Esteban moved as quick as he could without being noticed. Even at his age, he still possessed the wherewithal to move unseen in the crowded streets. He slipped into an ally and moved between the buildings. In the tower, there was always an abundance of light, never letting the shadows pool in such alleys. Nevertheless, Esteban walked with an easy gate that would not draw eyes to his purpose. Two sharp knocks and a door opened, providing entrance to a dark room. When the door was shut again, an essence lamp was uncovered, revealing a gangly looking man with a sharp nose and golden eyes.

“Report, Travis.” Esteban said as he moved to the table, sitting down with a sigh.

Travis joined Esteban, pulling out a bottle of wine and pouring two glasses.

“The Buchman estate is in an uproar.” Travis said after taking a sip of the wine. “Their factories have been shutdown for two weeks and our agents inside the estate report that the family is holding Felina Buchman to blame.”

Esteban took a sip of the wine and nodded appreciatively. “Very nice. Is this from their wine cellar?”

Travis shook his head with a smile. “No, this my friend is from the Atahchi cellar.”

Esteban almost coughed up his wine. “You have made it into the Atahchi house already?”

Travis nodded proudly. “It was a stroke of luck really. They needed more guards posthaste. Slipped in five as well as one maid.”

Esteban looked at the man skeptically. “Why in the world would the Atahchi family need more guards? They have the largest standing army in the tower.”

Travis shook his head. “I have no idea, but my agents tell me that the grounds are empty. My five guards have been pulling double shifts. It’s like his other army has disappeared.”

Esteban tapped his finger on the table. “When you find out, use the emergency communication.” Esteban pulled out a small bracelet that matched his own. “It will only work for five minutes before it burns out.”

Travis took the bracelet, admiring the barely visible runes. “Expensive, but it will be done.”

Esteban nodded and finished his glass. “Stay safe.” He said, clasping the other man’s arm.

Travis mirrored the act. “You can count on it.”

Esteban left quickly, quietly and unseen.

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

“We have been waiting two days.” Dante grumbled while he paced in the sitting room. The rest of Serist De had been watching this with some amusement.

“Dante, stop.” Jasmi said calmly. “They have sent who knows how many Adventurers into the dungeons to intercept whoever is trying to steal the dungeon cores.”

Dante stopped and shook his head. “I know, but I feel like I am missing something.”

Kelsi looked up from her book. “Like what?”

Ferris snorted. “Well if he could tell us that, he wouldn’t be pacing about like a caged animal. Dante, we have the Council and the Adventurers Guild working on it. There is no one else to help unless we can contact the Gods themselves.”

Dante looked at Ferris and snapped his fingers. “That’s it!”

Ferris raised an eyebrow. “You want to contact the Gods?”

“No.” Dante said flatly. “But we could contact a spirit.”

The group paused and as one looked to Jasmi and her enchanted necklace. She groaned, smacking her forehead. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Well?” Ferris said. “Hurry up.”

Kelsi punched Ferris causing him to rub his arm.

“Don’t rush her.” Kelsi said. “Miss Telis said it was dangerous.”

“You are far too strong for your size.” Ferris grumbled while scowling at Kelsi.

Jasmi stood from the table. “I will try it in my room. Please stay quiet so I can concentrate.”

“Jasmi.” Dante said quickly. “I forgot that it was dangerous. You don’t have to do it.”

Jasmi smiled. “I want to. Besides, it is the right call.” She stepped into her room and closed her door.

Sitting on the floor. She used her breathing exercises to calm herself. After a few moments, her heart beat became slow and even. She touched her necklace and activated the enchantment.

Her room faded into darkness and lights floated in the distance all around her. She couldn’t see the floor underneath her but could still feel it. She realized that the lights represented the spirits in the tower. She stood wide eyed as she noticed that there were thousands of them. She turned, looking for the nearest spirit. They were all some distance away so she singled one out and called to it with her magic. The light she had focused on started to move closer and she watched nervously as the ball of light floated before her.

“A Death Mage calls.” The spirit said, its voice carrying an odd echo. “How may a servant of the tower be of assistance?”

Jasmi gulped. “Honorable spirit, the tower is in danger. I seek information on those who would steal the dungeon cores.”

The spirit vibrated and it took every ounce of Jasmi’s control not to step back.

“I will honor the tower.” The spirit said and then rushed off.

Jasmi couldn’t follow the light and was soon staring off into the distance at the other spirits who moved along. She understood now why this place could be so dangerous. She could feel her mind rejecting what was around her. It took all of her concentration to remain still and calm. She waited a few brief minutes but they felt longer as she stood nervously alone. The spirit came forward abruptly, causing a squeak to escape her lips.

