“You are saying that you had this bunker build after the incident with the Book of Pestilence?” Max asked the Flame Devil, Domic.

“Indeed. We even had to hire someone out of Salae to do the warding scheme.” Domic responded with a prideful smile. “Now we are one of two on the continent and one of six of all of Nava with a bunker like this.”

“It is indeed amazing.” Manus exclaimed.

“If you are ready Max, just deposit the bodies in the center. Make sure you keep a keen eye on the wards, they are just too interesting to ignore.”

Max followed the Mage Guild Master’s order and materialized the six Eldritch Hobgoblins bodies. They instantly continued their previous dissolvement and began to steam. An ungodly and distinct smell filled the small chamber, but a familiar pure white flame quickly engulfed the putrid mass. Hellish and distant screams sounded from the smoldering embers, changing the once prideful and fulfilling tone of the room into something darker and more sinister.

Once the bodies were nothing more than dust and the protection wards returned to their innate state, Manus spoke, “Impressive spell, Domic.”

“Thank you, it was passed down to me from my mother.”

“She has my respect.” Manus bowed slightly, and Domic bowed back.

“Ready to go then?” Max asked.

“Yes. I need to prepare for tonight’s gathering.” Domic said. “Oh, that reminds me, Max, have you tried any magical food?”

“No… I’m not sure I want to either…”

Manus laughed as the group traversed the underground passages. “Max, trust me, you will want to try magical food.”

“But-“

“No buts! This is an important step of integrating into the culture of Nava!”

Max gave Domic a surly look.

“It’s true, young Lost Lord. Think of it as a rite of passage into adulthood for most children of mana.” Manus explained.

“But like… What’s magical about it?”

“Well, that depends on the dish. Some could be magically heated or shimmers in brilliant sparkles.”

“My favorite is a local egg dish that literally hatches in your mouth!” Domic said before both Manus and Max stared silently at him. “What?”

“Nothing, nothing.” Manus chuckled, “The point is, Max, that you should try some sort of magical food.”

“Fine, fine, but nothing over the top.”

Domic smiled slyly while pushing open the bunker trap door. The three found themselves blinded by the sudden daylight, but as their eyes adjusted more and more of their surroundings became clear. They were outside the city walls but relatively close. A small perimeter had been set up around the area, and two armed guards were always posted. A familiar blue monster bond surprised Max in a tackle hug while the young Elf she was accompanied with slowly walked over.

“All done?” Celenia asked.

“All done.” Domic said before turning to Manus. “Thanks for coming with us Head Healer. If something went wrong, you would have been there to bail us out.”

“It is no worry. Anyone should be honored to destroy the Eldritch. Shall we head back?”

“Yes.” Max sighed. “We need to buy some meat before it all sells out.”

The party made their way back into the city, splitting up at their respective crossroads. Max, Emi, and Celenia slowly walked through the market, buying everything that looked good. They walked along the stalls, greeting the familiar [Shopkeepers] and [Food Sellers]. One kindly soul offered a special deal on a root similar to carrot. Buy a pound get a pound. Their stock was going to go bad soon, and their preservation runes were full. Celenia was especially excited about the deep red root, stating that it would go well in her Elven dish.

Max on the other hand, specifically looked for familiar ingredients to make Earthen dishes. His idea was to cook his favorites, mashed potatoes with garlic, fried chicken, meatloaf, creamed corn, hush puppies, and of course key lime pie. Oddly enough the hardest ingredient to find was frying oil. But eventually they found a small vender that bragged about being the primary seller of oil for the restaurants of Lesterwood.

“You alright?” Celenia asked after noticing Max glancing over his shoulder.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He answered swiftly.

“Is someone following us?” She whispered.

“No, no, nothing like that.” Max lied.

The two continued to shop and peruse around the markets. They had long finished buying for the party, but the two simply couldn’t help but want to stay out together. They looked at trinkets and nick-knacks, simple and ornate jewelry, and even walked through a few bookstores. Max bought the Elf a small hair pen, it was nothing special. But after noticing Celenia adjust her bangs a few times, he figured it would be a good present. She accepted it with a quick kiss on the cheek, something neither of them truly expected.

But as the morning stroll continued on, Max had to confess. “Um… Celenia, I uh… I actually lied to you. Someone is following us. I wanted to ignore her, but it’s starting to annoy me.”

Emi nodded along with her partner.

“W-Who is it?”

“Yel. I’m not sure why, but she has been following us since we entered the market.”

“What do we do?” Celenia asked.

“I was thinking about teleporting a stone above her head.” Max suggested. “What do you think?”

