“Have you ever seen the stars so bright and beautiful, shining in all their glory?”

Eric smiled and shook his head as he kissed the cheek of the beautiful girl sitting next to him on the wagon, content just to hold her close as her beautiful little Ria, who had warmed up to Eric surprisingly quickly, slept in her arms.

The stars truly were a spectacular sight, glittering in bright white, yellow, and purple hues, with swirling streamers of nebulae-like mist, the essence of magic, Captain Teila had softly whispered to the awed remarks of so many passengers, coloring the sky like magnificent rainbow hued clouds.

But what was even more remarkable was the curious tug he felt in his chest, gazing so intently a the doe-eyed beauty by his side.

Rica grinned, gently slipping a now quietly sleeping Ria into her great grandmother’s arms, tucking them both in the woolen blankets made available, before standing tall with a sensual stretch, giving Eric a teasing smile. “I think Nelly and Morgan are back from their… talk. Our turn to do our part.”

Eric flashed a wicked grin, though not before doing a slow 360 rotation, 51 Perception and Infravision lighting up every single thing of significance in the darkness, Eric quietly certain that no predator on two legs or four was getting past his perimeter. Not unless they were so powerful that his awareness of them didn’t even matter.

But still, there was always something to be said for feet on the ground.

And preferably at least a little distance from the circled wagons.

“Let’s,” he said, gently clasping her hand as they made their way into the darkness, sharing a nod and smile with one of the Sylvan sentinels before the pair lost themselves in quiet whispered conversations about their childhood, Eric finding out what it was like growing up in very humble circumstances, for all that her heart and mind blazed with a hunger to get ahead, Eric savoring her memory of scholarly accolades and triumphs, as she leveled up in the only way she could, before System advent.

She, in turn, was more than a bit awed when earlier teasing jibes turned to the revelation of exactly who he was.

“So you really weren’t kidding! You’re Aurelia Silver’s firstborn, right? And Elonia’s your twin sister, born just a few minutes after you. Wasn’t there some huge row that made the tabloids about Aurelia being absolutely furious that the hospital wouldn’t switch the recorded order of your birth? As if anyone would have even cared, save for a single stuck up hospital bureaucrat who actually tried to report your mother for attempted bribery?” She snorted. “And then he conveniently dies of a drug overdose, just a week later. Almost like a real-life murder mystery! I remember my mom gossiping about the whole juicy story at one point, even though it was old news by the time Aurelia released her next blockbuster.”

Eric winced and shrugged. “Yeah, I made it a point to avoid having anything to do with the tabloids, and Elonia calls me Big Bro almost as a joke, I think. God knows she’s a hell of a lot more mature, organized, and driven than me.”

This earned him a strange look.

“Or at least, she was compared to the old me. Before, well...”

“The world came to an end and we all had to grow up pretty fucking fast?” Rica quipped.

“Yeah, pretty much.”

She chuckled softly. “I swear, your mom doesn’t look a day older than she did when she got her first big break, some thirty years ago. And that girl can act! Your sister, too, Eric.” She shook her head. “Jeez, it must have been awesome growing up in a house with two women that skilled and driven.”

Eric smirked. “Skilled and driven. That’s one way of putting it.”

Rica’s bemused smile turned to a look of gentle concern, her hand gently squeezing his own. “Eric… if I made light of things I shouldn’t have, I apologize.”

Eric swallowed, quickly shaking his head. “Don’t. You did nothing wrong. You just reminded me that I have a hell of a lot to be grateful for...”

“I’ll say,” she teased.

“Even if my mother was a domineering control freak who constantly pushed my sister and me to the breaking point, so obsessed with making us her carbon-copy starlets.” He sighed, shaking his head. “Elonia had it worse, especially after...”

“It’s okay. Half the child-actors in Hollywood end up in rehab, according to the gossip sites I read way too much of, a few years back. But she looked fantastic in her latest film so… there’s that, at least.”

Eric nodded. “Stone cold sober, brilliantly self-aware, and humble, and willing to work harder than ever, grateful for every day she was healthy and in control of her life.” He chuckled ruefully. “Way too mature for someone our age. But then again, with mother pushing her like the fanatic workaholic she is, Elonia almost had to be.”

