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The ground trembled. Snow and rubble rained on Tana as she looked ahead at the battle of lights. Red is what dirtied her outfit. Green trails zipped in every direction. Yellow walls were cut down by a pitch-black sword. Blue swirled in all directions, and sometimes carrying a stray Reaper or Hummingbird to different parts of the field.

Jack rushed in as his blade slid across the black one. His footwork keeping him in a tight range. Ace was limited in the direction he could dance to since Stella patiently placed spells in retreating spots. Ace waited for a solid parry before running his shoulder through Jack. He was still favouring one of his arms, but once he could stay close to keeping it a duel then one arm was enough. Jack jumped out of the way. In coordination with his landing, a red orb shot from his palm. The orb was swatted away to reveal Luna and Stella coordinating their attacks. Since they both used mid-range weapons, they could both stay in close enough to attack him. This is where they want him. They just have to control his escape. They will scratch him today.

A cloud of white began to settle off to the side. The Ground Glider sat in the middle as William joined the spectator.

"Success?" Tana kept her eye on the battle.

"Indeed. This is for you. The next time will most likely be in Tellacules." William handed Tana a sealed envelope.

"Thank you very much! I am so excited. This is first time they have been able to respond. I wonder if anything changed in a month." Tana embraced the envelope before setting back onto her lap.

"Well...aren't you going to open it?"

"Nah. I will wait with everyone else. It feels like I would be cheating if I opened mine first. We tend to write them together so...you know."

"You might have to wait a while. You have seen how hard they have been pushing for the last month. I am sure they are going to drag out today too."

"Yea. I don't like it. Ace caught them doing extra training alone again, after going to get ingredients. He is really worried they are going to hurt themselves. I understand its safer if he trains, but he is still healing too."

"Yea and they have really grown a lot. All of them. I think Jack was able to beat Luna in a one on one the other day."

The mentioned warrior fell flat on his back. Stella and Luna kept their assault for a bit longer before the older sibling fell to one knee. Luna dropped her weapon and raised her hand in the air. Ace proceeded to high five the surrendered hands. Tana rushed over with water and towels. They all proceeded to drown themselves while taking a seat in a circle.

"That was intense! It was better than yesterday. There was more whoosh and wapow. Stella! I really like how you sent them like swish before you zoom." Tana replayed with her hands.

"I think so too! There was more bam than boom. Did you see how they went shshshsh. It had a scent of Ophelia in some movements. Like they figured out some of her tricks," Ace eagerly joined.

"Maybe, but there still isn't enough wham. It all can turn around if they aren't making progress. Then again it is hard to tell when they are fighting you. They get in place and then you just poof," William reminded them.

"I wonder if our adults are all childish or if that is just something that happens as we get older," Jack mentioned.

"Oh Three, I hope not." Stella chuckled. "We did good today. It is hard to tell because we train every day, but your wind mimics are probably at class 2, right?"

"How do we tell?"

"I have no clue. My teacher just told me when I got to class 2. Our teacher should be able to teach us a lot about it."

"Ace! Am I using class 2 mimics?"

"I have no idea. I can't really test it, but most likely."

"Test?" Tana spoke everyone's mind.

"Yea it is simple, but I don't have the materials to test it. I think it is pretty overrated anyway."

"Overrated?" William twisted his head quickly. "You still surprise me. I know I am not a combat member of the team, but we all know that class one soldiers can wipe out armies. They even say that class 2 can make you a leader in the military. There is a lot of prestige to those that conquer the classes. They must mean something."

"That makes the classes sound like it is a building, and each floor is a level of power and now prestige, but mimics actually don't have anything of the sort. It is still just the wisps that gather to your hand. The more wisps that gather, the stronger the force. The amount of wisp or power you can create is a smooth continuous flow from class 3 to class 0. It more like a mountain than a building."

"So, these tests are like checkpoints? What is the point of having classes?" Stella questioned.

"Classes were implemented due to the discovery of Null Metal. Quick, Jack the so-called blacksmith. What is Null Metal?"

"I feel like you could have just told us. Why drag me in this?" Jack sighed. "We haven't gotten to work with it because there isn't much use for it in fighting animals, but they are really dense metals that have the ability to disperse wisps. Mimics hit them and scatter without any force."

"I am sure they all know that. I meant, what makes it special as a metal?"

"Oh! They aren't really metals. It is really an ore, and we haven't found a way to separate the metal from the other parts, so I heard that they shape weapons and armour around them. They are generally found in three different puritie...Oh!"

"Exactly. The different purities can dispel up to a certain amount of wisps. These are the classes. The test is basically using your spell against different class Null Metals. Classes were made to be effective against those when war was more common. Now in times of peace, I guess the levels grant opportunity in society."