The Elf chuckled. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

A moment later, a loud ‘Ouch!’ sounded from a nearby corner. A moment after that a resentful looking Beastkin showed herself.

“You know attacking the Master of the Guild you are a part of is against the rules?” Yel stated.

“How was I supposed to know it was you. Last time we were followed it was Red Mask.” Max calmly replied.

“I know very well that you knew it was me.”

“You can’t prove that.” Max said with a sly smile.

Yel grumbled something but Celenia spoke over her, “Why are you following us?”

“I-I just wanted to make sure you three were safe on your outing.” The Beastkin’s tail faltered for a moment.

“Really?” Max asked. “I don’t believe that.”

A long and drawn-out staring contest abruptly ensued, but eventually the Guild Master conceded. “I heard Bishop was back.”

“Yes, and?”

“Is-Is he doing good?”

“You could ask him yourself; you know?” Celenia said.

Yel didn’t respond, but Max did. “Oh, I see. Yel, would you like to come to the house party we are hosting?”

“I don’t think I would be welcomed.” She said after a moment.

“I don’t know what fully happened with you and your team, but a lot of time has passed.” Max said. “Now is the time to make amends, especially before Vel leaves for the Coalition.”

Yel didn’t speak so Celenia added, “Just show up towards the end if you are worried about it. I don’t think Vel would attack, but even if she did Icarus would be ready.”

“Icarus?” Yel asked with a renewed vigor.

The realization dawned on both Celenia and Max. She didn’t know Lester was still alive.

“That means Lester is still alive.” Yel stated, ignoring the looks the Elf and Human were giving each other. “I’ve got to go.”

And with that Yel jumped away.

“What did we just do.” Celenia asked with her face in her hands.

“Eh, it was only a matter of time. Icarus wrote letters in the sky a few months ago, remember? Sooner or later, she would have figured it out.” Max took her hand, “Come on, there is a small magic shop I know of down this way.”

The three returned home without further incident. After depositing their grocery haul into the preservation rune pantry, they moved into the training hall where the rest of the residents resided. To the far side, Vel was idly reading a small book. Bishop was teaching Reep an electric construct while Belopi watched. Clammy sat alone in the corner, her eyes were closed, and a distinct increased gravitational field surrounded her. Belopi stood to greet her daughter and Max when they entered.

“How was the market?” She asked.

“It was great!” Celenia said in a cheerful note. “Look at what Max bought me!” The Elven duo passed the hairpin back and forth.

“A present, huh?” Belopi said mischievously. “Interesting.”

Max rolled his eyes and moved to speak with his teacher.

“Vel, I have something I think I need to tell you, Icarus, and Bishop.”

A familiar bird of light formed, pulling light from the surrounding sources. Icarus looked much the same. Still an owl and still larger than most common species. He wore the same tired and bored look, but there were hints of curiosity. Vel waved of the oversized Drake and the impromptu meeting started.

“First of all, burning the Eldritch bodies went well. The new facility is impressive, I think.” Max said. “But while we were walking around the market, Yel approached. She asked how Bishop was and one thing led to another, and she was invited to the party.”

No one spoke, but Max quickly added, “She also knows Icarus is alive and guessed about Lester.”

Bishop let out a long-drawn-out sigh. “I haven’t spoken to Yel in many years. I’m still angry… But-“

“But nothing!” Vel interrupted, “She doesn’t deserve to step into this house. She’s not invited. Simple as that.”

“Vel-“ Max tried.

“Don’t ‘Vel’ me, you have no say in this Max!”

“Veline, he does have a say. This is technically his house, and he is allowed to have guests of his choosing over.” Icarus spoke.

“If that is the case, bird, then I will not be involved.” Vel snapped.

“Look, if you really don’t want her here, then I will uninvite her.” Max said. “But I think she should have an invite. There is going to be a lot of high-ups of Lesterwood here, I think the Adventuring Guild Master should be one of them.”

“I think she should come also.” Bishop said before Vel could rebuttal.

“Of course, you do! You were on her side even back then!” The old woman shouted.

“I’m not sure if I was, but I empathized with her.” The elderly Drake said. “I know very well about special limitations some individuals have. Think how many would be alive today if the Drake racial Berserk didn’t exist.”

“That is not the same, and you know it. You don’t have a choice, but she did!”

“Alexandria would have forgiven her, you know?”

“Alex-“ Vel stopped herself. “Alex was the best of us. No one even comes close.” With that, the [Water Arch Mage] walked out.

“Sorry.” Max said. “I didn’t mean to cause a fight.”

