Within the city of Aesir, a city devoted to the All-Father, Odin, people talk and gossip regarding the public information of a [Hero] being kidnapped. The church had expressed great distress over the loss of their [Hero] and condemned the elven nation for treachery. Elves residing within Aesir were subsequently interrogated and removed from the city.

Considering the information and public statement made by the church, most people believed it as true. An elf had entered Aesir, kidnapped the [Hero], and then escaped. Even so, most political leaders, such as [Nobles], [Lords], and even [Kings] would immediately disparage such information. To them, it is more likely that the [Hero] had an accident that resulted in his death and the church is attempting to put the blame on the elves. After all, how could a kidnapping happen within the cathedral of one of the most powerful gods?

Regardless, perception of information changes once higher level [Kings] or [Sultans] obtain such information. These high level leaders would have more experience and knowledge at their disposal. For example, they would know that kidnapping from over hundreds of miles away is fully within the capability of the elves. Hence, information regarding a kidnapping may very well be true.

Even further up the ladder of leadership and the rumors turn into facts. [Archkings], [Emperors], [Chancellors] and others of similar level already have a very thorough network of obtaining correct worldly information.

These individuals have spoken to their [Spymasters] and have found the information to be completely true. The reaction to the information differs greatly from person to person, but most reactions can be described as positive.

[Empress] Cleopatra of the Red Sands puts on a very rarely seen smile.

[Mountain Archking] Hreidmar of Svartalfheim donates over fifty barrels of dwarven mead to his city’s many taverns.

[Frost Jarl] Jokull of the Northern Tundra orders a grand public feast.

[Emperor] Flavion of the Amphitheatre reveals a toothy smile as he flicks his fingers and orders a venatio to be held within his massive coliseum.

[Pirate Archqueen] Teuta laughs violently before bending over a barrel and puking from morning sickness.

[Merchant Lords], [Guildmasters], [Headmasters], and various others of Camelot's ruling elite sit and listen as a new [Secretary] informs them about what has happened in Aesir.

All across the world, the information spreads quickly but for those already living in Aesir, it is already old news.

Especially for a young woman named Jessa.

_____________________________________________________

Jessa yawns and moans as she quickly slides out of her bed. She falls and hits the wooden floor hard.

“Ughhhhhh, I hate mornings.”

She moans as her face and body lie prone on the floor. After a full minute, she finally begins to move and picks herself up while brushing the dust off her skin. She looks around her small room and finds her clothes folded nicely on a chair right next to her rather full bag.

“Dana,” she whispers with a smile as she grabs the clothing.

Most of the time, her clothing is on the floor, but they could occasionally be folded. Not by her, of course. Jessa hasn't folded her clothes since she was still growing up in the orphanage.

Quickly putting her underwear, bra, and the rest of her clothing on, she grabs her pack and opens the door on the ground. She slides down the ladder.

“Jessa!”

“Don't leave, Jessa.”

“We love you.”

“Pleeeeaaaasssseeee stayyyy.”

An army of kids immediately grabs onto her. They begin whining with many of them beginning to cry.

“Let go, you brats!” she replies while smacking several kids on the head and pushing others away.

She makes her way down the stairs, step by step, pushing kids away while dragging many more that have attached themselves to her pants.

“I am going and you guys can’t stop me!” Jessa says with several huffes.

Two flights of stairs later and she finally reaches the ground floor of the orphanage.

She falls once again on the floor as almost a dozen children dogpile on her.

“Get off!” she yells but finds herself unable to do much more than wiggle.

“You can't leave. Who will pay for us?”

“Yea, who's going to protect us?”

“And buy us treats.”

“And make us cookies.”

“And, and, and… stuff!”

“Yeaaaaaaaaaaa!” the kids yell in a chorus.

The loud voices of screaming, crying, and yelling attracts an old woman.

Jessa looks up and finds the [Caretaker].

“Dana, help, please. I can't move.”

Dana sighs and gestures to her right.

“MOVE” she says in a voice both loud and authoritative.

The kids immediately get off of Jessa and stand teary eyed at the pointed location.

Jessa shudders as she remembers the voice when she was younger. How Dana merely needed to say only one word and she had immediately obeyed.

Jessa stands up and straightens out her hair, “Thank you. The-”

Jessa stops talking as Dana moves forward and gives Jessa a warm hug.

“I know you’re leaving, and I respect your decision, but at least have the decency to give a proper goodbye.”

Jessa gulps and hugs Dana back.

Dana pats Jessa’s head and then gazes at her.

“Don't cry Jessa, we've talked about this. I always knew you were going to leave, but just know that you will always have a place to return to here.”

“Will you be-” Jessa begins but is interrupted by Dana.

“Hush child, we will be fine. The orphanage will get by on my own. I never needed your money.”

Jessa swallows and nods slowly before moving forward again and giving Dana one last hug.

“I’ll miss you,” she says before moving away from her.

Dana watches Jessa walk to the door. Jessa stops, looks back one last time, waves, and then leaves.

Dana sighs and looks to the frowning children, all staring towards the door as well.

___________________________________________________

Frowning up at the sun, Jessa curses loudly and begins to run towards the city gates. She activates [Silent Sprint] and [Cat’s Posture] which allows her to jump and weave around pedestrians.

A good ten minutes of running passes before Jessa finally gets to the gates and finds her two teammates sitting and talking.

“I’m sorry I'm late,” she says as she arrives.

Brock, the Human [Shield Warrior] and Turnock the Dwarf [Bard] roll their eyes at Jessa’s late arrival.

