Zalan and Rep exited Madam Hikma’s building, having been granted a new quest in order for Zalan to make his way back to his own reality. He had been stuck in this realm of monsters and Elemental Powers for weeks. He was beginning to wonder just how much time passed in his homeworld. It was starting to feel like he was taking a prolonged trip from life while stuck in the realm of Greev. He just wished the trip felt more like a vacation rather than a series of trials.

He took a deep breath and looked out at the setting sun. Rep, his close friend and guide in this realm, looked out the same way, but was ignoring the retreating star. Instead he stared at the sea anxiously. They had been told to travel across the sea to the Island of Remains in order to take on someone called Morloch the Manipulator. It was important to battle him for Zalan to clear the Monsters of the Mindscape that were holding him to this dimension. Zalan was a little excited to get moving on something that he felt would tangibly clean the world and get him closer to home. He felt like he owed the realm some form of atonement after his vicious actions tearing people down at the Elemental Rage Tournament.

“Hey, Rep, why do you think Madam Hikma said that no one else would be killing the Monsters of the Mindscape? Wouldn’t they be drifting around like any other monster? Why is it up to us to do? We’re not even the strongest people around,” Zalan said.

Rep bit his lip as he zoned out, his attention on the waters beyond Oriton.

“Rep?” Zalan patted his shoulder lightly.

“Hmm?”

“What are you thinking about?” Zalan asked.

“Should we go to the port right now to purchase a boat and crew?” Rep asked, sounding like he hadn’t completely zoned back in.

“Right now?” Zalan asked, scratching his head. “We just got back from the tournament. Don’t you want to get some real sleep? Plus, won’t the port be empty at this time of day? We have a better shot at finding a crew in the morning, right?”

Rep chewed on his lip thoughtfully.

“Rep? What is this actually about?”

“I am trying to leave for the Island of Remains before Instructor Nold arrives in town,” Rep answered.

Zalan raised his eyebrows in surprise. They had left Instructor Nold back at the stadium in a canyon for the Elemental Rage Tournament. They warped back to the town of Oriton by using an Artifact called the Homeseeker. It took several days to get to the tournament when they went together on foot. Nold would be traveling for days, maybe even weeks.

“We have a lot of time before he gets here, Rep,” Zalan said, confused. “We literally just got back, he’s nowhere near the city yet, right?”

Rep looked concerned. Zalan waved a hand in front of his eyes, finally catching his full attention.

“Very well. Let us get some sleep,” Rep allowed, turning to go back to their guild, Journey House.

“What’s going on, Rep? Why are you so worried about Nold?” Zalan asked as they walked.

“It does not feel right to me. It is one thing to travel with him, but he has insisted that he wants to travel alongside you for a while now. He has been rash in some of his teachings and I do not see why he wishes to be a companion rather than just an instructor. I do not want him leading you somewhere deliberately dangerous for his own purposes. He mentioned the high seas,” Rep said.

“He’s not leading us to the Island of Remains, he would be following us. We’re only going there because Madam Hikma advised us to,” Zalan said.

“It is already a very dangerous place. The potential Artifacts it contains also brings in many pirates and criminals to its shores,” Rep explained.

“The potential Artifacts? What do you mean?”

“The Island of Remains is the home of many Artifacts washing on its shores. No one knows why, but items of all manner end up finding their way on all sides of the island. Most items are worthless remnants of things cast away long ago. But there are treasures and even Artifacts there. Both within the center and around the edges. So they say. It is said that whatever is cast into the sea will eventually make its way to the Island of Remains. It seems the Island of Remains was either blessed or cursed to constantly receive such things,” Rep explained.

“Oh, are there like water currents around it? Sending things that fall into the sea over to it?” Zalan asked.

“I do not understand? Water currents?”

“It’s water that is always in motion in a certain direction in the ocean. Think like a little river in the ocean, always pushing things one way. If it was at a center point of currents, it could be like a great garbage patch,” Zalan replied.

“There are no rivers in the sea. In fact they are vastly different bodies of water. Do you know the dissimilarity between the two?” Rep asked sincerely.

“Yeah, I was giving an example. I’m talking about water currents. Flows of water in the sea. I don’t even think this is a foreign concept to this realm, you just might not be that familiar with ocean terms,” Zalan tried to explain again.

“It sounds as though you think that rivers and oceans are the same. You may be the one confused with ocean terms,” Rep said.

“No, I didn’t say they’re the same. I…” Zalan stopped himself, blinking the explanation away and sighing. “Fine, alright. The island is blessed or cursed or whatever. So it attracts a lot of people?”

“People and harmful Artifacts. That is why I hope to avoid going with Nold. He tells you he needs your lightning for something in the sea, but he refuses to say what it is exactly. I have no proof but… but I feel he needs you for something of high value on the island,” Rep said.

“He hasn’t really seemed that greedy before,” Zalan pointed out.