"Even if you try and sound apathetic about it, it still sounds very important. Why would you call it overrated?" William circled around.

"Well, Jack. What is the difference in your spells that made you believe they were class 2?"

"It is like you said. I feel I can gather more wisps in my hand. At first, when I reached the limit, it was like they would stop gathering."

"Which is great. You can go faster, but that is just from point a to point b. It doesn't increase your normal actions so how fast do you really need to appear. The familiarity you have gotten with your normal Wind Walk is, what I think, your most useful tool. At the end of the day, it is all just tools and figuring out how you and your opponent use them are the keys. Many don't know, but a class three level of wisps can overcome class 2 Null Metal if it is used correctly."

"Back to the point a and point b thing." Jack looked down to his palms. "Are we always at a disadvantage to you or berserkers because of the trail? You all can move quickly with just power. I understand that we can't reach those speeds without wisps because it is difficult to transfer mana to our legs."

"Not really. The way I and, I assume, berserkers work is that we have one large step. Our movements aren't faster, it is just first step, so if you can figure out our direction, then you can be one step ahead. It takes time, but something to look for. Wisps can change your direction in motion, while I have to touch the ground before shifting my direction. Every technique, every skill, every action has a reason why it works, and to understand that will put you at a great advantage."

The crowd was quiet. They soaked in the information as it seemed a few members replayed the battle that happened today. One member looked more hungry than lost in thought, and one member had a look of worry shaking in their eyes.

"Ace..." Tana started.

"Yea, Kyouko is right. I might be a bit disconnected from how far we push, and it may not seem like it, but it bothers me too. I didn't want to lose. I don't like that I let you guys down either but pushing yourself so hard isn't the answer. Getting hurt isn't the answer. Jack, Stella. I promised you guys that I will give you strength to change the world. I will."

"Me too!" Tenny reassured the team.

"Why?" William interjected. "I didn't think much of it at first, but I have gotten to know most of your goals, and it doesn't make sense to me. What are you gaining?"

Silence fell over the crew again. The Mystical Creature seemed to have the most intrigue this time. A question none of them had answered to any avail, but this time the silence was long. The moustache seemed to be deciding on something grand.

"I need help fighting Ira. He is not someone to be messed with. Scary scary dragon. Run on sight but no point in running because he will stomp on you but still can't help but run-away kind of threat."

Exaggerated exhales escaped a few of them while chuckles came from some.

"Okay, we just discussed relaxing! No more talk of fighting and run-away dragons." Tana clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. "Are we going to eat now or when we get to the site?"

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"I forgot we planned to visit Vel's grave. Damn, I was hoping you would have helped me with my combo mimic." Jack faced Stella.

"That isn't like you at all. What happened to the nerd that was excited to see everything."

"I'm still excited. I just. Feel like I can be doing more..." A fist crashed onto his head. His wide eyes met Tana's fiery ones.

"You also need to take time off, like your mentor said, so once again, are we eating here or when we get there?" Tana repeated through gritted teeth.

"There. I...I think we can eat it there." Jack gulped before another fist crashed into his head. "Ah! What now?" Jack's eyes locked with Luna's blank stare.

"Don't worry Luna. We have snacks for the trip." Tana ran off to the side while Luna followed with outstretched hand.

Class 2. Jack swirled green in the palm of his hand. It quickly fizzled out and was overtaken by a red glow. He was making progress, but how much would be enough. He knew that Virgo was an outlier. He knew there was nothing he could do against him, but he barely made it past Lok, and that itself was a miracle. If he was stronger, he could have stopped Lok from coming out at all. He would have had the village under his control from before, but Lok wasn't on his mind until they were outplayed. Should he study tactics? No. Ace is their tactician and even he was bested this time. Maybe he could study with Ace more and bring other tactics. No, he would have to learn more about battles before he could grasp the situation like them. How long they must have worked at their crafts? He only started for 8 months. No 7 and some. He knows it will take time, but there are struggles all across the empire. What could he do? Help with only things he can handle? Could he turn a blind eye to problems like that? If he had the power of Virgo. Or Ace.

Ace. What was his world like? Why does he have so much strength? Why won't he fight? Jack thought he understood that a promise can be worth it, but how could he not waver in the things they have seen? Jack doesn't want him to have to fight, but things would be a lot simpler if he did. It seems like all that power is a wast—

"William got the letters in town! We should read them before we go!" Tana yelled from the side. Luna engulfed whatever was wrapped in the other bag.

Jack ran his fingernail through the seams of paper and unwrapped a letter from Billy and Monica. He was able to send one to his dad, but the time between villages was just out of reach for a return letter to get there in time, if there was a letter. William said that the next time they receive mail might be in Tellacules, but he was beyond grateful that William allowed him to keep in touch with his new friends.

