“So, how did your meeting go?” Anthemia asked.

Jordan let out a quizzical noise and Anthemia repeated her question. Looking back up at her, he set the book he’d pulled from the Archive’s shelf down as he thought.

“Well,” he said, “it really wasn’t that bad. My father and Governess accompanied me, but I had to meet with the Grand Justiciar alone.”

Anthemia’s eyes widened as she shook her head disbelievingly. “I still can’t believe you have to meet with them like this. Will that continue when we’re out adventuring?”

“It will.” Jordan nodded. “But I don’t think it’ll be that bad. Grand Justiciar Crito was really nice, actually.”

“Oh?” Anthemia raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Jordan said, “he was way better than the head-bishop guy. I don’t even think I caught his name, but he was a real asshat.”

Anthemia coughed politely at Jordan’s word choice, but didn’t push it any further. Which was probably wise of her, Jordan felt, as he had plenty to complain about the Bishop with. The red-faced man had had an absurdly long, thin nose that gave him a grating, nasally voice and the bastard had also been inexplicably hostile to Jordan from the moment he’d entered the church.

I’m just glad the big-judge guy wasn’t like that, Jordan thought. “Hey, I do have a quick question though.”

Anthemia turned her attention back to Jordan. “Um, so what race of people are… green?” He asked. “And kind of rough looking?”

“Green and rough?” Anthemia repeated, and Jordan nodded. “Hmm,” she said, “well Kappakin are green. Did he have a bump on his back or a flat bone area on his head?” She waved a hand over her head to mime the location and look of what she meant.

Jordan shook his head. “No he looked like a regular…er, person.” Jordan said lamely. He’d forgotten he couldn’t say human again. “But he was green. Rough looking, maybe…rocky?”

“Ah, he sounds like an Elemental then.” Anthemia said. “I’d normally guess green meant a Plantborn, but they aren’t rough. Maybe...Grand Justiciar Crito is a hybrid?” She shrugged.

“Hybrid?” Jordan asked.

Anthemia nodded. “There are only five base types of Elementals, but when they have children they can create hybrids. Hybrids never give birth to anything other than a base type though, so it tends to just alternate generations.”

“Ah, okay. Then he was a…green rock man?”

“Hmm, probably Jade I’d guess.” She shrugged again, not sure on her guess but providing her advice regardless. Jordan nodded in thanks, and turned back to the shelves nearby.

While he’d been curious about some of the races he’d seen at the church, he had a mission now that he was back in the Archives. Besides, he’d been thoroughly unimpressed by the local Cathedral. Hell he could have been looking at the Grace Cathedral back in San Francisco for all he could tell the difference! Though the smell had been ten times worse, but he blamed that on his natural aversion to Holy Essence.

“Any luck finding any good spells?” Jordan asked.

“I mean…I’m not sure? A ‘mirror person spell’ and ‘brain freeze spell’ doesn’t give me a lot to work with.” The young teenager frowned slightly as she grumbled.

“Ugh,” Jordan sighed. “I just want a damn buff and crowd control spell. I want to have something to offer a team! You understand that don’t you?”

“I do, I just don’t really know spells very well. I’m a melee fighter, not a caster. Why aren’t you having your Governess help? Or one of the receptionists?”

Jordan froze in guilt. “Well…Kioko’s been in a mood all day so I just left her be for a while. As for a receptionist...I, ah, I need to be able to find things myself, okay? We just gotta keep looking!”

Anthemia gave him a flat look. Jordan shrunk under her gaze.

“Look, I asked for the section to start in at least, okay? We’re in the right area so we just have to…sort through all of this.” He waved at the endless shelves of books nearby.

His singular teammate sighed, but went back to looking through books.

“Hey, I know I didn’t say anything more about it, but…” Jordan trailed off before exhaling deeply. “I’m grateful you decided to help me. Sorry I’m kind of a pain about things.” He picked up another book and began to examine its description.

Jordan heard Anthemia shuffling next to him. “I…don’t mind.” She said quietly.

He spared a quick glance and saw her deliberately buried in a book. I really am glad, he thought.

“So, I don’t think I asked yet,” Jordan said, “but what role did you want in the party anyway? You already know I’m hoping to play a support role. At least until I can build up some damage-dealing spells in Sorcery.”

“Oh, well I figured I’d be a front line warrior.” She said. “I don’t have any Specializations yet, but my mother gave me permission to form one in Close Combat.”

“You don’t have any?” Jordan asked. “Seriously?”

She flushed slightly, and nodded. “It’s unusual to rush into them. I’ve been working on my Attributes and Abilities until now.”

“Oh, that…makes sense, I suppose.” He admitted. Considering how permanent specializations were, that was logical. “Have you considered being a guardian though? You’ve got those recovery skills and everything.”

