡± Rep asked politely.

    Penelope¡¯s smile widened. A sale of a useful product was not charity. And it wasn¡¯t a crime to overcharge someone for an Artifact.

    ¡°Yes! Of course! I only have the one I used on you, however. The Artifact works well to bring anyone back from the Mind of Madness¡¯s blast. You need only to squeeze and touch it to someone¡¯s skin directly. But be aware that it is very difficult for the holder to use it on themselves. Not that you physically can not do it, but you are not in a sane mental state when struck by the Mind of Madness. One does not think of their previous plans when they can think of nothing but despair and worst fears. I would say almost impossible. So, you will want to make sure that only one of you is struck so the other one can help with the recovery,¡± she said, pulling out the Artifact. ¡°And it does not have much use left, I suspect it will degrade by the next time it¡¯s used.¡±

    Zalan pulled out the money and paid her, accepting the Artifact graciously. Immediately, it made him smile. Warmth bled into his veins and made him feel like everything was going to end up fine. Touching the Artifact was like the opposite of experiencing the Mind of Madness¡¯s darkness.

    He looked the Essence of Soul over with slight apprehension. It might be the only thing between him and dying a depression-induced death. He was hoping that neither him nor Rep would have to use it. But they were literally walking to the home of the creature that made the Artifact most necessary. He tucked it away, not wanting to risk wasting its power. His smile disappeared, but some of the jovial energy remained, to his relief.

    ¡°Let me show you the way,¡± Penelope said, opening the front door to her home.

    Rep and Zalan blinked, stunned to see the outside world was completely dark.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it was so late,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°No, that is just Nightfall. It is always this dark, day or night,¡± Penelope explained.

    ¡°What time is it now?¡± Rep asked, looking up at the sea of stars.

    ¡°Early morning. Others should be going about their day soon,¡± Penelope said.

    ¡°How is it always dark?¡± Zalan wondered aloud.

    ¡°According to legend, someone challenged a Dark Elemental, and this was the result. We do not know the nature of the challenge, or where that Elemental lives to this day. We do not even know whether the one who challenged the Elemental gained the power. But the legend continues, suggesting that the Mind of Madness only appeared when the town was locked in darkness. I am of the opinion that the monster was created as a result of an Elemental challenge.

    ¡°The giant head took over the active mines at the edge of town, claiming it as its home. Those are the Depths of Despair. Though, when the creature first arrived, it did not have a name. It was simply an entity of evil. The old residents of Nightfall called it the Mines of Madness. The name of the mines may have inspired the name of the creature.¡± Penelope raised an arm to direct them to where they would be going.

    She pointed out toward endless darkness, down a path that led out of the town.

    ¡°The mines are somewhere in that direction, but I have never been near it myself for obvious reasons. You will have to ask some others in the community where to go,¡± Penelope said.

    Nightfall¡¯s homes were small and scattered around the area looking fairly unorganized compared to most cities Zalan had seen. Windows were nonexistent, instead the homes were more similar to bunkers with heavy mud filled into wood to make sure no light could sneak through. In addition, most homes had a large leather cover on poles covering from above, as if to shade the home in the endless nights. Zalan quickly determined that the homes were built specifically to protect from the Mind of Madness. Looking out as far as the darkness allowed, Zalan was surprised to see not a single spec of plantlife. He would have thought that trees or vines would help, but quickly deduced that there were no plants that could thrive in a sunless land.

    The only sources of light in the town were produced by torches placed at the doorways of homes. They would have to travel through the town to make it to their destination. Zalan wondered if the other residents of an always-dark town were any good at small talk.

    ¡°Thank you for everything,¡± Rep said, beginning to step away to the Depths of Despair.

    ¡°Of course. Be safe. Remember it is not shameful to run from the Mind of Madness. Save your life over your pride,¡± Penelope said.

    With that, Rep and Zalan made their way across the dark town, their shadows flickering in several sources of firelight along the way.

 160 - Book 4 - Chapter 18 - Where Days Fall Not

    Rep and Zalan made their way through Nightfall, often staring at the sky or the horizon.

    ¡°What time of day do you think it is?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Penelope told us it was morning,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah, but like, crack of dawn? Is the sun over the horizon? How far into the morning?¡± Zalan gazed upward.

    ¡°I do not have the slightest idea,¡± Rep said, equally curious.

    They couldn¡¯t see a moon or sun anywhere in the sky. Zalan wondered how the town collectively agreed when morning and night would happen. Was it some massive circadian rhythm they lived by? Were they all awake at the same time, or did they stagger in and out of sleep? Zalan realized that it was possible that it was actually nowhere near morning. If the town agreed on what time it was in the veil of darkness, nothing could prove otherwise unless someone exited the town. Were times of day just an arbitrary time in the town? Additionally, he wondered what the edge of the town looked like. Was it a wall of darkness, separating the town from the rest of the world? Or was it more like a dome?

    Rep and Zalan saw someone making their way across town, hauling kindling wood on his back.

    ¡°Excuse me, sir!¡± Rep waved to him.

    ¡°Looking to buy torches? Or firewood?¡± the man asked immediately.

    ¡°No, we are looking for the Depths of Despair. We were told it would be somewhere along this road. Do you know exactly how to find it?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°The Depths of Despair?¡± The man shuddered and shook his head to himself. ¡°Are you certain you want to go there?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re sure.¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°You should take a torch with you, at least. The monsters there shy away from light,¡± the man said, holding out one of the thicker pieces of wood he was carrying.

    ¡°We should be fine,¡± Rep produced a flame from his palm. ¡°We only require directions.¡±

    ¡°I would still recommend a few torches,¡± he insisted.

    ¡°One couldn¡¯t hurt,¡± Zalan nodded, handing the man a gold coin for one. He gasped audibly.

    ¡°Just one?¡±

    ¡°With the power of flame at our side, yeah,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°I see.¡± He adjusted the haul of wood on his back and flicked his head behind him. ¡°The wretched mines are in that direction. Where exactly, I never dared to learn. You should ask someone who lives closer.¡±

    ¡°Very well, thank you,¡± Rep said, passing him by and extinguishing the fire in his hand. The man grunted and continued on his way.

    At the next home, a woman was cleaning a bucket of clothes in the light of a torch planted in the ground. Zalan wondered if she was outside because she didn¡¯t have a torch for the inside of her home.

    ¡°Excuse me, do you know the way to the Depths of Despair?¡± Rep asked.

    She looked up at Rep and Zalan, studying them. Water spilled down the side of the bucket and she wrung a pair of soaked trousers.

    ¡°Are you friends of Finnegan¡¯s?¡± she inquired.

    Zalan raised an eyebrow. The name was familiar, but he couldn¡¯t recall why. He looked to Rep, wondering if it was someone he knew.

    ¡°No, neither of us are familiar with him,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Then you do not want to go into the Depths of Despair. Men go in. Men do not come out,¡± she said simply.

    ¡°We intend to go in regardless,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°And we will be coming out,¡± Rep added.

    The woman dunked the trousers back into the tub. They were shrouded by the darkness of the dirty water, unable to be seen even in such shallow levels. She focused on drowning the apparel for a moment before looking back up to the two friends. She gave them a dismissive shrug.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I do not know where it is, but someone down that way should be more aware. If you truly intend to go inside the mines, can you look to see if you can get Finnegan out? In the unexpected case you manage to find your way out alive.¡±

    Zalan frowned at her lack of confidence in them, but Rep looked unperturbed.

    ¡°Of course. Who is Finnegan?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s younger than the two of you by a few years. A bit of a troublemaker around town, if I am being honest,¡± the woman admitted. ¡°But his parents were good people. They went missing a few months back and Finnegan has been acting out ever since. Steals from others like there is no tomorrow. Or¡­ I should say ¡®stole.¡¯ He will not be doing much stealing from within the Mines of Madness. But we owe it to his parents to at least send someone to get him out.¡±

    ¡°How many people have you sent before us?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°None,¡± she answered like it was the only answer. ¡°No one from town would risk their life to save him. No one cares that much.¡±

    Rep and Zalan stared at her. They were waiting for her to say something more, or correct herself as she sounded so heartless toward him. She had placed her attention back on the trousers she pulled from the water, scrubbing them against the side of the water barrel to brush out imperfections. She looked back up at them, surprise in her eyes at their still being around.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Is there something else you wanted?¡± she asked impatiently.

    ¡°Oh, uhh, no. Thanks,¡± Zalan said, making their way further down the path.

    They walked by a few more houses, growing anxious by their lack of distinct progress. Everything looked and felt dark ahead of them. It felt equidistant ahead and behind them. It was disorienting, and Zalan knew it was only going to get worse. They were making their way to the abyss.

    ¡°That was kind of messed up how she talked about Finnegan,¡± Zalan mentioned.

    ¡°Living in a town of total darkness might do that to a person,¡± Rep shrugged.

    Zalan nodded, wondering how true that was. Penelope seemed nice, at least. They came across another man starting his day.

    ¡°Good, sir! My name is Rep. What might I call you?¡± Rep asked him with a gentle wave.

    The older man looked him over, apparently surprised by the pleasantness.

    ¡°Seig.¡±

    ¡°Well met, Seig. Which way to the Depths of Despair?¡± Rep asked, continuing his affable demeanor.

    ¡°You do not mean to end your lives, do you?¡± the man asked. He had turned immediately stern, the wrinkles on his face all trending downward. ¡°The Depths of Despair are nothing to trifle with unless you have good reason.¡±

    ¡°We have good reason,¡± Rep assured him.

    ¡°Then you had better find a better reason not to go,¡± Seig replied.

    Rep and Zalan waited uncomfortably, not certain how to reply to that. Seig sighed.

    ¡°If you must insist on going, try and search for a young one named Finnegan. He is one of ours, from Nightfall. His parents are gone and we did a poor job looking after him in their absence. He acted out, unfortunately. And his parents were good people, that is certain.¡±

    ¡°We can look for him if you point the way,¡± Rep said.

    Seig pursed his lips, the wrinkles on his face deepening.

    ¡°Are you certain? Do you know that the Mind of Madness lives in there? And many other dark monsters. And that the mines are in total darkness, almost eating away at any light? And that men even at Level 15 have gone in and never come out?¡± Seig listed.

    ¡°We are well aware of the dangers,¡± Rep nodded. Zalan nodded in agreement, despite some of the dangers listed being a little new. Total darkness eating away any light sounded like a nightmare he hoped was only an exaggeration. And Level 15 seemed like a stretch, but he had no way of corroborating.

    The man looked between Rep and Zalan a few times, scanning them up and down.

    ¡°Very well, but do not blame me when you end up as food for the Mind of Madness or other monsters in the mines,¡± Seig said firmly. ¡°And do not forget Finnegan. Even if he is belligerent with you.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve heard he¡¯s been stealing and acting out, but what exactly is he doing? Like, pickpocketing?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°He has been swindling visitors of any funds he can get from them. He asks for initial investments for convoys that travel into the Depths of Despair, promising huge sums of return. The mines contain valuable gems, after all. Of course, there are no such convoys. No one would willingly travel into the Depths of Despair for money¡­¡± Seig trailed and he looked them over with narrow eyes. ¡°Are you going into the mines in search of newfound wealth?¡± Seig double checked.

    ¡°No, not at all,¡± Rep answered.

    The man nodded sharply, pleased.

    ¡°We tried to stop Finnegan from seeing those who would visit Nightfall, but he always found a way. He would even use our tactics against us. He told the people that the reason the city of Nightfall didn¡¯t want foreigners to invest was so that they would maintain much higher profits on the ¡®guaranteed¡¯ returns,¡± the older man explained.

    ¡°He probably made a lot of money if he was charismatic,¡± Zalan guessed.

    ¡°It was never enough for him,¡± Seig lamented. ¡°He was insatiable once his parents disappeared.¡±

    ¡°What happened to his parents?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°The city of Nightfall fell on hard times. They took it upon themselves to try and find us the money necessary so that we would not have to move away from our homes. They were wise not to go into the Depths of Despair when they were desperate for money. They ended up going to a castle in search of an old king¡¯s riches. And we never heard from them again. They were a formidable couple, the most powerful in the city. They must have been defeated by something very powerful,¡± Seig suggested.

    ¡°His parents¡­ Did they go to Castle Docrun?¡± Rep asked, his eyes wide.

    Zalan twisted his head Rep¡¯s way.

    ¡°Errm,¡± Seig rubbed his chin. ¡°Yes, I suppose that was the name of it. Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°They had passed away in a Chaos Chamber. We saw their bodies,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We did?¡± Zalan asked, surprised. He had hardly remembered the fact there were dead people in the Chaos Chamber, much less where those people came from.

    ¡°A Chaos Chamber! What a sinister way to die,¡± Seig shook his head. ¡°I knew that it was all but certain they had perished, but it is still saddening to hear it confirmed. In fact, I believe the reason Finnegan ran into the Depths of Despair was to escape the townspeople telling him his parents would never return. That he was doing an injustice to their names for all the thievery he was committing. It was clear the people of the city had no care for him beyond his parents. He could not take the news, especially when there was no one who wished to speak with him with care.¡±

    Seig reflected on his own words for a few seconds. Zalan wondered if he had recently said something to Finnegan that he regretted now that the young man had run off. Seig blinked his thoughts away and looked back at the duo.

    ¡°Do either of you have Elemental Powers that emit light? Fire? Lightning? Light?¡± Seig listed.

    ¡°I have Elemental Fire.¡± Rep presented a tiny candlelight of flame on his index finger.

    ¡°Good. It is very necessary in the Depths of Despair. If you did not have it, I would say your deaths were guaranteed. To go there, you will need to follow the path out that way. There will be a trail of Nightbloom that takes you to the mouth of the mines¡­ But do not feel shame if you wish to turn back once you reach the opening. Even the path there can have some wretched monsters lurking in the shadows,¡± Seig explained, pointing the way.

    Zalan peered out into the darkness, not able to see very far. The name Finnegan still nagged at him, but he couldn¡¯t place it. The name had a serious intensity to it, like he met him under extreme pressure.

    ¡°Do you have a wall between here and there? One that surrounds the city?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No, the monsters shy away from our torches. And the Mind of Madness would ram its infernal head through any walls we made, reducing them to rubble,¡± Seig explained.

    Rep blinked in surprise. He had never heard of a city that didn¡¯t have a wall. He thought it was the first thing that needed to be built in order to call any location a city.

    ¡°Thank you for your time,¡± Rep said, nodding in appreciation.

    ¡°You had better come back with your lives. Otherwise I will have wasted my time,¡± Seig replied. ¡°And be quick to find Finnegan! I fear every second spent in the mines could be his last.¡±

    The three waved each other off and went in opposite directions. It wasn¡¯t long before Rep and Zalan felt like they were at the edges of the city. The city¡¯s torches stopped lighting the way, and they were left only with Rep¡¯s Elemental Power held aloft for illumination. Rep made the flame large, trying to brighten as much of the area around them as possible. Zalan looked around, the visibility something that should have been a comfort to him.

    Despite this, Zalan couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was being watched by something he couldn¡¯t see. Something invisible and powerful.

 161 - Book 4 - Chapter 19 - The Depths of Despair

    The further away from Nightfall Rep and Zalan walked, the more Zalan felt like he was being watched. It was an eerie, but somehow familiar feeling. Like a nightmare he was experiencing d¨¦j¨¤ vu over. He kept looking over his shoulder, trying to find the source of the sensation. It only grew the more he entered the darkness. The hair-raising sensation reminded him of when he was trapped under the Island of Remains.

    ¡°Do you feel that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I feel nothing but apprehension for the road ahead,¡± Rep admitted.

    Zalan decided that he was just feeling a little paranoid in the darkness. He was able to grow just a hint more calm upon witnessing the Nightbloom flowers in full bloom, creating a path ahead. They were surprisingly ubiquitous. The aroma of peaches was pleasant and almost inviting. Zalan was impressed by how large and pink the flowers grew in their natural habitat. The pink flower was such a stark contrast to the darkness surrounding it, Zalan could spot them before he could see any terrain ahead of him. He suddenly considered that this might be something done to lure prey into the Depths of Despair. An aromatic, beautiful path to send naive creatures to their doom. He hoped that no monsters could be so sophisticated.

    Both Rep and Zalan made sure not to step on any of the fragrant flora in their path. He didn¡¯t know Rep¡¯s reasons for respecting the flowers, but Zalan wanted to make sure that Ma back in Oriton never heard of any hint of him disrespecting her favorite flowers. He had no intention of falling back on her bad side, even when miles away from her. He could only imagine what kind of consequences she would come up with to teach him a lesson. Likely something involving Oshrad and his toes.

    Zalan realized that he was starting to peer the more he walked. The need to squint felt necessary just to see a normal distance ahead in the darkness. The deep abyss felt even closer than before, slowly closing in the more they progressed. Glancing at Rep, Zalan wondered why he was reducing his Elemental Flame. The further they walked from civilization, the more Zalan was in need of the comfort of light.

    ¡°Can you turn up the flame? Back to what you had a few minutes ago?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I have not changed the output at all.¡± Rep looked at his flame.

    ¡°But it¡¯s getting darker,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I know, I see it as well. It is not the fault of my Elemental Flame. I believe the darkness we currently see is unnatural. It is encroaching on the light,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What? No. That doesn¡¯t make sense. Dark is the absence of light. Darkness isn¡¯t made of anything, it just exists where light isn¡¯t cast,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°Not this darkness,¡± Rep said simply.

    Zalan stared at him in disbelief. He looked at the flame Rep held above his arm. It was large, dancing at a height above Rep¡¯s head. Easily a few feet tall. But it didn¡¯t produce nearly enough light to account for its size. The light was disappearing somewhere. He couldn¡¯t help but somehow agree with Rep¡¯s assessment. And the more they walked, the more it looked like the darkness inched toward the fire. Like an inkwell getting small enough to snuff out the flame.

    Zalan rubbed his arms together, realizing that he was also cold. The warmth of the fire wasn¡¯t reaching him, even as he stood next to it. Zalan began to shiver, both in the brisk air and the discomfort. The Depths of Despair was not just a set of mines. There was something else going on, making it a cold, dark place. And they weren¡¯t even inside yet, so far as Zalan could tell. It was no wonder people got lost.

    He patted his pocket, then went stiff with fear for a second when he realized it was empty. He sighed in relief a moment later, remembering that Rep had the Homeseeker. He hadn¡¯t accidentally left the Artifact behind.

    Rep stopped short, standing still as he looked out ahead of him. Zalan stopped as well, noting that Rep¡¯s firelight felt more like a dim flashlight than an open flame. Zalan looked to Rep, waiting for an explanation. He wondered if Rep had suddenly got the feeling like he was being watched as well. Without meaning to, Zalan looked over his shoulder to double check nothing had appeared. He could barely see a few feet behind them. Shivering at the feeling of the world closing in, he looked at his companion.

    ¡°Everything okay, Rep?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No. Well, perhaps yes. We have arrived,¡± Rep said in a low voice.

    Rep raised his hand, increasing the intensity of his flame tenfold, but only slightly increasing the illumination.

    Zalan¡¯s heart quickened as he saw the edge of the mouth to the cave. It looked like a macabre entity ready to consume them as soon as they stepped foot inside. Zalan had to scrutinize the edges for any evidence that it was actually a living being that could close the mouth. They both stood stunned at the opening. Zalan felt a cold breeze from within, and he could see nothing inside. At the edge of the opening were a few overturned and pieces of carts and mining equipment, all decaying and rusted. Neither Rep or Zalan made a move forward.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°Should we call for Finnegan?¡± Rep asked, his voice still quiet.

    ¡°Why? Do you see him?¡± Zalan asked, also feeling the need to be just above a whisper.

    ¡°No. But perhaps he is near the mouth of the cave. We may be able to rescue him and carry him back to the city,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Oh, yeah, great idea,¡± Zalan agreed.

    Rep and Zalan both were searching for an excuse to turn around and leave. Neither wanted to suggest to the other that they were too scared to enter. They looked around with their eyes, not making any moves forward. Rep¡¯s fire reduced back to its regular size. Zalan rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably.

    ¡°Do you think we should call out for Finnegan?¡± Rep asked again, doing all he could to delay the inevitable.

    ¡°Yeah, one of us should go ahead and shout out his name,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep and Zalan stood in silence. They waited for the other, not wanting to be the one to attract a dark creature of the mines to their location. They looked to one another, their fear stark in the dim firelight. Rep¡¯s eyes twitched occasionally, flitting between different points of the entrance in quick bouts of paranoia. Zalan couldn¡¯t stop running his hands over his hair or neck.

    ¡°Finnegan?¡± Zalan spoke, like calling someone on the other side of a classroom.

    There was no echo. No response at all.

    ¡°I think we¡¯re just gonna have to go in,¡± Zalan accepted.

    ¡°I was hoping you would not say that.¡± Rep swallowed, then nodded.

    Breathing deeply, they steeled themselves. Then, without communicating, they took a step forward simultaneously. Zalan felt like he was crossing into another world, despite it not changing at all with a single step. They hesitated after the first step, as though both expecting a trap to be sprung. Nothing happened, and they continued to walk within.

    They made a few steps inside, then stopped to turn around. The darkness of the mine¡¯s entrance compounded with the darkness of the night. Rep¡¯s fire was even worse at illuminating the immediate area, like a dying battery on a flashlight. They could barely see a few feet ahead of them.

    ¡°The Depths of Despair,¡± Rep acknowledged, his voice carrying a slight echo.

    ¡°The Mines of Madness,¡± Zalan said, trying to get a good look within. Nothing but a dark abyss looked back. While he could hardly see it, he could sense how wide it was. Tunnels leading endlessly, wide enough for the giant evil head to move freely.

    ¡°How deep should we go?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°What do you mean? We¡¯re here to find the Elemental, right? So, as far as that is,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep looked deeply into the gulf of unending darkness. He swallowed hard and shrugged reluctantly.

    ¡°Right,¡± Rep mumbled. ¡°I suppose that makes sense.¡±

    Both Rep and Zalan flinched when they heard something shuffle ahead of them. They knelt down, both pulling their swords from their sheaths. Zalan listened intently and figured that he was hearing footsteps. Regular ones, sounding a lot like a human¡¯s gait.

    ¡°Finnegan?¡± Zalan whispered loudly. ¡°We¡¯re here to get you out of here.¡±

    Rep gripped his weapon tightly, increasing his flame to try and see further. It did little good. The outskirts of the cave looked as though they were eating away the light, leaving them with only a fraction of the flame¡¯s typical output. The silhouette of a figure began to emerge from the blot of darkness ahead of them. It looked human enough.

    ¡°That¡­ That can not be,¡± Rep said, looking rapidly between Zalan and the figure.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan asked, losing his nerve over Rep¡¯s panic. He could barely make out the shape and wasn¡¯t sure what he should be seeing.

    ¡°The one approaching us... It looks exactly like you,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan was going to ask Rep to clarify, until the figure stepped into the firelight enough to reveal its face. Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide with fear. It had his face. His body. And a sinister smile. It looked like him, but if he took a bath in gray paint. Head to toe, the entire body and the clothes atop it were the same monochrome gray, like Zalan passed through a black and white filter.

    Rep and Zalan reacted quickly, holding their swords out defensively.

    ¡°Rep, what kind of monster is that?¡± Zalan asked quickly.

    ¡°I have no idea. I have never known a monster to take on anyone¡¯s form before,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then how do we fight it? Can we just kill it like anything else?¡± Zalan took a step back as the uncanny version of himself took another step forward.

    ¡°You want to kill me? You might regret that,¡± Gray Zalan mentioned peculiarly.

    Rep and Zalan flinched. They hadn¡¯t expected it to speak. It carried Zalan¡¯s voice with confidence. Zalan shivered uncomfortably. He was already thrown off by the creature, but now he hated it. There was no more curiosity, he wanted it gone. The Gray Zalan smiled slightly at their reactions.

    ¡°What are you?¡± Rep asked the creature.

    ¡°You should know who I am. You brought me to this realm against my will,¡± Gray Zalan replied, nodding to Rep. ¡°But ¡®Zalan¡¯ is kind of a depressing name. I¡¯m gonna go with Gray.¡±

    Rep frowned deeply. Zalan had a pit in his stomach. It somehow had access to Rep¡¯s thoughts. Was it crawling around in his own thoughts?

    ¡°We should just take it out quick, before it messes with our heads too much,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You may want to die and let this all be done with, but I have no intention of rolling over and allowing you to kill me,¡± Gray replied.

    Zalan scowled at his words. He wished he could take it out at a distance. The gray Zalan smirked, as though listening to his thoughts. He opened his arms wide, revealing his unprotected stance for any projectiles.

    ¡°Flank it when I strike it with fire,¡± Rep said, aiming a hand.

    Gray went into action before Rep could start his attack. As soon as Rep¡¯s arms were raised, Gray threw both arms forward. The creature threw two bolts of lightning, striking Rep with enough force to throw him off his feet. Zalan stared in horror and anger. The fake version of him had Elemental Lightning Power.

    ¡°I regret to say that you may find that I¡¯m a little harder to beat than your regular monster,¡± Gray said haughtily, imbuing his arms with lightning.

 162 - Book 4 - Chapter 20 - Painted Black

    Gray Zalan sprinted forward, charging at Rep. Zalan ran in to protect his friend. He slashed his sword horizontal, trying to cut his darker version in half. Gray read his moves like they were his own and deftly bent to one side. Rep blasted fire around him, but Gray dove to the side, easily avoiding the defensive wall of flame. He ran around Rep and stopped at the mouth of the mines. Zalan helped Rep to his feet.

    ¡°He has cut off our exit,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°We won¡¯t need it. I¡¯m not leaving until he¡¯s dead,¡± Zalan said, determined.

    Both he and Rep set their packs of food on the ground, freeing themselves of the weight for the fight.

    ¡°Careful Zalan. We do not know what Level we should be to take this kind of creature on,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Careful?¡± Gray said, as though Rep were addressing him. The fact he spoke just like Zalan made Rep cringe. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I have an Elemental Power.¡± Gray Zalan let out a few sparks of lightning from his fingertips for added effect.

    Zalan grit his teeth. He felt a burning rage for whatever this creature was. It knew exactly what to say to get under his skin. And it was fast. He tried to look for weaknesses in the monster. He wondered if it had the same weaknesses he did. It clearly had better strengths than him.

    ¡°I sure am glad Morloch taught me everything I know,¡± Gray Zalan said, smirking.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Zalan demanded.

    ¡°If you say so,¡± Gray shrugged.

    Gray threw two jolts of lightning. Rep and Zalan jumped out of the way, but the morphed monster was able to redirect the attack striking both Rep and Zalan squarely in the chest. They fell down, twitching in pain. Zalan had only once been struck by lightning when fighting Morloch. It hurt just as badly now as it had then. He hadn¡¯t realized just how debilitating it was until seeing it used against him when he was at full strength. His body stopped operating, and he had to wait for the feeling to pass before he could scramble to his feet again.

    ¡°It knows how to redirect attacks too,¡± Zalan said as Rep stood next to him. ¡°Careful with your sword, he might know about conducting electricity too.¡±

    ¡°Electricity?¡± Gray asked, confused.

    Zalan squinted, trying to read the joke. He quickly tried to understand in a moment why this monochrome version of himself wouldn¡¯t know what electricity was. It seemed to know everything else about him. There must have been a limit to his knowledge. And that limit might come with a weakness.

    ¡°It doesn''t matter, I know everything I need to take you down,¡± Gray said, a sinister smile creeping on his face. ¡°I even know the thing about Mom that you still haven¡¯t told Rep. About why we never visited. Why we¡¯ll never actually go and see her face, even after everything Rep¡¯s done for us.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide with fury and fear. He seethed, blinded by his rage.

    ¡°Shut up! You have no right to call her your Mom!¡± Zalan charged forward with his sword raised.

    Gray smiled calmly. Rep threw out a fireball, zipping around Zalan and targeting Gray. Gray threw a bolt of lightning at it, causing it to explode between him and Zalan. The explosion didn¡¯t harm him, but filled the dark space with enough smoke to blind Zalan. Even so, he continued running forward, slashing his blade ferociously. Without Rep¡¯s firelight, he couldn¡¯t see a thing in the surrounding cave.

    The air wooshed as Zalan slashed viciously ahead of him. He continued to thrust forward on every step, waiting to stab into his altered self. After throwing his weight around in the dark, Zalan stopped to look around. The smoke diffused enough for Zalan to see Rep further within the cave, but nowhere did he see Gray. The short stint of blindness had already disoriented Zalan and he couldn¡¯t see the exit of the mines. He didn¡¯t care so long as the monster was loose.

    ¡°Where is he?¡± Zalan demanded.

    Rep was waving smoke out of his face, trying to get a better view. As he peered, a figure snuck up behind him.

    ¡°There! On your left!¡± Zalan pointed urgently.

    Without turning his head, Rep blasted a fireball over his shoulder in an instant. Gray leaned to the other side, getting only minorly singed by the powerful blaze.

    Gray placed a hand on Rep¡¯s neck and shocked it with a jolt of electricity. Rep fell to the ground, and Gray kicked him with a lightning infused foot. Rep¡¯s Elemental Flame went out, leaving them in complete darkness. Zalan¡¯s eyes grew wide as he searched for any signs of light to see Gray. He heard slight footsteps coming his way. Zalan gripped his blade tightly, realizing it was possible that the monster could see in the dark.

    ¡°How regretful that we were there to witness what happened to Fran in Castle Docrun. And Xavier in the sea,¡± Gray¡¯s conceited voice echoed around the mines.

    Zalan remained silent, waiting for a chance to get an advantage over Gray. He was shivering with rage. Everything he wished to forget was being thrown at his face. He slashed his blade in a blind circle, but hit nothing.

    ¡°What about Slauson? When did we first meet him?¡± Rep asked, groaning on the ground.

    Zalan heard the footsteps come to a halt for a second. Even Zalan was confused by Rep¡¯s question. Gray quickly recovered.

    ¡°Oh, right, Slauson. We met him at the Elemental Rage Tournament. He was the one that I beat within an inch of his life during the semifinals. I should have killed him after I told him his father died,¡± Gray said with a hint of pride.

    Zalan hated that he sounded so joyous over the things that sent pangs into his heart. But Rep was quick to speak up.

    ¡°Zalan! We didn¡¯t meet Slauson at the Elemental Rage Tournament,¡± Rep said. ¡°This monster only knows our regrets.¡±

    Feet ahead of Zalan shuffled as Gray spun in place.

    ¡°You¡¯ll regret that!¡± Gray exploded, throwing a massive bolt of lightning at Rep.

    The cave lit up slightly upon the lighting appearing, harsh jagged shadows like teeth in a wide maw stretching across the room. Zalan could see the rage on the gray version of his face. His eyebrows were thick with anger and his lips crackling with energy. Zalan saw Rep curl into a ball as he took the attack, unable to hide behind anything. Zalan charged forward, trying desperately to hit Gray just once, enough to remove a limb from his body.

    Gray saw his approach and immediately stopped his lightning, shrouding them in deep darkness. Zalan slashed forward, his sword slicing air where Gray stood a second before. He breathed out in frustration and listened deeply for where the gray version of himself ran.

    Rep¡¯s ability to provoke him made Zalan confident that he was right. Gray was fueled by their regrets. His loss of Elemental Lightning, all his training with Morloch, and his dead friends all came so naturally to the gray monster. Even Zalan¡¯s mother was on Gray¡¯s mind. He didn¡¯t know how he was supposed to take down someone that understood his faults so well.

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    A bolt of lightning appeared from behind Zalan and sent a spear of pain carving up his spine. Zalan clenched his jaw and crashed onto the floor, writhing in pain. Trying his best to recover quickly, he stood back up. While rising, he slashed his blade vertically, aiming for the last place he felt Gray strike from. His sword swung with a disappointing lack of fatal slicing. He shouted in rage at the elusive monster. He tried to think hard about the situation, trying to use the darkness as a place to gather his thoughts rather than a place of fear. He tried to convince himself he was outside the battle looking in. In pure darkness, there were no distractions.

    Another bolt of lightning appeared from the other side of the cave and threw Rep back onto the ground who only just stood up. They were going to be worn down by the lightning until they were dead. The monster had no intent of coming into close quarter combat if it could strike from a distance while they were blind.

    Zalan blinked suddenly, realizing exactly what he had to do. Gray didn¡¯t know what electricity was because Zalan never regretted getting his Physics degree. His mom said she was so proud of him for graduating. Of all the things that he wished he could go back and fix, he was happy with his education. Not just for the work he put into getting it, but the real applications it had in both his world and the realm. He just needed to use his education to his advantage over Gray. He knew Gray would throw Elemental Lightning at him next. He needed to brace himself for the oncoming attack.

    Or, do something better than brace himself for electricity.

    Zalan raised his sword quickly, spun it around, and stabbed it as deep as he could into the ground beneath his feet. He kept his feet together, and gripped the sword on the floor tightly, gritting his teeth and preparing himself for the pain in case this didn¡¯t go as seamlessly as planned.

    Zalan planted his feet firmly on the ground and felt the static in the air intensify as Gray emitted more lightning. The bright attack flashed the area in white light when Zalan was hit. He looked upon Gray defiantly. He didn¡¯t fall. He hardly even felt the jolt run through his body. Zalan breathed a sigh of relief. His plan worked.

    ¡°What?¡± Gray said in the darkness.

    Zalan waited for him to follow up his attack, but he had to wait a few seconds. Zalan smiled broadly, trying to look extra confident in the face of Gray¡¯s faltering. He didn¡¯t feel like smiling in the middle of the fight, but he also didn¡¯t want Gray to feel comfortable.

    It occurred to Zalan that Gray didn¡¯t have a perfect grasp of his Elemental Lightning. He could only emit it once every few seconds, like an amateur very new to having Elemental Powers. Zalan also realized that Gray wasn¡¯t attacking with physical strikes, instead relying exclusively on lightning for the assault. He must have been a weak fighter.

    Zalan was struck by two more shocks of electricity, back to back. He flexed in reaction, but held his ground. There was a slight tingling sensation in his body, but otherwise he was unharmed. He remained statuesque, his smile becoming less forced. The idea was working better than he could have hoped for the seconds of planning he put into it.

    He had successfully grounded himself using his sword. With both feet planted on the floor, he had no energy potential for the electricity to travel through. And the iron in the sword was acting as a makeshift grounding rod. He had to thank Junill for creating her swords out of such pure, rich metals, otherwise this trick wouldn¡¯t have worked.

    Gray threw more lightning, the instant of light revealing that his face was in full panic.

    ¡°Why won¡¯t you fall?¡± Gray demanded.

    Zalan saw that Gray wasn¡¯t moving around the cave anymore, staying in one place as he waited to consistently output lightning. Zalan took another blast of electricity, but his knowledge of the science of grounding kept him standing tall. He couldn¡¯t rush toward his assailant, because as soon as he moved, he would open himself up to taking damage again. It only worked if both his feet were together and he gripped his makeshift grounding rod. Gray let out more lightning, screaming in frustration, and in the flash of light, Zalan saw Rep¡¯s form creeping up behind him, sword drawn.

    ¡°Stop standing!¡± Gray commanded. ¡°I¡¯ll make you regret ever being born!¡±

    His voice caught in his throat and Zalan heard a thump. He waited quietly. But in the intense darkness, he could only wait for about two seconds.

    ¡°Did you get him?¡± Zalan asked hopefully.

    Rep¡¯s body began to show up outlined in the darkness. At first Zalan thought he started a fire again, but realized his whole body was surrounded in the bright light. He had gained a Level from killing the monster. He exploded in a blinding white light, illuminating the entire cave for an instant, like a flashbang going off from Rep¡¯s heart. Zalan tried not to shield his eyes, taking in the area at the mouth of the cave. The light from gaining the Level wasn¡¯t eaten away like Rep¡¯s flame and Zalan could see a clear snapshot.

    The mines were hundreds of feet deep, littered with abandoned evidence of miners of the past. Far in the distance, there were shining jewels etched into the rock walls of several different colors, making Zalan wonder how so many rare earth gems could end up in the same mines. The ceiling was a little lower than Zalan expected after seeing the massive mouth of the cave when they entered, about three times his height. But the worst part was the shapes of creatures etched far into the cave. Other things that were watching them from deep within the mines. Luckily, none of them looked to Zalan like the Mind of Madness.

    The light quickly diminished and Rep opened an Elemental Flame in his palm so the two could see again. Zalan moved quickly to look over the monster¡¯s dead body.

    It still had some resemblance to Zalan¡¯s form, but it had begun to shrivel up like a deflated balloon. The two friends watched closely, making sure it was dead as it continued to wither away, Zalan¡¯s gray face contorting into itself. Zalan hoped it wouldn¡¯t come back in some other form of regret. He didn¡¯t know how many other regrets he even had. He poked at it with his sword, making sure it didn¡¯t react. It continued to deflate. Rep looked satisfied at the creature being dead and tucked his blade away.

    ¡°Level 7, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Somehow, even when you have no Elemental Power, you still have one Level above me,¡± Rep said. Zalan smirked, amused.

    ¡°How did you take a blast of lightning head on? Did you gain a resistance when you had the power?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No, I grounded myself,¡± Zalan said. ¡°I used the metal in the sword to send all the electricity into the ground.¡±

    ¡°You redirected it?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Kinda. The lightning redirects itself when it comes into contact with the metal,¡± Zalan said. ¡°It still hurts, but not nearly as much as when the lightning hits the body without being grounded.¡±

    ¡°I thought you used to use the metal in the sword to strike your enemies without touching them directly? But now the metal was your ally against the lightning?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah, regular conduction is different from grounding,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    Rep scrunched his face at him.

    ¡°You studied this in your world, I presume,¡± Rep checked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I will never understand why your world spends so much time studying lightning when you can not even emit it with Elemental Power.¡±

    Zalan had no reply. They continued to stare at the dwindling copy of Zalan. The gray color remained as it shrunk into half its size, the face shrinking to a grotesque raisin.

    ¡°Rep, what kinda monster was that?¡± Zalan asked, appalled.

    ¡°I do not know. But I am sorry for bringing it upon us,¡± Rep said sorrowfully.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s a monster, what did you do to bring it?¡±

    ¡°It was born of regret. My biggest regret was bringing you into this realm. Its powers may have been your regrets, but its existence was mine,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan reflected on this for a few seconds. Rep held up his flame and looked around them pensively.

    ¡°Let me get the torch going. I¡¯d be more comfortable if we both had light,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Zalan held out his torch for Rep to set aflame. It burned brightly for a moment, then snuffed out as though wind blew on it. Blinking, Zalan held it out again and Rep obliged. It glowed, then went out seconds later.

    ¡°What kind of wood doesn¡¯t burn?¡± Zalan asked, looking it over and feeling scammed.

    ¡°Not the torch. I believe the Depths of Despair eat it away. I feel as though I need to increase my output to maintain even a smaller flame,¡± Rep said, frowning at the scorched wood.

    Zalan looked at the stick of wood with numb eyes. Fire was eaten away. He inched closer to Rep.

    ¡°Might have been nice if he told us that before selling it to us.¡±

    ¡°I suspect he never entered the mines to test it himself.¡±

    Zalan gripped the wood and stored it away, sighing in agreement.

    ¡°Are we going to see a lot of monsters we don¡¯t recognize when we¡¯re in here?¡± Zalan asked apprehensively, raising his head to look deeper into the darkness.

    ¡°The only monster we know to have passed by recently is the Mind of Madness. Otherwise, we will see what is to come,¡± Rep said. ¡°Are you certain you still wish to go within and seek the Elemental?¡±

    ¡°I am. This is where Madam Hikma sent us. This is the beginning of the change in my life, I can feel it. I also feel like you wouldn¡¯t want to leave Finnegan behind after what we just witnessed, either way,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I would not. I just wanted to be certain that you would join me.¡± Rep smiled.

    With that, the two friends collected their packs of food and remained close as they proceeded into the Depths of Despair.

 163 - Book 4 - Chapter 21 - Web of Shadows

    Rep held a small flame in front of him as they proceeded further into the mines. No matter what size Rep increased the flame to, the amount of light and warmth always remained the same. The Depths of Despair wouldn¡¯t allow anything more than a few feet of light, barely enough to see where their next few steps would land. Rep had also cast a circle of protective flame around them, but it did little to help the light or temperature. Zalan always felt like it was just cold enough to shiver.

    The sensation of something watching him over his shoulder had returned to Zalan. He was hoping it would go away with the death of the regret monster, but it lingered. He would whip his head around often, trying to catch a glimpse of this stalker. But the darkness wouldn¡¯t allow them to see anything that existed. But it did allow them to hear many unnerving things dwelling in the abyss.

    Every few steps, Rep and Zalan would flinch upon hearing something shuffle next to them. They could feel that they were being stalked by creatures, but had no idea what kind of creature would make each noise. Sometimes it was a stomp, other times it sounded more like a scuttle. Other times, he was almost certain it was unnatural sounds of wind whooshing through the mines. All the noises felt different from the other entity watching him. None of them were comforting.

    Rep and Zalan came to a halt when the path broke into two ahead of them. Each way looked equally dark and ominous. Rep looked to Zalan to make a decision. Zalan frowned in consternation. He turned around, braving the idea of seeing the stalking sensation. He looked back at the fork in the road and turned one way.

    ¡°Right,¡± Zalan said. ¡°We always go right. If we follow along the right side of the mines, eventually we¡¯ll end up back at the beginning.¡±

    ¡°That does not sound like a reasonable expectation to me. Are you certain?¡± Rep asked, skeptically.

    ¡°Yeah, either that or we¡¯ll find another exit,¡± Zalan nodded.

    Zalan¡¯s confidence brought a slight comfort to Rep¡¯s face.

    ¡°Are mines something you studied about in your world?¡± Rep asked, leading the way down the right.

    ¡°No, not really,¡± Zalan said. Then he realized how much more comforting it would be not to leave Rep unaware of the explanation, ¡°It¡¯s a trick with mazes. You¡¯ll eventually go every path there is if you just follow one side.¡±

    ¡°That always works?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah. It also means you¡¯ll go down all the dead ends. But that¡¯s fine so long as you get to the exit. So this should be a decent plan. Unless there are more than two exits¡­ Or the maze shifts while you¡¯re in it.¡±

    Rep and Zalan shuddered at the thought of the walls moving around them in the total darkness. It was hard to believe it could get any more disorienting. They already felt entirely lost as it was. Darkness in every direction that always felt the same, and noises that always threatened to creep in and devour them. Rep kept the Homeseeker at the edge of his finger in his pocket, ready to activate it at a moment¡¯s notice. He wasn¡¯t going to ask permission if he felt it was necessary.

    Another shuffling sound passed them by, this one closer than most others. Rep and Zalan swung its way, only to see a shadow rush out of view. Rep¡¯s breath came out shakily and he raised his firelight. Zalan rubbed his arms for a hint of warmth.

    ¡°Should you throw some fire? Maybe you can light the way ahead of us before we walk that way?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not want to provoke that which I can not see,¡± Rep said, shaking his head.

    Zalan silently agreed, despite desperately wanting to know what their surroundings looked like. Everything felt hostile. He could barely trust that his eyes were working. Flinching as often as he breathed, he wondered what could cause the mines to fall into this kind of state. No other location he visited ever felt like its existence was so hostile. It was a wonder that anything other than the Mind of Madness lived within. And it was maddening not to be able to see any of the other creatures. Zalan decided that it may have been an Elemental¡¯s challenge that plunged this place into an eerie disarray.

    Zalan blinked at the thought of the Elemental.

    ¡°Do you think an Elemental is around? Should I ask for a challenge?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep made a face, looking around uncomfortably.

    ¡°I¡­ I suppose so. It feels dangerous to do so in such close quarters,¡± Rep said, then shook his head. ¡°Hold on. Why do you suppose an Elemental may be around?¡±

    ¡°Madam Hikma said we would find one here and it feels like a good enough spot. Think about it. A place this dark is probably the home of the Dark Elemental. I could get Shadow Elemental Powers and figure out how to get rid of the overwhelming darkness,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That is not convincing in the slightest,¡± Rep said, his voice shaky as he turned toward another noise at the edge of their vision.

    ¡°Well, I keep getting this feeling like something¡¯s watching me. It¡¯s been following us around since before getting inside. That feels like it could maybe be an Elemental,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°That is only slightly more convincing,¡± Rep said. ¡°I do not want you shouting our location to the creatures in the mines.¡±

    ¡°You think this fire is doing a good job at keeping us hidden?¡± Zalan raised an eyebrow.

    Rep looked at his Elemental Flame, then out at the darkness around them. He shivered.

    ¡°I see your point. It would be nice to find the Elemental so close to the entrance. The sooner you get this Elemental Power, the sooner we can leave,¡± Rep sighed. ¡°Very well. Ask for its challenge. But if the challenge proves deadly, I am warping us out before you can try to convince me otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan agreed. He was scared enough to have no objections to an early exit.

    They looked out into the endless black abyss for a second. Zalan breathed in deeply, trying to control his nerves. Rep spun around slowly, watching all angles for any hint of an Elemental being.

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    ¡°Elemental! I am here for your challenge!¡± Zalan yelled, the loudest he had been since entering the Depths of Despair.

    His voice rang out, echoing into the dark. Rep and Zalan remained still as they awaited a response. The echoing noise faded away, leaving them with nothing but the scuffling of their surroundings.

    ¡°Should I ask again?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You think it is being coy?¡± Rep asked skeptically.

    ¡°No, I just¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Then I suppose we should look deeper for better evidence of an Elemental to call upon.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± Zalan screamed for an instant before being slapped in the face by a silky blob. Zalan smacked his arms to his face, finding that the sticky item was stuck to his face. He pulled at it frantically.

    ¡°Hold still,¡± Rep said, getting a grip on the mesh.

    He gripped tightly and tore the globule of sticky texture off with one tug. Zalan screamed, feeling like duct tape just got pulled off his face. The substance was the size of his fist.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Rep held it away from himself.

    ¡°I think that was a spider web! Rolled up in a ball or something!¡± Zalan said, disgusted.

    Rep tried to shake the web off, when another one struck him under his arm, sticking his arm to his side. He looked at it with repugnance and confusion.

    ¡°It certainly feels like a spider web! Sticky, webby, difficult to shake off. But even moreso than a natural spider. There is something sickly to this,¡± Rep agreed, failing to shake free. ¡°But where did it come from?¡±

    ¡°Burn it!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°It feels as though it has oil. I am concerned it will explode in flame and burn you,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense! This is sticky, not oily!¡±

    ¡°I am unconvinced that it is safe.¡±

    ¡°Then redirect it or something, just get it off before¡ª¡±

    Zalan¡¯s foot was then shot with the webby material. He was caught in place, unable to pull his foot free on his first tug.

    ¡°Rep, hurry,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Cut it off with your sword!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Just imbue yourself already!¡± Zalan said, pulling his sword out.

    He stabbed down into the sticky web, only to find his sword didn¡¯t come back out easily. It felt like he dipped it deep into a tar pit. He pulled against it, looking into the direction the webs were being shot from. He was able to tear through slowly, like pulling apart a mix of molasses and silly string.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s getting closer,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep was no longer concerned about provoking the unknown. He threw a fireball in the direction of the monster¡¯s attacks to confirm, expanding the circle of fire around them in a large attack. Sure enough, a giant spider the size of a large dog was skittering their way, deftly avoiding the fire. It was hairless, with a sheen to its smooth outer body, and three small red eyes instead of eight. Somehow the number was extra discomforting to Zalan.

    It shot another wad of webs from its fanged mouth, catching Rep¡¯s free arm in the net of webs. He was immobile from the waist up. He could barely hold his illuminating flame away from the webs enough not to burn them.

    ¡°It shoots webs from its mouth?¡± Zalan said, repulsed by the idea.

    ¡°They reek of oil as well. I do not think it is wise to use my flames on the webbing. Quick! Reach for the Homeseeker!¡± Rep said.

    Zalan leaned forward, but his immobilized foot was holding him back far enough that he couldn¡¯t get to Rep. The large spider¡¯s steps came clear. It would be upon them in seconds, large legs approaching the edge of the firelight. The scuttling reminded Zalan of Roaches, and he felt like molting out of his skin. Rep shot a blast of fire at it from his right foot, redirecting his flame to try and hit the spider while it ran. It dashed out of the way.

    It lept upward toward Zalan. It bared its fangs the size of needles and was emitting a string of thick webbing from its rear.

    ¡°Ah! No! Stay back!¡± Zalan panicked, swinging both fists at the monster.

    The giant spider let out a noise that sounded like a cross between hiss and a shriek. Zalan¡¯s flailing arms crashed into its abdomen. The shrieking stopped and it flew across the cave, colliding powerfully into the wall. It slid down slowly, then plopped onto the rocky ground.

    Zalan and Rep stared at the monster, waiting for it to leap at them again. It twitched a few times before its legs enclosed above it, turning motionless. Rep and Zalan looked at one another, covered in the spider¡¯s webs. They began to shuffle off the webbing quickly, tearing it off of them in a painfully slow fashion.

    ¡°Did it hurt you?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No. I expected it to be a lot more difficult to beat,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°Do not forget that your Strength is considerable at Level 8. But this creature seems to be especially weak. It must rely on its ability to stop its prey from moving with the webs. I suppose you were not supposed to be able to attack it in time,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Its fangs seemed kinda small, too. Well, small for its size, anyway. I don¡¯t think it wanted to eat us right now, but tie us up and save us for later.¡±

    ¡°I am glad we did not find out.¡±

    Rep and Zalan spent the next minute prying the web off of them, rolling it down their arms and legs until they were free to move. There was still a bit of sticky sensation on them, like melted marshmallows had been dragged across them. Rep and Zalan stretched and rotated their limbs, ensuring they were at full movement before continuing down the abyss of the darkness.

    ¡°I still think it would have been easier to beat if you used your fire to free yourself,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep rolled his eyes and looked at the globs of webs they had cast off themselves. He pulled himself and Zalan a few steps back then sent out a tiny ember of fire at the webs of the floor. They erupted in a massive explosion of flame, hot enough to overcome even the constant cold of the mines. Even at a few feet of distance, Rep and Zalan were hit with the force of the blast, pushed back with enough energy that their feet scraped against the ground. The fire was gone as fast as it started, flashing out of existence once it had consumed all of the webbing.

    Zalan¡¯s ears were ringing slightly, and he imagined that he could go a lot more deaf if he was closer to the blast when it went off. Rep turned to Zalan and raised an eyebrow slightly in amusement, his ¡°I told you so¡± held frankly in his silent expression. Zalan tried to find words to counter the face.

    ¡°Yeah, well that just means that you could have used your fire against the spider directly and killed it! Look how flammable its insides were!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I could have killed it, yes, but I suspect I would have killed us in the process. Attacking the source would likely create an even larger explosion,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure that you could redirect something that big, especially now that you¡¯re Level 7, with over 10 Wisdom,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I only just turned Level 7, I still have not practiced with my new power. A flame that large has the potential to overwhelm me, especially with the force it emits at the same time. Redirecting that could be incredibly difficult at such a close distance,¡± Rep assessed.

    ¡°Yeah, well you don¡¯t know that,¡± Zalan said, sounding defeated.

    ¡°Neither do you.¡±

    They stared at the spot where the webs had burned for a few more moments, then turned to look down the dark path further within the mines. Rep looked anxious to have to go any further within.

    ¡°Do you want to call out to the Elemental again? Before we discover an unfamiliar monster we can not handle?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Not if monsters are gonna react every time. Let¡¯s see if there¡¯s a sign of an Elemental further in.¡±

    Rep bit his lip and nodded. He held out his dim flame ahead of them and they walked further into the mysterious mines.

 164 - Book 4 - Chapter 22 - Eating Away The Mind

    Rep and Zalan¡¯s feet were heavy as they walked. The floor was scattered with more globs of webbing, increasing the deeper they went within. They had a putrid smell, often being entangled with the remains of creatures of various shapes and sizes. Zalan grimaced as he stepped over grotesque shapes.

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯re going toward a giant spider nest?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I like to hope that we killed the only monster in the mines. But I hear them in the shadows beyond. My true guess is that we are going towards more of them.¡± Rep nodded forward.

    Rep and Zalan kept their guard up, both of them wielding their swords ahead of them. They didn¡¯t want to waste the second it would take to unsheath their blade if they were surprised by another creature. The further they walked, the more grisly the ground grew ahead of them. Human skeletons and remains were scattered around the floor, the flesh peeled from most bones. Almost all of the remains were captured under the giant spider webs, rolled up like a bug before being consumed. Zalan swallowed hard. He wondered if they were alive or dead by the time they were fully captured. He hoped no one had to live through being tied up in a web.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of people in here,¡± Zalan said solemnly.

    ¡°Indeed. It looks as though a massacre took place,¡± Rep mentioned.

    ¡°How do you think they all got caught by spiders? The monsters are so weak, any Elemental attack could probably take them down. Even someone at like, Level 2, could probably have enough Strength to fight one off if they had a weapon,¡± Zalan said, looking around and wondering what Level each adventurer perished at.

    ¡°I think we have our answer just ahead,¡± Rep nodded.

    Zalan peered in the dim firelight, then jumped back with his sword pointed toward a spider on the ground. It was twitching in agony, but looked as though it had no open wounds. Slowly, Rep and Zalan approached it to get a better look. Zalan was certain it wasn¡¯t hit by anything external, yet it still looked like it was dying, its limbs flailing sharply with every passing second.

    ¡°What happened to it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°What I suspect happened to all the spider food in here. It was rendered in a state where it no longer has the will to live. It knows nothing but the pain of its mind.¡±

    Zalan was confused for a second, before realizing that he recently felt the same way. He rubbed his hands together anxiously.

    ¡°The Mind of Madness?¡±

    Rep nodded.

    ¡°It blasts humans and nonhumans alike with its beams. I presume that all men and women who perished here were tied up in webs after being struck by the Mind of Madness¡¯s black beam. They were very much alive, but left for food for the spiders to consume.¡±

    ¡°The Mind of Madness leaves all of its victims behind?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°But then what does it eat?¡±

    Rep thought about it for a few seconds, watching the spider flinch ahead of them. He breathed uncomfortably.

    ¡°The Mind of Madness has no mouth.¡±

    ¡°So, you think it doesn¡¯t need to eat?¡±

    ¡°I believe it feeds off misery and darkness. That would explain why it roams the world doing nothing but giving people the worst visions imaginable. It has no need to consume all the things it renders catatonic. The act of depressing them is more than enough for its needs,¡± Rep concluded.

    Zalan took in the information uncomfortably as he watched the writhing spider. The idea made sense. The Mind of Madness was never in one place very long. He found it surprising that the monsters killed one another like this. Almost unnatural. He assumed monsters would always be on the same side. But the Mind of Madness wasn¡¯t like other monsters. He hoped to never come across it again for as long as he lived. Pure madness was one visit away. Especially in its lair.

    The symbiotic relationship the monsters had with one another was interesting to Zalan. The Mind of Madness would render prey to a point where the weaker spiders could get easy meals. And the spider monsters kept the Mind of Madness¡¯s home free from wandering individuals. The area was as depressing and dangerous as was befitting of the giant head of pure morbidity. Benefits could be found for both creatures, despite the Mind of Madness blasting everything indiscriminately.

    The spider ceased moving, dying in the throes of its anguished mind. Rep and Zalan looked at one another, turning away from the sight in revulsion. Zalan looked behind them, making sure the monstrous head hadn¡¯t suddenly appeared above them. He saw nothing, but still couldn¡¯t get over the feeling of something¡¯s eyes on him. His skin burned with discomfort, in a constant state of feeling watched.

    He didn¡¯t want to be in the mines any longer. Even the idea of getting an Elemental Power didn¡¯t feel as enticing. He considered telling Rep that they should just use the Homeseeker while they still had the chance as they moved around the dead monster. He blinked with indecision, trying to figure out what the fallback would be if he didn¡¯t get his Elemental Power in the mines.

    This was the place that Madam Hikma sent them. He understood now that there was a reason for it. The Guidance Gem revealed something to her that made it clear that his power was somewhere in here. It could even be that there was something more than Elemental Power to be found. Breathing deeply, Zalan decided to try and call for the Elemental once more, hoping to cut the endless delve into darkness short.

    ¡°Elemental?¡± Zalan called less confidently than the first time. ¡°I¡¯m here for your challenge! I don¡¯t care what kind of power, I¡¯ll take anything. Just appear already.¡±

    Rep and Zalan braced themselves, waiting for another monster to rush them at the sound of Zalan¡¯s call. Nothing came. But that brought Rep and Zalan no comfort. Not knowing what was out there felt almost as bad as knowing. Shuffling, thudding, and scuttling still filled the ambient, dark atmosphere. Somewhere in the vicinity, monsters were just waiting for the right opportunity.

    ¡°I suppose we continue further within?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°We have to, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep didn¡¯t answer. With a worried determination, he continued trudging forward. Zalan followed closely, remaining in what little light was being emitted. It wasn¡¯t long before they came across another few paths splitting off their tunnel. They had three options this time, but went down the one on the right with no hesitation. They were silently sticking to Zalan¡¯s plan to treat the Depths of Despair as a maze.

