Piper was at the squat rack, getting ready for her final set of squats. Levi was behind her, giving her support as her spot. The trio had gone through a vigorous workout, and Piper was the last one to complete her set. After this they would swim for several hundred meters, then end the day with meditation in the ice chambers.

“Did you really have to invite him to join our team?” Anna asked.

“Why? Were you wanting Declan to join?” Piper asked.

“You know that I wasn’t, but I at least know him. He’s a total stranger.”

“So was I,” Levi said.

“Yes, and it took some time for us to want to form a team,” Anna responded.

“You,” Piper said, racking her weights. “It took you time. I was sold the second I saw Anza. A summoner, a rogue, and a sorceress, that’s the making of a great team!”

“Anna,” Levi said. “He’s like you. Smart, determined to make a difference in this world, stupidly attractive.”

“You met him what five minutes before we did, how do you know?” Anna asked.

“He came to the summoner’s guild even though on record there hasn’t been a summoner in decades. Who does that?”

“I would,” Anna said. “It’s always good to check all avenues before leaving.”

“Hmm, how about that?” Levi said, chuckling. Piper gave her best friend a look.

The three guild students all swam their meters; Anna, with her affinity to ice and water finished the fastest. She went longer so she could continue to train her stamina attribute. Levi was last to finish as stamina was his lowest and wasn’t as high in speed as Piper. Getting out of the pool, Levi’s muscles were screaming at the workout he had put them through. They all walked into the cold ice chamber and let the coldness cover their bodies.

“I was curious about the adventure federation,” Levi said. “It doesn’t seem like it’s that big of a deal to join.”

“Depends on the city and kingdom,” Anna replied. “Here it is not. On the other side of the world, it is. It's still relatively new; within the last few centuries, did they officially call it adventures. Most people would go out with their guild mates and form teams and do the same thing.”

“But,” Piper said, picking up the explanation. “It was messy. Everyone going about doing their own thing, fighting their own monsters and conquering dungeons, it left smaller towns and cities without any real guild members. So, if a dungeon spawned near a city spewing out monsters, there was no way to get the word out to any of the teams unless they were local.”

“So,” Anna said. “Some smaller city dukes and duchesses gather together to create some sort of governing body for those who are out in the world. Thus, the Adventure Federation was born. I bet if you were to ask Tycen, since he is from the Triad Kingdom, he would probably tell you he is a member of the AF. Having the federation headquarters be in Avult is even newer only last decade.”

“Did you rehearse that? The back-and-forth storytelling, it was cute,” Levi teased. “Are those who are members called adventurers?” Levi asked.

“Around those areas yes,” Anna said, giving him a flat look for his comment. “That’s not to say it is widely accepted. Another federation is forming called the Legion Federation, much smaller usually in the kingdoms that aren’t fully accepting of the Adventure Federation.”

“What’s the difference?”

“The Legion,” Piper said. “Is less about protecting people but more about protecting themselves and their assets. Members of the Legion Federation follow less strict guidelines regarding how quests are handed out. As of right now it’s a trickle-down effect.”

“That seems like a recipe for disaster,” Levi said.

“It is,” Anna responded. “They also have an unspoken rule that if they see adventurers to attack them, a way to assert dominance.”

“So hella shady,” Levi said. “Why would they do that?”

“Because some people are just antagonistic.”

“But won’t people just see that they are in it for themselves? Not to help the ones without powers?” Levi asked.

“Non-magic users don’t care who it is as long as they are protected.”

“Oh,” Levi said. “So, the Legion prey on the fact that they were the ones protecting, not the adventurers. That’s a dirty play.”

“Just so,” Anna said. “It isn’t a problem in this area because adventurers are barely recognized. However, if we want to travel the world, which we do, it can be easier if you are a member of the federation.”

“At least for now it won’t matter,” Piper said. “But it could in fifty, sixty, seventy years, but I think it will be more well received.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Levi said. “Unless there is a way to streamline the guilds with the federation, most folks will see being a guild graduate as a major steppingstone, which it is. From my otherworlder outside perspective, there is no reason to have both how it is currently structured. But let’s say that once you pass the guild’s program and then you become a member of the Adventure Federation, who has a say at dungeons, monster hunts, monster hordes, or random quests. If let’s say the cities paid the federation then the federation could pay its members for completed contracts. Cause I assume that doesn't happen now?”

