Two days after killing the wyvern, Adrienne, Merlin, and Arthur once again stood in front of Crystal Thornheart. After a day of well-earned rest and relaxation, Crystal had promised them a higher-level mission.

"I hope you three enjoyed your day off yesterday! Because today I have something big for you!", Crystal stated.

"Sick!", Arthur exclaimed.

"We're ready, Ms. Crystal!", Adrienne said, enthusiastically.

"This mission will actually be a multi-day affair, and will take you off planet", Crystal said.

"Whoa!", Merlin exclaimed.

Crystal continued, "You three will be heading to the Macedonian Empire, on the planet of Macedon".

Adrienne spoke up, "Macedon…I think I've heard of that before…". Adrienne appeared to be in deep thought, unable to fully recall what she had heard about the planet Macedon or the Macedonian Empire.

"The planet itself is frankly rather ordinary", Crystal said, "But the Empire is…rather infamous…"

"Infamous?", Arthur said, puzzled.

"What do you mean by that…?", Merlin asked.

"The Imperial society is very…how should I put it…rigid. They put the welfare of their people above all else", she replied.

"Well, that doesn't sound so bad", Arthur stated.

"There's more to it", Crystal said. "Their society is hierarchical. Broadly, humans are placed at the top, with the natives of the Empire standing at the top. Light elves are treated as second class citizens…and dark elves are barely considered citizens at all…"

Merlin was visibly shocked at what he had just heard. He was familiar with the stories of hostility between the races, but for an empire to operate with it as their official policy… He looked at Adrienne and saw her face filled with worry, her hands held nervously in front of her chest…

"Umm, Mom…are you sure it's a great idea to send us there?", he asked.

"I understand the concern, but this is all a necessary part of your training. This mission is as much about you learning to be diplomatic as it is the actual task at hand.", she replied, bluntly.

"W-we understand, Ms. Crystal!", Adrienne proclaimed, trying to give off a façade of confidence, but Merlin could tell she was nervous.

"Very good. Now on to what you're actually going there for. It seems that some rogue mages and spellknights have taken up residence on Imperial land, and the Emperor wants them gone", Crystal said.

"Wow! We're gonna be taking on rogues?! Sounds awesome!", Arthur said, excitedly.

"I'm glad you're so enthusiastic Arthur. Most are apprehensive the first time they take on rogues", Crystal replied.

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"Nah, the three of us can handle anything!", Arthur said, confidently.

"I have a question though", Merlin said. "This Empire sounds like they're pretty powerful, so why can't they handle the rogues themselves…?"

Crystal let out a long sigh. "It's…complicated…but basically, the Empire hates magic and anyone or anything that has anything to do with magic. It's honestly a big step that the Emperor swallowed his pride enough to ask for our help. I guess even he realizes that magical problems require magical solutions, so to speak".

"Oh..ok, that makes sense…", Merlin replied.

Crystal responded, "Anyhow, you three should get moving. You'll need to stock up on supplies and grab your teleport tablets of course. It says here that they want you to meet with an Imperial representative to get the rest of the information on the mission. Don't expect a warm welcome, but like I said, be diplomatic. And once you return, I intend on recommending promotions for Merlin and Arthur to the Council."

"Really!?", Merlin shouted.

"You mean it?!", Arthur yelled, equally as excited.

"Of course. If you can handle a wyvern and some rogues, then I see no reason you shouldn't be promoted. So don't disappoint me!", she replied.

The three of them exited the mission briefing room, Merlin and Arthur excited about their prospective promotions. Adrienne, on the other hand, still hadn't said much since they had been informed of their destination. Merlin could tell she was still nervous, scared even. As they walked to the supply room he placed his hand on her shoulder, attempting to comfort her.

"Hey Adrienne", he said.

She jumped slightly. Feeling his hand on her shoulder and hearing her name had taken her by surprise, proving that she had been lost in thought…

"Sorry! I didn't mean to scare you…", Merlin said.

"I-it's ok…I was just thinking…", she said, quietly.

Merlin stepped in front of her and looked into her red eyes. He smiled and spoke as encouragingly as he could, "Try not to worry! Me and Arthur are with you! We'll make sure no one messes with you!"

"Yeah, who cares what those jerks think about you! We're going to take care of some rogues, not make friends!", Arthur added.

Her eyes lit up a bit as she clasped her hands together. "Thanks guys! I just have to get out of my own head!"

"That's it! And don't forget, you're our leader! So, screw what anyone else says! Now lead the way Boss lady!", Arthur shouted.

Adrienne chuckled, "You've certainly got a way with words, Arthur! Alright boys! Follow me!"

Adrienne took the lead, walking with her usual confidence. Merlin followed behind, pleased with himself. Now all he and Arthur had to do was actually follow through on their promise to not let anyone mistreat Adrienne…

The trio arrived at the supply room and with the assistance of the supply clerk began gathering food rations.

"You guys are going on a multi-day mission, huh?", the clerk asked.

"Hell yeah! We're hunting some rogues!", Arthur replied.

"That so? Well, tell me where you're headed and I'll grab your teleport tablets", the clerk said.

"We're going to the Macedonian Empire on planet Macedon", Adrienne informed him.

The clerk paused for a moment, then looked at the group, "Macedon huh…Alright then..."

He walked to the back of the supply room, looking through the shelves for a tablet to Macedon. After a couple of minutes, he finally reached into one of the shelves, "Here we go!", he exclaimed. "Something to know about this tablet", he said, handing the tablet to Adrienne. "It's going to put you in a back alley in the Imperial capital".

"A…back alley…?", she replied, confused.

"Yeah…remember, these people don't exactly like us, so the three of you just appearing in the middle of their capital probably wouldn't go over too well…"

"Yeah…that makes sense…", Adrienne replied, gingerly.

"Well, best of luck to you all! And here's your tablet to get back", the clerk said as he handed Adrienne a second tablet.

The three exited the supply room and walked out to the temple courtyard, consolidating all of their supplies into three packs. Adrienne then held up the Macedonian tablet, "Well boys, I guess we should head to that back alley…huh?"

"Yep, no use standing around here!", Merlin replied.

"Let's do it!", Arthur shouted.

The three of them gathered close, and Adrienne threw the tablet to the ground. Light emanated from its shattered pieces, slowly enveloping them, and then transporting them to Macedon…