The fight in the Church district had made its rounds by morning. It was the talk of the town! Rumors of [Assassins] and religious crusaders spread like wildfire through the common citizens. People were worried and paired with the news of Esmel, they assumed the worst. There were no whispers of the attack being Vast Empire, but the idea surfaced in the thoughts of more than a few. Mayor Silverjewl released a statement about the attack being an isolated incident related to the Adventuring Guild, and that the new Guild Master was on the case. This seemed to sooth some, but by the low attendance at the Church the next day it was apparent that not everyone was satisfied.

Max, being one of the few who knew the whole story and one of the few recent people to actually fight Vast Empire, was livid. Red Mask was a terror, sure, but nothing compared to what Mallor, or his friends could do. Vel assured him that people thinking of the Empire was a good thing, however. They were making a comeback, and the more people who were afraid the more likely action will be taken against them. She also told him that if Yel doesn’t kill Red Mask within the next few days, he most likely gave up on the contract. They both saw how injured he was and how little effect his attacks had, granted he attacked into three very powerful individuals. But the fact of the matter remained; Yel was actively chasing him. Either he is going to find a way to kill Max, which is unlikely, die trying, or leave.

Max wasn’t sure how honorable [Assassins] are, or how target contracts worked, but he figured Red Mask wouldn’t just leave. If Iris’s reaction was an indication, then Red Mask was a professional. By one way or another he completes his contracts, and if he broke his vow now? He would lose all credibility. No one would hire him; he’d be the laughingstock of the assassination community.

“I’ve informed Domic of the situation. He’ll make sure you are guarded during class.” Vel explained over breakfast. “Remember. You know nothing about what happened at the Church. Shatterwind and the mayor are keeping your involvement as quiet as possible.”

“I understand.” Max sighed. “After seeing Red Mask fight, I’m not very impressed.”

“Clone users are tricky. They function under subtlety and misdirection. Hells, Yel is having a hard time tracking him because he can split off from of versions of himself, and Yel is one of the best trackers I know. An asshole, but a good tracker.”

“What are the odds he’s impersonating someone in my class? Or just a random person in the guild?” Max asked.

“Low. Even if he killed you, he would have to fight his way out of a building full of mages and magic technologies.” Vel said eyeing the scrambled eggs. “Don’t go to the bathroom or any other isolated room.”

“Right…”

The next hour was filled with getting ready and walking time to the Mage Guild. Reep hesitated when her stop came up, but Max assured her not to worry about him. She accepted rather easily, trusting in her teammate. He was confident in his ability to survive a direct attack; teleporting was simply too easy to dodge and stall with. What did worry him was if he was with Celenia or Belopi. In that case he would have no choice but to fight.

“Welcome to Spell Formations and Creation. Call me [Scholar] May, or Magi May.” Said a stiff looking moon Elven woman. Dark runic tattoos filled a majority of her dark skin, while golden shimmering piercings lined her earlobes and nose.

Max, Emi, and Celenia sat together close to the front and while Magi May explained the class dynamics, but he found his mind drifting. Now that he knew it was possible to create a new arm using magic, he found himself working on the water shell. All of last night, he sat on the infinite beach slowly moving water along with his arm, making slow but definite progress. This time was no different, he could now easily keep the water glued to his skin, but he couldn’t feel the minute details of flexing and twitching muscles.

But maybe that was the point? Max couldn’t feel his real muscles move and flex unless it was in an excessive or exaggerated way. They just moved, and that was that. There was no active thinking or guiding principle of movement, just a clear goal and- An elbow hit his defenseless ribs. Celenia nodded towards the front.

“Welcome back.” Magi May chided. “Would you care to explain what you are doing and who you are?”

Max eyed the room; everyone was staring at him. Feeling embarrassed, he spoke, “I’m Max, and I’m trying to create an arm made of water…”

“An arm… Hmm. An interesting thought, one to take place of your missing one?”

“Yes…”

“And you are trying to copy the movement and instinct of your real arm to the spell?”

Max nodded.

“That… May work… But please, do try and focus on the class. At least for now, the second portion of this class is a glorified study hall. You’ll have plenty of time to work in there.”

“You’re right, sorry.”

Magi May smiled. “Very good! As I was saying, this class has two sections. The lecture and the practical, sometimes called recitation. The end goal is for you to learn the basics of creating unique spells and how to improve already established spells. I expect all of you to have your own signature spell by the end of the semester. Don’t worry, I nor the Guild will steal your creations. We may offer to purchase it, but past that not so much.