“Death Mage.” The spirit said eerily. “I have found new souls near the dungeons.”

Jasmi looked confused until realization dawned. “You mean those that have recently died?”

The spirit bobbed. “Yes. Many deaths. Not all were honorable. They speak a name. Atahchi.”

Jasmi felt the pit of her stomach drop. “Have the dungeon cores been removed?”

“Not yet.” The spirit said. “Know this. The honorable fight but the dungeons do not care for honor. Many will die. The dungeons will grow strong if they are not destroyed. Very dangerous.”

“Thank you, honorable spirit.” Jasmi said with a bow. “I will heed your words.”

The spirit world disappeared and Jasmi once again saw that she sat in her room. She stood up, her legs a little wobbly, and opened her door to find the others setting the table for dinner.

“Atahchi.” Jasmi said with disdain as she sat at the table. “The Atahchi family is behind this.”

The rest of Serist De sat as well, the heavy silence draped over the room.

“There is more.” Jasmi said. “They are fighting in the dungeons. None of the cores have left them but the deaths in the dungeons will strengthen them. They are becoming more dangerous by the minute.”

Kelsi sat forward, looking at the group. “So, we need to contact Mrs. Bell and the Academy.”

“And then what?” Gretta asked, sitting beside Jasmi. “It looks like Jasmi is a little weak on her feet and I don’t think any of us should go anywhere alone.”

Dante nodded. “I agree. Ferris and I will run over to the guild and inform Mrs. Bell first. She can probably get ahold of the Academy and the Council faster than we can.”

Kelsi nodded. “Yes, but eat first. Jasmi, tell us everything in case they need specifics.”

They all ate while Jasmi went over her conversation with the spirit. By the time she was finished, Dante and Ferris ran out the door to inform Mrs. Bell of the news.

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Lucinda Bell looked over the maps of each dungeon. The two largest dungeons were not fully mapped out but she looked over each map moving several objects of what looked like chess pieces over them as a row of Mages kept in contact with various teams.

“Boss.” One of the Mages called out. “Kobal dungeon core is secure but the monsters are spawning quick. Our Adventure’s need help.”

Lucinda looked over the maps again. “Send in Melinda’s team, they are closest in reserve.” The Mage nodded as Merry came through the door.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

“Boss.” Merry said cheerfully. “Dante and Ferris are here to see you.”

Lucinda waved them both in as Merry shut the door behind them. Both of them noticed the deep shadows underneath the Guild Master’s eyes confirming that she hadn’t had a decent night sleep in the past two days.

“What can I help you with.” Lucinda said tiredly.

Dante reported what Jasmi had told them and Lucinda balled her fists, her anger evident to everyone in the room.

“That greedy bastard!” Lucinda hissed. She turned to one of the Mages behind her. “Jeffrey! Contact the council and the Academy. Give them the bad news.” The Mage nodded with a grim look.

Dante looked at the maps spread out on the table. “Mrs. Bell. Can we help at all?”

Lucinda looked up at the boys, her anger fading. “I wish I could say yes. We are spread thin covering all the dungeons. But your team is still green. Too new to work in this large of an operation.”

“What about the Atahchi family?” Dante said. “You could use us there.”

Lucinda shook her head. “I appreciate it but we would need proof.” She could see Dante was about to retort but held up her hands to silence him. “I understand what you said earlier and trust me that I believe you, but taking out a merchant family is costly. We need hard evidence to the fact.”

Ferris pointed to the maps. “You haven’t taken any prisoners?”

Lucinda sighed. “No. The dungeons are more hostile than we have ever seen. The monsters are killing both sides left and right. From what you told us; it makes a lot of sense. More deaths feed the dungeons making them stronger.”

Dante looked over the maps. He had the oddest feeling that he didn’t need to be there anyways. The Essence around him kept pulling his attention upwards, as if to direct him to go to the higher floors.

“Mrs. Bell, I don’t claim to know for certain, but I feel that I need to be somewhere. Somewhere higher in the tower.”

Lucinda looked at him for a few moments and then shook her head. “I can’t spare anyone and I would advise you to only go with a stronger force than you have now.” She looked directly into Dante’s eyes. “I can’t stop you but trust me. Alistern Atahchi is dangerous and so would anyone he kept close to himself.”

Dante nodded. “Could you send a message for me to the Historian? Tell her the Serist De needs assistance.”

