Levi lay on his bed with Piper resting her head on his chest, her fingers lazily tracing patterns across his skin. A big, goofy smile spread across his face.
“So,” Piper said softly, breaking the silence, “want to tell me what’s going on?”
“We just had sex, and a song is playing in my head right now,” Levi said, his grin widening.
“Not that, you dunce,” she said, playfully smacking his chest. “I know you didn’t leave the gala just for this. Something’s on your mind. What is it?”
“I honestly thought I’d never have sex,” Levi admitted. “I was planning on waiting until marriage, and, well... let’s just say I never got the opportunity. But, damn.”
“Levi, I need you to focus, love,” Piper said, sitting up to look him in the eyes.
Levi laughed, the sound carefree. “My family would be so proud.”
“If what follows that sentence is about us having sex, I will slap you,” Piper warned.
Levi’s laughter grew louder. “Nah, I’m just messing with you. What I meant was... tonight made me think of them. My family would be proud of me.”
Piper tilted her head, curious. “Why’s that?”
“My sisters were athletes,” Levi began, his voice growing softer. “Athletes are people who compete in sports for entertainment. They both played at the highest level. I remember going to their matches, watching them compete in arenas double the size of the one tonight. I once asked my sister what it felt like to perform in front of such a big crowd. She told me it was electrifying. I never understood what she meant... until tonight.
“Walking out into that arena, feeling the energy of everyone watching, even the ones hoping I’d lose—it was incredible. For the first time, I understood what she meant. It made me think of them. They always believed in me, always pushed me to find something I was good at and chase it.” He paused, his voice dropping. “It’s a shame they’ll never get to see it.”
“Beating up old men?” Piper teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“Especially that,” Levi said with a smirk. “But seriously, I found something I’m good at, and I’m chasing it. That’s what they’d be proud of.”
Piper placed a hand on his cheek. “I bet we can find a way home for you.”
“I’m sure we could,” Levi replied. “But to a world without magic? A world without you? Without Anza, Serenity, Dameion, Crystal, Willow, and Vapor? No, thank you. I love and miss my family, but that’s no longer my life.”
Piper smiled and kissed him gently. “I’d go with you, silly. You’re stuck with me, Levi Winters. After tonight, I’m definitely not going anywhere.”
Levi chuckled and shook his head. “Good.”
“Now, let’s get dressed before the others get back,” Piper said, standing up.
“Okay,” Levi replied with a grin. As Levi was pulling up his pants, he looked over at Piper. He stared for a moment. Feeling his gaze, she turned and smiled.
“Yes?” Piper asked shyly.
“Thank you,” Levi said, his voice barely a whisper.
“For the sex?”
Levi chuckled, “No… well, yes, but not what I’m thanking you for. I know I haven’t spoken about my family a lot, but being able to talk about my sisters and all that today was nice. It was very nice. I feel lighter and less burdened. I am really grateful for you Piper Vendular. You’ve been huge for me since I’ve arrived here. Without you, I think I’d gone crazy.”
“I somehow doubt that,” Piper said. “You’re a resourceful man and have the strongest of familiars.” She walked around the bed to hug him. “I told you, you were worth the attention.”
***
Anna and Tycen moved through the crowd, mingling as best they could. Most of the conversations were short and awkward, as many of the guests avoided interacting with an avian. Tycen sighed, frustrated. He couldn’t wait to leave this city behind.
The band began playing a slow song, and couples filled the dance floor. Izzy and Bradley stepped out together, moving gracefully to the music. Tycen had to admit, they looked good together.
A tap on his chest drew his attention. Anna was holding out her hand. “Come on,” she said with a smile.
Tycen took her hand, letting her lead him to the dance floor. The two swayed gently to the rhythm.
“Did you know she was engaged?” Anna asked, nodding toward Izzy.
“I did,” Tycen replied. “City politics, it seems.”
“It happens more often than you think,” Anna said.
“Oh? Does Princess Anna have a fiancé too?” Tycen teased.
Anna rolled her eyes. “No, but my sister Rayvin does. She’s engaged to Piper’s brother, Kai.”
“The guy who kidnapped Levi?”
“That’s the one,” Anna nodded.
“I’m sure that went over well with your family,” Tycen said.
“About as well as you’d expect,” Anna replied. “Political marriages aren’t uncommon. Does the Triadic Kingdom do them too?”