“A…guardian.” She set her book back onto the shelf with a sense of finality. “I don’t think it would be a very good idea.”

Shit, is this a sore spot for her or something? Jordan winced. “S-sorry, I didn’t, ah—”

“It’s fine. I could fill the role in a pinch, but I’d probably need the [Guardian’s Intercepting Vigilance] Skill or something similar. Plus, I wouldn’t actually be as defensively focused as you probably need.”

Anthemia paused after her words, staring at the bookshelf with a far-off gaze. Jordan fidgeted, wanting to ask more but unsure if it would be crossing a line. Eventually, curiosity won out.

“Is there…something about that I should know?” He asked. “If it’s just a matter of the right skills, couldn’t you develop them?”

“Probably.” She admitted. “But it would take a lot to overcome my drawbacks. As it is now, I could use a shield by itself but not alongside a sword. I wouldn’t be useful for anything other than a punching bag.”

Jordan almost said something pithy, to the effect of ‘isn’t that what a tank’s for?’ but he held his tongue. There was no reason to act like an ass to someone going out of their way to be helpful.

“That’s an…odd drawback.” He said instead. “What, do you just drop anything you hold in your off hand or something?”

She shook her head, but closed her mouth as she was about to respond. Instead, she turned and grabbed two books. Holding them up, she moved them both side to side, and up and down. Her hands moved in perfect synchrony.

Jordan raised an eyebrow in confusion, but she held up a book to cut off his question. So, waiting patiently, he continued to watch as she rested one hand by her side. She then moved her free arm, and…her off hand tried to wiggle in sync at her side.

“What the hell?” Jordan said. “You’re not doing that on purpose, are you?”

Anthemia shook her head. “I have a Talent that gives me boosts with two handed weapons, but it means I can’t use my hands independently without problems.”

“Hence…no sword and shield.” Jordan grumbled, and she nodded quietly. A few minutes passed by as they continued to poke at the shelves in silence.

“I…wanted to be one, you know.” Anthemia eventually said. “I figured I could find a way, at least when I was younger. But on my first hunt when I tried…I got hurt instead.”

“Was it bad?” Jordan asked. The young girl nodded, and knocked at her side, just along her lower ribcage. Jordan heard the distinct sound of…a metal plate?

“It was bad enough that the healers weren’t able to stop the Condition I got from it.”

“How the hell does that work? I know we can’t be healed by holy magic, or whatever, but seriously? You couldn’t heal with potions or anything?”

Anthemia grimaced. “Actually it was a potion that saved my life, but also guaranteed the Condition. I was…run through by an Amberhorn. By the time they got the horn out of me, it had partially fused to my ribs.”

“Why the hell did they let you fight if you were going to get hurt like that?” Jordan gasped. This was crazy!

“…the same reason they let you go on your quest, Cousin.” She said with a shrug. “It's moments like that where we prove ourselves on our path, or…fall short.”

Like she did, Jordan picked up on her unspoken words. Shit, is this why she seemed to take my situation so personally? Does it remind her of her own?

“How…bad is your condition?” He asked.

She shrugged again. “It doesn’t bother me for the most part, but any damage to the area will result in a serious wound. Hence the extra armor with all my gear.”

Which also means one unlucky shot could take her out as a tank. No wonder she seemed so resigned to it not happening. Jordan paused in his search through the stacks as he thought.

“…sorry.” A quiet voice said from his side. Turning to look, he could see that Anthemia was already busying herself further down the stacks, clearly avoiding him now. Crap, she probably thinks I’m disappointed in her, doesn’t she? He grimaced.

“I could...cover for you.” Jordan said.

Anthemia looked up from the far end of the shelf she was squatting at. “What do you mean cover?” She asked.

“Well, I kind of also wanted to be a guardian, but it’s really not going to work for me. Not for a long while, at least. So…why don’t I pick up some buffs around helping you be one?”

She blinked up at him. “Didn’t…you hear all that I said though?”

It was Jordan’s turn to shrug. “Eh, I’m stubborn. If you want to be a guardian, then I want to help you do it! Plus, I’ll get to live vicariously through you.” He gave her a [Perfect Smile]. Like normal, he hadn’t really meant to, but the sincerity of his offer had a drastic effect on her.

Her features, which had been shrouded in uncertainty, changed in an instant. Determination lit her face, and she smiled with such immense gratitude Jordan was almost worried she was going to strain a facial muscle.

“Alright, let’s do it then! If…you’re certain?” And yet, just like that, her smile had already faded, her self-doubt returning in an instant.

Jordan paused for a moment, thinking. Hand on chin, he nodded as he concluded something he’d overlooked for far too long.

He gave her another [Perfect Smile] and flashed her a thumbs up. “Always.” He said, and watched with joy as her face lit again. He could see the wetness in her eyes as she turned back to the stacks with a renewed vigor. With real…hope.

