Max could feel Emi tighten her grip on his shoulder as the pair traveled down the white tunnel. She flinched every time a streak went by but as Max assured her that the colors were natural, or at least he thought they were natural, she began to calm down. He explained his theory behind the streaks and how they were Gates or portals of some kind. Spells or remnants of past manipulations of space, leaving an echo that was only visible while traveling through space itself. Abruptly the tunnel ended, and the bonded monster and Human found themselves in the center of a ring of fire.

Both [Water Mages] reacted fast, fighting the nausea that erupted in their guts. Soon only smoldering imprints were all that remained of the fire and together they lost the previous day’s dinner. This was a feeling Max did not want to remember, the feeling of mana exhaustion added with retching that came with traversing the tunnel. His mana was low, incredibly low. Traveling from Lesterwood to Esmel took almost everything he had, but he did it. The fire was questionable, but he did it and didn’t die in the process. But no spell box. The spell needed work, that much was apparent.

They had landed in the most familiar place Max could visualize. His room in the Garden of Globes. His old bed, dresser and nightstand all received a scorched black circle, along with a majority of the floor. Sorry Belopi. He thought as he stumbled onto the bed. After downing a mana potion his headache started to fade.

“Come on Emi, let’s get going.” Max said.

“AdveNTure!” Emi screeched.

Their stroll through the city had only just begun when it suddenly ended. A sudden crash sounded as they started down the stairs, the front door swung open, and guards poured in. Shocked by the sudden forceful entrance, Max stood frozen as spears and swords were pointed at him.

“Identify yourself!” One of the Elves yelled. “Remove any anti-identify items!”

“I can’t, it’s involuntary.” Max said with a feeling of deja vu.

“Identify yourself!” The Elf repeated with more force.

“M-Max! One-Armed Mage! Nacittib!”

The head Elf ignored his comrade’s whispers as he continued to interrogate the strange Human. “How did you get past the wards! This building was sealed!”

“Wards?” Max asked. “Oh right! Bishop set them up!” The Garden of Globes was the headquarters for Max and the others during their time in Esmel. Bishop had set up multiple warding schemes to insure Mallor or anyone else couldn’t reach them when they were most vulnerable. When they were leaving, Bishop changed the wards to simply alert the nearest guard barracks when someone entered the building, after all it was still Belopi’s livelihood.

“Bishop?” The guard asked his posture wavering for a moment.

“That’s right! Arc Flash Bishop! A Drake! I was a part of his party when he was here!” Max rushed. “Ask captain Ism! He’ll vouch for me!”

The guard regarded Max for a moment before saying. “Sit. I’ll send someone to the captain.” He turned and gave orders to his men.

The next ten minutes found Max and Emi sitting on a couch as soldiers stole glances at him. Everyone knew the rumors of the One-Armed Mage. A [Water Mage] with a curious bond, just a boy who inspired the masses and protected the city, a healer, a powerful fighter, and finally his sudden disappearance along with the others of his team, which only added more to the young mage’s mystique. The city’s temporary leadership tried to snuff the rumors out early, stating that Vel and Bishop were the true hero’s, rather than their younger counterparts. And while true, that was not completely accurate. Citizens and guards knew better. Some remembered Max speaking out against captain Ism’s poor speech, some remembered Clammy and Reep taking out undead and Revenants. No one could simply forget such people.

“Is it true?” One guard whispered to Max in such a way her unit captain couldn’t hear.

“Is what?” Max whispered back.

“That you defeated all of the undead yourself? That you brought people back to life? That you are the reason the dome went up? That you-“

“That’s enough.” A deep voice sounded from the doorway. Captain Ism stood tall and proud. “Stay where you are Max. The rest of you are dismissed.”

The captain’s conformation that Max was indeed who he said he is sent a ripple through the unit. All of a sudden, the disciplined guards wanted to break rank and ignore orders. They wanted to talk to the mysterious Human mage. But was it worth angering their superior? No, probably not. They gathered their belongings and left, not without a few finale glances at the boy. Ism waited for everyone to leave before sitting down across from Max. His expression was borderline unreadable, but a hint of worry was found in his tense eyebrows.

“Is something wrong, Max?” The captain finally asked.

“No, no. I just need to get a note explaining our exemption for the Guild quests we accepted while in Esmel.” Max answered lamely.

“Oh thank-“ All of the tension fell out of Ism’s shoulders and back. He visible slumped over as a wave of exhaustion hit him.

“Is something wrong?” Max asked.