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    Zalan suddenly got a sense of vertigo when he realized he had no idea what time it was. He had no frame of reference for how much time had passed since they had entered a world of total darkness.

    ¡°How far are we from the entrance?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep suddenly twisted his head back in thought. He returned forward, a faraway look in his eyes.

    ¡°I have not the slightest idea. How long have we even been down here? Should we stop to eat?¡± Rep suggested.

    Zalan didn¡¯t like the idea of sitting in one place in the Depths of Despair. It felt like it would be asking for a monster to attack them. Regardless, he nodded his assent.

    They approached the closest cold wall to rest against. Striking with his blade, Zalan tested whether it was set to have a trap go off like the Island of Remains. Satisfied by the lack of death traps, they laid their backs to the wall and knelt down, keeping the flame ahead of them. Their backs were protected and the area ahead wouldn¡¯t be prone to any ambushes. Zalan knew that there was very little chance of stopping a surprise attack when visibility was so low, but it still felt smart to set themselves up in this manner.

    They quickly pulled food from their bags and rapidly shoved it into their mouths. Every second spent chewing felt like a moment that could be used to spring webs at them, or for a new creature to appear from the endless abyss. They scarfed down food as fast as it took to chew, not taking even a second to savor any flavors. Zalan was about to ask why they didn¡¯t walk while they ate, but got a good look at Rep¡¯s face.

    He was sweating, despite the cold. He had been emitting his flame nonstop for what must have been hours. He was breathing deeply, catching his breath between bites of food and sips of water. Despite having recently gained a Level, the constant flow of energy it took to maintain even a modest flame was taking its toll. He wasn¡¯t going to be able to hold out like this.

    It was then that Zalan realized that their time in the mines was severely limited. It wasn¡¯t based on the amount of food they could maintain. Traveling in the Depths of Despair was one challenge, but it would be suicide to spend the night. Even leaving someone on watch wouldn¡¯t help when the brightest flame they could create only shined a few feet ahead of them. If a few monsters gathered together to strike in the darkness, they would be overwhelmed by the time they stood to fight. If they didn¡¯t succeed today, it was likely that they would have to use the Homeseeker to escape. And if he were to experience the warmth of the sun again, Zalan wondered whether he would ever have the courage to come back into the dreaded darkness.

    If not, he would be powerless, knowing that he might have been only feet away from the next challenge. Morloch was free to roam the realm and rid it of any source of power. Left to his devious devices, Zalan would be powerless forever.

    He had a hard time thinking he could win enough fights to go back home without an element. He was considering the acquisition of Elemental Power the kind of change he needed to become a better person like Penelope suggested. He didn¡¯t know whether he would be able to go on living in the shadow of his losses otherwise. He needed a tangible turning point in his life, not just a change in mentality.

    Zalan suddenly grew antsy, running a hand through his hair. He didn¡¯t want to continue resting when he could be moving, looking for the Elemental within the mines. Time felt so fleeting. He looked at Rep, trying to read whether he had eaten enough to get going. Rep was breathing more smoothly, but the thin layer of sweat remained on his forehead. Rep was staring at the ground, focused on nothing in particular. Zalan continued to stare until Rep met his eyes.

    ¡°Should we get going?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep winced to himself and looked up further into the mines. His face was the epitome of reluctance, several lines on his forehead above his twitching eyebrows. Despite his apparent hesitations, Rep closed his eyes and quelled his nerves with a deep breath. He reopened them and looked to Zalan, not one to want to disappoint.

    ¡°Let us continue,¡± Rep nodded.

    Zalan stood and held out an arm to help Rep stand. Rep took it and Zalan had to pull harder than he expected to get him to his feet. Carrying a significant amount of his weight, Zalan considered that he might be trying to conserve as much energy as possible. The other possibility was that they had even less time than Zalan imagined. Worried, he began to walk. He picked up the pace they set earlier, and Rep matched him.

    They passed another fork in the path, furthering them in the seemingly endless maze of darkness. Zalan recalled the underground trap in the Island of Remains that was similarly opaque. But that place didn¡¯t eat away at light, nor did it take such a toll on his mind. He had nothing but silence then, where now every noise felt like a threat on his life. The mines were a different breed. It also reminded him of the Bright Elemental he saw on the island. If only he could have solved the challenge, he would have Elemental Light Power. It would be the perfect thing to get him through. Having his own source of light would make him feel in control. Powerful, even.

    He realized that if he had gained the power, there never would have been a reason to go to Nightfall. Avoiding the Depths of Despair altogether, all tied to the single moment in time. It got him thinking about the challenge given to him by the Elemental again:

    In the three darknesses, you must find the light.

    Zalan tried not to dwell on it, when he already felt he had failed. He couldn¡¯t help thinking about the riddle. What would it have taken to get Elemental Light? It was a power he had never seen used in the realm, but one he had been interested in since first reading about it. Could the three darknesses be three different monsters, like the five mysterious Monsters of the Mindscape? Or maybe it was metaphors upon metaphors? Could he go back and ask the Elemental for its challenge a second time? Had Morloch already killed it? Zalan remembered that Morloch implicitly told the Bright Elemental he intended to kill it when he rescued Zalan from the undergrounds.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep pulled his friend¡¯s shoulder hard and stopped him.

    Zalan blinked, realizing he¡¯d been totally zoned out. He looked around urgently.

    ¡°What? I don¡¯t see anything,¡± Zalan said.

    His surroundings rumbled marginally, only for a moment. Then, another rumble, like a tremor generator on a timer. Something was stomping toward them. Something big.

    He and Rep took a few steps backward, then came to the sickening realization that the footsteps were approaching them from behind. They were blocked off from the way out. Rep bit his lips in fear. Zalan watched the darkness closely, waiting for something to creep out of the black-ink abyss.

    Emerging from the darkness was a humanoid monster at least twice the size of them, approaching with ponderous steps. It was a creature made entirely of black obsidian, with two red ruby eyes looking down at them. On its shoulders were two giant spiders, crawling around and looking for meals. They had differing numbers of eyes. One with four, the other with seven. Another symbiotic relationship between different monsters, Zalan presumed.

    ¡°That is an Earthenbeast,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I thought they were made of clay or rock. Don¡¯t they sleep on the sides of cliffs?¡± Zalan said, raising his sword.

    The monster stopped to look down at the two humans on its path. It twisted its head one way, curious.

    ¡°I thought so too, but this one must have formed from the rare treasures in the walls of the mines,¡± Rep said. ¡°Perhaps they can sleep in the walls of any natural earth formation.¡±

    The monster looked frustrated. It shooed at Rep and Zalan. Neither of them moved, not certain how to react. Then, the monster struck the side of the mines powerfully. Rep and Zalan flinched. A single punch felt like an earthquake. There was further rumbling around them. Rep gasped. He twisted his head around, listening closely.

    ¡°It summoned other Earthenbeasts,¡± Rep said gravely.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan said, looking around rapidly. ¡°Where?¡±

    As if to answer, the walls themselves began shifting. Zalan stared in horror as the mines came to life with movement. Giant monsters of various rare earth gems emerged. Obsidian, Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond. Rep and Zalan were surrounded by four Earthenbeasts, with no path to run through for escape.

 165 - Book 4 - Chapter 23 - Sacrifice

    Rep and Zalan spun in place, Rep¡¯s dim flame illuminating the ghastly monsters looming over them. The light danced to a terrifying tune as each Earthenbeast closed in. Rep began rummaging in his pocket as Zalan waved his sword ahead of them to try and intimidate the creatures. They didn¡¯t react to the weapon. Each step made Zalan¡¯s bones tremble.

    Rep spun around in place and blasted all four monsters with fire, trying to kill them the same way that he defeated the last run-in with Earthenbeasts. But it was no use. These monsters were made of different minerals. They weren¡¯t going to be dried out by fire. But they hesitated at the sight of the larger flames, taking tiny steps back. The two spiders on the Obsidian Earthenbeast were shielded by its quick-acting arms.

    ¡°So much for fighting,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We should try focusing on one of them to see how strong they are,¡± Zalan suggested, pointing his sword at the Ruby Earthenbeast closest to them.

    ¡°And be beaten into a pulpy mess if we are wrong to challenge them at all?¡± Rep said, appalled. ¡°Absolutely not. This is the reason I have the Homeseeker, to save our lives in these extreme cases without stopping to think of insane ideas.¡±

    Rep pulled out the Homeseeker, looking in the light to find the activation trigger. The moment it came out of his pocket, one of the spiders on the Obsidian Earthenbeast¡¯s shoulder unleashed a wad of web. Zalan didn¡¯t realize it was focused on them until the Artifact zipped out of Rep¡¯s hand. The giant spider¡¯s web expertly snatched it from Rep¡¯s palm. Gasping, Rep reached out to the web as it flew across, sticking to the leg of the Emerald Earthenbeast. Zalan looked at Rep¡¯s hand, then to the Earthenbeast, a horror coming across his face.

    ¡°Was that the Homeseeker?¡± Zalan asked, already knowing the answer.

    ¡°Quickly! We must take it from that one¡¯s leg!¡± Rep tossed off his pack of food and charged at it with a flame imbued sword.

    Again, the monster spiders shot webs and Rep stopped suddenly, his leg stretching out behind him. His right foot had been pinned to the ground by the powerfully sticky substance. Zalan dropped his pack and ran toward him immediately to help him get the webbing off of him. Rep looked up at him with wide eyes.

    ¡°Zalan, no!¡± Rep threw a flame at his friend¡¯s face and Zalan came to a surprised halt.

    A massive black fist crashed down just ahead of where Zalan stood. It rumbled inches from his face, shaking the mines with enough force to rattle Zalan¡¯s brain. He took a few steps back in shock, recognizing how close to death he just came. Gaining a surge of adrenaline, he gripped his hilt and swung his blade at the monster¡¯s fist with all his might.

    The sword glanced off weakly. He didn¡¯t have the Strength to do damage to the Obsidian Earthenbeast. Especially not without an Elemental Power to imbue his blade. The Obsidian Earthenbeast raised its fist away, possibly preparing for another strike. Zalan considered himself lucky that Earthenbeasts were so slow to attack. A pack of Shellbacks or Boznoks would have killed them by now.

    ¡°Rep! Are you okay?¡± Zalan asked as the fist was raised.

    ¡°I am fine, it did not injure me! Quickly, the Homeseeker!¡± Rep said, pulling desperately at the web pinning him to the ground.

    Zalan nodded and sprinted forward to the wad of web that held the Artifact to the Emerald monster¡¯s leg.

    ¡°On your left!¡± Rep screamed behind him.

    Without looking, Zalan dove to the right and felt the powerful collision of rock against the ground, causing him to lose his balance as he ran forward. He tripped and slammed into the green Earthenbeast with the Homeseeker attached to it. Pushing himself back to his feet, he grabbed the webs stuck to its legs and pulled hard, using all his might to free the Artifact.

    The Earthenbeast looked down at Zalan in silence, seemingly amused by his struggle. With a massive thrust, it kicked its leg forward. Zalan went airborne, losing all sense of direction as he spun once before crashing into the ground near Rep.

    ¡°Did you get it?¡± Rep asked desperately.

    Zalan saw webbing from the Earthenbeast¡¯s leg stuck to his hands. Looking between them quickly, he saw that he wasn¡¯t able to pull off the Artifact. He looked back at the Emerald Earthenbeast, the webs on the Homeseeker marginally disconnected. Given enough time, it might fall off on its own. But they didn¡¯t have time to spare.

    ¡°I got nothing!¡± Zalan said urgently.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Rep shoved Zalan aside and a web came plopping down between them.

    ¡°Take out the spiders. I¡¯ll go and get the Artifact.¡±

    ¡°No! I can not attack the spiders and watch out for you at the same time!¡±

    Proving his point, Rep pulled him down hard as a jeweled, red Earthenbeast fist swung overhead. Rep was able to use his flame to see the situation a lot better than Zalan. He controlled the source of light. Zalan¡¯s reflexes were stunted in the darkness. He felt so useless. Both his lack of Strength and lack of Elemental Power left Rep having to take care of him during every attack.

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t try to get the Artifact yet. But hurry! Get the spiders!¡± Zalan said.

    Zalan knelt down to roll off the remaining bit of webbing on Rep¡¯s foot. Rep blasted fireballs at the two spiders on the Obsidian Earthenbeast¡¯s shoulders. To Rep and Zalan¡¯s surprise, the monster raised its black arms and protected the two creatures on its shoulders. It knew when they were in danger and took the hit for them. Zalan thought it was a fluke the first time, but this was a truly symbiotic relationship.

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    ¡°Maybe try attacking one of the Earthenbeasts with your imbued sword. You might be able to hurt one with a mix of Strength and Wisdom. And if there are less of them, we might have an easier time getting the Artifact,¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°Fine! The diamond one, it is furthest from the monster spiders! Stay close.¡±

    Rep and Zalan charged at the Diamond Earthenbeast together. First Zalan sliced at its leg, hoping the different makeup of creatures would allow him to do damage. His sword bounced off harmlessly. He raised to strike it again, but his balance was thrown off when a fat glob of spider web stuck to the center of the blade. Rep tried next, cutting its leg with a searing hot blade only to deal it a slight scratch. It was next to nothing, but a lot more than Zalan could do. The diamond monster looked unfazed, but enough hits might do enough damage that they could get around it without fearing for their lives.

    Rep raised his arms for a second flame-imbued strike, then suddenly an explosion went off above him. A giant spider had fired its web at the fire-encompassed sword, causing the web to detonate on contact. The force of the blast threw Rep backward and his sword forward, disarming him. His blade landed on the other side of the Earthenbeasts surrounding them. He was cut off from his weapon.

    Screaming in frustration, Rep threw another two fireballs at the spiders. The Obsidian Earthenbeast protected them again without hesitation. The other Earthenbeasts seemed disturbed by the explosion, waiting especially long before looking back down at Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°What now?¡± Zalan asked, terror enveloping him. His heart cracked loudly against his chest. Their odds looked terrible. And they had no means of escape.

    Rep looked at the monsters towering over them, long shadows casting behind them in the pitch black surroundings. He bent backward suddenly when a spider web came his way, plopping onto the ground and giving them even less space to maneuver. Zalan was beginning to feel claustrophobic on top of the fear. The Earthenbeasts were so close. If they had the mind to all strike at the same time, Rep and Zalan were dead.

    ¡°Run to the Emerald Earthenbeast for the Homeseeker!¡± Rep said, breaking into a run.

    ¡°We already tried that,¡± Zalan said, immediately running with Rep.

    ¡°Activate it, even if it is still attached to the monster. Remain holding on to the monster and we will be able to escape when the Artifact warps us home. It is our only chance!¡±

    ¡°Got it! Here, take this!¡± Zalan tossed his sword to Rep before he could protest.

    Rep grabbed it out of the air and imbued it with scorching hot flame, waving it around to ward off the other Earthenbeasts. They seemed slightly apprehensive to approach the intense light, and hesitated to make their next moves. Zalan was glad they had just a moment of reprieve. Zalan got to the Emerald Earthenbeast first and tried to find the trigger for the Homeseeker within the webs. The spiderweb was immensely thick, and he fumbled clumsily as his hands stuck to the material.

    ¡°I can¡¯t find the button!¡± Zalan exclaimed in a quick panic.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Rep demanded, equally terrified.

    Zalan began to tear away at the webs in search of the button to trigger the Artifact. The Emerald Earthenbeast tried to kick Zalan again, but he was quick to dive out of the way this time. The Earthenbeast seemed upset over missing and reacted faster than usual. It sideswiped at both humans with a massive green arm.

    ¡°Watch out!¡± Rep yelled, but was too late, himself. He was struck by the massive attack, smacked away.

    Zalan knelt down, not knowing which direction the attack was coming from. The arm only delivered a glancing blow to him, but it was enough to do significant damage to his shoulder. He was shoved ruthlessly down, dragging a few feet against the ground before recovering and jumping to his feet. Blood spilled down the side of his face.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan called blindly, he could barely tell up from down. He groaned and shoved himself to his feet even as his vision lagged to catch up.

    ¡°Zalan.¡± Rep¡¯s voice came unsteadily.

    Zalan spun around toward the sound of his voice. He blinked enough to get a good view of his friend. Rep was in the dead center of the four Earthenbeasts, all of whom were focusing on the flame he produced. Both of his legs and an arm were pinned to the ground by several globs of webbing. There wouldn¡¯t be enough time to get him up before another Earthenbeast punched at him. Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide.

    ¡°Zalan, listen to me. Take the sword,¡± Rep tossed Zalan his sword back and Zalan picked it up instantaneously.

    ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Zalan asked, desperately.

    ¡°Run. I will ignite the webs and it will stun the Earthenbeasts for a second. Run between their legs at that moment and escape,¡± Rep said seriously.

    ¡°And leave you?¡± Zalan said. ¡°No! I can¡¯t do that. How will I even get out of here without you? It¡¯s too dark!¡±

    More shots of webs attached to Rep¡¯s body. The spiders must have decided that he was the bigger threat and focused on immobilizing him. Rep could barely raise his head off the ground, pulling against webs on his neck. The Obsidian Earthenbeast was lifting a fist.

    ¡°Zalan! Please! You have to go back home! I owe that to you! I never should have brought you here!¡±

    ¡°Rep, another plan! Come on, there has to be another way!¡± Zalan begged.

    ¡°You were my best friend, Zalan. I sincerely hope you find peace.¡± Rep smiled at him.

    The Obsidian Earthenbeast¡¯s fist began crashing down.

    Still smiling, Rep began glowing red, imbuing his entire body in flame.

    The explosion was colossal, throwing Zalan high off his feet and blinding him. He smashed into something earthlike behind him, but his vision was blocked and his ears were ringing. He had no idea whether he collided with a wall or an Earthenbeast.

    ¡°Rep!¡± Zalan screamed loudly, but couldn¡¯t even hear his own voice. The eruption had temporarily deafened him.

    Both blind and deaf, Zalan had no idea where he was pointed. If he ran now, he wouldn¡¯t know which way was the way back outside. The last thing etched into Zalan¡¯s mind was Rep¡¯s smile, the same look that Fran and Xavier had the moment they passed. Zalan screamed, hating the visual of Rep.

    The last thing he was told was to run. He stood quickly, fulfilling his closest friend¡¯s final request. His head swam with disorientation and pain, so much that he tripped and fell after taking three steps. Pushing hard against the immense pain and fatigue, Zalan got back to his feet and sprinted at full speed. Somehow, he ended up running ahead without immediately bumping into any monsters.

    His legs ached as he ran with all his might. His ears soon came back into operation, the sound of his panicked breathing and stumbling footsteps filling his head. If his eyes came back into use, he had no idea. He had no source of light anymore, completely at the mercy of the Depths of Despair. He waved his sword ahead of him and he ran. He was using it both as a blind stick to stop him from crashing into walls and to try and cut down any monsters approaching from nearby. They could be anywhere. He had no means of knowing. Sounds crept at every corner.

    Zalan screamed in anguish for his friend. Find peace? Zalan wouldn¡¯t even be able to fulfill his last request if he tried his absolute hardest. He had no idea where he was, nor which direction he was headed. With a sinking sensation in his heart, he was almost certain that he was going deeper into the Depths of Despair rather than back to the entrance.

 166 - Book 4 - Chapter 24 - Lost

    Zalan ran for his life, but was constantly obstructed by the mine¡¯s terrain or walls appearing seemingly out of nowhere in front of him. He was completely sightless, hardly able to tell one direction from another. He came to a halt, catching his breath and leaning against something rocklike. He suddenly flinched away from it and stabbed at the rockwall with his sword. He hoped, with a sinking sensation, that the wall wouldn¡¯t start moving on him. He wouldn¡¯t know how to avoid an Earthenbeast without Rep.

    Thinking of Rep sent a skewer through his heart. Zalan hadn¡¯t expected him to die. Of all the things in the realm, he was the one constant. Rep as his guide. Zalan had grown used to the stark realities of fighting any monsters in this realm, but Zalan never saw a future where he would be traveling the realm alone. He had no idea how he was supposed to escape without him. Both the Depths of Despair and the realm as a whole were unnavigable without his guide and best friend. He knelt down, groaning in pain over the loss. He couldn¡¯t tell whether his wounds or his loss were the source of his agony, but it was overwhelming all the same.

    When he was finally able to regain his senses some time later, he turned his body to look back in the direction he thought he came from. Nothing but darkness. He had no idea how many times he¡¯d turned himself around nor how far he would have run from Rep. He peered desperately, looking for even the smallest hint of light. Anything to see a sign of Rep still being alive. The tiniest ember of a flame.

    Even with his eyes at their widest, he couldn¡¯t see a thing. Nothing but all-compassing black. He considered that even if it was possible for Rep to emit light, the Depths of Despair might eat away at the light so it wouldn¡¯t reach him. Zalan was blind and without an Artifact to escape with. All he had was the Essence of Soul on his person. But he was almost certain he would die of anything but the Mind of Madness in the Depths of Despair.

    He heard the scuttling of creatures in the distance. Taunting him. He was forever in darkness, only waiting for one of them to gain the courage to attack him. And even through his paranoia, Zalan still felt the sensation that some other ominous creature was watching him. It was the same feeling from when he first entered the mines.

    He hated the sensation. It watched and didn¡¯t help when Rep sacrificed himself. He grit his teeth, his passion getting the better of him. He brandished his blade and took a blind step forward.

    ¡°Come on!¡± Zalan screamed. ¡°Bring it! I have nothing to lose!¡±

    His body shivered. Struck by his own words. He had nothing to lose. There was nothing left for him. Not an Artifact of use, not a power, and not a friend. His stomach lurched in agony as an old emotion returned to him. The feeling like he had absolutely no reason to live. He hadn¡¯t changed fast enough. He wasn¡¯t someone powerful enough to help himself. He had no light. And now he had no help.

    He was truly alone, surrounded by creatures in endless mines. Nerve wracking sounds jeered at him from a distance. There was a distant thudding. Whether it was the sound of Earthenbeasts or something else, Zalan had no way of knowing. The name of the mines made so much sense to him now that he was alone. The Depths of Despair. Optimism was left behind, outside of the infinite gloom. He had no dreams of walking out of the situation alive.

    The realization hit him hard. He didn¡¯t want to die. Especially not in a place like this, surrounded by nothing comforting. His entire body was trembling powerfully, the movement sucking away what little energy remained in his being. He was mentally and physically drained, with the added feeling of warm blood rolling down the side of his face. He had been alone in the realm before, but never this bad. Even the darkness under the Island of Remains was far preferable to this place.

    Zalan suddenly heard something scuttling toward him. He screamed and slashed his sword blindingly, striking the metal against the wall with enough force to hurt his wrist. The noises the approaching creature made sounded a lot like one of the monster spiders. He heard a splotch next to him. It was trying to tie him up in webs. Zalan pushed himself off the wall in fear and began running. He didn¡¯t want to be captured and kept in place with nothing but his thoughts. He had to keep moving. Otherwise he knew he would come to understand the other name for the mines. The Mines of Madness.

    The creature was tracking him, staying somewhere close behind him. Every twitch of its movements brought Zalan on edge. A slight scrape on the earth, a twitch of its fangs, a quiet hiss in feral excitement of the hunt.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan yelled, swinging his sword behind him pathetically as he ran. ¡°Stay away! No!¡±

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    He tripped and fell hard to the ground, his sword clattering away. The giant spider continued approaching. Zalan fumbled around, slapping the earth in search of his blade. The spider shot a web at his hand, pinning it to the floor. Zalan twisted around in a frenzy, flailing as he tried to pull himself free.

    He heard the spider hiss as it lept toward him. He swung every free limb, flailing randomly in defense. He was bellowing a mix of terrified scream and battle cry. His leg connected with the creature and it went flying, landing with a thud. Zalan listened closely, trying to bring down the drumbeat of his heart in his ears. There was no more scuttling. If the monster was being quiet, he had no way of knowing. Both noise and the lack of it set his mind ablaze with panicked activity. He hoped he was safe.

    For the moment.

    He pulled hard at the web locking down his hand until he freed himself, tossing the sticky material aside. He began feeling along the floor in desperate search for his weapon. He inhaled sharply as his palm came into contact with the sharp point of his blade. He cut a tiny slice into his hand, but was grateful to have his sword once more. He had no idea why he was grateful when he could hardly fight without his sense of sight. He waved his arms around in search of a wall. Once he felt its cold touch, he got to walking once more. He hoped that no monsters in the mines were attracted to the scent of fresh blood. Zalan shivered at his own thoughts.

    He didn¡¯t have the slightest idea which way he was headed, but only knew that he didn¡¯t want to remain in one place. He was determined to walk until he collapsed from lack of energy. Stomach growling, it occurred to him that total exhaustion could come soon when his food was destroyed in Rep¡¯s explosion. And he refused to think of what would happen once it came to that. Images of him being tied up by a giant spider flashed through his mind, but he deliberately didn¡¯t dwell on them. He just needed to keep walking. Nothing but motion.

    He lost all sense of time in the complete darkness. Seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like hours. He was in a freezing sweat, energy slowly draining away as he insisted on his progress forward. The sounds of creatures in the shadows never faded. The feeling of being watched never waned. And yet Zalan continued to move in a haze. He didn¡¯t know what he was searching for, but he wouldn¡¯t stop until he found it.

    He wanted to lie on the ground and stop all the fighting. All the mental and physical anguish could end if he just rolled up in a ball and let the Depths of Despair have its way with him. He wanted to convince himself he didn¡¯t care about the consequences of quitting, but he was too terrified to actually choose to lie down. The Depths of Despair could be described as anything but comforting. Even lying down to take a break felt like a maddening idea. He had the inertia to keep walking, so he would do nothing but walk. It felt like the closest thing he could do to trying. He was going to keep trying until he collapsed.

    His thoughts were the most defeatist he had ever felt in the realm. He was no longer lamenting about not being able to go home, but being doomed to die alone. Neither he nor Rep¡¯s bodies were likely to be found and they would rot away in the dark abyss of the mines. Or their remains would be eaten away by the giant spiders. Or worse yet, they would be eaten alive.

    Lost in his thoughts, Zalan yelped in terror when something shifted from under his arm. He felt the wall next to him move. An Earthenbeast had been sleeping wherever he was leaning against. He felt the dark world fold around him as the formidable creature slowly emerged from the walls of the mines. Zalan slashed his sword at it, only for it to bounce off harmlessly. He wasn¡¯t even sure if he struck the monster or the rock wall it extracted itself from. A moment later, Zalan was swatted away, landing hard on his knee. Without knowing which way was which, Zalan got up, shoved the sword in his sheath, and began limping in a mad run.

    He could feel that he was starting to lose control over his mind. Remaining awake for so long with such little energy made him feel manic and constantly in a hyper-focused state of mind. He was breathing erratically, feeling like he couldn¡¯t take in a full breath as he constantly stumbled and crashed into his surroundings.

    Already feeling at his limit, he tripped over something that made him land hard again on his knees, causing too much pain for him to bounce up and continue running. He strained his muscles, trying to push off the ground but couldn¡¯t find the strength. He was totally wiped, and trembling just to keep his face off the ground. He curled up into a ball, closing his eyes tightly in anguish.

    ¡°Please,¡± Zalan whispered to himself gently, not knowing what else to do. ¡°Please, I don¡¯t want to die. Someone save me. God save me, please.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s voice was trembling and his heart beat loudly in his chest, filling his ears with an ominous toll. A foreboding gong. His heart was running so fast, he was sure it would give out from over exerting itself. Either that or explode entirely. He was overwhelmed on all fronts, thousands of thoughts running through his mind.

    He saw Fran¡¯s smile before being engulfed by the Elemental Dragon¡¯s lightning attack. He saw Xavier, proud of himself for saving a life before being consumed by a Leviathan. He saw Rep¡¯s smile a moment before the deafening explosion. He even saw his mother¡¯s face, a light, grateful smile on her lips. Why couldn¡¯t he smile like them? Why did his life have to end in agony?

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to die,¡± Zalan repeated.

    Zalan suddenly heard a voice he didn¡¯t recognize from somewhere close to him on the ground. He flinched in fear, until recognizing it as human.

    ¡°Why not?¡± the voice asked.

 167 - Book 4 - Chapter 25 - A Reason To Live

    Zalan listened intently as tried to get a grip over his rapid breath. He was almost certain he heard a voice. But he believed it was too implausible to hear something familiar like a human this deep into the Depths of Despair. He had truly lost his mind. He must have been hearing voices. Or it was one of the regret monsters that accosted them when they entered the mines, but he didn¡¯t think it would be so quiet while he thought about it. Whatever the voice was, it was the most clear thing in the darkness, so he replied. The delusion almost brought him comfort.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I said why not? Why not just die?¡±

    ¡°Why would I want to die?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°What reason is there to live?¡± The voice sounded weak and depressed. Like something was wrong with it.

    Zalan blinked in confusion. He hadn¡¯t expected the voice to echo slightly off of the walls of the mines. He could even hear the voice breathing. It was far more diegetic than something he expected to live exclusively in his head. He raised his head slightly, trying to see if he could turn his head to the source. He began to hope that it was actually there with him.

    ¡°Are you real?¡± Zalan asked.

    The voice didn¡¯t respond. Zalan decided it was probably a confusing question and tried again.

    ¡°Ummm¡­ Who are you?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I am Finnegan,¡± the voice replied.

    Zalan turned his way sharply. He had found the lost youngster from Nightfall. It was one of the reasons they came into the Depths of Despair. But he was in no shape to mount a rescue operation. It was cruel to find him only to be able to do nothing about it. Zalan sighed in defeat, not knowing what to do. He realized that only Finnegan had shared his name.

    ¡°My name¡¯s Zalan,¡± Zalan replied.

    He slowly began to crawl in Finnegan¡¯s direction. It hurt him to move, but again he was drawn forward by the need not to stay in one place. They could share the comfort in being the only two living humans in the Depths of Despair.

    ¡°What are you doing about your death?¡± Finnegan asked, his voice monotonous.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know,¡± Zalan admitted. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to die.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Finnegan asked again.

    ¡°Why not? Why would I want to die?¡± Zalan said, feeling the conversation was getting circuitous.

    ¡°Because none of this matters,¡± Finnegan replied, in a dejected, hollow voice.

    Zalan finally registered what was wrong with the voice. It was lacking any thought that was better than pure sorrow. He sounded like he was in serious mental anguish. Zalan¡¯s first guess was that he had been in the Depths of Despair for too long. His mental health was shot. Then, Zalan came to another conclusion he hoped wasn¡¯t true.

    ¡°Finnegan, were you hit by the Mind of Madness?¡± Zalan asked.

    Finnegan remained quiet. Zalan took it as a mild affirmation. The immediate blast was enough to render someone lost in their thoughts, but given enough time, a victim of the dark beam could bubble back up to consciousness. That was how he got back to his feet the first time struck by the Mind of Madness. Friends and time. Zalan had never been hit when there was no one around to assist him. This was the lasting effects of the Mind of Madness when it was left to fester on its own. Toiling away in a mind that no longer wished to live.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Zalan went to nudge him, and his hand stuck to something on Finnegan¡¯s body.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide in horror. He had to pull hard to tear the hand off. Finnegan had been tied up by giant spider webs, saved for a later meal. Zalan swiveled his head around, despite being in pitch darkness, searching for the spiders with his ears. The distant sounds of creatures remained present. The eerie sense of being watched remained. But nothing felt especially close.

    ¡°Finnegan, did you get hit with the Mind of Madness blast or not?¡±

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t matter either way,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°It does matter!¡± Zalan hissed. ¡°I have an Artifact that can help, but I don¡¯t want to waste it if you¡¯re not affected by it.¡±

    ¡°It would be a waste on me either way. I will be dead soon,¡± Finnegan said softly.

    Zalan sighed in frustration and ran a hand through his hair. He could use the Essence of Soul on Finnegan and maybe get him back to his feet. Zalan frowned at the thought. What was the point of getting him back to his feet if he would die here anyway? Was it better to die when out of your mind or die fully conscious? As soon as Zalan asked himself the question, he knew what he would want done to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna use it on you,¡± Zalan said, pulling out the Artifact. ¡°Then I¡¯m gonna get you out of those webs.¡± Even if it didn¡¯t work, he determined there was no better use for the Artifact, anyway. He wouldn¡¯t be able to use it on himself if hit by the Mind of Madness.

    ¡°Why? What is the point? We will both perish shortly, whether free or not,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Shut up. I can try to get you out of the Depths of Despair too. But first you need to get back to your senses.¡±

    He activated the Artifact with a tight squeeze and held it up to Finnegan. Zalan gasped in surprise. The Artifact emitted the slightest bit of light when activated. He could finally see again. Finnegan¡¯s face looked dirty and bruised, his hair matted. There were deep bags under his red eyes, and he looked younger than Zalan by a few years. In Zalan¡¯s world, he might be the age of a freshman in college. From the neck down, he was bound by giant webs.

    ¡°I do not care much for getting out of here,¡± Finnegan said, his face turning away from the light. ¡°There is nothing for me out there.¡±

    ¡°Yeah there is! People out there care about getting you back! They sent me and my friend in specifically to come find you. You may think they don¡¯t care, but that¡¯s just you trying to cope with being okay with dying. Deep in your heart, you know people care.¡±

    ¡°They do not.¡±

    ¡°Dude, I wouldn¡¯t care about talking with you if they didn¡¯t care.¡±

    ¡°But my parents are dead,¡± Finnegan countered.

    Zalan was growing frustrated with the young man. Every attempt he made was shot down by another depressing remark. He realized just how patient Rep had been with him in all the time he¡¯d guided him through the realm. Especially the past few days. Zalan had been deeply negative toward every attempt Rep made to make him feel better. Every time, Rep would try to treat him with patience, something Zalan had run out of in seconds with Finnegan.

    He¡¯d been a terrible friend. At this point, they had been together so long that Zalan felt that Rep was more a brother than just a friend. But he was gone, consumed by an explosion. He only had Finnegan left to talk with. And he spoke curtly to him, already annoyed with his behavior.

    ¡°Are your parents really the limits to your family?¡± Zalan snapped. ¡°What about cousins? Uncles and aunts and grandparents? What about your close friends?¡±

    Zalan paused suddenly. He hadn¡¯t realized how much his own questions would affect him until after he said it. The idea struck him deeply. The entire time that he had been in the realm he thought only of his mother and his lack of her presence. But he had people who loved him enough in his life to check in on him even when he didn¡¯t want to be checked on. His cousin, Asher, came directly to his apartment to try and cheer him up. He never even would have considered visiting his mom if it wasn¡¯t for him.

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    ¡°Friends? Other family? That does not change the fact that my parents are dead. They were the greatest parents ever, and they will remain dead,¡± Finnegan said, dejected.

    Zalan had the same feeling eating away in his heart. What was dead would never return. Fran. Rep. Gone. But their presence wasn¡¯t entirely an absence. They still took space in his heart. Even without the presence of his mother, he would remember her so often. Her love for him carried on with him to entirely different worlds.

    He would channel her behavior in his own actions as a way to pay tribute to her, even while in a totally other realm. He made decisions based on how he thought she would react. He told his friends about how she raised him and the realm regarded her with respect. Rep had never spoken ill toward his mom, and used her to try and motivate Zalan, because even Rep knew how incredible of a woman she was. Zalan smiled wistfully at the thought of his mother. He could imagine her smile, even now.

    ¡°No, Finnegan. Your parents won¡¯t really die unless you do. Because think about it. People are gonna notice the things that you do. If you¡¯re a good person, people see that. And if people think you¡¯re deserving of praise, that¡¯ll go beyond just you. They¡¯ll say things like¡­ ¡®That Finnegan had some amazing parents to raise someone like this!¡¯ or ¡®Your parents would be really proud.¡¯ You could be the means of their living on in this realm, even after their death. But without you, they¡¯re really gone,¡± Zalan said, speaking as the conclusion came to his own mind.

    For once, Finnegan didn¡¯t have a quick, dismissive response. He looked upon Zalan with wide eyes, tears welling up.

    ¡°But¡­ But I am¡­¡± Finnegan¡¯s lower lip trembled and he choked back a sob.

    Zalan was amazed at how he saw this as a marked improvement. Gorb was right about shedding tears being a means for goodness for people. The Essence of Soul was working. And because Zalan was holding it up to Finnegan, its warm energy flowed powerfully through him as well. They were both desperately optimistic, fueled by its pleasant essence. Finnegan looked like he was remorseful, but his eyes yearned for a better emotion.

    He didn¡¯t immediately jump to saying something about wanting to die. To see a potential avoidance of death was a definite sign of a better state of mind. He held the Artifact closer to the young man and waited patiently for him to finish his thought.

    Finnegan cleared his throat and breathed deeply.

    ¡°I am not a good person,¡± Finnegan admitted. ¡°I have caused trouble to those in and out of Nightfall. I gathered money by any means I could. And I hurt so many in my pursuit.¡±

    Zalan said the next words without much thinking, the conversation with Penelope so fresh in his mind.

    ¡°You can still change,¡± he said sincerely.

    ¡°You do not understand. My parents left to find money in a castle. And for nothing! The city found its means of surviving by living more frugally and skipping a few meals a day! Now, I may be an orphan and branded a thief. I thought that if I gathered enough money, I would be able to bring them home myself. My greed was insatiable. And even after all my efforts, it is likely that they died outside of the city. ¡±

    Zalan was struck by Finnegan openly calling himself a thief. Captain Buttonwillow had spoken to Zalan on the concept of destiny before, but it never felt as relevant to him as it did in that moment. Penelope had given him a speech which applied directly to the person he was asked to search for. It was too amazing a coincidence for Zalan to believe that there wasn¡¯t some higher meaning.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you were called before. Thief, liar, or whatever. If you¡¯re still alive, you can still change. You just have to work at making up for everything you stole before. Think about it. If you spend the rest of your life paying back your victims, they¡¯ll have no choice but to see you differently. Given enough years, you¡¯ll have spent a much longer time as a good person rather than a thief,¡± Zalan said.

    Monsters shifted in the distance. Their noises becoming increasingly ravenous. Hungry. The shifting earth sounded like they were closing in on him and Finnegan, but he didn¡¯t pay them any mind. Zalan¡¯s heart was growing full as he spoke, filling with increasing softness and determination. He wasn¡¯t so certain he would die in the Depths of Despair anymore. He had too much work to do to let it end here. Finnegan needed to escape to change his life, and Zalan could be the means of that.

    The Essence of Soul was beginning to fade, the slight light it offered dying out. But the warmth of a newfound life remained in both young men. Zalan could see the tears rolling down from Finngean¡¯s eyes. There was a new emotion in his dimming features: Hope.

    ¡°I¡­ I took so much. Gold and silver coins from everyone I could convince. Honest to God fortunes. Do you really think I can change?¡± Finnegan¡¯s last question came out as a sanguine whisper.

    ¡°We¡¯re still alive. So long as you still have a breath to spare, you can change. You just have to make a sincere effort to do so,¡± Zalan said firmly.

    ¡°Even if I feel useless?¡±

    The question lodged itself straight into Zalan¡¯s heart. Zalan felt an odd sensation come over his eyes. They began to sting. Tears didn¡¯t form, but this was the closest thing to it he had felt in years. He had also felt so useless since the loss of his Elemental Lightning Power. He couldn¡¯t fight the same, and was constantly in mental anguish over events of the past. But he didn¡¯t need to brood on what happened, when he could still affect his future. He was determined not to give up now, no matter the odds.

    ¡°Especially if we feel useless. We can do better,¡± Zalan said, speaking to himself as much as he was to Finnegan. ¡°We can be better and leave a grand legacy to our parents. One they deserve from their children.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I can change,¡± Finnegan said to himself. He began to struggle against the webs binding him. The monsters grew louder. It felt as though they had gathered the courage to swarm Zalan, and he kneeled over Finnegan defensively.

    ¡°To do nothing and give up is to allow your parents to die with you. And none of you deserve to die,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I can not let this be the end of my story!¡± Finnegan pulled harder against the webs. Zalan was helping him with his free hand, the Essence of Soul dying out to a tiny, dim ember of light.

    ¡°It¡¯s better to live,¡± Zalan agreed.

    The scuttling of several spiders drew closer.

    ¡°For them,¡± Finnegan tore off one of the webs.

    ¡°For us,¡± Zalan said confidently. ¡°To lead such a good life that it reminds the world of them.¡±

    ¡°I want to live!¡± Finnegan said proudly. ¡°I¡¯ll fight, no matter the odds!¡±

    ¡°I want to live!¡± Zalan said boldly, pulling off another shred of webs. Finnegan¡¯s upper body was free. He used both arms to tear viciously at his binds. ¡°No matter how I am. Blind or not. Elemental Power or not, I¡¯ll fight to my dying breath.¡±

    Zalan stood, leaving Finnegan to free himself. What little light remained disappeared. Zalan quickly pulled his sword from its sheath just as the Essence of Soul died out, leaving him completely blind. He was defiantly undeterred. A burden had been lifted from Zalan.

    He didn¡¯t realize how dependent he was on needing an Elemental Power. It was so ingrained in his mind that it became his one goal in the realm. But now he had convinced himself to live by a new set of standards.

    A power was useful, but not necessary for him to survive the realm, nor the real world.

    He was strong on his own. He had learned from people who cared about him. He would get back home, despite what got in his way.

    He would visit his mother, if it was the last thing he did.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Finnegan asked, standing up weakly next to Zalan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But it¡¯s going to be okay.¡± Zalan smiled despite the noises surrounding them.

    He was hit twice in the chest by successive wads of spider web. He bore it without hesitation, a fire in his heart. In fact, Zalan puffed his chest boldly. It didn¡¯t matter that he might die right then, because he would die trying. Like his mother would want.

    He stepped forward and slashed his sword at the closest sounds. He hit nothing, instead feeling it become weighed down by another series of spider webs attached to it. He slashed again, undeterred by the overwhelming odds. Even as he was devoid of progress, he refused to back down. More webs attached to his abdomen.

    Zalan could feel himself channeling Fran¡¯s ideology: To die trying. Even if he went out flailing like a maniac, it was better than waiting for death to come. Rep¡¯s sacrifice would not be in vain. Thinking of them both made Zalan feel like he was igniting in a flame of his own. He felt so strongly that he began to imagine the Depths of Despair light up with their joined flame, illuminating enough for him to see the spiders. He ducked to avoid a blob of web, feeling it whoosh by.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Finnegan asked in fear.

    Evidently, the light Zalan saw brightening the mines was not in his head. The spiders backed off as the light increased. He wondered if he had somehow gained a Level without killing anything. The light coagulated into a single point just ahead of him. Zalan gasped and dropped his sword in shock. The form became clear, the arms opening wide and pointing to Zalan.

    A Bright Elemental.

    ¡°You found the light. You have completed my challenge,¡± the Elemental said with a respectful nod.

    Zalan could hardly believe what he was seeing. Instinctively, he knew it was the same Bright Elemental that he met under the Island of Remains. The essence he felt radiating from it was a familiar eeriness. This was the creature that had been stalking him in the mines. The Bright Elemental had been following him, watching intently from the moment he entered the Depths of Despair. He was so sure that he would die fighting that he didn¡¯t imagine anything would appear to stop the battle. The last thing on his mind was the Bright Elemental reappearing in the Depths of Despair.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t even know what I did,¡± Zalan said as the Elemental held out a bright sleeve of its glowing robes.

    In the darkness of Nightfall, in the darkness of the Depths of Despair, and in the darkness of his deep depression, Zalan found the light to live.

 168 - Book 4 - Chapter 26 - Bright Ideas

    The giant spiders backed away in shock and fear as the Bright Elemental filled the mines with its light. The Depths of Despair¡¯s darkness had no effect on the light like it did with Rep¡¯s flames, and the shine lit up the entire corridor in the cavern. The Bright Elemental had raised its shining limb, pointing it toward Zalan.

    ¡°Run!¡± Finnegan shrieked in absolute terror of the creature.

    ¡°No! Wait!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°The challenge is complete,¡± the Elemental announced. ¡°My power is yours. Use it across the realm and show all the power of the Bright Elemental.¡±

    It remained quiet for a second. If Zalan didn¡¯t know any better, he would have said that Elemental was thinking about what to say next. He never imagined they would talk on the fly when everything they said sounded so grand and scripted.

    ¡°And, if you have the means,¡± the Bright Elemental continued, ¡°save my fellow Elementals from the calamity hunting them down. Grant them the light that you have found.¡±

    Squinting his eyes slightly, Zalan was stunned to hear a request from an Elemental. Before, they felt like being of pure energy who existed on another plane of existence. But this one spoke to him.

    ¡°Why me? Aren¡¯t there others more powerful who can help?¡± Zalan asked.

    The Elemental didn¡¯t reply.

    A thin stream of white light shot out like a laser from the Bright Elemental¡¯s concealed arm, pouring into Zalan¡¯s chest. The jet of light increased in size as it flowed through to his heart. Zalan breathed in deeply, like it was the first breath he could take in days. His limbs and face twitched, jolting with rejuvenation as he was repaired by the newfound power. The ache on the side of his face dulled until it was only an itch. His brain felt alive with thoughts, like he suddenly learned a new language. Before he even attempted to use it, he knew that he had access to Elemental Power once more. Burning in his consciousness, it swirled with energizing essence.

    The Elemental lowered its arm and remained suspended in the air ahead of him, watching him closely. The spiders were several feet away now, prowling at the edge of the light in wait for the Elemental to disappear. Their onslaught of attacks had come to a complete halt, their apprehension clear in their quickened movements. They waited for the area to be cast in darkness once more.

    ¡°Did you just get an Elemental Power?¡± Finnegan asked, absolutely astounded.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s pretty ironic too,¡± Zalan said. ¡°I just came to the conclusion that I could live without one.¡±

    ¡°What power?¡± Finnegan demanded.

    Zalan opened his mouth, then closed it and grew a wide smile. He tapped his forefinger to his thumb three times and summoned his stats excitedly. He grinned even wider as he saw the information fill in.

    LEVEL: 08

    STRENGTH: 08

    WISDOM: 13

    EXPERIENCE: 24

    ELEMENT: LIGHT

    Better than he had imagined, his Elemental stat had returned. There were wrinkles around his skin where the scar used to be, but the Bright Elemental¡¯s power had healed the wound of its purple hue. His arm was free of the garish disfigurement that he felt carried his shame. Zalan almost leapt for joy, but could see that Finnegan was still looking upon him and the shining creature in fear. The Elemental was watching them silently. That and being in the Depths of Despair probably didn¡¯t bode well for his mental capacity.

    ¡°Use the power,¡± the Elemental demanded.

    Zalan recalled that the Storm Elemental asked the same of him when it first granted him lightning. Zalan nodded to it with respect.

    ¡°This is his first Elemental Power! Neither of us know how to use one, give us some time!¡± Finnegan said, immediately starting to panic.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I got this.¡±

    He reached out his hand and aimed at a spider. Closing one eye, he pulled on the mind-muscle attached to Elemental Powers, willing light to emit. It blasted out like a spotlight, causing the giant spider to shriek and skitter away. It sizzled as it ran, clearly injured by the sheer intensity of the Elemental Light.

    ¡°Amazing! You damaged an Arachula without touching it!¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°So that¡¯s what the giant spiders are called,¡± Zalan said to himself.

    ¡°You can use the power competently,¡± the Bright Elemental determined. ¡°Farewell.¡±

    Zalan placed an arm ahead of Finnegan, protecting him from the expected storm that the leaving Elemental would bring. Zalan braced himself, flexing his body in preparation for the hole of the mines to come down around them. Instead, the Bright Elemental simply began to fade away. The light diminished and it disappeared with a slight blip in space. They were left alone in the abyss. Zalan blinked in surprise, the scuttling of the Arachula filling the space ahead of them.

    ¡°That¡¯s weird, I thought Elementals always caused a calamity whenever they migrated,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Ah, wait, does that mean they were always doing it on purpose? Or maybe moving around is a lot different than migrating.¡±

    ¡°Why do you sound so calm right now?¡± Finnegan demanded.

    Zalan could feel the youngster¡¯s growing panic in his fidgeting movement next to him. He placed a hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°I thought we were gonna die fighting. This¡­ well, this is a lot better than I thought it would be,¡± Zalan said, smiling.

    ¡°Are we not going to die here?¡± Finnegan asked, hopeful.

    ¡°Not if I can help it,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    He held out a hand and stretched his palm, reacquainting himself with the feeling of the Elemental Power coursing through his veins. He let out a burst of light, burning through an oncoming wad of web. He tried to redirect it and burn the giant spiders gathered a dozen feet away, but had a hard time with the new power. It was different with Elemental Light than it was with Elemental Lightning. The mind-muscle was familiar, but Zalan was out of practice. He didn¡¯t know exactly how to manipulate it like he used to. Still, with what light he emitted, he could tell there were about ten monsters ahead.

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    The Arachulas were shrieking, unnerved by the oncoming attack. They stumbled over one another in a pandemonium and rushed forward in a scramble to take down their prey. The lights that Zalan kept turning on and off triggered them to attack. Finnegan yelped in fear and held Zalan¡¯s shoulders tightly as he hid behind him. Zalan decided to stop trying to do anything fancy and simply fired beams of light forward with both hands. The Arachulas squealed, burning under the intensity of the light. They retreated a few steps, then ran in circles. They were a mix of blinded and disoriented by his power.

    Zalan pursed his lips in thought. With some extra focus, he was able to bring the beams from two spotlights to something more like directed lasers. He pointed the more concentrated rays directly at two spiders. They recoiled much more viscerally, trying to escape the attack. It occurred to Zalan that he was burning through them, like a magnifying glass focusing sunlight over an ant. The two he focused on were dead in seconds.

    The most comforting thing about the Elemental Power was that the light cut through the darkness like a honed blade. Zalan could clearly make out the edges and curves of the mines in the darkness and it felt a lot less like a maze. The Arachulas writhed and twitched in pain, none of them able to broach past the light being emitted by Zalan. Zalan appreciated the advice that they got from the older man, Seig. He said that powers that could emit light were necessary to take into the Depths of Despair. Watching the Arachulas stumble in helplessness, it was clear why.

    The Arachulas stopped their hissing and twitching as they each rolled over, with legs stiffly pointed at various directions in the air. Zalan continued to point his beams of light at the motionless ones, light narrow spotlights emitting from his palms. When he was certain they were dead, he reduced the flow of his power to something akin to a flashlight.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Zalan asked Finnegan.

    Finnegan stared at him, his eyes giant orbs of shock.

    ¡°Yes! That was incredible! I have never seen a power like that!¡± Finnegan exclaimed.

    ¡°Let me see if I can figure out how to redirect or imbue,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What are these words?¡± Finnegan asked.

    Zalan focused his energies on folding the Elemental Light around his body. With an excited energy, he wondered if he could fold the light around him to become completely invisible. After a few seconds of experimentation, he imbued his arm with light. It shined a bright white color, like his arm was made of several LED bulbs. He tried to experiment further and get the light to move in a way that would bend. He stared intently at his arm as he made his attempt. The light remained obstinate straight, not a wiggle to be seen.

    ¡°Is your arm burning?¡± Finnegan asked, concerned.

    Zalan lowered his arm, unsuccessful. He couldn¡¯t emit anything but bright light. Though the fact he could imbue himself was a considerable consolation prize.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, none of this hurts,¡± Zalan said. ¡°I can imbue myself with the power, but redirecting might take some more work to figure out.¡±

    Zalan raised his hand to show it off to Finnegan. Finnegan took a step back, then reached forward with a hand to touch it. Zalan was about to pull it away, then was stunned to see the remains of the webs on Finnegan¡¯s body were burning away, while the rest of his body remained unharmed. Zalan allowed Finnegan to come into contact, to see if his hand would pass harmlessly through the light.

    ¡°Ow!¡± Finnegan pulled his arm back sharply, waving it quickly.

    ¡°What did that feel like?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Did it hurt?¡±

    ¡°Very much so!¡± Finnegan complained. ¡°It was like touching a heated coal!¡±

    Finnegan stuck his finger in his mouth for an instant, then went back to waving it to cool it down. Zalan understood it to mean he felt like a light bulb that had been left on too long. A powerful heat, especially if concentrated.

    ¡°What are we to do now?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°Find a way out of here,¡± Zalan said, looking around them.

    ¡°Is that possible? We are deep into the Depths of Despair. When I entered, I ran until I collapsed.¡±

    ¡°Uhhh,¡± Zalan spun around in place, trying to look for a sign. ¡°Do you know which way you came in from?¡±

    ¡°I hardly know how long I have been lying there.¡± Finnegan shook his head.

    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Zalan ran a hand through his hair then recoiled slightly. He still had the slight remains of a wound on his head, dealt to him when fighting the Earthenbeasts. It was just a scab now, after being somewhat healed. ¡°Oh! I know! Look for blood.¡±

    Zalan walked toward the dead spiders, searching the floor closely as he walked.

    ¡°Search for blood?¡± Finnegan repeated, slightly disturbed.

    ¡°Yeah, I was bleeding when I came this way. If we find a drop, we should know which way I came from. It might have made a trail,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You ¡®might¡¯ have? You are not certain,¡± Finnegan said, sounding disappointed.

    ¡°I also don¡¯t have any better ideas,¡± Zalan said, looking to Finnegan. ¡°Do you?¡±

    Finnegan thought for a second before sighing and shaking his head.

    Zalan imbued his entire body with the bright Elemental Light, shining it through the cavern as he enjoyed his new ability. Finnegan was searching the ground closely, kicking aside the dead Arachula bodies. Every few steps, he would turn to look at Zalan with wide eyes. Zalan couldn¡¯t find anything on his end and approached Finnegan.

    ¡°Why do you keep staring?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You look like a mysterious creature when you are fully wrapped in light. But not a bad one¡­ certainly something unsettling,¡± Finnegan said as he continued to look over Zalan.

    Zalan wasn¡¯t sure how he was supposed to respond to that. But he liked the idea of being unsettling to monsters. It finally gave him the chance to scare those that used to terrorize him and his friends.

    ¡°You are like a Gloomstalker, but made of light instead of darkness,¡± Finnegan added.

    ¡°A Gloomstalker?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Oh, be grateful that you have never seen one. It is a creature made of your regrets, even people you know. It gathers all its strengths from all the things in your life you wish you had done better. No one lives without some regrets, and the monster will taunt you with every one it can draw from you. It throws your worst thoughts at you as it attacks you,¡± Finnegan explained. ¡°But it is a colorless monster, only able to appear in a gray form, despite whatever form it takes.¡±

    ¡°Oh. That¡¯s what that thing was called. My friend Rep and I killed one on our way in here. It took on my form as it fought us,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You have a lot of regrets?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°More than I like to think about.¡± He immediately thought of Rep smiling as the explosion engulfed him.

    Finnegan nodded in both agreement and appreciation at Zalan¡¯s honesty. He looked away and the two searched the ground, leaning in closer. They walked in opposite directions, their faces only a foot away from the floor as they searched. Zalan felt like a bloodhound and wished his blood smelt stronger than the cold dank cave.

    ¡°Is this your blood?¡± Finnegan asked skeptically.

    Zalan walked over and knelt down. There was a single speck of red on the ground. It was hard to tell between the dark earth surrounding it, but Zalan couldn¡¯t determine what else it would be. He put his finger to it, and found that it was still damp. It had to be fresh enough to be from his wound.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go this way,¡± Zalan pointed.

    ¡°This will take us to the way out?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°Eventually. But first we need to find Rep,¡± Zalan said.

    He didn¡¯t want to admit to Finnegan that they would be searching for a dead body to bury. He wasn¡¯t ready to talk about Rep¡¯s sacrifice. Finnegan seemed perfectly content with the detour.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Finnegan said agreeably. ¡°Find the one that made it so you could find me.¡±

    ¡°And then we¡¯ll get you back home,¡± Zalan promised.

    ¡°Of course you would have the time to visit poor, dead Rep before visiting me,¡± a sinister, feminine voice came from behind them.

    Zalan¡¯s blood turned to ice and he froze in place. Finnegan swiveled around in fear. He began to shiver.

    ¡°It is one of them! A Gloomstalker,¡± Finnegan said urgently.

    ¡°I know,¡± Zalan whispered, terrified.

    He was stuck in place. He couldn¡¯t turn around and face it. He knew exactly what would be looking back at him, but he wasn¡¯t ready to see it. He swallowed hard.

    ¡°Zalan! It is approaching!¡± Finnegan shook him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­¡± Zalan shivered, his eyes closed.

    ¡°Zalan!¡±

    Finnegan placed both of his hands on his shoulders. Zalan felt himself being turned around. Freezing sweat rolled down his spine. He breathed erratically. Remaining frozen, he forced his eyes open.

    Ahead of him stood a gray creature with a twisted expression on its face. A Gloomstalker, taking the form of Zalan¡¯s mother.

 169 - Book 4 - Chapter 27 - The Past Comes Present

    ¡°No,¡± Zalan whispered, looking at the disfigured form of his own mother.

