Chapter 11

Amy was walking hurriedly with Glyn; she had gotten a summons from head guild master Liam. The fatigue from earlier in the day felt like a lie uttered by bewitching lips. She had rested, while her body had hearkened unto the magic in the recovery room, increasing her body’s natural ability to heal and recover. As soon as the guild left the stadium afterwards, reporters from all over Arbell and other towers were waiting. Liam had put his hands on her shoulder, telling her he would deal with the situation, whilst she tried to remain anonymous amongst the throngs of guild members.

“You have done exceedingly well Amy”, he said to her.

Amy began to realize the circumstances of her contacts in this new world. She began to understand where her current place in this new fascinating world was and while she was sure she wouldn’t get scolded; she was still anxious. Liam would not request a summons at eleven p.m. without a reason. She had her pink polka dot pajamas. Upon her departure her brain misfired, and in thinking she did not want to delay the head master, she left without changing.

“You look so cute”, Glyn said as she was skipping along in her provocative white night gown.

While Glyn had nothing on her mind except wooing her mentor, Amy was harboring anxiety. As a matter of fact, the summons made no mention of Glyn, instead Glyn insisted on guiding her.

Amy sighed as Glyn had released the tension with her bubbly personality.

“Thanks”, Amy said with a smile.

“If I was you, I would have bathed in the admiration and attention from all those reporters. It was well earned”, Glyn said as she hugged and squeezed Amy.

The moonlight glistened off Glyn’s white long blouse, shining in from the windows, casting long shadows on the stone floor. Amy was embarrassed and Amy was amused; thankfully, the halls were empty this time at night so Glyn would not attract too much attention. They came to the end of a corridor, with a large arched double wooden door. Amy stepped forward increasing her pace for that one more step; held her slender arms up; and before her knuckles touched the door it opened. ‘Creak’, the wood and hinges whispered softly in agreement.

“Come in”, Liam’s warm baritone voice could be heard from the depths of his office.

“How are you mah dear lass?”, Liam looked up with a warm smile towards Amy, Glyn he was actively trying to ignore.

“I’m a little tired guild master Liam”, Amy responded being careful to choose her words, not wanting to be a burden upon the already busy guild master.

“‘Guild Master Liam’, Nonsense, Nonsense, no need to be so formal”, Liam’s eyebrows raised at Amy, appreciative of her manners, “A little tired if I were you, I would be exhausted unable to move. How are you doing, how do you like class?”.

“I like it very much”, Amy replied enthusiastically.

“Very good. The other guild initiates, are they treating you well? I heard Sean, Lorenn, and Osgur were about to chase after you, when you fell over” Liam said as he shifted in his uncomfortable stone chair, a flicker of discomfort crossed his face.

“Yeah, they helped shield me at the stadium when all the reporters were there as well”, Amy responded.

“Indeed, they are very reliable”, Liam paused as he looked at the old book his left hand was on, with a twinkle in his eyes he continued, “How is your family? Do they miss you? Any problems there? I know how mothers are…dragon mothers are notorious for being overbearing”

“My mother was shocked”, Amy replied honestly, “But then she said she met a college advanced course recruiter named Ian, who explained everything to her. She accepted it, but she is still a little mad that I didn’t tell her. How did Ian convince her? She is really stubborn”.

Liam chuckled, “Ian can be persuasive. Listen, the reason why I summoned you here tonight was to first check on you, and secondly, I wanted to discuss some things with you, and of course hear your reaction. Is that ok? I apologize for summoning you so late. But considering your, ahem, status now. I felt compelled to choose an hour with fewer individuals roaming”.

“You are very busy, its better this way I think. I really appreciate your concern”, Amy responded sincerely then swallowed her saliva half anxious, half in anticipation.

“Very well I shall begin”, Liam leaned forward his elbows on his wide desk, “After the events of today, Radim and I had a few words together. Starting from tomorrow both Radim and I will be instructing your class personally”.

“No, no, it is ok…”, Amy tried to protest.

