The deep red shimmering wall of magic intercepted a magically glowing bullet. The magic in the barrier flared to life doing its task, which was catching any projectiles incoming. The force of this projectile was a bit more than expected, causing some small webbing cracks to spread. The bullet itself began to spin faster as it feed on the barrier’s magic. Once it absorbed all it could, it burst out sapping the magic remaining in the shield, while magically creating a temporary hand-sized hole in the barrier.

“Bas-” Mortimer’s head vanished as a bullet passed through the hole. One more followed after it before Rex coughed up some liquid while his vision dimmed. The last IR Bullet slide through his ribs, smashing directly into the core.

“Worth it.” Rex collapsed on his side. He closed his eyes with a confident smile on his face. His consciousness was fading due to heavy magic use.

“Captain!” Cool energies worked their way around his body as someone held him up. “He’s mana dry, no injuries.” Jo-Leanna started to nurse him. “Betty, potion, quickly!” She fed Rex a glowing bottle of something magical.

“How is it still alive?!” Rubee was pointing towards the headless skeleton. The flame had died down to show it was slowly regenerating its head, yet a decent bottom part of its core was missing.

“I will slaughter you.” Mortimer’s haunting voice resonated in everyone’s thoughts as his skull slowly completed regrowing.

“NO.” Gravity increased as pressure was physically taxing when a new voice spoke. Even the dragon was pushed to the ground. Mortimer struggled to lift an arm, yet a giant bone claw burst from below him. It lifted him up before dragging him below the ground, the area returned to a pristine condition.

“That was my kill.” Rex muttered as he laid upon a pinned Jo-Leanna, even Benni was on top of Betty who laid face down on the tower floor. A radiant skeleton covered in flowing robes of shifting darkness, with a staff holding what looked like a star with moons around it on its top.

“Apologies, take these gifts and rewards instead.” A multitude of glowing colors extended from the end of the starry staff, it connected to Rex’s glowing bracelet before fading away. “Until next time.” A ghostly image of a man imposed itself over the skeleton, it had a faint smirk on its face. “Chief.” It vanished along with the pressure, leaving everyone gasping for breath.

“Ha! Cheeky lil bastard, can’t believe he was still alive.” Rex chuckled at a past memory, then thought for a serious moment. “Can he be considered alive?” He was lifted into a sitting position as Jo-Leanna was able to move again. “Roll call, if you’re dead, let me know!” Rex shouted out to the groaning bunch on top of the tower.

“What was that?” Rubee was holding her head as Jo-Leanna moved from person to person curing any ailments.

“That was Demigod of Death Tim.” Smith grimaced as he glanced over the wall, surveying the damage. “We lost all the soldiers sir, but they managed to help shield the allied group before fading.” Smith turned back to the group. “He’s rumored to be one of the Apex Necromancers. Just his voice alone was chilling enough.” He held himself as he shook in fear at the recent event.

“Captain, I may be wrong, but do you know him?” Jo-Leanna was holding a fussing Benni covered in screens, she had finished waking up Betty after making sure Rubee was psychically fine. “Did he really apologize to you?” She was looking at Rex with a bit more intensity than before.

“Yes.” Rex crossed his arms in defiance. “He stole my kill, so it’s only right to apologize and compensate for the loss.” While avoiding the other topic, he tried to stand up, only to fall on his face. “Little help please?” His energy was almost empty.

“Feed him this for now.” Betty handed a potion to Jo-Leanna while she fixed his posture. “What about the group outside?” She was a bit fidgety while asking, almost impatient.

“You know them, right?” Rex looked skeptically at the bobbing head of Betty. “Smith!” Smith snapped to attention, ready for action. “Let the others in, for now, show them to the dining room. We have one of those right?” Rex still hasn’t seen much of this so-called castle yet. “Wait, can the dragon even fit in here?”

“Haha, yes sir. Shall I have Docket start on a feast?” Smith was not the only one excited about food. He made some gestures as patterns lit up before flying off trailing magic particles.

“Get on it, speaking of food, did you bring me any snacks?” Rex turned to Jo-Leanna as she shoved another potion into his mouth.