“No, I just thought that you were a harbinger of unfortunate news. The city is weak. Repairing, but weak. I don’t think we could survive another attack…”

“I see. Well, I have no news for you really.”

“That is… Good…” Ism let out one final sigh of relief. “Did you teleport here?”

Max hesitated for a moment before saying, “From Lesterwood, yeah.”

“From Lesterwood?”

“Indeed. It was reckless, but well…”

“You teleported here just to visit our Guild?” Ism said in disbelief.

“Not just that, although that is the primary reason. I also planned to look around the city a bit. Visit Honeygreen, see how Geond’s Seed is growing, and see how the repairs are progressing.” Max shrugged. “To be honest, my time here was rather… Unplanned. You see Lesterwood has this new Adventuring Guild Master…”

Max began to explain his first encounter with the Beastkin, and how he was barred from the Guild. This began a pleasant conversation between the two men about what each of them had been doing since the last time they spoke. Max explained how he was requested to defend outlying settlements and how most how his time was focused on perfecting teleportation. Ism explained the slow repairs the city had been subject to along with the promise that city was doing well. They had plenty of food and supplies, but Ism made it obvious they lack any real leadership. Most everything was simply being sold for free or extravagantly high prices. Food and materials were declared free by the temporary government while luxuries such as spices and soap were being price gouged.

“The truth is that only the Healer that God Subuntu sent has any idea what they are doing.” Ism explained. “If he and that specialist from Salae didn’t just show up one day… I don’t want to think about what would have happened.”

Max nodded. “I’m sorry. This is above my area of expertise. I don’t know what to say.”

“I quite understand. I am venting, forgive me.”

“You have nothing to be forgive about. If anything, I should be the one apologizing. I just left, dumped everything on you and left. For that I am sorry.” Max bowed.

Ism laughed. “Without you, the city would have fallen. You’ve done enough.”

“You know… I could perhaps bring supplies? I mean, I have an inventory ring and I can teleport from Lesterwood to here…”

Ism’s eyes light up. “We have plenty of gold. Without the borders being open, we haven’t spent much of anything. Other than paying for the materials already in the city, that is.”

“I may have to use a Gate and travel somewhere else to make purchases… I don’t want to cause suspicion…”

“A new high roller in the market would surely cause some issues…”

“Indeed… Hmm, maybe Vel or Bishop has some contacts I could be introduced to…”

“I might be able to find some names of our suppliers in Lesterwood even… How much can you carry at once?” Ism asked.

“I can carry about eighty bundles of similar items. If they become too different, they will take up another slot.” Max answered.

“How big is a ‘bundle’?”

Max only smiled, causing Emi to yawn. Long conversation, she thought.

“Hi.” Max said to the attendant. “I was here about a month ago and took some quests as a cover to help the city. But since I didn’t complete the quests my team and I have been barred from the Guild. Can I get a letter explain that my team is exempt from the quests we took?”

The attendant looked between Max, the Elven city captain, Emi, and the small crowd that was beginning to form behind them. The attendant slowly pieced together the clues. One arm, strange and unique bond, city leadership acting as a [Tour Guide].

“I-I need formal clearance form someone in the guard to confirm that your story is true…” The attendant said.

“I can confirm.” Ism interjected.

“Al-alright, what is y-your team’s name?”

“The Humble Titans.” Max answered.

Honeygreen’s trunk was dormant. Ism explained that since the dome had gone up, the [Arbors] had all stayed quiet. Every now and then a root would twitch or shift, signaling that they were actively removing their spell. But there where millions of roots, it was going to take some time before they fully rescinded. But that was not unexpected, the [Arbors] warned everyone of what was to come. A short walk later and the party was standing before the charred plot of the traitor [Arbor] Saliva. The clutter and reminisce of the sudden immolation on the plot had long since been removed.

Only a small blockade remained, along with two guards. What they were protecting, they did not know. Only that it was important enough for their station to always have soldiers posted. No curious citizen or impatient child would be able to see past the small wall. But together with Ism, Max and Emi were able to view the seedling. It had been close to a month since she was planted but she had already grown more than expected. A small sapling bent and waved with the artificial wind, as if it was dancing for its newfound life. No one knew what the Seed would sprout into, but they would be damned if they didn’t try to protect it.

Before they left, a small root pieced the dirt floor and tapped Max on his shoe. It was obvious to him that the root belonged to Honeygreen. Afterall, the last form of communication the pair shared was in this very spot. Max bent low and quietly spoke.

“Wake up faster, old man. Your people need you.”