I already have a buff power, don’t I? He laughed internally. It had seemed like such a stupid power in his mind. Smiling? Really?

But watching it uplift someone in need like Anthemia…had changed how he looked at it now. He wondered if his smiling would stack with other buffs? He’d have to do research on it. For now, he simply updated Anthemia with his goal for what to look for. She was confused what a ‘blur’ spell would be, but eventually with her help they found a couple promising choices.

----------------------------------------

Later, the two of them were on the second floor making their way out. Jordan paused, however, as he found himself standing next to a familiar-looking door. The summoning chamber seemed to be unpopulated, as there were no flyers announcing any ongoing activities. That wasn’t exactly surprising to Jordan, considering the accident a couple days prior.

Still, he lingered for a moment because he felt…another tug.

“Are you okay, Cousin?” Anthemia asked. Jordan shook his head in response.

“Sorry,” he said. “I feel like there’s…er, well let’s just say I sometimes feel drawn to places.”

“Oh, is that a Talent of yours?” She asked.

Jordan shrugged. “Maybe? I don’t know for sure, but it’s drawing me towards the chambers here.”

“Hmm, well it should be fine to go in. Unless…there’s a reason to hesitate?” She looked at him sideways.

Jordan fidgeted. “I don’t fully know.” He admitted. “Last time I came by here there was an accident, but I walked on by rather than go in.”

“Can you tell that much from whatever’s drawing you?”

“Well, no.” He said. “It was just the first time, so I didn’t trust it.”

“First…time?”

“Yeah, look I’ll tell you all about my adventures up in the heavenly realms later, okay? For now, I think I’d like to explore it this time ‘round.”

“Heavenly? What the Princes are you—”

Jordan inadvertently cut off his Cousin as he pushed open the heavy metallic door into the summoning chambers. Anthemia clenched her jaw, but marched quickly after him. She kept a free hand above a ring, as though ready to draw a weapon at any moment. Smart girl, Jordan mused. Smarter than me, at least.

Despite his bravado in entering, Jordan took a more cautious stance as he walked into the dimly lit room. It had the feel of an arena, large and open, with stone seats set around a sand-filled middle, dropped down to separate the space, as well as give attendants a good view. Softly glowing runes lined the pit, but a few had scratches and were dull. The seats beyond those spots also showed signs of damage.

Further in, Jordan found a few people milling about. While there was a member of the Archive’s staff cleaning up, nearby there were a pair of teenage boys chatting animatedly. They were clearly well-to-do types, wearing fancy, embroidered robes and all that, and one of them was a blond kid with sweeping black wings. A Proudborn, Jordan noted. He stood next to a large wolf-like creature, covered in plates of bone carved with Enchanter’s runes.

“Oh, hey, check it out.” The blond’s friend said, spotting Anthemia and Jordan entering. “I think you got more fangirls.” He sniggered, clearly trying—and failing—to whisper to his friend. Jordan glared at them both.

“Good job.” The blond whispered, jabbing his buddy in the side. “Sorry, excuse my friend, he isn’t a member of the nobility.” The man laughed, causing his ‘friend’ to blush slightly, almost appearing to sweat in anxiety. Jordan knew that wasn’t likely the entire case, as the man was clearly a Water-elemental guy; with blue, literally waving hair and dark skin. Jordan assumed excess perspiration was probably just a side effect for the poor kid.

“What can this humble member of the lower Nobility do for you, Lady Freyhell?” The blond boy said, sweeping low with a dramatic bow. At his words, the Elementalborn next to him stammered before bowing quickly as well. Jordan heard a soft scoff from the side, and turned to catch the nearby custodian rolling her eyes as she continued sweeping up sand that had spilled out from the pit.

“Oh, so I, ah, I assume you’re a summoner?” Jordan asked, staring directly at the wolf creature next to the Proudborn. It glared back at Jordan, clearly unimpressed with his existence.

“Most astute of you!” He said jovially, but Jordan flushed nonetheless. “Were you looking for some advice, or perhaps…did you hear about me and want to find out if the rumors are true?” He swept a hand through his hair as he leaned lazily against his wolf. “I assure you…they’re quite accurate.” He laughed.

Oh, I bet, Jordan thought, grinding his teeth. Something about the boy was setting him on edge, and Jordan wasn’t sure why. Experimentally, he reached for the thread he’d felt and confirmed what he feared. It was leading directly to the blonde boy.

“I heard there was…an accident the other day.” Jordan said. “Was that you?”

The boy’s perfect features never broke as he shrugged non committedly. “Things got a little out of hand, but nothing that couldn’t be accounted for. Why? Were you hoping for a bit of a demonstration?” His warm smile carried a weight with it, and the way it crashed against Jordan left him no doubt the man was activating some sort of social skill. He also had his damn guile raised.