Eric glared, shaking his head. “It was only when Mother insisted that tee-totaling was itself a weakness, and that Elonia could ‘damn well learn to control herself and drink socially, as expected of her station,’ whatever the fuck that even meant, that things got bad again,” he said, mind flashing back to a certain asshole with a too-wide smile who thought he could get away with drugging Eric’s sister, after exploiting her so badly the year before.

And why Elonia had even agreed to talking to him without someone watching her back, wanting to finally get closure… as she had put it.. Eric sighed and shook his head, surprised that with all the blood now on his hands… the memory of that awful night still effected him so strongly.

He blinked away unexpected tears, surprised to see Rica gazing so intently up at him. “Eric? What’s wrong?”

He swallowed thickly. “Nothing,” he whispered.

She gave him a flat look.

“I mean...” he sighed. “There was a certain asshole producer who somehow knew just when to circle Elonia at her absolute most vulnerable.” Eric shook his head, jaw clenched. “There was so much grief and shame I could put at his feet, but Elonia begged me to just let it go. But when he tried to take advantage of Elonia one last time...” he shrugged. “That wasn’t something I could forgive.”

Rica gazed at him for long moments. “What happened?”

“Asshole producer slipped my sister a date-rape drug. When I tracked him down, heading to the rooftop helicopter pad, he was busy bragging to some asshole on the phone that her flesh was still pure, and he was getting her ready for transport. I think that’s what he said.”

Eric took a shuddering breath. “It was the night of our Tokyo premier. The skies were alive with fireworks. And a certain drunk asshole was so stupid he actually managed to fall off a forty story building.”

He flashed a bitter smile, remembering so clearly the dying man’s scream. The desperate look in his eyes for that split second, and Eric never saw him again.

Not alive, anyway.

Soft lips kissed his cheek. “I’m glad.”

He blinked at that.

“I’m glad you were there for your sister. I’m glad that you kept her safe.” She flashed a knowing smile. “I’m glad that there’s one less wolf out there to prey on the innocent.”

Soft fingertips found his cheek, leading his mouth to her own. “And most of all, I’m glad that hero found me as well. You saved me, Eric. Me and my daughter both. You’re the hero of our lives, and I think… maybe… the hero of my heart.”

Eric was left speechless by her words. Which made it so easy for her to get the best of him as she flipped him over with surprising grace before wrapping him in a warm hug as their lips locked and they lost themselves in sweetest bliss upon the soft loamy ground. And soon the crickets and gentle birdsong filling the night air was filled with other sounds not entirely muted as passions burned as hot as the summer sun only then cresting the horizon as Eric gazed down and savored every inch of the beautiful girl smiling up at him, lips locking once more as the gentle morning light caressed their skin, before closing his eyes and holding the beautiful girl smiling so warmly at him snug in his arms.

“Eric! Rica! We’re heading out!”

Eric hissed and jerked awake, shocked to find that he had actually fallen asleep, like an idiot, even if he and the girl snuggled against him were surrounded by waist-high grass that was itself excellent camouflage against hunters lacking infravision. With his absurd Vitality, he was almost certain that he could go days without sleep, and suffer only minimal impairment.

He slept by choice to maximize his skill leveling speed, not out of any actual sense of fatigue.

At least that was the case most of the time, he thought, as Rica smiled shyly at him before adjusting her attire, and then they were making their way back to the caravan, and Eric couldn’t help but admire the way she strode proud and tall. Her cheeks were flushed, but she didn’t hesitate to stride by his side, boldly meeting the bemused stares of dozens of wagon passengers, there now being absolutely no doubt that the two of them were clearly an item.

Captain Lewellyn flashed them a bemused smile, but said only, “Good to have you back. We’re heading out momentarily. Hopefully, we’ll reach Freetown by this afternoon,” as Rica adroitly slipped into the wagon, gently gathering Ria in her arms and flashing Eric a grin as if to say, that as long as her daughter was peacefully asleep, she was still a wonderful mom, no matter how often she snuck off with her boyfriend.