“I wouldn’t know,” Tycen said. “I’m from a small tribe on the outskirts. I was the first of my people to reach 3-star and leave the kingdom. I never traveled to the big cities; they were too expensive for someone like me.”
“But you seemed so formal when we first met,” Anna said, tilting her head.
“That was just me trying to make a good first impression. This,” he gestured to himself, “is how I really am.”
“There’s nothing wrong with how you act now,” Anna said. “It just seemed like you had some training.”
“None,” Tycen said. “I just studied and trained hard, with a little bit of luck.”
“Luck is often needed to complete your goals,” Anna agreed.
“Very true,” Tycen said.
Before they could continue, Izzy approached. “May I cut in?” she asked.
Anna smiled and stepped back, letting Izzy take Tycen’s hand. Meanwhile, Bradley hesitantly approached Anna and held out his hand. She shrugged and took it, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.
“How are you feeling?” Tycen asked Izzy as they swayed to the music.
“Bummed,” Izzy admitted. “I was so confident Levi would say yes.”
“If it’s any consolation, most of us thought he would,” Tycen said. “Levi just has the most to lose by inviting someone new to the team, so he gets the final say.”
“We all have our secrets,” Izzy mused.
“That we do,” Tycen nodded.
“What do you think I should do?” Izzy asked.
“For what?”
“Go with you to Arcross or stay here?”
“That choice seems obvious to me,” Tycen said.
“Do share,” Izzy prompted.
“Come with us,” Tycen said. “You want to be a summoner. There are no summoner teachers here, but there are guaranteed to be professors in Arcross. You’ll learn from Levi, who might be the best summoner around right now. Then you can choose what you want to do with your life. Seems like the best deal there is.”
Izzy nodded and rested her head on his chest. “I wish I wasn’t engaged,” she murmured. “I would’ve loved to explore this more.”
“It would’ve been fun,” Tycen said. “But I understand your duties and responsibilities.”
“Yeah,” Izzy said wistfully. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll be able to avoid it after the guild.”
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
Tycen chuckled. “You’ll definitely have more freedom after that. You’ll have to make the most of it.”
“I will,” Izzy said. She straightened up and smiled softly. “I’ll come with you all. I think it’ll be fun.”
Meanwhile, Bradley danced with Anna, though his movements were stiff and awkward. His nerves were obvious—his first impression with Anna had been less than stellar, and he knew it. But more than that, Anna was by far the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and it made his heart race.
“What is it?” Anna asked, raising an eyebrow. “Your hands are getting sweatier by the second.”
“I... I know this is a weird thing to ask,” Bradley stammered.
“Out with it,” Anna said, her tone patient but firm.
“Can I join Izzy on your journey to Arcross?” he blurted out.
Anna gave him a sharp look, tilting her head in thought. “Why?”
Bradley hesitated, then leaned in to speak softly. “I don’t want to stay here anymore. I’m tired of being the one who always has to change and act differently because I’m the eldest. I want to carve my own path. Leaving Capital City feels like the right place to start.”
Anna hummed, considering his words. “And what excuse would you give to join us?”
“Escorting my fiancée,” Bradley replied quickly.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Anna admitted. She turned to where Izzy and Tycen were talking. “Tycen, let’s go. Bradley, Izzy, come with us—we have much to discuss.”
Using Vapor’s clones, the group traveled to Levi’s inn. Tycen flew with Izzy in his arms while Bradley stood on a smoke platform beside Anna. They arrived quickly and entered to find Levi and Piper sitting at the table, sipping tea. Four extra chairs and mugs were already set out.
“Vapor told you?” Anna asked.
“She did,” Levi said with a nod.
“This is such a cute place,” Izzy said, looking around. “Hi, Levi. Hi, Piper.”
“Hey,” Levi said. “Sooo, what’s up?”
“Bradley has a proposition,” Anna said.
Bradley took a deep breath, then blurted, “Let me come with you to Arcross.”
“What?” Izzy and Piper said in unison, their voices laced with surprise.
“Interesting,” Levi said, leaning back in his chair. “Why?”
Bradley repeated his reasoning for those who hadn’t heard it yet. As he explained, the group listened silently, sipping their tea.
