“What do you mean you got a cube that was meant just for you?” Anna asked. Levi had returned to the room with Piper and Anna, discussing the quest and objectives. Anna was unsure how they had even gotten the quest without Levi purposefully giving them the quest, but he was nowhere to be found. Presumably, he was still at the guild. That was until he burst into the room with a panicked look on his face.
“I mean it says it was made for me,” Levi responded. “The description.”
“Levi,” Piper said. “What were you even doing there?”
“I was looking to see if there was another summoner here or professor, something,” Levi said.
“Why?” Anna asked.
“Because I’m alone!” Levi snapped. “If it weren’t for you two, I would have absolutely lost my mind by now. It is so lonely going to a guild where no one else lives. It’s also a little creepy. I was hoping that maybe, just maybe, I’d have someone else who understands what it is like to be a summoner.”
“We had no idea,” Piper said. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t imagine being to a new world, to a new city, and then to a new guild and doing it all by yourself. Yes, we may have attached ourselves to you, but you have been alone. I have overlooked that; that must be hard.”
“I’m sorry,” Levi said. “I shouldn’t have snapped, I am just freakin out.” Piper smiled a gentle smile.
“It’s alright Levi,” Anna said. “We’re here for you. What do you want to do?”
“I guess use the cube. Vapor, any idea?” Levi asked. Vapor manifested out of Levi and stood in front of him.
“I suggest you use it. All of us do,” Vapor replied. “Being an otherworlder is not inherently unique in the scope of the world. Your soul, even for an otherworlder, is different. Usually, souls from worlds will have a unique imprint on them signifying what reality they hail from. Yours is unlike any I have seen or felt before.”
“Have you met someone from my world?”
“I have,” Vapor nodded. “Levi, I believe you were brought here for a specific reason, and if you were given this item. I believe that reason is dangerous. You should likely take all measures you can.”
“But why?” Levi groaned.
“Why doesn’t matter,” Vapor responded. “Not right now. What matters is what and how. What are you going to do to be prepared? How are you going to get there? Why is a filler question that will simply lead to more questions.”
“We did get the quest,” Piper added. “That is likely going to answer some whys. And, Levi,” she stepped close to him and grabbed his hand. “I’m going with you, so you’re not alone.” Anna walked up and put her hand on his shoulder.
“You’re stuck with me too,” she said.
“I know this is overwhelming Levi,” Vapor said. “There is no time limit on either of those, I suggest you finish your guild, and we work together to complete this quest.”
“Thanks, y’all,” the scared Levi said. His nerves were starting to settle. “You’re right; let’s focus on finishing the guild. I think the two cities are more linked than people are made to believe.”
“What makes you say that?” Anna asked.
“Gut feeling,” Levi shrugged.
“Hmmm,” Anna said with assessing eyes.
“The summoner’s guilds were exactly the same just mirrored,” Levi capitulated. “It was odd; I walked in and knew where everything was instinctively just slightly off. I find it odd that it was the exact same. The tables in the cafeteria were the same, and the bricks and the layout were the same. The weight room was the same. That doesn’t seem like a coincidence to me.”
“A lot of guilds are similar,” Piper suggested.
“I wondered that, but this was identical,” Levi pointed out.
“Interesting,” Anna mused. “Let’s see what happens when you use the cube.”
Levi nodded and pulled out his upgraded wand as he did, he handed the older wand to Piper. “Here, I think you can use this now with your class evolution.” She took it and said quick thanks. He began conjuring a ritual circle in one rune slot he placed the cube of ascension in the other rune slot he stood. The glowing lines grew brighter as Levi placed a hand on one of them. The cube of ascension turned bright white and merged into Levi. For a brief second, Levi was glowing the same color as the cube before the light faded.
Item: Cube of Ascension
Has been consumed.
Consumption has triggered title transfiguration
Levi Winters has transfigured from Otherworlder to Chaotic Paragon
Chaotic Paragon has unlocked a hidden ability
Hidden Ability: Chaotic Harmony
Ability: Chaotic Harmony
Doing what seems impossible has been achieved. You have found a way to unite harmony with the disorder of chaos. Chaotic Harmony allows user to have significant control of auras and the user’s soul. Anyone who attempts to read your aura or soul will be unable to do so. Your passive aura creates harmonious moment.
Harmonious Moment
Chaos
Passive effect: Any ally within the aura experiences bonus regeneration to mana, stamina, and health at an increased rate. The rate increase is dependent on the star rank of the user. Current rank to regeneration percentage is 60% faster than usual.
Chaotic Paragon
Achieving what should not be possible has been done. The Paragon is one who can use and control chaos to be a powerful ally. Chaos has been perfected by you. All spells, summons, rituals, or effects that are chaos-oriented will have additional damage.
“That was a whole lot more than just aura or soul powers,” Levi said. He looked at his arms and felt no physical changes. His body wasn’t glowing, he didn’t feel any different. The main difference was his aura. It was much stronger; he could feel the difference, it was less raw and more contained untapped potential. Levi felt like it was nitrous oxide begging to be used in a drag race.