Anthemia was fidgeting next to Jordan, looking uncomfortable. Glancing at her, he could see…a blush forming on her? Why would she—Jordan turned back to look at the man and his jaw dropped.

The son of a bitch is flirting with me, isn’t he? What the fuck!? Jordan repressed his gag reflex, but as he examined the Summoner he had to admit the boy had the telltale signs of ‘handsomeness’ women seemed to like. Nothing Jordan had ever had in his life, of course. Instead the boy had a flawless jaw line, sparkling blue eyes, and rippled muscles that showed despite his clothing’s layers. Worse still, the more Jordan focused on them, the more he felt drawn to his looks like…

He glanced up and saw the boy's eyes glint. He’s doing something alright, Jordan was sure of it. Breathing deep, he activated his [Enhanced Concentration] and focused on his [Psychic Realm]. Safely tucked away, he tried to examine his thoughts and feelings for inconsistencies. It didn’t really work, so he instead focused on the thread connecting him to the blond boy. Surprisingly, he could visualize it almost as well as any words while within his mind.

Looking at it, he felt…a fluttering in his stomach. A blush upon his cheeks. A stammering…confession?

“Oh fucking gross! This bastards a fucking love interest, isn’t he?” Jordan was sure of it. The stupid idiot’s cocky attitude, flirtatious overtures, and disregard for his friend seemed like classic ‘bad-boy’ vibes. And if Jordan followed the thread, he’d likely end up fawning all over the Summoner.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

He exited his inner realm, and shook his head. “Sorry, I think I’ll pass.” Jordan said. “Thanks anyway.”

“Wait!” The boy said. “Aren’t you creating a team? You sure you won’t consider adding me?”

Jordan narrowed his eyes at the kid. “Where did you hear that?”

Now the blond looked taken aback. “Oh, it, ah, there’s been rumors. That’s all.” He waved his hand dismissively.

Yeah, I bet, Jordan thought. “Look, you’re not wrong, but I’m not interested in a pretty boy. I’ll take my chances elsewhere.”

“What? Come on, I’d be a great addition!” He jabbed his friend in the side, and the Waterborn jumped in. “Y-yeah, bro, you got this!” The blond glared at his friend who instantly shrank back. Jordan almost felt bad for the poor ‘yesman.’

Still, Jordan paused. The blond man wrapped around, jumping in front of Jordan and the exit. “Listen, let me just show you what I can do. Then you can decide. How about it?”

Jordan ground his teeth, wanting nothing more to do with the Summoner. But he couldn’t stop that nagging feeling in the back of his mind. That worry about his connection to others—to a possible companion. What if this guy was the most powerful companion he’d ever meet? So what if he was a possible love interest, couldn’t he still be useful?

Or maybe he was just a sack of shit wasting Jordan’s time. How was he supposed to choose? In the end, he decided to nod. He’d give the boy a chance to prove himself at least.

Jumping at the permission, the boy ran back into the pit. Following him, his wolf splashed into the arena, throwing sand up with his landing. While the areas still protected by the ring’s enchantment kept the sand from spilling over, Jordan watched—alongside the staff worker—as the unprotected areas got doused again. The blond didn’t seem to notice as the staff member sighed in frustration as she made her way to start cleaning up, her two feet making clopping noises against the stone.

Jordan turned back to the boy. “Well? Show me what you got then.”

The boy smiled charmingly, in a way that made Jordan’s knees feel weak. Unfortunately for the boy, that just put Jordan more on edge. Though he did notice how Anthemia had turned into a tomato beside him.

Over the next ten minutes or so, Jordan watched as the young Summoner commanded his Monster to perform various feats. He shouted out as his Familiar jumped around, threw attacks, and dodged wildly. It looked impressive to Jordan but as the exhibition went on Anthemia seemed to grow less and less…enthused. Jordan noted that, but kept watch as he tried to drown out the voice of the wet-faced lackey cheering his friend on boisterously.

By the end of it, the boy was panting, but swept back towards his wolf-Monster. “Well? What do you say?”

Jordan chewed on a lip as he pondered. A small scoff drew his attention to the side where the attendant was trying to finish her duties. The boy noticed Jordan’s sudden lack of focus on him, so he spoke up.

“You got a problem, servant?” He said, crossing his arms defensively.

The attendant looked up. She was a young girl, and had solid blue eyes with yellow pupils that were ever so lightly squarish. A pair of stubby horns sprouted from her forehead and Jordan might have thought she was a Demonkin, but she also had a tiny patch of hair on her chin, two triangular fuzzy ears, and he’d already heard her hooves from earlier. Some sort of… goat girl? He thought.

“Sorry, my Lord, I just don’t find your poorly controlled Familiar that impressive.” The blond kid sputtered in outrage.