Lucinda smirked at the boy. She had seen so many young Adventures die from being too cocky or arrogant but nothing about Dante seemed as such. He looked like someone on a mission, determination lighting the boy’s silvery eyes.

“I will let them know if you promise to wait for a response.” Lucinda said.

Dante and Ferris nodded and she shooed them out of the room. Merry came in a moment later setting a hot cup of coffee on the table for the Guild Master. Lucinda picked up the cup and took a tentative sip.

“Think they can do it?” Merry asked with a smile.

Lucinda set her cup down. “Do what?”

“Oh, you know.” Merry said. “Save the world.”

Lucinda snorted. “You have been reading those old fables again.”

Merry leaned against the table. “Fables had to come from somewhere. Besides, Serist De is a strong group.”

“They’re young. Too young.” Lucinda said, her eyes unfocused, looking off into the distance.

“Mom.” Merry said sadly. Her older brothers and sister were all gone. Dying in the very dungeons they were trying to protect. It was something they never spoke of. The pain of their loss was always a hard reminder at how dangerous the world could be.

Lucinda smiled at the young woman, hugging her tightly.

“Get ahold of your father. He will want to help them.” Lucinda said, smiling down at her daughter.

Merry smiled, wiping the tear that fell down her cheek.

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

The Historian poured over the books that laid open on the table. Ever since Dante told her about his dream, something had tickled the back of her mind. Something familiar. She finished another book and closed it, setting it aside and rubbing her tired eyes.

“Something. I’m missing something.” She grumbled quietly to herself as she pulled another book off the shelf.

The oldest books in her archives were all in Ancient Kahlean. The problem with the language was that each word had a double meaning. The Historian had to read the books twice over and that took more time than she felt she had. The trader language that they all spoke now was much simpler. It was also a necessity since the towers were comprised of people from across the land. Many languages were lost when people left their homelands for the protection the towers offered.

“Es vela tu velis tel fem King Mason les pron Essence.” She read allowed from the old text. She translated it to, “Those loyal and vigilant stand with King Mason the master Essence.”

Her sapphire eyes lit up as she punched her fist into the air. “Not the master of Essence! The First Essence!”

She quickly looked through the other books, scanning for any mention of the other Essence Mages. She laughed again as she found another entry of Calva, the third Essence. And again, when she found a small entry about Tanya, the eighth Essence. She sat back in contemplation.

“What does it mean though.” She wondered aloud. “Why word it like this instead of calling them the first Essence Mage or the eighth Essence Mage?” She was interrupted when Senior Instructor Williams and Dean Marcus entered her library.

“Alexandra.” The Dean called out to her. “Any luck so far?”

She didn’t bother looking up as she answered. “Some. The wording is odd though.”

The Dean and Williams stepped around the table to look over her shoulder. She gave them both a glare when they did so but then again, they were trying to solve the puzzle of what Dante told them as well.

She sighed in resignation and pointed out what she had found.

“Ahh.” The Dean said with a smile. “The Ancient Kahlean language is literal and cryptic at the same time. Whoever came up with the language in the first place was clever indeed.”

Williams frowned. “How is being literal and cryptic ever a good thing? It sounds like a bunch of politics.”

The Historian cackled. “That is correct on both counts. Ancient Kahlean was made for politics. A way to seal contracts with hidden meanings. Hence why it was only used by nobles or wealthy merchants. The common people all spoke the trade language which is why it survived easily and all other languages fell away.”

Williams looked thoughtful. “Then the Historians were all nobles?”

The Dean smiled. “Yes. Most third or fourth born sons and daughters became Historians or scribes in high standing.”

“Humph.” Grumbled the Historian. “Bunch of over inflated wind bags is what they were. Always trying to be as fancy as they could. Every story about Essence Mages is more flowery than an Alchemist’s garden.”

“I don’t understand.” Said Williams. “If the language is both literal and cryptic, wouldn’t the flowery words as you put it, just be a way to hide the truth in plain sight?”

The Historian and the Dean paused, staring at Williams. Once the shock wore off, they both jumped to the shelves, pulling out any fables they could find written in Ancient Kahlean.

“You’re a genius, Williams.” The Dean said, not bothering to look over his shoulder. “A damn genius!”

“Don’t overfill that head of his.” The Historian scolded. “He might try to tie his own shoes again with a fork and knife.”

Williams laughed; the sound echoed in the library. “And who was the one who said I couldn’t do it, Alexandra? You should know better than tempt a Steel Mage with a challenge.”

She turned and glared at him. “Well, I admit that I didn’t think you could tie your shoes in the first place.”