“No, no. This has been going on for decades. You did nothing wrong, Vel is just… Passionate and stubborn.” Bishop said.

“Let her come Max. I have a few words for her anyways.” Icarus said before dissipating into the air.

“Come on, I think Clammy wanted to spar with you.”

“Alright, no teleporting out of the training room, and we should be good to go!” Clammy yelled from the other side of the room while already in a Battle Trance.

“Fine!”

“Uhh start!” Clammy ripped herself forward, propelling herself with her gravity magic. She reached her target in a slit second, swinging with powerful overhead attacks. Max retreated, blinking backwards multiple times trying to create distance from the crazed teenager. His teleport attempts were useless, as Clammy’s speed was simply faster than before. The two separated after a definite crack sounded from the [Water Mage]’s ribs.

“Sorry! Sorry!” Clammy pleaded.

“It’s okay… I wasn’t expecting you to be that fast.” Water wrapped around his torse, healing him. “Ready?”

“Go!”

This time Max teleported from one side of the room to the other. Clammy made haste, trying to attack but couldn’t reach him in time before the next teleport happened. She dodged ice shards and frozen puddles, making use of hovering slightly off the ground and a newly created Gravity Shield spell. The Shield pulled all projectiles downwards at a very efficient rate thus lowering the strain on her mana.

Max’s center chest began to feel weird. His shirt was glued to him, and he felt as if he was actively being pulled towards his opponent. A resounding slam sounded as the steel hammer head struck the stone ground where he had been a moment earlier. Across the room, three metal beams launched from their resting places in the corner. All three slashed into a wall of water, floating harmlessly as the two mages fought for control. The beams froze over, giving the prospect [Water Mage] the edge. The newfound weapon fired out, only to be redirected into the ground.

Three Immovable Platforms formed between the two combatants, but they were instantly shattered without so much as a moment of hesitation from the warrior mage. The cascading physical space seemed to shift as Clammy’s Gravity Shield began to affect the unnatural occurrence. Streaks of blood began to form across the princess’s face and bare arms, but she pushed through the spatial glass attacking the bewildered enemy.

Max tried to sidestep the incoming attack but was pulled into the direct swing. A thin square of electricity stopped the hammer cold, ending all momentum and fighting off the artificial gravity. A sigh of relief came from all parties.

“Wow, Clammy!” Max said. “What happened to you in the Mountain? I’ve only ever seen Bishop move that fast!”

She smiled. “I realized I wanted to become stronger… What was that last spell? I didn’t think any of your projectiles could pass through my shields.”

“It’s called Immovable Platform. Its normally just for standing in midair, but it looks like the shards can cut!”

“Do you mind?” Clammy asked showing him her battle wounds.

“Oh right!” Water quickly formed around her still bleeding cuts and faded away once smooth skin remained.

“Max, why do you think you lost that?” Bishop asked.

“I was overwhelmed, and then I got distracted at the end.”

“Good. How can you prevent that next time?”

“I’m not really sure… Create more distance is the easy answer but that’s easier said than done. How do I usually deal with Clammy’s gravity pulling me constantly?”

“You don’t. It usually is not that strong, and you would just ignore it.” Bishop smiled. “Clammy has gotten far in her training.”

“I can see that… If you aren’t opposed, lets duel again.” Max said to Clammy. “I have a few spells I want to test out. I made them last night, and I’m not sure how strong they will be.”

“Fine with me.” Clammy shrugged.

“Alright Clammy, before you jump down there remember, to listen for the horns.” Bishop explained while atop the eastern wall gate.

A few hours after Max and Clammy’s bout, the city bells rung, signaling a monster wave. As this was the princesses first time seeing a wave, Bishop made sure to give her a brief instruction, similar to how Vel and Lady Dreamstem did for Max and Reep. Below them a few dozen chariens rampaged. Chariens, also known as flame ponies, are elemental miniature horses that spit and pulsate waves of flame. Normally chariens are docile especially during winter, but something had spooked this herd away from their fire ridden forest.

“You don’t have to remind me.” Clammy said. “I remember Esmel quite well…”

Bishop nodded. “Then go.”

Without saying anything else she hopped off the wall, catching herself with magic just before the harsh landing. Her breaths elongated and evened, her heartrate slowed, and her head began to pound. She dashed forward, striking the closest charged horse, and ignored the onslaught of flame. An active Gravity Shield repelled all licks of flame while a thin layer of chilled water immunized her from the extreme heat. She fought alone in melee as no one was crazy enough to battle in such wary conditions. But from above, her teammate and [Water Mage] Max, backed her up the best he could.

