Mana messaging was something Max always found comfort in. On Earth, he would text his friend’s group chat almost daily. Sending memes and talking about things that hardly mattered, but the culture was lost on Nava. Without internet or smart devices, ‘texting’ was nonexistent. Letters were the primary form of communication for the average citizen and mana messaging for the mana touched. Any letter could be sent directly to the recipient without having to worry about postage or a [Deliverer]. With an inconsequential amount of mana and a target in mind, as long as the target was in range and wanted to be found, the message would arrive.

[Scholars] theorized the technique latched onto a person’s system and used it as a beacon. How a simple pulse of mana did such thing, no one knew. But regardless of how mana messages worked, they made all of Nava smaller. Cities could communicate with individual citizens, [Commanders] could send and receive updates and orders, and adventurers could call for help. The uses were apparent, just like texting.

A small blueish purple ethereal hummingbird fluttered its wings in front of Max and Emi, hovering just beyond the ottoman Max had his feet propped up on. It shifted its head, looking back and forth between the young man and his bond, deciphering the similar mana the two shared. It landed peacefully before melting away, revealing a small note. While most mana messages took form of some type of bird, Max recognized this particular hummingbird. It was from Domic, the Mage Guild Master.

“Wanna bet if we are being summoned?” Max said to Emi.

“Sure!” She chirped. “I bet we are!”

“Well, we can’t both bet the same thing…”

“Too bad!”

Max ignored her, picking up the note and giving it a read through. With a sigh, he spoke, “I guess we are going to the Mage Guild.”

“I win! I win! I want a fish!”

“Lord Max! Lady Emi! Over here!” A tall Beastkin Guild attendant shouted, waving the two over. “Master Domic is waiting, please follow me.”

The Guild was relatively empty, as it was the weekend and classes were not in session, but a few were perusing the job board or talking among each other. They watched Max and Emi walk by, as they did not recognize the ‘Lord’ and ‘Lady’ title the attendant used. Lesterwood officially had no nobles, so when someone was referred to as such, it tended to turn heads.

“Any idea what this is about?” Max asked the Beastkin, who led them through the back hallways. Max recognized this particular attendant. He was one of the attendants who helped them escaped when Red Mask was attempting an assassination.

“No, sir. I was only told to bring you as soon as you got here.” The attended motioned to a door.

“I see. I never did thank you for helping out during the attack. So, thank you.” Max and Emi bowed their heads slightly.

“I only did what anyone in my position would have done.”

“I don’t believe that. You risked your life for us, Red Mask could have easily killed you in his pursuit.”

The Beastkin smiled, “I can handle myself in a fight. But thank you for thinking of me. Master Domic is inside, I’ll take my leave.”

Max waited for the attendant to turn the corner before opening the door. The room was small, only a table with a few seats fit. But the room contained maps. Lots of maps. Every wall was covered and the four people already within the room were each studying a map on the table. Domic, a Flame Devil, and the biggest of the group took up the head seat. He wore a sleeveless shirt, and his skin radiated heat which helped to warm the cold room. Guard captain and Sylph Olivia Shatterwind took up the next seat. Her slim and petite body was heavily armored with her typical guard uniform. Next was Yel, a Beastkin and the Adventurer Guild Master. She wore thin and loose leather armor, allowing for quick movements. Lastly was [Druid] Dreamstem. Her cascading black-purple hair caught one’s eye, creating a recognizable and beautiful Elf.

“Oh Max, Emi!” Domic said, gathering everyone’s attention. “Welcome to the map room, and thanks for coming on such short notice.”

“Yeah, no problem.” Max said taking a seat while Emi raised herself above the table in a bubble of water. “What’s this about?”

“The upcoming goblin raid.” Shatterwind said. “We need as much information of the Eldritch goblins as you can give.”

“I can’t give you any information about location other than the encampment by the village.”

“Location is not needed. My [Scouts] have been searching the area and have located their stronghold.”

“I see. What would you like to know then?”