Eric chuckled softly, his smile making it clear that he was in complete agreement with that sentiment. And much to everyone’s relief, the rest of the trip went as smoothly as one could hope, more a bucolic ride through the peaceful countryside than anything else as they made their way through strangely empty but strikingly beautiful plains filled with wildflowers and herds of dear, elk, caribou, wild boar, and more flocks of birds than Eric could count, Rica insisting he take advantage of the opportunity to bag them some fresh game with them, and improve his own hunting skills with the brace of javelins she had given him.

Eric gave a good-natured laugh every time he missed his targets, which was thankfully happening less and less often, though he did feel a bit uncomfortable at the way Rica and Nelly were presently staring at the javelin that had just scored a fat pheasant, a good hundred yards away from the wagon.

Javelin throwing is now at Rank 4!

Nelly gazed at Eric for long moments. “I so hate you right now,” she said.

Eric laughed. “I’m only hitting so well because I have a pair of truly excellent, and patient, teachers. One of the advantages of a 48 in Strength, and 59 in Finesse, is that I can put your wonderful tips and instruction to best use.”

Both girls enjoying the hunt by his as the wagons meandered down the grass-covered road froze in unison, their bemused grins turning to looks of disbelief.

“Eric?”

Eric winced. “Yes, Nelly?”

“I’m a level 8 Conscript, and I have a 17 Strength and a 15 in Finesse. And those are my two best stats.”

“Oh.”

“What level are you?”

Eric flushed under their regard. “Nine.”

Both girls just stared. “I swear it!” He raised his hands. “Scouts honor. I’m compressing my core.”

“And that lets your stats shoot up?” Nelly asked with genuine curiosity.

Eric slowly shook his head. “Nope. That’s a combination of titles I earned and, if this were a Cultivation novel, I'd say that I had a series of ‘fortunate encounters.’ Let’s just leave it at that, shall we?”

Rica squeezed her friend’s hand. “I know. Complete bullshit, right?”

Nelly smirked. “How can you stand sleeping with him when he oozes that much smug good fortune? I mean, look at those epic tattoos radiating so much power on his face. I’ll bet they’re giving him ten points in Strength. Or maybe just sexy good looks. How the fuck does that happen?”

Eric blinked. “You can sense Essense marks? Shit, Nelly, we gotta get you a magic wand to practice with. You might have Arcane Essence class potential!”

Nelly just stared at him. “Seriously? You have Essence marks? What the fuck are Essence marks?”

Eric shrugged self-consciously. “Oh, look at that. A pair of jackals are going after my pheasant. Time to level up those skills a bit more!”

Nelly’s eyes flashed when Eric proceeded to turn around and hurtle two javelins in quick succession, earning him two more kills in a handful of seconds.

“Are you fucking serious? Wait, how the hell can you sprint so fast? Get back here and explain these Essence marks!”

But Eric was already long gone, claiming his kills and earning welcome nods and grins from the caravaneers who had just stopped and prepared for a bite, because fresh game was always welcome, though jackal meat, he found out, would only be good as a stew.

Over lunch he explained to a still playfully miffed Nelly, as well as the awkwardly deferential Morgan and a positively beaming Rica, just a tiny bit about Essence marks and what little he knew about arcane artifacts.

“So, from what I understand, even if Humans aren’t well suited to becoming mages, as in, it almost never happens, we can still get magically attuned classes tied to magical tools. So adventurers who skill up with wands and boost their Arcane Potential... I mean, Mana Pool, might find an Arcane Artificer class or something similar open to them. And honestly, after seeing what my friend could do with a lightning wand… just raising up proficiency with that tool and the right stat will still see you kicking ass, even if your only ‘magic class’ is being stuck as a Conscript.”

Nelly gazed at Eric for long moments. “I always loved the idea of mastering the elements, and I played a mage in every MMORPG worth playing,” she softly said before shaking her head and taking a sip of stew. “But I have a warrior’s build, now. And as much as I absolutely love feeling more vibrant, healthy, and alive than I ever have before, it still kind of sucks that I didn’t really have any choice in how I leveled up. Because humans that don’t grab an orc accepted class tended to be burned alive.”