Liam held his hand up, as he interrupted her, “You are a considerate girl, Amy, I like that about you. There are many more reasons why we decided this was in the best interest of the clan and guild. I must admit it might be a wee bit of favor too. Back when we found you, I heard when you woke up you screamed, ‘where was your boyfriend’”.

Amy was about to say something, but could not speak from embarrassment, her face taking on the hue of a crisp summer tomato.

With a small smirk he sat back in his chair, then shifted into a more comfortable position, while clasping his hands together, “I respect that, someone who puts others before themselves. I’m sorry to embarrass you”, Liam said with a smirk, “You’re a shy girl, and I know you have your reasons, neither will I put a spotlight on you or push you to stand out or interfere with your social life. You have the wherewithal to overcome that hurdle by yourself. I also have my reasons for teaching you personally though. So please allow my indulgence”.

“If you think it is best”, Amy said, feeling a shade of tension.

“Furthermore, instead of the basics this term we decided a more practical approach was more suitable for you. I’m also sure your guildmates will be relieved of that”, Liam’s face became serious, “Do you know how eagles teach their young to fly?”

“They will push their young out of the nest to teach them”, Amy replied feeling a lump in her throat,

“Yes, and dragons are not much different. Although, there is always one parent ready to catch the chick if it cannot catch itself”, Liam said with a wink, “Now Radim can be very, well… excited about teaching, but I’ll also be there as well. We will teach you how to defend yourself. Teach you and your classmates to defend each other. And once we are satisfied with your progress, we will let your class out into the fields to do quests. It is a slight detour from what we planned for this class. We wanted to select those interested in raids out of the class. The parents weren't happy, but since I've said its a clan matter. The cities here in Arbell are safe, the towns are secure, and the villages are peaceful. The spaces in between however, they require vigilance, and a measure of courage. I’m sure you have learned by now from Radim, that monsters appear from nothing and lurk outside of the dungeons in hordes, so it is better to be careful when outside the walls”.

Amy nodded.

“Very good. It will be hard, sometimes you may struggle, it won’t be all bad though. You’ll get a chance to see many things, meet many different types of people, I’m sure it is mundane for us, but a new experience for you to explore our lands our culture. As dragons we believe it is better to teach by allowing to do, rather than babying and restraining. It would also be an opportunity for us and you, to know more about your wand”, Liam finished, “Your thoughts?”.

“It is very different from my own culture. But my culture is stifling. Besides after what happened earlier, I want to help in any way I can. I don't want anyone else to be put in that position”, Amy responded in sincerity.

Liam sat back once more, silent, pausing as if to digest a dense piece of meat. Amy knew her mother would scold her and say her life was more important than people she barely knew. That the only reason to help someone else outside her family to that extent, would be to obtain a debt for the future. Those were words and a mentality for those who had not witnessed the horrors that are in the world, nor had the strength or qualifications to make any such comment thereof. The children she saw running through the halls of the guild tower, or walking the streets. The thought of them meeting the monsters that sought not just to end life, but revel in every exquisite drop of agony until the very end, she could not stand, nor did she want to imagine it. Her moral compass clearly pointed north, and even with her compulsion to rescue, she would not think otherwise regardless. It was like trying to force two polarized magnets together.

The thought of them sending her to her death for their benefit was non-existent. Dragons could easily protect themselves and live abundantly while those less strong would suffer, yet instead of the tales of dragons lying in their lairs inactive watching the world turn, it was not so. Despite their position they took care of all that lived in their domain actively and with a strong sense of purpose.

“Very good”, Liam stood up, showing an expression of relief, “We will start tomorrow. Get some rest”.

Amy nodded, stood up from her chair, and turned to walk before Liam called out one more time, “And Amy, I am relieved to find you safe”.

“Thank you”, Amy responded before she walked out and said goodnight.

As they walked back to their dorm Amy poked Glyn, “You didn’t say a single word!”.

“Well...you know…he was just so…just so cool and dreamy”, ‘A hopeless cause’, Amy thought upon hearing these words from Glyn, shaking her head.

Laying upon her bed she could hear the snores of Glyn. Looking over Glyn, spread eagle her blouse up to her navel showing her pink panties, and pale smooth skin, blissfully unaware of her appearance. Her eyes began to close ever so slowly, her consciousness giving way to the unconscious vivid world of slumber and dreams.

