After the Vendular men left, all of Levi’s familiars except Serenity and Anza fused back with him. Tycen, Anna, and Piper sat down around the table while Levi brewed some more tea. They gathered awkwardly, staring at each other as the exchange between the duke and Levi was largely unexpected.

“So, before I was taken, I was following another chaos magical manifestation in this creepy lecture hall,” Levi said.

“We’re well aware of that hall,” Anna said.

“Kai tracked you to that location,” Piper said. “Here,” she pulled out a small chest and handed it to Levi.

“Oh, so this is what was forming.” Levi pushed his mana into it and opened the box. Inside the box he pulled out a few items. There was another letter, a cube, and a pyramid.

Loot: Letter #3

Loot: Cube of Redemption

Loot: Triadic Smith

“Any ideas what they are?” Tycen asked.

“Nope,” Levi said. “Let’s read.”

Letter #3

Aura control is essential for all those who use magic. Not everyone seeks to control their auras, however. I learned my techniques from magical beasts of the world and beyond. From dragons, I learned how to control my aura like a weapon. From the kitsune, I learned to control my aura as a disguise. From golems, I learned how to control my aura like a fortress.

For summoners we can learn this easier as our mana control is already much higher. Let this be a lesson: not all summons need to be for battle. Some can be to learn from. So, learn from your summons. On the back side of this letter are the ritual diagrams and a list of materials to summon dragons, kitsunes, and golems. Learn well.

Your Obedient Servant,

M. Veluvius

“Well,” Piper said. “Good thing you summoned Serenity. Did you know that you would get an aura dragon with that ritual?”

“Nope, had zero clue what I was going to get. I just knew that I was using powerful ritual materials,” Levi responded.

“That is very useful knowledge if you want to summon them, but not for a familiar just to summon and learn,” Anna said.

“We’ll add that to our training regimen when we get ready for the dungeon,” Levi said.

Item: Cube of Redemption

Epic

A cube that must be used in a ritual to unlock a redemption spell. Spell varies based on the person who unlocked the cube’s power.

Item: Triadic Smith

Epic

A pyramid with the power of a forge. Use a ritual with three other items that you would want to be forged.

Levi looked at the description of the triadic smith. It was an impressive item, but it likely required 4-star ritual magic, which he was not capable of doing yet. It said three other items along with the pyramid, which would need four ritual circles. Levi then thought about the hilt he received in the past. Perhaps the two could be used together.

Before Levi could say anything, Professor Egret opened the door with Bertrum right behind her.

“Mr. Winters,” Egret said. “It is good to see you have returned. What happened?”

“I was snatched up,” Levi said. “They kept me captive till I escaped.”

“You escaped?” Egret said with a raised eyebrow. “That is most impressive, well. I won’t berate you with questions today. I will see you in a couple of days. Recover, an event like this is not easy on anyone.”

“Thank you, professor, I will,” Levi said.

A few weeks had passed since Levi had been taken. He was fully recovered and in a good routine. The instructions from his professors were beneficial, he learned a lot about fighting, summoning, aura, and more. Levi felt like a proper summoner as the year was ending. It was less than a week away from the big battle of the guilds. Levi had never been told exactly what it was besides a big city guild-wide competition.

“You will be fighting alone,” Bertrum said. “Usually, it is the top three students fighting against the top three students. It is tournament style with the last year’s champion getting a bye.”

“Who won last year?” Levi asked.

“The same winners that it has been for a long time. Warriors.”

“I see, so it’s just combat until one team falls?”

“Yes, the dual arena is set inside a massive ritual circle that prevents death for the most part. It has happened once in a far-off land where a student went too far and killed an opponent. You should actually go check out the circle; it is amazing to look at from a ritualist perspective.”

“Then how do you survive?”

“The circle will be constantly reading your health and when it determines a critical hit or too much damage it will create a person teleport out of the arena instantly.”

“That’s pretty cool,” Levi said.

“It is,” Bertrum agreed. “Levi, I am saying this because I think it’s true. You have a shot at winning this thing. It will take some luck with scheduling, but I think you can win it all.”

“If I fight the sorcerers, I’ll be fighting Declan and Anna,” Levi said.

“Yes, friendships get tricky in the arena, don’t kill them.”

“I won’t,” Levi said. Levi had been feeling confident about his fighting abilities over the weeks of training. He had developed a good battle strategy with all of his familiars. They were very helpful; Levi had his own personal army with two swarm familiars. Levi, a man who used to not set goals, set himself a high one. He wanted to win the whole damn thing.

Later that night he and Piper had a double date with Anna and Declan. The two hadn't been official yet but were close to an actual relationship. Anna felt secure with Declan. He came from a good, powerful family, he was a top-marked sorcerer, and he was good friends with Piper. That made him a good and reliable partner. Levi felt that Declan was fine, he was sweet to Anna and Piper, which showed that he was a gentleman, but that was it. Levi felt like Anna was settling because Declan was the safe choice.

