The Proven and the Spirit Walkers were resting at their camps. Much was needed to be done before they were to reenter the Spire. Dunar practiced the Life aspect Runes to further his arm's recovery. Mikal was confident that the Leader could fight at full capacity, but Dunar still used the time to train his WIll and the Life aspect on his arm.

The Frostsworn Healer assisted Rolfe and Helga as they practiced their Runes. Ahanu trained with them. The other Spirit Walkers were crafting potions and shopping for supplies. The Proven and the Spirit Walker's next assignment was to find the Floor Portal on the fourth floor so that they could enter the fifth floor and establish a Safe Zone. The Proven finding the exit portal on the fourth floor meant that they were close to the Floor Portal. So far, no teams have returned from the Fifth Floor, which was cause for alarm for the Guild. Except for the Proven. They did not worry for Berserker Orn and the Carls. A glorious death was the best a warrior could ask for.

"Besides, they are probably on the eighth or tenth floor already!" Rolfe boasted.

"Oh ya!" Agreed Helga.

Jeze left them to accompany Rainbow and Swordslayer. They walked through rows upon rows of tents and market stalls toward where the Amber Guard was stationed. Things were much more subdued throughout the camp. Jeze could hear the rumblings from merchants and adventurers alike at how this Spire event was more dangerous than past ones. It was due to the Cultis and their acts of sabotage. However, none of the dangers stopped the flow of commerce and industry. Merchant caravans arrived and left by the dozens. Bringing in supplies and leaving with raw materials.

"Do we really need to speak with her?" Swordslayer growled.

Jeze agreed with the sword fighter, but was also curious on what Miss Heng had to say. The teenager opted to stay quiet, not that the two other seasoned adventurers would listen to her.

"Yes, the arrival of Prince Rodger changes everything for us," Rainbow answered as she led them through the tent city.

Jeze noticed that Rainbow was extra cautious. The multi-colored-haired lady stuck more to the shadows and led them down the less traveled paths in between the bustling markets and camps. Was she afraid of assassins? Jeze wondered.

Swordslayer scoffed. "I wouldn't mind testing my steel against the Prince."

Rainbow shook her head and said to Jeze, "He is crazy to think he could even stand a chance."

"What? I heard that! You doubt me? Because I would march right over to their tent and challenge the Prince to a duel," Swordslayer stated.

"Against an Elite? Did you hit your head?" Jeze asked.

Swordslayer snorted, "Lots of times!"

The three continued on and arrived at the Amber Guard's station. Several of the red-robed adventurers lounged about at the entrance. They eyed the three with suspicion.

"Being here makes me a little uneasy," Swordslayer muttered. The Amber Guard was the law enforcement for the Guild.

"Relax, we were invited," Rainbow said and walked up to two of the guards to announce that they were here to visit Miss Heng.

The guards appeared to not care and motioned the three inside through the heavy flaps. The station was like a barracks with rows of cots and racks for weapons and armor. It was illuminated by magical torches and was pretty empty at the moment, with only a small handful of others in the tent that had four dozen cots. They spotted the dark-haired Miss Heng easily in the middle of the wide space.

"I am glad you came. Let us go somewhere else to talk," Miss Heng said as a greeting.

"And a hello to you as well," Swordslayer muttered with a mock bow.

Miss Heng ignored his comment and led them back outside. They followed the Amber Guard to a small tea shop with outdoor seating. There, they were greeted by Irvin.

"Hey Irvin, our old friend! What is he doing here?" Swordslayer greeted.

Jeze hugged the old man as the other two shook hands with him.

"This is official Guild business," Irvin replied.

"Ooh, official. It sounds," Swordslayer said and searched for a word. Finally he just said, "official."

"Did he hit his head extra hard the last time you were in the Spire?" Jeze asked Rainbow.

The multi-colored hair lady shrugged and sat at the table. Irvin ordered a round of tea and started once they were served.

"As you know, resources are very tight for us now. You two are extremely talented adventurers," he started but was interrupted by Swordslayer.

"Sounds like you are recruiting us to the Guild. Oh, wait a minute. We are already members." The Swordfighter laughed at his joke. He was the only one laughing.

Rainbow said, "Everything you have said so far was true, Irvin. Please continue."

"What I am trying to get at is this. You know there is a lot on the line for our realm with this Spire event," the Guild official started but this time he was cut off by Miss Heng.

"We need you two to join an official full-fledged team," she said.

Swordslayer and Rainbow blinked. "Why?" They asked.

"Because we are on Floor five, and it will only get harder, and you two almost died on floor four," Miss Heng stated.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

"Bah, that was just a stroke of bad luck. Who knew the Frost Hag could freeze you with a touch?" Swordslayer snorted.

"Pretty much everyone who goes in prepared," Jeze responded.

"Fine, we will recruit a real team this time," Rainbow said.

"Thank the heavens," Irvin said and drank his tea.

"You are forgetting something," Miss Heng stated.

All eyes turned to the Amber Guard.

She continued, "You have been a thorn in the Empire's side for years now. Prince Rodger is here, and he has a lot of money."

Jeze nodded in understanding. "Any new recruit you have could be a hired assassin."

Rainbow arched an eyebrow. "I think you underestimate us. We know people."

"Then why have you not had a team yet?" Jeze pressed. She has been worried for too long for her friends. It was all coming out now.

Miss Heng narrowed her eyes but remained silent. Jeze was doing the work for her.

"Come on, Jeze! You know why! The Empire froze our funds. Rainbow and I are going in as a duo because we want to earn extra coin," Swordslayer replied.

