The Lesterwood auction house only came around twice a month. It was home to the biggest and grandest luxuries money could buy. From indulgent carpentry tools to millennia old gems and crystallized mana, there was something for everyone. Over the course of a single day, three distinct auctions will be held. First there was the mundane: items that one could purchase under normal means. Tools and fabrics along with standards in magic and generic tomes. The owner of the auction house would deny it, but these mundane auctions accounted for a majority of the income the operation saw. Next, and most popular, was the ‘High Ticket’ auction. Just after nightfall, items of a certain rarity would be listed. These items either sold for designer gold or in large quantities.

Lastly, the premium or unique item auction. While the event didn’t happen every night, invited guests knew what they were getting themselves into. Items with values in the tens of thousands of gold often filtered through the stage, allowing onlookers a simple glimpse into the extravagant or the premiere. While Max was interested in seeing what kinds of items were being sold, he unfortunately didn’t have an invitation. Yet. Vel assured him that he would receive one when he was known but also told him that the sales were never worth the price.

Max was hoping to buy a cheap set of wisdom enchanted gear. While he had money, he didn’t have unlimited funds meaning the designer items were off the table. Vel told him he would have to settle with a lesser-known house of enchanting or if by some miracle he could snipe bid a Piwvers’s. And that was what led him to the auction house, or rather, boat. A traveling river boat caried riches to and fro, making stops along the eastern coast of Salarin selling items to any wayward son or rich [Merchant].

With the lowering of the slipway, the auction was officially opened. Max, Emi, and Vel were instantly welcomed by a plethora of [Servants] and [Hosts]. Each wore fancy dress suited to their respective race and each moved with grace and poise, adhering to their clients every whim and request. They found their seats, given small plates of food, and watched as a beautiful [Singer] sung and entertained. Eventually the house lights brightened and the [Auctioneer] was introduced. He was a Gnome and spoke so fast that Max had to force himself to pay attention. The first item was wheeled out and the Gnome introduced it. An entire crate of Whishen Bulb. As Vel explained, the bulb is used in high potency mana potions. Useless to Max but incredibly valuable to an [Alchemist].

The next few items came and went, a slick sword, a rare ore, designer spectacles that allowed better detection of wards. But it wasn’t until the second hour that an item Max bid on entered the showcase. It was a small, enchanted bracelet from a no-named [Enchanter]. He followed Vel’s advice and bid low. He won without any counter. Time flew by and three more items were bought by the one-armed mage. A pair of wisdom enchanted gloves, wisdom enchanted cloak, and the item he was most curious about, a water mana crystal.

The gloves and cloak were nothing special, similar to the bracelet, but they would get the job done until Max could afford better items. The mana crystal was, again, an item Vel had to explain to him. In higher end crafting and weapon smiting, crystals and gems could be used as a focus. The idea behind them was that they would positively affect the effects of the item. In a water mana crystal’s case, it would lower the mana cost of any water spell cast through it. She told him that her staff had several embedded into the handle, lowering the cost of her spells by close to 25 percent.

The auction ended with a ceramic vase that was said to be owned by Hielon Laiap.

“Max! Reep! You're back?” A very surprised Mel shouted from her tavern table.

“Yes, Celenia told us that you took a quest the day we go back. We just missed each other.” Max supplied.

Celenia had brought Max, Reep, and Emi to the tavern Mel and Goob frequented. They had just arrived back in town after a successful quest. In the corner a small band played upbeat and rhythmic music while [Bargirls] slung drinks and hot food around. Together everyone sat at a much too small table, discussing their recent adventures. The night was full of drinking and dancing, a fight or two, and even some magic.

“Wait! Max! Your Arm!” Mel yelled after a few rounds of drinks.

“Took you long enough!” Max replied. “Most everyone noticed on my approach.”

“Well… I…”

“I’m just kidding Mel. To be honest, I’m getting a little tired of explaining the story. But I’ll tell a friend, don’t worry.” Max began to explain his fight with Buzluc and Mallor. The plague and the undead. Missing arms and saved cities. By the end of it, Mel and Goob were both wide eyed and surprised.