“That,” a deep voice came from outside the ice chamber. “Is not an idea without sound merit.” The timer beeped. Their time in the ice chamber finished. Waiting for the team was Tycen. “I was exploring all that this campus had to offer, since I was not used to seeing a summoner guild before. I heard people talking and assumed it was you all.”

“All good man,” Levi said.

“I agree with what Tycen said,” Anna said with much better composure this time. “Levi, that could actually make the federation better and more unified. Getting rewards for quests, monster hunts, and dungeons outside of just what each of those things gives.”

“I would be interested to explore more depth of that and get a written proposal sent to my boss, the Director. I believe that could do some real good for this world. What?” Tycen said, looking at the smirk on Levi’s face.

“Told you, Anna,” Levi said.

“Shut up, Levi,” she chided, looking away embarrassed.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

“I’m missing something,” Tycen said.

“Yes,” Piper said. “It’s best to just let it happen.”

“Alright,” he said hesitantly. “What do you say, Levi?”

“I’m down,” Levi said. “Anna you’ll have to join, I don’t know THAT much. Since Anna’s joining and I refuse to be a third wheel, Piper come too,” he said with a beaming smile. While walking out of the room.

“What is a third wheel?” Tycen asked.

“I have no idea,” Anna said.

The girls went to go shower and Levi did as well. Leaving Tycen to sit with Vapor having a conversation.

“I don’t think I have ever met a smoke spirit before,” Tycen said.

“It would be odd if you had,” Vapor responded. “Dameion, the Avatar of the Void, says hello.” Vapor said, looking at the small black hole.

“Oh hello, Dameion,” Tycen said awkwardly. “This is like a whole new world. I have never met a summoner or anyone who has met a summoner. Let alone someone with a single familiar and Levi has five.”

“For now,” Vapor said. “Once he ranks up, he will gain another two familiars. You seemed conflicted.”

“This is not what I expected coming to Arcross. Although I did not expect much. The offer to join the team is looming,” Tycen said. “I don’t suppose you have any insights?”

“What are you seeking?” Vapor asked.

“Honestly, friends. To me, that means people I can rely on and can rely on me: people that I can push to be better and those who push to make me better. I get stuck in my own ways from time to time, and that is what I want. My family is small, and I didn’t come from money or a big house. I want to be on a team where that doesn’t matter.”

“To me,” Vapor said. “It sounds like you are scared to take the leap and join our team.”

“Maybe I am,” Tycen said. “It’s a big decision.”

“It is,” Vapor said.

“That was not much insight,” Tycen complained.

“Because young Mr. Washiro, you are looking for someone to tell you the answer, not provide insight.” Vapor said. “The decision is ultimately yours. So let it be yours.”

Tycen sat in silence for a bit. He had three different beings in some way, shape, or form let him know that this was the best choice for him. That he would fit in. Yet he was resistant. He wasn’t sure why. Was it too easy, was it too natural, was it too unnatural? There seemed to be a secret amongst the three, but who doesn’t have secrets? Maybe Vapor, the creepy entity sitting next to him, was right. He was letting fear stop him from a potentially amazing opportunity. Tycen steeled his nerves and made his decision.

At dinner, Levi went to the rice bowl vendor and got one of each of the various kinds of rice bowls. The menu wasn’t extensive, but he walked away with fifteen bowls. The team plus Tycen were all eating, drinking tea, and telling stories. Tycen was silent, listening intently. He noticed the chemistry between each of them.

Piper and Anna shared a deep familiarity with each other. To Tycen, he guessed they had been friends for nearly their entire lives. Piper and Levi were dating. If it wasn’t obvious in the constant looks, they gave to each other; her legs were on top of his under the table at dinner. He also saw some friendly touches in passing between the two. Based on how much they showed their infatuation, Tycen assumed it was relatively new.

The relationship between Levi and Anna gave Tycen the most trouble. There was a connection there that was deeper than friendship but not romantic. It was like they were siblings, but they were definitely not siblings. Everything about them was different. Adoption was very normal in this world. That’s what the church is for: to help foster those who want kids and help with adoptions. It would not be uncommon to have an elf grow up with a human or a human with an avian. But families had their own culture that superseded species differences. These two shared none of the same mannerisms that would normally be present in siblings. It stumped him; he couldn’t figure it out, so he let it go.