“You aren’t allowed magic food until you have stabilized!” She took a meal-colored potion from a snickering Betty. “Why are you laughing, Betty? Just wait until not only your parents, but grandpa learns about this.” Jo-Leanna had an angry look in her eyes.

“Why are you targeting me?” Betty looked shocked at the sudden turn. “What did I do?”

“Do you want me to list everything from less than two days ago?” Jo-Leanna had a smile on her face, but her eyes were colder than ice.

“Stop it now.” Rex spoke up while struggling up after recovering a bit. “Take Rubee and go meet up with everyone for a meal Betty.” He let Jo-Leanna help him as he carried his rifle to the stairs. “So, your aunt’s a dragon?” Rex lifted one eyebrow skeptically at her.

“She’s my father’s older sister. She awoke her Draconic Blood early, allowing her to take the Dragon’s Path before she evolved.” Jo-Leanna helped Rex walk down the magic steps, arriving at the bottom unbelievably fast. “After she left her family due to political reasons, she was accepted into my mother’s clan as an Adventurer.” Rex had a confused look on his face.

“You mean she’s an Elf turned Dragon? Does that mean she can turn back into an Elf?” Rex had many questions but held back once he heard Jo-Leanna break out laughing. “What?”

“Sorry, sir.” She held her mouth as she calmed down. “I wasn’t expecting such a basic question, it's a bit refreshing.” Rex shrugged off her help as he stretched himself out. “She can shift forms, so she should be ahead in the dining hall sir.” Jo-Leanna opened the door for him to walk through.

“What’s with Betty yelling about this Dick?” Rex found himself back in the long hallway. Jo-Leanna started down one way as he followed after her.

“You mean Derrick?” She glanced back at him wondering if that was purposefully done.

“Yes, that guy. Is there some connection between them?” Rex was looking at the blank walls, it was like there were supposed to be paintings hanging around.

“He was Betty’s ex-lover, due to her grandpa not liking him. Some family drama happened, and she sort of rebelled against him in a really immature way.” She stopped to turn and give him a serious look. “That was barely a week ago.” She turned and continued onwards. “I never did like Betty when he was in the picture. Here we are, sir.”

“Captain!” Blondie stood before the doors at attention. He was fully equipped with shiny decorative armor while wielding a great sword on his back, and a small round shield on one arm. It seemed the action outside made him a tad more respectful.

“At ease, go join the feast.” Rex waved him ahead. He was trying to recall the blond guy’s name, or if he ever learned it.

“Yes sir!” He slammed open the large doors, revealing a group of now quiet onlookers. “Docket! Beer me!” He ran to the back wall, where Docket was rushing around with some of the others helping serve people.

“I forgot how many people were here.” Rex walked in as the noise picked back up. Jo-Leanna strode past the few tables full of people sunken in despair. She headed to the back tables, one held an overly excited Betty next to a greasy-looking guy. Two other men were stuffing their faces across from them. “Dick and the boys?” Rex pointed to the table, Jo-Leanna just sighed and nodded.

“Is that my little Annie? Come to aunty!” Before Jo-Leanna could react, she was grabbed in a tight bear hug. A taller more built amazon of an Ice Elf was hoisting the surprised girl in the air. Rex noted her eyes and teeth were the only dragon-like features he could make out.

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“Annie?” Rex watched as Jo-Leanna was tossed up in the air, where she glowed in a burst of cold air to readjust herself.

“Aunt Jo-Lene, please behave! Ahem.” Jo-Leanna brushed herself off as she landed, next to her smiling Aunt. “Captain, this is my Aunt Jo-Lene.” She started to introduce herself before a loud voice interrupted them.

“Bullshit!” Derrick the greasy guy slammed his hand hard against the table. “Just kill him and take it back!” He stood up, with a sword in hand. Betty was nervously moving away from him. He turned to eye up Rex, who was gripping his rifle. “So if I kill that mage I get this ship, and you? HA! Luck shines on me today!” Derrick lifted his sword as it glowed.

“Sto-” Betty tried to reach out to him, but a loud bang silenced everyone.

“My ship, bitch.” Rex lowered his raised weapon after firing at the guy’s face. The headless body dropped the dimming sword, while everything evaporated into magical particles. “What now?” They all gathered into a multi-colored ball of light and flew into his bracelet. “Benni, explain please?” Rex was looking at his bracelet, making sure nothing bad was happening to it.

