As one, the entire crowd curtseyed low or gracefully fell to one knee, whatever their attire allowed. A too slow to respond Jack found himself being jerked down by Gillien, surprisingly dexterous for all his excess padding. This Jack smile, recalling all too well the exceedingly fast and slippery pig he had been just a few days ago. The boy put finger to lips, then discretely pointed in the direction of the entrance, and Jack found his breath absolutely taken away, captivated by a spell for which there was no defense.

For walking alongside the admittedly pretty princess with her ivory white dress complimenting cornflower blue eyes and golden mane was none other than Captain Stormy Sing herself, looking both fierce and proud in her officer's uniform, looking far better on her than on any of her soldiers with her rich caramel complexion, ebony curls pinned back in a loose semblance of order as almond eyes scanned the crowd with a samurai's glare, walking in tandem to a nameless bodyguard wearing obviously enchanted armor, the pair clearly acting as chaperones to the princess between them.

Jack felt his heart soar and break at the sight of her, wanting nothing more than to smile into her eyes at that moment when she embraced what might be the highest honor of her career.

And then her eyes met his own.

For only a heartbeat she seemed to stumble, perhaps blinded by the blazing smile Jack sent her way.

But her expression didn't change an iota when their eyes met, her cool dark gaze continuing to scan the crowd for threats as the princess's soprano voice washed over the crowd with meaningless blather, and Jack tried not to wince when he felt himself blown away like a discarded leaf sent flying with the gust of her disregard.

Before shaking his head, knowing he was being a fool.

He had savored two glorious nights in the arms of a girl who had been as eager to escape the terror of imminent peril and the horror's of death, as was he.

And she had told him, quite clearly, that she was holding him to absolutely nothing.

She was clearly 'at work', on assignment, doing her job, and here he was, acting like a heartsick goofball. If he were to use Earth comparisons, he was a prospective college student who could only hope he'd actually be entering the Arcane Academy next semester, and until then, was planning on doing the equivalent of fighting in underground matches as perilous as they were profitable, while his almost-girlfriend, who had deliberately given up that life, pursued a military career while working on her PHD.

And who the hell was he to read so much in a single glance of his one time lover's gaze?

He was being an idiot. He absolutely knew that.

Even as he wiped the hot sting in his eye, knowing he was the farthest thing from the gentle dreamer he had once so wanted to be, the illusion of himself Stormy had probably been so charmed by.

And by the time he had shaken off the momentary melancholy that had hit him, the princess was already nearing the end of her speech.

"... Thus the fate of our realm hangs in the balance, lords and ladies. Until such time as we have reunited with our brothers and sisters in the Adventurer's Guild, it is for us to find the courage and resolve to embrace all the peril and promise that life has to offer!"

She then dipped her head at a grandfatherly figure wearing robes of white and a hat that so clearly spoke wizard that Jack couldn't help but grin. "As Archmagister Aurelius assures, our humble city of well over a millions souls..." a declaration earning more than a few proud chuckles, "Is home to a miraculously talented cadre of ethereal wizards who, having synergized so well with the bulwark our city, the dream of its magnificence, can defend our capital from any and all threats!"

Words that earned proud cheers from all, as the princess's gaze turned somber.

"But it does little good, beyond the boundaries of the city proper and the lush forests and fields that give balance and harmony to her towers of ivory and steel. Beyond a mere handful of miles, I fear our ethereal magics truly are the work of dream and wonder. And it is out there, beyond sight of our capital, that the rest of our duchy lies open to the depredations of Velheim soldiers cloaked as raiders and bandits, who would love nothing more than to plunder our resources, ravage our people, and seize our lands for themselves!"

And without moving a muscle, her piercing gaze seemed to settle on Jack's alone. Even as the wordless gasps and shudders resonating through the assembled host made it clear that he wasn't the only one feeling the weight of her presence, her natural Charisma, as she spoke on.

"For the threats that ring our humble duchy, we need more than dreams and wonder. We need the might of fire and steel!"

All eyes then turned to the bodyguards by her side, the armored warrior's blade raised high and shimmering with arcane might with Stormy simultaneously pulling out a revolver. A heartbeat later, the crack of fired bullets, aimed out the deliberately opened windows lining both sides of the grand hall, echoed through the grand chambers.

