As the cold harmonious waters crashed and retreated, Max watched the sand slowly shift with the tide. He sat where the water once reached but had long since dried. The stary night sky showed a marvelous possibility, home. It was something on Max’s mind more as of late. Just where was he? Nava, of course, but past that. What constellation? What galaxy?

Recent events had shown Max that life was meaningful. He had, after all, been taken from his world by some mysterious power. One that had been ripping individuals from their homes and depositing them like a sack of heavy groceries. When he first arrived on this world, Max moved around with not really thinking about his safety. He has been closer to death more than he ever was on Earth. He fought wild animals, monsters, dueled with rugged and experienced adventures, and fought the demented and vile…

It wasn’t until his most recent bouts did, he realize that he was not immortal. He had almost died, bled out on a dark street, for him to realize this. He had many advantages over others, but at the end of the day he was no one special. Just a young man with other worldly knowledge. As he sat on the beach, he wondered what he would be doing back on Earth right now.

In an office or basement, fixing issues that anyone could save with a few minutes of research. Being chastised and ridiculed for errors that he had nothing to do with. He was a network administrator, setting up and troubleshooting network topologies was what he was good at. Now, he killed and protected. Now, he was looked up to. He was a leader and a savior. A killer and a monster. He was what people feared and what people respected.

His standing as a Lost One was going to soon be widespread, he knew. If anyone looked into the one-armed [Water Mage], the savior of Esmel, the Nacittib, anyone with a decent network of information would be able to piece it together. He had no past on Nava. There was nothing of him before a few months ago. He simply didn’t exist. But now, after his arrival, the world was thrown back into chaos.

Terrorists, hell bent on the destruction of everything were back. Long had they thought to have been destroyed, but now with Max’s arrival, they were back. It couldn’t have been a coincidence? Could it? But what of his protections? The Goddess of Light, Ofes, had blessed Max with a powerful protection. One that causes all inspections to fail. One that was supposed to protect him from other Gods. How much longer could he hide?

Nix, the [Doppelganger] who had killed and impersonated the Adventuring Guild Master, Arthur, had learned of Max’s title. There was no telling where that information found itself. And with Max’s triumphs in Esmel, Vast Empire had all the more reason to go after Max. But the same could be said for Vel, Bishop and the others. They all had played important roles in the defense of Esmel. Time would only tell what defying the Empire would do to the Humble Titans.

But Max, like the others, didn’t care much about the Empire. Both Lesterwood and Esmel had been attacked. Lives were lost, but a team of tier ones and their two teachers thwarted their plans. That paired with the call to action against the Empire, Max wasn’t really worried about them. From what he could tell, when the powers of Salarin joined forces hardly anything could stand in their way.

“Max!” Clammy’s voice sounded from further down the beach. “Food’s done!”

The last few nights had been calm and joyous. Since leaving Esmel, the group had made their way to the coast. From there they would need to travel south to return to Lesterwood, but a few days stop in the port city of Urgsen was a well needed rest. The town itself wasn’t much more than hotels and late-night taverns. The population was small, but a large number of temporary residents filled the buildings. Sailors and exporters dominated the city creating a rough and dangerous environment. After finding a suitable beach front house to stay in, only trips for food and supplies were made into town.

Where they were staying was quiet and calm, far from the noise and untiring bubble of the city. Max spent most of his time sitting on the beach, watching ships sail and waves crash. It wasn’t quite the same as when he was with his infinite beach mana system but calming, nonetheless. Emi loved the open waters. She often times would stay out for hours, chasing schools of fish or hunting predators three times her size. She, however, never left Max’s range of influence. If he couldn’t blink a few times to reach her, she was too far. A left-over aliment from Buzluc, Max assumed.

The others had had their fun in the water, or lack thereof. The water was cold and dark, limiting the satisfaction of non [Water Mages]. Only Clammy was the one who partook in the original excitement of seeing the ocean, besides Max and Emi. Now, she and Reep dueled on the soft sand, pushing each other harder than ever. It was always a show when both were well rested. Often the fights lasted several minutes and ended in a spectacular showing of wit and brawn. Each knew each other’s tricks and tells, often causing the other to fight on the fly or with instinct.

Bishop and Vel gave advice and instruction and often times gambled on who would win. Since leaving Esmel, however, Max had noticed each of them stealing glances at him. He would be sitting alone or watching the girls fight, but he would feel their cold eyes look upon him. Max didn’t know why they were watching him, but it left an uncomfortable taste in his mouth.