“When you first told me about the Eldritch evolution, you said they evolved before your eyes, tell us more about that.” Shatterwind said.

“I watched from above, and their camp seemed to have an invisible perimeter. If a goblin got passed the perimeter, they would evolve, or devolve as it seemed they generally lost intelligence.”

“But gained strength?” Domic asked.

Max nodded. “Strength, health, resilience, yes. Once they turned Eldritch, they seemed to want to devour. They ate the villagers alive…”

“What do you mean generally?” Dreamstem asked.

“There was one Eldritch goblin that seemed to regain its intelligence. It might even have been smarter… But it watched, stalked, and hid when it concluded I was more than a threat. It eventually tried to return to the camp, something none of the others tried.”

“That doesn’t sound like the fungus.” Dreamstem said to Domic, who nodded.

“I agree. Well, it was nice to confirm our theories.” Domic said.

“The fungus? You mean the mushrooms that were controlling the Lycan?” Max asked.

“Yes, I’ve been investigating the incident after you described it to me. I thought maybe there was a connection to the goblins, but I think differently now.” Dreamstem said.

“Have you found anything out about the mushrooms?”

“No, and that was why I was thinking about the goblins. I’ve never seen anything that… Primitive, be able to control a sentient being’s mind like the fungus does. I’ve been tracking its movements and spread, killing anything that threatens to breach the area I deemed for study… But I have no idea where the source is.”

“Is it bad? Do we need to do something?” Max asked.

“Not yet… It is manageable right now. I’ve asked other [Druids] for assistance, and they should be here soon. But enough about my fungus issues, we are here to discuss the goblins.”

“Right.” Max said, removing a wooden plank and a glass sphere. “Let me make a memory globe of the evolution so you get a better idea of what they are capable of.”

“Oh! Max, I just noticed your arm! I take it you made the spell!” Domic said sprouting with glee.

“I did! I can feel touch, pain, even temperature. Do you want to see the spell box?”

Before Domic could respond, Yel interrupted. “Can we please finish discussing the raid before you two talk magic. I have better things to do than listen to you two measure spells.”

“Ah, yes, of course, Guild Master. We will talk later Max.” Domic said with a wink.

The meeting proceeded for the next hour. Occasionally Max would be asked questions, and he and Emi would answer to the best of their ability. He was no strategist, but they also had him look over the assault plan for any blatant errors. Sometimes it was good to have an outside view on things, one that didn’t know how strong a typical adventuring team, or a platoon of various mages were. Max’s questions of power, levels, defensive abilities, was helpful to double check the leader’s haste in designing the raid. Just before Max and Emi left, a knock sounded from the door. A big bulky Drake stood eyeing the room.

“Oh, hello Bishop. Fancy seeing you here.” Max said.

Bishop chuckled. “Quite. I take it this is about the raid?”

“Yes, we would like you to join us.” Domic said. “We would have invited Vel, but she already left.”

“I will join under one condition. My apprentice Clammy is allowed to come also.” Bishop held up his hand, stopping Shatterwind from speaking. “I know that you do not want the Humble Titans to join, and I agree, but Clammy is different. She has a grudge to bury with the goblins, and I am all for it.”

The four leaders looked at each other before Shatterwing spoke. “We can’t guarantee her safety.”

“Nor should you. I assume you want me to deal with the horde of goblins, and command the infantry? Clammy would fit right in.”

Shatterwind scrunched her face. “I don’t know, Bishop… I heard the reports from the wall the other day… Even if they were exaggerated, the fact is she froze up and required extraction. We can’t have that.”

“Agreed. That is why she is going to be sticking with me the entire time and is going to be forbidden for using the technique that made her freeze up.” Bishop saw the looks of hesitance on their faces. “If she is not allowed to join, then I will not either.”

“Be serious, Bishop!” Yel shouted. “You know the dangers a raid of this caliber will be! You can sit it out, many will die without you!”

“My apprentice means more to me then the lives of a few adventurers or guards. I think her joining this raid will be good for her. I will not let this chance slip away.” Bishop shot back.