Jeze cried, "And how did that work out for you? Huh? You know, I thought you two were gone for good!"

"I said we will find a team. The bigger question is, why is Prince Rodger even here?" Rainbow asked.

Irvin answered, "Master Couazart summoned the Elites."

Rainbow arched an eyebrow. "So? You think the Empire would even consider sending the prince because they were asked to?"

"They heard that we were here, and they want to bag us for good," Swordslayer stated.

"You think too highly of yourselves," Miss Heng retorted.

The sword fighter raised his voice, "You are the one that implied that they would send assassins after us."

"Because it would cost them nothing," Rainbow answered. The multi-colored-haired lady tapped her chin. "They are after something, and it is not us. I think we are just the icing on the cake. I wonder if they are in league with the Cultists."

Miss Heng hissed, "Do not make baseless accusations."

Irvin stepped in and said, "It is no secret that the higher levels of the Spire offer treasures that could help Elites advance to Hero rank. The reason for the Prince's arrival could be that he planned to come anyway. So he arrived a little earlier due to Couzart's summons."

"If that is the case, then why only the Prince arrived? Not his siblings?" Rainbow asked.

Irvin shrugged and replied, "He left ahead of them? We all know how the Imperial princes and princess are constantly at each other's throats for their father's attention. This could be apart their game."

"None of this changes the fact that you two do not have a full-fledged team," Jeze said.

"We will get a team," Rainbow stated.

"I don't believe you," Jeze growled.

Rainbow narrowed her eyes at Jeze, and Swordslayer threw up his hands.

Irvin spoke up. "I can find reliable people for you."

Swordslayer smirked. "No offense old man, but Rainbow and I are a bit higher caliber than anyone you might know."

"Join the Amber Guard," Miss Heng stated.

Swordslayer was dumbstruck and unable to find words. Rainbow narrowed her eyes, but she waited for what else Miss Heng had to say. Jeze felt that her jaw nearly dropped to the floor, and Irvin appeared to have choked on air. The old man's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

"If your purpose was to give old Irvin a heart attack, then I think you almost succeeded," Swordslayer joked.

"No. We are spread thin and could use your talents. Plus, this is the only way for you to join a trustworthy team," Miss Heng replied.

Irvin finally got his coughing under control and croaked, "Miss Heng, you can't be serious. These two are miscreants!"

"We love you too, Irvin." Rainbow blew a kiss at him.

"I admit, I am a little confused as well. I thought you were loyal to the Empire," Jeze said to Miss Heng.

The Amber Guard scowled at the teenager and said through gritted teeth, "I have always been loyal to the Guild. I admire the stability the Empire provides."

Rainbow and Swordslayer both scoffed at that. "Stability? You mean oppression!" Rainbow responded.

Miss Heng held up a hand and said, "I have no time for a political discussion. The Amber Guard could use you two, and you can have a safe team to venture the Spire with."

Irvin undid his collar and interjected, "With all due respect, Miss Heng. You do know that these two are criminals? They start duels? They are the ones that the Amber Guard typically goes after."

Rainbow nodded. "I agree with Irvin here."

Swordslayer looked like he was about to argue but thought against it. "Yeah, the old man is right."

Miss Heng took a deep breath and responded, "You two have a reputation that will keep others in line. Historically, you two cause trouble during downtime. The entire time you adventured the Spire, you caused no trouble."

Jeze added, "I hear the Amber Guard is stretched thin, so there is plenty of work for you two. I like this idea."

Swordslayer snapped, "No one cares what you think." He turned toward Miss Heng, "What is in it for us? Not that I am considering this at all."

Miss Heng crossed her arms. She looked angry. She always looked angry, Jeze thought. Finally, the Amber Guard spoke up.

"Bounties. You can make a fortune by going after fugitives," she said.

"Go after Ozun and Drake and the other Cultists! That is brilliant. A good way to fight fire with fire!" Jeze exclaimed.

Swordslayer stroked his chin. "I would like the chance to touch steel with Ozun again. And this Drake fella I keep hearing about? How much coin are we talking about?"

"So, you are interested?" Miss Heng asked.

Rainbow answered first, "Yes, but you are forgetting something."

"What is that?" Miss Heng cracked her neck. This talk was starting to annoy her.

"The Amber Guard are for Adept ranked only," Rainbow stated.

"That's right!" Irvin exclaimed. Jeze thought he looked relieved.

"I hereby promote you two to Adept rank," Miss Heng said and placed two golden scrolls on the table. Jeze believed that she was prepared prepared for this.

"I'm impressed," she said to Miss Heng. Jeze was ignored as the Amber Guard kept her dark eyes focused on Rainbow and Swordslayer.

Irvin spluttered, "By what grounds?"

Swordslayer laughed as he slapped his hand to pick up his golden scroll. "Don't act surprised, old man! This was a long time coming."

Rainbow was more skeptical. "I don't believe you have the authority."

Miss Heng crossed her arms. "I'm the highest-ranking Amber Guard until Master Couzart returns."

Irvin repeated himself, "By what grounds?"

Miss Heng answered by motioning to the scroll. "Feel free to read my report. These two have been adventuring the Spire this whole time as a duo. If that does not impress you enough. Then, consider that they survived a powerful curse from a Demi-God. As far as we can tell, they are the only two that have withstood its effects. By our accounts, hundreds did not."

Jeze beamed at her two friends and hugged them. "Congratulations!"

Irvin spluttered and shook his head. "I just don't know. Rainbow and Swordslayer joining the Amber Guard? By the Night Eye, I never would have imagined to see that."