The food for tonight, like last night and the night prior, was sea food. Reep had tasked Emi with the retrieval of shellfish and any large fish they could roast. Pots were used to boil and make stew with while large metal sticks were used as skewers. An open fire, Max learned, was a very difficult cooking medium. The group ate in a quiet but pleasant silence. They all wished they could laugh and joke, but the fresh memories and horrors of Esmel laid in their minds. The beach was a good starting place for the acceptance of those memories, however.

“I think it’s time to leave.” Vel announced after dinner. “Its going to be getting colder, and we need to get back to Lesterwood before the first freeze.”

“Agreed.” Belopi amended.

Max had often forgot about Belopi. He had found that she had an unnatural ability to blend in. If someone wasn’t looking for her, and she wasn’t interacting with something, it was hard to notice her. He didn’t think it was a racial, but rather he just glanced over her presence. Something he felt sort of guilty about.

A little bit of discussion followed, mainly pertaining to the detail of their travels but there was no disagreement to Vel’s statement. Max could feel Emi’s sadness through their bond. It was understandable, however, Emi loved water and Esmel didn’t have any. He reminded her of Lesterwood’s lake, causing her to perk up slightly.

From their current location it would take around a week of travel to return to Lesterwood. Along the way they would stop in a few cities, offering aid and buying provisions for the cold weather. Max assumed it was early November after a few quick calculations using Nava’s calendar. The new year would be starting in two months back on Earth, but the on Nava, they wouldn’t before another five or so.

As the others told him, the winters on Nava were harsh. Not necessarily in Lesterwood, but in the small surrounding villages, monster attacks and the cold temperatures caused many to perish. The was an important time of year for the Guilds, also. Each having their own special circumstances, whether being higher paying bounties, new school terms, or increased demand on select products, winter was a busy time of year.

For Max this meant that he should take on more extermination quests along with his magic classes he wanted to take. For the others, only the former applied. However, that did not mean they would be sitting idle in Lesterwood. Discussion had taken place with Vel and Bishop pertaining to everyone’s future. Reep needed help with her past traumas. The battle on the wall was enough to make Bishop finally realize. Clammy, still being plague with nightmares, needed information and direction with her disaster of a second class.

Plans to visit The Prophet of the Mountain had already been discussed, along with potential classes in the Mage Guild. A few other ideas had sprouted, the common theme being experiences. Experiences from others of similar capabilities. [Fortune Tellers], and other small time future seers being the primary focus since finding accounts of stronger seers will be few and far between.

Belopi planned to meet her daughter. Everyone gave words of encouragement, but in all honesty, no one expected the reunion to be picturesque. Celenia was unlike Reep and many other former slaves. She was independent and self-reliant. It was harsh to say, but even Max could see Celenia writing her mother off. He wished he was wrong, however.

The next morning a simple breakfast was made and eaten. Everyone gathered into the cramped speeder, and they were off. Max didn’t think he would miss the port city very much. It wasn’t the warm or inviting city of Lesterwood and it sure as hell wasn’t the wondrous and beautiful city of Esmel. For small villages were along their route, each being nothing more than a few outcropped buildings with a Guild hub and a few taverns.

But, like Max had already learned, those are what makes Nava, Nava. History and culture, poverty and sickness, pride, and tolerance. Seeing these towns reminded Max of simpler times back on Earth. Long road trips, seeing the country from a different view. Seeing how locals live and how everyone survives. Beautiful scenery during travels and rich conversations with locals. He loved it, something that he couldn’t have admitted while on Earth.

Each village brought new problems. None of which was any match for the Humble Titans, however. Monsters were dispatched, caves were excavated, even a goblin fortress was eradicated. Like before, they were thanked with renown and Guild reputation. They had plenty of money after leaving Esmel, meaning any other form of payment was welcome to them. Home cooked meals, sweet candies, hand knit sweaters at a discount. They weren’t being adventures for the money, they did it because they cared.

Eight days later, Lesterwood came into view. This was Max’s first time seeing it from so far. The first time he arrived in Lesterwood he was unconscious, the second time was though a side entrance with a large guard escort. This time, however, he got to view Lesterwood in its entirety. Except that it was dusk. He did get a splendid showing of flickering lights, illuminating the towering walls that surrounded the city.

“Gate’s closed.” Vel said with a curse as the approached. “They are not going to let us in this time of night.”

