Levi had spent the last few days deciding what to do with Izzy. The team seemed set on adding her, but he was still not sold on the idea. He kept going back and forth, which was not helpful to the team. Levi liked the size of the team, and he knew he was due to get new familiars, which would only grow the team that much more. A familiar could cover any gap that Levi had. He wasn’t sure, but thankfully, there wasn’t any external pressure from his teammates. However, that was going to change.

Levi was getting ready for the Avington’s Gala. This was the first main event that they were going to as a team. Levi couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen.

“Vapor?” Levi said. Vapor appeared in front of him. The smoke spirit floated above the ground with her all-white hooded cloak with blue smoke designs on it. Her blue eyes appeared in the abyss of her cloak.

“Yes?”

“What do you think about the Izzy situation? You too, Anza and Serenity… actually all of you?” Levi’s familiars appeared before him. He smiled as they filled the room. “Vapor first.”

“I believe her role to be redundant,” Vapor said. Dameion shook its head.

“I agree,” Serenity said.

Yes, Anza said.

Two text boxes appeared in Levi’s vision.

I like her.

She could be fun!

“Okay, so mostly against… got it.” Levi sat on the edge of his bed, half-dressed. He put his face in his palms. “Why is this so difficult?”

“I believe I may be able to answer that,” Vapor said.

“Go for it,” Levi said, picking up his head.

“There is a golden opportunity for you to explore something new in this life. Teaching. I do believe you can be a good teacher, that should not be your priority.”

“And what should that be?”

“Getting stronger so you can defeat the crown arbor prince. Levi, you were brought to this world for a specific reason. Imagine you find a dungeon on your way back to Arcross. You want to enter it, but you cannot because Izzy is too weak. Now, you miss out on a potentially colossal training session because of the newest addition. If Izzy were of a similar rank, then this would be a different conversation. As it stands, she cannot.

“That is a good point,” Levi said. He shook his head. “I can’t keep getting stuck in this same loop. Okay,” he slapped his cheeks. “Focus, we have this gala thing and then from there I will make a decision.”

“Sensible,” Vapor said. “What is our plan?”

“Plan?”

“Do not pretend that you are not skeptic of the invitation. I do not believe for a second that you have not devised some plan for all of us to effectively do our skillset tonight.”

“It does seem highly unlikely that you would be unprepared,” Serenity said.

Levi frowned, “Am I that predictable?”

“When it comes to protecting yourself and your friends, yes, yes you are,” Vapor said.

Levi pointed back and forth between Serenity and Vapor, “you two becoming friends might have been a mistake. This feeding off each other thing is bleh,” Levi said. The two chuckled in the way a smoke spirit and an aura dragon do.

“The plan?” Vapor asked again.

“Okay here’s the plan…”

***

“Do you understand the plan?” Finley said to Bradley.

“Yes father, it makes perfect sense. I understand my role, where I should be positioned, who I shall interact with, and the time I make my move. I have that all in my memory.”

“Very good, son. Tonight will be a night that all see the true danger a summoner is.” Finley and Bradley both laughed at their masterful plan. As they were laughing, Monika walked in with her mother. The two were dressed in long orange gowns with long sleeves, and the house crest was stitched on them.

“Are you ready to go?” Monika asked, looking at Bradley suspiciously.

“Yes,” Finley said. “Where is Simon?”

“He said he would meet up there,” Monika explained. “I believe he was planning on bringing a date to the gala. Something about showing the upper echelons of society that he is taken. I do not know for certain; he’s a teenager, I hardly understand teenagers.”

“He’s dating someone?” Bradley asked.

“Apparently,” Monika said. “Some elaborate scheme he has been planning for weeks to show her off at the gala. I have no idea if she is a royal or not. All I know was that he will be walking into the event with her around his arm.”

“Interesting,” Finley said. “Fine with me.”

***

Simon Calder slipped out of the mansion early and undetected so that he could enact his grand plan. Just as Simon was leaving, he ran into his sister, who was lurking in the shadows.

“Where are you off to brother?” Monika asked.

“To the restaurant, I’m hungry; please inform our parents that I will arrive at the gala after I eat my dinner. I look forward to seeing you in person.”

“I am no messenger,” Monika said.

“Then do not tell them anything, see if I care,” he cared a little bit, but that wasn’t the point right now. Right now, Simon had to hurry to get to the designated location he had chosen. He could not be late for the meeting space. As he arrived at the park, he saw a girl sitting on a bench. She was a little older than him, just leaving her teenage years. She had fair skin with short, straight blond hair. Her eyes were brown she had slight freckles on her face.

“You’re late,” she said.

“I got stopped by my sister,” Simon said. She frowned and stood up. She was much smaller than the Calder teenager.

“Well I guess it doesn't matter; you’re here now. Are you sure you want to go through with this Si?”

Simon straightened his coat, “I do; it’s time we stop living in fear of judgment. I love you, Gracilyn, and I want my family to know about it. I cannot keep sneaking around like this anymore.”

“If you insist,” she got on her tippy toes to kiss him on the mouth. “I love you too, Simon. I hope this little plan of yours works. But I trust you, and I am excited to be accepted.” She hugged him tight. Simon kissed her forehead.