Jordan looked contemplatively at her, but glanced covertly to the side. Anthemia’s suddenly stern face made Jordan feel she agreed. I didn’t see anything wrong, but I know practically nothing about summons.

“Sorry blondie, but you’re out.” Jordan said.

“What? Because of what some stupid Beastkin says?”

The goat-girl grimaced, but turned to go back to work. Jordan nodded to himself, and then turned back to the boy. “Sorry,” Jordan said. “I just don’t see what I’m looking for.”

I also don't care for asshats that treat customer service people like crap. Jordan thought.

The pretty boy’s smile turned into a sneer. “Fine then.” He jumped back onto the stone walkways surrounding the arena, and very deliberately knocked sand off onto it. As his wolf followed, it shook its pelt off, further sanding the area, and the two left. The blonde’s lackey trailed behind.

“Oh for the love of…” The goat-girl bit her tongue and set to work cleaning up the petty mess the bastard had made. Looking around, Jordan spotted a set of brooms and tools to the side and walked over. Grabbing a broom, he then joined the girl in cleaning.

Anthemia gasped in surprise, and the goat-girl froze in an instant the moment Jordan started cleaning.

“Cousin,” Anthemia hissed. “What are you doing?”

“I’m helping to clean?” He answered. “It was that or make a sand castle and I decided this was more productive.”

The goat-girl snorted, clasping a hand over her face in embarrassment. “Ehem,” she cleared her throat, pounding on her chest to kill the laugh threatening to boil up. “Ah, not that I don’t appreciate the sentiment, but like seriously, if someone comes in and sees you cleaning I’ll probably be fired.”

Jordan started in place, glaring up at her. “What? Why?”

Both the goat-girl and his Cousin stared at him. He looked back and forth in confusion, which only seemed to spur them to share confusing glances.

“You’re…the heir to the Duchy, aren’t you? Freyhell Aureliana?” The goat-girl asked.

Jordan nodded. He still wasn’t sure why she was making a big deal of him helping to clean, it wasn’t like… “Oh, right. This is probably one of those situations that I’m doing something inappropriate again, aren’t I?” It seemed odd that none of his internal alarms were going off though.

Anthemia walked up and gently took the broom away. “Please excuse my Cousin,” she said, bowing to the staff. “She can sometimes get…confused. She meant no disrespect to you.”

“Huh?” Jordan said, and Anthemia grabbed his arm, still gently, as she led him over to the side.

“You were implying that she couldn’t do her job, Aureliana. If someone came in and saw a member of the High Nobility doing menial labor, it would be assumed that they were sending the message that the entire staff had failed in their duties.”

Jordan flushed. That wasn’t even remotely what he’d thought the issue was. He’d assumed they meant that nobles would get in trouble for simply doing…well, anything that wasn’t noble-like. He nodded gratefully to Anthemia and turned back to the goat-girl.

Jordan bowed deeply, and channeled his Aureliana-Speak. “My deepest apologies, miss. I didn’t realize the message I was sending. Please forgive me if you can.”

A few bells rang in Jordan’s head, and Anthemia smacked her head in consternation. Jordan looked up a bit quizzically at her, and she just slowly grabbed him by the collar and lifted his bow up slightly. Miraculously, the bells stopped, and Jordan realized he’d…overcompensated his apology. He winced in response.

The goat-girl laughed again. “It’s…it’s no problem. You’re really not what I expected, you know that? I thought all Nobles were brats like Simplicius.”

“Who?” Jordan asked, and the goat-girl pointed towards the door.

“The Summoner.” She said. “I guess you never did ask his name. Still, I wouldn’t bother remembering it, guy’s a real ass.”

“Simplicius…? Really?” Jordan snerked. He couldn’t decide if he liked the name for being ‘simple’ or being ‘simp.’ Either way…he was trying very hard not to laugh.

“What’s his royal house?” Anthemia asked.

“Eh, guy’s from the Cantacuzene. They’re minor nobility in Freyhell, but he’s their ‘rising star.’” She said, holding up her hands as though framing a picture dramatically. She then let her hands drop. “But the guy’s a waste of space if you ask me.”

“What’s so bad about him?” Jordan asked. “Aside from the obvious, of course.”

“Well, I see lots of types working here and all, and as far as Summoners go the guy’s got virtually no control. He was commanding his Familiar verbally the whole time, and the thing kept delaying or acting out of sync. It’s no wonder he lost control and caused an accident earlier. I barely put the stupid thing to sleep before it got out of hand.” She grumbled and swept at the sand a few times more in emphasis.

“Is that true?” Jordan asked, turning towards Anthemia.

“He was…really bad at it.” She replied, rubbing at her head in embarrassment. “To be honest, I don’t think he has any Affinity for Summoning. He may have been dabbling though. Perhaps he has plans for how to use it later?”