“I counted thirty-six of you here today, and only one of me. So, please be patient if you are in need of help or assistance. That does not mean to work on your own, please if you have questions ask. But where to begin? Well, that is a question that has left many great mages stumped. Magic, as you will learn, has no official starting point. There are many ways to design a spell, and many ways for a spell to function. With that being said, I have found analyzing the problem and coming up with an idea for a spell is a safe start. Let’s take Max as an example.

“I can assume he is a [Water Mage] or some variant, correct?” Max nodded to Magi May. “Now, let’s say that he has a problem. Max wants to move a sailboat in the harbor but there is no wind. Using his Water Magic, he might try and control the currents but that leads to affecting the entire harbor. Next, he thinks about simply pushing the boat. That can work, similar to a steamboat paddle. The only issue would be the manipulation level required would be rather high. He does some thinking and comes up with the idea of gentle nudges that cause the boat to drift. Everyone see the process?”

Murmurs ran through the room. Max, in all honesty, though her solution was pretty roundabout. The idea of an artificial motor had some merit, but nudging and drift? That seemed somewhat lame. He could easily push a boat using pure manipulation with a small wake, as to not affect the other boats. But then again, Vel did say that his manipulation level is higher than most.

The class went on for a few more hours. Magi May talked about spells and their relationship between aspiring mages and the mages of old. How through centuries of innovation led to the most advanced and hardest to learn spell in the system. She explained multiple strategies and known references for spell creation, along with different frames of mind for problem solving. The gist of her lecture was that a problem should be broken down into smaller pieces and solved first.

“But for combat spells, everything is different. Having a problem and solution is the same, but not how one might solve said problem is inherently different. But that will be covered in week thr-“ The main door swung open, revealing the tall red Flame Devil and Guild Master, Domic. “Hi there, Guild Master, what can I do for you?”

“Oh nothing.” Domic hummed. “I just had something to drop something off for a student. Don’t mind me.”

Domic proceeded to walk down the rows, finding Max. Silently, Domic handed him a box and two letters. One was labeled INSTRUCTIONS, the other READ QUICK. He then spun around and walked out. Everyone in the class was utterly bewildered. Just who was this ‘Max’ and why was he receiving personal deliveries from the Guild Master.

“That was strange.” Muttered Magi May. “I guess that’s a good place to stop for the day. See you all in two days at the Adventuring Guild’s trading room.” She said a few more sentences of direction and homework, but Max was engrossed in the read quick letter.

Max,

There is an extra student in your class. I fear it is Red Mask. I have contacted Guild Master Yel, but I have received no response. I will walk you and Ms Celenia home. Meet me at the back exit. I’ve already alerted my staff of the situation.

Act natural,

Domic.

Max subtly shifted the letter for Celenia to view. At the same time, he communicated to Emi what was happening. With a solemn look to the Elf, Max stood and followed the instructions. The Guild common room was crowded. Morning classes had just let out and the building was overly congested. Most of the class had already left, most likely including Red Mask. Was he a Human? Was he an Elf? With Celenia in hand, they raced through the tight passages nodding at the [Receptionist] who help clear a path.

The back exit was usually off limits, but now it was wide open. At the far end was Domic, clad in full armor and carrying his enchanted great axe. He looked as serious as the day they burned the Book of Pestilence; a side of the man Max hadn’t seen since. They said nothing as they pushed through the door and found the secondary road leading towards the city’s center. Without his Space Affinity, Max wouldn’t have noticed the armed guards hiding along rooftops or acting incognito as a normal citizen.

The first sign something was amiss was the screaming. Similar to the fight at the Church, the crowd seemed to be harbingers of the events to come. Next were the flying daggers that burned with a deep red and black magic. They ripped through the air, causing a piercing shriek only to be melted in midair by a pillar of flame. Domic stood before the student mages, his armor bursting with red-white flame communicating a single warning. Continue and die.

A portion of the guard began isolating the area, while others joined Domic. Max, meanwhile, began pooling an incredible amount of water. He kept control over some of it, while spreading out the rest. Every inch of surface area was wet, as if it had just rained. Steam began raising around Domic, increasing the intimidation the man created. Weapons were drawn and statements were yelled and Lesterwood’s laws were quoted to deaf ears. Red Mask, or rather, fifteen odd clones of Red Mask stood, uncaring of the situation in front of them. No one could tell, but all thirty eyes were deadlocked on Max.