"Billy and Monica said things are going really well. They said that the town has been quiet since we left, and they miss all it. They really look forward to seeing us again, and then I think Monica took over and started to ask a million questions about Luna." Jack announced to everyone's delight and one face of confusion.

"That is strange. I heard that Captain Julius was relieved of his position for instigating a battle in the town, hiding resources and letting the leader go. My friend said that the new Captain is tough as nails and made a lot of changes. I was worried that Billy might have gotten in trouble." William scratched his head.

"That is strange. I don't think he would lie." Jack joined in on the head scratching.

"They wouldn't. I am sure things just blew over and it seemed exaggerated to the outsiders. Especially reporters that love their stories." Stella brought a firm reassuring tone with her words. Jack was grateful for it.

"You can definitely be right. Williams never lie." Tana pounded the smug smile off the reporter's face.

She reported happy results from Ophelia and the children. Nod was in a slump for a week, but he has been helping out a lot with the town, and Olivia expects a detailed report on Stella's life. They all write another letter to respective parties and hand them off to William. He rides off in a snow and dust cloud with a promise of meeting them there with more supplies.

"What did Claire say when you told her about Luna? This was the first reply you got back since you told her, right?" Jack questioned Stella as he strapped on his bag.

She chuckled awkwardly before he could pry an answer out of her. "I didn't tell her. It seems like the kingdom is in a bit of a dismay and I am not sure it was the best time."

"Wait, did you not tell your parents either?"

"No. I haven't yet. I am a bit worried, that others will find out and Luna will be forced home. I don't want to rush going back home. For her sake, and maybe mine." Stella's finished the sentence with a volume that strained Jack's ear. It made him uneasy, but he felt like this wasn't the time to pry. Maybe because he wasn't sure of his ability to help anyone right now. In time. It seemed like everything would take time. Why so much time?

"You guys thought Darke was big. Wait till you see Vel. It would make you shit your pants!" Tenny chuckled as he hopped shoulders.

***

He was halfway right. Their pants remained clean, but the size of the structure was enough to drop some jaws. It was a cave system in the open, built from what must have been a skeleton sitting in the middle of snow-covered grasslands. Jack wasn't sure if the land formed on the bones, if they were placed there, or just collected over time, but the form was clearly visible. The skull, bigger than 3 giant Darkes, was sunk into the ground till the upper jaw. Entrance looked to be the nasal cavity, or the massive eye sockets a fair number of feet above dirt. This cave system worked its way back through the base of the skull along rib cage and the spine that had double the length of the first section. Two enormous bones stuck out of the back in an upwards angle. Several spikes of the same material sprung from one point into the ground forming a fan shape. All of the spikes were wrapped in greenery with snow dusting the leaves until just enough caused it to fall from the height, in a cycle of collection then expulsion.

Around the caves were leafless trees plotted few and far between. Snow covering the branches in beautiful icy caps. Jack saw snow on occasion, but it was rarely enough to cover the ground for more than a couple of days. The snow always grey and muddied and in far contrast to the blanket of white untouched by any creature leading to the caves. The view was breath taking. It was the picture of peace that ironically came from the hands of a battle. He found himself inching ahead of the crew in a trance to leave footprints in the white canvas. It was much colder here than 6 hours south from where they travelled but Jack barely felt anything. He was lost until the rumble of his stomach brought him back to reality. Maybe they should have eaten before leaving. Thank goodness William found them halfway and was able to carry the supplies for the rest of the way. This was one of those reminders of how out of touch Ace is with normal capacity. Or maybe he was just drained from pushing himself so hard this morning. Working hard. Jack sighed. Was he working hard enough?

"The fire dragon, Vel. It is kind of funny that he is covered in snow now." Tenny grinned. "I told you he was enormous and that looks like only half of him."

"You were right. Look how massive, and it must have been powerful." Jack's voice held excitement. "It was a dragon. I know there aren't any dragons remaining and I have heard the stories of warriors slaying berserk dragons, but it is hard to believe someone is strong enough to kill that."

"I know right. Look how many people it took to get Darke and Jennifer and they weren't even full Mystical Creatures," Stella said.

"Ace...You didn't tell them?" William exclaimed. Ace's face kept the same goofy look as he lit a cigarette and stared forward.

"I didn't think it was important. Should we tell them?"

"Ugh. What is it?" Stella interrupted.

"Well, Mystical Creatures are strict followers of the Three." William started off. "They are few occasions of a creature hurting someone."

"We know this..." Stella mentioned.

"Do you really think an entire species could go berserk?" William questioned. "I can see why it is easy for people who haven't been around Mystical Creatures to assume that, and well it isn't taught in school, but from the Treble's recordings, Ira killed them all."

Jack felt the knot in his stomach form again. It was becoming synonymous with that creature's name. How could that not be important for them to know? He didn't just kill Vel. He killed all of them. He wasn't just the last dragon. He was the last dragon standing.