Once more the goat-girl nearby scoffed. “Bastard only recently started.” She said. “He’s been blowing through his family's fortunes for Skill books and training every day. He isn’t dabbling, he’s just an idiot.”

“Well, glad I didn’t go with him I guess." Jordan said. "I still don’t know how he knew I was forming a party though.”

“I’ve heard the rumors too.” The staff member said. “Started a few days ago. Did you talk about it while you were here visiting with the Curator?”

Jordan briefly narrowed his eyes at the girl, but decided a member of the staff knowing that the Duke and the Curator had a meeting wasn’t really suspicious. Racking his brain, he did remember something.

“…shit, I had an entire conversation with my Governess about the requirements to get into the Academy here. I thought we were alone in an alcove though?”

The goat-girl shrugged. “This place is still a public location. You can’t be too careful, and you do draw attention. Lady Freyhell.” She said, giving a polite, yet obviously sarcastic, curtsey before returning to her sweeping.

Jordan flushed at the news. Feeling yet again like a moron for not even considering that people would be interested in what he was doing, why, or even who he was doing it with. He should’ve expected that! His entire life was going to be scrutinized when he entered into the Academy, after all. Hell, just talking with the Grand Justiciar had left him feeling scrutinized down to the last detail. If it hadn’t been for all the tips his mother had given him, Jordan was sure he’d have been overwhelmed.

Though, it had been odd that the Grand Justiciar had seemed almost…disappointed by Jordan’s quick answers. Still, Jordan paid that no mind as he turned back towards the task at hand.

“Thanks for your help, er, wait I don’t think we introduced ourselves? I’m Freyhell Aureliana.” Jordan said with a curtsy. Anthemia also gave introductions, though she bowed instead.

The goat-girl laughed, shaking her head as her shaggy light brown hair was flung about. It had the lightest dusting of white in it. “Well, I’m Elina, from the Mihnea Tribe. Good to meet you, your Ladyships.” She gave a respectful bow, though there was still a hint of her laissez-faire attitude in it.

“Tribe?” Anthemia said. “You’re a nomad?”

“Yup!” She said, flashing a thumbs up. “Family’s been in town for a few years though.”

“And you’re working here?” The young teen said.

Elina narrowed her eyes at Jordan’s cousin. “Yeah. Got a problem with that?”

“What? No, I…ah.” Anthemia’s jaw snapped closed as she took a step back.

“Is this a cultural thing I don’t get?” Jordan asked. He knew it was a tactless way to go about things, but he figured the goat-girl probably wouldn’t care if he was direct.

“A racist thing you mean? Yup!” Elina happily flashed him a thumbs up as well. “Guess the rumors about your noggin’ are true too, huh?” This time she looked at him with genuine pity. Jordan could have done without that look, but he wasn’t exactly surprised.

“Y-yeah. Sorry if I said anything offensive.” He said.

“What? You didn’t say anything bad. It’s your Cousin here that’s implying things.”

Jordan turned to look at Anthemia. “I-I didn’t mean to.” She said, shrinking back even further. “It’s just…there are, er, rumors about tribesfolk. Especially…” She trailed off.

“Uh huh.” The goat-girl jumped in. “Just say it. Especially Satyrs like me. Right?” Elina scoffed, and turned back to sweeping. Without looking back at them she shouted, “Not all of my kind have sticky fingers. And some of us work for our advancements unlike some nobles.”

Jordan winced, feeling the implied scorn from her tone. “You…heard about my money too, didn’t you?”

“A million fucking Crowns. Wish my dad would give me such a small investment like that. Hah.” She continued sweeping, never looking back as Jordan hung his head, burning quietly in shame.

He wanted to defend his family, or even just himself. But he also felt rightfully called out by the girl.

“I…I’m sorry.” Jordan said lamely.

Elina finally turned back to look at him, her face filled with a disdainful expression. “Why the hell are you sorry?”

“Because…I don’t deserve it.” Jordan admitted. “I don’t deserve their help, or their guidance, or…anything. I don’t know what I’m doing, and I’m sorry we came in here and were so rude to you.”

It wasn’t Aureliana-Speak pouring out of him, and it wasn’t really eloquent. But it was what he felt. It was surprising, but he realized it had been building up inside him over the last few days. Shame, over everyone going out of their way to help him. And here he was, still making stupid mistakes. Following some stupid thread he didn’t understand, and for what?

He was in the midst of a sea of people reaching out towards him, and he felt suddenly lost. Adrift because…he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to live up to their expectations. He didn’t know if he’d be able to succeed and he was still desperately looking for some magical solution. Even now, he quietly wanted a cheat power . Like that would change anything.