And even Jack stood open-mouthed with awe.

The concentration those shots must have required to safely fire, here, in the heart of the city...

There could be no doubt.

Stormy had clearly leveled up.

And when the crowd's awe turned to angry murmurs and consternation, the crown princess's honeyed voice soothed all worry away. "Don't worry, my beloved friends and allies. Captain Sing's shots were neither lead or copper, but pellets of softest loamwood. And they show the true might our elite units can bring to the battlefield when scores of cavalry can bring their rifles to the battlefield, picking off legions of enemy soldiers well beyond their ability to retaliate, while beloved heroes of the realm like our beloved Stormy and others keep our rifleers' weapons forever stable and ready to bring death to our foes."

She then gave a somber shake of her head. "But we need more. More valiant masters of the deep with all their gifts, especially the most primal of elements, ready to take the place of Delvers lost years ago. More masters of Fire who can send enemy rifle units in full route when their gifts surpasses all abilities to contain it. More masters of Earth and Air or even pristine Illusion, who can shield our soldiers from the eyes of our foes, perhaps their bullets as well. And beyond any elemental affinity, we need more valiant warriors with love for their homeland blazing brightly in their hearts, able to flank and destroy entire battalions of enemy soldiers disguised as miscreants eager to pillage and destroy our homes!"

A breathless pause as she seemed to lock gazes with the crowd entire once more.

"And for this reason, please know that any member of any noble clan that thinks to dare the Delver's Path need not worry about limitations or censure of any sort. Not only will they keep their rank and standing, but they will earn the titles 'Heroes of the Realm.'" She then held up a grand leather-bound volume that none other than the impeccably dressed Jevon handed her, appearing seemingly out of nowhere, earning a surprised grimace from the warrior at the princess's left, and a bemused smile from Stormy on her right.

"As is made quite clear in the original codices upon which so many of our Duchy's laws are based, any lord may seek to master any element of his realm. And any lord may seek to defend his realm in any way he or she sees fit! Therefor, all those who dare the deeps will be seen as guilty of nothing more than fulfilling their duties to Duke and Duchy, and will receive only praise for their efforts!" Here she flashed a winning smile. "Praise, reduction in bureaucratic paperwork for all future projects, and a temporary reduction in annual fees and taxes, should even the least member of a given House dare to embrace the peril and power that comprises realms of Shadow and living Dream. The only caveat being that one seek to adventure, or, perhaps I should say, defend our realm, within the confines of this duchy alone. Beyond our borders?" She chuckled softly. "The Guild might have its own say. But within our own borders, you are welcome to blossom in whatever direction suits you, with otherworldly and temporal powers both at your potential beck and call!"

And Jack could sense it, the sheer potency of her Charisma, her winning smile, Jack and Drake both applauding her speech... before realizing they were two of the very few.

The sporadic clapping quickly faded to awkward splutters as the crowd gazed silently on. Having carried them along so very far, Jack winced to see Princess Aurelia's Charisma falter before the cold weight of near certain death that Jack was now all too aware was the fate of most who dared realms of darkest dream and nightmare.

Unless, of course, they were Twice Born.

But much to her credit, her smile never faltered. Her pause picked up as if it had been naught but a carefully modulated inhalation.

"So, for those priceless gems among you who have find themselves given the rare opportunity to embrace the Path of Peril upon your 18th birthday, or for those among you who have already discretely dared the depths in your youth, fear naught. You shall be welcomed as the heroes of the realm that you are, should you but dare that bolder path, and you may expect honor, prestige, even a yearly stipend in gold! You need but stop at the Silver Wand Inn or, should you choose, set up a palatial appointment directly, and we shall find the best and safest means to maximize your potential."

Her warm smile seemed to include them all. "And to all the rest of you, it is my sincerest hope that you will convey my invitation to all the freemen and servants under your care who might find themselves among the select few able to thrive in realms of Shadow, whether or not they are actually Twice-Born. Should any of them be willing to dare the Academy dungeon to waken what latent gifts they might have locked within their souls, please let them know that it will be, for them, one of largess as well. A full gold crown to them, and one to you as well, for every man or woman that successfully gains a class. Any class!