Bishop scoffed. “Of course, they are!”

He proceeded to walk ahead of the group, after dismounting the speeder. A two-man guard unit stationed on the wall above the gate stopped his path.

“City is closed until dawn tomorrow!” Bellowed the left guard.

“I am Arc Flash Bishop! My team and I are returning from a long quest! I can provide my Gu-”

“THE city is closed!” The left guard interrupted.

“I see.” Bishop said down casted. “Can you send a message to mayor Silverjewl or Captain Shatterwind of our arrival? I feel they would be most delighted to know.”

“No!” The left guard shouted again, “You may join the others who arrived late.” He gestured to the right where a few permanent tents were set up. A large fire was burning, and the smell of freshly cooked food misted the open area.

“Look, I’m sure that they would want for us to report to them as quick as possible! Just send-“

“Do you think that we are fools?” The right guard screamed. “We have heard all of the excuses! Do not think that spouting a famous name and the names of our leaders will get you anywhere. We know lies when we see them.”

“But I have a plate! I have Guild sanctioned identification!” Bishop argued.

“And we cannot see that far, now, can we?”

“I could jump up there and hand it to you!”

“If you come up here with out permission, it will be treated as a threat, and you will be handled accordingly.”

Bishop turned with that, muttering something about Lester and his stupid town. He returned to the others and to his ire, Vel had a smug I told you so, look on her face. The other looked sympathetic, however.

“I could just teleport your card onto the wall.” Max said.

Slowly, the gears in everyone’s heads turned, thinking about the statement Max just said. Teleporting items was a relatively new ability of Max’s, one that the rest of his team hadn’t actually seem him really use.

“Better not… I’ll bet one hundred gold that those two would take that as a threat and sound the alarm… Although… That might not be that big of a deal when they realize it is only us…” Vel said.

“No, Vel, we are not going to send the city into a panic just to get into the city early.” Bishop chastised.

“I could teleport a letter into Silverjewl’s office. I remember where it is from my meeting with Sir Dows.” Max said with a shrug. “I could also blink past the gate and get someone to let you in. Or even spoon teleport us all in.”

Everyone regarded Max. His causal acceptance of holding an immensely powerful Divine relic was off-putting to the three adults in the group. What’s more, his offhanded remake about using such an item to sneak into a city.

“Just… Just blink into the city and get Shatterwind or Domic or something.” Vel said. “I doubt Silverjewl is in his office this late at night, and I don’t think I could give you good enough directions to his house.”

“Shatterwind’s office is in the east barracks, right?” Max asked, causing Vel to nod.

And after securing Emi to his shoulder, and after four quick simple blinks, he was inside the city with none the wiser. The guards on the wall didn’t even notice his disappearance. A cat, however, was very startled at his sudden arrival. Max half walked, half blinked though the streets, using his Space Affinity to feel past walls for safe places to jump to. He kept to the side streets as to not cause attention to himself. Max quickly found his new favorite way of traversing the city. He could easily bypass large detours and travel straight to his goal. He did lose out on some sightseeing, but it was cold, and the others would get rather cranky the longer he took.

He made what he guessed to be record time from the main gate to the east barracks. Guards were posted outside, and even more came and went in and out. He approached without the use of blinks, hoping to start off on the right foot.

“Hello!” Max announced. “I was hoping to speak with Captain Shatterwind. My name is Max, I think she has been expecting me any day now. Oh! Here is my plate.”

With the removal of his black plate from his inventory, something that was rather rare, the guards seemed to pick up on the renown of the person in front of them, unlike the guards on the wall. With a slight nod, one of the guards slipped into the barracks while the other told Max to remain outside.

“Er- Sir, what… if you don’t mind me asking… is an Emi?” The guard asked.

His face was shrouded behind a metal helmet, but he sounded young.

“Not sure what she is, but Emi is her name. She is my bond. Say hi, Emi.”

Emi reached her paw forward, giving the guard a slight wave. She also, to Max’s delight, tried to speak. The words came out as nothing more than a gargled roar, but it was much better than her first attempt a few days prior. The guard, however, told a step back in slight fear.

“Oh, come on!” Max scolded. “That’s pretty good for her! Don’t be rude!”

