Summon Ember Elemental!

With the now all too familiar “Pop!”, Landon was left staring at what appeared to be a candle flame the size of a fist. 

The little elemental’s flames were a deep red and vibrant yellow, pulsing in and out with a rhythm similar to a heartbeat. Two Little black dots looked on emptily where eyes would be expected to appear.

”Ok,” Landon thought “let’s teach these wooden dummies a lesson- burn them all down.” 

From his mental link to his familiar he sensed a wave of acknowledgement, and what felt like immense approval. 

The Ember elemental zipped to one of the dummies, what looked like a wild boar, and emmited a wave of heat. Like the Sun’s rays reflecting off the white sand beach, ripple after ripple of heated air emenated towards the dummy. 

Landon stared onward, once again disappointed with his abilities. He had expected a blast of fire, and would have even settled for the tiniest flecks of flame. But no, he got the mighty powers of standing too near a bonfire.  

After about ten seconds smoke started to rise from the segment of the dummy closest to the elemental. After another 5, flame began to slowly spread.

”Success!” Landon yelled triumphantly as Axon looked at him, a threat of laughter shining in his eyes.  

The next few dummies met the same fate, but as the heat built up in the room things began to change. The elemental seemed to feed off the ambient fire energy in air, growing more powerful. What had taken 15 seconds eventually took 10, and then 5 . 

Spiritual Empathy has increased in rank to Spiritual Empathy II. Communication will become marginally easier.

Summon Elemental has increased in rank to Summon Familiar II. Creatures will now transfer over with more essence from their realms, becoming slightly stronger. 

“Good Job,” Axon cheerfully said “just know that increases in both skill ranks and levels will steadily decrease in frequency as they become more powerful.”

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Having known this from his research and talks with his parents, Landon simply nodded politely.

”Now, here is something you may not have known.” Axon responded suddenly growing more serious “Within our little island exists a special and dangerous place, a dungeon. It is through this dungeon, as well as It’s sister in the Hellfire Atoll, that the people of the Vell Archipelago gain enough strength to remain free of the monarchy.”

Shock was written plainly on Landon’s face. How could he have lived here his whole life and never heard of a dungeon. Dungeons seemed like they only existed in remote corners on the mainland, some mythical location that he would never actually encounter. 

“What do you mean a dungeon?” Landon replied. 

“I mean just that. A place where monsters thrive and the energies of the world coalesce, strengthening them further. The gods place these magical locations throughout the world to strengthen the intelligent races- rewarding our bravery with untold treasures and experience.” 

Axon made sure Landon was paying attention and continued on “On ones eighteenth birthday, they are not only given an archetype here. If deemed worthy, you are given the option to become a full on Initiate Adventurer of the Vell Archipelago.”

Landon’s mind went into overdrive; him, become and adventurer. He could picture himself now, countless riches and treasures, abilities beyond his wildest dreams at his command. 

“I accept!” He yelled eagerly. 

“I was worried you would. This is not some grand adventure where danger does not seem to affect you. You are not the hero of some fable, there are risks to this. We are directly rebelling against the monarchy by supporting our own unsanctioned country. Even worse we hide dungeons from them, an act of war by their standards.” Axon replied, growing more serious by the second. 

He grew solemn for a moment “That isn’t even mentioning the dangers of the dungeon itself. Only a handful of individuals come from throughout the archipelago every year, and even fewer make it out from their first test.”

Landon took a moment to try to grasp the severity of the situation. On some level, he realized that there could be actual danger. But the dreams of him being an adventurer outweighted that small part of his brain. They may have even made up for him not getting his dream archetype. 

He looked Axon in the eyes, trying to consciously look like he had given this idea proper consideration "Yea, I still accept."

Axon stared him back, gaze not revealing anything about what he was thinking.

"I do believe you could be extremely powerful one day, but you are also so rash you may never make it there."

He placed a hand on Landon's shoulder and sighed, "I will gather the neccesary supplies within the hour. Unfortunatly, your family has been sent away to preserve the secrecy of the dungeon. Very few ever hear about it, and even less learn it's whereabouts. We will remain here until it is time to depart."

Landon could not help but feel excited. He felt the familiar feeling of his heartbeat getting faster and faster. He was swept away in a tidal wave of thoughts, what-if scenarios, and plans - getting carried away as he was inclined to do.