"Best of all, our college delve is the safest of all delves to dare, where those who find themselves unworthy might actually be able to retreat without a single scar for their trouble. And for those who skirt closer to peril than is ideal... I will have a Crown certified healer on call the first day of every week to tend as best she may to the brave souls who would dare embrace adventure in all it's glory!"

Her smile hardened at the warm cheers this generated, a cynical Jack immediately sensing the shift in mood as nobles whispered about their valiant menservants becoming heroes of the realm. It was easy to preach words of idealism and admire the moxy of others, so long as you don't actually have to roll death's dice yourself.

"And of course I know it need not be said to my esteemed peers of the realm that the good freemen and women of this duchy, the salt of the earth, whom it is our sworn duty to protect and defend... should only ever be enticed. Never forced. As great as the boons would be, the peril for those Fate finds unworthy is steep as well. So enticement alone, will we countenance. I expect there to be no uptick in prosecutions or restrictions in privileges to forcefully persuade our citizens to dare the Adventurer's Path. Only the enticement of endless youth, and the potential for power far beyond their fellows. And of course, additional promises of gold and prestige beyond their wildest dreams, should they emerge triumphant. And please... no one with families. A singular focus is best for the future heroes of our realm."

And Jack both winced and was relieved by the princess's final words. As ruthless a game as he sensed was being played, at least she had the grace to discourage desperate fathers or mothers from orphaning their children with what they both knew would be a fool's gamble.

He could only hope his read of her was right. That it was fear for her duchy alone that compelled her to enact a policy that would no doubt see an influx in young folk flocking to their deaths. Because he noted as well that gold had been promised only for those who could imprint a class upon their souls upon stepping into realms of Shadow and Darkest Dream. For those who would stumble and fall, imaginary bounties would endure no longer than it would take their final scream to slip through the cracks between worlds, as horrifically mutated slimes, or worse.

Jack shook himself free of brooding thoughts as the princess's voice rang out amongst the now cheering crowd, her wine-filled glass now held high.

"...And to all the noble sons and daughters who dare to embrace and master the highest of magical arts within the revered halls of the Arcane Academy, I salute you all, future champions of our glorious city! Study well, and do your families proud!"

With those final words, she drank to the cheers of all, before being whisked away in a cloud of silk and lace.

The mood of the crowd had picked up towards the end, and Jack and Drake couldn't help but share a cynical smile. Of course his cousin had been savvy enough to end an upbeat note, commending the incoming class of ethereal mages, a path to power that was very much within the capacities of many a talented noble, it seemed, and a path that seemed to promise only magic and wonder, without the dread peril delvers faced in the deeps below. Because even if the ethereal arts were useless in Shadow and limited to unseen boundaries that extended only a handful of miles beyond this grand city of a million souls, that was no hindrance to noble mages who had no interest in delving and had no intentions of ever leaving the capital. If anything, it helped assure that they would defend their home against invaders to the bitter end.

Gillien, however, looked less than reassured. "Did the princess actually recommend we all try our luck at being..." he audibly gulped. "Delvers?"

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Sophia's cheeks flushed as she glared at her younger brother. "The thrust of her speech was about aiding the common folk in elevating their station for the good of themselves, and the duchy as a whole, silly! That you could even think for a moment that our beloved Auriel would ever imply that her peers, former classmates, and closest friends should take such risks shows you weren't really paying attention at all! She knows as well as we do that we serve our duchy best by mastering our ethereal gifts and overseeing those under our care."

Felix chuckled good-naturedly. "Nothing so grim as what you fear, dear Gillien. It was more like a gentle attempt to coax those precious few of us that might actually wake up on our 18th birthday with an unexpected choice before us, to choose a path that might lead to powers like those embraced by heroes out of legend. Just like the heroes in the games of Glory's Gamble we enjoy in the lunch hall at school, without having to fear the loss of status and rank, or forced membership into the Guild."

Gillien brightened. "Oh, well, that's not half bad then. If I could keep my noble rank and be reborn with the powers of High and Low magic both?" He rubbed his hands together, a gleeful smile upon his face. "My fireballs would be as real as the flame in Jack's hand. I'd love to see Morlin try to get the best of me then!"