“Iz! Another round! The strong stuff this time!” Mel shouted, she turned back to the table. “Well, it sucks that you lost an arm, but here's to a job well done!”

They clinked their drinks together and as the warmth of the alcohol found his stomach, Max couldn’t help but be thankful for nights like this. With their bellies full and their minds drifting, the night ended. Mel and Goob parted ways and the others went back to the mansion. It was a cold and dreary night, but the life of the city seemed to counteract the gloom atmosphere. They took their time walking around the city, looking at attractions and interesting facilities. A community garden here, a pet cemetery there. Max saw parts of the city he’d never seen before, but as the curious group walked, they were hailed by a few guard patrols and told to go home. And they did, but not before Max and Emi noticed something.

Did you-

Following.

“We are being followed.” Max whispered to the girls who each sobered up instantly. “Male, taller than average, muscular. About thirty paces behind, currently hiding behind that shop’s sign.”

“You have a plan?” Reep asked.

“Yes, you two keep going I’ll split off and flank.” Max turned to leave but quickly added. “Be careful.”

Max swung a right and went down a dark alley before teleporting on to a nearby roof. From there he could see the man fully. He wore a dark cloak and red mask. There were no other distinguishable features, which told him this man was following them deliberately. The girls continued walking but much more carefully. The moved from light to light, finding protection and security in the moonlight city. Both were ready for an ambush, holstering small knives or charging electricity.

Highlane assassin? Again? No… The [Lancer]’s revenge? Maybe. Max thought.

The man seemed to notice the change in mood and quickly turned and left. He moved quick through the city, making use of some sort of hastening equipment or ability. Max, however, could keep up. The cloaked man led him to the Adventuring Guild. It was too late in the night for the service portion of the Guild to be open, but the tavern surely was. Song and music could be heard through the thin walls along with the drunkard ramblings of the patrons trying to stay in key. This would be the second time Max tailed someone into a tavern, the first being in Esmel trying to find evidence of Mallor.

Max slipped through the door, having already changed his clothes into something inconspicuous and non-telling. He knew from his time visiting the Guild, no one would look twice at someone wearing face coverings. Masks and shrouded hoods were common enough, and the usual clientele that wore such garments were strong enough or crazy enough to cause commotion with whoever questioned them. After finding a seat and ordering a drink, Max began to watch the masked man. He sat alone in a corner, shooing away anyone who came by to talk. He ordered nothing, which as Max had learned, is a rude thing to do in taverns. Even if you were waiting for someone, you order a drink. Its only polite.

Eventually a familiar [Lancer] showed up. He looked pissed and disheveled, and his attitude towards the man left Max certain that they were not friends. A privacy shroud went up blocking the two voices but unlike Vel’s curtain of black water, they were still visible. Minutes ran by as the mask man said something while the [Lancer] listened. He abruptly stood up, flipped the table, and left. Max followed a few minutes later. It was easy to catch up, teleportation made movement around the city incredibly easy. The [Lancer] eventually entered a small house, one that Max had no way of going into or eavesdropping. But he had gotten enough information and it was time to go home.

A quick teleport later, and Max was standing on the front doorstep to the mansion. He entered and found everyone sitting around the hearth, Reep was explaining the situation to Vel and Icarus while Celenia looked frightened. Belopi was trying her best to confront the young Elf. Max’s appearance made everyone sigh in relief, he took he seat and began telling the others what he saw.

“The man following us was masked, but he’s not important. It looks like he was hired by the [Lancer] from Reep’s guard unit.” Max said.

“Aw.” Vel sighed. “I was worried something like this would happen. You embarrassed him, now he wants revenge.”

“What do we do? I don’t want to constantly watch over my shoulder every time I exit the house.” Max asked.

“Just report him to the Guild, let them handle it. They are usually pretty good about situations like this.” Vel answered.

“Alright, we’ll go in the morning. Mel said that the new Guild Master had arrived. What was her name again? Yil? Yel?” Max said.

“Yel… I guess I should go along with you two. Yel and I have a lot of catching up to do.” A collective shiver went through the room with Vel’s words.