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“I used to pretend that that’s why I never dared the pods,” Morgan softly said. “But really it was because I was afraid.” He gazed solemnly at the girl sitting beside him, almost, but not quite touching him. “I think… I think maybe you’re right, Eric. This wagon ride is the start of a fresh new life for me. A life where I actually have an ounce of courage. A life where I dare the mantel of adventurer.” He swallowed. “Even if I have to risk dying in a pod to earn it.”

Eric flashed a sympathetic smile. “I know it’s been rough. For all of us. But the great thing is, you both still have your whole lives ahead of you. And sure, it kind of sucks that your options were limited, Nelly, but right now you have a pod-infused body capable of growth and leveling like no one’s business. So let’s get to Freetown, figure out the requirements for whatever class you like, get you a wand, and get you walking down whatever path leads you to your dreams.”

He then turned to Morgan, giving the downcast youth an almost brotherly clap on his shoulder. “And my earlier words aside, I’d never insist you take such a gamble as to dare the pods. But if there’s any way we can find out from someone in the know how to boost your odds, or see beforehand if you got what it takes? I wouldn’t mind investing a little gold in that direction either.”

Eric turned to glance at all the other refugees, eating and conversing in quiet forlorn tones. “For everyone’s sake.”

Nelly, earlier playful huff forgotten, was looking at Eric with something close to awe. “You’d really be willing to do that for me? Get me an actual wand? Eric, gosh, I mean… I thought… from what those nasty slimy goblin traders with too many teeth said to the one shaman I overheard roaring for new tools, they cost a fucking fortune!”

Eric shared a smile with the beautiful woman by his side, Rica knowing damn well just how valuable the prizes he was carrying in a certain tactical backpack were, even if she had no idea what else he had claimed from Gilton before making his escape. “Don’t worry, Nelly. Somehow I’m almost positive that it will all work itself out.” He then frowned thoughtfully at Morgan. “And if wands actually work for mortals… maybe that will be the key that unlocks a world of possibility without getting you killed.”

Morgan’s gaze grew so intent, trembling with something Eric hesitated to name, before he dropped to his knees. “Eric, if you could do that for me, if it actually worked...” He swallowed. “I would be your loyal companion for life. I swear it!”

Eric chuckled. “Just be good to Nelly and her family. Whether that means being a good friend, or whatever, that’s more than enough.”

He frowned thoughtfully. “Come to think of it, why the hell don’t I buy myself some wands as well? I’m training my ass off with all sorts of weapons. But when did I even try to figure out how a wand works?”

Nelly threw him an arch look. “Let me guess, your Mana Pool is at Merlin levels?” This earned a hard look from Rica, as if recalling too late Eric’s revealed stats, which they swore to keep to themselves. But Eric just laughed it off. “Hardly! My Arcane Potential is just 17. Only boost that I ever got was when I hit Journeyman in… never mind,” he said weekly, noting the fresh stares he was earning.

“Only, 17?” Rica said archly.

Nelly frowned. “And what the hell is Arcane Potential? Is that like Mana Pool? Or Mana Regeneration? I don’t have that stat on my character sheet.”

“That’s because it’s not a human stat,” said a certain captain who Eric really should have sensed strolling their way, Eric thought with a wince as too-discerning bronze eyes measured his own.

Nelly’s look of consternation grew. “Then how the hell does Eric have it?”

The captain flashed an almost pitying smile. “I’d think it would be obvious. Eric’s a member of the Sylvan Alliance, after all.”

“Independent agent. Strictly independent,” Eric’s mouth said even as his mind froze, looking as stunned as everyone else around their stew pot.

Morgan blinked. “Come again?”

The captain snorted, shaking her head. “I’ll leave you children to your stew. And Eric, I have something for you.”

She stepped away from the others, gesturing with her finger.

He swallowed, heart hammering, feeling the sudden need to bolt, with the too knowing look the captain was giving him. Almost surprised to find himself walking so calmly toward her. “Yes?”

“I have a letter in my hand, which you will never receive. Because an Elf always pays her debts. But a word of advice for you?”

Eric nodded, not trusting himself to say a word.