Jack suppressed a wince at those words, though he was careful to give nothing away, while Sophia gazed speculatively at Drake.

"You're one of them now, right, Drake?" said Sophia. "I mean, not to mince words, but you're half the reason why our beloved Auriela even mentioned us nobles at all, which threw poor Gillien into such a tizzy, right? So that you may Delve in peace and master whatever mysterious powers you now call your own, with no noble permitted to make light of your feat, or challenge you for your rank or privileges."

Drake grinned. "There could be a bit of truth to that, I won't deny it."

Beautiful green eyes peered into his own. "What's it like?"

Drake's smile turned bitter. "The actual rush of leveling up? Glorious beyond compare. But the peril I endured, achieving my status as a Delver?" Drakes playful grin vanished. His cold eyes met all of his friends' intent gazes, not backing down til each had flinched and looked away. "If you get a voice in your head whispering to you about the promise of ancient powers and forgotten classes, then by all means, dare the path. But if you ever find yourself tempted to enter the dungeon beneath the college, with no vision or dream leading you there? For gods' sakes, don't."

Multiple pairs of eyes locked upon Drake's own.

"Why?" Gillien whispered.

Drake smirked. "Because, unless you're actually Twice-Born, or are lucky enough to have someone destined to be your brother-in-arms ready to rush you to the portal interface before you melt to a bubbling pile of slime... the consequences are beyond horrific."

Sophia paled and looked away. "If the risk is that severe, then why?..."

"Because Greycliff will fall before her enemies, if more heroes don't emerge to defend it."

Drake's quiet proclamation cut through the suddenly breathless crowd.

Jack glanced about in alarm, tasting the sudden terror in the air, their own band of fellows now gazing back at Drake with naked fear.

Then brittle laughter echoed from one corner of the room or another, musicians began playing their instruments, and everyone laughed and chatted on as if they hadn't heard Drake's dire warning.

"You didn't slip up there, did you, Drake?" Jack said, gazing at his friend's bitter smile.

Drake shook his head and sighed. "If these fools don't wake up to our peril and send every damned man they can afford into the Deep, of their own volition, we're doomed. Father made that very clear." His haunted gaze caught Jack's own. "And no one hates that truth more than I, forced to endure the horrified screams of nearly half a dozen fools forced down the steps by my side, the gate locked behind us, so no one could flee when they felt themselves warp and weaken."

Jack flashed a bitter smile. "Because it was as much about ranking up Vidrig and removing the evidence as it was forging drone slaves. Of course they would give no mercy when the victims began to sicken."

Drake's eyes lit with bitter fire. "I'll promise you this much at least, Jack. The one day a week the dungeon will be open to testing, we'll have not one but two healers at the entrance, with the order that the moment anyone feels like they are beginning to sicken, they can race up the stairs for immediate healing, and we'll do everything we can to assure them a future sweet, not bitter, with only praise for daring to go so far."

But Sophia was gazing at Jack with something close to horror. "Jack, what you just said. What you implied. What you both implied! The Hecklebarts. That's who you mean, don't you? Morlin Hecklebart! That's why you challenged him to a duel, Drake. A duel he did everything he could to weasel out of!"

"I implied nothing, and it was made exquisitely clear to me that I may imply absolutely nothing." Drake said with a bitter smile.

"And I didn't swear to shit," Jack said. "Because I'm not letting any pustulent sack of filth or his sleazy rat of a lawyer chain me to anything. But since I'd never imply anything that would cause my shieldbrother any inconvenience, let's just pretend I said nothing at all."

But Felix's eyes were flashing with unexpected heat. "If that bastard thinks his clan can get away with kidnapping noble offspring... monstrous! The council will hear about this!"

"No it won't!" Drake hissed, eyes suddenly deadly serious and cold. "No one will hear anything about anything! Are we clear?"

And it said something about his status, so easily covered under the veneer of bonhomie and friendship, that all three nobles before him immediately bowed their heads.

"It will be as you say, Your Grace," Sophia solemnly said, Felix and Gillien holding their heads down for long moments before raising them once more.

"My, this is a fine blend of sherry you managed to get your hands on, Drake," Felix declared out of nowhere, studying his glass, before flashing his friend a confidential smile. "I don't suppose you can reveal to an old friend the source of your grapes?"