With a mental command from the original, the clones attacked. Flying blades were launched in a combined deadly volley as the group charged, each step radiated red magic creating a nauseating effect. Fireballs and Ice Lances along with arrows and other throwing weapons retaliated. Clones were hit and promptly vanished while walls of fire and water blocked the original onslaught. Guards took arms and charged, fighting the clones in melee combat. It was quickly apparent that Red Mask was the better swordsman. He cut through the guards using afterimages of red agony and crescent slashes of crimson death.

Max, paired with Emi, used their prepared water to quickly heal the downed but not dead guards. Fueled with Divine mana, the healing spell made quick work of once deadly slices. A few of the clones had split off from the main horde once they noticed the still alive guards. They tried to fully finish the job, but carefully timed teleports ended the lone clones. Max moved though the battlefield assassinating isolated clones while Emi focused her efforts on healing. Together they turned the tides of the battle allowing Domic more time to cast deadly spells.

However, as more and more clones died, the rest were reinvigorated. Red Mask’s clones each took a portion of his consciousness and as his number dwindled, he got stronger. Now that there were only nine clones, invisibility could be cast on each of them. The death of a Guard sounded with a sickening drop. A, now visible, dagger jutted from the soldier’s neck with a bright spray of blood. A massive fiery axe landed behind the deceased man, finding the transparent enemy.

A shrill scream sounded from the far corner of the battle, vines, stems, and flowers exploded from the ground protecting its caster while ending the life of the target. Suddenly Max appeared, Emi locked firmly on his shoulder, stabbing forwards with a flowing blade of water. Black-red smoke dripped from the sword as the impaled clone died. A wave of water rushed around Celenia, checking her for wounds. There were none.

“Surround yourself in vines.” Max said before teleporting away. Celenia followed his instructions, creating a small room of protection for herself.

The guards had now regrouped and along with the reinforcements that were handling the citizen crowd, they outnumbered the remaining Red Mask clones three to one. Domic seemed to have a way to spot the straggling enemies, his eyes burned with deep white flame and vivid mana. He shouted orders for the few [Archers], while protecting the centralized group of melee fighters. Together they protected each other. Domic blocked ranged strikes of red crescent slashes while the guard protected his defenseless state. The rest of the clones were hunted down and killed.

Domic looked around the now safe battlefield. He withdrew some small fires while properly seeing to the dead. Only one, but it still hurt. He would make sure they had a proper send off as well as their family taken care of. Eventually more guards poured in along with a few Healers, adventurers, and Vel. Celenia deconstructed her safe haven while talking to a raven that rested on her shoulder. Domic saw her eyes widen as the bird morphed into a massive falcon and flying off.

“Domic!” Celenia yelled. “Where’s Max!?”

“He’s right…” Domic spun on his heels three times, each rotation quicker than the last. He scanned through the crowd, franticly looking for the one person he was especially supposed to protect. He found a sour faced Vel, who was idly staring off into the sky. Her posture was relaxed but oddly stiff. The Flame Devil followed her line of sight and found a small dot high in the air.

Max stood, seemingly floating on nothing, with Emi perched on his shoulder. They both had the look of utter concentration as their eyes traced the roads and streets below. Finally, he clicked their tongue in annoyance, while Emi growled in a similar fashion. A quick teleport later, Max found himself wrapped in an impossibly strong hug. A crying Elf slobbered snot and tears into his battle robes, but he didn’t care. Instead, he accepts the extra trip to have his clothes cleaned and returned Celenia’s affection. A few minutes later, Max broke off and spoke to Domic.

“I tried to follow the remaining clone. I think it was the real one, but he went underground. How expansive is Lesterwood’s sewer?”

“You were tracking him from in the sky?” Domic asked bewildered.

“Sort of. He had to drop the invisibility, and I could actually see him between the roof tops. Well, I guess I could see bystanders jump out of the way from something. I’ll be willing to bet it was Red Mask they moved for.”

“Yeah… I’ll alert captain Shatterwind. She’ll send a unit to investigate.” Domic turned to leave, but not before saying, “You’ve grown strong Max.”

Max didn’t respond, but instead looked around. They were in a small market district. A few specialty shops and restaurants made up most of the infrastructure. Besides a few destroyed storefronts, trees, and pathways, the city was pretty well off. Domic removed the spreading flames before they could do any real damage, and besides a few melting Ice lances there wasn’t much damage. By now, the deceased guard had been retrieved by their brothers and sisters, and only the pool of blood remained. Max made a mental note to make sure their family would be set for life. Gold, items, healing, whatever they needed, he would make sure they would get it.