Just before dawn, Lesterwood’s monster wave bells rung. The city quickly became awake and alert as droves of powerful beasts made their way towards the walled city. Vel and Reep were the first to wake up in the mansion, as Reep scrambled to clothe herself in armor and weapons, Vel took the chore of waking Max from his water world. She shook his shoulders causing the sensation to impact his other self. As if flood gates were opened, the bed that the young man sat on became home to multiple gallons of water. Vel said nothing but gestured for him to listen.

“The bells?” Max asked as the disorienting feeling of changing worlds withdrew.

“Indeed. Come on, let’s make sure the city doesn’t get over run.” Vel said walking to the door.

Together the group of four ran through the city to the respective ringing wall. The northern wall was by far the most secure. But it would never hurt to have reinforcements, especially mages when monsters are beating down the stone. Max could arrive at the wall in just a few seconds, so could Vel if she really wanted to, but both moved along with the hastened Reep. When they finally did arrive, the scene confused Max. There was no volley of arrows or spells, but instead melee fighters below the wall fighting for their lives.

“Mesmurs.” Vel said. “Aquatic butterflies that can blend in in with their surroundings. Nasty little insects, they move according to their queen. Kill her and the others will wither.”

The butterflies were small, no bigger than a fist. They glowed a brilliant blue and white and with every flutter of their wings dropped sparkling dust. As Max watched, he saw a few unfortunate first responders simply fall asleep from inhaling the dust. High in the sky was a single larger golden butterfly. Its wingspan easily passed four meters and the amount of dust it released was almost like rain.

“Reep, if you and Max hit it with something powerful, you should be able to kill it. It looks like there isn’t any guard powerful enough to kill it. Shatterwind has her hands busy with blowing away the dust.” Vel said and gestured below where a battle ridden guard captain was constantly channeling many through her own small wings, blowing dust back into the forest.

As Reep and Max gathered mana, water, and electricity, an idea came into Max’s head. Now was a perfect time to experiment with an idea he had while testing teleportation spells. Before he solved the space tunnel problem, he had accidentally launched a rock with frightening speeds. In a way, the failed spell reminded him of Clammy’s rock bullet. A simple projectile could easily become deadly with enough force. Building the tunnel was simple at this point. During his testing, he created a very large tube that needed supports and anchors, but for this spell he needed no such things. Just a start and end node with a fully connected tunnel.

Vel eyed the boy as he and Emi worked together to create a beautiful and huge Ice Lance. Together during their most recent adventure in the deep waters of his mana system, Max had tested a few spells using Emi’s bonded power. The result was a stronger spell than either of them could be able to produce independently. With the lance stuck in mid-air within the starting node of the tunnel, Max spoke to Reep.

“Ready.”

“Fire.” Reep whispered as she loosed her overloaded arrow. It was the same spell Bishop had taught her, but by now she had made it her own. The lightning on the arrow seemed to arc and spark red as it whistled through the air. As the arrow rushed towards its target, a sudden appearance of Max’s Ice Lance, which was teleported in incredible momentum, caused the Mesmur Queen to redirect her dust into a shield. Under the combined effect of ice and electricity, the shield broke but the projectiles pair continued, ripping two holes into the being’s wings. It fell to the ground with a dull snap as it broke through branches and sticks. The Mesmur soldiers retreated quickly to help their doomed queen, but Max and Reep were both already preparing new attacks. The queen did not survive the next onslaught. The soldiers slowly withered away, succumbing to the very dust they released.

“Nice job.” Vel said proudly as a familiar horn sounded. “Mesmurs are atrocious monsters. Cause you to fall asleep and then slowly poison and eat you. But as you saw, they have a very critical flaw.”

They spent the next few hours helping the injured and moving the corpse of the butterflies. Max, Emi, and Reep were regarded as kings during their duration at the wall. It seemed the soldier and first responders were worried they would all succumb to the dust before someone could take down the queen. Reep was held in higher regard since a majority of the fighters were guards and knew her, which made Max happier. It seems she’s making friends and allies. Max thought as a [Spearman] told her he’d buy her a drink.

Shatterwind gave Max a singular nod of acknowledgement. A small gesture, but enough for the [Water Mage]. Regardless of anyone thanking him or giving him praise, Max was happy. He had just created a new spell. One that was unique.