Drake laughed at this, grinning back. "But if I were to do that, what excuse could I possibly have to entice you all here for get-togethers during the upcoming winter break? I wouldn't want the place to get dull, after all."

"Oh don't worry about that, Drake. You know I'd come in a heartbeat if you called," assured Gillien in all earnestness. "Your patissier is an absolute wizard with pies, crepes, cream puffs and strudels, after all!"

This earned a round of laughter from everyone save Gillien, who clearly spoke in deadly earnest, munching a cream puff at that very moment as their conversation moved on to a dozen lighthearted topics and all sorts of gossip regarding who was dallying with who and what the latest outrages and fashions of the day might be.

Because the important things, such as the real meaning behind Crown Princess Aurelia's proclamation and the stance of absolute silence to be taken regarding all issues pertaining to the Hecklebart clan, were already understood by everyone present, even Gillien.

"And don't think we didn't catch sight of a certain hero's favorite captain," teased Sophia, popping into their conversation only when the topics turned to gossip and fashion.

Julie also flashed a smile, and a suddenly abashed Jack was almost certain the heat in his cheeks was what she was looking for, a gloved hand gently poking him on the chest. "The way you were staring at that poor girl, spellbound, when every other boy had their eyes on the princess."

Jack blinked. "I'm surprised you could tell."

Drake chuckled. "She's a woman. Woman can always tell, right, Julie?"

"Indeed we can," Julie said, and now it was Felix blushing when Sophia nodded solemnly, rich green eyes firmly on the man she had so clearly claimed.

"She really is quite striking!" said Gillien, face now properly cleaned and free of any trace of pastry, innocent eyes looking into Jack's own. "I've never seen anyone with that complexion before. Like amber honey. And those eyes. Beautiful! But more teardrop shaped, or perhaps almond, than our own."

Felix nodded. "She is a striking beauty. Not that anyone compares to you, my love," he quickly said to Sophia, who quirked a smile, patting her boyfriend's arm as if reassuring a worried puppy.

"She has him well tamed, that's for sure!" Drake thought, Jack responding with a nod and a grin.

"Where do you suppose she's from? North of Velheim?" Gillien wondered aloud.

Felix frowned. "That's a concern. It would certainly call her loyalties into question."

Jack shook his head. "Nope. She's from Cambodia, mostly, with a little extra spice thrown in the mix, as she likes to say." Jack winced, only then realizing the significance of what he said, when so many eyes turned his way.

"Um... Jack?"

"Yes, Gillien?" Jack pretended intense interest in the youth's question, Sophia and Julie's eyes gazing at him a bit too intently.

"Where's Cambodia in relation to, well, anywhere else?"

"Yeah, that would be really hard to say. It's kind of a state of mind, at this point."

Gillien frowned. "That makes no sense."

Jack shrugged. "When does anything, really? I don't know about you, but my belly's having a major state of mind of its own. Where was that pastry table again?"

Gillien chuckled softly, rubbing his own belly. "I hear that. I also get hungry when my friends dodge questions. But I'm very easy to bribe. Come on, I'll show you."

Jack laughed, draping his arm around a friendly enough Gillien's shoulders. "So. Tell me all about this Arcane Academy my friend wants to drag me off to," he said, and just as he had hoped, the enthusiastic youth filled the air with his patter, and Jack's mind with all sorts of wondrous possibilities, a part of him wondering with a bemused smile if it really was just like the magic schools from his favorite novels of a lifetime ago, where magic was a work of fantasy and wonder.

According to his new friend, a single wave of a wand in the hands of a master might summon the living memory of a mighty dragon, fireworks of a lifetime ago, the sweet halcyon notes of an ancient concert, glorious and grand, or the spiritual echoes of a banquet once savored by kings, so rich and luxurious one's belly would be filled by its memory in truth.

Jack blinked. "So ethereal magic really can summon forth the memory of food as good as these cream puff pastries?" This, more than anything else, earned Gillian's surprised laughter as they returned to the group, Jack just amazed that he was eating delicate cream filled puffs of eggy goodness every bit as good as his favorite Chicago bakery of a lifetime ago.

Felix smiled. "Should we tell him, Drake?"

Drake chuckled. "Jack, you know those pastries you're absolutely devouring?"