“Chaotic Paragon,” Anna repeated. She pushed out her aura and to her senses, Levi was not there. “You’re invisible to my aura senses, can you change that?”
Levi shrugged and gave it a shot. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his aura. He could see it; he had never been able to see it. It looked just like his orb of chaos, with flashing red energy streaks surrounding his body. Something about it was beautiful though, the way the streaks swirled around his arms and legs. How it could be pushed out in a small sphere, he retracted it to just cover his skin. He opened his eyes and encouraged Anna to try again.
This time, Anna could sense that Levi was in the room but barely.
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“That is amazing control,” she marveled.
“Thank you,” Levi said.
“What is Chaotic Paragon,” Piper asked. “Seems like that shouldn’t be a thing. How do you perfect chaos?”
“No clue,” Levi said.
“Surely,” Anna added. “There has to be some explanation.”
“I bet there is,” Levi said. “We still have four more secrets to unfold.”
“That’s right,” Piper said. “We’ll try to help you as much as we can, Levi. I bet our parents are going to want us to hang around them as much as possible while we’re here.”
“That’s fine,” Levi said. It was almost time for dinner, but Levi was still concerned. “Will your father,” he said looking at Anna. “Notice a difference?”
“If you can somehow get your aura back to how it was when he met you, no,” she responded.
“I take it you don’t want to tell Uncle?” Piper asked.
“Definitely not,” Levi said. “No offense to either of y’alls family. This is a secret I would very much like to keep close to my chest.”
“That’s fair,” Piper said with a genuine smile. “It’s your secret.”
“Well, I guess, it’s our secret now,” Levi said. “Sorry about that.” Piper walked up and grabbed his hand.
“Please don’t apologize for making our lives more exciting,” Piper said.
“Yes,” Anna added. “I love that we get to learn more about the true history of our city. This is what adventuring is. Plus, it’s a quest. I don’t mind lying to my family!” Anna said with a smug smile.
“Not what I was expecting from you,” Levi said. “But happy to hear.”
“Now, you two have much to discuss,” Anna said. “I’ll leave you to it. Don’t be late. Vapor?”
“Yes Lady Anna,” Vapor said.
“Can you come with me? I have some questions,” Anna said.
“I can, but I will not be able to fuse with you,” Vapor said. “I will be able to transform my body into a small smokey bird, if that is okay.”
“That works, you’re a smoke spirit, so how many forms can you take?” Anna asked.
“Many,” Vapor said. As smoke arose a small smokey gray bird sat on the shoulder of Anna. The pair left the room.
“What do we need to talk about?” Levi asked. Piper leaned and kissed him. They held the kiss for several seconds.
“That,” she said with their foreheads touching. Piper was on her tippy toes and Levi was bending over.
“Well,” Levi said. “That was nice.”
“It was long time coming,” she smiled. “Not exactly what I needed to talk about, but Levi, I wanted to ask what we were?”
“Oh,” Levi said nervously. “Uhh honestly, I thought that we were a couple,” he gave a nervous chuckle and scratched his head.
“You did??” she exclaimed.
“Well yeah, we tried to kiss several times, I dunno, I just thought,” he stammered.
“You’re very awkward, Levi Winters,” she said. But you’re my awkward, so it’s fine. Honestly, I had thought we were something, but you know I am with little Miss Gorgeous, so I always want to make sure. Then, I wanted to have that information before we meet my parents.”
“That’s fair,” Levi said. “Any tips?”
“Honestly no idea, I have never brought home a guy. This is new waters for both of us. How are you with rich people?”
“I have never really met any to have a judgment,” Levi said. He untangled himself and started to change, getting ready for dinner. “What’s considered rich here? I have gotten a lot of money from loot and rewards.”
“Have you gotten gold pieces?”
“Yep, I have about a hunnid or so,” Levi said.
“Then yes sir,” she giggled. “You are rich. Quite rich.” She changed as well. The two of them started walking toward the dining hall. Anza, like usual, was walking on the right side of Levi. “As you know, most people use copper pieces and some silver, rarely is gold used. You could buy a small house with one or two gold pieces in smaller villages and towns. High-end inns that have all amenities covered, food, drinks, and a nice room could cost you a few silvers a night.”
“Oh damn,” Levi said.
“How much do you have?” Piper said with raised eyebrows.
“12,530 copper, 1330 silver, 118 gold, no platinum yet, but not really expecting to find any of those anytime soon.”
“Damn,” Piper said. “How did you find so many so quickly?”
“Like I said, the rewards and loot,” Levi said.
Anna and Vapor were walking toward the dining hall.
“What is it that you wanted to discuss?” Vapor asked.
“Have you been on our world for long or are you from another realm?” Anna asked.
“I have been here for nearly seven centuries,” Vapor responded. “Why do you ask?”
“Have you heard of the prophecy that is somewhat known?” Anna asked.
