The five of them stood in the courtyard awaiting their assignment, surrounded by dozens of other teams varying in size from two to six members, the maximum allowed. Elena looked over at Reginald's team and noted that, even a few days later, he still looked a bit sickly. "Oh, come on," she thought to herself. "Why can't anyone else see he's just milking it for pity?"
Zara elbowed Elena and nodded towards Reginald. Her eyes looked as if she didn't have a care in the world, almost friendly. But her tone made it clear she'd gladly do terrible things to him. Elena wasn't sure if it was because of her or due to some deep-seated hatred for the man, which was likely well deserved.
Zara waved at Reginald's team. "Gods, if I see that man in a dark alley, the things I'd do to him."
Elena snickered a bit. "I mean, last time I got my turn. I guess I can let you ride that roller coaster next."
Zara looked at Elena and tilted her head. "Twinkletoes, you're an oddball sometimes."
Elena just tapped Zara on the cheek. "If I wasn't odd, you'd think something was wrong."
Zara smiled and nodded. "Damned straight."
The Teacher, Mr. Alderidge, stepped up to the front of the gathered groups, his presence commanding immediate attention. He cleared his throat, and the murmurs of the groups died down, fading into a soft background noise. His eyes, sharp and unwavering, scanned the crowd of eager and nervous people.
"Future adventurers and possibly future teams," he spoke out, his voice carrying the weight of experience and authority, amplified by some magical means. "Today will be a great milestone in your journey. Each of you has worked hard to reach this point, and today, we begin a new chapter. Your assignments will take you beyond the safety of this city, beyond the safety of our walls, into a world where real challenges await. A world where you will be their premiere defense. A world where you will either save them, or they will die. This is where your months and years of training will be tested and where true potential will be revealed."
He paused, letting his words sink in. Elena nervously fidgeted in place, her training being far shorter than just about everyone else's there. Mr. Alderidge continued, "But remember this: no one achieves greatness alone. It is through teamwork and collaboration that we overcome the most daunting obstacles. Trust in your teammates, support each other, and together you will be stronger than the sum of your parts. The bonds you forge during these times will carry you through the toughest battles and darkest nights."
Cheers and applause erupted from just about every person involved. Mr. Alderidge continued after a customary moment of back-patting and self-congratulating. "Team leads, I ask that you approach me for any last-minute changes to assignments or if you have concerns about your team's readiness. This is the time to ensure that everyone is well-prepared and confident in their roles. Do not hesitate to speak up if there are issues that need to be addressed. Your leadership is crucial, not just in battle but in fostering a cohesive and effective team."
His gaze softened slightly as he looked over the young faces before him, filled with a mix of determination and apprehension. "Believe in yourselves and in each other. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow, learn, and prove your worth. Remember why you chose this path and hold onto that purpose, even when the journey gets tough."
And with that, he stepped back, nodding for team leads to approach him, signaling the beginning of the adventure. Elena counted twenty-six people approach him, including Darian and Reginald, and slowly but surely, the majority returned to their teams. Five of the leads, however, stood around Mr. Alderidge, once again including Darian. The teams that had gotten their assignments all left, and as Elena looked around, she saw that Reginald's team was one of the ones that was still there. The discussion seemed animated, and after ten minutes, Darian returned.
He looked upset. "So, I've got good news and bad. Good news is that we're heading out, and we have a chance to show them our versatility and ability to handle situations that are outside of our control. Bad news is that we're going north. Not south."
Liora looked almost outraged. "Now hold on a second. We've planned to fight against Glimmerflies and Spitespries. I haven't even begun to look for what's up there. They can't do this!"
Darian looked at her, defeated. "Yes, and I explained this all to Mr. Alderidge. Apparently, the higher-ups believe it to be a safer experience for us, mainly because of her." Darian hooked a thumb at Elena.
"Wait, me?" Elena responded, shocked.
"A-yup. You never went through the singular trial, and so they want to make sure that you're not overwhelmed. And as a joyous turn of events, Reginald's team will also be there."
Zara squinted her eyes, but Elena immediately tensed up. Zara spoke first, "I swear to the gods that I will wring that boy's neck if he does anything to screw us."
Elena's mind raced as she processed Darian's words. Going north meant facing unknown challenges, creatures they hadn't prepared for. She glanced at her teammates, noting the mix of emotions on their faces. Liora's outrage, Zara's determination, Adrian's quiet concern. It was all there, laid bare in the moment of uncertainty.
"It's not fair to you all that you're held back because of me," Elena said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can try and find another team if you want." The words tasted bitter in her mouth, but she felt compelled to offer them an out. In her mind, Athena's warning about the crossroads echoed, a ghostly reminder of the weight of her choices.