Jack nodded. "Yup. Tastes like something Dad would pick up for us every weekend, when we lived near the AI facility." He then blinked and froze, realizing his psyche had now completely incorporated his first and most recent life as if he had split his time between city and countryside with two sets of loving parents and siblings, each life equally real. And how odd it was that it no longer even seemed strange, no matter that his slip of the tongue had earned him yet more curious looks, before Drake shook it off with a smile.

"Then wizards with Academy training should be something you're quite familiar with, because the pastry in your hand..."

Jack's heart began to race, slowly putting it down, even as the creamy goodness in its center faded to memory and dream.

"Is itself an ethereal artifact," Sophia finished, gazing at him curiously. "But you did know that, right?"

Julie frowned. "The look on his face... no, he didn't."

Gillien gazed worriedly at Jack. "Why do you look like your favorite dog just died?"

Jack flashed a bittersweet smile. "It's just that... never mind. I was wondering why it tasted so much like home. There could be only one reason for it, really."

"What's that?"

Jack shrugged. "Whoever formed the spell was thinking of their favorite pastry shop back home, using ingredients and cooking processes that, for all I know, aren't even available here. I mean, do you guys even have the butter, cold slabs, and refrigeration needed to make decent puff pastries? And what about leavening agents for even flakiness? Or stabilizers for the filling?"

Gillien turned to his sister, brows furrowed in confusion. "What's Jack talking about?"

But Sophia's gaze was locked on Jack. "Jack?"

"What's up?"

"Where exactly is this shop?"'

Jack smirked, "In Chicago. Not that that makes any sense to you."

Julie frowned. "Where the hell is this Chicago? Is it a kingdom nearby?"

Sophia just shook her head. "It's not some place we can get to. Is it, Jack?"

Jack flashed a sad smile. "I think you already know the answer to that, Sophia."

"Because you're an Original. A Twice-Born. Like Captain Stormy Sing. Right?"

Gillien's eyes widened. "Wait, you're right! Stormy almost has to be! Doesn't she? Because only originals come out looking..."

"Just like they did before fleeing to this world," Felix said, also gazing intently at Jack.

To which Jack smiled and shook his head. "That's not always the case. Some chose to start off as different races when they first jumped through. I know a gnome, for example, who's greatest regret was choosing a race like this was all just a game. Because almost no one else chose his race, so you can only imagine how lonely he is."

Jack gave a sad sigh, looking off into the distance. "And I can only wonder how many of us were even uploaded before..."

"Before what, Jack?"

Jack turned to Drake. "Before the world ended."

Julie all but squealed. "Sophia, you were right! He is an Original. And doesn't it make sense? He manifested right when your brother and Morlin were dueling. You know Dorphus suspects surges of magic are what make them pop into being. For sure he'll want to speak with him, once the semester starts!"

Sophia furrowed her brow. "I'm not sure the timelines quite fit. He does know the captain, after all."

Jack furrowed his brow. "Who's Dorphus?"

"One of the school librarians," Drake explained. "He's really big on tracking down records about, well, what happened before. Is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"Did you pop into being right after Morlin turned Gillien into a pig?"

Gillien's cheeks flushed. "Just rub it in, why don't you?"

Jack smirked. "Hardly. I had a childhood just like everyone else." His intent gaze held Drake's own. "Do you really think I could have done what I did if I hadn't been, well..."

"Raised and trained by a family of elven witches?"

Jack smirked at his friend's thankfully silent thought. "Yes. Though my father's as human as you are. I think. Maybe." He then flashed an apologetic grimace at their wondering faces, and he could just imagine his interface noting all the social skill checks he was fumbling.

"Forgive me, friends. But it's been a very long couple of days." He turned to a concerned looking Drake. "I don't suppose it would be alright if I called it a day? Or night?"

Drake flashed a sympathetic smile. "I thought we could take the first steps to forming a party, but tomorrow morning might be for the best. I'll let Father know."

Jack nodded his gratitude, and turned toward the front entrance, preparing to slip through the crowd.

"Jack? Where are you going?"

Jack blinked in surprise, turning back to his friend. "I was just going to..."

Drake grinned. "You're quarters are upstairs, Jack. Follow me."