The trio itself was like three best friends. They worked out together, ate together, probably studied together, and probably more. Tycen could tell that they worked well together and truly trusted one another. He was interested to see how they fought together, although he assumed it was formidable. Adding another person could and would mess with their dynamics, but they looked like they were that firm in their relationships that it wouldn’t fold.

“Well,” Anna said, interrupting his thoughts. “What is your answer?”

“First,” Tycen said. “Are you okay with it? It is clear you have a great group dynamic. If you are not okay with it, I will not join, no matter what my desires are. I will also not tell you what my answer would have been.” Anna smiled. Tycen looked confused yet again.

Before dinner and after everyone showered, Tycen went to send a message back to his director that everyone had been sufficiently warned and that a strategy would be made in the next couple of days. He was asked to join that strategy meeting, but he elected to simply stay in the city to monitor where the dungeon would actually be. He had written that in a messenger bird and sent it to Director Katrin.

While Tycen was away, Levi, Anna, and Piper were discussing the potential new teammate.

“Fine,” Anna said. “I’ll admit that you two were right and he would make a great fit.”

Piper cheered.

“But,” Anna said, holding up a hand. “I won’t say yes if he doesn’t somehow verify if each of us are okay with him joining.”

“Anna,” Piper admonished. “That is a harsh condition, and you know it!”

“It is,” Anna agreed. “But to join our team, it ought to be. We’re not normal and don’t have a team leader. All of us make decisions that are best for the team, and that is how we operate. Like it or not.”

“That’s fair,” Piper conceded. “I just wish you could have thought of something not so demanding. How is he supposed to know?”

“He’ll ask,” Levi said.

“You are that confident,” Anna asked skeptically.

“I am yes,” Levi responded.

“Very well then, that is my condition.” Anna said sternly.

“What?” Tycen asked.

“You just keep proving Anna wrong, that’s all,” Levi said with a chuckle.

“Shut up, Levi,” Anna snapped with a mock hurt expression. “I said, that if you ask how all of the group felt, then my answer would be a yes. So, yes.”

Tycen tried to hide his smile, but he was quite happy. “That is great to hear, I am excited to work with you!”

Anna got up and walked around the table, holding a hand to shake. Tycen shook it. " Welcome to the team, Tycen,” she said softly.

Levi also went to shake his hand, and to Levi’s surprise, Tycen dapped him up. Levi’s grin was now reaching his ears. “A brother,” Levi said, walking back to his food. Piper gave Levi a hug congrats and she mentioned how excited she was to have him on the team.

“There is something I would like to discuss in length now, the reason why I have come to Arcross in the first place,” Tycen. “Since you are my teammates, this information now pertains relevant to me. There is a dungeon that is forming just outside the city on the north end. The mana in the area is thick, meaning it is a 4-star dungeon crafter.”

“How dense is the man?” Anna asked.

“3-star,” Tycen said.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Anna said. “That would mean only 3-stars could enter the dungeon, why would a 4-star crafter do that?”

“Because it can and is likely a DC who prefers challenges rather than a high ranker coming through and easily beating its dungeon. The city will send teams of 3-star after graduation to conquer the dungeon. The other non-team magic users will stay and fight the inevitable monsters the dungeon spits out.”

“So, we’re going to a dungeon as soon as we graduate?” Anna asked. “That’s big.”

“What does dense man have to do with anything? What even is dense mana?”

“The density of mana shows the ranking of the magical manifestation. The denser the mana the higher ranked manifestation is. This is because it takes more mana to bring it into the world.” Anna said.

“That’s exactly right,” Tycen said. The area of effect of the manifestation was large and slowly developing, which is how we determined it would be a dungeon.”

“How do you know it’s a 4-star dungeon crafter?” Levi asked.

“I saw it,” Tycen said.

“You saw the dungeon crafter?” Anna said. “Outside of a dungeon is incredibly rare.”

“I believe it wanted me to see it, to let me know that this was not going to be an easy dungeon.”

“Well,” Levi said, getting up. “To the ritual room.”