“Stay away from Gilton.” She smirked. “A certain lady is very unhappy. And all too intrigued. And if you’re not looking to spend the next hundred years in a cage of steel… or gold… I’d give the city of your glorious ascension a wide birth.”

Eric’s stomach roiled and twisted at a doom narrowly avoid. It was all he could do not to bolt away from the letter she held, as if it were a trap that could snap him up in a heartbeat. “I understand. And thank you.”

She quirked a bemused eyebrow. “Do you? Then I’d check in at Freetown under a different last name, at least, and make it clear you’re accepting letters from no one.” Her eyes twinkled. “Most especially not your mother.”

Eric froze, gazing at the captain for long moments, a dozen questions on the tip of his tongue. “Did you really need my help with those orcs?”

She tilted her head thoughtfully. “That’s a complex question with many facets, Eric.”

Eric frowned. “Lives were in peril. Doesn’t seem like a hard one to me.”

She then gestured towards the multiple lunchtime campfires.

“Have you noticed yet that each wagon is carrying two Javelineers and their families?”

Eric blinked, cheeks suddenly flushing. Because despite his vaunted Perception and Negotiator title boons, he hadn’t noted that fact at all. If he were honest with himself, the only thing he had really been paying attention to was a certain Cherokee princess whose passion blazed like the sun, and was well on her way to stealing his heart.

And the captain’s knowing smirk made it clear she was aware of that fact as well.

“That band of orc mercenaries was the perfect testing ground for the dozen Javelineers and their families that are choosing to head to Freetown under our protection and the diplomatic treaty you yourself helped forge, Eric Silver. To their credit, at least, they didn’t feel the need to sneak out days ahead, though we were happy enough to let those warriors and their families leave without conflict as well.”

She flashed a bemused smile. “We even had one of our agents provide the more amenable ones with a week’s worth of provisions, map, and camping supplies. Because it never hurts to make new friends, or to ‘humanize’ one’s former opponents. And I have no problem expending a fair amount of rations if it means a few more conflicted souls are less willing to work with orcs or strike down elves in the future.”

She then turned to gaze speculatively at the campfires Eric now recognized as as being primarily made up of family units led by at least one Javelineer, though most were wearing anything but the rawhide armors or orcish chain mail that had been the norm. As if they were anxious not to offend their escorts, for all that they were all armed with pilums, even if held more as spears and walking sticks than throwing instruments of death.

“I guess you could say it was a test. A test to see who would rise to the occasion, proving themselves truly worthy of a closer look. And who are best allowed free passage to Freetown, and never bothered with at all. Because even with their binding oaths, the moment those mercenaries attacked the caravan, that self-defense clauses that all factions here on Earth must honor rendered all restrictions moot, those orcish bastards suddenly fair game."

Eric blinked. “So you’re considering recruitment.”

“Of course. They’re warriors with a decent hybrid ranged / melee class, and at least a handful have proven themselves to have a character and temperament at least close to what we’re looking for. And I’m happy to say that a good two thirds proved themselves at least ready to pitch in and fight, defending the wagon and pushing them back, before you shifted the tide so… drastically.”

A pained look came to her eyes. “My only regret was having one of my own precious Classers become severely injured in the process.”

Eric gazed at her for long moments. “Why do I have the feeling that if there’s such a thing as healing potions, you have them on hand?”

The captain grinned. “And much to my pleased surprise, not only were you willing to help out an elf you had never met before, but actually showcased a rather unique… trait, to do so.”

Eric snorted. “Yeah, that’s blood magic. Part of my ‘native heritage’ that the System seems to treat as a cultural relic, and worth my time only for the sake of posterity. But considering how very much the System is clearly not in the camp of any newly awakened native of a conquered world, a System that is most definitely the tool of the already established and powerful… I think I’ll take advantage of whatever perks and quirks my human heritage gives me, System preferences be damned.”

He winced at the bemused smile in her eyes. “And now I wonder how much of that I should have said aloud.”

She chuckled throatily. “Use every tool at your disposal, Eric Silver. System sanctioned, or no.” She raised a qualifying finger. “Now don’t get me wrong. When it comes to developing your Class, staying true to its precepts, at least for the purposes of advancement, is the only way to move forward and unlock powers you can only dream of, right now. But when it comes to winning a war? Use every damn tool at your disposal.”