The Dean laughed. “Let it go. We have a lot more work to do and time seems to be in short supply.”

The Historian turned back around to continue her search. Also, to hide the grin that tugged at her lips. It had been decades since Marcus, Magnus, Bell, Williams and herself had adventured together but they all still acted the same. She admitted to herself that those were probably the best years of her life. She let the thought drop as she focused on her task.

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

Dante sat at his desk, reading through the book that Dean Marcus had gifted him with. It was evident that this book had been translated since some of the words didn’t make sense. Still, he found himself eager to learn of his family’s history. None of the stories stood out like the stories of legends but in every page, he realized that not all heroes were powerful. Several accounts read that his family was more supporting than anything else.

They established the Council and then refused to take part in it. Then they built up the merchants, helping them adapt to the tower and continue their trade, but then they never became merchants themselves. To Dante, it seemed that his family could have attained a vast amount of wealth and power but they never did. They were more like Instructors, guiding everyone through the transition of living in the tower. There was only a small mention of King Mason when he first started the building of the tower but then he left to build more towers. Dante finally closed the book and sighed to himself. The book ended four hundred years before Dante was even born and no one had seemed to care to continue with it.

“Why did they do that?” Dante wondered aloud. It was as if his ancestors were trying to fade into the background to be forgotten. Dante shook his head at that. It made no sense to him and probably never would. Resigned to never understanding, he decided to practice his magic.

He sat on the floor, closing his eyes and feeling the Essence around him. Essence had told him that he still had much to learn but to Dante, it was as if trying to fish without a rod. Discovering his own capabilities was an effort in frustration. He deeply wished he could ask someone for help. Still, he sat in silence, feeling the Essence and reached out with it. His senses came alive as his Essence Pulse activated. He could see Ferris grabbing another snack from the kitchen. He saw Kelsi reading at the table, stealing glances at Ferris. Gretta was writing sheet music with her violin sitting next to her and Jasmi was meditating. Dante watched her for a while, remembering something she had said about knowing yourself.

An idea struck him and he focused on his Essence Pulse again but this time, focused in inward. It was hard to grasp at first so he tried again and again. He cursed under his breath in frustration after an hour of futility, but he let his impatience go. “No doubts.” He thought to himself as he sat back down and focused on his breathing. His breaths were uneven, so he focused on that first. Once he was able to even his breathing, he felt his heart slow to a stead thud in his chest and his mind calmed, erasing errant thoughts that would distract him. Once he felt calm, he pulled the Essence surrounding him inward. The silvery mist pulled in close, hugging him and he could feel a slight buzz of anticipation from the mist. Slowly, he concentrated inward and cast his Essence Pulse again. He suddenly felt an influx in pressure. His muscles filled with energy and the buzzing Essence moved throughout his body. He felt his teeth shake and a small ball of pressure built up behind his eyes. The pain was echoing through his system but it didn’t feel wrong. The tower was dense with Essence and he pulled it in greedily. His boned felt heavier, his veins bulged but his heart kept an even, slow beat which was an odd feeling with all that was happening.

Then, before he felt like he would burst, the pressure faded away. He tried to blink open his eyes but couldn’t. It was as if he didn’t have eyes anymore. He quickly sent out an Essence Pulse and the world around him showed itself. He saw everything within a hundred feet of him at once and he felt himself become disoriented. Usually his Essence Pulse didn’t feel like this. It was stronger, more detailed. He could see his desk next to him but at the same time, he couldn’t see it. No, what he could see was the Essence in the desk, and around the desk. To say something looks fuzzy and clear at the same time would be wrong but that is what Dante was experiencing. He tried moving forward but his legs weren’t moving. When he sent out another Essence Pulse, he realized, he didn’t have legs. In fact, he wasn’t sitting or standing at all but floating.

With a bit of concentration, he willed himself to the door. It took a moment to move forward but he was able to after a few excruciating long minutes. When he reached the door, he realized he had no hands to turn the knob. Wanting to shout in frustration, but having no vocal cords to do so, he tried to push himself into the door. He felt the pressure of the door but oddly, it had a little give. He willed himself forward again and felt the pressure surround him. Suddenly, he felt a pop and he lost all concentration and was suddenly falling to land outside his door startling Kelsi and Ferris who were both sitting at the table.

With a groan, he turned onto his back and pulled himself up into a sitting position.

“Dante?” Kelsi asked warily. “What did you do?”

Dante looked over his shoulder tiredly and gave a small apologetic smile.

“I’m not sure.”

With that, he laid back onto the floor and darkness claimed him.