Congratulations, you have created a unique spell. Please name it so it can be cataloged in the system.

Now that was a weird box. Not at all what he was expecting. Cataloged in the system? What would happen if he simply did not name it? Would the system name it itself? Oh well, Max thought, I can think about that later, it hardly matters, really.He thought long and hard. Essentially what the spell did was create a pseudo railgun that could use anything as a projectile. With that in mind, Max spoke.

“Accelerate.”

Congratulations, you have created a unique spell: Accelerate.

Launch a premade projectile through space increasing speed and destructiveness.

Adds a multiplier to projectile damage based on speed.

Minimum: 75% Maximum: 500%.

100 mana - lasts until broken.

Category: Space Magic.

Subcategory: Spell Amplifier/Artillery.

Does this information express the spell you wished to create? Y/N

Please note that the information listed above is subject to change during the review process.

Max hesitantly selected yes, unsure of if this was the usual process. The box disappeared for a moment before a new one appeared.

Congratulation for creating a unique spell has been reviewed and approved: You have gained 1,000,000 Experience.

Congratulations you have killed a level 48 Mesmur Monarch Queen and her roost!

891,492 Experience gained!

With his earlier gains in the infinite beach, golden light erupted from Max as he achieved level 18 in [Tidal Mage] and level 17 in [Astral Dimensionist].

“Hey Vel, I made my own spell. It’s called Accelerate.”

“Oh? Congratulations. A good spell for your first. Not very practical, however.”

“Yeah, I know. It took me a few minutes to set up the nodes, but sill. I got a million experiences out of it, so that’s pretty cool. Does the system normally ask you to confirm the information about the spell?”

“A million? It must be a rather high-cost spell.” Vel nodded. “And yes, that is rather standard. Come on, we’ll talk about it on the way to the Guild. I think they have the rest of the clean-up covered.”

As they began walking through the freshly awakened city, Max showed Reep and Vel the spell box. Their reactions were… Mixed. Reep, who had some experience with spells and fighting, was rather shocked. Artillery spells were banned in most cities, Lesterwood included. Of course, there were laws in place protecting individuals such as Max, who created an immensely destructive spell on accident, but that still didn’t hide the fact the Mage Guild and city hall would have to get involved. Vel’s reaction was far more subdued, retrospective, and reminiscent even.

Vel eventually spoke, “I remember my first spell. It was of the healing arts, a spell meant to combat frostbite and frozentomb syndrome. The review went through and everything, but it… It just didn’t work. I remember my father’s dis-“ She cut herself off. “Never mind. The point is you’ve passed a milestone that many mages struggle with. Most lack the creativity and drive to create spells, so congratulations. Also, don’t report it to the Guild. Heavens know that there are people hiding spells in the city already, what’s one more?”

“If you say so.” Max said as the turned the corner into the Guild district. While the Mage Guild was had a few patrons entering and exiting, the Adventuring Guild was… Overrun. People scrambled through the door while chants of a fight sounded. “Fight! Fight!” they cheered as more and more gathered to watch. After pushing their way through, a peculiar scene of a scarred woman beating the ever-living crap out of a poor soul appeared. She was a Beastkin, maybe a tiger or lion variation, while the man looked Human. After a strong right jab the man fell to the hard floor, unconscious.

“You are hereby banned from the Adventuring Guild of Salarin, signed and stamped by Lesterwood’s branch Guild Master, Yel. Anyone else!” The woman yelled to the silent crowd. No one took her challenge.

“That’s Yel?” Reep asked.

“Indeed, it is.” Vel answered. “Can’t say I’m glad to know she hasn’t changed. Come on, let’s get in line before everyone else does.”

The party of four joined the small gathering by the main desk. People chattered for a few minutes before shuffling along. Some went to the combined tavern while others simply left. The line moved slowly, much as it always does, but eventually they reached the front.

“Hello, Max, Emi, Reep, Madam Veline.” The blonde retired adventurer, Iris, said. “Let me guess, you are here to get your team unbarred?”

“Yup.” Max smiled. “I’m guessing we are going to have to wait a bit to meet with Yel, after what just happened.”

Iris slowly nodded and whispered. “She arrived last night… And has already been in six fights! I can’t believe it.”