    ¡°It took you so long to visit, I decided to come myself, Zalan,¡± the Gloomstalker spoke.

    The monster looked like an anemic approximation of Zalan¡¯s mom. It had deep bags under her eyes and an uncharacteristic frown curved at her lips. She had wrinkles strewn about her face and thin limbs sticking out from a pair of gray scrubs she was wearing. Zalan hated looking at her like this, like she was entirely brittle and in constant pain. She even limped as she walked.

    The worst part was that seeing his mother triggered some deep inner turmoil in Zalan. He never expected to see her again, but seeing her look so far from her maternal beauty made him throw out the conception that this might be a monster. He needed to help her. She was upset and looked to be in pain. He was compelled to help her, but was terrified to see her in this place. His stomach lurched into his throat, his mind twisting in cognitive dissonance and vertigo. He couldn¡¯t think of what to say.

    ¡°Rep, what do I do?¡± Zalan asked in dire panic.

    ¡°Rep? Zalan, it is me. My name is Finnegan! And you must kill it! Before it strikes with whatever power it gleans from our minds,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t hurt my mom!¡± Zalan said, his face twisting to Finnegan in bafflement.

    ¡°That is your mother?¡± Finnegan asked, horrified. He turned and stared at the creature, then back at the way Zalan quivered before it. Finnegan saw the total lack of fighting potential in Zalan. ¡°Dear God, you don¡¯t see it as a monster. She will kill us.¡±

    ¡°No, she wouldn¡¯t do that,¡± Zalan said confidently.

    Finnegan waved his hands in front of Zalan¡¯s face, but Zalan leaned his head around.

    ¡°Listen to me. This is important. That is a Gloomstalker, trying to take the form of something you will not attack. It is just a collection of your regrets. You know this. If you allow it to approach us, it will kill us,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°No¡­ This one¡¯s different,¡± Zalan said to himself, his head swimming with indecision.

    ¡°Give me your sword.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Zalan asked in a daze.

    ¡°There is no need to give him your sword,¡± Zalan¡¯s gray mother shook her head.

    ¡°Nevermind, I will take it myself,¡± Finnegan placed both hands to grip the hilt sticking out of Zalan¡¯s sheath.

    Zalan clamped his hands over Finnegan¡¯s. Finnegan tried to pull out the sword regardless, but Zalan¡¯s Strength eclipsed Finnegan¡¯s by far. He couldn¡¯t budge it under Zalan¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Zalan, please, let go,¡± Finnegan begged.

    The Gloomstalker began to walk carefully toward them. The frown on her face deepend.

    ¡°You¡¯re upsetting her!¡± Zalan said to Finnegan.

    ¡°That is not your mother! It is a monster!¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t call her that!¡± Zalan roared.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like swords,¡± the Gloomstalker said plainly.

    Zalan pushed Finnegan away hard, tossing him to the ground. Finnegan opened his mouth to protest, but Zalan quickly pulled out the sword and tossed it behind him with all his might.

    ¡°No!¡± Finnegan called out in frustration as it crossed from the light into the wall of opaque darkness.

    Finnegan looked at Zalan with grit teeth, then spun around to the approaching monster. With a grunt, he pulled himself upright. Finnegan looked down at his arms and flexed them uncertainly.

    ¡°I will take care of it myself. Fight to win or die trying,¡± Finnegan decided.

    He tried to run forward, but was caught on the collar from behind. Gagging, Finnegan twisted his neck to see Zalan gripping him tightly. Zalan was elated to see his gray mother smile as he held Finnegan back.

    ¡°Release me!¡± Finnegan demanded.

    ¡°You were upsetting her,¡± Zalan reminded him.

    ¡°Stop speaking like that is anything but a monster!¡± Finnegan said.

    Finnegan wheeled around in place and threw a punch at Zalan¡¯s face. Zalan¡¯s training kicked in and he dipped out of the way. Still holding onto Finnegan with one hand, he punched Finnegan in the gut with the other. The young man doubled over in pain. Zalan continued to hold him down tightly, a tough arm on his shoulder.

    ¡°Zalan, please, look at it. It lacks any color. It has none of the light of a human. It speaks evils. You must fight it,¡± Finnegan groaned.

    The Gloomstalker raised its arms. It looked to Zalan that his mother wanted a hug. The only thing between his mother and himself was Finnegan kneeling down between them. Zalan hoisted him up and tossed him aside.

    ¡°No!¡± Finnegan screamed for a moment before crashing into a wall with a thud.

    ¡°Mom?¡± Zalan asked.

    The Gloomstalker stopped approaching and nodded. There was something wrong with her grin, like it was held back. The unnatural shape made Zalan look it over oddly, wondering what caused his mother to be unable to smile. She opened her palms, waiting to embrace her son.  Zalan dashed forward into the Gloomstalker¡¯s tight squeeze.

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    ¡°It¡¯s been so long,¡± Zalan¡¯s mother spoke with disappointment. ¡°You spent so long running around the realm when you could have come to see me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Zalan said, full of remorse. ¡°I tried, but I couldn¡¯t get home.¡±

    ¡°Excuses,¡± Zalan¡¯s mother said, frowning as she embraced tighter.

    He tried to return the hug, but the creature pinned his arms to his side, preventing him from touching it. Her nails cut into Zalan¡¯s back. Even his chest was going tight, becoming hard to take a breath. He winced, but knew he deserved it.

    ¡°I mean it! I got a Homeseeker and activated it, but I couldn¡¯t get out of the realm!¡± Zalan insisted.

    ¡°You could have tried harder. You let Fran and Xavier die. You attacked Slauson when he only cared to see his parents again. You even hurt Finnegan. Why do you hate people who care for their parents? Is it because you hate me?¡± Zalan¡¯s mother asked.

    ¡°No, Mom! Of course not!¡± Zalan pleaded.

    He could feel drops of blood sliding down his back. The cuts on his back were getting deep, and only becoming worse, but his psyche had turned to paste in the face of his mother¡¯s admonishments. He felt he definitely deserved it. This was the physical pain that should have come with the abandonment of his mother. The Gloomstalker squeezed him tighter. He didn¡¯t resist.

    ¡°What can I do to make it up to you?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Please, anything. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±

    ¡°You just stand there and think about what you¡¯ve done,¡± his mother whispered. ¡°Don¡¯t move a muscle, and I¡¯ll think about forgiving you.¡±

    Her bony, disfigured arms dragged down Zalan¡¯s arms, cutting him further across his body. It stung viciously, but still not as bad as the perforations he felt in his heart. He thought that if he ever got the chance to see his mom again, it would be cathartic. This was the most agony he had felt since the Mind of Madness. And the Mind of Madness, itself, sent visions of his mother¡¯s disappointment through his head. The idea that she would never forgive him. It was worse to actually experience than to think about the disappointment of his mother who he thought he would never see again.

    ¡°I am very disappointed in you,¡± she said seriously.

    Zalan grit his teeth and lowered his head. His mom had never spoken words to him even close to that effect. Hearing it tore his heart in two. He had failed as a son. All of his worst fears were being realized in a matter of seconds. He regretted everything he had ever done. He wished he had died before he got his Elemental Power. He never would have had to witness any of her cruel words if he had just died.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Finnegan screamed, running toward them.

    Zalan¡¯s gray mother twisted around quickly and saw the oncoming acquaintance. Finnegan held his arms high and screamed, ready to attack. But he looked clumsy as he ran, like someone who had never been through even a bout of training or combat.

    The Gloomstalker waited for his approach, stepping away from Zalan who stood as still as a statue. Finnegan swung his arm at its head. The gray creature ducked under his attempted strike. When Finnegan was left open, the Gloomstalker punched him twice in the stomach, then kicked him aside. Finnegan rolled over, scraping against the floor. His knee cut open.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide. His mom had drawn blood from Finnegan. He scrutinized her in horror. His eyes ran up and down frantically, a manic flutter in his pupils.

    ¡°Sorry for that interruption, where were we?¡± the monocolored creature turned back to her alleged son.

    ¡°No.¡± Zalan took a slight step away as she approached.

    ¡°Zalan, listen to me,¡± she said sternly. Her smile swapped quickly for a thin frown. It didn¡¯t affect Zalan at all.

    ¡°No! You hurt Finnegan!¡± Zalan yelled.

    ¡°Because you were doing such a poor job of protecting me,¡± she said, trying to shame him. Zalan shook his head immediately.

    ¡°You¡¯re not my mom. Mom would never hurt someone like that. There¡¯s something wrong with you.¡±

    ¡°That just goes to show how little you really know me,¡± the Gloomstalker replied, trying to regain the situation.

    ¡°Shut up. You¡¯re not my mom. She would never speak like that. Especially not to me.¡±

    The daze he was in had been broken like a spell. He knew that she had been scratching him, but he never actually witnessed it. The damage was happening behind his back, just out of eyeshot. When he saw the crude form of his mom attack someone else, he knew everything he saw was wrong. The visual snapped him out of his passive obedience like a twig under a semi truck. This was a monster. And it had hurt Finnegan, the exact person he was trying to save.

    ¡°Finally,¡± Finnegan exhaled in pain, rolling over on the ground.

    The Gloomstalker looked between Finnegan and Zalan, realizing it had lost all the power it had in the situation. The sunken eyes on its face were going wide with fear. It looked down to Finnegan in a panic. Thrusting a bony finger forward, it began shrieking at him.

    ¡°I bet you¡¯re really proud of having stolen all that money from all those people in your town,¡± the Gloomstalker taunted him.

    ¡°Quiet, you. I will not discuss my past with someone who has no future,¡± Finnegan snapped.

    The gray creature¡¯s eyes went rabid, twinging with rage and terror. It took one look at Zalan who was approaching it. Gasping, it jumped over Finnegan and held its sharp nails out under his neck, a crazed look in the eye. Zalan couldn¡¯t believe his own mom could make a face so ghastly. It was like a madman was wearing her skin. A nightmare come to life.

    ¡°Stay back! I¡¯ll kill him!¡± the voice of his mother said in a hiss.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Zalan said quickly. He lowered his arms, his battle stance gone. ¡°You may not be my mom, but you still look like her. I don¡¯t want to see you hurt.¡±

    The Gloomstalker grinned widely. Its lips trembled with indecision. It looked at Zalan expectantly.

    ¡°Good. You know I deserve better after how you abandoned me,¡± the creature said, eyeing him closely.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Zalan lowered his head.

    ¡°Of course I am. You¡¯re the one that¡¯s always been causing problems in our family,¡± the Gloomstalker accused, his sharp fingers retreating from Finnegan¡¯s vulnerable neck.

    ¡°And¡­ Can I have one more hug?¡± Zalan asked weakly.

    ¡°Zalan, no! Have you lost it again?¡± Finnegan asked, annoyed.

    The Gloomstalker watched Zalan closely as he raised his arms up for an innocent embrace. The monster released Finnegan quickly, dropping him on the floor in pain. It twitched toward Zalan making sure that its aggression didn¡¯t cause any new emotions. Zalan made no sudden moves. Smiling, it approached Zalan with quick steps.

    ¡°One last hug,¡± it promised, honing its sharp claws of nails.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for never visiting, Mom. Really,¡± Zalan said, full of regret.

    ¡°One last hug and all will be forgiven,¡± the monster said, its arms aimed directly for Zalan¡¯s neck.

    ¡°I promise to visit if I ever get out of the realm,¡± Zalan assured her.

    ¡°I look forward to¡­ Wait¡­ what are you doing?¡± The Gloomstalker hesitated, only inches away from Zalan. ¡°Stop!¡±

    Zalan had imbued himself in bright light and was increasing the intensity with all the Wisdom he could add to the power. He increased it to such a degree that Finnegan had to turn away. The white light enveloped everything, so much that even Zalan couldn¡¯t see the creature ahead of him anymore. It was like he had created a sun out of his own flesh, too bright to look at.

    The Gloomstalker shrieked one last time as it began to tear apart. To Zalan¡¯s relief, he couldn¡¯t see even the slightest amount of the monster, saving him from having to see the image of his mother being shredded in light while screaming in fear. Blinded, he thrust his arm forward and tore a hole in the creature¡¯s chest, ensuring it would hurt no one ever again.

 170 - Book 4 - Chapter 28 - The Search

    With a deep inhale, Zalan decreased the brightness of his Elemental Light until it was just the power of a flashlight in the darkness. He had used a lot of energy in the attack against the Gloomstalker and didn¡¯t want to exhaust himself when he still had the chance to find the Homeseeker and escape the Depths of Despair.

    Finnegan and Zalan looked over the smoldering remains of the deflating Gloomstalker. Most of its features had burned away in Zalan¡¯s bright energy, and Zalan was grateful that he couldn¡¯t see any evidence of his mother in the leftovers. Zalan helped Finnegan to his feet. They looked at one another silently.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about everything that just happened,¡± Zalan said. ¡°You didn¡¯t need to go through so much pain. I could have easily taken it out from the beginning if I just listened to you. Also¡­ It was messed up that I punched you. Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Save your apologies. I could not imagine what it would be like to face down my own parents. I am glad you are mostly unharmed. I was almost certain we would perish,¡± Finnegan admitted.

    Zalan appreciated his compassion. Continuing on their way back through the Depths of Despair, Zalan kept an eye on all the shapes the walls took. They just needed to remain vigilant in their search, watching the rocks for any emerald that might hold an Earthenbeast within. There were various other rare gems like sapphire and quartz. Zalan was amazed at the variety of riches within, knowing it was impossible for both gems to be made at the same pressure.

    ¡°I am sorry about your mother,¡± Finnegan said sorrowfully.

    Zalan remained quiet for a few steps. They followed the trail of small splotches of blood back to where Zalan had last seen the Homeseeker.

    ¡°You were the one saying it wasn¡¯t my mom,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°But I am sure that did not make the task much easier. Again, I do not know that I would have been able to take down my own parents,¡± Finnegan admitted.

    ¡°Well, you did great anyway. I probably wouldn¡¯t have killed it if it wasn¡¯t for you.¡±

    ¡°I did not deal even the slightest bit of damage. I know because I didn¡¯t gain any Experience.¡± Finnegan raised his wrist as he made his point.

    ¡°Still, you made a huge difference. I think it would have killed me if I was on my own. In fact, I¡¯m certain it would have.¡±

    Finnegan smiled to himself, glad to hear he was already proving useful to the man who saved his life. He ran across the mines quickly and Zalan watched as he knelt over and picked up Zalan¡¯s sword. He presented it to him and Zalan took it gratefully, having forgotten he threw away his weapon in his moment of weakness. He returned it to its sheath, silently reminding himself not to mention to Junill that he threw the sword away.

    ¡°Can you explain to me how you got this Elemental Power, now?¡± Finnegan asked, pointing at the light emitting from Zalan¡¯s palm. ¡°I saw no Elementals within here. Especially the moment before it granted you power. And you did not even challenge it!¡±

    ¡°I met that Elemental at the Island of Remains days ago. That¡¯s when I got the challenge. I just completed the challenge while I was here,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°Absurd,¡± Finnegan shook his head. ¡°It was watching you the whole time? What was the challenge?¡±

    ¡°It said that ¡®in the three darknesses, you must find the light.¡¯ It was like a riddle challenge or something.¡±

    ¡°A cryptic one, at that,¡± Finnegan said thoughtfully. ¡°Three darknesses¡­ what did the answer end up being?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a clue.¡±

    Finnegan scoffed, one side of his lips raised distastefully.

    ¡°There is no reason not to share,¡± Finnegan said, sounding a bit annoyed with Zalan. ¡°It is not as though the Elemental would give me the same challenge. In addition, I have no intention of going to the Island of Remains.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not kidding. I don¡¯t know exactly what I did to solve the riddle.¡±

    ¡°You solved the challenge without knowing how it was done?¡±

    ¡°Right when I was getting ready to fight all the oncoming Arachulas, the Elemental said that I had completed the challenge. Unless I said something that was the answer to the riddle?¡± Zalan considered.

    ¡°Something you said¡­¡± Finnegan trailed in thought with his hand on his chin.

    He stopped suddenly and Zalan looked over to him, interested. Finnegan breathed in deeply and shouted.

    ¡°Elemental, I accept your challenge! Everything is going to be okay!¡±

    Zalan looked at him, his face scrunched in amusement.

    ¡°What? Is that not what you did to gain your power?¡± Finnegan challenged, his face going a tinge red.

    ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t know what I did that triggered the power to be given!¡± Zalan smiled, amused at Finnegan¡¯s attempt.

    ¡°That is the strangest Elemental challenge I have ever heard of,¡± Finnegan said, amazed. ¡°A riddle with no answer, yet the challenge was still fulfilled. Your life must be filled with fortune.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that,¡± Zalan gestured to the maze around them, his thoughts lingering on Rep.

    Finnegan seemed unconvinced. The Depths of Despair were significantly less intimidating when visibility wasn¡¯t limited to a few feet ahead of you. Seeing Arachulas skitter away as soon as the light touched them made him feel powerful, even when surrounded by mostly darkness. Zalan watched every curve of the mines closely, both for evidence of Earthenbeasts or webs that might contain the Homeseeker.

    ¡°What Level are you, anyway?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am Level 2,¡± Finnegan replied, sounding a hint embarrassed.

    ¡°Level 2 and you came into the Depths of Despair?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°Weren¡¯t you scared?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ Yes, of course I was. However¡­ When I entered, I had no intention of leaving,¡± Finnegan said, further ashamed.

    ¡°Right.¡± Zalan ran a hand through his hair.

    An awkward silence hung between them. Zalan wanted it to end so Finnegan wouldn¡¯t dwell on his previous actions. He ran through as many topics as he could in his head until he landed on one that Finnegan might know.

    ¡°Do you remember a guy named Dimak?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Of course! He won the Elemental Rage Tournament this year in an incredible final bout against¡­ Some competitor who does not matter. Did you know Dimak was down to such little energy by the end of it that he and his challenger slapped one another for the finals? Elemental Earth, but he was rendered to nothing but weak open palm strikes!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I did know that,¡± Zalan said unenthusiastically. Even the fresh scratches in his back couldn¡¯t compare to the exhaustion of him and Dimak fighting in the finals. At that time, he was begging to be defeated, only to have to fight until the end.

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°He was one of the guys you stole money from.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Finnegan said, his energy immediately sucked away. ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Well, he got all the money back from the tournament. He even said he didn¡¯t need to take revenge anymore,¡± Zalan said, realizing how bad he was at comforting someone.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    Finnegan looked at him sharply.

    ¡°Revenge? The winner of the Elemental Rage Tournament wants revenge on me?¡± Finnegan said in a small voice.

    ¡°Wanted revenge. Not anymore. I thought you¡¯d like to know that he said he dropped it.¡±

    ¡°Really? He said that? Why would you know that?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°He told me personally,¡± Zalan said. Then he stood a little straighter. ¡°After we fought in the finals.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Finnegan scratched the back of his head uncomfortably. ¡°Sorry, but¡­ I know you are lying.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan didn¡¯t expect Finnegan to go straight to calling him a liar. He only expected some disbelief.

    ¡°I heard the story of the battle several times. The one who fought in the finals against Dimak could wield lightning. And I have already seen your stats. When you gained the Elemental Light Power. There was only one Elemental Power listed there, no lightning to be seen,¡± Finnegan said uncomfortably, feeling awkward at having to explain it.

    ¡°Right, yeah. Well, I used to have Elemental Lightning. I could even call it from the sky at one point.¡±

    ¡°Please¡­ do not try to continue the lie,¡± Finnegan looked like he was cringing from discomfort. ¡°One cannot lose an Elemental Power after having gained it.¡±

    Zalan remembered that Finnegan used to be a conman. He was wary of anyone¡¯s lies when he used to hock them, himself.

    ¡°I really used to have Elemental Lightning! I had it taken away from me by an Artifact on the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan insisted.

    ¡°Oh, I see, sure,¡± Finnegan said monotonously, clearly not believing him.

    ¡°Seriously! It was pulled out of me through an Artifact called a Transfer Table. By a guy named Morloch,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Finnegan asked suddenly, pointing far.

    At first Zalan thought he was just trying to change the subject, then saw that something large was wrapped in the Arachula webs on the far side of the mines. It wasn¡¯t just the errant webs of those that had already been eaten, but something much more fresh. At the distance, Zalan hoped it was the Homeseeker, having fallen off an Earthenbeast. But as they approached, he saw it was far too big of a wrapping for that. It even squirmed marginally in the light.

    ¡°Do you think it is a trick?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°A trick? How?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The Depths of Despair constantly play mind games with those that enter its walls. This may be another Gloomstalker, or another monster.¡±

    Zalan nodded, taking his point. He imbued his entire body in Elemental Light, hoping to both intimidate the creatures in the area as well as burn away the webs enough to see what was beneath. As they approached cautiously, the webs began to writhe around. Whatever was within was trying to fight its way out. The webs began sizzling in the light. A form became clear in the shadows cast behind the webs.

    ¡°It looks like a human,¡± Zalan pointed out, approaching cautiously.

    ¡°Please do not look like my parents,¡± Finnegan pleaded in a whisper.

    The body rolled over in place and stared with wide eyes. Zalan thought it looked familiar and began to believe that Finnegan was right. It must have been a trick. He tried not to get his hopes up despite his heart racing frantically at the sight. It looked just like Rep, his face a light shade of pink.

    ¡°The Angel of Death?¡± the wrapped one asked. He stopped struggling against the webs, seeming to accept his fate.

    That was the confirmation Zalan needed. He had once heard Rep claim something was the Angel of Death before. And it sounded just like Rep. Zalan began to smile. His anxiety started to wane, every adjustment in Rep¡¯s shocked face too perfect for it to be some monsterized copy. Somehow, his friend was alive.

    ¡°I suppose I should not be surprised to be at death¡¯s door,¡± Rep sighed. ¡°I just hoped I could send Zalan home before I passed. Or, at the very least, keep him safe.¡±

    ¡°You did,¡± Zalan said, lowering the intensity of light surrounding his body.

    Rep¡¯s eyes went even wider in shock. Then his face began trembling. Tears formed at the edges of his eyes and began pouring out freely. He choked out a grateful sob, smiling from ear to ear.

    ¡°By God, you live! I was certain the darkness would consume us both! You live!¡± Rep exclaimed gratefully.

    ¡°Is this the friend you were talking about? The one who died saving you?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°Yeah, this is Rep. Except the part about him dying, I guess,¡± Zalan said. ¡°How did you survive?¡±

    Zalan raised his hands and let out two strong beams of light, burning away the webs around Rep, careful not to emit enough energy to cause any damage. Rep rolled to a kneeling position, but looked up to Zalan like it was a dream. He reached out hesitantly and poked him. Zalan waved back, not knowing how to convince Rep he was real.

    ¡°How did you survive?¡± Rep asked, looking over Zalan¡¯s shining body in awe.

    ¡°Hey, I asked first,¡± Zalan said, pulling Rep to his feet.

    ¡°Oh, I suppose you did. I underestimated myself once again. You were right about the webs when they exploded,¡± Rep said. ¡°I could redirect the explosion even when it started atop my limbs. With some mild success.¡±

    ¡°Redirecting an explosion that started on your body and you survive? You call that ¡®some mild success?¡¯¡± Finnegan repeated. ¡°Is he being modest? He looks fine.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s being modest,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Not this time,¡± Rep said seriously.

    He held out his arms and legs into the light and Zalan saw that he was covered in serious burn scars. He looked bad and probably wouldn¡¯t survive in a world that didn¡¯t have Healing Rest. Infections upon infections would ravage him over time. Zalan realized that the pink hue added to Rep¡¯s forehead and cheeks was the result of some of his skin being burned off his face. But all they had to do was get out of the Depths of Despair fast enough and Rep could heal the wounds. Even with the painful marks on his skin, Rep beamed at Zalan, happy to see him alive.

    ¡°Okay, but that only explains how you survived the explosion. What about the Earthenbeasts? You were surrounded,¡± Zalan recalled.

    ¡°After the explosion, I lay on the floor trying to maintain my consciousness. That in itself was an intense battle against the mind that wanted only to sleep off the exhaustion. The large spiders from the obsidian creature came quickly to wrap me in webs. Unfortunately, I was too weak, blinded and deaf to struggle against them. Even if they are weak creatures. Once I was captured, I realized that the Earthenbeasts were stumbling away. They walked aimlessly and crashed into walls. I think they are unable to see in the darkness, unlike their spider companions. When they could not see their prey, they must have lost interest,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°The spider monsters are called Arachulas,¡± Finnegan pointed out.

    ¡°Who is this?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°This is Finnegan,¡± Zalan introduced him.

    ¡°Finnegan!¡± Rep said, picking up his arm and shaking firmly. ¡°A pleasure!¡± He turned back to Zalan. ¡°You found him! How incredible!¡±

    ¡°Yeah. And he says he¡¯s reformed now. Not a thief anymore.¡±

    ¡°He can claim to be reformed, but remember thoughts are nothing without action,¡± Rep said. ¡°I am sure one would promise any number of things while they are in the Depths of Despair.¡±

    ¡°Of course. But first I need you to get me out of here alive for me to prove my sincerity,¡± Finnegan stated.

    Rep nodded to him then looked back to Zalan. He raised his arms, framing Zalan, trying to get a grasp on the visual.

    ¡°What is this glow coming from your body? It is like you are in a constant state of gaining a Level. Is this how you survived deep in the mines all on your own?¡±

    Zalan held out his arm to reveal his stats. Before Zalan even had the chance to tap his fingers together and summon them, Rep grabbed his forearm in excitement, looking at it closely.

    ¡°Your scar! It vanished! Is this a new Elemental Power?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah, Elemental Light,¡± Zalan grinned. ¡°I got it randomly.¡±

    ¡°He refuses to discuss how he acquired it,¡± Finnegan said, once again annoyed.

    ¡°That was not random! You must have solved the riddle of the three darknesses,¡± Rep said thoughtfully. ¡°What did you do, exactly?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know. I was about to give up in the darkness. Then, I decided to live, despite everything. Then the Elemental just showed up.¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°So he says,¡± Finnegan grumbled.

    ¡°Perhaps the first darkness was Nightfall and the second darkness was the Depths of Despair? And¡­ the third darkness was that which was in your heart, the deep scars in your soul?¡± Rep attempted.

    ¡°That sounds like a stretch. Plus, that¡¯s only half of it. ¡®In the three darknesses, you must find the light.¡¯ Then what was the light? The answer to the riddle couldn¡¯t have been me getting the Elemental Power, itself. That wouldn¡¯t make any sense. It¡¯s a self-fulfilling answer,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°The light¡­ Was you finding the light to live!¡± Rep offered.

    ¡°That sounds absurd,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Yeah, not so sure Elementals operate in metaphors,¡± Zalan added.

    ¡°I do not know. Elementals are never very straightforward.¡± Rep shrugged.

    Rep and Zalan thought on the riddle for a few more seconds. Finnegan bobbed in place anxiously. He cleared his throat.

    ¡°How do we get out of here?¡± Finnegan asked, pointing ahead to the darkness beyond.

    ¡°I do not know which direction we entered from. The explosion threw off all sense of direction,¡± Rep said. ¡°But if we search the walls for signs of Earthenbeasts, perhaps we can locate the one with the Homeseeker attached.¡±

    ¡°Any idea where the one made of emerald went?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep shook his head.

    ¡°We had better move quickly,¡± Finnegan said. ¡°This is still the Mind of Madness¡¯s home, after all.¡±

    ¡°Do not worry. Zalan has an Essence of Soul to use if one of us is struck by the power,¡± Rep assured him. ¡°It should help even in the case of a direct attack.¡±

    ¡°I already used it on Finnegan earlier,¡± Zalan answered.

    Rep looked between Zalan and Finnegan a few times, his assuring smile wavering to a light frown.

    ¡°We should move quickly. This is still the Mind of Madness¡¯s home, after all.¡±

 171 - Book 4 - Chapter 29 - Beasts of Rare Earth

    Rep, Finnegan, and Zalan all searched the immediate area for signs of an Emerald Earthenbeast. Zalan watched for green gashes in the rock, or anything that looked like an Earthenbeast sleeping within the walls. Finnegan suddenly rushed over, holding a sword overhead. Zalan blinked, once again having forgotten that a blade was missing.

    ¡°You two do a very poor job at keeping your swords on hand,¡± he said as he held it out to Rep.

    ¡°Indeed. May you be better than we are when you come in the face of deadly combat,¡± Rep said sincerely.

    Finnegan¡¯s face went flush. He was trying to make fun of Rep but suddenly felt like he had been the one insulted. After all, Finnegan came into the mines to roll over and die. Both Rep and Zalan lost their blades in monster encounters.

    ¡°What exactly does an Earthenbeast look like inside a wall?¡± Zalan asked, pointing his light against the mines.

    ¡°It looks exactly like any other wall,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°So¡­ what are we looking for?¡±

    ¡°Footprints at the base of the walls. Large ones that could only be created by rock monsters. Either that or the gems that the creatures were made from. But remember, we only want to find the one made of emerald. If we kill it soon enough, it can not call for allies. It would be best not to invite a battle against all four, even with your newfound power.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡±

    Finnegan remained close behind Zalan. Zalan fired off high-powered beams of light toward any pieces of the mine walls that didn¡¯t look like a simple gray pattern. A slight hint of green or shine was enough to endure a concentrated cone of luminosity. Zalan could see the light leave a marginal singe on the wall, giving him an idea of what kind of damage his new power could do. Burning like a laser, whether on flesh or wall. It gave him a new understanding for the Mind of Madness¡¯s beam of darkness. It was likely more than just the absence of light, but something much more infused with power.

    ¡°Perhaps here?¡± Rep pointed. ¡°I see webs at the base. The Homeseeker was attached to its legs by Arachula webs.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, go for it,¡± Zalan said, drawing his sword.

    Rep threw out a massive blast of flame, searing into the wall. Zalan felt more than just warmth, but serious heat coming off the fire. At first Zalan was surprised by the intensity, then realized that this was the best chance to get a surprise attack. And if they couldn¡¯t see the Homeseeker, it was probably safe behind the walls of the mines. The wall shifted quickly, and a shining black arm emerged.

    ¡°It is the Obsidian Earthenbeast,¡± Rep declared, increasing his output of flame. It made sense to Zalan why there were webs at the base of this creature. The Arachulas were on this one¡¯s shoulder in the earlier fight.

    Zalan joined in the attack, blasting the emerging monster with concentrated beams of Elemental Light. It pulled itself free, covering its face with one arm and stomping a foot blindly ahead of it. When Rep and Zalan continued their streams of power, the monster beat a fist against the walls.

    ¡°It is calling upon its brethren,¡± Rep announced.

    Finnegan stepped even closer behind Zalan, looking over his shoulder in fear. He shrunk with every movement made by the formidable monster towering over them.

    ¡°We should run,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°No, this is exactly what we wanted,¡± Zalan replied. ¡°The Emerald Earthenbeast will make its way straight to us. We can grab the Homeseeker and use it as soon as it¡¯s in our grasp. And I can get it super easy by freeing it with my Elemental Light. We don¡¯t even have to fight them.¡±

    Finnegan saw a Diamond Eathenbeast emerging from the darkness, its eyes locked onto him. Each step was prodigious, causing the earth to rattle. Finnegan gripped anxiously to Zalan¡¯s clothes.

    ¡°Very well, please retrieve the Homeseeker quickly,¡± Finnegan allowed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t plan on messing around,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Zalan! There!¡± Rep pointed.

    The Ruby and Emerald Earthenbeast approached from another dark abyss. They blocked the path forward. The other two Earthenbeasts moved to box them in as well. Zalan didn¡¯t care, focusing on the Emerald creature. His eyes peered at its legs, running them up and down in succession. There were cracks on its bare legs, evidence of the explosion from Rep in the last battle.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°I don¡¯t see it!¡±

    ¡°Neither do I,¡± Rep said, frustrated.

    ¡°The Emerald one is right there!¡± Finnegan shouted urgently.

    ¡°The Homeseeker¡¯s missing,¡± Zalan said with chagrin.

    Zalan lit up the creature¡¯s leg with a spotlight to be sure. There was a wisp of web clinging to its leg, burning away as Zalan¡¯s light came into contact with it. The rest of the wad of web and the attached Artifact were nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°Do you think it fell off and the creature stepped on it?¡± Rep asked, worry lines on his face.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s more likely that you might have knocked it off in the explosion,¡± Zalan suggested.

    Rep frowned and nodded in agreement.

    ¡°What does that mean? What do we do?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°It means you were right. We should have run,¡± Zalan admitted. Finnegan gripped tightly to his clothes, going rigid. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Last time we fought, we could barely see them,¡± Zalan said confidently, pointing his sword to the nearest Earthenbeast towering over them.

    The Earthenbeasts continued to close in with gradual steps. Before they could get too close, Zalan ran forward and attacked the nearest Earthenbeast. To his frustration, the sword bounced off. He had been so focused on imbuing his own self, he had neglected to imbue his blade. He reduced the light coming off of his body and imbued his blade with searing, bright Elemental Light. He focused sternly on his weapon, honing the light around the edge to a laser-fine point.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep shoved him aside.

    Zalan stumbled and rolled to get himself upright. A fist smashed down where he previously stood. He had grown familiar with Rep protecting him in the heat of battle. He trusted him to keep him safe even without looking up from what he was doing. Finnegan was breathing loudly, panicking in the face of the oncoming threat. He didn¡¯t know what to do against monsters; he was nowhere near strong enough to fight such creatures.

    ¡°Focus on the diamond monster,¡± Rep said. ¡°Cut its legs!¡±

    ¡°On it,¡± Zalan nodded.

    Rep had already rushed forward and slashed at the monster¡¯s feet, dealing a shallow cut. He looked up and dove out of the way before a foot kicked him aside. Zalan ran in immediately after, focusing all of his Elemental Power into the sword. The Ruby Earthenbeast reacted to his approach too quickly and threw a fist at him before Zalan could get to the diamond legs. Zalan dipped back into a slide and ran his sword upward through the ruby fist coming his way as he slid under it. His sword sliced cleanly, as though burning through butter. The massive limb fell to the floor with a loud thud.  The Ruby Earthenbeast took a step back in confusion as it peered at the nub of its arm.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    Zalan, Rep, Finnegan and the Earthenbeasts stared at the arm in shock. The shining, detached ruby hand sizzled, tiny wisps of smoke wafting up.

    ¡°My God, Zalan, your sword of light could cut through iron,¡± Rep said excitedly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if it can cut through all these different gems first.¡±

    Zalan ran back to the Ruby Earthenbeast, taking advantage of the monster¡¯s hesitation at the sight of being overpowered. He jumped up and drove his sword into its shining, red chest, pulling downward and splitting the creature in half. Without a sound, its broken body fell in two directions.

    ¡°Go, Finnegan!¡± Zalan ordered.

    ¡°Go? Where!?¡± Finnegan exclaimed, fidgeting wildly.

    ¡°Get out of the circle of Earthenbeasts so we don¡¯t have to watch out for you,¡± Zalan commanded.

    ¡°Oh! Right!¡± Finnegan ran over the corpse of the Ruby Earthenbeast and exited the makeshift arena.

    Rep and Zalan dove between different punches and kicks as the Earthenbeasts became enraged at the sight of the fallen monster. It seemed they were something like a unit that cared whether the others lived or died. Their speed had increased and their attacks even more earth-rumbling.

    ¡°Help! There are Arachulas out here coming toward¡ª¡± Finnegan tried to cry out, but the sound of a web hitting his mouth cut him off.

    Two Arachulas rapidly climbed onto the shoulders of the Obsidian Earthenbeast. Zalan wondered if they were the same two from their previous bout. They watched one another closely, Zalan trying to figure out which monster to deal with first. Rep didn¡¯t hesitate to throw a ball of flame at the two spiders. The Obsidian Earthenbeast moved to defend it with an open black palm.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Already on it,¡± Zalan moved forward to cut down the Obsidian Earthenbeast.

    The two Arachulas fired globs of webs to stop him. Rep was able to explode one in the air, causing the three remaining Earthenbeasts to recoil in fear. It seemed they still remembered the larger explosion that Rep put them through in the earlier fight. The other web stuck Zalan in the foot, tugging him to stop in place. He aimed Elemental Light at the web and began to disintegrate it away.

    ¡°Zalan! Down!¡± Rep ordered.

    Zalan knelt down as far as he could, feeling the wind of a massive rock fist passing overhead. He didn¡¯t have to look up to know how close he was to being incapacitated.

    He freed himself of the web and dove forward to slash the Obsidian Earthenbeast with the light-imbued blade. The two spiders tried to stop him with more webs, but Zalan connected his attack first. Thrusting at the giant black knee with all his might.

    The blade bounced off to the side. Zalan opened his eyes wide in shock. The Earthenbeasts of different gems had different levels of defense.

    ¡°My Strength and Wisdom still aren¡¯t enough to hurt it!¡± Zalan shouted.

    ¡°Try the others! I will distract the Arachulas!¡± Rep said.

    Zalan rushed toward the Diamond Earthenbeast while Rep threw flame after flame at the obsidian one. It shielded the two spiders on its shoulders, both preventing it from trying to attack and blocking any webs the Arachulas would try to spit. The Diamond Earthenbeast beat both fists to the ground, rumbling the world with enough force to throw Zalan off balance. But with his Elemental light illuminating the room, Zalan wasn¡¯t nearly as disoriented by the shifting world below him. He could see, so he could fight.

    Zalan stumbled, but kept his momentum forward. He crashed into the Diamond Earthenbeast with his sword, slicing clean through its leg. The Earthenbeast collapsed to the side, losing all sense of balance. Zalan wasted no time cutting his head off, then spun in place to take on the Emerald Earthenbeast. The creature seemed hesitant after seeing the second of its kin fall to the light blade.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan asked with a quick glance.

    ¡°I am fine, keep up your attacks,¡± Rep said, continuing to emit his onslaught of Elemental Fire at the Obsidian Earthenbeast.

    ¡°On it.¡±

    After another moment of contemplation, the Emerald creature decided to be the first to strike. Zalan waited for the Emerald Earthenbeast to stomp down hard, trying to crush him. With its slow speed, Zalan could easily telegraph the crushing move and sidestep it. As soon as it came down, Zalan cut through the base of its leg. The Earthenbeast swatted at him, but Zalan simply held up his sword and allowed it to slice its own arm off. It fell backward, flailing with its remaining arm and leg. Without a moment¡¯s thought, Zalan rushed around it and removed its head while it was disoriented. Only the Obsidian Elemental seemed too powerful for him to strike through.

    ¡°Done here,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Should we run from this one?¡±

    ¡°With the Arachulas on its shoulders, we will not get far. They will stick us in place and pursue us. And so long as the Obsidian Earthenbeast protects them, we can not get at them. Any ideas?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan raised his hands and blasted light at the sides of the pronounced obsidian shoulders. Concentrating hard, he tried to redirect light to hit the Arachula¡¯s from behind. He could barely get the Elemental Light to bend, even with his advanced Wisdom. With Elemental Lightning, it took him a while to get it to move midair, but bending Elemental Light seemed entirely out of his grasp. The Arachulas were safe, and Zalan lowered his hands in a disappointed defeat.

    Rep stopped emitting flame to catch his breath. The Arachulas jumped on the opportunity quickly. They appeared from behind the Obsidian Earthenbeast¡¯s head and hissed at the duo under them. A wad of webbing plopped on the floor between Rep and Zalan. Zalan raised his arm to burn it away, then hesitated.

    ¡°An idea?¡± Rep asked hopefully.

    ¡°Yeah, let the spiders pile up a bunch of webs in one spot.¡±

    ¡°I hope you do not intend to try and take it down with an explosion. I already tried to take them down with the web explosion earlier,¡± Rep reminded, presenting his scarred arms for effect.

    ¡°This is different. Finnegan inspired the plan. Try to get them firing in one place.¡±

    Rep nodded with no further questions. He and Zalan remained as close as they could to the web on the ground without sticking to it. The Arachulas fired again, and Rep and Zalan dodged enough for more sticky substance to gather in one spot. A small pile was forming, like a collection of used napkins.

    The Obsidian Earthenbeast brought its arms down to try and pancake Rep and Zalan in a clap. Rep and Zalan dove out of the way, blasted back by the sound wave produced by two massive rock arms colliding. Zalan felt like the world was spinning above him. Before Rep could stand, Arachula web stuck his arm to the ground. Without a word, Zalan freed him by burning off the web. They regrouped ahead of the growing pile of webbing once more. The Arachulas fired again. The pile was substantial, as tall as Zalan¡¯s waist.

    ¡°All right, get the Earthenbeast to hit the webs!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°How?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan shrugged, then fired light at the two Arachulas. The Obsidian Earthenbeast protected them with its arms, then tried to crush Rep and Zalan with a stomp. Its foot landed squarely in the center of the web. It tried to take another step, but was caught in place, the webs holding it down.

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Zalan smiled.

    ¡°Now what?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan looked at him with a confident gaze.

    ¡°Run! Shoot at the Arachulas while we get out of here and we can outrun them! They¡¯ll be blocked by the Obsidian Earthenbeast and prevented from attacking!¡±

    ¡°But so long as they live, they can chase and slow us down!¡±

    Zalan pursed his lips in quick thought.

    ¡°Hold them down, I have an idea,¡± Zalan said.

    Immediately, Rep unleashed two ropes of flame targeting the Arachulas which were quickly protected. Zalan spun in place and grabbed the Diamond Earthenbeast¡¯s head. Weighing it in hand, he ran forward and chucked it at the Obsidian Earthenbeast. While it arced in the air, Zalan blasted it with brilliant light, and the mines exploded in a disco ball of radiance. The light jumped out at all angles, striking the Arachulas over the Earthenbeast¡¯s shoulders despite its attempts to protect them. The monsters shrieked and died before the brilliant diamond hit the ground.

    ¡°Okay, now let¡¯s get out of here!¡± Zalan said, pleased with himself by how well the plan went.

    ¡°But we do not know which way is the direction out! We could be running deeper into the Depths of Despair!¡± Rep protested.

    Zalan stared at him, the idea not having occurred to him until that moment. They still had no idea where to find the Homeseeker. Zalan ran his hand through his hair and groaned in annoyance. The Obsidian Earthenbeast seemed to become aware of the fact that the webs were preventing it from moving. It began to struggle against the floor.

    ¡°We can¡¯t kill this thing either way! Why should we remain close to it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Right,¡± Rep agreed reluctantly.

    They ran out of the circle of dead Earthenbeasts and approached Finnegan. Finnegan had removed the webs from over his lips, but had errant remains over his cheeks and chin. Zalan shined him with Elemental Light, burning off the remainder. Rep and Zalan pulled Finnegan to their momentum and continued their escape into the mysterious darkness.

 172 - Book 4 - Chapter 30 - Finding a Way

    Rep, Zalan, and Finnegan ran until they could no longer see the Obsidian Earthenbeast in the light that emitted from Zalan¡¯s hands. They took a short break, catching their breath for a moment. A thud echoed in the distance, and Zalan assumed that the obsidian creature managed to escape. They looked over their shoulder in apprehension and ran even further into the mines. After minutes of escape, they leaned against the musty walls, catching their breath.

    ¡°That¡­ was¡­ the most incredible fight I have ever seen,¡± Finnegan said between deep breaths.

    Zalan and Rep looked at one another in confusion. They shook their heads at one another, not understanding.

    ¡°We ran away,¡± Rep answered, sounding confused.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t even win. Did you watch the right fight?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You misunderstand. It was the way you operated with one another! You instinctively knew what to do. You would say single words to one another and somehow translated to a series of slashes and blasts!¡± Finnegan said, swinging his arms in the air to mimic the battle.

    Rep and Zalan again looked at one another, exchanging a curious glance.

    ¡°Did we do that?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°You are making a joke at my expense?¡± Finnegan said, annoyed with Zalan.

    ¡°No, seriously, I didn¡¯t even notice,¡± Zalan insisted.

    ¡°You fought like a single person. Communicating and attacking without a deep knowledge of where one another was. A team that trusted one another implicitly. It was sincerely very inspiring,¡± Finnegan said, still trying to read whether Rep and Zalan were messing with him.

    ¡°I am honored to work so well with Zalan. Though it is strange that we only got to this level of cohesion in the Depths of Despair,¡± Rep murmured.

    ¡°It¡¯s ironic,¡± Zalan agreed. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s the only place it could have happened. This time, our lives were on the line.¡±

    ¡°Our lives have been on the line several times! We fought nothing like this against the Elemental Dragon. We had almost perished the moment before we defeated it,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°You killed an Elemental Dragon?¡± Finnegan asked, even further amazed. ¡°That does it! I want to be an adventurer. I will work to repay those I have done wrong and then adventure the world to help others! This sounds like such an incredible life you live!¡± He threw a few more punches in the air.

    ¡°There are many challenges that come with living this kind of life,¡± Rep warned.

    ¡°But they¡¯re worth it if you can push through it all,¡± Zalan jumped in.

    Rep looked at him with raised eyebrows.

    ¡°What? You don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed, I would say this life has several benefits to outweigh the detriments. I just expected you to be the last one to express the sentiment. You seem to have regained your confidence since acquiring the Elemental Power,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Not the Elemental Power. It¡¯s a lot different now. I realized I don¡¯t need power anymore to find a reason to live well,¡± Zalan said confidently. ¡°Mom would want me to live my life.¡±

    Rep beamed with pride, having such grateful energy toward his close friend. Finnegan watched them speak with an attentive gaze, his eyes hanging on their every word.

    ¡°How do I get an Elemental Power?¡± Finnegan blurted. ¡°Is there an easily accessible one? Elemental Light seems like the most incredible thing in the realm, but I will settle for something even as common as fire,¡± Finnegan said eagerly.

    Rep and Zalan looked to one another awkwardly, measuring how best to respond.

    ¡°What?¡± Finnegan asked, sensing their hesitation. He looked hurt, a frown joining lowered eyebrows. ¡°Do you not think I am worthy of Elemental Power?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Rep said quickly. ¡°Nothing like that!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just that we don¡¯t know about how accessible Elementals are anymore. There¡¯s someone going around killing them,¡± Zalan said.

    Finnegan rolled his eyes deeply in his sockets, exaggerating a turn of his head. He exhaled in annoyance and looked at Rep, waiting for another answer. When Rep didn¡¯t offer one, Finnegan decided to be more explicit.

    ¡°Your friend here is a compulsive liar,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep said, confused.

    ¡°Yes, Zalan! First he told me he lost an Elemental Power, but now he tells me that Elementals can be killed,¡± Finnegan said. ¡°Next he will try and assure me that the miraculous cloud city of Aetheria exists in the sky.¡±

    ¡°He speaks true.¡± Rep nodded solemnly.  ¡°Zalan lost Elemental Power and we witnessed an Elemental as it was killed.¡±

    ¡°Plus, I¡¯m pretty sure Aetheria is real. We¡¯ve met two people from there,¡± Zalan added.

    Finnegan¡¯s eyes narrowed on Rep, losing trust in Zalan¡¯s companion as well. He scoffed, shaking his head.

    ¡°How does one kill an Elemental?¡± he challenged.

    ¡°You must become ¡®ascended.¡¯ A state of being that comes about when you have gained five different Elemental Powers,¡± Rep explained.

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    ¡°Five? I thought every challenge became more difficult than the last. They become almost impossible by the time you seek your third. How is one supposed to acquire five?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°The guy we know stole most of his powers from students he trained. He¡¯s actually one of the two people we know from Aetheria¡± Zalan said. ¡°I already told you about him, remember? His name is Morloch.¡±

    ¡°So, the one who can kill Elementals and steal powers also happens to be from the mythical city in the sky?¡± Finnegan summarized, letting out a tired sigh.

    Zalan nodded, happy to hear Finnegan was finally understanding the situation.

    ¡°Every answer leads to more holes in your narrative,¡± Finnegan said. ¡°I may find you incredible fighters, but that does not mean I will be so naive as to believe everything you say!¡±

    ¡°I guess a con artist becomes good at being skeptical, huh?¡± Zalan nudged Rep lightly with his elbow.

    ¡°I do not believe Finnegan is an artist,¡± Rep answered, confused.

    ¡°No, I mean like a Confidence Man. You know? A con man?¡± Zalan attempted.

    Rep shrugged, shaking his head. Zalan shrugged as well, not knowing how else to phrase it. Finnegan rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Can we continue the search for the Homeseeker now? I wish to escape if we can,¡± Finnegan said, growing tired of the shenanigans he suspected Zalan was playing.

    Rep and Zalan nodded in agreement and Zalan lit up the cavern with two spotlights of power. He scanned over the immediate area and looked at Rep. Rep looked back while biting his lips.

    ¡°How are we supposed to locate the Artifact? These mines are a maze. We have no idea where we came from nor where we stand relative to the entrance,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Maybe we can go back to our original plan? Stick to the right of the cavern? We should be able to find an exit regardless of whether we find the Homeseeker,¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°I suppose that will work, but I was hoping you had a better plan. I still do not quite understand the logic of going to the right leading us to freedom. In addition, I do not wish to meet any other monsters that call the Depths of Despair their home,¡± Rep said, looking forward into the abyss.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine. I have a huge advantage with my Elemental Light. I mean, listen,¡± Zalan said.

    The trio were quiet for a few seconds of silence. Rep and Finnegan looked at Zalan. He nodded, as though having made his point. Finnegan squinted his eyes, confused.

    ¡°I hear nothing?¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Exactly! Remember how there used to be monsters crawling around no matter where we were? They¡¯re gone now. Either killed or intimidated by the potential of the Elemental Light,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°That is just the Arachulas,¡± Finnegan said. ¡°None of the other monsters are taking such serious damage from your Elemental Light. You could not even defeat the Obsidian Earthenbeast.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re taking damage, but just not from the larger beam of light. But the power still works to hurt them when it¡¯s concentrated in one place. Like a¡­¡± Zalan tried to come up with an example that would be understood by people of the realm. A ¡°laser¡± was way too specific. A ¡°magnifying glass¡± seemed like it wouldn¡¯t fit with the tech of the realm. He tried the only thing that he could think of that might be fitting to the medieval peoples. ¡°You know like when a crystal ball catches light at a specific angle and burns things? It kinda works like that.¡±

    ¡°A crystal ball?¡± Finnegan scratched his head, confused.

    ¡°Perhaps he means like a magnifying glass,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Oh, I see. That makes much more sense.¡± Finnegan nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, of course it does,¡± Zalan sighed, defeated by his own assumptions.

    ¡°You are suggesting that the Elemental Light causes burns?¡± Rep asked, taking a half step away from the light to protect his fresh burn wounds.

    ¡°Only when I concentrate it to a fine point. I might also be able to form it together to be something like a hammer or something to pummel things with, but I haven¡¯t gotten the right feel to it. Otherwise, I think it¡¯s just a really bright light. But I¡¯ve already found some uses with just the regular light that¡¯s not intended to burn. I can imbue things to be blinding. With enough power, I can burn things around me, even without concentrating it to a fine point. But it takes a lot of my own energy to do that, and I don¡¯t think I have the Wisdom to use that one for a long period of time,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°Very well, we can have some confidence in your Elemental Light, but that does not bring much ease into my heart,¡± Rep admitted. He raised his hands to the darkness at the edge of the light. ¡°This is still the Depths of Despair.¡±

    ¡°Ah, I think we¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s a lot easier to navigate with light that¡¯s not constantly being eaten away in the dark,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You are blinded by your recent successes,¡± Finnegan said. ¡°Get me out of here in one piece and I will admit that your confidence was not misplaced.¡±

    Zalan accepted the challenge, taking the lead and guiding them down the long hall of the mines. Occasionally, they could hear the skitter of an Arachula in the distance, but none popped into view, even with the considerable distance Zalan¡¯s light could show. They turned several times, twisting down seemingly endless halls into the darkness.

    They lost track of time in the mines. No one direction looked different than another. The walls were all the same cracked, dark earth and the endless abyss ahead of them made no signs of becoming less of an abyss. Whenever Zalan pointed his light all the way down, he could never see an exit. The mines always turned far enough to keep him from getting a straight view ahead. He wiped light sweat from his brow. He was growing tired of constantly using Elemental Power.

    ¡°Watch yourselves,¡± Rep said. ¡°There are a lot more webs on the floor around here.¡±

    ¡°Too late,¡± Finnegan grumbled.

    Zalan turned and saw the young man pulling hard to free his foot. Zalan blasted it with light, burning it clean off of him. Finnegan nodded his appreciation.

    ¡°This is a lot more webs than I remember seeing on the way in,¡± Zalan said, taking in the scene.

    The mines had webs along the floors, walls, and ceilings. It was a light coating, like spray paint across the walls and floor, with larger webs hanging like nooses above them.

    ¡°Are you suggesting we should turn around?¡± Rep asked, looking around.

    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t have much light on the way in. This could be where we entered from. We just need to stick to the right. If we turn around, we risk getting even more lost than we already are. Stick to the system and we¡¯re definitely gonna be out of here,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep nodded and continued ahead. Finnegan¡¯s eyes were flitting around more rapidly, shivering slightly at the sight of the webs. Without him saying so, Zalan could tell he didn¡¯t want to be wrapped in a cocoon anymore. It must have been a terrifying time to be wrapped, waiting for death in total darkness. Zalan watched the walls for anything that might jump around the corners. They stalked slowly forward, not wanting to rush into an ambush.

    Something felt off to Zalan. He felt like he was being watched again. But where before he figured out he was being watched by the Bright Elemental, this felt more malevolent than slightly off-putting. His hair stood up. He wanted to run, but the Depths of Despair was no place to escape feelings of dread.

    ¡°Do you feel that?¡± Zalan asked quietly.

    ¡°I do. There is something here. Watching us,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan appreciated that he wasn¡¯t alone in feeling observed this time. They creeped forward even slower. But Zalan felt his body was tight with tension. He looked around the corners even more rapidly to no avail.

    ¡°Ah! Help!¡± Finnegan screamed suddenly. ¡°Above! Above!¡±

    Rep and Zalan spun around to look at Finnegan. They witnessed two legs flailing in the air, slowly sliding upward. Rep and Zalan looked up. A strand of web had attached to Finnegan¡¯s back and was slowly pulling him upward into the darkness. Zalan illuminated the ceiling quickly.

    A giant Arachula about the size of a school bus was dragging Finnegan upward, its fangs twitching hungrily as he neared its mouth.

 173 - Book 4 - Chapter 31 - Big Bug

    ¡°Dear Lord,¡± Rep said, staring upward in shock and horror.

    ¡°Get me down! Get me down!¡± Finnegan panicked, kicking frantically as he slid upward toward the hungry monster.

    The Giant Arachula was smooth like the others and had eight red eyes that looked in several directions, as though constantly searching for more meals. Its eight legs were lean but powerful, and ended in dull points like hammers. Its fangs were the size of human arms and the sounds it emitted were something like a cross between a snake and a Geiger counter.

    Zalan blasted the Giant Arachula with his Elemental Light. It flinched, but didn¡¯t hiss and react like its smaller counterparts. He quickly shifted his energy to the web attached to Finnegan¡¯s back. It sizzled, but didn¡¯t come apart as easily as webs made by regular Arachulas.

    ¡°It¡¯s stronger than usual,¡± Zalan relayed.

    ¡°I can destroy it if we must,¡± Rep said, preparing a flame in his palm.

    ¡°No! You might bring the whole place down if a flame touches any of these bigger webs!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What is taking so long?¡± Finnegan screamed.

    ¡°It¡¯s tougher stuff!¡± Zalan said. ¡°Just give me a second!¡±

    ¡°I do not have a second!¡± Finnegan squealed, staring upward at the spider fangs opening widely above him. His face went pale in fear. His feet stopped kicking.

    Zalan furled his eyebrows in concentration, pointing both arms at the web and concentrating the Elemental Light to a thin, powerful beam. The web began to tear slightly. The Giant Arachula seemed to sense its prey beginning to escape its web, dragging Finnegan up even faster. It leaned forward to consume Finnegan¡¯s head in one bite. He shrieked.

    The web snapped and Finnegan came tumbling to the ground. Rep tried to catch him, but only managed to slow the fall, his arms just shy of a good grasp. Finnegan fell to his rear with a grunt, looking up with wide, terrified eyes.

    ¡°Did it get me? I feel as though it got some part of me,¡± Finnegan said quickly, running his hands over his head.

    ¡°No,¡± Rep said. ¡°You are unharmed, not a hair on your head is out of pla¡­¡±

    Rep stopped as he saw a bald patch in the back of Finnegan¡¯s hair. Rep looked back up and saw the giant spider chewing on a tuft of hair. The gargantuan monster spat out the hair, dissatisfied with the lack of meat.

    ¡°My hair!¡± Finnegan¡¯s eyes went wide as his fingers made contact with his scalp.

    Rep and Zalan ignored him, focusing on the massive creature on the ceiling.

    ¡°Any ideas?¡± Rep asked in a whisper.

    ¡°Run?¡± Zalan replied.

    Without another word, Rep, Zalan, and Finnegan all ran as fast as they could back the way they came from. They didn¡¯t have to look back to know the Giant Arachula was after them, climbing upside down on the ceiling and easily keeping up with them. The walls echoed with its terror-inducing scuttles, hisses subtly escaping its maw.