After the two’s embrace ended, they let go. Simon reached out his hand and pushed her hair back behind her tapered ears.

***

Teresa Avington was getting ready for the gala in her large powder room with her three daughters. She always enjoyed this time with the girls, as it was a chance for them to catch up. She was braiding her hair before getting to her daughters' hair.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Izzy, darling, you seem nervous what is wrong?” Teresa asked.

“I just hope they say yes,” Izzy said. “I want them to say yes, they will be my ticket to growth and advancement.”

“Surely, they are not your only option,” Teresa asked. “I am sure they will say yes, though, dear, do not worry. You’ll get wrinkles.” Izzy deepened her furrowed eyebrows. Teresa scoffed and continued. “Your father and I are quite keen on meeting the young man who took you on such a delightful date.”

“Please don’t embarrass me,” Izzy said. “That goes for all of you, especially you Jenna.” Jenna held her hand to her face in mock offense.

“I have never done anything embarrassing in my life before, mind your manners,” Jenna said. Izzy rolled her eyes.

“I have no intentions of speaking to him or to anyone really. I hate these social events,” Bekka said. “They are stupid boys trying to get me to dance or date me… can’t they see that I’m far too young for any of that?”

“Sweety you’re 17,” Teresa said.

“Yes, exactly thank you mom for understanding!” Bekka said. “I’m just going to find my corner and watch my tablet for any spikes in the magic around, for my research.”

“If you insist, my love,” Teresa said. Understanding that arguing with Bekka about this was entirely fruitless.

“Did you and dad finalize the scouts?” Jenna asked.

“Are you suspecting there to be an issue?” Izzy asked.

Teresa nodded. She made her way over to Jenna and began braiding her hair. “We are. Yes, we have hired several Spies to survey and report. They are new and not known by the other houses.”

“For what reason?” Izzy asked.

“Because there is a summoner coming,” Jenna said. “The other families may not be happy and try to do something to him.”

“Levi can handle himself,” Izzy said.

“It is not a matter of handling one self, Izzy. It is about making sure the other houses are not assuming that we are attempting to make a play for control. You understand that your father and I have no desire for leadership of the city. However, the other houses do not believe us when we say that. This is why we have people who can let us now of in impending trouble that may be rising up.”

“I understand,” Izzy said. “Politics.”

“Exactly,” Teresa nodded.

“What happens if there is something nefarious going on?”

“We rush to put an end to it before it blows up too much,” Teresa said. “That isn’t any of your concern, though. Leave that up for us to deal with. If there are any pressing issues, we will let you know.” Izzy nodded; she knew there was no point in arguing over the plans her father and mother made. The two of them worked well together and had many plans with contingency, none of which involved Izzy or her sisters.

***

Louis Qu’ant was sitting at his desk, looking at a map of the world. It had been many, many years since his great grandfather had disappeared—Ernest Qu’ant. Louis didn’t believe for one second that he was dead; he firmly believed that Ernest had reached 5-star or was still working on reaching it. Louis’ father and his father’s father all believed the same thing: Ernest was still alive somewhere. They had spent the majority of their lives searching for any clue to his existence.

Louis continued to carry that mantle. The map he was looking at was one filled out by previous explorers. He had looked at it for years, and nothing had changed—until about a year ago when something did change. Several dots appeared on the map. There were three dots in the Onyx kingdom; over the years, the dots slowly disappeared, not all at once. Then, there was a dot in Capital City. Louis had gone to the location in the city where the dot was supposed to be but found nothing. He had no idea what the dots meant.

He pulsed his mana to update the map, which he did every few weeks in case something changed. The dot in the city faded away, and his eyes grew wide. Louis had yet to tell anyone that dots had appeared on the map. It wasn't something that he felt anyone would believe him. Especially not his Uncle. He loved Paule and trusted him with his life. Louis knew Paule wanted him to give it up and focus on something more productive and worthwhile.

Louis just couldn't; something was driving him forward. Louis looked at the fading dot within the city, thinking about what could have caused it to fade.

“Sir Louis,” a male voice said from the doorway.

“Yes, Uncle?” he asked.

“Are you ready for the gala?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Louis said. He hadn’t looked up from the map during the conversation.

“Dressed like that?” His uncle asked. Louis looked up with a wry smile.

“Obviously, I will change,” Louis said. “But what are you wearing?” Louis said, trying to hide a laugh. Paule was wearing a tailored suit that fit looser with a Ranger’s cloak over it. He had his trusty weapon strapped to his wrist. The outfit looked ridiculous, a clash of combat and formal ready, in all the ways that didn’t mix well.

“I am still your guard, even at these social events,” Paule said. “However, I refuse to look like a guard only. There are people to impress after all.”

“People?” Louis said with an eyebrow raised. “Who are you trying to impress Uncle?? I have to know because I would love to spend my entire night watching you flirt. Nothing would bring me greater joy.”

“Finding Ernest would,” Paule said, nodding at the map.

“Okay, nothing else would bring me greater joy. Don’t avoid the question?”