“That’s your looting skill, if I’m reading this right, you can loot your kills over any distance the moment after they die.” Benni was looking through multiple screens. “Since your looting skill is so high, you will be able to acquire and unlock all magical storage devices as well.” She then witnessed a terrified-looking Betty, just staring at the spot where Derrick just was.

“Why?” Betty turned to look at Rex, but the barrel of his rifle was pointed right at her eye line. She froze installing while looking into his eyes.

“A quick death is the most mercy I will show my enemies. If you or anyone else shows any hostility towards me, I will not hesitate to kill you.” Rex looked around the room. Derrick’s two goon friends just looked back down to their food and started eating again. Locking eyes with Betty again, he gave her a hard look. “You have been nothing but a problem to me, just because I’m civil does not mean I’m nice.” He lowered his weapon as he turned back to the other group. “Problem?”

“Now that’s a man! Greg, get us some more drinks!” Jo-Lene seemed impressed, while one of her tablemates got up to fetch more drinks. “Join us, Captain.” She slung an arm around her niece as she moved to sit back down, patting to the empty seat beside her.

“Now that's the best thing I’ve heard all day.” Rex felt his rifle slide from his hands as a strap attached itself to his back, he smiled at the handy magic. “Oh medic of mine, as drinks allowed?” Rex couldn’t help poking fun at the flustered Jo-Leanna under her Aunt’s strong grasp. Her mouth was covered before she could lecture him.

“Why wouldn’t drinks be good for you?” Jo-Lene leaned his way a bit, with glowing draconic eyes. “Nice to meet you, call me Lene.” She nodded while Jo-Leanna struggled under her.

“Captain Rexford, call me Rex.” He met her stare with his own. “What is your group doing here Lene?” He picked up the cup placed in front of him, taking a quick sniff to be pleasantly surprised. “This is delightful, what is it?” He finished half a cup before Jo-Leanna broke free.

“Did you just drug my Captain?” Jo-Leanna glared daggers at her aunt.

“You are bonded, but not to him, so I’m just making sure nothing foul is happening here Annie.” Lene let go of her niece, her hands glowing as she gripped Rex’s shoulders. “What are you doing with my niece and her friends?!” Her features were softly glowing with magic, ready to turn her into a dragon at a moment’s notice.

“Nothing, I just meet them earlier. I don’t remember drugs tasting this good.” Rex finished off the drink. “Could I have another?” He held up an empty glass. Lene grabbed his collar and brought him to her face.

“What are you planning to do with my niece you bastard?!” She snarled at him angrily, while he just blankly looked at her in confusion.

“I’m planning on offering her a job, medics are always welcomed on my crew. What are you so worried about?” Rex began to rub her arms holding him up. “So strong, yet silky smooth to the touch.” He was dropped from her grip.

“What are you talking about?” She covered up the spots he was previously touching. The glow never learning her eyes, it instead intensified. “My niece was supposed to be in the Outer Ring of the Killian Cluster, but now she is on some Star Vessel in a high tier Event Field that’s active from over seven Rings out!” She pointed a finger at Rex accusing him of something.

“I just found out magic was real barely an hour or two ago, Benni, help me out here.” Rex tapped his bracelet waking up Benni from within.

“Ah! Dragoness Jo-Lene, it’s a pleasure to meet you again!” Benni flew over to hug Jo-Lene’s surprised face.

“Benni! What are you doing here? I thought Master Marvin assigned you to one of Betty’s Spirit Vessels.” Jo-Lene held the little fairy between her fingers. “How did you all end up this far away?”

“It was terrible Dragoness! First, there was the fight between the royals. Secondly, pirates captured the whole party. Thirdly, Betty shifted me into Master Marvin’s only Star Vessel and disguised it as a Spirit Ship. Now here we are.” Benni took a deep breath after speaking so quickly. “We were pulled into an Anomaly after the Captain here took over the ship, I’m guessing that’s how we are at this field.”

“What are you doing here, and with that grease stain no less?” Rex was glancing over at the two others trying to just go unnoticed while eating their fill. “I would expect a fine lass such as yourself to have better company.” He gave Jo-Lene a challenging stare.