The group went to a nice restaurant and did what every normal couple does on dates: They hunted down some monsters. There was a pack of hellhounds that spawned west of the city walls. The monster was a simple monster with no insane magical powers. They were creatures of one of the hell realms, big ugly dogs with a vicious bite. They would ravage through farmer livestock. The pack was about 15 of the hounds. It hadn’t taken long for the team to effectively wipe them all out and still have time for dessert.

“You were quite impressive, Levi,” Declan said. “I hope you know that I will be looking out for those moves in the battle in a couple days.”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Levi chuckled, “that’s if I didn’t purposefully use a strategy I just developed tonight? Or not one at all.” Piper laughed and Anna shook her head with a smile. Declan looked at Levi with a confused look.

“Wait really?” He asked.

“You’ll never know,” Levi said.

The group walked back to their respective guilds. Declan said goodnight to the group and Anna with a soft kiss. Anna, Piper, and Levi all went to his suite. There Tycen had been reading a book. They all walked in.

“How was the hunt?” Tycen asked.

“Easy,” Levi said. “I could have done that by myself.”

“Well, that’s cause you have a small army,” Piper teased. “But it was easy, yeah.”

“I thought it went well, Declan did a great job at adapting to our team,” Anna said. “I think it would be a good idea to add him to our team.”

“Why?” Tycen asked without even realizing he had said it. Tycen looked down awkwardly as Anna shot him a challenging gaze. Tycen had always thought Anna was a great woman since the day that he met her. There had just been conversations about this Declan character, Tycen didn’t hate the man, but he was one note and boring. Sure, he was good-looking and reliable but was that enough? Tycen didn’t think so. It had been almost two months since joining the team and his attraction to Anna had only grown stronger, but he was not someone who would interfere with another person’s relationship.

“Because Tycen, he is a good spellcaster,” Anna said back.

“So, are you?” he responded.

“Yeah but,” Anna said, thinking of a comeback that never came. “Levi what do you think?” Anna knew that Tycen was attracted to her. She knew that he was slightly jealous and not a fan of Declan. Anna liked Tycen as a teammate but not much more than that. She definitely thought he was attractive; she had eyes. She just wasn’t sure if that was the guy she wanted or needed in her life. Anna wouldn’t describe herself as picky. Everyone else would but Anna wouldn’t.

At this stage in her life, Anna needed someone reliable and safe. That was Declan. He treated her well, was always there whenever she needed him, and she had many classes with him, which made it easy for her to be casually around him more. Anna wasn’t sure what she would do when/if she went back home. The mistrust of her father and the Vendulars still loomed over her head frequently. That made her feel uneasy, that is what pushed her to be around Declan more.

“For Declan to join the team?” Levi asked.

“Yes,” Anna said.

“If we’re voting, no,” he said.

“Wait really, why? He worked well with us today.”

“Yeah, but not our real us. I used one familiar barely. Piper didn’t set up any rituals or spell cast, and you barely did either. What would be his role when the rest of our gang, it wouldn’t work and take too long to figure out what we could do with an additional member.”

“I agree with Levi,” Piper said. “Anna, I know you like him cause he’s safe, but he would not help our team.”

“I disagree,” Anna stomped. “Let’s make a wager; if we win the battle, then he joins. If we lose, to any team, then he is out.”

“No,” Levi said.

“Deal,” Piper said. Levi sighed and shook his head.

“Why are you so adamant to have him on our team?” Levi asked.

“He is a great sorcerer and would help us in tough battles?” Anna defended.

“How would he help us?” Levi pushed.

“With his spells.”

“What spells, what ritual, what can he do that would help us be a better team?”

“He has a lot of healing spells and that could help Levi! I also LIKE him a lot and going away on trips without him sounds terrible. Besides, you don’t get a vote. It’s between the original team.”

“Wow,” Levi said. “It’s like that huh.” He shook his head. “Fine, he can take my spot on the team. Anna you’re forgetting one single important thing about our team.”

“You’re not leaving this team, Levi,” Piper said.

“And what’s that?” Anna asked, ignoring Piper’s comment.

“I have the biggest secret and the most to lose by having someone who I don’t know well and don’t really trust join us. You don’t. Someone says your last name, and they know who you are instantly. That’s what you’re giving up. I was kidnapped for being an otherworlder and some stupid prophecy. You think that I don’t get a say in the team? You think that I don’t have the most to lose? Then I’m glad you told me now because I can go find a new team or go solo.” Levi got up from his seat and walked out of the room in a big ball of frustration.

“Wait Levi,” Anna said. “Damnit.”

“That was smooth,” Tycen said, getting up to follow Levi. “I especially loved the part where you made this team a dictatorship, and we’re just your lackeys.”

“Tycen that’s not what I- you’re not my lackeys, please come back.” Anna pleaded as Tycen walked out of the room.

“What the hell,” Anna said putting her head in her hands. “Piper, what do we do?”