    ¡°It is coming after us!¡± Finnegan reported loudly.

    It made a sound like it was chewing gum from above and Zalan had the instinct to duck as he ran. A massive wad of webs stuck to the wall next to Zalan, a near miss. He stared back at the attack. The size of a bean bag, it clung with special rigidity to the wall. It could probably completely immobilize them with a single spit of web hitting them. And he didn¡¯t want to think about how fast the monster could consume him once hit.

    Racing through the mines frantically, the trio gave up on trying to go only down the path to the right. Whatever seemed closest was the earthen corridor they hastily ran through. Zalan blinked as the atmosphere suddenly changed. They found their way into a more open area of the cavern. It formed into a dome at the top, like a bowl was carved into the mines. Gemstones and small rocks piled on the ends while overturned, old mine carts were scattered about the area. Zalan realized that they must have come into the remains of what used to be a lucrative area in the mines.

    The Giant Arachula climbed through, firing more large webs. It had effectively blocked the entrance with its adhesive projectiles.

    ¡°Try burning it, Rep!¡± Zalan called out.

    ¡°I thought you just said it could bring the mines down!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°This area¡¯s a lot bigger! Plus, I don¡¯t think we can keep this up. I have more faith in you redirecting the blast than us outrunning this thing!¡± Zalan said.

    Rep bit his lips as he ran. The blood pounding in his head made it hard for him to come to a rational conclusion and he grunted in frustration. Midstep, he spun around and reached out his arms, preparing to emit Elemental Flame.

    A massive glob of web smacked into him at that moment. He fell back hard, slapping into the ground with his limbs sticking out at awkward angles. He tried to tear himself free in a rush, but only had his hands, feet, and head sticking out of the web. The best he could do was wiggle fingers, toes, and his neck in frenetic panic.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep screamed.

    Zalan stopped and spun back around, only then realizing Rep was glued to the ground. He charged back toward Rep without a moment¡¯s hesitation. The Giant Arachula dropped down from the ceiling, spinning midair and landing on its eight legs. It bounced in place, absorbing the shock, then began racing toward its immobile meal. Zalan could see Rep considering whether he should imbue himself in fire. With a wad of web that big, it would be the biggest explosion produced so far, able to consume half the room. Zalan read him clearly. Rep was considering taking himself out with the monster, protecting Finnegan and Zalan.

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    ¡°Don¡¯t imbue yourself! You¡¯ll destroy us all!¡± Zalan screamed urgently.

    He didn¡¯t know if that was true, but wanted to prevent Rep from considering self-sacrifice as an option for any longer. The monster looked up at Zalan as he approached with a blade drawn. He imbued his entire body and blade in hot white light. The creature spat a considerable amount of web at him, but Zalan¡¯s sword was able to cut through it like a scythe through dry grass thanks to his imbue. He could focus the light onto the edge of the blade to enhance its ability against the webbing.

    A break neck speed, he ran, only a few steps away from Rep, the monster also a few feet from its intended meal.

    Seeing that it couldn¡¯t stop the oncoming human, the Giant Arachula returned its attention from Zalan to Rep pinned to the ground. The fire wielder pulled his neck back as far as he could, trying to push his way out of the giant ball of white paste holding him down. The Giant Arachula reared and went in for a bite. Zalan dove forward and slashed upward, deflecting the spider¡¯s bite, and cutting off a fang. It hissed in anger and swung at Zalan with one of its legs. Zalan focused more on trying to protect Rep, not realizing the blow was intended for him. It bashed into him, throwing him hard against the closest wall.

    Zalan coughed and lost control of his vision as the pain overwhelmed him. He tried to keep his head up, but slumped down as he was forced to catch his breath. The spider¡¯s focus remained on Rep. It once again reared its head, fangs twitching as Rep braced himself, fire licking the edges of his fingers.

    But this time the monster was struck in the eye by a rock. The creature and Zalan both looked up. Finnegan was standing far ahead of it, breathing in frenzied fear. The creature focused on him for a second too long, and Finnegan held his arms out ahead of him defensively.

    ¡°No, wait, wait!¡± Finnegan pleaded before being hit by a large ball of web, throwing him back a few feet and sticking him to the floor.

    The few seconds of delay was just the recovery period Zalan needed. Back upright and stumbling toward Rep. The Giant Arachula watched him closely, not willing to lose another fang.

    ¡°I can distract it with flame,¡± Rep said. ¡°I can shoot from my foot, redirecting to avoid the fire making contact with the web. Just tell me when to distract its attention from you.¡±

    Zalan nodded, appreciating Rep¡¯s support even as he was pinned to the ground. The Giant Arachula reared a leg back and stabbed it toward Zalan. Prepared this time, Zalan reacted faster. Zalan bent back, barely avoiding the attack. He saw another of the creature¡¯s log-like limbs stabbing toward him. He swung his sword, hoping he could slice through the flesh this time.

    The blade cut into the leg, but he didn¡¯t have the Strength to cleave straight through. The behemoth spider pulled its leg back in pain, taking several tiny steps back with its several uninjured legs.

    ¡°Did you get it?¡± Rep asked, his head at a poor angle to view the fight.

    ¡°I can cut it! But it¡¯s still alive if that¡¯s what you¡¯re asking!¡± Zalan said, keeping a light dedicated on the monster.

    The Giant Arachula watched Zalan carefully, a rage in its tense stance. Its eight eyes swiveled over him in demented scrutiny, making Zalan freeze in discomfort. Breathing in sharply, a deep clicking projecting from within and Zalan could see its large abdomen wiggle as it formed webbing within. It spat a wad directly toward him. Zalan imbued his sword with as much light as he could, and slashed it down the middle. The mines filled with spots of light like a disco ball as his weapon passed through. He remained unharmed and totally free to move.

    The Giant Arachula sized him up once more. Zalan began to focus his Elemental Light to imbue his legs and stepped on the webs pinning Rep to the ground. His legs sank through gradually, like he was standing on quicksand, as his power burned through the material. Rep was slowly free to extract one limb at a time. The Giant Arachula screeched extremely loud as Rep came to his feet, relying on Zalan to pull him up. Rep and Zalan covered their ears from the continuous shriek. Zalan was surprised by how upset it was, and the fact that it would express its discontent.

    As soon as the monster stopped its auditory assault, they removed their hands from their ears and refocused their stances toward the giant arachnid.

    ¡°Do we try running again?¡± Zalan asked skeptically.

    ¡°Finnegan is still trapped,¡± Rep said, pointing.

    Zalan didn¡¯t feel like he had time to turn and check. The Giant Arachula watched them too closely. Watching each of the wild eyes, Zalan wondered what kind of damage he could do if he blinded only a few of them. Would a spider be half as powerful if it was half blind?

    He began to take cautious steps backward toward Finnegan. Zalan took account of what kind of energy he would have to emit and how little time he would have to try and take eyes out of commission before the spider became wise to the plan. Rep watched closely as well. The Giant Arachula made no sudden moves.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Finnegan asked urgently, his arms jiggling in place.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry it¡¯s just us. We¡¯re walking over, and the Giant Arachula isn¡¯t moving. I¡¯ll get you out of the webs and we¡¯ll figure out what to do from there,¡± Zalan promised, his eyes never leaving the massive beast.

    ¡°No! Do you not feel that?¡± Finnegan said.

    Zalan felt his senses were already overloaded with waiting for the giant creature to spring at them. But he concentrated harder and noticed his feet began to rumble ever so slightly. The skittering that had long left them began to fill the pathways out of the room they were in. Like water rushing in, they could both hear and feel the flood of incoming creatures.

    ¡°When it shrieked, it was not screaming in frustration,¡± Rep deduced. ¡°It was calling for all the other Arachula.¡±

    ¡°Get me out! Get me out!¡± Finnegan¡¯s fingers and toes were flailing. He couldn¡¯t move enough to get a grip on the webs.

    ¡°Keep an eye on the big one,¡± Zalan told Rep. ¡°I¡¯ll get him out.¡±

    ¡°And then what shall we do? We already have determined we can not flee it, now we must fight the smaller ones as well?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, let me just get him out!¡± Zalan said quickly.

    Zalan finally turned his back to the Giant Arachula and rushed to Finnegan who was screaming in fear. He hacked and slashed at the webs with an imbued body and blade, tearing him free as fast as he could.

    ¡°They are coming in a swarm!¡± Finnegan said, his eyes on all the entrances to the domed room.

    ¡°Focus on getting up!¡± Zalan ordered.

    Finnegan finally registered that he was able to move his arm freely. Reaching out, he helped Zalan tear off the other binds in the glow of Elemental Light. Zalan felt an explosion go off behind him and knelt down over Finnegan, shielding him.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°The smaller Arachulas are spitting webs. I am trying to keep you free to work by blowing them out of the air.¡±

    Another explosion rocked  through the room. Zalan could feel the Arachulas as much as he could hear them. An army surrounded the room. The only thing holding them back was the bright light emitting from Zalan¡¯s body. Or maybe they were waiting for an order to charge from the giant one.

    Zalan finally pulled Finnegan free, bringing him to his feet. They turned around and got a good look around the room. There were at least a hundred Arachulas in the room, most at the base of the Giant Arachula¡¯s feet. Others scuttled around the walls quickly. Zalan twisted his neck each way, making sure none of the ones on the walls were moving to flank them.

    Emboldened by the numbers, the Giant Arachula took a heavy-footed step toward the three humans.

 174 - Book 4 - Chapter 32 - Overturned

    ¡°We are going to die here,¡± Finnegan whispered, looking upon the growing number of Arachulas before them.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Zalan said firmly. ¡°I have to get home.¡±

    Without much time to think, he grabbed Rep and Finnegan and pulled them into a run. The spiders chased after them with wads of webbing landing all around. Zalan kept a beam of light pointed their way to burn apart webs that had the trajectory to hit them. The Arachulas clambered over one another in pursuit. The entire Depths of Despair shivered with movement. Zalan shoved Rep and Finnegan behind an overturned minecart, then knelt down next to them.

    The cart was tall enough to cover their backs when they knelt down behind it, but they couldn¡¯t stand up if they wanted to remain under its protection from the webs. The metal of the old cart shuddered constantly, battered by the assailants on the other end. It felt like a pathetic piece of protection, but Zalan couldn¡¯t think of anything better in the seconds he had to flee.

    The spray of webs showered over them. Any spiders that came around to try and flank them were quickly burned down by bright, focused Elemental Light pointed their way. Rep assisted, cutting down any of the oversized spiders approaching them with his blade. They seemed an infinite number, more always climbing over their dead brethren.

    ¡°What do we do? What do we do?¡± Finnegan asked, nesting himself deep into the back of the overturned cart.

    ¡°Keep an eye out! I think we can take them down if we find an opening,¡± Zalan said. ¡°We¡¯re stronger than the big one for sure, otherwise it wouldn¡¯t have called these reinforcements.¡±

    ¡°Or perhaps it wished to share a meal with its children!¡± Finnegan said.

    Zalan hadn¡¯t even considered that the Giant Arachula might be the mother to the smaller ones. He hoped Finnegan was mistaken.

    ¡°Trust in Zalan,¡± Rep said, stabbing down yet another Arachula.

    Zalan could see that both he and Rep were growing sluggish. Strings of webs were constantly falling from above them, preventing full motion of their arms and legs. The spiders that came to strike were always at full energy, having just started their pursuit, where Rep and Zalan were steadily waning. They had been in the Depths of Despair for what felt like innumerable hours, and they could very easily have been overwhelmed.

    Zalan was still resolved to fight to his end. He wouldn¡¯t have a hint of regret so long as he tried, even when things seemed dire. And if he came out alive, he could cling to the legend of his own story. How often has it been that the few have been able to conquer so many? Especially with these one-sided odds?

    Zalan fought Arachulas with such automatic attacks that he almost felt blind with battle sense. As soon as he slashed one Arachula in half, he spun around and skewered another with a focused beam of Elemental Light. He never had a chance to catch his breath, they seemed to be spawning from every direction, occasionally falling from the ceiling right in front of him and his friends.

    ¡°Rep! Get out from behind the minecart! You are glowing!¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s my Elemental Power!¡± Zalan said immediately, not even looking back at him.

    ¡°Not you! I said Rep!¡± Finnegan said quickly.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Rep asked.

    Rep and Zalan¡¯s eyes grew wide and they looked at one another in shock. Their bodies were glowing a faint white light, but Rep¡¯s was different from the light emitted from Zalan¡¯s Elemental Power. They tried to scramble in between attacks from the oncoming Arachulas. Rep tripped and got stuck in webs splattered across the ground. Zalan tried to help him up but was blocked in by three new Arachulas, threatening to rush around him and reach Finnegan.

    The light emitting from Rep¡¯s body grew in strength until it reached a blinding zenith, exploding him in immense white light. Rep had killed so many incoming Arachulas that he gained a Level. But he wasn¡¯t in a close enough distance to even harm the Giant Arachula with the explosion that emitted with the gaining of the Level.

    All the Arachulas in the immediate area, however, died immediately. Some even fell from the walls and ceiling, curling up as they crashed to the floor, lifeless. Rep was healed of a few injuries by gaining the Level, and Zalan could see the burn scars had faded from his body. They even had a few seconds to breathe, as their immediate threats were all dead.

    Still, the mines rained with webs from the few Arachulas and the Giant Arachula watching the overturned mine cart from a distance. They kept their artillery web strikes ongoing, even as they couldn¡¯t see what was happening on the other end of the cart.

    ¡°It would have been quite nice to be done with this,¡± Rep said, breathing deeply as he ducked back behind the mine cart.

    ¡°Would it have really been so hard to say ¡®You¡¯re gaining a Level! Get closer to the big monster!¡¯ We could have killed every single one of them,¡± Zalan said, kneeling in front of Finnegan.

    ¡°I apologize,¡± he said in a small voice. ¡°I was panicking. I thought I had expressed exactly that.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s features softened. He remembered that Finnegan was probably the age of someone just starting university. He could expect a lot from him, but being able to keep calm in the face of death was a whole different ability. Zalan himself only gained steadfastness through several fights. He had to face death enough to know that the only way to avoid it was to remain level-headed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Good job trying to point it out. Keep coming up with ideas like that and we¡¯ll still find a way out of this,¡± Zalan assured him. Finnegan offered a thin, grateful smile, looking somewhat less tense.

    More webs splattered on the walls nearest to them. Zalan was growing claustrophobic. They were surrounded by webs on all sides, and the light skittering of the surviving Arachulas began to grow closer. Finnegan¡¯s smile faltered, his eyes unsteady. Zalan could see how scared he was, his whole body in a light tremble. Zalan would have been terrified, if he wasn¡¯t pumped with a cocktail of adrenaline and pure focus. He felt like he had no time to experience fear when the other emotions took so much energy.

    ¡°Any new ideas?¡± Rep asked.

    Rep and Zalan were both breathing heavily, barely catching their breath after the first wave of Arachulas. Zalan knew that they wouldn¡¯t be able to simply withstand another wave of spiders. His muscles were screaming in burning pain, begging to be given a rest. He checked his Experience to see how close he was to gaining a Level. Only 89, and he¡¯d definitely killed more than a few dozen Arachulas by now. Between that and the defeated Earthenbeasts, he expected to have gained another Level. But the Arachulas were giving him less than one Experience, per kill. He couldn¡¯t rely on getting a Level to get them out of this.

    It only took one wrong move to be taken out of commission. And with the constant streams of webs falling from above, there was a good chance he could get caught on something that his Elemental Light didn¡¯t burn away first. He stared at the webs for a few seconds, watching the strands as they disintegrated in the light before they got too close.

    ¡°I think I have an idea, but I don¡¯t know how good it is,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°When have we ever had a good idea in battle? I am ready for anything,¡± Rep said confidently in return.

    ¡°I would prefer that it be a good idea,¡± Finnegan mumbled.

    ¡°Remember how I told you not to use your Elemental Fire Power?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Of course, because you rightly suggested that the explosion could bring the mines down upon us.¡± Rep nodded.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Right. Well, I¡¯m gonna need you to burn a web when I tell you,¡± Zalan said.

    Finnegan frowned, inching himself even further against the overturned cart. Rep made a face, but when another spider tried to flank them, he decided he didn¡¯t have time for questions. He sliced it in half and nodded to Zalan, allowing him to proceed.

    ¡°And when you shoot the fire, get under the cart! You need to get out of the way of the direct blast,¡± Zalan said.

    Finnegan immediately turned toward the cart. He was running his eyes up and down the overturned metal. Finnegan¡¯s eyes narrowed with a hint of skepticism, shaking his head in disbelief. Tucking his fingers under the edge, he pulled with all his might, barely able to raise it an inch off the ground.

    ¡°What if I can not raise it enough to get under the¡­¡± Finnegan turned back to Zalan only to see he had already run out from behind the mine cart.

    Zalan stood in the open area near the cart, his arms open wide in defiance as he prepared himself. The smaller Arachulas stopped rushing toward the cart as the Giant Arachula and Zalan sized one another up. The Giant Arachula took a bold few steps forward, leaning very gingerly on the leg that Zalan cut through. Its abdomen began wiggling. Zalan knew it was preparing to spit a wad of webs.

    ¡°Come on!¡± Zalan challenged keeping his wingspan open. ¡°I can take whatever you got!¡±

    The Giant Arachula hissed lightly. The smaller monsters at its feet shot a series of smaller webs at Zalan. He stood obstinately, not making a move as he was hit with several packs of web across his body. The Giant Arachula seemed to enjoy the sight, and added its own much larger web to the mix. Zalan bore it all, standing up straight, but stuck in place like a statue covered in cobwebs. He was weighed down by several pounds of the substance, covering everything from his knees to his neck.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep called.

    ¡°Stay where you are!¡± Zalan said confidently. ¡°I¡¯m fine! Just get ready to shoot the Elemental Fire when I tell you.¡±

    ¡°I am not going to blow you up!¡± Rep said rebelliously.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, you¡¯re not! I¡¯ll be fine if you time it right! Just wait for my signal!¡± Zalan screamed impatiently.

    Rep looked hesitant, but nodded with patience. He kept himself close to the cart, not wanting to attract any attention when the Arachulas had mostly decided to focus on Zalan.

    ¡°He has a death wish!¡± Finnegan said, his voice strained as he struggled to lift the cart.

    ¡°He said he will be fine,¡± Rep said, sounding as though he was trying to assure himself.

    ¡°Help me with the cart so we can get under!¡± Finnegan said through grit teeth.

    ¡°Not until I emit my Elemental Flame. I do not want to throw off Zalan¡¯s plan by not being prepared.¡±

    Arachulas collectively stopped rushing to get behind the mine cart, instead making their way toward Zalan. He was still the one source of light in the room. The Arachulas that got too close were burned through, Zalan emitting powerful beams of light from his feet even as he stood immobile. He allowed them to fire more webs at him, gathering a massive spool at his chest.

    Within the confines of his cocoon, he began slowly burning through the webs holding him down by imbuing his legs with a shallow layer of light. The outside remained whole, making it unclear that his legs were able to move once more. He didn¡¯t want the monsters knowing he was freeing himself. The stream of brave Arachulas charging forward to attack him began to slow down, their hesitance apparent when he was able to take them out so easily with his feet alone. Finally, the Giant Arachula decided it had enough of the waiting and began to step forward. Exactly what Zalan was hoping for.

    As the Giant Arachula made its way over, Zalan gave the webs remaining around him a big bear hug, collecting as much as he could into one ball that stuck to his chest. Burning what remained connected to the ground with Elemental Light, he was able to carry the thick wad of webs around freely. The Giant Arachula increased its pace to a rush, and had passed all the smaller ones, baring its remaining fang dripping with venom. It seemed unconcerned with Zalan¡¯s movement so long as his arms were still locked into the webs.

    Zalan rapidly spun in place, completing two complete circles in a second and building momentum. He kept his eyes on the massive creature as he continued to spin like a top, remaining focused as his balance was tested.

    ¡°He has gone mad!¡± Finnegan called out at a loss.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan called.

    ¡°Ready!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Now!¡±

    Rep bit the inside of his lip hard and threw a ball of flame at the webs still connected to the spinning Zalan. The Giant Arachula came close, rearing its legs to pummel Zalan and finally have its meal. Zalan imbued his chest and arms with blinding, bright Elemental Light as he spun, the wad tearing apart into a single string that connected to a large attachment. Like a potato sack connected to by a rope. Rep¡¯s eyes widened and he twisted his arms in panic to redirect his moving flame.

    Zalan had spun around in place to build enough momentum. Then, he shifted to spinning around the sack-like wad of webs. The massive pile of web pulled at him. With powerful Elemental Light, he burned off all tendrils of the web connected to him, essentially throwing the massive collection of webs at the Giant Arachula rearing to strike. Rep¡¯s Elemental Flame curved in the air, going to connect with the giant pack of webs as soon as it reached the Giant Arachula.

    Spinning quickly in place had done Zalan¡¯s aim no favors, and it looked as though it was sailing to the right of the massive monster. It was far too high, taking its time to get to a distance close enough for Rep¡¯s flame to touch it. Zalan hoped the explosion would be enough to destroy it, regardless of the distance.

    He ran, stumbling toward the mine cart. Halfway there, his shoulder was struck by the Giant Arachula¡¯s leg, slamming him to the hard rock floor. The air whooshed out of his body and his arm burned with pain. A moment later, Zalan was thrown to the wall by the monumental explosion.

    Rep had redirected his flame in a very particular direction, ensuring that the explosion wouldn¡¯t go off until it was just behind the Giant Arachula. The strategic placement allowed the incoming blast to be mostly taken by the monster¡¯s body, allowing a much less substantial blast to pass over to Zalan and the mine cart. At the last second, Finnegan barely managed to lift the cart and pull himself and Rep below. The cart shivered, but held firm under the explosive shock wave, keeping its two occupants safe.

    Zalan, however, had lost track of all of his senses. All he knew was the hurt on his body, whether the burning sensation on his face or the feeling like he¡¯d broken his back against the rock wall. He groaned, but couldn¡¯t hear his own voice over the deafening ringing in his ears. His head was aching with pressure, and he realized he had been flipped upside down, his back against the rock wall. In addition, he was dumped in pitch black darkness after the explosion had passed. He didn¡¯t have the focus or energy to keep emitting Elemental Light during the explosion.

    Suddenly, his pain seemed to subside considerably and his body regained its faint glow. As Zalan¡¯s sight slowly returned to his conscious mind, he realized that he must have been gaining a Level. He¡¯d succeeded in killing the Giant Arachula. He smiled faintly as some of his wounds were healed. The partial repairs would allow him to at least be able to stumble his way out of the Depths of Despair. As soon as his body exploded in the burst of gaining a Level, he flopped over, falling off the wall. With a harsh scrape, Zalan heard the mine cart being tossed upright, footsteps approaching him.

    As he lifted his head off the ground, Zalan saw Rep emit a small flame. It was barely enough to illuminate his and Finnegan¡¯s faces. He had forgotten just how dark the Depths of Despair were without his Elemental Light. Eerie shadows were eating away at light that should have been appearing from the fire, and he was grateful that his Elemental Light wasn¡¯t similarly affected.

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± Rep asked him, reaching out a hand to help him to his feet.

    ¡°Barely,¡± Zalan grunted. ¡°I think I might have died from my wounds if I didn¡¯t just gain a Level.¡±

    ¡°We really killed it,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°We?¡± Zalan repeated, amused.

    ¡°We!¡± Finnegan nodded enthusiastically. ¡°See for yourself! I gained 90 Experience from the Giant Arachula¡¯s death.¡±

    Finnegan raised his wrist to Zalan¡¯s eyes for him to see his stats. Zalan didn¡¯t need to look, already believing the claim.

    ¡°How is that possible?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°He threw a rock at it,¡± Rep reminded him.

    ¡°That¡¯s all it takes to get a share of Experience?¡± Zalan scoffed to himself, shaking his head. He looked back to Finnegan. ¡°Did you gain a Level like me?¡±

    ¡°No, but this will be a good head start for when I become an adventurer. I am at 95 Experience now, and Level 3 will be much better than Level 2 for fighting all manner of monsters,¡± Finnegan said proudly.

    Rep raised his eyebrows, stunned. He put a light hand on Finnegan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°You still want to become an adventurer after all of that?¡± Rep asked, surprised.

    ¡°Of course! Even more so! I thought we would be dead for certain! Somehow you killed hundreds of monsters without much struggle! I wish to do that. Imagine having such control over your own life,¡± Finnegan nodded.

    ¡°There was a lot of struggle,¡± Zalan grumbled, stretching his body.

    ¡°Even better. If there is struggle, then I can help those who are struggling,¡± Finnegan added without missing a beat. ¡°And then no one will remember me as a thief. Only a living legend.¡±

    ¡°Let us get out of here first,¡± Rep said. ¡°I can already hear the few remaining smaller Arachulas scrambling around the room. It is only a matter of time before they come back to attack us out of panic.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan nodded. ¡°Here, let me light up the room to at least scare a few of them off.¡±

    Zalan emitted his Elemental Light from his hand and got a look around the room. Before he could get a full view of the room, he stopped short, staring at the center of the round room in abject horror.

    The Giant Arachula lay dead, half its body disintegrated in the explosion. Several Arachulas remained scuttling across the walls.

    And in the center of the room, staring over the giant dead monster, was the Mind of Madness.

 175 - Book 4 - Chapter 33 - Mind Games

    The Mind of Madness filled the immediate area with a foreboding sensation of death, dread, and despair. The monster¡¯s form was uncanny enough on its own to send shivers down Zalan¡¯s spine. Floating, gray, a head without a mouth, eyes sunken and wide in its skull. Zalan felt at a total disadvantage against the creature who made its home in the Depths of Despair, his mind already feeling like mush in the aftermath of the explosion. The creature¡¯s very existence might have been the reason that the mines were so dilapidated and dreary.

    The giant, mouthless face pivoted in the air, turning in a slow circle, but not yet reaching the trio. Rep looked at Zalan in panic. Finnegan was frozen in place, his eyes wide.

    Zalan raised his hand to attack with his new Elemental Power, hoping light would have a huge advantage over darkness. But he hesitated. He wasn¡¯t sure that the monster had seen them yet. It occurred to him that the Mind of Madness was attracted by the massive explosion that killed the Giant Arachula. They might have still been hidden away from it.

    Zalan pulled on Rep and Finnegan, rushing them back to the mine cart. He brought his Elemental Light down to a dim glow, trying not to attract attention their way. The Mind of Madness had reached the spot they stood at the moment before. It gave no indication of having seen them. Remaining eerily in place in the air, it didn¡¯t move an inch.

    Rep, Zalan, and Finnegan ducked down low next to the overturned cart. It looked worse for wear, a misshapen mess of metal on the side that took the brunt of the explosion. Zalan was glad to see it was still in one piece, despite the deformity.

    ¡°Do not let it look at me,¡± Finnegan whispered urgently.

    ¡°We know.¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°It made me feel such horrible things.The worst things I could imagine! My parents¡­¡± Finnegan continued in an anxious frenzy.

    ¡°We have experienced it, too.¡± Rep placed an arm on his shoulder compassionately.

    ¡°I do not want to experience it again,¡± Finnegan said with finality.

    Zalan put a light finger over his own lips, signaling him to be quiet. Finnegan continued to shiver, but nodded quickly. He shuddered as he breathed, placing his hands over his mouth to stifle himself. Zalan leaned against the mine cart and slowly poked his head to the top. He could just make out the shape of the Mind of Madness in the darkness. It was moving; floating slowly in their direction.

    Zalan quickly slid himself back down behind the mine cart and looked at Rep and Finnegan with wide eyes.

    ¡°It is coming toward us?¡± Rep read Zalan¡¯s expression.

    Zalan nodded silently.

    ¡°Under the cart!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°It is too heavy!¡± Finnegan panicked. ¡°It took me several¡­¡±

    Together, Rep and Zalan lifted the minecart in the time Finnegan tried to tell them it would be impossible. Without another word, Finnegan rolled under, followed by Rep and Zalan scrambling in immediately. They held their hands over their mouths as they breathed faintly in the total darkness of the mine cart. Zalan didn¡¯t want to risk emitting any Elemental Light and they had plunged into the total abyss of darkness.

    They could feel the monster¡¯s presence. Cold. Ominous. One touch and they could be left out of their mind to die in the Depths of Despair.

    Rep, Zalan, and Finnegan all cringed when they suddenly heard an Arachula cry out in agony. Its body slammed into the ground on the other end of the cart. By the sound of it, the monster had been struck by the dark beam of the Mind of Madness. It made an unbearable screeching sound as it twisted on the ground. Zalan remained as quiet as he could, constantly flinching at the noises the Arachula made. He had mildly hoped that the Mind of Madness wouldn¡¯t be able to attack in complete darkness, but the tortured Arachula had just proven otherwise.

    ¡°What do we do now?¡± Finnegan asked almost imperceptibly quietly.

    Rep and Zalan said nothing. Zalan looked over to Rep, but it was pitch black and couldn¡¯t see the slightest bit of his friend.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep whispered hopefully.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any ideas. Can it even be hurt?¡± Zalan asked quietly.

    ¡°Perhaps we can try the same strategy as we handled the Giant Arachula with. We gather enough webs on the floor to stick to the Mind of Madness, and I cause it to erupt. Surely something that powerful will cause it some damage,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Zalan said uncertainly. ¡°But how do we get out from under here without it noticing? We don¡¯t even know where it is.¡±

    The underside of the cart became stressfully quiet. No ideas sprouted between the three of them. The sound of their own breathing was becoming shorter, air thinning. Zalan closed his eyes in concentration, trying to think of something clever to outmaneuver the Mind of Madness.

    ¡°I feel as though we are losing air,¡± Finnegan whispered suddenly.

    ¡°We are,¡± Zalan informed him. ¡°This cart is cutting off our air supply and we wasted a lot when we were freaking out under here.¡±

    ¡°The air we breathe is finite?¡± Finneagn asked.

    Zalan remained quiet, feeling like he had already answered the question. This caused Finnegan to breathe anxiously deeper, loudly gasping for what little air remained. Zalan fumbled to cover his mouth before he made too much noise, but Finnegan pushed him away.

    ¡°I can barely breathe!¡± Finnegan hissed desperately.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯m going to get out from under here,¡± Zalan said. ¡°If I knock lightly on the metal, then it¡¯s safe to come out.¡±

    ¡°And if you do not?¡± Finnegan asked, scared.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Zalan had no response. Finnegan whimpered quietly.

    Zalan pulled up on the minecart and rolled out as quietly as he could. He was still in the absence of any light, surrounded by abyss on all sides. He desperately wanted to illuminate the entire area, but was worried that the Mind of Madness would be signaled of his location. He listened intently. The only thing he could hear was the twitches and pain of the nearby Arachula.

    Zalan raised his hand ever-so-slightly and emitted the tiniest amount of light. Immediately, he shut it off. In the center of the room, the Mind of Madness floated stationary. It was watching the room. Worse yet, it wasn¡¯t drifting anywhere. Was it intelligent enough to know that the Giant Arachula was killed by human hands? It might have been searching for life in the room. Zalan had no way of knowing, and it drove him insane to have to sit in opaque darkness.

    He let out another dim light to get another momentary glimpse of the giant head. It remained stationary. More confirmation that it wasn¡¯t going to drift away. Zalan had no idea if he could simply stay in place and wait for it to lose interest and leave. He was sure that he would run out of energy before it did. He knocked lightly on the mine cart, hoping that it wasn¡¯t enough noise to draw the Mind of Madness their way.

    Zalan heard the mine cart shift as Rep pulled himself out from under it. Zalan felt around until he could pull Rep to his feet. They leaned in close to one another¡¯s ears, speaking at volumes low enough that they couldn¡¯t hear their own voice.

    ¡°Finnegan has decided to remain under the protection of the cart. Is the monster still with us?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s still here. It¡¯s just waiting in the middle of the room,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Is there any way out?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I didn¡¯t make enough light to check.¡±

    ¡°What about webs? Do any remain on the floor?¡±

    Zalan thought back to when he lit up the room. The mental image came like a photograph, considering it was the last thing he had seen. He nodded firmly. When Rep didn¡¯t say anything, he realized that Rep couldn¡¯t see his gestures in the darkness.

    ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s plenty of web on the other side of the room. Closer to the way we came in through. We blew up everything on this side, but we could probably gather enough for another attack,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°The other side¡­¡± Rep said, sounding queasy.

    ¡°Do you really think a web explosion will work?¡±

    ¡°The explosion is the best idea I have,¡± Rep admitted. ¡°I also considered that you could have an advantage against it with Elemental Light.¡±

    ¡°I had the same thought. But do you really think I¡¯d be able to overcome it with my Elemental Power alone?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Rep answered so quickly and matter-of-factly that Zalan felt like his power would be useless to even try.

    ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t think it would be that great either. But yours will work, right?¡±

    ¡°It is not that I am certain it will succeed, only that I find it somewhat more likely to injure it,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I knew that, I was just hoping that you would make me feel more confident,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    Rep said nothing, silently telling him once again that he didn¡¯t have a lot of faith in the intended explosion. Skittering Arachulas filled in the beats between their words. Zalan sighed through his nose.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯ll drift away if we leave it alone?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°No,¡± Rep said. ¡°There is a chance it may drift onward, but I do not trust that it will leave without blasting at least one of us. I do not want to rely on doing nothing. Right now, before it has decided to hunt us, is the best chance we have.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan agreed. ¡°No regrets so long as we try.¡±

    Rep and Zalan steeled themselves in the darkness for a few seconds. Rep patted Zalan on the shoulder in a signal that he was ready to begin.

    ¡°You light the way, and I will gather the webs,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be stupid,¡± Zalan said immediately. ¡°You distract it and I get the webs. I can get the webs off with my Elemental Power. Your only option would be to blow yourself up.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I can redirect the explosion,¡± Rep said confidently.

    ¡°No, you barely were able to do that with a smaller explosion. You just need to be a distraction in case it sees me. Otherwise, just strike when I throw the webs at it, like last time.¡±

    Rep bit his lip, but he patted his hand on Zalan¡¯s shoulder once more, agreeing to the plan. Zalan leaned away from Rep and took a few steps. He didn¡¯t want to be next to Rep when he lit up with his Elemental Power.

    He burst into a run and turned on a faint Elemental Light glow from just ahead of his hands. Like lighting his way with the screen of his phone. He raced around the edge of the room, uncertain if the Mind of Madness was even looking at him. He didn¡¯t feel like he had the time to check.

    He knelt as he ran and scooped up massive amounts of webs stuck to the floor. He rolled his arms as though he was gathering cotton candy and collected as much webbing as he could while in motion. He constantly had to emit Elemental Light in tiny bursts to detach himself from the ground whenever the webs caught onto something in the darkness. At one point, an Arachula spat a wad of web at his neck, but he was able to extract it and add it to the gathering thread on his arm. Zalan huffed in annoyance, bothered by the fact that the few living Arachulas were still trying to attack him. The Mind of Madness was the one hunting them down, not him.

    He felt weighed down, both by the silky webs and the smaller rocks that were stuck to the webs as he picked them up. He was growing increasingly sluggish. Whatever energy had been regained by the increase of his Level felt fleeting.

    Zalan let out a few flashes of Elemental Light to get a good vision of the room. The Mind of Madness remained drifting in the center, showing no sign of giving Zalan any attention. Zalan hoped that perhaps it had decided to go to sleep, and they just had no way of knowing it was unconscious. Something akin to a shark. Arachulas skittered around the room filling his senses with the noises he wished would be reserved for hearing movement from the Mind of Madness. Not that he had ever heard anything from it. The monster always drifted eerily silently through the world it wrought horrors upon.

    Zalan raised his arm high and flashed a faint spotlight toward the considerable webs he had gathered in his arms, showing Rep that he was ready. Zalan waited in silence, having no way of knowing that Rep even saw him. Rep let out a tiny spark of flame, acknowledging Zalan.

    Zalan knew that was the best he was going to get in replacement of a nod or thumbs up. He made the sack of webs with a single strand attached and began spinning it around in place, building momentum and hoping he knew exactly where the Mind of Madness was floating. Again, he was too paranoid to check with bright Elemental Light. After seconds of spinning, he burned the connecting webs off his arms sent the explosive webs flying toward the center of the room.

    Then, Zalan couldn¡¯t help himself. He created a tiny spotlight to make sure it was headed the right way. Like with the Giant Arachula, his trajectory was off, but the resulting explosion would still engulf the monster.

    Rep let out a fireball directly on course for the webs in the air. Zalan braced himself for the explosion as he prayed silently for the Mind of Madness to die in the single blast. He tracked the webs with his light, his entire body tense with urgency and fear.

    The Mind of Madness turned sharply in the air when the Elemental Light became close enough. It jolted from its place, moving toward Zalan. The angle threw the entire plan off, as the giant head was now between the airborne webs from the incoming flame. Zalan heard Rep gasp in fear and redirected the fire.

    The gasp immediately caught the monster¡¯s attention and it spun rapidly, like a turret ready to take down aircraft. The Mind of Madness began to drift in Rep¡¯s direction and he panicked. The floating creature had moved too far. It escaped the nearness to the intended blast radius that Zalan was hoping for. Even though the webs were far from their target, Rep redirected his flame with vigor, making sure they came into contact.

    The resulting fiery explosion blinded and deafened Rep and Zalan, tossing them ruthlessly backward.

    While the Mind of Madness only took a scratch from the inferno.

 176 - Book 4 - Chapter 34 - Explosion

    Zalan rolled backward and crashed into a rock formation behind him, grunting in pain. The flame-web explosion¡¯s resulting blast damaged Zalan in ways he wasn¡¯t lucid enough to understand. Zalan¡¯s senses were in a delirium, refusing to either give him sight or sound while his mind raced. He felt they had just lost their one shot at killing the Mind of Madness in a massive explosion. He had already gathered all the webs he could from the floor of the room in the mines.

    Last he saw, the monster was drifting toward Rep. Zalan blinked several times in frustration, desperate to get his eyes working again. It wasn¡¯t until seconds later that he realized there was no source of light for him to see from. He emitted Elemental Power brightly from his hands, desperate to see anything, not afraid of the consequences of attracting attention from his light.

    Zalan¡¯s eyes cleared up enough for him to see the nebulous blob of the Mind of Madness blasting black beams of light from its eyes. The attack focused on some form that Zalan couldn¡¯t make out, looking somewhat human-like in his vertigo-inducing vision.

    ¡°Rep! No!¡± Zalan screamed.

    He focused the Elemental Light to a fine point and drove it into the base of the Mind of Madness. Zalan could see his focused light burning into it like a fine laser. The monster quickly cut off the flow of dark energy from its eyes and swiveled in place, looking directly at Zalan. Zalan¡¯s eyes finally cleared up and he could see the hate emanating from the Mind of Madness.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan called, not concerned for the creature looking at him.

    ¡°I am unharmed! I hid behind something as it blasted,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan breathed in relief.

    ¡°My Elemental Light actually did a little bit of damage to it!¡± Zalan called. ¡°It¡¯s vulnerable to regular attacks!¡±

    Rep immediately unleashed a wave of flame as the Mind of Madness turned away from him. The flames turned and surrounded the creature in a massive tornado. Rep didn¡¯t need to be told to go all out. Zalan had confirmed that it wasn¡¯t an invincible creature. Arachulas rushing around the walls fell at the slightest lick of flame, curling into a ball of ashen death.

    The Mind of Madness began to float through the torrent of flame, undisturbed. Zalan was the new target, and the flame didn¡¯t leave the slightest mark on it. Zalan frowned in disappointment.

    ¡°Fire doesn¡¯t have any effect!¡± Zalan reported.

    He began to run, trying not to think what would happen if it attacked. He could feel the Mind of Madness creeping up behind him. He threw blind blasts of light behind him, hoping to strike something significant enough to stop it in its pursuit. He turned back to look at its two sunken massive eyes staring him down. He blasted one of them with all the energy he could come up with while scrambling in a run.

    The Mind of Madness stopped and turned away.

    Zalan took the brief opportunity to dive behind a mound of rubble. He considered reducing his Elemental Light, then quickly doubled down. He imbued his entire body in light. He hoped that the dark beams from the Mind of Madness would be fought off by his own energy. Desperately hoping he wouldn¡¯t have to test his quickly formed theory, he pushed himself tightly against the rubble.

    ¡°It is coming on your left!¡± Rep called out.

    ¡°How close?¡± Zalan called.

    ¡°Above you!¡±

    Zalan didn¡¯t even waste the instant it would take to look at it. He dove out from behind the rubble and fired Elemental Light wildly behind him. He felt the overwhelming energy of the Mind of Madnesses¡¯ blast pass right by him. Heart-wrenching cold zipped through his blood, as he was hit with a sliver of the beam of darkness. He was certain now that the Elemental Light he imbued himself with gave him a slight shield, as he still felt in control of his mind. But with the effect that an ounce of its power had on him, he knew there was no way it would block out a direct attack.

    Rep was waving Zalan over frantically, silently calling him back to the overturned cart. Zalan shot a glance over his shoulder and saw the Mind of Madness leering down where Zalan had been lying behind the rubble. It wasn¡¯t quick to chase him for reasons unknown. He picked up his pace and ran into Rep who pulled him down behind the mine cart. Zalan caught his breath and looked over at Rep and Finnegan. He gave Finnegan a double take.

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    ¡°What are you doing out here?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°If I am going to die, I am going to die trying,¡± Finnegan said, his voice shaky with fear and determination.

    ¡°Okay, uh¡­ Cool,¡± Zalan said.

    His mind was too frazzled. He had no idea how Finnegan was going to be able to help them. Plans failed as quickly as they came.

    ¡°The Mind of Madness does not move when it attacks,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°What? Are you sure?¡± Zalan said, thinking back.

    ¡°It is what I have seen. I believe it must either choose to move or to strike with its beams. Otherwise why would it need to draw so close? It could swing its beam at a distance and strike us rather than pursue,¡± Rep determined.

    Zalan peeked his head around the cart. The Mind of Madness had started to turn back toward them.

    ¡°Yeah, okay, it makes sense,¡± Zalan agreed. ¡°Otherwise it wouldn¡¯t have taken so long for it to turn back around.¡±

    Zalan ran his hands through his hair and Rep nibbled at his lip. Finnegan was uncomfortable with the quiet and considered rushing back under the mine cart. The trio could feel the Mind of Madness creeping their way once more.

    ¡°Okay, I have an idea,¡± Zalan said finally, with some hesitation in his voice.

    Rep and Finnegan turned his way quickly.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna need you to run distraction. Then, I¡¯m gonna cut it through with an imbued sword,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep looked skeptical. Finnegan was terrified.

    ¡°How can we be sure this will work?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°When I focus the attack, my Elemental Light hurts it. I¡¯ll hone it down to a fine point on the edge of my blade. With my Strength on top of that, I should be able to cut through. At worst, I¡¯ll just do whatever damage I can to its eyes. That should be enough that we can at least run away,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°If you blind the Mind of Madness, you could save everyone who might ever be hurt by its beams in the future,¡± Finnegan said in slight awe.

    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t count on it until we actually do it,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I wish to help blind it. How do we distract it?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°It ignored Rep¡¯s fire, so I think it needs something more physical. Try throwing rocks at it. Maybe flame-imbued rocks,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Rep said. ¡°Be careful.¡±

    ¡°But what if¡­¡± Finnegan trailed, a dozen questions of indecision trying to emerge at once. Zalan could see the Mind of Madness getting closer behind him.

    ¡°Split!¡± Zalan said quickly.

    Rep and Zalan rushed away from behind the cart. Finnegan tried to rush one way and the next, but was frozen with doubt. Even so, he scrambled along the ground near the cart and grabbed rocks. Before he even gathered the courage to look around for the Mind of Madness above, Finnegan twitched in fear at the sound of the Arachulas on the walls. He gripped the rocks tightly. They were his only weapons in case the creatures charged at him.

    Zalan looked over at the Mind of Madness as he ran. It was turning his way. He wouldn¡¯t be able to strike at a close distance so long as it threatened to blast him with direct darkness. Zalan would be mindless before he even had the chance to stab. He leveled his blade, regardless, imbuing it with the focused light. He hoped Rep would be able to pull its attention in time. The Mind of Madness drifted his way, gaining ground quickly when there were no obstacles in the air.

    It suddenly stopped, struck by sparks in the back of the giant, monstrous head. Rep imbued several rocks with flames and pelted them one after another at the Mind of Madness. The monster didn¡¯t look to be taking any damage, but it began to turn toward Rep. Rep¡¯s face went pale with fear.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Rep asked in a panic.

    ¡°I got it!¡± Zalan said.

    Zalan sprinted at full force to catch up to the moving creature. He imbued his blade with all the energy he could, feeling the searing hot power emanating off of it. He rushed frantically, all of his focus on the Mind of Madness. It stopped. He could feel it preparing to attack Rep. His friend had absolutely no cover. Rep would be blasted by the full force of the Mind of Madness.

    Zalan ran up the corpse of the Giant Arachula, and leapt off without a second thought. He soared over the mine. Rep¡¯s eyes grew wide with horror.

    ¡°Zalan, wait, it is not immobile!¡± Rep called.

    Zalan was already in the air, and raised his sword high. Rapidly, the Mind of Madness swiveled in place. It looked directly at Zalan with its wide sunken eyes, its full attention on him. Zalan¡¯s heart dropped as he flew straight toward the monster.

    The monster flew forward toward Zalan, bashing him like a meteor falling from the sky. Just barely, at the same time, Zalan was able to get a hit in, sinking his sword into the bottom of the Mind of Madness. Coughing, the air driven out of him, he went flying the other way as he was bashed aside. But his sword remained lodged in the monster.

    Zalan fell down hard, blood spilling from his forehead and arms. He looked up at the Mind of Madness, imbuing himself in what little defense he could provide. He knew there was no escape, terrified to be overwhelmed and have to see his worst fears on replay until he died.

    Just then, a fiery rock struck the back of its gray cranium and the uncanny monster retaliated instantly. Making a quick pivot, it turned toward Rep.

    The Mind of Madness blasted Rep with the full force of its agonizing darkness.

 177 - Book 4 - Chapter 35 - Out of Sight, Out of Mind

    ¡°Rep!¡± Zalan screamed, reaching his arm out for his friend.

    On the floor, Rep¡¯s eyes drifted with a glazed-over look. Everything twitching at unexpected intervals, his limbs were wrought with agony, each movement looking more painful than the last. But Rep¡¯s face registered none of it; totally incapacitated.

    The Arachulas in the room seemed to sense the immobile prey, finally regaining their collective consciousness and hunger for flesh. Some spun from the walls and scuttled their way toward him.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan called. ¡°No!¡±

    He slashed a manic beam of Elemental Light at one of the spiders, boring a hole through its body and killing it instantly. Another few had the chance to spit wads of web at Rep and pin him down, preparing him for a later meal. His body continued to thrash under its new binds.

    ¡°Get up! Rep!¡± Zalan pleaded. Warm blood ran down his face and he struggled to remove himself from the ground.

    The Mind of Madness began to turn back toward him, its focus finally away from its recent victim. Zalan didn¡¯t care about the potential of getting blasted. The fear was gone. He felt nothing but rage for the Mind of Madness.

    ¡°Die!¡± Zalan screamed, blasting as much Elemental Light as he could at the Mind of Madness.

    ¡°Stay away from it!¡± Finnegan called from behind his metal shelter. ¡°If you are struck, I will be trapped in here with it, utterly blind!¡±

    Zalan kept his power directed straight at the Mind of Madness, trying to drill a hole the same way he did with the Arachula. He barely made a mark on the surface of its uncanny face. The Mind of Madness stopped moving.

    ¡°Zalan, please!¡± Finnegan begged.

    ¡°I can kill it!¡± Zalan screamed, blinding himself with the amount of Elemental Light he was outputting.

    The Mind of Madness stared him down, the damage not enough to cause it real harm. With no attempt to shield himself, The Mind of Madness blasted Zalan with the full force of its power. Zalan twisted his face away as he braced himself, bearing the blast and all the power that came with it.

    ¡°No!¡± Finnegan screamed in fear.

    Finnegan¡¯s eyes opened wide in confusion. Light still filled the room. Zalan wasn¡¯t lying on the ground, incapacitated. In fact, he was still fighting back. Blast after blast of Elemental Light came flying from his arms. Finnegan stared in confusion. The Mind of Madness seemed to be moving slowly, stunned that its prey didn¡¯t fall into a mindless heap on the floor. But it had no muscles in its face to indicate surprise, so it only watched with dark, sunken eyes.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Finnegan called.

    ¡°I can do this!¡± Zalan cried out.

    The Mind of Madness let out another ray of black light, enveloping Zalan in opaque darkness. The room lit up as soon as the attack stopped. Zalan lowered his hands in frustration.

    ¡°I can barely hurt it!¡± He ran his hands through his hair, stomping on the floor.

    ¡°How are you doing that?¡± Finnegan called.

    Zalan finally looked over his way, acknowledging him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t kill it!¡± Zalan lamented. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to get Rep back up! He¡¯s gonna die if we don¡¯t help him!¡±

    ¡°Get away from the center of the room. Get to cover!¡± Finnegan yelped.

    He was flabbergasted that Zalan had taken two full hits, from the Mind of Madness. He didn¡¯t want to be around when the blasts started taking hold again.

    Zalan got up and began running. The Mind of Madness stared, its head slowly turning to follow Zalan with its deep, recessed eyes. If Finnegan could read an expression on its inscrutable, monstrous face, he was certain it would be that of confusion. What kind of man could withstand the Mind of Madness?

    Zalan bounded over the side of the cart, a sheer panic in his eyes. He looked back at the Mind of Madness, then at the ground in thought.

    ¡°How did you do that?¡± Finnegan asked again.

    ¡°Rep got hit! We need to kill that thing so we can get out of here immediately!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You got hit!¡± Finnegan said, then immediately registered the second sentence. ¡°How are we supposed to kill the Mind of Madness? Rep is gone and your explosion did not affect it!¡±

    ¡°Rep isn¡¯t gone yet,¡± Zalan said sharply.

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    ¡°Fine, but you only have me, and I am at a severely low Level to go up against one of the worst creatures in existence,¡± Finnegan said firmly.

    The Mind of Madness had begun to turn their way. Zalan thought hard about how to defeat it. He thought back to all the monsters he¡¯d fought since coming up against the Mind of Madness. The closest thing that this creature reminded him of was the Thalassic Terror in the middle of the sea. But they never figured out how to defeat that, only to make it run away. Could the Mind of Madness be scared off as well?

    ¡°Zalan, we may have to run. Try and flee the mines,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Not an option,¡± Zalan said. ¡°You can go, but I¡¯m not leaving Rep here to die.¡±

    Finnegan looked out at the opening to the room, then pinned himself back behind their metal barrier. The Mind of Madness had looked at him. He couldn¡¯t imagine being struck by its dark beam again.

    ¡°How did you survive its blasts?¡± Finnegan asked. ¡°If I know that, I may be able to help.¡±

    ¡°Listen, I have an idea,¡± Zalan said. ¡°When I was only Level Three, I was able to kill an Elemental Dragon with the help of Rep and some friends.¡±

    ¡°Another lie? At a time like this?¡± Finnegan said, angrily annoyed.

    ¡°I swear it¡¯s the truth! Rep mentioned it earlier, remember!¡± Zalan said urgently.

    That got Finnegan¡¯s attention. He sat up a little straighter and listened closely.

    ¡°What does that matter now?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°Because you¡¯re going to be a great adventurer. And because you¡¯re going to kill the Mind of Madness.¡±

    Finnegan¡¯s eyes went wide. He wanted to look over the mine cart, but could feel the presence of the Mind of Madness growing closer. He couldn¡¯t imagine that creature being killed, much less by himself.

    ¡°How?¡± Finnegan asked, desperation fueling the word.

    ¡°Throw some rocks at the Arachulas and then grab the sword stuck on the bottom of the Mind of Madness,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s here, no time to explain!¡±

    Zalan stood and began running, Finnegan standing in protest then immediately ducking back down. The Mind of Madness was too close. It would attack them both, either leaving them both to die or incapacitating his only shot.

    ¡°Zalan, I can not!¡± Finnegan called out to him.

    ¡°If we try to run, we die. If we¡¯re going to die here, we¡¯re going to die trying!¡± Zalan said as he ran. ¡°Attack the Arachulas and grab the sword stuck in the head!¡±

    Zalan blasted the Mind of Madness with Elemental Light as he ran. The creature twisted toward him, losing interest in Finnegan behind the mine cart. Zalan was heaving as he ran, his lungs empty and his body on the brink of collapse. Drops of blood continued to escape him, his vision threatened to throw the world into a collage of blurs. He had been running and fighting too hard in such little time. Not to mention, he was out of ideas, not even certain this plan would work.

    Zalan cast a look over his shoulder. The Mind of Madness was bearing down on him, its eyes focused with murderous intent. Zalan saw a few rocks fly from behind the mine cart. Most missed, but some of Finnegans throws managed to graze two different spiders. The monsters rushed around in pain. Zalan hoped that would be enough.

    Finnegan peeked his head out from behind the mine cart and looked at the Mind of Madness with maximal terror strewn across his trembling lips.

    ¡°That should do with the spiders!¡± Zalan said. ¡°Grab the sword!¡±

    Finnegan reluctantly forced himself around the cart and rushed toward the Mind of Madness in a mad dash. He froze in place as a beam of darkness enveloped Zalan, shrouding his Elemental Light and causing the entire mine to grow dim. The blast stopped and Zalan stood proud, his body imbued in Elemental Light.

    ¡°Come on!¡± Zalan encouraged. ¡°You¡¯re almost there!¡±

    Finnegan screamed in fear and ran frantically toward the Mind of Madness. Stumbling on his way, he was able to close the gap without the Mind of Madness taking notice. He ran as fast as he could and jumped high, barely hanging onto the hilt of Zalan¡¯s sword stuck in the floating monster. His legs flailed anxiously under him. His arms protruded with veins as he gripped with all his might.

    ¡°Zalan! I got it! Now what?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°Hang on!¡±

    ¡°For what?¡± Finnegan screamed.

    Finnegean gripped tightly with both hands as the Mind of Madness tried to fling off the excess weight. Zalan began running back toward the mine cart to Finnegan¡¯s dismay.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Finnegan exploded. ¡°Do not leave me with this thing!¡±

    ¡°Hang on!¡± Zalan called out.

    Zalan began blasting Elemental Light toward the walls, attacking all the Arachulas he could find. He killed two, then turned back toward Finnegan. The young man screamed as the Mind of Madness put more effort into spinning to and fro. Finnegan¡¯s face and arms were a bright red, growing darker by the moment.

    ¡°A few more seconds!¡± Zalan promised, blasting another spider from the wall.

    ¡°The sword is slipping out!¡± Finnegan called.

    Zalan killed another Arachula, then swiveled his head back to the monster. He could see his blade edging outside of the monster. He cast a beam of Elemental Light to Finnegan, imbuing just the blade. Then, he added more power, extending the light off the tip of the blade and curving the end with razor sharp energy. His quick thinking worked, and he was able to stick the sword into the Mind of Madness like a hook. But only for as long as Zalan could keep up his energy output. His vision was fuzzy.

    ¡°Zalan?¡± Finnegan called, waiting for the next move as Zalan knelt down in place, running out of energy.

    ¡°Hang¡­ on¡­¡± Zalan said between deep breaths.

    He looked up and saw one more Arachula alive on the end of the room. He threw powerful Elemental Light, searing through its head in a moment and causing its body to topple to the ground.

    ¡°I can not hold on any longer!¡± Finnegan screamed desperately, his fingers and face purple with strain.

    ¡°Don¡¯t drop, it¡¯s working!¡± Zalan pleaded, his vision almost completely overtaken by fatigue. ¡°Just a few more seconds!¡±

    Finnegan closed his eyes tightly, focusing as hard as he could to get a precious few more seconds out of his grasp. The Mind of Madness flailed like a sprinkler, throwing Finnegan¡¯s body around wildly. The young man¡¯s body began to glow faintly, energy crescendoing around his body. Zalan¡¯s arm fell limp and he collapsed backward. Totally spent, he couldn¡¯t imbue the blade anymore. It slipped out.

    Finnegan¡¯s body fell with the sword. Then, less than a foot away from the monster, the young man exploded in an insanely bright, white light. The Mind of Madness was left with a hole in the bottom half of its head, like a cannon fired from point blank crashed into its base.

 178 - Book 4 - Chapter 36 - Living On

    Finnegan fell to the ground and immediately scrambled away from the Mind of Madness on hands and feet. Whimpering as he escaped, he moved to Zalan as fast as possible. For the first time, the Mind of Madness did not remain floating ominously in the air. It wobbled like a top running out of spin. After a second of wavering, it crashed down to the floor and rolled slightly to one side.