When he finished, Levi rested his chin in his hand, mulling it over. “I see,” he said finally. Bradley’s logic made sense, and Levi couldn’t help but sympathize with the guy. But there were complications. Levi had already revealed his identity as a Chaotic Paragon during the duel, which wasn’t part of his plan. Adding another outsider to the team could increase the risk of exposure. His conflicted feelings must have shown on his face because Bradley lowered his head and spoke softly.
“I’m sorry for being a prick earlier,” Bradley said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“You don’t need to apologize, bro,” Levi said, his tone sincere. “If Izzy’s coming—”
“I am,” Izzy interrupted.
Levi chuckled. “And the rest of the team agrees, then I’m good with it.”
Bradley’s eyes moved to each team member, searching for confirmation. They all smiled and nodded, and his face turned red as tears began to well up. He hadn’t felt this happy since he’d won the Battle of the Guilds.
“Thank you,” Bradley said, his voice trembling. “I’ll go inform my family and pack.”
“I should go too,” Izzy said, standing. “I’ll need to do the same. And since I’ll be Bradley’s excuse, I’d better let my family know the plan.”
“Okay. Meet at the fountain tomorrow morning,” Levi instructed.
“Will do... but can we?” Izzy asked awkwardly, gesturing toward Vapor.
Vapor emerged from Levi, two clones splitting off from her main body. “I am happy to be of service,” she said warmly.
With Vapor’s help, Bradley and Izzy said their goodbyes and left the inn.
***
A man chased a monster through a dense bamboo forest. The creature darted erratically, zigzagging every few hundred feet in a desperate attempt to lose its pursuer. It had eight legs, the body and head of a panda with one glaring difference. There on its forehead sat a third eye. The eye was there to sense auras. The monster was large but it had the speed and agility of a cheetah. But its efforts were futile.
The man pursuing it was a hunter from the rogue class, built for speed and stealth. When the monster glanced back to check its distance, it saw nothing. Relieved, it turned forward again—only to run straight into a spiked spear. The weapon pierced through its third eye, killing it instantly.
“Nasty creature,” the hunter muttered, pulling the spear from the corpse. A slow clap sounded from behind him. He turned to see a man in white armor sitting in a tree. His aura was controlled and his outfit was neat and orderly. The man jumped off the branch and landed softly on the muddy earth.
The hunter bowed. “Prince Axel. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Stand up,” Axel said. “I doubt your father would like his youngest son bowing to a foreigner.”
“Perhaps not,” the hunter said, rising to his feet.
“How are you, Xao-Li?” Axel asked.
“I am well, Prince,” Xao-Li replied. “How may I assist you? Why have you sought me out?”
“You’ve ventured far from your territory,” Axel said, though his tone suggested otherwise. “This is where I always portal in.”
“That is a lie,” Xao-Li said flatly. “You’re still a dreadful liar.”
Axel sighed, relenting. “Fine. I need your help, old friend. I’m searching for specific artifacts for a ritual I’m preparing.”
“What kind of ritual?” Xao-Li asked, his dark eyes narrowing.
“One to bring back Tranquility,” Axel said. “I think I’ve finally found the right formula.”
Xao-Li raised an eyebrow. “And what number ‘right formula’ would this one be?”
Axel grimaced under Xao-Li’s scrutinizing gaze. “Fifteen.”
Xao-Li stopped walking, staring at Axel with exasperation. “Fifteen? Prince, how many more failures will it take for you to realize this might not work?”
“This time is different,” Axel insisted, though his tone betrayed a hint of doubt.
Xao-Li sighed and shook his head. “What are the ingredients?” Xao-Li was a hunter who would contract with the League of Order, every now and again. He had seen the excitement Axel had after each ritual. He had to start doing them alone because he would behead a servant in his anger. After the fifth dead servant, no one wanted to sign to be his servant.
Some died because of how the rituals interacted with the ingredients. It was an explosive affair. The ingredients would be filled with energy supplied from the ritual circle. Rather than acting as a bypass, absorbing the necessary mana, it kept absorbing the mana. Until it could no longer hold the mana and exploded, those who were too close would be blasted with the force of the mana explosion, usually ending in fatalities. Axel didn’t care, however, because he was always safe from the explosions; finding replacement servants was difficult but could be done. He would claim it as a necessary sacrifice needed to bring back order.
Axel listed them off, his voice steady: “Water from the Reverse Falls, a root from the Mother Tree, lava from the Calacal Region, and a petal from Senpar.”