Alongside Max was Emi and Reep. Both worked on keeping far off threats occupied with dodging electrified arrows or globes of exploding water and steam. For some reason Emi had come to enjoy the bonded pair’s newest spell, Steam Bomb. Her instinctually skill with manipulating water allowed her to create and throw bombs faster than her Human counterpart. Which she considered mocking to Max, as she could easily double his output.

The Humble Titians weren’t the only ones fighting this chilly afternoon. Dozens of guards and a few other adventurers rained a blitz of arrows or magical projectiles. Some threw throwing daggers coated in lethal poisons, others tossed alchemical potions designed to corrode or snap freeze their breaking location. Their captain, a male Beastkin with leathery skin and a small horn protruding out of the center of his forehead, commanded the horn blower. Long and short blasts of different tones pierced the air, explaining how the battle would progress.

Clammy dodged a breath of flame while simultaneously smashing her hammer into the thick skull of her current target. Rocks and pebbles raised from their resting position before launching out with a haste unseen by even herself. She was actively progressing her magic, and this was the first time she was able to let lose her most lethal attacks. The rocks shredded the bones and core of the elemental monsters, ending their lives with nothing more than an off handed spell. Clammy moved across the battlefield acting less as a small teenage girl, but something even monsters could learn to fear.

That is, at least while her Battle Trance is active. Her quick movement suddenly stopped, and a coughing rage overcame the [Gravity Mage]. She spent too long in the ecstasy of battle and now was paying the price. Blood stained the grass below her as her lungs ripped and tore themselves apart. The nearby chariens took no pity on the frail girl and attacked with the certainty of their lives.

A boy and his bond appeared suddenly in front of the downed girl, carrying along three massive convex walls of water, blocking the deadly flames. Water quickly began to sooth and repair the lungs of the battle ridden princess. A Drake plaid in electrified constructed armor flash stepped to the biggest of the chariens, ending its life before it could redirect its attack. An overcharged arrow pierced two through two ponies, interrupting their attacks and causing a paralytic effect. They did not live much longer.

The battlefield seemed to stand still at the sudden appearance of the new challengers. But as the walls of water morphed into a six perfectly spherical orbs of condensed water that began to revolve around their caster, the guard erupted. A volley unlike any other fired out from the overhead vantage point, ending the lives of the isolated and far off invaders. Their commands changed from simple timed attacks to a full-on defense of the melee units.

While the gesture was appreciated, Bishop, Max, and Emi had their retreat coved, especially with Reep on over watch. Beams of pressurized water erupted like a geyser, dousing the incoming flames elementals. The sources of water moved independently, attacking any and all who stood in the way. To an onlooker, the [Water Mage] duo looked to saunter nonchalantly through the latent charred battle, but in reality, their minds worked in tandem and overtime to spray down any potential threat. With a single hop, Bishop carried Clammy to the safe haven of the upper wall. Max and Emi arrived a moment later, after being sure they finished off their most recent target.

“WHAT in the fucking hells are you doing!” The Beastkin guard captain yelled while storming up to the recovering team.

“Protecting our teammate.” Max challenged in a cold and daring way.

“Do you expect us to have just leaved her, captain?” Bishop asked in a similar overly calm manor.

“SHE shouldn’t have even been down there! It’s an absolute DEATH trap!” The captain continued.

“Death trap? I see no deaths other than the chariens.” Bishop said.

“If my men hadn’t stepped in-“

“Then I would have taken her back quicker.” The elderly Drake interrupted. “To be honest, we only retreated slowly to test Max’s new spell. We were never in any danger.”

“But the girl! She needs a healer!” Tried the captain.

“She has one.” Max said, nodding to the thin layer of water of Clammy’s body.

The captain did a double take. “Now captain,” Bishop began, “I think you better get back to your men.”

The Beastkin made a loud huff before stomping off, “Don’t expect any help next time!”

Max and Bishop watched the captain go, swallowing their rage and turning to the girls. Clammy was in bad shape, but easily recoverable. Her coughing had stopped and the odd potion Reep was actively feeding her seemed to do its job. Part of the danger of Battle Trances were the effects of overuse. Death often comes to these individuals, but not from the symptoms of overuse. Instead, it was stopping cold in active battles, such as Clammy just did.

“So,” Bishop said, “what happened?”

“Brea-thing in ho-t air.” Clammy huffed.

“Ah. That shortened how long you can stay in the trance.” Bishop inferred. Clammy nodded. “Well, a learning experience. Next time that won’t happen, right?”

Clammy nodded again.