    Finnegan pulled Zalan up to a seated position, trying to get him back to full consciousness with light slaps on his shoulder. Given the moment to breathe, Zalan¡¯s eyes came to full lucidity. His head was throbbing in pain and exhaustion. He was glad it was over, unsure of how much longer he would have been able to fight. He felt like he would barely be able to stand and walk himself out of the mines.

    ¡°What in the realm happened?¡± Finnegan asked. ¡°What did you do to me to make me explode with your light?¡±

    ¡°You did it all yourself. I just helped,¡± Zalan croaked. ¡°You attacked Arachulas with rocks so that I could kill them while you were close to the Mind of Madness. When I finally killed the right ones, you gained enough Experience to gain a Level. Because I saw you gained Experience for throwing a single rock at the Giant Arachula, I thought to use the same idea with the little ones.¡±

    Finngegan¡¯s eyes went wide. One of his eyes twitched in disbelief, then he tapped his fingers together to summon his stats. Sure enough, he had risen to Level Three. He looked back at the Mind of Madness on the ground.

    ¡°That was your plan? To make me gain a Level?¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s pretty much how I was able to get the Elemental Dragon weak enough to kill it. I gained a Level while pinned under a claw. The Leveling explosion does a ton of damage to monsters, no matter how powerful they are,¡± Zalan coughed.

    ¡°You could not have explained the plan to me before? I would have understood!¡±

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t think we had time. A second too long and the Mind of Madness would have hit you.¡±

    Hearing its name spoken made Finnegan turn to look at the creature. He shook his head lightly.

    ¡°We killed it?¡± Finnegan said in disbelief. ¡°We killed the Mind of Madness! But why didn¡¯t I gain another Level from killing it? Surely it¡¯s worth enough Experience!¡± Finnegan looked to Zalan, but his mind was on other things.

    ¡°Can you go check on Rep?¡± Zalan said, pushing himself to his feet with a groan.

    ¡°Right!¡± Finnegan said, beaming from ear to ear from the defeated beast.

    He took two steps, then stopped fast, his body tense. The Mind of Madness shifted on the floor slightly. Finnegan and Zalan looked its way, checking whether it had made the move deliberately. It twitched again, rolling slightly in a circle.

    ¡°It is still alive?¡± Finnegan called in fearful bewilderment.

    ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Zalan groaned.

    The Mind of Madness only had its upper half fully intact. The bridge of its nose and its unnatural, sunken eyes. It spun in place like a quarter rolling in circles. It stopped when it locked eyes with Zalan. Zalan could feel the rage behind its eyes, the hatred emanating powerfully.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Zalan said defiantly. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this.¡±

    ¡°It can not fly! There is nothing more to finish! We can flee!¡± Finnegan called out to Zalan.

    Zalan dragged his feet toward the monster that stared angrily at him. Zalan knew it wanted to draw him in close before striking, but he didn¡¯t care. He was tired of the monster, and tired of the consequences that Rep had to go through in his efforts to help him. Killing the Mind of Madness would be the best thing he could do to help the realm. He stumbled to his knees in utter fatigue, keeping his face looking willfully at the Mind of Madness. Unable to get all the way up to his feet, he pulled himself closer at a crawl.

    The Mind of Madness blasted him with its dark power. The power flickered like a dying flashlight. Zalan grit his teeth tightly, imbuing himself with what little power he could muster. A cold wave passed over him but otherwise had no indication of having felt the attack. He picked up his sword left behind on the ground. He imbued it with all the Elemental Light remaining in his system, shining like a sword forged from the sun itself.

    The Mind of Madness tried one last attack in desperation, trying to overwhelm its nemesis at the last moment. Zalan screamed in rage and agony as he raised his blade in a shaky hand and sunk it deep into the Mind of Madness¡¯ eye. He drove it as far as he could, until he could no longer grip the hilt, then fell back on his rear, breathing in exhaustion. He put everything he had into that last attack. He couldn¡¯t stand even if he wanted to.

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    The Mind of Madness twitched, it¡¯s uncanny form never ceasing in watching Zalan. Black power in its eyes flickered, quick stone lights of darkness unable to escape the eyes. With one last gaze upon its enemy, the Mind of Madness grew still, the color draining from its eyes.

    ¡°Is it dead?¡± Finnegan said hopefully.

    The young man sounded distant to Zalan. He had hidden himself behind a pile of debris when it looked that Zalan wanted to kill himself in a one on one challenge.

    Zalan, Finnegan, and Rep all began to glow a faint white. The clearest indication that the Mind of Madness was dead. They had gained enough Experience from its death to gain another Level. Zalan realized he had just gained a Level after defeating the Giant Arachula. The Mind of Madness may have been worth a full one hundred Experience, regardless of what Level one was at.

    The trio exploded as they each gained a Level. Rep gasped loudly, lucidity reentering his brain upon the healing of the new Level taking hold. Zalan could stand on his own. Finnegan was staring at his arms in amazement.

    They could feel the dregs of the Mind of Madness¡¯s power leaving their mind as well. Nothing bit endlessly at the back of their heads with dark thoughts. All of the images and horrors they had been forced to see faded away like smoke in the wind. As though they had never been touched by its blast before. A new sensation of freedom allowed them to think fully clearly for what felt like the first time since entering the Depths of Despair.

    As soon as Zalan felt the rejuvenation from gaining a Level, he imbued himself with enough light to illuminate the cavern and made his way to Rep quickly. He held out his arm and pulled his friend to his feet.

    ¡°You killed the Mind of Madness?¡± Rep said, looking at the dead creature in shock.

    ¡°Mostly Finnegan,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I gained two Levels one after another! Who ever heard of such a feat!¡± Finnegan exclaimed in excitement.

    ¡°Zalan gained two Levels at once while out at sea,¡± Rep said as he stared at the dead monster in a daze.

    ¡°You always have a story to outdo me,¡± Finnegan rolled his eyes. ¡°Even now, I do not understand why you feel the need to lie. You are impressive fighters as you are! No need for embellishment,¡± Finnegean insisted.

    ¡°I am being sincere,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Just drop it.¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°But how exactly did you kill it?¡± Rep asked Zalan.

    ¡°I told you, it was Finnegan,¡± Zalan insisted.

    ¡°Not at all! I would have been nothing without Zalan! He withstood a direct attack from the Mind of Madness!¡± Finnegan pointed at Zalan. ¡°Not just once, but several times he was hit with no effect.¡±

    Rep looked at Zalan in confusion, the sensation of the Mind of Madness still sending a shiver down his spine.

    ¡°Is that true? You withstood it?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Yeah. I did,¡± Zalan said, his voice slightly uncomfortable.

    ¡°How?¡± Rep asked. ¡°Did you use some trick with your Elemental Power? Did you find an Artifact in here to fend it off?¡±

    ¡°No, nothing like that. Well, the Elemental Light definitely helped, but it wasn¡¯t the only thing.¡±

    ¡°It touched me once and showed me the worst things,¡± Rep said. ¡°Did its horrors not have an effect on you? Perhaps its power reduced over time?¡±

    ¡°It affected me, but maybe it got weaker over time. Maybe¡­¡± Zalan trailed, not meeting Rep¡¯s eyes.

    Rep scrutinized the look on Zalan¡¯s face. His face was twitching, his lip trembling slightly. Rep placed a comforting arm on his shoulder.

    ¡°Zalan, what did it do to you?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I think it feeds on your worst fears,¡± Zalan said. ¡°It smacks you with the things you dread most, over and over. And it did that to me. Endless pain and visions of two people dying in the worst ways. You, Rep, and my mom. She¡¯s dead and I¡¯m left alone. Over and over, the reminder of the loss of my mother¡­ I knew I could still save you, but Mom¡­ It really hurt, but I could push through it this time.¡±

    ¡°Because you know now that we will not fail. You will be able to return home and visit her,¡± Rep said confidently.

    ¡°No, Rep¡­ Because the Mind of Madness wasn¡¯t showing me anything that I should have been afraid of happening in the future.¡±

    Rep shook his head slightly, not understanding. Zalan took in an excruciating breath.

    ¡°Mom¡¯s already gone, and I¡¯ve been living on without her for a pretty long time now. I learned that I just have to accept that,¡± Zalan opened his arms in an uncomfortable shrug. His whole body was shaking. Blinking quickly, his eyes stung red.

    ¡°Do not say that, Zalan. You will go back home and she will be fine,¡± Rep said, comforting him.

    ¡°No, Rep, I¡¯m not exaggerating or anything. She¡¯s already gone. Mom¡¯s¡­ dead. She¡¯s been dead since before I was pulled into the realm,¡± Zalan said, his voice and balance unsteady. ¡°She passed away in the hospital before I could visit. I mean, I could have¡­ I had the time to visit, but I¡­ I just didn¡¯t want to think about¡­ She was¡­ I didn¡¯t¡­¡±

    Zalan failed to put any more words together. His lips refused to form language. Rep caught Zalan as he started to collapse forward. He knelt him down as Zalan breathed with more erratic energy. Rep looked away as Zalan had his moment.

    In the dim darkness of the Depths of Despair, Zalan finally came to meet some of the most powerful emotions he had been running from for a long time. Feelings he had avoided came to him all at once, accepting reality for what it was. And it hurt. But in some small way, it felt cathartic to finally be one with reality.

    His body shook powerfully and his eyes stung. He could still see her smile so vividly in his mind. It pained him to think about never seeing it again. All he had left of her was his memories. And the legacy he would leave for her. He truly hoped any good he did would be enough to do her justice. Nothing felt enough for his mom. But he knew without a doubt that she would love his efforts, regardless.

    And for the first time in a very long time, Zalan began to cry.

 179 - Book 4 - Chapter 37 - New Toys

    Zalan ran his arm under his cheek, wiping away a final tear from his face. Rep helped him to his feet and watched him closely. Finnegan approached, finally feeling like it was appropriate to join the two. Finnegan raised a hand to pat Zalan on the back, then hesitated and put his arm behind himself. He instead cleared his throat.

    ¡°I had no idea the Gloomstalker was playing with your heart by bringing an image of your mother that was gone,¡± Finnegan said. ¡°You are truly stronger than you look. I am sorry for your loss.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Thanks,¡± Zalan said uncomfortably.

    He had never cried so viscerally since he was a child, especially not in front of others. He felt like Finnegan or Rep should be judging him, but neither mentioned it or even looked at him differently. Even as he over thought it, he couldn¡¯t help but feel like it was the right time to cry. Some vulnerability was okay among friends. His mom had long deserved tears to be shed. And now was the first time he felt like he was properly mourning her loss. It was certainly better than wasting away in his home.

    ¡°You have my sincere condolences. I had no idea, Zalan. This whole time¡­ If there is anything I can do to make things easier for you at this time, do not hesitate to inform me,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°You¡¯ve done plenty,¡± Zalan shook his head. ¡°I think what I needed most was not to be alone. I definitely felt worse anytime I was left to my thoughts. But now¡­ I think I¡¯ll be able to handle it. Whether here or back home.¡±

    Rep nodded to him with a confident smile.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go check the Mind of Madness and Giant Arachula before we get going,¡± Zalan said, nodding toward the respective monsters.

    ¡°Check them for what?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°Artifacts,¡± Rep answered.

    Finnegan hung back as Rep and Zalan made their way across Arachula corpses to the largest monsters in the room. Finnegan knew, rationally, that the monsters were dead. But he still had no interest in getting any closer to them. Rep rummaged around the remaining half of the Giant Arachula and gasped loudly. He clapped his hands together loudly, rubbing them together in excitement.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Finnegan asked, concerned.

    ¡°A Reversal Stone!¡± Rep held it up proudly. ¡°This Artifact can turn back time on an object!¡±

    ¡°Nice, that definitely could help us out,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Be sure not to use it on any of the dead monsters,¡± Finnegan said.

    Rep smiled pleasantly at his fearful innocence and nodded as though taking the note. He slipped the stone into his pocket.

    Zalan walked around to the broken half of the Mind of Madness. The inside of it looked as uncanny as the outside. Like different layers of the Earth, it had different colors as he went deeper into the monster. It went from gray to a very dark black, the same blinding shade that it would emit from its eyes. Zalan shined his Elemental Light at it, getting a good look around. He pointed his arm around like an archaeologist in search of treasure. He hesitated when he saw something shine back at him that wasn¡¯t black or gray. It was somewhat red.

    Creeping up slowly, as though afraid to spook the item, he pulled at it, breaking something loose from the Mind of Madness and holding it up to his face. It was like a small eyeball, except that it was black all around with a blood-red iris. Zalan felt uncomfortable looking at it, feeling like it was emanating the same malicious energy that the Mind of Madness used to carry. He felt like it wanted to reach into his head and destroy him.

    ¡°I think this is an Artifact,¡± Zalan raised it for Rep to see.

    Rep made his way over, his face in a deep, inquisitive squint. He held his hand out for Zalan to give him the Artifact. Zalan placed it gingerly and Rep looked all over it in confusion.

    ¡°Is it dangerous?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I have never seen anything like it. Nor read about it,¡± Rep said, fascinated.

    ¡°Should we leave it behind? You think it''s as dangerous as a Storm Caller? Something worth getting rid of instead of bringing along?¡± Zalan asked.

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    Rep looked at the Mind of Madness¡¯ remains. He pursed his lips in thought.

    ¡°This was one of the worst monsters I had ever heard of. I think it would contain one of the most powerful Artifacts this realm has ever seen. I wish to ask Madam Hikma about it. But we should be careful with it in the meantime. Under no circumstances can we use it without knowledge. It could kill us. Or ruin someone¡¯s life that we do not intend,¡± Rep murmured.

    He returned the red and black eyeball back to Zalan who placed it carefully into his pocket. He hoped it wasn¡¯t activated by anything like him walking normally.

    Finnegan raised his hand.

    ¡°I have a request,¡± he said in a small voice.

    ¡°And what is that?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I would like to get out of the Depths of Despair alive,¡± he said.

    ¡°Why would you believe we intended otherwise?¡±

    ¡°I did not. You just seem like a man who fulfills his word.¡±

    ¡°We will certainly try,¡± Rep said. Finnegan seemed somewhat pleased by hearing it out loud.

    Rep, Finnegan, and Zalan looked around the room they had sped into. Zalan stared at the remains of the dead in awe. A Giant Arachula, hundreds of regular sized Arachulas, and the Mind of Madness itself. It was a lot to take in. He never would have been able to do even a fraction of this kind of damage when he first entered the realm. He also considered that had he never lost his Elemental Lightning, he wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance in here. The Elemental Light he emitted, even now, was something to be grateful for.

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s get moving,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Do we know which way is out?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°No, but if we keep moving, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll figure it out,¡± Zalan suggested.

    Finnegan¡¯s stomach grumbled loudly. With the adrenaline wearing off the three of them, their fatigue was setting in.

    ¡°Shall we rest for a moment and gather our strength and our wits before continuing? We were all fairly recently struck by the Mind of Madness. It may be good to sit and reflect on the fact we are alive and well, as well as eat something,¡± Rep offered.

    Rep was giving them as many excuses as possible to make them feel okay about resting. Zalan shrugged and knelt down. Finnegan¡¯s stomach groaned again and he sighed in acceptance. Rep and Zalan both went to their pockets in search of food.

    ¡°This is all I have left,¡± Zalan said.

    He held out two small bites of stale bread and a few pieces of smoke dried meat.

    ¡°And I have¡­¡± Rep pulled something out of his pocket. He opened his hand, and ash fell out between his fingers.

    ¡°Seasoning?¡± Finnegan asked, disappointed.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s his food after being at the center of an explosion,¡± Zalan corrected.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Finnegan said, further disappointed.

    ¡°I suppose I put so much focus on saving my life that I forgot to protect the food,¡± Rep said, embarrassed.

    ¡°Next time you¡¯re about to die, try thinking about the food,¡± Zalan joked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Finnegan said, sounding a little too sincere for Zalan to tell if he was joking as well.

    They made their way to the opening of a larger cavern, not wanting to sit and rest in the middle of the dead monsters. Somehow, a few Arachulas lived through the battles, but paid no mind to the humans. They were all limping and delirious. They were exposed to too much brightness from Elemental Light as well as had to withstand multiple explosions of web and Level gains. Zalan was surprised that any survived at all, but it went to show just how many smaller Arachulas had been summoned by the Giant Arachula.

    The three split the bread and meat between them, taking the tiniest bites to savor and extend the meal for as long as they could make it last. They sat pensively, deep in thought. Now that Zalan had time to think, he had no idea how he was supposed to escape the Depths of Despair. He didn¡¯t realize how much he¡¯d been relying on the Homeseeker until it was gone. The lack of its weight at his side made him feel vulnerable. Even though he had killed the strongest monster he could think of, Zalan knew that he could still starve to death in the Depths of Despair. Even without the powerful creature, the mines still held true to their name. Zalan was losing confidence.

    The three had completed what little food they had, but none stood to leave. It was like they shared an equal amount of dread about the path forward. There were no guarantees. Even without any monsters around, they could still be driven mad in the maze ahead. Zalan looked out at the tar-black that lay beyond his light. He desperately wished for a sign of where they were. If they could just figure out the way they came inside, they would be able to find their way back. But it was so dark coming in, Zalan had no way of making note of any landmarks in the cave¡¯s formation.

    Finnegan and Rep stared out at the mines, their faces difficult for Zalan to read. Finnegan looked somewhere between fearful and determined. Rep looked like he was reluctant, tired, but ready for anything. Zalan felt somewhere in between both of their emotions.

    ¡°Shall we continue?¡± Rep asked, his voice low. It didn¡¯t sound like he was looking forward to the path ahead either.

    Finnegan and Zalan said nothing. They stood up. The trio gave one last look at the room where they had defeated the Mind of Madness and hundreds of spiders.

    ¡°We had better make it out,¡± Finnegan said as he looked at the carnage.

    ¡°We will,¡± Rep assured him.

    ¡°If we do not, no one will know that the Mind of Madness is dead. It would be a good way to rebuild my family¡¯s name,¡± Finnegan said.

    They turned away from the room, looking into the corridor of endless darkness. Zalan took the first step toward it, and his two companions followed closely behind him, not knowing what was left to come.

 180 - Book 4 - Chapter 38 - Starved and Dehydrated

    ¡°And then, Zalan told me to throw rocks at the monster spiders!¡± Finnegan said to Rep, gesticulating wildly. ¡°I thought he had gone mad, but then again I always thought he was somewhat off. So, I followed his instructions while he took on the full force of the Mind of Madness. I hit the closest Arachulas, and feared that by the time I ran out of rocks, Zalan would be dead.¡±

    ¡°It is a miracle he still lives,¡± Rep said. ¡°We should be grateful.¡±

    ¡°More like dumb luck,¡± Zalan said. ¡°I just didn¡¯t have time to come up with another worst fear before the Mind of Madness hit me with its beam. It kept trying to get me with old material that I just got over.¡±

    ¡°I was not finished with my story,¡± Finnegan mumbled.

    ¡°Please, go on,¡± Rep allowed politely.

    ¡°So, then, Zalan told me I had to grab the sword from the Mind of Madness. And I thought ¡®this is madness!¡¯ Then I thought maybe that was why the monster was called the Mind of Madness. Because any attempt to kill it was madness. And, by God, I was mad enough to kill it. Either that or I would try before I died. And I ran and grabbed the sword, hanging on for my life,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Very brave of you,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°And then I gained a Level and destroyed the Mind of Madness!¡± Finnegan slammed a fist into his open palm. ¡°From there, you woke up and know what happened.¡±

    ¡°An incredible tale I am sure you will be able to share for years to come,¡± Rep said as though telling a child their picture was worth being pinned on the refrigerator.

    Finnegan nodded to himself, satisfied at Rep¡¯s words.

    ¡°A shame that the people that would vouch for you are compulsive liars,¡± Zalan noted, raising an eyebrow to Finnegan.

    ¡°But this is not a lie!¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah, sure. Some kid at Level 2 with no Elemental Power, took down the most powerful monster in the realm,¡± Zalan said sarcastically.

    ¡°The Mind of Madness is not the most powerful if the stories of the Beasts of Slumber are to be believed,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°So that makes the story of you killing the Mind of Madness believable?¡±

    ¡°You were there!¡± Finnegan insisted.

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying, if you didn¡¯t think we were such constant liars, it might help with your credibility.¡± Zalan shrugged as Rep chuckled.

    ¡°Perhaps¡­ You have not told only lies,¡± Finnegan mumbled, understanding his point.

    The three looked out at the abyss ahead of them. They had been walking through the winding mines for almost an hour now. Finnegean told the part of the battle that Rep missed to pass that time and help his own morale. But now they had to dwell on their silence and fatigue.

    Occasionally, one of the three would flinch and look at a corner, expecting to see a new monster. They had been in the mines fighting monsters for so long that they had all started to hallucinate slightly from lack of sleep. Little shadows on the corner of their visions suggested ideas like monsters spawning from the earth. Zalan was the worst of the bunch, constantly swinging the source of light to look at things that didn¡¯t exist. Finnegan and Rep had never called him out on his behavior. They all had a seed of paranoia growing within them.

    ¡°Rep, I¡¯m not so sure about the plan anymore. We¡¯re out of food and water,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Can we just keep moving like this? It¡¯s draining to constantly use Elemental Light this way.¡±

    ¡°I know it is difficult,¡± Rep agreed. ¡°But this is the only idea we have. If you come up with anything better, I would be happy to change course. Right now, this is the best way I can see us escaping and seeing our friends and homes once more. The only alternative idea I know of is to wait in place for someone to retrieve us. And we know that will not happen.¡±

    Zalan nodded, his eyes drooping slightly. He desperately wanted to go to sleep. He had no idea how many hours it was since he last saw the sun. He wanted to feel its warmth on his skin. Anything but the foreboding black hole that constantly hovered at the edge of sight.

    They continued to trudge forward, their legs dragging behind them as they started to lose their balance. Zalan moved his arm out to lean against the walls as they walked, something to keep him upright.

    ¡°No, Zalan. There may be Earthenbeasts within,¡± Rep reminded him.

    Zalan nodded with a bob of his head. He could hear the dryness in Rep¡¯s voice. He wanted water. They all did. His very bones felt like they were becoming dry and tired of the movement. He wanted to suggest that they take a short break, but also knew that he didn¡¯t want to stop moving. They could be right next to the exit and be unaware. One more step could be all it took. There was never any way of knowing.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Finnegan asked suddenly.

    Zalan turned his light to Finnegan to see where he was looking. Instead, he saw that Finnegan was closing his eyes, listening intently. Zalan squinted at him in confusion.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Listen. It sounds like something dropping,¡± Finnegan said.

    They all went quiet for a few seconds. Zalan even stopped emitting his Elemental Power so he could put all his energy into concentrating on his hearing. He heard something bouncing off the cavern walls. Tiny drops off in the distance, down one of the endless corridors of the mines.

    ¡°Water?¡± Zalan asked, excited.

    ¡°It could be!¡± Rep nodded.

    Zalan emitted his Elemental Light and ran down the path. He was followed closely behind by Rep and Finnegan. They came to a fork in the path, and the three stopped short. They all closed their eyes for a moment and listened for the noise again. Simultaneously, they opened their eyes and ran down the path on the right. It was growing louder. The only sounds that the Depths of Despair made was the sound of their feet or the occasional drop of liquid.

    ¡°There!¡± Zalan pointed above them at a single, small stalactite pointing down from the ceiling.

    As he extended his hand, a single drop of water fell from the spike on the ceiling to the floor. They watched it collect into a tiny puddle on the ground. They ran until they stood over the tiny collection of water. There would only be enough for a few sips each. Finnegan licked his lips.

    ¡°Can I drink first?¡± the young man asked immediately.

    Rep and Zalan looked at each other. Zalan could see the stress in Rep¡¯s face, but he still looked like he wanted to drink last.

    ¡°Go ahead. But leave some for us,¡± Zalan told him.

    Finnegan fell to his knees and cupped the tiny remains of water into his hand and drank it greedily from his palm. He was going to get more, then his hand hovered over the water slightly. There was barely enough for the remaining two.

    ¡°I am satisfied. You go ahead,¡± Finnegan said, moving backward.

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another expectantly.

    ¡°Please Zalan, you know I will not drink first,¡± Rep said desperately.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I could go without water,¡± Zalan said.

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    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep said sharply.

    ¡°Fine! But you better drink something!¡± Zalan said.

    He knelt down and gathered some water in his hand. It was barely enough to fill the center of his palm. He tossed it down on his tongue and drank gratefully.

    ¡°You can take more,¡± Rep assured him.

    ¡°Just drink,¡± Zalan said, pulling Rep down.

    Rep sighed and scraped what little remained from the small puddle. He lowered his face all the way to the ground and pooled as much as he could in his hand. He drank it, then looked dissatisfied.

    ¡°It was not enough,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°You should have told me before I drank,¡± Rep said irritably.

    ¡°No, I was referring to all of the water. If one of us drank its entire contents, we would not be satisfied. It was not enough,¡± Finnegan clarified.

    Rep, Zalan, and Finnegean looked up at the ceiling. A single drop of water fell onto the pitiful remains of the puddle. They stared at the drop.

    ¡°How long would it take to get another full sip?¡± Finnegan asked.

    Zalan looked up at the ceiling, watching the agonizingly slow process of another drop forming. He licked his dry lips that were starting to crack. The drop fell, plopping to the floor.

    ¡°You know, I think I read about these stalactite formations when I was in school,¡± Zalan said. ¡°They sometimes are made with a pool of rainwater gathered above them. The stone allows the water to spill through it, creating the formation of the ceiling to point downward.¡±

    Finnegan looked at him, confused. He turned to Rep.

    ¡°What is he saying?¡± Finnegan asked him.

    ¡°He studied the nature of the world in his homeland,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Splendid, very good for him. But that does not explain what he means.¡± Finnegan scratched the bald spot on his head. His face scrunched, only then remembering that the Giant Arachula took a good portion of his hair.

    ¡°It means there could be a collection of water in a pool above this,¡± Zalan pointed.

    ¡°You already said that.¡± Finnegan nodded.

    ¡°If we made a hole, it might allow all the water to fall out at once,¡± Zalan concluded.

    Finnegan¡¯s confusion turned to wide eyes. He looked excited at the suggestion and turned to Rep to see his opinion.

    ¡°How do we make the hole?¡± Rep asked, curious.

    ¡°I think we just try shooting our Elemental Powers at it and hope for the best,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    Rep nodded. He raised his hands along with Zalan. Finnegean took several steps back. Grunting with effort, both Rep and Zalan blasted focused beams of energy into a single point next to the stalactite above them. They strained themselves, Rep¡¯s face going pink and Zalan closing his eyes in focus on the task. Zalan was going to give up, until a small chunk of earth fell down out of the mix of light and flame. They were making progress. They both redoubled their efforts on their Elemental Powers.

    ¡°It is working!¡± Finnegan hopped excitedly. He had a better view of the progress.

    Rep and Zalan continued until a larger chunk fell freely onto the floor next to them. That seemed to be a signal to stop their process and they both took a moment to breathe. Zalan opened his eyes wide in delight. A small trickle of water was spilling out.

    ¡°God be praised!¡± Finnegan said as he scrambled under it.

    He opened his mouth wide and caught the tiny waterfall of water spilling out. He swallowed loudly and then pulled Zalan over to the spot where the water was falling.

    ¡°So much better!¡± Finnegan told him, encouraging him to take a drink.

    Zalan opened his mouth and gathered his fill of a good gulp of water. He couldn¡¯t help himself and went for another one immediately after. He felt like could open his eyes again. His senses were less numb, like a simple switch had been flipped. He didn¡¯t realize how much he needed water until he finally got it.

    ¡°Come on, Rep,¡± Zalan pulled him to the sustenance.

    Rep took a few gulps of water and smiled at the others. He let the water spill over his head, rolling down his face and neck in a cool, refreshing flow.

    ¡°Perhaps this place has more to offer than only despair,¡± Rep said, smiling.

    Something cracked above and the three flinched in fear. A small fracture began to extend from the single point in the ceiling. Zalan made a face, desperately hoping it would hold together.

    ¡°We need to move,¡± Zalan said, taking steps back and pulling Finnegan with him.

    ¡°What if it gives us more water?¡± Finnegan asked hopefully.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m afraid of,¡± Zalan said urgently.

    The cracks in the ceiling spread far, and more water began pouring out. Rep rushed away, staying close to Zalan¡¯s side. Zalan¡¯s light danced in a frenzy between the waterfall crashing down.

    ¡°How much water do you suppose is up there?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No idea, be ready for anything,¡± Zalan said.

    Upon saying that sentence, a huge chunk of the ceiling fell through, allowing a powerful flow of water to rush inside the mines. It was like a basketball-sized hole had been opened in a water reservoir.

    To Zalan, that would have been manageable on its own, but a huge tentacle fell out of the ceiling as well. It was easily the width of a full grown man, with the length unknown as more wobbled out from the ceiling. It flopped around and began searching the new area it occupied. It slithered up the sides of the walls. The water began pooling up at the men¡¯s feet.

    ¡°What is that thing?¡± Finnegan asked, horrified as he looked at the limb.

    ¡°A tentacle,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°What kind of creature has one that large?¡± Finnegan followed up.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Zalan said quickly, wading backward through the rising water. It was already up to his knees.

    The tentacle decided the wall was uninteresting and flopped back down to the water. Another tentacle wiggled in from the hole in the ceiling, moving directly toward Rep, Zalan, and Finnegan. They began to hop through the water one leg at a time to escape its approach.

    ¡°Why is it so long? How big is that thing!¡± Finnegan said in exasperation.

    The tentacle gained on them quickly, wiggling excitedly. It seemed to have sensed the prey in the movement of the water ahead of it. Finnegan tripped and fell back on his hands. He tried to crabwalk away, but the water sloshed against him and made him lose balance. The tentacle grabbed his ankle.

    ¡°Ah! No! Help!¡± Finnegan screamed, twisting and trying to grab hold of something as he was dragged away.

    The tentacle pulled him with excited ferocity, deciding it had found something lively. Finnegan¡¯s face was submerged in the rising water, unable to continue screaming as his arms flailed helplessly. His eyes bulged in pain as he was scraped over rocks below.

    ¡°I got him!¡± Rep said bravely.

    He ran a few steps toward the tentacle with his sword drawn. It erupted into blindingly powerful fire as he imbued it with Elemental Flame. Then, leaning in with all his bodyweight, he chucked the sword forward with all his might like a javelin. Controlling it with redirection, Rep made sure it stayed on target and stabbed into the tentacle. It shot straight through like a chainsaw cutting a twig.

    Finnegan pulled his head up and gasped for air, shaking his way out of the end of the dead tentacle. The remaining stump of tentacle waved around in pain and slammed around Finnegan who rolled himself into a tight ball to protect himself. Rep and Zalan rushed over to help him to his feet. They pulled him up forcefully and he balanced himself quickly, trying to shake the severed tentacle off his legs.

    ¡°Grab the tentacle! Bring it with us and run!¡± Rep said urgently.

    Finnegan grabbed it without question and they got back to fleeing the filling passageway. There was a massive thud and splash behind them. Neither Rep nor Finnegan wanted to check if the creature had fallen entirely through the ceiling or if another tentacle came down after them. Zalan turned his shoulder and saw a giant eye at the center of tentacles branching out from it. It was a grotesque octopus made of a single eye. It made Zalan want to turn away in disgust. Instead he spun around in place.

    Raising both hands, he blasted the eye with as much Elemental Light as he could, focusing it all on the iris of the disgusting monster. The light centered in like a magnifying glass focusing the rays of the sun to a single point. Zalan saw the eye burn followed by the tentacled creature thrashing violently against the walls and water, then covering itself with the tentacles.

    ¡°Go! Go! Go!¡± Zalan screamed, forcing himself through the water with all his remaining energy.

    Rep, Finnegan and Zalan grunted as they ran, keeping their balance through the rushing waters. Zalan could hear the monster flailing behind them, but didn¡¯t sound like it was pursuing them. He just hoped it would return from where it came from in the ceiling and leave them alone. They definitely wouldn¡¯t be trying to knock out more of the ceiling anymore.

    After what felt like an eternity of running at full speed through various tunnels, the trio finally stopped to breathe and catch their breath. They each fell to the ground, exhausted after draining their energy while running on no food. Zalan allowed the Elemental Light to go out, taking in deep breaths.

    ¡°We¡¯re even more lost than we were before,¡± Zalan said, sighing. He had no idea which way was right and left anymore. It had happened too often, and he was almost certain they had ended up running in circles.

    ¡°Did the monster hurt you?¡± Rep asked Finnegan in the pitch darkness.

    ¡°No, you got me just in time. I could hear its teeth gnashing above in the ceiling,¡± Finnegan informed him. ¡°Why did you want me to grab this?¡±

    Finnegan plopped something wet onto the floor between them. Confused by the sound, Zalan emitted a dim glow of Elemental Light, illuminating the severed tentacle.

    ¡°We ran out of food,¡± Rep said with a hungry smile. ¡°I thought this would serve us with a decent meal.¡±

    Finnegan¡¯s face went pale in astonishment and distaste.

    ¡°I think you are mistaken. That is monster flesh,¡± Finnegan said, looking to Zalan for support.

    Zalan shrugged, giving his silent approval of Rep¡¯s plan. Finnegan¡¯s eyes went wide in horror.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cook, then we can eat,¡± Rep started a flame in his hand and picked up the tentacle.

    Finnegan looked away when it began sizzling. He wished more than ever he was out of the Depths of Despair. He never imagined he would ever be desperate enough to eat a monster.

 181 - Book 4 - Chapter 39 - Chaotic End

    Zalan nibbled pensively at his cooked eye-monster tentacle. It tasted like canned tuna that had been warmed up in a microwave. Rep tore at his share of the food ravenously. Whether it was because he enjoyed it or he was that hungry, Zalan couldn¡¯t tell. Finnegan had yet to eat yet, holding his food at arm¡¯s length.

    ¡°Are you sure this is safe?¡± Finnegan asked for the third time.

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve had plenty of monster meat before,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°It is some of the best meat the realm has to offer,¡± Rep said with his mouth full.

    ¡°I am just concerned about its contents,¡± Finnegan said uncertainly.

    ¡°Yeah, I was like that too. But it goes through fine. Just like any other food,¡± Zalan assured him.

    ¡°I am not concerned about my digestion¡­ much¡­ But I am concerned about the monsterization properties,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°The what?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep¡¯s chewing slowed as he looked up to listen closely.

    ¡°The properties of monsterization. Have you not heard of this? ¡®He who eats his monsters take care lest he thereby become the monster.¡¯ It is a very famous saying,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°I have never heard of this.¡± Rep took another unconcerned bite of food.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the right quote,¡± Zalan scratched the back of his head in confusion. ¡°Plus we¡¯ve seen monsters in eggs before. I think the monsters have ways of making more monsters similar to animals. You know, like reproduction and circle of life. People don¡¯t just spontaneously become monsters. At least not in the literal sense.¡±

    ¡°You speak as though you know so much, but you brought down the tentacle monster upon us,¡± Finnegan said, pointing with his roasted food for added effect. ¡°If you had left the roof of the mines alone, I would not have been at the plate of a monster¡¯s meal. Again!¡±

    ¡°Do not speak ill of Zalan¡¯s education. He is the only person I know that can read better than any scholar in the realm,¡± Rep chastised Finnegan.

    ¡°Surely another one of his various lies,¡± Finnegan rolled his eyes. He looked at Zalan sharply, with a challenge. ¡°How does one spell ¡®Finnegan?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Ummm¡­ F-I-N-N-E-G-A-N? Something like that?¡± Zalan shrugged.

    Finnegan looked stunned at the speed of Zalan¡¯s response. To Zalan¡¯s amazement, it seemed enough for Finnegan to take a tiny, reluctant bite of the tentacle. His face of disgust rolled quickly into delight. He took another, much larger bite.

    ¡°It is good!¡± Finnegan admitted excitedly. ¡°We should have gotten more!¡±

    ¡°We can think about getting more food when we¡¯re out of here,¡± Zalan said. ¡°We should keep moving before I fall asleep and we get ambushed by more monsters in the darkness.¡±

    Zalan stood, along with Rep and Finnegan. They could feel the fatigue gnawing at their muscles and bones, but they were much better off now that they had some food in their bodies. Zalan wondered how nutritious a monster meal was. Could it be used as a replacement for regular protein?

    ¡°We need a new plan,¡± Zalan said as he got moving.

    ¡°How so?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°We keep fleeing and running in the mines, leading us either deeper or further from the entrance. We don¡¯t know. We need to stick to a path. Otherwise we might be retracing our steps and staying here longer,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°We should mark the walls,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I thought you said we didn¡¯t want to wake any Earthenbeasts that might be in the walls,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I did, but now I agree that we need a new plan,¡± Rep said. ¡°I will make burn marks with an arrow to indicate which way we came from.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good. Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± Zalan said.

    He led the way with a decreased level of Elemental Light emitting from his palm. He was at the point where he felt very low on remaining energy. Every second of Elemental Power took a toll, but he didn¡¯t want to fall asleep in the Depths of Despair. He had a growing suspicion that he didn¡¯t want to admit: If they fell asleep in here, they would not wake up.

    After a while, Zalan reduced his Elemental Light to nothing, catching his breath. Rep raised his arm and emitted Elemental Flame without a word exchanged. It was clear that Zalan was feeling very weak and Rep felt the need to jump in. His flame only produced a fraction of the light, the Depths of Despair hungrily consuming any firelight. Still, no one complained and they continued forward.

    Rep often stopped to make a mark on the wall, pointing to which way they were headed. Zalan kept a close eye on the walls to make sure they hadn¡¯t accidentally gone in a circle. He had no way of determining a sense of direction and was growing bitter to being this turned around. Still, he carried the inertia to continue moving forward. He wanted nothing more than to escape.

    ¡°Hey, Rep,¡± Zalan said, a hint of levity in his voice. ¡°How do you think Junill will react to you losing another sword?¡±

    Rep stopped mid-step and placed his face in his non-fiery hand, groaning. He raised his head quickly with an idea.

    ¡°Let me borrow your sword! We can tell her that you were the one who lost your sword!¡± Rep said eagerly, reaching out his hand for Zalan¡¯s blade.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think she knows one sword from the next?¡±

    Rep lowered his arm in thought, then groaned again and got back to walking.

    ¡°Who is Junill?¡± Finnegan asked, curious.

    ¡°No one,¡± Rep grumbled.

    ¡°Rep¡¯s fianc¨¦,¡± Zalan teased.

    ¡°She is not my fianc¨¦,¡± Rep snapped.

    ¡°Another of your unceasing lies.¡± Finnegan shook his head at Zalan.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious! He paid a dower and everything!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You did?¡± Finnegan asked, excited.

    ¡°I am not¡­¡± Rep trailed as the wall ahead of him shifted suddenly. ¡°Oh, thank God.¡±

    An Obsidian Earthenbeast emerged from the wall of the mines, cutting their conversation short to Rep¡¯s pleasure. It looked upon the three travelers, then slammed a fist against the wall. The trio took a few steps back, watching the Obsidian Earthenbeast closely. It didn¡¯t approach them. It smashed its fist against the wall again, twice this time.

    ¡°What is it doing?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°I think it is calling for Arachulas to join it,¡± Rep said.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°I think we killed all the Arachulas that Depths had to offer when the big one called them. At least all the ones nearby.¡±

    The Earthenbeast smashed the wall and looked over its shoulder. The monster was waiting for something to join it.

    ¡°All right, looks like we have a chance to take it on while it¡¯s all alone,¡± Zalan said.

    Zalan breathed in deeply and blasted the Obsidian Earthenbeast¡¯s eyes with laser-focused light. It covered its face with a black palm, and smashed forward blindly with the other. Zalan pulled out his sword and imbued it with Elemental Light. He cut at the Earthenbeast¡¯s hand, leaving only the shallowest cut on it. He looked at it with slight disappointment. He was hoping that he could do more damage after having just gained a Level.

    ¡°This Earthenbeast is a lot tougher than the others,¡± Rep pointed out. ¡°Perhaps we should try to strike it with our combined efforts,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Me as well?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°If you wish to join, you can,¡± Rep informed him.

    ¡°Of course I wish to join. I intend to kill much stronger monsters in the future,¡± Finnegan said boldly. Zalan wasn¡¯t sure how he was supposed to help, but thought that maybe throwing a few pieces of rubble as distractions might be useful.

    The Earthenbeast pulled a pile of small stones from the mine wall and chucked them at Rep, Finnegan, and Zalan. They shielded their faces with their arms and felt the familiar pain of rocks pelting their bodies. The Earthenbeast stomped forward and Zalan blasted its eyes with his Elemental Light, blinding it for just a second.

    ¡°Now!¡± Rep called.

    Zalan rushed forward with his sword, raising it high. He expected Rep to throw a fireball that he would stab through. Instead, to his surprise, Rep ran next to him and grabbed the sword, imbuing it with Elemental Flame on top of Zalan¡¯s Elemental Light. Then, Finnegan¡¯s hand joined the other two. The combined energy was a hot maelstrom in Zalan¡¯s hand and he winced as he plunged it through the Earthenbeast¡¯s leg. The combined Strength and Wisdom of the three men was finally enough to do significant damage.

    It sliced cleanly though, like a knife going through a chocolate cake. Rep and Zalan moved the sword upward, and Finnegan followed. They drove the inserted blade from the Earthenbeast¡¯s shin to its knee. It fell back in pain and landed on its rear, shaking the mines.

    ¡°Its head!¡± Zalan called.

    Rep nodded immediately. Finnegan didn¡¯t understand and released the sword. The two of them hopped up the dazed Earthenbeast¡¯s legs and reached within striking distance of its head. It brought its arms up to swat them away. Without a moment to lose, Rep and Zalan imbued the sword with their respective power and blasted through the Obsidian Earthenbeast¡¯s head in a charged slice of bright light and hot fire. It was finally decapitated, the Obsidian Earthenbeast defeated.

    But they were a second too late. The Earthenbeast¡¯s arm still had the momentum of its final strike. With its massive range of motion, it managed to smack Rep, Zalan, and Finnegan away hard.

    The trio flew into the same wall that the obsidian creature appeared from. But instead of being plastered against it, they fell through the opening as though it was a veil. The light in the area changed from Zalan¡¯s brilliant white to a sickly yellow. They fell to the ground loudly and rolled over in serious pain. Finnegan was the first to stand, having received a glancing blow, and began limping to the other two.

    ¡°Did we fall inside of a wall? Are you alive? Can you walk?¡± Finnegan asked rapidly.

    ¡°Everything hurts,¡± Zalan whispered in pain.

    ¡°All of it hurts,¡± Rep agreed.

    ¡°What do I do? What do we do? If you can not move, we can not escape! I am even more lost than I thought was possible! We are inside of a wall!¡± Finnegan said urgently.

    ¡°Give me time and I will stand again,¡± Rep assured him, his eyes closed tight with pain.

    ¡°Yeah, me too. Maybe,¡± Zalan felt at his bruised body.

    Every motion sent shockwaves through his being. He wanted nothing more than sleep. He would settle for any regular sleep, it didn¡¯t even need to be a Healing Rest to recover his wounds. He was just so tired. Everything from his body to his mind was in pain.

    Rep was peering at something in the distance intently. Zalan saw nothing but an endless abyss, as always. He was starting to wonder if the sun still existed. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± Rep whispered. ¡°Increase your Elemental Light. I think I see something.¡±

    Zalan rolled over and shined his arm without opening his eyes. Rep gasped loudly.

    ¡°That explains why the Earthenbeasts appeared no matter where we were in the mines,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Finnegan asked.

    Zalan opened his eyes and saw that in one direction was a familiar yellow glow they hadn¡¯t seen since the Castle Docrun. A gem stuck into the wall, giving an otherworldly sensation to the area they had fallen into.

    ¡°We are in a Chaos Chamber,¡± Rep declared.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s where your parents died,¡± Zalan said.

    Finnegan went stiff, looking at the gem with a sense of anger. He looked around the area, spinning in place. Zalan shined his light brighter. There were at least ten different ways out of the wall, but they were all at odd angles, like gravity wells existed at random points in space. Like living in a penrose stair painting. Zalan closed his eyes again, lacking the energy to try and think it through.

    ¡°This place has several exits. Are each of them as dangerous as the last?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°There is no way to know. A Chaos Chamber is dangerous and random. But the last one we were in was deactivated by turning the gem,¡± Rep said.

    Finnegan didn¡¯t move. Zalan didn¡¯t expect him to. Too many things had gone wrong recently.

    ¡°How did my parents die, exactly? Were they killed by monsters that traveled the Chaos Chamber?¡± Finnegan asked.

    Rep sighed, struggling to get himself to his feet. Approaching Finnegan, he placed a hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°I am sorry to say they died of starvation,¡± Rep told him.

    Finnegan scoffed, closing his eyes. Cracking an eye open to check on him, Zalan could see his fists trembling.

    ¡°They never should have gone in the first place. They were powerful, of course, but they were hungry. Nightfall had been struggling to afford food for weeks! They pushed themselves too hard and suffered for it,¡± Finnegan said.

    Rep lowered his head in deference.

    ¡°If we are to judge them by how they raised you, we should be proud of the people they were,¡± Rep said.

    Awestruck, Finnegan looked up at Rep. Rep coughed in pain as Finnegan tackled him in a hug. Rep pat his back lightly, but his face made it clear to Zalan he was in great agony during the embrace. Finnegan released him and looked back at the gem. Zalan saw a tear fall from his chin.

    ¡°I am not going to starve to death here. My parents would want me to escape what they could not,¡± Finnegan said boldly.

    Without another moment¡¯s hesitation, Finnegan made his way to the yellow gem in the wall. Zalan braced himself, hoping this Chaos Chamber would deactivate as nicely as the previous one. Thrusting his arm forward, Finnegan twisted the gem until it clicked.

    The three men stared at it for a few moments. Finnegan¡¯s daring energy dissipated and his shoulders slumped. He turned back to the others.

    ¡°Did it work?¡±

    Rep, Finnegan and Zalan all began to scream suddenly as the ground disappeared out from under them and they were in free fall. They only fell for a second before smashing into the ground. Zalan groaned even louder, lamenting the realm¡¯s ability to make him feel more pain than what he considered rock bottom. Finnegan again was first to his feet, but this time he didn¡¯t ask whether the others were fine. He could hear the pain clearly.

    ¡°Zalan. If you do not mind, could you reactivate your Elemental Light when you feel able?¡± Finnegan asked bashfully.

    Wheezing loudly, Zalan kept his eyes screwed tight, but opened a palm of light for the others to see.

    ¡°We seem to be back in the proper Depths of Despair once more, free from the Chaos Chamber in the wall,¡± Finnegan assessed.

    Rep suddenly heaved an excited breath. His arm scrambled on the ground as he struggled to point.

    ¡°There it is!¡± Rep called excitedly. ¡°The Homeseeker! It is just over there!¡±

    Zalan opened his eyes in shock. He raised his head and looked around. Finnegan was already quickly limping to gather the suspected Artifact. He held it up for the two friends to see.

    ¡°This is the Homeseeker?¡± Finnegan asked, holding up the cube-like Artifact.

    ¡°Yes! Activate it and come here! Make sure to grab on to us once it is active,¡± Rep said eagerly.

    ¡°How do I activate it?¡± Finnegan asked as he rushed over.

    ¡°Wait, don¡¯t use it!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°What?¡± Finnegan asked, appalled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t turn it on, we¡¯re¡ª¡±

    ¡°I can not imagine a single scenario where I would not use this immediately!¡± Finnegan exclaimed. ¡°Any moment we do not have to spend in the Depths of Despair is a moment well spent. We need to leave now!¡±

    ¡°But we don¡¯t wanna waste the use¡ª¡±

    ¡°Zalan, please. I am in so much pain,¡± Rep pleaded.

    ¡°I am going to use it. I do not care for your delays,¡± Finnegan said, looking around the Artifact for how to activate it.

    ¡°Listen!¡± Zalan snapped. ¡°Look!¡±

    Zalan pointed his flashlight of an arm directly at something on the floor near them. It looked like a small, deflated Zalan. Finnegan squinted his eyes in derisive confusion.

    ¡°Is that a dead Gloomstalker? What difference does that make?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°Is that the monster we killed when this all started?¡± Rep asked, stunned.

    Zalan nodded and revealed more of the path ahead with his hand. The Elemental Light filled the area like a floodlight in the rain. Finnegan gasped, a smile growing quickly on his face as he followed the beam.

    They had been spit out at the entrance of the Depths of Despair.

 182 - Book 4 - Chapter 40 - The Five Monsters of the Mindscape

    Finnegan dragged Zalan with all his might, pulling him to the entrance of the Depths of Despair. Rep was able to limp once helped to his feet, and followed close behind. With a wave of his hand, Rep illuminated the area outside the Depths of Despair with Elemental Flame. The space beyond the mines allowed the light to beam freely. Zalan let out a triumphant cry, finally able to stop emitting his Elemental Light just to be able to see. He let his head hang back as Finnegan pulled him to the lip of the cave.

    The young man set Zalan down and sat down to stare upward. He breathed in deeply, taking in the fresh air unspoiled by the dank surroundings of the mines. He let out a short laugh.

    ¡°We survived!¡± Finnegan said loudly.

    ¡°Indeed we did,¡± Rep said, kneeling down to catch his breath.

    ¡°I got a new Elemental Power and everything, just like Madam Hikma said,¡± Zalan said, smiling.

    ¡°An incredible feat,¡± Rep said, nodding.

    ¡°Not as incredible as defeating the Mind of Madness,¡± Finnegan said, flexing a thin arm.

    Rep laughed good-naturedly. They were all in high spirits after escaping.

    ¡°I was not so certain we would be able to take on the Mind of Madness. Even Madam Hikma told me we would have to defeat it,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°She did?¡± Zalan asked, pretending he wasn¡¯t eavesdropping on that conversation.

    ¡°It was when you left me to speak with her in private. She said that you would have to defeat the strongest Monster of the Mindscape in the Depths of Despair.¡±

    Zalan¡¯s eyebrows furled curiously as several thoughts came into his mind. An eye twitched slightly and his mouth opened and closed in thought a few times. He pursed his lips and shook his head, surprised.

    ¡°What? What are these faces you are making?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°Madam Hikma said that I would have to take on the fourth Monster of the Mindscape in here? And she said it was the Mind of Madness?¡± Zalan clarified, trying to remember for himself.

    ¡°I asked if it was the Mind of Madness and she remained silent,¡± Rep answered as he recalled the scene.

    ¡°Oh my God. You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me,¡± Zalan placed a hand over his eyes in embarrassment.

    ¡°What? What is it?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°There are five Monsters of the Mindscape, right?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°And we¡¯ve apparently defeated three of them before the Depths of Despair?¡±

    ¡°I have never heard of such monsters,¡± Finnegan chimed in.

    ¡°Yeah, I think that might help with the point I¡¯m getting at,¡± Zalan pointed to Finnegan.

    ¡°Let me see. The first Monster of the Mindscape was the Elemental Dragon, yes?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°We assumed.¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°And the second¡­ the Basilisk at the Elemental Rage Tournament?¡± Rep guessed.

    ¡°Already our old theory is falling apart,¡± Zalan said, but encouraged Rep to go on with an eager nod.

    ¡°The third was¡­ Perhaps the Thallasic Terror. Or a Leviathan! Or maybe¡­ A Poniwhale?¡± Rep offered.

    Zalan sat up. He had a serious look in his eyes and looked between Rep and Finnegan. They could feel the scrutiny in his gaze as he was growing comfortable with the conclusion he wanted to share.

    ¡°Have either of you heard of the Monsters of the Mindscape before? Before Madam Hikma told us about it?¡± Zalan added for Rep¡¯s sake.

    Rep and Finnegan thought about the question for a few seconds, then shook their heads. Zalan ran his hands through his hair in consternation. Certainty flicked on like a switch in his mind.

    ¡°Okay, what about the Five Stages of Grief? Have either of you heard of that?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep and Finnegan looked at one another in confusion. They shook their heads.

    ¡°Great,¡± Zalan droned. ¡°This whole time I never had to fight a bunch of monsters. Madam Hikma just didn¡¯t have any better way to describe the battles I had to overcome in my mind.¡±

    Rep and Finnegan looked confused. Zalan wiped his hands over his face in embarrassment.

    ¡°You were fighting monsters in your mind?¡± Finnegan asked.

    ¡°No. Well, kinda. I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll make sense even if I try to explain it. The stages of grief aren¡¯t even like a real science. But it makes sense. I get it now,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Except I still don¡¯t get how it¡¯s supposed to help me get out of the realm. I¡¯m pretty sure I reached acceptance.¡±

    ¡°Reached acceptance?¡± Finnegan asked, shaking his head as he didn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°That was one of the first things Madam Hikma told you that you needed to do in order to escape the realm! She said you needed ¡®to accept!¡¯ Is that what this is about?¡± Rep said, curious.

    ¡°Yeah, exactly. If I just understood what she meant in the beginning, I could have skipped all this,¡± Zalan waved his hands in the air, gesticulating in a circle.

    ¡°Amazing. What does that mean for you now?¡± Rep said.

    ¡°What does Rep mean that you want to escape the realm?¡± Finnegan asked, further confused by the sentence.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Rep,¡± Zalan answered, ignoring Finnegan. ¡°I think I need to tell Madam Hikma I figured it out and she can tell me what to do from here.¡±

    ¡°So, you could be leaving here very soon,¡± Rep said, smiling in excitement for his friend.

    ¡°I¡¯m not getting my hopes up until I figure out the actual answers here,¡± Zalan said. But even he couldn¡¯t help from smiling.

    Finnegan looked between the two men with narrowed eyelids, annoyed at being left in the dark. He folded his arms over his chest.

    ¡°Can we go now? I have much to share with the people of Nightfall,¡± Finnegan said.

    Rep and Zalan helped one another to their feet with aches and groans. Finnegan led the way and they began the journey back to the city of Nightfall. They moved in silence. As much as Zalan looked forward to seeing the sun again, he was already ecstatic to just be out of the Depths of Despair. He could finally go to sleep again. He could have a real moment¡¯s rest, heal, and eat. He could feel his companions¡¯ excitement as well, the speed at which they walked was significantly faster than the way they dragged their feet in the mines. The way grew brighter.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Finnegan stopped suddenly, looking out to the horizon.

    Rep and Zalan gave it a glance. The distance was dark, the edges of sunlight licking the horizon as the sun rose. Peering closer, Zalan looked for anything out of the ordinary. There were no people nor monsters.

    ¡°What¡¯s what?¡±

    ¡°That! That light!¡± Finnegan pointed.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    Again, Rep and Zalan followed his gesture growing further confused. Zalan shared a look with Rep.

    ¡°What light? I do not see anything,¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°How could you miss it? Look how it fills the sky!¡± Finnegan opened his arms wide.

    ¡°You mean the sunrise?¡± Zalan asked sarcastically.

    ¡°That is not a sunrise! It can not be!¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°We are in Nightfall! The sun never looks upon Nightfall!¡± Finnegan looked between Rep and Zalan as though it were obvious.

    Confusion bubbled to shock, then to amazement. No one spoke, watching closely as the glow of the sky was met with a distant, radiant orb peeking at the horizon. Unmistakably the sun.

    ¡°By God,¡± Rep whispered.

    ¡°Did¡­ Did we do that?¡± Zalan asked, baffled.

    ¡°The Mind of Madness¡­¡± Finnegan whispered in awe. ¡°It can not be true. The darkness of Nightfall is gone?¡±

    The trio watched in silent awe as the sun continued to rise, gracing the land with a warm glow long forgotten. Looking around in amazement, Zalan saw that the mouth of the Depths of Despair looked significantly less intimidating when it was met with natural sunlight. Before, he was certain it had a mind to eat him. Now, it almost looked like a tourist attraction.

    ¡°Oh dear,¡± Rep muttered, looking at the soil around them.

    The dark soil was populated by hundreds of Nightbloom, all of which were withering away in the face of the sun. Rep and Zalan looked to one another, a silent agreement to never mention it to Ma. Quietly, they got back on the move to Nightfall.

    The journey felt shorter on the return than it did on the way to the mines, even though they spent time admiring the trees and distances that were once concealed in Nightfall¡¯s endless night. Distant torchlight appeared in the distance before long, nobody having thought to put out the fires that lit the way around town.

    To the trio¡¯s surprise, they could see a crowd gathering at the end of the town, staring out toward them. Zalan wondered what they were looking for. They had head coverings and tarps thrown over them for shade. It occurred to Zalan they had never seen so much sun and were accustomed to it. Then, they began waving, cheering, and calling out toward them. It seemed like they were somehow waiting for them.

    ¡°What are they all doing out here?¡± Finnegan asked, astonished.

    ¡°I was just going to ask you if it was customary to occasionally come out here as a town,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Not as far as I know.¡± Finnegan shook his head. ¡°But these are strange times.¡± He held up his pale hand to watch the sun¡¯s rays on it.

    The calls from the residents of the village were overlapping one another heavily, making it very difficult to understand what was being said. Zalan was concerned that they gathered together for reasons similar to watching an Elemental be killed like the last time he saw a crowd. Zalan and the others picked up their pace even further to get closer to the mass of people.