Everyone’s eyes went wide, but Yel studied the expression of her former teammate. “You’re bluffing.” She finally said, staring Bishop down.

The Drake broke off first, smiling. “Ah, you know me too well. It was a bluff. But still, I want her to come.”

“Are you sure you can protect her? We both know that you are not the most reliable in situations like this…” Yel said in a calmer notation.

“And with that reasoning, I shouldn’t be in command of anyone.”

“Yes, but you are too much of a powerhouse to leave back in town. I would command, but my skill set is abysmal for raid. That leaves Shatterwind, Domic and the other guard captains… Wait do we need Bishop commanding? We can just have another captain take his place.” Yel said.

“We would be lacking on firepower then.” Domic said.

“He and Clammy can be special forces, then.” Max said. “Goes where they are needed, rather than fights under command. Two-man team, hell-bent on dispatching goblins.”

Shatterwind tapped her fingers on the table, “That could work… But that leaves Clammy’s protection to only you. Are you sure you can handle it?”

Bishop’s eyes turned predatory, “Of course.”

“What is a Spirt Caller?” Max asked Bishop while walking home.

“Ah, you met Clair, I take it.” The Drake said.

“Yes, and Unlotous… He was in a stuffed bear…”

“A bear? I would have liked to see that. The last time I talked with Unlotous was when he was contracted to Clair’s grandfather. Good man him…”

“Contracted? Like a familiar?” Max asked, his eyes watching Emi playfully bounce off the ground in a bubble of water, like a basketball on the moon.

“Not quite. Spirit Callers are a unique bloodline similar to Clammy’s. While hers deals with Divination magic, Callers have a family ‘Spirit’ they commune with. Bla bla bla, family secrets, bla bla bla, Spirits are not actual spirits. Unlotous is a creature from a different world, or Dimension, if you would rather. Clair’s mother is someone I was going to introduce you to, but between going to the Mountain and the Tome incident…”

“Well Clair invited me and Emi for tea… I just wanted to know if Unlotous is trustworthy.”

By now, the three of them were walking over the river. Emi made one final moon bounce, floating high above the water before ‘popping’ and diving to hunt for lunch.

“I would say so. Clair’s grandfather said Unlotous has been in the family for centuries.” Bishop said.

“Any idea what Dimension he comes from?” Max asked.

“Nope. They were always secretive about that.”

“I see. Changing subjects, I think it was smart of you to add Clammy to the goblin raid.”

“I hope so. I see it going two ways. Either she freezes up or brightens up.”

“And she’s going to be banned from using her Battle Trance?”

“Yes… It’s going to be dangerous, more so than defending the walls. I don’t know if I can protect her if she miss times her cut off point. Besides, it will be good for her to practice without it. Her magic is lacking if I’m being honest. Trances are supposed to supplement, not become a crutch.” Bishop said.

Max nodded. “Let me know if I can help with anything. Emi and I are going to eat lunch, then we have to head to Salae to pick up our orders. Then Esmel. We should be back before dinner.”

“Alright, be careful.”

“Anywhere is fine.” Captain Ism said to Max.

Max, Emi, and the captain were in a massive warehouse full of piles of different materials and shelves of reagents. Bundles and pallets of things started appearing out of thin air, while their names and content were named off.

“Forty trees worth of Artel Spruce… Three caravan wagons full of Dark Forge Steel… Sixteen primary support beams made of steel, twelve of Caspian Oak…”

As Max said their names and deposited the items, Ism marked a clipboard. Striking through a large list of items. All in all, it took nearly thirty minutes to inventory all of the newly purchased items but by the end of it, the captain looked relieved.

“I’m sorry Max, to be honest I didn’t expect you to come through. For that, I apologize.” Ism bowed slightly.

“Nah, I understand. It would have been very easy for me to run with the money.” Max said.

“Regardless, thank you.”

“No problem. Shall we walk to Xylem? On the way we can discuss the items you want for next time.”