“You should watch your tone.” A growl leaked out from Jo-Lene’s mouth as her eyes flashed a dangerous glint. Rex only smiled wider.

“You don’t scare me, honey, I know scarier.” He leaned in closer, eyes wide as he stared back at her, not giving her room.

“Play nice Lene, you’re drinking his booze.” A muffled voice said around bites of food. “Damn good chef you got here Captain.” The archer had three plates before him, only one had half its contents left. “Name’s Tendo, I’m the humble archer of Lene’s little band of mercs.” He nodded while going back to eating his fill.

“Greg.” The other man dressed in white robes sat back down with mugs for all. “We appreciate the assistance. Most are not as kind to lend a helping hand during a Raid.” Greg was almost as tall and built as Linus, yet he had the bearing of a priest from what Rex saw.

“He attacked me though! Look, it even left a mark!” Jo-Lene slammed on the table while pointing at her cheek, which held a tiny hardly noticeable scratch. “How can I get married now that I’m all scarred up.” She put on a fake pout.

“Yeah, that’s the problem.” Tendo rolled his eyes as Greg just stared into his cup, trembling from holding in his laughter. A mug shattered against his skull, spilling the contents all over him. “You’re just proving me right.” Greg shifted noticeably away from Tendo.

“Your life ends today your puny bitch!” Jo-Lene slammed her boot on the table, sending a shockwave over it, thankfully all the tableware glowed in a shield stopping them from being thrown about.

“Bring it on you lizard hag!” Tendo joined her in a staring contest on top of the table. Greg just sighed like this was a common occurrence. The temperature dropped close to freezing as a glowing aura manifested around Jo-Lene.

“It’s too cold!” Rex had enough, he slapped Jo-Lene on the rear. The cold instantly vanished as the tension cracked. Tendo burst out loud, falling over laughing. Greg nearly did a spit take as he coughed out his drink. Jo-Lene just quietly sat down, a stunning flush on her face lasted just briefly as she regained her confidence.

“Apologies Captain, I didn’t mean to lose myself like that.” She coughed gently into her hand while trying to regain her train of thought. “What were we discussing?”

“You drugged me to find out what happened to the kids.” Rex just sipped on his drink while warming back up, he was never too fond of being cold. “Was it alright for me to end that sleazy guy from before?” He pointed to where the late Derrick was killed at.

“Oh him, yeah. My group is a Mercenary Adventure Guild. We get hired to escort lower-tiered Adventurers to help them on their missions.” She took a long swig from her glass. “We were supposed to be Raiding a Tier 3 Event, but Anomalies happen.”

“If you hadn’t hit her in the face, we would have been dead.” Greg held up his mug with a large smile on his face. “The fog was hiding you all really well.” He knocked back the rest of his drink.

“Well, since we all survived so far, how about teaming up until this is over?” Rex almost settled into a relaxing mood, until he remembered he was in a dangerous area surrounded by Undead. “There aren’t any more like that ugly skeleton guy right?”

“He was the Anomaly, this should just be a large field full of monsters to hunt.” Tendo finally recovered to join the table again. “If we can bring down a boss, then we can clear the Field Event.”

“Don’t worry Captain! With the Dragoness and her team here, our chances of survival have drastically increased!” Benni was doing a small cheering routine.

“Our ship was sort of destroyed when we got swarmed a few days ago upon entering, could we trade protection for a ride Captain?” Jo-Lene turned to ask Rex, who stood up, listening for something. He unslung his weapon, turning for the door.

“We can go over details later, for now, we have to survive.” Rex stumbled as he walked towards the door. A strong hand caught him from falling.

“Then let us help you.” A smiling Jo-Lene was holding him up. “You seem to be in need of it.”

“Welcome aboard then.” Rex started to head out the doors. Benni flew in front of him, closing out a few screens.

“The bad skelly man is gone, and the field is back to being a Tier 3, so what’s the worst that’s out there?” Benni asked while looking all innocently at Rex. His face drained of color, a frightened look took its place.

“Benni, no…” Rex pleaded, but it was too late. A loud bone-shaking howl echoed throughout the castle. All the battle-ready personal grabbed their weapons and started to rush about. “That Benni, that is the worst out there.”