Elina sighed melodramatically. “You don’t have to…cry, it’s okay. I didn’t mean to be so harsh. S-sorry.” The Satyress said, hanging her own head shamefully. Jordan sniffled, and dabbed at his eyes with his gown’s sleeve. He hadn’t even realized he was crying.

“Look, I get that maybe you’re looking for party members,” Elina said, “But you should probably head to the Adventurer’s Guild for that. The library is a great place, but not really the top choice for recruitment.”

Jordan flushed, but nodded his head gratefully. He didn’t want to explain his thread following power to a stranger, so he tried to leave as gracefully as he could.

Yet as he was going…something changed. A new thread began to appear trying him…to Elina. It was tenuous, barely even strong enough for him to detect.

But it was there.

“Do you…know anyone in the Adventurer’s guild?” Jordan asked experimentally.

Turning back to look at him, Elina placed a hand on her hip as she thought. “I mean, I’ve met quite a few adventurers, but, ah, I haven’t been by there in a while.”

“A while? Were you an adventurer?” Jordan said.

The girl nodded sheepishly.

“Er, what happened?” He asked.

“We had a…disagreement, so now I’m working here to earn a few Skill books. Gotta form up some more Specializations before I can get a Profession, and all that.” She waved dismissively.

“Disagreement?” Jordan prodded.

Elina froze momentarily, but then sighed in frustration. “I got caught stealing, alright? I can’t go back until I pay a fine and have an endorsement of all things.” She grouched.

“Stealing? See!” Anthemia pointed. “I knew it.” She made a tiny triumphant fist.

“Hey! That was still racial profiling on your part,” Elina snarled. “…even if it was true in my case.” She crossed her arms as she sniffed imperiously.

Jordan chuckled, but stopped when both girls glared at him. Clearing his throat, he said, “So, ah, what kind of Class were you going for?”

“Class?” Elina responded. “Didn’t you hear me? I’m working towards a Profession. Classes are too hard to form. Stupid cultivation materials are expensive.”

Jordan rubbed at his chin, examining the thread that seemed to be getting…stronger.

“Well, what if you join my party? I could probably help with that.”

Both girls dropped their brooms in surprise.

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Jordan and Elina had had an…interesting discussion. The girl had been shrewd and calculating on the finer points, but most of her concerns had seemed to revolve around making sure she got a fair share of any party income.

Anthemia had been more resistant, clearly not trusting the Satyress, but Elina had never once asked for nor even implied that she wanted any of Jordan’s funds. She seemed genuinely interested in the prospect of Jordan’s help with the cultivation side of things, oddly enough. Having an Immortal who could offer a few ‘tips’ meant a lot, it seemed.

A sentiment that was echoed by the…mess waiting for him back home.

“We are all incredibly honored, Young Miss, that you’ve decided to take Renshin as a member of your party. Truly, just, ha, one…tiny thing to keep in mind. Our boy, who is incredibly gifted, I have to say, has a few…er, hiccups when it comes to cultivation. Nothing you need to concern yourself with of course! Not with that wonderful Grandfather of yours.”

Chef Duan let out a booming laugh as four Tigerborn women stood to his sides. They all looked incredibly upset at Jordan as he stood in the main hall listening to the boasting Tiger-man. His hands were resting on his son’s shoulders, and the little cat-boy was bright red and looking ready to commit seppuku to escape his current situation.

Behind Jordan, his mother and Governess patiently stood nearby. Jordan could feel his mother’s frustration emanating off of her, and he regretted having put her in this situation now. Still, what’s done is done.

“Thank you, Chef Duan.” Jordan said with a bow, channeling Aureliana-Speak. “I’m sure your son will be an excellent addition to my team. I look forward to working with him.”

Patting his son on the back, Chef Duan set him forward a few steps. Fidgeting at his ill-fitting formal clothes, the young boy bowed. “I will do my best, m-my Lady.”

Jordan grimaced. I am not going to spend the rest of my time here being my-ladied to by a cat-boy, he decided.

“Just call me Aureliana.” He said, as his internal bells began to scream. His mother’s ire reached new levels, and he could feel his Governess vibrating with repressed laughter. The cat-boy turned into a red light bulb, and Jordan discovered that the boy’s mothers had not in fact been glaring. They’d just had a rather scary resting face.

Now they were glaring, and he was having direct flashbacks to Xegreash. He gulped, channeling every ounce of willpower he had into not wetting himself. Why are cats so damn scary!?

“I, ah, er, o-okay, I, um, w-will c-call y-you Aure…Aureliana.” The boy nearly crumpled into himself as he trembled in embarrassment.

“Good. Is it okay if I just call you Rinrin as well?” The tension in the room skyrocketed, every female nearby (even the quiet Anthemia trying desperately to hide in a corner) practically exploded in emotion. No one actually shouted yet, but Jordan could barely notice them over his own internal warnings going off like air raid sirens.