“Perhaps not greedy, but he has come off as strange,” Rep responded.

Zalan couldn’t deny that. Nold’s personality constantly oscillated between eccentric and aggressively ambitious. Zalan could never tell what it was that Nold was after whenever he seemed enthused. It felt like it had something to do with teaching Zalan, though. Zalan’s best guess was that Nold had a legacy he wanted to build and uphold as some legendary instructor. But that was his best guess, with no real reason to believe it was fact.

“Fine, we’ll try to go without him. But if he shows up, I don’t know what I’m gonna say. I promised I’d help him after he taught me almost everything I know about imbuing and redirecting my power. Plus, any time he’s come to our defense, he’s been super strong,” Zalan said.

“I would feel better about that if he would just reveal his Level, Elemental Powers, Strength, or Wisdom. Really, anything about him. He is so secretive, it unnerves me,” Rep admitted.

Zalan nodded, understanding Rep’s reservations. He was glad that Rep wasn’t outright against the idea. He trusted Rep too much to not take him seriously. He would consider denying Nold to join them if Rep had stronger opinions.

As they approached the guild, they saw a man older than them at the open front door. He looked as though he had just completed a journey. Bags were laid at his feet and he was stretching in front of a cot. For a fraction of a moment, Rep dreaded that it was Nold. The man looked to be the right age and build. But that had to be impossible. It had been only hours since they left the tournament. Once they entered the guild, they knew for certain it was someone else. Rep visibly relaxed. He held up an arm in greeting.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Heron?” Rep said, approaching the man.

“Rep, is that you? Who is that with you?” Heron asked.

“This is my friend, Zalan. He has been my guest in the guild for the past month at least, if not more,” Rep replied, presenting Zalan. Zalan gave a light wave. Rep looked as though he greatly respected the man from the way he spoke to him.

“You have been guiding him? What happened to the other project you had?” Heron inquired.

“Ah, ummm, what other project?” Rep asked, nervous.

“Do not pretend as though you forgot! The Artifact! The one that we had never seen before,” Heron said.

“Oh, yes, nothing really came of it,” Rep said quickly, sounding like he was trying to drop the subject.

“Really? I recall you even went to Madam Hikma to seek her advice on how best to activate it. You said you wanted to ‘get her eye on it.’ But she said it was something… what was the word she used?” Heron asked.

“She said it was special,” Rep said dully, like it wasn’t worth talking about.

“She said it was otherworldly!” Heron snapped his fingers as he recalled.

“Where are you coming from?” Rep asked, almost desperate to change the subject.

“I have returned from my recent quest to vanquish a family of Nargs plaguing a city. Where are you coming from?”

“Zalan and I just returned from the Elemental Rage Tournament,” Rep relaxed.

“You attended the tournament? Good for you! Did you win? Where did you and your friend place?” Heron asked.

“I was a quarterfinalist and Zalan was a finalist in the Level 10 and Under bracket,” Rep answered.

“A finalist!” Heron looked to Zalan, impressed. “Well done! A shame you couldn’t come out the victor and bring some reputation to Oriton. You said your name was Zalan?”

“Yeah,” Zalan nodded.

“Are you here to join the guild, now that you built your reputation?” Heron asked.

Zalan blinked and looked to Rep for an explanation.

“Heron is one main recruiter of the Journey House. By his discretion, he can make you an official member of the guild,” Rep said, sounding excited for Zalan.

“Why would I do that?” Zalan asked, confused.

“Ah, why Journey House and not the more illustrious Granite House or the sophisticated Knowledge House?” Heron nodded, beginning his sales pitch. “Journey House is for those that are not content to sit at home and wait for things to happen at the gates of Oriton. They do not espouse philosophy and try to dissect monsters. They travel the world and bring with them the experience of the realm! Both the literal Experience and the figurative! And, the guild will provide you with a guide to help you on your way, should you so choose. Take Rep, for example, he could travel along with you. You would also have access to rest in the guild every day, whether for simple lay down or a Healing Rest. In addition, you could go to forges in the city and request swords be made for you at a higher priority than other residents of Oriton.”

Zalan’s eyes narrowed. He waited for more perks, but Heron looked like he was done. It sounded almost exactly like what he had already been doing without being part of the guild. Including having Rep as a guide.

“I don’t get it,” Zalan whispered.

“You get these benefits because you are my guest in the guild. If you are a member, you would not need my presence to enter or rest here,” Rep explained.

Zalan didn’t see himself traveling outside of Rep’s company in this realm. But he saw how eager Rep looked for him to join and decided it couldn’t hurt.

“Okay, sure, what does it take to join?” Zalan asked, shrugging nonchalantly.

“It costs a whole seven silver coins a year,” Heron said. “I know it sounds expensive compared to the other guilds, but I assure you that…”

Heron trailed. Zalan was already holding out a gold coin. Heron cleared his throat, burning his second sales pitch. He pushed Zalan’s money away lightly and continued.