A woman’s scream, was it her own Amy could not distinguish. Then she heard another scream a man’s then one by one she heard more screams filling up her consciousness. The ground she stood on was stained red with blood, the sky had turned pitch black no more were lights visible in the sky. ‘What is this’, Amy thought. She watched as creatures like she fought and overcame before, slaughtered countless; always starting from the weakest, most beloved one. Amy tried to move to help, but she was stuck to her spot and could not. She could feel tears running down her cheek, and cold sweat down her back. Where was she? The sounds of flesh rent, the sight of bodies lying, and the smell of burnt flesh and fresh blood continuously accosted her senses. It was a hellish environment, a nightmare that none could imagine. A group of skeletons seemed like they sensed her position. In jet black robes, and black fire coming from their hollow eye sockets, they advanced towards her. Soon Amy’s survival instincts kicked in and she desperately tried to flee, to get away, to survive. But she could not for she was unable to move. She closed her eyes as the one in the lead reached out its long bony hand as if to grab her neck. Amy could hear the sound of its dry bones rubbing together. She thought she would die until she felt a warm gentle breeze, then…

“Huwahhhh!!!”, Amy shot upward in bed.

Her breathing was heavy, her eyes were overflowing with fear, tears running down her cheeks, sweat soaking the back of her pajamas. What the hell had she just witnessed? It was a dream, but it felt so real. Realizing she was safe she could feel relief wash over her distressed mind and body; that is, until a question rose to the surface of her conscious. Was that really a dream? Amy looked over at Glyn. ‘Do ma’, Amy cursed in her mind. She wished Glyn had woken up from the commotion, but she was unmoving as if she was dead. Dragons sleep hard. She labored over waking Glyn up, then Glyn started to stir as if responding to Amy’s desire.

“Huh”, Glyn said as she rubbed her eyes, “What happened?! I felt a strong surge of magic that could even awaken a dragon. Late night training huh Amy? Working on the fireball spell Sean showed you. How diligent”.

“No, I had a dream, but it is nothing”, Amy said sheepishly not wanting to impose upon Glyn, who had already been the kindest sister she ever had.

Glyn walked, half stumbled, over to Amy’s bed, and wrapped her arms around Amy’s petite but mature form.

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“Oh, my goodness your drenched with sweat, snot coming out your nose”, Glyn started to leave the hazy post awakened status, and became more aware, sitting with Amy on her bed, “Oh mah dear and you were crying”.

“It was just a bad dream”, Amy said as she turned around to wipe her nose.

“Well maybe”, Glyn replied stubbornly, staring straight into Amy’s eyes, still pressing, while stroking Amy’s hair, “But you know sometimes dreams have meaning. Minerva will be back for class tomorrow, no today, since its past midnight. She is a prophet, or a seer depending on what word you use, though they were once the same. She’ll be able to help you, and I’m sure after yesterday she would most certainly want to. Tell me about your dream”.

Amy nodded; the more she told Glyn what she saw, the better she felt. It was cathartic. Glyn listened, while her eyes were calm, a hint of worry and concern began to spread across her face, along with the light of realization.

Six a.m. in the morning, Glyn stood with Amy in Radim’s office. Unlike the guild master’s sterile office, Radim’s office was personalized, full of trinkets, books, and parchment. All reflecting the quirks and personality of their teacher. Mechanical clocks were notifying all in the room of the current time. It was a cacophony of rings, gongs, and clicks. Amy looked around and couldn’t help feeling stifled, the room was claustrophobic, with barely any space left to traverse save for the pathways through mountains of ornate and practical items displayed in cases.

“Hmmmm, my favorite student Glyn coming to see me at such early hours”, Radim’s voice could be heard chuckling, yet his body remained unseen, “What can I do for you? How is your mission to win the heart of Liam going?”.

“Amy here had a dream last night. I think it may interest you”, Glyn said sheepishly ignoring the latter question.