“Woman! Have you any idea how long we have been waiting? I’ve already had to drink half my beer already,” Turnock yells in partial anger and a tipsy smile.

“Shut it Turncock, I had a lot of goodbyes to say and I got dogpiled by children.”

Brock snorts but refuses to comment about it. Instead, he points.

“It's not as early in the morning, but we should head out as soon as possible so that we don't miss the caravan in Arginton.”

Brock turns and begins walking out of the gates. The two glaring people behind him begin following a couple of seconds later.

After the three set a nice pace, Brock turns to Jessa, “are you sure you don't want to come with us to Camelot?”

Jessa sighs, “You guys can go to Camelot, I’m heading to Daresir.”

“Are you sure you will find him? I understand that Daresir borders the elven forest, but I doubt they will allow you to enter,” says Brock.

Turnock waves his arm sluggishly, ”The lassy be in love. Let her find her cock. I’m sure she and Siberia can share.”

“Shut up you short shit,” Jessa voices towards the drunken dwarf, her face blushing extremely red.

Turnock replies by taking a swig of his beer.

“Ahhhh, to be young and in love. I remember my first love. She was a mighty woman with a beard that got my dick hard,” Turnock begins.

Jessa and Brock sigh as the drunk Turnock begins to do what he usually does when he is drunk.

That is to say, tell a story.

“Her beard was braided and had a nice hint of red in its color. Smelled of lavender too.”

“Well, he’s begun again,” says Brock.

Jessa nods as the dwarf continues speaking, completely ignoring everything around him.

After a moment, Jessa looks to Bock, “So, Camelot? Why go there, other than it being the capital of the various guilds?”

Brock raises an eyebrow.

“It's not just the capital of the guilds, but the best place to grow. Camelot has five dungeons, rare enchanted gear, and the greatest class schools in the world.”

Jessa folds her arms, “Yea, yea, I’ve heard the stories. It still doesn't make sense that you would make such a long costly trip to Camelot.”

Brock frowns and massages his neck, “Well, I normally wouldn't, but my mum got a teaching job at the Fighter’s College. Apparently, children of teachers can attend for free.”

Jessa’s eyes widen.

“That's insane. Don't the classes alone cost a small fortune to attend? Wow.” Jessa mouths, impressed. She squints her eyes.

She points at the Dwarf who is still happily blabbering on.

“So, why is he going with you?”

Brock shrugs, “Not sure. I think he said something about his uncle Garrus living near Camelot.”

Jessa frowns, “You know that if his uncle is not actually there, he’s going to mooch off of you.”

“Yea, but that's the thing about [Bards]. Most of them don't think logically. They act on their feelings and that's usually how they gain levels. Also, he hit level fifty recently and his new skill is apparently rare, so he should be able to find a team pretty easily”

Jessa perks up, “Really? What is it?”

Brock smiles, “It’s called [Drunken Music] and it apparently makes all of his skills several times stronger. Unfortunately, it has a catch.”

“He has to be drunk,” she says with a deadpan face.

Brock chuckles.

“Can you imagine it? His diver team is going to be fighting monsters while the [Bard] regales them with music and his life story.”

Jessa turns to the Dwarf and listens in.

“-mistake that I made was with my timing. See, Alissa finished forging with her father early, so she came home. She then went into her room and found me on her mother. My hands were grasping her mother's dark red beard while I was deep int-”

She immediately stops listening and looks to Brock.

A moment passes before they both start laughing.

________________________________________________________________

The [Lady] gazes upward, taking a moment to marvel at the black spire, a prison and torture chamber for immortals.

Garm bows, one hand on his chest, the other extended towards the entrance. “My [Lady].”

The [Lady] nods and begins walking towards the entrance. The ground is smooth crystal which allows her steps to reverberate loudly.

Two [Spear Guardians] stand ready near both sides of the entrance, their jet black armor mimicking the color of the spire and sky.

As the [Lady] gets near the door, the two [Spear Guardians] cross their spears.

The [Lady] stops and tilts her head.

“This is dungeon Tartarus. Entrance requires prior authorization from the coven heads.”

Garm frowns and steps forward. He was here last month and there was no such rule.

“[Lady] Ambrosia has just awakened and wishes to see the Panoptic.”

The two [Spear Guardians] do not move.

“Entrance requires prior authorization from the coven heads.”

Garm squints, his eyes looking fierce, annoyed, and slightly apologetic.

Ambrosia smiles and reveals her two sharp fangs.

She extends her hand towards Garn.

Garn sighs internally, reaches into his coat pocket and takes out a small metallic black spider with a blood red gem in the center. He kneels and presents it to her.

Ambrosia takes it and watches Garn jump far away while the two [Spear Guardians] tighten the hold on their spears.

With the spider in her hand, she extends one of her nails and cuts a bit of her blood. She allows a drop to fall upon the spider.

Immediately, the legendary artifact begins to glow, mana quickly converging upon it in immense waves. Ambrosia throws the spider in the air. Red blood explodes from the artifact. Several dozen gallons of blood are released and begin to shift and form. The blood coagulates, freezes, disperses, condenses.

A moment passes and Ambrosia catches a dark blood red scythe that is 7 meters long with a double-sided blade of 3 meters in length.

She spins the scythe in the air, the air currents twisting and turning to her whim.

She steps forward, the whites in her eyes turning pure black.

“[Symphony Of The Reaper].”

Garn’s hands are behind his back, his posture is relaxed as his mistress engages the two beings that are over level 150.

His mind is distracted though. His thoughts are focused on what excuse to give the elders regarding the death of two high-level servants.