Jeremy slumped back into a chair, staring at his communicator vibrating on his desk. Taking a deep breath, he tapped it, and a moment later, his father’s familiar image flickered to life.

“Jeremy,” his father said warmly, though his eyes immediately looked at him with concern. “How are you feeling?”

Jeremy hesitated, the ache in his chest from the dungeon still a dull throb. “I’m okay. Still sore, but the healers said I’ll be fine in around a week.”

His father nodded, his expression thoughtful. “That’s great news Jeremy. And mentally? I imagine the dungeon wasn’t just a physical challenge.”

Jeremy shifted, uncomfortable under his father’s gaze. He hadn’t planned to bring it up, but the memory of Mia and Timothy wouldn’t leave him. He could still feel his heart sink from hearing, ‘We only talked to you because of your name.’

“It’s… complicated,” he admitted. “Some things happened, and I don’t know what to do about it.”

“Tell me,” his father urged, leaning forward slightly.

Jeremy sighed. “Mia and Timothy said they only started hanging out with me because of who we are. They said it’s different now, but… how do I trust that? How do I know they’re telling the truth?”

For a moment, his father’s face softened, carrying a hint of something Jeremy rarely saw—regret. “Do you remember what I told you before you left for the academy?” he asked gently.

Jeremy nodded slowly. “To be genuine, and that if I’m happy with someone, that’s what matters.”

His father smiled faintly. “Exactly. People will always have reasons for being drawn to you, Jeremy. Admiration, fear, ambition… that’s the reality of being our son. But it’s not their reasons that matter—it’s how you feel about them now. Do you enjoy being with them?”

Jeremy thought about it—Mia’s nervous laughter, Timothy’s awkward sincerity. “I think so,” he admitted, though doubt still lingered. “But it’s hard to forget why they started talking to me.”

His father’s tone grew softer. “Their reasons may have brought them to you, but it’s what you’ve built together that keeps them there. If their company makes you happy, why should their initial intentions overshadow that? Be genuine, Jeremy. Let them see you for who you are.”

The words sank in slowly, loosening the knot in Jeremy’s chest. “So… it doesn’t matter why they started, as long as it feels right now?”

Jeremy mulled over his father’s words. He thought of Mia and Timothy’s awkward attempts to impress him. Maybe their reasons didn’t matter anymore. Maybe it was time to trust that what they had now was real. But could he really let go of the doubts that had been gnawing at him?

“Exactly,” his father said, his voice reassuring. “People aren’t always easy to figure out, Jeremy. But what matters is the choices you make—and whether they make the right ones back. Just be yourself. The rest will fall into place.”

Jeremy nodded, the conversation leaving him with more clarity than he’d expected. But as always with his father, there was more. His father’s expression shifted, the warmth giving way to his usual calm authority.

“There’s something else I need to discuss,” his father said. “I sent some specialized equipment to your brother, but he’s refusing to use it.”

Jeremy frowned. “He refused? Why?”

“You know Andrew,” his father replied with a sigh. “Stubborn as always. He claims he doesn’t want special treatment, but this isn’t about pride—it’s about survival. That equipment could save his life in dungeons and help with your weekly duels. These aren’t luxuries, Jeremy. They’re necessary advantages.”

Jeremy nodded, already piecing together what his father was asking. “Dad, you know how Andrew is. If I just repeat what you said, he’s gonna shut me down right away. Let me talk to him my way—I know how to get through to him.”

His father’s gaze softened slightly. “That’s why I trust you to handle it.”

“Andrew told me Marcus invited you both to visit his family this weekend,” his father began, his tone shifting to one of quiet reflection. “The Valens… they were once one of humanity’s most prominent families.”

Jeremy frowned, trying to reconcile the idea of Marcus’s family being so influential with Marcus’s laid-back, sarcastic personality. It felt... off. Was Marcus carrying that kind of weight, too? Or was he just better at hiding it?

“Their patriarch was a brilliant strategist and diplomat,” his father continued, “one of my equals in strength, and someone I deeply respected. But when he passed, their influence waned. They’re still proud, still strong in their own way, but they no longer hold sway across humanity like we do.”

Jeremy leaned forward, curious. “Marcus never really talks about his family much. I didn’t know they used to be… like you.”

His father nodded, a smile touching his lips. “He wouldn’t. Their pride runs deep, and Marcus is likely trying to find his own place outside their shadow. It may explain why he’s drawn to you both—he sees in you what he’s trying to prove in himself.”

That thought lingered in Jeremy’s mind as his father continued. “When you’re there, keep this in mind: Marcus’s family will welcome you warmly, but they’ll also be watching closely. The Valens may not hold the same influence as before, but their pride is unshakable. Represent our family well, Jeremy.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Jeremy nodded. Marcus’s jokes made it sound like this trip would just be a fun escape, but now it felt like walking into a test he hadn’t studied for. What if he said the wrong thing? What if Marcus’s family expected him to be some perfect Hoppins heir?

But his father wasn’t finished. “And one more thing. I’m sending you additional copies of the Hat of Mental Resistance and the Ring of Poison Immunity.”

Jeremy blinked. “Isn’t that a bit much? It’s just a weekend trip.”

“Not at all,” his father replied, his tone firm. “At the academy, you have Velorn and the other instructors to detect and counter high-tier threats. That protection won’t follow you when you leave, especially for a weekend trip like this. Each one will shield you from dangers two Tiers above you, so using multiple should protect you even more. I don’t want to take risks.”