The guard, who was now white as a sheet, finally realized just who he was speaking to. Of course, he didn’t know who Max was, most in Lesterwood wouldn't know and the rumors of the one-armed mage hadn’t left Esmel. But a black plate paired with a unique bond gave the man pause. He remembered just a little while ago, the city going into lock down. Rumors had spread about an attack by Vast Empire being dismantled by a black plate. Of course, he couldn’t be sure, but now the guard stood more alert and with respect.

“Always one for showing off, eh, Max?” Captain Shatterwind said walking out of the barracks. “Can I ask how you got past the walls? I have increased security since Vel’s note reached us.”

Max was happy to report that Shatterwind looked much the same as the first time he had met her. Her blond-green short hair neatly braided back and away. Her sleek wings safely stashed behind her captain’s armor. And a dangerous smirk, one that could turn the heads of anyone. She, like most Max met, was beautiful.

“Past the wa…” The guard echoed quietly in disbelief.

“Well, I picked up a few tricks in Es- on my quest. Many of which come in handy in situations like this.”

The captain eyed the stiff guard. “And why is he shellshocked?”

“I think Emi trying to speak scared him…”

“Oh? She can speak?”

“Not quite, but soon!” Max said, causing Emi to nod in agreement.

“She certainly is larger since I last saw her.” She regarded Max for a moment. “And as a matter of fact, you seem smaller.” She emphasized his missing arm.

Max struggled his free shoulder, “A lot happened.”

“Well, regardless, I am happy to see you safe. Shall we?” She motioned for Max to follow as she started off away from the barracks.

“When did you arrive?” She asked a few moments later.

“Only a few minutes ago. Bishop tried working his charm with the guards and was promptly turned away. That’s why I am here to ask you for help.”

“Well, I’m glad my men are following my orders at least. But I should have had them on the lookout for you guys. I apologize.”

“No, no. No apology necessary. If we didn’t take so long making sure every goblin was dead, we would have arrived a few hours earlier.”

“Oh? Goblins? An interesting tale I hope?”

“Interesting? No. It was a slaughter. Reep paired with Clammy is noting more than a slaughter. The goblins couldn’t so much as fight back under the pressure Clammy radiates, while constant bombardment of electrified arrows punished any who tired to escape.”

“You didn’t help?” She asked with a curious look.

“Ah. No. I did. Just not in the way most would expect.” Max’s face turned slightly red.

“Not healing or long-range fighting?” She studied him for a moment. “Defensive?”

With a sigh Max spoke. “No, no. Assassination. I started the battle off with killing their leader as he slept in his den.”

“[Mage Assassin] is a banned class, Max…”

“Wha- Oh no. That’s not my class… Here watch.” Max quickly blinked behind her and held a small dull dagger of water against her neck. She reacted like most would and retaliated with a quick backwards jab. A wind blade shot out from her elbow and safely dissipated into the air after slicing a tree branch in half.

“Woah! Sorry” Max said, appearing back in his original spot without the dagger. “I just- Sorry.”

Shatterwind’s wings were in full, elongating with a span easily double her height. As Max apologized, she slowly retracted them. She watched him for a long time before removing the blade of wind that was trapped against his neck. A small drip of blood trickled down, getting lost in his shirt. Shatterwind didn’t miss the think layer of water that quickly spread from beneath his cloths, healing the wound.

“Sorry.” Max said again. “I just wanted to show off a little.”

“Don’t show off to the captain of the guard!” The captain said with bite.

“Y-yes ma’am. Sorry…”

The two began to walk again, this time in silence. But her curiosity got the better of her.

“So that spell… You used it to appear behind the goblin leader and cut its throat?”

“More or less.” Max nodded.

“And you used it to bypass the wall and in turn my men?”

“Yes-but I only did that because we thought it best to report to you and the mayor quickly. I should have just teleported the note.”

“The note?”

“I wanted to teleport a note saying we were at the gate, but in case you weren’t in your office…”

“Max stop talking before I ban you from using Magic in the city.”

“Oh- uhh- Okay…” Max stuttered.

Emi gave a snort.

They eventually reached the gate and Shatterwind unceremoniously made the two guards open the gate.

“But captain! It’s after hours!” The left guard argued.

“Don’t care.” She simply retorted.

He was about to say something again, but the right guard held out his hand silencing him. They begrudgingly opened the gate, letting in everyone. Vel noticed the weird air between Max and the Sylph but didn’t speak on it. Instead, they greeted each other and made small talk all the way to the mansion where a meeting with the city leader was being arranged. On the way Bishop quickly dropped off the speeder with the person they rented it from.