The next stop was a small outlying bundle of recently built huts. From the outside, the huts looked like the normal temporary housing that had been set up through the city. But inside held a dark secret, one that could easily cause widespread panic and potentially riots. A deep cellar had been dug almost to the bottom of the root sphere. It was lined with magically reinforced concrete and warding schemes. Here, in this desolate basement, the remaining Living Sacrifices were being housed.

They all have been long declared ‘inactive’, but the threat was still great enough to warrant such precautions. Only select group of guards along with the most trusted healers were allowed entrance. Besides all of the Elves, a single Beastkin concurrently worked to better the Sacrifice’s situation. He, like the Healer leader, were teleported into the dome by Subuntu. In the past month, the Beastkin had made waves in terms of progress for a cure. He assured the temporary leadership that he could have the poor souls return to their usual lives within a few months.

Max decided that he didn’t need to interrupt the Beastkin after a quick update from the captain. He knew that he would be of no help, and his presence would only be a hindrance. But he made a mental note to thank Subuntu for teleporting him past the walls.

“I guess this is goodbye for now.” Max said to the captain.

“Indeed, it is.” The captain responded. “Remember now. Come back in two weeks, we’ll have a list compiled along with the gold required.”

“Two weeks.” Echoed Max. “Err, just a by the way… This teleportation spell is ahh… Well, it’s not completely safe or complete. I don’t have the spell box… So, just in case I can’t make it back…”

“I understand. Space magic is dangerous, teleporting vast distances is even more so.”

Max smiled. “Thank you, Ism. I wish you and all of Esmel well.”

“Likewise, Lord Max.” Ism bowed.

Mana started pouring from Max, wrapping around Emi and himself. All around him space began to warp, creating the starting node of the spell. In Lesterwood a similar node was forming, between the two a tunnel anchored itself. Unlike last time, a few support anchors were created in hopes to better the finished spell. With a distinct image of his end point, Max and Emi disappeared. They moved through the white tunnel, passing by streaks and colors. There was no anxiety from the small bond this time, only the faint feeling of being impressed. Abruptly they found themselves standing in the center of the concrete training room. There was no fire this time, but both threw up bile. They had purposely chosen to not eat lunch for this very reason. They wondered if that was the right chose.

“Max?” Icarus said, materialism next to him. “Are you alright?”

As he spit out to remaining grossness from his mouth, and reviewed the notification he just received.

Congratulations you have learned the spell Greater Teleport (Mythic):

Teleport anywhere you have previously been, mana limiting.

Variable cost based on Spatial Anchors.

A smile overcame Max’s face as he checked his mana. It was well below half, but not the crippling low it was on his first try. “I’m better than alright.”

Soon enough Vel arrived out of breath with Reep. Before Vel even had a chance to start yelling, Max held out a small envelop.

“Courtesy of Esmel’s Adventuring Guild. Signed and approved by captain Ism.” Vel ripped the letter from his hand, but Max continued. “Esmel is doing well. They have been actively repairing and taking care of their citizens. They, however, are seeing the economic issues of having their borders closed. As well as some citizen unrest since luxuries prices are sky high. Vel, Icarus, captain Ism asked me to find Esmel’s old trade contacts as well as see if either of you know anyone. I can ferry supplies and whatever the city needs, making use of my inventory.”

All three of the surrounding friends stared wide-eyed at him. “Oh!” Max added. “I forgot I can make it to Esmel using one teleport. It takes a majority of my mana, but I can rest up in the Garden of Globes before venturing the city.”

The surrealness of the statements Max just made fell over the group. Icarus opened and closed his mouth several times, not knowing how to articulate his words. Reep gave him a genuine smile. And Vel… Vel cackled and laughed like a lucid maniac. She knew very well that her reaction was out of the ordinary, but she couldn’t help herself. The entire time Max and Emi were gone, she blamed herself. She thought they had died or been stranded out in the wilds. She had asked him to teleport to Esmel as an in-the-moment lapse of judgment, but his arrival along with Emi and the letter from the guild rescinded her earlier emotions.

“You, boy,” Vel screeched through giggles. “Are one of the dumbest mages I’ve ever seen. Who-giggle- in their right minds tries to teleport to Esmel from Lesterwood. Giggle- Only that [Arch Space Mage] genius could have done something so… So foolish!”

“Are- Are you calling me a genius Vel?” Max said fluttering his eyelashes and making puppy dog eyes.

Vel burst into a fit of giggles again. “What she is trying to say, Max, is that what you did was very reckless.” Icarus interpreted. “Had it not worked, well, I have no idea what the outcome would have been.”