Amy smirked, as a keen observer, she noticed Glyn had no problem proclaiming her romantic intentions, but when asked directly, she began to shrink away. ‘They would be cute together’, Amy thought.

“Almost finished”, Radim said as he raised his body from his craft, “A dream that might hold my interest. Dreams and history belong to two different realms, and while the latter certainly holds my interest, dreams do not. Even more so, I am curious what urged the ‘record holder’, the best history student, to approach me to discuss a dream”.

“Hmmmmm”, Radim hummed as he nodded intently listening to Amy’s recollections, “Hmmmmmmmmmm. Interesting indeed. What piques my curiosity is that parts of that seem vaguely familiar but distant and foreign at the same time. Well, we’ll soon start, so you two go get some breakfast and head to class. Gey an gey an”.

“Awesomeee!!!”, Osgur exclaimed excitedly, energetically in a deep bass voice, “You were so cool!!”.

Amy could not hide, nor could she flee. She had been stuck to Glyn and Sean. But now her fellow initiates closed in on her position as soon as she entered the cafeteria. The surrounding area was surprisingly mundane. Steel counter tops, and buffet tables, with various food in hotel pans, like any cafeteria she had ever visited. It was much less fantastic than the feast hall.

Lorenn pushed up his unnecessary glasses with a studious look, as he scanned Amy up and down, “Umm hm, Umm hm. Certainly average, but not without charm, eight point five out of ten”.

Sean cracked Lorenn upside his black short haired head, his face fell into his food tray from the impact, “Don’t be making unnecessary comments. And keep your four eyes to yourself”.

Amy smirked looking at Sean, his demeanor vaguely resembling his older brother William.

“Hmpph”, Shatira snorted, her arms crossed, “I could have done that in my sleep”.

Minerva snorted and beat the table with her sturdy wide dwarven fists, a firm supporter of Amy now, “You dare!! you couldn’t even attempt that in your dizziest day dreams. It was exceptional!!”.

Veve placed her hands on the bench, with a serene aloof expression “Let’s not get unruly”.

Satriana the female orc nodded.

Amy felt like she was a spectacle being commented on, observed, and reviewed. Indeed, she saw several articles on her Kaito wall from several Draegoch news outlets, about her. All of which she hurriedly scrolled away from.

While everyone ate and conversed energetically, Amy pulled up her status window. She had learned over this week that the system was more like a personal trainer. Clues, she had none; however, her class she knew, was vastly different than others her own level or even higher. In hopes of finding out who she is, or what she is, she looked at her status.

[ Amy ‘Hua’ Le:

Level: 2

Class: Mystic of the Ancient Dragon

Titles: ‘Wand Wielder’ ( An increase of 1% to wand magic )

Skills: Magic Made Manifest (S), Magic flow (C), Magic Control (B), Magic Will (A), Magic Detection (C)

]

Mystic of the ancient dragon, this line drew her focus. Rather than finding clues, Amy found more questions that needed even more clues to answer. ‘Who is the ancient dragon?’, Amy thought to herself.

“Hmmmm, Hmmmmm”, Radim nodded, walking in front of his desk, “Well shall we get started”.

Amy looked at the door of the classroom along with Radim, as Liam walked in. His presence and magic energy filled the room like fresh water refilling an empty pool.

“Good morning everyone!”, Liam said brightly, his eyes twinkling with purpose and a clear focus.

“Good morning Guild Master”, Everyone including Amy replied in unison.

Liam looked around at the 25 or so individuals in the room, as he began talking, meanwhile Radim occupied his chair, “Due to certain consideration, Radim and I revamped your current cirruculum, after analyzing the abilities of everyone here. Starting today we will be training for the qualifying event in Dduradum. Of course, you all know it is dangerous, and you all know that the preparation will be intense, so we will not force anyone to do this. If you feel unsafe, hesitant, or quit along the way, we will transfer you to a new class, no shaming, not even a shadow of a thought of ill will”.

Amy noticed he did not mention himself personally teaching, but she kept her thoughts inside her own head. Murmurs and whispers arose.