Eric gazed at the captain for long moments, before bowing his head. “Thank you very much for the insight. And if you’re going to tell me you’re just a patrol captain...”

Captain Teila chuckled. “I’m a patrol captain as much as you’re just a lucky young human adventure who benefited from one too many ‘fortuitous encounters.’”

He blanched and swallowed, but her grin was teasing, more than anything else.

“And not the scion of a very powerful clan with a very checkered past.”

Eric blinked at that. “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”

She smirked, pointedly glancing Rica’s way, who caught Eric’s gaze and flashed him a heartwarming smile. “Really? Looks to me like you know exactly what I mean.”

Eric blinked, when it suddenly clicked, “wait, you’re not saying...”

She very deliberately stroked her ears which most definitely did crest to a Vulcanesque point. Unlike Eric’s own, which were as human as ears got. “I’m not saying anything at all, and I’m sure you’ll sire wonderfully healthy children with that girl in the very near future, if that’s the path you choose to walk.”

Eric clenched his jaw. “And what’s wrong with that?”

The captain solemnly shook her head. “Nothing. And I mean that, Eric Silver.” She gently squeezed his shoulder and smiled. Eric swallowed, chilled to the quick. Because despite his near fifty strength, he was dead certain he’d be unable to shift those delicate fingers, no matter how hard he tried. “And your sister sends her love, by the way. I think she will be very happy to know that you’ve found someone, and seem to have no interest at all in the ugly politics marring this brand new world.”

Eric swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. “Tell her I love her?” He flushed at her expression. “I mean… it would be nice if my sister knew how much her brother cared about her, and hopes that she is safe, healthy, and happy, wherever she is.”

The captain smirked. “I’m sure she would be delighted to hear that, should the wind carry your message her way.”

Eric nodded, frowning as he truly took in all the clusters of families. Now that he was looking for it, he noticed more than a few people who just looked tired, bitter, and utterly alone. “I don’t think everyone here has an adventurer in their family.”

“They don’t”

Eric turned to the captain, all too able to imagine what it would be like to enter a new town, cold and tired and without the advantages of being able to level into powerhouses of their wildest dreams. “What will happen to them?”

Captain Teila tilted her head. “Do you really care?”

Eric dipped his head. “You know what? I do. I… I know they’re strangers, but I know what it’s like to feel anxious and alone, with no one at your back, when your previous sweet life turned to ashes, wondering if you’ll just survive the next few days.”

The elf’s eyes widened at this. “I must say, I’m a bit surprised. Especially after Nils.”

Erics cheeks flushed. “Let me guess. Another test?”

Teila smiled, not saying a word.

Eric sighed. “Actually, when I first threw him out, I was of half a mind to let him back in, if he actually showed a trace of humility or even apologized.” He winced under the captain’s hard gaze. “And, yes, if I could have cowed him into an oath not to say a fucking word that would cause me grief in Freetown. I grabbed his pack to toss it to him, not to rob him. But the minute I saw it contained a dozen collars radiating such twisted magics, collars that could only be used to enslave people… items he sure as fuck didn’t need to start a new life...”

Eric angrily shook his head. “You know what? Think what you like. If I had to do it all over again...” He met her gaze. “I’d throw him out just the same.”

The captain patted his shoulder. “It’s not for me to judge. Only observe.”

“And report,” he said with a wry smirk.

She grinned and winked. “Of course.”

“So… about all the people who have no idea what they’re doing, still stunned and shell-shocked by the loss of everything they had ever known and loved, not having the mental fortitude to treat life as the ruthless game we know it to be… what about them?”

The captain flashed a genuinely sympathetic smile. “We’ll be restocking and leaving after a day or two, and everyone with no familial ties will be allowed to stay with the wagons. Should they fail to find employment or shelter, or just wish to return… they will be free to do so. I’ll also be leading the recruitment drive, for any adventurers who wish to join the Sylvan Alliance.”

Eric blinked. “Wait… that’s a thing?”

