Line stopped at the beginning of the stairs, his eyes scanning the room. It looked like the first floor of the Web’s tower in the Carrying Winds World but enlarged by quite a bit. Over fifty masked figures were gathered here, conversing in small groups.

Suddenly cooing noises sounded out. Line turned his head, finding a bunch of elemental spirits flying towards him. He couldn’t help but smile behind his mask.

While two wind spirits circled around his head, the other Web members reacted as well. A figure separated from their group, approaching the newcomer.

“Welcome. New member or traveler?”

Line observed the person before him but all he could see was a white mask with a blueish oval on it.

“Hey. I’m Line, new member and traveler alike.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Sapphire. If you need something feel free to ask.”

“Thank you.”

Tepo nodded at the helpful figure, whose voice was distorted by the mask. Before he could think about doing something else, someone appeared before him. They wore the Web’s standard mask, identifying them as one of the Web’s agents.

“Line. We have a letter for you.”

“For me?”

The figure didn’t answer, only holding a thick envelope in their hand. Line calmly took the letter, figuring it had to come from one of his three acquaintances.

He was somewhat glad to hear from them again, thus he quickly apologized himself.

“I’m sorry Sapphire, but I would like to read this.”

“No worries. You can take a room here or take a place on the second floor.”

“Thank you.”

Line nodded at the helpful colleague before taking the stairs downstairs. He was somewhat surprised as he arrived in a large restaurant-like area. Cloaked figures sat on the tables, many showing ordinary faces, clearly altered by masks.

Although the area wasn’t luxurious, it was comfortably decorated. With dark wooden floors and beige seats, it might’ve as well be a public restaurant.

Tepo already felt the difference to the small tower in the Carrying Winds World as he sat down. But some things would always be similar as an earth spirit came to take Tepo’s order.

Deciding to indulge himself a little Tepo asked for a sweet cocktail which arrived quickly just as he opened the letter.

Thus, Tepo could enjoy the relaxed environment while reading, a small smile forming on his face before he even noticed.

>>Dear Line,

How are you doing in the World of Nine Suns?

I’m glad you followed our advice.

When this letter reaches you, we, Quill and Anvil, will have already left the Carrying Winds World. The Silver Shield Alliance have increased their presence here by a lot.

We would like to investigate the reason, but the Web is chronically understaffed.

Although we don’t believe the alliance has only arrived because of us, make sure to be careful if you return to this world.

If you need any help, you can find us in the Flickering World. Just read it up in the library.

We know that competition amongst students can be heated. Thus, we sent you a little gift together with this letter. Hopefully it will be of use.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

Your sincerely

Quill & Anvil

P.S.: Don’t bother writing a letter back it costs two hundred contribution points. <<

Line felt a warmth in his chest. Naturally it was the alcohol taking effect and not his emotions. Surely.

But he couldn’t deny the gratitude he felt right now. Who would’ve thought that Quill and Anvil would think about him, offering help from far away.

Laying down the letter, Line inspected the envelope. With a light shake, a small blue stone fell out.

Line pondered for a moment. He had a guess what matrial this was but would have to confirm it some other day.

Now the young man stretched his body, standing up lazily. The sweet red cocktail was already empty, telling Line how long he had been here.

His friends might get worried if he didn’t return soon. Thus, the warrior climbed up the stairs. His eyes met Sapphire’s for a moment, prompting him to nod calmly before leaving the Web’s base.

The young man changed his clothes, listened for footsteps, and carefully left the statue. But now he was left with a problem. He had no idea how to reach the forum.

Fortunately, the statue was a popular spot, having some stores nearby. Tepo bought a few cakes, immediately wasting thirty crystals again.

When the Fluffy arrived to guide him, Tepo was determined to remember the way and not waste crystals in the future.

A while later Tepo was finally back in the forum. He didn’t see his friends, so he went to his room.

As soon as he opened the door he was met with a lively scene. Yerive sat on a couch, only in trousers, the bandages already removed from his upper body, his skin obviously looking much better.

His face was somewhat red. It might be from the burn wounds, but Tepo had another guess as he noticed Droa’va sitting next to his best friend.

On another couch sat Shorey, laughing heartily as he watched a show together with his girlfriend.

The show was presented by Quordh and Inurol’ah, and Tepo came just in time to see the end.

“Oh, why are you so cold to me, gorgeous flower?”

Quordh spoke in a melodramatic voice while Inurol’ah only rolled her eyes.

“I told you to shut up.”

Suddenly sturdy wooden branches grew from the wall. They expanded rapidly, circling around Quordh’s mouth and pulling the poor man against the wall.

Shorey laughed loudly and even Tepo couldn’t suppress a chuckle, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.

“Tepo! You’re back! We already thought about forming a search party.”

“Where have you been?”

“Did you get your things back?”

Tepo smiled brightly at his friends.

“Yes, thanks guys. The small thieve was quite agile but I got him. Only to notice that I was lost.”

Laughter echoed in the room. Tepo was glad to see everyone in a good mood as he sat down randomly, joining the conversations.

The spontaneous get-together lasted for about an hour. Only after Droa’va finally realized her will and healed Tepo after stubborn discussions did the three women say their goodbyes.

With the pleasant distractions gone the men also ended the day and retreated in their rooms to train.

Although Tepo was exhausted and knew that he needed to sleep this night, he eagerly remembered the sensation he felt at the end of the tournament. It was the feeling of sinking deeper into the Force of Time, strengthening his immersion.

With bright eyes the warrior took out a handful of force crystals. Mr. Ohn had explained how difficult it is to animate many crystals. Every warrior would meet their limit if they tried to increase the number of crystals.

This was also why higher quality crystals would become a necessity at higher ranks. They could achieve a stronger effect with much less crystals.

But for now, Tepo was content with a simple trial.

He calmed his mind, focusing his eyes on the crystals in his hand. Slowly he sank deep into his body, feeling the force stored in his core.

With a gentle push a small strand suddenly separated. It slowly flowed through his chest, his arms, splitting up and entering the force crystals.

Immediately a white light lit up in the room. The crystals activated, attracting the Force of Time in the surroundings.

Tepo’s core sprang into action as well. It began to hungrily devour the arriving force.

A giddy shiver already ran along Tepo’s body as he felt his training speed elevated considerably. Immediately he added [Time Dilation: Body] as well.

Tepo almost felt like cheating. The Core of Time worked at unprecedented speed, filling up bit by bit.

Even the strange vitality engulfing his body was now no mystery anymore, after Inurol’ah revealed the information about the Force of Nine Suns.

Tepo was in a great mood as he felt himself growing stronger.

Taking a deep breath he lost himself into training.

Soon, the next day broke. Tepo and Yerive entered their routine again, going to courses in the morning and training in the night.

From time-to-time they had some fun with their friends, but Tepo reduced these times since he felt like he would soon reach the nine-circled rank.

Droa’va and Inurol’ah were also busy as they worked in research to earn some credits.

Yerive on the other hand had some troubles with training. He was still working to deepen his immersion.

During these days Tepo and Yerive gradually understood how great of a chance it was to attend the tournaments once a week.

Although Yerive still had difficulties with getting over the losses he was delighted to feel his immersion deepening during combat. On top of that they could earn crystals and spread their name.

It felt as if the deal was heavily in their favor.

One month passed without anything unusual happening. But on this day all the students were excited. A much-anticipated event was held. The forum’s higher-ups had designated an old dungeon which would be allowed for clearing today.