The cat-boy simply nodded, unable to speak anymore.

“Excellent! Well, the rest of us will be meeting up for training tomorrow. So…I’ll see you then, Rinrin. Everyone else, please have a wonderful evening!” Jordan channeled his customer service attitude, graciously pretending everything was fine as he bowed, curtsied, waved, and ran for his life.

Politely, of course.

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Kioko didn’t stop laughing at Jordan until he threw the second pillow at her. After she finally settled down, they both sat at their respective places to study. His Governess was lounging on the couch, as Jordan cracked open his first Skill book.

It wasn’t the first one he’d bought, but it was the first he’d decided to read; [Dream’s Budding Formation]. It wasn’t technically an impressive Skill on its own—it was, in fact, simply the basic Oneiromantic Draw skill. With it he’d be able to reach into the heart of Dreams and generate Oneiromantic Essence for spells. So while it was boring, it was also a necessary speed bump.

However, as he studied he found that he was beginning to have trouble concentrating. He’d run into similar issues before, however. The author’s emotions were likely bleeding over, though he couldn’t tell to what purpose. All he knew was that reading the book was giving him a headache and it only got worse the more he went.

Still, he pushed through. He wasn’t going to let Aureliana’s Talents stop him! He’d already checked with his Governess on how he’d need to form the skill, so he knew if he pushed himself he’d be able to finish it before the evening was done. While he’d still need a bit of the morning to develop his first spell, he was looking forward to training with his party members the next day.

Once he’d finished the blasted book, and the cover went dull as the magic was drained, he set it aside. Using a diagram from one of the ritual books he’d purchased on Rahm’s recommendation while he was out, he carefully copied the Mandala that would aid him in forming the skill. It was easy to overlook, but it took energy on top of experience to upgrade oneself. Still, he knew if he got better at making Mandalas like this, parties would love to have him. So he set to it with determination.

Sitting in the formation, after it was inspected and approved by his Governess, Jordan spent the next two hours applying what he’d learned from the book. It was strange at first, but he was following the book's instructions, so he wasn’t surprised when a translucent outline of the skill formed in his mind’s view of his Pattern. His skill book had only been Tier One, but even still it showed him flawlessly what to do. And five xp later, he’d learned his second skill.

“Well, now that you’ve got a draw technique,” Kioko said, “do you want to practice using it a few times before bed?”

“Wouldn’t that be kind of… pointless?” Jordan responded. “I don’t know any spells yet.” He waved towards the two spells he’d purchased waiting on his desk.

“Um, brat did you really forget about the spell I taught you already? [Memory Obfuscating Stillness]? You can use that draw technique to cast it instead of spending all your Ki on it.”

While a part of Jordan wanted to…bristle at being called a brat, he wasn’t sure why. So he just shrugged, “Y-yeah, I, ah, I did forget that. Sorry.”

His Governess rolled her eyes, and helped him stand out of his Mandala. Walking back over to the couch, she sat them both down and began to walk Jordan through the process of using the draw skill. She had the same one, so it was easy for her to guide him.

What wasn’t easy was the headache that returned with a vengeance the moment he tried.

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

“My…head, it’s killing me.” He said, gasping as the pain seemed to be getting worse, even though he’d stopped trying to channel Essence.

“Is…oh for fuck’s sakes. Is this a Skill conflict? Was it hurting while you were reading the book?”

Jordan hesitated before nodding reluctantly.

“Aureliana!” She lightly smacked his arm and he winced. “You should have said something.”

“I’m sorry! I just thought it was from my reading Talent.”

Kioko growled, but didn’t blame him further.

“Is this,” Jordan winced at a burst of pain. “Is this really bad?”

Kioko sighed. “No, not typically. We can fix it, but it’ll take Experience to repair, like any broken Skill. The problem is I have no idea why the fucking basic draw technique wouldn’t work for you. That makes literally no sense.” She grumbled.

“I’m… sorry I screwed up." Jordan sighed. "Again.”

“Hey,” Kioko said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “There’s a lot going on, and a lot of it's falling on you unfairly. This isn’t your fault, okay? We’ll fix this. I promise.”

“Thanks Kioko.”

“No worries kid. Alright, if it’s okay with you I’ll cast a Dream Link spell. Just let me into that inner Realm of yours, alright? We'll see if we can put it to good use as we work out your new Skill’s kinks. And if we can’t figure it out, we’ll go wake up Rahm. Wherever he passed out this time at least.”

Jordan nodded gratefully. He watched with mild impatience as she began to cast, only showing any visible signs to her Oneiromancy as she dumped Aura with an unknown skill to speed it up.

As he waited, he gingerly held his head. The damn thing felt like an animal had gotten loose and was scratching at the back of his mind.

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