Piper’s body language shifted to be straighter and rigid. She was in the presence of royalty not her friend. The comments that Anna just made made it clear to Piper that it was the princess’ way or leave.

“I’m not sure my lady,” Piper said not looking at her. “It is your call.”

“Piper stop,” Anna said. “Don’t go into this guard mode, please.”

“Permission to speak freely, my lady?” Piper asked.

“Piper, you know you can, stop,” Anna said anger and panic filling her tone.

“You aren’t treating us like friends, you are treating us like servants. Which is a great reminder of our dynamic. Levi and Tycen are not servants of the Onyx Kingdom, but my family and I are. If I may be so bold, I hope this man was worth your friendships and teams, my lady.” Piper gave a respectful bow and marched out of the room. Leaving Anna standing in the room sad, angry, and full of remorse, alone.

“You alright, Levi?” Tycen asked, catching up to him.

“Huh, yeah, I’m good. You?” Levi responded.

“I do not appreciate being talked at, but yeah I am alright.”

Levi chuckled, “I’m right there with you bro.” Levi and Tycen went to the cafeteria to eat some food while they talked next steps.

“What do we do?” Tycen asked.

“Graduate. Then we talk,” Levi said. “The four of us.”

“Are you going to allow Declan on the team?” Tycen asked.

“If I had it my way, no absolutely not,” Levi said.

“I am afraid to ask but why me?”

“Piper trusted you and you are not a class that we have. As of right now we have three magic users, two spell casters, two ritualist, and one melee. I can also spell cast, although rituals are my specialty, in case you were counting.” Tycen nodded his acknowledgement. “I can perform pretty complex and rich healing rituals along with summon healing beings. Adding an additional sorcerer is asking for trouble. You weren’t with us yet and we haven’t talked about it around you, either. We were coming back from Arvendon and there was a small village that had been overran by barbarians. Some of them had a magical protection against any spells or rituals that attacked them.”

“That made you and Anna worthless in the battle,” Tycen said realizing where Levi was going with this story.

“Yessir,” Levi said. “Except I have skill with a staff and an Anza, so I was not worthless. Anna couldn’t help us at all, so she was on crowd control while Piper and I, mostly Piper, attacked the leader. That was incredibly hard on Piper and could have costed her big time. I understand that Declan is a capable spellcaster, that’s great. But not something we need on our team. You’ll be able to provide sufficient melee attacks with Piper, so we’ll have two in the front and two in the back.”

“Why not more?” Tycen said. “To just play the devil’s advocate.”

“I’m a summoner Ty,” Levi said. “Any additional need we might need; I can summon. I honestly would have said no to you, if you weren’t a warrior class.”

“And anybody who directly takes away from your ability to summoner, slows down your progress.”

“Yep, nailed it.”

“I see,” Tycen mused. “Having a summoner on a team could be a great advantage to clearing dungeons.”

“Yes,” Levi responded. “I will have to go buy a lot of materials, but I have plenty of money. A small team that is mobile and quick with the ability to summon anything we may need will ultimately be the best strategy.”

“You put your name into the battle of the guilds?” Tycen asked.

“I did,” Levi said.

“You’re going to win it aren’t you?” Tycen said looking at Levi.

“Damn straight,” Levi said. Tycen chuckled. This was the first time he had seen ultimate confidence in Levi. It was somewhat scary. There was a determination in his eyes that screamed test my resolve and you will lose. Tycen smiled to himself, he could see Levi and himself becoming very close friends.

“Not to entirely change the topic,” Tycen said.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Levi responded without letting Tycen finish his statement.

“What?” Tycen asked.

“You were gonna ask me about Anna?”

“Yes.”

“Yeah, not a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Well, you just saw why,” Levi chuckled. “Anna is great, she smart, she’s beautiful, and strong. All great qualities. She is also stuck on principles of royalty. It’s her default when things don’t go her way. Which is fine, everyone has their own thing. You don’t come from royalty. Dating someone in royalty is a big deal, no less the king of a rather large kingdom. Be her friend, be her best friend, she needs it.”

“She has Piper,” Tycen said.

“Not all the time,” Levi said. “Piper’s family works for Anna’s this leaves an awkward power dynamic when those principles come up. Once the royalty Anna comes out so does servant Piper. Eventually, Piper can and will be her equal but that’s not the case right now. Their friendship may falter before then. Anna needs a great guy friend who can keep her levelheaded, I’ll help for sure, but my morals and principles are shaky on the best of days. I love Anna, I really do. I am that supportive friend who is more like a brother.”

“I do not have many friends,” Tycen said just audible enough, he was moreso talking to himself than anything.

“That’s something you two have in common.”

“I will consider your advice, it is sound,” Tycen said. “Perhaps I should go talk to her before you.”

“Smart avian,” Levi said. Tycen stood and turned. He stopped and looked at Levi.

“You’re just as smart as anyone I have ever met, the dangerous observer.” Levi looked back and gave a smirk while wiggling his eyebrows. Tycen laughed and turned to go speak with Anna.