    ¡°Is that Finnegan?¡± a voice called, astounded at the sight.

    ¡°I live!¡± Finnegan waved his hands overhead.

    There seemed to be some ambivalence toward the news. Zalan had forgotten that Finnegan was not looked upon kindly in Nightfall until he saw the looks he was getting. He was still nothing more than a thief in their minds. There was a collective derision directed toward him, despite the audience looking more interested to speak to Rep and Zalan. Zalan thought it was no wonder that Finnegan fled to the Depths of Despair when his own people looked at him with open glares and sideways stares.

    ¡°Is it dead?¡± someone called out eagerly. Others in the crowd nodded their heads in fervent curiosity.

    ¡°No, Finnegan is alive!¡± Zalan said, wondering if they thought he had turned into a Fleshless.

    ¡°Not the boy!¡± another person called out. ¡°The Mind of Madness! Is it dead?¡±

    ¡°We felt its effects leave our minds! Like its hold on us disappeared! Was that because it died?¡± a woman added.

    Zalan recalled the feeling that went through his head when the Mind of Madness had finally perished. He felt like he could think clearly again, the fog of fears and regrets of the recent blasts having lifted. It allowed him to come to catharsis. He didn¡¯t realize that killing the monster meant relieving all its former victims of its dark blasts.

    ¡°The monster is dead,¡± Rep reported to the crowd.

    The residents of Nightfall immediately went wild with glee, throwing hats in the air in a great bellow of cheers. Families and friends hugged, while some spun in excited circles. They cheered, whooped and surrounded Rep and Zalan for further answers. Rep and Zalan could see the disappointment on Finnegan¡¯s face as he was pushed from their group, not included as a relevant person of discussion.

    ¡°Was it dead when you arrived?¡± one villager asked.

    ¡°No, it was very much alive,¡± Rep answered.

    The audience gave astonished gasps, completely captivated by the short answer.

    ¡°And you killed it?¡± another person asked quickly.

    ¡°No, I had very little to do with its death,¡± Rep said, tilting his head to Zalan to continue the story.

    Zalan looked over at Finnegan sulking outside the crowd. Suppressing a smile, he had an idea. He cleared his throat and breathed deeply and channeled as much charisma as he could, trying to remember how Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick would tell a story. He allowed a moment of suspenseful silence, both for effect and to gather his words like Buttonwillow would.

    ¡°The fight with the Mind of Madness was a bleak one! More than once it tried to blast us with its dark rays!¡± Zalan said boldly, addressing the entire crowd at once.

    He awkwardly stopped mid-thought as he tried to come up with more words. The crowd had gone silent, thinking Zalan was building even more tension with his pause. He quickly recovered and continued.

    ¡°We were in dire straits, ready to roll over and die. But it was thanks to none other than Finnegan Swift that we were able to defeat the Mind of Madness!¡± Zalan pointed aggressively to Finnegan who had been pushed to the edge of the crowd.

    The young man looked up with hope in his eyes.

    ¡°Finnegan?¡± a villager repeated skeptically.

    ¡°Oh, yeah,¡± Zalan nodded, getting in his groove. ¡°A smart guy for his age, for sure. Rep was down, out of the fight. I was totally out of energy after fighting Arachulas. But Finnegan ran right toward the monster, not a hint of fear in his stride. He got close, then killed an Arachula. It was enough to gain the Experience needed to gain a Level. And you know what happens when you gain a Level¡­¡±

    Zalan slowly began to imbue his body in Elemental Light, increasing its brightness. The audience gasped and stared in shock at the display. Zalan continued to increase the light until he made it explode with power, mimicking the look of having just gained a Level. It was a poor equivalent, but the display was more than enough for the villagers to understand. They all turned away from Rep and Zalan, rushing to surround Finnegan with their questions.

    Finnegan stared at Zalan in veneration, his jaw wide open as he came to understand the credit he was receiving.

    ¡°You really killed it, Finnegan? I thought you were just Level Two!¡± someone said.

    ¡°Not anymore!¡± Finnegan tapped fingers together and revealed his stats. ¡°Level Four! I gained an entire Level when the Mind of Madness perished!¡±

    ¡°Did you really run toward the monster that emitted beams of evil?¡± a woman asked, clearly impressed.

    ¡°Yes, but I must say I was more scared than Zalan made me out to be,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°So modest!¡± a villager slapped him jovially on his back.

    ¡°Well, Zalan struck the first blow with a saber of light! It shone like the sun and cut anything in its path.¡±

    ¡°A light-saber?¡± another of the villagers asked. ¡°What an incredible weapon. I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing before.¡±

    While the crowd was distracted by their new hero, Zalan stepped away from the mob surrounding Finnegan, and Rep followed a moment later. Zalan was pretty sure trademarks and litigation didn¡¯t exist in the realm, but he didn¡¯t want to stick around long enough to find out.

    ¡°That was a splendid thing you did for him,¡± Rep said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°Yeah. But it was a little self-serving too,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°I just wanted them to leave me alone. I really want to go to bed.¡±

    Rep laughed loudly, beaming in agreement.

    The friends stopped short, staring in concern at the town before them. Wood, splinters and destroyed furniture was scattered across the area ahead, like a giant cheese grater took interest in one portion of the town. Walking slowly, Zalan kicked a piece of wood over, trying to see what caused it. At best guess, he would have thought a tornado caused the destruction, but he wouldn¡¯t have thought the people of Nightfall would be so nonchalant about a tornado tearing through their town.

    Further they walked, and Zalan saw that damage was clearly limited to about a half-dozen homes, and the destruction continued out away from the city. He and Rep gazed out, looking between the source of the destruction and its path from its victims. They turned to the audience who was throwing Finnegan in the air, then back to the harrowing sight.

    ¡°A totally localized tornado?¡± Zalan asked, turning to Rep.

    ¡°I would have guessed the Mind of Madness, but it was already in its lair before we entered. I do not know. But this feels¡­ wrong.¡±

    They began knocking door to door, both looking for a place to stay and to ask about the situation. Most remaining buildings were vacant, their inhabitants in the crowd celebrating Finnegan. But Zalan persisted with ease, knowing that he was about to have one of the best snoozes in his life. It wasn¡¯t until they visited a very familiar building that the door finally cracked open.

    ¡°Penelope. We need a place to sleep.¡± Zalan immediately spilled three gold coins in her hand. She opened the door wider, no more questions.

    ¡°I did not think I would see you again. Alive or dead, to be honest,¡± she admitted to them both.

    Zalan wasn¡¯t in the mood to explain anything and plopped down on the same bed he last slept in. It felt like a cloud under him, the first true chance at respite.

    ¡°Excuse him, we have had a very long day,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°It has been days,¡± Penelope corrected.

    They both looked over at Zalan who was already deep asleep. With a small smile on his face.

 183 - Book 4 - Chapter 41 - Well Rested

    Zalan stretched himself out luxuriously on the bed. He felt well-rested and alive for the first time in what felt like ages. He opened his eyes and looked around the room. He half expected to be in complete darkness, but saw cracks of sunlight sneaking in through a window that had one of the wooden panes removed. Light was such a wonderful experience, and the warmth of the sun was like a blanket on his soul. Content, he rolled out of bed without considering resting any longer.

    He felt around his person, ensuring that he still had all his money and the strange Artifact that fell from the defeated Mind of Madness. With everything in place, he made his way out to the living area. Penelope was cooking a meal and looked up when he entered. Rep sat over a bowl of stew, looking up at Zalan with a smile as he entered.

    ¡°He lives,¡± Penelope said. ¡°You were sleeping for over fourteen hours.¡±

    ¡°Wow, really?¡± Zalan said, amazed. ¡°I feel like I needed every second of sleep. It¡¯s like I¡¯m reset.¡±

    ¡°I slept for a similar number of hours,¡± Rep said jovially, taking a spoonful of food into his mouth. ¡°You must be hungry.¡±

    ¡°Starving,¡± Zalan agreed, sitting down at the table and joining Rep.

    Penelope placed a bowl in front of him, the steam hovering over the food a welcome addition to Zalan¡¯s meal. If he wasn¡¯t outside basking in the sun, the warmth of food was a decent second option. Especially after living on scraps and monster meat while in the Depths of Despair.

    ¡°Rep tells me you found the boy-thief Finnegan,¡± Penelope noted. ¡°And killed the Mind of Madness?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Zalan said quickly.

    He began shoveling the food into his mouth, his hunger overtaking his need to be polite. He was a lot hungrier than he thought. But it made sense considering how long he had been asleep for. It was interesting that the single night of rest treated him much better than the wallowing he had been doing in Journey House before Gorb dragged him out. Rep was right in that going out would be good for him.

    He looked up at Penelope who watched Rep and Zalan curiously. It was clear by the look on her face that she truly hadn¡¯t expected to see either of them alive again.

    ¡°Thanks for all your advice,¡± Zalan said, his mouth full. ¡°It really helped.¡±

    ¡°My words helped in the Depths of Despair?¡± she asked skeptically.

    ¡°Yeah. A lot, actually,¡± Zalan said, recalling the effect it had on the despondent Finnegan.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Penelope hummed, though her tone sounded pleased.

    Rep and Zalan swallowed their bowls of stew and were elated to see second helpings poured in without asking. Again, they aggressively stabbed at the meal, chucking all the nutrients they could into their mouths.

    ¡°Penelope, do you know what happened to the city?¡± Rep raised his head thoughtfully. ¡°Portions of it were destroyed. I do not believe it was that way when we last passed through.¡±

    ¡°I forgot you were not here to see it. I witnessed it myself,¡± Penelope said. ¡°The darkness rose and left, taking a black Elemental along with it. Everywhere the Elemental passed, a home was shredded apart. Luckily, few people were inside since it was midday. But we saw the night of Nightfall leave, taking its creature along with it.¡±

    Rep and Zalan shared a glance, Zalan¡¯s mouth full of stew.

    ¡°I think the Elemental took the darkness with it. Likely a Dark Elemental,¡± Rep told her.

    ¡°That does not make sense. Darkness has been here longer than Elementals. Which one would control the other?¡±

    Zalan blinked several times, swallowing his food.

    ¡°There¡¯s so much to that question that I wouldn¡¯t even know if my answer made any sense,¡± he said, taking another bite of his meal.

    ¡°That is because there is no more explanation needed. I told you what I saw,¡± Penelope said confidently.

    There was a light knock on the door. Rep and Zalan didn¡¯t even look up from their bowls as Penelope went to open it.

    ¡°Excuse me miss, but this is for you,¡± they heard Finnegan say at the door. He sounded ashamed.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Penelope asked.

    Zalan looked up, interested, when he heard the sound of coins clink into her hands. The door wasn¡¯t opened fully and he couldn¡¯t see Finnegan standing on the other end. Penelope squinted with one hand over her face, almost hiding from the sunlight.

    ¡°It is to pay back for the money I took from you,¡± Finnegan said in a shy voice.

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another. Finnegan was already going around trying to pay people back for the funds he had stolen. It didn¡¯t occur to Zalan that he stole from Penelope. It could have been why she was so interested in their money last they were in her home. Or perhaps all of Nightfall were poor, given that Finnegan¡¯s parents went out in search of wealth.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t nearly enough,¡± Penelope said firmly.

    ¡°I know. I apologize. I will get you the rest when I find the means, I swear it,¡± Finnegan said.

    ¡°Well¡­ I did hear you assisted in defeating the Mind of Madness. I suppose I can give you an extension,¡± Penelope said.

    ¡°Let him in!¡± Zalan called. ¡°I want to talk to him.¡±

    Penelope looked back at Zalan. He had already gone back to shoveling the remaining stew into his mouth. Penelope rolled her eyes and opened the door wider, allowing Finnegan inside. When she turned around, Zalan saw that she only had bronze coins in hand. It was possible Finngean had given all the money he had to try and pay her back.

    ¡°Rep! Zalan!¡± Finnegan said, his face lighting up when he saw them. He rushed in and joined them at the table. His hair was cut very short, matching what remained after the Giant Arachula took a chunk of it.

    ¡°How are you?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I am well! Very much thanks to the two of you. Both your actions and your words have helped me greatly. Nightfall is calling me a ¡®hero¡¯ for having defeated the Mind of Madness,¡± Finnegan said.

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    ¡°As they should.¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°They credit me much more than I deserve,¡± Finnegan said, discomfited by his own words. ¡°I would have done nothing were it not for Zalan.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Zalan said between chewing bits of stew. ¡°And just so we¡¯re clear, this is the first time I stretched the truth about one of my adventures,¡± he teased with a full mouth and a smile.

    Finnegan couldn¡¯t help but smile, himself. ¡°But the people should know the good you have done¡­ For your mother¡¯s sake.¡±

    Zalan considered the point, putting his spoon down for a moment.

    ¡°They already tell me that my parents will be enshrined in legend along with me for my feat. I think you should be there as well,¡± Finnegan added.

    Zalan tilted his head to one side in consideration. Tapping his spoon against his bowl and looking down in thought, he shook his head slightly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Mom wasn¡¯t really big on taking credit for things, herself. If I don¡¯t end up getting written into legends of the realm, it¡¯s fine,¡± Zalan shrugged.

    Finnegan stared at Zalan in awe. The way Finnegan was looking at him, made Zalan shift uncomfortably in place. It was too much respect and admiration. He didn¡¯t think he deserved to be looked at so highly.

    ¡°Are you going around giving money to people?¡± Zalan asked, pointing his spoon to Penelope who was stowing her restored funds underneath a sack.

    ¡°Yes. I resolved to try and undo the title of ¡®thief¡¯ that I earned in Nightfall. Hopefully the death of the Mind of Madness may assist with rebuilding my reputation. But I will continue to repay others until I have undone all the troubles I caused,¡± Finnegan said proudly.

    ¡°How much money do you still need to pay back?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am uncertain¡­ Perhaps¡­ Fifty gold coins,¡± Finnegan said, his voice getting quieter with every hesitation.

    ¡°Fifty!¡± Penelope yelled.

    ¡°More than some earn in a lifetime,¡± Rep said, amazed.

    Finnegan lowered his head in shame. Zalan felt bad for him. He would have to go the rest of his life working out something that he did when he was young and foolish.

    ¡°How much money do you have left?¡± Zalan asked.

    Finnegan nodded to Penelope slightly. It took a second for Zalan to compute.

    ¡°That was the last of all your money?¡± Zalan clarified.

    ¡°For now!¡± Finnegan said quickly.

    ¡°Where did it all go?¡±

    ¡°A tracker¡­ To find my parents,¡± he muttered. ¡°But I suppose, in the end, the swindler was swindled. I paid a fortune for them to be found, only for the tracker to never return.¡±

    ¡°I want to feel bad, but it kinda feels like you deserved it,¡± Zalan teased.

    ¡°I will find work as soon as I can to pay off all my debts!¡± Finnegan said firmly, slamming his hands on the table.

    Zalan smiled, impressed. Zalan, himself, would probably be suffering alone were it not for Rep. And Asher, back in his homeworld. And he felt the need to pay that assistance forward in some way. He picked up his pouch of gold coins and laid it on the table. Finnegan looked at it with interest.

    ¡°You¡¯re done being a thief?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I would rather be dead at the hands of the Mind of Madness,¡± Finnegan said without hesitation.

    Zalan hesitated, looking over his money. Finnegan used to be a con-man. All of this could be a ruse to get him to feel sorry and give him money. But he was down to his last bronze coins. And Penelope wouldn¡¯t be in on any schemes with him. Zalan picked out two gold coins.

    ¡°Here, take these and use them to pay off some of the debt,¡± Zalan slid them toward Finnegan.

    Finnegan stared with wide eyes. He looked up at Zalan, then slid them back, shaking his head.

    ¡°I can not take this. It would not decrease my debt to others at all. I would owe you for your favor,¡± Finnegan said. ¡°The idea is to pay everyone back, not accrue more financial burdens for others.¡±

    Zalan was pleased to hear the answer. He picked the two gold coins up and popped them back in the pouch. Then, he pushed the pouch to Finnegan.

    ¡°Take it all,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Pay everyone else back first, then pay me back.¡±

    Rep dropped his spoon into his bowl and choked on his stew. He was the only person aware of how much money was in the sack of gold coins. Zalan was trying to give away a fortune.

    ¡°No, I can not,¡± Finnegan said, pushing the money back. He was appalled at the suggestion.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± Zalan said, pushing more forcefully.

    ¡°As am I! This would not be fair to you to pay off my bad acts,¡± Finnegan insisted.

    ¡°Finnegan. Listen. Take the money. I¡¯m not taking ¡®no¡¯ for an answer.¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    ¡°And why not?¡± Penelope asked sharply. Zalan and Finnegan turned her way, not expecting her to join the conversation. Arms on her hips, her face the epitome of disappointment.

    ¡°You said you would repay me by whatever means you could. Now that you have the means, you refuse it?¡± she demanded.

    Finnegan winced at her words and looked back at the money pouch. Zalan nodded to him with encouragement. Wringing his hands, Finnegan slowly took a peek inside the pouch. He opened it gently, then his eyes went wide and his jaw dropped open. He leaned in close to Zalan.

    ¡°This is all gold coins!¡± he whispered in a panic, quiet enough for only Zalan to hear.

    ¡°I know,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°This is far too much for a generous offering!¡±

    ¡°Think about it this way. It¡¯s the same debt, but you only have to pay it back to one person. Make sure you make everyone else whole, then you can come back to me and pay me back in installments. Those people need their money back now, but I can wait. I¡¯ll be in Oriton,¡± Zalan suggested.

    Finnegan looked back at the pouch and closed it uncomfortably. He returned to speaking at a volume the others could hear.

    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Finnegan asked, leaning into the idea slightly.

    ¡°Yeah. And you know what, if you hear that I¡¯m gone from this realm when you try to pay me back, then consider the loan forgiven,¡± Zalan added.

    Finnegan nodded slowly, then increased to animated nods. He took Zalan¡¯s hands in his and shook vigorously.

    ¡°I will not let you down! I will pay you back after the others!¡± Finnegan exploded.

    He shoved his hand into the pouch and pulled out two gold coins, rushing to Penelope to give them to her. She tucked them away and nodded to him, the debt seemingly settled between them.

    ¡°Thank you! I will see you in Oriton!¡± Finnegan said, picking up the coins and running out to repay others.

    Rep looked at the door as Penelope shut it behind the young man.

    ¡°That was generous of you,¡± Rep said. ¡°Especially the part about forgiving the debt in the case you pass away.¡±

    ¡°Pass away? No, I was talking about being forgiven if I find a way back home. Like if I¡¯m no longer in the realm,¡± Zalan explained.

    ¡°Oh! I see, I did not think of it that way,¡± Rep said. ¡°Then you are confident you can still discover a way home?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I don¡¯t want him freaking out if I find a way back.¡± Zalan pulled the Homeseeker from his pocket.

    Rep nodded, ready to leave. Penelope looked between the two of them, confused by the exchange of words about Zalan going back home. Zalan activated the Homeseeker, and Rep placed his hands on the Artifact. The two of them turned to Penelope.

    ¡°Thank you for everything,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°We hope to not have been a burden on you,¡± Rep added.

    ¡°You were not a burden, but what are you doing?¡± Penelope asked as they started to glow in a dark shade.

    ¡°We are leaving,¡± Rep answered.

    With that, the Homeseeker warped them away, leaving Penelope shocked and alone in her home in Nightfall.

    Zalan found himself thrown onto his cot in Journey House, Rep on the cot across from him. Zalan was ecstatic to see the sunlight sneaking in through the space beneath the door to the guild. He was back in a land that felt natural to have sun. Nightfall had gone so long without it, the sunlight felt encroaching and artificial.

    Flinching, he suddenly felt something crack in his hand. In shock, he raised the Homeseeker at eye level. Rep saw it and widened his eyes in surprise. The Homeseeker was beginning to break apart. The Artifact had degraded. It had no more uses.

 184 - Book 4 - Chapter 42 - Degraded

    Zalan watched closely as the Homeseeker deteriorated away in his hand, its fleeting life finally having ended. Rep jumped up from his cot and rushed over to Zalan.

    ¡°What do we do?¡± Rep asked, hovering his hands over what was now mostly ash.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, what are we supposed to do?¡± Zalan shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t even know if this was supposed to get me out of here.¡±

    ¡°But Madam Hikma said it would!¡± Rep said urgently.

    ¡°She¡¯s been super vague before, I¡¯m sure this could be one of those things that don¡¯t quite fit,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Plus there could be other Homeseekers out there.¡±

    ¡°What if there are none? What if this is the only one?¡± Rep said urgently.

    There was nothing left of the Homeseeker. It had become nothing more than ash and dust on Zalan¡¯s lap. Rep stared with consternation.

    ¡°Come on, Rep, it¡¯s not that big a deal,¡± Zalan sat up, allowing some of the dust to fall to the floor.

    Rep panicked and began sweeping dust into his hand, collecting all of the remains that he could of the Artifact. He gathered it all in a small pile next to Zalan¡¯s cot. Zalan watched him, amused by his insistence on getting the Artifact back together. It wasn¡¯t until Rep shoved a hand into his pocket that Zalan wondered what he was planning. Rep pulled out a glowing rock of an Artifact. The Reversal Stone.

    ¡°Wait, Rep, wait!¡± Zalan said.

    Rep activated it and touched it to the Homeseeker¡¯s remains. Zalan frowned and shook his head at Rep. Rep turned back, looking embarrassed.

    ¡°This could be the only way for you to return home. I can not allow it to go to waste, if that is the case,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°We could have at least checked with Madam Hikma to see if it¡¯s still possible to go home, first.¡±

    ¡°That could have been too long. The Reversal Stone only turns back time a few minutes.¡±

    Zalan watched, fascinated, to see the Homeseeker be built in reverse. The ashes came back together and formed into a solid piece. The colors and ridges along the side came together and it began to stand on its own. The Reversal Stone cracked and degraded, leaving the newly restored Homeseeker alone as the only Artifact on the floor.

    ¡°Fine. I guess we only have one use left,¡± Zalan said, picking it up and looking it over.

    ¡°We will get you home,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan was going to tell him it would be fine either way. He was growing used to the realm he had been brought to. But he could see the guilt written on Rep¡¯s face. Rep didn¡¯t want Zalan to be stuck in the realm when he brought him in. Even if Zalan claimed he would be fine under the new circumstances, there was a chance that Rep would never be comfortable with the outcome. Zalan simply nodded to Rep.

    Having already been well-rested and well-fed, Rep and Zalan made their way out of the guild and into the streets of Oriton. It was mid-afternoon, and the sun sat high above them. Both Rep and Zalan paused in the glow of the sun, reaching out their arms and taking in as much sunlight as they could. Zalan breathed in deeply. He liked the fresh air of Oriton, with the hint of saltwater air from the sea. Rep began walking to Madam Hikma¡¯s place and Zalan followed closely.

    They stopped a short distance away and exchanged a glance.

    ¡°Why is the line so long?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Rep said.

    The line to Madam Hikma¡¯s building had at least a hundred people standing in front of it, eager to move forward. Zalan had never seen it this long before, even the first time they visited. It was longer than usual then, people gathering to ensure their questions were answered before Madam Hikma left for a few days. But it wasn¡¯t even close to the hundred they saw now. Rep started to make his way to the back, but stopped himself when he saw Zalan approaching the center of the line. He followed closely.

    ¡°Excuse me ma¡¯am,¡± Zalan asked a woman in line. ¡°Is Madam Hikma supposed to be gone soon?¡±

    ¡°Oh Lord, I hope not,¡± she replied. ¡°I have so much to ask her.¡±

    ¡°Then, do you know why the line is so long?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I am unfamiliar with how long the line is supposed to be. I have come from a distance of many cities. There used to be a Flame Elemental residing at the top of a volcano. It is dead. An Elemental! Dead! I wish to ask Madam Hikma what this omen means,¡± she said.

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    Rep and Zalan looked to one another, concerned.

    ¡°That sounds terrible,¡± Rep said. ¡°Thank you for being forthcoming with us.¡±

    The woman nodded and turned back to look if the line had moved. She bounced in place anxiously.

    Rep and Zalan continued their way up the line.

    ¡°Excuse me sir, but would you mind telling me what you¡¯re going to ask Madam Hikma if it¡¯s not too personal?¡± Zalan asked.

    The man sized up Rep and Zalan, his beard hanging low to his chest. He gruffed with uncertainty.

    ¡°You would not believe me if I told you,¡± he mumbled, his voice low.

    ¡°Is it that you saw a dead Elemental?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°How did you know? Did you see one too?¡± the man asked, his eyes wide.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°Both a Nature Elemental and a Flame Elemental.¡±

    ¡°Flame and Nature¡­¡± the man stroked his beard in thought. ¡°The one I saw was a Frost Elemental. I did not know what to think of the sight. I came to ask Madam Hikma whether this was an omen.¡±

    Rep and Zalan continued to the back of the line, occasionally asking others about what they had arrived to do. Almost every single person they asked said they had a matter regarding a dead Elemental. The people thought it was a sign for the end of the realm. An apocalypse of some sort. Elementals were not supposed to die, and witnessing or hearing of their deaths was terrifying the masses. Rep and Zalan finally took a place in line.

    ¡°It looks like the Elemental killings were a lot worse than we thought,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°How is Morloch getting around the realm so quickly as to kill this many Elementals! Do they not put up a fight? It is such a travesty for the wells of power to be stolen from the world,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    He thought about Morloch and the times he had traveled with him. The older man was always shifty or conceited. Zalan felt moronic for not having seen his evil intentions sooner, but knew not to dwell on the feelings. The only thing that mattered was what he did with the information. He wondered about what he could do to change things.

    ¡°Do you think we should try and stop him?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep looked up at him, concerned.

    ¡°The last battle we had with him went terribly,¡± Rep murmured. ¡°We could perish. We also have no idea where he may be.¡±

    ¡°Probably back on Aetheria, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You think he travels to and from Aetheria to kill Elementals?¡±

    ¡°Sure. Especially if it¡¯s high enough to look over all the important places in the realm. It¡¯s probably how he makes it around so fast. He doesn¡¯t have to use any energy when the city does all the work for him. A perfect launch pad,¡± Zalan suggested. ¡°Is it a moving city or does it just stay in one place?¡±

    Rep thought about it, then shook his head.

    ¡°I have no idea how we would verify such a thing,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°Yeah. Maybe we just need to ask Madam Hikma.¡±

    ¡°We need to ask her whether it is still possible to get you home,¡± Rep said firmly.

    ¡°Yeah, but we can ask more than one question.¡±

    ¡°Only if she has not exhausted herself,¡± Rep said, leaning to look at the length of the line.

    Door creaking open, Madam Hikma took a step outside, looking haggardly. Immediately, she was rushed and inundated with a dozen questions at once, but she held up her hand and received silence.

    ¡°Good people, if you are here to ask about the death of Elementals, know that it is true. I do not know what it means. I do not know if it is a sign of something larger. Elementals are dying and that is all I know. If you wish to ask me about something else, I would be honored to hear you out.¡±

    At first, the line was stunned in silence. While she sounded as patient and poised as ever, Madam Hikma had just dismissed over half the crowd of their questions. But after the initial confusion passed, the entire line erupted in loud questions.

    ¡°What do we do!?¡±

    ¡°Have we angered the Elementals! How can we defend ourselves from the creatures?¡±

    ¡°Will it ever end? Can no one challenge them again?¡±

    Madam Hikma closed her eyes, bearing the questions without response, then turned and returned to her building, gesturing for the person at the front of the line to follow. Zalan felt bad that she had the wisdom to try and shorten the line, but not the foresight to see the pandemonium that would follow. It must have been difficult to measure out how the Guidance Gem doled out its power.

    The wait in line took so long that Rep left midway to get them some food. The line never shortened behind them, always growing to maintain its absurdly long length. Zalan could see the serious looks in people¡¯s faces as they exited the building. No one was satisfied by hearing secondhand information from anyone leaving Madam Hikma¡¯s place. They wanted to know as much as they could by asking Madam Hikma directly.

    When the sun had arced across the sky, Rep and Zalan finally found themselves at the front of the line. The shadow of the building stretched out over them. Shoulou¡¯s head poked out of the door. She looked frazzled, the several distraught guests passing their emotions to her through stress osmosis.

    ¡°Next,¡± she said, her voice slightly hoarse. ¡°Oh! It is you.¡±

    ¡°Is it us,¡± Rep stepped forward with a pleasant smile on his face.

    Zalan followed close behind. Sholou squinted at him, then gave him no more attention.

    ¡°Please be courteous with Madam Hikma. She has had a long day, but assures me that she still wants to see more guests. She may work herself to death,¡± Sholou said as she led them within.

    Madam Hikma was sitting in her normal spot at one end of the table, hunched over. Books piled high on either end, and some even spilled over the sides, the floor spotted with additional books. She looked as though she was holding herself up with the weight she placed on the table. She looked older than usual, and Zalan wondered if she had been using her Guidance Gem on overdrive over the past few days. She breathed loudly, even though she sat still.

    ¡°Welcome, Rep and Zalan, please sit,¡± Madam Hikma said, her voice rough. ¡°Whatever you need, I will try to assist.¡±

 185 - Book 4 - Chapter 43 - Answers of Hikma

    Rep and Zalan took their seats across from Madam Hikma. Rep breathed deeply, seeming nervous to Zalan. Zalan was mostly at ease. He could accept whatever kinds of answers he would get. He just hoped that Rep would be equally amicable to whatever Madam Hikma could have to share. Madam Hikma held back a yawn. Zalan wanted to get out before he made her any more tired. He already knew the line behind them would be hours¡¯ worth of questions for her to answer.

    ¡°How are you feeling, Madam Hikma?¡± Rep asked, placing two gold coins on the table as a donation.

    ¡°I am fine, how are you?¡± Madam Hikma replied sweetly, her smile climbing to her eyes.

    ¡°We¡¯re good,¡± Zalan replied. ¡°I¡¯m ready to accept. I think. That was what you said that I had to do when I first asked for a way back home, right? I need to accept? Is that supposed to mean that I need to accept that I¡¯m stuck in this realm or a different acceptance?¡±

    Madam Hikma looked excited for a moment, true energy fueling her body. She sat up straighter and regarded Zalan with enthusiasm.

    ¡°Good! Excellent! I am happy for you, Zalan,¡± she said sincerely.

    ¡°Thanks¡­ It wasn¡¯t easy,¡± Zalan admitted.

    ¡°I am sure. I am sorry about your mother,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Tears welled up from nowhere, stinging in the back of Zalan¡¯s eyes. He nodded to her, accepting her condolences silently. Rep turned and realized that Zalan wasn¡¯t going to continue speaking when he wiped his eyes.

    ¡°We were wondering if there was still a means for Zalan to go back home,¡± Rep said. ¡°With the Homeseeker or otherwise.¡±

    ¡°It is nice to hear a question that does not involve Elementals that are no longer living,¡± Madam Hikma mentioned to Sholou. Sholou nodded in agreement.

    Madam Hikma scanned Zalan with her Artifact-infused eye. She nodded slowly, her lips curved upward. Then, her smile waned and she seemed a little appalled by what she saw.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I see a new Artifact on your person. One you earned from the Mind of Madness,¡± Madam Hikma said cautiously. ¡°May I see it?¡±

    Zalan nodded, pulled the Artifact from his pocket, and placed it on the table. The small black eyeball with a red pupil rolled slightly on the wood, then came to a halt. Zalan noticed that Madam Hikma leaned away from it. He and Rep waited for her to speak. She continued to stare at it, her eyes narrowing the more she focused.

    ¡°That Artifact is the Oculus of Annihilation,¡± Madam Hikma declared. ¡°A very powerful Artifact.¡±

    Rep leaned forward, nodding for more information. Madam Hikma shook her head slightly.

    ¡°I am concerned that Zalan will intend to use it once he knows what it does,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    ¡°Well, I definitely wouldn¡¯t use it without knowing what it does,¡± Zalan joked, trying to bring some levity.

    Madam Hikma did not smile. It made Zalan feel more concerned about the Artifact.

    ¡°Madam Hikma, please,¡± Rep said.

    Madam Hikma sighed and nodded.

    ¡°The Oculus of Annihilation can be used to destroy anything on any living thing. But it destroys something belonging to both the user and its target. The user will lose the same thing they intend to destroy,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Zalan thought about it for a few seconds.

    ¡°So, like, I can use it to take off someone¡¯s arm, but I¡¯d have to lose my own?¡± Zalan asked, rubbing his forearm lightly.

    ¡°Precisely,¡± Madam Hikma nodded. ¡°An arm for an arm¡­ Or a life for a life.¡±

    The words hung in the air for a second. Rep looked over at Zalan, an intensity in his eyes.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan asked

    ¡°How do you intend to use it?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just learned how it works!¡±

    Rep eyed him, then turned back to Madam Hikma. Madam Hikma continued to stare at the Oculus of Annihilation. Slowly, Zalan reached out and picked it up. He tucked it away in his pocket, Madam Hikma watching closely as he did so.

    ¡°What about the other matter of getting Zalan home?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Well, I have seen something that may facilitate that, but after what I have learned, I believe it is an impossible feat,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Rep was at the edge of his seat, scooting forward even further. Zalan could see the eagerness in every inch of his posture.

    ¡°Anything! We must know all the avenues!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°It requires you to use the Homeseeker, but with additions to enhance the Artifact,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Zalan raised his eyebrows in surprise. He pulled out the Homeseeker to get a better look at it.

    ¡°The way home still needs me to use the Homeseeker?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°And what kind of enhancement must be done to the Artifact?¡± Rep followed up.

    ¡°There are slots on the side of the Homeseeker. Small slits that look no larger than a coin¡¯s width. You must insert a Ring of Range into each slot. It will increase the range that it considers when sending users back home. Most users never need it to search beyond the realm, but Zalan requires much enhancement. You will require six different Rings of Range to reach your destination. But I am afraid that is impossible. A single Ring of Range is rare enough. Six would be a one-in-a-lifetime find,¡± Madam Hikma said sadly.

    Zalan frowned in consternation. Rep looked at him expectantly, an excited look in his eyes.

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    ¡°We have seen more than that in one place before!¡± Rep said, excited.

    ¡°Really? Where? Castle Docrun or something?¡± Zalan looked up in thought.

    ¡°No! Morloch wore eight on his hands!¡± Rep answered, wiggling his fingers.

    ¡°Oh, yeah, I totally forgot about that.¡± Zalan smiled.

    ¡°Morloch the Manipulator?¡± Sholou gasped suddenly.

    ¡°Yeah, that guy.¡±

    ¡°He is a powerful one. More powerful than anyone alive. Something written out of a legend. He has gone on a killing spree, killing all Elementals that the people are aware of,¡± Madam Hikma informed them.

    ¡°Yes, we are aware,¡± Rep nodded.

    Madam Hikma and Sholou shot one another a confused glance.

    ¡°You are?¡± Madam Hikma asked.

    ¡°We talked to some people outside,¡± Zalan said. ¡°Plus we know how strong he is since we fought him before.¡±

    ¡°He has only become more powerful,¡± Madam Hikma said gravely.

    ¡°So, all we have to do is get his rings and I have a way back home?¡± Zalan asked, ignoring her somber tone.

    ¡°We tried to defeat him once before,¡± Rep reminded him.

    ¡°Yeah, but I thought about that. Last time Madam Hikma gave us advice about it, she said that we would be able to overcome him so long as I fought him with my friends. I only fought with one friend. I just gotta make another friend and we can take him on,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Finnegan?¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Nah, he¡¯s more of an acquaintance.¡±

    ¡°What do you think of Gorb?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Gorb¡¯s a good pick. But I think he¡¯s retired,¡± Zalan said thoughtfully. He turned to Madam Hikma. ¡°Anything you can tell us about Morloch, specifically? Do you know what Level he is? Any of his stats?¡±

    ¡°I do not. I know that he will be found in Aetheria. And I have seen something new since we last spoke¡­ If Zalan fights him again, you will both lose everything,¡± Madam Hikma said sagely, bowing her head sadly.

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another in thought.

    ¡°It sounds vague enough that it might work out for us.¡± Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°Yes, perhaps she means you will lose all every hair on your head,¡± Rep nodded.

    ¡°Or all our money. Do you think Morloch has more gold than us?¡±

    ¡°I am doubtful. Perhaps you will both lose your lack of foresight! That seems to come up in everything you do,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan began to laugh and Rep sat back in his chair, satisfied with himself.

    Madam Hikma stared in wonder at the two of them. She hadn¡¯t realized how much these two men had grown when they weren¡¯t in her presence. They were ready to take on Morloch, the same man who betrayed them and showed them his immense power. It was a complete turnaround from the last time they spoke.

    ¡°You two are very calm about this dire situation,¡± Madam Hikma said, curious.

    ¡°I mean, maybe we are,¡± Zalan reflected. ¡°But, it helps when I think about the last time you told me we were going up against him. You said we could succeed. Well, when you related the Guidance Gem you said it¡ªand I quote¡ª¡®offers nothing but certainty on this matter.¡¯ So long as I take him on with friends.¡±

    Rep smiled to himself. He didn¡¯t think Zalan had registered Madam Hikma¡¯s words on their last visit on account of his mental state.

    ¡°And now we know that he¡¯s on Aetheria for sure,¡± Zalan continued. He blinked in thought and turned back to Madam Hikma. ¡°How do we get to Aetheria?¡±

    ¡°I do not know, but you are welcome to have all the books in my library that speak of the city in the sky.¡± Madam Hikma nodded to Sholou.

    Sholou quickly rushed to the tall bookshelves behind her and placed two thin books in front of Rep, then curtsied and rushed back to Madam Hikma¡¯s end of the table.

    ¡°Not much information, it seems.¡± Rep picked up the narrow books.

    ¡°Not many people believe the city exists,¡± Madam Hikma replied.

    Rep nodded in thanks and took the books into his lap. He looked to Zalan, checking to see if he was ready to leave yet. Zalan had his lips pursed in thought. He looked up to Madam Hikma, opened his mouth, then tilted his head as he tried to figure out how to ask his question.

    ¡°Madam Hikma, did you know about what I was going through this whole time? From the beginning?¡± Zalan asked.

    Madam Hikma nodded stoically.

    ¡°I apologize, Zalan. But you would not have believed me if I first told you what the Monsters of the Mindscape were. You hardly believed you were in a new world. You had to go through the process. With your friends,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Zalan ran a hand through his hair, uncomfortable.

    ¡°It might have saved me a lot of pain to know a little more,¡± Zalan said, feeling a little betrayed and vulnerable. ¡°I made friends who passed away on journeys they went on to help me. That didn¡¯t need to happen. You led me straight to Morloch, too.¡±

    ¡°Those would have gone on adventures regardless, and they may have died regardless,¡± Madam Hikma said. ¡°They had their own reasons to go. Just because you were involved does not make anything your fault.¡±

    ¡°But it might have been yours,¡± Zalan grumbled.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± Rep said, offended.

    ¡°No, do not reprimand him. He speaks true,¡± Madam Hikma said. ¡°I made a judgment, and I very well may have been wrong. Zalan is right to question me. The Guidance Gem is not infallible, nor is it an easy answer for questions of the world. I have had problems of my own ever since I saw my age catching up with my usage of the Guidance Gem. I know I am not long for this world.¡±

    ¡°Do not say that, Madam Hikma,¡± Sholou said sweetly.

    ¡°The world does not pretend that any one problem matters more than all our other problems. We are forced to deal with everything at once. And I must face my mortality, even as I try to solve others¡¯ worries. Whether he is right or wrong, I am still dying. So, Zalan, I apologize to you. Sincerely. It¡¯s true that you may have fared better if I was more forthcoming about my uncertainties. I tried my best, but I may still have been in the wrong,¡± Madam Hikma said with grace.

    ¡°Your apology means a lot,¡± Zalan said sincerely. ¡°I don¡¯t think you did anything wrong. But it¡¯s nice to know that not everything was as set in stone as I originally thought.¡±

    ¡°Then, if it would not be a burden to you, can you grant a dying woman one last favor?¡± Madam Hikma asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± both Rep and Zalan replied simultaneously.

    ¡°Morloch has set the balance of the realm askew. The Beasts of Slumber¡­ I sense they will wake soon. Can you stop his killings of the Elementals? The people tell me the Elementals have stopped appearing entirely, perhaps afraid that Morloch would be there to end their lives. I think it would ease me greatly to know he had no more power over the people who want to seek Elemental Power,¡± Madam Hikma said.

    Zalan stopped to consider a moment. Madam Hikma was wise enough to know that his intentions lay at defeating Morloch at this point. The reason she was asking the favor was because it was a lot more dangerous than he thought. It was likely that Madam Hikma believed that he or his friends could die in the battle against Morloch. She said that if Zalan fought him, it was likely he would lose everything. Did that mean his friends? Or maybe everything he held dear at home? He might be trapped in the realm. Zalan had to think before answering. Rep watched him closely. Zalan met her gaze with steely focus.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll do everything in my power to stop Morloch. Even if it kills me,¡± Zalan promised confidently.

    Zalan was surprised to see Sholou smile gratefully at his words. She may have come to be able to forgive some of the aggression he expressed toward her. He was still ashamed of his past, and wondered if she could ever find herself comfortable around him again.

    Rep also smiled, seeming pleased at the response. Zalan wasn¡¯t certain why. It could have been because Rep was pleased that Zalan would be going to the place that could get him home. But it also could have been because Zalan was willing to sacrifice himself for the good of others. Rep would have been proud to see him come to that conclusion after his selfish and flippant beginnings in the realm.

    ¡°I join him in the promise,¡± Rep said to Madam Hikma. ¡°We will work together to stop Morloch. Elementals will be free to give challenges once more. The realm will be able to recover.¡±

    ¡°Thank you both,¡± Madam Hikma said sincerely. ¡°God be with you.¡±

    With that, Rep and Zalan stood to leave. Zalan had the sudden sensation that it was possibly the last time he would be in Madam Hikma¡¯s presence. She was old and weakening. Tears welled up in his eyes once more. He already knew he would miss her and her kindness. She was the closest reminder he had to his own mother in this realm. He felt his mom¡¯s presence as he left the wonderful, aging woman.

    ¡°Thank you for everything,¡± Zalan said, wiping a tear from his eyes.

    Madam Hikma smiled and nodded in return. Rep and Zalan left, preparing themselves to find the city in the sky and stop the calamity killing all power in the world.

 Book 4 - Afterword

    Another book, another afterword. 4 books down, one to go! Hey, thanks for being here and reading this far. Really, I appreciate you.

    Thanks for reading The Homeseeker Book 4: The Depths of Despair. If I were to describe the feeling surrounding this book, I would call it ¡°cathartic.¡± Both for me reaching plot points I wanted to get to from day one and for Zalan finally overcoming it all.

    Four books with no delays! Looking like we¡¯re gonna finish strong! As always, thank you for the response to each and every chapter. Comments, reviews, criticisms even as simple as liking a post enhances the author experience, even if it feels trivial. Every single one of your comments means so much to me. I read them all, even if I don¡¯t respond to them. And remember that I¡¯ve got a Discord</a> with some fun theory crafters.

    Below here will be filled with Book 4 spoilers, so you better not have jumped to this chapter on a whim.

    For some (very dumb?) reason, I originally outlined this where Rep and Zalan would immediately be told by Hikma to go to the Depths of Despair and all the stuff with Morloch killing Elementals would be ¡°whispers in the background¡± of the story. Not even a Gorb cameo! But when I sat down to write it, it turns out it''s way more interesting to actually see the creatures that can¡¯t be killed die. There was a bit of tension issues since they started to rely on the Homeseeker to escape Morloch twice now, but I needed to make sure we saw the reason why Zalan was forced to go to such an awful place. It would have felt really weird to ignore the plot point in book 1 where Rep claims there¡¯s an Elemental that¡¯s super easy to get power from.

    Nightfall was originally called ¡°Everdark.¡± And then I read about ¡°Neverwinter¡± in DnD and thought ¡°that¡¯s way too close, I should rename it. But looking back, ¡°Everdark¡± reads like a way better name for a city to me. Not that it bothers me enough to go back and change, but its weird how my opinions on names can shift.

    The Oculus of Annihilation was originally called ¡°The Eye of Mutual Destruction¡± to literally be an artifact to manifest the idea of ¡°An eye for an eye.¡± But that was way too boring. I wanted something highfalutin for this thing, it can basically kill anything!

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    The Five Stages of Grief was planned from the very beginning. A five-book series following someone going through the five stages of grief. But it wasn¡¯t necessarily about Zalan being in denial about his mother¡¯s death, it was always intended to be a parallel to his emotions to the realm. In Book 1 - A Rejection of Reality, he rejects the reality that he¡¯s in a new world. Book two Elements of Rage, he¡¯s angry about the fact he¡¯s stuck in this realm, feeling overwhelmed and focusing all his rage on Madam Hikma, then Slauson. Bargain With Fate is supposed to be Zalan making whatever deals he can to get out of the realm, whether with monsters, Ma, or Morloch. And Depths of Despair he¡¯s at his lowest, basically giving up. Which means it¡¯s all up from here, hence Book 5 being Ascendance and Acceptance. I hope the whole five-stages, five-books business doesn¡¯t come off as too pretentious, this was mostly a bit of fun to put together.

    As a very ahead of time reminder, this series will eventually be edited and released on Amazon as a physical copy and ebook. (Edits are underway!) And yes, this series will eventually be made into an Audiobook on Audible. That¡¯ll take some time though, so no stubbing yet.

    Thank you very much for reading and I hope you all continue into The Homeseeker Book 5: Ascendance and Acceptance. Rise to the end! Previous characters will be returning!

    If you¡¯re really enjoying my work, consider supporting me on Patreon.</a> Sincerely, nothing is more motivating than having backers offering consistent support. You can get up to 10 Advanced Chapters. Yes, by the time this post goes up, Patreon is already a few chapters into Book 5.

    I also want to add a sincere thanks for the ratings and reviews. Last time I wrote an afterword, I asked for honest ratings/reviews and I got some! Thank you, seriously. It helps so much. Consider updating an existing review or leaving a rating if you haven¡¯t already. Makes a huge difference for me as an author.

    That¡¯s all! Thanks! Still taking the next few days off, then book 5 starts. See you soon!

    N.T. Lazer

 186 - Book 5 - Chapter 01 - Proposition

    Rep and Zalan strode back to the Journey House guild, carrying two small books between them. Zalan looked around Oriton with completely new eyes. The wooden buildings looked more vibrant, and the smell of the sea was a fragrant aroma, like constant perfume. The sun shined brightly down on him and he couldn¡¯t help but look up with glee. He didn¡¯t think he would ever feel happy just to simply be alive. Opening his arms, he basked in the warmth of the sun¡¯s glow.

    ¡°Do you have a sun in your world?¡± Rep asked, pleased by Zalan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s pretty much the same as this one. It¡¯s warm. Rises and sets and stuff. Why?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I am trying to think of what you will do once you are back home,¡± Rep admitted.

    ¡°Get out of the house, for sure. Been a while since I did that. I¡¯ll talk with my family again. I¡¯d been ignoring my aunts, uncles and cousins for a while before I showed up here. What about you? What are you gonna do once I¡¯m back home? I mean, assuming I can still go home after ¡®losing everything¡¯ like Madam Hikma said.¡±

    Rep¡¯s face went deep in consternation. Madam Hikma had told Zalan that to face Morloch in battle would mean to ¡°lose everything.¡± Earlier, Rep and Zalan treated it like it wasn¡¯t such a big deal.

    Now Zalan sensed more hesitation from his friend. He didn¡¯t think it was that difficult of a question before the worry lines appeared on Rep¡¯s face.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan nudged him.

    ¡°I apologize. I heard your question, but I do not know what I will do when some matters have yet to be determined.¡±

    ¡°Okay. A little vague. You wanna elaborate a little for me?¡±

    ¡°Junill did not send any news to me at the guild. I do not know what her response has been to my proposal,¡± Rep mumbled.

    ¡°Oh! Right. I¡¯m sorry man, I totally forgot about that. You wanna¡­ Go talk to her before we get into the books?¡± Zalan asked, holding up one of the thin books containing information about Aetheria.

    ¡°I do not know.¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re afraid of what her answer will be?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Zalan went silent in thought. He had never had his heart broken, but could already see the toil the question alone had on Rep. He wished there was some easy way to help him. Tapping his fingers on the book, he juggled ideas in his head.

    ¡°What if I go talk to her on my own? Make it out to be that I¡¯m going to get you a replacement sword since yours got lost in the Depths of Despair,¡± Zalan suggested.

    ¡°That is it! I can go ask her about getting a new sword!¡± Rep said, delight on his face.

    ¡°Umm, sure,¡± Zalan agreed, slightly confused.

    It took him a few seconds to realize that Rep felt he needed an excuse to speak to her. The memory of needing another sword was buried under his fears about her response. Rep picked up the pace, rushing toward Junill¡¯s forge, then stopping himself so abruptly that Zalan ran into him.

    ¡°What, did you get nervous?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I have no money for a sword. I spent most of it on my initial proposal and the rest was used for payment in Nightfall,¡± Rep said nervously.

    ¡°No problem, you can borrow some of my¡­¡± Zalan felt at his pocket and realized it was empty of funds. All he carried was two Artifacts, the Homeseeker and the Oculus of Annihilation. ¡°Oh, right, I gave all my money to Finnegan.¡±

    ¡°We are doomed,¡± Rep gasped.

    ¡°Calm down. We have money back in the guild, remember? We can go talk to her, order a sword, then get the money and come back to pay for it,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Why would we not go to get the money first?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll lose your nerve.¡±

    Rep stared at Zalan, a slight narrowing in his eyes. Sighing, he nodded in agreement. Briskly moving forward, Rep continued his way to Junill¡¯s forge. Zalan watched Rep¡¯s hands fidget as they made it to the front of the door, the song of metal against metal playing from within.

    ¡°You wanna go alone like last time?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Zalan nodded and placed a hand on Rep¡¯s shoulder. Giving Zalan a queasy smile, Rep showed what appreciation he could. He led the way in, pushing through the door and walking through the blast of heat contained within the forge.

    Junill looked up from a sword she was working on, her eyes going wide and her lips parting slightly. Just behind her was a strong, older man with a scruffy, burned beard. Immediately, he twisted to Rep and Zalan as they entered, analyzing them with a piercing gaze. Rep went stiff, standing completely straight and his face going pale. Zalan looked between the three people, trying to piece together the puzzle.

    ¡°Valens?¡± Rep said, staring at the man.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Junill asked.

    ¡°That is him? I remember him,¡± the tall man said, muscle-laden arms folding over his chest.

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    ¡°Yes, father,¡± Junill said, her eyes downcast.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Zalan said, puzzle pieces fitting together.

    In three swift stomps, Junill¡¯s father closed the distance between the forge and the counter, looking down on Rep. Rummaging under the counter for a second, he dumped a small pile of gold on the wood, glaring all the while. Rep remained frozen, and Junill looked as though she wouldn¡¯t move either, her face a warm red.

    ¡°You there!¡± Valens pointed at Zalan. ¡°How does a man ask for a woman¡¯s hand?¡±

    Zalan¡¯s face leaned back an inch, attacked by the question. It took several seconds for him to come up with a reply.

    ¡°I uhhh¡­ I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m not really from around here,¡± Zalan replied.

    Valens grunted, his beard shifting into a frown.

    ¡°I suppose I should not expect more if you are a close friend of Rep.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Zalan asked, offended.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Valens addressed Rep, pointing to the pile of gold coins in front of him.

    ¡°A dower,¡± Rep answered, his voice shaky.

    ¡°A hefty one at that.¡± Valens tapped it lightly. ¡°One that would certainly be accepted by a more greed-fueled family. But you did everything wrong!¡±

    ¡°Father,¡± Junill said, warning in her tone.

    ¡°I am being cordial!¡± Valens snapped back at her. ¡°Just because I sound stern does not make me less genuine!¡±

    Zalan could barely keep up, trying to figure out what Rep had done wrong. Valens turned back to Rep, exhaling through his nose and regaining his composure.

    ¡°Tell me, Rep. A marriage joins two things together. What are these things?¡± Valens asked sternly.

    ¡°Families,¡± Rep answered confidently.

    ¡°Good,¡± Valens¡¯s face softened a smidge, his frown decreasing. ¡°You have some sense. But if a marriage is to merge families, why would you avoid her family when attempting to court her?¡±

    Rep said nothing, his face beet red.

    ¡°I remember when we first met, you know,¡± Valens mused. ¡°You wanted your first sword. I sent you to my daughter, as she was just starting her work in the forge and needed good customers. I never suspected it would lead to this, but I can not say I am surprised. Junill is a good young woman, there is no shame in her having good men for suitors.¡±

    Rep raised his head slightly, a hint of hope glistening in his eyes.

    ¡°Valens. Sir. Would you give me the honor of wedding your daughter?¡± Rep asked.

    Zalan glanced at Junill toward the back of the forge. Her face was pointed to the ground, her cheeks a cherry red. But she was clearly holding back a smile.

    ¡°Now you are asking the right questions,¡± Valens said. ¡°Junill, dear, come here.¡±

    Junill approached nervously. Neither Rep nor Junill looked at one another when she reached the counter.

    ¡°It is not fitting for me to contemplate if you have already made a decision against it. Are you at all interested?¡± Valens said.

    ¡°I am not opposed, Father. But I can not say I am entirely certain at this time,¡± Junill mumbled.

    Rep grew a long, stretched smile across his face. It was the most confirmation he had received and it imbued him with hope. Valens raised an eyebrow at him and Rep¡¯s face went taut, his expression escaping to return to embarrassment. Zalan didn¡¯t know what he was supposed to do and stood by, tapping his fingers lightly on the book he held.

    ¡°He has good money. That is good for a man to take care of you,¡± Valens pointed out. ¡°What kind of work do you do?¡±

    Junill¡¯s face closed tightly.

    ¡°I am in Journey House,¡± Rep responded.

    ¡°I know.¡± Valens immediately looked disappointed. ¡°But is there any other work? Would you be willing to leave the guild?¡±

    Zalan blinked, surprised at the question.

    ¡°Why?¡± Rep asked, reflecting Zalan¡¯s surprise.

    ¡°I want a man that can take care of Junill. Those of Journey House are often gone. And you adventurer types often¡­ To be frank, they die. You seem to enjoy battling all manner of monsters, getting lost on remote islands, or disappearing in hitherto unheard dungeons. One day you are the strongest man in town, the next you are lost, without notice to your family. If you join the walls as part of its guards, I could be amenable to the union,¡± Valens expressed.

    Rep¡¯s eyes went wide with shock. Zalan tried to read Junill¡¯s expression, and could see she nodded slightly. She seemed to agree with her father¡¯s assessment.

    ¡°Rep can take care of himself,¡± Zalan inserted himself, then attempted to embellish his battle qualities. ¡°He killed the Mind of Madness!¡±

    ¡°You did?¡± Junill asked, looking immensely impressed.

    ¡°I could not have done it without Zalan,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°And I couldn¡¯t have done it without Rep, either!¡± Zalan added.

    ¡°But this is exactly my point!¡± Valens said. ¡°You did battle with the Mind of Madness! What kind of madman would go out in search of such a monster? I question your sincerity to Junill when there are glorious battles that may be calling to you.¡±

    ¡°I am sincere!¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Then you will leave the guild?¡±

    Rep went silent, searching the ground for answers.

    ¡°I think we have our answer,¡± Valens said, placing a comforting arm on Junill¡¯s shoulder.

    Junill looked to the floor, clearly disappointed.

    ¡°Can I at least have time to think about it?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Indeed, but take this in the meantime,¡± Valens gathered the fortune of gold coins into a bag. ¡°It is not befitting for me to take your money. Another, more eligible suitor may ask for her hand.¡±

    Rep bit his lip. Looking humiliated, he bowed his head in thanks, snatched the gold in such haste that a dozen pieces remained behind and bolted out. Zalan looked at the door as it closed, then back at the remaining money.

    ¡°Uhhh, he needs a sword too,¡± Zalan said awkwardly.

    ¡°He lost another of my weapons?¡± Junill asked, interested.

    ¡°Yeah, to the Depths of Despair,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°At least he never gives them away to monsters,¡± Junill said, turning to search for a new weapon.

    ¡°What an absurd thing to say,¡± Valens said. ¡°What kind of maniac would give a weapon to a monster?¡±

    Zalan scratched his head uncomfortably as Junill turned around, a knowing smile on her face. Junill presented him with a sword, which Zalan paid for with one of Rep¡¯s gold coins before pocketing the remaining of money. Zalan took a step to the door, then turned back to Valens and Junill.

    ¡°I hope you change your mind about Rep. He¡¯s a really good guy. Probably the only reason I¡¯m alive today is thanks to him. And I know he loves adventuring beyond Oriton. There¡¯s probably a compromise you could work out instead of making him leave the guild,¡± Zalan expressed.

    ¡°I just do not know him well enough to be certain,¡± Junill said, frowning. ¡°I only know his character through his interactions in this forge. Nowhere near the full picture of a man he may be. And he often goes out to the most dangerous places in the world. I do not know how reckless he is.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s anything but reckless,¡± Zalan assured them.