"Well, he didn't kill all of them, just most," Ace corrected.

"Yea most. When Ira went on a rampage, it is said that the dragons took responsibility. They all tried to stop him, but he didn't hesitate to crush anyone in his way. They say there wasn't many dragons anyway and not all were killed, but those that survived were seriously wounded. Kings and warriors took their lives of the remaining creatures. They took spoils and used them as signs of prestige. There is also one more reason that it proved useful in killing the dragons. I think you will see when we get closer."

"Oh Three. That is the end game? That is what is coming in three years?" Tana's face looked flushed.

"Shoots, I guess we shouldn't have mentioned it. I am completely sure that it doesn't change anything. We are still going to win as long as you trust me. We are going to be strong enough." Ace placed his hand on her shoulder, but it didn't seem to calm her nerves in the slightest. "Who is hungry. Let's go inside and get something to eat."

Jack didn't have much of an appetite anymore as they inched throw the snow. The awe worthy size of Vel was now terrifying beyond belief. Did Ace want to show him this because of the history? Why didn't he tell them about it? It wasn't making sense. He said it was just something he wanted to see, but how much of that is true? There must be a purpose.

It was easy for Jack to be lost in thought as the rest of the team didn't seem to utter a word. The sound of snow crunching and wind whistling through gaps in the rock were the only sounds competing in his headspace. They were in front of the massive skull. There were no fully visible teeth, but Jack was sure that one of them would be surely larger than him. His eyes widened as a wave of wondrous smells twisted everyone's face to a look of fascination.

"What is that?" Jack's eyes failing to settle between the smug looks of Ace and William.

"Go see." Ace nodded.

Jack's muscles felt revitalised. The spring in his step and a little use of Wind Mimics launched him into the nasal cavity. Stella and Luna followed suit to only stop in the opening. Their eyes following the many columns of falling light that pierced the skull. The surprisingly well-lit cave was filled with a variety of greenery. Colourful flowers lined much of the ground, trees climbing to the top with branches peppered with fruits winding together like a network of nerves. Species of birds just as various, danced and spectated. Now some singing the arrival of the new cave dwellers.

Jack dashed downwards under the shade of a tree. He reached up before being pushed down by a leaping Luna getting a better reach at the mountain apples. Jack chuckled but was appreciative that the young girl did pick one for him. His teeth sunk into the watery flesh. It was magnificently sweet, but tasted slightly different, by far the best he has ever eaten. He ran over to the pear tree that brought a similar delight.

"This is amazing! How? Why isn't this more talked about?" Jack was in the middle of a frolic at this point. William's smug smile evolved into a full egotistical laugh. Everyone took their time sampling fruits. Jack wasn't sure what Luna was doing still fell into the category of sampling, but the faces were happy all around. Stella inhaled a large amount of air before sealing them behind her lips. Jack grinned as he waited to hear what could be the greatest echo concert he might ever hear. Ace quickly raised his hand causing Stella to begrudgingly release slowly.

"I'm sorry. A lot of animals find spots to hibernate in places like this. Better safe than sorry." Ace signalled for Tenny to become an afterimage.

"How did this happen?" Jack asked.

"It is kind of a mystery, but the general consensus is that mana is tied to life," William started.

"Oh, so like animal decomposes into nutrients, but this dragon was huge so...more life?" Tana picked up.

"That is what they think, and well Mystical Creatures have a lot of mana. Since mana is still a bit of a mystery it isn't fully understood how it boosts plant life, but the results can't lie."

"I heard there are rarely any spots like this still existing though. We are lucky to be able to visit this one," Ace added as Tenny returned to a spot on his head.

"People claimed most of the areas. I think this one is a bit remote, and the creatures got to it first. Some probably thought it wasn't worth the hassle," William said.

"Oh, what is the verdict buddy?" Ace look at his eyebrows.

"Bears, lots of bears. Looks like some wolves are in their own section too. Wanna fight them?"

"Maybe after we eat? Thanks for the save." Stella wiped her forehead.

"We are going to have to cook outside, so we don't wake the creatures." Ace began to awkwardly stroll towards the exit.

"Why didn't we eat before or during the trip?" Tana following close behind.

"Jack's orders," Ace replied.

"How was I supposed to know that it would be like this. You could have told us there would be bears!"

"I wasn't sure. I was just following orders. I think you are blaming me for no reason here."

"No reason...What kind of Tacticia—"

"Guys." Stella raised her hand. Her finger pointing to their exit.

Four silhouettes blocked the light. The shadows expressed that they were wielding bags and one seemed to be holding a shield to the side of him. Jack waited for his eyes to get adjusted, but he might not get that time. One of them was gathering a large blue orb.