“All difficult to acquire,” Xao-Li mused. “Why come here, then?”
“To seek allegiance,” Axel said plainly. “I’ll need to travel to the land of the elves, and I know how unwelcome I am there. Your family has, at the very least, a functional relationship with them.”
“Calling it a ‘functional relationship’ is generous,” Xao-Li chuckled. “We barely tolerate each other as neighboring kingdoms. The elves are fiercely protective of their magic and rarely deal with outsiders—much like the nation of Qu’ant. They’re impossible.”
Axel frowned. “I suspected as much. I’ll likely have to prove myself to them before they even consider granting me access to the Mother Tree or at the very least trade for the root.”
“Highly unlikely,” Xao-Li said bluntly. “The elves don’t trade with outsiders. If you do manage to meet with them, it’ll be on their terms. I’ll speak to my father, but even he will only get you as far as their border. Anything beyond that is up to the elves.”
Axel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I expected as much.”
Xao-Li glanced at the darkening sky. “It’s nearly suppertime. Shall I escort you home?”
“Lead the way,” Axel said.
“Can you keep up?” Xao-Li asked, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.
Axel smirked. “I should be able to.”
The two sprinted through the bamboo forest, weaving between the dense stalks. Axel was fast—faster than most—but he couldn’t match Xao-Li’s agility. While Axel had to push aside bamboo shoots and avoid roots, Xao-Li moved effortlessly, navigating the terrain like it was second nature. By the time they reached a clearing, Axel was panting heavily.
In the center of the clearing was a small pond with a cherry blossom tree growing from an island in the middle. Axel placed his hands on his knees, catching his breath.
“You’ve gotten fast, old friend,” Axel managed to say between gasps.
“And you’ve gotten slower,” Xao-Li replied. “I haven’t improved my speed stat much. It seems you haven’t improved yours at all. What have you been doing for the past two decades?”
“Oh, you know. League business. Trying to form the League consumed most of my time. Then there were the rituals—researching, planning, failing, and starting over.” Axel straightened up, his breathing finally steady. “Where do you think I learned the locations of all these items?”
“Fair enough,” Xao-Li said as they resumed walking, now following a clear dirt path through the forest. Other trees and shrubs appeared, breaking up the bamboo. “I’ve heard rumors from the west about a new summoner rising quickly through the ranks. Have you heard of him?”
“I’ve heard the rumors,” Axel said. “I’m not surprised he’s progressing quickly. That’s the summoner way—true summoners, at least. But he’s in the Onyx Kingdom, which is not somewhere I plan to visit anytime soon. Strange things have been happening. An old acquaintance of mine found a letter that seemed to be from my old mentor.”
Xao-li paused and glanced at Axel, “Veluvius? Wow, it has been many years since I have heard that name. What happened to him?”
Axel’s expression darkened at the mention of the name. “I hope he’s dead. If not, I’ll kill him myself.”
“What happened to him?” Xao-Li asked cautiously.
“The world believes I killed him. They paint me as an evil bastard.” Axel paused, then gave Xao-Li a flat look. “Okay, so I am an evil bastard, but I didn’t kill him. His subordinates and his other summoners? I killed all of them—every last one.”
“And why, exactly, did you do that?” Xao-Li asked, his tone neutral.
“They got in my way and refused to tell me the truth about him,” Axel said, his voice cold. “They should’ve been honest.”
“Naturally,” Xao-Li replied, though his tone was laced with sarcasm. “When did you kill the last one?”
“I haven’t yet,” Axel admitted. “There are three still in hiding. One of them could even be this new summoner…”
“That’s unlikely,” Xao-Li interrupted. “You clearly haven’t been keeping up with the rumors. The new summoner just completed the Guild in Arcross and won his Battle of the Guilds—without any murder involved.”
Axel’s eyes narrowed as he processed the information. His unamused expression didn’t waver, but a flicker of intrigue crossed his face. Xao-Li and Axel were apart of the same guild cohort at the same time. Despite being in different guilds they did a lot of studying and training together. During their time together, Xao-Li, saw Axel’s rise to power. He saw Axel go from a man excited to learn about rituals, to one obsessed with order, and then to the evil S oh B Axel was today. It was a drastic change, one his father warned him about. It all came to fruition at the Battle of the Guilds, where Axel Arbor killed someone before the entire guild and their families.