“Do not worry about my affairs, nephew,” Paule said in his best old sage voice. Louis scoffed and rolled his eyes. “What are your plans for the night?”

“To talk to the summoner,” Louis said. “I heard that he has familiars, maybe anyone would be able to help me out with this. I have seen nothing different over the year. After the dots appeared a little over a year ago. Maybe he has a familiar that was traveling around this massive planet.”

“And what if he refuses to let you speak to his familiar?” Paule asked.

“From the intel, I have on the man, that seems highly unlikely,” Louis countered. If he does, then I will try to convince him. I am not going to use my strength to force him; that is not who I am. I do have a lot of things I could offer; maybe bribery would be better.”

“So your moral compass is loose until torture. Bribery is totally fine.”

“I’d say so. I’m not a perfect man. My moral compass is not always pointing north, but I do not believe torturing a summoner is a good idea. I’ll go get ready now,” he said, rolling up the map. As he had one final glance, his mind couldn’t stop thinking about how that last dot had disappeared within the last few weeks.

***

Levi walked out of his room, where Tycen, Anna, and Piper were waiting for him. Piper whistled as he walked out.

“Well damn,” Piper said. “You look amazing.” Levi looked at Piper, and his throat immediately dried while looking at her. He tried to speak, but the only thing that came out of his mouth was, “Whoa.” Piper laughed and walked over to him; she kissed his cheek, “I’ll take whoa.” She was wearing a formfitting yellow jumpsuit. The jumpsuit clung to her body perfectly, showing off her impressive physique. Her hair was up in a bun with two curls shaping her face. She had a shawl around her neck and shoulders, it had a pattern of gemstones, dark black, it was something clearly showing she was from the Onyx kingdom.

“You look incredible,” Levi finally got out.

“She certainly does,” Anna said, beaming. Anna was wearing a dark green gown with a light coat over her shoulders. The coat was the same pattern and design as Piper’s Shawl. Tycen was wearing a fancy purple tunic that matched his hair. He wore a black coat over it, with brown pants and brown shoes. The brown matched the color of his wings.

“We all look good,” Tycen said. “Now that we have the looks out of the way, what’s our game plan?”

“Survive,” Levi said. Piper lightly slapped his chest, shushing him.

“No,” Anna said with a chuckle. "Your goal is to find out if Izzy is good to join our team or not; do that. We are leaving in two days; find out any information you can on the best path back and if there are any dungeons or places we need to avoid. Most likely, everyone at the gala will have some interest in adventuring, which we can use to our advantage.”

“Gather information,” Levi said. “Got it.”

“The best way to do that is to trade stories,” Anna said. “Since we are the guests, our job will be to listen. Never begin with your own story; always start with listening. Then if they ask, we may share our stories that are relevant.”

“I don’t have very many,” Levi said. “I’d prefer not to announce that I am an otherworlder with a chaos affinity; just doesn’t seem like a good business decision.”

“Sensible,” Anna said. “I do want you to tell stories, and I have a feeling you will be the one most will want to talk to.”

“Good lord I hope not,” Levi said.

Tycen put a hand on his shoulder, “Sorry buddy, you’re a summoner with familiars, from a foreign land. A land that actually has a summoner’s guild. Getting people to not talk to you will be challenging enough. Those are things that people haven’t experienced. The younger crowd will be jealous the older crowd will be curious.”

“What happens if the jealousy turns violent?”

“Then you better win,” Piper said. The rest of the group laughed, all besides Levi. “Oh come on Levi. We all know you’re the strongest. Anyone who messes with a summoner is asking for a loss on their record. That shouldn’t happen.”

“Piper is right, people are afraid of what they do not know. No one really knows about summoners besides false history. Look at us. I thought less of you when we first met because of your summoner class. You single-handedly won the battle of the guilds; no other class could do that solo. That is impressive and should fill you with some confidence. You are good.”

“The best summoner I have ever met,” Piper said.

“I’m the only summoner you’ve ever met,” Levi said with a flat look.

“And yet you are the best,” she giggled and gave him a cheeky smile. Levi returned her smile with a failed smirk. “Are we splitting up or sticking together?”

“Tycen and I will split up, you two go together,” Anna said. “Tycen will be busy with the Avingtons, I’m sure of it. The two of you would just be best together, I have a fear that some families might want to throw their young scions at you Levi. Piper is a great deterrent.”

“Less of a deterrent and more of intimidation,” Piper said. Her face grew a smile of pure malice. Levi narrowed his eyes at her; she broke under the scrutiny and giggled. “Maybe not. Mostly there to let families know that they can’t just push women on to you.”

“Why is there such a fascination here with summoners when in your homeland they are hated?”

“That actually is a good question,” Tycen added.

“I believe the issue my family has with you is not the fact that you are a summoner but that you have an affinity for chaos. Which led to assumptions you were the one set to bring doom to the world.”

“That does make more sense,” Levi said. “I guess at the school people accepted me they just thought I was weak.”

“Expect more posturing like that tonight,” Anna said. "Either way, we should get going; it will take an hour or so to get there.”

“We need to find a vehicle,” Levi said.

“I agree, perhaps that is something we can find out tonight.”