But before the thought could fully form, Zara's arm was around her shoulders, pulling her into a side hug that was both comforting and slightly too tight – typical Zara. "Oh no, twinkletoes. Like it or not, we're a team," Zara declared, her voice brooking no argument. "Hell, if we do well, I think we might all want to make it official after this. But regardless, I think I speak for all of us when I say 'Fuck that guy up the dick with a windmill.' We'll just have to complete more contracts than he does. His team completes twenty? We'll go for thirty. He's the first team in history to complete sixty? Guess we're going to be the first ones that get seventy."
Elena felt a surge of warmth at Zara's words, touched by the fierce loyalty of her friend. She looked around at the others, seeing nods of agreement from Adrian and Liora, while Darian's stoic expression softened into a slight smile.
"God, I don't know what I did to deserve you guys, but I'm glad I found all of you," Elena said, her voice thick with emotion.
Darian, ever the one to lighten the mood, piped up, "Perhaps in a past life, you killed someone really important and have been damned for all eternity." The team looked at him, but he couldn't hold back his snicker. Soon, they were all laughing, the tension of the moment broken by Darian's dry humor.
As they prepared to leave, Elena found herself lost in thought. The north was unknown territory, full of potential dangers they hadn't trained for. But as she watched her teammates pack up their gear, joking and teasing each other, she felt a sense of calm settle over her. They might be heading into the unknown, but they were doing it together.
The first few days of their journey north were a whirlwind of activity. Elena marveled at how quickly they fell into a routine, each member of the team naturally settling into their roles. Mornings began early, with Darian rousing them before dawn for their training sessions.
"A team that can do without thinking is a team that won't die because of thinking," Darian would say, his voice carrying across the campsite as they ran through their drills. Elena found herself repeating the mantra in her head, letting it become a part of her as surely as her blood control abilities.
On the third day, as they set up camp for the night, Elena noticed Liora poring over her books, her brow furrowed in concentration. Curious, Elena approached her friend.
"What are you studying?" she asked, settling down beside Liora.
Liora looked up, her eyes bright with the thrill of new knowledge. "I'm trying to familiarize myself with the fauna of the northern regions," she explained. "If we're going to be facing unknown creatures, I want us to be as prepared as possible."
Elena nodded, impressed by Liora's foresight. "Anything interesting so far?"
Liora's face lit up. "Oh, absolutely! Did you know there's a species of frost-breathing lizard that can camouflage itself as ice? Or that some of the trees up north have symbiotic relationships with fire elementals?"
As Liora continued to share her discoveries, Elena found herself drawn into the world of northern wonders. It was moments like these that reminded her how lucky she was to have such a diverse team. Liora's intelligence and curiosity were invaluable assets, balancing out Zara's brash confidence and Darian's steady leadership.
The days blended together as they traveled, each one bringing new challenges and experiences. They fought off a pack of ice wolves that had been terrorizing a small village, navigated treacherous mountain passes, and even helped a group of miners clear out a cave system infested with bioluminescent fungal creatures.
And so it went. Wake up, do the morning routine, drive until lunch, hit a town by nightfall. Take whatever jobs they had available for adventurers, clear them out, and then move on. It was on the morning of the ninth day that Darian, Zara, Liora, and Adrian had already settled into a cozy corner table of the small cafe near the front window. They had only been in town for a few hours and hadn’t even found an inn to spend the night in.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
The warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as they pursued their menus, chatting quietly among themselves. A basket of warm bagels and biscuits along with moonflower jam was between them all. The cafe owner, a portly man with a receding hairline and graying temples, had just finished taking their drink orders when the bell above the door chimed.
Elena entered, and the atmosphere instantly changed. Conversations stopped mid-sentence, and patrons turned to stare, their faces a mix of fear and disgust. People pointed towards her.
The owner, paled visibly. His hand moved to a symbol hanging from his neck - a ward against evil, Elena realized with a sinking feeling. He stepped forward, voice shaking but loud enough for the entire cafe to hear.
"We don't serve your kind here," he said, making a gesture that Elena recognized as one meant to ward off demons. "Leave now, before you taint the place."
Darian stood up, his imposing figure drawing all eyes. "She's with us, and she’s not a demon" he stated firmly.
The owner's eyes darted between Elena and the group, clearly conflicted. "You don't understand," he hissed. "They're soulless. Cursed. Having her here could bring ruin to us all."
Zara snorted derisively. "The only thing bringing ruin here is your ignorance."
Elena, used to such treatment but still stung by the words, spoke softly. "I can wait outside if—"
"No," Liora interrupted, her usually calm demeanor replaced by steely resolve. "You have as much right to be here as anyone."