The three began to walk, passing through the now much more homely streets. The Elves were finished celebrating, having partied as much as they could because of Xylem’s awakening and the New Age. Now, there was a lofted happiness in the air. Hope was something the city of Esmel was running low on. But now after the last week, the atmosphere seemed like a normal city’s. A city that was foreseeable on lock-down, but one rebuilding despite the circumstances.

“Know anything about this New Age notification everyone got? Was it local to Esmel?” The captain asked as they passed by a line of hungry people waiting for community lunch.

“Yes, everyone got it. Around the world as I understand it.” Max replied trying not to hint at his knowledge on the subject.

Past the line for a late lunch was a few cleared plots of land. Perimeters of destroyed buildings protected the flat soil inside as seed troughs went up and down the length in parallel even lines. Three Elves stood inside while mana emanated from their palms and feet. Plants were growing at a rapid rate, sprouting, and budding fruit and vegetables in minutes. A single mage on the periphery channeled mana into the air, causing rain to pour from the cloud above. A pack of twelve children ran through the rain with baskets, collecting the ripe food and bringing it to massive piles.

“We can mass produce food like this. I miss meat, but it beats starving.” Ism said.

“I’ve channeled mana like that [Water Mage] before, that can’t be an easy job. The Rain Cloud spell eats mana.”

“Indeed.” A voice from the side said. A female Elf with long blue to black gradient hair stood, her eyes gazing past the Human to the makeshift farm. She wore damp clothes, as well as had muddy feet. “A fellow [Water Mage], I take it? Here to help? We could use it, our cycles lull when both I and Belnor out there are recovering our mana.”

“Ah, I’d love to, but unfortunately we have places to be… I’ll tell you what though… I’ll try and design a spell that can help with this.” Max said.

“A noble cause, but one that has been sought after for centuries. Rain is impossible to innovate.” The woman said.

“I disagree. When I look at this farm, I see terrible inefficiencies. All of this mud? It’s too much for the plants to handle. I know it’s being recycled back into the spell, but it would use less mana to keep the water in the air rather than on the ground. Since you have to send the mana to-“

“Evaporate it back into the cloud…” The woman finished. “An interesting idea… That would also make it so we don’t have to remake the crop lines every few cycles, as they wouldn’t be destroyed from the extending rains… Thank you, Nacittib.”

Max smiled, ignoring the nickname, “No thanks needed. I’ll come by again if I make a spell.”

The group resumed their walking, passing by more rebuilding and reorganizing districts. Ism explained that the issues regarding luxuries still existed despite the current situation and that the guard still had to break up many fights and underground markets. But he also talked about schools restarting, giving the children a place to go during the day. Some chose to help out in the reconstruction or farming, but a majority returned to their places of learning. Funerals were still happening in bulk, but some families opted to have the remains of loved ones turned into fertilizer, stating that the deceased would have preferred it that way. Apparently, it was Elven culture to return to the ground after death, allowing their bodies to be reclaimed by the elements that created them.

“The Coalition is starting soon.” Max said. “Vel already left for the Plains.”

“Good. I expect her to discuss Esmel. Do you know how much she is telling them?” Ism asked.

“Everything.” Max lied. “Mallor, Buzluc, the sacrifice bombs… The [Arbor]s’ failings the city… Me…”

“You? I thought you were going to remain anonymous.”

“We discussed it, and well… Vast Empire already knows who I am, I figure it would be best if the people actively fighting the Empire also knew. Vel is going to leave my name out of it, in hopes to not completely kill my anonymity, but she figured it would be a week before the spies of various organizations figured it out.”

“I wish you luck.” Ism said with a smirk. “I do not envy the free magical items you will be receiving to give your seal of approval on.”

“Yeah, that along with potential [Assassins] and [Delegates] trying to flip my loyalties.”

Ism frowned. “Right… Sorry…”

“Don’t be. I’ve done rather little to hide my title as of late. It was going to come out sooner or later, why not make it on my own terms.”

“You are more optimistic than I.”

Max shook his head, “I can’t afford not to be. I’ve seen what this world can be, I can’t fall into despair because of it.”