    ¡°It is good to know he has loyal friends who speak kindly behind his back.¡± Valens granted Zalan a smile. ¡°Perhaps we can be convinced by the right person. But right now, I will stick to the requirements I have laid out.¡±

    Zalan tried to think of something more, but ended up thinking that he didn¡¯t want to make things any worse somehow. He waved his thanks and left the building.

 187 - Book 5 - Chapter 02 - Reading

    Zalan quickly ran to catch up with Rep who was moving to the guild with his head down. His eyes were glued to the ground, and he was nibbling away at his lower lip anxiously. Zalan tried to think of supportive words to say, but wasn¡¯t sure if he would accidentally offend Rep. He had grown more socially conscious in his time in the realm, and could tell when his words might strike into hearts more than he wanted.

    ¡°I got you a new sword,¡± Zalan said casually, handing out both Rep¡¯s sword and his money.

    Rep grabbed both items, storing his money in his pockets and sword in his sheath.

    ¡°You have my thanks,¡± Rep grumbled.

    They continued to pace toward the guild in silence.

    Feeling awkward, Zalan tried to open the conversation. ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡±

    ¡°All this time I thought that a strong man would be enough to get a good woman. I grew several Levels, defeated legendary monsters, and even made myself a fortune along the way. Yet I am still not enough. I must change my nature to match hers,¡± Rep said, sounding disappointed in himself.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t make it sound that way. Junill and Valens just need some time to think about it, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°They have had plenty of time. That is why they gave me such a harsh ultimatum. It was a measure of my loyalty to Junill. But how can I abandon my guild and still call myself loyal?¡±

    ¡°I mean¡­ Do you really want to still be part of the guild after all this?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Rep considered. ¡°But if I were to leave, I would want to do so on my own terms, not as part of an agreement for marriage. Journey House took me in when my parents passed away to illness. I do not take that lightly.¡±

    Zalan opened the door to the guild, leading the way inside. Heads picked up beds, glancing at the two entering. Epanor and Heron were laid back, looking tired.

    ¡°Zalan. Rep,¡± Heron acknowledged, stifling a yawn. ¡°How are the two of you?¡±

    Rep said nothing, his face inscrutable. Zalan cleared his throat.

    ¡°We¡¯re doing pretty well, just came back from the Depths of Despair,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Back from the Depths of Despair and you are doing well?¡± Heron asked, picking himself up from bed with interest. ¡°What Levels are you at now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m at Level 10, and Rep Level 8,¡± Zalan answered.

    ¡°Level 10!¡± Heron laughed, excited. ¡°You will have a much harder time gaining Experience from now on. What was a trickle of Experience before will be almost nothing now! I am Level 14 now, and struggling to see any more increases. Epanor is Level 9, so he will soon know the struggle.¡±

    ¡°How did you outstrip me in Levels?¡± Epanor asked, leaning on his side and looking somewhat annoyed.

    ¡°We killed the Mind of Madness,¡± Zalan admitted.

    Heron pumped a fist in the air where Epanor looked distraught at having fallen behind.

    ¡°That is why I had no qualms with having you join the guild! What a kill! The Mind of Madness!¡± Heron said.

    ¡°You had plenty of qualms, Heron,¡± Zalan reminded him.

    ¡°Ah, do not get stuck in the past,¡± Heron said, laying back down on the bed. ¡°Epanor, Liv and I have just returned from a long journey to kill a Leviathan. And there was a whole slew of Grimfangs on our way back, acting as a single unit for some reason. The realm has become significantly more dangerous in the past few days. We still have not had a wink of sleep, so keep quiet if you do not mind.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Zalan said, realizing he had carried the entire conversation while Rep stood, completely zoned out.

    Making his way to the table in the center of the main room, Zalan placed his book on Aetheria in the center. He waited for Rep to do the same with the book he carried, but he seemed to be lost in thought, his eyes focused on a random point in space. Zalan cleared his throat.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start reading this one, and you can read that one,¡± Zalan offered.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Rep said monotonously, his gaze unfocused.

    Zalan nodded, understanding that Rep needed some time with his thoughts. He popped open his book and ran his finger down the first page. Frowning, he found the first page of preamble to be very lacking. Sparse, at best. It spoke of legends and tall tales that revolved around the concept of Aetheria. Like the sky was carried along the back of the city. Or that it simply one day rose out of the ground, without any reason. The old residents of the city had no choice but to accept their new way of life, given that there was no way back to the ground.

    Flipping through pages, Zalan found it more like a collection of anecdotes and theories than anything resembling academia. The author¡¯s best guesses as to why the city might still exist to that day and why finding it might advance civilization. Skimming through some of the more outlandish things, like Aetheria controlling all weather in the realm, Zalan landed on an intricately drawn image on the last page.

    Aetheria was a sprawling city with several tall buildings in the center, and farmland at the edges. It was difficult to discern from the illustration, but it seemed the city became more decrepit the closer to the center of the island in the sky. A bed of clouds carried the entire city on its back, like a raft carrying it through air currents. Behind the city was a massive image of the sun looking down over it, as though the sun were a constant backdrop to the city.

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Zalan studied the picture for several minutes, tracing over the image with his eyes and fingers. He wanted to know more about the person who drew it, and whether it was based in fact or just more legends. He peered closely at the sun, wondering what role it might play in the city being in the sky. He pursed his lips in confusion, shaking his head when not coming up with anything plausible. Completing the book, he felt just as lost as he did before opening it.

    Glancing up, Zalan saw that Rep was still giving a wall the thousand yard stare. He was far more zoned out than Zalan had ever seen him before. Junill must have meant a lot more to him than Zalan realized. It made sense, considering he wanted to marry her. It must have been difficult to wrestle with his time as an adventurer.

    ¡°Rep?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Hmmm?¡± Rep¡¯s eyes met his.

    ¡°I finished with this one. Wanna trade?¡±

    ¡°Mmm.¡± Rep nodded and placed his small tome on the table.

    Zalan swapped the two books on the table and opened the other to begin reading. He raised an eyebrow at Rep, wondering if he would be able to help him think this investigation through. Rep however, looked to be in a world of his own, not even acknowledging the new book before him. Returning his focus, Zalan began scanning the second read.

    The second book contained a somewhat more believable story to Zalan. It explained that Aetheria was made as a result of an Elemental Challenge. Apparently a Dark Elemental, the one that granted the most difficult challenges, sent the city into the clouds, telling the challenger to bring it back to the ground. The author noted that this was speculation, as no one had witnessed the land being lifted into the sky outside of those living there. If the story were true, the city would have used to sit where the Elemental Rage Tournament currently took place. Zalan blinked as he realized that the canyon in the earth was Elemental-made. It made some amount of sense considering there was no river in the area, cutting through it.

    The book went on to conclude that the only people who would truly know about Aetheria and how to locate the city were its current inhabitants, if they existed, or the Dark Elemental that gave the challenge. Scrunching his face, Zalan wondered if it was even possible to ask an Elemental for information. The Bright Elemental he got his Elemental Light from seemed to be a little more forthcoming, asking him to save other Elementals from extinction. Maybe if they found a Dark Elemental, they would find a way to the city in the sky.

    Leaning back in the chair, Zalan sighed and plopped the book to the table, feeling mildly disappointed. He knew it was a longshot for the books to have a quick solution to a city that was considered legend, but he still wished there was some hint he could dig further into. Hearing the book hit the wood, Rep blinked and looked at Zalan, acknowledging him.

    ¡°I apologize, I have not read a page,¡± Rep admitted, expressing what Zalan already knew. ¡°Did you find anything useful?¡±

    ¡°The first book has a drawing of the city, if it can be trusted.¡± Zalan pointed.

    ¡°A drawing!¡± Rep repeated, somewhat enthused.

    Zalan realized that Rep was excited to have an excuse not to have to read at his slow speed.  Whatever the reason, Zalan was glad Rep was part of the conversation.

    Rep threw the page open and leaned over the illustration. Zalan joined him, trying to search for anything notable in the scene. The large sun sitting in the back felt like it should mean something significant. Zalan scratched his head, tilting it to one side. Rep frowned, shaking his head to himself.

    ¡°I do not see anything particularly special,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°I get it!¡± Zalan jumped up suddenly. ¡°The city doesn¡¯t stay in place! It¡¯s moving across the sky like an airplane! That¡¯s why no one knows exactly where it is!¡±

    Heron shifted in his cot and Zalan and Rep went into a low whisper.

    ¡°An airplane?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Like a big bird.¡±

    ¡°Very well. Does this make it any easier to locate the city? If it is always in motion, then I would assume people of the realm would have seen it by now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s a legend, right? Because people saw glimpses of it and thought it was a city. But then when they looked back up or tried to let someone else see, it was already gone!¡± Zalan said, feeling more confident by the word.

    ¡°I do not see how that would make sense. One would only need to keep his eyes on the sky and point for others to see. The proof would be quite clear to see. A giant unexplainable form above others,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°Unless¡­¡± Zalan stabbed a finger into the drawing, a smile across his face. ¡°The city was always moving in a way that would put the sun behind it! Then no one could look at the city because it would be too bright. It just needs to be high enough and people wouldn¡¯t notice the little dot in front of the sun!¡±

    ¡°You think the city moves at a rate to always stay in front of the sun?¡± Rep asked skeptically.

    ¡°Yeah! It¡¯s gotta make sense! You didn¡¯t trust me when I read about the Storm Elemental before, I think I¡¯m right about this too!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I just think we need to find more proof,¡± Rep said skeptically.

    ¡°I can get you proof right now!¡± Zalan bolted to the exit.

    Rep stayed seated as Zalan rushed out the door, threw it open, then looked straight up, staring directly into the sun. Rep¡¯s face turned into scrunched confusion.

    ¡°What about its shadow? Would people not have seen a large city¡¯s shadow by now?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Quiet, let me concentrate!¡± Zalan said eagerly.

    Rep shrugged and nodded. His look of confusion slowly turned to amusement. Every few seconds, Zalan¡¯s squinting eyes would blink with pain, but he refused to look away. For whole minutes, Zalan forced himself to stare at the sun. Finally he looked to the ground.

    ¡°Rep, can you get over here?¡± Zalan asked, his voice a mutter.

    ¡°Did you see the city?¡± Rep asked, stunned.

    ¡°No, I stared at the sun too long. I need you to lead me to a cot so I can do the Healing Rest,¡± Zalan said sheepishly.

    ¡°You were so certain of your theory that you blinded yourself?¡± Rep laughed.

    ¡°Just get over here,¡± Zalan mumbled.

    Chuckling, Rep guided his friend back into the cot to heal his burned retinas. For a moment before falling asleep, Zalan feared that his eyes wouldn¡¯t be restored since he caused the damage to himself. It wasn¡¯t necessarily his own doing, the sun did the real damage, he didn¡¯t make an effort to hurt himself. But would the Healing Rest know the difference?

    With that chilling fear running down his spine, he fell asleep. Minutes later, he awoke with his vision back to normal. He sighed in relief, placing his hands over his eyes with gratitude. Rep was at the table, reading through the second book with his eyes squinted

    ¡°It says here that Aetheria might be able to be found by a Dark Elemental,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Yeah. Do you know how to find any?¡± Zalan asked, remaining lying down on the cot.

    ¡°No, but I know someone that has completed a Dark Elemental¡¯s challenge.¡±

    ¡°Really? Who?¡±

    Rep didn¡¯t respond. Zalan found it odd to be left unaware, then was hit with the answer suddenly. He bolted upright like bread popping from a toaster, his eyes wide.

    ¡°You sure you wanna talk with Ma?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°She is the only person I know who has ever even seen a Dark Elemental.¡±

    ¡°And you think she got extra information out of it?¡±

    Rep tilted his head one way, letting Zalan consider his own question.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. If there¡¯s anyone that could interrogate an Elemental, it¡¯s Ma.¡± Zalan pushed himself off the bed. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go to the port.¡±

    ¡°I hope we retain all of our toes in this visit,¡± Rep said, leading the way.

 188 - Book 5 - Chapter 03 - Living At The Docks

    Zalan stared up at the clouds as they walked through Oriton. Scanning every entity floating in the sky, Zalan scrutinized to see if anything resembled a city. He knew it was a silly plan to search on his own. If it was easy enough to find, the people of the realm would have pointed it out years ago. Two books in Madam Hikma¡¯s library showed the puddle of available information. Even then, the information was just enough that they had to go talk with Ma at the port in the hopes of a morsel more of information. Zalan stretched his neck back, looking for anything of interest hovering directly above him.

    ¡°Staring at the sun again?¡± Rep asked, amused.

    ¡°No.¡± Zalan quickly brought his head down.

    ¡°What do you think you will find up there that has not been seen before?¡±

    ¡°How many people do you think have searched for it before?¡±

    ¡°Countless,¡± Rep answered immediately. ¡°It is always a curiosity of children. Some make it a point to go out in search of it.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Then do you really think Ma would know where it is?¡±

    ¡°I think she would be the most likely to know. Or lead the way.¡±

    ¡°Madam Hikma didn¡¯t even have answers, even with the advantage,¡± Zalan pointed to his eye. He was referencing the Guidance Gem that had become part of Madam Hikma.

    ¡°I am listening for any better ideas you may have.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just don¡¯t want to go and bother her, you know?¡±

    ¡°I do know. But I think we are in an urgent position to locate Aetheria. Otherwise Morloch will continue his reign over the Elementals.¡±

    ¡°You think we¡¯re the only ones looking to take him down?¡±

    Rep considered the question for a moment. Then, shook his head.

    ¡°I am certain others would want to remove the blight killing Elementals, but do not know that Morloch is the one at the helm of their deaths. In the case they do know, they may not know that he resides in Aetheria. And in case they are aware of both Morloch and his location, they would be like us, left in search of the legendary city.¡±

    ¡°So we might be able to find some more allies on the way up?¡±

    ¡°On the way up? Who do you presume lives above the ground but below Aetheria?¡± Rep smirked.

    ¡°You know what I meant.¡±

    Rep and Zalan came to a stop in front of the dark, seedy alleyways leading to the Port of Oriton. The smell was pungent, and the few people they could see gave them shifty glances. Zalan had once been pickpocketed in this area and wasn¡¯t in the mood to have another thief come at him.

    Shining like a star, Zalan imbued himself in Elemental Light, casting away the shadows of the alley. Rep nodded, silently agreeing with Zalan¡¯s approach to the situation and followed him into the alleyway. The individuals slinking in the corners of the narrow paths shied away, looking fearful. To imbue oneself with power wasn¡¯t unheard of, but Elemental Light was rare enough that people didn¡¯t want to get involved with the display. Rep and Zalan crossed through the tight roads unbothered, emerging on the port side within a minute.

    Zalan took a deep breath of the pungent salty air and glanced around the docks. Sizable ships lined the waters, in a semi-organized order from largest to smallest. On the far side of the port was a pristine mansion covered in flowers. Ma¡¯s home of operation. The duo made their way over.

    Rep and Zalan glanced out to the sea as they traveled, remembering the harrowing times they had away from land. A travel-companion, Xavier, had been eaten by a Leviathan right in front of them. Nold had revealed himself to be Morloch. And Captain Buttonwillow and his crew were stranded on the Island of Remains, with no means to come home. The memories left a bitter pit in Zalan¡¯s heart. It was a sad reminder that there were some things he couldn¡¯t fix.

    ¡°Do you think you would ever find yourself wanting to go out on water ever again?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Like, for any reason?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I could see myself fishing. I used to go fishing in the lake in my city. Not that I would catch a lot, it was a really shallow lake,¡± Zalan said, remembering the few trips he took with his mother to Lake Yosemite.

    ¡°A lake is small, it is not as intimidating,¡± Rep pointed out.

    ¡°I¡¯d go out to the ocean, too. I don¡¯t think our trip scared me that much.¡±

    ¡°That is good to hear. I would like to go back as well, someday. I wish to consume more fresh Poniwhale meat.¡±

    ¡°You seriously need to try better meals.¡±

    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°There is no such thing.¡±

    Zalan chuckled and shook his head to himself. His smile faded the more he thought about it.

    ¡°Would you be able to go out to sea if you get married to Junill?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not know.¡± Rep sounded filled with consternation.

    Both friends were deep in thought about the situation for the next few steps. The only sounds surrounding them was the creak of boats and water lapping against the docks. Looking back out to the sea, Zalan wondered if he would be able to live confined to something like a single city like Oriton. Especially when the realm had so much potential for adventure. He turned away from the sea and looked up the coast to see the Cliffs of Shadow. That was less than a day¡¯s trek away, but filled with monsters. Would that also be off limits to Rep?

    When they reached the edges of the dock, Rep stopped abruptly, pulling Zalan to a halt. He stared at the nearest two ships with wide eyes and jaw agape. Zalan looked at the ships, then back to Rep several times.

    ¡°Are you good?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Zalan! Look at the ship!¡±

    Zalan looked up at it, scratching the back of his head. Giving it a good analysis, he saw that it looked very similar to the ship next to it. If he didn¡¯t know any better, he would have thought the two ships were twins. Then, Zalan blinked in recognition. Both ships looked exactly like Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s ship.

    ¡°Is that The Aegeusson? I thought it blew up in the storm at sea!¡± Zalan pointed.

    ¡°I believed the same!¡±

    ¡°You think that¡­¡±

    ¡°We have to go check!¡±

    Rep and Zalan sprinted up the side of the vessel, stumbling as they went from flat land to the bob of the ship on the water. They looked around the upper deck frantically, a blast of memories flooding them by the uncanny resemblance to the ship they thought was lost at sea.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Zalan called out, excited. ¡°You around here somewhere?¡±

    Knocking on the captain¡¯s chambers, Rep was pulling hard at the doorknob to try and find his way inside.

    ¡°I believe you must be looking for me,¡± a smarmy voice called out to them.

    Both friends wheeled around energetically, looking for the source of the words. Rep frowned and Zalan¡¯s face scrunched in dissatisfaction. The voice came from the twin ship, not the one Rep and Zalan were standing on. It was the captain of the other ship, The Abuacamas, standing proudly with his hands on his hips and a broad smile on his face.

    Lexington Winchester.

    ¡°No, we were not in search of you,¡± Rep replied dismissively, turning back to the door to the captain¡¯s quarters and knocking again.

    ¡°You must be mistaken. You are on the ship of a rather old and dry captain. I am the young and spry one you are no doubt in search of. Captain Lexington Winchester,¡± the captain presented himself.

    ¡°Oh, shut up, Lexington,¡± Zalan called out. ¡°No one asked you!¡±

    ¡°Your insults are as poor as your seafaring skills, I am certain!¡± Rep added.

    ¡°And I bet you haven¡¯t even left the docks since Captain Buttonwillow both went to sea and came back, you bum!¡± Zalan shouted.

    ¡°I will not be disrespected by his crew that worships him!¡± Captain Lexington snapped.

    ¡°We are not on his crew!¡± Rep called back.

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re his friends! Do you have any of those?¡± Zalan snapped.

    ¡°I do not need to take this from friends of the lesser captain! Captain Buttonwillow destroyed the Mother of the Port¡¯s table! The one she granted him as a gift! Because of that and some other irrelevant reason, he and his remaining crew were summoned to speak to her. The scoundrel is with her now, groveling for forgiveness, I am sure. Where are you going?¡± Captain Lexington¡¯s eyebrows descended in confusion.

    Ignoring Captain Lexington, Rep and Zalan began sprinting to Ma¡¯s house the moment they heard Captain Buttonwillow was there. He was alive. And if he was in any trouble, Zalan wanted to be there to help him with Ma. There was a time that she enjoyed his and Rep¡¯s company, and he hoped he could use that good favor to calm her down.

    They ran up the intricate path lined with flowers and stopped ahead of the two guards stationed at her door. At first they looked annoyed, then got a better look at Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°Ah, you two,¡± one said. He knelt down and gently dusted something off of Zalan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°What is your business with Ma?¡±

    ¡°We need to talk with her. About Captain Buttonwillow. And maybe Aetheria,¡± Zalan said urgently.

    ¡°Aetheria?¡± the guard said.

    ¡°The sky city?¡± the other guard questioned, bafflement in his voice. ¡°You know Ma does not like her time wasted.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t be a waste of time¡­ I think¡­ I hope.¡±

    ¡°Please let us through,¡± Rep hopped from leg to leg urgently.

    ¡°You only need to ask,¡± the first guard immediately opened the door. ¡°Ma said her door is always open to you.¡±

    Rep and Zalan exchanged a quick glance of surprise. Picking up his shoes, Zalan blasted them with Elemental Light, hoping to clear any debris before walking inside. Rep raised his feet for a quick cleanse as well. Knowing how clean Ma liked to keep her establishment, he hoped they were clean enough. They stopped short of the double doors leading into her office, easing themselves from barrelling through and causing a commotion. Pushing the door lightly, Rep led the way inside.

    The scene felt like it was out of a renaissance painting. The room was dark, the light sucked out by Ma¡¯s Elemental Shadow Power having been activated. Captain Buttonwillow was splayed out on the floor, held at four ends by Ma¡¯s burly guards. Oshrad, her top commander, stood over Captain Buttonwillow with disdain on his face and a foot placed heavily over the sea farer¡¯s toes. Ma sat at her table, concentrated solely on the captain. There was a deep rage burning in her eyes fueled by whatever punishment she was about to deliver. Enzo, Rosemary, and Magnolia of Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s crew were held tightly by other guards, struggling to assist their captain. They were all gagged, trying to scream in protest.

    All eyes turned to Rep and Zalan when the door opened wider. Ma looked up sharply at Rep and Zalan¡¯s entrance, enough to make Zalan regret having come in at all. There were several gasps across the room and several looks of confusion thrown their way. Captain Buttonwillow, held at a strange angle, was the last to twist his head their way. His face was full of shame and dismay. As soon as he spotted Rep and Zalan, a grand smile plastered itself on his face, sealing away any negative emotions.

    ¡°Mother of the Port, forgive me for I seem to have misspoken!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, jovial despite being held in a precarious position. ¡°Rep and Zalan are alive and well!¡±

 189 - Book 5 - Chapter 04 - Court Order

    Ma¡¯s main room sat in tense silence as Zalan¡¯s eyes darted across the scene. Oshrad rotated to Ma, looking for instruction. Ma¡¯s fury ebbed away slowly, and her lips gradually turned upward. Glancing down at Captain Buttonwillow, she waved her hand at him dismissively and he was released by the four guards pinning him down. The darkness surrounding the room dissipated, Ma stopping her use of Elemental Shadow Power.

    ¡°Rep! Zalan! What a wonderful surprise! Come in, make yourselves comfortable!¡± Ma said, inviting them in with a twist of her hands.

    Captain Buttonwillow was forcefully dragged out of the way to make room for two chairs swiftly placed ahead of Ma¡¯s desk at the head of the room. Rep and Zalan made their way inside, not wanting to offend her with any hesitant confusion. Taking their seats, Rep looked back at Captain Buttonwillow and his crew pinned against the wall, and Zalan looked at Ma pleasantly.

    ¡°Good to see you, Ma,¡± Zalan said cordially. ¡°We were wondering if you had any time to talk.¡±

    ¡°But of course. I am very pleased so see you. McKittrick had just told me that he lost you out at sea and it was likely you had both perished,¡± Ma explained.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Zalan joined Rep in taking a glance at the four held at the wall. ¡°No, Rep and I are fine. All thanks to Captain Buttonwillow and his crew, actually.¡± Zalan added in earnest.

    ¡°He seemed to believe the opposite,¡± Ma said.

    ¡°Perhaps he was being modest,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°We both know McKittrick does not know the meaning of the word,¡± Ma said.

    Rep looked away uncomfortably and Ma¡¯s lip quirked up in amusement.

    ¡°Very well, let them go!¡± Ma waved her hand, and her guards released Captain Buttonwillow and his crew immediately.

    ¡°But Mother of the Port, I can not go! I have done you the disservice of having destroyed the table you granted me for the captain¡¯s quarters!¡± Captain Buttonwillow protested boldly.

    ¡°Save it, McKittrick.¡± Ma said, closing her eyes to retain some patience. ¡°I offered you the table because I was planning to toss it out.¡±

    ¡°And it was such a lavish gift,¡± Captain Buttonwillow agreed.

    ¡°It was not a gift! It was trash you insisted upon taking from me before I had it destroyed. Do not refer to it as something more. You are trying my patience!¡± Ma snapped.

    Captain Buttonwillow opened his mouth, but was met with the eyes of a dozen guards staring at him, waiting for him to annoy their beloved Ma. Captain Buttonwillow closed his mouth and smiled at Ma graciously.

    ¡°You are dismissed,¡± Ma said flatly.

    ¡°If it would not displease you, could we remain behind to hear how Rep and Zalan escaped from the Island of Remains?¡± Captain Buttonwillow asked hopefully.

    ¡°It would displease me. Leave.¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow visibly pouted, but had no more protests. With long steps, he strode out of the room, followed closely behind by his crew. They gave Rep and Zalan one last glance before leaving, Oshrad slamming the door behind them. Once out of sight, Ma¡¯s face grew a maternal expression, looking over Rep and Zalan.

    ¡°Have you seen the Nightbloom? It grows well,¡± Ma said, presenting the flower Rep and Zalan brought her.

    ¡°It is very beautiful,¡± Rep acknowledged.

    ¡°Unmatched. And I remember granting you a ship as a reward. But you gave that ship away to McKittrick? Within days, at that,¡± Ma said, a shift in her tone.

    Rep and Zalan went stiff. Zalan realized just how ungrateful it sounded to regift something given to him so quickly.

    ¡°It was a great ship!¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°One of the best,¡± Rep corroborated quickly.

    ¡°But we don¡¯t need to be out at sea anymore,¡± Zalan improvised.

    ¡°Such a burden to maintain a ship when you are not around to use it,¡± Rep agreed, adding a light laugh.

    ¡°I granted you a burden, then?¡± Ma asked, tilting her head slightly with an impossible to read face.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan blurted immediately.

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Rep gripped the ends of the chair tightly.

    Ma sat back in her chair, her eyes slowly scanning the pair. Zalan shifted in place uncomfortably and Rep¡¯s eyes went to the floor. Gradually, Ma¡¯s eyes landed back on the Nightbloom flower and she smiled pleasantly.

    ¡°Well, it seems I have not paid you back with an appropriate gift. Something you would not think to give away. What can I do for you boys in that case?¡± Ma asked, carefreeness in her voice.

    Zalan exhaled shakily, hoping not to say anything to harm his relationship with Ma any further. Around her, it always felt like things could go sideways in a matter of sentences. His eyes flitted to Oshrad, who remained expressionless at Ma¡¯s side.

    ¡°We were wondering if you knew anything about the Dark Elemental that gave you your Elemental Shadow Power,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°You are interested in finding it before that Morloch fellow hunts it down?¡± Ma asked.

    ¡°No. But how did you know it¡¯s Morloch that¡¯s after them?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I make an effort to keep track of all of the fellow Ascended Beings,¡± Ma replied.

    Zalan blinked in shock and Rep¡¯s face went slack. They turned to one another then back to Ma.

    ¡°You are an Ascended Being, as well?¡± Rep asked.

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    ¡°You have five Elemental Powers?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Careful,¡± Oshrad said firmly. ¡°Do not speak lowly of Ma. She has more than five.¡±

    ¡°Which ones?¡± Rep asked, stunned.

    Ma smiled simply, her secret safeguarded. Zalan squirmed in place uncomfortably. He also wanted to know how many, but now felt like it was an inappropriate question. All this time he thought Oshrad was the muscle of the operation, but Ma must have been the most powerful person in the room. Maybe even in the realm.

    ¡°What did you want the Dark Elemental for if not for its power?¡± Ma pressed on.

    ¡°We were hoping it would know something about Aetheria,¡± Zalan answered.

    ¡°The city in the sky? You believe in it?¡± Ma challenged, amused.

    Rep and Zalan suddenly felt like they were being scolded for having the thought. Reluctantly, Zalan nodded his head in affirmation, and Rep followed as well.

    ¡°Good. It is real.¡± Ma nodded.

    Oshrad looked at her with raised eyebrows but didn¡¯t say anything. Clearly he had never believed in it before she said it existed.

    ¡°Why are you interested in searching for Aetheria?¡±

    ¡°We know Morloch lives there and wish to stop him from killing any more Elementals,¡± Rep explained.

    Ma glanced between the two friends, assessing them for some unknown quality. To their surprise, she nodded with respect.

    ¡°A worthy cause. My ships on the docks can only be operated by Elemental Air and Elemental Water users. They should be a growing population, not a shrinking one. Otherwise my fleet can only get smaller. Very well, what do you need to know about Aetheria?¡±

    Zalan raised his eyebrows, not having expected her to offer direct answers.

    ¡°Do you know where it is, exactly? What part of the realm would it be in where we just need to look up and spot it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°That is impossible to know. For it is always moving on the back of a cloud. Because of this, Aetheria can not be seen from below. One must be at the same height or above,¡± Ma answered.

    ¡°It¡¯s constantly on the move?¡±

    Ma nodded. Zalan felt vindicated, having been right about one of his theories.

    ¡°What mountain does one need to climb in order to see the city?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°I do not know. I was only told of it through a former resident of the city who left on the back of a flying monster. A good friend of mine who started my operation with me. This was years ago, and he has since passed away,¡± Ma replied, a look of pleasant nostalgia in her eyes.

    ¡°Then¡­ Do you know how we can find it?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°How should I know? Do I look as though I live with my head in the clouds?¡± Ma asked sternly.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan responded immediately.

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Rep instinctively added.

    Ma¡¯s face softened a fraction, nodding at their panicked replies. Zalan could never tell if she was messing with them or not. He looked at Rep who met his gaze and shrugged.

    ¡°I believe that is all we came to discuss,¡± Rep declared.

    ¡°Surely that is not all,¡± Ma said. ¡°I still do not feel as though I have repaid you for achieving what my men could not.¡± She indicated to the Nightbloom.

    ¡°Thank you Ma, but you have been more than gracious with your limited time,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan suddenly leaned back in his chair in thought. Ma picked up on his expression and leaned forward eagerly.

    ¡°You have a gift in mind, Zalan?¡± Ma asked.

    ¡°We were just leaving, right Zalan?¡± Rep said, a hint of urgency. ¡°We do not want to overstay our welcome,¡± he added insistently.

    Zalan pursed his lips and leaned forward, meeting Ma¡¯s energetic gaze. He weighed his words carefully and Rep watched, his knuckles whitening on the chair.

    ¡°I might have something,¡± Zalan mused.

    ¡°We do not need to ask anything more from someone that has been so generous,¡± Rep said loudly, getting up to leave, looking at Zalan with pleading eyes.

    ¡°Rep. Sit,¡± Ma ordered. Rep complied quickly, swallowing hard. ¡°Zalan, do not be shy. What can I do for you?¡±

    ¡°Well, not for me, exactly,¡± Zalan turned to Rep with a friendly grin on his face. ¡°But there¡¯s this girl¡­¡±

    Rep¡¯s face went a deep red, his eyes growing twice their size. He shook his head slightly.

    ¡°A girl you wish to court?¡± Ma asked eagerly.

    ¡°Not me, but Rep,¡± Zalan said, turning back to Ma. ¡°She and her family seem somewhat open to it, but need someone to put in a good word for him. They want him to stop adventuring with the guild as part of the agreement for marriage, but Rep is so responsible. I don¡¯t think they need to go that far.¡±

    ¡°Zalan, you do not need to do this,¡± Rep murmured through grit teeth.

    ¡°Silence, Rep!¡± Ma snapped, causing him to sit straight in his chair. She turned back to Zalan. ¡°The name of the girl?¡±

    ¡°Junill, the¡­¡±

    ¡°The swordsmith! Daughter of Valens, the forgemaster. They are a good family. Valens forges all the blades my guards carry. I can certainly put in a good word. And I am certain we can convince them to accept different terms regarding the guild. If you wish for me to involve myself.¡± Ma shifted her gaze back to Rep.

    He remained frozen, seated upright with his lips tight. His mouth was locked and his face warm.

    ¡°You may speak now, Rep,¡± Ma allowed. ¡°Would you like me to speak to her family?¡±

    Rep bit the inside of his lip, the color in his cheeks rivaling a rose.

    ¡°I¡­ I suppose you¡­¡±

    ¡°Oshrad!¡± Ma snapped her fingers.

    ¡°It will be done immediately,¡± Oshrad replied, straightening his back.

    ¡°And cover the dower,¡± Ma ordered.

    ¡°As you wish.¡±

    ¡°That is not necessary, I have the money for the dower, I need only have someone speak to her and her father. It would be wrong for anyone but the husband to pay the dower,¡± Rep said quickly.

    ¡°Well said. Then I will pay for the feast for the wedding if she agrees. All of Oriton shall be invited,¡± Ma said, opening her arms.

    ¡°I thank you, but that is far too much for me,¡± Rep said modestly.

    ¡°You are rejecting yet another gift of mine?¡± Ma asked, her tone turning sour.

    ¡°No, no!¡± Rep waved his hands in front of him.

    ¡°Excellent!¡± Ma said, standing up rapidly. She began pointing to different guards and shouting orders. ¡°Gather the food! Get a decent cook to make the food! Set up decorations! Be on your toes to invite the town!¡±

    Her guards saluted her then scrambled out the door one by one, several other instructions following them outside. When Ma ran out of things to shout out, she sat back down in her chair, looking pleased with herself.

    ¡°Are you ready to be wed?¡± Ma asked.

    ¡°If she will have me,¡± Rep said, his voice small.

    ¡°Come on, Rep, you¡¯re great. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll work out,¡± Zalan said, a wide smile on his face.

    ¡°More than great, you achieved what all of my men with a wealth of power and experience could not,¡± Ma said.

    Rep smiled slightly. He couldn¡¯t ignore the praise when it came directly from Ma.

    ¡°I just hope we can gather enough food for tomorrow,¡± Ma said.

    ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Zalan¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°What¡¯s tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°The wedding day!¡± Ma exclaimed.

    ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Zalan repeated.

    ¡°Why should we delay it if both parties are pleased with the union? The realm feels as though it is in turmoil. The Beasts of Slumber threaten to wake. What better reason to bring a good event to the people of the city?¡± Ma asked.

    Zalan turned to Rep and was surprised to see his expression was unsurprised.

    ¡°You¡¯re good with tomorrow?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°It is as Ma said,¡± Rep nodded. ¡°What reason is there to delay a good day?¡±

    ¡°I uhhh¡­ I dunno, I just thought these things take longer,¡± Zalan said, scratching the back of his head.

    Ma suddenly leaned forward on her table, a youthful smile stretching over her face. Rep and Zalan leaned back slightly, perturbed by the look in her eyes.

    ¡°Now, Rep, tell me,¡± she began, sounding as though she was fishing for gossip. ¡°What is it that you like about Junill?¡±

 190 - Book 5 - Chapter 05 - Negotiations

    Rep stumbled out of Ma¡¯s mansion, Zalan close behind. They crossed the path on Ma¡¯s property and stopped at the point where land met sea. Breathing in deeply, Rep looked out at the water ahead of them in a daze. Zalan put a hand on his shoulder.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°That was humiliating,¡± Rep said, shuddering.

    ¡°Really? I thought it was kinda nice how much Ma cared to know. I never expected that side of her.¡±

    ¡°It felt as though she was drawing it out of me in order to use it against me in the future. Every little aspect of me that she could access. Was she really so curious regarding what aspects of Junill I find attractive? And why does she need to know my favorite food? I was a captive audience! How does one say ¡®no¡¯ to Ma?¡± Rep asked, sounding sincere.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. If Junill ends up rejecting the proposal, we can ask her.¡±

    ¡°That is not funny,¡± Rep grumbled.

    ¡°All right, yeah, sorry, it sounded funnier in my head,¡± Zalan agreed apologetically.

    They remained looking out at the open water, lapping carefully against the docks. The sun shined brightly, caking them and the waters in its warm hues. Zalan took a moment to be grateful for the experience of calm. He remembered being trapped in the Depths of Despair, wondering if he would ever see sunlight again. One of the lowest times in his life. Now, his closest friend might be getting married.

    ¡°So, what does this mean for us?¡± Zalan asked. ¡°If you¡¯re married, am I gonna have to go on alone?¡±

    ¡°Alone?¡± Rep said, baffled. ¡°I brought you into this realm. You can not imagine that I would allow you to find a way out without me.¡±

    ¡°Easy to say, but is it that easy when you have a wife?¡±

    Lips pursed, Rep thought about it hard, hand on his chin. Weighing options in his head, his eyes darted around in consternation. After a few seconds, Rep¡¯s arms went limp and he shrugged.

    ¡°I will have to speak to her, if it comes to that. If she is not amenable to this quest, then we may not¡­¡± Rep trailed, disappointed.

    Zalan interpreted the rest of the sentence. He might call off the wedding to get the quest done first. Zalan didn¡¯t want it to come to that, if he could help it. Rep deserved to be happy after all he had done for him. Zalan¡¯s gaze continued to drift over the scene around him and he stopped suddenly.

    ¡°Hey, we might get our answer sooner than I thought.¡±

    ¡°How do you mean?¡± Rep asked, his eyes still on the waters below.

    ¡°She¡¯s on her way now.¡± Zalan pointed.

    Rep¡¯s eyes squinted in confusion and he looked up. Going stiff in shock, Rep saw Junill, Valens, and Oshrad approaching them. Zalan nudged Rep lightly, trying to get him to loosen up, and Rep forced an exhale to deflate and relax his muscles. Zalan tried to read Junill¡¯s expression as she approached, but it seemed she was deliberately keeping her face stoic. Valens looked at Rep with more scrutiny than before, and Zalan wondered if he was going to yell at him for putting him in a situation with Ma. The closer they got, the more certain Zalan grew over his guess.

    ¡°I can not believe you!¡± Valens said, pointing a finger to Zalan.

    ¡°Me?¡± Zalan said, stunned.

    ¡°You and your friend walk this city in Ma¡¯s favor and you did not lead with that?¡± Valens demanded.

    ¡°Oh, uhhh, I didn¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°And you!¡± Valens pointed to Rep who flinched in response. ¡°You also had the opportunity to bring up Ma, but you only brought up irrelevant feats like killing the Mind of Madness.¡±

    ¡°You killed the Mind of Madness?¡± Oshrad said, flabbergasted.

    ¡°This was not a time for modesty!¡± Valens said to both Rep and Zalan. ¡°I am trying to get a full image of a man who wishes to wed my daughter! You leave out the woman who keeps over half of my forges in business? She protects all of Oriton!¡±

    ¡°I apologize, sir,¡± Rep nodded sharply.

    ¡°None of that ¡®sir¡¯ speak,¡± Valens said immediately. He turned to Junill, waiting for her to say her piece.

    ¡°Rep. I am honored by your proposal. But I have some hesitations,¡± Junill said formally.

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    ¡°Please, hold nothing back,¡± Rep said, though his hands formed into fists.

    ¡°I wish to continue my work in the forges. I do not wish to have to travel with you on your adventures. If you want a wife that will be by your side whenever you leave the city, then know I can not be that wife,¡± Junill said firmly.

    ¡°I never expected you to join me beyond the walls. I was hoping you would remain behind and take care of our home when I was away. I assume that you would not leave the forge, regardless.¡±

    ¡°That is another point I had. I know you live in the guild. I can not live alongside you there. Do you have a home?¡± Junill asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Ma can grant you a home,¡± Oshrad said seriously.

    ¡°I can afford one on my own,¡± Rep assured them.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Junill said, visibly relaxing. ¡°You are out of Oriton as often as you are within it. How long do you suppose you will continue to adventure on your own?¡±

    ¡°Well, I love to travel and discover Artifacts. But I can stop for a few years to start a family once Zalan and I complete our next quest.¡±

    ¡°What quest is that?¡± Junill asked.

    Rep opened his mouth, then closed it uncertainly. Zalan could guess he didn¡¯t want to admit that they were searching for Aetheria.

    ¡°Rep and I are going to go to try and stop the guy that¡¯s killing all the Elementals,¡± Zalan answered. Rep nodded.

    ¡°A good quest!¡± Valens said. ¡°Our forges are nothing without those that can control Elemental Fire. Without the Elementals, we lose our ability to pass on our profession.¡±

    ¡°You can forge swords without being able to conjure fire, you know,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°You may have traveled the world, but I am a forgemaster. I know what it takes to forge a good sword, and Elemental Fire is a definite requirement,¡± Valens said confidently, Junill nodding along with him.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Zalan shrugged in defeat.

    ¡°Would you go on this quest immediately?¡± Valens asked.

    ¡°As soon as the wedding ended, if you would allow it.¡± Rep nodded.

    A stretch of silence hung between them, filled with a sea breeze.

    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Junill replied. ¡°I am satisfied with all your answers. Do you have any questions?¡±

    ¡°Do you want children?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then I am satisfied.¡± Rep nodded sharply.

    Another short stint of silence.

    ¡°It sounds as though you are both ready,¡± Valens said.

    Rep breathed in deeply, a queasy smile on his face.

    ¡°May I ask for your daughter¡¯s hand?¡± he asked Valens.

    ¡°You may.¡± Valens nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes.

    ¡°And Junill. Would you like to be wed?¡± Rep asked.

    Junill pursed her lips for a second, a hint of shyness in her eyes. Rep¡¯s smile went a hint further nauseous.

    ¡°I would,¡± Junill said. ¡°I will see you tomorrow.¡±

    She spun around, looking more flustered than Zalan had ever seen her before. Speeding off, Valens turned to address Rep.

    ¡°If even a fraction of what Oshrad has told me about you is true, I know you will be good to her. Stay safe against the Elemental-killer,¡± Valens said, holding out his hand to Rep.

    Rep shook it vigorously.

    ¡°I will do my best to return alive,¡± Rep nodded.

    Valen went to catch up with his daughter, leaving Rep and Zalan with Oshrad.

    ¡°You killed the Mind of Madness?¡± Oshrad asked, the question hanging on his mind.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Show me your abilities,¡± Oshrad demanded.

    Zalan tapped his forefinger to his thumb three times and raised his wrist. Oshrad scrutinized it, his eyes narrowing.

    ¡°Only Level 10? Are you interested in working for Ma?¡± Oshrad asked.

    ¡°Ummm¡­ Am I allowed to say no?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Then, no.¡±

    ¡°A shame. Do not get caught up in the Death Levels,¡± Oshrad said.

    ¡°Death Levels?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°That is what they call gaining Levels beyond Level 10. Experience is very difficult to come by, so Level hunters chase after more powerful creatures. Most of those who continue to try and accrue Strength and Wisdom over Level 10 meet their end,¡± Oshrad informed them.

    ¡°I thought you were like Level 17,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°¡®Most¡¯ does not mean ¡®all.¡¯¡± Oshrad smirked.

    Rep looked up at Oshrad with a curious look on his face.

    ¡°What did you tell Junill and her father about me?¡± Rep asked. ¡°They seemed so certain not to wed me before you spoke with them.¡±

    ¡°I said that Ma liked you.¡±

    Rep and Zalan waited awkwardly for Oshrad to say something more. Evidently it was a complete explanation.

    ¡°That is all it took?¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°The only reason that Valens became a forgemaster was because Ma gave him the forge. She granted him the forge on the condition that he always give priority to her men who needed weapons, which is anyone working on the docks as well as her guards. He has a guaranteed supply of customers because of Ma¡¯s graciousness,¡± Oshrad explained.

    Rep and Zalan both looked surprised at this information. The more Zalan heard about Ma, the more he was certain she was the equivalent of a mob boss in this city. Oshrad looked at them, as though expecting a follow up question.

    ¡°So¡­ See you tomorrow?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Oshrad said, walking by them and returning to Ma¡¯s mansion.

    Rep and Zalan watched until he entered within.

    ¡°Ready to get married?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Not exactly. I never thought I would get this far,¡± Rep admitted. ¡°But I also never thought I would fight the Mind of Madness head on and survive. So, yes, I suppose I am as ready as I can be.¡±

 191 - Book 5 - Chapter 06 - The Big Day

    ¡°I think I see why she wanted to know your favorite food now,¡± Zalan said, looking around.

    ¡°She had a Poniwhale slain and cooked for me in the span of a night!¡± Rep said, pure joy radiating in his voice.

    The wedding had been set up on the largest ship in the dock, able to hold the entirety of Oriton on board. There were hundreds on the upper deck, with several dozen more in well-lit decks below. A massive pile of plates of Poniwhale meat sat at the head of the boat in a decorative display of food. Zalan came dressed in an elaborately sewn tunic with lightning bolts etched across it. It was granted to him by Ma, first thing in the morning. Apparently, no one had known that Zalan lost and replaced his Elemental Power. Rep was also adorned in a tunic with embroidered collar and sleeve. The stitching was shaped like small flames across his arms.

    The ship was packed with attendees. Zalan had no idea what the population of Oriton was, but it felt close to everyone being on board. Ma¡¯s guards lined the sides of the boat in black outfits, looking like security for a fine dining establishment. Oshrad approached the pair, his hair slicked back and a hint of a smile on his face.

    ¡°Congratulations, Rep,¡± Oshrad said.

    ¡°You have my thanks. This day would not have come without you speaking to Valens and Junill so promptly,¡± Rep responded graciously.

    Oshrad closed his eyes and nodded, accepting the thanks with silent elegance.

    ¡°Your presence is requested at the head of the ship.¡±

    Oshrad directed Rep to the head where he would sit alongside Junill on a sofa-like throne for two, sitting above the rest of the attendees.

    Zalan smiled at his friend, and suddenly felt somewhat anxious without him. Despite his time in the realm, he didn¡¯t make a lot of friends with the people of Oriton. He would have to mingle without Rep by his side, saving him from all his social faux pas. He pulled at his collar and looked around slowly. To his surprise, someone he recognized was already approaching him.

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow!¡± Zalan said, pleasantly.

    ¡°Zalan! In all of your time that we have been separated, you may have forgotten who I am, but do not fret, I do not take offense. I am Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick, the one who took you on the harrowing journey into the Island of Remains!¡± Captain Buttonwillow pointed far out toward the sea.

    Zalan smirked. He was certain that Captain Buttonwillow just wanted to reintroduce himself in as showy a way as possible.

    ¡°Yeah, I definitely remember you, Captain,¡± Zalan assured him. ¡°You still have a bruise on your face from yesterday. You didn¡¯t take a Healing Rest?¡±

    ¡°Wounds from the land do not deserve the time it would take for me to heal!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said boldly. ¡°I wear this mark with pride! How many others would have the gall to come out in public with such a blemish? On top of that¡­¡± the captain brought his voice low, ¡°Oshrad tried to break one of my toes yesterday, but only succeeded in crushing my false toe. I do not want to anger him by showing him that he had little to no effect, so the bruise remaining present is intentional. He does not know that I was not severely damaged, and that Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick is a master at deception when needed.¡±

    Zalan scoffed with a wide smile, pleased to see that Captain Buttonwillow hadn¡¯t changed.

    ¡°How did you make it off of the Island of Remains alive? And the rest of your crew made it too!¡±

    ¡°I wanted to ask you the same! We were worried that you and Rep had been stranded or killed. Long after you and Nold had left us, the center of the island went ablaze in a storm of lightning, flame and wind! I thought for certain that no one could survive that, even a man with control over Elemental Lightning,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    ¡°We got back with the Homeseeker, right at the last second,¡±  Zalan explained. ¡°Morloch was going to kill Rep and me after he took my Elemental Lightning Power, but the moment before his attack hit us, we got out of there.¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow sat frozen for a moment, his mouth half open. He recollected himself with an adjustment of his captain¡¯s hat and cleared his throat.

    ¡°I am glad to hear that you all survived this ¡®Morloch.¡¯ Did Nold make it out as well?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Nold turned out to be Morloch,¡± Zalan replied.

    Again Captain Buttonwillow paused for thought. It looked to Zalan that he seemed somewhat embarrassed.

    ¡°So, how did you make it out alive?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Well, we were stranded, and eventually the rest of my crew arrived on my end of the island¡­¡± Captain Buttonwillow presented plainly.

    Zalan blinked in shock, realizing what was going on. The captain was embarrassed to not have a more grand story to tell than Zalan¡¯s. Without meaning to, Zalan had told the more impressive tale, leaving the captain feeling lackluster in his speech. While amused, Zalan also increased the look of enthusiasm on his face to make his former captain feel better.

    ¡°That couldn¡¯t have been all, how did you get off the island without a ship?¡± Zalan asked, sounding as enthusiastic as he could force himself. Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s chest inflated, a small smile forming.

    ¡°Well, thanks to my ingenuity, I was able to design a new ship. I knew what The Aegeusson looked like down to the finest grain of wood. Using my wife¡¯s Elemental Power, we were¡­¡±

    ¡°Hold on, your wife was there? I didn¡¯t know you were married,¡± Zalan asked, stunned. He only then realized that the captain was wearing a polished wooden ring.

    Captain Buttownillow stood tall, his full ardor on display.

    ¡°I neglected to introduce you to her!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said excitedly. He waved somewhere behind him, beckoning members of the crowd that Zalan couldn¡¯t make out. They rushed over quickly, and Zalan realized he should have guessed that the captain¡¯s crew was waiting in the wings to be called upon. Enzo and Magnolia greeted Zalan with a simple wave, where Rosemary went to stand right next to the captain.

    ¡°My wife, Rosemary,¡± Captain Buttonwillow presented with a flare of his arm. ¡°Meet Zalan.¡±

    ¡°We have met before,¡± Rosemary said.

    ¡°Of course, my beloved, but I did not want to embarrass you in case you had forgotten his name,¡± the captain said lovingly.

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Rosemary nodded.

    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re married now? Congratulations!¡± Zalan said. Both the captain and Rosemary flashed him a grateful smile.

    ¡°I proposed when we were still on the island. She was as trustworthy as she was reliable and I could not stand the idea of going on any journeys of life without her,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    ¡°I accepted immediately. I am not sure you noticed, but I had fancied Captain Buttonwillow McKittrick for some time,¡± Rosemary said.

    ¡°Yeah, I think there were signs,¡± Zalan said, noting that she still had called him by his full name even after they were married.

    ¡°Magnolia joined my crew as well,¡± Captain Buttonwillow pointed out. ¡°No longer is she a hired hand, but a full member of the crew!¡±

    ¡°He saved my life,¡± Magnolia offered as an explanation. ¡°And there is something about him that makes you value his word as a leader.¡±

    ¡°Captain Buttonwillow was just telling me about how you got off the Island of Remains,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Such a wonderful tale,¡± Rosemary said, swooning over her husband.

    ¡°I told Rosemary the exact dimensions of the ship,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, gesticulating grandly. ¡°Using several hours of our time and tools made of Elemental Plant Power, we were able to put it back together. We were even able to work through the night thanks to a brilliant star appearing above the island! Magnolia even sanded it down to ensure it was smooth and beautiful!¡±

    ¡°You told me it needed to be smooth to be seaworthy,¡± Magnolia said, confused.

    ¡°Then, using Enzo¡¯s Elemental Water,¡± Captain Buttonwillow continued, unperturbed, ¡°We were able to leave the island and steer our way back here. We fought with a few monsters, but between myself and Magnolia, we were able to manage them to a safe trip home.¡±

    Rosemary applauded Captain Buttonwillow¡¯s tale with three short claps. He bowed his head, appreciating his audience.

    ¡°I was never able to repay you for granting me the ship,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said to Zalan, a grave seriousness in his voice.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, the ship blew up when we fought the Leviathans anyway. You didn¡¯t really get to have it for more than a few days.¡±

    ¡°It is not fine,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said. ¡°I am¡­¡±

    Glaring, the captain stopped abruptly and went completely silent. His eyes tracked something on the ship, a fierce look in his eyes. Following the movement, his crew did the same.

    At first Zalan was baffled, then followed everyone¡¯s gaze. Lexington Winchester stood a few feet away, a glass of water in his hand.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Lexington spoke.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Buttonwillow acknowledged.

    They stared silently, the intensity building. Zalan had never seen them so close and wondered if he would have to break up a fight at the wedding.

    ¡°I wanted to congratulate you on your union with your wife,¡± Captain Lexington said, sounding as though he had to force the words. ¡°That is all. I will leave you be, I hope you enjoy your time at the wedding.¡±

    ¡°Lexington, you sea scum, I hope you have the absolute time of your life at this wedding! Much better than any of me or my crew!¡± Buttonwillow reacted automatically.

    Zalan blinked, stunned by his words, but no one else seemed surprised. In fact, Captain Lexington looked irate.

    ¡°I hope you enjoy not only this wedding, but your union to your incredible spouse! I hope she is the utmost coolness of your eyes and brings you nothing but tranquility and ease!¡± Captain Lexington spat back.

    ¡°May the heavens themselves open up to grant you the best spouse in creation! May she bring you days that make you wonder how you ever lived without her!¡± Captain Buttonwillow shot back.

    ¡°How dare you, Buttonwillow! I hope your children and their progeny bring you nothing but graciousness, joy, and an endless legacy!¡± Lexington snapped, his arms going straight down his sides. The water in his cup spilled out.

    ¡°Bring my family into this will you?¡± Captain Buttonwillow exploded. ¡°Well, I hope¡­¡±

    Captain Buttonwillow stopped as the shadow of Oshrad loomed over him, his arms folded.

    ¡°Captains. I hope there is nothing going on that needs to be interrupted,¡± Oshrad said simply. Then, knuckles cracked, but his arms were still folded over his chest. Zalan¡¯s eyes widened to their maximum as he heard more small bones pop and looked down to see Oshrad¡¯s footwear shifting under their fabric.

    He was cracking his toes.

    ¡°Nothing to be concerned about Oshrad,¡± Captain Lexington said quickly, his face totally pale. ¡°Enjoy the wedding, everyone.¡±

    Captain Lexington briskly walked away, not looking back at Captain Buttonwillow.

    ¡°That man never knows when to give up,¡± Captain Buttonwillow grumbled after him. ¡°Where was I¡­¡±

    ¡°So you guys don¡¯t hate each other? You just always want to one up one another?¡± Zalan asked, watching as Oshrad walked away, continuing to survey the attendees.

    ¡°Ah yes, paying you back for the ship!¡± Captain Buttonwillow said, ignoring Zalan¡¯s question. ¡°I can grant you members of my crew! Magnolia and Enzo will be out of jobs in the foreseeable future as Rosemary and I will remain on land until we have a child old enough to live at sea.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to take your crew,¡± Zalan scratched the back of his head, uncomfortably.

    ¡°Nonsense, they will be more than happy to oblige,¡± Captain Buttonwillow said.

    To Zalan¡¯s surprise, both Enzo and Magnolia shrugged, complacent with the idea.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t want to come with us. I need to go find my friend Gorb, and then we¡¯re going to try and find Aetheria,¡± Zalan said, trying to dissuade them.

    ¡°I have never been to Aetheria,¡± Enzo said, sounding somewhat enthused.

    ¡°That is because it does not exist,¡± Magnolia said.

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Zalan said. ¡°You¡¯ll want to spend your time elsewhere.¡±

    ¡°They will think about it,¡± Captain Buttonwillow assured him.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you not to.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes, I see.¡± The captain winked at him, as though exchanging a secret. Zalan just sighed, not sure how else to express his point.

    ¡°Zalan!¡± another familiar voice called to him.

    ¡°Liv,¡± Zalan smiled pleasantly, smiling at the fellow guildmate. She looked pleased to have found him. Captain Buttonwillow and his crew excused themselves, looking like they went to chase down Captain Lexington.

    ¡°Epanor told me you came back from the Depths of Despair! What a journey! We returned from a coastal town that was being ravaged by a Leviathan. A very odd place to see such a creature,¡± Liv said.

    ¡°Really? A coastal town sounds about right for a monster that lives in water, right?¡±

    ¡°Not at all. Leviathans are creatures of deep water, not shallow puddles next to towns. And the Grimfangs we fought on our return to Oriton¡­ Things seem off. The realm has changed.¡±

    ¡°In what way?¡± Zalan asked, concerned.

    ¡°It is as though Elementals were holding things together and now something foreboding lives on the horizon¡­¡± Liv said grimly. Then a quick smile flashed back on her face. ¡°But do not be concerned with such things right now! It is a wedding! Be sure to enjoy yourself!¡±

    The rest of the day was spent celebrating Rep and Junill. The ceremony was a show of dozens of Elemental Powers stacking on one another in coordination to create a multi powered dragon to soar above the attendees. Rep and Junill vowed to remain true to one another, no matter what the realm brought.

    Zalan stuck to Captain Buttonwillow and his crew, not having any other friends to spend time with. Captain Buttonwillow regaled him with so many anecdotes that Zalan couldn¡¯t even tell what was an embellishment anymore by the evening. Monster food was separated from regular food, though attendees were stacking plates with both combinations. Zalan was grateful to have a meal that didn¡¯t taste processed, even if it wasn¡¯t Rep¡¯s favorite foods.