“Sounds like Fiery Yel has kept her nickname huh.” Vel added.

Iris snorted. “Yeah, I’ll put you guys down on the list, but-“

“Veline! Bring your group up here now!” A voice boomed from up the stairs. The building went silent as everyone’s eyes found the new Guild Master and Vel. A heated stare down was eventually ended with Vel conceding. She moved to the stairs while gesturing for the others to follow. Yel’s new office was nothing short of the exact opposite of Nix’s when he was impersonating Arthur. While Nix’s was pristine and borderline obsessively clean, Yel’s was cluttered with boxes and random weapons. It became apparent that she was an avid collector and hoarder, of lethal weapons.

“Sit.” Yel commanded, and they did. She turned to Max first. “Why can I not inspect you? Remove your protection item.”

Max looked to Vel, who nodded. “I am blessed, I can’t remove it.” He said plainly.

Yel eyed the boy with harsh unflinching eyes. Max held her stare as long as he could but had to look away, but not before inspecting the newly crowned queen of the Guild.

Beastkin [Bounty Hunter]

“You are missing a member.” Yel eventual spoke, uncaring of the inspection ping.

“Correct. Our third member is out on… A personal quest.” Reep spoke. “I am Reep, team captain, and I would like to formally petiti-“

“No.” Yel said cutting her off.

“No?” Vel asked with a hint of accusation.

“No. Your team broke the rules, you are out.”

“But we had a good reason to. Esmel-” Reep tried.

“Esmel is isolated. No one has had contact with their leaders or Guilds. For all I know you could be lying.”

“But-“

“Bring me proof from Esmel or wait for communications to reopen. Until then the ruling remains. You are barred.” Yel told them.

“Nothing has changed with you, I see.” Vel said standing up, causing the others too as well. “I wish you had died on that day and not Alex.”

“Alexandria was weak.”

“And that is reason to cause her death? Do you not have guilt? Remorse? Do you feel anything but anger? Did you even realize there was a monster wave attacking the gates this morning? When we got there the guard was on the brink of succumbing to mesmur dust! Where were you? Where were the adventurers? Here, watching you fight someone! Amazing example you are setting. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole Guild burns down by the end of the month!”

“Rules are rules. Guard protects the walls while I run the guild. I had no reason to help unless the wall is broken, or a formal request is sent.”

“Always about the rules of yours! How much blood is on your hands because of your choices! How much blood is your God going to let flow!”

“My God has nothing to do with Alexandria’s death and has nothing to do with the wave this morning! She was weak and the guard is weak. The strong rule, everyone knows that!”

“Swine.” Vel cursed.

“Fool.” Yel rebutted.

A slam of the door punctuated the Guild Masters final words. Vel huffed down the stairs unconcerned with the building silent looks. Max, Reep, and Emi did however, mind the stares. The quickly followed the angry old woman outside and to a shaded area where Vel abruptly turned around.

“Max!” She said firmly. “Go get a release slip from Esmel’s Guild. We’ll show her all about the rules.”

“Are you sure? I think it will take me a few days.” Max hesitantly said.

“No, no, no. One teleport. You know how to do it; I know you do.”

“I don’t think it’s wise to risk injury just for you to stick it your old teammate.”

The color drained from Vel’s face, she looked away guilty. “No… You’re right. I shouldn’t be pushing like that. Sorry.”

Max didn’t like the face his mentor was making. It was saddening to him to see her in such a way. Vel was normally rather angry, but never like this. Her anger rarely rose past mild irritation, but up in that office she was beyond anything he’d seen. Beyond Mallor, beyond Buzluc… Then the look of guilt drained all her anger away. An argument between two passionate people was all it took for her to ask her apprentice to risk his life for nothing more than an ‘I told you so’. Max couldn’t blame her for the way she acted, however. He himself wanted to tell Yel to kiss his ass, and he didn’t have the same history Vel did. Any maybe that’s why he felt the need to try. A lapse in judgment, for sure. But one he deemed worth in the moment. Vel was muttering apologies distantly when she felt Max’s mana charge. At first, she thought they were under attack, but as she scanned for potential enemies Max spoke.

“Be right back.”