“I do not,” Vapor replied.
“It was said that there would be a magic user who is from a distant land who would be able to fight a dangerous summoned monster who is prophesized to be here.”
“And you believe it pertains to Levi. Do you believe him to be the fighter or the summoner?”
“At first, the summoner. I can’t think that anymore, I’ll admit his new aura doesn’t fill me with the most confidence in that regard.”
“Then why change your mind?”
“Honestly, it’s the harmony ability that unlocked. Why would someone who was truly evil help his allies that much? That doesn’t make sense then how he interacts with chaos itself and with all his familiars. You are not his servants. You all are his friends, and he fully believes that. Would some truly evil have that?”
“If the familiars are also truly evil,” Vapor pointed out.
“I guess that’s fair,” Anna conceded.
“What is it that you’re concerned about?” Vapor asked.
“My father,” Anna said. “I love him a lot. He rules with an iron fist, we came to power with war, so our history tells us we are the dominant force. We won and that is what our history is. If he senses even a little bit of evil or belief that Levi is the summoner in the prophecy, Levi won’t be able to leave; he might not be able to leave alive.”
“I see… you care for him. It is all over your aura,” Vapor said.
“I do, he’s definitely grown on me. It’s like he is my closest guy friend ever. He challenges me intellectually and I am sure once we leave the guilds, he’ll be my rival at dungeon completions and monster hunting.”
“Most likely,” Vapor agreed. “From my short experience with Levi, there is something that I appreciate about him, but it could be his downfall. He pushes himself hard, but he fails to meditate and allow the turmoil within him to be freed. I request that you and Lady Piper help encourage him not to follow this path long-term and force him to rest. I am aware this is an important dinner but let us not follow the objectives tomorrow but rest.”
“You care about him too,” Anna teased.
“I do, although not in the way you do. I respect him the way a knight respects and protects its kingdom. With a deep sense of duty, loyalty, and reverence.”
“Is that the same as Willow and Anza?” Anna asked.
“No, Anza has a sisterly sense of care and subservience due to Mimic Alphas' nature to their Omegas, which the two are. Willow, I believe, is like me, but it is young and still coming into its own.”
“So, you all have a deeper sense of connection to Levi than what we feel?” Anna asked,
“Just so,” Vapor responded.
“Oh okay,” Anna pondered.
“I cannot make assurances that tonight will go amazing, but I know that Levi will do his best to make things as calm as possible. If not for anything besides he is an awkward person who hates awkward situations.”
Piper and Levi were walking to the dining hall, holding hands. Piper was wearing a beige sun dress with an elegant black coat over it. It was in the onyx style, which was sleeker and elegant. Levi thought it was similar to the 1920s meets fantasy—pinstripe tuxedoes with sword sheaths in a belt—fur coat scarves with sundresses that felt a bit more mystical. Levi wore the reversible suit that Hentay had made for him. It was not as sleek as the outfits of the rest of the Arvendon style, but it still fit in with the Onyx style. He had his plum shirt on, and the cream-colored suit and slacks; Levi never got to dress up too often back home. One look in the mirror and he was feeling himself.
Levi didn’t have a sword, being a summoner and all. He learned that his staff was retractable, so he kept the carbon fiber staff on his hip. He didn’t think he would need it, but he could never be too cautious. Anza was next to him, and Willow was fused. He could feel Willow give him some confidence. He loved his familiars. They were his best friends and were constantly cheering him on.
As they got closer, he saw a small gray bird fly and sit on top of Anza. Smoke appeared and it transformed into the mysterious hooded cloaked form of Vapor. From the same direction, Anna walked out. She, too, was wearing a sundress and an elegant coat, but the dress was onyx black with shiny stones at the bottom, and her coat was ice blue. Levi had to admit the two friends looked very good.
“How often do these kind of events happen, where we get to dress up like this?” Levi asked.
“It depends,” Anna said. “With us, more frequently than with other teams.”
“I can’t believe I’m rich and this is my life,” Levi mused. They walked into the main entrance of the dining hall. It was a massive room with an open chapel ceiling. There was a magnificent chandelier made of magical onyx that lit up like light bulbs. There was a large dining table made from white wood. There at the table sat several adults. Some of them looked the same, and others did not. Levi only recognized the lord Leandro. He quickly spotted the Vendulars as they all looked like Piper. They were all having a conversation, eating, and laughing. The plan was to be a surprise for Piper’s family. The room went silent as they turned to see the trio plus Anza walk in.
Piper let go of Levi’s hand before they walked into the entrance. She loved Levi, but that was not how she was going to introduce him to her father. She was smarter than that. Vapor had fused with Levi once again. It was suggested that perhaps having a creepy hooded cloak entity upon the first meeting would be frowned upon. Vapor begrudgingly complied.
“Welcome home, Anna and Piper! And their friend, Levi! I hope you enjoyed our surprise, old friend,” Lord Leandro said to Duke Trey Vendular he had a smile that could blind the sun.