“Exactly!” Vel said wiping a tear from her eye. “Think about it like this, you have your first day of class tomorrow. How were you going to explain to your teachers if you randomly had to miss the first portion of the class because you ran out of mana while teleporting, and you ended up between Esmel and here?”

“Look, look. I understand what both of you are saying. It was a lapse in judgment for sure, but I just… Knew I could do it. Vel said it best; ‘I know you know how to do it’. You were right. The spell is honestly pretty easy, I’m not really sure why more people don’t know how to teleport…” Max said.

“I can answer that one.” Reep said. “There are simply very few [Space Mages]. It’s one of the rarest starting mage classes out there, along with [Gravity Mage].”

“But why though.” Max questioned.

“Do you know what you did to unlock the class?” Vel challenged.

“No… I guess not. Between my racial and Earthly knowledge, I have no idea actually.”

“Well, there is your answer. But forget about that. For now you two need to hand in the letter to Yel. Vel is certainly not going. I feel it is better not to cause a fight.” Icarus said.

Vel nodded in agreement. A few minutes later, Max, Emi, and Reep left for the guild.

It was apparent that Yel had already made significant changes to the structure of the Guild. The building itself was part lobby part tavern. There was always a door between the two, but up until now it had always remained open during business hours. Now, the door was closed, and a freshly painted sigh told everyone ‘No alcohol past this point!’. If it weren’t for the fast-spreading rumors that Yel had personally beat the rule into a few troublemakers, the sign would simply been ignored. The lobby used to be a second tavern, just one where no drinks were being served. A second room, one that was usually quieter and more open. Now, the Guild was a graveyard. Only reminiscent ghosts and the odd adventurer sharping a weapon were all that was left. The tavern portion, however, was overflowing. The beer was still cheap, and the crowded interior only seemed to liven the place up.

“Are you serious?” Iris asked after Max told her about the man who was following them. Originally, earlier in the day, this was supposed to be a talking point with the new Guild Master. But between being caught off guard by her reluctance to unbar their team and Vel’s anger, both Reep and Max forgot.

“Yeah, I followed him and saw him meeting with- What was his name again, Reep?”

“Chivley.” Reep answered.

“Right, Chivley. He met with the masked follower and their meeting ended when he flipped the table and huffed out.” Max said.

“Are you sure that the person he talked to was wearing all black and a red mask. Not maroon or orange. Red?” Iris asked concerned.

“Sure, red. I can make a memory globe if that helps.” He offered.

“Do it.” Iris command. “Fast. And in here.” She moved around the counter and beckoned for the others to follow. She led them into a small room with runic carvings along the door frame and wall. Privacy wards and runes. Expensive one, also.

“What’s-“

“Red mask is a known [Assassin]. A banned class. It’s been a few months since his last sighting, and it’s very apparent that one of you are his target. If not all of you. Reep, you beat him in a duel and Max, you had him fired from guard duty?” Both nodded slowly. “God Lentu, please watch over my friends.” Iris muttered.

The next several minutes were filled with Max making the globe and Emi trying to calm Iris down by brushing against her leg. And when that didn’t work, jumping into her arms from the table. Iris, now holding Emi, watched Max’s memory. She didn’t have to say anything, her face of horror told everyone her initial thoughts were true.

“We have to go to the Guild Master.” She finally said. A few minutes later and the group found themselves setting in Yel’s office while Iris explained the situation. Yel sat back in her chair thinking.

“Ah, I also have Esmel’s letter explain the situation.” Max said after a few minutes of silence.

“What?” Yel asked.

“I have a letter from Esmel’s Adven-“

“I understand that… Just… Just give me the letter.” Yel read over the letter. It was only openable by Guild personnel, some sort of runic enchant sealed the folded envelope and only a strong dispel or the Guild key would be able to unlock it.

“I see. This captain Ism vouched for you. Elven captains are known to be honest… Alright, I’ll unbar your team. A request, however, explain how you obtained this letter. Esmel is under an [Arbor] lockdown.”

“I just teleported over there and asked the Guild for it.” Max shrugged nonchalantly.

“Just tele- I take it you are a [Space Mage] then?” Yel caught herself from faltering.

“Indeed, as well as a [Water Mage].”

“I see why Veline took an interest in you and your team then… This red mask… I will handle him. After all, I must abide by the rules laid out in the Guild Master’s handbook.”

“You will handle him?” Reep asked.

“Of course. It is my duty as Guild Master to protect the members of my organization. Besides, red mask has a bounty, and I wish to cash it.”