    After some time, Zalan went to speak with Rep and Junill sitting on the throne above the ship. Both were beaming with graciousness and excitement for their life to come.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay leaving tomorrow? We can wait a little longer if you want to spend more time with her,¡± Zalan said sincerely.

    ¡°If I stay long enough I will never leave,¡± Rep answered with a goofy smile. ¡°And I already assured her and her father that we would leave in the morning so they would not have to worry about us delaying the end to Morloch¡¯s killings.¡±

    ¡°All right. I just wanted to make sure. You look so happy.¡±

    ¡°That is because I am.¡±

    That night, Zalan fell asleep with a wide, grateful smile on his face, and pride for his closest friend. And with thoughts of how he would find a way to the city in the sky.

 192 - Book 5 - Chapter 07 - Heading Out

    Zalan woke to the sound of the guild door swinging open, Rep making his way inside. As Zalan rubbed his eyes, Rep went to gather funds from under his cot as well as grab his sword. Rolling out of bed, Zalan began to prepare himself for the day.

    ¡°Excellent wedding!¡± Heron told Rep. ¡°I will be full for weeks.¡±

    ¡°It was good to arrive in Oriton at just the right time for such a feast,¡± Epanor agreed.

    ¡°Are we headed out?¡± Zalan asked groggily.

    ¡°Indeed, if you have the energy.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Where to?¡±

    ¡°Out of Oriton.¡±

    Stretching his tired shoulders, Zalan looked at Rep for further clarification.

    ¡°Okay, but where are we going once we exit Oriton?¡± Zalan asked after Rep said nothing more.

    ¡°I do not know. My wife and her family expect me to leave today to stop the calamitous Morloch. I do not wish to be seen in Oriton any longer than I must be here. They will be disappointed that I am not a man of my word,¡± Rep said, a hint of urgency in his voice.

    ¡°I feel like you don¡¯t need to worry about your impression on her and her family after having completed the marriage,¡± Zalan said, trying to assuage him.

    Rather than receive a grateful smile, Zalan got an odd look from Rep. It was as though Zalan had just uttered the single stupidest thing Rep had ever heard. Zalan cleared his throat self-consciously and moved to the guild door to lead the way out. Rep followed him outside. They both breathed in the early morning air, thin rays of sunshine creeping over the eastern horizon.

    ¡°Do we at least have, like, a general destination?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I think we can begin our search for Gorb.¡±

    ¡°Ok, great, do you know where he lives?¡±

    ¡°He never once mentioned it to me.¡± Rep shook his head.

    ¡°So much for that,¡± Zalan sputtered.

    ¡°However,¡± Rep said, suddenly inspired by a thought. ¡°We can ask the guards on the walls!¡±

    ¡°We can?¡±

    ¡°Many of them are former members of guilds. Sir Rolcoth spent many a day with Gorb. Or perhaps Sir Kilile recalls something Fran told him.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good enough of a plan to me,¡± Zalan said, making his way to a wall.

    Rep led the way by the sheer length of his stride. There was an excited energy in his steps that Zalan had never seen before, like he was glowing after the events of the previous day. They only made it a few steps before Rep began to speak again.

    ¡°Did you enjoy the festivities?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I had a great time. I mostly stuck around Captain Buttonwillow and his crew. He was saying that he never got us a gift to repay us for The Aegeusson. He offered me his crew to go with us to Aetheria, but I politely declined.¡±

    ¡°That was for the best. I can not ask people to get involved when they do not understand the full story of what we intend to do. If they had time to become more informed, perhaps I could see their powers as being quite useful,¡± Rep considered.

    ¡°Elemental Sand, sure,¡± Zalan agreed. ¡°I¡¯m not so sold on how Elemental Water is gonna help us in a city in the sky.¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten that Morloch has power over Elemental Water?¡± Rep asked.

    Frowning, Zalan let his silence answer the question. He continued to move especially fast to keep up with Rep¡¯s long steps. When again met with a few seconds of silence, Rep broke it with more questions.

    ¡°How was the food? Do you think others enjoyed their time?¡±

    ¡°Rep, it was great. Everyone had a great time. Even you and Junill looked like you had a great time. I¡¯ve been to a few weddings before where the bride and groom looked way more stressed,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Junill is an incredible woman. I can not wait to return once we send you home,¡± Rep said confidently.

    His speed suddenly slowed, his eyes cast downward. Zalan threw him a confused glance, but Rep was lost in the moment.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to leave your new wife, huh?¡± Zalan asked, reading his expression.

    ¡°It is not that. I wish to remain by her side, yes, but I am thinking more about you.¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We will soon be sending you home. I may never see you again. I do not think I reflected on that outcome. Even in the best case, our lives would go on without one another.¡±

    Zalan blinked in thought. He hadn¡¯t considered going home as a possible negative outcome before. But now that they knew they needed to defeat Morloch to go home, it felt more real. Beat the Elemental Killer, take his Rings of Range, and use the Homeseeker.

    They just had one more big fight to finish it all. Tilting his head to one side, Zalan shrugged.

    ¡°I guess we just have to accept that,¡± Zalan said.

    Rep smirked, looking up at Zalan.

    ¡°You seem to have become very familiar with the idea of acceptance.¡±

    Zalan scoffed, not sure how he was supposed to reply to that. Arriving at the nearest walls, Rep and Zalan looked up to the guard at the top. Peering, Rep seemed to be trying to ascertain whether he knew the man.

    ¡°Sir Kilile?¡± Rep called up, uncertain who it was.

    The guardsman waved Rep and Zalan off, but didn¡¯t turn. The duo looked at one another in slight confusion.

    ¡°Sir! Whoever you are! We have a question!¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°Not now!¡± the guard snapped.

    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Rep blinked, his head shaking slightly in shock.

    ¡°That is Sir Kilile,¡± Rep mentioned to Zalan. ¡°He has never spoken to me like that.¡±

    Zalan looked back up to scrutinize the man. Frozen in place. Focused in one sole direction.

    ¡°Pretty sure he¡¯s looking at something,¡± Zalan mused.

    Rep looked up, then back down and nodded.

    ¡°Something must be beyond the walls,¡± Rep agreed.

    Zalan tilted his head in a gesture to a nearby ladder.

    ¡°That ladder is limited to the guards who may climb the walls. Those who have earned the title of ¡®Sir¡¯ or ¡®Lady¡¯ only,¡± Rep informed him.

    ¡°Yeah, well, we walk with Ma¡¯s authority. Do you think we would be turned away from the walls?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep immediately shook his head. Moving first, Zalan grabbed the rungs and pulled himself up the ladder. Once he climbed above, he looked at Sir Kilile to see how he would react. Instead, he saw only a man holding a statuesque pose, his eyes peering and his neck leaning as far forward as it could go.

    ¡°Sound the alarm!¡± Sir Kilile called over his shoulder. ¡°Monster on the horizon!¡±

    Rep stepped next to Zalan, and the two of them gazed as far as they could see to the horizon. Zalan couldn¡¯t make out anything in particular, nothing but the warm, arid land beyond the city and a tall green hill. Zalan blinked, realizing there were no hills that close to Oriton.

    ¡°What is that?¡± Zalan asked.

    Bells blared behind him and Sir Kilile began throwing signal flames into the sky, spreading them like fireworks. Looking up, Zalan was beginning to grow wary of the display. He turned around and saw residents of Oriton hurrying about the streets, fleeing from open areas. Panic was creeping its way into the atmosphere.

    ¡°Rep, does it always get like this when a monster shows up? I¡¯ve never seen a city like this before,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Guards are intended to take care of the monster they can deal with silently.¡± Rep¡¯s eyes were locked onto the form that was moving toward them. ¡°But something this powerful requires them to alert others. No one man could take that creature on. It is a Beast of Slumber. A Swampstomp.¡±

    Zalan looked back out to the horizon. The creature was massive, at least three stories tall. With a curved neck and round head, it looked like a cursed mix between a frog and a fish, with arms and legs attached. Dripping off the ends of every piece of the creature were pieces of vines and wet greenery, as though a bog had risen to life and began walking. Black orbs of tar fit into its eyes and its full attention was on Oriton. Even at hundreds of feet of distance, Zalan could hear it take a ponderous step.

    ¡°We can take it, right? The three of us?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep shrugged, but looked skeptical.

    ¡°You two!¡± Sir Kilile noticed they stood near him. ¡°Your stats!¡±

    ¡°I am Level 8, and my friend Zalan Level 10,¡± Rep reported.

    ¡°All your stats! Anything less than 10 Strength will never do it harm! The same goes for less than 10 Wisdom!¡± Sir Kilile said.

    Zalan tapped his index finger to his thumb and displayed his wrist as the invisible calligrapher wrote out each of his stats.

    LEVEL: 10

    STRENGTH: 11

    WISDOM: 16

    EXPERIENCE: 10

    ELEMENT: LIGHT

    Rep quickly did the same:

    LEVEL: 08

    STRENGTH: 09

    WISDOM: 13

    EXPERIENCE: 65

    ELEMENT: FIRE

    ¡°Level 10 numbers, we can use. The Level 8 numbers however¡­ Perhaps you should go find shelter, Rep,¡± Sir Kilile informed him.

    ¡°I will be doing no such thing,¡± Rep answered.

    Sir Kilile nodded grimly.

    ¡°Good to see you have gained some courage with those Levels! The Rep I traveled to the volcano with would have at least had to think about it before answering.¡±

    ¡°Sir,¡± Rep said, ¡°Why is a Swampstomp so far from its homeland? They are not hunters, they never leave the bogs they are born within.¡±

    ¡°Not unless their bogs are destroyed by an Elemental,¡± Sir Kilile replied.

    The three men stared at the creature, the story becoming clear. Morloch¡¯s killings had caused several Elementals to migrate, causing massive disasters to take place across the realm. Monsters were being brought out from the far ends of their home, roaming where they would never have visited before. Judging by the size of the Swampstomp, Zalan considered that there may have been many monsters he had never heard of slumbering in their homes. He wondered how dangerous it was outside the walls of cities these days. Suddenly, the fact he killed the Mind of Madness felt a lot less significant.

    ¡°Do not be fooled by its size,¡± Sir Kilile told them. ¡°Its vines move so quickly that you would think it a different creature entirely. Can you imbue your blades or yourselves?¡±

    ¡°Both,¡± Zalan nodded.

    ¡°Good. It is very difficult to sink your sword into a Swampstomp without your power flowing through it. Do either of you have Elemental Plant Power? You may be able to redirect its vines,¡± Sir Kilile said.

    ¡°No, neither of us. Didn¡¯t you just check our stats?¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Right¡­¡± Sir Kilile said, his face serious. ¡°I apologize, I am quite nervous about this.¡±

    ¡°We each have good control over our power, even with no Elemental Plant,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Very well, that is better than no power at all,¡± Sir Kilile nodded.

    Wind puffed from behind the three, and another guard landed next to Sir Kilile.

    ¡°Rolcoth,¡± Sir Kilile acknowledged.

    ¡°Is that a Swampstomp? I heard the dangerous monsters were becoming more common, but I never expected to see a Beast of Slumber come to a city so close to the sea,¡± Sir Rolcoth shook his head.

    ¡°Is anyone else on their way?¡± Sir Kilile asked.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t enough? We¡¯re all pretty high Level, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°If what we know about these monsters is true, this is not nearly enough¡±, Sir Kilile said.

    Zalan swallowed hard, an uncertain frown creasing his cheeks.

    ¡°I saw one of Ma¡¯s guards rushing to inform her of the alarm you sounded. One can hope she will send us reinforcements,¡± Sir Rolcoth reported.

    ¡°And Lady Seraphina?¡±

    ¡°She was standing guard in front of Madam Hikma¡¯s building,¡± Sir Rolcoth said.

    Sir Kilile pursed his lips, nodding a silent assent for extra protection for the old wise woman.

    ¡°Shall I go gather members of the guild?¡± Sir Rolcoth asked.

    ¡°Yes. We need Heron here. I hear he out surpassed us in Levels after hunting a Leviathan recently,¡± Sir Kilile said.

    ¡°He is going to get himself killed going off on those quests for more Levels,¡± Sir Rolcoth said.

    ¡°As will we if we only have the four of us to defend this city,¡± Sir Kilile suggested.

    Sir Rolcoth took the hint and jumped off the wall with a massive burst of Elemental Air, arcing toward a set of buildings hundreds of feet away.

    ¡°Take care not to get injured by this creature,¡± Sir Kilile said. ¡°Anything too serious will cause the others to have to protect you.¡±

    Zalan instinctively gripped tightly to the Homeseeker in his pocket.

    ¡°But if one of us gets hurt, we could just hop back in the city and do a Healing Rest and come back out to help, right?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°With most monsters, yes. But something this large could break the walls if given enough time in its vicinity. We must go confront it,¡± Sir Kilile said, walking calmly to grab a spear leaning against the wall.

    ¡°I get that, but I have a Homeseeker. If it gets bad enough, I could just warp someone back home to heal,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°If it gets bad enough, there will be no Healing Rest possible,¡± Sir Kilile responded, gripping his weapon tightly.

    ¡°You mean that thing could destroy the whole city?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Given enough time. But it only needs to destroy the walls,¡± Sir Kilile responded.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°The Healing Rest is miraculous, but it can only be experienced in places of safety,¡± Rep chimed in. ¡°The walls of Oriton are what gives it that safety. If even one part of it falls, it could render the residents unable to access the Healing Rest.¡±

    Zalan blinked, shocked. The gravity of the situation had finally sunk in on him. Every single person in Oriton was in serious danger. All wounds would be much more serious, even fatal where only a simple rest would protect them before.

    ¡°Let us go before it gets too close,¡± Sir Kilile said, making his way to the ladder.

    As he waited for the guard to descend, Zalan gave another glance at the Swampstomp. Another ponderous step shook the realm, its vines swaying aimlessly on its body. But its movement was very deliberately directed toward Oriton. It was on a gradual rampage, ready to take out an entire population, and Zalan wasn¡¯t sure they would be able to slow it down.

 193 - Book 5 - Chapter 08 - A Beast of Slumber

    Kilile, Rep, and Zalan briskly made their way to the Swampstomp approaching the city of Oriton. Each of them gripped tightly to their weapons. The beast¡¯s round black eyes made it difficult to tell what it was looking at, but Zalan suspected it could see them approaching.

    ¡°What kind of Elemental Power or attack is it weak against?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We do not know,¡± Sir Kilile stated. ¡°A Swampstomp is one of the Beasts of Slumber. We should never have to encounter it unless we encroach on its land. I know for certain that it could kill any one of us with a single, direct strike. Try to keep a distance.¡±

    Gripping tightly to his hilt, Zalan nodded sharply. Each man imbued their blades with their respective powers. Where Sir Kilile¡¯s Elemental Fire spun around at the point of his weapon, Rep released a long whip of flame from his sword, extending the reach of his attack. A tendril of flame grew out from Rep¡¯s other hand, arming him on both sides. Zalan looked at his shining sword, hoping that he would be effective in the battle. The obsidian eyes of the monster looked like good spots to target with blinding light.

    The wind whipped around them as Sir Rolcoth came dashing next to them, Elemental Air swirling the dust around him.

    ¡°There were not many in the guilds to call upon, but they are on their way.¡±

    ¡°Not many,¡± Sir Kilile repeated. He breathed deeply. ¡°I hope you men have written your wills.¡±

    ¡°If I do not make it, leave everything to my wife. Anything she does not want is to be offered to Zalan,¡± Rep said immediately. The two guardsmen nodded, taking mental note. Zalan stared, appalled.

    Trembling and shuddering, Zalan couldn¡¯t help himself but to feel fear flow through him. Despite having faced death multiple times, this felt different. The three others were clearly ready to die here. He thought his last stand would be against Morloch in a flying city, but he started to wonder how he would make it out alive against the creature towering over them. There was such an inevitability to their words.

    Shaking the floor with every step, the Swampstomp tilted its head downward, acknowledging the men. They stopped in place to breathe deeply, steeling themselves for its first attack. The vine-ridden monster halted its movement and squared off with the fighters.

    Time slowed as Zalan assessed the creature. Columns of earth sprouted from its torso to create the massive pillars that were its legs. It could pancake the four of them in a single step. Its arms were like that of massive tree branches, rough around the sides and covered in several different mounds of moss. Zalan grit his teeth, anxious in the calm before the storm.

    ¡°What are we waiting for?¡± Zalan whispered.

    ¡°The reinforcements from the guilds,¡± Sir Kilile said. ¡°If the monster does not begin to attack before they arrive, then we may stand a chance.¡±

    Exhaling through his nose, Zalan hated the response. He thought that reaching something as high as Level 10 was supposed to make him confident enough to take out all monsters. Nothing about Sir Kilile¡¯s words made him feel the slightest hope about defeating the Swampstomp. Slowing it down seemed to be the best outcome from their encounter, suggesting that the city of Oriton would evacuate in the meantime.

    More agonizingly long seconds passed, the Swampstomp¡¯s vines drifting calmly in a faint breeze. It carried the scent of mud, fresh rains, and death. There was a sinking feeling in Zalan¡¯s heart that the Swampstomp embalmed creatures within its vines, deep in its chest. He simultaneously had no reason to believe it and thought for certain that it was true.

    Footfalls crescendoed behind them, the sound of people running toward them.

    ¡°We are here!¡± Heron called out from behind them. ¡°The Journey House guild will take down this monster!¡±

    Without warning, several vines darted out from the Swampstomp like snakes charging to bite their prey. Zalan barely had a moment to slash his sword upward, not even aiming his reaction. He cut down a vine just as it was about to grip him, and he slashed it once it hit the ground for good measure. Spinning toward his allies, he checked to see that Rep, Kilile, and Rolcoth were all able to defend against the sudden strike. But the other vines hit their marks.

    Zalan just managed to catch sight of Heron and Epanor behind him wrapped with vines before they were dragged toward the monster. Epanor imbued himself in a maelstrom of flames, hot enough for Zalan to feel it from several feet away. Heron cried out in pain, Elemental Water spilling out from his arms like jets, but not nearly enough pressure to cut through the vines. Rep threw a fire whip upward at Epanor and was able to slash at the green tendril with searing hot fire, enough to cut him free. Heron continued to cry out as he was pulled upward.

    All those on the ground watched helplessly as the leader to Journey House was flung into the sky, dozens of feet above them. In a moment, the Swampstomp¡¯s two massive arms clapped together, crushing the man.

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    Swampy arms opening, Heron¡¯s remains fell inert. Killed in a moment.

    Zalan¡¯s heart dropped to his stomach. The battle had only just begun and someone who was Level 14 was already dead.

    ¡°Scatter!¡± Sir Kilile commanded.

    Zalan ran one direction immediately, not checking to see where the others were headed. He threw random blasts of Elemental Light above him, hoping to blind the creature as he fled. Vines grew from the ground beneath Zalan¡¯s feet and pulled his arms sideways, throwing his aim off. He tried to pull his arms free, but the slick plantlife wrapped tightly around his limbs and pulled him hard toward the ground. Zalan felt like his arms were being torn from their sockets and he was forced to drop to his knees. He tried to imbue his arms with all the power he could muster, but the vines didn¡¯t react to the brightest light he could conjure. Sir Kilile was right. Only blade and Elemental Power together would be enough to do any damage to this monster.

    With the swish of a rock-studded blade, Liv freed one of Zalan¡¯s arms. She had imbued herself in a coat of rock armor. Acting quickly, Zalan imbued his sword and freed his other arm, rushing to his feet and away from the monster. A massive foot stomped behind him, indenting the floor with a shallow crater and throwing Zalan off balance from the force of the attack. Stumbling, but keeping himself upright, Zalan saw Liv held down by more vines grabbing greedily at her ankles. Zalan slashed her free quickly and they both made a few feet of distance before turning back around.

    Catching their breath for a moment, they exchanged a glance.

    ¡°Zalan,¡± she acknowledged between deep breaths.

    ¡°Liv,¡± he replied with a grateful nod.

    ¡°Elemental Light is a unique power. Stay alive to preserve it,¡± she said.

    ¡°You too,¡± Zalan said, not having time to think of anything else to say.

    A dozen vines rained down on them and Liv wrapped herself in a tight dome of earth. Zalan swung his blade madly, feeling like he only had a half second between the time he spotted a vine and the time it would disarm him. While he continued to cut down each of the attacks, he never felt like their numbers were decreasing. The monster could endlessly supply vines.

    In the few chances Zalan had to check on the others, he could see many barely holding their own against the creature¡¯s onslaught. Liv¡¯s rock defense seemed effective, from the outside, but he wondered how much energy she had to use to keep it up.

    Chopping off four tentacles of vines at once, Zalan had a second to assess the two massive hands coming down toward the battlefield.

    ¡°Liv!¡± Zalan yelled at the protective rock enclosure. ¡°You¡¯re gonna get crushed, get out!¡±

    As he spoke, Zalan realized that the arms were going to sweep the ground like someone brushing bits of eraser off a desk. Its size and movement were too large to get out of the way. Anywhere within a hundred feet would be struck. He began to run, hoping his momentum would mean only a few of his bones would be broken.

    ¡°Liv!¡± Zalan screamed again.

    The earthen dome broke down and Zalan saw Liv wrapped tightly, mummified by vines that grew out of the ground. He faltered mid-step, wondering how he was supposed to free her and get out of the way of the oncoming crushing arm at the same time. The Homeseeker came to mind, but he knew it took ten seconds to activate and they didn¡¯t have that much time. Grunting in frustration, he darted back toward her to try and save her. Mom wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to help someone in need. Neither should he.

    Suddenly, the ground dipped out from under Zalan and he found himself sailing into the air. Looking around in shock, Zalan realized Sir Rolcoth tossed all the people on the ground into the sky with Elemental Air to avoid the massive arms coming their way. With a pit of dread in his heart, Zalan looked back down to see Liv was still trapped on the ground, the vines gripping her tightly.

    Epanor shot downward, propelling himself with a blast of Elemental Water. Cutting through the vines wildly, he desperately tried to free his ally as she threw off whatever vines she could. Firing shots of water like a pressure washer combined with his sword, he was able to get all of Liv¡¯s limbs free from her binds. They looked into one another¡¯s eyes, forlorn.

    The Swampstomp¡¯s arms slammed down, obscuring the two from view and leaving lifeless bodies. Utter destruction.

    ¡°No!¡± Zalan screamed.

    Even as he arced in the air, two vines grabbed Zalan¡¯s legs and held him upside down. Frustrated at the inability to have a second to grieve, Zalan blasted blinding Elemental Light at the monster¡¯s black eyes. It didn¡¯t look at him, but the vines released him, flinging him mercilessly at the floor.

    Flying into action, Sir Rolcoth caught him out of the freefall with Elemental Air, twisting him upright and placing him gently on the floor. Zalan turned to thank him, but the guard already jumped away in a puff of dust, moving to save another.

    Taking several steps away from the monster, Zalan began to throw as much Elemental Light as he could at its eyes, seeing that it had some reaction to it. Several vines approached him, but seemed to veer off or miss by inches.

    ¡°Good, Zalan, keep that up!¡± Sir Kilile praised him.

    Slowly, the Swampstomp began to raise one of its arms ahead of itself. At first, Zalan thought it was going to try and crush him again, then he realized it was slowly moving its arm in the way of his attacks. It wanted to block out his Elemental Light.

    Panicking, Zalan threw a beam of light from one arm and tried to redirect it to get around. The power wiggled in the air, but only shifted a few degrees, not nearly enough to get around the massive, trunk-like arm.

    As soon as the monster could block out Zalan¡¯s light, vines sprouted from its legs and held Zalan¡¯s arms to his side. He struggled to free himself, but felt the plants tightening hard, crushing his chest. Gasping one last time, Zalan could no longer breathe, his lungs feeling like they were collapsing within him. He tried to call out for someone, but couldn¡¯t emit the slightest sound. Thinking desperately, Zalan imbued his body on and off quickly, as though flickering a light urgently. It was no use. The realm was beginning to fade as his vision failed him. More vines wrapped around his forehead, squeezing painfully tight.

    Fumbling at his hip, Zalan tried to activate the Homeseeker in a desperate bid to escape. But he couldn¡¯t even reach as far as his pocket. He was wholly defeated, the monster would pop his head open in the next moment.

 194 - Book 5 - Chapter 09 - No Weakness

    Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide, his face colored hot red. All the blood was forced to stop flowing in his body by the tight constrictions of the Swampstomp¡¯s vines. His only consolation would be that he died fighting. Even then, he couldn¡¯t find the satisfaction that he saw in Fran and Xavier¡¯s faces when they passed in battle. He didn¡¯t want to die like this. In what little sunlight was allowed to pass through the bog that was the Swampstomp, Zalan saw Rep fighting for his life, too far to see his dilemma.

    Closing his eyes tightly in reluctant fear, Zalan accepted whatever would come next. The world churned under him, a rumble shaking him to his core. The vines stressed and loosened in an instant, followed by them collapsing on the floor along with Zalan. Flinging his eyes open, Zalan took in heaves of air. Looking around, he saw that each of the vines had been crushed by what looked like a mini meteor shower. They were shredded apart with expert precision. Gasping in a mix of gratitude and confusion, Zalan looked up to see Oshrad looking down at him with a small smile.

    ¡°It seems the Mind of Madness¡¯s killer has vulnerabilities after all,¡± Oshrad claimed, pleased with himself.

    Zalan coughed, his lungs aching far too much to come up with a reply.

    ¡°Tell Ma that I saved your life when we are done here,¡± Oshrad said.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Zalan croaked.

    Oshrad boosted him to his feet with a pillar of earth he sprouted from the ground. Zalan knew that Oshrad had power over Elemental Earth, but he had never seen it used so casually. Ma¡¯s right hand man surrounded his arm in a massive conglomeration of stones, forming an impressive mallet as he rushed at the monster¡¯s foot. Targeting a toe, Zalan presumed.

    Oshrad brought down his amalgamation of arm and hammer right at the edge of the Swampstomp¡¯s foot. It crashed with such a resounding blast that Zalan took a slight step back from the aftershock. A crack formed in the Swampstomp¡¯s foot, the first real sign of it having taken any serious damage.

    The Swampstomp looked down directly at Oshrad, then kicked him away. Oshrad blew past Zalan like a cannonball, flying off in a blur. Zalan¡¯s eyes went wide. Even Oshrad could barely hold his own against it. The monster¡¯s foot began to move forward to take another step, on a direct course for Zalan. This time, he was ready and ran as fast as he could away from its trajectory.

    Even with his head start, Zalan still felt the earth rumbling effects of the stomp just behind him. The monster could span several dozen feet in a single step. He stumbled, struggling to keep his balance and keep running.

    Men ran in the opposite direction of Zalan, jumping and charging toward the monster. Zalan recognized many of them as Ma¡¯s men and wondered if even their collective power would be enough. Zalan felt the monster move behind him, followed by a handful of men flying off in random directions, spots of blood escaping them as they zipped by without any control.

    Zalan spotted Sir Kilile just ahead of him, leaning awkwardly to one side. He rushed to meet the guardsman.

    ¡°Have we figured out a plan?¡± Zalan asked desperately. ¡°I have no idea how to take one of these down!¡±

    Sir Kilile remained silent, one arm gripping the other shoulder. Zalan gave it a triple take, eyes widening as he realized Sir Kilile had a stump where his right arm should have been.

    ¡°There is no plan but to keep it as far away from Oriton as possible,¡± Sir Kilile said, determined.

    ¡°But how do we stop it from destroying the city?¡± Zalan asked.

    Sir Kilile¡¯s eyes were fixed on the beast above them, vines whipping around to attack all those at its feet and up in the air.

    ¡°We do not,¡± Sir Kilile said.

    ¡°What?¡± Zalan balked.

    He turned back to Oriton. A stream of people were fleeing from the city, rushing to the Cliffs of Shadow in the distance. The line of people was solid, the entirety of the town having joined in the evacuation. Zalan finally understood that they were never intended to stop the monster, even by miracle. They were only meant to delay it from destroying the town. It was an inevitable outcome. They were bait so that the civilians could have enough time to leave the city.

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    Muscles burned and his mind was abuzz with adrenaline and fear. He didn¡¯t think he would last very long in the battle, and knew he was doing only the most minimal amount of damage.

    ¡°Okay, then when do we know that we¡¯re done delaying it? When do we get to run away?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°We do not,¡± Sir Kilile repeated.

    Zalan¡¯s heart sank to his stomach. They were sacrificial, only intended as playthings for an unstoppable monster.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Zalan asked, desperate as he slashed vines down.

    ¡°Most will flee the city immediately. But others will delay for reasons good and bad. A man will not want to part from his family home. A stubborn merchant will want to make one last sale before closing his shop for good. A child will wander aimlessly in search of her mother. Every second we delay the monster gives them all another second to escape. The majority of the city is less than Level 5. They will not even be able to cut the vines, much less injure the Swampstomp,¡± Sir Kilile informed him.

    Zalan hated everything about the explanation. Mostly because it resonated with him. Fighting until the end. Spreading good, no matter how little. He could feel his mother¡¯s teaching within him like a gentle hand on his shoulder. She would certainly have wanted him to fight to save innocent people, even to his last breath.

    ¡°The fact you do not flee makes me proud to fight with you. If we survive, I will sponsor you to enter into my old guild, Journey House,¡± Sir Kilile said with satisfaction.

    ¡°I¡¯m already in Journey House,¡± Zalan told him.

    ¡°Even better. I have the honor to battle alongside a brother.¡±

    Zalan found that sentiment heartwarming despite the monster looming over them. A smile wiggled at the end of his trembling lips. With that, Sir Kilile took a deep breath and charged forward with his sword raised. Vines swarmed him and he fought furiously in a twist of a fiery tornado.

    Zalan threw both arms up and blasted the Swampstomp¡¯s eyes once more. Rep appeared next to him, covered in bloody scrapes and cuts. Moving quickly, he defended Zalan from more mossy plantlife darting after him.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of using the Oculus of Annihilation against this thing,¡± Zalan said, ducking under more vines. ¡°I might be able to kill it before it kills anyone else.¡±

    Rep was punched in the stomach by a vine and Zalan severed it before it was able to strike again. Rep breathed in through grit teeth.

    ¡°Very well, give me the Artifact,¡± Rep asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re just gonna use it to kill it, taking your own life,¡± Zalan said, grunting in frustration when a vine tore out a small tuft of his hair.

    ¡°Yes! At least then you may still be able to return home!¡± Rep shouted.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let you kill yourself to kill this thing!¡±

    ¡°We are going to die anyway!¡±

    ¡°No you are not!¡± Oshrad appeared between them, blood streaming down his arm.

    Several boulders orbited him and with a nod of his head, each one blasted toward the Swampstomp, crashing like rockets into its swampy exterior. Scratches formed on the monster, barely enough to be noticed. With a stomp, Oshrad sent the three of them skyward, flinging them up with a piece of Elemental Earth that popped up like a seesaw with too much weight on one side. Rep and Zalan let out battle cries in the air as they went straight for the Swampstomp¡¯s face.

    Quickly regaining his sense of balance, Zalan shot bolts of Elemental Light at the dark black eyes of the creature. It flinched, twisting its head away. Rep imbued his sword with all the searing hot flame he could muster as he descended toward the head. As they went on their crash course for the creature¡¯s head, Zalan saw Sir Kilile and Sir Rolcoth flying through the air as well, both ready to stab it in the head. Zalan had a small seed of hope in his heart that they would be able to strike some sort of brain matter and kill it.

    Zalan¡¯s light worked to distract the beast and Rep, Kilile, and Rolcoth all stabbed into the head with their respective swords and spears, all imbued with incredible power. Oshrad created a mallet of stone and bashed all the weapons deeper into the creature¡¯s head. The shockwave was enough to deafen them, the blow driving the weapons deep enough to not be dislodged easily. For a moment, Rep and Zalan looked to one another with a hint of excitement. Then they were met with Sir Kilile¡¯s grim expression. The monster still lived, moving like it barely noticed their collective efforts.

    Zalan wondered if the colossal creature could even be killed. Even the Oculus of Annihilation seemed like a longshot after something as direct as several weapons lodged deep into its head.

    Like hair sprouting from a scalp, hundreds of tendrils of vines appeared from the Swampstomp¡¯s head and held each of the five men flat. They stared at one another with eyes wide. Each of their voices were caught in the tight vice of the tentacle-like plants, rendering them all unable to speak. Every fighter tried to imbue himself with their power, to no avail. A gargantuan hand hovered above them, ready to crush them all into a fine paste. Zalan strained against his constriction to try and brush against the Homeseeker, but he couldn¡¯t shift his finger even an inch.

    The Swampstomp¡¯s hand descended rapidly.

 195 - Book 5 - Chapter 10 - Mamaâ€™s Boy

    Rep, Zalan, Oshrad, Kilile, and Rolcoth all struggled anxiously against their binds. Zalan resigned himself to the fact he was going to die on the head of a giant monster, but hoped he would at least get some last words. Fran got to say she had a great time in battle. Even Xavier got to flash one last smile. Zalan would die much like he imagined most others did. Without anything remarkable to do or say before passing.

    The massive arm descended upon them and Zalan braced himself to be pulverized.

    But the colossal palm suddenly stopped, just inches above him and his allies. He stared with wide eyes, trying to figure out if this was time slowing to a crawl before he was killed. He felt like he was waiting for something. Perhaps his life to flash before his eyes. Without warning, the vines went slack, no longer holding him or his companions down.

    ¡°Move!¡± Sir Kilile commanded the moment he tore the constraints off his mouth.

    Before Zalan could shuffle off the remaining plants, a burst of air thrust him off the top like a broom sweeping him far away from the monster. As he sailed through the air, Zalan spotted a figure floating above the Swampstomp and his eyes widened in shock.

    Ma was flying using Elemental Air, and was holding up the Swampstomp¡¯s colossal arm with her bare hands.

    Zalan was twisted upright and caught on a floating pillar of rocks controlled by Oshrad.

    ¡°Was that everyone on the creature?¡± Ma asked, looking over the five injured men.

    ¡°I do not know,¡± Oshrad replied like a soldier to a commander.

    ¡°So be it,¡± Ma said gravely.

    Oshrad pulled the floating earth away from Ma, allowing Zalan to get a clear view of her and the monster facing off. Jaws dropped all around the floating rock platform. Ma had no weapon on her person, and she floated in a ball of Elemental Air spinning around her. She was holding the massive creature¡¯s limb back with nothing more than her forearm. With a flick of her wrist, the Swampstomp¡¯s arm whipped upward, the creature stumbling back.

    The monster put all its focus on Ma, the few others fighting below free to escape vine wrappings. Hundreds of green plants darted out of the mossy creature toward Ma. She floated in place, not even reacting to the oncoming attack. Her orb of Elemental Air blasted the vines aside as soon as they made contact, shredding several of them apart.

    ¡°Oshrad¡­ What Level is Ma?¡± Zalan asked, enraptured by the battle.

    ¡°No one knows but Ma,¡± Oshrad replied confidently.

    The Swampstomp twisted in place, the vines on its body working against it and twisting around its neck. They squeezed like a vice, but the Swampstomp didn¡¯t look disturbed, lacking the need to breathe. Jets of highly pressured water shot out from Ma¡¯s orb, searing holes through the giant creature like a pressure washer firing through dirt at point blank. Holding its arm up to defend itself, the Swampstomp summoned a mountain of vines from beneath Ma, smashing into the orb and snuffing out her form.

    The viewers watched in terrified silence.

    A dark shadow cast over the Swampstomp, sickly dark circles began bubbling up from dozens of points on the creature and growing in size. At first, Zalan thought it was a new attack the monster was preparing to deliver, then realized that Ma had created the darkness with her Elemental Shadow Power. Decaying in seconds, the plants surrounding Ma shriveled and fell away.

    The immense shadow grew and swarmed the monster, wrapping it in an opaque veil of black void. Ma shifted her arms around and a crack formed in the earth beneath the darkness. Like a catastrophic earthquake, the ground split open and the Swampstomp fell out of the void and into the newly formed hole in the earth.

    The dark void of shadow evaporated and the earth squeezed in, pinning the monster¡¯s arms to its side. Its top half was falling apart, limbs held on by small sinewy tissues, life sucked away by Elemental Shadow Power.  Immobilized from the chest down, vines grew fresh out of its head to rush Ma.

    Ma drew in closer, then raised her arms above her head grandly as the vines approached. The Swampstomp was desperate, throwing everything it could at her, enough vines to swallow all of Oriton rising at once.

    Ma thrust her arms downward, as though throwing a spear. Something detonated overhead.

    Hair raised, Zalan and the others fell backward on the rock platform in fear. The sky looked as though it split in two as the flash of a bolt of lightning the size of a semi truck warped down from the sky. It was imbued in a vortex of hot flames. The moment Zalan registered its existence, it crashed into the Swampstomp¡¯s head and ignited into a devastating explosion.

    The blast was so immense that the resulting shockwave tore apart the rock platform the men were standing on, sending them flying violently groundward. Zalan wanted to brace himself, but could barely tell which way was up and had momentarily lost feeling in his arms. Suddenly, the earth was upon him as he smashed into the ground. He heard his arm and shoulder crack in ways they shouldn¡¯t have. Definitely broken bones. Zalan groaned for a moment, then saw that his body was glowing a bright white color. He was gaining a Level.

    He burst into an explosion of light, and his arm seemed to mend back into place. Breathing deeply, he saw that he only had shallow cuts and bruises after gaining a Level. Rep approached him looking grateful to see that Zalan was still alive. They both looked up at the Swampstomp. What was left of it.

    Everything above the monster¡¯s shoulders had been obliterated, not even the hint of a neck remaining after Ma¡¯s summoned explosion. The small wisp of smoke above it drifted casually, as though it was not the result of the most impressive display of power Zalan had ever witnessed in the realm.

    ¡°Did you gain a Level, too?¡± Zalan asked Rep, unable to look away from the monster¡¯s remains.

    ¡°Indeed. Myself and all the others, Oshrad included. A full 100 Experience. The most one can gain from a monster,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan checked his stats. He had also gained exactly 100 Experience. There was a feeling that he should not be alive at the moment, the monster was clearly too powerful for him and the others. He was grateful that he and Rep were alive. He could still see the evidence of some of the fallen fighters of the battle, killed in an instant. Members of Journey House were gone. Even some of Ma¡¯s guards. The edge of Zalan¡¯s mouth curved downward. If Ma had come to help sooner, some more people might have survived.

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    Ma floated down from the sky gradually, looking over her wrist in disappointment.

    ¡°Only two Experience. I expected three,¡± she muttered.

    Rep and Zalan exchanged a shocked glance.

    ¡°How high a Level are you, Ma?¡± Rep asked, amazed.

    ¡°High enough,¡± Ma replied.

    Zalan¡¯s frown grew slightly larger and Ma looked at him with mild interest.

    ¡°Something the matter, Zalan?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ Why didn¡¯t you help earlier? More people could have been saved,¡± Zalan said, unable to help himself.

    Rep went tense, clearly hoping that Zalan hadn¡¯t offended her with the question.

    ¡°I used to work on the walls, you know,¡± Ma said. Zalan thought she was changing the subject, but she continued. ¡°I was a guard, stopping all manner of creatures that came to our city¡¯s borders. I was formidable when compared to the other guards around me. They often sent me first, to ensure that the monster would be handled without incident. And I was able to do exactly that, take down larger and larger creatures without fail. I would even be requested in other lands to take things down on my own. Do you know what kind of issues that caused?¡±

    Ma looked at them expectantly. Zalan wasn¡¯t sure what this had to do with his question. Rep looked like he understood.

    ¡°You were the only one to gain any Experience,¡± Rep determined.

    ¡°Precisely. And while I climbed to Levels the likes hitherto unseen by the realm, the remaining guards had no additional Strength or Wisdom to stop the next monster attack. Men and women never gained the necessary time in battle to be prepared for monsters they had not witnessed before. And people died.¡±

    The words hung in the air with the backdrop of the dead behind her.

    ¡°At some point I vowed never to help again. People continued to come and ask me for assistance, so I started to make them owe me in debts of favors for favors I would grant them in forms of killing monsters,¡± Ma said, turning back to look at her latest kill.

    Zalan felt ambivalence bounce in his chest. To his surprise, Rep spoke first.

    ¡°But you could still have saved these people¡¯s lives,¡± Rep said nervously.

    Zalan nodded in agreement, glad to see he wasn¡¯t alone in his thinking.

    ¡°Indeed I could. But now everyone is stronger to save far more lives. I do not want to be the only source of power in the realm. I already broke my vow not to fight more monsters beyond the walls. You are allowed to cast your judgment on my decisions, but only if you show that you would do better in my position. You are powerful, go out and save others,¡± Ma said, waving her hand dismissively.

    ¡°Can you at least help us by taking down Morloch?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°You want another favor! I got Rep married and I saved both of your lives!¡± Ma snapped, irate. ¡°How dare you be so ungrateful after I had done so much! You must do me a favor first! Get me a living Nature Elemental that gives me a challenge I can accomplish!¡±

    Rep and Zalan looked at one another, confused. They turned back to the fuming Ma.

    ¡°You want another Elemental Power? I thought you were already an Ascended Being? You still want more?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Ascension is such an arbitrary power! I do not care to interact with Elementals. If you have Elemental Plant Power and over 30 Wisdom, you can conjure whatever plant you desire!¡± Ma said grandly.

    ¡°Like Nightbloom,¡± Rep concluded.

    ¡°Precisely.¡±

    ¡°And I take it that you¡¯ve seen a Nature Elemental before, but its challenge was too hard because you already have a ton of Elemental Powers?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Now you are understanding,¡± Ma nodded. ¡°Get me the Elemental Power, and I will personally bring Aetheria to the ground for you. Until then, I am not leaving my town.¡±

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    Ma blasted into the sky like a firework, flying back to Oriton in a flash. Rep and Zalan followed her with their eyes, then looked back at the damage she had left behind.

    ¡°How are we supposed to get a Nature Elemental when the Elementals are migrating and running around enough to summon things like this?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Ma knows it is impossible. I believe she was telling us that her debts to us were repaid and it would take much to earn her favor once more,¡± Rep suggested.

    ¡°Yeah, makes sense I guess. Well, as much sense as Ma ever makes. Because all her stuff about letting people die definitely doesn¡¯t add up, even if it¡¯s to supposedly make them stronger.¡± Zalan looked at the surrounding destruction.

    The duo made their way over to Sir Rolcoth and Sir Kilile who were still staring in shock at the defeated Swampstomp.

    ¡°We live,¡± Sir Kilile said in disbelief.

    ¡°You lost an arm,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°And gained another day of life,¡± Sir Kilile said, not even looking at the garish wound on his shoulder.

    Zalan was amazed by how nonchalant Sir Kilile acted toward the loss of his limb, especially when he was still bleeding from a fresh hit. His gaining a Level stopped the bulk of the blood, but he was far from having the injury addressed. The danger of infection and blood loss all meant so little to the people of the realm when they were close to getting Healing Rest. While Sir Kilile wouldn¡¯t grow an arm back, he could still heal from the serious attacks he received. And probably stop waves of pain that were currently emitted from his shoulder. But he was in no rush when Oriton was so close.

    ¡°It is no wonder Ma has so many following her. Perhaps I should join her ranks, myself,¡± Sir Rolcoth mused aloud.

    ¡°She is an incredible leader,¡± Oshrad corroborated.

    ¡°If there are gonna be more monsters like this roaming around, I think Oriton needs as many people as they can get on the walls,¡± Zalan said.

    Oshrad looked disappointed when Rolcoth nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Speaking of which, would you like to join us as guards on the walls of Oriton? I saw how bravely you both fought, we could use your strengths,¡± Sir Kilile said to Rep and Zalan.

    Rep lit up, excited to hear the offer, then shook his head.

    ¡°We are off to try and stop the deaths of Elementals. We can not remain in place,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Very well,¡± Sir Kilile nodded.

    ¡°Did you tell Ma I saved your life?¡± Oshrad asked Zalan.

    ¡°No. But I don¡¯t think she¡¯s a big fan of us anymore after we said she could have saved more lives,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°I see. Perhaps it was for the best that I was not mentioned in that conversation,¡± Oshrad determined.

    ¡°Do any of you know where Gorb is? We need his help with the Elemental stuff,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°Gorbonifus,¡± Rep corrected when he saw the confused look on Sir Kilile¡¯s face.

    ¡°Last we spoke was a week ago, when he visited his guild,¡± Sir Rolcoth said ¡°He came to tell me he was retiring to move back home to Wollstone and work as a guard on their walls.  A shame, as he never learned how to properly fly before retiring.¡±

    ¡°Wollstone. Is that far?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°A few days¡¯ journey in that direction. It should be easy on one¡¯s toes. Unless you see more creatures such as this on the way,¡± Oshrad said ominously.

    The five men looked back at the dead Swampstomp half-buried into the earth. Zalan wondered how long it would sit out there. Would the creature rot and decompose over time? Would people try to eat it? Would anyone have the Strength to remove it even if they wanted to? Zalan got the feeling that it would stay there unless Ma decided otherwise.

    ¡°I will gather and give the dead a proper burial. Ma will take care of their families, I assure you¡± Oshrad said formally. ¡°If you can prevent this from happening again, then make haste on your journey.¡±

    ¡°Well then, I suppose we are off to Wollstone,¡± Rep said, turning the exact opposite direction Oshrad pointed to for the city.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Oshrad asked, annoyed.

    ¡°Ma just blew up our weapons! And we gotta rest first!¡± Zalan said, following Rep to fully heal before the treacherous journey ahead.

 196 - Book 5 - Chapter 11 - A Changed Realm

    After some rest they went to  replenish their arms. Junill didn¡¯t even make mention of them losing their swords, a somberness in her granting new weapons, but a tenderness in how she made sure Rep was well-balanced with his blade.

    Rep and Zalan journeyed outside the walls in the arid lands just outside Oriton. The normally flat terrain was riddled with indentations and scars in the earth from unknown creatures traveling upon them. Some mossy green breaks in the earth were a clear guide for the path the Swampstomp took to Oriton. Formerly safe paths were covered in evidence of danger having crossed them. The realm was no longer what it was before the Elementals began their migrations to flee Morloch.

    Travel was a lot slower than usual, having to watch their step and keep their eyes especially wary of new monsters on the horizon. Everything Zalan knew about the realm had been pulled out from under him, making him feel as uneasy as he did when he was first new to the world.

    ¡°How much further to Wollstone?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I do not think it is wise to go directly to Wollstone. I do not want to remain outside overnight and keep watch,¡± Rep answered.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t we done that every time before?¡±

    ¡°That was before we were surrounded by monsters we do not know how to cope with.¡±

    Zalan nodded, quickly agreeing to Rep¡¯s point.

    ¡°Okay, then what¡¯s next? We going to a nearby city on the way?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. The city of Moonwell. Unless we are prevented by some monsters, we should arrive just before the sun sets,¡± Rep explained.

    ¡°I sure wish we had a few Belt of Bolts right now,¡± Zalan admitted.

    Rep nodded, smiling at the thought of warping through the realm at immeasurable speed.

    For the next few minutes, Rep and Zalan traveled in silence, taking in the world around them. Zalan stumbled on an indentation left in the earth by something the size of a Swampstomp and began to wonder how many similar creatures were around. If Rep and Zalan met something that large on their own, they would have no way of defeating it. Even trying to run felt like it would be futile if they were spotted. Seemingly unbeatable creatures now roamed the land.

    About an hour into their journey, Zalan spotted something on the horizon that looked like a long line of people. Stopping to look, Rep slowed his step and followed his gaze. Taking a few moments to assess the crowd, Rep frowned slightly, turning his head away a few inches in shame.

    ¡°Refugees,¡± Rep said sadly.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Their walls must have been shattered by monsters. Their homes, destroyed. Without safety in their homeland, there is no Healing Rest. You can not live in the realm without a place to heal. They have been forced to flee elsewhere.¡±

    Zalan looked back out to the stretch of people. Bags were slung over shoulders, wagons dragged behind them. Rep¡¯s conclusion should have been more obvious to him, but he didn¡¯t consider the realm to be a place with refugees. He had never considered why guards were stationed at every city they had ever been to. Then he remembered Nightfall had no walls and hoped they were faring well these days.

    In silence, Rep and Zalan scanned the horizon of ragged people, walking together in search of a new place to live. Zalan had a pit in his heart, sympathy for those being pushed from their homes. He had been pulled into this realm from his own home, and knew what it felt like to be scared and powerless.

    ¡°We should continue,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Is there anything we can do for them?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°Stop the calamities that caused them to lose their homes,¡± Rep answered.

    Zalan sighed in frustration and nodded, continuing their way down the destroyed path. It only took a few steps for Zalan to yelp and jump back several feet. Rep exploded in imbued flame, and drew his sword.

    ¡°What is it? Where?¡± Rep asked, bracing himself.

    ¡°R¡­ Roaches!¡± Zalan said, trembling.

    Rep¡¯s flames went out in a puff of pathetic smoke.

    ¡°Roaches?¡± Rep repeated.

    ¡°I hate Roaches.¡±

    Rep turned to look at the nest of creatures. Zalan hated them with every fiber of his being, disgusting creatures that looked like cockroaches the size of dogs. They jittered to and fro, twitching tiny mandibles and antennae in unsettling fashion. Zalan took a few steps back, going pale in disgust.

    ¡°Zalan, they are the weakest creatures in the realm. You can kill them,¡± Rep said in a mix of amusement and annoyance.

    ¡°Oh yeah, right,¡± Zalan said, raising his arms.

    He emitted a blinding ray of supercharged Elemental Light, putting all his revulsion into his attack. Rep shielded his eyes as the Roaches disintegrated into oblivion. Zalan lowered his hands and assessed the area, looking at the smoldering ashes that used to be an entire group of Roaches.

    ¡°I forget how much of a difference all these Levels make. I didn¡¯t even gain any Experience from killing all of them,¡± Zalan said.

    ¡°I forget how pathetic you look whenever in the presence of Roaches,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan smirked and scoffed simultaneously.

    Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°Did I look as scared as you did when you were talking with the girl you wanted to propose to?¡± Zalan jabbed.

    ¡°Remind me, which of the two of us are married?¡± Rep said, eyebrows raised.

    Zalan laughed and shrugged, accepting verbal defeat. Rep smiled and continued to lead the way. Keeping his eyes peeled for any Roaches that ended up surviving, Zalan tailed behind him.

    A few hours later, a deep grumble in the distance caught Rep and Zalan¡¯s attention. They turned to the source and stopped in their tracks, Zalan¡¯s heart going cold.

    An ice behemoth the size of a skyscraper was trailing on the horizon, a blizzard swirling around it like an icy tornado. The creature looked like it was born from a glacier and left a trail of frost wherever it stepped. Luckily for Zalan, the monster looked like it was headed somewhere very far away from their destination and they wouldn¡¯t have to cross its path for any reason. The image was astounding to Zalan. He watched as it crushed a small forest of trees under it, covering any surviving plants in feet of thick snow and ice. Zalan felt like he was watching a living natural disaster.

    ¡°What¡¯s it called?¡± Zalan asked quietly, a hint of awe in his voice. He felt so small in the face of the mountainous creature.

    ¡°Snowscourge,¡± Rep answered, a similar veneration in the word. ¡°Another Beast of Slumber.¡±

    They watched it nervously, wondering if it was going to end up headed anywhere near Oriton. It looked like something that would give even Ma a hard time in battle. Not that Zalan had ever seen her at her limits. The Snowscourge took another ponderous step, covering hundreds of feet in a single movement.

    ¡°We should keep moving,¡± Rep said.

    The sun had crossed its zenith and began its slow fall toward the horizon. Rep seemed somewhat confident in their path, but Zalan started to feel anxious. He had no sense of direction of the area and feared being left out overnight with creatures like Swampstomps and Snowscourges prowling around. With a sinking feeling in his heart, he realized that being inside of a city would all be security theater. There was no real safety in the wake of Beasts of Slumber, they could destroy the walls surrounding a city just by walking into them. It made Zalan even more determined to destroy Morloch for having made the realm so dangerous. Things had never felt so dire when traveling before.

    Far ahead, there were two flocks of creatures battling in the sky. Rep and Zalan continued forward nervously, knowing that two groups of monsters fighting would probably be a dangerous situation to insert themselves into. Squinting his eyes, Zalan realized that he recognized the monsters from previous adventures.

    ¡°That¡¯s a bunch of Bloodbeaks. And the others are the monsters that we saw in the Castle Docrun. The ones that cut up your arm,¡± Zalan pointed out.

    ¡°Razortongues,¡± Rep identified.

    ¡°Yeah. I thought Bloodbeaks normally stay near coasts? And Razortongues normally in dark places?¡±

    ¡°Usually.¡±

    ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± Zalan said, watching as felled creatures spiraled down from the sky.

    ¡°Every system in the world affects the other systems. Humans are normally the most harmful to a system, but Elemental migration at this scale has never been seen before,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°And it was still caused by a human,¡± Zalan replied.

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    As they passed under the two warring factions of monsters, Zalan kept his neck craned upward to keep a close eye on any attackers. The battle in the sky was brutal. Teeth tore into wings and legs, and tongues lashed out and lacerated entire bodies. Zalan thought that the Bloodbeaks would have been the clear winners by strength, but they were far outnumbered by the swarm of Razortongues.

    ¡°Heads up,¡± Zalan said as a few Razortongues split off to charge Rep and Zalan in a frenzy.

    ¡°I will take care of them,¡± Rep said, confidently.

    He imbued his sword and threw it spinning upward like a boomerang. Using his redirection, he was able to adjust its flight. The burning blade cleaved through each of the monsters with expert aim, killing each one before they could get anywhere near the duo. Pulling back on the blade with his Elemental Power, Rep brought it straight back to his hand.

    ¡°I really need to learn how to redirect my power better. How did you get so good at a trick like that?¡± Zalan said, impressed by Rep.

    ¡°After gaining more Wisdom after the Swampstomp. As for you, we can take some time to practice overnight in the city,¡± Rep said.

    Zalan nodded, and they kept moving. He kept turning his neck to check that nothing was trying to sneak up on them from above and was pleasantly surprised to find they were too focused in aerial combat to send any more creatures their way.

    When Rep and Zalan reached a temperate forest, the trees¡¯ shadows stretched long and ominous before them. Normally, Zalan wouldn¡¯t have been so worried about the dark, but he could feel the need to be behind walls he could heal in. Rep seemed to silently agree with his urgency, doubling his walking speed as they pushed through foliage. A slight paranoia began to take hold on Zalan as the darkness grew closer. He felt somewhat like the Depths of Despair would drop down around him and keep him stuck in an unending maze of shadows. He kept himself imbued to light the way ahead, despite it still being bright enough to see. If Rep cared, he didn¡¯t mention it to Zalan.

    ¡°Rep? The sun?¡± Zalan asked as the bottom of the sun touched the horizon.

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°How far are we from Moonwell?¡±

    ¡°I do not know.¡±

    Their walk became more brisk, one step behind a total run. Zalan¡¯s heart quickened and he blasted Elemental Light at the slightest thing that might try to sneak up on him. He had no idea what kinds of monsters migrated to the forest as a result of the Elementals. The tall, overlapping shadows of plants surrounding him made him feel like everything shifting around him was hostile.

    The sun was halfway down, the semicircle of remaining rays moving too fast for Zalan¡¯s sanity.

    ¡°Rep?¡±

    ¡°I do not know how far we are.¡±

    ¡°No, I was just wondering¡­ I mean I just thought about¡­ What are we gonna do if the Moonwell¡¯s already been destroyed while we were on our way there?¡± Zalan asked.

    Rep hesitated before his next step, then shook his head.

    ¡°We can not think like that. There is no benefit to consider scenarios that we have no solutions to,¡± Rep said.

    ¡°Unless we think of a solution on the way.¡±

    Zalan felt his leg pulled out from under him and he fell fast, barely catching himself before hitting the ground. Something had snatched him from behind and his blood went cold. Images of the Swampstomp and its oppressive mind flooded his head and he yelled in panic. Rep spun around and blasted Zalan in flames. Zalan cringed, thinking he would be burned but found that Rep was imbuing him with his own Elemental Flame, scaring off the vice wrapped around his leg.

    Zalan felt the flames dissipate and crawled forward a few feet before looking behind him. A small, long, noodle-like creature was smoldering, dead at the touch of fire. Zalan breathed heavily.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Zalan asked.

    ¡°I believe it was a snake you must have stepped on,¡± Rep informed him.

    ¡°Like a monster snake?¡±

    ¡°No. That was just a regular snake.¡±

    Zalan looked back at the smoking remains. The sun had been dunked under the horizon and its rays were dimming away. Zalan pushed himself back to his feet and brushed himself off.

    ¡°We really need to get behind some walls soon,¡± Zalan said. ¡°All this outside stuff is driving me crazy.¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, we will be free soon,¡± Rep said, pointing just beyond the forest.

    The walls of the city of Moonwell stood a few hundred feet in the distance. Silhouettes of guards were marching up and down the perimeter, weapons at the ready. Zalan sighed with immense gratitude, feeling a wave of stress flow out of him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get some sleep,¡± Zalan said.