“Where’s Yel.” Max said to Vel.

“I don’t know.” Vel smiled bitterly. “Max, I know this is probably the wrong time for you to hear this, but it is important. You need to get used to situations like this. There will be many more assassination attempts in your future. People will die, but you have to realize that this is not your fault.”

Max’s eyes drifted from his teacher’s face to the pool of blood. “I know, Vel. I know.”

Vel didn’t respond. She didn’t know what else to say. She half expected Max to argue with her, but saying he knew? That stumped her. Lester and her had this same talk many times over the years, each ending in a screaming match. But this? Was Max that apathetic or did he truly understand? Was he lying to her and bottling up his emotions? Her thoughts were drowned out by Shatterwind asking for an official statement.

High in the sky a falcon circled. [Druid] Dreamstem had watched the entire battle unfold. She was worried for her apprentice but was under strict orders from the Order not to interfere. The Lost One was not to be helped even if it meant certain destruction for the newest member of her prestigious group. Dreamstem wondered if she had made the right choice joining all of those years ago. The Order was many things, some good and some bad, but now? Her current mission? She had only felt uneasy as of late.

A bounty was a frilly way of saying a ‘quest’. The only difference was that bounties were related to criminals and usually had an incredible sum associated with success. Yel had made her name hunting some of the most ruthless and bloodthirsty Nava had to offer. As her fame and gold rose, she found herself hallow. She had no one. Her family had long been dead, her only friends were rough hunters, and she had no love other than her job. She was alone, and slowly spiraling to an early grave.

Maybe that was why she found the Church. Order, or as she like to call it, justice called her name with open arms. The God of Rules, Tasitus, instantly took pity on her and gave her his favor, a home, and a future. His Rules were simple, and for many years she followed them to the letter. But then she met Lester and promptly joined his team. They were a rag-tag bunch, but all accepted who she was and what she was. A killer. They knew she had a taste for blood but treated her as family anyways. As she grew to love her new friends, the morals of her religion seemed to bend. Until, she had to choose.

Tasitus and Rules or friends and anarchy. To this day she regrets her decision. To this day she thinks about Alex and her death. How it was her fault and how she was isolated again. Her team openly showed their disgust in her, creating a chasm too large to fill. She left soon after, and it wasn’t until a year later she heard of that her former team dissolved. Lester fell to actively helping city states and Nava as a whole, Vel took on an apprentice, and Bishop became engaged.

She was alone, again, and this time for good. She kept up her favor with her God in return for an obsolete home. She hunted the worst of the worst just to feel as if she did good. She saved lives and took many. But it wasn’t enough. That’s why she chose to accept Lesterwood’s job opening. Here she could actually make a difference, protect the future of the Adventuring Guild. Her later revelation about why mayor Silverjewl specifically sought her out hardly mattered at this point. She was here to protect, and she was going to do just that.

Red Mask’s attack at the Church had been a missed opportunity to end it, one she wouldn’t miss again. When Max was attacked again, she chose not to help. Her skillset wasn’t very useful in frontal battle, and she trusted Domic and the guard. Instead, she sat and waited. Red Mask was slippery, clones paired with invisibility was a truly a powerful pair when running. The battle raged, and Yel made sure to watch Max. Teleportation and water is a unique and odd choice, but he seemed to make it work. Healing the guard was interesting, that explains why Veline took interest in him. But why the entire city? Sure, [Space Mages] were rare and sought after but they didn’t warrant protection such as this.

A [Bounty Hunter] skill flared to life, causing Yel to remove herself from her hiding place. Red Mask had just gone underground, removing himself from her sight. She followed him down the open sewer, into thick muck and grime. She scoffed at the [Assassin]’s haste and lack of professionalism. In his fear of being capture or killed, he forgot to erase his footprints. Yel easily followed them to an exit, but by then her system skills had already picked up his scent. A small single-story house, cheap, most likely temporary. A proximity ward trap was all that was in the way of her and her target. She simply ignored it.

After kicking in the door, Yel found herself face to face with the mask-less Red Mask. He was actively removing shards of ice from his bloodless hip. His skin seemed to be scarred and near black with cauterization. Fire and ice, a deadly combination. He couldn’t move to his weapon fast enough before a single straight blade pieced his throat. With a nasty flick, the man’s head plopped to the ground splattering blood along the way. A blue light emanated from Yel, signaling a successful hunt. She gathered the evidence and walked to the nearest guard station.