Jeremy nodded, the seriousness of his father’s words settling heavily on him. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll use them.”

His father’s gaze softened further, pride flickering in his eyes. “Jeremy, remember—every precaution I take, every piece of advice I give, it’s because I believe in you. The challenges you’ll face will be immense, but you have the strength to overcome them. Trust yourself—and help your brother see reason. He needs you.”

As the communicator dimmed, Jeremy sat back, staring at the faint shimmer of magic fading from the device. His father’s words echoed in his mind. Represent our family well.

He frowned, picking at his shirt. Did Marcus feel the same kind of pressure he and Andrew did? The idea of someone as confident and sarcastic as Marcus dealing with family expectations was strange. But maybe that was why Marcus cracked so many jokes—so no one would see how much he cared.

The thought settled in Jeremy’s chest, heavier than before. This trip wasn’t just about relaxing. It was a chance to see a side of Marcus they hadn’t seen before, maybe even understand why he acted the way he did. And for once, Jeremy wanted to make sure he didn’t mess things up.

Shaking his head, he stood up and made his way to Andrew’s dorm. Time to prove Dad’s faith wasn’t misplaced.

----------------------------------------

Jeremy paced outside Andrew’s door, the faint sound inside the only sign someone was there. He sighed. This is going to be a fun conversation.

Taking a deep breath, he knocked twice. “Andrew? Andrew? Andrew?”

No response.

He knocked again, louder this time. “Andrew? Come on I know you’re there. Andrew!”

From inside came a frustrated groan, “What? It’s open!”

Jeremy stepped in to find Andrew lying on his bed, a book propped on his stomach. The room felt strangely quiet and empty, the second bed neatly made and untouched. Andrew glanced up briefly, a mix of curiosity and irritation on his face. “What’s up?”

Jeremy closed the door behind him and pulled a chair backward, sitting down and resting his arms on the backrest. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Andrew sighed and set his book down. “Great. What did Dad say this time?”

Jeremy’s eyes flicked to the empty bed in the room. “Where’s your roommate?”

Andrew shrugged. “Gone. Calen’s still detained after, you know, the whole illegal Essence thing during the dungeon.”

Jeremy blinked in surprise. “Wait—your roommate was Calen? That guy from our first dungeon outing?”

“Yeah,” Andrew replied, sitting up on his bed. “Not much of a talker, but I guess that makes sense now.”

Jeremy frowned. “How’d you even know about what happened?”

“Got brought up sometime when you weren’t around,” Andrew smirked faintly. “Not everything revolves around you, you know.”

Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Fair. How’re you handling being alone?”

“Honestly? It’s not bad,” Andrew shrugged again. “At least now I don’t have to deal with someone hogging the desk or snoring like a dog.”

Jeremy smirked, crossing his arms. “Snoring like a dog? Please. If anything, I probably kept the monsters away with my battle hum. You should’ve been thanking me.”

He let the playful tone linger for a second before leaning forward, his expression shifting. “Speaking of Dad—he mentioned you turned down some of the stuff he wanted to give you. You know, for the dungeons and the weekly spars.”

Andrew tossed the book to the side. “I don’t want his handouts, Jeremy. Don’t you see? Everything I do—every step forward—is always overshadowed by what Dad gave us. By what you’re already good at. How am I supposed to stand out if I’m just using the stuff he hands me?”

Jeremy leaned forward, trying to keep his tone calm but firm. “Andrew, you’ve seen how tough things are getting. It’s not about taking shortcuts—it’s about making sure you’re still standing to fight another day. Look, when I went into that Tier 2 dungeon, I thought my gear would do all the work. It didn’t. But without it, I wouldn’t have even made it back. The gear didn’t make me weak—it made me strong enough to get through the fight. That’s what it can do for you.”

Andrew crossed his arms defensively. “I don’t want to rely on stuff Dad hands me, okay? I don’t need to be wrapped in bubble wrap to prove I can handle myself.”

“Remember Alicia?” Jeremy’s voice caught, but he pushed through. “She thought she could handle everything on her own, too. She wouldn’t let us help her, and now… now she’s gone. I can’t lose you, Andrew—not over something as stupid as pride.”

Andrew’s gaze dropped. “I don’t know, Jeremy. I don’t want to feel like I’m not doing it on my own.”

“Look, Andrew, no one’s saying that. Just try one piece of gear, okay? If it still feels wrong, we’ll figure something out with Dad. Deal?”

Andrew let out a long sigh, his tension disappearing. “You’re really not gonna drop this, are you?”

“Nope. You think Marcus’ city is some holiday? It’s not Eldoria, Andrew. We don’t know what’s waiting for us there. If something happens, and you’re unprepared… I couldn’t forgive myself. Could you?”

Andrew sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just… I don’t want to feel like I’m cheating, you know? Like I’m only keeping up because of Dad’s stuff. But I guess you’re right. It’s not about that—it’s about being ready.”

He met Jeremy with a reluctant smile. “Fine. I’ll try it. But if Dad makes a big deal out of this, it’s on you.”

Jeremy laughed. “Deal.”

As he left Andrew’s room, Jeremy felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He’d convinced Andrew to accept their dad’s help, and maybe more importantly, he felt like they’d come out of the conversation with a stronger understanding of each other. But as he walked back to his room, he couldn’t shake the feeling that not everything would go as planned.