The tension in the room was palpable. Other patrons began to mutter, some looking towards the exit, others watching the confrontation with a mix of fear and morbid curiosity.
Adrian, surprisingly, was the one to break the stalemate. He stood, addressing the room at large. "This woman has saved more lives than most of you will ever know. She's risked herself countless times for people who'd spit at her feet. If that's soulless, then maybe we could all use a little less soul."
His words seemed to hang in the air. The owner, looking about the room, saw that while a few were looking at the door, none made their way towards it. Still visibly uncomfortable, he finally relented. "Fine. But any trouble, and you're all out."
As Elena took her seat, she felt a complex mix of emotions - gratitude for her friends, resignation at the treatment, and a deep, aching sadness. She gazed out the window at the townspeople going about their day, untouched by the drama that had just unfolded.
"You know," she mused, her voice tinged with melancholy, "I remember back on earth I’d love to get a chance to go through the country and visit places. Maybe get a chance to go through these sleepy towns some. It's just a shame I look like this."
Adrian, who had been in a better mood as the trip went on, shrugged. "Honestly, I wish more people were like you."
Elena glanced over at him, before looking out the window again. The moment was interrupted as Zara pointed a bagel at Liora, her mouth still partially filled with food. "So, what's the plan for today, stormy?"
Elena snorted slightly at that. She realized that Zara, for all her combat prowess, wasn't great with names, but nicknames? Those she remembered all day. In fact, she wasn't sure if in Zara's mind Elena's real name actually was Twinkletoes. Darian was Ironheart, Liora was Stormy, and Adrian was Alchey. "Well," Elena thought, ‘That or Lover boy when it was just us girls.’ The thought of it being just us girls was still a weird concept, but she wasn’t sure if she liked it or not.
Liora rolled her eyes and took out her Compendium. She scrolled down. "Looks like we've got a nest of Thorncrawlers to deal with today. We cleared out the frostbeetles and rockbiters yesterday. And if we stay in town another day, a caravan is coming by. Yesterday, Mr. Johnson said that they're always looking for guards between towns. I figure it might not be a bad idea for us to join up with them."
Darian pointed a cup of tea at Liora. "That's the general store guy, right? The one with the bald spot?"
Zara added her two cents. "Bald spot? That implies there are places with hair."
Darian shuddered. "Did you see him without a shirt? Trust me. There's hair. The treeline receded to a jungle on his back." The table erupted in laughter.
Five hours later, the group stood up to their ankles in swamp water. Dusk was well and truly on the way, the sun creating long shadows across the moist ground. Elena slapped at a creature extremely similar to a mosquito that had landed on her arm.
"Well, this is miserable," she said, a sentiment that was mirrored by almost everyone else there. Zara didn't seem disturbed by it, but she was also in a full suit of armor.
They had been hunting the creatures for the past two and a half hours. Elena had learned that Thorncrawlers and their older, bigger brothers, Thorndiggers, had very different tactics. Hardly needing to come up to breathe, they were content to ball up into a small sphere no bigger than a baseball when threatened, and their spiny exterior could snap off once it had broken the skin.
They weren't much of a threat to seasoned adventurers, or even to initiates like themselves. But to novices or animals? Their spikes could rip through flesh, causing their prey to fall. Apparently, once they brought down their foe, they would swarm and devour the creature. Their bigger cousins? Well, those guys loved nothing more than burrowing under the surface, creating holes that could trap an unwary foot. And unlike their younger counterparts, their spikes could hurt an initiate. Oh, and they had a bad habit of laying eggs inside their victims. Something Elena had just purged from Adrian.
As she waded through the swamp towards Darian, Elena’s mind drifted back to her sixth day on the road, just after they had finished a draining fight. She had been sitting around the campfire with Liora and Zara, exhaustion settling into her bones while she considered her next step in mastering Blood Control. It had been a long day, but her thoughts kept circling back to the three new options that had appeared.
“I’ve unlocked another tier in Blood Control,” she had finally said, breaking the quiet as she poked at the fire. “I’m trying to decide which of the three abilities to choose.”
Zara, always interested in combat strategy, looked up with a grin. “Ooh, more blood magic? Spicy. So what are the options?”
Elena leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “Well, there’s Absorb Blood. When I control something and it bleeds, I can absorb a bit of its life essence to heal myself. I can already do something like that with blood manipulation—pulling energy from blood to keep myself going—but I assume this would be a lot more efficient. I wouldn’t have to work as hard to gain the same benefit.”
Zara’s eyes glinted. “That sounds brutal and useful. What else?”