“Right, ummm. I would take the payment after you have been deemed a good fit for the guild. Do you have anyone from the guild who would recommend you?” Heron asked.

“I would,” Rep said. “And I am certain that Gorb would, as well.”

“Very well, and your stats?” Heron asked.

Zalan tapped his fingers together three times, revealing his abilities as they populated his forearm.

LEVEL: 05

STRENGTH: 05

WISDOM: 07

EXPERIENCE: 04

ELEMENT: LIGHTNING

Heron looked it over, not showing whether he was impressed or disappointed by the numbers. He simply leaned in to get a better look, then stood straight when he was satisfied by what he’d seen.

“Next, I need to ask you a series of questions while you hold this Artifact. A Heart of Purity,” Heron said. He rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a small, glass heart. It could fit in the palm of his hand.

“Sure, what does it do?” Zalan asked, looking at Rep. Rep raised his eyebrows for Zalan to keep his focus on Heron.

“It finds the truth of your statements. Small black spots will appear within the Artifact if you tell a lie while holding it,” Heron said. “But it will clear itself if you correct yourself. Observe as I demonstrate. My name is Rep!”

The Heart of Purity grew a black blot in the center. Small, like the size of a pea, but it stood out when the rest of the heart was so clean and transparent.

“Excuse me, I misspoke. My name is Heron,” Heron said. The blemish faded away.

He handed the Artifact to Zalan. Zalan looked at it and swallowed nervously, not certain about the questions he was about to receive.

“Try not to embellish anything, as exaggerations tend to trigger the Artifact as well. I will start with easy questions,” Heron said. “Now, what is your name?”

“I’m Zalan,” Zalan said.

He stared intently at the Heart of Purity, already feeling like he’d done something wrong. The heart remained unchanged.

“Very good. What is your Level?”

“Five.”

“And your Elemental Power?” Heron asked.

“Lightning.”

“Good. Now for something more substantial. Why do you wish to join Journey House?”

“I uhhh… I dunno. I didn’t really think about it before now. I guess it would be nice,” Zalan said.

The three men looked at the heart closely. Heron frowned in disappointment when the heart remained clean.

“What is the strongest monster you have killed?” Heron asked.

“Uhhh… An Elemental Dragon,” Zalan said, trying to think of anything more powerful.

Heron smirked at the response, waiting for the heart to grow dark. It remained unaltered.

“What the… You killed an Elemental Dragon at Level Five?” Heron asked.

“No, I was at a lower Level,” Zalan said.

Heron scoffed, at the arrogance, but frowned even deeper when he saw the heart remain pure. Zalan wasn’t trying to brag, he was very focused on keeping the heart clean. In fact he hadn’t even noticed that he said something that sounded overconfident. Holding the truth-revealing heart was nerve wracking, even when he knew he was being honest.

“What Level did you kill it at?” Heron demanded. It was clear he was no longer asking Zalan questions related to the guild.

“I was Level Four,” Zalan said.

The heart darkened and Zalan tensed up in panic. He looked over the Artifact in confusion. Heron sighed in relief, seeing that Zalan truly was exaggerating things. He had a hard time believing that Zalan could take down an Elemental Dragon, even with any number of Artifacts at his disposal.

“Wait, sorry. I was Level Three at the time. I got to Level Four after killing it,” Zalan corrected himself.

Heron rolled his eyes at the doubling down. Then the heart cleared. Heron’s mouth gaped. He snatched the heart from Zalan’s hand.

“This Artifact has clearly degraded,” Heron claimed, looking it over.

The heart grew a dark spot.

“It just does not understand what you are saying,” Heron said. The heart grew even darker. “I killed an Elemental Dragon.” Heron said, mocking Zalan’s voice.

The black spot in the heart was the size of a grape now, growing with every lie Heron said. Heron looked at it and pursed his lips. One of his eyes twitched as he tried to think of a better explanation for Zalan’s claims.

“Fine, fine,” Heron dropped his hands to his side, moving the Heart of Purity out of his eyeline. “That was all that was required, especially when you have Rep and Gorb vouching for you.”

Rep clapped Zalan on the back, proud of his friend.

“It is my honor to be happy to let you join the Journey House,” Heron said, sounding a little miffed.

Zalan and Rep failed to suppress a smirk when he saw the Artifact grow even darker at that sentence.

“Great,” Zalan said, holding out his payment of a gold coin.

“I am not giving you change.” Heron plucked the gold from Zalan.

“I don’t need it. My first request as an official guild member will be to have Rep join me on a journey.”

“I humbly accept,” Rep nodded.

“Fine, I do not care,” Heron said, rolling his eyes.

Hearing this, the heart cleared of its darkness.

Rep and Zalan laughed at the sight. They then went to their respective cots to get some sleep. Zalan laid back and closed his eyes. Without meaning to, he fell asleep with a light frown on his face.