Amy could hear one of the earthers talking quietly to Shatira, “Sorry I cannot support or participate in this. It is too risky”, she stood up from her seat, with a respectful voice she announced her intentions with a raised hand, “Sorry Guildmaster Liam, I cannot enter”.

Without any hint of disapproval Liam responded, “Do not apologize, as Draegun we value freedom most of all, whether you join or not is your decision. As initiates of the guild, we will fully support you in any alternate paths you decide upon”.

Indeed, those of earth rarely participated in raids. Earthers mostly wanted to finish their training, make their contribution to this society, and return to their homes on Earth. They were grateful for the knowledge and support they received, but their concerns and cares were for Earth, and not here. Amy did not feel any resentment, as almost all the earthers had voiced their desire to follow a less dangerous road and left. Their life was their own, and they had the right to spend it in search of their own happiness and prosperity. Shatira was the only human Earther that remained.

“Just think of all the adoring fans I will have. The only Earther in the Arbellonddaryn raid party!!’, Shatira said in her chair now absent of the Earthers who followed her whims.

Amy looked around, herself, Sean, Glyn, Gwyneveve, Satriana, Osgur, Lorenn, Shatira, and surprisingly Minerva remained. There were a few Draegun that stayed. However; after Radim’s many ‘lessons’, Amy knew the ‘education’ would be much more severe. ‘I will not give up’, Amy thought to herself.

“Very good”, Liam said as his gaze lingered on Amy, then scanned all those that remained, “Now that those unwilling have left. I am announcing that I will personally be teaching this class along with Radim. Today we will go through a raid simulation, assess and discuss the simulation, then go through physical training, magical training, and finally explore party strategies and formations”.

“You will not be the same after this. It is a simulation, but you will feel everything. It’s just you won’t die”, Radim said with a cheery expression, “But with my special illusion magic app, you’ll get to experience life-threatening situations, without the life-threatening part”.

Amy put a hand on Minerva’s shoulder, she could sense the anxiety, see the clouds of worry clouding about Minerva’s crown like an invisible storm. The shoulder relaxed underneath Amy’s touch.

“Prepare yourselves!”, Liam said sternly.

Liam’s voice felt far away as she was sucked into her own consciousness. The white blanketing her vision was blemished by wisps of brown, grey, and black, and like smoke, the details of the room the twelve individuals were in took shape.

They were in an old medieval looking armory deep in the bowels of a stone fortress. Amy looked at the faces of her fellow class. Could she call this a class? She really began to feel the difference of learning in an academy, as opposed to this where she was both receiving education, and working as a part of the guild. Amy was nervous and excited, everything she hoped for. The hours in her everyday mundane life she spent dreaming of such a situation.

“Fucking crazy girl!”, Shatira said, her face tense, “We’re about to go through hell and she has a smirk on her face”.

Amy had grown up with four sisters, and they had not always gotten along. Maybe the tension had seeped in to her heart, but she felt a flicker of annoyance, and her next reaction was the only release Amy could find.

Amy walked right up to Shatira, wand in hand. “You scared?”

“Nooo!”, Shatira huffed as she responded, “You better watch yourself in there, you better pull your weight!”.

Sean in the background gave Amy two thumbs up in approval.

The last hurrah before a retreat, that was how the comments seemed to Amy.

Radim’s voice could be heard, yet his form was nowhere to be found, “Hmmm, Right everyone choose a weapon, or use your own. The quest details will be sent to you, Good luck!”.

Everyone’s tablet ringed in the small cramped space filled with swords, shields, and spears.

[ Quest: Under the Mountain

You are in the ancient ruins of a mighty dwarven kingdom. Underneath the mountain you lie. But the caves in the mountains are seldom unoccupied. Your task is simple, reach the exit of the dwarven ruins. But be careful you’re not the only ones looking for something. Choose to work together, or not the decision is yours. Map included.

Quest Clear Rewards: 20,000 Ddwy

Quest Failure Penalties: none other than the experience of a gruesome end

]

Everyone present, looked at each other silently. This seemed very real. Amy could smell the musty air, the almost damp cold floors of a cave. The air was stagnant unmoving as if it had been undisturbed for thousands of years.