“The second option is Improved Bleed. It lets me increase the amount of blood loss I can cause, depending on how much mana I’m willing to spend. I think it could be pretty devastating if used right, especially against tough enemies.”
Zara smirked. “Both of those sound like they'd be hell on the battlefield. But there’s a third, right?”
“Yeah,” Elena said, glancing at Liora, who had been quietly listening. “The last one is Purge Blood. It’s not offensive like the others. It’d let me remove poisons, diseases, and any foreign elements from anyone I’m controlling. Not flashy, but...”
Liora’s brow furrowed thoughtfully. “But it could be crucial. Out here, we’re not just fighting people or straightforward monsters. You never know what kind of toxins or infections we’ll run into. Having the ability to cleanse something like that could keep us alive longer than any amount of bleeding or self-healing could.”
Zara, usually more focused on offense, nodded in agreement. “True. You might not be taking down enemies faster with that, but you’ll be keeping us from falling to things we can’t just punch our way through.”
Elena had stared at the flames, weighing the options. Absorb Blood would make her self-sustainability even better, but it wasn’t a game-changer. She could already heal herself with enough effort. Improved Bleed promised more power, more direct damage, but power wasn’t everything.
Her mind had kept coming back to Purge Blood. It wasn’t glamorous, but it felt like something more important. If she could cleanse poisons or infections in the middle of a battle, she could be the difference between life and death for her friends. That thought had tipped the scales, and she’d made her decision. ‘If worst comes to worst, I’d be a fantastic traveling healer’ she mused to herself.
Now, ankle-deep in the muck, she was more certain than ever that she had made the right call. As Elena finished purging another set of eggs from Darian’s bloodstream, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. Without Purge Blood, they’d be in serious trouble right now. She glanced at Darian, who was beginning to itch his ankles and shins, the eggs no longer a threat to his body.
Elena wiped her brow, exhaling slowly. "Fortuitous," she muttered to herself, feeling a sense of pride. Absorb Blood would have been nice, but nothing could have prepared her for how vital Purge Blood had become out here.
Zara held her hand up and motioned for everyone to stop moving. They all did. She made another motion like cupping her hands to her ear. The one downside to Zara's suit was the communication issues. She could hear what was going on but was unable to speak back most of the time.
Adrian reached into his bag and pulled out a bottle containing a brackish liquid. It was the group's quick escape plan if need be. Throw the liquid on the enemy, they would be blinded temporarily, unable to see anything, and give the team a chance to get back to the safety of the ironside. He knew not to throw it unless Darian called for it, and luckily they hadn't needed it yet. But not needing it yet and not needing it weren't the same thing.
Liora waved her hands, and the winds of the area started picking up. Elena noted that the magic of her draconian heritage and her elven affinity for wind magic made for a potent combination. Durable, fast, and with a good understanding of magic, she was a lethal foe. One that made Elena glad she was on her side. Liora pushed her hands down, and the breeze seemed to start flowing in a different direction. After a few moments, Liora looked a bit paler than usual.
"Uh, we have something big coming from that way!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
As if to prove she was telling the truth, they saw a large monster round the corner, emerging from behind a hill. It looked like a messed-up amalgamation of a panther and an armadillo. It was sleek and formidable, even from a distance, and Elena could easily see why this was an apex predator in this area. Its fur was a deep midnight black, blending in seamlessly with the shadows the trees provided. The coat was short and glossy, allowing the creature to move silently and effortlessly.
But what set it apart was the armadillo-esque shell. The shell, composed of interlocking toughened plates, ran from the back of its neck down to the base of its tail. Elena doubted if any weapons the group had were capable of piercing it. The plates were a dark matte black, almost absorbing light and making the panther-like creature even harder to see.
And then there were the eyes. They were a luminescent green that pierced through the darkness. They were no doubt adapted for night vision and must have given the creature a huge advantage on nocturnal hunts. And it was tall. Tall enough that the cow-like thing it had in its mouth was only about half-eaten. Easily 5 meters tall. They could tell from looking at it that it had caught the creature and used its claws to rip the animal apart.
Not a single one of them doubted the creature was built for both speed and strength. Its limbs were long and powerful, ending in sharp retractable claws that might have been large enough for a dagger or small blade. It opened its mouth again, and they saw large fangs that were also incredibly impressive in their own right. They dripped with green saliva. Even the tail of the creature was impressive. Long and flexible, it seemed to aid the creature's movement. Elena was reminded of her cat at home as the creature got down low and raised its hindquarters in the air, the tail twitching.
It looked at them as they looked at it. It was clearly surprised that something was in its territory, and they were clearly surprised that this was its territory.
The creature let out a low hissing growl and dropped its lunch.