She grinned at that. “Of course!” Her smile turned to a look of gentle concern. “But let me give you the same counsel I gave everyone else before you joined our caravan, for all that I had expected you several hours before.” She laughed at his expression. “Keep your weapons sheathed in Freetown, Eric. No matter how much you may hate the look of certain...guests. Oaths are made at the gate, and everyone has basic rights within the city.”

Eric frowned. “What exactly are you saying?”

“I’m saying you’ll find recruiters for numerous clans belonging to all the major alliances.”

Eric clenched his fists, suddenly getting it. “Orcs.”

She nodded. “You might run into a good half dozen who have absolutely no idea that you’re Eric Orcbane,” she said the last with a grin. “At least, not yet. Each belonging to a different tribe that wants to claim the bloody throne of their people, for all that they all are supposedly of a singular banner.”

Eric frowned. “So the various orc tribes are at war with on another?”

She shrugged. “More like each alliance or singular clan, if powerful enough, is expected to enlarge their territory as much as possible in their quest to claim this world under one unified banner. Of course, the clans and alliances that perform the best are the ones most likely to have their nominee for ruler accepted by the other members of their race.”

Eric paused, staring at the enigmatically smiling captain for long moments when the significance of everything he had been a part of so far finally sunk in. “So, this is a competition. All of it. Orcs against what, Elves? Other races? But each… seed? Tribe or clan or… Alliance, seeks to get as big as possible among their own kind, even as they make inroads on neutral territory and take over enemy territory. And the Alliance with the most gains wins, what, the throne?”

Captain Teila winked. “Hardly as dense and clueless as some have implied, after all.”

Eric flushed when it all finally clicked. “That’s why Lord Drevyn and Lady Valorn both looked so amused during our negotiations. When I basically won them Gilton, I was doing it for a clan within the Sylvan Alliance that’s different from the one my mother’s clearly associated with.”

The high ranking elf smirked. “Associated with. I like that. As if you had no idea who’s truly holding all the cards.” She chuckled softly. “Rest assured, Eric. Your mother is… associated… with all our clans. Though Elonia might be less than pleased, she most deliberately didn’t want you to think that she was anything but proud of you, amazed by your accomplishments, and grateful to hear that you’re alive. Most importnantly, we’re all part of the Sylvan Alliance, Eric. Whichever one of the Winter Queen’s champions claims the throne is far less important than that it not fall into the hands of orcs, goblins, or worse.” She shuddered. “Far worse.”

Eric blinked, surprised to find that even those words caused an uncomfortable pressure in his soul. “I’d like to assert once more that I consider myself a free agent, tied to no alliance whatsoever. Whatever concessions I make to anyone are done out of friendship or mutual benefit. I recognize no master.”

Teila snorted, though there was a certain measuring intensity to her gaze that chilled Eric to sense examining him just a bit too intensely. But all she did was shrug and smile. “You’re free to do what you like.”

Eric nodded, surprised at what a relief it was to feel a certain vice-like pressure immediately leave, and very much taking to heart the captain’s advice to accept no letters from his mother either. And as much as he burned to ask the question blazing brightest in his mind… best he not. Because the more he thought of himself as the very human and very independent adventurer that he was, the farther he was from being forced upon the Path of Rulers as a vessel of his mother’s... associations. A thought he firmly pushed out of mind the moment it tried to sneak in.

And why shouldn’t at least a few humans have their Mana Pools titled as ‘Arcane Potential?’ It all meant the same thing, and all Eric had to do was feel his very round ears to embrace the human he at least partially was.

Partially? He meant fully. Because with Neanderthal and countless other hominid bloodlines flowing through his and everyone else’s veins, humans had been a mix of fortuitous romantic encounters for a very, very long time.

His heart swelled, looking at one such encounter he yearned to take in his arms right now, Rica flashing him a winsome smile that set his heart racing, making it clear that she was just as hungry as he was.

So what if his particular blend of humanity might have a little bit of something extra in it? Explaining why his mother looked so damned gorgeous at fifty, exactly like his twin sister?

If he was human enough to win the heart of the girl he adored, then that was human enough for him.