“Why don’t we check our maps first”, Sean said as he found a shield and handed it to Osgur.

Everyone nodded. Whilst her tablet was in the air, Amy scrolled through the quest details, and clicked on the map.

[ Mountain Map: Map of the dungeon. Can only be accessed 4 times]

Amy gulped.

“Shhh”, Shatira said as she put her ear to the door, “I can hear breaths on the other side of this door. Twenty of them”.

The gravity of the situation sunk in. The bright, rambunctious, outspoken demeanor of the group plummeted.

Lorenn silently pointed to his tablet and made texting motions with his fingers. They texted each other to maintain silence.

Lorenn: There is only one way out. 20 of something waiting for us. Suggestions?

Sean: it’s either go out and clear the quest, or stay and not clear. The door’s gotta be opened and we gotta leave. Whatever is waiting will attack as soon as that door moves an inch.

Minerva: I’m sure those are goblins waiting for us. It is a cave of my people. Long fought them we have. Filthy trespassers.

Everyone nodded. Amy was glad to see the fire come back to Minerva; dwarves really do have stout hearts and bodies. Looking at the faces of the few dark elves that remained from the mass exodus, Amy could see their hesitation.

Lorenn had chosen a spear with a long gleaming blade that reflected the soft orange glow of the lit torches. He nudged Osgur who had found a mace to accompany his shield. Osgur turned around and looked at the dejected elves, and clicked his tongue

‘Time to focus’, Amy thought to herself.

One of the dark elves spoke up: How do we get out?

Lorenn pushed up his glasses: Well, it would be better to jump out at once, but the door is too small for that. We could let them funnel in but then goblins are smaller, and better in small places. It’s cramped in here. We’d be at a disadvantage. Plus, more may come and our stamina will give out eventually.

Shatira: Since Amy thinks she’s hot shit maybe she could blow the door down.

Amy could sense the resentment from their verbal spar before.

Glyn glared at Shatira: you better focus!

Shatira backed down. Indeed, the wrath of even a young dragon was overwhelming.

Satriana: She’s got a point. Maybe Amy can blast the door open. It could collapse the ranks allowing us to jump out at once.

Minerva: Dwarven doors, solid they are.

Sean looked at Glyn: you think she can do it? I don’t think even Osgur could break the door in one hit, it’s small but heavy. But Amy might, it’s a better option than a mini siege that might drag on.

Shatira texted with her ears on the door again: they know we’re, but the door must be too thick to get through it may even be enchanted.

All eyes turned to Amy. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She was scared, she knew it was a simulation, but the gruesome end penalty was almost cruel. She could see why some revered and feared Radim as the demonic instructor. She could see the mercy in it though. Make it so hard that those trying that were not suited, would give up and not endanger themselves or others in the future. Raids were a dangerous sport after all.

‘Maybe I could’, Amy thought; after all, Sean had taught her a fireball spell. Everyone made sure she realized she had the strongest magic power in the room whether she could use it or not. Besides with her wand she was sure to become a target again, for it was bound to her. ‘Embrace the suck’, as Jeremy used to say. She smirked she thought of what Jeremy, the soldier, would do. For sure he would try without a second thought. He was that type of man. She decided she would try too. She had no other option. Also, the praise of her peers did add a little to her confidence.

Amy: I’ll try, Sean taught me a fireball spell.

Glyn: Thatta girl!

Sean: Everyone ready?

All thirteen neared the door, holding bows swords shields and axes; as Amy stood in front her tablet floating behind her and her wand pointed in front.

Amy closed her eyes, and began imagining a fireball as big and clearly as she could make it. After all the one talent she knew she possessed was her imagination, the foundation of magic according to Radim. She was excited to try magic directly by choice rather than force of circumstance. She could feel heat flowing through her arm accumulating at the tip of her wand.

“Do re Bun”, Amy said clearly with her soprano voice, her right hand shot up from the recoil, and a fireball the size of a small boulder flew at the door with a roar.

Shatira shouted, “Oh my god!! That thing in this small room?! The Fuck did you teach her?! This stupid bitch is gonna kill us all”.